30 June 2010
For those of you who are new to strength training, currently working on your leg muscles or are looking to ramp up your routine, there is a commonly overlooked muscle that is calling out for your attention. The hamstrings are very large muscles and can take months of stretching to get to a reasonably flexible level.
30 June 2010
For years, I've been considering going vegetarian for a multitude
reasons - the environment, spiritual reasoning, better health - but have
been thwarted daily by the meat-eating habits that have taken a
lifetime to acquire. Over the years, I've cut down on most of my meat
eating except for fish, poultry and game meats. Bye bye bacon, t-bone
steaks and lamb shanks.
29 June 2010
The mouth is the gateway to the body. Good dental hygiene is an essential part of preventing illness and keeping disease out of the digestive, reproductive and cardiovascular systems. Diseases including periodontal disease and cavities can be prevented by adopting a good hygiene routine. You should consider having the following steps in your routine:
29 June 2010
Stress can cause emotional pain, poor sleeping
patterns, addiction, weakened immune system, disease and even death.
Stress literally kills. Here are some helpful tips on making sure that
the stresses of life are minimized, ensuring that you lead a healthy,
happy life:
28 June 2010
Tai chi is an ancient technique for health and relaxation. Tai chi, literally, ‘supreme ultimate fist’ or ‘meditation in motion’ is, as the name suggests, used for meditation and physical and emotional strength and relaxation. It is one of the internal Chinese martial arts
28 June 2010
It's hard to break a bad habit, especially when it comes to our diet.
We often put too much pressure on ourselves to change the way we eat
thinking that a sudden change for the good will negate all the bad
habits we've accumulated over a lifetime.
25 June 2010
90% of Americans are consuming twice the recommended amount of salt or 3,466 milligrams daily,
according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
25 June 2010
Chronic pain is one of the most devastating health related conditions of our age. Unfortunately, many, many people suffer from untreated pain. While pain levels vary of course, dealing with pain in whatever capacity can be a huge challenge. Whether it be merely a migraine headache or chronic back pain or a more severe acute illness, being in pain can destroy your body and your
24 June 2010
While there is no simple calculation as to how long a pair of running shoes will last there are a number of factors to consider in how long a shoe will last you. Here are a few rules of thumb when trying to determine if you need to replace your shoes.
24 June 2010
The structure of a Monday to Friday
schedule routine can enable us to follow an exercise and diet year
round. Though it may be easy to stay structured during these times,
holidays often mean our routine go out the door which can result in some extra pounds.
23 June 2010
Swimming can sometimes be inadvertently left off of the list of cardiovascular activities we can do to improve our physical health. Swimming is an excellent exercise; not only does it provide the swimmer with a strong cardio workout but it also tones the muscles of the body as a whole.
23 June 2010
Lemons are an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit that is popular
in cooking, drinking and medicinal purposes.
22 June 2010
Many of us forget that fiber is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. Fiber helps your digestive tract efficiently move food through the body so that excess food is eliminated instead of absorbed and subsequently turned into fat. Fiber has many health benefits, some of which include the prevention of heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes.
22 June 2010
Summer is a great time to hit a patio for a few drinks and some sun
rays. After all, summer is only here for a few months (if you live in
Canada) and we should take full advantage of it when we can.
Alcoholic drinks seem to go hand in hand but the dehydrating effects
combined with the heat of the sun can cause us to get sluggish and have low
energy.
21 June 2010
According to the BBC News, experts have recently determined that people who regularly drink a significant amount of coffee may actually become immune to the effects of caffeine in their favourite morning beverage.
21 June 2010
A calorie is a calorie no matter how
you look at it but some calories in foods can fill you up instead of
filling you out. Plant-based foods that contain fiber and water
such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains will make you feel full
longer instead of expanding your waist line.
18 June 2010
The best way to tone loose muscle and decrease fat is by incorporating cardiovascular exercise into strength training. Burning overall body fat is an essential part of training your body.
18 June 2010
How many out there are
self-confessed sugar addicts? The sweet taste of sugar is incomparable and the
stimulating buzz that we get is addictive. Sugar boosts dopamine and
opioid levels in the brain which can cause us to crave it if it's a big
part of our diet.
17 June 2010
While regular aerobics classes may be less popular nowadays then they once were dance classes and classes that incorporate dance moves are increasingly coming to form the mainstay of many fitness enthusiasts’ routines. If you are a gym junkie, or even in you are new to the world of fitness, signing up for a dance class is a great way to vary up your routine or simply to give yourself a no
17 June 2010
Sleep
rejuvenates, repairs, reduces stress, boosts your immune system and
bolsters memory. If you're not getting at least 6 hours of sleep a
night, you may be missing out on the positive effects that a good night
sleep can provide.
16 June 2010
We read a lot of articles on the Internet pertaining to great things you can do to get fit, lose weight or ideas to become healthier. One of the things we often forget when getting excited about a new lifestyle change can be the importance of goal setting.
16 June 2010
We all know that smoking cigarettes can cause
cancer, heart disease, tooth decay, and nutrient deficiency, yet many of
us continue to puff on them day after day, year after year. And why do
we still smoke? Cause smoking is fun, it's a reward, it provides oral
pleasure, because of peer pressure, to help relax, etc.
15 June 2010
Although cabbages aren’t up there on the sexiest vegetable option list, they are nevertheless some of the best low calorie, high nutrient foods around. Although the mighty cabbage has generally received short shrift by health and nutrition fanatics, this certainly does not reflect upon the cabbage’s effectiveness as a health and wellness staple.
15 June 2010
Seafood is a lean meat that is
high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals while being
lean in saturated fat. Eat it baked, grilled poached, steamed or even
raw for the sushi lovers out there for a naturally flavored, delicious
serving of protein.
14 June 2010
If you’re looking for a low fat, protein rich addition to a meal, look no further. Beans, in all their varieties, provide a delicious, low cost alternative to meat and work beautifully as a side dish. More than that though, beans are highly nutritious, being packed with dietary fibre, protein and antioxidants.
11 June 2010
Most of us know by now that stress and anger have a negative impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Not only do these emotions affect our emotional health and sense of peace, but they also affect our bodies on a very physical level. When we get angry a host of physiological responses take place in our bodies and these changes have longer lasting effects.
11 June 2010
Coffee drinkers around the world, rejoice! Drinking coffee may help
prevent diabetes and the credit is given to the caffeine found in our
cup of joe. Scientists are reporting the first animal studies that
demonstrate the link between the two after studying a group of
laboratory mice commonly used to study diabetes.
10 June 2010
Core workouts are essential to building strength and flexibility. One of the best ways to maintain your health and increase muscle toning is therefore to work with stabilization balls. These large balls can be used to help you perform a variety of exercises. Most of these fitness workouts focus on building muscles, increasing toning, and improving your core
10 June 2010
Breakfast is by far the most important meal of the day and missing it or
eating an unhealthy one can decrease cognitive function and increase
your chances of obesity. Grabbing a healthy breakfast can seem
unrealistic, especially if you're busy and on the go first thing in the
morning. Fortunately, you don't have to spend a lot of time making and
eating breakfast.
9 June 2010
Many foods make claims of being healthy
but oftentimes they're the exact opposite. The marketing message behind
some foods may make you think that they are full of goodness but you
shouldn't always believe what you read. Here are some types of foods that
seem to be healthy but truly are not:
8 June 2010
Chaga mushrooms, alternatively known as cinder conk, are a fungi from the Hymenochaetaceae family. These mushrooms fungi grow most frequently on Birch trees. Having the look of charcoal, the chaga mushroom grows in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Korea as well as the northern parts of the United States and Canada.
8 June 2010
Drink fat-free chocolate milk over carbohydrate sports drinks to refuel
and build your muscles after a workout, according to new research.
7 June 2010
Now that summer is approaching and the weather is taking a turn, there is simply no excuse for not getting out there and enjoying it. Of course while laying on the beach is a great way to relax and enjoy the weather, you might also want to consider a few ways to keep that beach body in shape over the summer. Below are some of the best summer
7 June 2010
Bad eating habits are habitual crutches
that can hinder our health and weight management. Often times, it's not
what we eat, it's how we eat that makes a difference. Fortunately, if we
can identify poor eating habits, we can overcome them and live a
healthier, happier life!
4 June 2010
Now that you’ve upped your jogging/walking ration you should be able to continue progressing along. Only two weeks in and you should be able to see improvement in your stamina. Remember to be stretching after each run to ensure that you do no harm to your body. Stretching will help your muscles to heal after each workout and is therefore essential for the prevention of injury
3 June 2010
People often don't get enough protein in their diets, especially vegetarians. Protein is a critical component
for the cells in your body and are important for the production of
enzymes, hormones, muscle development, cartilage, skin, blood, hair and
nails. Protein can also help with weight loss by helping you more
satiated and making you feel full longer.
2 June 2010
Being in beautiful surroundings has long been known to have a beneficial impact on your overall health. Calm and serene surroundings can help alleviate stress, worry and anxiety and can therefore reduce both emotional and physical illness. Making your home and even place of work one of feng shui bliss will help you
2 June 2010
CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10) also known as ubiquinone may improve endurance,
according to a recent study. CoQ10 is a compound that is produced in the
body naturally and is used for cell growth and maintenance. It is also a
powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radical damage.
1 June 2010
Vitamin D is the most talked about and researched supplement over the
last few years and it's making the headlines once again - this time as a
testosterone booster in men that increases energy and libido levels.
1 June 2010
Recent concerns over environmental destruction, agricultural chemicals and pesticides and food safety issues have made more and more people consider changing their diets. Films like Food Inc., have turned more than a few carnivores into vegans. But just how can we change our habits and ensure the safety of ourselves, our families and our planet? If you’re wondering how to begi
