Nutrition | Long Lives

How Stress May Shorten Life Span

Have you ever felt stressed? Most people, if they are being truthful, will answer yes to this question. There are stressful things that happen to everyone. Sometimes, stress can be a positive thing, but there are times that it is also a very negative thing. In fact, stress can be such a negative that it can cost you your life. However, there are many ways available to reduce your stress and improve your health.

Stress can raise your blood pressure. This can lead to a variety of different issues, including heart disease. High blood pressure can also lead to a heart attack, and ultimately death. Prolonged, high levels of stress are not good for anyone, but especially not for those who have a history or predisposition toward high blood pressure.

Stress can also lead to depression. In fact, in many studies published in healthcare news detail the dangers of depression and stress and the two are linked together frequently. Because of this, many people who suffer from one, also suffer from the other. There are many deaths each year that are the result of depression; some of these deaths are accidental, such as overdoses, while others are not accidental.

No one can completely avoid stress. Instead, it is suggested that individuals learn ways to deal with their stress. Some find that exercises such as yoga can help with their stress. Others find activities such as writing to be helpful. Find something that works to help you relieve your stress, before it gets so bad that it shortens your life.

Filed Under: Health, Nutrition Tagged With: Blood pressure, Hypertension, Stress management

ENDING ANXIETY WITH VITAMINS, EXERCISE AND FIT LIVING

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First of all, KNOW YOUR VITAMINS. The internet, vitamin “bibles” and first-hand information from your doctor, friends, and your co-workers can be vital to prevention of future illnesses, and guide you on your path to healthy living.

Vitamins are essential to life, and to our body’s sense of general well-being. Vitamins cannot and DO NOT replace food. They COMPLEMENT your diet, and what your body is taking in. The “B” vitamins are key to our bodies ‘nervous systems. So is Magnesium –also known as the anti-stress mineral.

Nutrients, on the other hand, are necessary for the function of your vital organs, as well as cell growth. They work through the digestive process.

Some of the best choices when trying to alleviate the negative effects of stress are walking, yoga, meditation, “Tai Chi”, massage, aromatherapy, chamomile tea, and LAUGHING! Social ties and support are fantastic stress relievers. Call a friend if the going gets tough. Pet your pet, and bond with your pet. Stroking that fur (or scales….) calms you and reduces your blood pressure. Believe it or not, the results are in. It is a fact – those animals do indeed relieve tension.

Say “no” to unrealistic requests and demands, learn to delegate tasks and responsibilities, and consider volunteering your free time to those in need. These activities provide immense satisfaction, a sense of freedom, and adjust your perspective on life.

Walk, exercise, join a club, dance – do whatever makes you happy. More important, DO WHAT MAKES YOU MOVE. Don’t just sit there. The human body was not created to sit in a chair eight hours a day, day after day. Get busy, in a stress-free way. Move your body, stretch your muscles. No excuses – There are exercises programs available on television, on DVD, whatever. Just make sure you DO SOMETHING.

Fitness and health are ongoing lifestyle ways and adjust

Filed Under: Fitness, Nutrition, Vitamins Tagged With: Nutrient, Nutrition, Vitamin

THERE MUST BE A THOUSAND WAYS TO PREPARE POULTRY & NOT GET BORED STAYING HEALTHY

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Worried about nutrition, health and prevention, and preparing meals? Don’t want to become a total vegetarian and still enjoy “meat”. Therein lies poultry. There must be a thousand ways to prepare the lowly bird and still have the family salivating.

It’s easy. Cooking shows, websites, magazines and cookbooks rule. For those who are shaking their heads and thinking “chicken is boring”, we are not referring to chicken wings or fried chicken here. For the truly unimaginative, we are listing delicious healthy and nutritional menu options below:

Chicken “Kabobs”
Chicken Soup
Chicken Chowder
BBQ Chicken
“Greaseless” Oven-Fried Chicken
Piccata, Marsala and Parmesan – All prepared in lowfat, healthy ways
Broiled Country Mustard Chicken
Roasted Chicken with Herbs (Pepper Chicken, Saffron Chicken and Rosemary Chicken)
Skillet Chicken
Cherry Chicken
Orange Chicken
Lemon Chicken
Ginger Chicken
Chicken Satay
Chicken With Whole-Wheat Pasta
Chicken With Wild Rice
Thai Chicken
Cornish Game Hens
Chicken Pot-Pie
Chicken Breasts
Chicken Cutlets Bolognese
Tarragon Chicken
Stir-Fry Chicken
Garlic Chicken
Chicken Casserole
Stuffed Chicken Thighs
Chicken Paprika
Beer Chicken
Ragout of Chicken
Chicken Marengo
Chicken Curry
Chicken Chili
Chicken Bouillabaisse
Chicken Fajitas
Tandoori Chicken
Chicken Enchiladas
Grilled Chicken Dijonnaise
Teriyaki Chicken
Creole Chicken
Chicken Tetrazzini
Sherried Chicken
Chicken Tamale Pie
Chicken Crepes
Yorkshire Chicken
Coq Au Vin (Prepared Healthfully)
Chicken Salad

o With Pesto

o With Chutney

o With Sesame Noodles

We could go on forever… It is important to keep in mind you can substitute turkey, chicken, tofu and even seafood for most of these recipe ideas. The sky is the limit. If you truly wish to cut back your use of red meats, and refine your daily menus a bit, consider the lowly chicken (or turkey…..or tofu…..)

Filed Under: General, Nutrition Tagged With: Chicken, Fried chicken, Marsala

EATING RIGHT AND HEALTHY LIVING

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You may not feel the desire to have to “cook”, but what better and faster way is there to prepare good food, which is the main tool to a happy and healthy lifestyle? Actually, the more time you spend over the stove, the less healthy it is for you and your family. Does this sound odd?

Undoubtedly, you want to eat right and eat well. The healthiest foods you can eat are nutrient-rich, and protect against disease. The closer they are to their natural form, the better they appear, taste, and begin to re-fuel and enrich your body.

There are foods and juices that are known as “Super Foods”. They are said to actually flush out body fat. You will find many vegetables in this category, along with delicious enhancements including apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. One bit of a warning here: Avoid SWEETENED fruit and juices, and buttered, creamed and fried vegetables, as well.

At this point, it is very important to mention WATER. Water is key to your body’s sustenance, and should be consumed regularly. At the very least, you need to drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses a day. Lately, there has been some controversy regarding ice water versus room-temp water in weight loss. Right now, we just recommend that you drink it, in whatever form you prefer.

Below is a list of tasty, whole foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, and are key to healthy living. They are familiar and available, delicious and affordable. Change your life and improve your well-being with the following scrumptious necessities:

Fresh anti-oxidant fruits
Veggies
Salads
Fish
Whole Grains
Dairy
Eggs
Beans/Legumes
Poultry
Other Lean Meats
Nuts and Seeds
Herbs and Spices

The speediest, healthiest and most delicious methods of preparing food are as follows:

Light Saute
Steaming
Stir-Frying with Broth
Quick-Boiling
Preparing Raw Veggies with a Tasty Dressing

Refrain from adding salt and bring on the herbs and spices.

Your body will thank you.

Filed Under: Health, Nutrition Tagged With: Adipose tissue, Health

The Many Benefits of Pomegranates

Pomegranates are fruits grown on deciduous shrubs or small trees. Although the pomegranate is mostly native to the Himalayas in north Pakistan, Northern India and the Iranian Plateau, the fruit is now grown in parts of California and Arizona. Pomegranates have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their likeable taste and multiple health benefits.

Pomegranates have been widely touted for the health benefits their antioxidants provide. Studies have indicated that antioxidants in fruits like pomegranates help neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing premature aging and disease.

What you may not know, though, is that they also have multiple other benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, an immunity booster (just one pomegranate can account for 16 percent of your recommended daily intake of the vitamin). They’re also packed with fiber, containing about five grams for each half cup of fruit. To get the fiber, you must eat the seeds of the fruit; they can be sprinkled on cereal, waffles or frozen yogurt. The fruit is also a good source of potassium; drinking eight ounces of pomegranate juice provides you with 10 percent of your daily quota for potassium.

In pilot studies and lab research, scientists have determined that pomegranate juice is helpful in reducing the risk factors of heart disease. Pomegranate juice has tannins that lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce oxidative stress levels.

When buying the fruit, purchase plump pomegranates with the skin on. You can refrigerate them for up to three months. Arils, or the seeds, can be frozen for up to six months.

Filed Under: Health, Nutrition Tagged With: Fruit, Pomegranate, Pomegranate juice

Working Nutrition Into Your Life

Everyday around the world people are setting a goal to eat healthy and work more nutritious meals into their life, however, the plans are easier made than followed through with. If you do not find the time to plan ahead and do a little leg work then you are setting yourself up for failure and will not be able to stick with your goal.

You need to plan where all your meals are coming from. The best way to ensure that you will get a healthy meal in is to make it yourself. When you cook food yourself you can control how much oil is used, how much sugar you top something with, the amount of salt that is going into a dish. The way to pack meals for yourself is to make a large batch of something and divide it out for the week.

Another great tip for preparing meals for yourself is to plan to cook meals that you are excited about eating. Join a food site and print off menus for meals. Buy all the ingredients on a day when you are not busy so you will be ready for the rest of the week. When you are excited to eat the healthy food you made you are more likely to stick with your goal.

However, there are times in everyone’s life when we cannot avoid eating out, even if we do not want to. There are office parties, or lunch meetings. There are holidays and celebrations. There are even times when you are running and late and have to grab something from the drive thru. No matter what the reason, try to stick with your plan as much as you can. Look at the menu, do not just order what you normally do. Try to find a salad or low fat option from your favorite food. Check out the calorie rating and fat content if the restaurant has it posted. The worst thing to do is just order something because you do not want to take the time to find something healthy. Make the best decision.

Filed Under: Nutrition Tagged With: Eating, Meal

Living a Healthy Lifestyle with a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet

When you tell people that you are living a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle many people think that you are choosing to live that way because you are just a crazy animal lover who does not want to eat animals. While that might be the case, there are other reasons that people become vegans or vegetarians other than their love for animals. A vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is one of the healthiest lifestyles that a person can enter.

A vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is so healthy because they are both low in cholesterol. Cholesterol is only found in animal products. Therefore, the less animal products you eat the less cholesterol you will consume. Obviously, a vegan lifestyle where a person does not consume any animal products at all verses a vegetarian diet where some still eat eggs and dairy, is healthier when it comes to cholesterol. Rather than get your protein from an animal product you will get it from fiber packed beans and soy.

Everywhere you go, you hear that you need to eat more fiber. While you could drink the disgusting power drinks, it would be easier to just eat more fruits and vegetables. On a vegan or vegetarian diet you will more than consume your daily requirements of fruits and vegetables. When you are choosing to take meat out of your diet, or all animal products, you are forcing yourself to replace staples in your diet with healthy alternatives that are higher in fiber like beans or soy, both of which are plant based.

So many people take vitamins and minerals to try to get their daily requirements for nutrients that their body needs to work properly. Fruits and vegetables and whole grains are packed full of nutrients. A vegan and vegetarian diet helps you plan healthy meals that will ensure that you are putting healthy food into your body that is packed with the nutrients that you need.

Filed Under: Health, Nutrition Tagged With: Health, Vegetarianism

Prevening Heart Disease

Many people do not think of the seriousness of heart disease until it is to late. However, heart disease is something that can be prevented. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart diseases causes more deaths every year than cancer. However, many people are not concerned about heart disease. Eating a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle are the corner stones of making sure that you are not going to get heart disease.

Living a healthy lifestyle means that you eat healthy and exercise. Many people think that if you are concerned about heart disease that you do not eat cholesterol which can contribute to build up in your arteries. Because of this, many people think that they cannot eat meat or animal products. However, that is not the case. Rather than focusing on not eating meat, you need to focus on making healthy choices. Think about eating healthy forms or cholesterol like lean meat rather than unhealthy choices like bacon. Balance your diet with whole grains like brown rice and whole grain pasta. Think about making your plate look as colorful as possible. Any time your plate is filled with colorful fruits and vegetables you are making a healthy choice.

The heart is the biggest muscel in the body and just like all your other muscels it needs to be worked out. The only way to do this is with cardio. You need to make sure that you are working out at brisk pace that increases your heart rate. You also need to make sure that you are getting in a work out at least three or four times a week.

It is not just eating right and exercising that will keep you healthy. You need to make sure that you are not smoking or drinking to excess.

Filed Under: Exercise, Nutrition Tagged With: Cardiovascular Disorders, Heart disease

Fad Diets Are Not the Way to Lose Weight

When people think about losing weight they are mostly thinking of going on a diet that will be a quick fix. For many people answer, they hope that the answer to their weight issues lays within the newest fad diet. However, fad diets are just that: a fad. They are something that many people stick with for a while and then give up on because they are not happy. There are several reasons that fad diets to do not work.

First of all, fad diets are not something that you can live with. A diet should not be painful and leave you thinking about all the foods that you can not have. In fact, the word diet should not even be in your vocabulary. You should making lifestyle changes that will lead to a healthy lifestyle. Fad diets do not work for people because their whole point is limiting what the person on the diet can eat. The diet will work for a little while because you are changing the way you eat and limiting the portions of what you eat. However, if the diet you are trying outlaws to many foods and leaves you starving, you will eventually break down and bing eat.

Second, fad diets do not allow you to live a normal life. In the normal world, and not just diet world, people eat out and go for coffee, and celebrate a variety of events. On fad diets, you may feel that there is no way that you can live a normal life and still stay on your diet. There is nothing worse that feeling like you are trapped in place where your whole world revolved around the diet you are on.

The only way to lose weight is to ensure that you are changing your lifestyle.

Filed Under: Exercise, Nutrition Tagged With: Food faddism, Health, Weight loss