Tag Archives: health

Fitness/Nutrition News

Health tips to get more energy for your life

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Start today: A 4-week plan for more energy

Get a boost with these bright ideas for being at your energized best
Do you feel like a 25-watt bulb in your 150-watt life? If so, maybe it’s time to shed some light on your personal energy crisis — and create a plan for recharging.

Here are some simple — but powerful — ideas to give you a boost. Try adding one or two strategies a week to your routine to keep your energy building.

Week 1: Food — the juice that runs you
Make sure you’re getting premium fuel. This week, take steps toward eating for more energy — and better health.

Plan ahead. Map out a week of healthy meals and snacks. See “This week’s healthy grocery list” for a handy shopping tool with wholesome foods.

Break for breakfast. Your brain and muscles need morning fuel after hours without food. This three-part combo can provide the energy and nutrients you need: a whole grain plus fruit and a source of lean protein — for example, oatmeal with berries and low-fat or fat-free yogurt.

Week 2: Sleep — your renewable energy source
When you don’t snooze, you lose — energy, that is. So this week, focus on getting the rest you need.

Keep a bedtime. Slip between the sheets at the same time each night. Most adults should aim for seven to eight hours of slumber. Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet and cool can help you drift into dreamland.

Squeeze in a short power nap — if you find it helps. But it’s best to do this in the early afternoon — not too close to bedtime.

Week 3: Exercise — the pep in your step
A brisk walk can be a great go-to energy booster. And over time, getting more fit can mean having more energy. This week, begin to move more.

Put it on your daily calendar — as nonnegotiable appointments. Pressed for time? You don’t have to do it all at once. Start with 10-minute sessions worked into your day — and build from there.

Recruit a buddy. Maybe the two of you could give salsa lessons a whirl or stretch your limits in a yoga class. Or how about reprising a childhood favorite? Maybe you loved to bicycle, swim or play basketball. You’re more apt to keep doing an activity you truly enjoy.

For safety’s sake, talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your level of physical activity.

Week 4: Energy siphons — your vitality drainers
This week, make some positive changes to help keep your zip from getting zapped.

Unwind daily. Take a few minutes each day to de-stress. Whether you journal, do crosswords, putter in the garden or just enjoy a quiet moment, it can be revitalizing.

Say “No more.” Snuff out bad habits that are dragging you down. For example, if you smoke, seek help. Make an appointment with your doctor to talk about the options available to help you quit.

Finally, as you make energy improvements, remember to be patient if you have setbacks. It takes time for new habits to click on for good.

LightbulbWhat to do next
Just breathe. Help melt stress away with this deep-breathing exercise. Practice it now.

Article courtesy of United Healthcare newletter

Fitness/Nutrition News

8 satisfying secrets of happy people

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8 satisfying secrets of happy people

Adding these simple habits to your day may help boost happiness
Some people always seem to be cheerful and upbeat. So what’s their secret?

Turns out, it isn’t having loads of money or a perfect body, home or job. Instead, happy people tend to make time for healthy, fulfilling and feel-good activities.

Here are eight simple but powerful ways to follow their lead — and cultivate more happiness in your life:

1. Nurture social ties
Satisfying relationships help us feel fulfilled. But sometimes, time with others takes a backseat to the daily grind. A tip if you struggle with this: Make a point to connect with at least one friend or loved one each day.

Do you rely on texts, social media and email to stay in touch? That can be good. But don’t let technology entirely replace face-to-face time.

2. Give thanks — for joys big and small
Noticing and appreciating what’s good in your life can give you a happiness boost — even in rough times. So take moments to be grateful for a helpful co-worker, a cuddle from your pet or even just a really good hair day.

Even better: Make it a practice. Writing in a gratitude journal gives you a place to record and reminisce about all that’s right with your world.

3. Lend a hand
People who help others tend to feel happier. Consider volunteering regularly for a cause that’s important to you. And look for little ways every day to help out friends, family, colleagues or strangers — even if it’s just a kind word or caring ear.

4. Talk nicer to yourself
Do you tend to get down on yourself? Enjoy more happiness by questioning and countering your own negative thoughts. Research shows that by making positive shifts in thinking, over time, you can actually change your brain.

5. Find joy in moving
Exercise floods your brain with feel-good hormones. It can also help ease stress and anxiety. Find activities you enjoy — that keep you coming back for more.*

And here’s a happy little secret: Give yourself a quick mood booster with mini bursts of activity. Even a 10-minute walk or kitchen dance party can perk you up.

6. Create and play
Pursuing creative and playful activities can make you feel good. Whether it’s playing board games or air guitar, doodling or double Dutch, encouraging your silly side can bring you joy.

7. Get your pillow time
It’s no surprise we’re happier when we’re well-rested. In fact, getting quality sleep may help reduce the risk for anxiety and depression. Aim for a good seven to nine hours of slumber — for better health and happiness.

8. Look on the brighter side
The next time you’re faced with a negative situation, look for the silver lining. Did you manage it OK or learn something new? Nobody’s life is perfect. But focusing on the good instead of the bad can help tough times seem more manageable.

Remember, you have choices. You may find your bliss by choosing those that add more meaning to your life. And that’s certainly something to be happy about.

-Originally published by United Healthcare

Fitness/Nutrition News

FDA Nukes Yet Another B.S. Weight Loss Pill…YES!

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[ Sometimes I read an article so great I have to forward it to all my readers. This recent post by fitness expert Jon Benson is one of those articles. See if it doesn’t help you with your goals. Thanks! ]

I took a big, huge, massive sigh of relief today.

Finally… the FDA did something right when it comes to bogus “magic” diet-fatburn pills.

A panel of experts reviewed Vivus Inc.’s new wonder-pill “Qnexa” today.

They gave it the thumbs-down.

Why?

Oh… pesky little reported side-effects like… (are you ready for this?)…

Heart Attacks

Stroke

Increased Risk of Suicide (yikes!)

Memory/Concentration Loss

You know… “minor” stuff like that.

GEEZ. What the hell are these drug companies thinking?

Oh, right…

Quick-Fix =

Big-Bucks

Got it.

So, I am going to believe that YOU are much smarter than the morons who tried to get this drug past the FDA.

I’m going to assume you want a solution to this obesity pandemic and your own fatloss issues (if you have them) that do NOT involve risking your life for a thinner you.

“Oh, Marge… she looks so thin in her casket…”

THIS IS NOT A GOOD EULOGY! : )

Listen: I get it. I really do.

I’m an athlete and we are always looking for tricks to help increase our performance. But your body is simply too smart for these fatloss-pills people are trying to pass off as “a break-through medical discovery.”

Nonsense… more like heart-breaking medical waste of time.

One day… perhaps even in my lifetime… someone will invent a chemical that actually works to shed bodyfat without harming the body. That will be a great day for all of us.

Even so, I can all but promise you that this chemical will have its nasty side-effects and/or be limited in duration or power.

Nothing, repeat NOTHING you can pop in your mouth will give you the JOY that managing your dietplan and bodyweight can give you.

NOTHING!

It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world.

And here’s a fantastic clue for you: The reason we want to be thin is because of the FEELING it gives us. Most everything we do is based on feelings.

Quick-fixes negate the most powerful thing about feelings: Earning the right to have them!

Think of it this way: Would you feel more alive and powerful if you climbed a mountain or if you took a helicopter ride to the summit?

Sure, the helicopter is easy… but which is more personally rewarding?

Think of your own body transformation goals as your personal mountain to climb.

No helicopters… just really good guides (I volunteer) and solid climbing tools (like a great real-world dietplan, solid workouts that work WITH your schedule, and realistic but exciting goals.)

Your goals will become your base camps along your summit of your personal journey to the best you possible.

Color me silly, but I think that sounds FAR more empowering and rewarding that popping pills.

As you probably know I wrote one of the top books in the world on “real-world” weighttloss (spelled that way so the spambox won’t eat your email… : ) I made this dietary System as easy as possible… but NO plan is “easy” and there is NO quick-fixes out there without serious pricetags.

That said, I have some “rebel tricks” to share with you today… and they won’t put you six feet under before your time.

Just click on the page below and then click on “Articles”… then you’ll see it. It’s the first article, “3 Diet Secrets Revealed”.

Go here:

Video Plus Articles Homepage

You can’t sell this stuff in a bottle… but it works to get the bodyfat off and keep it off.

Remember:

Don’t Quit… Get Fit.

Sincerely,

J O N B E N S O N

—-> SPECIAL NOTE: On the article page above, be sure to read until the bottom. If you like that article you can now just click a button and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or any number of cool sites.

The button looks like this:

P.S. If you pick up my dietplan (on the article page above) you’ll find in the Member’s Area three supplements that actually DO work to help you burn-off-fat… but they do not work like magic. They work like they’re supposed to: Realistically, and without harming your body. I take them. So should you.

[ More from Jon Benson in upcoming blogs… but you can get more info and some freebies by visiting Jon’s pages found in the article above or the banner below. Thanks! ]