Friday, September 20, 2013

Social Media Types!

If you're one of THOSE social media type of people... check out the FaceBook page (and like it!).

You'll get more frequent updates, news, etc. there.  

This BLOG will still be used though, so check back!





Tuesday, July 9, 2013

AVO-AVO-AVOCADO!

I'm not going to lie.

I have an obsession with the avocado.  I try to sneak it in to almost everything I eat.
Don't even get me started on guacamole!

So, it was with great interest I read THAT, "according to new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention... researchers studied the diets of 17,567 adults and found those who ate half an avocado per day had lower cholesterol levels and better health overall than those who didn't.  They also cut their risk of metabolic syndrome - a collection of measures that together increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and stroke by 50 percent".  (VegNews July/Aug 2013)




My scientific mind wonders how much the avocado itself has to do with such findings but I figure it must play a part!  Good enough for me.  (But who can stop at just half an avocado?)

As a side note of interest, a study published in the journal PLoS One found a link between increased rates of sugar in our food supply and higher rates of type 2 Diabetes.  "Specifically, every 150-calorie increase per person per day - the amount in one can of soda - increases the rate of diabetes by 1.1%".
It seems like when you're getting your calories, a calorie from sugar is more damaging.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Summer fun... on it's way!

Here we are on the cusp of summer proper.




Have you been busy in the garden?  Started up with seasonal sports?  Just spending more time outdoors, period?

It IS the time of year for such things.
We all look forward to the warmer weather and sunshine.  (Or at least most of us do!).

As we become more active overall we can also notice the fruits of such activity - namely that stiffness in spots that wasn't there before!  It's probably a good sign, you're active!  It could, however, benefit from some personal attention.

Get that sore shoulder, back, legs, what-have-you in for some quality care!  An ounce (gram?) of prevention... as the saying goes.  Certainly cannot be underestimated!

As well, don't forget to protect yourself from too much of that sun.  And HYDRATE!  (see previous blog post for more on that).

Now get outside!






Tuesday, February 19, 2013

New Year, Love and More...

Well, I had considered a New Years Resolution posting but figured there were loads of those going around at the start of every year anyway.  So, I didn't.
Did you make a resolution?  Over a month into it now, have you stuck with it?  I know this time of year, regulars at gyms are probably appreciating the gradual disappearance of January "Resolutionists" - they are getting their equipment back!  
If you had made a resolution this year and it has fallen to the wayside now, my suggestion is to get back at it.  Forgive yourself if you've slipped up somehow.  Your intentions were most likely good!  The New Year is just an ideal time to take stock of where you are at in your life.  These changes, however, can be put into action at any time.  To slip-up is human.  To get back on course is sometimes the more difficult part.  If at first you don't succeed... 



Then along came Valentine's Day!  A little extra pressure to show those you care about, that you do care.  Don't we do that everyday anyway?  I suppose we should.  Of course we SHOULD.  Wether you decided to use the day to show your special someone(s) you care or not, we should keep in mind that being able to love yourself is just as (if not more!) important.  That old adage about "how can you love another if you don't love yourself" does make sense.  We show ourselves love by taking care of ourselves.  Nothing greedy or selfish but I think your body appreciates healthy foods and a bit of exercise!  Do it!  (And this can take us back to the original "resoultion" theme above).

On a side note, yet still relevant, I had heard of a study where it was proposed that your own immune system will react to and potentially repel you away from certain people.  I'd definitely like to learn more about that study.  If I find it, I will share!



Finally, here IS an interesting story on a study of Artificial Sweeteners by the CBC.  

Something to keep in mind if trying to limit calorie intake by these means.

"Diet pop and other artificially sweetened products may cause us to eat and drink even more calories and increase our risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes, researchers are learning".