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Showing posts from 2019

Jessica Simpson Lost 100 Pounds Without The Gym

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(Photo Credit: Starmagazine.com) After baby number three was born, Jessica Simpson, 39, admitted to tipping the scales at 240 lbs. She became motivated and determined to start living a healthier lifestyle and stripping away the added weight. With the help of her longtime trainer Harley Pasternak , Jessica Simpson lost 100 pounds without the gym. Like most mothers in Jessica's shoes, it was difficult for her because she had given birth three times in just 10 years. With the help of Pasternak, Jessica was able to shed 100 lbs in 6 months without having to enter a gym right away by following a holistic approach. Jess was never a fan of radical or fad diets she had to do in the past. No one could forget her amazing figure in the movie Dukes of Hazzard where she showed a physique she had never achieved before. However, that was a grueling diet and workout regimen that is close to impossible to maintain. For years now, Jessica has been a strong advocate for stepping her way into we

How to do Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is used in a lot of new and old diet programs and restricts that amount of time you're allowed to eat. Studies show that there are a number of health benefits to intermittent fasting whether you're doing it for religious or health reasons. When we fast, our bodies begin changing hormone levels and jump-start cellular repair to access stored body fat quicker. This process causes a decrease in insulin levels and an increase in human growth hormone to help facilitate fat burning. By reducing insulin resistance, you lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. It can also reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation in the body causes chronic diseases and aging. The part about intermittent fasting that becomes confusing is knowing when to eat and when not to eat.  The 16/8 Method This method I've found works best for me. With this method, you would eat during an 8 hour window and fast every day for 16 hours (including while y

What Is Ninety20 EMS Training?

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(Photo credit: 123rf.com) Ninety20 EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) training is a 20-minute workout session that is equivalent to a 90-minute high-intensity workout. I was introduced to it while watching the latest episode of The Real Housewives of Dallas and thought it sounded to good to be true. According to Ninety20.com,  this new craze is proven to be safe and effective by doctors, physiotherapists, health clinics, and sports universities. The workout engages your entire body and boasts a calorie burn of up to 500 calories in 20 minutes. You can choose to perform the workout with or without weights. Each session is led by personal trainers who are highly experienced in the Ninety20 workout. Depending on your lifestyle choices, you can expect to see results after 3-4 sessions. Over time, you can burn an additional 300-500 each day. The Ninety20 workout can decrease body fat and increase lean muscle mass at the same time. It's ideal for those who are recovering from inju

What is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

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The anti-inflammatory diet is the latest craze that's popular among celebrities like Jessica Alba, Tom Brady, Giselle Bundchen, and Penelpe Cruz. The diet is designed to reduce chronic inflammation that causes a variety of health problems and diseases including IBS, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, gout, depression, heart disease, and stroke. Inflammation is our bodies way of fighting off toxins, infections, and injury. However, when the body is in a constant state of inflammation, it starts to have a negative effect on the organs and tissues. Common symptoms of chronic inflammation are: * Weight gain * Pain * Anxiety and depression * Chronic insomnia * Diarrhea and constipation * Acid reflux Chronic inflammation is typically caused by lifestyle choices such as stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Foods to Eat on the Anti-Inflammatory Diet The anti-inflammatory diet is

Foods That Help Reduce Anxiety

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(Photo credit: Dreamstime) Anxiety is a common issue for more people than you might think. It's a debilitating disorder that creates symptoms such as: * Tension * Fear * Constant worry * Nervousness * Irritability * Heart palpitations * Chest tightness * Trouble concentrating Doctor's usually prescribe medication to treat anxiety. However, there are other alternatives and lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Experts believe eating a diet high in brain-boosting foods including whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and fruit can lower the severeness of your symptoms and provide relief. Here are some of the best foods backed by science that can help reduce anxiety. Salmon We know fatty fish such as salmon can promote brain and heart health thanks to the nutrients vitamin D, DHA, and omega-3 fatty acids it contains. Studies show that DHA and vitamin D can regulate neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine to calm and relax the brain. T

How Much Coffee is Too Much?

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(credit: Pexels) Millions of American's rely on that good 'ole cup of Joe in the morning to start their day. Caffeine helps alleviate fatigue, increase alertness and improve concentration. Coffee has had its share of negativity with rumors of causing heart disease and stunting your growth. Now, experts say that there is no connection between coffee and disease and that it actual provides several health benefits. Research has found that regular coffee consumption can decrease cardiovascular and overall mortality. According the The Mayo Clinic , studies have also shown that coffee can prevent type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver cancer, and liver disease. That being said, there are some health risks associated with high consumption of caffeine, especially, with espresso or unfiltered coffee including high cholesterol. If you're drinking multiple cups a day with milk and sugar, you're potentially adding hundreds more unhealthy calories into your diet per day.

All About Autophagy

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Six months ago I did the Keto diet and I did lose a lot of weight in a two week period. The diet attracted me because I've never met a cheese I didn't like, and I cant do a diet that eliminates dairy. However, stripping carbs completely isn't for me even though I don't eat bread or haven't had pasta in years. I thought that eating nothing but fat can't be healthy, especially now that I'm approaching 40. I went and had a physical while on the diet and the doctor told me my cholesterol and blood pressure levels were the best she's seen in a long time. Still, I can't wrap my head around eating fat is healthy. I can only think that vegetables and lean protein is best. While on the Keto diet though, I learned a lot about autophagy and I completely believe in it and follow it. I didn't realize I was already doing it for 10 years without even knowing. I just considered myself not a breakfast person and maybe that's why I've been able to stay

The Difference Between Stevia and Aspartame

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(Photo cred: Time Magazine) We already know how bad refined sugar and artificial sweeteners are for our health. However, it's hard to stay away from that craving for sweet, especially, on a diet. Low-fat products taste bland without added sweeteners. That's why many dieter's, or those looking to reduce their calories reach for diet soda or treats made with aspartame. According to Xbrain , today, over 6,000 products on the market contain aspartame including health supplements. Now that people are starting to catch on that aspartame is extremely unhealthy and can even cause cancer, a surge in zero-calorie, organic sugar products are making a breakthrough. Aspartame and Cancer Aspartame is made by chemically linking the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid with methanol. This results in a product that is several hundred times sweeter than sugar thus, has negligible calories. Some preliminary studies on rats found that aspartame may increase the risk of blood-rela

How to Handle a Panic Attack In Public

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(Dreamstime) Panic attacks are a serious thing. I've struggled with anxiety for what seems like my whole life, but I only started having full-blown panic attacks a few years ago. It's frustrating because I feel like people who have never experienced one don't understand how debilitating it can be. It annoys the hell out of me when my husband says "calm down," or "just drink a glass of water and breath." They just don't get it. My first panic attack started when my son was two (he's now 6). Out of the blue for no apparent reason I felt like my heart was beating out of my chest. I couldn't stop pacing back and forth and every time I tried to sit down I got right back up again. Nothing made me feel better, I was sweating, and I felt dizzy. The more I kept telling myself I was having a heart attack the worse the panic attack got (and I still do this to myself to this day). I called my mother-in-law to come over because I didn't know what

Foods That Can Prevent Stroke

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(iStockphotos) Having a stroke can change you or a loved ones life dramatically. They typically happen out of the blue and the after effects can create anxiety and depression. Certain risk factors of a stroke are out of our control such as gender, age, ethnicity, and family history. Stroke is either caused by blood clots or bleeding in the brain. Symptoms may include difficulty speaking, weakness or numbness in the legs, arms, or face, confusion, and trouble seeing. According to the Population Health Research Institute as posted on Contemporary Clinic , risk factors for stroke include: 1. Excessive alcohol consumption 2. High blood pressure 3. Poor diet 4. Smoking 5. Physical inactivity 6. Obesity 7. Lipids 8. Heart disease 9. Diabetes 10. Stress There are ways you can prevent yourself from a stroke regardless of your family history or age. Researchers believe that 80% of strokes can be prevented. This article addresses how nutrition plays a major role in preve

Health Benefits of Lemons and Limes

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(WebMD) We all know the importance of hydration and the need to drink water on a daily basis. The first thing I drink when I wake up before my morning coffee is a tall glass of lemon water. I'll admit, I do love my diet soda around lunchtime, but I make sure to drink a glass of water first. Water dissolves vitamins and minerals making them easily accessible to the body after you eat. It's also a crucial part of healthy liver and kidney function. Adding lemon and lime to your glass of water only intensifies the health benefits. Here are the top reasons why I always keep both lemons and limes on hand in my kitchen. 1. Citrus Has Anti-Aging Properties Citrus fruits are jam-packed with ascorbic acid (or vitamin C) that our bodies can't create. This promotes the production of collagen that's responsible for keeping our skin soft and supple. As I mentioned in my article about collagen and aging HERE , we lose 1.5% of our collagen every year after the age of 20. This ca

Sirtfood Diet Recipes and Meal Ideas

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The sirtfood   diet is becoming the latest craze and is a favorite among European celebrities such as Pippa Middleton and Adele. The diet claims you can lose 7 pounds in 7 days so the question remains, is the sirtfood diet healthy? The sirtfood diet suggests that adding healthy "sirtfoods" into your diet will induce the rate of might loss as if you were fasting or exercising. Polyphenols found in certain foods such as red wine, dark chocolate, and kale trigger sirtuin pathways in our bodies that affect aging, metabolism, and mood. Sirtfood diet experts say that when following this diet you will kick start weight loss without losing muscle and sacrificing your health. Loyal followers claim that the sirtfood diet isn't just a fad, it's effective for sustained weight loss.  How the Sirtfood Diet Works The sirtfood diet is comprised of two phases.  Phase One of the Sirtfood Diet This phase lasts for 7 days. Your total caloric intake is 1,000 calories for the first 3 days

Grocery Shopping on a Plant-Based Diet

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S Starting a plant-based diet is one of the smartest choices you can make. It's the latest trend that's here to stay thanks to its proven results. We all get excited when we start something new especially when it comes to our health and wellness. A new diet can get overwhelming when it's time to hit the grocery store. The key is to start simple and not be afraid to make mistakes here and there. Think of this new beginning as a time for trial and error and to see what foods and flavors work for you and what doesn't. The hardest part of starting a plant-based diet is staying away from processed foods especially snacks. On a plant-based diet you're asked to avoid processed foods. For those that can do it great! I however, cannot no matter how hard I try. I keep only one or two processed snacks for myself that are quasi-healthy. I make sure to read the ingredients carefully and look for non-GMO, organic, and vegan. Typically, I snack on lentil and bean chips which isn

Best Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks

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(credit: Eater.com/Getty Images) Since I started cutting alcohol out of my diet, coffee has become my best friend. I used to NEVER go to Starbucks unless I had a serious hangover and needed a Venti green tea. Now I'm finding myself drinking three cups in the morning and my final cup before 5 p.m. Studies show that 4 cups of coffee may be good for your liver and prevent cancer. So the question is, can you drink Starbucks coffee on a diet? Yes, you can! Here are the top Starbucks drinks that are under 200 calories and low in fat starting with my favorite. 1. Skinny Vanilla Latte Whether you order it hot or cold, this is an excellent choice especially, if you're looking for an after dinner drink. It's made with sugar free syrup and nonfat milk. A 16-ounce size has only 120 calories and 0 grams fat. It's my favorite because it's so satisfying and feels like I'm having dessert. 2. Teavana Shaken Ice Passion Tango Tea With any of Starbuck's specialty

The Benefits of Bone Broth Collagen For Anti-Aging

If you're obsessed with anti-aging like me, you've likely heard of the powerful healing benefits of bone broth and collagen. Collagen is a protein that builds bones, skin and collective tissue. Collagen keeps us youthful, and after 20 years of age, we lose 1.5% of it each year. This leads to wrinkles, brittle bones, a decline in health, and thinning hair. Supplements and powders made with bone broth and collagen help promote more collagen in the body to slow the aging process. I take bone broth with collagen protein powder every day and have never felt better. Prior I felt like I was pulling out handfuls of hair in the shower and sticking it to the tile so it wouldn't clog the drain. My nails were brittle and had white spots on them. I've always had dry skin, but I noticed a difference within two weeks especially in my face. Many people including celebrities such as Brandi Glanville, Halle Berry, Kobe Bryant, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Elle MacPherson swear by it. Some make t

Khloe Kardashian's Exact Diet and Workout

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Khloe Kardashian has had her ups and downs when it comes to her weight. However, once she started her show Revenge Body and you see how she looks now, it seems she's mastered the art of diet and fitness. Over recent years, Khloe has completely transformed herself and feels that it's more important to be fit and healthy than focus on being skinny. According to her nutritionist Philip Goglia, here is what Khloe eats daily to stay in such great shape. The Diet We all know the Kardashian's lead busy lifestyle's, and Goglia took immediate notice that it was causing them to put their career over their health. He helped Khloe make a complete lifestyle change and put her nutrition first. She now eats seven small meals per day to keep her metabolism in check. Each meal contains a combo of fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. Breakfast Khloe usually begins her mornings with a whey protein shake that contains fruit and almond butter such as this one . A few ti