Keep Your Health Tips

Health, according to the World Health Organization, is defined as:

The integral well-being of a person that includes spiritual well-being (Soul and Spirit).

Mental well-being: Which is what a person thinks and what his brain carries out,

Physical well-being is what our body lives, suffers, enjoys and desires,

Environmental well-being is a person’s agreement with his surroundings.

And all these joined to socio-cultural well-being, and socio-economic well-being. Health is NOT THE APARENT ABSENCE of ILLNESS. Unfortunately, most people think that Health is simply not being confined to a bed, not running a fever, or not being ill. Being healthy includes all the concepts of integral well-being described by the World Health Organization and not just the absence of illness.

What does Health have to do with Food and Nutrition?

Since you are reading this on your computer, you are probably aware that you can

- feed the hard drive of your computer by inputting new information.

- feed the container where you deposit trash, and fill it with something, anything at all.

- feed your body with anything, and you may be filling it with something that may not necessarily be good for your health, with no nutrients or good substances for you.

On the other hand NURTURE is a function of ingesting those NUTRIENTS that ARE essential for good performance of each of our cells, and of course our whole body.

So what those nutrients?

There are several types of essential NUTRIENTS. Classified in a broad and simple way these are

- Macronutrients,

- Micronutrients,

- Enzymes and

- co-Enzymes.

Besides these we have the new concept of Phyto-Nutrients known also as the nutrients coming from the vegetable kingdom.

It is important to mention oxygen and water. Without oxygen and water we could not live. Even though oxygen and water do not contain calories they are essential to our health and life.

“Mr. Energetic” or “Mr. Carbohydrate” also known as sugar and please don’t think that is just the sugar you use to sweeten your drink. This sugar comprises of a list of nutrients that include monosaccharides or simple sugars. Here we find the basic building blocks to create very important molecules. One kind of these molecules is called glyconutrients.

Additionally we find other sugars also known as complex carbohydrates made up of several molecules. Some are called disaccharides, and the prefix “Di” stands for two molecules monosaccharides and other called polysaccharides or starch - shaped by several monosaccharide molecules.

Next, we have the group called dietary fiber which are divided into two groups: Soluble and insoluble in water. They do not produce calories, but possess great features aiding the body in digestion.

What is the purpose of these molecules?

In summary, these molecules supply energy and assist us in the multiple and complex processes of our cells through out our life, from the first second of our life until the last. In another report we will concentrate on these processes. We will be covering Fatty Acids, Proteins, Trace Elements, Phyto Chemicals and others.

In conclusion, when we eat we are nourishing our cells. This is a concept that goes way beyond simple eating. You feed your body with what you want to eat, but you are not nourishing it.

Before we begin to nourish ourselves it is important to know that the foundation for good health is prevention. Prevention begins through radical changes in our lifestyle, by eliminating all harmful practices and learning to think correctly. Learn to relax your body with meditation, and have a better quality of life. All this is key to good health.

Elleyne VanBryce is a member of the AIANE (American International Association of Nutritional Education) and is currently being certified in Nutritional Education and Health. Visit her health blog today. She invites you to leave your comments.

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Do you struggle to maintain or lose weight? If so, you are certainly not alone. Obesity is on the rise and becoming an epidemic in our society. Why are so many people overweight? Can we blame our genetics? Are we are plagued by a slow metabolism? Certainly, we can’t be the victims of our own self indulgence, can we?

I advise people that losing weight is like starting a new business. It takes careful planning, proper public promotion, consultation with the appropriate experts to set up the structure of the program, and most importantly, a tireless dedication to finish the task despite the guaranteed peaks and valleys along the way. Unfortunately, much of our society expects rapid results, and once they realize the flaw in a fad diet or quick fix, they become frustrated and look for the next overnight solution.

Let me point out the following critical challenges that often block weight loss success for many clients. The list below identifies seven major reasons people fail to attain their desired weight.

1) Unrealistic expectations - As mentioned earlier, people are impatient and want instant gratification. Often, clients are motivated by special events, such as weddings, reunions, or office bets with peers. Once the event passes, the desire to maintain change is lost, or the person may miss the deadline altogether. The answer is to set realistic goals for losing 1-2 pounds per week, understanding that it takes time and you may not lose weight every week. Be patient and work hard.

2) Scale obsession - How many of you get on the scale every morning? Weight will fluctuate by 1-3 pounds at times based on water retention, dehydration, and of course too much overindulgence. Gradual weight loss is best, and those who don’t see positive change each time they get on the scale often get frustrated easily. I recommend weighing yourself once per week on the same scale, on the same day, and at the same time of day to ensure accuracy and reliability. This might be tough, but it will disappoint less and provide a clearer picture of your progress.

3) Skipping breakfast - You probably have heard that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” This is true because it kick starts your metabolism, provides fuel for activity, and also reduces the urge to eat unhealthy snacks before lunch. If you are rushed in the morning, buy healthy items such as fruit, yogurt, granola bars or cereal bars that can easily be consumed on the way to work or at your desk.

4) Failing to pack your lunch - I firmly believe that packing a healthy lunch on a regular basis is essential to avoiding weight gain. If you don’t, it becomes that much easier to grab fast food with co-workers or order in fare that is high in calories, hydrogenated fats, and sodium. You also have a higher probability of having desert when eating out.

5) Eating too few meals per day - Yes, it’s true that you should eat 5-7 times per day, but the portion sizes must be appropriate. Eating every 2-3 hours will prevent significant hunger pangs and eating binges. More importantly, it speeds metabolism and caloric burning throughout the day.

6) Poor grocery shopping - I stick to the mantra of “If it’s not in the house, you can’t eat it.” Always prepare a list of foods before going to the store, and never go shopping when you are hungry. This strategy will help eliminate unhealthy temptations and stumbling blocks.

7) Not drinking enough water - Drinking water helps our muscles maintain cellular volume and flushes our system of waste products. It also prevents dehydration and excess water retention (water weight).

Brian Schiff, PT, CSCS, is a respected author, physical therapist and fitness expert. You can sign-up for his free online newsletter @ http://www.thefitnessedge.cc.

Copyright © 2004 Brian Schiff. This article was first published in Business First Columbus, Ohio in 2004.

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They sit left behind on relish trays. They’re often by-passed in
grocery store refrigerator shelves. Dad and Grandpa usually eat
them but later complain of belching them up. The poor radish has
gotten a bum rap. There are at least five different varieties;
but for now, the popular, red globe variety will be spotlighted.
They are a great source of vitamin C and an excellent low calorie
snack (only 12 calories in a half cup of radishes). Radishes are
root vegetables that are classified in the cabbage and mustard
family, thus their strong taste.

Most people eat them raw, with a little salt. If you’d like your
radishes to be a little crispier and a little less sharp in
taste, put them in ice water for a couple hours before you plan
to eat them. There are also a number of ways to cook them. Boil
a half inch of water, add the sliced radishes, and then cover
and simmer until tender, adding more water if necessary. Cook
five to ten minutes. To microwave, place a half pound of sliced
radishes in a microwave safe dish with 1 tablespoon of water or
broth. Cook for approximately four minutes.

If the taste of raw radishes is a little too pungent for some,
try them steamed. Their bright red skin will turn pink on steamed
radishes. The easiest way to steam them is to place whole
radishes in a vegetable steamer and cook over boiling water until
barely tender. Cook approximately eight to twelve minutes.
Another way to prepare our friend, the red radish, is to stir fry
them. Sliced radishes combine well with other vegetables and
meat in stir-fries. Don’t over cook them or they’ll become mushy.
Cook approximately three to five minutes.

As Cliff Claven would say, “It’s a little known fact that ”
radishes were first cultivated thousands of years ago in China,
then in Egypt and Greece. In Greece they were so highly regarded
that gold replicas were made. (Now that’s some serious radish
lovers!)

So the next time you walk past radishes in the grocery store or
at the market, back track a few steps and pick up a bunch or two.
Or better yet, plant some in your garden this year. Radishes
are one of the very first vegetables ready for harvest in the
spring. They will in turn, ready your soil for other veggies!
Give these little guys a chance again.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

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