Monday, May 18, 2009

Making Nutrient-Dense Food Choices

Cutting the fat can sometimes trim out the taste! The key is to find tasty low fat alternatives to the fattiest foods in your diet.

Remember that one gram of fat carries 9 calories! Dropping a little fat can really lighten your caloric load.

Replacing high fat with high flavor is possible; but it is your call. Find the nutrient dense options that are right for you.

For a quick list of nutrient dense gems check out: http://www.mypyramid.gov/STEPS/nutrientdensefoodchoices.pdf

Monday, May 11, 2009

Major Research Findings of the Health Benefits of Physical Activity

Each and every person from every walk of life can benefit from regular exercise. Read the list below to get the United States Government’s interpretation of the major research findings around exercise.

The Health Benefits of Physical Activity – Major Research Findings
· Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes.
· Some physical activity is better than none.
· For most health outcomes, additional benefits occur as the amount of physical activity increases through higher intensity, greater frequency, and / or longer duration.
· Most health benefits occur with at least 150 minutes (2.5 hrs) a week of moderate physical activity such as brisk walking. Additional benefits occur with more physical activity.
· Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle strengthening (resistance) physical activity are beneficial.
· Health Benefits occur for children and adolescents, young and middle aged adults, older adults, and those in every studied racial and ethnic group.
· The health benefits of physical activity occur for those with disabilities.
· The benefits of physical activity far outweigh the possibility of adverse outcomes.
From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The minimums are there, 5 days a week 30 minutes per day. If you are still unsatisfied at that rate then that’s good; that means you expect more of yourself. To get more just do more. Start by getting a plan that’s right for you, and then proceed with poise and persistence.