Bloating is generally the result of not being able to properly digest foods. These not-so-digested foods feel like they're just sitting around causing discomfort and a general feeling of being stuffed and “gassy”.
It can happen at any age but if it seems to be more frequent as you're getting older it can very well be because of your stomach's reduced ability to produce enough acid for proper digestion. Normally, when we eat, cells in our stomach release more acid which is important for so many digestive processes like breaking down foods and activating enzymes. As we age this process can become less efficient and the result can feel like it's wreaking havoc on the rest of the digestive system. Unfortunately, this can have wide-ranging effects on all of our digestion abilities “downstream” and that can result in bloating. Bloating Reason #1: Sometimes our bodies are (or become more as we age) sensitive to the fiber in certain fruits or veggies. This can also occur when we introduce new ones into our diet as it may take a while for our body to get used to them. Pro Tip: Try chewing your vegetables more thoroughly, or lightly cooking or steaming raw ones. If a fruit or veggie seems to be consistently related to bloating try eliminating it for a few weeks and monitor your symptoms. Bloating Reason #2: Decreased stomach acid can reduce the activation of a key protein-digesting enzyme “pepsin”. This means that the proteins you eat aren't broken down as much and they can pass through your system somewhat “undigested”. Pro Tip: You may consider reducing the amount of animal-based foods you eat and see if that helps you out. Bloating Reason #3: One thing that can seriously cause bloating is when your digestive system slows down. Then things seem to be a bit stagnant, just hanging around in there a bit (a lot?) longer than you'd like. Ginger has been found to help with digestion and reduce nausea for certain people. And peppermint is thought to help your digestive muscles keep pushing food through, so it doesn't stay in one spot for too long. Pro Tip: Consider drinking a digestive tea like peppermint or ginger. See our recipe below. Bloating Reason #4: All this lack of digesting in your stomach and small intestine puts extra stress on the large intestine. The large intestine is the home of all of your wonderful gut microbes that have SO many functions in the body. The problem is when undigested food enters the large intestine it can feed the not-so-great microbes. These “unfriendly” bacteria produce waste material and gas as a part of their natural metabolism. The more of these microbes you have in your system (they will multiply if they are constantly being fed by undigested food in the large intestine) the more gas that will be produced in the large intestine. Pro Tip: Try eating more fermented foods. Fermented foods contain probiotics which will feed the good bacteria and microbes in your system to keep the bad guys at bay This includes things like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi (as long as these don't cause bloating for you!). Make sure they're unpasteurized and contain live cultures. If you cannot tolerate dairy based yogurt and kefir, dairy free options are available or you could make your own dairy free versions. You can also consider taking a probiotic supplement. Just check the label first to make sure it's right for you. Bloating Reason #5: With reduced stomach acid you also have a reduction of the “activation” of several of your digestive enzymes (protein-digesting pepsin being one of them). In order for certain enzymes to go to work digesting your food they need to be activated. This usually happens with the assistance of stomach acid. Pro Tip: You may consider trying an enzyme supplement to assist your body in digesting food while you work on reestablishing your own production of stomach acid (a healthy diet and lifestyle can do this!). But before you do make sure you read the labels because some of them interact with other supplements, medications, or conditions, and may not be safe for long-term use. Conclusion: You can try the “pro tips” we've given you in this post. Maybe you'd prefer working with a practitioner on an elimination diet to get to the bottom of which foods you may be sensitive to? If bloating is a serious problem you should see your doctor or alternative health care practitioner. Recipe (Tummy Soothing Tea): Ginger Tea Serves 1 Fresh ginger root (about 2”) Hot water Lemon slices (optional) Honey (optional) Pour the water into a saucepan and heat it on the stove. Grate the ginger root into the saucepan. Let it come to a boil, and then simmer for 3-5 minutes. Strain the tea into a cup with a fine mesh strainer and add lemon and/or honey as desired. Serve & Enjoy! Tip: If you don't want to use a grater and strainer then you can peel the ginger and thinly slice it into your cup before adding boiling water. The pieces should be big enough that they will sink to the bottom. References: http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-menopause https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-ways-to-reduce-bloating/ http://www.dietvsdisease.org/how-to-get-rid-of-bloating/ http://summertomato.com/too-many-vegetables-how-to-prevent-gas-and-digestive-problems-caused-by-healthy-eating http://www.precisionnutrition.com/elimination-diet https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger
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Of course, listen to what your doctor says.
And also listen to what your body says. We all know that what you eat and how you move can make a HUGE improvement in some of the symptoms of menopause. Not to mention how common it is for ladies to gain weight at this time of life. (Ugh!) And as we all know eating better and moving more can help you stave off other issues like heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. What do we specifically recommend to help you “eat better and move more”? Seven things. Here goes: First - Hydrate: Drink more water. The general consensus is to drink 8-10 glasses per day. And, if you don't feel you need that much you definitely need to at least drink enough throughout the day so that you're not thirsty. We know that's easy to say but really it's also easy to do. Try having a full glass first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything. Don't like plain water? Add in some berries or chopped frozen fruit. Prefer tea? Steep some sliced lemon and/or ginger or your favourite caffeine-free herbal teabag. This counts toward hydration as well. You can also keep a large bottle or mug beside you all day wherever you work so it's always easy to grab and have sips throughout the day to make sure you're not getting thirsty. Second - Bump up your intake of whole plant foods: Things like (yes, you guessed it) vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds. We're going for quantity here. Try to include them in every meal and even most (if not all) of your snacks. Want another reason to eat more plants? Plant-based diets are associated with fewer hot flashes. Bonus! Plus, our recipe below is your “no excuse” solution to getting more veggies wherever you go. Third - Don't forget high-quality protein: While you're chomping your plant foods don't forget to include some good quality protein (and healthy fats) from eggs, fish, meat, nuts and seeds (and their butters). With animal foods we're aiming for quality so try to get organic, wild, and/or pasture-raised if you can. Fourth - Some things you want to cut back on: Reducing and/or eliminating alcohol, caffeine and processed foods can have a tremendous impact on balancing your hormones naturally without the help of pharmaceutical medications. With those increases in hydration, whole plant foods, and quality protein, you simply won't have as much room for alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods with added salt and sugar. You already know that's good news, right? Fifth – Move: If you don't do this already try to move up to 5 hours per week. You can gradually increase that over time, and believe us, you will thank yourself! To do this, include things like walking (especially outdoors in the sun, if possible), or even some weight-training. You've heard the saying that the best exercise is the one you'll actually do? Well, go ahead and do it. :) Sixth - Get enough sleep: We're talking 7-9 hours per night. Seriously! Sometimes menopause can bring on (or ramp up) sleep problems. The most important thing to do is set a daily routine where you're relaxing with no screen-time (computers, tablet, phone, tv) a couple hours before your bedtime. Electronic devices emit strong blue light which can prevent the release of melatonin, your sleep hormone. Try reading a book or having a bath. It's also important to have dim lights in your surroundings to reduce your exposure to blue light before bed. Regular indoor lighting is usually blue light. Ideally you would use amber or red lights, or even be ultra-stylin' with blue-blocker sunglasses. Seventh - Find great stress relieving activities: Do whatever works for you. Just make sure you do it regularly as a preventative measure to avoid accumulated stress. Have you tried meditating, deep breathing, or having a warm bath? What about the newest craze of colouring? Bonus points for using exercise as a form of stress relief. Conclusion: You now have an arsenal of great ideas to stave off those menopause symptoms naturally. Now go ahead and make two of these mason jar salads to eliminate any excuse of not being able to get fresh veggies when you're out and about. Recipe (Veggie): Mason Jar Salad Serves 2 3 tablespoons almond butter 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice 1 tablespoon maple syrup 2 teaspoons sesame oil ½ granny smith apple (diced) 4 radishes (sliced) 2 celery stalks (diced) 4 tablespoons of your favourite nuts or seeds (walnuts, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, etc.) 4-6 cups of your favourite greens (spinach, kale, mixed greens, etc.) Add first four ingredients to a small bowl & whisk until smooth. Add apple to dressing (so it's covered and won't brown) and divide between two mason jars. Layer the radishes, celery, nuts/seeds, and greens on top and seal. When ready to eat shake up the jar, open and enjoy or pour it into a large bowl to mix more thoroughly. Tip: Wide-mouth jars work best for this ah-mazing way to bring veggies with you wherever you go! References: http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-menopause https://authoritynutrition.com/11-natural-menopause-tips/ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/menopause-time-change/what-can-you-do-hot-flashes-and-other-menopausal-symptoms Yes, while we always say that it's better to get your nutrients from food first, sometimes supplements are necessary.
Unfortunately there are just some all-too-common nutrients that we simply don't get enough of. And they're absolutely critical to optimal health and wellness. Especially as we age. Here we sifted through the supplements that are available on the market and boiled them down to three that can have the best effect for us. Supplement #1: Vitamin D If you live in North America chances are you are low in vitamin D. It's the “sunshine vitamin” and we just aren't able to hang out in shorts every day of the year. Even if we did we'd wisely use a bit of sun protection too. Vitamin D is very important for everyone but especially women over 45. Want to know why? It helps to protect our bones! Vitamin D helps our body absorb and keep the calcium we get from our food and drinks. And we all know that calcium is one of the main things our bones are made of. Want to know something funny about vitamin D (but it's true, we swear)? People who get enough vitamin D tend to fall less frequently. Especially as we get older. Seriously! Vitamin D can help your bones stay strong and help you fall less. Win-win! Supplement #2: Magnesium Magnesium is an essential mineral needed for over 300 reactions in your body. Yes, 300! As with vitamin D it's very common for us to simply not get enough. Not even the 320 mg per day that's recommended. Low levels of magnesium have been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, low bone density, and even migraines. Magnesium is found in so many healthy whole foods like beans, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. In fact, the magnesium element is central to a plant's chlorophyll – it's actually what causes green plants to be green! And most of us just don't get enough green plants into our bodies on a regular basis. (You know we have a recipe with green leafies for you below, right?). Magnesium is a very common supplement and is often added to multivitamins. Supplement #3: Omega-3s We've all heard that we need to get more omega-3 essential fatty acids, right? They're good for our hearts, brains, and help to reduce inflammation. These are all good things when it comes to our health and wellness. But not all of us are ready, willing, and able to eat fish three times per week. While fish oil supplements contain the “brain healthy” fats called EPA and DHA, those two are not technically the “essential” fats. The plant omega-3 known as ALA is essential and that is because our bodies can convert ALA into EPA and DHA when necessary. Omega-3 supplements can be found in forms of flax oil, algae oil, fish oil, or even fish liver oil. Pro Tip: Fish liver oil (e.g. cod liver oil) also contains vitamin D so check your labels and add the amounts together to know how much vitamin D you're actually getting. Conclusion: Three supplements to consider now that you're 45 are: vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s. Always read the supplement labels to see if there are warnings that would make them inappropriate for you. And, of course if you have any medical conditions or take medications or other supplements it's always a good idea to speak with your doctor before starting anything new. Recipe (Vitamin D, Magnesium & Omega-3s): Salmon Quinoa Buddha Bowl Serves 2 4 cups baby spinach 1 cup quinoa (cooked) 1 can wild salmon 2 tablespoons sesame seeds ½ red onion (diced) (optional) 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice dash salt and pepper Split spinach, quinoa, wild salmon, sesame seeds, and onion (if using) between two bowls. Mix sesame oil, rice vinegar, and lemon juice together and pour on top of prepared Buddha bowls. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve & Enjoy! Tip: When looking for canned salmon try to get the ones with the most vitamin D and make sure cans are BPA-free. Good quality canned fish is usually in the “natural foods” section of many large groceries. References: https://authoritynutrition.com/11-natural-menopause-tips/ https://examine.com/supplements/Vitamin+D/ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/ Libido is such an interesting (and complex) experience. Because of this it can be affected by so many things. And we're not just talking about the obvious sex hormone testosterone here.
Although testosterone levels can have a big (yes BIG) effect on sex drive there are a lot of subtle things that can be going on too. In this post we'll dive into a bunch of key diet and lifestyle factors that have been shown to increase testosterone and libido. Body fat: Did you know that low testosterone is linked with high body fat? Particularly visceral fat which is associated with a large waist circumference. You see, with more fat there is more of an enzyme called “aromatase” that converts testosterone to estrogen. And what you want is to keep that testosterone not convert it. Losing excessive weight and keeping it off has so many health benefits including increased libido! Diet: Certain nutrient deficiencies can contribute to low testosterone. Not only zinc and vitamin D but if you're not eating enough protein and healthy fats that can also have a negative impact too. Not to mention eating way too few or way too many calories. These aren't going to help you in the bedroom department either. So make sure you're eating enough food to sustain your resting metabolic rate (RMR) and that you're getting enough protein and healthy fats; not to mention the essential vitamins and minerals too. Exercise: Did you know that men can experience increased blood levels of testosterone after a bout of intense exercise? For some reason this doesn't seem to be the case after endurance exercise and endurance exercise may actually reduce the levels of circulating testosterone. Nor do women seem to have this increased testosterone after a workout. For a temporary boost men can try some weight lifting or a HIIT workout. Sleep: Sleep is critical for just about everything our bodies do. If you're not getting 7-9 hours each night you're going to want to prioritize that for your health (and sex drive). Try it. You just may thank us. Stress: No one can deny that your moods can affect your sex drive, right? Too much stress, sadness, and worry can take over your mind and push that drive to reproduce right to the backburner. So you want to try to minimize that stress hormone cortisol. How about some tips? Make time to do things you love, workout, spend quality time with your family and friends, meditate, relax with a great book, or take a long bath. And don't forget to laugh. Consider maca: Have you heard of the Peruvian herb called “maca” (Lepidium meyenii)? It's a plant in the cruciferous family (think: broccoli) and its root has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. It's usually ground into a powder and dried. Believe it or not there are a few studies that actually show an increased libido for those who supplement with it. Scientists don't know exactly how it works, but it seems to work for both men and women and it doesn't seem to impact your hormones (not even testosterone). Maca is an antioxidant and seems to be protective of mens' prostate. New research suggests it may also be helpful for our brains and bones. It has a bit of a “dirt” flavour so most recipes don't call for the same amounts as in the supplement. But trust us, you'll love the recipe below and if you're considering supplementing you should know:
Recipe (libido-enhancing): Maca Hot Chocolate Serves 2 2 cups almond milk 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 tablespoon unsweetened cacao powder 1 teaspoon maca powder ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional) 1 tablespoon maple syrup 4 dashes cinnamon 1 dash sea salt 1 dash cayenne pepper (optional) Heat almond milk and coconut oil in a saucepan. Add all ingredients to blender and blend until frothy. Serve and enjoy a cup with your significant other! Tip: Adding cayenne pepper is a traditional South American way to add a bit of spice to chocolatey foods and drinks. References: HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/doctor-detective-low-libido" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/doctor-detective-low-libido HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-testosterone" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-testosterone HYPERLINK"https://authoritynutrition.com/8-ways-to-boost-testosterone/" https://authoritynutrition.com/8-ways-to-boost-testosterone/ HYPERLINK "https://examine.com/supplements/Maca/" https://examine.com/supplements/Maca/ HYPERLINK"http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=1903&lang=eng" http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=1903&lang=eng Do you love your breakfast? Do you have a short list of “go-to” recipes? Do you need a bit of inspiration to start eating breakfast again?
Getting some protein at each meal can help with blood sugar management, metabolism and weight loss. This is because protein helps you feel fuller longer and uses up a bunch of calories to absorb and metabolize it. So we're going to show you how to get the protein, as well as some veggies and healthy fats for your soon-to-be favourite new “go-to” breakfasts. Breakfast Food #1: Eggs Yes, eggs are the “quintessential” breakfast food. And for good reason! No, we're not talking about processed egg whites in a carton. We mean actual whole “eggs”. Egg whites are mostly protein while the yolks are the real nutritional powerhouses. Those yolks contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Eggs have been shown to help you feel full, keep you feeling fuller longer, and help to stabilize blood sugar and insulin. Not to mention how easy it is to boil a bunch of eggs and keep them in the fridge for a “grab and go” breakfast when you're running short on time. And...nope the cholesterol in eggs is not associated with an increased risk of arterial or heart diseases (see last weeks blog!) One thing to consider is to try to prevent cooking the yolks at too high of a temperature because that can cause some of the cholesterol to become oxidized. It's the oxidized cholesterol that's heart unhealthy. Breakfast Food #2: Nuts and/or Seeds Nuts and seeds contain protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Nuts and/or seeds would make a great contribution to breakfast. You won't be fooled by “candied” nuts, sweetened nut/seed butters, or chia “cereals” with added sugars – you know we're talking about the real, whole, unsweetened food here. Nuts and seeds are also the ultimate fast food if you're running late in the mornings. Grab a small handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds as you're running out the door; you can nosh on them while you're commuting. Not to mention how easy it is to add a spoonful of nut/seed butter into your morning breakfast smoothie. Hint: If you like a creamy latte in the mornings try making one with nut or seed butter. Just add your regular hot tea and a tablespoon or two of a creamy nut or seed butter into your blender & blend until frothy. Breakfast Food #3: Veggies Yes, you already know you really should get protein at every meal including breakfast; but this also applies to veggies. You know we would be remiss to not recommend veggies at every meal, right? Veggies are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, fiber, and water. You can't go wrong adding them into every single meal of the day so if you don't already you should definitely try them for breakfast! And no, you don't need to have a salad or roasted veggies for breakfast if you don't want to but you totally can! You wouldn't be breaking any “official” breakfast rules or anything like that. Adding some protein to leftover veggies is a great combination for any meal. Including breakfast. We've included a delicious recipe below for you to try (and customize) for your next breakfast. Recipe (Eggs & Veggies): Veggie Omelet Serves 1 1 teaspoon coconut oil 1 or 2 eggs (how hungry are you?) ¼ cup veggies (grated zucchini and/or sliced mushrooms and/or diced peppers) dash salt, pepper and/or turmeric Add coconut oil to a frying pan and melt on low-medium heat (cast-iron pans are preferred). In the meantime grab a bowl and beat the egg(s) with your vegetables of choice and the spices. Tilt pan to ensure the bottom is covered with the melted oil. Pour egg mixture into pan and lightly fry the eggs without stirring. When the bottom is lightly done flip over in one side and cook until white is no longer runny. Serve & Enjoy! Tip: Substitute grated, sliced, or diced portion of your favourite vegetable. Try grated carrots, chopped broccoli or diced tomato. References: HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/eggs-worse-than-fast-food" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/eggs-worse-than-fast-food HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/encyclopedia/food/eggs/" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/encyclopedia/food/eggs/ HYPERLINK"https://authoritynutrition.com/eating-healthy-eggs/" https://authoritynutrition.com/eating-healthy-eggs/ HYPERLINK "https://authoritynutrition.com/12-best-foods-to-eat-in-morning/" https://authoritynutrition.com/12-best-foods-to-eat-in-morning/ You knew there was a bit of an over-emphasis (borderlining obsession) about cholesterol, right?
Before we jump into some myths let's make sure we're on the same page when it comes to what exactly cholesterol is. Myth #1: “Cholesterol” is cholesterol While cholesterol is an actual molecule, what it is bound to while it's floating through your blood is what's more important than just how much of it there is overall. In fact depending on what it's combined with can have opposite effects on your arteries and heart. Yes, opposite! So cholesterol is just one component of a compound that floats around your blood. These compounds contain cholesterol as well as fats and special proteins called “lipoproteins”. They're grouped into two main categories: HDL: High Density Lipoprotein (AKA “good” cholesterol) that “cleans up” some of those infamous “arterial plaques” and transports cholesterol back to the liver. LDL: Low Density Lipoprotein (AKA “bad” cholesterol) that transports cholesterol from the liver (and is the kind found to accumulate in arteries and become easily oxidized hence their “badness”). And yes, it's even more complicated than this. Each of these categories is further broken down into subcategories which can also be measured in a blood test. So “cholesterol” isn't simply cholesterol because it has very different effects on your body depending on which other molecules it's bound to in your blood and what it is actually doing there. Myth #2: Cholesterol is bad Cholesterol is absolutely necessary for your body to produce critical things like vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the sun, your sex hormones (e.g. estrogen and testosterone), as well as bile to help you absorb dietary fats. Not to mention that it's incorporated into the membranes of your cells. Talk about an important molecule! The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood (AKA “total cholesterol”) isn't nearly as important as how much of each kind you have in your blood. While way too much LDL cholesterol as compared with HDL (the LDL:HDL ratio) may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease it is absolutely not the only thing to consider for heart health. Myth #3: Eating cholesterol increases your bad cholesterol Most of the cholesterol in your blood is made by your liver. It's actually not from the cholesterol you eat. Why do you think cholesterol medications block an enzyme in your liver (HMG Co-A reductase, to be exact)? 'Cause that's where it's made! What you eat still can affect how much cholesterol your liver produces. After a cholesterol-rich meal your liver doesn't need to make as much. Myth #4: Your cholesterol should be as low as possible As with almost everything in health and wellness there's a balance that needs to be maintained. There are very few extremes that are going to serve you well. People with too-low levels of cholesterol have increased risk of death from other non-heart-related issues like certain types of cancers, as well as suicide. Myth #5: Drugs are the only way to get a good cholesterol balance Don't start or stop any medications without talking with your doctor. And while drugs can certainly lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol they don't seem to be able to raise the “good” HDL cholesterol all that well. Guess what does? Nutrition and exercise, baby! One of the most impactful ways to lower your cholesterol with diet is to eat lots of fruits and veggies. I mean lots, say up to 10 servings a day. Every day. Don't worry the recipe below should help you add at least another salad to your day. You should also exercise, lose weight, stop smoking, and eat better quality fats, to really make impactful change. That means fatty fish, avocados and olive oil. Ditch those over-processed hydrogenated “trans” fats. Summary: The science of cholesterol and heart health is complicated and we're learning more every day. You may not need to be as afraid of it as you are. And there is a lot you can do from a nutrition and lifestyle perspective to improve your cholesterol level. Recipe (Dressing to go with your salad): Orange Hemp Seed Dressing Makes about ¾ cup ½ cup hemp seeds ½ cup orange juice 1 clove of garlic, peeled dash salt and/or pepper Blend all ingredients together until creamy. Serve on top of your favourite salad and Enjoy! Tip: Store extra in airtight container in the fridge. Will keep for about a week. References: HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-cholesterol" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-cholesterol HYPERLINK"http://summertomato.com/how-to-raise-your-hdl-cholesterol" http://summertomato.com/how-to-raise-your-hdl-cholesterol HYPERLINK"https://authoritynutrition.com/top-9-biggest-lies-about-dietary-fat-and-cholesterol/" https://authoritynutrition.com/top-9-biggest-lies-about-dietary-fat-and-cholesterol/ You totally want to ditch your scale, don't you?
You may have this weird kind of relationship with your “weight”. It's not the only thing that defines you (obviously). What you weigh can matter but only to a certain extent. Let's look at your waist circumference (well...you look at yours and we'll look at ours). Waist Circumference (AKA “Belly Fat”): Do you remember the fruity body shape descriptions, an “apple” or a “pear”? The apple is kinda round around the middle (you know – kinda beer belly-ish) and the pear is rounder around the hips/thighs. THAT is what we're talking about here. Do you know which shape is associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea, blood sugar issues (e.g. insulin resistance and diabetes) and heart issues (high blood pressure, blood fat, and arterial diseases). Yup – that apple! And it's not because of the subcutaneous (under the skin) fat that you may refer to as a “muffin top”. The health risk is actually due to the fat inside the abdomen covering the liver, intestines and other organs there. This internal fat is called “visceral fat” and that's where a lot of the problem actually is. It's this “un-pinchable” fat. The reason the visceral fat can be a health issue is because it releases fatty acids, inflammatory compounds, and hormones that can negatively affect your blood fats, blood sugars, and blood pressure. And the apple-shaped people tend to have a lot more of this hidden visceral fat than the pear-shaped people do. So as you can see where your fat is stored is more important that how much you weigh. Am I an apple or a pear? It's pretty simple to find out if you're in the higher risk category or not. The easiest way is to just measure your waist circumference with a measuring tape. You can do it right now. Women, if your waist is 35” or more you could be considered to have “abdominal obesity” and be in the higher risk category. Pregnant ladies are exempt, of course. For men the number is 40”. Of course this isn't a diagnostic tool. There are lots of risk factors for chronic diseases. Waist circumference is just one of them. If you have concerns definitely see your doctor. Tips for helping reduce some belly fat:
Recipe (High fiber side dish): Garlic Lemon Roasted Brussel Sprouts Serves 4 1 lb brussel sprouts (washed, ends removed, halved) 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice dash salt and pepper Preheat oven to 400F. In a bowl toss sprouts with garlic, oil, and lemon juice. Spread on a baking tray and season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 15 minutes. Toss. Bake for another 10 minutes. Serve and Enjoy! Tip: Brussel sprouts contain the fat-soluble bone-loving vitamin K. You may want to eat them more often. References: HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/research-abdominal-fat-and-risk" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/research-abdominal-fat-and-risk HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/visceral-fat-location" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/visceral-fat-location HYPERLINK"http://www.drsharma.ca/inspiring-my-interest-in-visceral-fat" http://www.drsharma.ca/inspiring-my-interest-in-visceral-fat HYPERLINK"https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-definition/abdominal-obesity/" https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-definition/abdominal-obesity/ HYPERLINK"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/weights-poids/guide-ld-adult/qa-qr-pub-eng.php#a4" HYPERLINK"https://authoritynutrition.com/6-proven-ways-to-lose-belly-fat/" https://authoritynutrition.com/6-proven-ways-to-lose-belly-fat/ HYPERLINK"https://authoritynutrition.com/20-tips-to-lose-belly-fat/" https://authoritynutrition.com/20-tips-to-lose-belly-fat/ You may feel tired, cold or that you've gained weight. Maybe your digestion seems a bit more “sluggish”.
You may be convinced that your metabolism is slow. Why does this happen? Why do metabolic rates slow down? What can slow my metabolism? Metabolism includes all of the biochemical reactions in your body that use nutrients and oxygen to create energy. And there are lots of factors that affect how quickly (or slowly) it works, i.e. your “metabolic rate” (which is measured in calories). But don't worry – we know that metabolic rate is much more complicated than the old adage “calories in calories out”! In fact it's so complicated we're only going to list a few of the common things that can slow it down. Examples of common reasons why metabolic rates can slow down:
Low thyroid hormones Your thyroid is the master controller of your metabolism. When it produces fewer hormones your metabolism slows down. The thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) tell the cells in your body when to use more energy and become more metabolically active. Ideally it should work to keep your metabolism just right. But there are several things that can affect it and throw it off course. Things like autoimmune diseases and mineral deficiencies (e.g. iodine or selenium) for example. Tip: Talk with your doctor about having your thyroid hormones tested. Your history of dieting When people lose weight their metabolic rate often slows down. This is because the body senses that food may be scarce and adapts by trying to continue with all the necessary life functions and do it all with less food. While dieting can lead to a reduction in the amount of fat it unfortunately can also lead to a reduction in the amount of muscle you have. As you know more muscle means faster resting metabolic rate. Tip: Make sure you're eating enough food to fuel your body without overdoing it. Your size and body composition In general, larger people have faster metabolic rates. This is because it takes more energy to fuel a larger body than a smaller one. However, you already know that gaining weight is rarely the best strategy for increasing your metabolism. Muscles that actively move and do work need energy. Even muscles at rest burn more calories than fat. This means that the amount of energy your body uses depends partly on the amount of lean muscle mass you have. Tip: Do some weight training to help increase your muscle mass. Which leads us to... Your activity level Aerobic exercise temporarily increases your metabolic rate. Your muscles are burning fuel to move and do “work” and you can tell because you're also getting hotter. Even little things can add up. Walking a bit farther than you usually do, using a standing desk instead of sitting all day, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can all contribute to more activity in your day. Tip: Incorporate movement into your day. Also, exercise regularly. Lack of sleep There is plenty of research that shows the influence that sleep has on your metabolic rate. The general consensus is to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Tip: Try to create a routine that allows at least 7 hours of sleep every night. Recipe (Selenium-rich): Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Serves 4 ½ cup Brazil nuts 2 cups water nut bag or several layers of cheesecloth (optional) ½ cup chia seeds ¼ cup unsweetened cacao powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon maple syrup Blend Brazil nuts in water in a high-speed blender until you get smooth, creamy milk. If desired, strain it with a nut bag or several layers of cheesecloth. Add Brazil nut milk and other ingredients into a bowl and whisk until combined. Let sit several minutes (or overnight) until desired thickness is reached. Serve & Enjoy! Tip: Makes a simple delicious breakfast or dessert topped with berries. References: HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/metabolic-damage" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/metabolic-damage HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/thyroid-and-testing" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/thyroid-and-testing HYPERLINK "http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-energy-balance" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-energy-balance HYPERLINK "https://authoritynutrition.com/6-mistakes-that-slow-metabolism/" https://authoritynutrition.com/6-mistakes-that-slow-metabolism/ HYPERLINK"https://authoritynutrition.com/10-ways-to-boost-metabolism/" https://authoritynutrition.com/10-ways-to-boost-metabolism/ HYPERLINK "http://summertomato.com/non-exercise-activity-thermogenesis-neat" http://summertomato.com/non-exercise-activity-thermogenesis-neat Have you said “bye bye” to sleeping through the night?
Are you feeling exhausted or “running on stress hormones” all day? Do not fear, we have some great tips (and an amazing recipe) for you! The science of sleep is fascinating, complicated and growing. Sleep is this daily thing that we all do and yet we're just beginning to understand all of the ways it helps us and all of the factors that can affect it. Lack of sleep affects just about everything in your body and mind. People who get less sleep tend to be at higher risk for so many health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer; not to mention effects like slower metabolism, weight gain, hormone imbalance, and inflammation. And don't forget the impact lack of sleep can have on moods, memory and decision-making skills. Do you know that lack of sleep may even negate the health benefits of your exercise program? (Gasp!) OMG – What aspect of health does sleep not affect??? Knowing this it's easy to see the three main purposes of sleep:
Do you know how much sleep adults need? It's less than your growing kids need but you may be surprised that it's recommended that all adults get 7 - 9 hours a night. For real! Try not to skimp! (Don't worry, we have you covered with a bunch of actionable tips below.) Tips for better sleep The biggest tip is definitely to try to get yourself into a consistent sleep schedule. Make it a priority and you're more likely to achieve it. This means turning off your lights 8 hours before your alarm goes off. Seven. Days. A. Week. I know weekends can easily throw this off but by making sleep a priority for a few weeks your body and mind will adjust and thank you for it. Balance your blood sugar throughout the day. You know, eat less refined and processed foods and more whole foods (full of blood-sugar-balancing fiber). Choose the whole orange instead of the juice (or orange-flavoured snack). Make sure you're getting some protein every time you eat. During the day get some sunshine and exercise. These things tell your body it's daytime; time for being productive, active and alert. By doing this during the day it will help you wind down more easily in the evening. Cut off your caffeine and added sugar intake after 12pm. Whole foods like fruits and veggies are fine, it's the “added” sugar we're minimizing. Yes, this includes your beloved chai latte. Both caffeine and added sugar can keep your mind a bit more active than you want it to be come evening. (HINT: we have a great caffeine-free chai latte recipe for you below!). Have a relaxing bedtime routine that starts 1 hour before your “lights out” time (that is 8 - 10 hours before your alarm is set to go off). This would include dimming your artificial lights, nixing screen time and perhaps reading an (actual, not “e”) book or having a bath. So how many of these tips can you start implementing today? Recipe (Caffeine-free latte for your afternoon “coffee break”): Caffeine-Free Chai Latte Serves 1-2 1 bag of rooibos chai tea (rooibos is naturally caffeine-free) 2 cups of boiling water 1 tablespoon tahini 1 tablespoon almond butter (creamy is preferred) 2 dates (optional) Cover the teabag and dates (if using) with 2 cups of boiling water and steep for a few minutes. Discard the tea bag & place tea, soaked dates, tahini & almond butter into a blender. Blend until creamy. Serve and Enjoy! Tip: You can try this with other nut or seed butters to see which flavour combination you like the best. Cashew butter anyone? References: HYPERLINK "http://www.thepaleomom.com/gotobed/" http://www.thepaleomom.com/gotobed/ HYPERLINK"http://www.precisionnutrition.com/hacking-sleep" http://www.precisionnutrition.com/hacking-sleep Yes, we're talking testosterone. That muscle-building hormone. But we're not going to recommend that you take any anabolic steroid hormones or anything like that.
We are going to give you two solid tips on how you can boost your testosterone levels naturally with supplements. Tip #1: Get enough zinc Zinc is an essential mineral that helps with a number of processes in your body (it helps over 300 enzymes). Zinc helps your immune system, helps to produce critical proteins and DNA, and also helps with wound healing. Enough zinc is necessary to maintain healthy skin and for optimal ability to taste and smell. Zinc is an antioxidant and can be supplemented to support optimal levels of testosterone because it helps the enzymes that converts cholesterol into testosterone. Zinc is found mostly in red meat, poultry, egg yolks, and shellfish. Some plants can also provide zinc such as beans and nuts. The best dietary source is oysters. The daily recommended dose of zinc for men is 11 mg/day (for women it's 8 mg/day). Low zinc levels are rare but tend to occur in vegetarians/vegans, athletes, and people who sweat a lot (zinc is lost in sweat). And low zinc levels have been linked to low testosterone levels. Of course if you don't get enough zinc in your diet you can always supplement. Before you do, however, consider a few things: It is possible to get too much zinc so unless your doctor tells you never take more than 40 mg/day. For many people just 5-10 mg/day is enough to prevent deficiency. Zinc supplements can also interact with certain medications so be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if zinc supplements are safe for you. Zinc supplements are best taken 2-hours away from any medications (if it's safe to use it at all while taking those medications) and should be taken with food. Tip #2: Get enough vitamin D Vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin” is actually the most common nutrient that we in North America just simply don't get enough of. Not only is it not very abundant in foods but most places far from the equator don't get enough sunlight to produce adequate levels year round. Hello winter; goodbye sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D is known to help us absorb calcium from our foods and is also necessary for our immune system, nervous system, and muscular system. As with zinc if you're deficient in this nutrient you may experience increased testosterone levels after supplementing. Vitamin D deficiency is most commonly associated with bone conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. It is a fat-soluble vitamin and is found in fatty fish, organ meats, and egg yolks. Unfortunately it isn't abundant in most other un-fortified foods. The bottom line with vitamin D is that you may need to supplement. Of course if you're always outside in the sun or eat fatty fish every day you may be the exception. You can always ask your doctor to check your blood levels to be sure because vitamin D is another one of those nutrients where more is not always better. Here are a few tips to supplement with vitamin D safely and effectively: Read your labels and don't overdo it. Never supplement with more than 4,000IU/day unless supervised by your doctor. As with zinc (and most other supplements) you should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any medications. Take your vitamin D with some fat to help your body absorb this vitamin. It is often recommended that you take it with the largest meal of the day. Note that vitamin D is also found in cod liver oil, and multivitamins, so you may not need to take it separately (read your labels). Summary: If you aren't getting enough zinc and/or vitamin D every day your testosterone levels may be a bit low but don't overdo these two essential nutrients. Recipe (vitamin D and zinc): Honey Sesame Salmon Serves 4 2-3 lbs salmon fillets ¼ cup soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos ¼ cup sesame oil 1 lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons honey or coconut nectar 1” of ginger, shredded or 1 teaspoon ginger powder 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2 tablespoons diced green onions or chives 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Mix soy sauce/tamari/aminos, sesame oil, lemon juice, honey/coconut nectar and ginger together to make a marinade. Place salmon in a glass dish and cover with marinade. Let sit for a few hours or overnight. Heat a large cast iron frying pan over medium heat and add coconut oil. Place salmon in pan skin side down and cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour marinade into the pan, lower the heat and cook for 3-5 more minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Sprinkle with diced green onions/chives and sesame seeds. Serve and Enjoy! Tip: Wild salmon can contain up to 4 times the amount of vitamin D as farmed salmon. References: HYPERLINK "https://examine.com/nutrition/how-can-i-increase-testosterone-naturally/" https://examine.com/nutrition/how-can-i-increase-testosterone-naturally/ HYPERLINK "http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/reference/table/ref_elements_tbl-eng.php" http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/reference/table/ref_elements_tbl-eng.php HYPERLINK "http://thewellnessbusinesshub.com/yes-nutrient-deficiencies-heres-proof-can/" http://thewellnessbusinesshub.com/yes-nutrient-deficiencies-heres-proof-can/ HYPERLINK "https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/" https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/ HYPERLINK "http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=zinc.mono&lang=eng" http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=zinc.mono&lang=eng HYPERLINK "https://examine.com/supplements/Zinc/" https://examine.com/supplements/Zinc/ HYPERLINK "https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/" https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/ HYPERLINK "http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=183&lang=eng" http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=183&lang=eng HYPERLINK "https://examine.com/supplements/Vitamin+D/" https://examine.com/supplements/Vitamin+D/ HYPERLINK "https://authoritynutrition.com/8-ways-to-boost-testosterone/" https://authoritynutrition.com/8-ways-to-boost-testosterone/ HYPERLINK "https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show?ndbno=15087&fg=&man=&lfacet=&format=Abridged&count=&max=25&offset=0&sort=c&qlookup=&rptfrm=nl&nutrient1=328&nutrient2=309&nutrient3=&subset=0&totCount=5376&measureby=m" https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show?ndbno=15087&fg=&man=&lfacet=&format=Abridged&count=&max=25&offset=0&sort=c&qlookup=&rptfrm=nl&nutrient1=328&nutrient2=309&nutrient3=&subset=0&totCount=5376&measureby=m HYPERLINK "https://authoritynutrition.com/9-foods-high-in-vitamin-d/" https://authoritynutrition.com/9-foods-high-in-vitamin-d/ |
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