Are your fluids making you fat?

I’ve been in the process of writing this formal article for quite some time.  Today I decided to finish it because I was inspired by all of the individuals I saw drinking extra calories because they were “thirsty.”  Watch out- those calories count, too.  Here’s a blurp from my latest article collection:

A little something to make you think before you take your next drink.

In health- Amy

“The accessory drinking starts with the morning Grande, vanilla latte, then comes the lunchtime Vitamin Water™ with your soup and sandwich, an afternoon, pick-me-up 16 oz. soda and that glass of wine or beer with your dinner. What most people don’t take into account is accessory drinks all contain calories that dump into your day’s intake and can indeed contribute to a mushy waistline and thighs that jiggle. Did you ever stop to think that it could be your extra fluids that are making you fat?

 

Even though these lovely beauties taste so good and give you that feeling of “AHHHH” I feel so much better, they can understandably be a silent culprit to those extra pounds that just don’t seem to slip away. Whether you eat or drink more calories than your body needs it doesn’t matter. Those extra, unused sources of fuel will be stored in the body as fat! Accessory drinking not only contains calories, but often tons of sugar and plenty of artificial ingredients that could turn your hair purple, not to mention what it does to your insides.”

 

 

BOOT Camps have started

Just to let you all know I have started my Boot Camps this week.  I begin the Mind Body Core (MBC) camp next week in the studio and can’t wait to dig into helping others grow with their flexibility/mind body practice.  The Boot Camp on the trail went great for the first day (Tuesday) and I am looking forward to tomorrow morning’s roll call.  Here is a link to the blog which I post pertinent info about each session, plus have put the updated camp info on.

http://fitnessgatherings.wordpress.com

Visit the site, see what the campers are thinking and doing and maybe join us for a session or two.

Enjoy the moments of your day!

Amy

obese kids – even mainstream sees it

Heavy Teens Run Risk of Servere Liver Damage

For the health of your family, please read the above article from msnbc and the associated press. Obesity among our youth is keeping a similar pace to that of the adult population. Neither is acceptable.

What are you doing to keep your family healthy?

Healthy Cooking Tips

Health magazine strikes again with some wonderful tips on healthy cooking.  I’ve summarized and added a few comments of my own for your convenience. Tape these babies to your refrigerator so you have a constant reminder when you’re planning meals.

1. USE SMART FATS- opt for olive oil over saturated fats such as butter; avoid all sources of trans fats (margerine)

2. GO UNREFINED- Pick whole grains over refined ones: brown rice, bulgur, and whole wheat carry more fiber and other nutrients than refined grains

3. EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES- Goal is 5-13 servings per day choosing a variety of colors to get a range of antioxidants and vitamins

4. IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE MEAT- Meat is protein, but it also is a big source of saturated fat in many people’s diets.  Eat small amounts of lean meat, fish and poultry or try a vegetarian dish instead.

5. CHOOSE LOW-FAT DAIRY- Dairy is a good source of calcium, but you should replace whole-milk products with low fat or nonfat versions to cut down on saturated fat intake

6. KEEP PORTIONS REASONABLE- Watch your portion size, keep it to one serving to minimize extra calories.

7. USE SWEETS JUDICIOUSLY- Ironic how judicious rhymes with delicious because we all know that sweet foods can taste so good.  Problem is sugars of any kind, corn syrup, white sugar, honey, maple syrup, brown sugar add significant calories without any nutritional value.

8.  KEEP AN EYE ON SODIUM- USDA recommends consuming less than 2300 mg per day (about 1 tsp) daily.  Watch for hidden sodium content in your processed and pre-packaged foods.  Read your labels carefully!

9. GOR FOR THE FLAVOR- Enhance your food flavors with natural, healthy ingredients such as fresh herbs, spices and citrus.  It tastes great, and adds a little more nutritional value to the meal, too.

10. BE MINDFUL AND ENJOY- Make a conscious effort when selecting your foods, rather than grabbing the most convenient things.  Enjoy your food, savor the flavors, textures and smells and feel how much more satisfied you are with a great, nutritious meal.

Great principles to healthy cooking and meal planning.  Chomp into these when preparing your next meal and stay happy, healthy and moving.

Make it a fabulous, healthy day!

Amy