If you, like Mr. Mojito, plan to spend a lot of quiet time this month, you may want to factor in some regular breaks for movement and refreshments.  While this may seem counterintuitive, better focus on the task at hand is achieved if your blood is flowing and your energy level is strong.  The typical afternoon lull makes many of us yearn for a nap.  But that nap may just be a result of slowing down to "idle speed".  Movement and appropriate nutrition will put some pep in your step and increase your cognitive abilities.  

If you are at work, take a restroom break and head to the "head" that is farthest away.  The walk will get your blood flowing, your heart pumping and your brain engaged.  You might also stoke the fire within with a handful of fresh blueberries or strawberries.  You could also munch on a couple of stalks of celery stuffed with low fat or fresh ground peanut butter.  Did you make any protein pancakes from the recipe featured in last month's newsletter?  Of course you did.  So make some more because you know those tempting treats make a great afternoon snack and are easily portable.  Additional suggestions include a splash of low fat Greek yogurt or even a serving of oatmeal.  

Regardless of the circumstance, movement and nutrition are essential ingredients to healthy living.

For further clarification, we suggest reviewing this slide show to avoid getting tricked into believing certain foods may be good for you when, in fact, they are not.

Healthy Foods That Can Make You Fat - 1 - MSN Health & Fitness 

Speaking of trickery, it is easy to believe that Human Growth Hormone serves no useful purpose because of all the bad press it routinely receives.  Esteemed NY Times Personal Health columnist, Jane Brody, delivers a great overview of HGH, its applications and benefits, while still acknowledging the bad reputation achieved because of abuses suffered at the hands of professional athletes.

For many hormone-deficient children, HGH is the only hope for a life close to normal.  Medically supervised, regularly administered dosages help children reach age-appropriate height that would be otherwise impossible.  This brilliant dissertation is available here: www.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/health/04brod.html?nl=health&emc=healthupdateemb3

"While properly administered, medically necessary HGH injections are often literal lifesavers, the same cannot be said for those same injections delivered to healthy adults.  Research indicates that healthy adults use HGH to ward off old age, to lose weight, to grow stronger and to heal faster.
 
However, two of our favorite medical sources, WebMD and the Mayo Clinic, both offer information regarding potential nasty side effects of HGH when taken by healthy adults.
                
Healthy adults who take HGH put themselves at risk for joint and muscle pain, swelling in the arms and legs, carpel tunnel syndrome, and insulin resistance. In the elderly, these symptoms are more profound.  Men may suffer gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement).
 
In order to be effective, HGH must be injected so anyone taking a pill might just as well eat a Tic-Tac.  Injectable HGH is by prescription only, so unless it came from a doctor, the quality and safety are dubious.
 
WebMD and the Mayo Clinic indicate there is no substantial evidence linking HGH to significant weight loss or strength-building.  For that matter, they find nothing to suggest it is a "fountain of youth" either.  If your goal is to lose weight, get stronger and live longer, your best bet is to make lasting lifestyle changes.  Maybe hire a personal trainer...just sayin'..."