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NUTRITION NEWS
Vitamin Water = NOT the Drink of Choice
Sorry folks, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Vitamin Water really isn't as healthy as we are made to believe, even if it is enhanced with vitamins and electrolytes. Believe me when I say I was bummed to find out that it contains CRYSTALLINE FRUCTOSE (CF) which has been referred to as the "next generation of high fructose corn syrup." If you read the label on the bottles, you will see that this is the 2nd ingredient listed. Yea, not so good.
So what is CF? In short, it is a man made fructose which doesn't stimulate your insulin nor enhance leptin production. Leptin and insulin act as key signals to tell our brain when we've had enough to eat. Studies have linked fructose to weight gain. In addition, fructose has been known to increase triglycerides which is linked to heart disease. Oh, and since I'm on a roll, guess I should also mention that CF may also contain heavy metals, arsenic, lead or chloride.
You may ask, what are some alternatives then to Vitamin Water? It's important of course to consume healthy, natural whole foods. And when it comes to replenishing our bodies with electrolytes after a hard workout, perhaps try coconut water--it's refreshing, natural, high in potassium and electrolytes, and contains antioxidants.
Glaceau
smartwater is another recommendation. It's simply vapor distilled water enhanced with electrolytes (designed to keep your body hydrated and to replace the sodium your body loses during workouts.)
Now that I've been informed about CF, no matter how much I've enjoyed the XXX with antioxidants and the amusing "short stories" written behind each Vitamin Water flavor, I'll opt for good ole pure water to quench my thirst.
Click here to learn more.
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In the NEWS...
Veggies naturally rot in your stomach.
click here
Meat can rot in your stomach too if you do this...
click here
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Dedicated to Making an IMPACT on your Health. |
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GREETINGS!
It's fair time! Make that the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton. It's got everything you could want from deep fried Oreos to horse racing!
My Favorite Blues Group: The Terry Hanck Band
This band above is the reason I go to the fair. For those of you who know Su Wong from her yoga classes at Club Sport, her husband Johnny Cat Soubrand is the guitar player. They are playing in the Beer and Wine Garden from 5:30 pm to close every night (fair is closed Tuesdays). Great little cozy spot out of the sun, under the trees.
The fair is going on until July 10th. Hope to see you there!
See more here: Alameda County Fair.
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How to Balance Your Journeys & Destinations
"It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
- Ursula K. LeGuin
So here it is; a secret, simple and super effective state of mind that helps you go about your daily activities with purpose, passion and patience. The mind-set you are about to learn will allow you to relax at the right time, and be totally focused when needed. This is one of the most important Yin and Yang's to master in one's life;
~ The balanced ebb and flow between focused-purpose and relaxed-rejuvenation. ~
If you can be in one of those states at all times, while balancing your time between them, you will be damn happy, productive and healthy.
I am not one to waste time; in fact wasting time is one of the few things that really gets on my nerves. So you know what I've done? I've figured out how to go through life and not waste ANY time at all, BOOYAH! Super productiveness and happiness at its best.
My friends used to tell me "just wait till you have kids and a family and we'll see how productive and relaxed you are then." Ha ha, well, I have a beautiful family now, including a 10 year old, and NOTHING has changed in that arena. I am as productive as ever, and better yet, I am happier than ever.
How do I do it? Well, simple really; I make sure that whatever I'm doing has purpose, no matter what, and that I balance these purposes between journeys and destinations. Even if I'm stuck in traffic or waiting in line somewhere, I find some way to connect with myself, relax or just be in the moment and observe what life has to offer.
Why have purpose all the time? Because the other option is to sit in traffic or wait in line and be totally pissed off or frustrated and miss the subtle lessons that life is constantly providing for me. No thanks. Been there. Done that. I've learned and am ready to move on to constant self-improvement and awareness. And oh yeah, sometimes the purpose is to not have any purpose or destination whatsoever.
So why is purpose so important??
Click here to find out! |
Is Your Metabolism Healthy? - Part I
So, I just finished reading the 85,200,000 results from Google on "metabolism" and this article is my synopsis. Seriously, over 85 million search results on the internet for this topic. That's how important it is. And let me tell you just how much conflicting evidence and opinions there are on this subject, which I imagine are at the heart of why so many people are confused and simply fed up about how to lose weight and what metabolism even is.
I have read some absolutely awesome articles rooted in science and real-life populations, and then some seriously horrific ones from people trying to sell fat loss products and other total gimmicks. Gotta love the internet.
I am trying to keep this metabolism piece from being an encyclopedia, so I have condensed it into only 4 parts. I have dug deep and combined all of the main factors associated with metabolism into lots of bullet points and summaries with very few stories to get lost in. However, if we ever meet at a campfire I promise to tell you some neat metabolism stories and how long it took me to read over 85 million articles. With that, here is what these articles will cover;
Part I - What is metabolism and why is it important?
Part II - What increases and decreases your metabolism?
Part III - What is the healthiest way to lose fat FAST?
Part IV - How to restore your health naturally, phase by phase.
I have finished Part I and almost Part II and III. I know Part II sounds simple, but you know me, I have done my research and compiled a ton of info on the major factors affecting metabolism, including leptin and insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue and more. Plus, I have outlined ways to improve each situation. So stay tuned for the other parts coming very soon.
If I were to write my personal story about metabolism, it would start like this...
Click here to learn what metabolism is and why it's important. |
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Sweet Potato & Veggie Medley
Ingredients: - 2 sweet potatoes cut into wedges
- 2 T coconut oil (adjust to your preference)
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- raw cheddar cheese, grated
- salt and pepper
- 2 T coconut oil1/4 tsp salt or to taste
Directions: - In a skillet over medium heat, melt the coconut oil.
- Add the sweet potatoes, zucchini and green beans.
- Cook with the lid on until potatoes and veggies are tender (*if you prefer more crisp veggies and potatoes, cook on a higher heat setting without the lid.)
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove pan from heat and spread the grated cheese over the top of your colorful creation!
*(Side note: cooking over high heat for a prolonged period of time will result in a loss of nutrients. Click here for more info.) |
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THANK YOU for making my job my PASSION!
Sincerely,
Chris Hallford
Exercise Progression
Dedicated to Making an IMPACT on your Health |
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