Is Coffee Good For You??

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Everyday i start my morning with an orgasmic cup of coffee.  In fact i enjoy at least three cups of coffee in the mornings.  I have always assumed that this probably wasn't the best habit to be keeping up with; but after looking it up i found out that its quite the opposite actually.  It is actually great for you! 

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Coffee is such an amazing "superfood" if you will because of that large amounts of antioxidants.  These little antioxidants are what help us repair cell damage which we can all use once in a while.  They also manage to help us clean our blood which helps prevent heart disease; especially in women. 

"It was found that women who reported drinking two to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a 25 percent lower risk of death from heart disease than women who did not drink coffee and a smaller decreased risk was also seen for men." says "The Medical News"

Those are already some great reasons to keep drinking coffee in the morning.  Can you believe that I have EVEN more?!?! I do lol.

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A cup of joe in the morning can also help us out with our weight loss by giving us that pep we need to get going.  Increasing our metabolism which is great for burning off some extra calories during your day.  Coffee can even act as a hunger suppressant much like a nice glass of water can be, but keep in mind a really sugary milk filled cup isn't going to help you as it will officially be HIGH IN FAT, which is NOT what we want. 

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Coffee is even amazing when you drink more than one cup.  Apparently women who manage to drink three to four cups of coffee daily (specifically boiled coffee rather than filtered) are at lower risk to develop breast cancer.  They even found links to lack of cavities to drinking four or more cups a day.  So a few cups of coffee a day keeps the dentist away apparently!  

What other terms of fate can coffee help prevent?  Here's a list of some of the things i have talked about as well as somethings i haven't touched on yet.  

• Heart Disease 
• Alzheimer's 
• Diabetes
• Dementia
• Colon Cancer
• Cirrhosis
• Gallstones
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Headache Relief
• Asthma Relief
• Cavity Protection 

So DRINK UP!! 

sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_coffee

http://www.news-medical.net/news/2008/06/17/39269.aspx?page=2

http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongnutrition/a/coffee_health.htm

http://healthmad.com/health/10-health-benefits-of-coffee/

http://foodtocure.com/the-effect-of-coffee-on-cancer/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100615151255.htm

so apparently i drink no water...

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Since trying to keep track of the things i put into my body I noticed that I never drink water.  I have coffee, maybe a cup of milk with dinner and go to bed... I am surprised at how I am managing to make it through everyday without water!  So in order to get myself to warm up to this tasteless liquid I am going to have to post up some information as to WHY you should drink water.  Now I am lucky, I live in BC which is home to some of the BEST on tap water you can find on our planet.  So I have no excuse for not drinking it.  None at all... yet here I am not drinking it.  So I plan to track the amount of water I drink, aim for a full eight glasses but will be REALLY happy with at least six, considering i'm exercising now and need it.  I think the key is to really be aware of what i'm doing, they say that your body confuses thirst and hunger so to coincide with my "wait a minute before i eat something" rule I going to add to it if i'm hungry drink a glass of water and think about it first.  I will also go to a glass a water over any other liquid in the fridge!  Water is a great partner for our weight loss plan cause it can even suppress our hunger.  Great thing to "eat" in that extra long wait time from lunch till dinner.  It even increases your metabolism.  

Now there are some great reason to choose water over any other liquids, I swear!  I wouldn't have wasted all this time researching writing this up for you all to read.  So to begin one of the best reasons for picking up a glass of water over a glass of juice is that it helps prevent kidney stones!  My father has had kidney stones I think five or six times in his lifetime; I have heard how painful it is and I can tell you one thing, I don't want to pee out "shards of glass" as he put it.  Water does this by keeping the urine diluted which prevents the salt/calcium build-ups that make up kidney stones.

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Water helps your skin look more gorgeous, so they say.  It helps keep our skin from becoming dehydrated which can make it appear MORE wrinkled and saggy.  If you have dark bags under your eyes a few more glasses of water might be right up your alley!  It also helps cleansing your skin by sweating, yes you need to compensate for the water you loose sweating in a day.  Sweating is a way for your pores to clean themselves out of daily toxins like pollutions, oils etc...

When it comes to high weights most people have high blood pressure concerns.  If you are one of those people, add water to your diet, make a point of it.  Increasing your water intake can help your body filter out all that unhealthy salt.  Drinking water can also prevent your blood vessels from constricting so that you aren't loosing water nearly as quickly as you would be if you were dehydrated, who knew!

Do the same thing I am doing just be aware of what you are or AREN'T putting into your body, make adjustments to help fit your needs, I know ALOT of you could benefit from extra water intake even it if is just for better skin!  


sources:
http://thetaoofgoodhealth.com/10-health-reasons-why-you-should-drink-more-water-4/
http://www.womens-health-questions.com/how-much-water-to-lose-weight.html 
http://www.wikihow.com/Love-the-Taste-of-Water

Fighting A "Losing" Battle

 

I was never a skinny kid, I was what my Grammy called "Big Boned". But everyone include me knew that was a polite way of saying I wasn't skinny. I grew up with the stress of taking care of my parents, who were divorced. My mother suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia and my father was legally blind and was diabetic.

After jr. high I enrolled in an all girls boarding high school (even though I was a day student). I used food as a crutch to manage the pressure my father put on me to fit in with my new surroundings and get involved in something I really didn't want to do.  Especially with all the responsibilities I had at both homes. I would have breakfast at home while watching my morning shows, then since my Grandfather would bring me to school early I would hang and socialize eat till my first class started. After two years of this behavior even my legally blind father noticed the extra pounds that were following me around. He would tell me I was fat and needed to lose weight (like he did with my mother). Finally it sunk in; food was bad. I topped out at 136lbs on the scale, when that number stared back at me I knew I had to cut things out. It started with skipping breakfast, then lunch and eventually led to a whole day without food. Whittled my way down to 93 lbs. In my mind I was beautiful, bones popping out everywhere fitting into a nonexistent size. I looked just like my bulimic mother.

After a few months of this I couldn't keep it up. I finally had to start eating again, but it was ok because I counted every single itty bitty calorie that went into my mouth, and what did go into my body I made sure I exercised it off.  I wouldn't go to family functions so I wouldn't have to eat the foods. I would workout for 2 hours a day and this disease even caused me to not spend time the last few months with my Grammy as she was passing away from cancer. I went up to 95lbs but stayed there till I met my hubby and he seemed to have turned me around. It took 6 years till I was comfortable to eat normal foods and to be healthy enough to get pregnant. Hubby held my hand constantly as the pregnancy weight came on and on until I leveled out at 133 lbs. Then the weight came off as fast as it came.

I still struggle in the mirror. Looking at the figure that will never be perfect but over the years have come to be ok with that. I still watch what I eat, but I splurge when the occasion calls for it. I am still a fitness freak, but to be healthy and because I am doing this to keep my body in shape not to lose weight. And I know that I will never do to my daughter what my father did to me. She is told constantly even at her early 6 months of age that she is beautiful just the way she is.

~Erin "Fitness Mama"

Yes Chocolate is still our friend!

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I am doing this for us all.  To save what small amount of sanity we may have from whatever food challenges we may have!  To you my bloggies!  I have found every justification possible for eating your faithful friend, Mr. Chocolate (60% cocoa or higher though, no refined sugars or milk fats!); the constantly reliable and always pleasing.  Like I have heard many women say "I don't have to get laid, but sometimes I HAVE to have chocolate!"

So what are some of the amazing reasons why we can eat our dark little friend?

Well for one, you may notice that a large amount of moisturizers have cocoa butter in them.  That is because it has been proven to actually help your skin and prevent wrinkles.  That's right.  The cocoa butter itself has antioxidants and fats that help with protecting your skin from the elements and keep it soft by locking in moisture it so desperately needs sometimes.  Heck it even improves your oral health!  It can reduce bad breath, relieve bleeding gums and even prevents cavities.  I mean honestly, now you know when someone has zombie breath you can look at them sweetly and offer then a piece of dark chocolate?!  Win, win right there; i tell ya what. 

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That's right we all knew that we loved chocolate, but did you realize that chocolate can actually brighten your mood?  When eating chocolate you actually produce endorphins which gives you that divine-omg-i'm-in-heaven feeling; as well as it makes you produce serotonin which is actually your bodies natural anti-depressant, so call it your medication on a bad day!  These too little wonder workers can even help jump start your libido.  You heard me, it can actually help you in the bedroom, there's a GREAT reason to get edible body paints *giggle*.  Oh yes and too all you hubbies out there, it has even been shown to help cope with the dreaded PMS!!! OOOooooOOO, box of chocolates every time aunt flow comes to town?!  I just might not smother him in his sleep then! 

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"A study led by Professor Ian Macdonald found that consumption of a cocoa drink rich in flavanols — a key ingredient of dark chocolate — boosts blood flow to key areas of the brain for two to three hours." [http://www.physorg.com/news91278813.html]

What exactly does that mean?  Well, it means it may help with improve your mental abilities and general alertness for a couple hours.  I guess much like a cup of coffee but WAY yummier and without the jitters lol.  It has even been shown that it helps enhance brain function for those fighting daily battles with chronic fatigue, sleep deprivation (eat up new mummies!!), and don't forget the nasty effects of aging.

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As your hearts are palpitating at the thought that you have a GOOD reason to eat your chocolate I have EVEN more of them for you.  All the reasons your heart will say "thank you for that sweet dark chocolate!" 

"Yale University Associate Professor Dr. David Katz recently tested the blood pressure of 45 adults before and after eating dark chocolate. The results were impressive: just two hours after eating dark chocolate the subjects' blood pressure dropped and their blood flow improved." [http://www.allchocolate.com/health/basics/cardio.aspx]

That IS impressive!  What exactly does chocolate do for you?!  Well, it helps you relax letting your artery walls widen increasing blood flow, which in turn helps prevent a build up of plaque and even has an anti-blood clotting properties.  All of those things are important to help improve your heart health and to help PREVENT anything "heart-un-healthy." 

Dark chocolate contains the same properties found in red wine and some teas; they're called flavanols.  These are important "because they deactivate unstable molecules in your blood called free radicals."  Which can aggravate your blood cholesterol and create clogs in your, ever so precious, arteries.  They also manage to help with the production of nitric oxide which your artery walls need in order to relax and widen.  

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Can chocolate help you on your weight loss journey?  Why yes, yes it can!  Believe it folks, dark chocolate has been proven to be an effective appetite suppressant.  Once piece of rich dark chocolate can punch out your cravings and help you last until dinner!  In fact it has actual chemicals in it to help suppress your craving for sweets! AMAZING! 

So what more could you possibly ask for from one of your fav food items?!  Not much right?  So your welcome lol "The little fat girl that could; making your favorite foods just THAT much more edible!"

sources:
http://ezinearticles.com/?More-Reasons-to-Eat-Chocolate&id=1209317
http://www.laurelonhealthfood.com/2007/09/10-reasons-to-eat-more-chocolate/
http://www.physorg.com/news91278813.html
http://www.allchocolate.com/health/basics/cardio.aspx

"Where Bullying Comes From"

I was reading this great ladies blog the other day to find myself becoming very upset.  She was sharing with us this woman's story about her struggle with weight and bullying.  I was astonished to hear of this poor woman being bullied not only by children but by the mother of those children.  I was so taken aback by this story being pudgy myself, I was just crushed.  I felt for this poor woman so deeply. 

I could feel her tears streaming down my face as I read her pain.  She retells her story of being "humiliated at the hands of a three year old and the inconsiderate hands of her mother."  I can't even tell you how angry this made me.  MBJ made an amazing point, bullying has been a very active part of the media these last few months.  Many of you are concerned about our children and bullying, i bet even this "inconsiderate mother," and yet there she was; the product of an example many unknowingly live by despite what they preach.  This just breaks my heart that this woman just didn't care to teach her child how rude that was and how you shouldn't judge others by their differences etc... Just because we're big doesn't mean we can't hear you or feel sadness at your hand.  The extra blubber, let me tell you, isn't a buffer to your abuse and lack of empathy.  We look at ourselves everyday and nothing you say can probably compare to the things we think of ourselves, so why be so cruel.  Why don't you correct the behavior to change an ever failing future?  To make strides forwards and not back.   

I had to share this story, there was no way I couldn't pass this along.  So we could all send a little love their way.  My heart goes out to her I wish her the best with a cherry on top!

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Scrumptious Sunday! Quaker Chocolate Swirl Chewy Granola Bars Review

Welcome to our regular scrumptious Sunday feature. Every Sunday we will be sharing our yummy recipes and fav low cal snacks with you to help you find yummy things to eat that wont go straight to your hips! 

As a general rule for myself I tend to stick with snacks that are under 100 calories. I also tend to lean toward the sweeter snacks as well. Now a days the aisles are full of pre-portioned 100 snack packs. Those are great except if your shopping on a budget. To spend $3.00 or more for only 5 packs isn't the best deal. Sometimes it's better to do some research on nutrition. You might be surprised the price difference in a product where the package doesn't scream 100 calories per portion but will have the same nutrition.

Chewy bars are a great healthy little snack for the middle of the day. With 10 bars in a box and a price tag of $2.50 you can't turn that down. The best part about this affordable snack is that they are normally 100 calories or less, so you are basically getting 5 extra bars for less then the 100 packs!

When I was ready for a snack change for my 3pm snack (yes everyone I have a food schedule) I was looking for something chocolaty. After scoffing at the prices of all the 100 calorie packs I went down the snack aisles of my local Walmart searching for something else. There they were looking at me and my mouth watered, Quaker Chocolate Swirl Chewy Granola Bars. Oh they looked so perfect. Now called me weird, lord knows hubby does all the time, but I love my snack bars cold. So I put them in the fridge as soon as we got home so they'd be perfect for later in the day.
 

When 3pm rolled around I jumped for excitement to try these. I opened the box and even the wrappers shouted chocolate! "YUM" (wait did I just say yum for a wrapper, anyhoo). I ripped the shiny wrapper  off and examined the pretty swirled white and dark chocolate chips on the top of the cocoa bar. Although I think there could have been a few more, I was pleasantly surprise at how good these bars are. It reminds me a little of cocoa pebbles. I will definitely be buying these again, although I will be keeping my eye out for the mint chocolate ones (OOOOOO mint chocolate).

I'd give these a solid 8/10 only cause I wish there were a few more chips on top or maybe even through out the bar.

~Erin "Fitness Mama"

Eat to cope

As many of you, you are like me and use food to cope for many reasons.  You may not now it or care to realize it but ask yourself this.  Do you eat when you are not hungry!? If yes, you could be eating for some of MY reasons, boredom, restless-ness, or stressed out from everything that can happen in a day whatever that may be.  I even run to comfort foods when i'm sad.

Personally i think this has come from having a mom that feed me to make me feel better as a child.  Unfortunately I do the same thing with my boys so i'm not really leading by example here.  Do something good i get a FOOD reward, get a "boo-boo" you get a cookie to cheer up etc etc... I am sure many of you are guilty of the same thing.  But how do we stop this?!  How can I?!

By being aware that I am eating for no good reason.  Perhaps to create a "food schedule" like Erin does for herself, to keep me aware of what i'm eating and for what reasons.  So I am going to add another "commandment" to my list.

5. I will wait one FULL minute before decided to eat anything.  To ask myself, am I really hungry?

This way i hope to bring some thought into when i eat, why i eat and to be aware of the kinds of food i'm putting in my body.  I'm not starving but maybe instead of that cookie i'll grab a piece of fruit.  Maybe that will work.  Just a pause of thought in my over eating process.

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So before I stuff myself I will think, I will demand my stomach shut up for a minute and for my head to put the thought of food aside long enough for me to make a rational choice about what i'm going to eat.  Fair enough.  So WAKE UP HEAD!  And to my stomach... i promise not to starve you if you promise not to nag me and be patient with our eating adjustments.  

 

What are some reasons why you eat or make bad food decisions?  How are you going to change it?  Share your tips and tricks with us!