Eat your way to better health!
If you think you can starve your way to weight loss, think again! When we fast, our bodies move into starvation mode, assuming food is off the menu. Survival instinct then sets in, and our bodies store more fat in anticipation of that nutritional rainy day. Much better to eat little and often.
The next time you feel hungry, don’t reach for the cookie jar - have a nice cold glass of water instead. According to nutritionists, most of the time when we think we’re hungry, we’re not. We’re simply dehydrated. Try to drink two litres of water a day (but not too much at one time). Water can help you to avoid headaches, reduce food cravings, improve your skin, flush out impurities, and even help you to lose weight.
10,000 steps a day - that’s all it takes! Not sure how much you are walking? Buy a pedometer and have fun seeing how fast those steps add up. Walk to the local store instead of driving, get off the bus a stop or two earlier, walk to work, or go for a walk during the day - you’ll soon see a difference in your energy levels.
We’ve all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But did you know that an apple or two a day can also help to reduce cholesterol?
Winter getting you down? Don’t mope around – get out there and enjoy it! There’s so much to do - skiing, skating, toboganning, or just going for a brisk walk. The fresh air will clear your head and you’ll have so much fun in the great outdoors, you’ll soon realize that exercise doesn’t have to be hard work.
Many commercial salad dressings are high in fat, so here’s a Healthy Living tip. Prepare your salad in a plastic container, then add a teaspoon of dressing. Place the lid on the container, shake the salad to allow the dressing to mix in, and enjoy. That way you’ll get the taste of your favourite salad dressing without overdoing the fat intake.
Did you know that exercise helps to reduce cholesterol? If your cholesterol level is on the high side, eat less fat, drink less alcohol - and get out there and move!
If you cook with oil, here’s a great way to eat healthily and save money at the same time. Instead of pouring oil into the pan and then adding the food, try brushing the food with a bit of oil, then add the food to the hot pan. Not only will you reduce your fat intake - you’ll use a lot less oil and save money on your shopping bills.
And here’s food for thought: if men and women have different recommended daily calorie intake requirements – generally considered to be about 2000 for men and up to 1500 for women – why do so many of us automatically serve up equal portions at mealtimes? Surely women’s portions should be a quarter to a third less than those served up to men. Just another easy weight control tip from Healthy Living!
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
