Food can be as powerful a substance as any other drug. You may have seen programmes like half-ton hospital where patients are bed-bound for years and their sleep interspersed with deliveries of fast food. These are at the extreme end, on the brink of death through overloading their systems to freakish proportions. So what is the pull with food and what about the rest of us who aren’t quite that extreme?Well there are many systems at work both physically and psychologically when we eat and we often get the signals confused. Like a need for company translating as a need to eat.For example lets look at carbohydrate cravings. When we could just murder for fresh bread and butter, a gooey chocolate cream cake or a hot bowl of steaming salt ‘n’ vinegar chips. Some of us can control these urges but for others nothing else will do, control goes AWOL; it’s no longer a want it’s a have to. Sensations are magnified especially when we’re on a diet and have been restricting and obsessing about the food even more than usual.The drive, the urge, the cravings, the salivating, the heart beating, the steely focus, the excitement and the anticipation of the fix of sinking our teeth into the juicy triple cheeseburger, our taste buds are tripping out.Then we get it in our sweaty hands, the wait is over, our whole day has been leading up to this moment. Our jaw aches and our mouth slobbers, oh my god, the release, the escape, the euphoria, it’s practically orgasmic!It’s funny, we only taste the first few bites properly but for some reason we can’t stop until everything is finished, gorged down with swigs of coke, then fries, then hot apple pie. Then a couple of bars of chocolate on the way home. Can’t breathe, painfully satisfied, feel bad, greedy, dirty as emerge from the bingeing frenzy back to earth with an overweight bang. We’ve let ourself down. Again. We have no will-power, just a fat pig and we hate ourself even more. There’s only one thing for it, we have to diet tomorrow.There are often also powerful emotional factors at play, as we eat to change the way we feel. And of course when we binge, it blocks stuff out really effectively, especially when the internal chatterbox becomes too unmanageable, too raw, and too real.The all too familiar story: no time to cook, kids are late for soccer practice and McDonald’s is on the way. Since it won’t take more than a few minutes to shoot through the drive through we’ll do the stop fast food in Lunch. Or all too familiar story number 2: lunch hour at work and I need to pick up my dry cleaning, fill a prescription, and take the car to get gas and find time to eat. Sure enough Taco Bell is on the way and they have a drive through as well. These real life situations play out for all of us, millions of us, everyday. Since time has become one of our most precious commodities the sacrifice we make is often in our diet. x
Posts Tagged ‘Healthy Living’
stop fast food in Lunch
January 3rd, 2010Don’t Let Health and Joy of Living to be Taken Away by Smoke in 2009 Too!
January 2nd, 2010In a crowded place a smart looking person, seated close to you, may ask you in a very polite manner “Do you mind if I smoke?” A seemingly innocent request to which your response will be to nod agreeably as if to say okay. We do not realize that such a mannerly question spells evil? Would you have nodded and said ‘okay’ if he had asked you the same question this way… “Do you mind if I poison you?” If he had asked you “May I have your permission to give you Cancer?” then your spot reaction would have been a strong objection.
After your okay to his initial polite question, the stranger will make his nest move. He will securely pull out a cigarette from his pocket. You won’t believe me if I state that it is an act very similar to pulling out a small gun, because a cigarette too, like a gun, can kill. But unlike a gun, a cigarette kills without drawing blood.
A gun releases one deadly bullet at one target at a time, but a cigarette releases a stream of deadly bullets, tiny in size, targeting every one at close range. These tiny bullets are smoke-particles that are harmful to both the smoker and the ones inhaling the smoke unintentionally as well, the second-hand smokers that include children as well.
The smoke coming out of a cigarette is so deadly that each cigarette can reduce the smoker’s life-span by around seven to eleven minutes. Also, it has been estimated that nine out of ten people who require heart-by-pass operations are smokers or ex-smokers. Therefore, smoking is the most preventable cause of death in Society.
We all have a vision in life as to where we want to end up. It is what we devotedly do with regular focus that takes us towards our vision. Similarly, the vision of a smoker is identified as ‘the Coffin’ and by his regular actions soon he will end up in it.
It is said that on average a smoker dies eight years earlier than a non smoker. Further more, eighty five percent of the causes of Lung Cancer is related to smoking. And it is a fact that a smoker is twelve times more likely to develop Lung Cancer.
The risks faced by the regular smokers are as follows;
1) Blood clots, which may lead to strokes etc,
2) Cancer,
3) Coronary artery disease, heart attacks,
4) Decreased ability to taste and smell,
5) Delay in wound healing,
6) High blood pressure,
7) Lung problems such as chronic bronchitis,
8) Pregnancy-related problems, including miscarriage, premature labor, low birth weight, risk of sudden infant death,
9) Tooth and gum diseases etc.
And those who are regularly around the smoke of others (secondhand smokers) have a higher risk of;
1) Coronary artery disease,
2) Lung Cancer,
3) Sudden and severe reactions involving the eye, nose, throat, and lower respiratory tract.
Meanwhile, the Infants and children that are exposed regularly to secondhand smoke are at risk of;
1) Asthma,
2) Infections,
3) Pneumonia,
4) Poor lung function,
5) Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) etc.
It is sad that in spite of imminent danger the smokers continue to enjoy smoking. And the tobacco industry too is thriving and playing a supportive role to the economy as a provider of more and more jobs. The smokers too generate jobs and income for doctors, grave- diggers etc.
If you are a smoker this is the time to make a New Year Resolution to stop this evil habit. Think of your children, family and loved ones and their future with you as the provider and guardian of the family. It is your obligation to your loved ones to live a long healthily life.
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avoid fast food for healthy life
January 1st, 2010There are two sides of the same coin. You may have heard arguments on both sides regarding healthy foods and fast foods. You may have asked yourself one time or another, are all fast food fat foods? Can you binge on fast food without worrying about your health? How can you eat fast food and still stay healthy?The United States is the leading country when it comes to obesity. The country is top three in the world in terms of existing fast food chains. When you put two and two together, you get to the conclusion that the popularity of fast food restaurants is affecting the health of the consumers.McDonalds’, one of the famous fast food chains in the world, faced a lawsuit in 2003 when parents of a teenage girl claimed that the fast food restaurant is responsible for their daughter’s health problems. Although the case was dismissed, it started the battle of fast food restaurants against health experts.Obesity is not something to laugh about. It can lead to all sorts of complications such as diabetes mellitus type 2, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and, of course, cardiovascular diseases. Aside from that, being on the heavy side can make a person the butt of jokes which ultimately results to social outcasts and suicidal attempts. Sedentary lifestyle and overeating are the main reasons why there are people who are considered obese.You should be familiar with the daily calorie intake. Your calorie intake highly depends on your weight and lifestyle. On average, health specialists stated that the daily calorie intake for women is 1200 calories while it is 1800 for men. Generally, one fast food meal has around 1000 calories.Most of the food offered by fast food restaurants are deep-fried or heated up in the microwave. These processes of food preparation take minimum time unlike home cooked meals. As a result, most fast food products have high calories and are practically swimming in trans-fat.If you take all of these into consideration, then yes, fast food is fat food. Health experts have grounds why they are against eating fast food products. On the other hand, it does not mean that you have to avoid fast food altogether to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Fast food restaurants were a hit because they serve food in minimum time, in good taste, and in lesser price. So how are you going to make the two ends meet?
How Smoking Cause Wrinkles
December 25th, 2009Okay, you know by now that smoking is bad for you. Smoking cigarettes causes cancer, emphysema, and a whole host of chronic health problems. In addition, it’s smelly and unattractive. But did you know that smoking could age your skin dramatically? Studies show that exposure to cigarette smoke is a leading factor in aging skin. Wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles under the eyes, sagging skin; all are results of exposure to the ravages of cigarette smoke.
Cigarette smoke, like other pollutants, damages the skin in part because it leads to the production of free radicals. These are unstable molecules that attack healthy cells. While they cause damage throughout our bodies, their ravages are most visible in the skin. When healthy cells are attacked, the skin appears dull, dry and blotchy.
Toxins really take their toll on skin. Modern anti-aging research shows that keeping the toxins out of our bodies leads to firmer skin with a more even tone. Reducing the amount of pollution and toxins will be reflected in your face. Even if you are not a smoker yourself, the presence of smoke in your environment is a real concern. We know that second-hand smoke causes health problems. It also causes aging in the skin.
Smoking reduces the levels of collagen in the skin. Collagen has been called the building block of our bodies. It is a protein, which acts as the glue that holds everything together. It is responsible for both elasticity and smoothness in the skin. Over time, collagen begins to break down, and the body has a harder time producing more. Wrinkles and sagging skin are the result. Cigarette causes collagen to degrade even more quickly, prematurely aging the skin.
Finally, smoking reduces circulation. This has two effects. A smoker’s skin is actually thinner than that of non-smokers. Thin skin is far more susceptible to wrinkles, age spots, dark circles, and other signs of aging. And lack of circulation means that less oxygen is flowing to the skin cells. Oxygen is a necessary ingredient in healthy skin.
Fortunately, quitting can make a real difference in the appearance of your skin. And using a quality anti-aging skin formula can help repair the damage.Some skin creams use a cutting-edge product which can visibly reduce fine lines, firm the skin, and provide the moisture needed to keep your face looking young and healthy. They are also full of top-quality antioxidants, key ingredients in fighting the damage caused by smoke exposure.
So try to stop smoking now! You know it’s bad for you, now you know that it will make you look old before your time.
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Healthy Foods and Their Impact on Your Lifestyle?
December 13th, 2009It is not a big list of diet foods, graphics, and a calendar of size will dietitian. Only simple thumb rules for a fit and healthy.
We are all aware of the five health risks well known that the claim many lives each year. And for those who fortunately did not suffer fatal consequences, simply ruin your health.
Think about it. You are in the prime of his life. Want to throw it all away just because you did not care enough? Or why not explore some simple fitness tips and a better life?
Why is Daily Exercise Required?
For better health, preventive measures or to get in shape, a number of things can be done to stay fit despite your busy routine. Let’s focus on fitness tips that focus on nutrition and running.
How to Maintain Fitness
If you reduce your training time a couple of weeks, do not worry, you can return to the current level of physics that their statements more quickly to normal schedule. But stop exercising at all.
Studies have shown that they can prevent the decline in cardiovascular health in just three weeks to achieve a higher intensity (70-75 percent of maximum heart rate) for less than two days a week.
How to Stay Away from Unhealthy Food?
Keep tabs on your vitals. Get regular health and fitness check so that companies control their cholesterol and blood pressure. As a general rule for the maximum blood pressure is 120/80.
As part of their fitness regime, stay away from fatty foods and fat. Yes, this is to cut most of the junk food and why not a healthy chicken sandwich or a tossed green salad is as attractive as a hamburger, right? Also, make sure you get enough calories each day, along with lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Through public service campaigns and governments increasingly into the act, the number of smokers has declined in recent years. But just because their children are less likely to become smokers does not mean you should be smoking. There are many ways to quit smoking and reduce cancer risk. Choose whichever method suits you best, but most experts say to stop abruptly, instead of treating gradually, is the most effective of all.
And finally, keep a cool head. How so? Manage your emotions – even if it means enrollment in a kind of anger management or get some training on personality development – that keep blood pressure under control.
If you keep anxiety or stress away, which helps prevent overeating, smoking and drinking, people usually use to counter stress. Makes sense, right? So you’re thinking this doesn’t sound like an “official” doctor’s prescription”, right? Well, it has all the ingredients for a good workout. I practiced and feel the difference.
1. Carbohydrates: Ensure that the fibrous vegetable and fruit starch bread, pasta, etc, or packages containing sugar, fruit juice, etc. Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables you want.
2. Proteins: The meat is good. Yes it is. It is difficult to achieve, enhance fat digestion due to heat. Do not fill in the bread, carbohydrates, if you have fatty meat, and vegetables to eat and move.
3. Fat: The aim of the monounsaturated fats in moderation. If you have your meals low in saturated fat oil pored over, then dump much oil as possible. If the food is fried, avoid it in favor of something else.
What are the Big Risks?
The big risk factors are Smoking, Heredity, High cholesterol, Diabetes and High blood pressure. What can you do to minimize the risks, especially those with high stress jobs?
Is there someone in your family have heart disease or diabetes? These diseases are inherited, and sometimes, no matter how healthy habits and lifestyle, you could suffer from them thanks to their genetic heritage.
For those with a history of these diseases, a regime of physical activity is a must. A morning or evening, better yet, go jogging in the morning will keep him out of danger. Make sure you get a minimum of five hours of walking or running a week.
