http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal.asp?id=TXHRT4U TXHRT4U's Blog on SparkPeople, home of free diet plans and a healthy living community http://assets2.sparkpeople.com/assets/nav/logo_spark.gif http://www.sparkpeople.com/ http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5362849 My first back to back Saturday 5k's. Not sure how I was going to do on this one considering I recovering from being sick the previous Saturday 5k. I did feel better when I woke up Saturday morning. I did manage to get at least 5 hrs of sleep vs. 2 hrs the previous Saturday. I felt like my body was finally over the sickness. I was excited race to race this one since it was a Christian run and events all day at the park. So that made me happy for my family. They would have something to d... Mon, 20 May 2013 22:30:17 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5356539 Peel A Banana <BR> <BR> As you probably know, bananas are an excellent source of potassium. <BR> It is not true, however, that bananas are the “fat-fruit” unless you eat <BR> a few dozen a week! What you may not know though is that potas-sium is essential for your body to be optimally hydrated. A lack of <BR> proper hydration is one of the top ways to depress your metabolism <BR> since every single energy process in your cells relies on a molecule of <BR> water at some point... Tue, 14 May 2013 16:44:25 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5355196 Saturday's 5k run was a success in that I finished. My time wasn't bad considering I was sick most of last week & no workouts. I placed 5th in my age group. Time was 25:12 It amazes me some of the competition that is in my age group. As you will see, 1st place guy ran it in 20:45. That is quick for our age group. Time to put that race behind me & get ready for this Saturday's 5k. <BR> <BR> Shout out to my wonderful and fabulous wife for getting up early to support her family at the runs. She... Mon, 13 May 2013 13:03:23 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5350004 (Continued) <BR> 8 Running Apps to Help You Train for Your Next Race (2 of 2) <BR> <BR> 5. Run Half Marathon <BR> <BR> Best for: Intermediate runners who want a structured training plan <BR> <BR> Cool features: This training program takes runners who feel comfortable running three miles a few times a week to completing a half marathon in just 13 weeks. The app features a built-in calendar to schedule your training runs, saves your stats (distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned), an... Wed, 8 May 2013 15:21:53 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5348697 8 Running Apps to Help You Train for Your Next Race <BR> <BR> <BR> 1. Couch to 5K <BR> <BR> Best for: Beginning runners <BR> <BR> Cool features: This app from Active.com will make finishing 3.1 miles a breeze after you complete the nine-week training plan, running just three days a week. You'll pick from one of five different "virtual coaches" to guide you through each workout, plus the app tracks your distance, pace, and routes, and it even shares your progress on Facebook (if you so de... Tue, 7 May 2013 13:50:17 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5345347 When you take your whey protein can make all the difference <BR> <BR> Contrary to what Consumer Reports would have you believe, supplementing with protein is not only safe but it’s extremely beneficial looking to build muscle and burn fat. Today, we will examine the importance of whey protein. This fast-digesting, muscle-building staple is vital to your efforts in the gym, but you have to observe dose and timing to get all its benefits. <BR> <BR> Preworkout, the standard whey protein recomm... Sat, 4 May 2013 13:19:49 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5344728 PUSH <BR> <BR> If you want to be able to increase your metabolism at any time of the day, month or year, no matter where you may happen to be, you must know at least 3 variations of the pushup. Why? Because a pushup involves your facial muscles, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, wrists, core, pelvic musculature and legs. I suggest that you start with the standard-grip pushup, the narrow-grip pushup and the fist pushup. If you do not hav... Fri, 3 May 2013 20:33:17 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5343151 Boost strength instantly by training one limb at a time <BR> <BR> While the benefits of using dumbbells are many, there is one that stands out for those looking to get stronger. Research shows that one-limb (unilateral) training allows you to recruit more total muscle fibers, making you approximately 20% stronger on each rep. <BR> <BR> For example, if you were able to curl a 50-pound barbell for 10 reps, you could reasonably expect to curl 30-pound dumbbells (or 60 pounds total) for as many... Thu, 2 May 2013 11:12:20 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5336326 The day has come that 365 days of fitness tips have been posted. Amazing how fast the year has gone by. I hope everyone has benefited from 1 or more of the tips. I will continue to post blogs every now and then. If you want to continue learning with me about nutrition and fitness come visit me on my FB page. Due to Sparkspeople rules and regulations I can't post the link here. You can search "TEMPLEFIT". It should be the first one and click "like" Everyone is welcome!!!! <BR> <BR> No... Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:49:35 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5335831 "Team Shadden" have a second of glory on the news :) If you pause it at 01:20 you will see me running and if you look to the right you will see my AWESOME wife taking pictures. <BR> <BR> <link>www.cbs19.tv/story/21971689/tyler-ru<BR>n-for-autism-doubles-numbers-from-last<BR>-year </link> <BR> <BR> <BR> <em>84</em> Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:13:55 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5335598 GARGLE WITH GARLIC <BR> <BR> Garlic juice and garlic oil has been observed to reduce levels of circulating fat in the bloodstream, stabilize blood sugar levels and improve the fat burning rate in the liver. It also stimulates adrenaline hormone production in your body which can trigger fat release from storage tissue and use of these adipose stores for energy. So utilizing this potent flavor can actually help whittle away the waistline! Furthermore,... Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:59:02 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5334711 BLOW A BUBBLE <BR> <BR> Studies have shown that chewing gum raises your metabolic rate by about 20 percent, allowing you to lose up to an extra 11 pounds of fat per year! This is partly due to the “twitching” effect – small muscular contractions resulting in an increase in burnt calories and boost in body temperature. In this case, those twitches are coming from all the tiny jaw and facial muscles involved in chewing. Just be careful to choose gum that doesn’t contain hig... Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:52:38 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5333233 AUTO EXERCISE <BR> <BR> Believe it or not, you actually can perform a workout routine in your car. While breaking a sweat while driving is near to impossible, you can use a simple calorie expending trick that musters up enough heat to give your metabolism an automobile boost. The trick is called “isometric” muscle contractions. This means that you use your muscles to apply a force against an object, but the muscles don’t actually move or change in length. For example, if you press both hand... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:50:00 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5333229 CHAINS OF FAT <BR> <BR> Medium chain fatty acids, also called medium chain triglycerides, <BR> are different than other fats. They are small and able to penetrate cell <BR> membranes easily without requiring significant help from additional <BR> proteins and enzymes for uptake and energy utilization. They are <BR> preferentially burnt as fuel over other fats. They are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream much more efficiently than larger fatty acids so they can the... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:48:06 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5328907 Breath <BR> <BR> When performed properly, the rhythmic contractions of the abdominal blood vessels during inhaling and exhaling help to circulate blood through the body, enhancing oxygen uptake and metabolic rate. As you inhale, your diaphragm expands and squeezes the blood out of your internal organs and blood vessels. Then as you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes as new blood rushes in. So as a simple method of boosting the metabolism, focus on deep breathing from the stomach and n... Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:41:39 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5327751 TEAM SHADDEN participated in the Autism 5k & 1 mile Fun Run this past Saturday. We had a fabulous time! It was our first time as a family where everyone was participating. Instead of everyone going and cheering for daddy. <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/7/6/l763958720.jpg"> <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/9/l1931607689.jpg"> <BR> (above) Jayleigh is ready to race (aka: TuTu girl) <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:20:33 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5327684 TURMERIC <BR> <BR> Most of us associate turmeric with curry and a strong spicy flavor in <BR> our food. But it is also a fantastic metabolism boosting compound <BR> that aids in absorption and digestion of carbohydrates in the small <BR> intestine, as well as the metabolism of fats in the liver. As an added <BR> bonus, turmeric can lower cholesterol, inhibit formation of blood <BR> clots and act as both an anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant. Keep <BR> tur... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:59:45 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5327075 Avoid Vegetables <BR> <BR> Vegetable oil, that is. How can an oil that comes from a vegetable, such <BR> as corn based oils, sunflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, safflower oil and <BR> canola oil be dangerous for our bodies? It’s because of the way the oils must <BR> be extracted from the vegetable. This process occurs in factories where the <BR> oil-containing seeds are heated to enormous temperatures under massive <BR> pressures while being exposed to heavy amounts of ... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:03:12 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5325415 Size It UP <BR> <BR> As you know, consumption of several small meals per day is a great way <BR> to keep the metabolism elevated. The problem is most restaurants or fast <BR> food joints aren’t focused on giving you one of these small meals, especially since the Western ideal is to receive as much food for your dollar as possible. Big portion sizes keep most customers happy and fat! Studies have shown that when presented with a restaurant prepared meal, an individual will automatically consi... Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:39 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5324562 ZINC <BR> <BR> If you don’t have enough zinc in your diet your insulin response is <BR> decreased resulting in insulin insensitivity. With a lower insulin response, blood sugar levels become hard to control resulting in a catabolic hormone response that can depress your metabolism. Zinc is a key component in the metabolic process by which your cells produce energy. Low zinc levels will not only directly impair your metabolic rate but can also decrease thyr... Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:33:23 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5320884 Move Fast <BR> <BR> Many exercise experts claim that your body burns just as many calories walking a mile as it does running a mile since technically you are moving your body over the same distance. This is simply not true. Studies have shown that the faster you cover a distance, the more calories you burn, period. There is a higher metabolic cost in moving quickly than in moving slowly. So you’re going to burn the most calories pedaling, running, rowing, swimming or any... Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:36:20 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5320864 Cinnamon <BR> <BR> Studies have observed that the intake of cinnamon not only improves <BR> insulin production and response but can also increase the metabolism <BR> of glucose up to 20 times faster! This means that by simply including <BR> a teaspoon or two of cinnamon in your daily diet you’ll burn sugar <BR> faster, decrease your blood cholesterol and increase your antioxidant <BR> activity. Cinnamon has also been used for thousands of years as a <BR> natural ... Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:17:39 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5318632 Ditch The Diet <BR> <BR> Ditch the diet sodas, sugar-free candies, artificial coffee sweeteners and any sugar substitute or packaged food than includes aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium or saccharin. When the taste receptors on your tongue taste this sweet substance your digestive systems begins to produce compounds that prepare your body to use the “food” that your brain thinks you are consuming. The hormones produced in the digestive process are still present once t... Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:14:36 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5318573 60 days of Insanity finally over <em>244</em> It was a challenging program. To be expected. Can't expect to change if you don't challenge yourself. I was also looking forward to doing different workout. Since I did all versions of P90X last year. <BR> <BR> Over all, my fitness level has increased. I noticed when I did my 10k last month that I wasn't as exhausted when I finished and I set a new PR. <BR> <BR> There really isn't any dramatic differences in the pictures. I notic... Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:15:46 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5317411 Thyroid TLC <BR> <BR> Many people unknowingly have a metabolic disorder called hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland. Since the thyroid gland is responsible for controlling much of your body’s metabolism, an in-ability to lose weight can indicate low levels of the thyroid hormone. Other symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include chronic fa-tigue and depression. Using a blood test, your doctor can check your thyroid and treat you with a synthetic thyroid supplement to r... Tue, 9 Apr 2013 16:42:06 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5316430 FIND A TREE <BR> <BR> Breathing pollution like car exhaust and industrial fumes can cause <BR> production of free radicals inside your body. Free radicals cause dam-age to all the body’s tissues, including your cells where metabolism takes place. People who exercise in highly polluted outdoor environments seem to experience higher levels of heart problems and asthmatic symptoms then their non-exercising counterparts. Airborne contaminants in smog like carbon monoxide, sulfur ... Mon, 8 Apr 2013 21:51:00 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5312940 Multi-Jointed <BR> <BR> <BR> If you currently practice a resistance training program like weight lifting, <BR> I’ve got a two-part challenge for you to try for the next month. <BR> <BR> 1. Perform only multi-joint exercises such as upper and lower body, core <BR> and upper body or core and lower body, calf and ankle or chest, shoulder, <BR> arm combinations. <BR> <BR> 2. Never sit or lie down during any portion of your routine. Very few <BR> multi-joint exercises actually ... Fri, 5 Apr 2013 19:02:41 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5311952 *****If anyone does this, I want a copy of the video****** <BR> *****If I do it, I will post the video**** <BR> <BR> Pump At The Pump <BR> <BR> You’re on a long road trip and you stop for gas. How long does it take <BR> to fill the tank? 20 seconds? 45 seconds? 2 minutes? Any one of these <BR> time lengths is ample for giving your body its own quick pump of <BR> oxygen and blood that will elevate your metabolism for a significant <BR> amount of time after you leave the filli... Thu, 4 Apr 2013 21:43:57 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5311938 BE THE CHEF <BR> <BR> As much as possible, spend time planning, preparing and cooking <BR> your own meals. You’ll have complete control over the ingredients, <BR> you’ll burn calories in the preparatory process and you’re far less likely <BR> to overeat. There’s nothing more metabolically diminishing then sitting in your car as you go through a fast food drive-through and then consuming food higher in calories and damaging compounds that you would make for yoursel... Thu, 4 Apr 2013 21:32:17 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5310295 I love it when UPS show up at my door step! My next phase of 2013 has arrived, WOOHOO! I started this year off with the Ultimate Reset. I am on my 57th day of Insanity. Next week I will take a break and slow things down a bit and allow my body to rest. I have my 2nd 5k race next Saturday. <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/5/4/l548512074.jpg"> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/5/0/l502076876.jpg"> <BR> <BR> <BR> My body fat % isn't where I wan... Wed, 3 Apr 2013 14:40:25 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5309505 CARDIO BOOSTERS <BR> <BR> It’s time to break the rules on whatever type of weight lifting regimen <BR> you’re currently performing. To boost your metabolism, you should <BR> perform a “cardio booster” during every single rest period, whether <BR> it’s 10 seconds, 30 seconds or 3 minutes. This means that after you <BR> finish your set of 12 dumbbell presses, you do jumping jacks as fast <BR> as possible for 15 seconds. Following your 6 rep squat routin... Tue, 2 Apr 2013 22:42:30 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5308280 SNOOZE <BR> <BR> Sleep is one of the easiest activities in the world. Unfortunately, most people seem to place more importance on a favorite TV show, extra tasks at work, surfing the web or an unhealthy obsession with excessive exercise which, by the way, can actually disrupt sleep and lead to insomnia. Undercutting your necessary sleep by even one hour per night can decrease insulin sensitivity, decrease leptin levels which decreases appetite control and increase ghrelin levels which... Mon, 1 Apr 2013 23:54:06 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5304592 POD TIME <BR> <BR> You can’t maintain a high metabolism if you’re not exercising. But <BR> sometimes it can be difficult to find motivation to exercise when <BR> there are so many other productive activities falling to the wayside <BR> during your 30 minutes of isolated fitness time. If you’re the type who <BR> must constantly be productive, invest in a personal audio player. But <BR> don’t just buy any old player – make sure to pick a model that can <BR> download ... Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:00:26 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5303917 INJEST INOSITOL <BR> <BR> Inositol is a sugar-based compound that is closely related to the B <BR> vitamins and choline which are some of the most important <BR> components of energy and metabolism. In addition to helping maintain <BR> cell membrane integrity, inositol assists with proper nerve transmission <BR> and fat transport throughout the body. Like most important <BR> compounds, your body can make it’s own inositol but other great <BR> sour... Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:43:01 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5301868 BUY A BOTTLE <BR> <BR> Your body’s fat-burning process relies on water as a primary ingredient. Regular consumption of this refreshing, calorie-free beverage will also boost your metabolism burning a few extra calories an hour, which quickly adds up through the course of a day. In working with clients to achieve leaner bodies, I’ve found that for many, staying adequately hydrated is similar to eating small meals throughout the day. Knowing what to do is one thing, actually ... Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:48:50 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5301104 TWO MINUTE TANGO <BR> <BR> As you probably know, metabolism stays elevated for a significant <BR> amount of time after exercise. Unfortunately though, by the time we <BR> actually get around to exercising again, our metabolism can be back <BR> to a slower pace and getting “back into the groove” for the next day’s <BR> bike ride, run or aerobic session can be difficult. Wheezing, gasping <BR> for breath, coughing, stumbling, feeling sleepy, lethargic or fatigued <BR> are someti... Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:16:37 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5300212 Time to do another 10k, WOOHOO! I am really not used to running for an hr yet. With my knee issues and all, I have been protecting them a lot this year by purchasing new running shoes, no hard jumping up and down, and most definitely no sideways movement. During my Insanity workouts, I have had to modify or not do the exercise at all. There hasn't been that much though. Starting off the new year with Ultimate Reset and the following that up with Insanity, both have helped a lot. I did ... Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:52:29 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5299770 COMMON MUSCULAR WEAKNESSES (6 of 6) <BR> <BR> Vastus Medialis Weakness <BR> <BR> Increased risk of knee injury (chondramalicia) during knee extension activities. The patella becomes laterally displaced with the pull of the vastus lateralis. This patella tracking problem can produce wear on the inferior petellar surface. Greater pain is usually experienced during leg extension activities in which the knee is a greater than a 20 to 30 degree angle. <BR> <BR> • Examples of affected exercises... Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:52:14 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5296144 COMMON MUSCULAR WEAKNESSES (5 of 6) <BR> <BR> Erector Spinae Weakness <BR> <BR> Increased risk of lower back injury during lumbar spine extension or stabilization activities. Back extension exercises involving complete lumbar spine range of motion have demonstrated primarily excellent or good results for those with chronic low back pain. Excellent or good results by diagnosis: 76% Mechanical / Strain, 72% Degenerative, 78% Disc Syndrome, 75% Spondylo. In contrast, McGill condemns the use of... Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:25:50 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5294878 COMMON MUSCULAR WEAKNESSES (4 of 6) <BR> <BR> Infraspinatus Weakness <BR> <BR> Increased risk of shoulder injury during shoulder transverse flexion and transverse adduction activities, particularly when elbow travels behind shoulder. Risk is compounded with a protracted shoulder girdle. During the end of a throwing movement, high deceleration forces required of the posterior cuff can cause breakdown in their tendons near their humeral attachment. Strengthening of the rear deltoid and long h... Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:02:56 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5294875 COMMON MUSCULAR WEAKNESSES (3 of 6) <BR> <BR> Supraspinatus Weakness <BR> <BR> Increased risk of shoulder injury during shoulder flexion and abduction activities, specifically when elbow travels below shoulder during shoulder abduction. Risk is compounded with a winged scapula condition. <BR> <BR> • Examples of affected exercises: <BR> o Shoulder Press <BR> o Upright Row <BR> o Lateral Raise <BR> o <BR> • Example preventative / corrective exercises: <BR> o Front Lateral Raise <BR> ... Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:00:07 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5293686 COMMON MUSCULAR WEAKNESSES (2 of 6) <BR> <BR> Hamstrings Weakness <BR> Increased risk of knee injury (instability) during knee extension activities, specifically when knees are flexed lower than 90°. Hamstrings / Quadriceps strength ratios should be greater than 56% to 80% depending on the population tested. <BR> <BR> <BR> • Examples of affected exercises: <BR> o Squat <BR> o Leg Press <BR> o Leg Extension <BR> <BR> <BR> • Example preventative / corrective exercises: <BR> o Leg Cur... Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:25:35 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5291685 COMMON MUSCULAR WEAKNESSES (1 of 6) <BR> <BR> Abdominal Weakness <BR> <BR> Increased risk of lower back injury can occur during hip flexion, extension, stabilization and back extension activities. Erector Spinae muscles can hyperextend lower back more than usual if abdominal muscles are weak. The abdominal muscles tilt the pelvis forward, improving the mechanical positioning of the Erector Spinae, specifically when the lumbar spine becomes straight. When abdominal strength/endurance is not ... Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:57:41 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5291679 Sorry for the delay. I had to revive my computer last week. <BR> <BR> NEVER GO HUNGRY <BR> <BR> Perhaps you’ve heard that eating small and frequent meals is a very <BR> effective way to keep the metabolic fire burning. However, this strat-egy only works if you never actually become hungry. Hunger pangs <BR> which are caused by low blood sugar, tell your digestive system that <BR> there’s a food shortage and to slow down to conserve energy. This is <BR> accomplished by decreasing the ra... Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:54:20 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5286420 Dangerous Plastics <BR> <BR> 1) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used in a wide range of consumer products, including Reynolds Wrap and cling wrap for most grocery stores, as well as bottles, packaged food trays and cooking oil bottles. PVC is also used for plumbing materials, as well as medical tubing and bags. <BR> <BR> Reason to Avoid: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) contains phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormones — especially testosterone. Congress has banned the use of these chemicals in ... Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:03:52 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5285395 Blood Sugar Stabilization Barrier <BR> <BR> After consumption of a carbohydrate-rich meal, your digestive <BR> system breaks down the carbs into tiny glucose molecules. <BR> Once these molecules enter the bloodstream they trigger the release of <BR> insulin by an organ called the pancreas. Insulin ensures that the glucose <BR> is delivered to necessary tissues for energy. When these energy stores are <BR> full any excess glucose still in the bloodstream or digestive tract is easily <BR... Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:37:44 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5284147 Free Radical Barrier <BR> <BR> The more energy you require the more oxygen you must utilize. Occasionally oxygen can mutate and escape from the cell in the form of a “free radical” or oxidant. When these renegade oxygen molecules combine with other molecules in the body they can interrupt the processes associated with their “host” molecule. <BR> <BR> Because they can interact with so many different molecules, free radicals <BR> can wreak serious havoc by altering DNA, destroying sensitive ... Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:56:13 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5283256 Food <BR> <BR> Energy comes from food. However, complex actions must take place inside your body for turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberries to be-come the energy needed to talk, stand, sit, walk and breathe. Your body must break the food into small pieces, then absorb and move them through the membrane of a tiny cell to be broken into even smaller pieces. These pieces then enter into a miniscule cellular component called the mitochondria. The mitochondria is the cell’s... Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:15:21 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5279145 Bad Breakfast Choices <BR> <BR> Ideally we'd be prepared -- but if you're stuck in an all-morning meeting and the only food choice is a pastry, is it better to eat it or skip breakfast? <BR> <BR> SKIP IT. There is nothing actually filling about a pastry -- no fiber, no water -- so it wouldn't help my hunger. In fact, many times eating something high in sugar like this will lead to an energy crash, so I wouldn't be full and it makes me tired. No thank you! (I have apples and almonds at my of... Fri, 8 Mar 2013 16:45:07 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5277695 Midnight Snacks <BR> <BR> We've heard it's not great to nosh late at night -- but if you haven't had a chance to eat dinner all evening, is it better to eat late or go to bed starving? <BR> <BR> Eat something but more snack size rather than meal size. Having a gnawing hunger or eating too much food both will lead to poor sleep quality. Try 1/4 cup tuna salad (homemade/healthy mayo), six multi-seed crackers and cut fresh veggies. <BR> <BR> <BR> <em>84</em> Thu, 7 Mar 2013 16:40:59 EST