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WellnessKichen Drinks & Beverages, Health & Fitness December 10, 2018August 27, 2020 0 Comments

What Happens To Your Body When You Give Up Alcohol

We detail the physical and mental changes that take place after you’ve quit booze.

Did you ever stop to think those happy hours were actually making you less happy? Giving up alcohol—for even just one month—has been linked to significant changes in people’s health. Not only can you make serious progress toward increasing your chances of weight loss after quitting alcohol, but what happens when you stop drinking alcohol also extends beyond losing weight. It can also include lowering your cancer risk, boosting your heart health, and even having better sex.

If you drink alcoholic beverages frequently, you might be interested to know how your body may change if you cut out beer, wine, and liquor for a while. Whether it’s for a day, a week, or even a month, it can make a difference.

To give you an idea of what happens when you stop drinking, we’ve gathered the 14 benefits of not drinking alcohol you can expect to reap below.

You’ll eat much less.

Why does alcohol cause weight gain? The bulk of it can be attributed to excess empty calories, but there are other factors at play, as well. Research shows that drinking alcohol can also increase your appetite for high-calorie foods. According to an Appetite journal study, people who drank only half a shot of alcohol (20 grams worth) ate 11 percent more than those who abstained and experienced more cravings for high-fat foods. That’s right: Just half a drink can make you hungrier. And that can lead to a domino effect. Read on.

You’ll have more energy to speed up weight loss.

Getting better sleep makes you eat better. According to a 2013 study published in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes, drinking alcohol results in shorter, less quality sleep, which caused study subjects to shift from eating carbohydrates to eating fats. And each 30-minute deficit of sleep caused the subjects to eat 83 additional calories, on average! So not only will a Dry January ensure you’re refreshed from additional shut-eye, you’ll be more likely to eat energy-boosting carbs instead of slug-making fatty foods. If you average an additional hour of quality sleep, you can look forward to saving almost 5,000 calories in 30 days—about a pound and a half!

You can lower your risk of liver damage and diabetes in just one month.

In 2013, 14 staffers at New Scientist magazine whose drinking ranged from eight to 64 12-ounce bottles of beer per week took a short-term break from alcohol. Ten people gave up the booze for five weeks. Another four didn’t. Doctors at the Institute for Liver and Digestive Health at University College London tested their blood before and after, and discovered that the teetotalers’ liver fat—a predictor of liver damage—fell 15 to 20 percent! The abstainers’ blood glucose levels—a key factor in diabetes—also dropped by an average of 16 percent!

You’ll sleep better.

Though booze can make you fall asleep initially, it disrupts shut-eye. That conclusion was reached by a review of 27 studies on the topic. Another recent study in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that drinking before bed increases alpha wave patterns in the brain. If you want restorative sleep, those waves don’t help. Once you give up alcohol, however, you’ll get better sleep and start feeling more refreshed and sharp.

You’ll experience fewer food cravings.

A study in the Nature journal found that booze can trigger cravings. How does that work? Agrp neurons, which are usually activated by starvation and result in intense hunger, were found to be triggered by alcohol consumption.

You’ll improve digestion.

Even in relatively small doses, alcohol can negatively affect digestion by altering the stomach’s secretion of gastric acid as well as its gastric motility: the ability of your stomach muscles to break down ingested food. When these functions are impaired, your digestion suffers. Studies have shown that pairing alcohol with a meal can slow down digestion while the overproduction of gastric acid can irritate the stomach.

You can boost your metabolism.

When you consume alcohol, your body uses ethanol for energy, not other sources like fat. Skip the booze and your body will burn carbs, then flubber.

You’ll be more hydrated.

If you’re used to having a few brews or glasses of wine at home each night, you might want to stop drinking and replace the ritual with flavored seltzers or detox waters you make yourself. Plus, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it flushes your body of water through urine. Less alcohol means your body can retain the right amount of water for proper hydration and electrolyte balance.

You’ll have better skin.

Alcohol is a diuretic, which leeches fluids from your body. (Translation: It causes you to pee more than you otherwise would.) But unlike tea and coffee, which are also diuretics, alcohol decreases the body’s production of the antidiuretic hormone that helps the body reabsorb water. That’ll show up on your face. After just a few days of abstinence, you’ll notice that your skin looks and feels more hydrated, and skin maladies like dandruff, eczema or rosacea may also improve.

You’ll improve your heart health.

Per the American Heart Association, drinking alcohol can raise the level of triglycerides and harmful fats in the blood. That can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and heart disease. How? According to a study published in the journal Current Opinion in Lipidology, drinking booze is closely related to the ingestion of fat. Consuming one makes your hypothalamus signal that you’re craving the other.

You’ll reduce your risk of stroke and nerve damage.

Excessive drinking and binge drinking can lead to stroke and neuropathy. Why? The American Heart Association says that regular heavy drinking can raise blood pressure and cause irregular heartbeats over time. And according to the National Institute of Health, excessive boozing directly poisons nerves.

You’ll do better at work.

In the New Scientist study, participants who quit booze for 30 days reported an 18 percent increase in concentration and a 17 percent boost in performance at their jobs. Quit raising a glass and you’ll be on your way to getting a raise.

You can reduce your cholesterol levels.

In the New Scientist study, staffers who quit alcohol found their blood cholesterol levels fell by an average of 5 percent in just 30 days! This is because abstaining helped their bodies sweep out those nasty, fatty triglycerides.

You may have better sex.

While a glass or two of wine or a few cocktails may seem to set the mood, it’s actually a depressant, which is the last thing you want in the bedroom. It can play havoc with a man’s ability to get and keep an erection, which can dampen the libido for women as well. And while all alcohol affects the liver’s ability to get rid of excess estrogen, beer contains phytoestrogens—plant-derived estrogens that dampen virility and fertility. Taxing the liver with alcohol can make it less effective at metabolizing hormones, which can convert androgens into estrogens, resulting in a diminished sex drive.

You’ll lower your risk of cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, drinking booze has been linked to an increased risk for cancers of the mouth, liver, breast, colon, and rectum—and the risk increases the more you drink. You can guarantee you’ll lower your cancer risk in just 30 days. How? Replace your post-boozing McDonald’s menu with snacks and meals high in fibrous fruits, veggies and legumes. In a 2015 Nature Communications study, scientists from Imperial College and the University of Pittsburg found that swapping a meat-heavy Western diet for a high-fiber one increased healthy, protective gut bacteria and lowered colon cancer biomarkers—in just two weeks!

WellnessKichen Drinks & Beverages, Health & Fitness, Healthy Eating, Mental Wellness, Nutrition & Diet, Weight Loss December 5, 2018August 31, 2020 0 Comments

You may have underactive Thyroid if,

Constantly sleepy? Can’t lose weight? Does your brain feel like it’s in a fog? You may be one of the millions of Americans suffering a chronic, undiagnosed health condition.

It’s called hypothyroidism, and it’s a condition in which your metabolism-running thyroid gland isn’t running at its best. It’s sluggish, actually, which is exactly how you might feel!

Some thyroid 101 background: Your thyroid gland is the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that secretes two all-important hormones that control major bodily functions (including how you use energy, regulate body temperature, and digest food) and organs (including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin). But with hypothyroidism, your body can have normal to low thyroxine hormone levels and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. These high TSH levels are a result of an overworked pituitary gland that is trying to elevate the hormone levels in an inadequately responsive thyroid.

Hypothyroidism is more common than you would believe, and millions of people are currently hypothyroid and don’t know it. (And while metabolism goes hand in hand with this condition, there are also habits people do that slow metabolism.) Because early symptoms of the disease are diverse and mimic the symptoms of everyday life, millions of cases of thyroid disease remain undiagnosed or are mistaken for other disorders. Estimates vary, but approximately 10 million Americans have this common medical condition. In fact, as many as 10 percent of women may have some degree of thyroid hormone deficiency, and 12 percent of Americans will develop a thyroid disorder in their lifetimes.

Many things can put you at risk for a sluggish thyroid, from genetic predispositions to an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (a condition that occurs in 80 percent of those with hypothyroidism in which the immune system attacks the thyroid). Fortunately, thyroid screening is a simple blood test, and thyroid trouble can often be fixed with the right prescription. See if you can relate to any of the below items.

You’re Always Tired

Having trouble staying awake even after a full night’s sleep? Tiredness, constant fatigue, sleepiness, and lack of energy are issues associated with many conditions, but they’re strongly linked with hypothyroidism. When it comes down to it, too little thyroid hormone flowing through your blood means your cells aren’t getting that “get going” signal, leading you to feel sluggish. Your hypothyroidism may have tricked you into thinking you don’t have enough energy for exercise, but actually, by increasing your physical activity, you can help counter fatigue and improve energy levels.

You’re Eating Healthy But Still Gaining Weight

Going up a couple of pant sizes could be caused by any of the habits that make you sick and fat, but it’s also one of the top symptoms of hypothyroidism. “Patients with hypothyroidism will have a generalized slowing of their metabolism and reduction in their basal metabolic rate (or BMR),” explains Doctor.

“This can lead to changes in the way their body expends energy. With a lower metabolic rate, people may gain excess weight eating a similar diet. Some of this may be excess fat, but there may also be fluid retention.” So, even if you’re diligently dieting and working out, weight gained due to a thyroid issue will be difficult to lose because the extra pounds are mostly from the excess accumulation of salt and water rather than fat.

You Keep Forgetting Things

You know you had something to do today, but you just can’t remember what it is. Sure, there’s sleep deprivation, stress, and aging to blame, but your overall cognitive functioning takes a hit when your thyroid is out of whack. Too little thyroid hormone may cause forgetfulness and poor memory. Because the hormone deficiency slows everything down, neurological functions will also take a toll after some time.

You Have High Cholesterol Levels

Even though your doctor doesn’t typically look for thyroid problems during your check-ups, he or she will often measure your cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol levels can put you at risk of getting heart disease, but they also might be indicative of a thyroid problem.

According to Doctors, “Hypothyroidism causes reduced clearance of cholesterol particles, so LDL and triglycerides may be elevated in a hypothyroid patient.” Looking to lower LDL levels? Try eating overnight oats. The fiber called beta-glucan in this cereal grain has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 5 to 10 percent.

You’ve Lost Interest In Sex

Having little or no desire to get it on is a side effect of a thyroid disorder. Because of the connection between thyroid function and adrenal glands—the organs that control your “fight or flight” response as well as sexual hormones like testosterone—via the shared hypothalamus and pituitary gland regulators, low levels of thyroid hormone also result in low levels of sex hormones.

“Libido is a reflection of testosterone status,” explains Doctor, “too little thyroid hormone can stimulate a pituitary hormone called prolactin, which then suppresses testosterone levels.” While too little thyroid hormone could be a contributor to a low libido, the cumulative impact of other hypothyroidism symptoms, such as weight gain, depression, low energy, and body aches, certainly may also play a part.

You Feel Down

While it might not be a primary symptom, feeling particularly down in the dumps can be a debilitating side effect of hypothyroidism. Dr. Srinath explains that “Depression can be related to other symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, muscle weakness, lethargy, difficulty with focus and concentration.” With an underactive thyroid turning many body functions down to low, it’s not surprising that your mood might sink too.

Your Skin Feels Dry

You’ve bought the face creams, the masks, and the moisturizing lotions, but nothing seems to work. It turns out, dry and itchy skin can be a symptom of hypothyroidism. The change in skin texture and appearance is due to reduced circulation as a result of low thyroid function. A reduction in circulation can cause skin cells to receive one-fourth to one-fifth the normal blood supply, leaving them wrinkled and cracked. Also, a slowed metabolism (caused by too little thyroid hormone production), can reduce sweating. Without the moisture from sweating, skin can quickly become dry and flaky. If just your skin is dry, you could have eczema, but if it is compounded with brittle nails, poor wound healing, and hair loss, you should be checked by your doctor.

You’re Struggling to Push It Out

We know constipation is an embarrassing topic that no one likes to discuss, but if you can’t boot your bowel issues, it might be time to call up your doctor. Without enough of the metabolism-controlling thyroid hormone, many of your body’s functions slow down. One of these functions is the action of the digestive tract, which will start to slow down. Hypothyroidism can weaken the contraction of the muscles that line your digestive tract, causing stool to move too slowly through the intestine. If your sluggish digestive tract isn’t due to hypothyroidism, consider eating a banana. The super fruit is rich in fiber to help increase stool weight, potassium to help you avoid bloating and cramping, and prebiotics to help feed good gut bacteria and improve digestion.

Your Muscles Feel Sore… All The Time

We know exercise is a crucial component in reaching your body goals, but it shouldn’t be leaving you constantly seeking out a warm bath. If your muscles don’t seem to be recovering even on your days off, this might be explained by a thyroid problem. Your thyroid gland secretes hormones that control your metabolism—the body’s way of converting the food you eat into fuel.

Fewer metabolism-controlling hormones mean a slower metabolism and a disruption in how your body burns energy, which can affect how your muscles feel. To counteract these symptoms, choose low-impact exercises like elliptical-stepping or swimming and increase the consumption of fish in your diet. Fish like salmon are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to decrease the inflammation that might be contributing to your muscle and joint pain.

You’re Constantly Wearing 5 Layers

If you’re still wearing your winter coat when it’s 40 degrees and sunny, you might be suffering from hypothyroidism. It might be easy to adjust the temperature in your house or car, but patients who have hypothyroidism struggle to regulate temperature in their body. Because the thyroid gland controls your body temperature, when hypothyroidism patients’ bodies make too little thyroid hormone, body temperature tends to decrease because less energy is being burned by downstream cell targets. Less energy compounded with slow metabolism equals less heat.

WellnessKichen Health & Fitness, Mental Wellness November 26, 2018August 27, 2020 0 Comments

Exercise Mistakes That Are Making You Gain Weight

Stop these habits once and for all, and you’ll feel the difference.

Find yourself sweating buckets in spin class and yet the weight on the scale still hasn’t budged? Well, you could be making some common exercise mistakes that are straight-up sabotaging your weight loss efforts.

The first correction to make: Change your mindset about exercise, says nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein, M.S., R.D.N., author of You Can Drop It! How I Dropped 100 Pounds Enjoying Carbs, Cocktails & Chocolate—and You Can Too!, which is now available in audiobook. No matter how long you ride that stationary bike, exercise alone simply will not work.

“People think they can eat more if they exercise, and that’s one negative mindset you have to get rid of,” she says. “When you put you put exercise in proper context—as a supplement to good nutrition, not a substitute for good nutrition—then you’ll have much more success.”

You believe exercise is mandatory.

Our abs-loving, Cross-Fit-grinding, booty-flaunting Instagram culture has framed exercise as one of the mandatory assignments in the weight-loss curriculum. But you don’t have to exercise to lose weight. Good nutrition is your required course; exercise is an elective. Think of it as extra credit, a way to give yourself a jolt but not as a substitute for your baseline assignments.

“Use exercise for what it is—an amazing opportunity to sweat out stress, clear your mind, improve your shape, feel more confident, boost your health, and ultimately, serve as an igniter of motivation that will help keep your nutrition on track,” says Muhlstein. “I have always found exercise has helped me drink more water and feel more capable and energetic. However, I never saw it tick the needle on the scale unless I was making the right choices with my fork. I have seen dozens of people lose tons of weight without exercise, but there’s something about the sense of physical accomplishment and empowerment following a workout that propels a greater sense of self-care throughout the day. When I came to this realization, it actually made me enjoy exercise more.”

You use exercise to “burn off ” dessert.

Most people don’t realize how much physical effort it takes to burn off a very few calories, so thinking, “I can have this ice cream cone because I’ll just exercise longer tomorrow,” is misguided. Consider this for perspective: Burning off the 300+ calories from a glazed chocolate donut would require nearly an hour of walking, 30 minutes of biking, or about 17 minutes of swimming.

Moral of the story: Don’t try to use exercise to cancel out the treats you eat.

Instead, Muhlstein recommends this experiment to help you recognize the power of exercise as an adjunct to weight loss, rather than a “fix” for overeating. Take three consecutive days off from your workout plan and replace it with making your meals mostly vegetables, drinking plenty of water, getting more sleep, and doing some light walking or stretching. You may not notice a change in your weight at first, but you’ll certainly feel better, energetic, healthier, and more empowered, she says.

You believe exercise is an instant fat melter.

Popular magazines and books claim that you can melt fat like an ice cube on hot pavement, but don’t believe it. Exercise is not a time machine. You can’t step into a spin class for a week or two and expect to see dramatic results.

“This can be deflating for lots of people—especially my husband, who expects to look like Thor after 30 minutes of weightlifting,” laughs Dietician. “Keep your expectations in check; that’s when you can really benefit from all the good things that happen when you exercise.”

You think you just have to tough it out.

This comes from the muscle-headed notion “no pain, no gain.”

“I had to lose 100 pounds,” says Muhlstein. “You know how good it feels to be flapping around, bouncing, chafing, and hurting when you’re trying to move with any kind of rigor when you’re that overweight? It feels like a cheese grater on your thighs, it feels like you’re carrying a fridge on your back. It hurts. And no amount of ‘toughness’ can change the fact that your thigh skin feels like rugburn.”

Trying to tough it out can be hard emotionally, making you feel like you aren’t good enough or strong enough if you want to quit to avoid the discomfort. Your best chance for success is taking slower, easier steps that move you forward without leaving you in pain.

“Start with something as basic as walking around the block or doing push-ups against the bathroom wall,” says Muhlstein. “Exercise is meant to be uplifting, not painful.” If exercise becomes something you dread, you will quickly stop exercising. Realize that just by moving more every day, you are doing wonders for your health, says Muhlstein.

You eat the wrong foods after exercising.

Some studies suggest that exercise is an appetite suppressant. Others show that some people become ravenous after a workout, craving greasy, fatty meals, and high-carb foods. See how exercise affects you and if it makes you hungry, as it likely will, the key is to have a plan for what to eat.

“Simply commit to a goal of not treating your body like a trash can. Think ‘water first, veggies most,’ she says repeating part of the mantra in her 2B Mindset program. Plan to have some grab-and-go veggies ready like baby carrots, broccoli florets, cucumbers, and even some natural peanut butter or cottage cheese and celery sticks for after your workout. You can even cook an egg or a high-protein burger to resupply your body with protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.

You’re lifting weights just because you think you should.

There’s an exercise for everyone out there. So, if you feel intimidated by weight lifting, don’t do it just because a model in a magazine is doing it. If dumbbell curls don’t excite you, then try something that will be more fun for you. Yes, we’re talking about dance!

“When the music is going and you’re focused on the beat, it won’t feel like a workout at all,” says Muhlstein. “If dancing doesn’t fire you up enough, box! Boxing channels your stress in such a fun and empowering way. If boxing doesn’t ignite your interest, embrace the natural and super-beneficial movements of yoga and barre. And if all else fails, just get up and take a long walk. Our bodies were built to move!”

You think you can never miss a workout.

How can consistent exercise keep you from losing weight? Think stress fracture. Think plain old run-of-the-mill stress. Over-exercising or stressing out about missing a workout can flood your body with the stress hormone cortisol, which can trigger overeating. High levels of cortisol raise insulin levels, which then lower blood sugar, making you crave high-carbohydrate and fatty comfort foods.

“You have unrealistic expectations if you think need to work out to have a productive weight loss day,” says Muhlstein. “Don’t scold yourself if you have to miss a workout because of injury, because your schedule is jam-packed, or because you’re dealing with some major family stress. We need recovery days.” When a client feels bad about not exercising during times of stress, she tells them, “OK, I get it, let’s focus on the food and what we can control. Give yourself a break and realize that even if you can exercise, maybe you shouldn’t—at least for now.”

You’re only exercising for your physical health.

That’s the old mindset, says Muhlstein. The new mindset: I work out for my mental health.

Yes, there are many physical benefits of exercise—lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, strengthening bones and preventing arthritis, to name a few. But the mental health benefits of relieving anxiety, stress, insecurity, and lethargy are also important. After a workout, you are confident, secure, focused, centered, energetic, grateful, motivated and so much more.

“When you exercise you are kinder and more positive to those around you. It’s seriously the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and those we love.

WellnessKichen Drinks & Beverages, Healthy Eating, Nutrition & Diet, Weight Loss November 22, 2018August 31, 2020 0 Comments

Worst Mistakes Flat-Belly Women Make

Are you sabotaging the possibility of a svelte figure with these little lifestyle habits?

You’ve been crushing it at your bootcamp class, bringing homemade healthy lunches to work, and you practically cry coconut water. And yet the scale doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to inch its way down, and your abs refuse to unearth themselves. In fact, did those leggings shrink or are they tighter this month than last?

But fear not, we’re about to school you in sneaky—and very common!—flubs that could be adding on the chub and holding back your future six-pack abs.

You Have “just One” Soda Instead of Tea

Just one soda each day—or even per week—can really add up, according to new research in The 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Cleanse. “Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda, sweetened coffee or tea, and fruit juice, can lead to excess calorie consumption and weight gain, specifically in the abdominal area,” explains Dietitian. “Instead of having fruit juice, have plain water infused with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Instead of orange juice for breakfast, try plain water infused with slices of orange and lemon.”

You’re Obsessed with Gluten-free Breads

“Most gluten-free breads are made from refined grains, with white rice flour being the most popular. These breads have double the carbs of whole-wheat breads,” shares nutritionist. “Plus, studies show that people who eat whole grains have less belly fat than those who eat refined grains. If you must go gluten-free, due to celiac disease or similar diagnosis, look for gluten-free breads made with a mixture of seeds and whole grains, such as millet and amaranth.

You Only Eat Mini Meals

So, it’s official: You’re that girl who shows up to your 3 p.m. meeting with a perfectly-portioned handful of almonds, an apple, two squares of dark chocolate and a stack of multigrain crackers. But if you think loading up on those small meals spread out throughout the day will speed up your metabolism, that’s not always the case. “Although eating frequent meals and snacks has been proposed to help control appetite and food intake, a review of controlled feeding studies in adults found that eating more than three times a day had little, if any impact on appetite or food intake,” says nutritionist. “If you like eating small meals throughout the day, keep them small and light, making sure that their total caloric intake is still within your body’s needs.”

You Eat the Same Thing Over and Over and Over

Are you about to have your fifth hummus and sprouts sammie of the week? “Many women eat the same breakfasts, lunches, and dinners repeatedly. Eating the same foods over and over lowers your metabolic rate and prevents probiotic diversity,” “Food diversity improves your metabolic rate since your gastrointestinal system is challenged by change and given a new set of probiotics with each new food.”

Your Wine Glass is as Large as Olivia Pope’s

“Pouring a glass of wine as large as Olivia Pope’s to watch her on “Scandal” is a mistake,” offers Bedwell. And boy, does she have that one right. “The recommended alcohol consumption for women is one (5-ounces, so much less than a typical Olivia pour) glass per day, with good reason. Each glass has roughly 120 calories, and your body burns calories from alcohol first to get it out of your system as fast as possible. That means any calories you consume from food get put on the back-burner, making it harder to shed unwanted pounds,” she explains. “Not to mention that alcohol tends to stimulate the appetite so that Olivia Pope-sized glass of wine may be making you consume more calories from [whatever you’re eating].”

You Have Partner Comparison Disorder

PCD might not be an official diagnosis (yet), but when it comes to weight loss, the struggle is real. Hayim paints the picture well: “You and your boyfriend or husband have decided to commit yourselves to wellness. You both begin the journey together, waking up early, eating healthy for about a week or so. But your partner begins to fall off the trail, and he’s skipping the early morning workouts. But not you, you’re still on track day after day. A few weeks go by like this and you realize he’s sleeping in and seeing results, and you aren’t,” says Hayim. Sound familiar? “Well, stop comparing! Women, you will never be able to accurately compare your body composition to your male partner. We will generally have a higher percentage of body fat than men, despite eating proportionally fewer calories. In fact, a healthy range of body fat for women is 20-25 percent, compared to men who are at a healthy range from 10-15 percent,” she adds. Bottom line: Don’t beat yourself up, and quit measuring yourself against your beau.

“Egg Whites Only” is Your Mantra

It might be your brunch and breakfast go-to, but there’s reason to give the silky, golden yolks some love “Egg yolks are a source of Vitamin D (a vitamin most Americans do not eat enough of). Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to abdominal obesity. Also, the (healthy) fat within the yolks will help you feel fuller longer and less likely to overeat later in the day,” offers nutritionist.

You Only Meet Up with People at Restaurants and Bars

Even if you’re eating the seemingly good-for-you choice when dining out, you still can’t fully control how much salt, oil or fattening ingredients go into a dish. (You might not even be aware of them!) “Research shows that those who prepare six to seven meals at home consume fewer calories than those who cook less, even when eating out. Find your niche in the kitchen and get connected to what you eat,” suggests Nutritionists.

You Stay Up Late Binge-Watching Netflix

If if a show really is that addicting, it’s still more important to get your beauty sleep, says Nutritionist. “Research consistently shows an association between short sleep duration and being overweight. Most recently, a 2014 study demonstrated that low sleep duration went hand in hand with high body mass index, a ratio measure of height-to-weight.”

You Stay Up Late Binge-Watching Netflix

If if a show really is that addicting, it’s still more important to get your beauty sleep, says Hayim. “Research consistently shows an association between short sleep duration and being overweight. Most recently, a 2014 study demonstrated that low sleep duration went hand in hand with high body mass index, a ratio measure of height-to-weight.”

You Avoid Fruit Because It’s “high in Sugar”

Saying “No, thanks” to that apple or banana is a huge mistake. “Potassium, found in high amounts in fruits and vegetables, helps to naturally de-bloat the body,” explains Nutitionist. “Also, the sugar found in whole fruits acts differently in the body than added sugars. Bananas, often cited as being ‘high in sugar’, are very high in potassium and definitely contribute to de-bloating and a flat belly.

No Matter What, You Eat Before a Workout

“Trainers have engrained into our brains that we must ‘eat something’ before and after a workout,” says Hayim. “So much so, that we neglect our actual feelings of hunger and satiety, and thoughtlessly stuff something into our mouths. Although pre and post-workout eating is essential for athletic recovery, many people have enough fuel from a recent meal they consumed and do not need those extra calories. A good rule of thumb is, if your last meal was three or more hours prior to workout, grab a carbohydrate-rich snack (30 grams of carbohydrates or less),” Nutitionist explains.

Starbucks is How You Celebrate the Season

“Starbucks and other coffee shop chains are excited to present their holiday beverage flavors, but the calorie counts are less appetizing. A 12 ounce Chestnut Praline Latte at Starbucks, for example, has nearly 300 calories and more than a day’s worth of sugar. “For a lighter holiday spin, try a Cinnamon Dolce latte—but ask for only one pump of flavored syrup because the default is four. You’ll save yourself a full tablespoon of added sugar!”

You’re only eating meat.

Sure, the protein content has you excited, but eating a lot of meat might actually compromise your flat belly, and your health. “Higher meat consumption has been positively associated with a higher daily calorie intake, BMI, waist circumference, and obesity and central obesity,” shares Nutitionist. “Diets largely based on plant foods offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate, and antioxidants. Instead of having meat, like beef or pork, with every meal, try having more plant-based foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.

You Think Kettlebells Will Add Bulk

As it turns out, this is doing you more than just the disservice of locking eyes with that cute bodybuilder at the gym. “Muscle cells require more energy to maintain themselves than fat cells, which means they burn more calories at rest. Add some weight training exercises to your routine to tip your muscle-to-fat ratio. You’ll end up expending more calories going about your normal day,” offers Nutitionist.

You Still Haven’t Paid Attention to Probiotics

“Probiotics have been shown to lower the effects on abdominal obesity as well as help with gas, bloating, and other digestive issues,” adds Nutitionist. Pro-tip: “Select yogurts with the Live & Active Cultures seal. The seal is a voluntary identification available to all manufacturers of refrigerated yogurt whose products contain at least 100 million cultures per gram at the time of manufacture, and whose frozen yogurt contains at least 10 million cultures per gram at the time of manufacture. Have yogurt with breakfast or lunch or as a snack,” Nutritionist adds.

You Think “healthy Fats” Are Bogus

This is right up there with not thinking climate change is real; trust us, all the avocados aren’t conspiring together to get you to eat them. Simply put: Not getting enough healthy fat is no bueno for your waistline. “Research shows that dieters who ate foods containing monounsaturated fats like nuts and nut butters lost more belly fat than those who ate the same number of calories with less of the fats,” offers Nutritionist.

You Don’t Use Chopsticks for Chinese and Japanese Food

Ladies, channel that mindfulness from the yoga mat and bring it to the dinner table (okay, coffee table). When you’re scarfing down lo mein with a fork, you’re probably eating a heck of a lot quicker than you would be if you opted for chopsticks. Navigating the ramen bowl or sushi roll with chopsticks will help slow you down, which in turn promotes eating more mindfully and can make it so you consume fewer calories. No chopsticks? Try eating dinner with your non-dominant hand holding your fork, which will produce a similar slow-down effect.

“Pass The Salt” is Your Middle Name

Too much sodium can lead to big-time belly bloating and there’s a good chance you are already getting far more than you need. “Eat less processed foods high in salt, such as bread, pizza, and condiments. Focus on consuming more whole foods or foods lower in sodium,” contributes Nutritionist. “Read the Nutrition Facts label to find how much sodium is in each serving of the food or beverage. Very Low Sodium is 35 milligrams or less per serving; Low-Sodium is 140 milligrams or less per serving; Reduced (or less) sodium is at least 25 percent less sodium per serving than the usual sodium level.”

You Never Miss a Post-sweat Smoothie

Whether it’s a long run, a killer barre sesh, or a hot yoga workout, it’s a mistake to feel like it isn’t complete without a trip to the beverage bar. “If you’re in the habit of ‘refueling’ with a protein shake or smoothie after every single workout, you may want to reconsider,” cautions Nutritionist. “For most workouts longer than one hour in length, eating a protein-rich meal afterward is completely sufficient. Consuming a protein shake in between is likely unnecessary and instead just increasing caloric consumption.

You “save” Your Calories for Later

Nutritionist once again describes the situation so well: “You have a Tinder date tonight, so you’ve decided to save your calories for later since you will be tossing back some margaritas and guacamole.” Hey, what’s wrong with that? Seems kinda responsible, right? “Although this makes sense in theory—consuming fewer calories total per day—it rarely works out as cleanly as we like,” Hayim spells it out for us. “By the time you get to the date, and have a drink or two, the feelings of extreme hunger rush in, and you’re grabbing for whatever you can get your hands on, which is usually foods high in calories and fat. You’re so hungry, you may even end up consuming more than a day’s worth of calories in one sitting! Plus, with alcohol in your system, your body is less able to efficiently metabolize the calories,” explains Nutritionist. “Instead, consume normal meals throughout the day, arrive at your date cool, calm, and collected, and enjoy your cocktail and eat responsibly.” And while you’re at it, try Bumble; it’s a cooler dating app, anyway.

You Live for Coconut Milk

“Are you going for a coconut mocha at Starbucks as a post-workout treat? Because [you think] coconut milk is healthy?” Nutritionist asks. Gah! Guilty as charged. What’s the problem, exactly? “Coconut milk is a plant-based option, but it is very high in fat and not so much in protein,” Nutritionist continues. “The ideal post-workout snack has a 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. This ratio helps to build muscle while burning fat. So you’d be better off with a mocha with regular low fat milk or a glass of chocolate milk, which is the post-workout choice of many professional athletes!”

You Still Don’t Have a Water Bottle Always by Your Side

Slinging back the mimosas at brunch is never a problem, but many women can go all day without a water bottle by their side. And seriously, how many times do you need to be told to drink eight glasses of eight ounces each day? “Not drinking enough water can have a negative impact on the metabolism as well as your appetite,” says Miller. “In addition, if you eat a diet rich in fiber, which is recommended, water helps move the fiber through your digestive system. A lack of water in conjunction with a high fiber diet can result in digestive issues, such as bloating and gas.”

You Don’t Have a Period Game Plan

If you were having a guest come stay with you, you would probably be prepared with certain foods to curb appetites, an idea of how their visit with affect your workout schedule, and some other logistical things. But why aren’t you ever thinking about Aunt Flo, a regular visitor? Many women forget that their hormonal cycles can put a temporary halt on flat belly dreams. “If you notice yourself getting bloated or pudgy about every month, your period may be to blame. Female hormones follow a cyclical schedule and often produce a bloating effect. If you’re close to or on your period, cut yourself some slack,”

You Think Vitamin D Only Comes from the Sun or Milk

“Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to higher levels of belly fat,” shares Nutritionist. Yes, Milk is the most common source of vitamin D—but there’s one plant source that is an amazing option. Nutritionist suggests mushrooms that are labeled as being exposed to ultraviolet light since those will have even higher levels of vitamin D.

You’re on Trend and That’s About it

“Often times, women make changes to their diet without fully understanding why they are making them or the implications,” Nutritionist describes. “They hear things on the news, read things in a magazine, and quickly make changes without proper education first. Many of my clients come to me upset and complaining, swearing they have done everything to try and lose that belly weight. Some of them have ‘cut out gluten and dairy,’ or have even ‘become a vegan’ in an effort to lose weight,” Nutritionist explains. “However, when we review their diet intake, I learn that they are now consuming much more calorically-dense—and sometimes nutrient-depleted—foods, which has resulted in weight gain. Before making [drastic] dietary changes, get educated or talk to a health professional.”

You Blend Up a “healthy Drink” as a Meal Replacement

Beware the pre-packaged powders, containers, and other blender-marketed products. “Many ‘health’ juices and smoothies are filled with sugar,” says Nutritionist. “Decreasing sugar intake is the single most effective step you can take to drop pounds. Sugar packs a lot of calories, throws your insulin levels out of whack, depresses your immune system and is highly addictive!”

You Won’t Eat Beans Because, Well, You Know

If you’re nixing beans because they can make you gassy and bloated, you may want to rethink that theory. “Beans are actually a great belly-flattening food because research shows that bean eaters weigh less and have slimmer waistlines. If you are afraid that the fiber in beans will cause gas and bloating, just gradually increase the amount of beans you eat and drink plenty of water to avoid those issues,” advises Nutritionist.

You Don’t See Fresh Fruits and Veggies Unless They’re on Your Instagram Feed

Those farmers’ market stands sure are pretty, aren’t they? But are you actually buying the foods or just documenting the lovely colors? Buy the things, girl! “We need a minimum of five fruits or veggies each day to meet our nutritional needs,” Bedwell says. “Plus, all fruits and veggies are great flat-belly foods as most of them are 80-90 percent water. This means they are high in nutrients but low in calories. Not to mention, the fiber they contain helps you feel fuller longer, so you’ll lose weight without feeling hungry all the time!”

You Think the Internet is Normal

Have you ever been 27 slides deep in a round up of next-level chocolate-peanut butter waffle creations you wish you thought of first? Time to hit pause. “The internet and social media sites are basically making you fat,” says Nutritionist. “If it isn’t 25 ways to eat tater tots then it’s [another] national [something] day. The internet has made it basically impossible to stay away from cravings and indulgences. These are not excuses to eat unhealthy food; try googling healthy versions of some of your favorite treats [when cravings strike]!”

WellnessKichen Drinks & Beverages, Healthy Eating, Mental Wellness, Metabolism, Nutrition & Diet November 4, 2018August 27, 2020 0 Comments

What Happens To Your Body When You’re Hangry

Here’s why you’re likely to get angry when your blood sugar’s low.

One minute you’re out for a walk, happily engaged in conversation—and the next, you’ve turned into a crazy monster with a grumbling stomach who snaps when your friend accidentally brushes against you. Or you’re at the deli, finally next in line, and that old woman’s indecisiveness makes you want to scream in a fit of rage “JUST PICK SOMETHING!”

Sound familiar? If it does, you’re not alone. You’ve likely experienced hanger—anger fueled by hunger—a phenomenon where people become grumpy and short-tempered (Read: turn into ravenous, crazy people) when they’re overdue for a snack and their blood sugar is running low. It feels like your stomach is about to eat itself, your brain feels like it’s in a fog, and your body feels drained. Not only is hanger extremely uncomfortable (for you and whomever the poor soul is who happens to be near you at the time), but it can also lead to heightened food cravings, putting you at risk of reaching for an unhealthy snack and making less-than-optimal food choices.

Your Body Freaks Out About Where Its Reward Is

When we eat food, the region of our brain that processes pleasure and reward lights up as the fats and sugars of the meal release chemicals known as opioids that bind with receptors in the brain. You read that right. These are the same type of signaling chemicals as drugs. In turn, this triggers the release of dopamine, one of the feel-good hormones that regulate things like emotion, behavior, alertness, and impulsivity. It’s the same hormone that is released when we fall in love, gamble, have sex, and partake in drugs and alcohol (and what ultimately plays a part in addiction). So, because consuming food is related to making you happy, your brain wants you to continuously repeat that pleasurable feeling. And you’re keeping it from doing that.

Your Stomach Yells at Your Brain to Eat

What happens when you don’t get food? It all starts with ghrelin. When the stomach is empty, it releases ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Ghrelin is produced in the gut in response to your standard meal schedule—as well as at the mere sight or smell of food—and is designed to signal your brain that your body needs more energy or food. When ghrelin hits the brain, it hits areas that control your body’s automatic processes, metabolism, and the reward center we just mentioned. When ghrelin causes all that stimulation, your brain has to listen. And it usually does so by making you eat food. So when you’re depriving that sensation, you’re really ticking off your brain.

Your Dopamine Levels Decrease

Ghrelin’s role in controlling the reward center of your brain is pretty powerful, and, as it turns out, might be one of the contributing factors to your hungriness. According to a study in the journal Neuropharmacology, when researchers stimulated mice with systemic ghrelin (which should tell their brains to eat) but did not actually provide any food for them to nosh on, the dopamine levels in their brain didn’t just stay the same, they actually decreased.

And That Low Dopamine Means Out-of-Control Emotions

Because dopamine is a neurotransmitter that aids in improving mental function and concentration, just that slight change in dopamine levels that you might experience by depriving yourself of food can affect your ability to concentrate and focus on daily work. Furthermore, this neurotransmitter is also in charge of keeping emotions in check, so low dopamine can mean you have less control over your anger.

Other people who have decreased levels of dopamine? People who are going through alcohol or drug withdrawals. And they commonly experience irritability, mental confusion, anxiety, agitation, and slowness in thought. So when you try to ignore your body’s messages that you need to eat, your hanger may be coming from a place of addition and withdrawal.

The Same Gene Controls Hunger and Anger

Another reason you get hangry is also tied to the hunger hormone. After ghrelin is produced in the gut and travels to the brain, the brain then commands the release of a second hormone called neuropeptide Y, which stimulates appetite. This natural brain chemical has several functions, including increasing food intake as well as regulating anger and aggression, and it seems like the two are linked. According to a study in the journal Biological Psychiatry, people with high levels of neuropeptide Y in their cerebrospinal fluid had more measures of aggression and impulsivity as well as impulsive aggression. So it certainly makes sense that high levels of nY caused by hunger can lead people to become a bit hangry.

You’re Low in Brainfood

While many hormonal changes contribute to hanger, basic body functions do as well. After we eat, our bodies digest food into its basic parts: protein to amino acids, fats to fatty acids, and carbs to glucose. Glucose is our body’s primary unit of energy (followed by fatty acids or lipids). As our body digests glucose, it enters into the bloodstream to help feed our organs and tissues. After around 6 hours, your blood glucose levels become too low to provide adequate energy. While other organs can use different nutrients to continue to function, your brain critically depends on glucose. In fact, 25 percent of the energy you get from food is used for your brain alone. So when the sugar in your bloodstream goes down, so does your brainpower.

Even Your Brain Gets All Hangry

Low blood sugar can have a particularly large effect on high-level tasks and emotions that require the most amount of energy, like self-control and anger. When your brain lacks adequate fuel, the part of the brain responsible for curtailing angry impulses doesn’t have enough resources to exert self-control. For example: In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that married couples get increasingly angry and mean towards one another—via pin pricking a spousal voodoo doll and blasting opponents with loud noises—when their blood sugar was low.

It’s not just married couples either. Researchers at Florida State University who reviewed studies on the subject were able to link glucose with being the primary source of self-control. They found depressed glucose levels were associated with increased irritability around others, over-the-top anger, and general anxiety, while restoring glucose levels through either giving participants a sugary snack or upping their levels of insulin—the hormone which helps your body store glucose—were able to sufficiently improve self-control.

Your Levels of Stress Hormones Increase

If your blood-glucose levels fall far enough, your brain will perceive it as a life-threatening situation. In turn, your brain instructs several organs in your body to synthesize and release hormones that increase the amount of glucose in your bloodstream. This effect, called the glucose counter-regulatory response, causes your body to increase production of hormones that can directly signal the conversion of stored glycogen into glucose, like the hormone glucagon, but also the stress hormones adrenaline (aka epinephrine aka the fight-or-flight hormone) and cortisol—known as “the belly fat hormone” for its ability to trigger hunger and pull lipids from the bloodstream and store them in our fat cells.

These stress hormones are released in all sorts of stressful situations, not just during the stress of low blood glucose levels. And just as you might instinctively shout out in anger at someone when your stress hormones are heightened during a dangerous situation, the flood of adrenaline you get when you become hangry can promote a similar response.

You Lack Hormone Building Blocks

Even though your brain is attempting to use all of these hormones to alleviate your hunger, your body might not even have the proper building blocks to make these hormones. Dietary nutrients such as tyrosine, tryptophan, and choline provide the building blocks for certain mood-regulating neurotransmitters. The catch? Your body can only get these nutrients from food. You’re probably familiar with choline, a nutrient found in egg yolks which is required to synthesize acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that plays important roles in arousal, attention, motivation, and muscle-activation. High tyrosine levels allow neurons to manufacture dopamine, which we’ve already covered, and tryptophan is the precursor for serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter whose low levels are associated with aggressive behavior.

We’re Not Eating Properly In General

Our bodies, like cars, need the proper fuel to survive and run efficiently. In this analogy, you probably guessed correctly that fuel is food, and in particular, the unit of energy is glucose. When we put the wrong types of fuels into our bodies, like highly processed foods such as refined sugars and carbs, we’re not giving our body the proper nutrients it needs to function properly. If you rely on pro-inflammatory foods like fast food and processed junk, your body is most likely depleted in antioxidants and phytonutrients from fruits and veggies that help our bodies rid themselves of toxic metabolites.

The moment our digestion stops, our body goes through a period of “cleaning” where our tissues release toxic substances into circulation for removal. Without free-radical-fighting antioxidants to clear them out, your cells have to store these toxic products that build up in the body. A study in Nutrition Journal found that people who were on a low nutrient diet were more likely to feel hungry after a meal and were also more irritable when hungry, as opposed to those on a high-nutrient diet. The researchers speculated that our bodies can become addicted to these toxic metabolites, so when some people feel weak, headachy, tired, or mentally dull after a meal they might confuse it with hunger, but what they really could be experiencing is withdrawal symptoms.

So What Can You Do About It?

As you can see, there are several different pathways and mechanisms at play that might be contributing to your anger when you’re hungry. But lucky for you, the only thing you need to focus on is stuffing your face! While you may have a hankering for the fastest, easiest kind of fuel—like soda or chips—know that grabbing a smoothie or handful of nuts is just as easy. Junky, processed foods may satisfy you right away, but they’ll unavoidably lead to spikes in blood glucose levels that come crashing down—fast. Leaving you even hungrier.

WellnessKichen Healthy Eating, Mental Wellness, Nutrition & Diet October 27, 2018August 27, 2020 0 Comments

Best and Worst Foods for Stress

If your go-to answer to a hair-pulling day is spooning your way through an entire pint of Chunky Monkey, you could be making your mind-numbing stress worse.

Although you tend to eat well and exercise often, are you finding that you still can’t seem to shake off the weight? Look to your stress triggers. A poor diet, busy life, and a demanding job can contribute to chronic stress levels, which can prevent you from losing weight—and may even add on the pounds. So what’s the connection between stress and your muffin top?

Here’s the deal: Back when humans had to evade predators, we developed a fight-or-flight response to help alert our body to a danger. When we’re stressed—whether it’s because we’re being chased by a mammoth or a fast-approaching project deadline—our body releases a group of hormones called glucocorticoids, whose job is to replenish the energy supply lost during the stressful encounter by revving sugar cravings and increasing fat stores. That way, your body ensures it has enough energy in case another lion crosses your path.

As a result, you get really hungry, really quickly. And you end up craving sweet and high-fat foods which both stimulate the brain to release pleasure hormones to reduce tension as well as provide a quick jolt of replenishing energy. The nail in the coffin? These high-calorie, high-fat foods not only contribute to overeating and subsequent weight gain, but they can even make your stress even worse.

While adding certain foods to your plate may actually exacerbate difficult-to-manage emotions, other foods will help you pull through with ease—without sacrificing your waistline in the process. Read on to learn what science-backed, stress-relieving, natural foods you can use to nourish your body and banish those feelings of frustration and which ones you should keep far away. Stash some of them in your snack drawer alongside these high protein snacks so you can jump over emotional hurdles with ease and get back to life refocused, refueled, and less overwhelmed.

First…The Worst

Avoid these stress-triggering foods so you don’t exacerbate your nerves to the point of a mini meltdown.

Ice Cream

It might cool off your mouth, but delving into a pint of ice cream won’t cool off your mind. In fact, foods that are high in refined sugar only increase stress hormones, including cortisol. That’s because your body can’t use up all that refined sugar (unless you’re in the middle of or recovering from an intense sweat sesh), so your blood glucose levels plummet rapidly. Via the “glucose counter-regulatory response”, your brain perceives low blood-glucose levels as a life-threatening situation and secretes more cortisol to trigger hunger yet again, which in turn, causes you to continue to feel stressed.

Coffee

You might think that a focus-inducing coffee could help distract you from the stress of a looming project deadline, but not all cups are equal. While caffeine is known to be a mood-booster (and may lower your risk of depression) by stimulating dopamine activity, this chemical compound can also blunt the absorption of key mood-balancing nutrients like vitamin D and the B vitamins. What’s worse is when you add a few spoonfuls of sugar to your java, which can cause a post-sugar crash soon after you finish your mug, leaving you hungry, searching for sugar, and with more cortisol.

Chinese Take-Out

When your body switches into fight-or-flight mode during times of stress, one of the responses is to elevate your blood pressure. If you’re constantly shoveling high-sodium foods into your face, you may actually exacerbate your body’s stress response as well as worsen your body’s regulation of blood pressure, resulting in general high blood pressure or hypertension. Chinese food is one of the worst offenders of sodium-laden fare (think: teriyaki sauce and soy sauce). In fact, the gluten-free pad thai from P.F. Chang packs a whopping 5,000 mg of the stuff! Be weary of what you order on those late nights at the office when you’re grinding to finish a project due at 8 A.M. the next morning.

Canned Soup

Sure it’s convenient and fast—what we typically look for when it comes to satisfying those stress cravings—but avoid this vehicle of food at all costs. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting, hormone-mimicking chemical used in most canned food liners and plastic containers which can throw off important mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters by significantly altering genes in the stress-mediating portion of the brain, according to research. (It can also skew your genes toward obesity.) One study out of the University of California–Berkeley even found that children exposed to BPA in early childhood were more likely to have anxiety issues.

Pressed Juices

Overturning your anxious mood with a healthy option is a good idea, but don’t grab a freshly pressed juice. Shocker, right? But hear us out. Unlike whole fruits, juices are devoid of slow-digesting fiber and loaded with both glucose and fructose. The result is a blood sugar spike from the glucose that triggers a rush of the stress hormone adrenaline, and the fructose can alter how the brain responds to stress on a genetic level, according to a recent study. As a general rule, avoid all juices—even those naturally sweetened with fruit.

Tofu

Soy is a triple threat when it comes to stress. For starters, because over 90 percent of soy products in America are GMO, most soy-based products you eat will be treated with glyphosate, an herbicide shown to cause nutrient deficiencies, especially in mood-stabilizing minerals. Add that to soy’s high levels of anti-nutrient phytic acid, which can’t be diminished by traditional soaking and sprouting methods—only through fermentation can these levels be decreased. Lastly, soy is also high in copper, a mineral linked to anxious behavior. If you must eat soy, stick to fermented varieties like tempeh and miso, which are easier to digest.

Wheat Bran

It may be touted by health experts for its impressive fiber content, but wheat bran gets a black mark in the anti-anxiety department for its high concentration of phytic acid. This anti-nutrient binds to important mood minerals like zinc and magnesium, limiting their absorption. Soaking and sprouting can help reduce levels of phytic acid, which is found primarily in whole grains and dried beans; so make the extra step a staple of your kitchen when prepping these foods.

Red Wi

Wine-ing down with alcohol may only wind you up more. While a glass of vino or whiskey on the rocks may feel like it initially helps to calm an anxious mind, research suggests the happy hour strategy may backfire long-term. A few drinks before bed can cause sleep problems, blood sugar swings, and dehydration—all things which can increase stress hormones even more.

Diet Soda

That pop! of the soda can might be enough to quell your stress levels, but stop there. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener that’s found in many diet sodas, has been found to block the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This can cause all manner of neuro maladies including headaches, insomnia, changes in mood—and yes, even stress. It’s not just aspartame, either; look out for NutraSweet and Equal as well to protect your mental well-being.

And Now…The Best

There are a number of healthy options that have been scientifically proven to alter brain chemistry and hormones to help your body deal with stress more easily. Reach for one of these picks when a stress-induced craving hits, and fit them into your diet in general to both improve your mood and waistline.

Spinach

If you’ve been holding your palms on your temples all too often, you might be coming up short on certain nutrients. Research suggests that folic acid deficiency can suppress the production of S-adenosylmethionine, a naturally occurring compound that helps produce serotonin and dopamine. Compounded with the fact that when you’re chronically stressed, your brain begins to produce excess stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and fewer neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and happiness, like dopamine and serotonin, you’ve got a problem. Luckily, scientists believe that improving folic acid status can help reinstate happy hormone levels. To reap the benefits, whip up a three-cup spinach salad and you’ll reach nearly half of the daily recommended intake of folate for both men and women. For more sources of folate, try beans, chickpeas, lentils, asparagus, avocado, or broccoli.

Olive Oil

Counteract that stress-induced rise in blood pressure with an olive-oil drizzled salad. A report by UC Davis found that just two tablespoons a day could significantly decrease systolic blood pressure in as little as three weeks. A separate study found that people who ate olive oil daily enjoyed a bigger boost of the happy hormone serotonin than those eating other types of fat. Researchers speculate the benefits are from EVOO’s minimal processing, which leaves higher levels of health-promoting phenols. In case you didn’t know, phenolic content diminishes with time, and particularly when exposed to heat and light, so EVOO should be stored in a cool dark place and used within a couple months of opening a container—not left out on your counter.

Oats

When you’re stressed out, the all-important, mood-regulating neurotransmitter known as serotonin takes a hit. And when you find out that carbs play a role in helping the serotonin building blocks cross into your brain where they can be assembled into the feel-good hormone, you realize that your stress-induced carb craving makes sense. But the key to satisfying those cravings is reaching for slow-digesting, complex carbs like whole grains to promote stable blood sugar levels rather than the refined carbs that cause spikes and dips. Steel cut oats are closest to whole-grain status and also provide a source of tryptophan, the amino acid precursor to serotonin. Plus, the vitamin B6 found in oats is important to keep your brain focused and energized to keep you from feeling like shirking away to cool off from your rage with a nap. Get the most out of your meal by pairing your overnight oats with the mood-boosting nutrients found in nuts or eggs.

Wild Salmon

Regularly consuming fatty fish like salmon and tuna will help you boost your mood. These fish are loaded with omega-3s, a mood-boosting fatty acid that may make it easier for serotonin—a chemical that makes you feel happier—to pass through cell membranes and multiply. An added benefit? This fatty acid can help decrease inflammation, a common side effect of chronic stress.

Strawberries

These bright fruits are not only one of the top high fiber foods, they’re also packed with vitamin C (ounce-for-ounce even more than oranges), an antioxidant which has been proven to help people cope with stressful situations. According to one study, levels of cortisol (one of the hormones produced during stress) decreased rapidly in subjects given vitamin C supplement, and the blood pressure of the study participants returned to normal more quickly in the vitamin C group than in the control group.

Rooibos Tea

Sick of being crabby? Forget the happy hour cocktail and steep yourself a cup of rooibos tea instead. The red brew is rich in a powerful flavanoid called aspalathin. Researchers say this fat-fighting compound reduces levels of stress hormones (which trigger hunger and fat storage) and can even inhibit adipogenesis—the formation of new fat cells—by as much as 22 percent. Sounds like more than enough of a reason to sip a cup!

Dark Chocolate

Yes, really! But the key word is dark. Milk and white chocolate are full of sugar (which would only pull you down and make you frown) and contain fewer cocoa solids, the ingredient full of antioxidants which researchers have found can help stimulate the euphoria-inducing chemicals that real chocolate does, especially serotonin, working to buffer the effects of stress.

Red Peppers

We know polishing off a sleeve of cookies might feel like the best option after a rough day, but you’re better off crunching on a red pepper. That’s because red peppers boast the highest amount of vitamin C in the produce aisle—just one cup has over three times the recommended daily intake of the nutrient! Though you might know it as the immune vitamin, the antioxidant properties of vitamin C also fights off free radicals and lingering stress hormones. Snack on slices raw dipped in hummus or add the veggie to a stir-fry to reap the benefits.

Nuts

Switch those crunchy chips for nuts to curb your munchies and relieve stress. Most nuts (two standouts are pumpkin seeds and almonds) are high in magnesium—a vital nutrient for our body’s natural stress coping mechanism that the average American isn’t getting enough of. Common symptoms of a magnesium deficiency are an inability to manage stress and the physical ramifications of that like high blood pressure, insomnia, fatigue, or loss of appetite. What’s more, nuts are also rich in mood-boosting selenium; the amino-acid, serotonin-precursor tryptophan; and depression-relieving omega 3 fatty acids.

Eggs

Feeling a bit tense after a fall out with a friend? Take out your angst by cracking some vitamin-D-rich eggs and boost your mood in the process. (FYI, a three-egg omelet will serve up over a third of your daily recommended intake of the nutrient.) Exactly how the sunshine vitamin works to improve mood isn’t yet fully understood, but one theory is that the nutrient increases levels of feel-good hormones, serotonin and dopamine, in the brain. (Plus, eggs are full of tryptophan, an amino acid needed for serotonin production.) Another way these protein-rich foods pack a de-stressing punch? The slow-digesting protein and fat will stabilize blood sugar levels post stressful situation. Pair your eggs with a piece of whole-grain bread to increase levels of serotonin further as carbs are necessary to facilitate the entrance of tryptophan into the brain.

Low-Fat Plain Yogurt

Next time you’re pulling your hair out, grab a cup of plain yogurt. This breakfast staple serves up a hefty dose of lysine and arginine, two amino acids that a study published in the journal Biomedical Research found work together to decrease feelings of anxiety and stress hormone levels. For an added punch, grab a container that has “live active cultures,” which signifies the presence of probiotics. Studies have found that proper gut health plays a critical role in influencing emotions such as anxiety, depression, and stress through our “gut-brain axis.” In fact, a small study by UCLA researchers found an association between consumption of probiotic yogurt and reduction in stress hormone level elevation following an emotional task.

Black Tea

Switch your black cuppa joe for the tea variety to ease your mind. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that those who drank black tea were better able to manage stress than their herbal-sipping counterparts. Not only did black tea drinkers have lower levels of cortisol, their bodies were also able to lower stress hormone levels back to normal and relax more quickly after a nail-biting situation than non-black tea drinkers. Researchers speculate that ingredients such as catechins, polyphenols, and flavonoids in tea leaves may be at play, as they have previously been found to affect neurotransmitters in the brain.

WellnessKichen Drinks & Beverages, Health & Fitness, Healthy Eating, Mental Wellness, Metabolism, Nutrition & Diet, Weight Loss October 3, 2018August 27, 2020 0 Comments

Surprising Reasons Why You’re Gaining Weight

If your skinny jeans fit a couple of months ago—and you haven’t done anything differently—what gives?

If your jeans fit just a couple of months ago, and you haven’t done anything differently, you’re probably wondering, “why am I gaining weight?”

You’re not alone. Many people who eat healthy foods, stay loyal to their workout routine, and drink plenty of water may all experience sudden weight gain. It may seem like there’s no good reason, but experts tell us there are some common reasons why you’re suddenly gaining weight fast.

While your exercise and diet efforts are still important for you to achieve your weight loss goals, there are a number of factors that can cause you to gain weight that often go unnoticed.

We uncovered some of the top reasons why you’re gaining weight and asked experts how to overcome each, so you can get back to your ideal weight.

You don’t weigh yourself.

Of all the little white lies, the expression “what you don’t know can’t hurt you” is one of the worst, regarding weight loss. However, when we’re talking about weight gain, ignorance could be the very reason behind your ever-tightening waistband. “When you avoid the scale because you don’t want to know the number, that’s when you get into trouble,”Rather than hinder your progress, stepping on the scale actually helps you lose weight. According to a study published in the journal Obesity, frequent self-weighing is associated with greater weight loss, less weight regain, and better weight gain prevention.

The solution: Weigh yourself at least once a week—if not two or three—to monitor your progress. “I recommend weighing in on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday,” says Palumbo. “If Monday is a bit higher than usual, all the better for getting back on track for the upcoming week. And Friday is good because if you’re a bit on the high side then, well, it’s all the more incentive to stay-the-course for the weekend and not go too crazy.”

You stay up late and don’t get good sleep.

You eat right and exercise but, sadly, nearly all of your efforts are negated if you’re staying up all night binge-watching Netflix. A study in the Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care journal states that shorter amounts of sleep are associated with higher BMI levels and larger waistlines. The primary reason? “Lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, and decreased levels of leptin, the satiety hormone,” says Nutritionists. “Research also shows that when we’re sleep-deprived, our brains respond more strongly to junk food and have less of an ability to practice portion control.”

The solution: Rumsey assures us that after a week or two of adequate sleep—which she defines as seven to eight hours per evening—the surge of hunger and cravings should subside.

Your job is stressful.

We don’t mean to suggest that you blame others, but your demanding boss may be why you’re gaining weight for no reason. “Our body releases the hormone cortisol when our body is under stress. This causes triglycerides to be relocated to visceral fat cells, increasing storage of belly fat,” explains Rumsey. “Elevated cortisol levels also cause an increase in blood glucose, while suppressing the effects of insulin, leading to constant feelings of hunger and can lead to overeating. To make matters worse, all of that unused blood glucose is eventually stored as body fat.”

The solution: Discuss your workload with your manager. Alternatively, come into the office early when no one is around to bug you. You can also try some techniques to relax and de-stress like meditation and yoga.

You aren’t eating enough protein.

Are you suffering from a protein deficiency? Consuming enough protein is important for two reasons: Since it digests more slowly than refined carbohydrates, it’s satiating and staves off overeating. It also helps maintain lean muscle mass. “If you aren’t consuming enough protein to keep your muscles and cells healthy, the body ends up breaking down muscle to access the nutrients it needs—and this spells trouble. Less muscle mass means a slower metabolism, which over time, can cause weight gain,” explains Nutritionists.

The solution: To keep your metabolism going strong, stock your kitchen with lean proteins such as chicken breast, turkey, and organic tofu.

You never indulge.

“Why am I gaining weight if I’m sticking to my diet religiously?” you may ask. And we have the answer: you’re taking it a little too seriously. You don’t have to restrict yourself completely when you’re trying to lose weight—live a little! It’ll actually help you to reverse recent weight gain. Having a cheat day (or even cheat days) while dieting may actually help aid weight loss, according to an International Journal of Obesity study. Australian researchers found that when participants alternated between adhering to a strict diet for two weeks and following it with two cheat weeks lost more weight during the study than those who stuck to a strict diet the entire time. Bonus: The “cheater” group also gained back less weight after the study finished.

The solution: To get back to a trimmer version of you, eat the real thing, but downsize your portion. If you love ice cream, for example, skip the fro-yo and have a small scoop of premium.

You’re working out too much.

If you’re working out but gaining weight, the problem may lie in the amount of time you’re spending exercising. There’s no denying that working out is an important weight loss factor, but oddly enough, thinking about your upcoming sweat sessions too often can make it more difficult to lose weight. An Obesity Reviews meta-analysis indicates that people tend to overestimate how many calories they burn when they work out—and will end up eating more on days they work out. A separate study supported this finding, showing that people tend to increase their food intake after exercise and end up eating more calories than they burn.

The solution: To prevent sudden weight gain, avoid excessive noshing after exercising. Pick up pre-portioned pre-workout snacks tailored to your fitness routine.

You suffered from an injury.

“Musculoskeletal conditions that cause pain can lead to a decrease in physical activity, which can cause weight gain over time—especially if you are eating the same amount that you were eating when you were more active,” says Rumsey.

The solution: People don’t often want to exercise when their joints are hurting, but exercise can ease some arthritis symptoms. “Low impact activities like walking or riding a stationary bike are easier on joints, as is swimming and water aerobics,” she says. “Working in some strength training exercises with light weights or therapeutic bands can help to improve joint stability and also help counteract weight gain.”

You’re overeating healthy foods.

Portion size is just as important as eating healthy. The reason: Many nutritious foods—like avocados, oatmeal, quinoa, dark chocolate, nuts, and nut butters—can lead to weight gain when eaten in excess because they’re calorically dense.

The solution: Unless it’s a fruit or a vegetable, don’t make the assumption that the healthy food you’re eating is low in calories. Next time you’re whipping up a meal, remember these three portion control cues:

A helping of nut butter or shredded cheese should be no larger than a ping-pong ball

A true serving of rice and pasta is about the size of your fist

Lean meats should be about the size of a deck of cards.

Sticking to the recommended serving size can help prevent sudden weight gain.

You’re simply getting older.

With each passing birthday after the big 3-0, we start to lose muscle mass. As a result, Biggest Loser dietitian Cheryl Forberg, RD, tells us our metabolism naturally slows. That has got to be the worst birthday present of all time! “When our metabolism slows down, we will gain weight, especially if we continue to eat the same amount of food as we did when we were younger.”

The solution: To keep your lean, youthful figure, Forberg says staying active is a must: “A combination of cardio and weight-bearing exercise will help preserve lean body mass and muscle tissue, keeping the metabolism elevated.”

You’re dehydrated.

A University of Birmingham study found that drinking two cups of water before each meal could significantly accelerate weight loss. So it should come as no surprise that not drinking enough H2O can have the opposite effect on your waistline. “Not only does water give us energy and help maintain body temperature, but it also helps us feel more full,” says Forberg. “Not drinking enough water can cause us to eat excess calories that could lead to weight gain. Plus, when you’re dehydrated, the body will conserve water for vital body functions, which can result in water retention and a higher number on the scale.”

The solution: Sip water continuously throughout the day. And remember that water alone isn’t the only way to stay hydrated, there are many water-rich foods you can eat along with other water-rich drinks like coffee, tea, and smoothies.

You’re relying too much on exercise without changing your diet.

From building muscle mass to improving cardiovascular health, there are tons of obvious reasons to hit the gym. That said, exercise alone is unlikely to undo your ice cream, booze, and burger habit, says Rumsey. Plus, the type of exercise you do may also be making it hard to keep the pounds off. “Steady-state cardio, such as running at the same pace for three or four miles, can increase appetite,” warns Nutritionists. “Many people who do these types of workouts end up eating more than they would have if they hadn’t worked out.”

The solution: Lay off the junk and switch up your workout. “More and more research is showing that high-intensity interval training type exercise is best to see improvements in muscle mass and cardiovascular function, without the associated increase in appetite.

You aren’t paying attention to your sodium intake.

A high-sodium diet can make you retain water and boat. And when you retain water in your gut, it can make it seem like you’ve experienced a sudden weight gain in your stomach—when it’s just water weight. As Nutritionists says, “sodium-related weight gain is easy come, easy go.”

The solution: Up your water intake and cut back on the sodium. Cooking more at home with fresh herbs instead of salt should help your belly deflate in a day or so. Dining out? Scan nutrition info at home before you head out and pick a healthy restaurant dish with about 1,000 milligrams of sodium or less.

You kept all the junk food in your house.

“Whether it’s ice cream, cookies, chips or other items, just knowing that your trigger foods are in the kitchen or your office desk can derail your healthy eating program,” says Nutritionists. “This is especially true between 3 p.m. and bedtime when cravings tend the be the most difficult to ignore.”

The solution: One of the best ways to overcome a passing craving is to keep the foods you know you can’t deny out of the house. Can’t imagine kicking your favorite cookies out of the house for good? Individually portion off the foods you tend to overeat. If you know each Ziploc bag of chips is 150 calories, you’ll be less likely to go back for a second serving.

Your thyroid is to blame.

The thyroid, a gland in the neck that sits above the Adam’s apple, regulates a wide range of bodily functions including metabolism. But sometimes, for a variety of reasons, your thyroid may become under-active and result in a condition called hypothyroidism. One of the many symptoms of the condition? You guessed it, weight gain. The worst part is that the condition often develops slowly, so many people don’t notice the symptoms of the disease until they’re full-blown, says The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It gets worse: If a thyroid issue is to blame for your weight gain, it doesn’t matter how diligently your dieting and working out; it will be near impossible to shed the pounds.

The solution: Take a trip to the MD. “If you’ve suddenly put on weight for no apparent reason, I suggest you see a doctor so a medical professional can decide whether it is a thyroid issue or another cause.

You’re depressed.

“As many as 25 percent of people taking certain antidepressants report gaining ten pounds or more [after starting the medication],” says Rumsey.

“Some medications may cause food cravings, especially for carbohydrates, and some find that their medication increases their appetite. The drugs may affect metabolism negatively as well.” And since depression is often accompanied by a disinterest in food, another pool of thought is that once antidepressants become effective, people regain their appetites and overeat.

The solution: “Switching medications can often help since certain types are more apt to cause weight gain than others. However, if you change medications, it may not aid your depression as effectively. It can be a lot of trial and error. Consult your doctor before going on or off any medication.

You’re taking medication.

From beta-blockers to birth control pills, and everything in between, there’s a long, long list of medications that can cause your waistline to bulge. And if you think your Rx is to blame for your ever-expanding waistline, you’re not alone. “Weight issues are often a primary reason for non-compliance with treatment,” Palumbo tells us. “Some drugs stimulate the appetite or slow the body’s metabolism. Others cause fluid retention or enough drowsiness to reduce physical activity, which can trigger weight gain.”

The solution: This is important, so listen up: “If you suspect your drug is causing weight gain, never stop taking it. Instead, make an appointment with your healthcare provider and ask if there might be an equally effective alternative that doesn’t affect your weight. Everyone reacts to medications differently, so trying something else may help,” says Palumbo.

You eat too healthy.

“When my clients feel like they aren’t able to enjoy something indulgent from time to time, it often leaves them with hard-to-ignore cravings.

The solution: “For this reason, I allow my patients to eat 100 discretionary calories each day. It allows them to satisfy their cravings without falling off track.” Nine Peanut M&Ms, 12 gummy bears, and a single Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup all come in right around 100 calories.

WellnessKichen Mental Wellness, Weight Loss September 23, 2018August 27, 2020 0 Comments

Tips for Motivation That Actually Work for Weight Loss

These simple steps can change your life…

How many times have you promised yourself that this time will be different? You’ll lose 10 pounds, be more productive, get fit, eat more vegetables…and then you don’t? If that sounds familiar, today could be the day you discover the motivational secret you need for success.

Whenever we set goals—especially weight loss goals—things usually start off pretty well. You skip the cookie aisle, sign up for spin class, and start whipping up Zero Belly smoothies every morning. Then life happens and before you know it, you’re driving 90 mph blowing kisses at your promises in the rearview mirror. “See you Monday,” “I’ll be back next month” or “When things finally slow down…” you say.

The truth is, getting motivated is easy. But staying motivated, even under the best possible circumstances, is hard. More than 90 percent of people who set out to make a resolution this year will fail. Except you! Not this time. From goal setting, time management and planning, to practicing self-compassion, here are 40 of the best-ever motivational tips!

START WHERE YOU ARE

According to science, something in motion tends to stay in motion. No matter where you are or what you hope to accomplish, start today. Once you begin, you are that much more likely to keep going thanks to the power of momentum.

GET OFF THE FAILURE TREADMILL

“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th“.

SET SPECIFIC GOALS AND WRITE THEM DOWN

According to a study done by Gail Matthews at Dominican University, those who wrote down their goals accomplished significantly more than those who did not. And the more specific they were, the more likely the individual was to accomplish them.

MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF

Change is hard. When you are starting something new, make it foolproof. If your goal is to work out five days a week, join a gym that’s less than five minutes from work. If you’re trying to ditch those love handles, get rid of all junk food in your house. Want to fall asleep earlier? Turn off all electronics before you get into bed. Remove the temptation and make room for the results.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN

Whether you want to remodel your home or run a marathon, you don’t just wing it on game day, right? Ironically, this is one of the top reasons why less than 10 percent of people achieve their New Year Resolutions; they simply don’t plan out how they will succeed. Don’t be part of this statistic. Buy a planner, use sticky notes, make lists—whatever works for you. Failing to plan is planning to fail.

START SIMPLE

In a Harvard University article on setting goals and classroom achievement, researchers cite early success opportunities with “future performances and self-efficacy by increasing their sense of competence.” In other words, providing students with tasks that they can achieve early on, increases the likelihood of them achieving more challenging concepts later on. The same holds true when it comes to achieving a significant goal. Start with attainable goals and gradually work your way to the more challenging tasks.

START A PINTEREST BOARD

Whether you want to start working out or redecorating, Pinterest is a great place to start. It’s also a place to come back to when you find you are lacking motivation and need to refocus.

RACE THE CLOCK

If you waited to get Christmas presents until the week of, chances are you also were the student who did their research paper the night before it was due. You may have still been able to get all your shopping done last-minute or pull off an A in college, but procrastination is not your friend when it comes to chasing your dreams. And as important as it is to define what you want, it’s just as crucial to define when. In fact, a recent article published by Duke University found that setting specific deadlines for your goals helps to control procrastination.

PICK MEANINGFUL GOALS

According to a study at the Institute for Social Research, if students don’t perceive their goals as meaningful or valued, their engagement with goal attainment progress will diminish. Don’t make it a priority to run a road race if you hate running or get a promotion if you hate your job. Make a list of things that are important to you and pick something that really matters.

DEVELOP YOUR WHY

“Remember your why!’ Why did you lose the weight in the first place? Why did you decide to get healthy? Get back to your why and remind yourself of it every day,” says Sonya Jones, an Illinois-based PE teacher who lost 104 pounds on The Biggest Loser. “This simple exercise can make it far easier to stay on track with your new healthy lifestyle.” If you don’t know why you want to achieve your body goals, it makes it that much harder to resist that extra slice of pizza.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have a huge goal or project in front of you. And often when we feel overwhelmed, we procrastinate. Instead, break the task into smaller parts and tackle them one by one. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds, aim to lose 1-3 pounds a week. It may not seem like much, but after just two months, that is 16-18 pounds!

HOLD YOURSELF BACK

We are often so eager to begin that we give everything we have right away. Take running a race for example. If you take off from the starting line at your full speed and max effort, you’ll be winded by the second lap. The best runners are the ones who know when to hold back and when to go all out.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH WINNERS

You are the company you keep, so be choosey. In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, researchers discovered that when it came to resisting temptations—like eating french fries, skipping the gym or drinking one too many cocktails—friends are often more likely to sin together. Surround yourself with individuals who already have the qualities you wish to possess.

ESTABLISH A DAILY ROUTINE

Routine provides structure and structure creates discipline. “When I studied the creative lives of massively productive people like Stephen King, John Grisham, and Thomas Edison, I discovered they followed strict daily routines, like when they would get up, when they would start work, when they would exercise and when they would relax.

GET UP EARLIER

According to researchers, late sleepers—those who wake up around 10:45 a.m.—consume 248 more calories a day, half as many fruits and vegetables, and twice the amount fast food than those who set their alarm earlier! That’s enough to make us set are alarm an hour earlier.

BE A BEGINNER

Every expert was once a beginner. To truly excel at anything, you must start with the basics. However, Carol Rogers, psychologist and founder of the humanistic approach to psychotherapy, also emphasizes the importance of ‘learning to learn’ through being open to change. In other words, you must understand that while you can obtain a wide abundance of knowledge, you will never have all the answers because that knowledge is always changing.

WELCOME CHALLENGES

A 2012 study published in the journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that competition encourages participants to increase their performance. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, run faster or increase sales, start a challenge. A little friendly competition goes a long way on the road to achievement.

DITCH THE FEAR

Too often we stay in a job we hate or at a weight that makes us uncomfortable because to avoid change. And change involves risk. If you find yourself apprehensive about taking a leap, ask yourself two questions: First, “what’s the worst thing that can happen?” and second, “can I live with that?”

PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION

Self-compassion is defined as one’s ability to offer compassion to oneself through inadequacy or hardship. And when it comes to achieving success, a certain level of self-compassion is required. In fact, in one study, researchers manipulated participants level of self-compassion by having them write about a personal shortcoming and dividing them into two groups. The self-compassion group wrote from a place of compassion and understanding while the latter was asked to validate their positive qualities. Following the exercise, they were then asked to rate the degree to which they thought their weakness was permanent. The self-compassion group saw weakness as more changeable than the self-esteem group. The takeaway: People who are self-compassionate are better able to see shortcomings as a challenge that can be overcome.

SCHEDULE A WORKOUT DATE

A recent JAMA Internal Medicine study of nearly 4,000 couples found that people are more likely to stick to healthy habits like exercise when they team up with their partner.

TRY TRACKING YOUR PROGRESS

When it comes to tracking your progress, it’s twofold. Researchers at the University of Chicago found that when they reminded successful dieters of their progress and then offered them a choice between an apple and a chocolate bar as a reward, 85 percent of them chose the chocolate bar over the apple. And when they weren’t reminded, just 58 percent went for the indulgent treat. Reminding the dieters how successful they had been made them feel the need to reward themselves. However, what happens when what you’re doing is ineffective, and you aren’t tracking it? You remain stuck. Social psychologist, Thomas Webb and his colleagues at the University of Sheffield point out that regularly checking your weight loss and fitness can alert you to the ineffectiveness of your exercise regime, allowing you to make modifications and thus, progress towards your goals.

SWITCH IT UP

Don’t do the same thing every single day and expect to stay excited. Dr. Thomas Goetz from the University of Konstanz and Thurgau University of Teacher Education found that when students are bored, their value of academic achievement suffers. AKA boredom isn’t going to help you reach your full potential so switch it up! Take a new workout class, find a new recipe on Pinterest, try more than one method, etc.

MAKE WEEKLY PLAYLISTS

Staying motivated is one of the biggest challenges on any journey. Luckily, something as simple as making playlists can do the trick. Whether it’s hitting the pavement, getting to the gym or even, having a productive day at work, making a playlist can get you inspired and set the tone for your workout and day.

PRACTICE INTERVAL TRAINING

While interval training on the treadmill will fight boredom, boost metabolism and burn fat, interval training at work is equally as important. Just like our body requires recovery, so does our brain. To maximize productivity, work in 90-minute blocks with 10-minute intervals to recover and refuel.

SHARE YOUR PROGRESS

In a 2013 research study published in Translational Behavioral Medicine, participants who published their weight loss progress on Twitter lost more weight than those who kept their progress to themselves.

FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP OR PARTNER

When Matthews studied how goal achievement in the workplace is influenced by accountability, she found that more that 70 percent of the participants who sent weekly updates to a friend reported either accomplishing their goal or being more than half way there (as opposed to the 35 percent of those who kept their goals to themselves). Another study published online in Health Promotion Practice found that people who received weekly text reminders of their daily “calorie budget” and motivational emails made healthier meal and snack choices. Solicit a friend or take matters into your hands and set up labeled alarms on your smartphone.

MAKE YOUR BED EVERY MORNING

Before you brush your teeth, get dressed and run out the door, make your bed. Small tasks provide a sense of accomplishment, and if you start your day with accomplishment, you’ll finish it that way as well.

USE YOUR COMMUTE TIME

If your commute is close to four hours a day, that means you spend roughly 25 percent of your week traveling (assuming you get six hours of shut-eye). That’s a huge chunk of your week that you may or may not be using productively. Listen to a podcast while you’re driving or review work plans and academic journals on the train. Use your time efficiently.

KEEP A JOURNAL

Writing your emotions out on paper helps relieve stress and anxiety that can cause emotional eating. In a recent study, women who were unhappy with their weight were asked to complete a one-time, 15-minute writing exercise about an important personal issue went on to lose at least three pounds over a three-month period; their counterparts, who wrote about an unimportant topic, gained three pounds.

GET ORGANIZED

If your desk looks like a bomb just went off and you’re forever running late (or missing appointments altogether), it’s time to get organized. Find each item a home, develop a system for managing appointments, hobbies, and obligations, and ditch the clutter. The more organized you, the better equipped you are to handle whatever is thrown at you.

LIMIT TV TIME

According to Dieticians, the average American watches approximately 153 hours of TV every month at home. That’s about five hours a day, on your tush, in front of a screen. Five hours that could be spent running errands, taking a spin class, reading a book, meeting a friend for coffee, and making dinner instead of ordering takeout. Allow yourself 2-3 hours of tube time a week or ditch it all together. We have enough screens in front of us all day.

GO TO BED EARLIER

Attention night owls: According to researchers, getting eight and a half hours of shut-eye each night can drop cravings for junk food a whopping 62 percent and decrease overall appetite by 14 percent!

MAKE LIST

It’s easy to forget things we need to do. Making lists not only ensures we get it all done, but it also makes us feel accomplished!

ESTABLISH AN EATING SCHEDULE

Experts say that building schedules around food can help you duplicate this success yourself. “To ensure I stay on track—no matter when I roll out of bed—I eat within an hour of waking, eat every four or five hours after that and stop noshing two hours before bedtime.

ADOPT A MANTRA

Although short and sweet, mantras are awfully mighty. They can relieve stress, keep you happy and motive you. If you don’t have a word or saying that works its magic on you yet, find one to help you reach your goals.

STOP MULTITASKING

While there may be areas in life where multitasking is useful, recent studies have found that multitasking reduces your productivity by 40 percent. Not is it only ineffective, but according to a study at the University of Sussex, multitasking can damage your brain. This is because when we multitask, we are usually not doing multiple things at the same time, but rather, switching back and forth and thus, compromising our performance and retention for each task. The constant interruption in our brains also causes stress, reducing reaction time. Instead of being a dabbler, practice having laser focus on one goal at a time.

KNOW YOUR PEAK HOURS

Are you a morning person or do you perform best at night? Do you become unproductive at a certain time every day at work? Practice self-awareness so that you can use your peak time more efficiently.

REWARD YOURSELF, OFTEN

Dating back to 1938, BF Skinner coined the term operant conditioning, which meant changing behavior to obtain a desired response through reinforcement. In his studies on rats, he used positive reinforcement by placing a hungry rat in a box with lever. Each time the rats accidentally hit the lever, food would drop into the container. Over time, the rats knew to go directly to the lever. While rewarding ourselves with food is not recommended (especially if you’re on a diet), you can treat yourself to a new workout outfit, a hot bath or a mini Netflix binge. Just like with the rats, small rewards ensure you continue the desired behavior.

PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE

A recent report from the Informate Mobile Intelligence found that American’s check their social media accounts 17 times a day. That means we are on our phones every single waking hour. It’s no wonder we are more distracted than ever. Make a conscious effort to be present and give your undivided attention to your goals.

DITCH THE PERFECTION

No one is perfect and you’re not always going to be on your A-game, but if you stay focused and motivated, you’ll be able to achieve all you want. So time to get going!

WellnessKichen Health & Fitness, Healthy Eating, Mental Wellness, Metabolism September 22, 2018August 31, 2020 0 Comments

You Messed Up Your Metabolism Today If,

Your metabolism fuels the fire that burns fat, even when you’re just sitting around. But are you accidentally extinguishing the flame?

Metabolism. It’s the elusive set of life-sustaining chemical transformations and a characteristic of bodies that can vary from person to person. It’s such a big concept that you might believe you’re at the mercy of it. Well, actually, you are! It’s thermodynamics at work, after all.

But there are a bunch of simple — even easy — things you can do to boost your metabolism and make your body run more efficiently, “good genes” or not. Make tomorrow a great day by grabbing a cup of rooibos tea (which boosts metabolism!) and learning about the common metabolism mistakes you probably made today.

You Didn’t Get a Good Night’s Sleep

If you’re chronically sleep deprived, don’t be surprised if you gain a few pounds without eating a morsel of extra food. “A lack of sleep can cause several metabolic problems,” says nutritionist. “It can cause you to burn fewer calories, lack appetite control and experience an increase in cortisol levels, which stores fat.” Lack of sufficient sleep — which experts say is 7 to 9 hours a night for most people — also leads to impaired glucose tolerance, a.k.a. your body’s ability to utilize sugar for fuel. “We all have those less-than-adequate nights of sleep,” says nutritionist Lisa Jubilee. “But if it’s a regular thing, you’re better off lengthening your night’s sleep than working out, if fat loss or weight maintenance is your goal.

You Started Your Day Dehydrated

For Jubilee, one of the best and cheapest ways to give your metabolism a jolt is to drink water (she suggests 20 to 32 ounces) shortly after waking. Why? During sleep, your body’s metabolic function slowed, and unless you woke up in the middle of the night to swig some water, it didn’t receive any fluids. Jubilee suggests completely rehydrating before stressing your body with any other food or drink. “My clients who have implemented this report less bloating, more energy and a smaller appetite,” she says. Her motto for getting your inner furnace stoked and ready for the day: “Rehydrate, then caffeinate!” And caffeinate with tea. The tea’s combination of caffeine and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) seems to set fat cells up for defeat.

You Had Road Rage

Okay, it doesn’t have to be road rage, but that kind of unnecessary stress doesn’t do your body good. Not only can stress cause headaches, stomach distress, high blood pressure, chest pain and sleep disturbances, it also causes the body to metabolize food more slowly, according to research published in the journal Biological Psychiatry. To add insult to injury, the types of food we crave when we’re stressed out tend to be fat and sugar-laden treats like doughnuts and chocolate. Researchers say that the combination of high-cal cravings and a stress-induced snail-paced metabolic rate can result in significant weight gain.

You Drank Too Much Caffeine

Plenty of studies indicate that caffeine can boost your metabolism in the AM. But nutritionist Amy Shapiro says that guzzling coffee and other caffeinated drinks all day could actually work against you. Caffeine is a natural appetite suppressant. If you’re constantly consuming it, you may not eat much — or realize how hungry you really are — until you get home for dinner. “Not eating enough throughout the day can make your metabolism sluggish,” she says. “By the time you eat dinner, instead of immediately using that food for energy, your body is aggressively storing it as fat, just in case it will be deprived again.”

You Passed Up Your Fruit

When metals like mercury take the place of iodine at binding sites, thyroid hormone production grinds to a halt. The good news is you can instantly detox with fruits that are rich in pectin — a gelatin-like fiber that sticks to toxic compounds in the blood and flushes them out of the body through the urine. In fact, citrus pectin increased mercury excretion in the urine by 150 percent within 24 hours of supplementation, according to one study. As a weight loss bonus, research shows pectin can limit the amount of fat your cells can absorb. Grapefruits, oranges, and peaches are all good sources, but since most pectin is found in the fibrous pith and peel, whole apples are one of the best.

You Chose the Wrong Afternoon Pick-me-up

We get it. You’re totally obsessed with your double shot skim latte. It gives you the boost you need when the work day gets to be too much. But if you always opt out of green tea—an amazing choice—you could be missing out of some major metabolism-boosting effects. In a recent 12-week study, participants who combined a daily habit of 4-5 cups of green tea with a 25-minute workout lost an average of two more pounds and more belly fat than the non tea-drinking exercisers. What’s its magic? The brew contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that triggers the release of fat from fat cells and helps speed the liver’s capacity for turning fat into energy.

You Didn’t Eat Organic

“Hormones dictate how our body utilizes the energy we give it,” says Jubilee. “Between our reproductive, thyroid and growth hormones, appetite, insulin and hunger hormones — leptin and ghrelin — our bodies have to perform a tricky balancing act to keep us lean, energized and viable reproductive beings.” Those tasks have become much more difficult because of the hormone residues we consume via cage-raised foods. If you want to give your metabolism a leg up, Jubilee says, switch to organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised beef, eggs, and dairy products, thereby avoiding those nasty hormones at mealtime.

Your Home or Workplace Was Too Warm

If you’re reading this, you’re almost certainly a mammal. It follows that you’re also an endotherm. This means that you can set heat free from within your own body to regulate your body temperature, rather than relying solely on the ambient temperature. It’s not just a neat trick common to both mammals and birds — it also burns calories. So turn down your thermostat and let your body do the heavy lifting. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that participants who slept in bedrooms cooled to 66°F for a month doubled the amount of brown adipose tissue they burned. Brown adipose tissue is a type of fat that burns calories rather than stores them. “Brown fat becomes more active in cooler temperatures to help keep us warm,” explains Nutritionists. The take-home? Turning down your heat, sleeping in cooler temps, and spending time outdoors is going to help to stoke your metabolism, so chill out to get lean.

You Had Zero Carbs

Although it’s true that eating too many refined carbs can get in the way of your health and weight-loss goals, eating too few can have a similar effect. That’s because when we exercise, our muscles need carbohydrates’ stores of glycogen for energy; if they don’t get enough, they can’t grow. That’s bad because the more muscle you can get and keep, the more calories you’ll burn at rest. But that’s not all. With your muscles starved of energy, you won’t be able to exercise as intensely as you otherwise would. That means fewer calories burned while active. Have a serving (about the size of once cupped palm) of oatmeal, sweet potato or brown rice prior to working out. Still a little confused about carbs?

You Lowered Your Weights Too Fast

It feels great to work out in an efficient amount of time, but when it comes to cranking your metabolism, haste makes waste. That’s because there are big metabolism-boosting benefits that come from the eccentric (a.k.a. lowering) aspects of these movements. Eccentric movements damage muscles more than the act of lifting them. They require more effort from your body to repair and demand more caloric energy to do so. Greek researchers demonstrated that women who performed one weekly strength workout that focused on eccentric movement increased their resting energy expenditure and fat burning by 5 and 9 percent, respectively, over a period of eight weeks.

You Thought Nuts Were Too Fatty

A review of research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly those contained in walnuts, could enhance the activity of certain genes that control fat burning, meaning that a nutty snacker may burn more calories throughout the day than one who grabs another type of lower cal snack. One to 1.5 ounces amounts to a small handful of walnuts. Have a snack of this size once daily for better burning. And if you want something salty or sweet, indulge in a snack that helps you build muscle and blast flab.

You Took it a Little Too Easy

Researchers in Australia found that when women performed a 20-minute HIIT workout three times per week, they shed nearly 6 pounds more than those who exercised for 40 minutes three times a week at a steady pace. Why? Researchers explain that while high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is of shorter duration than a regular cardio workout, it results in greater post-exercise oxygen consumption, meaning that you continue burning calories for a period of time afterward.

You Had an All-or-nothing Workout Mentality

Forget slogging on the treadmill for an hour! Research printed in the journal Physiological Reports showed that people who did five 30-second bursts of max-effort cycling followed by 4 minutes of rest burned 200 extra calories that day. That’s just 2.5 minutes of work for a resting metabolism boost that will last 24-48 hours! You probably don’t have a stationary bike handy at your place of work, but a similar result could be achieved by performing burpees, jumping jacks, or jumping rope.

You Worked Out at the Wrong Time

Northwestern University scientists have suggested that getting out and about in the early morning sunlight could help to regulate your circadian rhythm. That controls the many functions your body performs, including how much and well you sleep, how much you eat, and how much energy you burn. Try stepping outside for a jog or walk first thing in the a.m. Studies have shown that people who are up-and-at-‘em first thing have a lower BMI compared to those who take their sunshine later in the day.

You Consumed Too Many Pesticides

A Canadian study has found that chemicals in pesticides called organochlorines can mess with your body’s energy-burning process and make it more difficult to lose weight. The researchers found that dieters who ate the most toxins experienced a greater-than-normal dip in metabolism and had a harder time losing weight. Dr. Whitney S. Goldner of the University of Nebraska Medical Center has noted that there is growing evidence for a link between exposure to pesticides and thyroid problems. Your move is to buy organic fruits and veggies whenever possible.

You Consumed Dietary Toxins in Processed Foods

Studies have shown that mice that have had sustained exposure to chemical preservatives develop significant abdominal weight gain, early insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Limiting your exposure to dietary toxins, sugars, refined carbohydrates and processed foods will help keep your metabolism revved.

You Drank Water with Tons of Fluoride and Chloride

If your thyroid is dragging, your metabolism will slow down and may even become dysfunctional. Drinking fluoridated and chlorinated water supplies have been linked to dysfunction in metabolic processes — both chemicals interfere with normal thyroid function. Drink filtered water whenever possible.

You Popped Unnecessary Meds

We’ve come to rely on various medications to deal with lifestyle diseases. For many people, these medications do for them what bold lifestyle changes have not. But for others, the drugs for diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure have been popped too soon and for too long. That’s bad because in they can interfere with critical metabolic processes, which dramatically reduce the expenditure of energy. It’s well worth talking to your doctor about what can be achieved with non-pharmaceutical interventions, such diet, exercise, and meditation.

You Didn’t Get Enough Protein

Protein is a one-stop metabolism shop that’s worthy of one heck of an Ultimate Protein Guide. It fills you up, making you less likely to forage for less metabolism-boosting food. It can rev post-meal calorie burn by as much as 35 percent, according to research, and it helps you grow muscle, which is like a calorie-incinerating body cloak that’s hard at work blasting calories while you’re at rest. It ought to be a component in every meal. Try vegan protein, which will give you the same fat-burning, hunger-squelching, muscle-building benefits as whey — without the bloat.

You Ate Too Little

This one sounds counterintuitive but bear with us. When you don’t sufficiently fuel your body, it can switch into starvation mode. In effect, your metabolic rate slows and your body clings to the remaining fuel. That’s because in our evolutionary past — before the advent of agriculture — food was often scarce and the body adapted to conserve fuel. Even if you’re cutting calories and creating a calorie deficit, your best move is to eat often and in a way that enables you to be active without getting exhausted.

You Forgot About Vitamin D

You can get 90 percent of your recommended daily value (400 IU) in a 3.5-ounce serving of wild salmon (never farmed salmon), but you can also just step outside. Exposing your full torso to the sun for at least 30 minutes will produce approximately 10,000 IU.

You Skipped Calcium

Calcium plays a key role in regulating the way your body metabolizes. Specifically, it determines whether you burn calories or sport them as a tire. According to research conducted at the Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, a diet that’s high in calcium could help you burn more fat. Consume dairy, Greek yogurt and these non-dairy calcium-rich foods.

You Ate Refined Carbs

When a carb is complex, the body has to work a little harder to break it down. White bread, pasta, and rice are broken down more easily because the complex carbohydrates have been taken out of them and their carb content has been refined. The result? A slower metabolism. Refined carbs don’t offer much nutritional value in the first place, so you’re way better off choosing whole-wheat breads, pasta, and brown rice.

You Missed Out on Probiotics

Another reason to grab that Greek yogurt: The good bacteria in probiotics can help ramp up your metabolism and improve your immune system, but it pays to be picky about your sources. Yogurt’s a great way to get a.m. protein and probiotics, but to get the healthiest yogurt you’ll have to read labels; most are packed with added sugars that exceed their protein levels. To speed up the process, use our indispensable guide to the best brand name yogurts for weight loss.

You Indulged in More Sweets Than You Should

Avoiding sugary foods is a great idea. Why? Sugar creates a spike in blood glucose levels and is very quickly absorbed into your system. Both of these mechanisms are putting the brakes on your metabolism. Replace candy, chocolate and ice cream with fresh fruit for weight loss. It will help to satisfy your sweet tooth without causing a spike in your glucose levels.

You Had One Too Many

Sad news, folks: When you have an alcoholic drink, you burn less fat. What fat you do burn, you burn more slowly than usual. That’s because the alcohol is used as fuel instead. Quaffing a couple of martinis can reduce your body’s fat-burning ability by up to 73 percent! That’s a scientific finding that should leave you shaken and stirred.

You Sat Pretty Much All Day Long

Ideally, we sleep about eight hours for every 24. Most people spend another seven to ten hours sitting at their desk. That means most of us spend the overwhelming majority of our time sedentary. Our bodies weren’t designed for this level of inactivity — most of humans’ evolutionary history involved being active, searching for food and fuel. Jubilee says that one way to burn more calories daily is to stand more and sit less. She cites a British study which found that standing at work burned 50 more calories per hour than sitting. If that doesn’t sound like a lot, consider this: If you stand for just three hours of your day, in one year you’d expend more than 30,000 extra calories — which amounts to about 8 lbs of fat!

You Ate Too Many Calories Too Late in the Day

“Not eating enough calories in a day is an easy way to slow your metabolism,” says Santoro. “It’s a common mistake people make.” When you don’t consume enough calories, your body switches into starvation mode, and your brain tells your body to store fat. This can increase cortisol levels, leading to belly-fat storage, which comes with health risks.

“Eating a large dinner, especially too close to bedtime, can be detrimental to your metabolism,” says Shapiro. “It’s likely to throw off your inner clock and make you not hungry in the morning, which can ultimately lead to weight gain.” It’s at this point in the day that people are more likely to have an alcoholic beverage, which can bedevil your metabolism even more. “When a person drinks, acetate is formed,” says Santoro. “The body spends time trying to detoxify itself rather than burn calories.” He adds that drinking alcohol can impair protein synthesis and anabolic (muscle-building) hormones. Shapiro suggests that you prepare for busy or unpredictable days by packing healthy snacks to keep you from overeating or making unhealthful food choices.

You Shunned Table Salt for Sea Salt

Sea salt is pretty amazing, especially when paired with chocolate or caramel. But it doesn’t have iodine, a key element that gives your thyroid gland what it needs to get the job done. The thyroid gland helps to regulate your metabolism. If you don’t have enough iodine, it’s unable to produce thyroid hormones, and your metabolism can grind to a screeching halt. Most table salt is iodized; just a half-teaspoon will provide 100 percent of your RDA for iodine. You can also eat seaweed, cod, shrimp, and eggs, all of which are great sources of iodine.

You Worked the Nightshift

Research has found that people burn fewer calories when they sleep during the day and log their waking hours after the sun’s gone down. To come to this finding, University of Colorado at Boulder researchers studied 14 healthy adults for six days. For two days, study participants slept at night and stayed awake during the day, then they reversed their routines to mimic the schedules of night owls. When participants slept during the day, researchers found that they burned 52 to 59 fewer calories than they did while catching their zzz’s in the evening—likely because the schedule messed with their circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that plays a major role in metabolism function.

You Ate Odd Amounts at Odd Hours

Ready to do some simple math? Figure out how many calories you need to achieve your desired weight and evenly divide that number by the 3, 4 or 5 meals and snacks you eat per day. Aim for each of your meals to be roughly this size. Why? Research from John Moores University in Liverpool found that women who fluctuated between eating low- and high-calorie meals were less happy with their bodies than those whose plates contained a similar number of calories from meal to meal. But it’s not just a fluctuating size that can derail your weight-loss goals. A Hebrew University study from 2012 found that mice that were fed high-fat foods sporadically gained more weight than mice that ate a similar diet on a regular schedule. Experts suspect that eating at the same times every day trains the body to burn more calories between meals.

WellnessKichen Healthy Eating, Mental Wellness, Nutrition & Diet September 2, 2018August 27, 2020 0 Comments

Therapeutic Foods which kills Stress and Improves Your Mood

Turns out kale is good for more than your waistline…

With all the daily stressors we experience in our lives, anxiety may seem like its lurking around every corner.

Anxiety disorders are serious diseases that are treatable by medical professionals. Anxiety is often characterized by extreme stress, constant worry, restlessness, panic attacks, and even obsessive-compulsive disorder.

You can also experience anxiety and stress in certain circumstances without being diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. And when anxiety rides high, you’re at the mercy of stress hormones such as cortisol—known as “the belly fat hormone” for its ability to pull lipids from the bloodstream and store them in our fat cells. A recent Sleep Science review found that when stress prevents people from sleeping well, they are more likely to make bad food choices, snack late at night, and choose high-carb snacks.

If you believe you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder, the first step you should take is contacting your medical professional. Medication is often prescribed as a treatment in most cases. For those who are experiencing general anxiety that comes occasionally with stressful deadlines, there are some dietary changes you can make to alleviate symptoms. These foods will help you relax, calm down, and refocus so that you can continue on with your day stress-free.

Here’s a look at 17 foods that might just make you feel better—and your waistline will thank you, too.

Walnuts

You probably already know that nuts are high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, but when it comes to boosting your mood, you’ll want to pay particularly close attention to walnuts. “In addition to healthy fats the magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts have both been shown to positively impact serotonin and dopamine levels (mood hormones). “Balanced levels of serotonin and dopamine may help to prevent clinical depression.” She goes on to explain that magnesium helps regulate cortisol levels and promote feelings of well-being. “Psychology Today referred to it as “The Original Chill Pill” because of the vast research of magnesium in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression.

Saffron

Common in Persian cuisine, saffron is a spice that acts as a natural antidepressant. Research shows that saffron can be beneficial for people suffering from anxiety and depression. “A 2015 study assessed the efficacy of crocin, the main component of saffron, as a treatment for depression and found that it was more efficacious than placebo in the treatment of depression when given with an SSRI. “Saffron has also been shown to have a positive effect on sexual dysfunction and is an effective treatment for the sexual side effects from antidepressants in men.”

Oatmeal

Oatmeal naturally changes your brain chemistry by creating your body’s feel-good chemical, serotonin, the mood hormone we just mentioned. “It will kick serotonin into high gear and help combat pain, decrease appetite, and produce calm or sleep. Make the most of oats by also learning about overnight oats, one of the biggest food trends.

Bananas

Cheap, compact, and easy to procure, bananas are one of the best pre-workout snacks. But its nutritional profile—even without the workout—lends itself to better moods. “Bananas are high in complex carbohydrates, which contain serotonin, the feel-good chemical,” says Zuckerbrot. “Complex carbohydrates also improve the transport of tryptophan into the brain, where it is converted to serotonin.” Zuckerbrot goes on to explain that bananas contain the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine. “Tyrosine leads to balanced levels of dopamine in the brain and aids in the reduction of body fat—and who doesn’t love shedding some fat!?—while phenylalanine is used to form tyrosine.” Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which helps convert tryptophan into serotonin.

Salmon

Like walnuts, salmon contains a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which are an important nutrient for the brain’s composition and functioning. Zuckerbrot points to a number of studies that have shown that inadequate doses of omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk for neuropsychiatric disorders, especially those concerned with mood, memory, and behavior. Salmon is also rich in tryptophan, which is the precursor to serotonin, the feel-good chemical. She suggests trying lox/smoked salmon in the morning to get a boost of omega-3s and protein, which will help keep you feeling full.

Potatoes

Potatoes are superstars when it comes to creating mood-boosting and anxiety-fighting serotonin. “They’re also a good source of vitamin C, a vitamin that helps with serotonin production as well,” say The Nutrition Twins. Bonus: you might not think of them when you’re looking to get your fill, but potatoes can help ward off winter colds since one has 45 percent of the daily value of vitamin C.

Milk

Research has shown that people who are low in vitamin D have higher rates of depression and anxiety. It can be difficult to get your vitamin D naturally from the sunlight, especially in the winter, which is why you should make an effort to get your fill via fortified foods or a supplement. The Nutrition Twins suggest working milk fortified with vitamin D into your diet. You can pour it onto your cereal, add it to your smoothies, or use it as a replacement for cream in your cooking.

Mushrooms

“Mushrooms are a great—and underrated—source of vitamin D to help fight depression and anxiety,” say The Nutrition Twins. “In fact, they’re the only vegetable to naturally contain vitamin D! Some of the light-exposed mushrooms can provide 100 percent of the daily value for vitamin D, so add them to your salads, your omelets, your soups, stir-fries, and casseroles.”

Spinach

Spinach and Swiss chard are also fantastic, nutrient-dense mood boosters. “Rich in magnesium, which helps to relieve tension and relax the muscles, we tell our clients to toss spinach in their salads and stack it in their sandwiches, wraps, and burritos,” say the Nutrition Twins. “Add a spritz of lemon juice or another source of vitamin C and you’ll boost iron absorption while you’re at it.”

Kiwi

Folic acid deficiency has been found in people with depression and anxiety, which is why the Nutrition Twins recommend that people eat kiwis if they’re feeling low. “Kiwis are also rich in vitamin C, which research has shown may help lower blood pressure and other physiological reactions to stressful situations.”

Broccoli

Broccoli is high in B vitamins, which may help fight anxiety. “Research suggests people with low levels of these vitamins are more likely to have depression and anxiety than those with normal levels,” say the Nutrition Twins. “Toss some in your pasta dishes, soups, and salads.”

Green Tea

Green tea is not only rich in antioxidants, but research has shown that it’s also rich in a depression-fighting amino acid called theanine. Opt for matcha, a powdered green tea, which has up to five times as much theanine as regular green tea.

Chocolate

Before you reach for more Hershey’s Kisses, note that we’re talking about pure (or near pure) cocoa. The more cocoa is processed, the fewer benefits it has. There isn’t nearly enough cocoa in milk chocolate to get any mood-enhancing benefits. In fact, foods high in sugar, saturated fats, chemicals, and additives, like most chocolate bars, will likely leave you feeling worse because they lead to sugar spikes and crashes. Try adding some pure cacao powder to your smoothies or chia pudding or opt for organic chocolate bars that use the fewest ingredients possible and high percentages of cocoa (70 or higher) while maintaining an appealing flavor profile.

Chia Seeds (Sabja)

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps boost your mood and promote restful sleep. The problem is that it isn’t naturally produced by our bodies; you need to absorb it from whole food sources. A great source is chia seeds. Chia seeds also get brownie points for being high in fiber, meaning that even if you consume them in something sweet—like chia pudding—they will be slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, helping to prevent blood sugar crashes. Plus, the fiber keeps you full longer.

Avocados

There’s a reason avocado toast has become such a staple, and it’s not just because it looks pretty on Instagram. Avocados are full of healthy fats that are not only good for your heart, but they help to absorb other nutrients in other foods you eat. Research has also shown that diets that are low in healthy fats are associated with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Blueberries

Folate is a vitamin that helps produce the mood-enhancing serotonin we discussed earlier. While it’s present in all berries it’s particularly high in blueberries. Blueberries also have anthocyanins (water-soluble pigments, these are the reason blueberries are blue), which help boost well-being. Anthocyanins have also been linked to decreased inflammation, which may also contribute to a decrease in depression. Again, all berries will have this effect, but it will be especially potent with blueberries.

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