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If you have ever suffered from sciatica, or lower lumbar problems, you understand the excruciating, sometimes immobilizing pain associated with flare-ups. Often recognizable by an acute pain in your derrière that also radiates down into the lower leg, sciatica can cause muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, and of course, wicked pain. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, more than 65 million Americans that suffer from lower-back pain, such as sciatica, will have a recurrence of the pain within one year. (American Assoc. of Neurological Surgeons, 2000.) Therefore, see......
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Kind of reads like a magazine cover, doesn't it? In all seriousness though, there really are some simple steps that will help you achieve a weight loss goal...but you can't do just one and kinda do the other two, or only kinda do all three. Do all three, keep you eye on the ball, and you'll hit a home run. Ready? Here we go... Your Plan 1. Record your food intake daily. Include in your diet a variety of fruits and vegetables at 6-9 servings daily; 2-3 servings of lean protein; 3 servings of dairy; and quality oils. Why? Keeping track of what you eat for a few weeks (I'm not talking forever peo......
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[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="179" caption="these are "soft" weighted fitness balls"] [/caption] Some recent research shows that crunches, the old standby for ab exercises, only targets 3 of the abdominal muscles. Yet there are muscles that surround the entire core, acting as a girdle to support your spine, increase power and speed, improve stability, and oh yes, give you that six-pack look. Six-pack abs aside, you need a strong core… A strong core is your center of power. Powerhouse. Like a rocket ready to take off on a moments notice. Okay, you get the idea. When your c......
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Actually, the question went more like this: "I hate to run. It is hard. Did I already say that I hate it? Yet, you talk about running so much. Why?" There was more, but for the sake of this post, let's just say that this reader's negative feelings about running ran deep (no pun intended). Why am I so hip on running? Well, for one thing, it is hard. I like things that are hard to do. Second, it is "me" time, and often the only time I have for finishing a thought. Four kids...enough said. And finally, (and let's face it, this is important stuff) few physical activities burn as many calories per ......
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Maybe you've been on a workout train for some time, diligently going to the gym and happily taking your dose of cardio and weight training, maybe even a few classes too just to challenge yourself. Perhaps you've been on this train, per se, for years, then all of a sudden, you're okay with missing a workout, then two. The idea of going to the gym or out the door for a jog becomes a chore, when it was once something you enjoyed. Have you been there? Are you there now? If so, read on... I think I can help. True, I am a trainer, but at heart, I'm really a fitness buff and have been since college. ......
Mar

04

If I see ONE MORE claim on a product or service that promises you’ll, “lose weight fast,” “lose 10lbs in one week,” or get a “flat belly in 5 days,” I think I’ll die. Or pass out from screaming, “are you SERIOUS?” Let’s take a level-headed look at some common beliefs about weight loss…

Did you know…?

Myth #1: A detox diet will increase energy, rid the body of toxins, and boost weight loss.

Truth: Save your money. Toxins, or by-products of normal, daily metabolic activity, are just that – normal. Yur liver and kidneys rid the body of unwanted toxins every day. In fact, that is their job! A safer, more effective alternative to detox juices, pills, products and supplements is to make healthier nutritional choices every day. Little things like reducing your daily intake of sugar, saturated fats, alcohol, refined flour, pesticides, chemicals and unnecessary additives and chemicals, while increasing your daily intake of fruits and vegetables; whole grains; quality protein such as fish, eggs, lean poultry and beef will take a you a long way baby! Also, add more mono- and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, salmon and tuna, and nuts.

Myth #2: Vitamins will give you energy.

Truth: Unless your vitamin comes in the form of a nutrition / sports bar that has carbohydrates and protein, your vitamin will not give you energy. Energy, or fuel for your body, can only come in the form of calories. Vitamins and minerals should  supplement what you eat by filling in the gaps when not enough of a specific nutrient is consumed. Want more energy? Eat carbohydrates.

Myth #3: Carbohydrates are bad. To lose weight, you should eat more protein.

Truth: Fruits, vegetables and whole grains, like brown rice, quinoa, spelt, bulgar, and flax seed (all high quality carbohydrates) are crucial components of any diet. Carbs provide the body with energy, and if you don’t get enough, you might downshift your metabolism into low-gear, thus burning fewer fat calories during the course of the day. The other undesirable side effects of eating too much protein:

  • The liver and kidneys are forced to work harder, creating unnecessary metabolic by-products.
  • Headaches
  • Poor endurance
  • Muscle tissue breakdown
  • Dehydration

The solution: aim for 50-60% of daily calories from quality carbohydrates!

Myth #4: Exercising on an empty stomach will help burn fat.

Truth: This goes along with the myth that you should exercise in the morning before you eat so you’ll burn fat. That too is a myth. You need energy to workout effectively. Without enough of it, you will lose oomph quickly (read: “you won’t burn as many calories while you workout”) and possibly force your blood glucose level to plummet, placing you at risk for dizziness, faint, or worse, a coma.

If working out on an full stomach causes you to feel nauseous, try a snack that contains both protein and carbohydrates, such as whole grain cereal and low-fat milk, 30-minutes prior to working out.

(See “Fuel your early morning workouts” for more on the importance of eating before a morning workout.)

Myth #5: Diet “X” worked for my neighbor, so it will work for me too.

Truth: There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” approach to weight loss. The best plan is one that matches your special needs and takes into consideration things such as your current weight, weight loss goal, activity level and medical history. A registered dietician can help you create a plan that is just right for you.

Need help finding a registered dietician near you? Visit the American Dietetic Association.

Other helpful links:
* Ideal Bite
* The Daily Plate
* Eating Well



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