These Super Foods Will Energize You in a Healthy Way

Greetings, All!

Here an article that I wrote for Workout Healthy Blog that I thought you might find beneficial. Follow the link below to read the entire post and let me know what you think!

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These Super Foods Will Energize You in a Healthy Way

When feeling lethargic, it is fairly common that people reach for sugar, caffeine, and snacks to get up and going again. However, stimulant use has only short-term effects. Instead of reaching for coffee and energy drinks to boost energy levels, consuming super foods will provide that much-needed charge while ensuring optimal health.

According to Super FoodsRX.com, a “super food” is high in nutrients, generally lower in fats, and contains agents that enable the body to heal itself while reversing the effects of aging. Many of these foods have detoxifying properties and have been known to reduce the risk of and slow the progression of certain cancers and diseases (heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc.). When the body is free of toxins and its systems are running smoothly, energy is more quickly derived from nutrient-packed foods. Super foods contain and deliver the highest amounts of energy and are available in every food group. Here are some examples of these power-packed foods:

Apples: contain powerful antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium; they are low in calories and heart healthy.

Beans: contain high amounts of protein and are low in fat; they regulate blood sugar and have high amounts of fiber, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and iron; they are heart healthy, help manage weight, and prevent certain types of cancer.

Blueberries: contain high levels of phytonutrients (“non-vitamin, non-mineral components of food that have significant healthful benefits”); they are excellent for central nervous system support and contain cancer-preventing agents.

Dark chocolate: contains flavonols which are plants that possess high antioxidant properties; also comprised of fats, protein, and carbohydrates; contains significantly less caffeine than a cup of coffee; increases good cholesterol and is heart-healthy.

Here is the link to the full article: http://blog.workouthealthy.com/diet-nutrition/super-foods/

Be good to yourself! More next time...

Immunize Yourself

Something that I am really embracing is the knowledge of who I am and how important it is to reflect on my journey. Today, I want to encourage each of you to take an honest look at what you have managed to accomplish in this life. Consider the tough times you have made it through and be grateful. You are a fantastic creation and you should honor the best parts of yourself. Commit to improving your areas of opportunity and then accept yourself ENTIRELY. When you do that, no one will be able you tell you who you are, what you are, nor even what you are capable of doing. You will be not be easily shaken nor easily broken. Do it. Do it now. Start today.

Be good to yourself! More next time...

Pay Attention to Your Family History

Knowing your family medical history is critical to creating a wellness and fitness plan for your life.While it is not guaranteed that you will develop heart disease or diabetes, know that the likelihood is greater if there is history of these diseases in your family. Often, it is the repetition of a pattern of behaviors that leads to illness. Making healthy lifestyle changes can greatly improve your odds of breaking the cycle. So, if you want to be healthy and fit, then you must do what healthy and fit people do.

Here are some simple tips for ensuring good health:

*Get plenty of fiber from whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
*Eat lean protein including beans, seeds, and quinoa.
*Consume healthy fats from foods like salmon and olive oil.
*Avoid refined (packaged) foods like white bread, white rice, sugar, grits, and desserts.
*Get regular exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes per session.
*Maintain a healthy weight.
*Women waistlines should be at or below 35" and men should stay below 40".
*Practice stress management techniques like meditation and yoga.
*Drink 8-12 glasses of water daily.
*Sleep 7-8 hours per day.

Be good to yourself! More next time...