Optimal Fitness Center Newsletter for March 15th 2007
Happy Thursday, March 15, 2007!
We have had tremendous success in solving many complaints and symptoms using our nutrition education programs and other services that we offer at the Optimal Fitness Center. A common problem that brings many to see a doctor is faulty blood sugar handling. Many systems fail when the blood sugar levels rise too high and there can also be problems when blood sugar levels drop too low. Below is an interesting article "Optimal blood sugar key to memory", by Dr. Phil Maffetone:
As you're getting more forgetful with age, it's possible you have a blood-sugar problem rather than Alzheimer's or other dementia.
Research from New York University published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms that those with increased insulin resistance -- which I call carbohydrate intolerance -- are more likely to experience reduced memory with age. Carbohydrate intolerance is the condition that leads to hyperinsulinemia and finally diabetes.
Controlling blood sugar is not only the best way to retain your memory, it's also the key to keeping carbohydrate intolerance from progressing to diabetes. The brain and its unlimited capability are highly dependent upon a delicate balance of blood sugar. If the level of blood sugar rises too much, or falls too low, the brain has an immediate reduced capacity. This means you don't remember as well, don't respond as well to external stimuli, and can't learn as easily.
Blood sugar is controlled by a number of factors. Diet, nutrition, exercise, and a variety of lifestyle factors such as stress all play crucial roles.
Stable blood sugar is especially important for brain function, and brain chemistry is very dependent upon the balance of carbohydrate and protein in the diet. High-glycemic carbohydrates, especially sugar and processed-flour products, can reduce and impair brain function due to the effects of insulin.
Blood sugar can be controlled exceptionally well by snacking on healthy items. Eating five or six smaller meals daily, rather than the two or three most people consume, will help stabilize blood sugar, allowing the brain to function properly.
Physical activity also can help improve brain function in many ways. Exercise can help improve blood-sugar regulation and control stress. However, too much exercise also can impair brain function. So seek a balance.
For more information about controlling blood sugar and developing optimal brain function, read my "In Fitness and In Health" by Dr. Maffetone.
For a plan of action on how to control blood sugar levels and a customized dietary program designed just for you contact us about the Metabolic Typing Program. Schedule a Free Consultation so we can talk about some solutions.
For more information on Optimal Fitness Center Programs go to
www.OptimalFitnessCenter.com or Call: 650-654-4604.
Can you get thin by eating Thin Mints?
You may have heard the buzz lately about Girl Scout cookies. It is that time of year again - when millions of Girl Scout cookies infiltrate homes all around the globe - but this year there has been a widely publicized change in the beloved cookies.
The trans fats have been removed.
That's right, each shiny box of Thin Mints, Carmel deLites and Peanut Butter Patties will be stamped with a "Zero Trans" label. And just like that, the Girl Scouts get major press on how "health conscious" they are...just like the pastries at a certain coffee chain and even a major US city (New York).
So let's address the real issue at hand: Does the removal of trans fats make food healthy?
Here's the short answer: No
Sorry to burst your bubble there, but you deserve to know the truth. Yes, trans fats are unhealthy. Yes, trans fats have been proven to be of no use or benefit to your body. Yes, trans fats have been linked to an increase in heart disease.
Bottom line: trans fats are bad.
But simply removing trans fats from an unhealthy food item doesn't magically make that item healthy. A cookie is a cookie is a cookie. It is still loaded with sugar and saturated fat with the main ingredient being empty calories.
I'm not telling you this to discourage you from supporting the Girl Scouts. I'm telling you this to keep you from the disillusion that the media tries so hard to harness you with.
Eating Thin Mints won't make you thin - not even "Zero-Trans" Thin Mints.
So where does this leave you? My desire is that you will approach the "news" about trans fats and other "health" developments with a discerning eye. Yes, it would be great if scientists created a junk food that really was good for our health and made us thin - but we would be foolish to believe it.
There is only one way to a healthy and fit body, and that is through proper eating and regular exercise. It isn't a trendy solution or a ‘news worthy' discovery, but the fact is that it works every time.
Wouldn't you like to take control of your body once and for all? I have a secret for you...it isn't going to be as hard as you think. Good habits are just as addictive as bad ones. Once you begin your journey towards a fitter, healthier, sexier you, nothing will stop you from achieving your goal.
Contact me today to schedule your FREE fitness consultation. It's the fastest way to getting the results you want.
Take Baby Steps!
When it comes to weight loss, baby steps are better than quantum leaps! Don't force yourself to give up all fats or all carbs, and don't chain yourself to a treadmill for hours on end. Take care to move towards your fitness and weight loss goals with moderation and you will arrive safer and healthier for it!
Alternative Veggie Burger
If you have gone out for a burger lately then you may have noticed a healthy new trend that's not just for vegetarians anymore. It's the meatless burger. These days you can order a meatless burger almost anywhere, but beware that not all healthy patties are created equal. The best ones are made from scratch from fresh ingredients, like the recipe below.
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Do your best to consume certified organic ingredients.
- 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup uncooked bulgur (Look for bulgur in the cereal, rice or organic food aisle of your grocery store)
- 1 tablespoon seasoning blend
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 cups filtered water
- 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded raw mozzarella
- 1/4 cup shredded raw cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup whole fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup free range eggs
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon celery seed
- 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 12 whole grain rolls, bread or tortillas
- Lettuce leaves and tomato
Instructions
- In a sauce pan, combine the first five ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat; cool completely. Refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, combine the mushrooms, oats, mozzarella cheese and onion. In a blender or food processor, process cottage cheese and egg substitute until smooth. Add mushroom mixture. Stir in the parsley, salt, basil, celery seed and chilled rice mixture.
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