Hidden Dangers in the Foods you Eat

Next time you're choosing what to buy in your grocery store of choice, be sure to check out what ingredients make up the food you choose. There may be some hidden dangers that you were unaware of.

MSN lists additives found in common foods, that can offer more than you may have bargained for, here the seven I caution you to avoid:

1. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite is used with meat products to stabilize the red color and add flavor. It is added to bacon, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef and other meats. The additive prevents the growth of bacteria, but has been shown to increase the risk of cancer according to the American Diabetic Association. Christine Gerbstadt, a spokesperson for the Association told MSN that this should be the first to go from your diet and that at high-temperature "conditions such as grilling, it transforms into a reactive compound that has been shown to promote cancer."
2. Propyl Gallate is used to prevent things from spoiling like oils, chicken soups, chewing gum, and meats. Although the additive has not been proven to cause cancer, but studies done on animals have suggested that it could be linked to cancer, says MSN. This is why avoiding most preservatives is important to think about.
3. Monosodium Glutamate or MSG is an amino acid used to enhance flavor in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen meals, and restaurant food. This additive has been linked to the damaging of infant mice brain cells and has been shown to cause severe headaches, and nausea in humans.
4. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, also known as partially hydrogenated oil is found in hundreds of foods and is directly associated with heart disease. Eating to much increase your risk of getting heart disease greatly because it is a trans fat. Experts recommend consuming no more than 2 grams of trans fat per day, an amount easily accounted for if you eat meat and dairy, reports MSN. Heart disease leads to many health risks like stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and vascular disease.
5. Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 6 are food colorings that are linked with cancer in animal testing. Blue 1 and 2 is most often found in beverages, candy, baked goods, are considered low risk but have been linked to cancer in mice, says MSN. Red 3, is used to dye fruit cocktail, candy, and cherries has caused thyroid tumors in rats. Green 3 which is added to some candies and beverages, has been linked to bladder cancer. The commonly used yellow 6, has proved to create tumors of the adrenal gland, and kidneys.
6. Olestra is a synthetic fat known found most often in "WOW" chips and is also known as Olean, prevents fat from getting absorbed in your digestive system, MSN states. This substitute causes severe diarrhea, cramps, and gas. It also has been proved to block vitamin absorption found from fruits and veggies.
7. Potassium Bromate, although a rare additive it can still be found in some breads, rolls and white flour. Studies have shown this to have a direct link to cancer even in small amounts. California requires cancer warning on products that contain the additive, says MSN, but is the only state to require the label.

These names may not be the easiest to remember but bring a cheat sheet to the store, how much of these dangerous ingredients are you consuming?

In most cases, try to avoid foods with preservatives overall, the long-term effects are not worth the convenience of the food. There are many studies still being conducted on all types of preservatives and the fact that there is possible link to cancer and other diseases should be scary enough to steer you clear of risky additives.

I LOVE THIS WORKOUT!

I am not much for television, but I'm sure most of you have at least heard of the show "Biggest Loser." It features contestants that come on the show and compete to lose the most weight. Often resulting in drastic changes.

Recently, in search of finding a new workout really shape my body, I came across trainer Jillian Michael's (she is the female trainer on the Biggest Loser). After reading a little about the video on her website, I thought she had some good concept ideas of intertwining cardio, strength training and abs all within a twenty minute workout video.

It's called "30-Day Shred" and it will kick your butt. I'm serious too, I consider myself to be in really good shape and this workout is hardcore. It's non-stop but very simple- no hand eye coordination necessary. She uses a "3-2-1" concept; three minutes of cardio, two minutes of strength and one minute of abs, and you vary exercises for three circuits- nonstop! There are three different level workouts, each maintaining the 3-2-1 idea. In order to get the best results you can vary the workouts pretty much anyway you would like.

All you need besides the DVD, is a couple of small hand weights and a mat and you will be on your way to losing "20 lbs in 30 days" or so she claims. I'll let you know, I just started it last week but have a feeling it really is going to giving me the lean muscle I've been wanting.

Her site also offers an individual weight loss plan, and offers more workouts, slimming recipes and other really helpful weight loss tools.

Check it out.. try it out and let me know what you think.

Comments: What workout videos you are addicted to?

Back in Action

Okok I've been M-I-A for realll! I know, my apologies, was just taking a little vaca from not only writing but my computer all together!! Look for a nnnnewww exciting article in the next couple days..

I'M BACK !!
So check for updates weeeekly!

_Lauren

Laziness Is No Excuse

I'm sorry I have been M.I.A., but right now school is taking over my life! I am trying to stay on top of my blog but unfortunately I am swamped with work. Hence the delay in posting. Trying to graduate is quite the task, let's just put it that way.

With summer coming up I wanna give you some quick tips on how to resist those tempting lazy days. Keep up with your workout schedule, especially with this weather. Get outside and stay active but remember to enjoy it!

• Find several fun and easy ways to exercise so it won't be a nagging task.
  
• Pick your best time. Choose a type of exercise that can fit smoothly into your schedule such as a brief walk at lunch, before dinner or doing errands.
  
• Have fun. Grab a friend (or friends) and take bike rides, learn to play tennis or golf. Blend more strenuous activities in throughout the week.
• Increase your pace gradually. Start with the fun stuff if you want, then work your way into some harder, demanding workouts.
  
• Don’t miss 3 workouts in a row, that's just creating a bad habit. Make it a solid commitment.
• Don’t let weather or other distractions become excuses to skip exercise.
  
• Work toward a reward such as new athletic shoes, a massage, or club membership. Treats for yourself are just as fun as the rewards you'll see in your body.
  
• Consider fitness a long-term project, build it by keeping weekly goals and then achieve them.
  
• Make working out convenient and accessible, get a few at-home workout videos and don't be tied down to one specific type of exercise.
  
• Think of the benefits while you’re exercising! Motivation baby.
  
• Make your routine a necessity, not a daily decision.

As hard as laziness is to resist, exercise is worth every ounce of energy you put in! You will never regret what you do, only what you do not.

TLC For Your Muscles

… Deep Breath… ah, you've finished your workout, you feel great. Time for a shower, right?

Wait, wait, wait, you are not going to stretch? A big no-no in my book. Stretching not only gives amazing benefits, it should be part of your exercise routine.

After every workout I take at least 20 minutes to stretch. It doesn't need to be saved for post-workout either, you can stretch when you wake up, before a workout, anytime is a good time to give your muscles some TLC.

So why is it so important and what does it do for you?

The MayoClinic offers these benefits:

• Increases flexibility: Daily tasks like lifting, bending, rushing, all become less tiresome and straining.
  
• Improves range of motion: This benefits your joints, promoting, better balance and coordination.
  
• Improves circulation: This increases blood flow to your muscles which can speed up recovery of muscle injury.
  
• Encourages better posture: Regular stretching allows muscles to stay loose, helping posture and eliminating aches and pains.
  
• Relieves stress: Stretching helps alleviate tension that can often coincide with stress.
  
• May prevent injury: It prepares your muscles and joints for activity by lessening the chances of a pull or tear.
  

A myth that is often associated with stretching is that you must do it before you begin your workout, but instead you need to get your muscles warm, try jumping jacks and a brisk walk on the treadmill for five or so minutes, then do some stretching. It doesn't prevent soreness but can help ease pain that may be associated with it.

Three key elements to a great stretch routine are taking it slow, breathing and staying stagnant. Relax your body and breath while you reach, don't bounce, when you begin to feel a stretch (tightening) in the muscle, hold for 20-30 seconds.

Check out these stretches, complete with pictures and start reaping the benefits of a good stretch.

Quick Facts: Get Steamy for Endurance

A study by the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport reports that hitting the sauna post-workout can increase endurance.

Studying male runners for three weeks who sat in a dry sauna for 30 minutes after each workout, found an increase in their ability to run longer. The average guy who ran to exhaustion in 18.2 minutes improved to 14.1 minutes, about a 30 percent increase. (That cuts an average of about four minutes, Whoa!)

Co-author Jim Cotter, Ph.D. says the extreme heat causes the body to hold more water in the bloodstream, particularly plasma (the liquid part of the blood), which may cause the heart to distribute more blood, and inturn improving endurance.

So get a little steamy and run a little longer!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

I am a bit of a health nut, or so some say, and I thought I should share some of my favorite healthy addictions. Throughout my day I try to eat small meals and maintain a balance. No cutting out any food groups for me.

I'm constantly on the go, running to and from classes, work, and studying, but finding time to eat right is still a big priority. Here are some healthy (but yummy) things I just could not live without!

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars-With only 90 Calories each and flavors like oatmeal raisin, strawberry vanilla, and dark chocolate cherry, I've always got one of these stashed in my purse.

Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt- The perfect refreshing snack at 60 calories, no added sugar and oh so tasty flavors. Try white-chocolate raspberry and mango-orange, yumm!

Special K Cereals- I am a cereal lover, could eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Most of the cereals are 100 calories per bowl, low in fat and are full of good-for-you vitamins. I love Special K's, Protein Plus and Berries & Yogurt.

Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop Butter- Great snack, high in fiber, whole grain, low in calories and fat. Perfect for a snack at the office or while relaxing in front of the TV.

Ground Turkey Breast- Making custom turkey burgers is a summer time favorite for me. Chop up some onion, green pepper, add seasoning, garlic, tbsp worcestershire sauce, form patties and throw them on the grill. Guaranteed hit and great alternative to a fatty burger! (I also make chili, spaghetti and tacos for a leaner dish.)

Also I buy bags of lettuce to make it really easy to throw together a salad to-go. Add some pre-chopped veggies and Oscar Meyers Chicken Strips in a tupperware, for an easy lunch that's healthy. Try the grilled, southwestern, oroven roasted chicken strips, they add flavor and protein to any salad.

Those are some great products to keep in mind when shopping healthy, but I never leave the supermarket without bananas, oranges, grapes or apples, fruit is the perfect on-the-go snack for anytime of day. (Freeze grapes and orange slices for a fun frozen treat!)

Balance is the essential ingredient to any diet, so when your shopping check out your cart, do you have veggies, fruits, dairy, whole-grains and protein? Want to know more? --> Mypyramid.gov