Fit Living
Your guide to creating and maintaining a fit lifestyle.
Seasonal Spring Fruits and Veggies
May 14, 2012
by Optimum Wellness
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One of the many joys of Spring and Summer is the opportunity we have to indulge in delicious fresh produce. Spring fruits and vegetables signal a time of renewal and cleansing. By focusing your diet around the choices below, bikini season may not be so painful after all. Check out your local farmer’s market to [...]
May Is National Bike Month
May 11, 2012 by Optimum Wellness 0 Comments
The other day I went for my first big outdoor ride of the season, bike ride that is. It was a warm and lovely Friday afternoon. Sometimes people have different definitions of what it means “to ride.” For a few of my girlfriends it means getting on their horses. For other friends it means cruising on their Harley’s. There’s no judgment there for me – but for me going for a ride means putting some miles on the road bike. If I’m mountain biking I call it mountain biking; I know, revolutionary, isn’t it?
Mental Clarity, Memory and How to Get More of Both
May 8, 2012 by Optimum Wellness 0 Comments
Looking for ways to improve mental clarity and memory, think big, and lessen your risk for depression? It begins with increasing levels of Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is part of a class of brain chemicals called neurotropins (proteins that help cells to grow). BDNF is a naturally occurring protein (in our brains) that acts on the brain and peripheral nervous system supporting the growth of neurons (nerve cells) and synapses (the area of communication between nerve cells).
Celebrating Earth Day 2012
April 17, 2012 by Optimum Wellness 0 Comments
We celebrate Earth Day 2012 on Sunday, April 22. This year marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. Forty-two years ago twenty million Americans rallied across the country in support of a healthy, sustainable environment and against pollution, toxic dumps, oil spills, pesticides, power plants and loss of wilderness. Earth Day is not political or religious. It is actually one of the few events where politicians, farmers, actors, astronauts, preachers, and teachers can come together worldwide in demonstration of their commitment to and love for the earth, regardless of political or religious affiliation.
Tips for Your Metabolic Best
April 17, 2012 by Optimum Wellness 0 Comments
1) Sleep well to be well, feel great, improve blood sugar and lose weight!
Be sure to get a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep puts people at a greater risk for obesity and diabetes-as poor, sporadic and irregular sleep raise blood sugar levels and slow metabolism. Set your intention and your goals to support a great nights sleep-here’s how: get to bed the same time each night.
Yogurt and Going Greek
March 26, 2012 by Optimum Wellness 0 Comments
Yogurt has long been a dietary staple in Europe, the Middle East, and areas of Asia. It took a little longer to get to the States and wasn’t widely obtainable until the 1940′s. Yogurt gained popularity in the 1970′s with the health food craze that swept the nation and now it is readily available in most supermarkets and even convenience stores. Unfortunately, many of these yogurts have become “tainted” by artificial flavors, sweeteners, additives, and colorings.
Limit AGEs to Slow (or Reverse) Aging
March 21, 2012 by Optimum Wellness 0 Comments
As Baby Boomers, we’ll admit to the occasional obsession with anti-aging products and propaganda. The messages appear everywhere now, almost unavoidable. That, combined with the plethora of mirrors that never fail to remind us we’re no longer drinking from the Fountain of Youth, is enough to make us wonder; what is truly in our control [...]
Primary Versus Secondary Nutrition
March 12, 2012 by Optimum Wellness 0 Comments
March is Nutritional Awareness Month. Not only is this is a great time to think about our diets, it is an auspicious time to evaluate how we are living our lives. When we think about our diets, we typically think about carbohydrates, fat, and protein. These are critically important for our health, no doubt, but let’s consider these elements as our “secondary food.” Our primary food should really come from our relationships, quality of life, purpose, spiritual connection and how we navigate our lives every single day. Truly, when these things are in a good place we’ll find that our desire to eat well will increase. Our willpower will be stronger.
A Matter of Heart
February 27, 2012 by Optimum Wellness 0 Comments
Heart disease continues to rank as America’s number one cause of death. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease and stroke account for at least 40% of deaths for all Americans in the United States.
These Foods Can Prevent Hunger Pangs and Binges
February 27, 2012 by Optimum Wellness 0 Comments
Most of us are looking for foods that are naturally delicious, low in calories, high in nutrition and filling. Certain foods can help us to feel more satiated and satisfied and as a result, they help to control our appetites. These foods are deemed as “high satisfaction foods.” These are the foods we want to feature as the mainstay for our diet.
