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The Top Secrets of Extremely Fit People

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You’re on an airplane, or sitting at the neighborhood pool, and you see this super fit couple. The guy has broad shoulders and chiseled abs, the woman has sculpted arms and a flat stomach. You find yourself eyeing them every few minutes, simply because this day and age, they look like specimens. And the funny thing is, they seem happy. They flirt and smile and laugh. They seem content.

You find yourself envying them, or at the very least, watching their every move. How do they stay so fit? They must be Crossfitters or elite athletes, right? There’s no way this kind of fitness and happiness is so easily achievable, is there?

We’re here to tell you YES. There is a simple way to achieve that athletic, sculpted body and happy relationship. Here are the top things we notice in super fit people that we think are easily duplicatable:

  1. You never see them smoking or drinking a Diet Coke. When was the last time you saw a super fit dude smoking a cigarette? Yeah.
  2. They always carry a water bottle. There they go, drinking lemon water out of a Nalgene in the middle of Nordstrom. What the what?! Must be something to it. Water is the key to energy.
  3. While some may be Crossfitters or elite athletes, many of them are getting and staying fit by exercising just 30 minutes a day at home. Thank you, Beachbody.
  4. You might see them, on occasion, eating french fries or pizza, and you find yourself even more jealous. ‘How can they do that and look so good?’ you ask yourself. Truth is, it’s likely a cheat meal because they believe in balance. They stay on track 90% of the time and indulge on occasion. 
  5. They always have great shoes. It’s true! Fit people value good footwear. They’re not exercising (or going to the movies) in a pair of lawnmowing tennies. They invest in their health.
  6. They’re well-rested and focused. When was the last time you saw a shredded chick passed out on the floor in the middle of the airport between layovers? Hardly ever. They fuel themselves with the right food, they sleep well (thanks to their lifestyle), and they almost always seem alert.
  7. They read. 
  8. They always pull snacks out of their purse/bag. Where did that apple or packet of peanut butter come from? They brought it. They thought ahead. They’re not playing victim to fast food like so many others do.

We’ve found that happy people are active people. Happy people move their bodies in challenging ways. They eat clean 90+ percent of the time. They get enough sleep. They challenge their mind. What does all of this mean? It means they’ve taken control of their body, and their life. You simply won’t hear them saying things like, “There was no way for me to eat healthy this weekend. I was traveling.” Instead, they own their fitness. They own their life. And we’re here to tell you, they’re doing it with a lot less effort than you’re assuming.

30 minutes a day and a plan can change your life. Stop watching and start doing. We can help!

 

Jenny Swisher
Gym Owner/Personal Trainer
jennyswisher.com

Jenny is a 6-Star Diamond Elite Team Beachbody Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She and her husband own RevolutionX Studio, LLC, a fitness facility in Fishers, Indiana.

Emotional Eating. The Struggle Is Real.

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If you ever find yourself eating out of a carton of ice cream in deep distress, you may be an emotional eater. Trust us, you are not alone. According to a recent study, 38% of Americans admit to having overeaten or eating due to emotional circumstances in the last 30 days.

The struggle is oh-so-real.

So how do we handle it? How do we break the habit (because yes, it is considered a habit, given that it happens with a specific trigger, such as stress)?

We create new habits.

Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit,” says, “This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be.”

The primary issue, then, is changing the reaction to the stress trigger. When we have a bad day or receive bad news, or when our family is driving us crazy (and yes, it can be as simple as that), our reaction… the habit itself, CAN be changed.

First, let’s take a look at what CREATED the negative habits in the first place. Most likely the reason falls into one of the following categories:

Childhood Habits — If you were ever rewarded for good behavior with things like ice cream or pizza, some of your emotional eating could be instigated by that sense of nostalgia. In other words, it’s possible that your parents unintentionally planted the seed of treating food as a reward that has simply grown over time.

Boredom — What else is there to do if you’re not focused on something, or actively working/moving? Often, the times we overeat or splurge is when we’re sitting around with nothing better to do.

Hanging out with Friends — When your friends “splurge,” we find it comforting to follow suit. It feels like a normal thing when in reality, it will likely lead to sickening feeling later.

Stress — Sometimes, life just isn’t going our way. And in these moments, it often feels like the only comfort that will satisfy that dull feeling of disappointment and sadness. You may have heard the phrase “stuffing your emotions,” which is a great analogy. We think the food is going to offer us a distraction… a numbing avoidance of what’s really going on, which helps us to avoid the emotion or deal with the stress in a conducive manner.

Let’s take a look, then, at HOW we can change the reaction to EAT with something that will better our situation. These are simply our suggestions given our personal experience!

If you’re feeling lonely, call a friend or family member. Ice cream doesn’t communicate well, but Moms and girlfriends do!

If you’re feeling anxious, work out! If you’re feeling the anxiety jitters, it’s time to move. Go for a walk or run, or pop in that workout DVD to get the muscles pumping.

If you’re bored, make plans or tackle a home project. Sounds like a good day to clean out the closet! Focus your attention elsewhere.

The bottom line is this: being MINDFUL of your habits is the first step. Understanding the way you feel when you have the unhealthy urges is the first step to changing the habit. Consider implementing a 5 minute rule: When you feel the urge to grab the spoon, make yourself wait 5 minutes to see if the feeling passes. Most likely, it will.

Dealing with emotional eating is tough, but know that you are absolutely not alone, and that the negative cycle CAN be changed for the better. We believe in you! Reach out for help anytime.

 

Jenny Swisher
Gym Owner/Personal Trainer
jennyswisher.com

Jenny is a 6-Star Diamond Elite Team Beachbody Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She and her husband own RevolutionX Studio, LLC, a fitness facility in Fishers, Indiana.

Coconut Oil 101

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Coconut oil is the new fountain of youth.

I’m serious.

While I’ve been putting coconut oil in my coffee every morning for a few years, I’ve been doing some reading up on it and have found some incredible benefits of consuming coconut oil on a daily basis. Naturally, I thought I’d share. Because who couldn’t use tips on foods and superfoods that make a difference in the way we feel?

So let’s dive in.

First and foremost, coconut oil is known to be one of the healthiest fats available to us. If you know me and my endorsement of Bulletproof coffee, you know I’m a big fan of healthy fats. Foods like avocado, olive oil, grass-fed butter, and coconut oil make great additions to the American diet because, while we tend to veer away from eating fat thanks to modern marketing, the opposite is actually true: fat is good for us. Consuming a diet high in healthy fats is known to help in balancing natural hormones, help mental focus, and give us a satiated, full feeling. It is VERY hard to overdose on eating fats for this very reason: they make you feel full.

That said, let’s take an even closer look at coconut oil. It is scientifically known for:

  • helping to prevent heart disease
  • aid in weight loss
  • strengthening immunity
  • improving digestion
  • supporting the organs
  • controlling blood sugar
  • contains lauric acid, which is known to lower cholesterol

Amongst other things. Yeah. It’s a VERY powerful food.

How can you incorporate it into your daily diet? Here are my favorite ways.

Top Ways to Consume Coconut Oil

  1. Add 1 Tbsp. to your morning coffee. You likely won’t even taste it, but the medium chain triglycerides IN the oil will get your body functioning more optimally from the get-go, first thing in the morning.
  2. Pop your popcorn in it. Once you do this, you’ll never be OK with movie theatre popcorn again.
  3. Throw it in your Shakeology. Doesn’t change the flavor but gives you even more superfood bang in one delicious dose of dense nutrition.
  4. Stir fry veggies in it for dinner. Many people have gotten used to using olive oil, but for an added health boost, try coconut oil instead.
  5. Fry your bacon (or turkey bacon) in it for added sweet flavor. Double the fat, double the flavor, double the yum!

What about best places to buy coconut oil? As with everything, quality matters. My personal favorite is the MCT oil (already in liquid form) through onnit.com. They even have different flavor choices if you’d like to change up the flavor of your oil. Nutiva and Spectrum brands (available at your local whole food grocer) are great choices as well, but will come in solid form. Trader Joe’s has a great option as well!

Whether this is new to you or an old trick, try incorporating this into your daily regimen. Over time, you may feel a change in how you feel! The average American is steering clear of healthy fats due to the stigma that’s been placed on them when instead, we should be consuming them on a daily basis so as to keep our bodies (and our blood) balanced. Cheers to that!

 

Jenny Swisher
Gym Owner/Personal Trainer
jennyswisher.com

Jenny is a 6-Star Diamond Elite Team Beachbody Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She and her husband own RevolutionX Studio, LLC, a fitness facility in Fishers, Indiana.

12 Killer Flat Stomach Workouts You Can Do At Home

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Source: muscletransform.com

Looking for good flat stomach workout that you can do at home? We’ve picked 12 great ab exercises you can do in your very own home!

For your health’s sake, you want your waist size to be less than 35 inches if you’re a woman and less than 40 inches if you’re a man. An easy way to evaluate your stomach is by getting a measuring tape, wrap it around your waist at your belly button, and check your girth. Do it while you’re standing up, and make sure the tape measure is level.

Having a “pear shape” — bigger hips and thighs — is considered safer than an “apple shape,” which describes a wider waistline.

Instructions:

If you are a beginner, complete the recommended sets and repetitions, taking a 60 to 90-second break between exercises. Perform the workout 2 to 3 times per week.

If you are more advanced, increase the sets to 4 to 6, keeping the repetitions the same. For an added challenge and an intense caloric burn, complete the workout as a circuit performing each exercise one after another with no break until the entire circuit is complete. Take a break between 1 to 3 minutes then begin the next set.

Follow each workout with the included Post-Workout Stretches to kick start recovery, maximize results and help prevent injury.

Here are the 12 Flat Stomach Workout:

1. Burpees / Squat Thrust – 3 sets 10 reps

2. Crunches – 3 sets 15 reps.

3. Hindu / Judo Push-up / Dive Bombers – 3 sets 12 reps

4. Mountain Climbers / Alternating Knee-ins – 3 sets 15 reps

5. Jump Squat – 3 sets 15 reps

6. Lying Leg Raise / Lift – 3 sets 15 reps

7. Windshield Wipers – 3 sets 15 reps

8. Superman / Extended Arms & Legs Lift – 3 sets 15 reps

9. Leg Pull-In Knee-up – 3 sets 15 reps

10. Side Plank – 3 sets 30 reps

11. Inchworm / Walk Out – 3 sets 15 reps

12. Plank – 3 sets 30 reps

Cutting These 8 Habits Will Help You Lose Weight

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Source: fhfn.org

Here’s the truth. If you are unsatisfied with the way you look there could be other reasons why you haven’t been able to maintain the perfect physique. Now that is not to say that some people can eat like garbage their entire lives and still look and feel great.

However, there are people out there who have to fight a constant battle between being overweight and being in shape. This could be a result of the bad habits you have developed over the years.

Here is a list of the 5 worst habits you may or may not have, however, take them into consideration and see if they apply to you directly.

1. YOU’RE TOO STRESSED

Stress affects your metabolism. This then provokes your body and your mind to crave more food, which leads to you eating more. You try and deal with your problems in other ways, one happens to be eating. This can be very bad for certain people. Relieve stress and you will see that your cravings will stop.

2. YOU’RE SKIPPING MEALS!

People tend to believe that if they eat less during the day they will lose weight. However, if you are eating one major meal a day your body will try to salvage all the nutrients and fats from that one meal. This could be bad for your health. Many people also skip breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day, and this causes you to eat more throughout the rest of the day. For the best results you should be eating 5 smaller portion meals a day, and be sure to never eat after 8 o’clock. That could be another reason why you haven’t been able to get shredded.

3. YOU EAT TOO FAST

Eating too fast can cause problems for many people for a long time. You’ve heard the old saying that you must chew your food 30 to 40 times before swallowing. Many people have questioned this process for many years, but it is in fact the best way to eat your food. It takes roughly 30 minutes for your body to digest food so that you know you are full. So, take your time eating, this will result in you consuming less food, which in turn would result in weight loss.

4. YOU STAY UP TOO LATE

Staying up late causes a hormone imbalance in your body, in specific leptin and ghrelin. Leptin is responsible for sending signals to the brain to remind your body that you are full, and ghrelin stimulates hunger. When you sleep you deprive these hormones of what they need to keep you healthy. This could be the reason why you eat so late, so avoid this by getting at least 7 hours of sleep each day.

5. TOO MUCH CAFFEINE

Consuming too much caffeine could increase the stress hormone in your body, otherwise known as cortisol. This hormone can make you crave foods that are high in sugar and fat. Can you guess what this might cause? If you were thinking that this might cause you to gain weight then you were right. Be careful when consuming caffeine, it does more than keep you up.

Kick these bad habits and you will be sure to see excellent results. If you throw some exercise in the mix you could be looking as good as you imagined in less time.

6. YOU EAT TOO MANY PROCESSED FOODS

Those extra pounds could be a result of you eating too many processed foods. These foods have high contents of fat and sugar, which do not help weight loss. Things like cookies, chips, frozen foods, and cakes are all contributing to your increase in weight. Ditch the processed foods and I guarantee you’ll see a difference on the scale and in the mirror.

7. YOU’RE IGNORING YOUR NEED FOR WATER

The bottom line is you may not be getting enough water. Many people do not pay attention to their bodies most basic needs. They tend to fill themselves up with beverages that are not healthy for them, or beverages that will help them put the pounds on. Drinking 2 liters of water a day will not only speed up your metabolism, but also leaves less room in your stomach. Water also reduces the risk of heart attack, headaches, and helps detoxify your body. Keep this is mind.

8. SHOPPING IN THE CENTRE ISLE OF THE GROCERY STORE

The center aisle of your grocery store most likely contains all the processed foods and drinks you have come to enjoy over the years. Here’s a tip for weight loss; don’t shop in the center isles anymore. By simply avoiding the fatty isles at the grocery store you will notice the pounds fall off. This happens because you are simply not eating the bad foods or drinking the bad drinks.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss

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Source: healthyandnaturalworld.com

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a cherished natural remedy, used by many as a preventative and curative measure. It also holds an important place in the dieting world – scientific studies, as well as practical experiences, show that ACV can help you lose weight. Vinegar is one of those substances that target the problem holistically, and it provides you with long-term solutions. This article will help you understand how ACV works and how to use ACV as part of your daily diet to get the best results.

What Does ACV Do To Make You Lose Weight?

ACV taps into several physiological mechanisms that support healthy weight loss:

1. ACV acts as an appetite suppressor

ACV makes you eat less by producing a feeling of satiety sooner. One research that proved that empirically was a 2005 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Subjects who ate bread with vinegar felt significantly fuller than their counterparts who were fed only bread. The more acetic acid (the primary constituent of vinegar) the participants ingested, the fuller they were.

2. ACV controls blood sugar levels

ACV prevents uncontrollable sugar spikes and crashes that make you want to nibble between meals. When your blood sugar is stable, it’s much easier to stick to your diet and eat only when your body needs it.

The previously mentioned study also measured blood sugar levels in the vinegar-fed and control group. Participants who were given ACV had significantly lower post-meal blood glucose levels (there was no spike that usually follows a meal high in carbohydrates). Furthermore, those who consumed a higher dose of vinegar, benefited from the effect even 90 minutes after eating.

You can get more information on how to naturally control blood sugar in my articles about the best foods to control diabetes, and 7 effective steps to prevent diabetes.

3. ACV prevents fat accumulation

ACV stimulates your metabolism and makes you burn fat faster. It contains a lot of organic acids and enzymes that speed up your metabolism and increase the rate at which body fat is burnt.

There aren’t many human studies that would support this explanation. A Japanese study published in 2009 was observing the effects of acetic acid on rats that were fed a diet high in fats. The scientist concluded that the consumption of acetic acid suppressed fat accumulation. ACV can also help you toreduce cholesterol.

4. ACV has an impact on insulin secretion

Insulin affects fat storage. This hormone is closely linked to blood sugar levels and its secretion is disturbed in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Scientist suggested that ACV might work in a similar way to some diabetic drugs and could have a potential in controlling diabetes. If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, make sure to consume these foods and these spices.

5. ACV detoxifies the body

When our body gets rid of toxins, all the processes (including digestion and metabolism) become more efficient. ACV flushes the body and helps it use the nutrients from food in the best way possible. It is high in fiber that absorb toxins and improve bowel movement. You can find extremely detailed information on how to detox your body with ACV in my post on how to make ACV detox drinks.

How To Use ACV For Weight Loss

If you are not used to the taste and effects of ACV, you might want to include it into your diet gradually.

  • Start by adding 1 teaspoon of ACV to a cup of water and drink it once a day. Then, increase the amount of vinegar per serving, and the frequency of drinking.
  • Ideally, you should add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to a cup of water and drink it one to three times a day.
  • To kick start the metabolism and influence the feeling of fullness, it’s best to drink it about an hour before your meal. As an addition to your pre-meal serving, some also suggest drinking it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Where to buy!

ACV is very acidic, so you need to dilute it to protect your teeth, throat and the lining of your stomach. Don’t drink undiluted ACV.

Buy organic ACV with the ‘mother of vinegar’ to enjoy the full health benefits. You can also easily make your own ACV at home.

How To Increase Your Consumption Of ACV

Using ACV is one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health. Some find the taste of vinegar difficult to stomach. To improve the flavor, you can add a bit of honey to your vinegar serving (ACV and honey has 10 amazing health benefits) Or, you can drink it with your tea. Wait for the tea to cool a bit before adding two tablespoons of ACV and drink.

You can also have vinegar with your meal. It goes very well with some soups or you can use it as a refreshing salad dressing.

Why Is ACV Better To Use Than Other Vinegars?

ACV is seen as a superior choice due to its all-encompassing health benefits. It cleanses the body and acts in an anti-microbial way. Not only does it help with weight loss, it also has a positive effect on some other conditions. ACV can help with diabetes, cancer, heart health, high cholesterol, free radical damage, digestion and acid reflux. You can find more detailed information on how to improve your health with ACV in my articles about the 11 ways ACV can revolutionize tour health and in my popular article on how to use ACV for great health.

What To Expect When Taking ACV For Weight Loss?

ACV will not provide you with a quick weight loss. The changes will be gradual, but permanent. Don’t be impatient and allow it some time. Sometimes losing just one pound a month and not re-gaining it afterwards, can be the real success.

 

How fast you’ll lose weight, depends on other factors as well, such as your exercise, nutrition, stressand genetic factors. For best and fastest effects, you need to combine this natural product with other techniques for losing weight, so the function of vinegar gets supported with lifestyle changes.

How To Speed Up Your Weight Loss

There are ways to make your ACV regimen work faster.

The following things will help you lose weight faster:

  • Get moving! If you do some moderate exercise, five times a week, you’ll be helping your metabolism and increase your metabolic rate. If you don’t have time for anything else, at least walk for 20 to 40 minutes every day.
  • Eat foods rich in potassium. This mineral reduces your stress levels and lowers blood pressure. Good sources are bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados and spinach.
  • Reduce your sugar intake, especially refined sugars.
  • You can finally have a slim, toned, sexy body – AND keep it – almost without effort!

BUY NOW!

Why Isn’t My Belly Fat Going Away?

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Source: health.com

Lose the pudge

A little bit of belly fat is actually good for you: it protects your stomach, intestines, and other delicate organs. But too much fat is anything but healthy. Extra fat cells deep in your abdomen (aka visceral fat) generate adipose hormones and adipokines—chemical troublemakers that travel to your blood vessels and organs, where they cause inflammation that can contribute to problems like heart disease and diabetes.

The good news? Every pound you shed can help reduce your girth. “Once women start losing weight, they typically lose 30% more abdominal fat compared with total fat,” says Rasa Kazlauskaite, MD, an endocrinologist at the Rush University Prevention Center in Chicago. Even better, the choices you make every day can supercharge your ability to burn belly fat. Here are 10 common pitfalls—and ways to undo each one.

You’re on a low-fat diet

To shed belly fat, it’s good to eat fat—specifically monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). When researchers in one study asked women to switch to a 1,600-calorie, high-MUFA diet, they lost a third of their belly fat in a month. “MUFAs are satiating, so they help you eat fewer poor-quality foods,” says David Katz, MD, director of the Yale Prevention Research Center.

Belly blaster: Have a serving of MUFAs—like a handful of nuts, a tablespoon of olive oil, or a quarter of an avocado—with every meal and snack.

You’ve been feeling blue for a while

Women with depressive symptoms were far more likely to have extra belly fat, found a recent Rush University Medical Center study. That may be because depression is linked to reduced physical activity and poor eating habits.

Belly blaster: Exercise! “It improves levels of brain chemicals that regulate metabolism of fat, as well as your mood,” Dr. Kazlauskaite says. This enhances your motivation to do other things that help ward off depression, like seeing friends. But if you’re so bummed out that you don’t want to do things you used to enjoy, it’s time to seek the help of a therapist.

Your food comes from a box

Simple carbs (like chips) and added sugar (in items like sweetened drinks) cause your blood sugar to spike, which triggers a flood of insulin—a hormone that encourages your liver to store fat in your middle.

Belly blaster: Instead of focusing on cutting out junk, center your efforts on adding in healthy fare (think extra servings of vegetables at each meal). As Dr. Katz says, “Filling your tank with high-quality fuel thwarts hunger.”

You’re skimping on the miracle mineral

Magnesium regulates more than 300 functions in the body. No surprise, then, that a 2013 study found that people who consumed more of it had lower blood sugar and insulin levels.

Belly blaster: At least twice a day, reach for magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, bananas, and soybeans.

You’re hooked on diet soda

A study in Obesity found that diet soda drinkers were more likely to have a high percentage of fat in their bellies. The researchers think that diet drinkers may overestimate the calories they’re “saving,” and then overeat.

Belly blaster: If you’re not ready to kick your habit, the researchers suggest reducing the number of food calories in your diet.

You love burgers

When Swedish researchers gave one group of adults 750 extra daily calories, mainly from saturated fat, and another group the same amount of calories but mostly from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for seven weeks, the saturated fat group accumulated two times as much visceral fat.

Belly blaster: Dine on fatty fish like salmon or trout once a week to get a good dose of PUFAs. The rest of the time, reduce your intake of red meat and opt instead for protein low in saturated fat, such as legumes and chicken.

You think girls don’t get beer guts

According to a 2013 Danish study, beer may indeed be linked with abdominal obesity. And though beer appears to have the greatest impact, wine won’t save you from a spare tire: One study found that the amount of alcohol of any type that women drank contributed to weight gain.

Belly blaster: Stick with seven or fewer alcoholic beverages a week. Light to moderate drinkers are the least likely to carry excess weight anywhere, shows a recent Archives of Internal Medicine study.

You can’t recall when you last said “om”

Menopause-related hormonal changes (which typically begin in your 40s) make it harder to shed stomach pudge—but vigorous yoga can help offset the effects. A 2012 study found that postmenopausal women who did an hour-long yoga session three times a week for 16 weeks lost more than 1/2 inch around their waists.

Belly blaster: Not a fan of Sun Salutations? “Take an hour to do something nice for yourself,” which could help control your stress hormones, advises Sheila Dugan, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist in Chicago.

Your meals are beige

Brightly colored fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamin C, which reduces cortisol. What’s more, a recent study in The Journal of Nutrition showed that people who ate more of the nutrients in red, orange, and yellow produce had smaller waists as a result.

Belly blaster: Add color to your plate by topping fish with a mango salsa, or throw diced red pepper into your turkey meatballs.

Your sweat sessions don’t involve sweat

Research has shown that high-intensity interval training, or HIIT—bursts of vigorous activity followed by short periods of gentle activity or rest—boasts belly-shrinking benefits. “High-intensity exercise seems to be more effective at reducing insulin, triglycerides, and cortisol, and it burns more calories in less time, too,” notes Shawn Talbot, PhD, a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Belly blaster: If you enjoy biking or running, for example, accelerate to a pace that makes it hard to talk for two minutes; then slow down for a minute, and repeat until you’re done. Like resistance training? Try a series of moves like squats or push-ups for two minutes each with a 60-second break between them.

The Health Benefits of Tea + 15 Teas for Any Ailment

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Source: hellonatural.co

Have you noticed the rise in popularity of tea drinking where you live? Tea shops are popping up as often as coffee houses! Beyond just the charm of drinking tea, science supports the health benefits of tea. Tea is wonderful for you! Black, green, oolong, herbal, white – there are so many choices. Let’s discuss the benefits of each type of tea and when to drink them.

Health Benefits of Tea | HelloNatural.co

Drinking teas is a wonderful way to support the body through detoxification. You can make tea hot or cold and squeeze in the juice of an astringent fruit such as grapefruit, lemon or lime to refresh and revitalize your cells. You can also make a combination of any two or three teas below. To make any medicinal tea, let steep for at least 5-10 minutes, and then consume or make into iced tea.

1. GREEN TEA

Green tea is one of the lesser processed teas, therefore it’s high in antioxidants, specifically catechins. Catechins help fight cell damage, so to preserve the catechins it’s recommended that green tea be steeped with water no hotter than 170 degrees.

One of the greatest benefits of green tea is its effects on healthy cell growth which have widespread advantages for our bodies, inside and out. Use it topically in an infused coconut oil moisturizer to fight sun damage.

Green tea reduces bad cholesterol and although there is caffeine in it, which boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss, green tea can have a relaxing and calming effect. Try it in this Green Tea Energy Drink

2. BLACK TEA

Black tea actually comes from the same plant as green tea, but the tea leaves are exposed to oxygen and this oxidization turns the leaves black. Black tea is known for it’s larger amounts of caffeine and antioxidants.

The benefits of black tea include lowering risk of heart disease and diabetes, encouraging a healthy immune system and regulating blood sugar levels. If you need digestive help, black tea in small doses is known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties as well. Try it in Black Tea Lemonade or  Cardamom Black Tea.

3. OOLONG TEA

Falling between green and black teas, you’ll find oolong, with its partially oxidized leaves. Oolong provides the benefits of both black and green teas, and with it, a fruity flavor. Oolong is often the tea of choice for weight management and is known to help alleviate skin conditions.

A word of caution – oolong tea can be very high in caffeine, so if you are sensitive to caffeine, drink in moderation.

CINNAMON OOLONG TEA

  • 12 oolong tea bags
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • hot water

Steep tea bags and cinnamon sticks in hot water (about 190 degrees) for 10 minutes. Strain and serve. For iced tea, pour over ice.

4. WHITE TEA

White tea reigns as the least processed type of tea, making its antioxidant properties the highest. It also has the least amount of caffeine of the caffeinated teas. White tea can lower cholesterol and blood pressure and is antibacterial. Try it in a Mint Lime Tea Cooler.

HEALING HERBAL TEAS

There are several types of herbal teas, however none are produced from tea leaves. Herbal teas, or herbal tisanes, are usually made from dried fruits, herbs, roots, bark, berries or flowers. Infusions are made by blending any number of these together. Herbal teas are caffeine free and generally safe for children and pregnant women.

These teas can be high in minerals (Rooibos), cold and flu fighters (Ginger), alleviate insomnia (Hibiscus), help clear a stuffy nose (Peppermint), lessen menopausal symptoms (Red Clover), stimulate digestion (Dandelion), aid colicky babies (Chamomile), and fight viruses (Cinnamon).

5. ROOIBOS

Rooibos, also called Red Bush Tea, comes from South Africa. It is naturally caffeine-free and contains two bioflavonoids called rutin and quercetin. Both of these compounds block the release of histamine (the chemical our bodies produce in response to allergens).

Rooibos may also have benefits for skin irritations and contain cancer fighting properties. Try it in this Rooibos Sun Tea.

6. PEPPERMINT

The oil and menthol found in peppermint can have a therapeutic effect, acting as a decongestant and an anti-inflammatory, while also helping to suppress the appetite. The verdict is still out on whether is soothes or exacerbates an upset stomach, so contact your doctor before taking peppermint if you have a condition like GERD.

7. DRIED GINGER

Ginger has so many amazing healing properties! When it comes to allergies and colds, its natural antihistamine is a boon. And ginger’s anti-inflammatory abilities can soothe the stomach, relieve sore muscles, and lessen the strength of menstrual cramps. Going on a boat? Drink ginger tea to ease motion sickness. And of course we are all familiar with ginger’s natural kick, which makes it a great flavor booster even in small amounts.

8. STINGING NETTLE

You might have less than fond memories of stinging nettles from your childhood. These are the same nettles, but they turn from harmful to healthy when boiled into tea. Nettles are the most often recommended remedy for seasonal allergies and can help relieve itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. This is also an herb to try for anyone suffering from arthritis or who need a quick boost of energy. Try it in this Herbal Tea for Allergies

9. YERBA MATE

Yerba Mate is very popular in South America. It contains natural caffeine and works to produce corticosteroids, which act as an anti-inflammatory in response to allergens. This can help open up respiratory passages and increase oxygen intake. Yerba Mate can also lowers lipids, leading to reduced cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

10. LEMON BALM

Lemon balm belongs to the mint family, but has a lemony scent, hence its name. Widely known for its calming effects, lemon balm can also help with the common cold and other respiratory issues. Lemon balm alleviates digestive problems, such as an upset stomach and gas, and also works well for painful ailments like a headache or toothache.

11. CHAMOMILE

Long used throughout Europe and Asia to treat sleep and stomach troubles, chamomile is becoming quite popular in North America. While its sleep-inducing properties are well known, chamomile can also soothe puffy eyes and be used as an anti-bacterial mouthwash. A word of caution to allergy sufferers though, the chamomile plant is a relative of ragweed. Try it in this Garden Chamomile Tea.

12. HIBISCUS

Hands down, Hibiscus is a favorite tea choice to cool off with during the summer. In addition to being refreshing, hibiscus also has properties that help lower blood pressure, especially for those with diabetes. Other reasons to drink hibiscus? It’s naturally high in vitamins, like vitamin C, and acts as a natural diuretic.

13. RED CLOVER

Red Clover is most often associated with its ability to lessen menopausal symptoms, but it can help men, too. This herb can reduce one’s PSA, the marker used to determine if you are at risk for prostrate cancer. Of benefit to men and women are the isoflavones found in red clover, which help protect against cardiovascular disease.

14. DANDELION

Dandelion tea is popular because it acts as a diuretic to stimulate digestion. Less commonly known is that dandelion root is used medicinally to treat hepatitis, jaundice and dyspepsia. And it should be mentioned that dandelion tea lessens hot flashes and combats the formation of kidney stones.

Photo:organicauthority.com

15. CINNAMON

Rounding out our list of teas is cinnamon, the super spice of the herb world. Consider it if you’re interested in lowering cholesterol, fighting viruses, increasing your antioxidants or alleviating systems of arthritis.

Do you have a favorite type of tea? Are you going to try a new recipe after reading all of the health benefits of tea?

Health News Videos: New Technologies Disrupting Healthcare

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Health News Update: Disruptive Healthcare Technologies

New technologies are disrupting heathcare

In this health news update, we review several new technologies currently disrupting the field of healthcare to improve overall health and anti-aging. Exponential change in healthcare is here and it isn’t leaving. Over the next 5-10 years we will see dramatic changes in how we receive healthcare, diagnose disease improve anti-aging technology and treat global health crises. Here are 5 technologies that are leading the charge in 2017.

Artificial Intelligence And The Future Of Health:
Health News about AI: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is defined as the science and engineering of creating intelligent computer systems that are able to perform tasks without receiving instructions directly from humans. It is on the brink of disrupting many industries including healthcare. AI systems have the potential to provide physicians and researchers with clinically relevant, real-time, quality information sourced from data stored in electronic health records (EHRs) for immediate needs. With the introduction of AI to healthcare, we can expect better patient outcomes, more efficient doctor visits, reduction of treatment costs and an end to unnecessary hospital procedures.

Health News About 3D Printing Technology
According to 3dprint.com, one of the faster growing markets to adopt 3D printing technology is the healthcare industry, which has been rapidly developing new medical applications at an astounding rate. What once was just a small blip on the 3D printing radar has grown into its own industry within an industry, and looks to continue to expand exponentially over the next four years.

Drones
When you think of health news, you wouldn’t expect to find information about drones. In fact, your first thought might be about how you will receive your next Amazon delivery, dropped on your doorstep in a matter of hours. But in developing countries facing urgent and deadly healthcare challenges, drones save lives. Using drones to deliver life saving medical supplies is being tested around the globe and the potential for growth is huge.

Mini DNA Sequencer
One of the most interesting bits of health news we discovered while researching this article concerns the Mini DNA Sequencer. Thanks to British company, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, there is now a USB powered genome sequencer that is smaller than most smart phones. What does that mean? We can now monitor the health and diagnose diseases for astronauts in space. We can use the device to learn about mobile DNA sequencing. It has the potential to be part of every aid worker’s field kit as well as medical supplies delivered to communities for improved health education and self-monitoring.

Nanotechnology Health News
According to Singularityhub.com, in the last decade, nanotechnology has advanced and is finding practical applications. Some teams are developing nanoscale patterns on medical implants that can stimulate bone cell growth and positive gene expression. Others are working to make guided nanoparticles that detect (and even destroy) cancer cells. The dream of nanomachines traveling your body and repairing it on the cellular level is a little closer thanks to the development of nanoengines and nanorockets.

Is 100 Years Old The New 60? These Incredible Stories Suggest It Will Be!

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Is 100 years old about to be the new 60? The folks at Peter Diamandis’ Human Longevity, Inc. think so.  They’ve cited these top five stories from 2016 on longevity research that suggest that the debate on a natural life span limit is far from over.

500-Year-Old Shark Discovered: A Greenland shark that could have been over 500 years old was discovered this year, making the species the longest-lived vertebrate in the world.

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Genetically Reversing Aging: With an experiment that replicated stem cell-like conditions, Salk Institute researchers made human skin cells in a dish look and behave young again, and mice with premature aging disease were rejuvenated with a 30% increase in lifespan. The Salk Institute expects to see this work in human trials in less than 10 years.

25% Life Extension Based on Removal of Senescent Cells: Published in the medical journal Nature, cell biologists Darren Baker and Jan van Deursen have found that systematically removing a category of living, stagnant cells can extend the life of mice by 25 percent.

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Funding for Anti-Aging Startups: Jeff Bezos and the Mayo Clinic-backed Anti-Aging Startup Unity Biotechnology with $116 million. The company will focus on medicines to slow the effects of age-related diseases by removing senescent cells (as mentioned in the article above).

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Young Blood Experiments Show Promising Results for Longevity: Sakura Minami and her colleagues at Alkahest, a company specializing in blood-derived therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, have found that simply injecting older mice with the plasma of young humans twice a week improved the mice’s cognitive functions as well as their physical performance. This practice has seen a 30% increase in lifespan, and increase in muscle tissue and cognitive function.

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Source: http://diamandis.com/tech-blog

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