Health & weight management thread

[69supersport396]

Originally Posted by Mydivorcegift

Anyone have a better excuse not to train and give it an all out effort?

I think not.

[RubyCamaro]

I have not tried this yet, I just saw it on Pintrest, but it sounds good.


PEANUT BUTTER & CINNAMON GREEK YOGURT DIP
Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups fat free Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp natural peanut or almond butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp- 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (two large dashes)

Directions:
Throw everything into a food processor and whir away! Or whisk well in a large bowl. Refrigerate and serve with sliced apples, bananas, celery, carrots, grapes, crackers, graham crackers, pretzels, etc. Or mainline it via spoon directly to mouth, as I did a few times last night. Best method for instant gratification. I mean, when you need protein (and peanut butter), you need protein (and peanut butter). Enjoy!

[Normagene]

Found this on Quinoa, pretty interesting and very good for ya.

Quinoa has recently become a popular substitute for people who are avoiding gluten and wheat products. Quinoa is a seed which has been consumed for thousands of years in South America, primarily Bolivia and Peru.

The ancient Aztec people used quinoa as a staple in their diet and it provided sustainable energy for their warriors. In traditional societies, new moms often consume quinoa in order to increase their breast milk supply. In fact, since quinoa has become so readily available, new mothers who are having trouble getting enough breast milk to their newborns can easily adopt this practice of consuming more quinoa for increased lactation.

Quinoa is often grouped into the classification of a whole grain but this is not an accurate classification. Quinoa is the seed of a leafy green plant, related to spinach and Swiss chard plants. It is properly classified as a pseudo cereal rather than a traditional cereal grain because it does not come from grass plants, as do whole wheat grains.

Quinoa is considered a super food by some because of the high amount of complete protein it contains and also because it is rich in B-vitamins and minerals. Having a large amount of complete protein makes it a great choice for vegetarians, since it will provide a portion of the daily protein intake amount that is important for rebuilding and repairing muscle tissue.

Quinoa contains concentrated amounts of antioxidant phytonutrients, which gives it the ability to support against inflammation and free radicals in the body. Quinoa also contains some heart-healthy fats, such as the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid.The biggest reason that quinoa is considered such a healthy food is due to the combination of all of the aforementioned nutritional benefits being found in a single food. Quinoa is also considered a low glycemic index food, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Keeping the blood sugar stable helps the body to maintain a healthy weight and healthy cholesterol levels.

Quinoa is considered a gluten-free food and is thought to be safe for those with Celiac Disease, but individuals should always monitor their responses to foods instead of completely relying on mainstream information. There are a couple of reasons for this.

First, there have been issues with the cross-contamination of grains and quinoa in processing plants. An option to avoid this is to purchase quinoa that has been processed or cleaned in a facility that does not process gluten-containing grains.

Another reason to monitor individual responses to quinoa is because these seeds also contain an innate biological pesticide similar to the lectins in wheat. As mentioned before, modern wheat has been modified in order to have increased amounts of protein and the wheat lectins were inadvertently increased as well.

Quinoa has not undergone such modification, so the amount of lectins in the quinoa may not have the same negative effects on people. But recent studies have proven that some people with Celiac Disease still have autoimmune responses to some types of quinoa. Therefore, just because quinoa is considered gluten-free, it is important to monitor any unfavorable bodily responses or to test quinoa for an allergic response.

Once you conclude for yourself that quinoa is a healthy addition to your diet, you will need to know how to prepare it to maximize taste and nutritional value.

Different Types of Quinoa & How to Cook it

The first thing to note is that there are three common colors of quinoa available. Red, ivory, and black quinoa seeds are available, but while the red seems to better maintain its shape and texture after being cooked, there is no known nutritional difference between the different types.

In order to reap the benefits of quinoa, begin by rinsing it in warm water. Quinoa has a natural pesticide on the outside that is called saponin and may cause the quinoa to be bitter if it is not rinsed off. Then cook one part quinoa and two parts water, or the liquid or broth of your choice. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat, cover, and cook. It will take approximately 15 minutes for one cup of quinoa to cook.

The cooked quinoa can be used in dishes that traditionally use rice, or even in recipes that contain bulgur wheat, such as tabbouleh. Many people enjoy quinoa that has been cooked with milk or dairy substitute as breakfast porridge adding nuts, dried fruits, and spices such as cinnamon.

Quinoa can also be sprouted. Start by rinsing off the saponins, then pour water over the seeds, and drain the water after thirty minutes. This process should be repeated every 8 to 12 hours until the seeds have sprouted. Sprouted quinoa is a very nutritious and tasty addition to salads.

[RubyCamaro]

Good read. Yeah, I use quinoa but am having a hard time getting hubby to like it. We usually end up cooking quinoa for me & rice for him when I want to use it.

We made this today & it was yummy. We left out the potatoes.

SOUTHERN STYLE CABBAGE SOUP
Prep time - 20 min...
Cook Time- about 45 min
Ingredients:
1 small head of cabbage-chopped
2 lbs of lean ground beef
2 14 1/2 cans of stewed or diced tomatoes
1 can of rotel
2 8 oz cans of tomato sauce
1 large onion chopped
4 stalks of celery finely-chopped
1 small bell pepper finely-chopped
Diced potatoes
2 tbs of salsa; optional
Knorr Beef Broth, makes three cups of broth.
Spices; season to taste.
Cayenne pepper
chili powder
4 garlic cloves
pinch of salt
paprika
black pepper
dash of Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning. I add a lot!
dash of Old Bay Seasoning
dash of Salt-Free Mrs Dash

Instructions
Sauté celery, onion, bell pepper and garlic in olive oil and set aside
Brown ground beef and drain off fat.
lightly toss cabbage in 4 Tbsp butter until cabbage is tender
Add cabbage and other ingredients until cabbage is tender and potatoes are soft
Combine all ingredients in dutch oven or large pot and cook until potatoes are tender.Ingredients:
1 small head of cabbage-chopped
2 lbs of lean ground beef
2 14 1/2 cans of stewed or diced tomatoes
1 can of rotel
2 8 oz cans of tomato sauce
1 large onion chopped
4 stalks of celery finely-chopped
1 small bell pepper finely-chopped
Diced potatoes
2 tbs of salsa; optional
Knorr Beef Broth, makes three cups of broth.
Spices; season to taste.
Cayenne pepper
chili powder
4 garlic cloves
pinch of salt
paprika
black pepper
dash of Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning. I add a lot!
dash of Old Bay Seasoning
dash of Salt-Free Mrs Dash
Instructions
Sauté celery, onion, bell pepper and garlic in olive oil and set aside
Brown ground beef and drain off fat.
lightly toss cabbage in 4 Tbsp butter until cabbage is tender
Add cabbage and other ingredients until cabbage is tender and potatoes are soft
Combine all ingredients in dutch oven or large pot and cook until potatoes are tender.

[Normagene]

Jan, try out alkalineCook.com. 10 really good recipes for quinoa. Plus she has all kinds of super healthy meals. I get her health news letter and she always has great tips/info.

[RubyCamaro]

I'll check it out.

[RubyCamaro]

Boy am I sore. Not complaining though, I'm happy about it. The work out class on Monday was actually a good one and after class I did some sprint/fast walk/walk laps. I am looking forward to today's class to keep it up & work out some of the soreness. I will go early today & do my laps before class since I don't have a busy day at work. I have everything ready to go on Friday to the Y to check out the facility & sit in on a class. Then I will join & schedule a consultation/orientation with a trainer to get started. I have cleaned up my eating. I plan to make some clean high protein snacks to bring to work to eat between meals. I don't have time at work for full meals except at lunch time & even that is taken at my desk while I work. In the Nashville office I can take some walking laps around the hall & when it is nice outside there is a trail I can use. I did some hall walking yesterday since it was raining. I have some exercize videos I have saved to pinterest that I use in my office at either location sometimes when I have a few minutes. I can't do it on really busy days but if I can catch a few min I do. I also do stuff like calf raises when I am waiting for copies at the copy machine, waiting for the microwave, etc. I have lost a couple of pounds but nothing impressive so far. Little bit, by little bit.

[RubyCamaro]

I went to my one free day at the Y today. I got a tour, did some sprint/fast walk/walk laps on their track then took a class. Okay, I guess I have spent enough time being mad at the YMCA. I liked the track & the facility & the class was fun & a good workout. I found my workout place now!

[Normagene]

A little "off topic" but pretty interesting

Health News
Wi-Fi Radiation Stops Plants from Growing

wifiRemember when cell phones became popular in the late twentieth century and we heard rumors that they may cause health problems?The cell phone was predicted to cause cancer or brain tumors. In spite of this prophecy, cell phone sales have continued to rise over the years and concern over the health risks associated with cell phones has not surpassed the allure of having a mobile device at your side at all times.

This allure grows steadily as the cell phone has transformed into a device used for email, social media, GPS, videography, and there’s an app for anything and everything you can imagine. All of these interesting and unique ways to use the mobile phone are made possible by an internet connection. Oftentimes this internet connection is through a wireless technology called Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi is an important tool and technological advancement in the modern world. As of 2012, approximately 25% of households worldwide use Wi-Fi. With the advent of iPhones and other smartphones, that allow us to connect instantly to Wi-Fi, there seems no reason to ever go without the internet in daily life. These devices are seamlessly intertwined into our everyday experience.

Do you remember the last time you met someone who did not have a smartphone? It is a very rare occurrence because smartphones were created to appeal to the masses. Yet, similarly to the belief held about cell phones,having smartphones connected to Wi-Fi readily available and on hand at all times may be a dangerous practice for our health.

How Wi-Fi Stunts Growth

Consider a study from Denmark that began by five teenage girls noticing how they felt if they slept with their smartphones near their heads. The girls said that they were not able to concentrate as well the following day. From this observation, they formed a hypothesis that the Wi-Fi radiation emitted from their smartphones was the culprit for their brain fog. Thus, they conducted a study using plants to see how they grew near Wi-Fi routers and the results were alarming.

One set of six plants was placed in a room without any radiation and one set was placed in a room with two Wi-Fi routers. The plants placed in the room with no Wi-Fi routers grew normally. The plants placed in the room with two Wi-Fi routers,which emitted similar levels of radiation as a typical smartphone, either did not grow or died shortly after they began to grow. If the effect of Wi-Fi radiation on plant life is this detrimental, we must consider what is happening to our bodies from the emissions of the radiation.

An earlier study links emissions of Wi-Fi radiation with tree poisoning in urban areas. Researchers began investigating why trees in some urban areas were showing signs of poisoning but were unable to attribute the sickness in the trees to any bacteria or virus. Researchers subjected a test group of trees to higher amounts of radiation and concluded that they tested positive for radiation sickness from concentrated amounts of Wi-Fi use in the area.

Not only does this study demonstrate the dangers of Wi-Fi radiation in concentrated amounts on trees, but it gives us a clue about what may happen to our bodies from a large amount of Wi-Fi radiation exposure over time. Also, it’s dangerous for our ecosystem considering that trees are an important factor in having clean air in urban areas. If the trees cannot survive Wi-Fi poisoning, they will not be able to help clean the polluted air in these cities.

This information is disturbing, yet it’s necessary to keep things in perspective because it’s extremely unlikely the technology will recede any time soon. Instead of turning against technology, perhaps consider a couple of ways to reduce your exposure to Wi-Fi radiation.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Wi-Fi Radiation

A major way to lessen some of the impact of Wi-Fi radiation on your body is to turn off your phone or your computer while you are not using them. You can also switch off the Wi-Fi connection on your smartphone when you are not using the internet. This is a simple solution that can reduce your exposure by a considerable amount.

Another option that will reduce Wi-Fi radiation is to replace your wireless router with a router that can be turned on and off. For laptops and home computers, set them up to use the wire that connects to the internet rather than relying on the wireless connection. Also, steer clear of wireless keyboards and other wireless items that are made to be used with your laptop from a distance. Setting up a timer that automatically turns off the wireless in your house, or turns off the devices using wireless internet, is another smart way to reduce the amount of Wi-Fi that is emitted in your home.

Another option is to help reduce the risk of Wi-Fi radiation on your body by eating a diet rich in foods that cleanse your body. Certain foods are known to specifically detox your body from radiation. Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as green tea, help remove free radicals. Miso soup is a fermented food that protects the body from radiation. Reishi mushrooms are also cleansing and have been proven to help rid the body of radiation sickness. Many superfoods are available to help your body with any toxic radiation, but the most important thing is to begin reducing your exposure in the ways that work for you.

A third way to reduce the effect of harmful Wi-Fi radiation is to use organic earth materials. Orgonite is an example of an organic substance created to transmute negative energy and turn it into positive energy. Orgonite can be made or purchased from a vendor and should be placed around areas that are concentrated with Wi-Fi radiation or near cell phone towers. Bentonite clay is another natural substance that rids the body of harmful radiation poisoning. Using bentonite clay for detox baths is the best way to utilize the healing ability of this organic substance.

Because Wi-Fi is extremely prevalent and growing with the large numbers of internet and cell phone users on the planet, it is important to be aware of the effects of Wi-Fi radiation. Learning about the ways to prevent radiation emissions in your home is the best way to protect yourself. For most of us, wireless internet is a way of life and we will not permanently stop using it. Yet, it is wise to be mindful of our options to cut back or take steps to cleanse from the exposure that affects all of us.

[RubyCamaro]

Well I am getting set up with my YMCA membership through my work. They have to set it up payroll deducted to get the membership fee waived & a discount on monthly membership fees. Talk about making a commitment! With them pulling it out of my paycheck, I'm going. I won't be able to get it started until beginning of April so I'm on my own until then. That's okay, I'll stay on track. I go for the last class at my old class today then I'll do some weights & calisthenics at home & when weather permits, run/walk/fast walk on the road at home. I am finding lots of good recipes on Pinterest but won't post them up until I have tried them out.

What's up with everyone else? Too quiet in here lately.

[richard200593]

Originally Posted by RubyCamaro

Well I am getting set up with my YMCA membership through my work. They have to set it up payroll deducted to get the membership fee waived & a discount on monthly membership fees. Talk about making a commitment! With them pulling it out of my paycheck, I'm going. I won't be able to get it started until beginning of April so I'm on my own until then. That's okay, I'll stay on track. I go for the last class at my old class today then I'll do some weights & calisthenics at home & when weather permits, run/walk/fast walk on the road at home. I am finding lots of good recipes on Pinterest but won't post them up until I have tried them out.

What's up with everyone else? Too quiet in here lately.

That's awesome! Good luck! I've dropped 43 pounds since January 1st but started slowing down (about two pounds a week) so kicking it in gear and started p90x two days ago instead of my hour daily walk. So far all I feel is sore haha

[69supersport396]

Lost 65 LBS. When I lose another 15, it will be time to re-evaluate my goal. This ideal weight thing has me intrigued and confused. Probably need to do more research.

[RubyCamaro]

Great Job Rick. Keep it up. I have no idea about the ideal weight thing. I just want this tummy gone and to be as healthy as I can be.

I'm starting to get a bit worried about my knees. I have had several injuries to my knees over the years including 2 bad breaks. I have to be careful not to injure them. I had them pretty strong last year but would still feel a twinge in them most exercise days & stayed cautious. The year off has really set them back. I can't do lunges & certain moves my knees just let me know.....uh, no, that is just not happening. My left wrist also has had surgery X3 so it is weak & makes some moves hard or not possible at this point. I know I probably should go to a sports medicine doc for an assessment & some guidance but really don't want to go to the expense. I'm kind of used to knowing how far to push & how to keep myself from getting hurt. But I am not as young as I used to be and.....I keep hearing the words of the ER doctor after my bad wreck who said about my broken knee "well you can have surgery right now or see if it will heal without it but at any point for the rest of your life, it may decide to just let go". Lately it hurts a little just to climb stairs. I'll get them strong again.

[Normagene]

10 Scary Ingredients In Your Flu Shot

flu-shotsVaccines have pros and cons, and it’s easy to argue either for or against them. The truth is that vaccines do contain quite a few harmful ingredients. Here, we will examine twelve of the worst ingredients in flu shots, a vaccine that just about anyone can choose to opt out of.

Many of these toxins are present in a variety of other common vaccines, but at least they are in small amounts. Small reactions to vaccinations are common, but severe reactions are rare.

Some people believe that flu shots are among the most dangerous, especially considering that they aren’t nearly as necessary as shots like polio and measles. The scary part is that all of the ingredients below are strong toxins to the human body, and some are even recognized carcinogens.

Did you know that the pharmaceutical companies that make vaccines are protected from lawsuits by the government? Like all drugs, these companies make a profit from selling vaccines, and so utilizing the cheapest ingredients is appealing to them. It’s easy to think that being protected from lawsuits could reduce their sense of accountability for the health effects caused by the vaccines.

If a severe reaction to a vaccine does occur, you have to make a case to the U.S. government itself. For a period of time in 2013, 70 people who experienced severe reactions to vaccines were granted compensation by the government. Eleven vaccines caused the reactions, yet 42 of the 70 cases – 60% – were caused by flu shots alone.

Now that you know that staggering percentage, here are ten scary ingredients found in flu shots.

1. Thimerosal is a vaccine preservative that is nearly 50% mercury. It is commonly used in multi-dose flu shots, but is present in other multi-dose shots as well. Single-dose shots and nasal sprays do not contain Thimerosal. Mercury is a strong neurotoxin and has been linked to brain tissue injury, among other internal problems.

2. Triton X-100 is a toxin when placed in the human body. It can be considered a detergent and is often used in pesticides. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal demonstrated that Triton X-100 decreases viability of cells.

3. Polysorbate 80 has been linked to infertility and other hormonal issues in mammals. There have been more than a few reports of allergic reaction, even as far as anaphylactic shock, to Polysorbate 80. This is shown in an article published in the British Medical Journal, where an example patient reacted with severe side effects to multiple vaccines containing the chemical.

4. Formaldehyde is a chemical known for preserving dead body tissues. It is a known carcinogen to people, but it is present in flu shots. Mild reactions to Formaldehyde in flu shots are common, usually presenting as flu-like symptoms like coughing and runny nose. More severe reactions occur, too, such as respiratory disease, seizures, and acute abdominal pain.

5. Phenol is used to make plastic and as a disinfectant. Common reactions to phenol include respiratory tract irritation, skin rashes, and muscle weakening. Studies exposing lab animals to phenol have resulted in severe reactions including death.

6. Aluminum is widely known as harmful to the body, and many people avoid aluminum in things like deodorants because of its side effects. It can be a neurotoxin and is possibly linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

7. Nonoxynol is commonly used in spermicides and disinfectants. A study published back in 1991 showed that the chemical caused damage to the skin cells in women who used spermicides containing Nonoxynol, concluding that is can be toxic.

8. Octoxynol 9 has been shown to cause skin rashes, dizziness, fever, and other issues. It was previously used as a spermicide, but has been discontinued. This ingredient may be present in some flu shots; the compound seems to be closely related to Triton X-100.

9. Neomycin is present in vaccines for Tdap, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, the flu, MMR, MMRV, polio, rabies, smallpox, varicella, and shingles. Antibiotics have various harmful effects on the body, which is why it’s important to get antibiotic-free meats and avoid taking antibiotics unless truly necessary. Neomycin in particular has been linked to kidney problems, and can act as a toxin to the ears and the brain.

10. Betapropiolactone is a toxin and carcinogen that is present in some vaccines for the flu, rabies, and Tdap. The U.S. Department of Health And Human Services has study data that shows that certain levels of exposure to this chemical in rats can lead to organ damage, respiratory distress, and muscle spasms.

Clearly, there’s a lot more going on in flu shots than most people are aware of. Many shots, including those for the flu, even contain MSG, the chemical that many people go out of their way to avoid in foods. Some vaccines are necessary, and the small risk of an adverse reaction is much more favorable than the idea of getting a disease like polio.

However, flu shots are rarely required, and many people decide to skip them. There’s good reason behind this; even though these chemicals are only present in small amounts, toxins are toxins, and they can still harm us.