Archive for the 'Nutrition' Category

Living Healthy: How to Reverse and Prevent Heart Disease

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007

The key in understanding how to reverse and prevent heart disease will also unlock the healthy lifestyle that you have always desired but never been completely sure of how to achieve. The decisions that you must make and the habits that you need to form to live a healthier life for your heart are easier than you might think, and the rewards will last you a lifetime. Are you ready to begin living healthy? With the following steps in place, you will be on your way to a healthier, happier you!

Step One: You are what You Eat

Diet is such a key component in understanding how to reverse and prevent heart disease; it is hard to believe that so many folk are still wallowing in the depths of fast food “nutrition” and obesity. A heart-healthy diet will not only make you healthy on the inside; you will look and feel great on the outside as well – from your glowing skin, to your lean limbs! Eating right is easier than you might think. Stocking up on a good supply of fruits and vegetables is the first step, and reaching for your carrot sticks and apple instead of that donut when the afternoon munchies creep in is the second.

Next, make sure that you are getting plenty of whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy. Omege-3 fatty acids have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure and reducing your heart attack risk. You can find this substance in foods like salmon, sardines and some cooking oils. At least to servings of this important substance each week will give you a lean, mean cardiac machine. On the flip side, avoid fats, sugar and refined or processed foods as much as possible, and only drink in moderation. For men, that means two drinks a day, and for women, the limit is one. With some good, nutritious choices under your belt (so to speak), you are learning how to reverse and prevent heart disease.

Additionally, there are a number of herbs and nutritional supplements that are excellent for the prevention of heart disease. They include:

Salmon Oil - Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Ginko Biloba - Has been shown to prevent free radicals in the cardio-system

Black Seed with Garlic - Has been proven to lower cholesterol, improve circulation and lower high blood pressure

Hawthorne - Very effective in increasing blood flow to the heart and lowering blood pressure.

In fact, if you’re interested, there are a number of other herbal formulas and nutritional supplements that are excellent to reverse and prevent heart disease discussed here.

I Like to Move It, Move It!

Exercise is one of the best methods in knowing how to reverse and prevent heart disease. Any type of aerobic activity will do, whether it is walking around the block, biking through the neighborhood, or hitting the cardio machines at the local fitness center a few times each week. The federal guidelines for physical exercise recommend a workout lasting 30 to 60 minutes a number of times each week. If your schedule gets too tight on some days for you to fit the longer interval in, a few short spurts can get you on the right track as well. For optimum fitness, it is best to combine an aerobic workout with strength and flexibility training three times a week as well. This will get your body into its best physical condition, and help you to age with style and good health intact.

Exercise and a healthy diet will help you to achieve the next component in how to reverse and prevent heart disease, which is maintaining a healthy weight. The statistics on obesity in the United States are not optimistic in predicting a healthy culture today. Between the prevalence of fast food restaurants and the increased amount of time we sit in front of screens, it appears that our waistlines are begging for mercy. To get the extra pounds off, diet and exercise should be combined for maximum effectiveness. Once you see how much better you will feel by eating a healthy fare and getting physically active, you will see why these practices are so important in keeping your heart pumping at its best.

Other articles you may be interested in, Signs You Should Not Ignore: Signs Of Women’s Heart Disease


Tips for a Healthy Bladder

Tuesday, April 10th, 2007

There are many reasons why it is important to keep your bladder healthy, but the primary reason is because a healthy bladder will lead to a normal, healthy lifestyle as you get older. There are a number of problems that can occur with the bladder as the body ages, but by following the tips for a healthy bladder early in life, you can do much to reduce these risks later on. Many of the tips for a healthy bladder are simply a matter of lifestyle or dietary changes that make it easier for the bladder to function as it should. Other steps include seeking your doctor’s advice at the first sign of a problem, before any real damage to this organ is done. By easing the stress and strain on the bladder earlier rather than later in life, you can do much to keep this organ healthy and reduce the possibility of problems later on.

You are what you Drink

Not only is the function of the bladder enhanced by getting enough fluids every day, the type of fluid that you choose to drink is a significant part of keeping this organ functioning at its best. Water is always the best choice, so make sure that you are getting your eight glasses a day. Other fluids may or may not act as irritants to your bladder, so it may take a bit of research to determine which substances you can safely drink, and which you should cut back on when following tips for a healthy bladder. The best way to do this is to stop drinking any fluid but water for a full week. Once your system has been sufficiently flushed out, you can begin adding other beverages, one at a time, to see which ones cause changes to your urinary tract habits. Known culprits include caffeine, alcohol and acidic fruit juices.

Do you Kegel?

Another good tip for a healthy bladder is to perform daily Kegel exercises for strengthening and toning the muscles of the pelvic floor. Keeping these muscles strong will greatly reduce the odds that you will suffer from incontinence or leakage later in life. To perform Kegel exercises, simply squeeze these muscles together and release. Three repetitions can be done in a row, with a ten second break after each set. You can repeat this exercise for ten or fifteen minutes every day to see significant results in the strength of these muscles. Kegel exercises are often taught to pregnant women because they can aid in the delivery process, as well as reduce the risk of urine leakage later in pregnancy.

Other tips for a healthy bladder include avoiding fluids two hours prior to bedtime, drinking cranberry juice regularly, and wiping front to back after eliminating. While some people believe that these tips for a healthy bladder can actually reduce the possibility of getting a urinary tract infection, others simply see these behaviors as generally healthy habits. If you do suspect that you might have a urinary tract infection, it is a good idea to see your doctor as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment. Symptoms of an infection can include frequent urination, burning while urinating or blood in the urine.

Your body depends on you and the habits you choose to keep it looking and feeling its absolute best. By following these simple tips for a healthy bladder, you will be on the road to a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Superfood For Super Conception

Wednesday, February 28th, 2007

In order to achieve conception the hormones have to be balanced. However, the hormones can be balanced by making sure we get the right amount of nutrients from our food.

For example, Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) work on every system of the body and are essential for healthy hormone production. EFA’s can prevent blood from clotting inappropriately which can be helpful to women who have suffered from recurrent miscarriages (if clotting was an issue). They are primarily found in fish oils.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Low vitamin E levels can be a cause for subfertility in men and women. Found in wheat germ cereal, sunflower seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, brown rice, eggs, milk, organ meats, soy beans and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, helpful to sperm production and may play a role in healthy ovulation. Vitamin C is essential to the normal healthy functioning of many systems in the human body. Excellent sources include blackcurrants, raw red peppers, guavas and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. Other good sources include strawberries, kiwifruit, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.

Iron aids in the production of red blood cells and carries oxygen around our bodies. The body can lose iron through periods, childbirth or blood loss (including blood donation). Leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, poultry, and soy food products are all good sources of iron.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant essential at conception for the developing embryo. Natural sources include carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, and spinach.

If you or someone you know is trying to get pregnant, they can Naturally triple their chances of conception without harmful drugs or side effects with an herbal formula that’s like “fertilizer” for the female body. It gives you everything you need to be in perfect nutritional and hormonal balance.

Just like the soil, your body needs to be in perfect harmony to germinate a seed. Not only does this formula create the perfect conditions, but it also aids in regulating your ovulation cycle.

This isn’t a fertility drug and has no harmful or dangerous side effects. It is a completely natural way to create the exact conditions your body needs to achieve pregnancy.

http://womans-health.net/recommends/natural-conception
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Superfoods For Super Skin

Wednesday, February 28th, 2007

One the most important components of skin health is vitamin A, and one of the best sources of it is low-fat dairy products. A. Low-fat yogurt is not only high in vitamin A, but also acidophilus, the “live” bacteria that is good for intestinal health. Turns out, it may also have an impact on the skin, since it aids in digestion. Other good sources of vitamin A include cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals.

It’s important to also make sure you’re eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums. The benefits of these foods for healthy skin are plentiful. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can protect the skin cells, so there is less chance for damage. This in turn guards against premature aging, and keeps skin looking younger longer. Other fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants include artichokes, pinto beans, prunes, and pecans.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential to your skin. Include salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed. EFAs keep cell membranes healthy, and allow nutrients to pass through. We also need healthy oils, which contain more than essential fatty acids. Eating good-quality oils helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier overall. Look for oils that are cold pressed, such as olive or extra virgin oil. We only need about two tablespoons a day of healthy oils, so use wisely.

Selenium plays an important role in the health of skin cells. Turn to foods like Whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals; turkey, tuna and brazil nuts for this important nutrient. Recent studies show that if selenium levels are high, even skin damaged by the sun may only suffer minimal, if any, damage. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and it protects the membrane of the cell. It may even help prevent or reduce skin cancer risks.

The above was excreted from my Superfoods e-course. to read more, please use the form below to sign up:


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Choosing the Right Vitamins for Women’s Health – Part 1

Sunday, December 31st, 2006

It’s true that women need vitamins that are different from what men need. This is what makes choosing the right vitamins for women’s health a very specific task. Women’s special needs for vitamins have spawned a whole market specifically to cater to this segment. To figure out just what these needs are, read on.

Women need specific vitamins because at different stages of their lives, their bodies experience many drastic physiological changes that men don’t experience. This means that their need for a good and nutritious diet and supplementation are basic to their good health.

Some of the body changes that women experience which may require choosing the right vitamin for their health include:

PMS: When women go through PMS, they may experience mood swings, bloating, and irritability. At such a time, choosing the right vitamins for women’s health is crucial. This is when she needs Vitamin B-6 in doses of about 50-100 mg which helps to keep both the depression and nausea at bay. Vitamin B-6 also helps if women experience memory loss, and heart disease, by producing hormones and brain chemicals that help strengthen their immunity.

Pregnancy: If women have upset stomachs due to pregnancy, they can take Vitamin B6 which helps with nausea. Many women and doctors have discovered that turning to this vitamin is oftentimes the only thing that helps morning sickness. Women can also take Folic Acid when pregnant, which prevents neural tube deficits.

Pregnant women can benefit greatly from taking cod liver oil, which is a great source of Vitamins A, D and K, and Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin. These nutrients found in cod liver oil can guard against preeclampsia, which can be fatal for both new mothers and their babies.

Breastfeeding: Once women have given birth, it’s time to breastfeed their newborns. But though mother’s milk is filled with an abundance of nutrition, it has been found to be deficient in Vitamin D. However, this can be offset by the mother taking cod liver oil during her pregnancy.

This helps in the baby’s brain development and provides sufficient doses of Vitamin K which assists in bone-building. At this time too, choosing the right vitamins for women’s health is absolutely critical since women now have the baby’s health and development to worry about.

Menopause: As women get older and reach menopause, they need to be particular of their vitamin intake. Here, choosing the right vitamins for women’s health involves taking additional nutrients such as Vitamin E. As an a antioxidant, Vitamin E counteracts the effects of DNA damage which can cause cells to age and guards against heart disease, cancer, memory loss, cataracts, and also improves immunity.

No matter how old she may be, choosing the right vitamins for a woman’s health is a very important decision – one that should be given careful consideration. To learn other important considerations about how to choose the right vitamin for your health, please read part 2 of this series, Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Vitamin for Your Health.

Additional Resources:

Turmeric to Fight Breast Cancer

Tuesday, September 5th, 2006

You may have heard about the wonders of turmeric. There are numerous studies pointing to its effectiveness in battling various cancers including cancer of the lungs, colon, kidney, liver and breast.

So why is turmeric so effective? First off, turmeric breaks down toxins in the liver. This helps prevent the accumulation of carcinogens. Turmeric also happens to be a very effective anti-inflammatory. Because inflammation is part of the progression of cancer, this serves as a powerful component. Turmeric is also an anti-oxidant and effectively stimulates the immune system. Finally, it keeps you fit by helping your body assimilate fats, thereby promoting healthy weight loss.

As if that weren’t enough, turmeric specifically helps fight breast cancer in two ways. First, turmeric helps the body process estrogen-like chemicals that later lead to an increase in cell division and possibly beast cancer. It also blocks a particular enzyme (COX-2) that has been found responsible for breast cancer.

So how can you start reaping the benefits of turmeric? Look for the powdered root in your local health food store. Be sure that you buy high quality, organic turmeric and not just what the grocery store happens to have on its shelves. There are also capsules available for your convenience.

Nutritional Supplements To Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer

Essiac: A Native Herbal Cancer Remedy - In 1922, Rene Caisse, a Canadian nurse, made a discovery that would change her life and the course of cancer therapy. Caisse received the formula for an herbal remedy through a patient who had been successfully treated for breast cancer by a Native American medicine man. With this herbal cancer remedy, which she called Essiac, Caisse would go on to treat thousands of patients at an incredible recovery rate of 80%!

Mamo Guard - contains 28 different herb which he have been proven beneficial in cases of breast hyperplasia, lumps, acute or suppurative mastitis, inflammation and breast cellulitis, fibrocystic breast, and more.

Breast Support Wellness Oil - this oil is designed to help remove toxins from the breast and will help to support and drain the lymphatic system. It is developed specifically for the breast tissue, and is a must have for any woman’s medicine cabinet as a preventative measure for breast cancer.

Natural Progesterone Cream for Women - your body needs natural progesterone. Natural Progesterone cream helps women reduce the severity of PMS symptoms lessen the effects of menopause and counter-balance the effects of estrogen dominance, Infertility, Migraines, Fibrocystic Breast, Skin Care, and Acne. For women, who suffer from hysterectomy symptoms, menstrual conditions, female health conditions, hormone deficiencies, menopause hot flashes, osteoporosis or thinning bones, pms. Reduces breast cancer risk, hair loss, fat gain from estrogen dominance, menopause acne, migraine headaches, and much more.

Super Lignan - herbal estrogen supplement - uper Lignan is an ideal herbal estrogen supplement for supporting breast health and helps alleviate breast tenderness and pain associated with the menstrual cycle.

For a complete list of nutritional supplements that reduce the risk of breast cancer, please visit: Breast Cancer Protection Supplements.

There are a number of natural treatments out there. It’s never too early to start prevention.

The Revival of Spelt is Good News for Your Health

Monday, May 22nd, 2006

WHAT IS SPELT?

Spelt is one of the oldest grains known to mankind. Grown as far back as 5000 BC, the spelt grain has hardly changed from that time until today. In fact, spelt was even referred to in the Bible, mentioned in both Exodus 9:32 and Ezekiel 4:9.

While still common in many parts of the world, including Europe, spelt lost popularity in America as commercial growers looked for higher yield crops to provide for mass production.

It is the integrity of modern spelt to the original grain that has rekindled interest of those looking for a more nutritious alternative to the highly processed grains currently available.

HOW SPELT COMPARES TO WHEAT

Unlike the wheat most Americans have come to know, spelt has not been changed for centuries. Wheat production in America demanded higher gluten for commercial foods and a plant that was easy to grow and harvest. With these changes much of the wheat grown lost its nutritious value and became easy targets to pests requiring pesticides and insecticides to protect it during growth.

Spelt became less popular because of its hard outer husk which made it difficult to process. However, this husk protects the spelt from pests and pollutants and helps the grain to maintain its nutrient value.

The spelt grain is high in fibre and has more protein than conventional wheat. It is full of amino acids and a good source of B vitamins. Spelt is easier to digest than regular wheat and has a subtle nutty flavor that many appreciate.

One of the most desirable qualities of this nutritious and tasty grain is that individuals with allergies to wheat may be able to tolerate spelt grains and products.

WHERE CAN YOU GET SPELT?

Spelt is sold through organic health food stores. You can buy spelt grain, whole grain and white flours. Spelt products also include pasta, hot or cold cereals, cookies, crackers, bread, muffins, cakes and pancake mixes.

ADAPTING RECIPES FOR SPELT GRAIN

When baking with spelt you will need to adapt the recipe to account for the difference between spelt and traditional wheat. Increasing the amount of flour or decreasing the amount of liquids will enable you to use spelt in most recipes asking for wheat.

Spelt needs to be soaked overnight before cooking. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Let it simmer in a covered pot for an hour.

THE CASE FOR SPELT

Spelt has many features that make it stand out as the ecologically and nutritionally superior grain available. The tough husk means it can be grown without pesticides and insecticides and helps preserve freshness when stored. Its high nutritional value can’t be compared to hybrid wheat currently produced and it appears to be easier for the body to tolerate.

Spelt is not new to the world, but if you haven’t tried it before, now is the time to introduce yourself to the oldest secret to healthy eating!

Alternative Sweeteners for Sugar Free Desserts

Saturday, May 20th, 2006

Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you crave sweet desserts? Have
you ever felt like a sugar addict? Most desserts are packed full
of sugar, and yet there is plenty of evidence that sugary
desserts are not healthy foods.

You may decide to cut your sugar intake for a number of reasons:

- To eat a more natural diet - sugar is a highly processed food,
and our hunter gatherer ancestors did not evolve to eat such a
concentrated source of ‘empty calories’.

- To assist in the control of your blood sugar - research shows
that low sugar diets do help to control your blood sugar levels.

- To lose weight. A high sugar intake is a diet buster,
regardless of which weight loss diet you try.

So how can you satisfy your sweet tooth without sugar? There are
a number of strategies:

- Create desserts from fresh, unprocessed fruit, with no
sweeteners added. Sugar free fruit salad is a classic example of
this approach. There are a number of classic desserts that can
be served in a version based on this theme, such as Ambrosia,
Balsamic Berries and Minted Melon.

- Cut out desserts, or only serve dessert as a very occasional
treat. Believe it or not, even the strongest and most demanding
sweet tooth will eventually quiet down, if your sugar addiction
is not being fed.

- Use alternative sweeteners. Which alternative sweetener you
use will be influenced by your reasons for giving up sugar, and
by your own taste buds.

Natural sweeteners include honey, and Stevia.

- Honey is still a very concentrated food, and should be used
very sparingly, if at all, if your goal is to control blood sugar
or to lose weight. However, honey, in very small quantities, does
still have its place in a natural foods diet.

- Stevia is an extract from the leaf of the Stevia plant. It is
intensely sweet, and only tiny amounts are needed to sweeten a
dessert, so it’s more suitable than honey for blood sugar control
and weight loss. But there are a couple of catches with Stevia:
It is approved as a supplement, rather than as a food additive,
so you can only use it for foods that you sweeten yourself. And,
depending on the brand, it can have a slightly ‘liquorice’ taste.
It’s well worth experimenting with different brands, to find the
brand most acceptable to your taste. Generally speaking, the
white extracts have less taste. Oh yes, and watch out for the
fillers! There’s not much point in using a low-calorie / low-carb
sweetener like Stevia if it’s a brand that’s packed with a
high-calorie / high-carb fillers, so remember to read the
labels.

Artificial sweeteners include saccharine, aspartame and Splenda.
It’s worth bearing in mind that some people are sensitive to one
or more artificial sweeteners, and report headaches and other
side effects. Whether or not you use them is ultimately your
decision. Many people have decided that when the only drinks
available are artificially sweetened diet drinks or sugary
drinks, that for them, the artificial sweetener is the lesser of
the two evils.

If you’re cooking with artificial sweeteners, read the label and
avoid those with high calorie / high-carb fillers. But don’t
bother cooking with aspartame - its sweetness disappears with the
heat of the cooking. This is why aspartame is mainly used for
drinks. And it’s worth noting that if you’d like to reduce your
artificial sweetener usage, but don’t like the taste of Stevia, a
combination of Splenda and Stevia is pleasantly sweet and
virtually tasteless - somehow the Splenda ’smoothes out’ the
Stevia flavor.

Ultimately, it’s a personal decision which sweeteners or
combination of sweeteners that you use, but with the range of
alternative sweeteners available you can make delicious
sugar-free choices.

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The Truth about Vegetarian Diets

Tuesday, May 16th, 2006

In our Western society, a common nutritional belief is that meat and animal products must be consumed in order to maintain a well-balanced, muscle-building healthy diet.

Those who turn away from this traditional way of eating and choose a vegetarian diet are often considered “granola-head hippies”…or even just plain odd.

But more and more people these days are discovering the many health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Additionally, more physicians and scientists are prescribing and endorsing plant-based meals in order to promote health, prevent and treat certain diseases, and even to reduce weight.

Although vegetarianism may seem like a modern fad, in reality, its health benefits have been known for centuries in many cultures world-wide. India and many Asian countries make up the largest percentage of the world’s vegetarians, both for health and spiritual reasons. One group of people, the Hunza — who live near the Himalayan Mountains — have an exclusively vegetarian diet. Members of their community reportedly often live to be over 100 years old.

The American Dietetic Association states that the benefits of a vegetarian diet include: 1) lowered cholesterol; 2) lower levels of saturated fat; 3) higher levels of important minerals and antioxidant vitamins; 4) lower body fat; 5) lower rates of heart disease; 6) lower blood pressure; 7) lower rates of type-2 diabetes; and 8) lower instances of some cancers.

Obesity, one of the major health concerns in this country, can be addressed with a vegetarian diet, one that eliminates excess protein and animal fat consumption, and increases fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Those who consume a vegetarian diet maintain a lower body mass index (BMI), which significantly aids in the treatment and management of other chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.

One common question asked by anyone considering a vegetarian diet is: “Will I get enough protein?” That is certainly a valid concern, as protein is necessary for the building, maintenance and function of all body cells. However, according the American Dietetic Association, a varied and well-balanced vegetarian diet provides all the protein the body needs from eating such things as whole grains, beans, nuts and soy products.

In fact, meat-based diets typically provide excess protein, which may actually be harmful. A leading gerontological journal reports that too much protein can cause a person to lose about 30% of their kidney function by the time they become elderly. It can also cause systemic acidity, which the body attempts to counter by pulling calcium out of the bones. This can, unfortunately, lead to osteoporosis.

Becoming a vegetarian does not mean you are limited to eating celery sticks, apples and nuts. There are many types of vegetarians that eat meatless diets in a variety of combinations. Some of the more common types include:

Lacto vegetarians, who do not eat meat or eggs, but do eat dairy products such as milk and cheese.

Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat, but will eat dairy products and eggs.

Ovo vegetarians do not eat meat or dairy products, but will eat eggs.

Vegans do not eat meat, dairy products, eggs, or any animal products at all.

There are many medical and health organizations that promote, endorse, and support people on a path toward changing their dietary lifestyle to one that includes more plant-based foods.

Additionally, many restaurants and grocery stores provide meals and products to vegetarians, making it simpler to choose this healthy lifestyle.

Research and information exists out there on the internet, as well as through medical providers and vegetarian organizations.

The bottom line: it’s OK to be vegetarian, and the benefits may very well enhance or even save your life!

Easy Ways to Jumpstart Your Energy in the Afternoon

Monday, May 1st, 2006

It’s 11:00 in the morning and your energy is waning. Minutes seem to tick by like hours and your mind feels foggy. You’ve still got six more hours to look alert and act productive, so how do you cope with the afternoon blahs? Follow these six tips!

1. If you have a job that involves sitting at a desk all day or staring at a computer screen, take five minutes to stand up or lean back, close your eyes and stretch, especially in your shoulder and leg areas. Being seated all the time can make your whole body feel stiff and sleepy. A good stretch session helps limber up your body and gets the blood flowing again.

2. Avoid the tempting lure of caffeine or sugar-laden foods such as coffee, tea or chocolate. Caffeine may perk up your energy levels temporarily, but it also has a bad habit of leaving you sluggish after the effect has worn off. Instead, choose whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables to give your body the fuel it really wants! Eating healthier will boost your mood, elevate your alertness and make you feel better all day long.

3. Along with healthier foods, take a quick 10-15 minute walk during your lunch break. Just a few minutes will give you a burst of energy that refreshes you and makes you feel more alert – while burning off your lunch calories in the process!

4. Sometimes, afternoon slumps can be your body’s way of telling you that it needs something. You may be feeling tired if your blood sugar is low (which happens especially after the effect of those caffeine and high sugar foods has worn off!). Packing a low calorie snack like graham crackers, granola, fruit or vegetable slices can give your body a boost and keep you from feeling hungry in the late afternoon and caving in to the urge to devour the entire contents of the vending machine after work!

5. Drowsiness is often a sign that you’re not getting enough water. Drinking more water throughout the day not only helps keep you awake, but also keeps you from feeling those hunger pangs that inevitably creep up in mid-morning. Taking a large sports bottle that you can drink from throughout the day is a great way to get your recommended eight glasses a day as well!

6. If afternoon fatigue is a recurring problem, it may be a side effect of medications you are taking. Allergy pills are well known culprits, as are some blood pressure and anxiety/depression medicines. Don’t try to circumvent these effects with caffeine, otherwise you’ll overload your body with stimulants while it’s already trying to deal with drowsiness, and you’ll feel mentally and physically exhausted. Instead, try a short 15-20 minute catnap. You’ll be surprised how refresh you’ll feel when you wake up! (Don’t try this at work though – I know it’s tempting!)

If you follow these tips on a regular basis, you’ll not only make it through the afternoon blahs, but you’ll also feel better physically and mentally, sleep better at night, and wake up rejuvenated and re-energized the next morning. Make it a GREAT day!