Stress, Colds, & Bones!


by Connie Trider

We know that our bones help us move and protect our organs from injury, but did you know that they have a huge impact on the health of our immune system? Bone marrow contains red blood cells and white blood cells called lymphocytes. Our white blood cells fight of bacteria and viruses. When we undergo chronic stress, our adrenal glands release cortisol and gluco-corticoids which decrease bone marrow function and weaken our immune system. This could result in the common cold because our lymphatic bone marrow health is weakened. It usually takes 7-10 days for the lymphatic system to naturally heal. If stress continues for a prolonged period of time it can lead to health complications such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Tips for a Healthy Immune System:

1) Find ways to reduce chronic stress- these could include exercising, meditation, visualization techniques, being with friends, and listening to music that you enjoy.

2) Eat lots of organic fruits and vegetables because they are filled with antioxidants.

3) Try to get 8 hours of sleep

4) Drink a ton of water. Dehydration is a leading cause of feeling depressed.

5) Make sure you are getting adequate amounts of calcium. Green leafy vegetables, seaweed, and cottage cheese are great sources!

Contact www.connietrider.com for more detailed information

This entry was written by ctrider, posted on January 19, 2011 at 9:44 pm, filed under Life is Fitness, Nutrition and tagged , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Organic Nutrition: Foods You Should Buy All Natural

by Maria Rainier

These days, you can get almost anything organic without even going to a specialty store, but the prices are often astronomical in comparison to regular products. Admittedly, organic products are better for you, but not everyone can afford to buy all of them all the time. So if you want to do what’s best for your body and your wallet, check out this list of the top foods that should be purchased organic. I’ve also included a list of foods that don’t need to be bought organic – there’s almost no difference between organic and inorganic for these items. Using this information, you’ll find it much easier to make your selections the next time you’re at the supermarket.

What to Buy Organic

Here’s the lowdown on what you should buy organic. These produce items have been found to have high amounts of pesticides, so getting the organic versions can help decrease the amount of pesticide you’re ingesting.

Meat/Dairy/Eggs: Meats like beef, pork, chicken, and turkey should be bought organic to avoid growth hormones and antibiotics. These additives can be dangerous health threats, especially to those who have low-functioning immune systems. Dairy products and eggs should also be bought organic.

Fruits & Veggies: Peaches and nectarines have very delicate skin that allows pesticides to permeate them easily, so buy them organic. Apples, pears, strawberries, cherries, and imported grapes also have a high likelihood of containing pesticides. As for veggies, buy your celery, bell peppers, lettuce, spinach, and potatoes organic to avoid pesticides and fungicides.

Coffee, Juice, & Baby Food: These are some other items that are best when bought organic. Because coffee is typically imported, it may contain more pesticides than it would if regulated by laws here in the U.S. If you’re buying or making juice and food for your little one, make sure it’s organic, especially if it contains any of the ingredients listed here.

What Not to Buy Organic

Some items just don’t need to be bought organic, so take advantage of the opportunity to buy the less expensive “regular” items instead. The following are fruits that don’t register a difference between organic and inorganic: pineapples, mangos, kiwis, bananas, papayas, blueberries, and watermelon. The main reason is that they have thick skins that don’t allow pesticides to penetrate the fruit. Similarly, these veggies don’t have to be bought organic: onions, avocadoes, corn, sweet peas, asparagus, broccoli, eggplant, and cabbage. Here’s the general rule of thumb: as long as the products you get have thick skins, you can skip the organic label and buy them at regular price. So the next time you’re grocery shopping, take a few minutes to consider your options and choose the best organic products for your family.

Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, researching various online degree programs and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

This entry was written by scrawford, posted on January 7, 2011 at 3:49 pm, filed under Food, Nutrition, Santa Barbara and tagged , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Connie’s top 10 Ways to “NOT GAIN WEIGHT” during the holiday season

by Connie Trider

1. Keep a liter water bottle on hand at all times! Hunger is often mistaken as thirst!

2. Keep a food journal to keep track of calories. Nibbling calories add up fast!

3. Fill up on steamed or fresh vegetables during the day to ward off hunger in the evenings. Better yet try juicing fresh vegetables!

4. If you drink alcohol, alternate with 8 oz. water with lemon. Lemon is a natural detox agent!

5. Eat a large salad made from vegetables and a low-fat, non-creamy, salad dressing before attending a dinner party. This will help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings!

6. Be sure to get as much exercise in as possible. Remember, calories in versus calories out is the KEY to not gaining weight!

7. Get plenty of rest and go to bed early when possible. Staying up late adds to late night munching!

8. Atleast twice a week try not to eat after 6:00 pm and not before 6:00 am. This will give your body twelve hours to cleanse itself!

9. Try to be “fully present” and use good listening skills when interacting with your friends and family. This will deepen your relationships and leave you filling warm and loved!

10. Enjoy and remember what Christmas represents and be thankful for all we have! Maybe make a list of what you are thankful for!

P.S. Consider kicking off the new year with a new you! Check out a natural and effective detox system. Make sure the cleanse system you choose cleanses the liver as well! The one that my clients have had the best results with is the True2life 30 day detox system. This is a 7 day detox followed by a 3 week nutrition plan. You can view the system at www.connie.true2life.com, Connie is a Holistic Health Consultant for SOMA GET FIT.

This entry was written by scrawford, posted on December 20, 2010 at 11:02 am, filed under Nutrition, Santa Barbara and tagged , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Asian Stir Fry with Chili Lime Ricenoodles

This dish created by Lys Poet

Personal Chef

This entry was written by scrawford, posted on April 20, 2010 at 4:02 pm, filed under Food, Nutrition, Santa Barbara and tagged , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

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