Sep 24

If you like sugar and want to get sexy arms, you’re in for a long ride. But not all hope is lost. How so? Because of artificial sweeteners. They give you all the taste without the arm fat gain.

Seems like a good deal, right?

Unfortunately, there is a growing body of research showing that artificial sweeteners can be very unhealthy for you.

So without further ado, here is what you need to know about low calorie sweeteners and sexy arms:

1. They can increase cancer. Large intakes of artificial sweeteners have been linked to increases in cancer of up to 30%. So I wouldn’t suggest loading up on endless cans of diet soda. And make sure you don’t have more than a couple servings of any sweetener per day.

2. Companies hide them in many products. In order to avoid the strange aftertastes, most companies will load their low calorie products with many different artificial sweeteners. The more sweeteners, the less aftertaste.

3. Safety studies have been short term. All studies showing the safety of sweeteners have been very short term. Even worse, they have been conducted by the companies themselves. Very little unbiased research is out there right now.

4. Equal/NutraSweet has been found to be toxic. Also known as aspartame, an enormous rodent study clearly showed increased cancer rates. And although rodent studies don’t necessarily translate to humans, this is definitely a red flag.

5. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean healthy. Stevia is a sweetener that is marketed as being all natural and therefore healthier. Studies, however, have shown that it turns into a mutagen within the intestine.

The bottom line is that we do NOT know if low calorie sweeteners are safe for long term consumption. Thus, I recommend that you limit your low calorie sweetener intake to no more than 3 servings per day. And less is better here. So the best approach is to have the bare minimum necessary! After all, getting sexy arms should not damage your health!

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Sep 05

Getting rid of flabby arms entails a solid understanding of protein. Why? Because protein plays a major role in the female body. And if you don’t know how to manage your protein intake, results could come at a much slower pace.

And not all sources of protein are good for you.

In fact, there are certain kinds of protein that can seriously damage your health over the long run. So here are 5 terrible sources of protein for flabby arms that you should stay away from like the plague:

1. Non-wild salmon. Any type of salmon that is farm raised is likely to be loaded with toxins such as PCB’s. There is some solid research backing this up. So if your budget permits, stick to wild salmon with the highest fat content.

2. Fried protein. Deep fried food tastes very good, but the taste comes at a cost. Not only are you loading up on fat, but if you inhale the fumes your risk for lung cancer goes up a lot.

3. Charred meats. We love big grills and big barbecues. Unfortunately, all those black and crunchy edges of meat increase colon cancer risk. So stay away from any type of meat that has been cooked to the point of blackness.

4. Red meat with high fat content. Red meat has a bad reputation. But it’s not the red meat that’s bad for you, it’s the saturated fat within the red meat that causes the damage. If possible, stick to grass fed sources of meat. They will be higher in omega-3 fats and lower in saturated fat.

5. Deli-cut meat. I used to eat tons of this stuff because it’s so convenient. Then I found out that it’s one of the most unhealthy sources of protein out there. Why? Because of the nitrates. Stay away from processed meats no matter how convenient they may be. Your body will thank you for it.

Choosing the right source of protein for getting rid of flabby arms will not only accelerate results but will also maintain your long term health. And getting sexy and lean arms should be a healthy process in both the short-term and long-term. So avoid the above sources of protein!

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Sep 03

The growing awareness of safe driving and state safety laws have alerted the general public and parents to the importance of using car seats for their small children whenever and wherever they are driving. Most states require the use of car seats for children under the age of 4 and weighing less than 40 pounds. However, these safety rules aimed at protecting children may cause serious neck and spinal injuries and can even be deadly if the child car seats are used incorrectly.

The American Chiropractic Association, its Council on Occupational Health and ACA member Dr. Michael Freeman, trauma epidemiologist and clinical assistant professor of public health and preventive medicine at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine, have developed the following general guidelines and safety tips to ensure proper car seat safety.

Make sure the child safety seat is appropriate for the age and size of the child. A newborn infant requires a different seat than a 3-year-old toddler. Car seats for infants should always be rear facing as the forces and impact of a crash will be spread more evenly along the back and shoulders, providing more protection for the neck. Car seats should always be placed in the back seat of the car-ideally in the center. This is especially important in cars equipped with air bags. If an air bag becomes deployed, the force could seriously injure or kill a child or infant placed in the front seat. Make sure the car seat is properly secured to the seat of the vehicle and is placed at a 45-degree angle to support the head of the infant or child. The lap harness should be fastened low, as close to the hips as possible; the harness should never be fastened around the waist. Make certain the shoulder harness is fastened securely and the straps lay flat against the body. Twisted straps can cause additional injury that might prevent the seat from working properly. Use a retention clip (if provided by the manufacturer) when securing a child safety seat with the shoulder harness. The retention or shoulder harness clip is an added safety feature and must be fastened close to the armpit of the infant or child. Borrowing or purchasing a used car seat can be dangerous. There is the possibility of unknown or undetected damage. Car seats that have been in a serious accident should never be used again. Be sure the seat meets federal motor vehicle safety seat standards. Consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for that information. All car seats should have an owner’s manual and instruction booklet. Be sure the clip between the legs of the child is fastened snugly. While car accidents can be dangerous for all passengers, small children are especially at risk, according to Dr. Scott Bautch, past president of ACA’s Council on Occupational Health. “The weight of the head of a child makes the cervical spine much more vulnerable to injury,” Dr. Bautch explained. “The infant has little control in the muscles of the neck, and the head can bounce from side to side and fall forward, which can cause serious spine and neck injuries. Children have more flexible upper bodies and shoulders. Make sure the harness comes up, way up, over the shoulders.”

Underscoring the importance of proper car seat use, a recent article in Nation’s Health reported the findings of a study conducted in Kentucky by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study found a 37 percent drop in infant fatalities since the 1982 enactment of the state law mandating the use of child car seats. “To continue this decline, prevention efforts now must focus on the proper use of the seats to maximize their life-saving potential,” researchers said.

The key when traveling with small children is to be aware of and follow these rules and tips to ensure proper car seat safety. And remember everyone: Buckle up!

If you or one of your children have been involved in a serious automobile accident and have neck and back discomfort, you should consider a visit to a chiropractor.

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Sep 02

Can you still recall what transpired on Day One of your weight loss program with your supposed best personal trainer in Washington, DC? I sure can! I was asked to hop on a treadmill and jog for as long as I can until I wracked my nerves out. I’m not sure if this is popular practice, but I’m pretty sure that this is the wrong way to steal peoples money.

Why?

Just a handful of individuals realize how well these programs really work.

Since each individual is unique, their requirements are also different. People need to be well equipped with sufficient knowledge about various health programs in order to prevent them from getting attracted to false commitments given by these health programs.

Reason #1: Baseline assessments are necessary

Anyone suggesting a random workout on the first day without gathering proper information is a phony, even those professing to be Washington DC’s best personal trainer. Trainers need to gather a lot of minor and detailed information about individuals and analyze that before suggesting the most appropriate workouts suitable for them.

Firstly, there must be initial body measurement, which will be used to objectively assess the weight loss exercises efficacy. A checklist of pre-existing medical conditions must be filled up along with other pertinent medical history. Diet history and current eating habits must also be assessed. Goals, personal commitment to the program, availability and struggles must also be listed down. A series of test will also be conducted to test client coordination and flexibility.

This important information is the backbone of a good program. Baseline evaluation exists because effective weight loss exercises need to be customized.

Reason #2: Progress plateaus are as real as your belly fat.

Random workouts, with their very routine-like nature, are highly prone to plateaus.

The only way to not run into this problem is to select a weight loss program that has been developed taking individuals needs and requirements into consideration.

Reason #3: A tailored program suits your personality, strengths and goals.

Did you ever come across those people who have given up on their weight loss programs? The reason for this abrupt decision is that they get tired of doing the same routine with no end result.

A tailored program will fit a clients character, availability for exercise, present physical flexibility and coordination, all based on the baseline assessment. This will make it easier for a client to stay committed of the program and effectively lose weight at the same time!

Only the top personal trainers in Washington, DC realize the importance of customized programs as a key for achieving a sleek and slender body which their clients long for.

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Aug 23

What is a healthy diet today? If you are like millions of other people, you have been fed so much conflicting information that you are uncertain how to begin a healthier lifestyle, even if the desire and will is there. Yet, you also know that making healthier food choices will lower your weight, reduce your risk of many life-threatening diseases, and even give your skin a more youthful glow.

The truth is luckily much simpler than most fad diet plans. While certain types of organic foods may be better for your health, you don’t have to blow hundreds of dollars on the groceries every week just to be healthy. Similarly, you don’t have to spend $20 on a book every month or pay for frozen meals to be delivered to your home. You can be healthy on your own!

Further, you don’t have to deprive yourself of everything you love from here on out. Eating healthy is about balancing these less healthful things with nutritious foods packed with the minerals and vitamins your body really needs for optimal functioning.

Let’s talk in specifics here. It’s time to debunk the “diet” food industry and get real! What should you really be eating?

Why not start with carbohydrates, since they have been made into the devil these days? Your body absolutely needs carbs, but not the type that most of us consume on a daily basis. The trick to being healthy is to select mostly whole grain carbs that will deliver tons of energy and not as much fat deposits.

Healthy carbs that will deliver more energy than fat stores happen to be lower in calories and way lower in fat than unhealthy carb options. Think of switching to 100% whole grain/wheat pasta, cereal, bread, and rice. Go for lots of vegetables and fruits as well.

Combine those healthy carb choices with lean meats such as chicken and turkey breasts and some healthy fat sources such as extra virgin olive oil, and you are on your way to a healthy diet that will make you skinny, vibrant, and keep your entire body more youthful.

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