healthnut

Reese’s Puff is still junk food, but notice that the calories do not add up. When the calories do not add up, there are “hidden ingredients”. Sugar alcohol is an example of an ingredient that is exempt from listing as long as no claim is made about the product.

Here’s something interesting about the biochemical side of nutrition. If you eat a potato hot, then 99.9% of the glucose is digested; however, if you eat a potato cold (heated up and then cooled down), then only 60% to 70% of the glucose can be digested. The reason is that as the potato cools down, chemical bonds are formed (retro gradation); thus making it harder for digestive enzymes to get into those starch. Do note, however, that potatoes should not be eaten raw because humans do not have the digestive enyzmes to digest almost all raw starch.

It’s a bit disturbing to find this on Gatorade’s FAQ but no doubt that today’s new generation will encounter more health problems than their parents. They already think prescription drugs are of the norm. It’s interesting to note that this new generation is the reason Adult Onset Diabetes has been re-worded to Type II Diabetes.

http://www.gatorade.com/frequently_asked_questions/

“Why do some pediatricians recommend Gatorade?”

“Pediatricians frequently recommend Gatorade to keep children adequately hydrated. Sick kids can dehydrate quickly by losing fluid as a result of fever (sweating) and diarrhea. Pediatricians know that Gatorade helps put back fluids and electrolytes fast.”

“One thing to keep in mind is that Gatorade is a sports drink and is not specifically formulated as an oral rehydration solution for persistent, severe diarrhea. Please consult with your pediatrician if persistent, severe diarrhea develops.”

For those who “believe” in the stars:

http://www.lifescript.com/channels/diet_fitness/Other_Tips/horoscope_for_a_hot_body.asp?page=1

By The Saturn Sisters, Special to LifeScript
Wednesday, September 19, 2007

The Saturn Sisters, authors of Surviving Saturn’s Return
Forget fad diets. All you need to find the right weight loss prescription is your birthday. Our bodies are deeply affected by our astrological makeup. Here, the Saturn Sisters break down the best diet and exercise routines, sign-by-sign. Read on to see what’s written in the stars about your cosmic condition…

Aries (March 12 - April 19)
Body Issues
Prone to migraines and tension headaches, you tend to let everything go right to your head. To avoid painful spells, stay aware of your breathing, avoid cigarettes and make sure your significant other rubs your temples when you feel an ache coming on. A dab of lavender essential oil on pulse points soothes the Arian soul.

Diet
Your body craves brain food: lots of fish (rich in omega 3s), fresh berries and yogurt. Keep your mind in high gear from morning to night by starting the day with protein. Luckily, you’re spry and have a fast metabolism, so as long as you stay active you’re not likely to put on too much weight, even if you indulge once in a while.

Exercise
You were born with more energy than all other signs of the zodiac put together, but you tend to expend it in furious bursts of firepower. Instead of exhausting yourself in a mad dash, aim for exercise that requires a steady pace and gets your heart rate up safely. Try kickboxing to get your aggression out; balance it with power yoga.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Body Issues
As the most sensual sign of the zodiac, Taureans have little shame about their bodies and crave pleasure with pride. (We should all follow your example.) Curves aren’t a problem for you. In fact, you often choose outfits that accentuate your lovely hourglass shape. Don’t let anyone thwart your self-expression – it can cause a painful sore throat or neck ache. (Taurus rules the throat area.)

Diet
You’re a meat-and-potatoes kind of girl in the most dignified way. Ruled by Venus, Taurus women can put away the Lumberjack Special with ease, but that doesn’t mean you should make a habit of it. To avoid sluggishness, eat lots of fresh fruit, steamed veggies and summer soups. Ginger, black pepper and cayenne will keep you lively.

Exercise
Face it, Taurus: You’re not the biggest fan of movement. A beach chaise and a cocktail are much more your speed than a cardio fitness class. You might consider hiring a personal trainer, even if it’s just once a week. You need someone to inspire you to get up and go.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Body Issues
Go-anywhere, do-anything Gemini gals have vulnerable nervous systems. Instead of manically powering through your busy day, try to slow down once an hour and inhale a deep, restful breath. Gemini rules the lungs – take care to avoid secondhand smoke. Pay special attention to sensitive arms, hands and shoulders.

Food
Build a trendy restaurant, and a Gemini will come. You’ll try anything once, and you love the latest and greatest culinary scenes. You have a sturdy digestive system and can handle just about any dish, but try not to eat on the go all the time – you rely too much on take-out. Avoid refined sugar and cut back on caffeine.

Exercise
Movement is not a problem for feisty Geminis. Since you’re always speed-walking, running, biking, or inline skating to your next appointment, it’s not difficult for you to stay in shape. Try cardio striptease to shake things up.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Body Issues
Cancers seek comfort at all costs and often find it in food. Any weight you put on usually has an emotional component – it creates a barrier between your tender heart and the cold, cruel world. Rather than hide in your crab shell, test the waters by slowly working through your issues with body image. One side step at a time, Cancer.

Food
Even more important than what you eat is how you feel while eating. The right ambiance is key. Nothing can compare to home-cooked dinners with your beau. A little candlelight and the perfect soundtrack instantly balance your metabolism. Focus on fish and avoid refined sugars; your stomach will thank you.

Exercise
Pilates must have been invented for Cancers. Having a strong core is the key to your inner strength – both physical and spiritual. Work on your tummy with a mat class or learn from a DVD. As long as your center is powerful, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Body Issues
Leo ladies are proud mamas and rarely admit to worrying about their weight… but often stress in secret. You need to be adored as much as you need oxygen. The worst affliction you can imagine is a broken heart. Your spine is sensitive, so sit in an ergonomic chair and don’t abuse yourself by wearing stilettos every day.

Food
You expect the royal treatment when it comes to food. Fine fare, good companionship and elegant surroundings make your heart go pitter-patter. Avoid overly spicy foods and red meat – they can give you heartburn. Green leafy veggies like kale and spinach give your body the iron it craves.

Exercise
You love being bathed in the light of the sun. Getting outside as close to sunrise as possible soothes your soul and shapes your body. Running, power-walking or biking are perfect early-morning Leo activities. Yoga on an outdoor deck relieves a painful spine. Just make sure to wear adequate SPF.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Body Issues
Perfectionist Virgos tend to train their nit-picking lens on their own bodies. Have you no idea how beautiful you are? Instead of spending all your free moments in service of others, learn to take care of yourself once in a while. If you neglect your health and forget to make time for all-important solitude, your digestion will suffer and your skin will turn blotchy.

Food
Virgos are the ultimate picky eaters of the zodiac. Avoid foods that clog your system; refined sugars, white flour and hydrogenated oils cause constipation. When you’re feeling anxious and hypercritical, try beech flower essence to calm and soothe.

Exercise
You’re the type who can get to the gym on a regular schedule and you don’t mind repetitive workouts. All your friends are jealous of your dedication. What you should worry about is exercise obsession – overdoing it is almost as bad as not doing it at all.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Body Issues
Harmony is what you seek most. When you feel out of balance, you experience lower back pain and adrenal exertion. No other sign is focused on relationships quite like you. You’re all about your partner – Libras sometimes have martyr-like tendencies. You’re a fantastic negotiator, so instead of giving in the next time he’s cranky, use your powers of diplomacy to get what you want. Your kidneys will thank you.

Food
You adore sweets and treats, but they go straight to the places you’d prefer them not to. Amazingly, roundness looks adorable on Libras. But rich, sugary foods can drain your adrenals and make you sick. Cereals, beans, corn, almonds, and eggs are healthy foods for the Libran constitution.

Exercise
The truth is that you hate exercise. Libras have a tendency toward laziness, so there must be a reward to inspire you to get moving. Pretend that the pot of gold at the end of the workout rainbow is a perfect relationship, and you’ll get on that treadmill immediately.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Body Issues
Scorpio rules the reproductive organs and you know what that means, you vixen. You can get into some trouble if you’re not careful. (Read: Use protection.) Luckily, you have a strong constitution. Less luckily, you don’t do anything halfway. These extremes can be harmful to your body. Strive for balance; headaches, infections and fevers can result from overdoing it.

Food
Scorpios can benefit from a vegetarian diet. Drink plenty of water and fresh vegetable juices, and try to avoid salt. Cherries, oranges, lemons, asparagus, and rhubarb are delicious and ideal for keeping you healthy, wealthy and wise.

Exercise
You probably know this already, but your best workout happens in bed. If you happen to be celibate, try a stripper-inspired pole-dancing class, most likely invented by a Scorpio.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Body Issues
Spry Sagittarians are always in search of their next big goal or project. Ever-athletic, you hop, skip and jump through the world with your lofty ideals in tow. You have a restless spirit and can end up with muscle issues and sciatic pain when confined. You tend to put on weight around your hips and thighs, but as long as you have your freedom, you have general good health.

Food
You love spicy, ethnic foods (especially when eaten abroad). You have a naturally hot constitution, so make sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water. Cooling foods like citrus, bananas and berries are the perfect antidote to Sagittarian gastronomic experiments gone wrong.

Exercise
You’re always on the move, but to work on your problem areas, take a sculpting class to support other activities. If you can find a regimen that focuses mainly on the hips and thighs, all the better. If you’re working out by yourself, lunges and leg lifts are ideal.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Body Issues
Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn women are serious, hardworking and ambitious. Don’t tell the other signs (they’ll be jealous), but once you hit 30 you start aging backwards, no expensive lotions required. Any tendencies toward illness and chronic depression tend to evaporate in your 30s, too, as long as you keep your business-oriented anxieties to a minimum. Otherwise you might experience bone problems such as sprains, breaks, dislocations, and knee pain.

Food
Focus on foods rich in iron to maintain healthy circulation. Red meat, leafy green veggies and juices are superbly enriching foods. Almonds, eggs, fish, coconuts, kale, leeks, and onions are also great for the Capricorn constitution. Keep yourself warm in winter with soups and spicy foods.

Exercise
Regular cardiovascular exercise is vital for Caps to maintain healthy bones. Running might be too hard on your knees – working out in a controlled gym environment could be a better option.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Body Issues
Aquarians often feel awkward about their bodies, no matter what their size and shape. You’re probably too smart for your own good and a bit of a worrywart. All this needless anxiety leads to blood and circulation problems. How to fix your body image? It’s all about thinking positively and breathing evenly. Controlling your oversensitivity now will prevent varicose veins later.

Food
Chili and cayenne peppers stimulate the circulatory system. Wheat grass, oats and barley are your best brain foods. Your body adores red foods, so feast on beets, radishes, peppers, and strawberries. You may be the water bearer, but don’t forget that you’re an air sign – stay hydrated.

Exercise
Vinyasa yoga gets your heart rate up, and the adjunct deep breathing soothes your keenly wired senses. Regular meditation sessions bring your mind back in balance – start with 10 minutes a day.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Body Issues
Warm-hearted Pisces women often ensnare boyfriends instantly and almost by accident. One gaze into your huge eyes and he’s a goner. You, on the other hand, are not as certain of your mesmerizing ways. The Pisces body image can be affected by psychic sponge tendencies; you pick up negative vibes from weight-obsessed friends. Figure out why you feel so vulnerable and you’ll prevent possible Piscean health issues like problems of the feet and various addictions.

Food
Too much red wine and chocolate are your downfalls. Once you dive in, it’s hard to stop. Indulge only if you know you can handle it. Avoid excessive amounts of dairy, but do eat lots of your favorite fish for protein. Lemon, lime juices, cranberry, and apple juice are also Pisces-friendly. Stick with brown rice, bulgur wheat and quinoa for grains.

Exercise
One word: Dance. Since Pisces rules the feet, you were born a gifted dancer, even if you’re convinced you have two left feet. Give it a go, even if that means plugging in your iPod, drawing your blinds and letting it rip. Alternatives are regular club nights with the girls (minus the high-calorie drinks) or tango lessons.

Want to learn more? Get your own copies their books, Surviving Saturn’s Return and Fate of Your Date (Chronicle Books, 2006).

And don’t forget to email your questions to SaturnSisters@lifescript.com.

What’s Your Fitness Style?
Some people find it easy to set the alarm clock for 4:30 a.m. and jump out of bed for a five-mile run, while others hit the snooze button so many times that the chance of a morning workout becomes obsolete. There are specific aspects of your personality that determine what kind of exerciser you are, so if you’ve found yourself in a fitness rut, it’s time to put your unique interests back into the equation. Take this fitness personality quiz to find out which kinds of exercise are right for you.

Some interesting handouts:

http://www.hugs.com/Forum_Docs_Attachs/Nondieting_DVD_discussion_questions_final.pdf

http://www.hugs.com/Forum_Docs_Attachs/CelebrateHAES2006.pdf

http://www.hugs.com/Forum_Docs_Attachs/HealthCareMyths.pdf

A diet book you can read online.

http://www.hugs.com/01participant/Online/YCCD_online.html