Fat Can be Bad and Good

Fat cells are underneath your skin through out various parts of your body. Fat has got a good side and a bad side. In fact, most of us can relate more to the bad side. Such as, “I need to loose weight,” “get rid of the fat around my waist” or “I’m carrying a little too much junk in my trunk.” Fat does have some importance besides being a cosmetic pain in the tush. For example, providing insulation and protection. Fat also plays a vital role in cell function, metabolizing fat-soluble vitamins and providing energy during low intensity activity. Here’s some helpful information to allow you better understand fat. Men and women carry fat differently. Women carry more fat in the hips, breast, waist and butt area. This can even vary depending on your genetics and can make getting rid of extra fat a little more challenging but not impossible.

Humans carry two types of fats, white fat and brown fat. White fat is used for insulation, protection to organs, joints as well as providing energy and more. Brown fat, which is brown due to it being highly vascular, is found in a higher amount in infants. Brown fat acts as a body temperature regulator. For example, brown fat is activated when body temperature starts to drop. It is then released in the form of heat.

These are a few of the important roles fat plays. Keep in mind that fat is a good thing but can also be a bad thing when in excess. Also know that we cannot rid our body of the amount of fat cells we carry. Fat cells can shrink when we loose weight but they can also expand and act as an unlimited storage for excess calories that are consumed. So be smart, stay active and eat healthy;).

Whole Grain Bread vs. Wheat Bread

Do you know the difference between whole grain bread and wheat bread?
Wheat bread is not really a whole grain food. A true whole grain bread will state and list in the ingredients “whole grain flour” not “wheat flour.” The difference is the actual grain will still have the endosperm, bran and germ in tact. This is all removed in wheat, white or some other types of breads, with exception to the germ. Why is this important? Because when the grain has gone through processing to where most of the micronutrients are removed, it’s no longer as nutritious as it was prior to the processing. For example, it contains less fiber, less vitamins and minerals. Because of the amount of knowledge that has been gained over the years, companies now enrich or fortify their foods to increase or replace the nutrition that was lost during processing.

Regardless, I highly recommend that you as the consumer take the time to read the label. It’s important to know what you put into your body and it’s an opportunity to educate yourself on making better food choices.

Tips For Weathering The Cold When You Need To Exercise

Winter can put a damper on your outdoor exercise routine. But the good news is, you can still exercise outdoors, making it more bearable by dressing appropriately. The cooler temperatures can make you more prone to skipping your workouts when its below 50 degrees outside. Luckily most parts of Southern California is not too bad during the Winter. But where I live we have had snow just about every winter, which means it gets pretty cold. Here are some things you can do to make your workout a little warmer.

Wearing layers will allow you to remove clothes as your body starts to heat up. Also wearing clothing that is made from synthetic fibers that are designed for working out will help keep the sweat from your body. Keep in mind that your layering should be appropriate and not overly done to where you may sweat too much causing your core temperature to drop.

This is the time of year when the cold can flare up arthritic conditions and make your muscles prone to injury by causing blood vessels to constrict. Be sure to spend 10 minutes warming up by doing some walking, light cycling or marching in place. Stretching is best done when your muscles are warmed up.

No excuses when it comes to keeping your body healthy. That means treating it right through exercise and making healthy food choices.

Merry Christmas and many blessings to you!