Have you ever ordered an entrée at a restaurant and about fell out of your seat when the plate arrived at your table because the portions were super-duper size and hanging off the plate? Restaurants have been serving larger than recommended portions for a long time now, and according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), food portions in America’s restaurants have doubled or tripled over the last 20 years, a key factor that is contributing to an increase in obesity among children and adults.
Portion sizes from 20 years ago are drastically different from today’s food portions....
Have You Heard of Bruxism?
You may not have heard of the medical term "bruxism" before now but chances are you know what it is... teeth grinding. Many people, both children and adults, experience bruxism - mostly at night, when they’re sleeping. Luckily bruxism is treatable, and the sooner it’s caught the better the outcomes. If left untreated, bruxism may cause serious problems.
Symptoms of bruxism include worn down teeth, including chipped or fractured teeth; tooth discomfort; jaw pain, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ); earaches; tension headaches; facial pain, tinnitus and more. Bruxism can even get so serious that it can damage dental work. Conditions...
The Art of Teeth Whitening
Have you ever considered getting your teeth whitened, but decided against it because you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars for an in-office procedure? Many people would like to get their teeth whitened, especially people who have spent years drinking coffee, wine, and other foods and drinks that stain teeth.
The good news is you don't have to go to a dentist to get whiter teeth. You can purchase a do-it-yourself teeth whitening kit from your local drugstore, or online. They're inexpensive compared to in-office teeth whitening procedures, and they're easy to use. Before using teeth whitening strips,...
Body Image and Feeling Good
People come in all shapes and sizes, and while it's true that beauty goes well beyond physical appearance, it's not always easy to love our bodies, especially when were bombarded with images of what the standard definition of "beautiful" supposedly is. Billboards, magazines, TV, and other media portray beauty in ways that the average person may never be able to attain and live up to.
When it comes to loving our bodies, it's best to appreciate yourself as a whole. Your physical body is just one aspect of your unique totality as a person, and everyone possesses wonderful traits that...
Time Management and Stress
Do you ever feel like time is not on your side? The feeling of running out of time can create stress in our lives that makes us feel like we're running around like chickens without their heads. Stress triggers our fight-or-flight response and puts our bodies on high alert. Stress can make us forget things. And people who experience chronic stress may be quick to lose their temper. And more seriously, stress may speed up one's heart rate and is linked to high blood pressure.
Lack of time management is just one stress trigger in life but it is one...
One Ingredient, Multiple Meals
Beans. They're inexpensive, healthy, and a great way to stretch your meals. Whether you like pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans there are so many delicious dishes you can prepare from just one pot of beans.
Take pinto beans, for example. The fiber in pinto beans lowers cholesterol and prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal. Pinto beans are a very good source of fiber and folate and good source of copper, iron, manganese, protein, and vitamins B1 and B6.
When it comes to cooking, pinto beans are a versatile favorite. Start with a simple...
Foods and Drinks That Burn Fat
Let's face it losing weight is not always easy. Depending on your age, level of activity, and diet, many factors play a role in weight loss. You may be surprised to learn that there are some foods and drinks that help burn fat. Here are four foods to keep on your "losing weight menu."
Coffee. Coffee contains an antioxidant called chlorogenic acid (CGA), which may help boost your metabolism. Some studies have shown that caffeine, in small doses before exercise, can enhance performance and help muscles recover more quickly. When it comes to coffee, always remember, moderation.
Collard greens. Did...
Walking for Better Health
Don't let the idea of JUST walking trick you into thinking it's not enough exercise. Walking, fast or slow, is great exercise that offers great benefits. It's true; walking can make a difference when it comes to a better, healthier life.
The benefits of walking include boosting your mood, enhancing balance, maintaining a healthy weight, handling health conditions, and strengthening bones.
If you're considering walking for better health, and you're serious about it, you will want to keep a couple of things in mind when it comes to posture and technique. Keep your back straight and your stomach muscles lightly...
Healthy Food Choices for Summer Menus
There's no reason to break your New Year's resolution streak of eating better! These four food choices will supercharge your summer menus and your body with healthy benefits. And they're super fresh!
Cherries. Did you know that cherries can help you lose weight and get leaner? According to scientists at the University of Michigan Health System, the anthocyanins in tart cherries activate a molecule that helps rev up fat burning and decrease fat storage.
Corn. It's hard to imagine not putting corn on the menu during summer, because it is so refreshing and tasty. But did you know that corn...
The Pros and Cons of Coffee
If you drink coffee, you may be curious if it is good or bad for you. The answer is simple. It depends on how much you drink. Most health experts say that about three 8-ounce cups of coffee is a safe amount per day.
The Pros
Coffee beans are full of protective compounds, and recent research has shown that coffee may help prevent diseases like stroke and certain cancers, may lower our risk of Parkinson's and dementia, and may boost our concentration and memory.
The Cons
You know those people who drink cup after cup of coffee every day? There...
