Why Starve Yourself?
11-21-2011
Many people think reducing the amount of calories you consume is the only way to lose weight. After all, a pound of stored body fat is the equivalent of 
approximately 3,500 calories - reduce your caloric intake by that much, and you'll lose the fat, pound by pound.
Unfortunately, eating less can be extremely difficult, especially if you're accustomed to enjoying meals that aren't always low in calories or fat. So, what to do? If you aren't inclined to reduce the amount of calories you consume, you can always burn them with exercise - and as a recent study asserts, this strategy may be even healthier for you in the long run than starving yourself.
The study, published in the November issue of the Journal of Preventive Medicine, investigated whether caloric intake was linked to the risk of death from heart conditions over a 17-year period. Surprisingly, individuals who ate more, but were also more active physically, had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than people who ate less, but also exercised less.
Consistent exercise (at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, at least three times per week) and a diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low in refined sugars and saturated fats, are established methods of losing weight and limiting your chances of developing heart disease or a number of other troublesome conditions. But don't starve yourself! You'll be more likely to stick to your exercise and diet, and what's more, you'll improve your chances of staying healthy for years to come.
http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=693
Krazy About Kale
2011-11-02
On the hunt for a nutritious, vitamin-packed vegetable that is also loaded with great flavor? Try kale. There are many reasons to pile this cruciferous veggie on your plate. It is low in calories, has zero grams of fat and contains nearly 20 percent of the RDA of dietary fiber, which promotes regular digestion, prevents constipation, lowers blood sugar and curbs overeating.
Need more reasons? Kale also contains the glucosinolate isothiocyanate (ITC), which fights the formation of H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori), a bacteria that can attack the digestive system and cause big problems. Kale is also a superstar in the arena of carotenoids and flavonoids, two powerful antioxidants that protect our cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. There are also tons of vitamins in kale – think vitamins C, D, A and K. All boost immunity, help maintain healthy bones and teeth, and maximize overall health. Enjoy!
http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=1470
