Category: Health & Wellness Page 3 of 4

DIYMarissaElman

Why you Should Reconsider DIYing Your Next Beauty Product

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On July 9, 2018

In Health & Wellness, Marissa Elman

When it comes to everything beauty, people have become more educated about the products they buy. The trend appears to be favoring formulas created by Mother Nature, those that are kind to the skin and friendly to the planet. Heavy chemicals and preservatives can do a lot of damage, and consumers have developed a more discerning eye.

 

That is why do-it-yourself beauty is becoming extremely popular. Let’s face it; one knows exactly what ingredients are going into the formulas they make, and they can feel safe about the product’s performance. A variety of botanicals can often deliver better results than the storebought, manufactured formulas. In addition, d.i.y. beauty is more affordable and a wise investment.

 

For instance, NewHopeNetwork has its pulse on the natural/organic industry and predicts that personal care products will be featuring more ingredients like hempseed oil, goat’s milk, moringa and murumuru butter in non-toxic skin care and cosmetics items.

 

Do-it-yourself beauty doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals and expensive equipment or a lengthy processing time. These ingredients are available to consumers, and many times, one can find the stuff they need right in their kitchen cupboard.

 

For example, there’s been a lot of buzz on social media about the power of rice water; it’s a huge YouTube topic. There are more than 403,000 YouTube videos about rice water beauty alone, and the d.i.y. demonstrations are simple to follow.

 

This video has received more than 4 million views so far, and the only ingredients for the complexion wash/toner are rice and water.

 

The toner absorbs quickly, firms the contours of the face and creates a brighter complexion by those who have tried it. Best of all, it’s a natural, healthy product and tolerable by every skin tone.

 

Compared to expensive high-end boutique moisturizers, the rice water wash is a precious steal.

 

D.I.Y. beauty products are an excellent way to wean a person from the multiple items they purchase daily. The majority of these formulas contain suspect chemicals like phthalates, lead, formaldehyde, parabens and others.

 

Even Capitol Hill has been trying to pass a bipartisan Senate bill that could help protect consumers from toxic chemicals in personal care products.

 

People demand healthy beauty now, and do-it-yourself has become a way to get it.

 

chia seeds - marissa elman

The New Delicious Superfood: Chia Seeds

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On June 27, 2018

In Health & Wellness, Marissa Elman

Chia seeds are taking the health food world by storm and for good reason. They are an impressive superfood with many health benefits, and it’s easy to incorporate them into your diet even if you are not a seasoned chef.

 

What are chia seeds?

Chia seeds come from a desert plant native to South America. A member of the mint family, it is believed that the ancient Aztecs enjoyed chia as a staple of their diet. These tiny black seeds are naturally gluten-free, vegan and raw.

 

What health benefits do chia seeds offer?

One serving of chia seeds is about two tablespoons and offers about 11 grams of fiber, 5.6 grams of protein, and 179 mg of calcium. To put that into perspective, that’s almost three times as much fiber than a bowl of oatmeal, twice as much protein as most other vegan sources, and fives times as much calcium than a glass of milk. Chia seeds are also a great source of antioxidants, iron, and omega-3s. Perfect for those who are working towards weight loss, they expand when mixed with liquid and can help you stay full longer.

 

How do you eat chia seeds?

Some health foods are difficult to work into your daily routine because they take so much preparation. Thankfully, chia seeds are a breeze to prepare and can be added to many of the meals you already enjoy. Sprinkle them on top of oatmeal, yogurt, cereal, or salads, or blend them into your smoothie. They’ll provide a pleasant crunch without changing the flavor of your meal. For a vegan egg substitute in baked goods, mix one tablespoon of chia seeds with three tablespoons of water, and wait about ten minutes for the mixture to form a gel. To make an easy healthy pudding, blend a half cup of chia seeds with two cups of your choice of milk. Add a teaspoon of vanilla and a small amount of sweetener (honey, dates, or stevia are great options), as well as your choice of flavoring. Three tablespoons of cocoa powder will give you a luxurious chocolate treat, while a cup of frozen fruit will create a cool tropical pudding. They are so many great ways to enjoy this versatile food while gaining amazing health benefits in the process.

health tips - marissa elman

5 Health Tips That Might Surprise You

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On June 17, 2018

In Health & Wellness, Marissa Elman

There are dozens of ways for a person to improve his or her health. While some of these are obvious, others are more surprising.

 

#1) Lose Weight By Eating More

It may sound counterproductive, but eating more frequently can actually encourage weight loss. Fasting for long periods between meals causes a person’s blood sugar and metabolism to drop, resulting in weight gain. Eating frequently, on the other hand, has the opposite effect by balancing a regulating blood sugar and metabolism.

 

#2) Chew Gum to Curb Hunger

In addition to fighting bad breath and promoting a healthy smile, chewing gum can curb hunger cravings. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Rhode Island, participants who chewed gum consumed nearly 70 calories less for lunch than the control group. Chewing gum activates salivary glands and tricks the brain into thinking it’s full.

 

#3) Drink Vinegar to Treat Acid Reflux

Affecting up to 20 percent of the population, acid reflux is a widespread, chronic medical condition that’s characterized by stomach acid rising up into the esophagus. A simple DIY remedy, however, is vinegar. Drinking 1 or 2 tablespoons of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar mixed in a cup of water can eliminate acid reflux. Vinegar’s acidic properties allow it to balance the stomach’s pH levels and protect against acid reflux.

 

#4) Eat More Fat to Protect Against Heart Disease

More than 610,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, but high-fat diet can lower a person’s risk. The secret is to choose the right type of fat. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats clean plaque from the arteries while keeping cholesterol levels in check. Available in fish, nuts, and soy, these healthy fats can lower the risk of heart disease.

 

#5) Don’t Drink Diet Soda

People who are looking to lose weight should avoid drinking diet soda. Although it typically doesn’t contain any calories, diet soda still contributes to weight gain. One study found that diet drinks trigger both weight gain and diabetes. While the reason behind this phenomenon is open to debate, some experts believe that artificial sweetener is processed by the body the same way as sugar.

 

These are just a few surprising health tips. Men and women who are looking to improve their health should also perform a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises for maximum benefit.

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Squeezing in exercise at work – stretches and exercise moves you can do at your desk

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On December 18, 2017

In Fitness, Health & Wellness, Marissa Elman

There are several reasons you need to occasionally exercise or stretch your muscles at work. The main reason is because when you sit for long hours, typing and hunching over a computer, you run the risk of getting repetitive stress injuries. Secondly, muscles can get stiff during the day and start aching. And the best way to alleviate both potential problems is to perform some periodic exercises at your desk. Exercise different areas of your body so you get the blood flowing all over. That said, following are some great movements you can do without leaving your desk.

 

Head Twist and Rotation

While seated on your chair, slowly turn your head to the left as far as you can and hold that position for five seconds. Turn your head to the right in the same manner and hold it there for five seconds. Repeat the movement five times on each side, then relax.

 

Shoulder Blade Squeeze

Sit in an armless chair with your hands resting on your upper thighs. Slowly move both arms back and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold that position for five seconds, then repeat it two to four more times. Perform this exercise a couple times per day for stiff traps and upper back muscles, according to Mayo Clinic.

 

The Twinkle Toe

Warm your toes and ankles up by tapping them in rapid fashion under your desk while seated, according to Greatest.com.

 

The Mover and Shaker

When you have a little privacy with no prying eyes, try a little seat dancing. This exercise comes natural to babies when they long for movement. Move your arms and legs while your sitting to get the blood flowing. One to two minutes should do the trick.

 

Silent Seat Squeeze

An effective way to get blood flowing in your rear end and lower back is by simply squeezing your buttocks in your chair. Hold each squeeze for five to 10 seconds, according to Great.com. Continue flexing and relaxing your glutes until you feel rejuvenated or tire the muscles.

 

Desk Squats

To stimulate those tired legs, perform some squats in front of your desk after pushing your chair aside. Lower yourself down until the bottoms of your legs are parallel to the floor, simultaneously moving your arms up toward your computer screen. Hold the movement for fifteen seconds, then stand back up. Do four to six repetitions.

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Movies That Will Help You Get Motivated

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On October 17, 2017

In Fitness, Health & Wellness, Marissa Elman

Getting healthy and reaching your fitness goals can be incredibly difficult. It’s a good idea to do whatever necessary to get to the point where you are happy and healthy, and the following movies could help you get your priorities straight and start hitting the gym.

 

Bridget Jones’ Diary

Not only is Bridget Jones hopeless in her romantic life, she also lives her life in an unhealthy manner by smoking, eating poorly, and not exercising. When she thinks she can’t get any lower, she decides to vanquish her unhealthy ways and get down to business so she can live a better life. One of the best moves Bridget made was to get a diary and start writing down her thoughts, achievements, and yes, some slip ups. None of us are perfect, but trying to take steps in the right direction are always a great idea.

 

Girlfight

Michelle Rodriguez plays a tough girl who has been thrown into a rough school where she discovers boxing. This movie shows how strong you can get when you take up boxing and how physically and mentally tough you get when you make fitness a priority in your life. Take a page from the lead character in this story and try your hand at boxing. The high-intensity workout will get your blood pumping and have you on the way to a healthier life.

 

Super Size Me

When  one man makes it his mission to eat nothing but McDonald’s menu items for a full month, his health seems to take a significant hit. Although most of us don’t eat fast food for every single meal, it still gives viewers an indication at how unhealthy this kind of food for our bodies.

 

The Karate Kid

This classic movie is about one young man’s quest to protect himself from a beautiful girl’s ex-boyfriend. A older man who works at the apartment the boy, Daniel LaRusso, lives in is actually a karate master who, besides teaching him how to wax cars, paint houses, and sands floors, teaches him the art of karate. While he’s doing all of this seemingly unrelated chores, Daniel is actually getting stronger and becoming a powerful karate student. Much like Daniel, whenever you work out, you may think to yourself that you aren’t actually making a difference in your overall health, but rest assured that you are improving your health with every positive step you make.

The Hadza Diet: What is It and Why You Should Consider It

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On September 5, 2017

In Hadza Diet, Hadza People, Health & Wellness, Healthy gut, Marissa Elman, Microbiome

The Hadza Diet- What is it and Why You Should Consider It

The Hadza people are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in the world. For thousands of years, they have lived on the same land in Northern Tanzania living on a diet that consists of berries, tubers, and over 30,000 different mammals. This diet has been making ways around as people are growing more interested in how this diet can have great health benefits.

  

The Hadza diet primarily consists of eating whatever is found in the wild which include berries, tubers, honey and larvae straight from the comb, and meat from a variety of mammals. The interesting fact about this is that it also varies based on the seasons. During the dry seasons, they typically eat meat and tubers, and during the wet seasons, they eat more berries and honey.

   

This diet is starting to gain a great deal of attention, especially amongst the gut health-conscious. The reason for this is that through this diet by the Hadza people, they have remarkable healthy microbiomes meaning they have very healthy guts. The Hadza people get one hundred or more grams of fiber per day in their food on average. We typically get about fifteen grams on average. Now, this is not to suggest that you go and live the hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The idea is that we need to up the intake of fiber we have per day. Justin Sonnenburg, who is a professor at Stanford University made a statement saying that “Fiber is all that’s left at the very end of our digestive tract where these microbes live, so they have [Hadza people] evolved to be very good at digesting it.” Along with eating more fiber, it is also important to only eat minimally processed foods and have in-season fruits and vegetables readily available.

   

The hope through this diet is to increase the diversity in one’s microbiome. The research done by Sonnenburg shows that the Hadza people have one of the most diverse microbiomes in the world. They compared stool samples of the Hadza tribe to those of 17 other cultures around the world which included other hunter-gatherer communities in Venezuela and Peru and subsistence farmers in Malawi and Cameroon. Through these samples, the research showed an interesting trend that the further away people’s diets were from a Western diet, the greater the variety of microbes they have in their guts which also includes bacteria that is missing from American guts. So the next time you are considering taking up a new diet, try taking up the ways of the Hadza people.

Worst Menu Items in America

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On August 15, 2017

In Health & Wellness, Marissa Elman

Worst Menu Items in America - Marissa Elman (1)

 

There’s no denying that eating out on a regular basis can do horrible things to your diet. Making your own food at home is, for the most part, going to be a healthier option than ordering out the same item at your favorite restaurant. Many of us get overwhelmed by the choices and ultimately succumb to ordering something too heavy that makes us feel like we just blew an entire week’s worth of exercise.

 

Not to worry though, the next time you go out to eat with your friends or family, just be sure to steer clear of these terrible choices that pack on the calories, sugar, and fat. What to look out for from any restaurant is when there are multiple menu items that are contained in one meal, like mozzarella sticks on a cheeseburger. A cheeseburger is not devoid of nutrition, but a cheeseburger topped with mozzarella sticks and a side of french fries is going to run you hundreds and hundreds of calories and an unhealthy amount of fat.

 

Worst Offenders

 

The Cheesecake Factory

The Pasta Nepoletana

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is an organization based in Washington DC that advocates for healthier food choices in the United States, and they found that this pasta creation from the Cheesecake Factory is one of the worst pasta dishes you can order in America. For those that want to throw caution to the wind and go for the Pasta Nepoletana, you’ll be served a creamy parmesan cheese pasta topped with several meats like pepperoni, meatballs, sausage, and bacon. Just one serving of this dish is estimated to be around 2,310 calories and a mind blowing 4,370 milligrams of sodium and 79 grams of saturated fat. To put that into perspective, the average adult woman should only be consuming 1,800 to 2,400 calories, 16 grams of saturated fat, and 1,500 mg of sodium each day.

 

California Pizza Kitchen

Waldorf Chicken Salad

Just because you may order a salad at a restaurant does not mean you will actually receive a healthy meal that will keep you on track with your health goals. According to Eat This, Not That!, this salad is basically like eating 4 Hostess cupcakes because of the incredibly high sugar content at 55 grams of sugar. Not only that, this seemingly harmless salad is packed with 1,310 calories and 1,840 mg of sodium.

 

UNO Pizzeria

Whole Hog Burger

If you’re watching your caloric intake, it’s not likely you will end up ordering this colossal burger, but it’s good to keep in mind what the absolute unhealthiest menu item in America is. This single burger comes with over a pound of meat between sausage, pepperoni, hamburger, and bacon is at a heart stopping 2,850 calories and 6,610 mg of sodium.

How to Hire a Personal Trainer

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On July 25, 2017

In Fitness, Health & Wellness, Marissa Elman

How to Hire a Personal Trainer - Marissa Elman

 

Getting in shape by yourself can be daunting, but just as overwhelming can be trying to find the best personal trainer for you and your own situation. There are some excellent personal trainers out there, but there are also ones that are just plain terrible. Before you shell out hundreds of dollars on someone to help you get in shape, follow these steps to make sure you’re getting the most for your dollar.

 

  1. Set Your Goals First

Make sure you have a clear understanding of what you’re hoping to gain from your time with your personal trainer. Are you already in shape but hoping to advance your muscle mass, or do you need help losing a significant amount of weight? Think about your own skill and experience level too and how many times per week you would like to participate in a workout routine with the trainer.

 

  1. Meet with Several Trainers

Once you have a clear goal, it’s time to start seeking out trainers in your local area. If you live in a large city, you’ll likely have many options to choose from compared to a small town. Make sure you look for places that will work well with your own schedule each week and are close to your work or home. It’s often most beneficial to find a gym between work and home so it’s easier for you to get to. Narrow down your choices by reading reviews, asking coworkers and friends, and checking out the facility, then go in and meet with the trainer you’ll be partnered with.

 

During the consultation, make sure you define your goals and articulate what it is you’re hoping to gain from your time together. The trainer should come up with a realistic schedule and regimen that fits within these goals and exercise level. Make sure they are aware of any injuries you may have had in the past or limitations so that they don’t ask you to do something that may hurt you.

 

  1. Know the signs of a bad trainer

A great trainer should be excited to get started with your workout schedule because they sincerely want to help you. It’s also worth it to ask about their certifications and success stories of the past. Having certifications doesn’t necessarily equal excellence in personal training, but it can be an indicator that they take their work seriously and are dedicated to building their level of knowledge of personal training. Bad trainers will make unrealistic promises, guaranteeing results in a relatively short amount of time.

Extreme Fad Diets You Should Never Try

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On May 31, 2017

In Health & Wellness, Marissa Elman

faddiet_marissaelman

Most people who have tried to lose weight have attempted a fad diet or two. These diets typically force you to eat certain foods for a specific length of time, normally a week or so, in hopes that you will see a significant drop in your weight. While these diets may seem harmless, they can actually do more harm than good, and you’re likely to put all of the weight back on that you lost once you return to your normal diet. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, so the following fad diets should be avoided at all costs.

 

The Tapeworm Diet

This diet was made popular in the 1950’s, and it involved the dieter swallowing actual tapeworms. The premise behind it was that the tapeworm would consume the calories and the person’s body would not have a chance to absorb the excess calories. Not only is this diet absolutely disgusting, it’s actually extremely dangerous. Having a parasite in your body can lead to weight loss, but at a serious cost to good health. A myriad of problems can arise such as fatigue, cramps, diarrhea, and even an intestinal block if the tapeworm gets large enough. This one is the worst of the worst and should not even be considered.

 

The Cabbage Soup Diet

Many people who have tried fad diets have tried this diet along the way. The cabbage soup diet promises that you’ll lose at least 10 pounds and consists of eating cabbage soup for an entire week with different fruits and vegetables for select days. While this isn’t the most dangerous diet, it is not going to be effective in losing weight in the long term. The 10 pounds that you do lose is going to be all water weight, and maybe even some muscle mass since the diet does not include very much protein to retain muscle.

 

Cotton Ball Diet

This extreme diet is also extremely dangerous. Popularized by YouTube among teenage girls, the cotton ball diet involves the dieter swallowing cotton balls that have been soaked in some type of juice or smoothie in hopes that it will allow the person to feel full and not want to eat anything. Much like the tapeworm diet, the cotton ball diet can lead to serious health problems and even death in some case. The reason it is so dangerous is because the cotton balls can get stuck throughout the digestive system, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Stick to eating cotton candy every once in awhile and leave actual cotton balls for their intended hygiene-related purposes.

 

Instead of cutting any food out, learn the power of eating in moderation and increase your daily physical activity. Leave the fad diets alone and always talk to your doctor before you begin any significant changes to your diet.

Food That Increase and Reduce Stress

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On May 12, 2017

In Health & Wellness, Marissa Elman

healthy foods

If you’re struggling with high levels of stress, you should consider taking a look at your diet to see if the foods you’re eating are exacerbating your stress. Before going into what food to eat to help reduce your stress, it’s important to know what foods may increase stress levels.

 

Foods high in refined sugars or sodium can actually increase stress levels if eaten in large amounts. Foods high in refined sugars cause fluctuations in your blood sugar as the body in your insulin, leading to mood swings and potentially higher levels of stress. High levels of sodium causes your body to retain water, making your cardiovascular system work harder and increasing your blood pressure, which in turn can raise stress levels.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol and caffeine will not do you any favors in terms of stress reduction. While many of us can’t get through the morning without a cup of joe or energy drink, it shouldn’t be consumed throughout the day as high levels of caffeine can cause you to feel edgy, increase your heart rate, and make you feel more stressed. Alcohol may help you relax after a long day, but drinking alcohol causes your body to release a hormone that is the same that’s released why you’re stressed out.

The following superfoods are known for helping to decrease your stress levels:

 

Avocado

Vitamin B is known for its stress reducing properties, and avocados are rich in vitamin B. Avocados are also high in the good fat for our body, monounsaturated fat, along with about 20 other vitamins and nutrients that are important for the body.

 

Almonds

Along with being an excellent source of protein, almonds also have high levels of vitamins B12 and E that can help the immune system, which in turn can reduce stress.

 

Leafy Green Vegetables

Foods like kale and spinach can actually help your body regulate hormone levels in your body, leaving you feeling more in control of your stress levels. Try to add spinach to as many foods as possible throughout the day to help you keep control of your stress and giving your body a boost of nutrients.

 

Turkey

When you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, the combination of overeating and the chemical tryptophan typically causes people to feel lethargic after the meal. Adding some turkey to your diet will give your body some tryptophan that can help you feel more relaxed and lower your feelings of stress.

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