How Clean Are Your Cleaners?

We all want our house to be a clean, safe place to live. However, some of the products we regularly use to help clean our houses may actually be harming us as well as the environment around us. Many of our household cleaners can contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and dangerous toxins.

From laundry detergents to multi-purpose cleaners, you may not be aware that all these products may contain so many toxic chemicals.  Go to your cupboard right now. Pick a cleaner. Check out the label. Some of the potentially harmful chemicals may not even be listed, but it is important to your health to find out what is in the products you use.

Here are some common chemicals in household cleaners that you should avoid:

  • Chlorinated phenols – often found in toilet bowl cleaner, this chemical can harm our respiratory and circulatory systems.
  • Diethylene glycol – can be found in window cleaners and depress the nervous system.
  • Phenols – found in disinfectants are toxic to our respiratory and circulatory systems.
  • Nonylphenol ethoxylate – a common detergent often found in all-purpose cleaners and laundry detergent.  This chemical is banned in Europe and biodegrades into even more harmful toxins.
  • Formaldehyde – is often found in spray deodorizers. It is a respiratory irritant and suspected carcinogen
  • Petroleum solvents – this is found in floor cleaners. It can damage mucous membranes.
  • Perchloroethylene – a spot remover that causes liver and kidney damage.
  • Butyl cellosolve – common in all-purpose cleaners, damages bone marrow, the nervous system, kidneys and the liver.

Automatic dishwashing detergents typically contain complex phosphates (banned in laundry detergent), which pollute waterways. Many All-Purpose cleaners contain solvents and surfactants suspected of causing or aggravating asthma and allergy symptoms. Degreasers contain butyl cellosolve, a chemical that irritates mucous membranes.

Aerosol product sprays (sometimes propelled by butane) can include formaldehyde, phenols, toluene, and phthalates, among other toxins or carcinogens. Disinfectants may contain any of several toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, cresols, ammonia, phenols, and chlorine bleach, all of which should be kept away from the skin and some of which can be hazardous to internal organs and the central nervous system.

These are just some of the many harmful chemicals in our common household cleaners. The worst part about this though, is that so many of these chemicals can be avoided.

Many common messes can be cleaned without these chemicals. Things like vinegar, baking soda, and even some citrus fruits can help clean everyday messes.

Even the simple remedy of soap and water can clean more than you think. Make sure that the next time you clean your house, you’re using safe cleaners with little or no toxins. This will help both your home and the environment stay clean, healthy, and looking great.

If you are looking for non-toxic ready-made cleaning products that are safe and natural, and deliver a powerful clean, check out Shaklee Get Clean products.  They are used in the White House, the Vice President’s house, and NASA uses them. Even Oprah uses them! All of these places make sure they are using the best of the best!

Click her for Get Clean Products from the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S.

A Different Breed: Nutritional Needs for Endurance Athletes

What do you picture when you think of an endurance athlete? Most likely you see lean, tone legs, tight abs and the ability to run across the country.  It’s a tough description to fit but cyclists, skiers and soccer players all fall into this category.

Like any athlete, these competitors are looking for any way to gain an edge over their rivals. They, along with nutritionists and dieticians, closely monitor their calorie intake and breakdown to maximize performance and avoid injury.

It’s not surprising their diets are more complex than that of other athletes.

A Generic Game Plan

Have you ever seen a soccer team take the field executing the same game plan as their competition? Of course not. No two athletes are the same. Many factors determine what the correct amount of calories are for an individual such as gender, size and sport.

A skier training six hours a day may need more proteins and antioxidants for sore muscles where a runner may need more carbohydrates and energy to get a faster time.

There is no formula to figure out the perfect amount of calories or break down of food groups. It is up to nutritionists, dieticians and the athlete to experiment until they find a perfect balance.

The Triangle of Food Groups

Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats are the three main food groups of endurance athletes.

Carbs, such as bread, rice and pasta, give the body energy and make up the largest food group for endurance athletes. The key to this food group is to find the proper amount. Too many carbs can result in a slow, sluggish performance.

Proteins like lean meats and low fait dairy products repair muscles. This makes up a smaller percentage of the diet for endurance athletes.

Fats make up the smallest percentage of an athlete’s diet but are very important. Found in chocolates, sweets and fast foods, fats are slow to digest. They are included in the diet to give the correct amount of balance between the food groups.

Hydration

Aside from eating right, endurance athletes are also worried about staying properly hydrated. Failure to hydrate correctly can have costly results. Water is the most important hydration source for athletes. Endurance athletes in particular also consume sports drinks because of the duration of their activities. Sports drinks help replenish electrolytes as well as hydrate.

It’s important endurance athletes avoid teas, coffee, and alcohol, which lead to dehydration.

To learn more about your nutrition needs as you train, perform and recover from physical activity, sign up for your:  Sports Nutrition Free Report.

Learn More About Sports Nutrition Products.

 

The Benefits of Supplements

In a perfect world we would all get the proper nutrition and vitamins from the food that we eat. Whole foods have the best nutrients that we need and have many wonderful benefits over processed foods or supplements.

  • Greater Nutrition- Whole foods provide a variety of vitamins and nutrients. For example, an orange contains vitamin C, calcium, beta carotene, and many other nutrients. If you just took a Vitamin C supplement you would lose these other nutrients.
  • Essential Fiber – Many whole foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide dietary fiber.  Fiber can help prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  Along with this, these fibrous foods contain many other nutrients.
  • Protective Substances – Whole foods also contain many other beneficial substances. For example, fruits and vegetables contain substances called phytochemicals. These can help protect you from cancer, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

However, even if you eat a well-balanced diet every day, you still may not be getting all the nutrients you need. Everyone needs all vitamins and nutrients to keep their bodies going but sometimes we can fall short. Here are some reasons you may need a supplement to help your nutrition.

  • Vegans and vegetarians – If you eat a limited variety of foods then you may be missing some key vitamins and nutrients.
  • Women- If a woman is pregnant, may become, or has heavy bleeding during her menstrual period then she may need some added nutrients.
  • Medical – If you have a medical condition that affects how your body uses or absorbs nutrients, you may need to take supplements. If you have chronic diarrhea, food allergies, food intolerance or a disease of the liver, gallbladder, intestines or pancreas you should consult your doctor to make sure you’re get the right nutrition. Also, if you have had surgery on your digestive tract and are not able to digest and absorb nutrients properly, you may need to use supplements.

If you are included in this list, talk to your doctor to make sure you are giving your body enough nutrients. If you do decide to use a supplement make sure you consider these important factors.

  • Read the label – Make sure you check the ingredients, which nutrients are included, how much of each nutrient are included, and the serving size of a product.
  • Avoid high doses – In general, stay away from products that give you higher than 100% (daily value) of vitamins and minerals. Also, if you’re using a multivitamin try to get one that has a good balance of vitamins instead of one that is heavy in one and lacking in another.
  • Check the expiration dates – If there isn’t an expiration date or it is past the expiration date, don’t buy it. Supplements can lose potency over time, so it’s important to use them before they expire.
  • Watch what you eat – When adding supplements to your diet, make sure you watch what you eat to ensure you’re not getting too much of a nutrient. Ingesting more than you need can have unhealthy side effects and can even be toxic.

Supplements can be very beneficial if you use them correctly. Make sure you’re careful and that they help you rather then harm you. Hopefully they can help you become healthy and happy throughout your life.

Nutrition is very important to children as well. Many kids don’t eat an optimal diet and need vitamins and minerals to fill in the gaps. The benefits they get back can be noticed quickly – better concentration, more energy, get sick less often and of course nutritional support during growth periods.

The #1 Natural Nutrition Company has a great quality supply of supplements for you to try.  Click here to see the list of supplements that are good for your body.

To learn more about why you should supplement, visit this blog: antiagingbydesign.com – Look for the entries titled, “Nutrition Alerts.

The Benefits of Natural Skin Care

How many products do you put on your face and skin every day? One or two, maybe more than you think? From sunscreen, to makeup, to moisturizer, we all apply these products to our skin regularly. However, do we know what we’re really putting on our skin? Many skin care products can contain chemicals that are harmful to our skin.. Here are just a few ingredients that you should look out for:

  • Fragrances – By trying to give or enhance a products smell, harmful toxins are often used. This is dangerous because many times a specific product wants a specific smell, so they combine many toxins to get it smelling just right. This could be avoided by using essential oils instead to add fragrance to the product.
  • Artificial Colors – Artificial pigment (often labeled as “FD&C”) is added to almost every synthetic skin care product. This pigment causes skin irritation and can also cause cancer. Natural skin care products do not use this type of pigment.
  • Other Chemicals – Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, MEA, DEA, and TEA are some harmful chemicals to look out for. They are commonly used in products and can cause cancer as well as skin irritation.
  • Environmentally harmful – Synthetic products are often harmful to the earth. The way they are made and even the products themselves can harm and pollute the environment.

Instead of applying these chemicals to our delicate skin we should try using natural products instead. Using natural ingredients over chemicals has many wonderful benefits.

  • Toxins – As I’ve stated, many skin care product contain chemicals that can lead to cancer, hormone imbalances, joint pain, headaches, allergies, and many skin problems. Natural products however, don’t have these side effects and are better for your skin.
  • Eco Friendly – Natural skin products are kinder to the environment. Both the product and the way it is made are earth-friendly.
  • No need to settle – Natural products work as well as ones that use chemicals, if not better. They will make you skin looking healthy and beautiful.
  • Children and Pet Safe – It’s not good to ever ingest any product that is meant for external use only. However, in the rare case that your child or pet gets into your skin care products, natural ones with be far less harmful to them.

Next time you’re looking to enhance your beauty, moisturize you skin, or just wash your face, make sure you do it the natural way. By using natural, organic products you’ll be able to keep your skin as well as the earth, healthy and beautiful.

To learn more about natural skin care from the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the United States, that includes all of these skin nutrients, visit:  Natural Skin Care.

Five Steps to Keep Celebrating Your Weight loss

Congratulations! After months (or years) of counting calories, hitting the gym and monitoring the scale, you have finally reached the magic number you’ve been waiting for. Take time to give your self a pat on the back or stare at your slender new figure in a full-length mirror. You deserve it.

Before you celebrate with the hot fudge sundae lets back track.

Tip #1] Rekindle your Motivation Relationship

Think back to the beginning of your weight loss journey. What was your motivation? A graduation? A wedding? Your health? Whatever the reason write it down and keep it in sight. Reminding your self why you wanted to lose weight will help you think twice about enjoying an entire package of cookies.

Tip #2] Keep your Support System Near

According to the National Weight Control Registry, people who attend bi-monthly support groups for a year while losing weight, maintained their full weight loss. Surrounding yourself with positive attitudes will help remind you of your goals and help maintain the success you’ve already achieved.

Tip #3] Be Aware

It is very important to monitor your eating habits. Many people want to run back to their old habits, relaxing when it comes to portion sizes and dietary choices. If you want to go back to your ways you’ll go back to your old weight. Don’t start mindlessly eating in front of the TV or you’re not going to like what you see. Make sure you keep a close eye on what and when you eat. Tip #4] Small Changes

Now that you are no longer “dieting” start by making small changes with your daily eating habits. To maintain your weight begin adding calories to your diet in increments of 200. For example, try eating something small for breakfast or cut back on a gym workout. Make sure to weigh yourself each week and track your progress. If you begin gaining weight cut back on your calories until you find a perfect balance.

 Tip #5] Set (mini) Goals

You’ve accomplished your biggest goal. Now it’s time to set new, smaller goals. Set up weekly incentives such as a shopping trip or manicure for attending all your gym sessions. If a special event is coming up make a point to continue to write down everything you eat and treat yourself to some dessert on the big day!

You have worked too hard to get to this point. Don’t let your self continue to be captive to dreaded dieting habits. There are so many ways to incorporate healthy eating into your lifestyle keeping you healthy, happy and slim!

Here is a simple program that will keep yourself on track and motivated to maintain your healthy weight.  You can also adjust the program to your needs.  For example, if you still have some more weight you would like to lose, this program will help you lose it!

Click here to try out this simple program that is a simple and delicious way to lose weight with clinically tested products.

Running Less, May Help You More

Do you run every day or at least routinely? Have you been doing this for a while, but still not impressed with the results? Well here’s the problem:

  • Most people assume that running more means you’ll burn more calories and lose more weight. But this is only true to a point.

  • Once your body gets used to running, you’ll begin to burn less calories. Running is a very effective form of exercise (burning 8.5 calories a minute at a comfortable pace). However, the more you run the more efficient your body become at running. When your body gets used to running, you’ll start burning less calories.
  • Running a lot regularly can take a toll on your body. Running can be pretty hard on your knees.
  • Doing anything for a long time can become boring. You can easily lose focus and motivation over time.

Luckily, there’s a better way to exercise. The answer is to work in intervals. Intervals are intense, short bursts of exercise that are followed by some rest and recovery. By using intervals in your workouts you’ll be able to become stronger in less time and with less running. Here’s an example of an exercise routine that puts this all into effect.  Both of the exercises can be done at home on a treadmill, on a track, or just a simple flat road.

  • Run and relax. When you’re out running or jogging try this. Really speed up and go at a good, fast pace for 15 seconds. Then take a rest by walking for 60 seconds. Start off doing this for 6 intervals. Then, as you get better, try doing more and more intervals.  Another thing you can try is doing 30 seconds (instead of 15) at a good pace before resting.
  • Quarter Mile. For this one, try running a quarter mile (or one loop of a track) at a hard, but sustainable pace. Then recover by walking or jogging for 2 minutes. Start off by doing this 4 times and see if you can build up to eight. As you get better you can also try going for a half mile instead of a quarter.

 

Sports Nutrition for Elite Athletes

As your career progresses and you grow in your sport, you may get into a routine way of doing things. You may also think you’re doing all you can to be at peak performance, but maybe you need to stop and make sure. You’re probably training hard and eating right. However, as you get better in your sport you may let some things slip and forget to be diligent with your nutrition or workout. You can’t forget about good sports nutrition! Even if you think you’re at top performance, without good sports nutrition you won’t be.

Here are just some basic reminders of good sports nutrition:

  • Never skip meals, especially breakfast. Eating balanced meals will help you gain the energy you need to perform at your best.
  • Keep hydrated. You all know to drink plenty of water, but are you drinking enough? Even on days of rest, make sure you are keeping your body well hydrated.
  • Know what and how much you need to eat. Make sure you are getting the right amount and variety in your diet. Everyone is different, so make sure you’re eating the right amount for your body type. You’ll need plenty of carbs, proteins, and fats to be at peak performance.
  • Make sure you’re getting the most out of your pre- and post- competition meals. The pre-competition meal helps boost your body so that’s it’s ready for high performance. Make sure to eat a good amount of protein and drink water or fruit juice. The post-competition meal helps you recover and replace the nutrients lost in the competition. Both will help to reach top performance and feel a lot better too. Also, don’t change or experiment around competition. You don’t want to take that risk before a heavy workout.
  • Supplements are meant to enhance, not replace good nutrition. Supplements are not the same as good nutrition. A good athlete needs good nutrition. Also, if you do take supplements, make sure they are right for you and that you know what you are putting in your body.
  • Do some research! The more you know about your body and what you put into it, the better you are going to perform and the healthier you will be.

When you’re giving your body everything it needs you’ll be able to perform better, be healthier, and feel happier. With all these benefits you’ll be able to become an even greater athlete.

 To learn more about your nutrition needs as you train, perform and recover from physical activity, sign up for your:  Sports Nutrition Free Report.

Training in the Kitchen: A Nutrition Guide for Elite Athletes

Nutrition can be the determining factor between a gold and silver medal. Elite athletes train year round to reach their maximum potential in the peak of their season. A balanced diet is good not only for physical shape but mental as well.  For a complete training regiment, follow a few simple tips.

Calorie Intake

The correct calorie intake is determined by ones’ metabolism and activity level. This is an important number for elite athletes mainly because failure to hit this number can cause the muscle tissues to break down and up the body percentage number.

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are a main source of glucose, a nutrient that fuels the body. They aid in muscle recovery and increase endurance. A snack containing carbohydrates is a great pre-work addition because it provides an immediate source of energy.

Sources: Sweet potatoes and whole grains

Protein:

Protein creates amino acids, which aid in repairing muscles and tissues.  It is important to take in proteins at breakfast when your metabolism is just starting out for the day.

Sources: Lean beef, beans and eggs

Fats:

Fats are the most calorie dense food. Their slow digestion process makes you need less in your diet. Some fats are “heart healthy” and help with circulation.

Sources: Nuts and fish

Water:

Dehydration can lead to cramping and a slow metabolism. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration. You should begin hydrating four hours prior to activity.  Water should be consumed during activities lasting no more than one hour. During any activity over an hour sports drinks are recommended to replenish electrolytes lost during activity.  Post activity, athletes should continue to consume liquids on a regular basis.

Pre-competition meal:

Contrary to what many athletes think, a pre-competition meal is the not the most important for a peak performance.  Eating right 1-2 days before competition is just as important. A big meal the night before a competition can cause an athlete to overeat resulting in digestion problems. The ideal time to eat before a competition is 3 to 4 hours prior.

 Post – workout meal:

This meal is just as important as fueling up before a big game. It allows your body time to readjust and figure out what it needs to be healthy again. Meals 2-3 days after a big competition replenish the body with nutrients lost during performance.

The Most Important Tips for Elite Athletes:

  1. Variety: Make sure you are eating different foods from all the food groups.
  2. Wholesomeness: Eat foods closets to their most natural state
  3. Moderation: You can have any food as long as you eat the correct portion size

To learn more about your nutrition needs as you train, perform and recover from physical activity, sign up for your:  Sports Nutrition Free Report.

Can Eating Too Few Calories Stall Your Metabolism?

 

Learn why cutting out too many calories can keep you from losing weight.

If you’re like most people who want to lose weight, you want to lose it fast. So you may be tempted to make drastic changes in your diet to dramatically reduce the number of calories you consume. But what you may not know is that eating too few calories can actually backfire and sabotage your weight-loss efforts.

“It would make sense to stop eating [when you are trying to lose weight], but it actually works in the opposite way,” says Kimberly Lummus, MS, RD, Texas Dietetic Association media representative and public relations coordinator at the Austin Dietetic Association in Austin, Texas.

Calories and Your Health

The most effective way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories than you expend, creating a calorie deficit. But if your calorie intake dips too low, says Lummus, your body could go into starvation mode. “Your body will start to store fat because it thinks it is not going to get anything,” says Lummus. “You will be at a point where your body is kind of at a standstill.”

Lummus says that when your body goes into starvation mode, your metabolism slows to a crawl, burning calories as slowly as possible to conserve its energy stores. This is why people who cut their calories too much may reach a plateau and stop losing weight.

Eating too few calories can be the start of a vicious cycle that causes diet distress. When you cut your calories so low that your metabolism slows and you stop losing weight, you probably will become frustrated that your efforts are not paying off. This can lead you to overeat and ultimately gain weight.

“It is so hard to sustain cutting calories and eating too little. What typically happens is that the person will go in the opposite direction; they will just become too hungry and go into a binging mode,” says Lummus. “Because you are getting frustrated by not seeing any weight loss, you just sort of throw in the towel.”

In addition to sabotaging your weight-loss efforts, eating too few calories can also harm your health. When your body goes into starvation mode, you are at increased risk for the following:

  • Abnormally low blood pressure and slow heart rate
  • Heart rhythm abnormalities
  • Electrolyte imbalances, especially potassium deficiency
  • Gallstones
  • Hair loss
  • Brittle fingernails
  • Loss of menstrual periods in women
  • Soft hair growth over entire body
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Anemia
  • Swelling in your joints
  • Brittle bones
  • Depression

Coming to Terms With Calories

Remember that calories are not your enemy. They are a vital part of a healthy and energetic life. “Your body needs a certain amount of calories just to sustain proper function,” says Lummus. This is why fad diets that force you to cut out too many calories leave you feeling lethargic, shaky, and ready to give up.

Instead of opting for a fad diet, find a reasonable eating and exercise plan that allows you to lose one-half to two pounds per week. There is evidence that people who lose weight at this rate — by making better nutrition choices, eating smaller portion sizes, and exercising — also have the best chance of keeping it off. Make a plan to adopt new healthful habits that you will be able to stick to indefinitely, and always allow yourself a little wiggle room for special occasions.

On most diets, you lose fat and muscle.  When you lose muscle, you lose your ability to burn fat, and your metabolism drops. When you go off your diet, you can’t burn calories like you did before. So you gain the weight back faster.

Find out how you can keep muscle you have, burn fat you don’t need, and lose inches you don’t want.

Learn how to break the diet cycle with this weight loss program.  It will have you losing 2 1/2 lbs in a healthy way!

Be sure to check out this Free Report on Losing Weight and Building Lean Muscle.

 

 

Source: Krisha McCoy, MS – everydayhealth.com

Medically reviewed by Christine Wilmsen Craig, MD

 

 

 

Training for a Healthy Lifestyle

There are many college athletes training year round on tracks and in weight rooms in hope of obtaining a personal record or conference, division or even a national title.

College dinning halls and cafeterias have now been added to the list of training centers giving athletes the upper hand against their competition.  With talk of obesity in America’s future, nutrition on and off the field has become a major component of training programs today.

Benefits

Besides the obvious benefits such as physical activity and personal enjoyment, sports have a lot more to offer. Student-athletes are provided with a foundation for discipline and determinations, both very important factors for success in their futures. Their participation in extracurricular activities will expand their knowledge far beyond the classroom through travel and social interaction.

Nutritional Needs

“My major helps me better understand the good and the bad for my body. As an athlete I’ve always found it important to eat healthy but now I’m learning what healthy really means,” replied Maura Hansen, a senior Nutrition and Dietetics major at Seton Hill University, when ask how her major and experience as a student athlete tie together. “I see my teammates eating pizzas or fried foods throughout the day. You’d be amazed what foods people think are healthy.”

It’s true athletes need an additional number of calories added to their diet. The number of calories needed depends on the intensity and duration of the activity as well as the frequency it is performed.

Eating a Balanced Meal

What you eat impacts how you perform.  Start each day with breakfast, giving you energy for you morning and boosting your metabolism. A great breakfast may include a shake, eggs, a whole grain toast or bagel, fruit or low fat yogurt.

The energy for the rest of your afternoon and practice depends on what you consume at lunch. Use this time to refuel.

You’ve had a long day of classes and practice and might feel like just going back to your dorm and crawling into bed but it’s very important to let your body recover from the stress it’s been under. At dinner choose foods from each food group, grains, protein, fruits, vegetables and dairy.

Supplements

Some student athletes have special dietary restrictions. For these athletes it may be suggested they take a nutrition supplement to make up for a lack of nutrients. The NCAA has rules limiting the use of supplements. Before taking any form of dietary product, always consult a doctor or dietician.

Dehydration

It is recommended that athletes drink fluids before, during and after participating in an activity.  For early morning practices try to take in about 20-30 ounces before going to bed. For activities lasting more then an hour it’s best to drink water and a sports drink.

Poor Nutrition

Eating unbalanced or skipping meals can make your body prone to injury. It can even lead to more serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

Eating healthy is the only way to control your weight and maintain strength for maximum performance.

To learn more about products that can be beneficial to a college athlete, read this article to understand what sports nutrition products your body needs during training: Energy, Hydration, and Muscle Recovery.