Need more incentive to quit with the trans-fats?
Recent discoveries by researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine have shown trans fats can make you gain weight faster than other kinds of fats, especially in your mid-section, that's right, your stomach! And who needs that? The American Heart Association is now recommending limiting your trans fat intake to fewer than 1% of your daily calories. Watch out for restaurant-made French fries, packaged cookies and store-bought cakes and cupcakes!!!!
Let them drink coffee!!!!
Trying to persuade someone to do your bidding? Give them some caffeine! A study in the European Journal of Social Psychology says intake of a moderate amount of caffeine (about 2 cups of coffee) makes us more likely to agree with persuasive arguments. Why, you ask? Because caffeine enhances reasoning abilities as well as alertness.
Say "Oui" to "Chocolat"!
Yes, you should indulge – in moderation of course. And here’s why: Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which are the very same heart-healthy compounds found in red wine and green tea! And I’d rather be eating chocolate! Dark chocolate is the most potent, containing more cocoa. In a recent study, researchers found that eating dark chocolate containing 100 milligrams of flavonoids relaxes your blood vessels, improving blood flow to your heart. And by the way, the fat (in a chocolate bar, for example) is mostly stearic and oleic acids, which are the good fats. Try Endangered Species Dark Chocolate, found in the pro shop – 10% of the profit goes towards endangered species protection.
Need more reasons to exercise, or just some reminders? Here’s why you need to join the gym and probably should get a trainer if you aren’t showing up:
- Regular exercise assists in weight control. No Kidding.
- Exercise stimulates the blood flow to your body’s organs.
- Engaging in regular exercise can decrease incidence of some cancers and your risk of heart disease is drastically lower.
- Exercise burns up cholesterol that builds up during stressful times.
- An exercised body is able to defend against sickness (flu, colds, etc…) more efficiently than a sedentary one.
- When you exercise toxins are released from your body through perspiration.
- Exercise releases endorphins (the body’s natural fee good chemicals) that are thought to enhance brain function and ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Improving muscular strength and mass is important in keeping your joints and bones strong and improves posture.