Exercise: the soon the better.

A recent study shown in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that men and women who are active during their 20s are more likely to prevent substantial weight gain in the future. The key to maintaining a healthy weight, is to "be active and stay active and integrate activity into your everyday lifestyle in a way that you can maintain it."Regular exercise helped keep extra pounds off regardless of a person's initial weight or the amount of calories they typically consumed in a day.

Read more about this study here. 

Finally, Some Good News: Obama Signs Child Nutrition Bill

Once President Obama's pen signed the Nutrition Bill, I yelped pure joy! This is the single most thing I have looked forward to in the White House and I am thrilled about the progress that is going to be made. This bill has been in the works for some time! Finally, children all over the world are able to receive the proper balanced nutrition so they can thrive. First Lady, Michelle Obama has been working rigorously trying to bring awareness about this issue and now her hard work has prevailed. Prior to the Bill being passed Michelle Obama exclaimed, "We can all agree that in the wealthiest nation on earth all children should have the basic nutrition they need to learn and grow and to pursue their dreams," said Mrs. Obama. "Because in the end, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children. Nothing," 
Bravo. Bravo. 

Here's what AP has to say...

"The $4.5 billion measure increases the federal reimbursement for free school lunches by 6 cents a meal at a time when many school officials say they can't afford to provide the meals. The bill will also expand access to free lunch programs and allow 20 million additional after-school meals to be served annually in all 50 states. Most states now only provide money for after-school snacks."  

President Obama immediately after signing The Nutrition Bill 

To read more on this or to watch a video of The President go here. 
So what does this new law really entail? 
Here are some facts from the actual bill posted on the White House's website: 

• Improves Nutrition and Focuses on Reducing Childhood Obesity 
• Gives USDA the authority to set nutritional standards for all foods regularly sold in schools  during the school day, including vending machines, the “a la carte” lunch lines, and school stores. 
• Provides additional funding to schools that meet updated nutritional standards for federally- subsidized lunches.  This is an historic investment, the first real reimbursement rate increase in over 30 years. 
•  Helps communities establish local farm to school networks, create school gardens, and ensures that more local foods are used in the school setting. 
• Builds on USDA work to improve nutritional quality of commodity foods that schools receive from USDA and use in their breakfast and lunch programs. 
•  Expands access to drinking water in schools, particularly during meal times. 
•  Sets basic standards for school wellness policies including goals for nutrition promotion and 
• education and physical activity, while still permitting local flexibility to tailor the policies to their 
• particular needs. 
• Promotes nutrition and wellness in child care settings through the federally-subsidized Child and Adult Care Food Program. 
• Expands support for breastfeeding through the WIC program. 

Menu Template made for new lunch food

Now thats what I call "change" ...


FDS 

Yumm, CHOCOLATE

You say ho ho ho, I say... "co co coa." Tis the season! Sugar consumption tends to go on the rise during the holiday season. If you don't want to change the size of your belt buckle I say go koo koo for cocoa. Pure cocoa, that is. 

Raw Cacao—the pure source of ordinary chocolate—was revered by ancient cultures as the food of the gods and is a rich source of flavonoids. Cardioprotective effects including antioxidant properties, inhibition of platelet activity, and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase have been ascribed to the cocoa flavonoids. Studies show that High cocoa polyphenol rich chocolate may reduce the burden of the symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome. 

Data

ORAC scores for the Top 10 Antioxidants Foods (per 100 grams)

1) Raw cocoa powder* 95,500
2) Raw cacao nibs* 62,100
3) Roasted cocoa powder 26,000
4) Organic Goji Berries* 25,300
5) Acai Berries* 18,500
6) Dark Chocolate 13,120
7) Milk Chocolate 6,740
8) Prunes 5,770
9) Raisins 2,830
10) Blueberries 2,400

Source: US department of Agriculture/Journal of American Chemical Society


Here is a great company that sells some awesome Cocoa!.. 

What Matters Most?

FOODMATTERS.  "Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food" - Hippocrates. 

Food Matters is a feature length documentary film informing you on the best choices you can make for you and your family's health. In a collection of interviews with leading Nutritionists, Naturopaths, Scientists, M.D.'s and Medical Journalists you will discover...

• How to use food as medicine
• Who needs vitamins?
• Is organic better?
• How safe is our food?
• Natural treatments for lowering Cholesterol
• Foods that fight Anxiety and Depression
• Natural therapies for Cancer
• Which drugs might do more harm than good?
• The best ways to detox, lose weight and keep it off!

This wonderful  films focus is "helping us rethink the belief systems fed to us by our modern medical and health care establishments. The interviewees point out that not every problem requires costly, major medical attention and reveal many alternative therapies that can be more effective, more economical, less harmful and less invasive than conventional medical treatments."  










Who is the wealthiest of all? he/she who is healthy. 
FDS 

Phatty Fat.

This is why.....

"youarefat" ( AHEM Americans) 

"Warning: Don’t eat before, during or after you’ve seen this blog.”

- TIME magazine

"If you dare to eat any of these, make sure you have a cardiologist on speed dial."

- CNN.com

Where Nutrition Is Needed The Most....

Children, in my opinion, is the most important age group that needs to be targeted within the obesity craze. The statistics are absolutely staggering. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%(CDC.) Many researchers even believe that at this rate children wont outlive their parents. Statistics on childhood obesity also indicate that over 70 percent of overweight adolescents will be overweight or obese as adults. 

Ok, this scares me. Actually, it really scares me! 

You might be thinking and asking yourselves all kinds of questions like, who is to blame? why haven't we done anything about it? When are people going to learn that unhealthy food is contributing to their ill-health? 

These are many questions that have been lingering around my head for years. Is there any chance that we can see change? We can never loose hope! 

Change can be determined by two important factors: education and environment. 

Education can be formed in the household and in school. Many do not have the proper education and training to raise their children and teach them the importance of healthy eating. 

On the other hand, the environment is another imminent factor. The government can contribute greatly in helping provide the necessary resources to prevent obesity from spreading. For example if a family lives in an unsafe environment that lacks proper lighting for walking in the night time, this family wont be able to go walking because their safety can be at risk. 

So, what is being done now... 

Well, there is a lot of contention on this issue going on in Washington. Lobbyists are trying to pass the child nutrition bill. Now that congress is back from their recess they have stacks and stacks of important bills to look over. Is child nutrition on top of the stack? Sadly, no. 

An article I read recently offered several reasons Why Congress Should Pass Child Nutrition Now. 

Read away! 

I will touch on this issue further, for it is something that I have a true passion for. Resolving this issue wont be an easy smooth process, but eradicating childhood obesity will take time, patience, and guts. 

Pass it on,

FDS 

Yes, research can sometimes be stupid!

A professor has found that by eating junk-food one can "loose weight."
Read more about it here.

Its... NATIONAL FIG WEEK!

Yes. I do LOVE all fruits and vegetables... but I am prejudiced to one fruit in particular. FIGS.
Heres what the professionals have to say about this delicious- mouthwatering- treat.


Figs are a great source of potassium, a mineral that works to control blood pressure and has been shown to increase bone and muscle strength. The calcium in figs actually works with the potassium to keep bones healthy and strong

Remember your grandmother said to eat your carrots? Well carrots move over! Figs are rich in vitamin A, the same antioxidant found in carrots which promotes vision development and keeps eyes strong as we grow older. But it doesn’t stop there; vitamin A also has anti-aging power and skin rejuvenation qualities.

Enjoy a free recipe of fig-filled muffins, I know I will be making them... YUM 

“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.” –Lao Tzu 

'Hear all about, hear all about it- Man sues McDonald for becoming obese'

No, I'm not kidding.

So an employee of McDonald in Sao Paulo, Brazil sues for $17,500, for becoming obese.Yes, he won and here is his reasoning:

Health Disparities-"Health is a right not a privilege"

Today I attended UCLA's11th Annual Health Disparities Symposium at the California Science Center. The speakers all gave important insightful information regarding the many of the health problems that our modern society faces. The speakers are all distinguished scholars who have done extensive research on an array of health issues. Dr. Toni Yancey and Dr. Bastani from UCLA were the two coordinators who put this together with Kaiser Permanente. I have to digress for a bit to talk about one of my all time favorite people, in academia, that is-- Antronette Yancey( MD, MPH). She has made numerous contributions to health and specifically the prevention of disease through exercising and eating healthy. Her resume consists of 25 pages of (how do I put this), awesomeness. One of her most recent projects is the WORKING project which I have the pleasure of being a data collector for. Her main focus is wanting to get people off their chairs for at least 10 minutes a day to exercise. I can go on and on about her magnificence but I suggest you just read more about her here.

The central theme the speakers spoke about was the importance of eating healthy foods and exercising regularly.One point that was of contention was the issue of exercise. Does it really matter? What about those who do not have the proper environmental resources to exercise?
The answers were spread out but basically I learned that nutrition and eating healthfully is more important than exercise.  A study done on a group of people showed that those who exercised more gained more weight. Why did they gain weight? Exercising obviously builds ones appetite and those would eat more unhealthy fatty foods. OK, so your probably wondering, these people are now telling me not to exercise? No. This is not the case, the true answer is finding the equilibrium between the two. Exercising and eating nutritious, high-fiber foods can lead you in the right direction.

Did I mention that we did a mini stretch break!!!???  Oh and the CA Science Center had a beautiful rose garden. Enjoy some picture below...

Anyways, I challenge you to think more about what you can do to think and be healthy. Health is not only defined as physical health, but it is important to take into account mental and spiritual health.

"Health is a gift, you can't insure it"
- Dr. David Martins

Healthy wishes,
Farah

Health Myths

Did your mother ever tell you not to leave the house with wet hair because "you'll get sick"?
Well I have interesting news for you, this is false!
Here are many other myths that have been proven true and false.
P.S. warm milk really does help you fall asleep better, so drink away!

Love cupcakes?

Cupcakes are a very tasty sweet indulgence. The main ingredient, sugar, has no real benefits and is simply fatty. BUT, what if you can make it taste good and add ample amounts of vitamins and minerals? Check out this article from NPR, there are many tasty recipes and easy alternatives to making healthy cupcakes.  

Honey "Nut" Cheerios

The not so nutty truth.
http://www.weightymatters.ca/2010/09/why-are-there-no-nuts-in-honey-nut.html

Superfoods

Add meaning to your daily eating rituals by knowing what vitamins are in the types of foods you eat. There are some foods in particular that have extraordinary nutrients in which we can all benefit from.  It is very important to choose wisely. Conventionally, many eat foods based on instant gratification,  without caring about the long-term effects of what they have eaten. Taste usually comes before health and it is one important factor to think about. Having fun with it! Going to your local farmers market and bringing home local, fresh, and health ingredients is a great way to get in touch to your "healthy side."Some of the fruits and vegetables that are on the top of the list of SUPERFOODS include: spinach, blueberries, bell peppers, apples,. . . . . .
Pics I took at my local farmers market! YUM ;D

For more information I highly recommend reading this article by Darya Pinto, a scientist and health blogger. 

Also check out this book, "The Worlds Healthiest Foods in The World" by George Mateljan. 

I leave you with a quote by the beloved Audrey Hepurn 

‎"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek 
out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the 
hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it 
once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never
walk alone."
 

The Truth Behind Cosmetics...

The time has come for people all over the world to know about the truth. What is really in our cosmetic products? how is it regulated? are there carcinogens in baby products?

I recently wrote a very long research paper on this topic and boy are the facts staggering.
Here is a recent documentary made, which will explain exactly what I am talking about.
http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/

If you want to check how toxic your cosmetic products are(this can include anything from contact solution, lipstick, and mens deodorant)  go to http://cosmeticdatabase.com/

Why can't we all just live salubriously?
FDS

A way of life not a diet.

Food is the cornerstone of life. All over the world people of different cultural background eat different foods. Generally, here in America there is such a negative connotation attached to food. I truly believe in living and eating in a balanced manner. I read an article in The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mika-ono/5-healthy-eating-tips-fro_b_632977.html and it really rings true to the different values I believe is important to live a healthy life.

"Sour, sweet, bitter, pungent: all must be tasted" - Chinese Proverb

Healthy wishes,

FDS

How healthy is your diet?

Want to top them all? Heres a view on the worlds healthiest diet. Lets just say it is far from American.

http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/health/What-do-the-Worlds-Healthiest-People-Eat--85058407.htm

Ban on Soda and caloric soft-drinks-- YIPEEE

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/05/BAMU1E8QKR.DTL

Under an executive order from San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, sodas such as Coke, Pepsi and Fanta Orange are no longer allowed in vending machines on city property. Some of their diet counterparts are still allowed.

The ban includes non-diet sodas, sports drinks and artificially sweetened water.

Juice must be 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice with no added sweeteners, and diet sodas can be no more than 25 percent of the items offered.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports:

"It's all part of Newsom's effort to combat obesity and improve San Franciscans' health, similar to a national effort being championed by first lady Michelle Obama.

The mayor's administration points to studies linking soda to obesity, including a UCLA one released last year that found adults who drink at least one soft drink a day are 27 percent more likely to be obese than those who don't".

To read more about this topic click here.  

Live Life Holisticly....

This article is very interesting, and I think you will enjoy it too!

Maybe we should all think a little more about what we do everyday, and why....
just a thought.

Holistic Medicine: Ayurveda

on June 4, 2010

Ayurveda is the oldest and most holistic medicine in the world. Its teachings and practices were documented over 5,000 years ago in India, despite having a history that spans longer than what was documented.

Ayurveda has been referred to a holistic medicine that deals with both body and the spirit. In fact, ayurveda is more like a lifestyle and covers all aspects of health including nutrition and amazingly, surgery.

The main aim of Ayurveda is prevention. Ancient text tells us that humans should be able to live to be about 100 years old and that one can live to a ripe old age in good health, both physically and mentally. Ayurveda does not accept that getting old equals a failing health and a poor quality of life. Although these texts have been written several thousand years ago, Ayurvedic principles remain very much applicable even in today’s environment. It is possible for anyone to introduce Ayurvedic principles into their life. There are plenty of benefits that can be derived from doing so.

Ayurvedic practitioners will often strive to find health issues which may just be in their early stages and try to deal with them before they get more serious. In all, Ayurveda seeks to take a preventative stance when it comes to diseases, both physical and mental.
Because the the philosophy behind Ayurveda holistic medicine can be quite complex, it can take practitioners several years to understand and master this form of holistic healing.

However, I will attempt to give a brief explanation here on basic Ayurvedic principles, as provided by a practitioner friend of mind.

Through the years, Ayurvedic healing came up with three classifications or “doshas” which are said to govern all bodily processes. The 3 main doshas are Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water). A person’s constitution type is dependent on whichever dosha that appears to be dominant. Each constitution type has particular strengths and susceptibilities.
Pita (fire) determines how you digest food, your metabolization of sensory perceptions and your emotions. Too much Pitta can lead to anger, criticism, acidity, ulcers, rashes and thinning hair. On the other hand, too much vata leads to worries, insomnia and constipation. Vata controls blood flow, waste elimination and your breathing. Someone with too much Kapha gains weight easily. Too much Kapah also leads to lethargy, congestion and allergies.

For an ayurvedic diagnosis, therefore, patients are classified by their body types which are determined by the proportions of the three doshas. When the doshas are not in balance, illness and disease results. Ayurvedic treatments are aimed at restoring harmony or balance to the mind-body system.

In Ayurveda, natural remedies are often used as treatments. For instance, herbal preparations may be prescribed. Often, an Ayurvedic doctor will advise a diet change as well. There is also a great focus on stress relaxation and Ayurveda can involve some deep relaxing massage techniques.

Today, there is rising interest in the area of Ayurveda holistic medicine by the western world. For instance, the neem plant which has been used for ayurvedic medicine for so many thousands of years, have been encapsulated after research and testing. Neem plant extracts are used for eczema, liver cleansing and other skin disease problems.

The rising interest by western doctors can only mean good news for us all. With more widespread awareness of ayurvedic herbs, people seeking treatment will find out that there are plenty of alternatives to conventional medicine. More choices and more analysis and information are privy to making informed health decisions for you and your family.

Source: http://www.holisticthoughts.com/uncategorized/holistic-medicine-ayurveda/

Oh, The Benefits((Glory)) of Tea

From Chamomile to Oolong, the endless benefits and the delicious taste of each can leave you refreshed and can give you that 'feel good' feeling- but which one is the most beneficial? Where health is concerned, all teas are not created equal.... Black, Green, White, Rooibos,Ginseng or Oolong each type of tea has an array of benefits... seep into my view on T E A.
Tea provides remedies for a broad spectrum of what ails you. It is known as natures 'wonder drug' and is a staple in many different cultures, especially from those in the China, India, and in the Middle East. Each culture has their own personal healing remedies-- tea can help this, it can cure that, don't drink too much of that... blah blah

All teas including white, green, oolong and black come from one plant: Carmellia sinensis. Each tea is determined by how the leaves are processed, how much fermentation, or oxidation, they go through. Whereas green and white teas are non-oxidized, oolong is partially oxidized, and black tea is fully oxidized.
All classes of tea – White, Green, Oolong
and Black –come from the same top
leaves and bud of the tea plant.
The following guidelines describe what
leaves are associated with what tea:
top bud ……………………………..……White Tea
top leaf and bud ……………..….…Green Tea
top 3 leaves …………….…………. Oolong Tea
top two leaves and bud ………….Black Tea
Herbal teas, by the way, aren't teas at all, but infusions made from leaves and flowers of other plants.

Green tea has been known as the miracle tea. It is made by a simpler process than black tea. The tea leaves are steamed immediately after picking. This leaves the leaves(interesting play on words) with plenty more anti-oxidants.In a study that took place in northeastern Japan, researchers found that over the span of 11 years, those who drank more tea were less likely to die of heart disease. In Japan, 80 percent of the population drinks green tea. (note Japanese Women have the highest life expectancy in the world)

Now, one of my personal favorites-- White Tea. A 2009 Kingston University study showed that white tea had high anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase properties which could potentially reduce the risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers, heart disease & slow the enzymatic break down of elastin and collagen (ie wrinkles or sagging) which accompany aging.


Cheers,
FDS
I leave you with a wonderful poem by Dale Ritterbusch

Green Tea

There is this tea
I have sometimes,
Pan Long Ying Hao,
so tightly curled
it looks like tiny roots
gnarled, a greenish-gray.
When it steeps, it opens
the way you woke this morning,
stretching, your hands behind
your head, back arched,
toes pointing, a smile steeped
in ceremony, a celebration,
the reaching of your arms.