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Supplements are a great way to get the nutrients you are not getting through your diet. They make up for any deficiencies you may have. They are an important part of a well-rounded nutritional plan.

If you want to get the very most out of the supplements you are taking, liposomal vitamins are a recommended option. These are vitamins that are packaged in a pocket of fat cells that preserve the nutrient. They improve absorption within the body.

This article will go into more detail about liposomal vitamins so you can determine if they are best suited to your dietary needs.

What are Liposomal Vitamins?

Liposomal vitamins are nothing new. They have been integrated in health routines since the 70’s. However, they are currently being more widely recognized for the health benefits they provide.

Liposomes are made up of bubble-type particles that form a membrane around a nutrient. The membrane is made up of phospholipids which are also found inside the body. They are in every cell of the body and work to aid or hinder nutrient absorption.

Researchers found that when liposomes are combined with nutrients, they wrap around them forming a protective shell. The shell keeps the nutrient intact as it travels through the body. It finally enters the bloodstream for ultimate absorption.

Absorption is further aided by the fact that the liposomes are made up of phospholipids that are recognizable within the body. This allows them to bond to tissue membranes, and then the cell membranes in the intestinal wall before they enter the bloodstream ensuring high bioavailability.

What are the Benefits of Liposomal Vitamins?

The main benefit of liposomal vitamins is their ability to aid with absorption. However, the protection they offer the nutrient works as a two-way street.

In addition to protecting the vitamin from the stomach acids that break it down as it travels through the body, it also protects the stomach from the vitamin. This means the supplement is less likely to cause digestive issues or toxicity.

Liposomal vitamins also provide all the benefits of the vitamin itself. So if you are taking a vitamin to boost immunity, it will still work to protect against illness. The liposomal component will simply ensure that it does so more efficiently and more effectively.

Which Vitamins are Found in Liposomal Form?

Any vitamin can be manufactured in liposomal form, but the process is more likely to be used on vitamins that are not easily absorbable as well as those that are linked to toxicity. They include:

  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is often found in liposomal form as it is not highly absorbable. Up to 50% of regular vitamin C is lost in the body via urination.
  • Vitamin D: Liposomal vitamin D is recommended as regular vitamin D causes toxicity that can lead to bone loss, kidney failure and gastrointestinal issues.
  • Vitamin K: It’s rare for vitamin K to cause toxicity on its own, but it is fat soluble and can combine with other fat-soluble vitamins to build up in the body resulting in toxic effects.

Supplements are an important component of healthy living. Liposomal vitamins ensure optimal absorption leading to an improved level of wellness. Will you be adding them to your dietary routine?

Tans-fats, saturated fats, healthy fats, unhealthy fats… it can be hard to determine which you should be adding to your diet and which you should be avoiding. This article will explain the different types of fats, so you know how to plan a healthy meal routine.

Why Do We Need Some Fat in Our Diets?

High fat content is a bad thing. But we need some amount of fats in our diet for the following reasons:

• They help us stay warm
• They provide us with energy
• They contain essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6
• They absorb vitamins A, D, and E. The body would not be able to absorb these vitamins without fat consumption.

What are the Different Types of Fats?

There are four different types of fats as follows:

• Monounsaturated Fats: These are healthy fats that should be consumed in moderation.
• Polyunsaturated Fats: These are healthy fats that should be consumed in moderation. They are a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 which your body can’t make on its own.
• Saturated Fats: These are unhealthy fats that should be avoided.
• Trans Fats: These are unhealthy fats that should be avoided.

How Much Fat Should I Be Eating?

So exactly how much of these fats should you be eating? Here’s a quick breakdown.

• Men should keep saturated fat consumption to under 30g a day
• Women should keep saturated fat consumption to under 20g a day
• Men and women should keep trans-fat consumption to under 5g a day.
• Children should be eating less trans fats and saturated fats than adults.

There is no real limit on the amount of healthy fats you should be eating per day. However, foods with healthy fats tend to be high in calories so make sure not to overdo it.

Are Low-Fat or Lite Foods Better?

When grocery shopping, you will come across items that are labeled as ‘lite’ or low-fat’. Are these foods really better for you?

For food to be considered ‘lite’ or ‘light’, it must have at least 30% less fat than the original product. For it to be labeled ‘low-fat’, it must have less than 3g of fat per 100g of product.

The good news is that light and low-fat foods will be lower in fat. However, companies may add extra salt or sugar to the product to make up for the lack of fat. It’s best to check the label of the foods you are buying to ensure they are healthy.

How to Avoid Unhealthy Fats

Here are some tips for avoiding unhealthy fats:

• Cook with vegetable oils and add them in limited amounts
• Reduce your intake of processed meats
• Use vegetable oil and nut-based spreads on sandwiches
• Consume low fat milk and cheese
• Avoid snacks that are high in fat

Fats are an important part of any diet. But it’s essential to stick to healthy fats and avoid those that are unhealthy. Now that you know which is which, you can plan your diet accordingly. We wish you the best of luck achieving your nutritional goals.

Milk is an essential part of most people’s diets. It’s a terrific source of calcium. It’s used in a variety of recipes, and without it, cereal would be dry and tasteless.

But when you get to the store, you may have trouble choosing the milk product that’s best for you. With choices including skim, 1%, 2% and whole, it can be difficult to decide which to bring home from the market. While some types of milk have higher fat and calorie content, others are said to be more nutritious.

So which should you choose? This article will break it down for you.

Skim, 1%, 2%, Whole: What’s the Difference?

First, let’s start by getting one thing clear. All types of milk contain 13 essential nutrients. The nutrient counts vary slightly depending on the milk you are drinking. But if you are choosing whole milk because you think it’s more nutritious, you are getting very minor benefits if any at all.

So that leaves us with the fat and calorie breakdowns. These are as follows:

• Whole Milk: 150 calories, 3.25% fat
• 2%: 120 calories, 2% fat
• 1%: 100 calories, 1% fat
• Skim: 80 calories, 0% fat

The Controversial Fortification Process

Many people question the nutritional value of lower fat milks because they are fortified.

Low fat and skim milks are processed to reduce fat content. This causes them to lose some of their nutrition. The nutrients are restored through a fortification process that many find to be controversial due to the techniques and ingredients used.

While the fortification process is questionable, it can result in a product with even more nutrients.

Here is a breakdown of how each type of milk adds up in terms of the nutrients they contain.

• Whole Milk: 8 grams protein, 9% of the daily value of potassium, 27% of the daily value of calcium, 5% of the daily value of vitamin A, 24% of the daily value of vitamin D
• Low-fat Milk: 8 grams protein, 9% of the daily value of potassium, 29% of the daily value of calcium, 9% of the daily value of vitamin A, 29% of the daily value of vitamin D
• Skim Milk: 8 grams protein, 10% of the daily value of potassium, 29% of the daily value of calcium, 10% of the daily value of vitamin A, 25% of the daily value of vitamin D

New Study on Aging

If you are looking for anti-aging effects, you may want to stick to milks with a lower fat content. A 2020 study showed that drinking nonfat or 1% milk accounts for 4.5 years of reduced aging in adults.

Telomeres are nuclear end-caps of human chromosomes that are closely related to aging. They replicate and become shorter as time goes on. The older people get, the shorter their telomeres are.

The study revealed that people who drink high fat milk have shorter telomeres and show greater signs of aging.

So which milk should you drink? With pros and cons in associated with each, it may just come down to a matter of taste. Which will you be including in your diet?

Sugar is bad for you. Fruit is good for you. But fruit contains sugar. So how can both statements be true?

This article will break it down so you can determine if the sugar in fruit is good or bad.

Are Fruits Loaded with Sugar?

When we talk about harmful sugar, we are typically talking about table sugar and high fructose corn syrups which contain glucose and fructose, usually in equal measure. These ingredients can negatively affect metabolism if consumed excessively.

Fruit also contains fructose. So, is fruit bad for you?

The answer is no. The fructose content in fruit is so low that it will not harm your metabolism. It is safe to eat for most people.

Fruits Take Time to Chew and Digest

Fruits have a high fiber and water content. They give fruit chewing resistance meaning they take time to chew and digest. As a result, the fructose hits your liver slowly causing less of an impact.

In addition, the fiber and water in fruit are good for you. Fiber is beneficial to digestion. It reduces cholesterol, and it helps the body process sugar. It also makes you feel full, so you don’t snack as often.

Water hydrates the system helping maintain body temperature. It lubricates joints and protects the spinal cord. It also aids with excretion.

What About Fruit Juice?

While fresh fruit is good for you, you should be careful when consuming fruit juice and dried fruit. These should be added to the diet in limited quantities if at all.

While juice has the vitamins and antioxidants fruit contains, it does not require chewing. Therefore, it will hit your liver faster causing more of an impact.

Also, be warned. If you are drinking a fruit drink that is not 100% juice, the sugar content will be even higher and more detrimental to health.

If you enjoy fruit drinks, consider making yourself a smoothie with whole fruit, ice, and water. Smoothies are typically good for you but be careful of what else you add to the mix.

Dried fruit is also not a great option because, unlike fresh fruit, it does not have a high water content. And because dried fruit pieces are small, you are likely to consume larger quantities increasing your intake of sugar and calories. However, it is still better than eating no fruit at all.

When to Avoid Fruit

Some people are advised to avoid fruit because they are allergic to it or because it causes digestive issues. You may also want to eliminate it if you follow a low carb or ketogenic diet.

Ketogenic diets aim to reduce carbs, so your body changes the way it processes sugar into energy. Fruits tend to be high in carbs and are not recommended for this type of diet.

Conclusion

Fruit may contain sugar, but its water and fiber content balances any harmful effects. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants making it a beneficial part of any diet. Which kind is your favorite?

In the past, we were told that too much cholesterol was a bad thing. More recently, we have learned that there’s such a thing as good cholesterol. So now it’s all about keeping good cholesterol and bad cholesterol in balance.

But what’s the difference between good and bad cholesterol? And how can you ensure that both are under control? This article will provide you with the information you need.

What’s the Difference Between Good and Bad Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that builds up in the arteries. The two types of cholesterol are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or ‘good cholesterol’ and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or ‘bad cholesterol’.

HDL is good because it absorbs cholesterol and carries it to the liver removing it from the bloodstream before it can build up in the body. LDL takes cholesterol directly to the arteries. This can cause a plaque buildup that can result in a heart attack or stroke.

Triglycerides are another component found in good and bad cholesterol. They are stored as fat in the blood. They can build up in the bloodstream when you eat more calories than you burn. They also increase the risk of heart conditions.

How to Improve Your Cholesterol Levels

There are several things you can do to lower your triglycerides, reduce your LDL levels, and increase your HDL levels. These include:

Eating a Healthy Diet: Ensure your diet is optimized for the right cholesterol balance by reducing saturated fats, eliminating trans fats, eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, increasing soluble fiber, and adding whey protein to your routine.

Engage in Physical Activity: Physical activity is great for increasing HDL levels in the body. You can improve your cholesterol by doing moderate exercise 30 minutes a day five days a week, or by engaging in vigorous physical activity 20 minutes a day three times a week.

Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking dramatically improves your HDL cholesterol levels. Within a year of quitting, your risk of heart disease will be 50% less than that of a smoker.

Drink Alcohol in Moderation: Moderate consumption of alcohol has been linked with higher HDL levels. The benefits aren’t strong enough to recommend alcohol to anyone who doesn’t drink. But if you do drink, it’s best to keep consumption under control.

Lose Weight: Even a few extra pounds can contribute to a high cholesterol level. Getting the right amount of physical activity and following a healthy diet will help to keep your weight regulated.  

See a Doctor Regularly: Everyone should have their cholesterol levels checked regularly, especially if you are at high risk for heart disease. An LDL count of 100 or less is considered normal. HDL counts should be 40 or more for men, 50 or more for females. Your total cholesterol, including HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, should add up to no more than 200.

Cholesterol isn’t all bad. Taking the proper measures will keep LDL and triglycerides low while allowing good cholesterol to do its thing. How will you be promoting a healthy cholesterol balance in your diet?

Trying to determine what foods to eat to help you reach your fitness goals can be overwhelming. With so many diets on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one will be best for you. Nutrigenomics may be the key to finding the best foods to eat.

Nutrigenomics is a science that helps you determine an optimal meal plan based on your genes and how they interact with nutrients. Read on to find out how it can help you with weight loss, disease prevention, and general wellbeing.

What is Nutrigenomics?

Nutrigenomics determines how your genes will react to certain types of nutrition. For example, You FTO gene is related to metabolism. Variants in the gene will be telling of your body’s metabolic processes.

You can work with a dietician to find a meal routine that works best with your genetic makeup.

Nutrigenomics can also be valuable in disease prevention. Here are some examples of how they can help boost your wellness:

  • If you are likely to develop high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you may choose a diet that is low in fats and sodium.
  • If you eat a lot of sweets, you can create a diet that counters sweet cravings lowering your risk of diabetes.
  • You can find out how your body responds to macronutrients like fat, protein, and carbohydrates to come up with a diet that’s ideal for weight loss.
  • You can determine a diet that’s optimal for fat burn.

Nutrigenomic Testing

Nutrigenomic testing is as easy as swabbing the inside of your mouth. The swab is sent to a lab for testing. The lab may analyze 70 or more genes. You will get your results weeks later.

Although nutrigenomic tests are available in drug stores, you will need to work with a professional to understand your results. They will help you come up with a diet that will minimize your risk of disease and optimize your fitness levels.

Other Factors in that Affect Your Health

Genetics play a key role in your health and fitness. But it is not the only factor that weighs in.

The PREDICT 1 Study gathered data from 1000 participants, more than half of whom were twins. They ate specially designed muffins. Afterwards, testing was done to measure fat, insulin, and glucose levels in their blood.

Researchers also collected information on the participants’ exercise and sleep habits. They used stool samples to measure their gut bacteria.

Findings showed that:

  • Macronutrients play a major role in blood sugar levels.
  • Gut bacteria has the biggest effect on blood lipid levels.
  • Genetics has a bigger impact on blood sugar levels than lipids do, but not as great of an impact as the nutrients you consume.

This indicates that genetics is only one part of what helps you reach your fitness goals. They are also affected by diet, exercise, sleep, and gut bacteria.

Conclusion

While nutrigenomics is not foolproof, it allows you to pinpoint the foods that are best for your health. It helps you come up with a plan uniquely suited to your body’s needs. It’s an effective way to lose weight, prevent disease and improve quality of life.

When people are trying to lose weight, many switch from regular soda to diet soda. After all, trading close to 150 calories for 0 calories seems like a no brainer. And it’s a relatively easy trade off.

But recent studies show that drinking diet soda can actually make you gain weight. So, is there anything to it? Read on to find out.

The Study

A study published in JAMA online shows that drinks made with sucralose, a zero-calorie sweetener, can stimulate appetite in some people.

The study looked at two groups that experienced a reduction in the hormone that inhibits appetite. One group was given a sucralose sweetened drink and the other was given a sugar-sweetened drink. The group with the sucralose sweetened drink was shown to eat more after consuming it than the group with the sugar sweetened drink.

The Reasoning

So why did people react this way?

Researchers feel it may be due to the drinks with artificial sweeteners causing a “greater brain reward activity”. However, the reaction was only present in females and obese people. Males and people with regular weight were not affected in the same way.

Scientists provide further insight stating that they felt artificial sweeteners may confuse the body into thinking something sweet is coming.

“You are supposed to get sugar after something tastes sweet. Your body has been conditioned to that,” explains Susan Swithers, a behavioral scientist at Purdue University.

“But diet soda may lead to a disconnect. The sugar never arrives, and this may blunt the body’s anticipatory responses and throw off the ability to efficiently metabolize sugar that’s consumed later.”

More Detrimental Effects

Further research shows that when animals that consume artificial sweeteners are given real sugar, their blood sugars rise higher than those who do not consume artificial sweeteners. This causes the body to produce more insulin to absorb the sugar thereby increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Best Drinks for Losing Weight

So, what should a person drink if they are looking to lose weight? Here are some recommendations.

• Water: Water is a great weight loss beverage as it’s zero calories, it offers hydration, and it’s effective in flushing the system.
• Green Tea: The antioxidants in green tea increase fat burning and boost metabolism. It has a low caffeine content that can provide energy during workouts.
• Coffee: If you are looking for the full benefits of caffeine for weight loss, add coffee to your diet.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which may stimulate weight loss and decrease fat accumulation.
• High Protein Drinks: High protein drinks promote fullness, so you eat less. They also provide energy during workouts.
• Vegetable Juice: Vegetable juice has been shown to decrease carb intake and increase vegetable intake making it an optimal weight loss beverage.

If you are looking to lose weight, switching to diet soda may not be the best solution. Try eliminating it from your routine to see if it reduces your cravings for sugary food. We wish you good luck reaching your weight loss goals.

You have just lost a significant amount of weight. Congratulations! But now you have a new problem. The loosened skin. What can you do about that?

Loosened skin after weight loss can put a damper on your fitness goals. But there are ways to deal with it. This article will review the best solutions.

Why Does Your Skin Become Loose After Weight Loss?

When you gain weight, your skin expands to allot for the increased growth. During pregnancy, skin expands, but it will typically snap back after the nine-month gestation period. But if you’ve been overweight for a significant amount of time, collagen and elastin fibers will become damaged and the skin will not be able to retract.

As a result, the skin will hang loose from the body. Generally, the greater the weight gain and the longer the person has been obese, the more loose skin they will have.

What To Do About Loose Skin

There are a few remedies that will help the skin tighten up. They include:

Resistance Training

Resistance training, or weight training, will help to increase muscle mass that can improve the appearance of loose skin.

Collagen Supplements

Taking a collagen hydrolysate supplement may make up for the damage caused by obesity. Studies have shown that taking a collagen supplement for 12 weeks can increase skin elasticity, texture, and hydration. It is especially effective when taken alongside vitamin C and E, zinc, and biotin.

Protein

Certain types of protein, such as the amino acids lysine, and proline play, can aid with collagen production.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen synthesis.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The omega-3s found in fatty fish can increase skin’s elasticity.

Water

Staying hydrated can have a positive effect on skin’s appearance.

Firming Creams

Firming creams that contain collagen and elastin may be somewhat beneficial in tightening skin, but it’s best that the processes occur from the inside out.

Body Contouring

Body contouring involves making an incision to remove excess fat and skin. Typically, multiple surgeries are performed to complete the process. The procedure can be done on several parts of the body as follows:

• Abdominoplasty: Also called a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty removes excess skin from the abdomen.
• Lower Body Lift: This is performed to remove skin from the belly, hips, buttocks, and thighs.
• Upper Body Lift: This procedure addresses the breasts and back area.
• Medial Thigh Lift: This is used to remove skin from the inner and outer thighs.
• Brachioplasty: Also called an arm lift, this involves removing the skin from the upper arm.

Radiofrequency Treatment

This alternative treatment uses infrared light, radiofrequency, and massage to reduce loose skin.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound will not remove loose skin, but it may reduce pain and discomfort associated with loose skin.

The loose skin associated with weight loss can be the one downside of reaching your fitness goals. The methods in this article can help remove it so you look and feel your best. We wish you luck in attaining the body you’ve always dreamed of.


In today’s fast paced world, many of us eat quickly shoveling down food so we can get on to the next task. Not only is this bad for digestion, but it can also lead to weight gain. Studies show that fast eaters are 115% more likely to be obese than slow eaters.

This article will look at the science of how fast eating can contribute to weight gain and how you can slow down your eating habits to keep weight under control.

Why Does Eating Quickly Lead to Weight Gain?

After you eat, your body releases a hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin tells your brain that you are full, so you stop eating.

However, it takes about 20 minutes for the process to complete itself. So, if you eat too quickly, you don’t give ghrelin enough time to communicate feelings of fullness to the brain and you keep on eating.

One study showed 4,000 middle aged adults who said they ate very fast to have weight issues which began when they were around 20.

Another study showed men who were fast eaters gained twice as much weight over a period of time as compared to those who claimed to be slow or medium paced eaters.

The Benefits of Eating Slowly and Weight Gain

When you eat slowly your brain has enough time to tell your body you are full, so you eat less.

One study looked at a group who ate 10.5 ounces of ice cream on two separate occasions. The first time they took five minutes eating the ice cream. The second time they took 30 minutes eating the ice cream.

They reported feeling increased levels of fullness when they ate the ice cream slowly.

How Do You Eat Slowly?

If you are used to eating fast, you may not know what’s required to eat slowly. According to experts, it’s all in the chewing.

So exactly how slowly should you be chewing? There really is no set standard. However, one study found that chewing each bite for thirty seconds reduced snacking throughout the day.

You can also slow down your eating with the following habits:
• Avoid eating when you are very hungry.
• Set your utensils down between bites so you can chew more slowly.
• Eat foods that require a lot of chewing such as those that are high in fiber.
• Drink water with your meals to promote feelings of fullness.
• Before you start eating, set a timer for 20 minutes. Aim not to be done with your meal until the timer goes off.
• Avoid watching TV or using electronic devices while eating. They will cause you to lose focus on your chewing.
• If you find you are eating too quickly, take deep breaths and refocus.
• Note that it will take time to get used to your new eating habits. Be patient as you adapt.

If you are looking to lose weight, eating slowly could be the key. Now that you know the steps to take, you can start adapting in your everyday life. We wish you luck reaching your fitness goals.

Are you tired of ho-hum workouts? Are you looking to reach your goals in an innovative way? Then you might want to experiment with some unusual exercise routines. Here are a few that are effective.

Pogo

The pogo stick is back!

This vintage toy which you jump up and down on can get you burning up to 600 calories an hour. And, since you are not making direct contact with the floor, it’s easier on your joints than running and jumping rope, even though it provides similar results. If you can master the balance aspect, you’ll have tons of fun.

Backwards Running

Backwards running may get some second glances, but it’s a good way to work out. It targets muscles you don’t hit when running forward. It’s also lower impact than regular running and it uses 30% more energy making for a more effective workout.

Desk Workouts

If you sit at your desk all day, you are likely to begin feeling stiff and lethargic. A quick workout will get the blood flowing so you boost productivity and burn calories. Many moves can be done without even leaving your chair.

For example, you can do oblique twists which require rotating back and forth on a swivel chair while holding on to your desk. Seated leg extensions require kicking your legs straight out while in a seated position. Or you can do glute squeezes which involves simply squeezing your glutes and holding and releasing while seated.

Zuu

This workout originated in Australia and involves mimicking the movement of wild animals. A Zuu exercise routine may include crawling around the floor like a bear, swinging out your arms like a gorilla and other weird and primal movements. It has yet to catch on in America, but if you search the internet, you will find Zuu workouts that will get you burning some serious calories.

Inverted Workouts

Inverted workouts can be done on an inversion table or by simply hooking your feet onto an elevated bar. Once in the upside down position, you can do inverted rotations, sit-ups, crunches and more. They are great for getting the core in shape and they relieve stress on the joints and spine to improve range of motion.

Inverted workouts can be beneficial to fitness, but they are not for everyone. Talk to a doctor before trying an inverted workout if you have any injuries or blood pressure issues.

Surf Workout

A surf workout will get you in shape without having to dip a toe in the water. Certain fitness facilities offer equipment that allows you to mimic the movement of surfers so you can get bikini bod ready. The workout is great for the core and promoting balance.

If you are tired of the same old workout, these unusual routines may be worth trying out. They are fun, effective, and unique. Which will you be experimenting with the next time you branch out with your physical activity regimen?