Why Does It Matter What We Eat?

Why does it matter, right? I mean we are all going to die someday, right? I hear this every time I visit my grandfather, but then again he always enlightens me on what he learned on that Food Network and what kind of salad he had this week... So, I feel like he knows better... Ha, I love you, Papaw!

I believe that all men are created equal, but all foods are not! Dr. Colbert says, some food should not be labeled "food" but rather "consumable product" or "edible, but void in nourishment." I say, Amen Brotha! There are two types of foods: Living & Dead foods!

LIVING FOODS:

Living foods are fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nute- exist in a raw or close to raw state and packaged in divinely created wrappers called skins and peels. Living food looks in fact alive. Living foods are plucked, harvested, and squeezed- not processed, packaged, and put on a shelf.

DEAD FOODS:

Dead foods are everything that living foods are not. They have been altered and deconstructed in every way imaginable way to make them last as long as possible and be addictive as possible! So, in order to do this manufacturers have to add sugar and salt and man-made fat.

Let's talk about the sugar real quick... Ever had a large party? Do you typically buy filet mignon for your cookouts or hot dogs... That is what I thought! When we are feeding the masses, we buy the cheaper alternative; manufacturers do the same to you and me. They have such a large quota to fill, so they cut corners. When adding to sugar to processed food, they add the cheapest sugar- bleached, refined sugar.

Now, I said, they use salt as well! Well, most of us know that is to preserve our food andenhance the flavor. What's a matter with salt? Well, nothing! In fact, even though it is zero calories it is an electrolyte and brings balance in our bodies. However, if we take in too much, pressure starts building in the body! We take in too much salt, and then required to take in too much water to filter out the increase in salt. Recommended Daily Allowance of sodium is 2400 mg to 3000 mg! Next time you are eating out, check the sodium count on your favorite dishes! Be aware, you cannot afford not to!

What's man-made fat? It is man made by taking natural oils such as vegetable oil for example (again cheapest oils) and heating them to dangerously high temperatures so that the nutrients die and become reborn as something completely different- a deadly, sluggish substance that is toxic to our bodies.

What do we do about these living and dead foods? Life breeds life. Death breeds death. When you eat living foods, the enzymes in their pristine state interact with your digestive enzymes. The other natural ingredients God put in them- vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and more- flow into your system in their natural state. These living foods were created to cause your digestive system, bloodstream, and organs to function at optimum capacity.

Dead foods hit your body like a foreign intruder. Chemicals, including preservatives, foodadditives, and bleaching agents, place a strain on the liver. Toxic man-made fats begin to form in your cell membranes; they become stored as fat in your body and form plaque in your arteries. Your body does its best to harvest the tiny traces of from these dead foods, but in the end you are undernourished, overfed, and overweight.

Myth Busters!

     So as some may know, I am working on my Personal Trainer certification to better help my clients seeking nutritional help! I have come across a handful of so-called "facts" that I want to clear up for everyone! If you have researched nutritional information through the internet or another source without the proper credentials, you've probably thrown your hands up in the air trying to make out all the contradictions! So, look no further, we are going to clear it all up today!

Myth: Large amounts of protein will increase muscle strength and size.

Reality: There is not evidence to show that consuming excess protein will increase muscle strength. In fact, when you do consume excess protein, what your body cannot use get stored as fat. Excess protein consumption can result in dehydration and place added stress on the kidneys and liver.

Myth: Eating honey, candy bars, soft drinks, or sugar before competing will provide a quick burst of energy.

Reality: Such foods that have a high sugar content a couple hours prior to the competition will raise insulin levels in your blood and consequently leaving you feeling tired and weak. The possible rebound is hypoglycemia. However, high carbohydrate foods consumed a couple hours prior will provide sustainable energy and improve performance!

Myth: Drinking water prior to and during exercise causes upset stomach and cramps.

Reality: Water is the most important nutrient to an exercising individual. Restricting fluids during exercise can cause sever dehydration and limit performance.

Myth: Carbohydrates increase weight gain, while protein promotes weight and fat loss.

Reality: Ok, this is a BIG one! There are so many crash diets out there saying this such as, Sugar Busters!, The Zone Diet, Atkins' New Diet Revolution, etc. The basic claim is that carbohydrates make you fat and insulin causes obesity. These diets focus on blood-sugar levels and blame carbohydrates for causing a sudden rise in blood-sugar levels. Wrong! As blood-sugar levels rise, insulin is released and sends sugar to the brain and to the muscles to be burned for energy, while excess gets stored as fat. These diets also claim by eating a high-fat/high-protein diet, the body will metabolize fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. However, there is no scientific evidence to back these diets' claims. The rapid weight loss people experience is primarily from water and protein loss from muscle, not fat. It also takes quite the toll on your organs that are apart of the GI tract because you are causing them to work in ways they aren't suppose to...

Myth: Muscle cramps are caused by inadequate salt intake.

Reality: Cramps are caused by excess water loss through perspiration. Ingesting salt tablets can aggravate existing dehydration by drawing water out of the body tissues and into the stomach. Water should be consumed before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration.

Myth: Taking vitamin and mineral supplements will provide more energy.

Reality: Don't get me wrong, I am ALL for supplementing! Let's face it, our body does not get the daily nutrition it needs no matter how much we try to meet the daily requirements. So, while supplementing is great for making sure we get those nutrients they only aid your body in releasing the energy from the food you consume! They do not provide energy solely.

Myth: Tea and coffee are the best pre-competition beverages.

Reality: Tea and coffee both contain caffeine, which is a stimulant. Some research does show that caffeine can increase endurance by increasing the use of fat as an energy source, thus sparing muscle glycogen, but not all individuals will experience this effect.

Myth: Crash diets are the fastest, most effective way to lose weight.

Reality: Crash diets typically ca provide you immediate results because it strips you of your muscle mass, glycogen stores, and water weight. When you are doing this, your body will be mal-nutritioned much like an eating disorder. It creates stress on your organs, electrolyte imbalances, calcium deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin and mineral deficiency. Really unless you are on Biggest Loser and being watched like a hawk, you should shoot to lose no more than 2 pounds a week. Set sensible goals!

Myth: Most low-fat foods are also low in calories.

Reality: Naturally low-fat foods such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes are low in calories as well. Foods that are manufactured to be low in fat are typically not low in calories. Flipping the product over to review the food label is a great idea! I always tell my clients to look at what you are eating. Pay now or pay later.

Myth: All-natural or herbal supplements are safe and effective in enhancing weight loss and improving overall performance.

Reality: I use to be bad about this. Many nutritional supplements are marketed using deceptive, misleading, or fraudulent advertising. I once thought there is no way it could be fraudulent advice, but there is really not enough restrictions on what is on the shelf and considered "edible". I do highly recommend you work with a health educator that is approved by your physician to help you find the best supplements. Doctors have about 3 hours of nutrition classes in schooling, so I think it is best when you work with both a Registered Dietician and your primary care physician.

     This is all the myth busters I have for you today! I hope you learned a few things that can be applied to your peak performance in your exercising sessions! If you have any supplementing questions, e-mail me at kayla@tntgetfit.com! Happy exercising everyone!

Source: ACE

Nopalea: World's Only Inflammatory Supplement

To My Readers,

I am all about bringing you the best knowledge I can find that I see can benefit you or has personally helped me be healthier and stronger! I just have one question for YOU! If  there was a cure for every illness or sickness that is caused by inflammation, would you want it? Without further ado, I bring you the world's only inflammatory supplement!

• Antioxidant Betalains

What they are 

Betalains are the pigments that give the Nopal cactus fruit its vibrant pink color. But that’s just the beginning. They’re also natural antioxidants—and they’re only found in a few of the world’s plants.

The Nopal fruit isn’t just included in this small group of special plants, it actually leads the group by containing one of the highest amounts of betalains in all of nature.

How they heal 

When you drink Nopalea, you take these betalains into your system, where they begin to restore your vitality on a cellular level. By helping the body reduce the toxins surrounding your cells and enabling essential nutrients to reach each cell, the betalains in Nopalea can reduce the inflammation in your body that leads to disease.

Scientific research shows that betalains help to:

• Reduces the risk of blood clots—betalains protect the thin lining of your blood vessels; this helps reduce the inflammation that makes your blood sticky and leads to clots.¹
• Reduces bad cholesterol—betalains strongly reduce oxidized LDL cholesterol.²
• Protects cells from toxins—betalains protect many types of cells, especially brain cells, from toxins known to trigger tumors.³
• Protects your liver—betalains provide significant protection from toxins that directly affect your liver.⁴

• Health Benefits

The power of betalains 

Harnessing the power of betalains, a rare and potent class of antioxidants that flourish in the Nopal cactus, Nopalea delivers scientifically proven health benefits.

Detoxify your body 

Every day, we’re exposed to toxins in our air, water and food—and even toxins created by our own bodies. Nopalea combines its betalains with other anti-toxic ingredients to combat these poisons where they strike us first: right inside the trillions of cells in our bodies.

By increasing the activity of CYP-2E1, a special enzyme that neutralizes daily toxins, Nopalea protects your cells and vital organs—especially your liver—against the carcinogens, hormone disruptors, respiratory toxins, developmental toxins and neurotoxins that are responsible for one-quarter of all the world’s diseases.

Reduce inflammation 

When toxins assault your system—or when injury or infection strikes—your body responds with a complex biological process commonly referred to as inflammation. If this inflammation goes unchecked, it can lead to a wide variety of disorders, from stroke to arthritis to heart disease.

Nopalea specifically targets signs of inflammation in your body and reduces them quickly.¹ Its betalains and other anti-inflammatory ingredients work directly on the fluid surrounding your cells. There, they draw off the toxins and excess water to reduce inflammation and rebalance the cellular environment.

Protect against premature aging 

Your skin is a miraculous covering that protects you from harm. Pollution, toxins, radiation and other potentially damaging influences are kept out of your body by your skin; vital organs are protected inside. One of the first signs of aging is thin, sagging, withered skin that is easily damaged.

Nopalea rushes to these damaged areas to shore up your protective layer. The betalains in Nopalea fill in the gaps of your cells (including the cells in your skin) and return them to the firm, robust nature of young cells — at any age. By providing a healthy environment for the cell, betalains keep it from withering.

More health benefits 

Want even more reasons to drink Nopalea? Scientific research shows that Nopalea also helps the body to:

• Increase energy
• Boost the immune system
• Protect against fluid retention
• Neutralize free radicals

Drink it and thrive.

• Sonoran Harvested

Low-impact harvesting 

Using sustainable wildcrafting techniques learned from native Sonoran ancestors, Nopalea takes only what’s needed from the extraordinary Nopal cactus. We leave most of the fruit on the plant to nourish the desert animals and ensure an abundant crop for future harvests. It’s our way of giving back, respecting the cycle of life and celebrating the harvest season.

High-impact wellness 

Immediately after harvesting, we transport the Nopal fruits to our state-of-the-art processing plant, where they’re juiced to a puree and blended with other all-natural ingredients to create a deliciously unique concentrated wellness drink. Using aseptic, sterile bottling techniques, we preserve the fruits’ purity and freshness—and we ensure the potency of its powerful antioxidant betalains.

• Research & Science

The Nopal cactus has been called a superfruit. That’s because its powerfulantioxidant betalains have been known to boost the health and well-being of all who drink in its powers.

But don’t just take our word for it. See what the scientific research community has to say.

Anti-Toxin activity

• “Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) protects against oxidative damage induced by the mycotoxin zearalenone in Balb/C mice.” (Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 May;46(5):1817-24.)
• “Opuntia ficus indica extract protects against chlorpyrifos-induced damage on mice liver.” (Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Feb;46(2):797-802.)
• “Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. fruit juice protects liver from carbon tetrachloride-induced injury.” (Phytother Res. 2005 Sep;19(9):796-800.)

Anti-Inflammatory

• “An anti-inflammatory principle from cactus.” (Fitoterapia. 2001 Mar;72(3):288-90)
• “Antioxidant betalains from cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) inhibit endothelial ICAM-1 expression.” (Gentile C, Tesoriere L, Allegra M, Livrea MA, D’Alessio P. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1028:481-6.)
• “Effect of Opuntia ficus indica on symptoms of the alcohol hangover.” (Wiese J, McPherson S, Odden MC, Shlipak MG. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Jun 28;164(12):1334-40.)

Immune System Boost

• “Betalains a betacyanin pigment purified from fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica induces apoptosis in human chronic myeloid leukemia Cell line-K562.” (Phytomedicine. 2007 Nov;14(11):739-46.)
• “Antioxidant betalains from cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) inhibit endothelial ICAM-1 expression.” (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1028:481-6.)
• “Modulation of intracellular calcium concentrations and T cell activation by prickly pear polyphenols.” (Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 May;260(1-2):103-10.)

Brain Protection

• “Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase expression in activated microglia and peroxynitrite scavenging activity by Opuntia ficus indica var. saboten.” (Phytother Res. 2006 Sep;20(9):742-7.)
• “Interventions for protecting against or treating alcohol hangover: systematic review of randomised controlled trials.” BMJ. 2005 Dec 24;331(7531):1515-8.)
• “Opuntia ficus-indica attenuates neuronal injury in in-vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia.” (J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar 8;104(1-2):257-62.)
• “Effect of Opuntia ficus indica on symptoms of the alcohol hangover.” (Arch Intern Med. 2004 Jun 28;164(12):1334-40.)
• “Neuroprotective effects of antioxidative flavonoids, quercetin, (+)-dihydroquercetin and quercetin 3-methyl ether, isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten.” (Brain Res. 2003 Mar 7;965(1-2):130-6.)

• Ingredients

SUPPLEMENTAL FACTS 

Serving Size 2 tbsp (1 fl oz) (30 mL) 
Servings per Container 32

Amount per Serving

%Daily Value*

Calories	11	0%
Calories from Fat	0	0%
Total Fat	<1>	0%
Cholesterol	0 g	0%
Sodium	.76 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	2.84 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	.32 g	0%
Sugars	2 g	0%
Protein	88 mg	0%
Vitamin C	2.5 mg	4%
Calcium	5.6 mg	0%
Iron	.1 mg	1%
Proprietary blend (Nopalea)	Total 907.15 g	†

Water (filtered), Opuntia concentrate (nopal concentrate), Agave Nectar, Grape Seed extract (vitis vinifera), Raspberry extract (rubus idaeus), Strawberry extract (fragaria chiloensis), Cranberry extract (vaccinium macrocarpon), Apple extract (malus omestica), Apricot extract (prunus armeniaca), Mango extract (mangifera indica) fruit, Orange concentrate (citrus aurantium) juice, Papaya concentrate (carica papaya fruit with papain), Tomato concentrate (lycopersicon esculentum) fruit, Kiwi concentrate (actinidia chinensis), Guava (psidium guajava powder), Lemon concentrate (citrus lionum juice), Opuntia concentrate (nopal concentrate) powder, Peach concentrate (prunus persica) juice, Pomegranate extract (punica granatum with ellagic acid and punocaligans), Green Tea extract (camellia sinensis), Beet (beta vulgaris) juice, Bilberry concentrate (vaccinium myrtillus), Acerola cherry extract (malphigia glabra), Amylase, Cellulase, Hemicellulase, Proteases [bromelain from pineapple (ananas comosus) and papain (carica papaya) from papaya, lipase, phytase], Stevia extract (stevia rebaudiana) leaf, Guar gum, Maltodextrin, Natural flavor, Cherry powder, Xanthum gum.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 

† Daily Value not establised.

• Secret Killer

To view this brochure on the reasons inflammation effects us all visit The Secret Killer.

If you would like to order Sonoran Bloom Nopalea or have further questions, you can do so by visiting SonoranBloom.com/13380527

Food Inc. The Movie

Are you all for positive change? 

Are you willing to take the plunge in educating yourself so you make better eating habits? 

You need to at least be on the fence to watch this! This is such an incredible movie! It is so educational and is nothing like you've seen before! You may think, oh Kayla that sounds awfully extreme?! My response, No not at all. This is information you deserve to know and thank goodness it is at a discount price! $10!

Why $10?

This is limited time offer! I found out about this through the Oprah show. She is an public influence that people either love or hate. Well, today you should like her; because, Amazon and Oprah have brought you this special offer! It is only $10 until tomorrow at midnight! So, hurry and order it! Order Food Inc. The Movie Now!!

What's The Big Deal?

What is my hype with this movie? I will tell you. This movie unveils the truth in the quality of foods that are available in the grocery stores. It is such pertinent information; it is so mind-blowing you will not be able to help remember all the amazing things! If you can't tell, I am ecstatic about this! Blog readers, this is going to change your life! Here is more information on this incredible documentary!

Food Inc.: Synopsis

This movie lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing how our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. Food Inc. reveals surprising- and often shocking truths- about what we eat, how it's produced and who we have become as a nation. Rated PG

"EVERYONE SHOULD SEE" - Washington Post

Growing Form of Child Abuse: Obesity

     The title may sound extreme, but looking at statistics alone, it should do a little more than raise the brow. Caretakers of children whether it be parents, grandparents, guardians and so on, must be educated on the biggest killers in the world, start with obesity. Let me must preface this at the beginning, I am not a parent; however, I am a provider for myself. In my pursuits of a healthy lifestyle, I cannot imagine how much more in tune/OCD I would be if I had a mini me running around. It is too early for me to be thinking like that for myself, but I think it is necessary for us to realize the severity of this obesity epidemic.

     The thought of a starving child really saddens us. Its devastating. The thought of a obese kid is... fill in the blank. What do you think of when you see an obese child? Do you laugh? Do you shake your head at the parents or caretakers? It should devastate us at the thought of an obese child, too.

FACT:

• 200 people die a year to anorexia.

 • 800 people die everyday due to obesity related                                                                        illnesses.

     There is no doubt there is a need for girls struggling with an eating disorder. A strong passion of mine is being an encouragement to those girls! I've been there; it was a life struggle for me as well. I gave the anorexia statistic to prove a point. We frown on the supermodels, we feel sad when we see children starving in third world countries, but we have neighbors, friends, and family members dying daily from over-feeding.

     MeMe Roth, co-founder of N.A.A.O. (National Action Against Obesity) is a passionate activist geared towards saving America by making us thinner. She is all about making  lifestyle changes, exercising, and eating the right amount of portions and types of foods. She is firm and

 goes with the tough-love method thus the uproar with her in the media as "allergic to fat people".

Check out this Youtube video! MeMe Roth speaking on a specific case of an obese child whose life is now staged for hardship and pre-mature death. Child Obesity Child Abuse

FACTS: Government Study based on Children Ages 6-11

• 1971-1974: 4% overweight

• 1988-1994: 11% overweight

• 2003-2004: 19% overweight

     Children who begin their life looking like the picture above deal with much more than losing weight. There is a lot of overcoming that has to take place for them to try to live a normal life. They are dependent on their caretakers just as they were when they were an infant. Obesity causes anyone to go back to the state they come into this world, fully dependent. If the beginning of their life was different, they wouldn't have to retract to full dependency.                       

     Caretakers are the parental guidance and ultimately get the last say in what children do and what is available to a child. Just like you would do everything in your power to prevent starvation, you should prevent children from over-eating. You wouldn't think a guardian was fit if they starved a child? Do you think they're fit guardians if they over-feed their child? I say no.

     

     It is only going to get fixed if each guardian takes responsibility for those they are in charge of and make health-conscience decisions. It begins at home! We are in a society where everyday is seen as a treat! We reward with food, plan events around feeding times, and eat emotionally. Treats are for holidays! Just like Madonna clearly points out, it's one day out of life! It would be, it would be so nice! So, let's find healthy recipes kids can try!

Healthy Kid-Friendly Recipes

Quick Breakfast: Yogurt Parfait

Breakfast: Oatmeal with a Twist

Afterschool Special: Smoothie

Easy Dinner: Turkey Tenderloin

Cooling Off: Homemade Popsicles

     These are only a few of ideas. Getting children involved at the grocery store can be a creative way to get them trying new things. Let them pick one fruit or vegetable, they will try (don't have to like) and you will help them with an appropriate recipe. They are venturing out slowly! They are responsible for finding a unique food. It's an experiment. It's an adventure. It's a positive way to try new things! Getting children comfortable with food is a positive way to get them involved. You are less likely to be filling their plate with chicken and fries and justifying it by saying, it's all they will eat. I kindly disagree. I think it is all they will eat because it is all they are exposed to. Ultimately, kids are copycats. They will mimic your every move. Ending this child obesity starts with us. We are the example. We are the leaders. Where will you lead?

Fibromyalgia: Helped With A Better Diet

     So, I recently had a teeny, tiny fender bender while running an errand for my dad's company. Is was quite an hike and partially inconvenient. What could have been an exchange of phone numbers and asta la vista turned into a fiasco. At one point, she claimed she developed fibromyalgia due to the terrible, terrible accident. Considering the zero amount of damage; it was quite the fib. My lack of compassion for her grew to curiosity, what is this disease and how can you get it? Is this reversible by a change in health habits and exercise? Long story short, her claim for fibromyalgia didn't fly, and here is why.

How It Works: Fibromyalgia

     Fibromyalgia is caused by a low level of serotonin in your blood. When serotonin is low, it increases pain sensitivity. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that works to

 calm, soothe, and reduce anxiety. Now, the body has its own endorphin painkillers, but if serotonin is low then substance P amplifies pain signals.

Causes: Fibromyalgia

     This can be genetic in the sense you can be prone to it. It is common amongst those who lack physical activity and eat poorly. It also intensifies with one who is also struggling with depression. It is prevalent in women especially those who are experiencing menopause or just a loss of estrogen. Trauma to the central nervous system can also cause this disease.

What Doctor Mercola Says:

     Studies have not been proven that foods will fix chronic diseases such as Fibromyalgia. These health tips can apply to all peoples fighting obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or diabetes.

Suggestions For Those With Chronic Illness:

• Limit Sugar as Much as Possible- Insulin (sugar) increases pain levels. Grains are metabolized as sugar so limit intake of grains as well.

• Eat Fresh Foods- Foods containing additives work against you increasing

 symptoms.

• Avoid Caffeine- Fibromyalgia's symptoms include fatigue, this means caffeine will prolong this symptom and increase tiredness in the long run.

• Try Avoiding Nightshade Vegetables- Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Eggplant

• Be Careful with Fats- Animal fats that contain omega-3 fats tend to aid in inflammation and pain.

• Use Yeast Sparingly- Yeast can contribute to yeast fungus which can contribute to pain.

• Avoid Pasteurized Dairy- This is easily digested by those struggling with this chronic illness. Especially organic grass-fed cow milk.

• Cut Down on Carbs- If you deal with chronic illness you have low adrenal functioning, lowering your carb intake can help avoid hyperglycemia.

• Avoid Aspartame- This artificial sweetener is found in sugar-free products and diet soda contains a chemical called excitotoxins. This activates neurons and increase pain sensitivity. Sugar-free foods are usually high in carbs (which convert to sugar) so try to avoid all together.

• Avoid Additives- Food additives increase pain sensitivity such as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

• Limit Junk Food- Junk food tears down your immune system, disrupts your sleep, and irritates your muscles. Junk food of course contributes to weight gain which increases the amount of pain.

You may not suffer from fibromyalgia, but you have to take care of yourself so you can avoid this horrible disease. Educating yourself is one of the best ways to be healthy! Stay healthy my friends!

Sources: Health.com, Mercola.com, WebMD.com, National Fibromyalgia Association

Diabetes in America

In this day and age, it's all about how fast can we get it! In America, I think it is careful to call ourselves a rushed society! Is this backfiring? I say, absolutely! I wanted to raise awareness to followers today about diabetes, how it's evolved, and what we can do to help reverse it. 

This is so important because Diabetes is ranked #3 on America's 7 Most Deadly Diseases. Diabetes occurs when your body's cells become resistant to insulin that your body is producing. Your body then isn't getting the glucose it needs.

America's Most Deadly Diseases:

#1 Heart Disease

#2 Cancer

#3 Diabetes

#4 Obesity

#5 Muscular Degeneration

#6 Infertility

#7 Depression

How Do You Know If You Have Diabetes?

Many people can adjust to the side effects and have it for quite some time before being aware and getting treated. Symptoms include frequent bathroom trips, unquenchable thirst, weight loss, weakness and fatigue, tingling in hands and feet, blurred vision, and dry, itchy skin.

We expect to stay well if we opt for low-cal this and reduced-fat that, ask for seasonal vegetables for dinner, skip a meal (to lose temporarily weight), or even drink diet soda. (Don't get me started on diet drinks.) Perhaps, you are making healthier choices for you and your family. Those I just rattled off are not enough to keep you from avoiding these main causes of death. It all comes back to diet and exercise. I believe living life to the fullest. I want to be in optimal health so if you do too, please keep reading.

Glad you're still with me because I think that the above paragraph was probably a bit hard to hear. We as a whole are over-scheduled, have long commutes, and have no time for self or family. Hear are some of the ways we have created an unhealthy environment for one another. 

8 Ways We've Made Ourselves Unhealthy:

• Elevators

• Escalators

• Telephones

• Snow-blowers/Leaf-blowers

• Cars/ Buses/ Trains

• Food Availability

• Fast Food

• Vending Machines

I am not saying, I have never used these in my life. I am just bringing awareness to how we do things quicker and more time-efficient! If there are healthier alternatives such as stairs... take them! While you're at it, walk on your toes up the stairs! Great calves here you come!

Statistics: Did You Know?

One in four Americans eat fast-food daily.

We set the example and pace for the next generation. This is why this is so important. It is easier to follow by example than to change the world. If we created a healthier living environment now, it will be much easier for future generations to take better care of themselves. How many times have you created a habit doing something your mother or father did? You do it because they did it. 

As consumers we have the ability to change what is available is in our supermarkets. What you ask the manager for and what you buy most of will in return be what they carry more of. You have the power for change. Be the difference you wish to see in the world, my fellow friends!

Statistics: Did You Know?

50% of Americans' food dollars go to eating out.

The average American is 47 lbs. heavier than the average American 50 years ago.

(I think my butt gettin' big?!)

Aren't we all looking to reduce our costs overall in this economic time? Eating healthier and exercising more is cheaper in the long run!

Statistics: Did You Know?

 74 million dollars goes to treating those with health issues due to smoking every year.

222 billion dollars goes to treating those with health issues due to obesity-related every year.

12.7 billion every year is dumped into fast food advertising.

Every year each American eats 47 burgers. 

(I don't eat meat so someone is eating enough for me.)

1.1 billion every year is promoting vegetables.

Side note: If you were in the health care biz or fast food campaigning, why would you fix this when it generates so much money for your pockets?

Now, my point is your health is all you got even when you lose everything. Nobody is going to look out for you like you look out for yourself. So, do just that! I would like to say there is someone we can blame or sue, but it is really our own fault. Here is how you can better yourself and those that look up to you: 

*By walking 30 minutes a day, you decrease your chances of diabetes by 30%.*

People who suffer with diabetes die younger by 13 years. There are many complications in their life like blindness and losing blood circulation that causes you to lose limbs. There are also a loss of kidney function, increase in gaul stones, liver failure, asthma, sleep deprivation, and leading to being dependent on medicare. This is not a road you want to travel if you can avoid it. Did you say your mom has it?

Statistics: Did You Know?

Adult Diabetes: 

If you have no family-related people with it. our chances of getting it is 5-10%.

If you have a sibling with it, your chances of also having it increases to 30%.

If you have a twin with it, it increases your chances by 80%.

People who are diagnosed with diabetes typically have a high BMI (Body Mass Index). You can check your BMI by going to the Dept. of Health and Humane Services and putting a few things such as weight and measurements to calculate it. It will also tell you if it's high or normal.

The rushed society aftermath is taking a toll on the kids of America. There is now child diabetes which is the first ever! 

Statistics: Did You Know?

Every hour a child watches tv, they consume an extra 160 calories.

By the time they graduate high school, they will have watched 19,000 hours of tv.

19,000hrs. x 160 cal. = 3,040,000 extra calories

This is what I would say is "rushed society aftermath". We are paving the way for the future of America to be a sick society full of disease. This is a scary statistic. It makes me want to jump out of my chair right now and do something. It starts with us one by one creating a better lifestyle for ourselves and our future and our kids' future. 

What We Can Do To Help!

Individually: 

• Breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby's life decreases their risk of obesity.

• Eating as a family or with others tends to keep you from over-eating.

• Eating colors is a healthy way to look at it.

• Take your child(s) to the store and let them get involved by picking one fruit/veggies they've never had before.

• Set limits- television time, junk food allowance

• Kids should play outside. Kids need physical activity.

Community:

• Walk when you can

• Get involved in local races and walks whether it be running the race or supporting someone who is.

• Visit your nearby parks more.

Business:

• Ask employers about adding a wellness program on insurance, giving rewards to healthy people.

• Ask for gyms at work especially large corporations or a discount to the local gym.

• Ask for healthier food options in the cafeteria or have workshops on reading labels to raise awareness.

Politics:

• Reduce junk food advertisements.

• Food stamps for healthier options.

• Insurance agencies creating wellness programs and rewarding healthy people.

• Increase the quality of public school foods that are available to the kids.

• In schools, create a mandatory class on nutrition education.

Diabetes is no laughing matter. We as a whole must improve our won quality of life so that others will follow. We have to take a stand for ourselves and others. You don't have to do much to stand out. You have the power for change, change for our future here in America. Be the difference!