Are you at risk for metabolic syndrome?

What is Metabolic Syndrome?  Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a “group of risk factors that increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and perhaps some types of cancer.”  Currently there is not one set definition used to diagnose MetS but one commonly used definition comes from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel […]

Pedometers May Help You Move More

Do you ever hear yourself saying “I need to exercise more” but then another week passes and your sneakers are still collecting dust?  Do you need a little added motivation to get moving?  If so, a pedometer may help.  “According to research from over 26 studies, pedometer use was associated with a significant increase in physical […]

Meeting Nutrient Needs After a Workout

Many athletes think about what they are eating before exercise to improve performance, but they don’t realize that what they eat afterwords affects recovery time and muscle development.  If carbohydrates are consumed immediately after a workout, they can enhance the rate that glycogen stores are made.  Use the following as a general guide if you exercise […]

Nutrition Needs During Exercise

If you are participating in endurance exercise that lasts longer than 1 hour, it can be helpful to include some carbohydrates during your exercise.  This has been found to help athletes run longer and harder during endurance activities and stop-and-go sports.  Eating carbohydrates during exercise is particularly helpful when you have low levels of muscle glycogen. How Can […]

Feeling Fatigued…Exercise May Help

Do you feel like your energy levels are low?  Next time you feel like you could use a pick-me-up, don’t reach for the “energy drinks” or sugary snack.  While these items may give you a “quick fix”, they will often leave you feeling even more tired about an hour or two later.  Instead, reach for […]

Exercise May Help with Depression

Experts have believed that exercise can help with depression for years, but now there is scientific evidence to support these beliefs.  In fact, research has found that exercise works as well to help with the symptoms of depression as psychotherapy and pharmacological treatments.  This is very important since 20-59% of people discontinue antidepressants within 3 […]

Reward Yourself…You Deserve It!

When you make positive changes in your life, is important to reward yourself.  Rewards act as positive reinforcement, they keep things fun, and they can be strong motivators.   Some days, motivation to eat right and exercise is high, and let’s face it, on other days it just doesn’t seem to be there at all.  When […]