Men's Health

Nope, this isn’t about gasoline prices but, the fact that millions of Americans are running out of physical and emotional energy. Also, this isn’t directly referring to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but the growing number of people who suffer from being tired all of the time

Our active lives – balancing family, career, friends etc., poor diets, lack of rest and lack of proper supplementation have created an energy drain among most of us. We all end-up trying to burn the candle at both ends (some of us even burn the middle) and zap the strength and energy we need to maintain optimal health.

So what’s happening in the body to cause us to feel tired all of the time? The constant stress and our poor diets weaken our adrenal glands (responsible for the body’s ability to adapt to stress and fatigue-as well as many other functions in the body).  When these lifestyle choices continue over time, the body is unable to keep up with our demands and begins to suffer in many different ways. Fatigue is just the most obvious effect.

In order to help re-build your energy stores it’s essential to add more Greens to your diet. This includes fresh salads and even juicing.  In this case, a supplement like Kyo-Green or Green Vibrance could be great additions to your everyday diet. Greens act to purify the body and promote increases in energy and well-being. It is a win-win!

It can also be beneficial to try taking a look at a few key nutrients. Taking a closer look at each of these will better explain why they are so helpful in getting you back on the road to more energy.

Magnesium activates enzymes that contribute to energy production and helps regulate the levels of important nutrients like calcium, copper, zinc, potassium and Vitamin D. While you can get magnesium from foods like whole grains, nuts and leafy green vegetables, most of us need a supplement to reach the recommended daily value: 400 mg magnesium with 600 mg calcium. One of our most popular combos is: Solgar Calcium/Magnesium Citrate

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid and a building block for the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. Chronic stress can deplete your level of tyrosine and contribute to feelings of exhaustion. Tyrosine supplements should be taken in 500 mg doses 3 times a day, at least 30 minutes before meals.

You might consider: Kal’s L-Tyrosine 500mg

Melatonin known as the sleep hormone is naturally occurring in the body and can improve circadian rhythm and help you fall asleep faster. This improved rest will help the body to recharge your batteries so you can feel more energetic each morning. There are many great brands to choose from here: Melatonin

L-theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green and white tea. It helps produce a calming effect in the brain. It is thought that this is why green and white tea can cause a restful alertness (due to low levels of caffeine and L-theanine). L-theanine helps control mood which in-turn will aid the body in dealing with stress. You can find several brands here: L-theanine

B-Complex is the last part of this program. Since it’s best never take one B-vitamin by itself, you need to make sure you are getting the synergy provided by taking all of the B-vitamins. Also, other B-vitamins like Folic Acid, B-6 and B-12 will have a positive effect on your fight against fatigue.  Among our most popular brands is Solgar, but we have many more for you to choose from here: B-Complex

Folks worried about their heart health will be relieved to learn that a number of recent studies suggest that you already have a cheap yet very powerful weapon against heart attacks, strokes and other heart disease conditions. At a cost of less than $2 it sits, waiting, on your bathroom counter and is none other your humble toothbrush.

Researchers have found that people with Periodontal Disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from Coronary Artery Disease as those without Periodontal Disease. One study even found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (Gingivitis), cavities and missing teeth, were as good at predicting Heart Disease as cholesterol levels!

How can that be? Some studies point to the culprit in the, ‘bad gums = heart disease’ connection as an inflammatory process. They explain that plaque build-up at the gum-line, produces inflammation which sets-off a cascade of events producing inflammation in the arteries of the heart.

Oral bacteria may provoke inflammation, which may increase levels of white blood cells and C-Reactive Protein, or CRP, Will said. C-Reactive Protein is an inflammatory marker found in the blood that has been linked to Heart Disease.  A form of this protein called, ‘Highly Sensitive CRP (or hs-CRP) is considered a good predictor of recurrent heart attacks. The hs-CRP is also associated with lower survival rates, according to the American Heart Association.  Consumer Reports cites a recent study that found periodontal therapy actually reduced patients’ levels of CRP.

Yet most recent studies point to bacteria rather than CRP as the connection between Heart Disease and Gum Disease. Researchers at Howard University did a retrospective look at 11 studies that examined the connection between Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease.

Results point to a strong correlation between subjects’ levels of systemic bacteria, the presence of Periodontal Disease and the development of Heart Disease.  “They found that individuals with Periodontal Disease whose biomarkers showed increased bacterial exposure, were more likely to develop coronary heart disease or atherogenesis;” which is the formation of artery-blocking plaque, according to study results published by the American Academy of Periodontology.

Periodontitis has been linked in multiple studies not only to heart disease, but also Diabetes complications, pneumonia, stroke and even premature births.

The milder form of gum disease is gingivitis and, with proper treatment, it usually can be reversed with improved oral care and mouth rinses. The more aggressive form is periodontitis, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.  When the gums become red and inflamed due to poor oral hygiene or a disease in the body affecting soft tissue, “the spillover of bacteria gets into the bloodstream,” said Gayle Will, deputy health editor of Consumer Reports.

Another study by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York looked at people with no known Heart Disease, and the levels of bacteria in their mouth. They found people with higher blood levels of certain oral bacteria were more likely to have clogged carotid arteries in the neck, which can cause strokes.  Yet the lead author of that study, Dr. Moise Desvarieux, said the results could lead to the old “which-came-first, the-chicken-or-the-egg” question. It is difficult to know for certain whether one caused the other and further research is needed.

Still, he suggests, even if severe gum disease doesn’t cause Heart Disease, it could be just as important to know if Gum Disease is a precursor to heart disease. That’s because Heart Disease is difficult to diagnose before patients are symptomatic — and sometimes by then, significant damage is already done.

Why not begin to make changes to safe-guard your heart health today?  You can easily start by establishing a routine of flossing and brushingafter each meal, followed by a refreshing natural mouth rinse. This is especially important as a bedtime habit.  A lot can happen to your mouth in eight hours — especially when you’re sleeping and bacterium are gathering on your teeth.

So start your new routine today!

Best Health,

-Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

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Has the novelty of having the kids home from school worn-off – for both you AND the kids?! Yep, it’s that time of year again – the younger half of the household is more restless than usual and getting the blues, while the adults try to downplay their relief!  Back-to-School!!

So let’s start with the wake-up.  If you don’t own a trumpet but, would still like to get the kids out of bed quickly – Take at least a week to slowly shift your kids’ sleep schedule back to meet their needs: At least 10 hours of sleep for six to eleven year olds and at least 9 hours of sleep for ages twelve and above.

To avoid having your carefully prepared bag lunch find its way immediately into the trash when out of your eyeshot – Make Lunch a Team Effort- When it comes to creating healthy, yet desirable school lunches, the trick is to involve the kids in planning and preparing new lunch ideas. Offer them 2 or 3 healthy options each day. When your child chooses one, ‘team-up’ to make and pack the lunch. Whether it’s spreading on condiments, rolling up tortillas or filling baggies; the effort will give kids a sense of pride when sitting down for a healthy lunch! Together come-up with a collection of favorite sandwiches and offer-up a fresh variety each day of the week. When children become bored of their school lunch favorites, often most of their lunch ends up in the trash instead of their tummies.

Be creative when using basic sandwich staples. Think chicken and corn, ham and avocado, cheese and carrots or cream cheese and jam. While there is no way to ensure that your child is not trading away their food, you are preventing them from buying school lunches which consist of mostly processed food.

TIP 1 – Crunchy nuts make great snacks for older kids.

TIP 2 – Avocado is the perfect substitution for mayo on a sandwich.

TIP 3 – Pack meals in small portions as children tend to snack on several items at once.

And then there’s always the sneaky method of tricking your kids into eating healthier meals.  Let’s Play Hide n’ Seek with Veggies! Preschool children consumed nearly twice as many vegetables and 11% fewer calories over the course of a day when researchers at Penn State added pureed vegetables to the children’s favorite foods.

In their study, published July 25, 2011 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers served vegetable-enhanced entrées to 39 children between the ages of 3 and 6 on three separate days. “We incorporated several vegetables into the dishes, including broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes and squash,” said Maureen Spill, a post-doctoral fellow in nutritional sciences and the study’s lead author. “We were pleased to find that the children found the vegetable-enhanced versions to be equally acceptable to the standard recipes.”

According to Spill, the children ate the same amount of food regardless of the vegetable content of the meal. AND they found similar results when they served vegetable-enhanced meals to adults.

OK, even so – you’re not always sure that they’re getting enough balanced nutrition – we’ve got some amazing supplements – specially formulated just for kids!

Like: All-1’s Childrens Formula Vitamins & Minerals Powder which is a whole food powder and allows for better absorption.  It’s Hypoallergenic with no colorings, flavorings or sweeteners and contains not only a complete vitamin profile but important chelated minerals and amino acids too!

Or: Flora’s Kinder Love Childrens Multivitamin this formula provides Calcium, Herbal Extracts, B Vitamins and Vitamin C, A, and E making it an ideal multi-vitamin supplement to help maintain all-round health and vitality in children whose diet may be deficient in some of the nutrients they need.

And how about:  NutriBalance Children’s Formula which is intended to provide easily assimilated nutrition to support proper mental functioning and gastrointestinal health. It’s loaded with a balance of essential vitamins and minerals – but, it also contains probiotics to assist with digestion and has no yeast, wheat, corn, sugar or dairy products.

Best Health!

-Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

I have some homework for you, but don’t worry it won’t require any calculus or Shakespeare literature.  The next time you go food shopping, take a look at the ingredients list on the food you buy. I can almost guarantee that you will find one of these ingredients in your food:

• Corn
• Soy
• Wheat
• Gluten (common in many wheat/grain products)
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Peanuts

These foods won’t kill you per se, but they are known allergens and depending on the individual they can truly make your body feel sub-par. Many people think an allergen is something you have a physically visible reaction to. For example, many people are allergic to peanuts and have a serious adverse reaction to them. However, this is not always the case with these other allergens.

Why would you want to eliminate these foods, well here are a few reasons.

Tummy Problems:

If you have an gastrointestinal issue that has difficulty going away, like IBS, food intolerances, bloating, gas, indigestion, irregular bowel movements, then eliminating these foods from your diet may, and likely will, relieve or remove these symptoms.

Skin Issues:

If you experience acne or any other skin issues like eczema, dry skin or your skin just isn’t clear, eliminating these foods may give you insight as to the culprit of the problem. By eliminiating these foods, your liver will have the opportunity to actually cleanse the body and not worry about removing these allergenic foods.

Allergies:

If you deal with chronic allergies, not a specific food allergy  (like peanuts), but sinus issues or other allergy symptoms, then perhaps your body is trying to tell you something.

Inflammation:

Chronic inflammation can be very painful and depressing. Dealing with chronic inflammation, such as back pain, nasal issues, or other inflammatory responses can be reduced with eliminating certain foods and introduces others. The body does an excellent job at healing itself, and inflammatory response are the body’s way of trying to clear up and resolve a problem. But how can it do so without the proper nutrients?

I know what you’re thinking. Yes, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat and gluten are in a lot of foods, a lot, and yes it is hard to avoid these things. But it is not impossible, I know because I have done this exact program.

As one of my favorite professors, Dr. Sheldon Watts, once said, “Eat as close to the farm as possible.” Although most of us live very farm from farms, we can find foods in the market that are not processed or filled with corn, soy and the such. By eating more fruits and vegetables, and gluten free grains like oatmeal, buckwheat, brown, rice and quinoa, this program is absolutely possible. Add protein like, Purity’s Ultra Protein Vanilla Shake, wild salmon, free-range chicken, bison meat, or lamb.

This may seem difficult, but by eating healthier in just a week you will feel 10 times better than you thought you could.

Side Note:

• Try to avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, soda, and black tea. Opt for ginger tea, decaf organic coffee and WATER!
• If you can try to buy organic or free-range chicken. Bison meat is naturally free-range. Also, wild fish like wild salmon is a much better option, given the additives that are found in farmed fish.

-Ralph

If you like my blogs follow me @nutritiondocnyu on twitter!

“It’s generally believed that having a nightcap may aid sleep, especially getting to sleep” says Seiji Nishino, Director of the Sleep & Circadian Neurobiology Lab at Stanford University School of Medicine. “This may be true for some people who have small amounts of alcohol intake. However, it should be noted that large amounts of alcohol intake interfere with sleep quality and the restorative role of sleep.”

This was no surprise – For a long time researchers have known that large amounts of alcohol shortens the length of time that it takes you to make that transition from full wakefulness to sleep (or Sleep Latency); increases your slow-wave sleep (SWS) and suppresses rapid eye movement (REM) during the first half of your sleep. During the second half of sleep, REM increases and sleep becomes shallower.

How do they know what happens? A study just released that was done on the acute effects of alcohol and the relationship between sleep and heart rate variability (HRV) during sleep, has shown that alcohol interferes with the restorative functions of sleep. Alcohol directly affects overall sleep architecture,” said Yohei Sagawa, a physician in the Department of Neuropsychiatry at the Akita University School of Medicine.

For this study, they gave 10 healthy, male university students with (average age of 21.6), 3 different alcohol beverages at 3 week intervals: 0g (control), 0.5g (low dose) or 1.0g (high dose). On the day of the experiment, a holter electrocardiogram was attached for a 24-hour period; the student was instructed to drink one of the 3 alcoholic beverages 100 minutes before going to bed; and polysomnography was then performed for 8 hours while they slept. The researchers were focused on the relationship between the students’ heart rate variability and their sleep.

The team found that alcohol increased heart rate and interfered with the restorative functions of sleep — and the more alcohol the participants drank, the greater the effect. “Although the first half of sleep after alcohol intake looks good on the EEG, the result of the assessment regarding the autonomic nervous system shows that drinking leads to insomnia rather than good sleep.”

The effect on habitual drinkers might be even worse, a study co-author said. “This study evaluated the effects on sleep after only a single dose of alcohol and easily found negative health consequences,” Seiji Nishino, said in an August 2011 news release. “Many people habitually drink alcohol and if the reduction of healthy parasympathetic nervous system activity during sleep occurs routinely as the result of drinking, the negative health consequences may be much larger and could bring about various diseases.” It is reported that habitual drinkers with high blood pressure are often associated with reductions of parasympathetic nerve activities.”

Sagawa agreed. “Many alcoholics and habitual drinkers suffer from insomnia” and it’s been shown that “suppressed parasympathetic nerve activity is the result of alcohol drinking. Thus, it is concluded that suppressed parasympathetic nerve activity is associated with insomnia, which includes difficulty getting to sleep, early-morning awakening, lack of a sense of deep sleep and difficulty maintaining sleep.”

But don’t worry – skip the nightcap!  At House of Nutrition we’ve got some incredible sleep aids that won’t break the bank!

Solgar’s – Sweetest Dreams Gaia’s – Sound Sleep Liquid Phyto-Caps

Natrol’s – Sleep n’ Restore Enzymatic’s – Fatigued to Fantastic Revitalizing Sleep Formula

Not a “pill person” – prefer a liquid?  We’ve got you covered too! Check-out:

Herbs etc.’s (Alcohol Free) – Deep Sleep Bach’s – Rescue Remedy Sleep

Michael’s – Sleeping Spray Herb Pharm’s – Relaxing Sleep Tonic Compound

And find many more sleep solutions here:  House of Nutrition – Sleep Aid

Best Health!

Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

1. Call your mom (or anyone else who may take the place of ‘mom’ from time to time) for NO reason whatsoever. Have no motive. Just say hi. Ask them how they’re doing. Don’t talk about yourself. Moms LOVE this kind of stuff.

2. Find somewhere local that you can volunteer for one hour this week. It takes 3 minutes (Google or craigslist: 1 min + possible 2 min for email/phone call). A lot of gyms & studios (the YMCA included) will trade off volunteer hours for classes – great way for some instant Karma rewards. Go.

3. Call an old friend. Take 30 minutes out of Tumblr/Facebook/TV time and actually dial the digits. It’s not as scary as you might think. No pick up? On to the next. Speaking to a friend at least once a week can enhance friendships. Texting? Not so much (and I’m the queen of texting, I hate talking on the phone). Aside from a good thumb workout, texting doesn’t enrich. We like voice.

4. Bake something for someone else. Depending on your goals, you might not want to keep baked goods easily available, but what happens when you want ONE cookie? Make the full recipe for others. Tons of healthy recipes out there: always good to give someone something fresh. Bring them to work, school, the gym etc. (beware of allergy policies) and, if it’s healthy, print out a few copies of the recipe & nutritional content. It makes you feel good.

5. Go read. A real book, with pages. If you’re not used to reading, find something short, perhaps an old favorite. Sit under a tree. Seriously, when’s the last time you DID that? Feels good, your brain will feel alive after. (turn off your cell phone)

6. Wake up early and MAKE breakfast at home. Eggs, bacon, toast, scramble, parfait. Sit and eat your breakfast without rushing. It’s an awesome way to feel ‘weekend-y’ during the week.

7. Go for a walk. Yup, that’s it. Walk. Outside.

8. Compliment your friends on things they DO or how they make you FEEL. “I admired how organized you are”. “You make me feel calm.” “I think you’re really great at _______ “. Avoid commenting on their looks for one day. Try it.

The list could go on and on. What would you include?  What’s on your instant-karma list?

Anti-depressants are as common today as beanie babies were in the 90s. Whenever someone tries to tell me that they are on anti-depressants they act as if it’s such a crime. I get the wandering eyes, the awkward smile and then the whisper, “I’m on anti-depressants.” Yeah, well, so are about 27 million other Americans, and almost 121 million American are depressed. Why? Well, that requires a lot more writing and time than we both have. But perhaps I may suggest a few natural mood elevators.

Feeling stressed, anxious, agitated, down, blue, unmotivated? I know I sound like an infomercial but really, feeling this way is not fun at all! Before taking the plunge for the prescription, perhaps its best to consider the natural route. Here are a few natural ways to feel back to your old self.

1. 5-HTP:
   1. Many people also know this as 5-Hydroxytryptophan; it is derived from the amino acid tryptophan (the Thanksgiving turkey bedtime nutrient). This nutrient helps raise natural serotonin levels in the brain. Studies have shown 5-HTP to alleviate depression symptoms better than prescription medications AND… way less side effects.
2. SAM-e:
   1. SAM-e is no stranger to the body, as it is found in every human tissue. Research has shown the beneficial anti-depressant effects of SAM-e. But even more surprising is that SAM-e works even faster than most anti-depressant medications. Try taking 400 active milligrams of SAM-e, which should come in a foil blister pack to preserve its efficacy.
3. Omega-3 Fish Oil
   1. Fish oil? To elevate your mood? Yes, I know it may sound off but many studies are showing the effects that fish oil has as an anxiety reliever. A recent article in ScienceDaily showed that fish oil relieved anxiety in young students. The most amazing part of this research is that it was done on young medical students, which means that it may even have a greater impact on middle-aged and elderly people.
      

      Don't fake happiness, be happy!

Trying to deal with a depressed mood is difficult, but if you’re reading this now, it is important for you to understand that you can make the fix and get on to feeling brand new.

Cars, like humans, require gasoline and the better (high octane 87,91,93) the gasoline the better the car drives. Well, the same goes for us humans. If you tend to eat a lot of white foods like breads, sugars, and starches along with other less healthy options, then you’re less likely to feel upbeat and motivated. Your body wants to stay clean, just like a car engine, and eating low quality foods will make you feel lazy. Try cutting back on the simple carbs and throw in a few extra apples, pears or cherries here and there, and I’m sure your body will crave the veggie/fruit goodness.

When you see your doctor to discuss your options, it may be a good idea for men to get their testosterone levels checked. Commonly, depression and fatigue can go mis-diagnosed as a low testosterone issue. So that may be a hidden cause worth taking a look at.

As always, consult with your doctor to decide on your best options. But remember, keep your mind free and your options open!

-Ralph Esposito

Will Toothpaste destroy the common pimple?! Why, Yes! Because common, boring old toothpaste is usually high in sodium content, it dries out your pimples. But, most toothpaste does not have any ingredients that will directly control your acne breakouts or kill the bacteria-causing those pimples.

Therefore, this treatment is only best for overnight or “emergency” purposes. Let’s say there is a huge pimple sitting comfortably on top of your nose the night before a very important date.

You can take a pea-sized paste, spread it on top of the pimple and let it dry overnight. Or you can simply leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off.  Either way, you’ll be minty fresh and have dried-up that pimple quite a bit.

But we’ve got some even better suggestions! Try out:

Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment

This incredible all natural acne spot treatment is actually clinically proven to reduce and improve the appearance of blemishes without irritating skin. Salicylic acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark extract, penetrates pores to help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. Meanwhile Tea Tree, Calendula, Yarrow and Parsley extracts help soothe skin and reduce redness and Borage Extract promotes healthy skin resulting in clear and smooth skin, naturally.

We also carry: Dermisa’s Acne Treatment

Another clinically proven treatment this vanishing formula is enriched with Aloe Vera to help soothe skin. It also dries-up excess oil that can plug pores and cause acne AND unlike toothpaste – it is gentle on the affected skin and will not irritate, peel or dry it while effectively combating acne-causing bacteria.

We have a couple of great homeopathic formulas for you too!:

Nelsons Acne Gel

This well-known healing, soothing homeopathic remedy is designed to relieve acne, pimples and blemishes. It is made from organically grown healing plants and homeopathically prepared sulfur.

It contains soothing, healing ingredients: Hypericum perf, Calendula, Arnica, Sulfur and Tea Tree Oil in a ‘no-mess’ Water soluble gel base.

Liddell’s Acne Formula

This amazing product works from the inside out. A Homeopathic treatment that draws on centuries of holistic science to treat blemished skin naturally and effectively; it relieves symptoms associated with acne, such as pimples and blemishes, redness, itching as well as, inflammation. Treat acne, reduce redness from broken capillaries and reduce inflammation all in a safe, natural way. This is an advanced sublingual (under your tongue) “two sprays, three times a day.” AND it helps to prevent the occurrence of future breakouts!

So now you get to choose between these….or toothpaste.  Even so, there are a few new habits that you need to develop: (1) Eat healthy, (2) exercise regularly, (3) don’t sleep on your face and wash your pillow case frequently, (4) get enough sleep, (5) wash your hands regularly, (6) manage your stress, and (7) Do NOT pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples.

Best Health!

-J. Ricks, CHC, AADP

A simple drink that can keep skin healthy, erase sun damage AND reverse the signs of aging!

While there’s no shortage of products on the market that help you look younger, you can also drink nutritious Green Drinks that have scientifically documented anti-aging benefits.

It’s true: Consuming Green Drinks on a regular basis can repair damage, prevent premature aging and keep your skin taut and wrinkle-free. Green Drinks like Vibrant Health’s Green Vibranceare a specially formulated mega-concentration of grasses, green vegetables and natural fibers. They are some of the lowest-calorie, lowest-sugar and most nutrient rich foods on the planet! The power of the nutrients in deep green leafy vegetables to heal and rejuvenate a body is unmatched by any combination of synthetic medicines or supplements.Green Drinks have been credited with everything from cures for cancer to super weight loss enhancers.

How?

Green Drinks infuse your body with easily absorbed vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids,chlorophyll, micro-nutrients and antioxidants in a way that is extremely easy for your body to immediately absorb and put to use. Being highly alkaline which will reduce any physicalacidosis, they also help to boost your body’s energy levels and remove toxins from yourlymph system while encouraging new cell growth.

What’s in them?

Spirulina an amazing blue-green algae, is just one ingredient commonly found in high quality Green Drinks.  According to New York University Langone Medical Center, Spirulina is high in B Vitamins, carotenoids and essential minerals and is loaded with protein. Your skin consists primarily of proteins collagen and elastin, which break down as we age. Spirulina is one of the richest sources of protein and selenium is essential for protein synthesis, states the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Several factors contribute to aging, such as inflammation, sun exposure and free-radical oxidation that damages cells and tissues. There is even some evidence that Spirulina may help fibromyalgia and there are even reports that it aids in weight loss.

At House of Nutrition we carry an assortment of high quality Green Drinks which are as refreshing as they are nutritious:

Here are a couple of Green Drinks that you can carry with you anywhere!

Nature’s Plus Source of Life Green Lightning Energy Drink (20Pkts)

Allergy Research’s ProgreensStickpack(15 packs)

Mix these with your favorite juices!

Kyolic’sKyo-Green Drink Powder

Crystal Star’s Energy Green Renewal Drink Mix

Or try a flavored Green Drink:

Garden Greens SpiruGreens Drink Vanilla

Garden Greens SpiruGreens Drink Chocolate

       You can easily pack-in a lot of nutrition with Green Drinks, but you won’t be getting any of the natural fiber, and the sugars in them will go directly into your bloodstream – so carefully check the label to make sure that you choose one with minimal amounts of sugar. Green Drinks are an extremely beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle – although it’s not a substitute for a balanced diet. So eat well and Drink Green!

Best Health

-J. Ricks

You can have your vacation AND eat it too!

Relaxation is essential for optimal health, especially a wonderful vacation during this final summer month. Vacation, however, doesn’t mean you have to step away from your eating lifestyle. I commonly hear, “Oh, I’m on vacation, it’s impossible to eat healthily,” or “I’ll get back to my healthy eating habits when vacation is over.” No, it is possible to eat healthily while on vacation and let’s hope that vacation doesn’t take you out of your healthy eating groove.

When you’re at home you have to plan and prepare for your dieting. You have to buy the right foods, you have to have those healthy options in the house and keep those tempting foods far away. So why should vacation be any different? Yes, I understand that it is hard to avoid those deep-fried Oreo’s on the boardwalk. Yes, those $15, all you can eat buffets, are a great bang for your buck, but they’re definitely ways to beat these food demons.

As you plan to leave for your vacation, if possible, bring a bag full of fruits. Apples, pears, peaches, strawberries are all excellent fruits to bring. When you find yourself in the hotel room, and the munchies hit, it would be best to grab an apple instead of heading for the vending machine or room service.

Water is your friend, and it’s always easy to find. Before heading out to that buffet or the boardwalk, drink an ice-cold bottle of water. It will help keep your appetite down and prevent going up for seconds or dare I say, thirds.

What do cheesesteaks, cheese fries, chicken wings, fish and chips all have in common? They’re vacation favorites, and they’ll gladly increase your blood sugar. One way to help control your blood sugar is through fiber. The aforementioned foods all have zero fiber, and fiber is key into controlling your blood sugar and keeping cravings down. Fiber capsules are an easy and convenient way to maintain a healthy fiber intake and to keep those cravings away and keep the belly full. Glucomannan (also know as Konjac on the Dr. Oz Show), a soluble fiber, is a great fiber to cut hunger. This fiber, acts like a sponge in the digestive track. It absorbs water and takes up space in the stomach making you feel like you ate more than you did.

Drinking your calories is the easiest way to a big belly. Alcohol, contrary to common belief, is more calorically dense than protein and carbs. A gram of alcohol gives your 7 calories, whereas protein and carbs give you 4, only to leave at 9 calories per gram. Thus, it is very easy to drink a meal of beer or liquor. Those happy hours can be fun, but try sticking to light beer or avoid calorically-dense mixers like soda or fruit cocktails.

I am not a food saint; I do overeat or splurge at times, so I understand that we like to enjoy ourselves on vacation, but it is a good idea to know how often and when to enjoy your meals.

We all, consciously or not, try to prepare for the beach body, but let’s try to continue the plan even after the beach.

P.S: I highly recommend bringing digestive enzymes with you on vacation. If you’re not used to eating out a lot, it might be wise to bring those enzymes to lessen the stress on your digestive system.

Here are a few products that may make your vacation much easier:

• Nature’s Way Glucomannan: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/gluc2.html
• Yerba Prima’s Soluble Fiber: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/046352001869.html
• Nature’s Plus Acti-Zyme: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/097467044548.html