Is Food Addictive?

Do you crave cakes, cookies and candies?

The second installment of a three part series on obesity in the National Post continues to emphasize the importance of diet over exercise in the battle to lose weight. This time, they examine the stimulating nature of certain foods and what make us want to eat more of them.

The article likens the affect that foods like fats, sugar and processed goods have on our brains to that of drugs. It claims that these foods are highly addictive and some people are unable to resist the urge to eat them in mass quantities.

The article goes on to note that lean people have learned to live with the urges and are able to eat unhealthy foods in moderation.

What do you think? Check out the article and post your comments!

Obesity 101: High on food and the chemistry of eating addictions

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Aging Gracefully?

I went to the International Anti-Aging Show yesterday to write a story for one of my class assignments. It seemed really interesting to me and I thought it would also tie in well to my blog.

Well, let me tell you that anti-aging is big business. From lasers and chemical peels to seaweed wraps and false eyelashes, people (read: women) will do just about anything to discover the fountain of youth.

What did surprise me as I was visiting the various exhibits was the lack of representation of the exercise world.

For me, fitness, anti-aging and living longer go hand in hand but as one of the other delegates pointed out to me, "People don't want to work for it, they want the fast fix."

I couldn't agree more.

Don't get me wrong, I wear makeup, use anti wrinkle cream and care about my appearance just like many of you out there. If someone wants to get botox or liposuction to feel more confident in themselves, I am all for it.

That being said, procedures and surgery should not be the only tools we use to live a longer, happier and more youthful life. Remembering the importantance of who we are on the inside, eating right and regular exercise need to fit in there somewhere.

What do you think? Post away!

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Do You Need To Exercise For Weight-Loss?

Source

An article in the National Post asks that very question.

This first of a three part series on obesity, shares the view that although physical exercise has many health benefits (lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, for example), an obese person could not possibly workout at a level that is needed to achieve weight-loss.

Furthermore, many people vastly overestimate the number of calories they burn during exercise and as as a result, eat more for their post-workout snack.

Contrasty, other researchers state that regular exercise does help reduce the visceral fat (found around the organs) that is dangerous at high levels. Exercise also targets abdominal fat and therefore, plays a key role in your weight loss strategy.


Before I share my thoughts, I want to know yours! Check it out:

Obesity 101: Is exercise a weight-loss dead end?


Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Move of the Month: The Push Up

Check out my very first video podcast.

Remember to consult your doctor before you begin any fitness program and perform exercises under the supervision of a certified professional.

Let me know what you think and post your comments below!

Stay Healthy,
Tracy