Tag: cholesterol

Great Blood Work Results Can Be a Side Effect of Eating Properly
Eat to live! Don't Live to Eat

Great Blood Work Results Can Be a Side Effect of Eating Properly

Dawn Silva/InitiateWellnessLeave a comment

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Maybe you want to change your diet to lose weight, maybe that’s your only goal, or maybe you want to lower blood sugar, cholesterol or blood pressure. Whatever your goal is, it will happen when you are diligent in adopting new good habits.

One of the first things that I have experienced happening with my clients is their improved blood work results. That shows that your body IS changing even if you can’t see it. If you stay committed you will see further results. Keep in mind that your body heals from the inside out just as it gets “out of order” from the inside out; for example, you’re fit and trim, you begin eating processed foods, junk foods, fatty, deep fried and sugary foods – at first you feel fine, but soon you begin feeling sluggish, eventually you step on a scale and see you have gained weight etc. This happened from the inside, out; it doesn’t show up right away because it’s inside wreaking havoc first.

What does it mean to eat right? First, it doesn’t mean that you must deprive yourself or count calories. When you truly eat right, calories shouldn’t matter because eating properly is not that hard to do. Eating right means not over-indulging at any meal, eating slower, and eating whole foods instead of those that come from a box, jar or can, unless you or someone you know has canned them personally of course, and limiting or replacing sugary snacks and drinks with healthy low-sugar options. It’s that simple.

Whole foods are foods that are as they came from the ground, tree, animal or sea. These foods have not been broken down and mixed with chemicals and preservatives; nor are they pre-cooked as are many processed, boxed, canned or frozen foods. Most low-fat options such as dressings, crackers/cookies/pastry, and most other foods with the exception of dairy are strongly discouraged by the holistic standards because they are worse for you than their full-fat partner due to the added sugar in most low-fat options; plus when we choose low-fat we often tend to think it’s okay to use more since it has less fat – this leaves you with even more sugar! Read labels.

Do your body a favor, surprise your doctor and omit the need for medications to keep your body in healthy balance. Eat properly, get regular exercise whether intense if that’s your thing or a more relaxed form of exercise if you prefer.

The bottom line is calories in always must be lower than calories burned if you want to lose weight, proper foods are the key to great blood work results and portion control helps all the above. Make gradual changes until these changes become habits that you no longer must think about; let it come naturally. Not sure how to begin? Contact me and I will help you ease into a healthy, happy lifestyle.

To your good health!

Cholesterol
Eat to live! Don't Live to Eat

Cholesterol

Dawn Silva/InitiateWellnessLeave a comment

What is cholesterol?

It is a type of fat made in the liver to help bile production. Your body makes some cholesterol on its own and is needed to help digest food, make vitamin D and hormones; sex hormones to be precise. Your liver will produce more cholesterol when you eat trans-fats and saturated fats; if these are part of your regular diet, it will lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels.

What are the dangers of high cholesterol or high LDL?

LDL is low-density-lipoprotein and you want to keep this number low; HDL is high-density-lipoprotein and this level is best when kept high.

Three common risks of high cholesterol levels are heart attack, stroke and insulin resistance which can, and usually does, lead to diabetes if healthy changes are not made.

Without throwing out all the numbers, here are some ways to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level and/or get your cholesterol back to a healthy level.

  • Eat less/no bad fats: red meat, fatty meat, fried foods including everyone’s favorite, French fries. Sorry, your life is worth more than a few fries!
  • Quit smoking if you smoke.
  • Consume less alcohol if you drink more than 1-2 per day.
  • Lose weight if you are overweight but even if you’re thin, you can have high cholesterol; know your numbers.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables, soluble fiber: oats, oat bran, beans, lentils, peas.
  • Exercise: it reduces the absorption of cholesterol. Get active 30 minutes/day at least 5 days a week. If you can’t find time, break it up in 10-15-minute intervals a few times a day. Walk, run, bike, swim, dance, jumping jacks, jump rope, roller blade. Just get active!

By eating a diet higher in vegetables, fruit, healthy fiber and healthy whole grains, eating smaller portion sizes, drinking plenty of water every day along with physical activity, you can have and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. In adopting these habits, you will likely have healthy blood pressure and sugar levels as well.

Eat, drink & play the healthy way!

Simple Habits for a Healthy Heart
Eat to live! Don't Live to Eat

Simple Habits for a Healthy Heart

Dawn Silva/InitiateWellnessLeave a comment

I want to talk about a healthy heart..again – it’s that important! 20151028_193432

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease (common cause is plaque buildup that can’t be cured, only treated), peripheral artery disease (calcium and fat buildup on artery walls) are common heart issues, followed by other heart issues not caused by dietary and lifestyle habits.

Today, I will focus on how to make healthier food choices that will love your heart as much as you do. We are all guilty of splurging and losing sight of our goals from time-to-time and that’s alright provided you get back on track.

As you repeatedly hear [and read], you should eat more vegetables and fruit – daily. Why? For many reasons but for heart health the reason being higher potassium intake helps your heart muscle maintain strength. It’s important to eat potassium rich foods instead of taking a supplement, unless instructed by your doctor, since too high potassium levels can be dangerous as well as too low levels. Aim for at the very least 3-5 servings of vegetables daily; the average American eats less than one serving per day and that needs to change. Your body is worth the time, effort, taste and the switch to more vegetables and fruit every day. Basically, the more natural potassium in your diet, the less chance of cardio vascular disease.

Both high blood pressure and high cholesterol have no symptoms until there is a serious problem and of course a diagnosis through medical maintenance care. In the case of a hypertensive crisis you may experience symptoms of severe headache, severe, anxiety, nosebleed and shortness of breath.

A high salt diet can lead to heart issues as well as other physical ailments. Salt also increases calcium loss through urine so even if you have not been advised by your doctor, it’s a good habit to adapt to for your overall health.

  • A quick list of high sodium content in common foods include: [mg/serving] frozen dinners = 1000 +, average cereals = 300 +, canned vegetables & beans 400-700+, canned/bottled vegetable juice 500+, deli meat 360+/2 slices, canned soup 740+, sauces/marinades 690-1050+, chips/pretzels/cheese curls/ketchup/relish/pickles etc. 136-400+

Heart disease isn’t limited to salt intake; the foods you choose and the way they’re prepared is a big factor as well. Instead of fries, choose a salad for heart healthy leafy greens and other veggies, choose a baked white or sweet potato or brown rice. Use lemon juice, vinegar and spices in place of salt and other condiments. Eat less red meat, which is associated with stomach cancer, and more lean chicken, fish and beans for lean protein.

Become a label reader and choose the lowest to zero sodium, sugar and saturated fat options. Your heart is the center of life.