Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Reasons Why You're Gaining Weight

Reasons Why You're Gaining Weight

You're reaching for a high-cal food option when you aren't even hungry--What should you do? Why do you do it, anyway?


The hypothalamus (the part of the brain most commonly known for signaling hunger and satiation, tends to send out a "hungry-call" in response to emotions and most situations that have absolutely nothing to do with appetite. Here, I'll teach you what your body is telling you so you know not to over-eat and fight those non-hunger cravings.

Exhaustion
When you don't get enough sleep, you aren't getting the vital rest (actually considered energy) for your body. In response, your body ends up craving sugar and carbs for instant energy. When you're feeling tired in the morning, don't run for that muffin, instead, give yourself a nice stretch for twenty minutes. Maybe do some yoga, pilates, jump rope? Anything to keep your body energized.

working Out
When you're exercising, you're losing protein, which is why protein is always important for basic bodily functions. Instead of chowing down on tons of food, drink some low-fat milk. With only about 120-calories, compare that to the mega-meal you would've consumed, negating all of that hard work at the gym. It has about 12 grams of protein which is enough to get you through up until dinner.

Boredom TT_____TT
Food tends to cure boredom for a lot of people. It also tends to help people feel guilty when they eat whilst satiated. Try talking on the phone, going outside for a bit, doing anything productive until you're actually hungry, not thirsty.

Fun Fact: Did you know? A craving usually only lasts about 15 minutes, that time can be spent talking on the phone. Maybe you should be dialing that mother of yours? Go ahead!


Stay Fit, people!
Hey people!
I know a lot of you out there are calorie counters, but what exactly is a "calorie"?

A calorie is the amount of energy it takes to raise a gram of water one degree centigrade. And yes, I did remember that definition >:D

Okay, great; What's that supposed to mean?

Eating calories doesn't make you gain weight. In fact, calories are just sources of energy that are vital for your body.
Remember, if you want to lose weight, you have to exert more calories than you take in.
If you want to gain weight, do the opposite. Take in more calories than you exert.
If you want to maintain your current weight, take in the same amount of calories in which you exert.

Have an open mind when you're eating; Yes, that diet pepsi may only have one calorie, but how much GOOD does it do for your health? And yes, that avocado may have 300 calories, but it does a lot more good for your health than that pepsi.

Remember, quality over quantity;
It doesn't matter WHAT you eat, it matters how much of it you eat.
That avocado is filled with vital vitamins and minerals.

Food isn't there to make you gain weight; It's there to keep your body fueled at all times. If you're worried about weight gain, just remember to work those calories off. Also remember that it takes calories to digest foods, and you also burn calories naturally by breathing, blinking, moving your fingers and more basic bodily functions.

Good Luck and Stay Healthy!

Blog entry no. 1

Ever wonder why most diet sites constantly tell you to drink water? Well, for starters; The human body is approximately 60% water. Yes, this number does vary, but that's the average percentile. So what? What does that number have to do with drinking it? Well, our neurons are fueled by water and so is our metabolism. The hypothalamus is a portion of the brain that is most commonly known for signaling our bodies when we're hungry. That signal is very similar to another signal that our brain gives us when we're thirsty. That is why thirst is very commonly mistaken for hunger.


Want to know how to figure out how much water you need to drink per day?

Take your body weight, divide it by two and change the measurement from pounds to ounces. If you work out, add one glass of water (8 fl. oz) for each half-hour of your workout.


For example:

Sally weighs 140 lbs.

Divide Sally's weight by two.

140/2 = 70

70 lbs.

Change that pounds to ounces

70 ounces.

Sally needs to consume 70 ounces of water daily, which is approximately nine glasses of water.



Enjoy that water!


Fun Fact!: Did you know if you drink a glass of ice-water you are burning 17 calories?!