For someone who’s accustomed to training with free weights, the transition to resistance training can be slightly confusing. The key is to forget about weight altogether. Rather than dwelling on measurements such as pounds and kilograms in terms of weight, you’ll need to select bands based on the level of tension. Select just enough tension to ensure a challenging workout, and upgrade your routine as needed.
Resistance bands are especially convenient for workouts on the go. Whereas free weights are a pain to lug from place to place, resistance bands can fit easily inside a travel bag. They can be used solo, unlike dumbbells which require a spotter to be used safely. If you have further questions about the proper form and technique to implement during resistance training, consult a gym professional or a relevant workout video.
With all the hoop-la about protein these days from the Atkins diet and the South Beach diet to the high protein hype for building muscle and losing weight Amino Acids ARE the real hero that seems to have been forgotten, lost in the fanfare of protein. Amino acids, are the forgotten hero because protein is not protein without them and without a complete protein profile it is just that, incomplete. It is like walking around with just one shoe on, one is good but not great it is incomplete and half functional.
Amino acids play central roles both as building blocks of proteins and as intermediates in metabolism. The 20 amino acids that are found within proteins convey a vast array of chemical versatility and combine to making a complete protein. The precise amino acid content, and the sequence of those amino acids, of a specific protein, is determined by the sequence of the bases in the gene that encodes that protein. The chemical properties of the amino acids of proteins determine the biological activity of the protein. Proteins not only catalyze all (or most) of the reactions in living cells, they control virtually all cellular process. In addition, proteins contain within their amino acid sequences the necessary information to determine how that protein will fold into a three dimensional structure, and the stability of the resulting structure.
In brief Amino Acids are the chemical units or “building blocks” of proteins that make up the components of the body . Amino Acids the real Hero of healthy tissue that combine to make protein and protein substances make up the muscles, tendons, organs, glands, nails, and hair. Growth, repair and maintenance of all cells are dependent upon them. Next to water, protein (amino acids) makes up the greatest portion of our body weight.
So the next time you have that chicken salad or your favorite protein shake give a little nod and smile for the 20 amino acids that have created such a tasty and healthy body moment.
Watch for more on the Amino Hero’s in the Future.
Going Green is the new buzz word and mantra of the politicians and environmentalist, and we think it is great. We love the idea of taking care of our little home floating around in the universe. After all it is the only one we have for now. From the perspective of a health and wellness professional we have been chanting this mantra for decades, GO GREEN, in fact we say GO SUPER GREEN, super green food that is.
The health benefits of super green foods have been well documented through the years. Studies have shown that green foods such as wheatgrass, barley grass, alfalfa, chlorella, spirulina, blue-green algae (AFA), and green tea can have a remarkable impact on improving and maintaining health. Some of the well know documented health benefits of consuming Super Green foods are more energy, neutralizing and removing toxins from the body, alleviating or control asthma, obesity, skin, anemia, arthritis, digestive problems, diabetes, heart disease, and hepatitis. The list goes on but I think you get the point it’s SUPER.
We hope you continue taking steps to keep the planet healthy and green and use the same philosophy for your health as well.
Let’s face it, often the most inexpensive foods are junk foods and processed foods that contain tons of calories. In fact, dollar for dollar, fast food is one of the most inexpensive ways to eat. A lot of people don’t have the money to purchase organic food and organic food ingredients at the store, and this can be a real detriment to people who are trying to eat healthy or lose weight. However, there are several ways to find more affordable healthy food, and it doesn’t involve shopping around or spending hours cutting out coupons.
The truth is, salads, fruits, and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods we can eat, and often they’re quite inexpensive. But it’s important to know where to shop, and what to shop for at the right time. Instead of the super market, head to the famer’s market where the prices are often a good deal cheaper. The produce is also fresher, and isn’t saturated with preservatives or chemicals. It’s also a good idea to buy what fruits and vegetables are in season, as these are often a few dollars per pound cheaper than when out of season. This is how eating healthy on a budget can be tasty and provide a good variety of different foods.