WHO'S WHO!

   Need a CPR, BLS, ACLS, or PALS initial class or recert? If you're in the South Florida area, you gotta give G&M Medical Consultants a call. They do a great job!! Have a tight schedule? They'll work with you to get it done. Contact Gilda at 561 396-7094 or Melissa at 561 215-7671.
You can also email them at gm.medicalconsultants@gmail.com or check out their website at www.gm-medicalconsultants.com.

WHATS GOING ON!!

     Obesity has become a huge problem worldwide! Better yet, its become an epidemic. A lot of people tend to think that being obese and being overweight is the same thing. Actually, they're not! Obesity basically means having too much body fat whereas being overweight means weighing too much. A person can be overweight from having extra muscle, bone, or water as well as having too much fat. Being either obese or overweight increases the risk of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and strokes.                                  
     The amt of obese or overweight adults has almost tripled since the early 2000's. The number of overweight or obese children has also been climbing fast.  Although diet and exercise are key determinants of weight, environmental factors beyond the control of individuals (including lack of access to full-service grocery stores, high costs of healthy foods, and lack of access to safe places to play and exercise) contribute to increased obesity rates by reducing the likelihood of healthy eating and active living behaviors.
      Here are a couple of strategies that are trying to be put in place to help with these issues. Healthier food and drink choices are trying to be improved and increased in public service venues. School lunches are being made healthier for kids in schools. Also better choices are being provided by some of the fast food restaurants out there. For example, apple slices can be chosen instead of  french fries. More outside time and less television time is also something that is being focused on. Especially for the kids! Gonna need the parents help for that one...

READ THOSE LABELS!!!

 Whats a common mistake made by people who are trying to watch what they eat? Answer: READING NUTRITION LABELS...
The main thing to know is that what you see really isn't what you get when
glancing at that label. Lets use this label for example. Now, one would figure that the serving size is equal  to 1 container of the mac and cheese.  That 1 container has 250 calories, 470 mg of sodium, 30mg of cholesterol etc, etc.Wrong!! Look closer. The serving size isn't the whole container but 1 cup of that container. There are 2 servings per container. That means there's double of every thing on that label inside the 1 container. So, lets see whats really happening in that container. There's really 500 calories, 940mg of sodium and 60mg of cholesterol  compared to the values mentioned previously.WOW! Now do the same thing with the other values and there you have it. That mac and cheese doesn't look so good after all huh?
   Knowing how to read nutrition labels properly will help you a lot when it comes to making smarter decisions with the things you eat. Sure it'll mean a little more time in the store but the overall results make it well worth it. Good luck!
   

CHOOSING RIGHT

     The hardest thing when trying to achieve your fitness goals isn't getting the workouts done but its sticking to your diet. Lets remember that when we speak of diet, we're not talking about the latest fad diet or yo yo dieting! We're talking about when and what you eat as a lifestyle. Whether is getting ripped, losing weight, or just getting healthy, that lifestyle change along with regular exercise will help you achieve your goals and  stay there!!

      Having trouble choosing what to eat in order to keep yourself on track? Don't worry because you're not alone! Here are a couple of things that could hopefully  help you out.
      First, know that color is good. You can't go wrong choosing fresh fruits and veggies. Eat up! They provide energy throughout the day, help to give you that full feeling which prevents overeating, and they help keep you regular. Lets not forget about the nutritional value of those things. However, as for veggies, eat them raw or steamed. Overcooking or boiling can take away some of those good vitamins and minerals.
      Second, beware of  bad  fats and sugars. Those things don't get fully processed by the body. A lot of whats not used  by the body tends to get added to those problem areas a lot of us have (i.e. stomach, hips, thighs). As an example, use olive oil instead of other cooking oils. But use it in moderation.
      Third, drink plenty of water. Choosing water over soda, juices, etc. saves calories as well as all that extra sugar you don't need. It also takes up space in your stomach giving a full feeling that can help prevent hunger. Most important of all it prevents dehydration! That's very important!! If you're tired of the no taste of water, add a couple slices of  lemon or lime. It's a nice change up.
      Last but not least, are you a meat lover? Choose lean meats that are low in fat and high in protein. Chicken breast, fish, turkey breast, and lean pork are some good choices over beef. They can be prepared a variety of different ways including grilled, steamed and baked. Plus they taste great!
      Choosing better choices will take you a long way when it comes to getting and maintaining your goals.
Think of those choices getting you one step closer. See yourself there and with some work, you"ll get there.
Know that even the best of the best have fallen off the wagon! The difference is they jumped right back on and kept going.

*Go to Teambetterfitness.com & join for all the support you need!