BODYCOMBAT is one of the biggest, baddest fitness trends around, and with good reason, too. After all, what other type of workout encourages you to unleash your inner warrior by punching, kicking, striking, and kata-ing your way not just to a better body, but also to empowerment? Continue reading “Punch and Kick Fat to the Curb with BODYCOMBAT!”
Paul Jarrett is the co-founder and CEO of Bulu Box and a subscription box champion. We had a chance to pick Paul’s brain about vitamins, supplements, and other health-maintenance products, and also got some advice on how to stick to a weight management plan.
Many people are surprised to find themselves gaining weight after switching to gluten-free eating. In the case of people with celiac disease, this may be because gluten interferes with the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and nutrients leading to weight loss. With the switch to a gluten-free diet, the body can begin to properly absorb nutrients, which can trigger unexpected weight gain. Continue reading “Top 4 Gluten-Free Foods that Support Weight Loss”
?
A smart alternative to unhealthy snacks, protein bars can help keep cravings at bay while supporting your healthy eating plan. They can also be an invaluable way to fuel up during your workout. How do you know which protein bars are merely candy bars parading as health food, and which offer real benefits?
Continue reading “Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss in 2018”
2017 was not the year of the carb. In fact, these micronutrients have been vastly vilified in recent years, with many people attempting to cut them out completely in an attempt to reach their weight loss goals.
However, all carbs aren’t created equal. In fact, the body needs some carbs to function properly — particularly when it comes to brain and muscle function. So how do you know which carbs to consume and which to steer clear of? Read on for a roundup of five fiber-rich, nutrition-dense complex carbs that are actually good for you.
Oatmeal is loaded with soluble fiber, which means it dissolves in water to form a viscous liquid in the digestive tract. This can help do everything from promote feelings of satiety to lowering cholesterol to stabilize blood sugar levels. Says assistant professor of internal medicine Kristen Hairston, M.D. of research pointing to the benefits of soluble fiber for reducing dangerous visceral fat: “We know that a higher rate of visceral fat is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver disease. Our study found that making a few simple changes can have a big health impact.”
Yes, a single sweet potato has approximately 27 grams of carbs. But this doesn’t make them public enemy number one. Quite the opposite, in fact. As nutritionist Laura Flores told LiveScience: “Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, vitamin B5, B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and, due to their orange color, are high in carotenoids.” Additionally, research shows that their ability to increase adiponectin levels in the body helps boost the metabolism by regulating blood sugar.
If that isn’t enough reason to get slicing, dicing, and mashing, sweet potatoes are also fat-free, low in sodium, and have fewer calories than white potatoes. Plus, their natural sweetness makes them a delicious defense when sugar cravings strike.
Green peas often find themselves on the no-no list for carb-counting dieters because they’ve got more carbs and sugar than their non-starch vegetable counterparts. However, there are plenty of reasons to eat green peas — starting with their high fiber content and continuing with the fact that they’re packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytonutrients.
Described by WebMD as a “vitamin powerhouse,” green peas have also been linked with a reduced risk of stomach cancer.
Because bananas are higher in carbs than most other fruits, they’re often one of the first foods to go on low carb diets. However, in banishing the banana, you may be slipping up when it comes to nutrition.
Says Shape of the many body-boosting benefits of eating bananas: “While it’s true that bananas do pack more carbs per bite than other fruits (because they’re lower in water content), there’s no need to shun them, even if you’re trying to lose weight. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, an essential nutrient in the body which, in addition to reducing blood pressure, helps support muscle maintenance and acts as a natural diuretic that alleviates water retention and bloating. The high levels of vitamin B6 in bananas also helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and is vital for the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Bananas are also packed with fiber, which boosts satiety and improves digestive health.”
Looking for a grab-and-go snack to help you refuel after an intense workout? Look no further than the banana.
If the mere mention of the dreaded “b” word (AKA “bread”) makes you cringe, you may want to rethink your stance, at least when it comes to Ezekiel Bread. Made from sprouted whole grains, sugar-free, and full of protein, fiber, and absorbable vitamins and minerals, this delicious bread is both hearty and healthy. In other words, you don’t have to give up that sandwich, after all. Just stock up on Ezekiel Bread instead.
The overall takeaway is that while carb-cutting may be the latest trend to sweep the country, the fact is that complex carbs like the five listed here and many others not only get a bad rap, but can actually help you reach your fitness and weight loss goals.
Eating right is only one half of the weight loss equation. The other half? Exercise. To find out how Brick Bodies can help you get moving, sign up for a trial pass today.
A growing body of evidence points to the value of high protein diets for weight loss and weight management. Why? Because not only does protein increase feelings of satiety, but it’s also associated with increased thermogenesis leading to leaner muscle mass. The takeaway for people looking to trim down in the year ahead is that a protein-rich diet may be a winning strategy. Continue reading “Five High Protein Foods to Rev Up Your 2018 Weight Loss Plans”
There is good news and bad news for you when it comes to holiday weight gain. First, the good news. While most people think the “average American” gains five pounds durimging the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, this figure is actually closer to one pound, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The bad news? This weight gain “is not reversed” in the subsequent days, weeks and months. In other words, with each new year that passes, weight gain continues to accumulate. Unlike the ornaments you add to your Christmas tree every year, these extra pounds don’t make life shinier and brighter. Continue reading “Five Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating”
If you think fall’s four food groups are candy corn, M&M’s, Snickers, and Starbursts, it may be time for a mental reboot. Not only is falling face-first into a bowl of Halloween candy a bad idea for hundreds of different reasons, the reality is that plenty of fall foods are both delicious and nutritious, meaning you don’t have to feel bad about feeling good. Wondering where to begin when it comes to embracing fall’s beautiful bounty? Read on for a roundup of four fall foods that are truly spooktacular. Continue reading “Four Fall Foods So Good They’re Spooky!”
Every superhero has a weakness. For Superman, it’s Kryptonite. For Green Lantern, it’s the color yellow. For Wonder Woman, it’s her very own magic lasso. While mere mortals don’t have superpowers, they do share one major vulnerability when fighting the battle of the bulge: unhealthy food. Continue reading “Fight Fat with These Foods”
Weight loss. These two little words add up to a serious uphill climb for many people. In fact, only 18 percent of Americans are at their ideal weight according to Gallup, so if you are facing that uphill climb, you are not alone. You have plenty of potential climbing partners! Continue reading “The Simplest Weight Loss Plan Tool You May Be Overlooking: The Food Diary”
