Nutritional Approach for Alzheimer's disease

In today's Boston Globe their is an article www.boston.com/dailydose entitled "Is Alzheimer's Disease akin to type 3 Diabetes?"  This article discusses research that has found that persuasive evidence linking diet to the development of Alzheimer's disease.  Guess what- The researchers discovered that eating a diet in whole foods, low glycemic carbohydrates (low sugar, low processed foods, and little pasta, rice, potatoes, breads,  baked goods, and other starchy foods), limiting excess fat, and limiting nitrates (cured meats such as hot dogs, salami, and sausages), and exercising, has shown to help reduce the incidence of alzheimer's.  Could it be that eating the way ZonePerfect Cooking Made Easy, by Gloria Bakst suggests will help you reduce not only diabetes, heart disease and obesity but also help with reducing the incidence of Alzheimer's disease.  If you want to preview some great low glycemic recipes that are tasty and flavorful go to http://www.chefgloriab.com/healthy-recipes.html.  If you need help preparing meals Chef Gloria B will help.  Contact her at Gloria@ChefGloriab.com or visit http://www.chefgloriab.com/personal-chef-service.html

Quit Smoking: A Nutritional Guide

Quit Smoking:  A Nutritional Guide

There are plenty of studies linking cigarettes to various diseases and health problems, and many people have surely witnessed disturbing ads on TV, which illustrate the dangers of cigarettes by featuring former smokers who use tracheotomy devices to speak or bear scars from removal of a diseased lung.  It’s clear that smoking is bad for our health.  This increased awareness hopefully sparks more people to quit the habit, but the process is no doubt a test of determination and willpower.  Focusing on a holistic plan that emphasizes nutritious foods and exercise can help ease the process of kicking cigarettes to the curb—for good.

Many smokers fear that quitting will cause weight gain.  Smoking cigarettes burns an extra 200-250 calories per day, depending on the number of cigarettes and the smoker.  This can slightly elevate their metabolism.  Nicotine also acts an appetite suppressant, so smokers tend to eat less.  Quitting smoking can easily pack on the pounds for smokers who grab a cigarette because they're stressed or want to feel calm.  They may replace smoking with food, and since starchy and sweet foods that are high in carbohydrates increase serotonin levels, just like nicotine, quitters-in-progress can make the mistake of turning to unhealthy foods to get a similar fix.

In 2007, Duke University Medical Center conducted a study that showed dairy products, vegetables and fruits can help break the smoking habit.  Nineteen percent of participants reported that dairy products worsened the taste of cigarettes, 14 percent had a similar effect with non-caffeinated beverages, and 16 percent reported the effect with vegetables and fruits.  However, alcohol, caffeinated beverages and even meat, enhanced the flavor of cigarettes. 

With the average person gaining four to 10 pounds after quitting smoking, choosing low-glycemic foods that are filling and help regulate blood sugar levels can help control weight.  Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, along with lean, protein-rich sources such as beans, fish and egg whites, can result in a satisfying meal that’s low in bad fats and high cholesterol.  Providing the body with proper nutrition from natural foods boosts antioxidants, aiding the immune system that might have been damaged by smoking.

Smoking is both physically and emotionally addictive, which only increases the difficulty of quitting.  However, a smoker can choose from several options to help gain support in their journey.  Consulting a doctor on a regular basis to help with exercise and nutrition plans or joining a support group can aid in recovery.  Choosing to participate in a holistic drug rehab program is also beneficial, as these programs emphasize a detoxification process through proper nutrition, exercise, and spiritual exploration to help understand emotions and deal with stress.  By discovering what led the person to smoke in the first place, they might be less likely to relapse and start again.

It’s important to remember that quitting is a process—smokers who are trying to quite should be patient with their body and allow it to detoxify the natural way with proper nutrition. They should avoid crash diets and give their body time to restore its balance so it can provide for them in the future, smoke-free.

Written By: Alex Kerwin is a creative writer from Florida who has a passion for health and wellness.  In addition to guest posting, he writes for Best Drug Rehabilitation, to spread awareness on the benefits of drug rehab to those in need.

If you are interested in learning how to cook or have someone prepare foods that will help you quit smoking email me at Gloria@ChefGloriaB.com or visit my website www.ChefGloriaB.com

New Year's Quickly Approaching

Do you know what the number 1 New Year's Resolution is?
Weight loss! and the Top two diseases affecting the American population is Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
Do you know how to deal with this issue?
Most people will go on a low calorie diet and lose weight. After they have lost the weight, they will slowly resume eating the way they did before their diet. This is called the Yo-Yo effect. Weight on, then off, then on. It is the hardest thing for your body to deal with. Actually maintaining your weight even if it is 10-15 pounds over your ideal weight is healthier for your body then yo-yo dieting.
I hate the word diet and losing weight! The opposite of this is gaining, which most people end up doing. A better way to approach this is by releasing weight, the opposite is holding weight. It is more of a lifestyle change. Time and time again studies have shown that dieting doesn't work. Restricting your calories for periods of time will slow down your metabolism and will actually make your body think that you are in the starvation mode and it will be harder to lose weight.
When I work with clients, I take into consideration what their lifestyle is, how to make small changes to feel better, release weight and prevent and reverse disease. It is not a quick fix, nothing ever is that is permanent.
I specialize in helping you have delicious food, that is easy to prepare, or I can prepare it for you, that will help you reach your ideal weight.
I can work with you to help release weight without deprivation. See www.chefgloriab.com for more information, recipes, or call for a free consultation.