So, what does it really mean to live a healthy and vibrant life? Here's a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding diet and exercise if you're inquisitive about practically everything that leads to living a better, more vibrant, and aware existence, which is a wonderful thing.
Should I Go Gluten-Free?
Only if you have celiac disease, which causes your small intestine to be damaged by gluten (a protein found in cereals). Gluten does not cause rashes, stomachaches, or weight gain in those who do not have the disease, according to experts. It's not a bad idea to avoid gluten-containing meals like cookies and white bread. But only stop eating whole grains if your doctor tells you to. They are filling and high in healthful nutrients.
Do I need to eat more protein?
It depends, among other things, on you and your exercise goals. However, we can tell you that we are not a supporter of any "dietary theory" that promotes a high-protein diet. (Here's a little foreshadowing.) This is why.
How often do I need to exercise?
The short answer is that it depends. On your fitness objectives, general health, and what you want to do. Most adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate level aerobic activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity per week, as well as varying amounts of strength training, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It doesn't matter if you do it in 10-minute intervals; it still counts!
Is a Glass of Wine a Day Healthy?
This isn't for everyone. Small doses of alcohol may help to prevent heart disease, as well as stroke, and diabetes. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, increases your risk of liver and heart disease, as well as breast, colon, and other malignancies. Don't start drinking if you don't already. If you do, limit yourself to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Is It Worth It to Do Short Workouts?
Yes. Longer is better, but if you don't have much time, short bursts of activity can suffice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week (such as walking or biking at a medium-fast speed) with two sessions of muscle-strengthening exercise. You can achieve this goal and stay fit by doing several 10-minute bursts of activity each day.
Is it necessary for me to eat breakfast?
No, we do, however, suggest it. This is why. Here are a few quick breakfast alternatives for those who have a busy morning ahead of them.
Which is better: Eating late at night or waiting until the next morning?
Contrary to popular opinion, the time you eat has virtually little bearing on your weight growth. Not only that, but going to bed hungry makes it difficult to sleep — and sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your weight-loss efforts.
So eat if you're hungry! Just don't overdo it, because eating too much right before bed can lead to nightmares.
Does Food Cholesterol Count?
Obesity, inactivity, and a bad diet can elevate cholesterol levels by more than one egg. The toxic trans fats and saturated fats found in meats, dairy, and processed foods are the real villains. Choose low-fat dairy and lean meats, read labels, and keep carbs and portion sizes under check. Ask your doctor what foods you should avoid if your numbers are high.
Is it safe to eat food that has been microwaved?
Warm up the leftovers. Food does not become "radioactive" when cooked in a microwave. The only thing your microwave does is move the water molecules in your food, which causes friction and heats it up. Microwaves indeed produce a little magnetic field, but it takes a lot of effort to ensure that it isn't strong enough to cause difficulties. Simply avoid using one with a damaged door.
Is it necessary for me to take a vitamin? How about additional supplements?
We've gone back and forth on this one numerous times but we always come back to a high-quality multivitamin (and occasionally an iron supplement, depending on our body's needs).
We are not a big supporter of supplements, except for multivitamins to replace the nutritional gaps left by our meals. They extract nutrients from the foods in which they naturally occur — in our opinion, consuming the complete food (together with all of the co-nutrients that help your body utilize that one "magic" nutrient) is far better.
Is it better to use sugar or high-fructose corn syrup?
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is made from corn, has a poor reputation. However, your body processes it in a similar way as "table" or "normal" sugar made from cane or beets. It's wise to take it easy on both. High levels of added sugar can cause weight gain as well as health issues such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
I've been eating vegan of late and feeling great. But I am concerned about getting enough nutrients. Do you have any advice for me?
In a nutshell, a vegetarian or vegan diet is quite good for many people's bodies. Experimenting to see if your body is one of them is necessary. If you're switching from a more diverse diet, we strongly advise working with a health coach or nutritionist who can teach you about the nutritional gaps in vegetarian/vegan diets and how to replace them.
Is it possible to be both fat and healthy?
Experts are divided on the subject. Although one study suggested that larger people would survive lighter people, the majority of evidence suggests that those who gain weight are more likely to get heart disease, cancer, or die than thinner people. Your best bet is to do everything you can to improve your health. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying active every day and eating a well-balanced diet. If you need to, lose some weight.
That's a lot of information! And, especially when it comes to health, answers can sometimes raise more questions.
Please leave your questions in the comments section below. We'll do our best to respond to them either here or in a future blog article!