Have You Tofu'd Lately?

When changing your diet, either for health reasons and/or for losing weight, you are probably going to be cutting back on meat.  However, when you are reducing your meat intake you are going to lose a good source of protein in your diet, as well as other stuff for your body needs.      You always want to eat what your body needs, losing weight by starvation is not healthy and may hurt you in the long run. 

 So those that are looking to get the proper amount of protein without eating as much (or any) meat should check out Tofu.   Tofu is made from mature soybeans grounded to a milk-like substance that is then pressed into cakes.

A quick comparison of the numbers: 
A 100 calorie serving, tofu contains 11 grams of protein. By comparison, A 100 calories of ground beef provides 8.9 grams of protein, and a 100 calorie serving of cheese contains 6.2 grams.

Some of the benefits of eating Tofu regularly can be lowering bad cholesterol and lowering the risk of cancer.  For the ladies: It helps alleviating the symptoms of menopause. It is a great source of   Vitamin E and Calcium.   It is also low in calories and affordable. No matter how good something is for you the price can make a difference, you should be able to find it in the produce section of any grocery store (look around where they have the bagged salads, the refrigerated area).  



Nutrition Facts at Self Nutrition Data.com

PIYO Accountability! Do the program with me for the FIRST TIME!
Low impact, NO Jumping, easy on the knees
Who I am looking for:
~Cardio Junkies who need a rest
~Advanced or Beginners
~Someone short on time
~Someone who is committed and ready to go ALL IN for change for their life!

Ask me for more details! www.facebook.com/schluterk

New Virus Trasmitted By Mosquitoes: Chikungunya

In recent years we have been worried about getting the West Nile Virus from those annoying bugs and now another "new" virus, that we have to worry about, has found its way here.  The first U.S. cases were in Florida, the man and woman have not traveled to any of the foreign countries where the disease is common, so they have concluded they got Chikungunya from a mosquito here in the U.S.  It can cause joint pain and arthritis-like symptoms, at least its not deadly.  Although it can be painful and last for weeks.

You can read more about it on Yahoo Health, and CNN Health


 If even you do not get any virus from a mosquito bite it can still be a pain, so please remember to take the necessary precautions when doing outdoor activities this time of year.

• Use bug spray if you are going out, especially in tropical, or wooded areas near water. (know a good brand of bug spray? Please share in the comments!)

• Get rid of standing water, empty plastic pools, flower pots and pet dishes, so mosquitoes don't         breed.

• Dress appropriately, with long sleeves and pants.

* Remember that mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn.

The Newest List of Powerhouse Fruits and Veggies

A new study published in the Center for Disease Control and Protection Journal has a list of the best fruits and veggies, They are the ones most strongly associated with reduced chronic disease risk.


They contain 17 essential nutrients: potassium, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, zinc, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K.    Some up to 10% of a person's ideal daily intake.       The fruit and veggies are scored from 0 to 100 on a Nutrient density scale and the only one scoring 100 is Watercress.  Most of top performers are foods that most people don't include in their diet or even tried before.   

 Check out the full list of fruits and veggies on the CDC's website (<---link here) and think about buying something off the list that you do not regularly eat, you might find out you have been missing out on something tasty and good for you!   

I am looking for some people that are wanting to make a change in there lives! Start the Piyo Challenge with me on August 4th. This is a life style change and something you will NEVER regret! Contact me today! www.facebook.com/schluterk

Can Smelling Farts Be Good For You?

I bet you have read that headline or heard from someone about the new study done by researcher at the University of Exeter that says smelling a fart could be good for you, it could reduce the risk of cancer, heart attack, strokes, arthritis, and dementia. I seen it on my Grandmother's Facebook page, of all people right, ha ha.   However, that headline is misleading. 

The Hydrogen sulfide gas found in rotten eggs and flatulence can be toxic in large doses but beneficial in small doses .  This is what they are looking at in this study,   Scientist created a compound (AP39) that delivers small, concentrated amounts of the gas to a cell.  The body uses small amounts of this "gas" for cellular signaling, so by slowly adding some to a dying or diseased cell they hope to preserve its function and possibly aid in fighting disease.

No where in the study did it suggest that smelling this "gas" will do anything but give you a bad taste in your mouth. The gas has to be delivered to the cell.

So I am sorry to say that if you have been telling people this as you "gas" them out or vice versa, you have suffered for no reason.  I am sure this subject will be good for a laugh anytime it is brought up but be informed and don't believe everything you see Facebook.


Here is a good article that explains it a little more at IFL Science.

Buying Weights, Do You Do It In-Store or Online?

The quick answer is in-store is best, especially if it is your first time buying.   It is a good idea to hold them and do a few moves to see if the pounds you are wanting to buy are to heavy or to light.  If you buy a pair of ten pound dumbbells online and find they are to heavy you will have to send them back (usually at your expense) or go out and buy lighter weights.  You can always do some price checking online buy when you are ready to purchase do it in person.

There are options to choose from: the material on the inside and outside, shape of the grip, etc.   These are things you cannot feel online.   Another draw back will be the cost of shipping, unless you find a place that has free shipping it could cost more then the weights themselves.

 To save money you can always buy used equipment from stores such as Play It Again Sports, do a Google search to find what stores are in your area.


Suggested reading:  Tips for Buying Free Weights"
                                5 Tips For Buying The Best Dumbbells
                                How To Buy Dumbbells

My "PiYo" Has Arrived

My PiYo came in the mail! You all know that I am die hard 21 Day Fix fan!  However, I wanted to try a something little different. Here is my first impression on PiYo! I LOVE it!! It is really different from what I have been doing, but I can see how it is going to help with with my weight loss journey. I defiantly need more room in my living-room too to do this.  It is a 36 min work out and that is with warm up and cool down. We did the "sweat" program and boy did I! I didn't make it the whole 30ish minutes but I sure did feel it! I can't wait to really dig into PiYo and see what kind of results I get! The funniest part of doing this work out today, is my hubby was right behind me trying to follow along and he yells out "WHERE'S AUTMNUM!!!!" I fell over laughing!! I would love to see you guys try this with me and if you would I will be starting my PiYo Challenge group on July 7th!!! Let me know if you would like to be part of it!   Contact me on Facebook page, Fit for Life with Katie Schluter.
 

While Improving Your Body's Fitness Do Not Forget Your Brain

You have probably seen commercials or print ads for "brain game" products such as Lumosity,  the concept seems sounds.  Exercise your brain to keep it healthy and functioning at its best.  Research suggests those who challenge there mind  have better cognitively later in life.     Research also shows when your brain is exposed to mental activity it make new neurons, this happens throughout life. This means it's never to late to start. However starting before problems do is better.

You are already helping your brain by exercising your body, it affects mood, vitality, alertness, and feelings of well-being, as well as allowing you to focus.    Exercise is being use as a natural way of combating brain disorders such as ADHD.      Preliminary research on animals suggests exercise can cause new stem cells to grow, which can refresh your brain and other body parts.

Most of the computer and app brain games cost money, but if you do not want to spend money you can train your brain by doing such things as crosswords, reading, interacting socially, etc...  The trick is to challenge your brain.  Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominate hand, you might make a mess of your face and have to finish up with your dominate hand but hey it's good for you.

Beware of Diet Products that are Scams

People wanting to lose weight can be easy targets for products making big promises, being desperate to lose unwanted weight you can be willing to spend any amount of money on something that promises results. 

You can even be fooled by those you think are trustworthy. Dr. Oz was recently the star witness at a Senate committee hearing about false advertising of weight-loss products.  He was asked why he pushed products on his show that were not proven by research, he said to give people a jump-start on diets and hope.

However when people have unrealistic expectations that aren't met they will give up and keep the "weight-cycle" going.  You may have some success at first but that is due to the excitement and does not last. Ex: If you starve yourself, yes you will lose weight but you cannot keep it up. Eventually you will go back your old ways.

It is not hard to find such products these days, we are bombarded by them on Tv and ads all over. The FTC is serious about limiting the claims these products can make and it will be a great day when truth in advertising comes back to this industry.   

Here is a list of claims the FTC says could indicate the product is a scam:

1: Lose 1-2 pounds a week without diet or exercise
2: Lose weight no matter what you eat
3: Permanent weight loss, no need to diet again
4: Blocks absorption of calories or fat
5: Lose weight by wearing a product or rubbing it into your skin


Keep in mind that even FDA approved weight loss drugs stress the importance of diet and exercise, so anything that says you can lose weight without either of those is more then likely going to be a waste of money and time.