Health Tip: Super Size Me?
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How are the proportions of your portions?
British health experts have issued a health warning pertaining to the
"Super Size" phenomenon in hospitality establishments. Yes, it has finally
reached the UK. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) states that
'two-for-one' or 'meal deal' offers encourage people to eat too much. Even
though this super size trend is "old news" in the US you can still do your
part to watch what you eat. When dining out, the pressure to finish
everything on your plate can lead to overeating. Most restaurants will
serve you more food than your body needs. Compare the difference in serving size (and calories) of some food and drinks 20 years ago versus today:  So, next time your dining out
try this: ask for a box before
your food comes out. When your meal comes you can put some of the food in
the box before you start eating and set it aside (out of sight, out of
mind). When you finish the food on your plate, if you're still hungry,
open the box and go for it. If not then you have some delicious leftovers
for tomorrow. Don't super size. Super cease!
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lucy giveaway!
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Be nice to a friend. Be nice to yourself!
Sometimes in the dark months of winter it takes a little extra motivation to get out the door and get moving. And we know that one of our favorite little motivators (after a canine or human companion) is comfortable and attractive workout gear! Recess will be giving away an attractive, high performance marathon half-zip top (worth $85!) from lucy to one lucky newsletter/blog reader.
All you have to do to win is:
Forward our newsletter to a friend, or, comment on our blog before December 12, 2008. One lucky person will be chosen at random and the winner will be announced on our blog.
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Be Fit For The Price Of A Latte Per Day
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Personal Transformation Package
How much do that daily latte and scone cost you?
$8 per day for 5 days a week equals $2,080 per year, or, $174 per month!! That's also about 800 extra calories per day!! Wow.
For only the price of a latte and scone per day you and your friend or partner can stop the winter blahs and add some fun to your home workout routine. Great
for couples, we'll work with you both to provide a great way to get fit
together, including access to all of the following services over the
course of a year:
 Pre and post body composition assessment- Choose any two of our personalized reports
- 2 individual hours each with a certified personal trainer
- 12 shared hours with a certified personal trainer
- 7.5 hours with a dietitian or personal chef
- 7 hours to use as you wish
- Create your own schedule with simple online booking
- A personal web portal to communicate outside of training sessions
- All services provided in the comfort of your home or office
$115 per person, per month for a year buys you more than a session every other week for a year - a new year that will leave you healthier, more balanced and happier. For the same price, what will that daily latte and scone get you? We mean, besides a pot belly.
Choose this program »
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| Feast or Famine? Neither.
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Times of stress can trigger comfort eating.
 The holidays can be great fun, but they can also be a time of excess - both of things we like (mmmmmm, pie) and things we don't like (uuuhhhhhhgh, in-laws). When the sensory input in life piles on, do you ever feel like your food is playing mind games with
you? It's hard to know when to say "yes," and when to say "no" to food,
particularly during the holidays, when you don't want to upset your relatives by not
eating the meal they slaved to cook for you.
Researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, conducted a study with socially subordinate
female monkeys, undergoing high amounts of stress, and observed them over
consuming calorie-rich foods at a significantly higher level than other female
monkeys.
These monkeys produced high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in
their blood not only as a result of social stress, but also as a result of
overeating. Additionally, these females were more likely to develop abnormal
metabolic distribution, a condition that seems analogous to Type II diabetes
in humans. Humans and monkey's have very similar metabolic structures.
Boredom, stress, and biological causes of overeating
 Does stress cause overeating or
does overeating contribute to stress? We can't say for sure. What we do know is
that eating is intimately connected with mental health.
Boredom drives many people who don't have a chronic eating disorder to overeat. To make matters worse, many turn on the TV when they are alone at home and bored. Food commercials flashing tempting images may further stimulate the drive to overeat. Overeating can also come from a non-nourishing diet. A person would have to eat at least
double the amount of refined foods to get the same amount of nutrients otherwise contained in raw and whole foods.
Insulin resistance can also play a role in stimulating hunger. In a body where insulin and blood sugar are properly regulated, blood glucose returns to
the normal range regardless of the amount of carbohydrate consumed. If this
system is not working correctly the body follows a quick rise in blood glucose with an
over production of insulin. The excessive insulin is not recognized by
the body cells so is unable to remove the glucose from the blood stream. The
result is an increase in blood insulin levels, which has an appetite
stimulating effect. The person is driven to eat and if simple carbohydrates (such as refined foods) are
chosen, the cycle continues.
Planning ahead helps.
Tis the season for gluttonous portions. Keep your fridge stocked with chopped veggies, fruit wraps, nuts, and
wholesome grain dishes that you can easily reheat.
Before heading off to a holiday party or meal, have a healthy, light supper or snack so that your hunger is not out of control when you arrive at a party. Also, dish up lightly, savor your food as you eat, and wait a few minutes before going for seconds. Show your hosts that you really appreciate their hospitality by taking the time to savor each bite of their delicious food with gusto.
Find a Recess program that'll get you back on track »
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