Nichell lost 60 pounds by exercising and meal prepping. During a deep depression, she experienced significant weight gain. Coaching cheerleading improved her mood and led to her joining a gym. After she released the weight, she decided to become a personal trainer and help people achieve their fitness goals.
The post Nichell lost 60 pounds first appeared on Black Weight Loss Success.
Your immune system is your defense against unwanted invaders, including viruses. It’s made up of organs, cells and proteins, all of which work in harmony to keep you healthy, says Medical News Today. With the rise of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you might be more concerned than ever before in how your immune system is functioning. We’re here to help you ensure that it’s in top-working order. Our health and wellness experts here at The Leaf Weight Loss Blog have gathered some tips to help you boost your immune system so you can stay safe and healthy while practicing social distancing.
5 Tips to Stay Healthy Straight From a Doctor
Read More
Sleep is such an essential piece of overall health and it can absolutely boost your immune system. Proteins that are needed to fight infection and inflammation are released during sleep, says Mayo Clinic. Getting enough good-quality sleep can strengthen your body’s overall immune response. Of course, truly restful sleep can be elusive during stressful times like a pandemic. Find ways that you can encourage sleep, such as avoiding caffeine after lunch or even trying yoga before bedtime.
Have you ever been really stressed out, sad or lonely and then gotten sick on top of it? It’s not a coincidence. Attitude can have a powerful impact on our health. During stressful times, it can take a serious toll. Unfortunately, when we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens can be reduced. “Chronic stress can suppress the response of the immune system and its ability to fight disease; therefore, reducing stress may help to prevent infections and other disorders,” says Medical News Today.
As scary as things may be during the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important now than ever to attempt to reduce feelings of stress and worry. Try starting your day off with positive thoughts, relaxing meditation and trying to be mindful about what you allow yourself to spend time thinking about while you are home in self isolation. If social media is frequently causing you to spiral into negative thoughts, limit your exposure. You can also try these breathing techniques to help reduce stress levels.
You already know that physical activity is essential in your weight loss journey. However, it has so many other wonderful benefits—including boosting your immune system during cold and flu season as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. According to MedlinePlus, “Physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways.” Regular exercise can also promote optimal circulation that allows cells of the immune system to reach all parts of the body, says Medical News Today.
While your gym may be closed because of your state’s “stay-at-home” order during the Coronavirus, there are still plenty of ways to fit in daily exercise at home while you’re in quarantine. Going for regular walks or finding at-home exercise classes (through a computer, smart phone or television) are simple ways to keep moving. The Fitness section here at The Leaf is filled with easy ideas! An added benefit is that exercise is thought to reduce stress, too.
9 Household Items You Can Use For a Home Workout
Read More
Frequent alcohol consumption is thought to be associated with a weakened immune system. This is due to the fact that alcohol alters the makeup of your gut microbiome and impacts its ability to support your immune system. According to Healthline, “alcohol can trigger inflammation in the gut and destroy the microorganisms that live in the intestine and maintain immune system health.” It’s also suspected that alcohol can damage the immune cells that line the lungs and serve as the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses.
You’ve probably never heard or thought as much about washing your hands as you have in recent months during the Coronavirus pandemic. However, correct handwashing has always been one of the best ways to keep your immune system healthy and protect yourself from the spread of infectious diseases and illness. We spoke directly to a doctor to get the proper steps for handwashing. Click here to learn more. >
If you’re on Nutrisystem, you already know that eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential when it comes to your plans to lose weight (or maintain a healthy weight). But a healthy diet also helps to boost your immune system. Providing your body with nutrition literally provides it with the power to fight illness, says Medical News Today. This should include a diet that is rich in many fruits and vegetables which provide you with antioxidant power. Specifically, foods rich in vitamin C have long been thought to boost immunity. While your grandmother or mother may have told you to drink your orange juice for that very reason, the truth is, juice is high in sugar. Instead, get your vitamin C from whole food sources like broccoli, kiwi, red bell peppers or whole oranges.
Looking for healthy recipes to cook up while you’re at home? Check out our recipe section! > You can also avoid extra trips to the grocery store while social distancing by getting healthy meals delivered to your door. While this can be extremely hard with restaurant takeout, a home delivery service like Nutrisystem makes healthy eating easy, convenient and delicious.
6 Foods For a Stronger Immune System
Read More
Though it may be harder to quit smoking during times of stress, continuing to light up can have a detrimental impact on your immune system. According to the Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health, “Smoking harms the immune system and can make the body less successful at fighting disease.” Smokers often have a more difficult time recovering from everyday illnesses than nonsmokers. Viral and bacterial infections of the lungs can also be made worse by smoking, says the Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health.
Staying well-hydrated is always important but it may also play an important role in building and maintaining a healthy immune system. According to Medical News Today, “the mouth and throat are on the front lines of the body’s defenses, but they cannot do their job as well as usual when a person is dehydrated.” Of course, fitting in all those glasses a day can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are some simple hacks that can help you drink more water and remain your healthiest.
Though many people are currently staying at home social distancing in an effort to avoid germs in public, you also want to make sure that your household stays healthy, too. According to Jigsaw Health, “Household mold is a hidden invader that can weaken the immune system and cause respiratory illness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and other diseases.” They also explain that bacteria from certain foods can lead to food-borne illness that weakens the immune system. Keep your home clean and safe by properly handling raw food, cleaning surfaces and being aware of lurking germs. Even simple steps can go a long way in protecting your immune system. Check out these spring cleaning tips to help keep you and your family healthy at home while giving you the chance to burn some extra calories!
Spending some time outdoors in the sun allows your body to produce vitamin D. According to research, published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine, “Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection.” We don’t need any excuse to grab our favorite book and lay outside! Head to the backyard and play some games with the kids, take your dog for a walk or go for a hike in the woods. Enjoy the warm weather and let the sunshine work its magic.
5 Reasons This Is the Best Time to Start Nutrisystem
Read MoreThe post 10 Tips to Boost Your Immune System appeared first on The Leaf.
Here’s the Run Eat Repeat annual survey and Holiday Card list! Please complete the short survey so I can plan new posts and training plans to help you run your best! The Holiday Card List is completely optional. Please share your information at the end of the survey if you’d like to be included and ... Read More about Run Eat Repeat Holiday List and Survey
The post Run Eat Repeat Holiday List and Survey appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.
via Run Eat Repeat https://ift.tt/3eXvxi5Clare lost 26kg/58 pounds. She wanted to be an active mom and keep up with her children, so she ditched her excuses and cut out sugar and processed foods. Running stairs became one of her main sources of exercise. She has transformed physically and mentally.
The post Clare lost 58 pounds first appeared on Black Weight Loss Success.
Since the skin has to stretch as we move, grow, and–as in the case of weight loss– shrink, skin is an incredibly elastic living organ. Yes, that’s right, skin is not just one big piece of rubber that covers the entire body, but is instead an organ, and just like all the other organs in your body, it is comprised of cells.
Different layers of your skin have different types of cells, and though the skin cells on the outer part of your skin (the epidermis) are constantly being lost and replaced with new cells, the skin cells under the epidermis are a bit more permanent. These cells are made of elastic tissues which cause loose skin.
Loose skin is a common result of weight loss programs; especially ones that make you lose weight at a faster rate. However, even when you achieve your ideal figure, you may end up with a new worry when you see loose and sagging skin all over your body. Read on to learn more about how you can avoid loose skin from weight loss.
Sagging or loose skin is probably due to rapid weight loss. Despite its elasticity, your skin retains its former shape even after you’ve lost many kilograms. This is the same thing that happens to pregnant women after giving birth. The best way to prevent loose skin is to try and lose weight gradually. Instead of going on a crash diet, try healthier weight loss methods like eating a well-balanced but low-calorie diet and doing regular exercise. Even though the results are not as fast, your skin will have time to adjust and will remain firm and younger-looking.
Another reason behind loose skin after weight loss is the decrease in muscle mass. When you lose weight too quickly, a lot of the weight comes from your muscle tissues and as it weighs more than fat. This is a common effect of crash diets. When your body is deprived of nutrients and calories, it resorts to digesting muscle tissues rather than fat tissues. This muscle loss results in sagging skin. To avoid this, it’s important that you regularly perform toning exercises to maintain your muscles. A strength training workout can also help you develop muscle mass.
By this time we all know how important water is for weight loss. Hydration is an important factor in maintaining taut and smooth skin. It’s important that you drink a sufficient amount of water daily to make sure that your skin retains its elasticity. When I say water means plain water no soft drinks and caffeinated beverages, etc. because these will only rob your skin of essential nutrients. If you’re looking for a drink to help you relax, drink herbal teas instead.
Probably stop thinking much and start doing because it is never too late. The elasticity of your skin decreases as you grow older, so if you want to lose weight without suffering from loose skin, you shouldn’t put off weight loss. Perhaps you continue to indulge in unhealthy foods with the excuse that you will just try to lose weight later. The more you put off losing weight, the less elastic your skin becomes. When you do eventually get around to losing weight, your skin might not be able to adapt as well as it used to.
The health of your skin not only depends on the products you use but on the foods you eat. Make sure you get plenty of nutrients from your diet. Protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats are all essential for healthy skin.
Take care of your skin, moisturize it, follow with regular scrubbing, and protect from the sun.
If you know some more ways How To Prevent Loose Skin After Losing Weight? Share with us!
Image Source – 1
You may also like reading –
Since the skin has to stretch as we move, grow, and–as in the case of weight loss– shrink, skin is an incredibly elastic living organ. Yes, that’s right, skin is not just one big piece of rubber that covers the entire body, but is instead an organ, and just like all the other organs in your body, it is comprised of cells.
Different layers of your skin have different types of cells, and though the skin cells on the outer part of your skin (the epidermis) are constantly being lost and replaced with new cells, the skin cells under the epidermis are a bit more permanent. These cells are made of elastic tissues which cause loose skin.
Loose skin is a common result of weight loss programs; especially ones that make you lose weight at a faster rate. However, even when you achieve your ideal figure, you may end up with a new worry when you see loose and sagging skin all over your body. Read on to learn more about how you can avoid loose skin from weight loss.
Sagging or loose skin is probably due to rapid weight loss. Despite its elasticity, your skin retains its former shape even after you’ve lost many kilograms. This is the same thing that happens to pregnant women after giving birth. The best way to prevent loose skin is to try and lose weight gradually. Instead of going on a crash diet, try healthier weight loss methods like eating a well-balanced but low-calorie diet and doing regular exercise. Even though the results are not as fast, your skin will have time to adjust and will remain firm and younger-looking.
Another reason behind loose skin after weight loss is the decrease in muscle mass. When you lose weight too quickly, a lot of the weight comes from your muscle tissues and as it weighs more than fat. This is a common effect of crash diets. When your body is deprived of nutrients and calories, it resorts to digesting muscle tissues rather than fat tissues. This muscle loss results in sagging skin. To avoid this, it’s important that you regularly perform toning exercises to maintain your muscles. A strength training workout can also help you develop muscle mass.
By this time we all know how important water is for weight loss. Hydration is an important factor in maintaining taut and smooth skin. It’s important that you drink a sufficient amount of water daily to make sure that your skin retains its elasticity. When I say water means plain water no soft drinks and caffeinated beverages, etc. because these will only rob your skin of essential nutrients. If you’re looking for a drink to help you relax, drink herbal teas instead.
Probably stop thinking much and start doing because it is never too late. The elasticity of your skin decreases as you grow older, so if you want to lose weight without suffering from loose skin, you shouldn’t put off weight loss. Perhaps you continue to indulge in unhealthy foods with the excuse that you will just try to lose weight later. The more you put off losing weight, the less elastic your skin becomes. When you do eventually get around to losing weight, your skin might not be able to adapt as well as it used to.
The health of your skin not only depends on the products you use but on the foods you eat. Make sure you get plenty of nutrients from your diet. Protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats are all essential for healthy skin.
Take care of your skin, moisturize it, follow with regular scrubbing, and protect from the sun.
If you know some more ways How To Prevent Loose Skin After Losing Weight? Share with us!
Image Source – 1
You may also like reading –
Kaffo lost 53 pounds/24kg. She decided to start her weight loss journey after watching a video she made for a TikTok challenge. She didn't recognize herself. Maintaining strict eating habits and working out 4-5 days a week paid off in results.
The post Kaffo lost 53 pounds/24kg first appeared on Black Weight Loss Success.
Pasta and weight loss simply don’t sound like two things that can go hand-in-hand. But here at Nutrisystem, we believe that transitioning to a healthier lifestyle should not have to mean giving up all of the things that you love—pasta included! Sometimes all it takes is just a little bit of creativity to devise pasta recipes that use healthy substitutions.
At your local grocery store, you can most likely find a large variety of healthy pasta swaps, such as spiralized veggies, whole wheat noodles, gluten free pasta and even spaghetti squash! We’ve rounded up 20 of our best (and simple) recipes that will give you your healthy pasta fix while still keeping you on track with your weight loss goals.
5 Healthy Veggies That Make Awesome Pasta Substitutes
Read More
If pasta and meatballs is one of your favorite comfort food combos, then you probably know how easy it is to overindulge on this classic dish. One heaping turns into two or more and soon you’ve eaten way too many servings. That’s what makes these skewers so great. It forces you to slow down and savor what you’re eating. That helps with portion control but also allows you to realize when you’re full. Oftentimes when we eat fast, we don’t give our stomach the chance to tell our brain that we’re satisfied!
This pasta meal gives you the decadence of a creamy dish but without the cheese. Instead, we prepare it with a homemade cashew cream sauce. If you’re trying to avoid dairy, this will be one of your go-to healthy pasta recipes. Filled with healthy fats and fiber, this dish also features vitamin-packed spinach and tomatoes to help you get your fill of daily veggies.
This flavor-filled recipe has a little bit of everything by combining chicken, ziti and a variety of veggies all in one delicious dish. It’s colorful and nutritious with wholesome vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions and celery cooked in just a small amount of butter. If you’re someone who is tired of boring chicken dishes night after night, then this is a great way to jazz up your dinner.
20 Healthy Recipes You Can Make for the Whole Family
Read More
If you’re looking for comfort food that won’t totally derail your healthy eating plan, then this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Although most casseroles are made in the oven, this no-bake version is cooked on the stovetop. While the end result is creamy and decadent, a serving is a mere 326 calories. This is achieved with some healthy substitutions, such as using part skim mozzarella and light sour cream instead of the full fat versions. That means you’ll get your creamy pasta fix in a healthful way.
If you’re someone who thinks healthy shrimp pasta recipes are too difficult to make at home, this meal will change your tune. Shrimp dishes can be much simpler to whip up than you might imagine and are a great way to incorporate lean protein into your diet. This particular recipe also features asparagus, which is a great source of nutrients including fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and K. You’ll feel like you got a restaurant-quality meal but will know that it was a healthy choice—and you’ll be proud that you made it yourself.
If you love spicy seafood dishes, then Shrimp Fra Diavolo might be a favorite. In this recipe, we’ve created a lighter version of this classic favorite. With antioxidant-packed tomatoes and the addition of some bell peppers and onions, it’s got plenty of veggies. But it’s the lean protein that shines in this dish! Shrimp is high in several vitamins and minerals while also serving as a rich source of protein.
Hungry? 8 Foods to Help You Fill Up Fast
Read More
This recipe is a great choice if you’re looking for a pasta-like dinner without the pasta. Spaghetti squash makes an excellent noodle-alternative for your healthy pasta recipes because it’s low in calories and high in fiber. It’s one of our favorite foods here at Nutrisystem, thanks to being considered a non-starchy, unlimited veggie that is highly versatile. In this dish, we combine it with diced sweet potato, seasonings, honey and goat cheese for a decadent-tasting meal that’s good for you, too. One serving is just 288 calories.
This meal is a great way to get your pasta fix without the pasta by using spiralized zucchini (also known as zoodles). It features a lighter cheese sauce that’s made with reduced fat shredded cheese and some nonfat milk. Plus, it packs in a ton of roasted veggies for plenty of antioxidant goodness. With everything from broccoli and bell peppers to onions and sweet potatoes, this dish is chock-full of flavor and healthy fiber, too.
Shrimp scampi is often a restaurant favorite. However, it’s known for having lots of butter and being loaded with carb-heavy white pasta. Our version removes the butter and goes low-carb with healthy spiralized zucchini and just a handful of whole wheat spaghetti. But have no fear, all that flavor you love is still there. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy twist.
Power in Protein: The Major Health Benefits of Shrimp
Read More
Besides being warm and comforting, particularly during colder months, soups are also fantastic for packing in the veggies. This soup does not disappoint! It has carrots, celery and tomatoes featured alongside hearty beans, lean ground chicken and just enough pasta to fulfill your craving without sending you into carb overload. A serving is hearty enough to count as a Flex Meal and won’t leave you feeling hungry after eating.
Nothing tops an easy-to-make meal that’s healthy, too. That is certainly the case for this tasty Beef Lo Mein dish that incorporates flank steak strips with lo mein noodles, healthy snow peas and carrots. It has all the flavor of take-out without the typical fat and calories associated with it. Plus, you’ll be able to whip it up a lot faster than calling for delivery.
If you’re a seafood lover, then you’ll definitely want to add this recipe to your weekly lineup. It combines mussels and shrimp with cooked spinach, parmesan cheese and whole wheat spaghetti—all covered in a tomato garlic sauce that adds a major burst of flavor. It’s both delicious and nutritious, making it a win all around.
Healthy Pasta Alternatives: Which Should You Buy & Which Should You Skip
Read More
Pasta Bolognese is an Italian favorite—but the pasta and the red meat can also make it a heavy, calorie-packed and fat-filled dish. Our version is much lighter, swapping out pasta with spaghetti squash and the traditional mix of beef, veal and pork with lean ground turkey. Still packed with flavor, our healthier recipe also shines a spotlight on the veggies with peas, zucchini, onions and tomatoes sneaking their way in. It’s so full of flavor that you’ll forget it’s a healthy twist on a classic dish.
If you’re looking for the creamy goodness of pasta in cheese sauce but don’t want to wreak havoc on your weight loss regimen, then this dish has got you covered. It uses low-fat ricotta and parmesan cheese for a simple sauce that kicks up the flavor factor on some whole wheat gnocchi. Add in some vitamin-packed spinach and sundried tomatoes and it’s clear to see how this dish has it all.
As yummy as classic chicken piccata may be, its downfall is in the heaps of butter it’s traditionally browned in. Typically served atop carb-loaded pasta, it’s easy to see how this dish can be a diet detour. But don’t worry—we’ve created a healthier version! This recipe eliminates the butter but adds in nonfat plain Greek yogurt to get that creamy texture. It still has plenty of flavor. Served over top of whole wheat pasta, it’s also got some hearty fiber.
Healthier Comfort Food: 10 Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipes
Read More
Our Vegetable Lasagna Bake is a great example of how you can have your favorite pasta recipes while still sticking to your healthy weight loss plan. This version packs in spinach and butternut squash, a low-calorie, fiber-rich winter veggie that adds a touch of sweetness. With just the right amount of low-fat cheeses, it’ll satisfy your lasagna longing without derailing your diet.
Whereas traditional meatballs are made from a combination of pork, beef and veal, our healthy vegetarian meatballs are made from brown lentils, mushrooms and oats. Still seasoned and baked to deliciousness, these meatballs are big on flavor—and fiber—while being low in fat and calories. Served atop zucchini noodles with no-sugar-added marinara sauce, it’s a great way to get your spaghetti and meatball fix in a healthful way.
This classic meal has the same ingredients as the traditional version, including top round roast, beef broth, onions, mushrooms and noodles. However, some healthy substitutions help to make it lighter and healthier. Fortunately, it’s still so full of flavor that you would never notice the difference! It will give you that classic comfort that you crave from this hearty favorite.
Grocery Shopping 101: Your Guide to the Pasta & Rice Aisle
Read More
This noodle bowl replaces carb-laden noodles with healthy spiralized sweet potatoes. Add to that some lean cooked shrimp, antioxidant-packed spinach and a delicious, homemade almond butter sauce and you’ve got a tasty meal that won’t disappoint.
Spaghetti squash and lasagna unite in this healthy air fryer recipe that’s filled with Italian-inspired ingredients. Low sodium marinara sauce, part skim ricotta, mozzarella cheese, spinach and oregano are tossed with spaghetti squash noodles and stuffed back into the homemade squash “bowl.” It’s a healthy and simple meal that almost tastes too good to be true.
5 Ways a Meal Delivery Service Can Improve Your Life
Read MoreThe post 20 Easy Recipes for a Healthy Pasta Dinner appeared first on The Leaf.
CLICK HERE TO GET IT NOW !!!
http://bit.ly/2sFQJFi
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
Learn More →
