A "No Pain" Way to Speed up Your Metabolism

Want a “no pain” way to speed your metabolism as we go into our weight loss season? Discover the secret weapon of a protein first thing in the morning.

. Studies from the University of Missouri show that those who eat a high protein breakfast of 35 to 40 grams of protein, report feeling less hungry later in the day than those who did not. From these results it is theorized that the high-protein meals release ghrelin. Ghrelin is a hunger regulating hormone that increases feelings of fullness and satiety.

A high-protein breakfast also seems to encourage healthier food choices throughout the day. Typically those who do not eat a high-protein breakfast seem to avoid eating fruits and vegetables, which can lead to weight gain and a lack of important nutrients in the diet.

Have you ever wondered if you have a thyroid problem because of your slow metabolism? Maybe a high-protein breakfast will help. Protein consumed within thirty minutes to one hour of waking helps thyroid function which can fuel metabolism. This allows you to burn more calories throughout the day.

Without breakfast at all we risk becoming increasingly resistant to insulin which increases hunger since your cells won't be getting as much fuel as they need. Insulin is also over produced when the breakfast is high in sugared cereals, bagels and other low fiber bread stuffs. Insulin is needed to help the body utilize glucose (blood sugar) to provide energy to carry out daily activities but when insulin is released in excess from poor food choices, the cells become resistant to up-taking insulin in an effort to protect themselves. When we are insulin resistant, risk of diabetes is increased. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and goes hand-in-hand with heart disease and high blood pressure.

One problem in choosing a high-protein diet is that many protein sources come with added dietary fat like red meat and cheese. Eggs, yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese would be a few lower fat options. Breakfast smoothies can be made with greens, nuts or seeds, berries and part of a banana and/or other healthy ingredients.

If you simply don't have time for breakfast or want an easy option you may want to opt for a healthy protein meal replacement like Smart Meal, Love & Peas or Nature's Harvest. Simpler yet would be a super green food supplement like Super Algae. I keep these by the bed with a glass of water to be taken when my feet hit the floor in the morning. This ensures I definitely get some high quality protein within ½ hour of waking, getting my daily metabolism off to a good start without added fat.

(See www.herbsnwheystore.com for more information on the products mentioned)

 

Cold and Flu Season

Everywhere we see signs that the cold and flu season is upon us. Already we have heard about or experienced the effects of early virus' making their way around our area. Everybody knows that good nutrition is vital to maintaining an immune system strong enough to ward off nasty invaders. Nutritional supplementation can also help.

Many nutritional supplement ingredients are effective in supporting immune system health. Here are a few popular ones that are scientifically supported.

Echinacea has been shown to stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of certain immune cells.

1. Elderberry appears to have immunomodulatory (helps to balance the immune system, keeping it from being overactive or under active) effects. The compounds in elderberry extract have been found to bind to viruses and block their ability to invade host cells. In this way elderberry is thought to reduce the severity of viral flu symptoms.
2. Scientific studies on ingredients such as zinc, Korean ginseng, Vitamin C, betaglucans and arabinogalactans all enhance and improve the effectiveness of the immune system by increasing the protective activity of certain immune cells. Without proper functioning of these immune cells, infectious diseases usually occur more frequently, are more severe and have a longer duration.
3. Vitamin D3 studies indicate that vitamin D may be a key nutritional component in enhancing immune function. Recent studies show the following about Vitamin D:
   1. Vitamin D signals the immune system to fight infections by being there to enable T-Cells (the fighter cells) to function.
   2. Lower levels of Vitamin D are produced in the body during the winter months because of lack of exposure to direct sunlight.
   3. A study of Japanese schoolchildren found that those receiving 1,200 IU of vitamin D daily were 58 percent less likely to catch influenza A.
   4. People with higher blood levels of vitamin D had a 50% reduction in the risk of developing acute respiratory tract infections than those with lower blood levels. Additionally for those with the higher Vitamin D level who did develop infections there was a marked reduction in the number of days they were ill.

Check out the  Elderberry Immune & Elderberry Plus formulas from Nature's Sunshine.

For more information on the products mentioned above please go to www.herbsnwheystore.com.

This information is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your medical professional if a medical condition exists or when taking medication before using any supplement.