The Encore Fitness Blog Resources and information from top Las Vegas personal trainers, fitness and dietary experts. Carol Strom.

May 28, 2012

Healthiest foods for men

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death for men. While factors like smoking and drinking contribute to these diseases, improper nutrition can lead to poor health in men. Protect yourself from serious illnesses by incorporating some of the healthiest foods for men in your daily diet.

 

Vegetables and Fruits

Green vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, cabbage and Brussels sprouts contain indoles, sulforaphane and isotheicyanates, constituents that encourage certain genes in the liver to break down carcinogens caused by overcooked foods. The white and green vegetable group includes asparagus, chives, shallots, onions and garlic that contain allyl sulfides, constituents that stimulate antioxidant reactions in cells.
Orange fruits and vegetables including sweet potatoes, apricots, carrots, pumpkins, mangoes and cantaloupes contain beta-carotene which converts to vitamin A in the body, a nutrient that’s important for healthy vision. The red group, such as watermelon, tomatoes and pink grapefruits contain lycopene, a nutrient associated with a decreased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
The purple and red group, including plums, pomegranates, grapes and assorted berries, contains anthocyanins, which contain properties that may prevent cancer, discourage inflammation and promote heart health. The yellow and green group, including green peas, collard greens, spinach, avocado, honeydew melon and yellow corn, contain zeaxanthin and lutein, which are beneficial for eye health.

 

Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, rainbow trout and white albacore tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients that may reduce the risks of prostate cancer, strokes, heart attacks and advanced age mental health decline, according to Harvard Medical School. Eating fish frequently may also help prevent dangerous heart rhythms that lead to sudden cardiac death.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is important for digestive health, while soluble fiber finds and removes cholesterol before it can block arteries.

Almonds

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, protein, iron, calcium and fiber, and contain antioxidant flavonoids, which may prevent LDL or bad cholesterol from oxidizing and promoting cancer within cells.

Beans

Like almonds and oatmeal, beans are high in fiber and may help reduce LDL cholesterol. Beans also contain the nutrients magnesium, potassium and folate.

Pumpkin Seeds

Like fish, pumpkin seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that may help promote prostate health. Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc, a mineral that may help to promote prostate health.

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source: LIVESTRONG

November 4, 2010

Diabetes Rates To Soar Unless Americans Get Weight Under Control

Without more trips to the gym or a serious shedding of those extra pounds, up to one-third of American adults are on the way to becoming diabetic by 2050.

The number of people with diabetes has soared in the past 10 years

That’s according to a new projection out today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One in 10 American adults already have Type-2 diabetes — that’s 24 million people whose bodies don’t process insulin – the blood sugar regulator- very well. That in turn can lead to other, more serious health problems, like heart disease and stroke.

 
Most at risk are the obese, those who don’t exercise or have poor diets, those with a family history of the disease, and racial minorities. Also, the risks increase as we age.

The treatment for this kind of diabetes is bringing weight down, and eating a better diet, in many cases. And health apps can help, although we’re not really using them much.

As we now know, there’s no quick fix. Some pills boost our risk of more health problems.

The projected jump in diabetes cases has health officials worried about the country’s bottom line — and an already stressed health care system.

“Diabetes, costing the United States more than $174 billion per year in 2007, is expected to take an increasingly large financial toll in subsequent years,” the report says.

September 17, 2010

Fuel UP!

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , — Encore Personal Training @ 2:30 pm

Wow, this is great!

This one simple step alone will not only lengthen your workout, but it will also increase  your performance, which is the key when training and exercising.
That step?

photo courtesy of health.com

…Fill ‘er up!

If you don’t eat before exercise, you will likely feel light-headed, fatigue and nausea.
Your body is then forced to turn to muscle protein for fuel because it doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to perform.

By starting your workout well-fueled, your body will burn a combination of the carbohydrates and stored fat.
So fill ‘er up…and here are the food and beverage tips from your coach Max:  Eat 1 hour before a workout or event.
Choose a high carbohydrate, low fat, moderate protein meal or snack.

And don’t forget to hydrate. Drink at least 10 ounces of water to help offset perspiration loss during your workout.

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