Yes, this year I turned the big 50 and no – my body does not act like it use to. As our years begin to add up, maintaining a healthy weight is more difficult – believe me I know! I can remember being 140 lbs on my wedding day – that was 20 years ago – and boy, I am no where near that now. Unhealthy habits, having a sedentary job, and metabolic changes (which are beyond our control) can contribute to weight gain after 50. However, recently, I discussed some adjustments with my family doctor, which I want to share with you, that can help us get back in…
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Why Deli Meats Are Killing Us
Have you ever heard of nitrates and nitrites? Did you know, they are in almost ALL deli meats and processed meats? The only positive thing I can say about nitrates and nitrites; they inspired me to start my blog. Surprisingly, those harmful chemicals are throughout our food supply. Why isn’t someone screaming from the rooftops – “Hey, that crap causes cancer in you!” so…I started JoAnn’s Food Bites! What Are Nitrates and Nitrites? They are inorganic chemical compounds found naturally in all kinds of foods, including vegetables. Once these foods react with your stomach acids, they can help lower blood pressure. READ MORE ABOUT FOOD AND BLOOD PRESSURE HERE! HOWEVER, an…
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How Food Works With Hypertension
High Blood Pressure or hypertension has long been pinned as “the silent killer,” because so many people have it, but don’t know it. Like many chronic health issues, some suffer from high blood pressure just from genetics. My mother was diagnosis with HBP while pregnant with me, she was 30 years old. I was diagnosis after suffering debilitating headaches, several each month; most rooted behind my right ear, at the base of my skull. WORLDWIDE OVER 1 BILLION PEOPLE HAVE UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION While visiting a neurologist for my headaches, we discovered my blood pressure was 201/102 – it was a wonder I was functioning at all. After testing three different…
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The Connection Between Your Cholesterol and Food
As we get older, our cholesterol levels change. Doctors are not really sure how aging affects the composition and function of HDL, aka high-density lipoproteins levels; however, research has proven there is a significant change from our youth, and the food we eat plays an intricate part. Cholesterol in the body Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in all of your cells and has several useful functions, including helping to build your body’s cells. It’s carried through your bloodstream attached to proteins. These proteins are called lipoproteins. Our LDL or low-density lipoproteins, build up within the walls of our blood vessels and narrow the passageways, as we age. Significant…
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Assessing Your Vitamin D Level for Weight Loss Success
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Everyone knows the most popular new year resolutions are… …lose weight …eat more healthy …exercise more. My 2019 resolutions? ALL OF THE ABOVE! Today, I made my bi-annual trip to my internal medicine physician and my cholesterol numbers were slightly elevated; however, my HDL, or good cholesterol had also increased! My doctor strongly advocates starting cholesterol medicine, or statins. I know several people who are currently taking statins and they are suffering from the horrible side effects. Also, statins can destroy your liver, especially those under 60 years old. Therefore, I will continue my attempts at lowering my LDL cholesterol numbers through nutrition and exercise. Incorporating…
