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The Bacteria Buzz

With all the talk of friendly bacteria, people are now being encouraged to eat it up. What's this bacteria we're talking about? Probiotics. This month's issue will discuss the many promising benefits probiotics may offer and describe the difference between the two new buzz words: Probiotics and Prebiotics.

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Alcohol: Friend or Foe?

Alcohol - this highly controversial beverage has been making history for as for back as human record dates and today the subject is more popular than ever. From the vineyards of France to bars in San Francisco, people are talking about the latest craze: the health benefits of alcohol. But is alcohol as good for you as all the hype claims? How much is considered healthy? What are the negative aspects of alcohol? How does alcohol affect weight loss? If you have been wondering about all this, read on!

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Breakfast: Worth Caring About?

The truth is that most people don't care about breakfast. Why should they? First of all, generally you aren't hungry in the morning, so go with it and save a few calories, right? Plus when you finally get into bed after a long day and you're reaching over to set the alarm for bright and early tomorrow, the last thing you want to do is set the time 15 minutes earlier just to eat a bowl of cereal, when you could get in a few extra z's! But did you know that just by getting up a few minutes earlier you could be actually helping yourself to lose weight, lower cholesterol and your chances of heart disease? Read on and you might think twice about the difference between getting-up at 6:15am vs. 6:00am.

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The Importance of Prevention and General Nutrition Recommendations

Prevention is the key to a healthy body. The new approach is to prevent not just react and here's how to do it!

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Danger Zone

Danger Zone: Partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup: two major food ingredients causing major concerns in the health industry. Many health-conscious grocery stores, such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods have chosen not to sell any products containing these two ingredients due to the possible unfavorable, health-related effects. In this issue, we will explore the world of Partially-Hydrogenated Oils and High Fructose Corn Syrup, what the products are, what foods they can be found in, and what their possible effects are on the body.

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Healthy Holiday Habits

Within the blink of an eye, the holiday season has snuck up on us once again. Plans are beginning to be made regarding Thanksgiving and other holiday dinners. People are starting to call for parties and events. Along with all the festivity planning, we need to remember to enjoy ourselves while maintaining our wonderful habits and health during the following holidays.

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Increase the Heat

Summertime is here. Temperatures are rising both inside and outside of the home. They're rising on the inside due to the increased heat from the many peppers and chiles abundantly available during the summer season. What are the wonderful benefits of these spicy foods, which sometimes bring about pain? We will discuss this month how pepper and chiles may decrease appetite, stimulate metabolism, and increase endorphins. Get ready for the heat...

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Organic Foods: Facts and Myths

Organic foods are sweeping the nation. People are wondering what are the benefits of organic foods and why are they so expensive. The October Newsletter will discuss the facts about organic foods including the standards, benefits, and stamps of approval.

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Sleep to Lose Weight?

How does one achieve optimal health and wellness? Most would respond "eating a well-balanced diet and increasing physical activity." However, most of us would never think of the most important component: SLEEP! Sleep is a major portion of our lives and a basic necessity. When we get a good night's rest, we feel refreshed and energized to "tackle" our daily tasks. Getting adequate amounts of sleep may even assist with weight loss and control blood sugar levels.

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The Power of Positive Thinking

Now that the New Year has begun, resolutions are under way. At this point, we are either striving towards obtaining our resolutions or feeling overwhelmed and thinking the worst. The power of positive thinking can help to reassure our goals and our perceptions of ourselves. By believing in who we are, we can learn to accomplish EVERYTHING we set our minds to. February’s issue will help to deconstruct the distorted thoughts we may have by providing us with some helpful tips on how to think positive and reach our goals.

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What’s the Deal with Fatty Acids?

Fat is an important and necessary part of our diets. We need it to survive and it provides us with many health benefits. However, certain fats can be more beneficial than others. The question of the month is what fats are important and what are their sources. This month's newsletter provides the breakdown of the fats: Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9’s.

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Increasing Potassium for Heart Health

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about potassium? Probably, bananas, oranges or other fruits that contain an abundant source of the mineral. But what else do we know about potassium? The truth is that potassium is one of the major minerals necessary for human health. As a unique micronutrient, potassium actually supports vital functions in the body in a HUGE way. Your body uses potassium to help conduct nerve impulses, contract muscles, maintain optimal body PH and support bone and kidney health. Potassium is crucial for everyone and for more than 40 years, scientists have hypothesized that potassium may have a positive affect on cardiovascular health. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report clearly states that a diet rich in potassium can help fight high blood pressure, lessen the effects of salt on blood pressure, and help prevent kidney stones and bone loss. And more exciting science supports potassium's ability to thwart sodium's harmful affects!

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Fluids: Why Consumption is so Important

You've probably heard that you should be drinking 8 oz of water a day, but do you know why? If you are not a water drinker, should you be concerned? What about drinking coffee or tea? Read on to learn the truth about hydration.

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Nutrition for Beautiful Skin

These days, everyone wants to look as great on the outside as they feel on the inside. What you eat affects every organ in your body, and your skin being the largest organ in the human body, is no exception. Foods, supplements, and nutrient-infused topical products have become the new initiative of the cosmeceutical companies, attracting those looking for natural ways to improve their youthful radiance and overall skin health.

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The Incredible Edible Flax Seed

This little seed is a wonder food indeed! Flax seed is the best source of omega-3 essential fatty acids there is (even better than salmon!).

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How to Eat Like a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestling is an ancient Japanese sport; where the heavier you are the better! They stare each other in the eyes and slap their feet and enormous thighs, trying to break their opponent’s courage. One of the heaviest sumo wrestlers, or rikishi in Japanese, was Hawaiian born Konisiki. He weighed 630 at his peak! So, how do sumo wrestlers get so big?

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Nutrition for Endurance: Cycling

Superior cycling ability comes from good training. However, without good food choices and the correct timing of meals, your training and performance will suffer. You need a fueling plan that includes the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, and the correct amount of fluids.

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Eating Out Tips

Here are some tips to help ensure you make good choices when eating out.

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Building Muscle

Once you have lost your body fat, then you are ready to build your muscle mass. In order to build muscle, you must eat more calories--but not just any calories or just any surplus calories. You must have the right amount of carbohydrates, protein and fats.

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Hydration for Endurance: Cycling

It can be challenging to get enough fluids when you race. Road cyclists can only carry two water bottles and can only get additional fluids at special “feed zones” along the course. In road cycling taking one hand off the bike to drink can lead to disaster! Even so, you need to be sure to drink enough.

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Hydration for Endurance: Running

It can be challenging to get enough fluids when you race. However, in order to ensure the best run you can, it is vital to drink enough fluids.

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Nutrition for Endurance: Running

Nutrition is a key factor in endurance sports and is just as important as a good training regimen. The number of calories you need for running depends on a number of factors: your body weight, how fast you run, how long you run, and your training frequency.

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Menopause - Weight Gain, Cardio Health and Osteoporosis

Menopause can be a very difficult time for many women. It is a crossroad in a woman’s life where changes in her body may be unwelcome. During menopause many women experience weight gain and changes in their blood cholesterol levels as well as develop fear of osteoporosis. Despite these unwanted changes, there are many things you can do to alleviate the negative side effects of menopause. Read on to learn more about how Eating Free can help you manage these symptoms in a natural and holistic way.

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How can I keep my energy up during the day without ruining my diet?

On days when staying awake and focused seem nearly impossible, how can I keep my energy up during the day without ruining my diet with too much caffeine and sugar?

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What foods can be good for the eyes?

Everyone should take care of their eyes. More so with age, since eye cataracts and age-related macular degeneration are the leading causes of blindness in older adults. Proper nutrition is always the most powerful preventive medicine so you may ask what foods can be good for the eyes?

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