Is Health Food Really Junk Food In Dusguise

Walk into any health food store, grocery store, or mass merchandiser store and you'll surely find a vast assortment of healthy nutritional bars somewhere in the store. They claim to pack a nutritional punch and give you the necessary nutrition and nutrients you need when you are on the go. But is it really that good for you? I say 'NO!' Especially if you stop to read the ingredients in some of these.

Now let's look at one of the more popular bars. A bar that is aimed mostly at women who are trying to eat healthy and trying to lose weight. The Slim Fast Bar. You don't have to go very far in the ingredients list to see that this bar is junk! The first ingredient is High Fructose Corn Syrup! Next was a special syrup, which is just a way to cover up that they put more sugar in it. Add in some partially hydrogenated oils which equals one thing-Trans Fats, and then just a bunch of artificial flavoring and sweeteners. Seriously, I would rather you ate a Snickers Bar. At least then you'll be getting peanuts, skim milk, and egg whites as well as the junk. And it will taste a lot better.

Then, of course, are the bogus claims by the manufacturers: 'The Slim Fast Plan cuts your calories and helps provide the nutrition you need to stay healthy while you lose weight and keep it off...' I'm sorry, nobody needs High Fructose Corn Syrup, Trans Fats, and Artificial Sweeteners in their diet. Period!

And this is just one company. I'm telling you right now, read the nutrition labels and ingredients list. Even if you think it is healthy, or it says it is healthy. 95% of Food and Supplement Companies have one thing in mind-To make more money! They will cut costs however they can, even if it means deceiving you and putting crap in their products.

So how do you tell what nutritional bars are good for you? Well here are some general guidelines to follow if you are looking for a Meal Replacement Bar or one for weight loss:

- Needs to have at least 175 calories. Anything less won't be enough calories to get you to your next meal.

- Should offer 4 grams of protein or more. Protein mixed with carbs and fat are better at filling you up and giving the satisfied feeling. Plus protein should be eaten every 2-4 hours regardless.

- Minimum of 3 grams of fiber. Fiber also has the tendency to make you feel full longer. You should be shooting for 24-36 grams daily. -Stay away from ingredients like High Fructose Corn Syrup, added sugar, partially hydrogenated oils (Trans Fats), and added artificial sweeteners.

- Limit saturated fats. No more than 4 grams per bar.

Hope this helps. Organic ingredients are also a big plus in a bar. Health food stores like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods offer some excellent choices. Some good bars out there are Lara bars, Prograde Cravers, Perfect 10, and Organic Food Bars.

Some Ways To Master Stress

The following are some categories that can be helpful in mastering stress:

Change stressful situations.

• Time and money management.
• Assertiveness.
• Problem-solving.
• Possibly leaving a job or a relationship.

Change lifestyle habits.

• Decrease caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, chocolate).
• Well-balanced diet.
• Decrease consumption of junk food.
• Eat slowly.
• Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, three times per week).
• Adequate sleep (figure out what you need, then get it).
• Leisure time (do something for yourself everyday).
• Relaxation exercises (e.g., meditation, self-hypnosis).

Change your thinking.

• Look at things more positively.
• See problems as opportunities.
• Refute negative thoughts.
• Keep a sense of humor.

Diversion and distraction. Take a time-out (anything from a short walk to a vacation) to get away from the things that are bothering you. This will not resolve the problem, but it gives you a break and a chance for your stress levels to decrease. Then, you can return to deal with issues feeling more rested and in a better frame of mind.

Fitting Fitness Into Your Busy Schedule

By this point, we should all know about the benefits of exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. Yet finding the time to incorporate a fitness program into our daily lifestyle can be difficult and sometimes disappointing! Here are a few tips that will help you fit fitness into your busy schedule. Whether you're just starting out or been at it for years, the following will be beneficial to you.

Don't Ride! Walk!
How many times do you find yourself frustrated while sitting in heavy traffic, waiting at a stoplight or trying to find a parking space? Chances are, you could have avoided that frustration by leaving your car keys at home and walking to your destination. Stop using your vehicle to take short trips and start walking instead. That convenience store at the corner is just a quick walk away and won't take that much more time than driving would. Not only will you get some fresh air AND a little exercise, you'll save some wear and tear on your car as well! You can also use this time to clear your head and enjoy being outdoors.

If your destination is just too far away and you do have to drive, try to park as far away as possible. That little bit extra can go a long way and remember it all adds up!

Don't Chain Yourself to Your Desk!

At work, we often find ourselves sitting in front of a computer for very long periods of time. Wouldn't it be nice to "take a break" and still get some work done? Instead of calling one of your office mates to deliver a message, walk over to their desk and hand-deliver it. This is an excellent way to stretch out those stiff muscles after sitting down too long.

If there is an elevator at your office, don't use it! Granted, if it's more than 6 flights, you are probably ok taking the elevator. But if it's less than that, take the stairs. Climbing the stairs will get you some great exercise and you'll still get to the next floor faster than your co-workers who are still waiting for the elevator. Plus, you can avoid that uncomfortable elevator silence!

Another way to add exercise into your work day is to turn your real breaks into "revitalization" breaks. Bring your walking shoes and take a quick walk. It doesn't matter if you're indoors or outdoors as long as you talk at a moderate pace for 10 minutes. That is enough time to get your heart rate up and you won't even break a sweat in your work clothes. Use this time to reduce your stress level or invite your co-workers for a little social time! You'll all benefit from your daily work walks!
Don't be a Couch Potato!

No, this doesn't mean that you can't watch television. We all do it! It does mean that you should utilize those boring commercial breaks to add in some exercise. Take a "physical break" from television and climb your stairs a few times, lift some light weights or do some stretching.

Use wireless headphones and watch television while you're working out on your exercise equipment if you just can't miss that show! Also, be creative with the things you can do at home to combat a dormant lifestyle and get moving! Have a push mower? Use it instead of riding around on your rider mower next time you need to mow the lawn. You'll thank yourself later!

Use these tips to incorporate exercise into your busy schedule. You'll find that taking the time to get a little exercise in throughout the day will help you in your fitness plan and help you relieve stress. The benefits will always outweigh the drawbacks in the long run. You CAN fit fitness into your busy schedule and live a healthier lifestyle!