Gluten-Free Wednesdays 6/30/10
It’s hard to believe that June is about over. With summer here, I thought I would have more time to give to blogging, but I’m more distracted than ever. For that reason, and because many of you are busy with travels and summer activities, I’m not going to have a July challenge. I plan on bringing it back for August though, and Gluten-Free Wednesdays will continue as usual.
June’s burger challenge picked up speed last week with lots of great ideas. I knew you guys could get creative and come up with some non-traditional burgers. Here are a few:
![zucchini%20with%20walnuts_thumb%5B3%5D[1]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_TVBh9h_RA28/TCqG-1zr1UI/AAAAAAAACbM/7P9-70RzYFQ/s1600-h/zucchini%20with%20walnuts_thumb%5B3%5D%5B1%5D%5B2%5D.png "zucchini%20with%20walnuts_thumb%5B3%5D[1]")
Stability Ball Abs Exercise
Try this stability ball abs exercise for a more intense ab workout than regular crunches.
Ghosts: Explained Medical Way
Ghost Hallucination
From past till today, there has always been a clash between the ideas of the extremes of the believers and non-believers of the “existence of ghosts” which certainly is doubtful. This article is not meant to disrespect other’s views and experiences related to ghosts and demons. In my view, while few of the cases of ghost sightings and experiences remain unanswered, most of others have medical (physiological or psychological) reason.
In the center of our consciousness, there lies something that is too powerful to control which can command every part of our physiological faculty to obedience. This “something” here is nothing other than the human mind.
Most ghostly encounters are not visual, but rather consist of noises, smells, sensations, voices, cold spots, electrical disturbances such as lights switching off or on, and displacement or movement of objects. While there are several theories about ghosts (electromagnetic theory, parallelism,etc.), I would just like to shed light on some medical concepts.
Stimulation of some parts of brain leads to disturbance in various perceptions like vision, hearing, etc. leading to hallucinations. Some of the medical reasons for ghostly encounters are:
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder (or a group of disorders) marked by severely impaired thinking, emotions, and behaviors. Schizophrenic patients are typically unable to filter sensory stimuli and may have enhanced perceptions of sounds, colors, and other features of their environment.
Country/Region Extrapolated Prevalence Population Estimated Used
USA 2,375,154 293,655,405
Britain (UK) 487,483 60,270,708
China 10,505,385 1,298,847,624
India 8,614,541 1,065,070,607
Japan 1,029,899 127,333,002
Schizophrenia have relatively high prevalence compared to other mental disorders. To learn about how schizophrenia leads to ghostly hallucinations: http://medchrome.com/minor/psychiatry/schizophrenia-summarized-article/
Sleep paralysis
Medically, sleep paralysis is a neurology flaccid paralysis at sleep onset or on waking and in otherwise healthy person characterized by an inability to ‘kickstart’ the voluntary muscles, resulting in a transient ‘locked-in’ syndrome. It is associated with narcolepsy, Pickwick syndrome, sleep apnea, cataplexia and hypnagogic hallucinations. There is a high prevalence of sleep paralysis of about 40%. To learn about how sleep paralysis leads to ghostly hallucinations : http://medchrome.com/patient/sleep-problems/sleep-paralysis-alien-abduction-demon-or-physiological/
Mass hysteria
Hysteria is when someone has a very strong emotion that is unmanageable. Often, this means a very strong sense of fear. To learn about medical concept on demonic possesion and several mental disorders including hysteria: http://medchrome.com/featured/demonic-possesion-explained-medical-concept/
All of these conditions above have relatively high prevalence and are characterized by hallucinations and delusions. Also, most of the ghost reports are also the results of pranks. Besides, people have largely sold the idea of existence of ghost.
More theories about ghosts are available at: http://www.mysticalblaze.com/GhostsNature.htm
Lighten up and be food smart for 2010
Now that summer is upon us, “diets” and “weight loss” are the number one Googled item – no surprise.Instead of going on a strict diet, try eating cleaner and smarter.
This is why “diets” do not work. It is all about lifestyle changes – changes for life! I wanted to share some of my go-to ways to think healthy and eat healthy, and to cut out unwanted calories and change unhealthy techniques. These techniques are for everyone – meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans.
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1. Eat your protein during breakfast. Eggs, Greek style yogurt, tofu or beans will help your energy level and reduce your cravings during the day.
2. Changing the way you cook. Instead of sautéing or frying, try poaching, steaming or roasting.
3. Substitutions are a great alternative to cooking. Use plain Greek style yogurt instead of sour cream, mustard or hummus instead of mayo, and lean ham or turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
4. Think before you drink; you can easily drink more calories than you know. Drink seltzer water with citrus (orange, lemon, lime), use non-fat milk in your coffee and lattes, STOP the soda, and if you must drink juice, make it be 100% juice with no added sugar.
5. Check your portion size! Eat on smaller plates to help cut down on over plating and portion out your plate with this ratio: 1/4 meat/protein 1/4 carb 1/2 vegetable. Also visualize your helpings: protein should be a deck of cards, starch should be a tennis ball and eat as much veggies/fruit as you like.
6. Measure your olive oil instead of “winging it”. You don’t need as much as you may think.
7. Reduce over all meat consumption by subbing with beans or tofu. Although you can buy lean meat, subbing 1-2 nights a week can help get more variety in your everyday diet.
8. Think ordering a salad is a “safe” choice? Salads can easily be just as unhealthy as a burger with fries! Order salads with dressing on the side, cut down on croutons and cheese. Use baby spinach instead of lettuce and add raw nuts for texture and healthy fat.
9. Add fat free flavor. Using a lot of herbs when cooking cuts down on the use of oils and sauces. Experiment by using basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes or anything that catches your eye.
10. Fill up on fiber. Eat plenty of beans, legumes and whole grains throughout the day to maintain your energy levels and helps keep you full longer.
11. Snack a better snack. Avoid cookies and chips and replace them with carrot sticks with hummus, fruit, nuts and low fat cheese.
12. Smarten up your soup. Brothy soups are generally lower in calories and a good choice when you are craving comfort food. Steer clear of the cream based soups as they are loaded with calories and fat.
13. Take time to eat. It can take up to 30 minutes before you realize your are getting full. Sit, relax and enjoy your meal for once.
14. Don’t ever deny yourself. If you want dessert, enjoy! Just keep your portion size in check. Try enjoying a few pieces of dark chocolate with fruit for a great ending to any meal.
Losing weight can be a struggle but the more tools you have, the easier it will be. Good luck and enjoy the sun! 
Happy Hump Day!
Dang! I’m so psyched to be heading back to Park City, UT tomorrow. One of my favorite places in this country. What are yours?
Mine:
- Miami- this is my getaway spot. I just love me some Miami and have to get a little apartment getaway down there ASAP.
- Park City, UT. It is breathtaking here. Seriously, I think this is where they invented the term, “God’s Country”.
- Seattle – Talk about the rain if you will. I love Seattle. Mountains, water, great sushi, cool laid back peeps.
- NYC- would never want to live here but I love going here for business. Especially now when I have such great friends there that can show me the nooks and crannies.
- Pensacola FL- Used to live there ages ago. Miss it. Want to go back as soon as possible.
- San Francisco- used to hate it, now I love it….takes knowing some people that live there and also being there with someone cool helps.
Anyway, today was ROUGH. Yesterday was ROUGH. I’ve had 5-7 days of technology FAIL hell. I’ve had my Blackberry replaced/upgraded/replaced again. I’ve had my HP printer die, then shipped back, then got a new one, that one won’t install, yesterday I spent over an hour online with “HP Tech Support” which was the equivalent of talking to a piece of grass. Today I was on the phone with HP Tech Support for over 90 minutes. Still no solution. All this simply to install the software for my brand new HP printer on a Windows Vista PC. You’d think it was on a DOS computer from 1986. I read 1/2 of a book while I was waiting!! Clearly all of this was stressful and EXHAUSTING. Because then I’m an idiot who thinks I can fix it myself because I’M IMPATIENT and don’t want to wait.
Idiot!!!
All that to say- yesterday I finished the attempted tech support around 9pm. No workout. Today- more tech support just to get things working, plus packing and getting stuff ready for my trip- no workout.
THIS CAN’T HAPPEN ANYMORE.
I’ve packed my workout stuff, and I’m going to enjoy this great conference and the weekend in a beautiful place. And when I get home, next week marks the beginning of a new KO weekly scheduling plan. NO more winging it. No more letting myself down when work gets in the way. Morning workouts MUST HAPPEN. The mental feeling of failure is just as bad if not worse than what actually missing 3-4 workouts does in the short term. Being ON IT, on your game, NOTHING beats that feeling.
Time to BRING IT. I’m not worried about doing just that.
I’m bringing my video camera with me, y’all…..hopefully the resort will have a good high speed connection so I can upload the vlogs. Cuz- oh crap, I was just reminded of yet another technology fail- I’m STILL waiting for VERIZON to fix my sub-par “Mobile Broadband” service.
I SO NEED A VACATION. Below is cute little downtown Park City. Obviously it won’t be snowing this time of year, but the downtown is sooo adorable.
Does Tough Love Motivate You (You Pansy)?!
She may look like an abusive boyfriend but really this is the face of love.My cheeks hurt after my workout this morning. And yes, I know after all the discussion about Toilet Sore around here as of late you all are assuming my butt cheeks are sore. (Okay, they are. They still really really hurt from CrossFit’s WOD two days ago. We had to do like 500 weighted overhead lunges!) This morning I tried out a new bootcamp class and left with my cheek-cheeks sore. As in I grinned so hard and so long that my face hurts!
Uncontrolled grinning and boot camp normally go together like Marilyn Manson and Mouseketeers:
When I think boot camp I envision screaming drill sergeants, G.I. Jane, Jillian Michaels. My instructor this morning must’ve missed that memo because he is the smiliest person I have ever met. He smiled introducing himself (normal), he grinned warming us up with side shuttles (slightly odd), he even beamed while talking us through a killer set of lunges (see butt sore-age above), push-ups and supermans (very strange). And I LOVED it!
The more he smiled, the more I smiled! I giggled doing butt kickers. I cheered doing bear crawls. I even cackled doing upright rows and I hate working my shoulders! Hate it!! By the time we finished class I felt as happy as when I discovered that they are making a Step Up 3 – in 3-D!! (Because nothing says Good Time like sitting around wearing dorky glasses watching the cool kids do things I can only dream about. Oh wait, that was my entire high school career.) Boot camp was good smiley fun.
It was not always this way. Back in Seattle I had an aerobics instructor – as in “Jazzercize, Jane Fonda called and she wants the ’80′s back” floor aerobics – who was as hard-nosed as they come. (Dearest L, you know exactly what is coming next.) Her classes were run like a tight ship. You did not walk in late. You did not leave your towel on the floor. You did not spill your water bottle. And you did not, under any circumstances, screw up the moves. (Which meant that you could not ever be new.) One errant hamstring curl while the rest of us were carioca-ing to the left earned you her pint-sized face in yours, screaming. She called people idiots. Losers. Stupid. She threw things, pushed people, stomped off in a huff. And even, on one memorable occasion, tripped someone on purpose and then yelled at them for falling. Injury, pregnancy, illness, stress – it didn’t matter to her. There simply was no excuse for not performing at your 100% best.
The craziest part about all this? People loved her. And not just loved but absolutely adored! One woman brought her hot Starbucks coffee (it was Seattle) every morning. Others had followed her for 15 years from gym to gym to gym as she inevitably got fired from one place and moved on to the next. But the most telling sign was that all her classes were offered at 5:30 a.m. and they were packed. It was like living in an alternate universe where the head cheerleader goes on to be principal. And the principal has a fan club like Jerry Garcia.
I avoided her. I took her classes – with a new baby and no childcare at that gym the wee hours of the morning were the only time I had to workout and I’m a group fit girl at heart – but I did my best to stay pretty invisible. I hugged the side-middle of the room. I memorized her patterns so I wouldn’t call attention to myself by messing up. I didn’t arrive super early but I wasn’t late either. I was respectful when I spoke to her but careful to never tell her anything personal. Didn’t want her to have any ammo to use against me.
See, for me, negative attention like that doesn’t motivate me. It never has. I don’t do well with “tough love” and screaming has me in tears before it makes me push harder. I like my workouts to get my heart rate up but not from stressing out over being publicly chastised. I’ll work 100 times harder for my smiley boot camp instructor than I ever would for her.
But everyone is not me. And that’s ok! I call it the Jillian Michaels conundrum. Heck, she’s made a very lucrative career out of screaming in people’s faces until they cry and then sitting on them. Some people really seem to thrive with someone nailing their butt to the wall. They feel patronized by platitudes like “You can do it! You’re strong and beautiful and awesome!! Yeah!!!” Others like me eat that stuff up like it’s unicorn meat in sparkle gravy with a side of kittens and rainbows.
I believe there is a middle ground – the rare teacher who knows when you need a push and when you need a hug – but that sweet spot differs for everyone. What’s your workout nirvana? Do you need some tough love to get your sweat on? Or do you prefer to be encouraged with You-Go-Girls? Anyone else lovelovelove dance movies regardless of how ridiculous the plot lines are??
PS> HUGE shout-out to reader Deb who came to my outdoor turbokick class tonight! Not living in California, I don’t often get to meet other bloggers/readers (is it just me or are there a disproportionate number of health and fitness bloggers in Cali?) so it was a real treat to meet her! She even stuck it out through wind and rain! Thank you Deb!
*For a good time, google “things that don’t go together.” Hours of fun!!
Tropical Grilled Pork Chops
Green Superfood – The Ultimate Power of Spirulina And its Super Friends
Meet The Green League
Green Superfood
If you have never heard of green superfoods before, it may sound like a cape-wearing broccoli flying across the city and saving the day, or perhaps a peapod lifting big heavy boulders and throwing them on top of villains and crooks. For some reason, green superfoods are not able to do all these things, but they certainly have unbelievable power and energy to promote human health, build up stamina and also reinforce the immune system.
Green superfoods are not vegetables or organic food. In fact, they are natural supplements that provide a very high amount of nutrients and energy. The nutritional value of these foods is found to be significantly higher than normal food. A small serving is enough to provide great amounts of energy and meet the nutrient requirements of a body. Therefore, superfoods are the best supplements to ensure a healthier life without having to eat too much.
The Average Diet and the Super Diet
The human body requires a good amount of green vegetables and fruits as a part of its daily diet. Studies have shown that the Standard American diet lacks a considerable amount of this nutritional requirement. In fact, it is comprised of a lot of processed food that is harmful to over all health. This explains why the Standard American Diet is sometimes sarcastically referred to as SAD. Sadly enough, SAD is the major reason behind the alarming rate of obesity and many cardiovascular diseases in the country.
Superfoods promote a healthy alkaline diet while the SAD is highly acidic. The Alkaline diet contributes greatly in improving the immune system as it eliminates harmful bodies such as bacteria and fungus. The alkaline diet may also help in cleansing and detoxifying the body.
Essentially, a superfood diet may be able to fight off all the diseases and effects that a standard acidic diet promotes. Alkaline diet can counter many health problems including obesity, cardio vascular diseases, arthritis and digestive problems. It also aids in keeping the blood pressure and sugar level in control.
Some Super Members
The green superfoods are generally the greens which are not part of an average diet. Most of them might be part of some ethnic diet but in most parts of the world, they are not considered as conventionally edible food. The following are examples of some of the most beneficial members of green superfoods.
- Wheat Grass: Wheat grass is not very hard to find in America, yet it is not part of an average American diet. However, the benefits and energy levels this superfood provides are recognized by many energy drink manufacturers, therefore, wheat grass is a major ingredient in most of such drinks. Moreover, it might also be very helpful in increasing red blood cells, controlling high blood pressure, and stimulating metabolism and the thyroid gland.
- Barley grass: Another energy-packed superfood which is highly overlooked in the standard diet. Barley grass is gluten-free and non-allergenic. It is also a vitamin-abundant food and a great contributor in alkaline diets.
- Chlorella: There are countless health advantages related to Chlorella, which is a member of algae family. It contains proteins and Chlorellan, a very beneficial compound. Algae are also not part of the conventional diet, but they are said to possess amazing power. A lot of people have been using chlorella for heavy metal detox programs to remove mercury and lead from the body. It might also help in improving the liver function and immune system. Other nutritional elements include vitamin B, C, E, iron and Calcium.
- Spirulina: Another algae and a prominent member of green superfoods. Interestingly, the name Spirulina comes from its shape. Spirulina has age-old proven benefits. It is thought to be extremely beneficial for the immune system and mental functioning. Moreover, it is rich in amino acids, vitamins, iron and proteins.
Superfoods Super Facts
The Recipe
As mentioned earlier, Superfoods are not a part of the average standard diet in most part of the world. It is also not possible to consume these foods like other fruits and vegetables. These superfoods are available in mixes from different brands. These mixes can be used in shakes, smoothies, water and even soups and salads. Complete instructions of the use of spirulina and other green foods can be found written on the packages. Plus, you can find many other delicious super recipes as well.
When to say NO
Superfoods are healthy foods and can be taken by almost everyone but there are few exceptions regarding conditions and the dosage. Generally, pregnant and breast feeding women are required to consult their doctors before taking superfoods supplements. In case of children, the dosage should be reduced to half, or as specified on the package. Other issues might include the concurrent usage of anti-coagulant and anti platelet medications. It is advisable to carefully read the label before taking any kind of superfoods, as some people might be allergic to any ingredient.
Where to find
Superfoods are not a new discovery; their benefits have been known for centuries. Today, a lot of quality brands are available in the market and online health stores. Look for the ones with ingredients that you require as the major component of the blend. You can also find products that do not contain one or few of the most common allergic ingredients.
About the Author
Tom Hines, co-owner of NutritionGeeks.com (MN #1 retailer of Now Foods vitamins), has been working in the nutrition industry since 1997, is a competitive powerlifter, lives with his wife Netti and three boys TJ, Grady and Brock on the prairie in west central Minnesota, spends his leisure time coaching youth wrestling, working with his horses and being play toy #1 for his boys.
Other Posts You’ll Find Useful:
Complications Of Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian Cyst: Complications- Details on Torsion Of Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian Cysts are ono-neoplastic enlargement of Ovaries with accumulation of fluid inside the functional unit of Ovary. Cysts may be functional or Non-functional. The Complications of Ovarian Cyst are:
Torsion Of Ovarian Pedicle or Twisted Ovarian Cyst:
Among the complications of these Ovarian cysts, Torsion of ovarian pedicle may cause the patient to present in Emergency in Acute painful condition and in Distress. Although it is often referred as Torsion of Cyst, actually it is the torsion of the cyst pedicle.
Torsions are more common in Serous Cysadenomas and dermoid cysts. Axial rotations are seen in 10-15% cases at OT.
Twisted ovarian cust
The Structures Forming Pedicle for Torsion are:
- Laterally – Infundibulopelvic ligament containing ovarian vessels, nerves and lymphatics
- Medially- Ovarian ligament, Medial end of Fallopian tube, Mesosalpinx
- Middle- Broad Ligament
Causes – Etiology of torsion of Pedicle is obscure.
Predisposing factors are: -
- Trauma
- Violent Physical movements
- Contraction Of Pregnant Uterus
- Intestinal peristalsis
Precipitating Factors:- Hemodynamic theory suggests that slight axial rotation that leads to venous occlusion causes cyst to rotate with each arterial pulsation. It may get untwisted spontaneously or few cases cyst may rupture and cause crisis situation.
Symptoms:-
- Varies with severity.
- In completely occluded cases, severe pain is the complaint.
- Lump may be feltper abdomen.
- Patient is in agony but general condtion is fair.
- Abdominal tenderness +, tense cystic mass, restricted mobility, usually in hypogastrium and arising from pelvis
- Pelvic examination reveals that the mass is separate from the uterus.
Differential Diagnosis:
- Disturbed Ectopic gestation
- Acute Hydramnios
- Perforating mole
- Torsion of Fibroid
Treatment:
Supress pain with Morphine 15mg IM
Laparotomy followed by Salpingoophorectomy ( Ovariotomy)
Ovarian Cyst
Source: DC Dutta Gynecology.
Oh my eyes…
Hey all! Sorry for being so distant this week. Some of you may have seen that I am back at work full time. I am still trying to figure out how to work, post, run, do chores and have fun all in one day! I am out of my element – I forgot how to multi-task my life! ha
J is having a BLAST at his child care facility, though! A very small group of kids and the teacher is so kind and loving. It’s such a great feeling knowing that J is in good care. =)
I wont lie – I am exhausted! My eyes are killing me, my brain is mush and all I want to do is sleep. I know the first week is going to be the hardest as I am adjusting but I hope to get out of this zombie state soon.
So please bare with me this week as my posting will be lacking of inspirational material…
I have been packing my breakfast and lunch everyday, but I do miss not being able to cook what ever I feel like for breakfast and lunch. A lot of fresh, raw salads and wraps which are easy to store and eat while working at my desk. I need to start taking pictures of my food in the morning and sharing ideas that other working individuals can use to make sure they are eating well while at work.
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I did want to say a huge THANK YOU to all of my fans and the support I am given on a daily basis. The NursingSchools.net website included The Clean Eating Mama in their top 10 list for Clean Eating Blogs! I am so honored and excited about this recognition!
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I am off to give J a bath, snuggle with him before bed and then eat a small dinner. THEN off to bed!
Good night!
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