Monthly Archive for October, 2011

TOPS weight loss program is a good option for those on a tight budget

Published on October 14, 2011 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Do you need to lose weight but the lack of money is holding you back? Well losing weight doesn’t have to cost a fortune, especially if you try the nonprofit program called TOPS, which stands for (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). A University of Colorado study revealed that people who participated in the TOPS program for three years lost 5 to 7% of their body weight and continued to keep it off.

The program puts an emphasis on the importance of support-group meetings and eating healthy. Fortunately there re no specific foods that you are required to eat. Probably the best thing about this program is that it only costs around $90 a year! Some weight loss plans can cost that much a week.

Throughout the U.S. and Canada, there are 10,000 chapters. To find one near you, just go to tops.org.

Surprising benefits of watermelon

Published on October 3, 2011 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

When we think of summer, we often think of a delicious wedge-shaped cold piece of juicy watermelon. This said, watermelon can be found all year round.

There are many benefits to eating watermelon. First of all, they are a great way to get many of your vitamins. Vitamin A, good for maintaining eye health and also an antioxidant; Vitamin C, a plus for strengthening our immunity and encouraging healthy teeth and gums, and Vitamin B6, great for boosting brain functioning and converting protein into energy.

In the past, tomatoes have been given a lot of credit for a great source of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant which helps to fight heart disease and several types of cancer – prostate cancer in particular. However, watermelon actually has the highest concentrations of lycopene of any fresh fruit or vegetable! It is also a great source of potassium, which helps to lower the risk of high blood pressure. Watermelon also contains the two amino acids citrulline and arginine. These amino acids help to maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function. And don’t forget, watermelon is not only low in calories, it is even high in fiber.

So even though many of us think of watermelon as a dessert or snack option, when you think about all the nutrition it packs, you might want to have it as a main part of your cuisine.