Running 101

Running is a very popular exercise as it's not only beneficial to your entire body but your mind. It's also free and requires little to no skill. Meet Alex a 15 year old Irish Runner.

• When and why did you take up running?

I started running in a club when I was 11 because my older brother trained there and I thought it would be fun.

• What has your experience been like with running so far?

My experiences with running have been very good in the past, runners are far nicer and 

friendlier than cyclists, triathletes and swimmers from what I can see.

• Is it as hard as everyone thinks it is?

It mostly isn't as hard as people think it is some people just say that as an excuse for being lazy, although it does require consistent training. the hardest part is actually going out to run..The running itself is fun, but to actually motivate yourself to go outside and do it especially in bad weather is the hardest part.

• What would you recommend for those who want to start running?

I'd recommend people who want to start running to go to their nearest club with some friends, You'll enjoy going down to it if your friends are there too. Also enter races and competitions because you need to race to improve.

• Alex's Achievements

7K All-Ireland Champion

7th in British and Irish Mountain running championships

I find having a good pair of earphones takes my mind off running. Click here for my review on the best pair for exercising.

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that." -Fred Lebow, NYC marathon co-founder.

How to Stay Healthy During the Winter

A lot of people associate being fit and healthy around Summer time. Taking care of your body during winter ensures you get a head-start on the best body ever! 

1. Set mini goals. "We don't get what we want because we don't know what we want" It's the little goals that make a big difference. Write down what you want, when you want it and why you want it. Always refer back to this!
2. Don't depend on the weather. There are plenty of effective free indoor workouts you can do in the comfort of your own home. It's only a YouTube search away. 
3. Try something new. Whether it be a new recipe or an additional workout eg. skipping. It's going to spice up the routine and get you pumped up. 
4. Don't settle. During winter it's cold and a lot of comfort foods are processed eg packaged soups. Try make things from scratch so you know what you're putting into your body. 
5. Increase your fibre. It increases your anti-inflammatory proteins. It helps fight off sickness as well as aids your digestive and immune system. For example whole grains, oats & chia seeds click here for the benefits.

"Summer bodies are made in Winter"

Can Certain Foods Prevent Cancer?

I decided to take part in the Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (November) Campaign by informing you on the implications of the foods that we consume daily. I decided to interview an expert meet Megan Roosevelt, a Registered Dietitian.

• People say the foods we eat and how we cook them is linked to certain cancers, is that true?

According to the National Cancer Institute (also known as cancer.gov) cooking certain foods such as meat (beef, pork, fish, poultry) at high temperatures produces chemicals known as Heteroclycic Amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The National Cancer Institute states that, “HCAs and PAHs have been found to be mutagenic—that is, they cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of cancer.”

• What are the foods we should be avoiding?

To start, I definitely recommend that we avoid all artificial ingredients for example, artificial sweeteners. Also eliminate and reduce the intake of processed foods and increase intake of real, whole & plant-based foods.

• What foods can we eat to prevent certain cancers?

According to research studies by Dr. T. Colin Campbell as found in his book "The China Study", eating a plant-based diet can help prevent the growth & development of cancer. Be sure to check out my interview with Megan on her plant- based diet here.

• With the change in weather, what should we be eating to prevent illness/flu?

Foods high in antioxidants will help boost the immune system so eating more fresh fruits and vegetables also reducing intake of foods made with added sugars and or foods lacking in nutritional value is smart. A few foods that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C include sweet potatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, oranges & lemons.

• Do you have any further comments on this topic?

Eat real food and always be learning!


Thank you Megan for informative interviews! 

References:

http://nutritionstudies.org

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/cooked-meats

www.healthygrocerygirl.com

BIO:

Megan Roosevelt is a plant-based Registered and Licensed Dietitian as well as the founder and CEO of healthygrocerygirl.com. She is an author, web TV host, producer and regular nutrition expert for magazines as well as local and national television. Healthy Grocery Girl® provides nutrition services and multi-media resources that help individuals and families shop, cook and eat healthy including the Healthy Grocery Girl® Nutrition Plan and Online Community and the "Healthy Grocery Girl® Show", a free weekly online cooking and healthy lifestyle show.

Megan Roosevelt, RD, LD

Founder l CEO at Healthy Grocery Girl LLC

w. healthygrocerygirl.com

NEW! Nutrition Plan and Online Community  

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"The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago, the second best time to plant a tree is now" -Chinese Proverb