The problem with pain
You're probably feeling it worse than he does
So much health news, so little time … so let’s get right to it!
Did you know that 45 minutes of cardio exercise can boost your metabolism for up to 14 hours, helping you burn an extra 200 calories while doing absolutely nothing? But it’s not just about exercise: Whether you’re sitting down to breakfast or getting ready for bed, there are simple steps you can take to bump up your metabolism and burn more calories around the clock. Check out this slide show for six great ideas on mastering your metabolism. (SELF) Slide 12 has great tips for increasing fiber in your daily food intake. I personally love an afternoon snack of walnuts and cranberries.
Of course, there are plenty of times that you can’t devote a full 45 minutes to exercise. In that case, says Nicole Nichols, the key is upping your intensity to achieve better results in less time. When you’re doing cardio such as running or cycling, doubling your speed will nearly triple your calorie burn. When I was training for a marathon I used hills and speed drills to kick it up and it really worked. Hard and worthwhile. That’s what I call a nice return on investment! (Daily Spark)
Last but not least in exercise news, FitSugar has 5 tips to help get you motivated for that early morning workout (the only time of day most of us can consistently fit it in). Make a date with a partner, lay out your gear the night before, and find an activity that you actually look forward to. Oh, and don’t wake up to that obnoxious alarm clock buzzer. Instead, choose an upbeat song to put you in the mood right from the start. (FitSugar)
Looking for a way to bring some new taste to your healthy diet? Try a little almond butter, suggests Nicole German, a registered dietician. It’s usually packaged as an all-natural product, with lots of Vitamin E, antioxidants and omega 3s. There’s nothing wrong with good old peanut butter, German says, but “almond butter is just another nut butter alternative that happens to have a little more heart healthy fats, antioxidants, and a new flavor.” (Diet Blog) This has been my “go to” over peanut butter for over 6 months and I love it with honey on a 100 calorie sandwich roll.
For a healthier relationship — and a healthier outlook on life — new research suggests that couples should look for other couples to hang out with. Having another couple with whom to let loose or share emotions can help to relieve stress and forge stronger relationships, researchers found. Where do you find other couples who share your interests? Believe it or not, Craigslist might be a good place to start. (Live Science)
Finally, here’s an item that could start a lively debate around your house: After reviewing the records of more than 72,000 patients, researchers have concluded that women seem to experience more pain than men. Some scientists believe this is because women’s brains process pain signals differently, while others cite hormonal or psychological factors. Regardless of the reason, doctors agree that many women don’t get the proper medical attention for their pain issues. (CNN / The Chart blog)
What do you think? Do you experience more pain than your partner? And most importantly, what do you do about it?
Photo credit: courtneyk via iStockphoto
