Coffee is good for you!

While I was pregnant I was told that I should not have more than one cup of coffee if any and then after I had my son I was told that too much coffee is bad for you. Well after reading this article I say "Ha!" to all the nay sayers of drinking coffee! As it turns out coffee is actually GOOD for you and to top of off it might be a huge preventative for certain illnesses and diseases!

From this article on WebMD, it states that coffee could lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and colon cancer."We don't know exactly why coffee is beneficial for diabetes," lead researcher Frank Hu, MD, tells WebMD. "It is possible that both caffeine and other compounds play important roles. Coffee has large amounts of antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and tocopherols, and minerals such as magnesium. All these components have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism."



At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones. There's also some evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is unavailable, stop a headache, boost mood, and even prevent cavities. 

To read the entire article go here!

It's 2010, time to get healthy...damn

So despite the consistently cool weather, spring is around the corner. Well around the corner, down the block, three buildings down. Regardless, it’s coming. The holidays are over, are resolutions set,now it’s time to figure out how to shed last year pounds and fit into those bathing suits that didn't fit in 2009!

After having my son last year and watching my body giggle and fold in ways I have only seen in movies, I am anxious to start a regiment that I can stick to that doesn’t include joining a gym for $100 a month and considering protein bars as a “meal”. While I can admit that not having the Pizza Hut $10 special every other day might help I can’t seem to get stimulated enough to want to have that morning jog or convince my brain that the Cherry Cheesecake Jubilee yogurt tastes remotely like cheesecake. Perhaps if there was a Big Mac with cheese or a Filet o’ Fish yogurt I’d be more inclined. (Don't make that face, you know you'd eat it, too.)

So what is one lazy mother to do to get pumped up? Eating right and a simple work out will is always the answer but it's much easier said than done.

Here are a few recipes that I’ve found that are not only simple to make but won’t bust your budget.

Breakfast

• Eggs with peppers
• Cottage cheese and fruit
• Fresh berries, yogurt, granola

Lunch

• Greens and Apple salad
• Smashed Potato salad
• Chicken and Pepper Stir Fry

Dinner

• Turkey and Lettuce wraps
• Tilapia and Vegetables
• Zucchini with Parmesan

Exercise

As far as exercise, as much as a gym will increase the weight loss in these times not everyone can afford to pay for those amenities. For now long walks to the store or to the daycare can easily count. Take the train to work? Use the stairs instead of the escalators. What I have started to do is to play and lift my son some more. Now that he is pushing over 20 pounds lifting him in the air up and down a few times is bound to make for a difference. What’s even more beneficial is that by play with my son and chasing him around is making HIM tired, therefore knocking him out right at bedtime. Everyone wins!

Setting a goal also helps to keep to momentum (as long as it’s realistic). I have gained about 20 pounds since having my son and would love to lose them by the summer. My first hurdle will be ten whole pounds. I am determined to lose this by March 1^st. (Is that realistic? Ugh, keep your fingers crossed!)

So who’s with me???

Do you have any techniques or recipes that help to shed pounds?