A Christmas Treat

  

If you live in the northern or midwest regions, the weather is more than likely FREEZING now in your hometown as we are just a few days away from Christmas. While Christmas dinners and desserts are soon to be prepared, we must think about our bodies and the days following the holidays as well as going into the New Year. It can be very tempting but remember, moderation is essential! BeFitForU is all about enjoying life's simple pleasures as well as being a healthy, happy you.

Something that we must incorporate in our eating habits is trying foods first before adding anything extra. If you are constantly shaking on extra salt or sprinkling on extra sugar, then you are conditioning you palate to have a certain standard of a "good" taste. These habits however are those that lead to conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.


Did you know? Diabetes melletis commonly known as Diabetes, is classified into two different types Type I and Type II.

 

Type I: Affects about 5-10% of Americans and is and auto immune type of diabetes. Basically what happens is the genes that are inherited malfunction.

 

 

 

Type 2: Affects the majority of Americans and is typically directly linked to fatty, unhealthy foods and also a lack of exercise.



 

If you want to stay warm during the holidays, one way to do so is with a cup off hot chocoloate. Of course that sounds pretty cliche, but did you know the health benefits of a cup of hot chocolate?

According to a study that was conducted at Cornell University, the concentration of antioxidants in hot chocolate nearly doubles that of red wine and contains nearly five times the amount of black tea.
Check out the article here.

      What Are Antioxidants???

Antioxidants are substances that can potentially remove harmful oxidizing agents in a living organism.

Anti: Against

Oxidation: Chemical reaction when a substance is exposed to oxygen.

An example of oxidation is when an apple turns brown after being sliced. This is due to the chemicals that contain iron present in apples reacting with oxygen. This reaction actually produces melanin, which gives skin its pigmentation!!

Lemons contain high amounts of citric acid which is an antioxidant. This is the reason that lemon juice is suggested as a way of preserving the color of your freshly cut apples.


Another food rich in antioxidants is dark chocolate. I encourage you all to give it a try because you actually may prefer it over milk chocolate!!! Enjoy your time with you family and friends!!!
 

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!