Wednesday, November 14, 2012

New Product Alert-Natures Own Oatmeal Toasters

Nature's Own has introduced a new product called Oatmeal Toasters.  Currently, they come in 2 flavors:  Cranberry Orange and Cinnamon Raisin.  If you are like me, you continue to look for healthy ways to get yourself  and your kids going in the morning!  This is not your ordinary bread as it provides whole grains, real oats, and fruit.  To add a bit of protein, you can toast and spread some peanut butter-YUMMY!  Let me give you the nutritional highlights:
  • No trans or saturated fats
  • No high fructose corn syrup
  • 20 grams of whole grains
  • 4 grams of fiber
  • Only 160 calories
  • Only 1.5 grams of fat
So, if you are looking for something new to try, look for these the next time you are grocery shopping.

To Your Health!
Melanie Rubery MS RD

For those following the Sensibalance Program, each serving=2 Carb Bars, 1 Protein Bar, and 1 Fat Food Bar

Try Sensibalance FREE today for 30 days-CLICK HERE!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Sleep and Weight Loss-The Correlation


Much research has been measured and assessed in the correlation between weight and sleep. A recent article has went further to pinpoint it's influence on belly fat and diabetes.  A study by John Hopkins University did a study for 6 months.  They enrolled 77 people who had type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. The participants, all of whom were overweight or obese, were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group went on a weight-loss diet and had supervised exercise training, while the other group only had the diet intervention. A total of 55 participants completed all phases of the study.  The participants filled out the Hopkins Sleep Survey at the beginning and end of the study to identify sleep apnea, daytime fatigue, insomnia, restless sleep, excessive sleep or sleepiness and use of sedatives to aid sleep. Their body mass index and amount of abdominal fat were also measured at the start and end of the study.  Both groups-those assigned to a weight loss diet plus supervised exercise and those who only went on a diet-lost about 15 pounds.  They also lost about the same amount of belly fat, about 15 percent, which was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Improved sleep quality was demonstrated by a reduction in overall body fat, specifically belly fat, no matter the age or gender of the participants or whether the weight loss came from diet alone or diet plus exercise.

Hormones:Ghrelin and Leptin
When you don't get enough sleep, it drives leptin levels down, which means you don't feel as satisfied after you eat. Lack of sleep also causes ghrelin levels to rise, which means your appetite is stimulated, so you want more food.  The two combined, can lead to overeating which can result in weight gain!
Sensibalance Recommendations:
Do your best to get at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep/night.  If you are still tired, you may need to be evaluated for sleep apnea.
Nighty Night!
Melanie Rubery MS RD

For more information on the Sensibalance Wellness program, CLICK HERE