15 July 2003
Are You Stressed? Personal Training may help you out
It's 8:00PM in New York. You're still cooped up in the office, rushing to finish a report before the clock strikes 9:00. The prospect of having a real dinner is as far from you tonight as an aloe vera massage on a Caribbean beach normally is. Your growling stomach prompts you to munch on pretzels, which you wash down with some diet cola and an occasional sip of water. 9:00PM, you're still not done. Your best friend calls, annoyed that you broke yet another movie appointment. You hang up, tired, upset, bloated from all the diet cola, and ready to book the next flight to Paradise Island.
Most of us have experienced stressful situations in one form or another. Something is always on our minds, eating us up, making us edgy and irritable, the constant pressure, worries, illness, and more – it all comes down to stress and the role it plays in virtually all of our lives. Physical symptoms that can be attributed to stress include stomach ulcers, headaches and migraines, fatigue, tension and an inability to concentrate.
Studies have shown that stress has also been linked to virtually every type of life-threatening disease including cancer, heart disease and stroke. In addition, stress is known to play a role in many emotional disorders including depression and eating disorders. Stress also can lead to greater susceptibility to illness, infection and nutritional problems.
Unfortunately, most Americans do not get the nutrition required for their bodies to handle the physiological effects of stress. Stress depletes vital nutrients, can increase blood pressure and decreases immune function. For those who are already nutrient depleted, the added stress and worries about job security, the economy and national security are causing these individuals to “run on empty”.
Just as a car must have fuel and proper upkeep, your body must have high-quality food to function correctly. Every cell of your body is either healthy or sick depending on the food you eat. The body must be fueled with foods that are nutrient-dense and as close to their natural state as possible. Eating natural, nutrient-dense foods allows the nutrients to be delivered to the individual cells of the body where they can be used to keep the cells healthy. If you aren't eating nutritious food, what reserves do you suppose your body is drawing from? You may be able to "run" for a while, but you will soon "break down".
You may be thinking, "Great! One more thing to worry about!" But, unlike the economy and international politics, your health and nutrition is something you have direct control over. Providing your body with the fuel it needs is simple and may reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety! Include just one fruit or vegetable with your 3 meals and 2 snacks each day, and you will have met the daily recommendations for fruits and vegetables. This simple change can improve your energy levels, well-being and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
Exercise is another tool you can use to deal with stress, anxiety and depression. Exercise causes the brain to produce mood-elevating chemicals called endorphins that help sleeplessness and may help prevent depression. It doesn't take much to reap the benefits. Just 20 minutes each day can provide the health benefits associated with exercise. And it doesn't have to be 20 consecutive minutes. It can be 10 minutes twice each day. It's as simple as taking a 10-minute walk after lunch and another after dinner. Can you imagine how you would feel when you would exercise on a regular basis?
If you want to eat healthy and begin an exercise program, but you're not sure where to start, you can use the help of a personal trainer in NYC.
If you don't have time to eat a healthy breakfast and you need something quick, try Infinity2's The Enzyme Diet™. It's rich in nutrients and low in fat and sugar.
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