How Important is Sleep to Your Body?

I must confess that sleeping is one of my favorite things to do.  However, it was not always this way for me. When I was younger, I found it quite difficult to catch those Zs, as I thought it was a waste of time. But when I turned 18, everything changed. I began training with weights six days a week, played all kinds of sports, had a full-time job and went to school. It was because of my busy lifestyle that I found a new appreciation for my bed. Sleep is perhaps best described as the loss of awareness of what is going on around us. Public awareness of fitness and nutrition has grown over the last few years but sadly, little is known about the very important subject of sleep deprivation. Studies show that those who suffer from sleep deprivation have a reduced ability to handle stress, poor concentration and memory, slower reflexes, difficulty accomplishing tasks and diminished enjoyment of relationships. Though many people think that the human body will be okay with just three to four hours of sleep, the fact is that while sleep requirements are greatly individualized, the majority of people require seven or eight hours to function optimally. Getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night is a proven way to improve workout performance and radically improve your physique development efforts. Another very important fact about sleep is that it repairs your muscles, which guarantees a better and stronger physique. So the next time you are thinking about neglecting sleep, think again. Your body and mind will be glad that you did.  ...

Read More

Eraldo Maglara Announces Launch of Jersey Fit Website

The Jersey Fit Team is pumped to announce that the Jersey Fit website is officially up and running!  The website serves as a resource to find everything you need to stay fit in New Jersey. It will also feature informative health and fitness videos with fitness trainer Eraldo Maglara, as well as instructional workout videos with the Jersey Fit Team.Discover the latest trends in the fitness industry and where to find health conscious activities, goods, vitamins, equipment and workout apparel in New Jersey. Visit the Jersey Fit website at http://www.jerseyfittv.com. We are currently looking for sponsorship to produce the Jersey Fit television show with NJ Discover Production Company. The show will feature the Jersey Fit Team instructing viewers on how to exercise and care for the body the right way. By using a combination of several types of exercises, along with heart-pumping music, the Jersey Fit Team will guide viewers along the best path to fitness. The show will also feature fitness, nutritional, medical and holistic experts as special guests. If your business would like to participate in sponsorship for the show, please contact Jersey Fit Sponsorship Coordinator Danielle Thibault at danielle@inbloomcomm.com....

Read More

Avoid Putting on Extra Pounds During the Holidays

Once again, the holiday season is upon us. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to spending time with family and friends, relaxation and of course,  the holiday feasts. During the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, which is roughly 6 weeks, I tend to see people increase their body weight anywhere from five to ten pounds, in some cases even more. Here are a few ways to help prevent putting on extra weight during the holidays: Portion Control. It’s difficult to say no to appetizing food when it’s right in front of you, so what you can do is ask for a smaller dish to control your portions. Because you will not be able to put as much food on a smaller plate, the amount of calories you take in will be reduced. Water Intake. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, you will be less likely to feel hungry. Studies have shown that the more water an individual consumes during the day, the more he or she will feel a sense of fullness. If your stomach does not signal the need for food, you will most likely eat less during the day. Exercise. The key is to increase your metabolism so that you can burn more calories. Taking a fast paced walk about 30 minutes after eating is a great way to speed up your metabolism. Also, walking up and down a flight of stairs is a good idea; so is chasing your kids, grandchildren and animals! Whatever gets it going! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a joyful holiday season! Don’t let the holidays ruin your fitness!...

Read More

The Importance of Stress Management

I am sure you have heard this many times before, but having too much stress in your life is just not good for you! Too much stress can affect your physical and mental well-being, and also cause difficulties with concentration and mood. Who wants that? Certainly not me, and I’m sure you don’t either. Unfortunately, stress has become a normal part of our everyday lives, and the first step towards dealing with it is being aware of it. There are several ways to manage stress and bring balance into your life. Here are just a few suggestions: Make time for yourself. Find something you really enjoy and pursue it. Whether it’s cooking, reading, bike riding or exercising,  find something you are passionate about and stick with it! Spend time with friends and family. This will certainly re-energize you and ease the tension of stress. Surrounding yourself with people that make you happy can relieve stress and increase your sense of motivation. Donate your time to a good cause. Volunteering for a charity organization is a valuable way to give back, and will not only make you feel good, but will also bring a new perspective to your life. Many people are in need today. Share your time and you will be rewarded. Adopt a pet. Animals can reduce loneliness and can be a great source of companionship. Taking care of a pet can also be a great way to increase your happiness and self-confidence. Even though stress affects all us in some way, we all cope with it differently. In order to keep ourselves healthy, it’s important that we recognize when we’re stressed and find ways to deal with it sooner rather than later....

Read More

Nutrition Tip #5 – White Bread vs. Whole Wheat Bread – Which One is Better?

This “battle of the breads” has long been a topic of debate in many household kitchens. Until recently, people have paid very little attention to the benefits of whole wheat bread. Here are a few reasons to make the switch: 1. The flour for both is made from wheat berries, which have three nutrient-rich parts: the bran (the outer layers), the germ (the innermost area) and the endosperm (the starchy part in between). Whole wheat is processed to include all three nutritious parts, but white flour uses only the endosperm. When put head-to-head with whole wheat bread, white is a nutritional lightweight. 2. Whole wheat is much higher in fiber, vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, zinc, folic acid and chromium. And fiber has long been known to aid digestive health too. 3.  In a 10-year Harvard study completed in 1994, men and women who ate high-fiber breads had fewer heart attacks and strokes than those whose tastes ran to bagels and baguettes. Make the switch to whole wheat bread and start reaping the benefits. You will be glad that you...

Read More