Wheenk! Health > December 2008 Archives
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December 2008 Archives

December 29, 2008

Is It Physical or Emotional Hunger?

Before you eat that, ask yourself, is it....

Adapted From Women's Day


Physical hunger?

• Builds gradually
• Strikes below the neck (e.g., growling stomach)
• Isn't accompanied by a sense of compulsion
• Occurs several hours after a meal
• Goes away when full
• Leads to feeling of satisfaction after eating


Emotional hunger?

• Develops suddenly
• Hits above the neck (e.g., a "taste" for ice cream)
• Results in an urgent need to eat
• Is unrelated to time since last meal
• Is specific, often for a particular food or brand
• Persists despite fullness
• Leads to guilt and shame after eating


Here are some ideas that may help you fill emotional hunger needs:

• Go for a walk, preferably at a nice place like the beach, park or harbor
• Call a good friend
• Pray
• Do yoga
• Find something or someone who will make you LAUGH HARD.




December 01, 2008

Prevent the Afternoon Slump

Some Tips for P.M. Energy

by Kim Lee-Thorp, Certified Massage Therapist


You can employ methods to reduce the slump's frequency and shorten its duration.

If you're like most people, you've experienced the afternoon slump. You know the feeling -- it's only 2 p.m., yet you feel drained. Fortunately, you can employ methods to reduce the slump's frequency and shorten its duration.

  1. 

Drink water - Your body uses water even if you're not exercising. If you wait until you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated. Keep a water bottle handy all day. 



  2. Avoid sugar and simple carbohydrates - While a mid-afternoon candy bar may give you a quick rush, it actually worsens the slump. Instead, choose protein-rich foods and complex carbs.



  3. Eat small meals - Have six small meals over the course of the day instead of three large ones. Big meals cause the digestive process to divert blood from your brain to use in the digestive track. 



  4. Evaluate your lighting - Most offices are lit with cool, white fluorescent tubes, which have a terrible effect on how people feel and function at work. A better option is full-spectrum, fluorescent tubes. 



  5. Take time for walks - Walking gets your blood circulating, helps you breathe better, and stimulates your brain due to the increased blood flow. Take a 5- or 10-minute walk during the day. 



  6. Meditate - Meditation is great for rejuvenating your body. By meditating for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day, you're keeping your body continually energized and rested.



  7. Take time to breathe and stretch - Deep breathing exercises give you an energy boost. Also, stand up and stretch to increase blood flow and stimulate the lymphatic system. 



  8. Handle negativity - Negative people and images can have a draining effect on your energy. Make a conscious effort to stay positive.