Tag Archives: Food and health

Family participation in healthy eating habits

December 2, 2016
Family participation

Family participation in healthy eating habits is helpful in Inspiring healthy lifestyle into this generation

Family participation in healthy eating habits: Family meals

Somebody ones said that “a family that eats together stays together.” This statement is loaded with a lot of facts in the understanding family participation in encouraging healthy eating habits. This is very important and according to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, it is important to have the whole members of the family to be involved in the decision making if we are to succeed in raising up healthy family. In view of that, family meals needs to be taken seriously at all time because this (Family meals) is a comforting ritual for both parents and kids. Children like the predictability of family meals and parents get a chance to catch up with their kids at the table. Kids who take part in regular family meals are also:

  • More likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and grains
  • Less likely to snack on unhealthy foods
  • Less likely to smoke, use marijuana, or drink alcohol

The family meals offer the parents an opportunity to introduce their kids to new foods and to be role models for healthy eating. Besides that, parents also need to be very careful when handling teens because in many cases they are likely to turn up their noses at the prospect of a family meal not surprising because they’re busy and want to be more independent. Nonetheless studies have established that teens will still want their parents’ advice and counsel, this should be a motivation for parents to use mealtime as a chance to reconnect. You may also want to consider the following tips:

  • Allow your kids to invite a friend to dinner.
  • Involve your child in meal planning and preparation.
  • Keep mealtime calm and friendly no lectures or arguing.

What counts as a family meal? – Whenever you and your family eat together, whether it’s takeout food or a home-cooked meal with all the trimmings. Endeavor for nutritious food and a time when everyone can be there. This may mean re-scheduling time for eating dinner a little later to accommodate a teen who’s at sports practice. It also can mean setting aside time on the weekends when it may be more convenient to gather as a group, such as for Sunday brunch.

Family participation in healthy eating habits: Be a role model to your children

This brings us to the wise saying and the quote from the holy book teach a child the way they should go and when they grow up they will not depart from it. Therefore the best way for you to encourage healthy eating is to eat well yourself. Remember that kids will follow the lead of the adults they see every day. By eating fruits and vegetables and not overindulging in the less nutritious stuff, you’ll be sending the right message home for your kids.

Another way to be a good role model is to serve appropriate portions and not overeat. Talk about your feelings of fullness, especially with younger children. You might say, “this is delicious, but I’m full, so I’m going to stop eating.” Similarly, parents who are always dieting or complaining about their bodies may foster these same negative feelings in their kids. Try to keep a positive approach about food and always be consulting with doctor Akoury to have a more professional input in the family involvement.

Family participation in healthy eating habits: Family meals

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Finding solutions for obese and overweight children

June 15, 2015

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Prevention Skills

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children is very important to break the vicious circle of obesity and overweight in our children

When we talk of one being obese or overweight, it is a serious medical issue that should not be reduced to mere ridicule and accusation and counter accusation. It is all about your health and anything torching on health must not be taken for granted. That is why experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of Doctor Dalal Akoury are not leaving anything to chance. Doctor Akoury and her team of experts are in the business of finding solutions for obese and overweight children among other health issues that are related to substance abuse and obesity. This is a worthy cause that every individual must embrace and contribute on positively. In the recent past several studies have established that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is at an alarming rate and the sooner something is done the better for the coming generation.

It is because of this reason that Dr. Akoury made a decision to create a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. This great doctor practices, is primarily focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. When you’re under her care, you and your children will get the best in weight loss treatment thereby delivering a permanent kick out of the obesity pandemic. Therefore even as we progress into this discussion you may want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury to get started since the early bird will always catch the worm. In the meantime, let us progress into the discussion by answering certain questions that is a concern to many people whose children are struggling with overweight and obesity.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: How much weight should be lost?

Losing weight is a process and never a destination. Therefore when losing weight, it must never be done in hast. The process should be systematic for some reasonable time. Doctor Akoury says that even though some parents when their children are diagnosed with certain diseases that are related to being overweight, they would want a quick solution thinking that this will be offering lasting solutions. This is not always the case but quite in the contrary a rapid weight loss or stringent dieting is not recommended for children who are still growing, unless this has been specifically advised by a specialist. In most in children, the primary objective should be to keep the weight at the same level as opposed to weight loss. Progressively in their growth and development children should not gain any weight or their weight gain should be slower than their height gain. Occasionally, when teenagers have slowed down on their growth, a weight loss of around 0.5 kg per week may be appropriate. This sharp contrast in weight loss in adult in relation to children necessitates that parents should work very closely with their pediatrician or child’s healthcare professional to advise appropriately on what is best for them based on an assessment.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Treatment of childhood overweight or obesity

  • The main way to treat a child who is overweight or obese is to look at changes that can be made to their lifestyle.
  • Preferably changes targeting the involvement of the whole family are best.
  • Other family members who are overweight may also benefit at the same time.
  • Remember that as a parent you act as an important role model for your child and you can help them to stay healthy.
  • The two main lifestyle changes that are advised for your child include, eating more but healthily and doing plenty of physical activity.
  • Small, gradual changes may be best. Your child will then be more likely to stick to these changes with time.

Parents must endeavor to be involved as much as possible in helping their children make these changes. However, some older teenagers may prefer to take responsibility on their own. Think about how your child’s progress is going to be monitored. Discuss this with their healthcare professional. At every opportunity, give applause and reassure to your child in what they are doing.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Healthily Eating

And like I have mentioned, overweight children should be encouraged to eat more healthily and to reduce the total number of calories that they eat.

Parents should take the responsibility for making changes to their children’s diet, more so when such children are under the age of 12.

It is equally important to involve the child as much as possible and to listen to their ideas and preferences when deciding on what changes to make on their diet or menu.

It may also be advisable to keep a record of what your children feed on.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Plenty of physical activity

Experts recommend that children should do a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. However it is important to note that these 60 minutes may not have to be done all at a go they can be broken up into 10- or 15-minute blocks. The amount of time the children spend doing sedentary activities, such as watching television, using computers, or playing video games should be discouraged and probably reduced to less than two hours each day. Parents should encourage their children to become more physically active by:

  • Encourage active play for your child, including games that involve moving around, such as skipping, dancing, running or ball games.
  • Encourage your child to spend less time sitting doing sedentary activities.
  • Build physical activity into your child’s life in general. Try to be more active as a family. For example, walking or cycling to school and the shops, going swimming or to the park together.
  • As a parent remember to be a good role model for your children.
  • Help children to take part regularly in structured physical activities that they enjoy like dancing, football or other sports or swimming.
Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Psychological support

As mentioned above, being overweight or obese as a child may lead to psychological problems for some children. Therefore parents should be able to discuss with their children about their feelings. This way you will be able to understand their challenges and be of help to them. Alongside that involving your child’s healthcare professional who are experts in counseling is very important. Remember that these specialists will help the children to increase confidence and self-esteem and to develop coping strategies for teasing or bullying where possible.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Prevention Skills

 

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Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight

June 15, 2015

Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight: What you need to do?

Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight

Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight begins with total change of life style and being more active.

In these difficult times anything that will help you make some savings is highly welcomed. We actually spend more than 80% of our life working to make ends meet but this has not been easy despite the efforts we are putting to be comfortable. One of the greatest challenges that we have is to do with poor health. Our environment is totally intoxicated with unhealthy substances and food stuff that finds their ways in our meals. If we have to correct this lot of things needs to be done fast says doctor Dalal Akoury an addiction and healthy weight specialist. In her quest to help in solving this problem, doctor Akoury realized that there is more than meet the eye in the way we spend our finances. In her research she established that gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight is very instrumental for people across the globe. Her argument is that when you are not in debt you eliminate stress and we all know the implications of stress in our lives. She also found out that when you have a healthy weight you save money because all the chronic diseases which are associated with being overweight or obese. I believe that you would want to make some savings financially and also to be healthy by losing weight. If this is your wish, then this is the place to be because by the end of this article, you will be well equipped with all the necessary healthy information you need to make a positive move in your life. You can also schedule for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of Doctor Dalal Akoury for professional input. In the meantime, let us consider some of the practices which when adopted, can help you lose weight even as you save money in the process.

Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight: Go for dried beans

It is very interesting to note that foods that are very rich in nutrients are often not the likes of many. People would prefer to take beef for proteins than taking beans yet beans is several times richer than beef in terms of quantity of proteins. If you dint know of this, now you know and the good news about beans is that it is pocket friendly. This confirms our topic of gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight. By taking beans and preferably dried beans you are getting enough proteins and also saving money because it is a cheaper source of protein. Besides using dried beans, you can also supplement with partly being a vegetarian. This way you will give your health a big boost while adding more money to your wallet from the savings.

Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight: Fresh farm produce

Farm produce are very healthy and nutritious. They are also not expensive especially when you chose to buy late when the traders are closing. At this time traders often sell at very cost effective prices because they do not want to carry back their unsold stuff. This way you will spent sparingly but still carry healthy food stuff home.

Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight: Avoid spending on soda

Realistically soda is never nutritious nor does it even quench ones thirst. There is no known benefit soda brings and if there is then it is too insignificant. Worse still is that they are very expensive, spending the same amount on healthy fruits will be very ideal. This may not go well with many but with time if you practice drinking water for thirst, you will adopt easily and the benefits will be fat wallet and well-nourished and detoxed body.

Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight: Grow your own veggies

Working on your own farm be it at the backyard garden or at the very least your own herbs. You’ll be able to kill two birds with a single stone, in other words you will be burning calories while working out in the yard, and at the same time getting plenty of great, healthy cheap food. The result of that is improved health and good saving financially.

Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight: Avoid eating red meat

Generally red meat is not very healthy for your life owing to the list of diseases that are associated with the consumption of this product. Besides that it is costly and the cost could even go much higher when the associated diseases crops in. therefore you need to rethink seriously on what you are feeding on while remembering the content of this article are only strategies you may use in order to help you get started towards a slimmer waist and a heavier wallet. One key to success you need to know and which I’ve also found in my own weight loss process is to remain focus on one new goal at a time. You can graduate to the next level only when you’ve gotten a new habit down perfectly and conveniently. It is also very important to know that too much, too soon, may lead you to discouragement and giving up too quickly. My advice is that you are in this for the long pull so just accept that change can take time. Abandon the desire of searching for overnight results and instead focus on positive changes you can stick with.

Finally with the information you have now, you can begin a fresh with the right professionals taking you through the transition period. Matters to do with obesity and overweight can be very costly and health threatening and must be handled professionally. That is why Dr. Akoury made a decision to create a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Take this available opportunity to seek for help with the professionals at this facility, and remember that Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms.

Gaining financial freedom through losing excess weight: What you need to do?

 

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Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity

April 8, 2015

Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity: What is derailing the Fight?

Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity

Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity. The foods that leads to obesity may be appealing and appetizing but their attractiveness only serve to attract diseases

Where I come from there is a wise say that the fingers are never the same. This phrase is used in reference of our diverse economic differences. Much as we are putting effort to have a comfortable life, we will never have it all. Some people will have more than enough and others will have enough while another may not have at all. That is life and it is part of us. This introduction of the wise saying ushers us into our discussion of the economical imbalance and the fight of obesity. If you are wondering how this is a factor, then you are at the right place because by the time we are done, you will be well equipped with all the relevant information you need to know declares doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. We are all aware that the problem of obesity and weight gain is a serious threat to life. This problem is never discriminative as it can affect anyone irrespective of status. Both the rich and the poor are vulnerable and variance is what we want to find out from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity: Food security

Talking of food security a lot is being done to ensure that everyone something to eat. However the different economical factor does not allow equality in this. There are those who will have plenty and those who may not have at all. That is why we have the rich and the poor because of the economical line drown between then by virtue of their earnings. It is true that the rich has plenty and can access best quality of food as they may wish. On the other hand, the poor who live from hand to mouth has not heard of the word quality. This is a vocabulary which is non-existent in their dictionary and a luxury they can’t afford. Their unsteady income can only allow them to feed subject to availability. The three triangular meals is not known to them and this impacts negatively on their weight and general well-being.

Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity: Limited food budgets and choices

The economical imbalance in the world today is being felt majorly by the poor. While the poor are drawing their budget for food, they are often faced with difficult choices to make. That little must take them through to the next time they get another pay which in many cases is not guaranteed. Situations like this are frustrating to them and the result often leads to indulgence in certain unhealthy behaviors. Due to this constrain, they will opt for much durable elements and processed foods which are rich in fats and energy like sugar, cereals, potatoes and processed meat products. They will definitely see fruits and vegetables as luxuries they can’t afford simply they are perishable and will not last until their next pay duration. The bad news is that such food they go for are never healthy and introduces to high risk of weight gain and being obese.

Their places of residence also act to their disadvantage in the sense that, getting healthy food is not easily accessible. They are literally surrounded with a chain of small food stores stocking very unhealthy stuff like cheap, high fat foods. Further to this they live a very stressful life where due to inabilities to meet certain obligations like footing bills like rent and we all know the consequences of stress.

Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity: Limited physical activities

Taking of good health which is the most valuable asset one can ever have. But to the poor this may not be the case since good health is not all about health foods but also being active physically. Their economic situation does not allow them to access the gym facilities for active physical activities. The absent of continuous body exercise is recipe for weight gain and obesity. They cannot afford to organize children’s events outside school making their children to be less active physically. This is evidence because of inflexible work schedule, lack of transportation or unmet needs for child care, poor parents find it hard to support extra activities for their children. Leaving kids in front of the television is often all stressed poor parents can manage. This inability is not helpful as it only help increasing the risk of overweight and obesity.

Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity: Food deprivation and overeating

Those who are eating less or skipping meals to stretch food budgets may over-eat when food does become available, resulting in chronic ups and downs in food intake that can contribute to weight gain. Cycles of food restriction or deprivation also can lead to an unhealthy preoccupation with food and metabolic changes that promote fat storage.

The “feast or famine” situation is especially a problem for low-income parents, particularly mothers, who often restrict their food intake and sacrifice their own nutrition in order to protect their children from hunger. Such a coping mechanism puts them at risk for obesity and research shows that parental obesity, especially maternal obesity, is in turn a strong predictor of childhood obesity.

Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity: High levels of stress

Low-income families, including children, may face high levels of stress due to the financial and emotional pressures of food insecurity, low-wage work and luck of access to health care, inadequate and long-distance transportation, poor housing, neighborhood violence, and other factors.  Research has linked stress to obesity in youth and adults, including (for adults) stress from job-related demands and difficulty paying bills. Stress may lead to weight gain through stress-induced hormonal and metabolic changes as well as unhealthful eating behaviors.  Stress, particularly chronic stress, also may trigger anxiety and depression, which are both associated with child and adult obesity.

This is a very painful truth that economical imbalance can be a serious contributor to weight gain and obesity. Like I had said our fingers are not the same and will never be. It means that this problem is likely to recur from one generation to another. However there are things that you can do despite of your economic situation to defeat this problem of obesity. You can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury a re-known medical doctor specializing on addiction and obesity. She has been in the practice for over two decades and her vast experience will be very beneficial for you if only you can take that step today.

Economical Imbalance and the fight of Obesity: What is derailing the Fight?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health

April 2, 2015

Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health: Mindful eating tips for better health

Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health

Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health

Food is very instrumental in human life. The truth is it is one of the basic needs and the very important one. Without food there will be no life. It has a way for uniting people after long day’s work or taking time out as a team retreating for team building. We are all in agreement that food is very essential. However avoiding overindulgence in eating for better health is equally very important and that is what we want to discuss in this article. Because food is very essential, we must enjoy it to the fullest to get the pleasure and life we need from it. Nonetheless as we enjoy eating, we must be careful not to overindulge or consume without thinking of the consequences that can come with over eating on our health. Therefore we must be mindful of how we eat lest we cause problems to ourselves. Doctor Akoury is sharing some mindful eating tips that will help you in avoiding overindulgence in eating for better health.

Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health: Understanding what mindful eating is

It is good to appreciate what we are discussing first by understanding what it really means to us. I would define mindful eating as a practice where food is taken or consumed slowly and willfully without any interference. It helps you learn to taste and appreciate your meals while listening to your body so you become aware of the signals that inform you when you are full. This will enable you to consume only necessary portions and in return keeping distance to overweight and obesity. By making your meals a time when you sit down and really focus on your food, you can re-tune your taste buds and rediscover a love for healthy eating while moderating your portion size. Mindful eating could be the key to changing your relationship with food forever while achieving better health.

Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health: Mindless eating and how it happens

When we talk of mindful eating there must as well be the direct opposite. It is no wonder the advent of modernization is quickly changing our feeding habits. Eating has become something we do while on the move or concentrating on other tasks. This is what I define as mindless eating because, when we are distracted, we don’t taste what we are eating and don’t appreciate the signals the body is sending alerting us of when we have had enough to eat. To understand this concept better, the following are some of the prime examples of mindless eating:

  • Eating lunch at your desk while rushing to meet a deadline
  • Grabbing breakfast on the go while travelling to work
  • Eating while watching TV or using social media
  • Reading at the table

Often, we are not even aware of what we are eating and then wonder how we fell into unhealthy eating habits. The consequence of this confusion can be life threatening owing to the chronic nature of health complications associated with weight gain. With all these facts if mindless eating not checked, it can lead to health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. However with mindful eating, you can take control, improve your health and really enjoy your food.

Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health: Benefits of Mindful eating

It can take time to get into the routine of eating mindfully, but the rewards are numerous. The following just some of the benefits to be gained from mindful eating:

  • Appreciation of nutritious food
  • Through this you are able to prevent weight gain and obesity
  • Positive changes in eating habits
  • Regulation of portions – quality over quantity
  • Eliminate bingeing and emotional eating
  • Improved body awareness
  • Easier to maintain good health
Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health: How to eat mindfully

It may look quite obvious but you are wrong if that is your perception. Mindful eating is a process and takes time therefore for those who are new to the concept, it may be appropriate to try it when you are not in a hurry or in in any undue pressure of any kind so that you are able to take your time with your meal. Because this is very important, let me give you some of the guidelines for you to achieve on this assignment:

  • For full concentration turn off the TV, phone and all electronic devices and if you are a bookworm then put all the reading material aside.
  • Use a timer and set it for 20 minutes. Aim to take at least this long to eat your meal.
  • Take a few moments to enjoy the sight of the food on your plate. As the saying goes “The first bite is with the eye” so take it all in.
  • Smell your food. Enjoy the aromas and try to analyze the ingredients with your nose. Is your mouth watering yet? So far, so good.
  • Take your first bite, but don’t swallow it straight away. Chew slowly and savor your food. How does it taste? What ingredients can you identify?
  • Put your fork down between each mouthful and don’t pick it up again until you are ready for the next.
  • Be aware of your body signals. Once you feel full, stop eating.

Over time you will get used to eating mindfully and when this is achieved you will be less likely to eat in large quantities because you are eating in the moment without distractions. Mindful eating helps you to appreciate good food in small quantities over bad food in large quantities. With mindful eating, there are no forbidden foods because everything is enjoyed in moderation.

Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health: Mindful eating exercises

Finally just like in all things practice makes perfection and mindful eating is not left out. The following are some of the take a ways you can practice for the perfection of mindful eating:

  • Instead of using a plate with a big circumference, take something small like a raisin, peanut, grape or pea. Eat it in tiny bites, fully analyzing how it looks, tastes, smells and feels.
  • Take a food item you normally feel guilty about eating and eat it mindfully. Did it taste as good as you anticipated? Did it make you feel as good as you expected? If the experience fell short of your expectations it may help you to shake off your emotional attachment to that food.
  • Take not of being conscious of every food choices you make throughout the day. There are more than you think.
  • Make a list of foods you really enjoy eating mindfully. Make another list of foods you find you don’t enjoy so much and eliminate them from your diet. As you become more attuned to your taste buds, you will find yourself choosing tasty, nutritious food and cutting out foods that are high in calories and low on taste.
  • Eat with your non-dominant hand. It takes longer to eat and discourages mindless eating.

Avoiding Overindulgence in Eating for better health: Mindful eating tips for better health

 

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