Posts tagged with "Mindfulness"

Is There a Scientific Explanation for Feeling Hangry?

The term “hangry” is often used to describe when someone becomes highly irritable due to hunger. Surprisingly, there has always been a scientific explanation for this emotional state but the playful term hangry originated from social media after merging the words “hungry” and “angry”. What Causes People to Feel Hangry? Increased irritability due to hunger occurs when blood glucose levels drop and cortisol and adrenaline levels increase. These substances are known as our fight or flight hormones and they have a significant impact on the brain. Neuropeptides secreted by neurons control the chemicals in our brain. The chemicals...

Are Cheat Days Actually Effective When Dieting?

There are various methods of losing weight, many of which include cheat days. The idea behind cheat days is simple: dieters spend a week or up to a month closely sticking to their eating regime then have one day where they can indulge. Although cheat days might seem like an effective way of indulging in moderation, they can be problematic. Cheat Days Can be Disruptive Cheat days don’t always stay as just one day. They can turn into weeks or longer because a single day of heavy indulgence can derail an entire diet. This sort of routine can have a negative impact on regular eating habits. Cheat days can make it difficult to find any sort...

Did You Know That Chocolate Can Reduce Stress?

Chocolate is a delicious treat that many people indulge in. People eat it for a variety of different reasons. It can be for comfort, a reward or treat, or to simply satisfy a craving. According to new research from Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Centre in Southern California, consuming chocolate can have a positive effect on overall brain health by helping reduce stress levels. A Tasty Way to Reduce Stress After analysing two studies, the researchers discovered that eating dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao (usually chocolate over 70%) reduces stress levels and inflammation. They also found that consuming...

There’s Nothing Wrong with Eating Out Alone

There are many benefits to enjoying a meal alone. There is ample time for reflection, it allows you to take a break, there’s a chance to meet new people and you have total control of where you go and what you do. However, there is a stigma attached to going out and eating alone. There is a general assumption made that a person dining by themselves is lonely or fallen on hard times. As a result, people who may want to eat by themselves in public refrain from doing so. Nevertheless, there are ways to deal with this. Forget what others might think People will always have their own opinions about everything. You are enjoying a meal...

The Alarming Diet Trends of Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is the technology haven found in the southern San Francisco Bay area of California. It is home to many start-up and global technology companies. Some of its most impressive companies to originate there include Facebook, Apple and Google. What is astounding about Silicon Valley is not only the technological advancements that come from there, but also the various fad diets that residents rely upon. Many strange trends are undertaken for the sake of health and wellness. Some Diets Appear Reasonable Some diets seem rather practical, with the “Keto Diet” proving to be rather popular. Ketogenesis is a state where the body...

Urban Farming is Finding Its Way Into Cities Again

Urban farming refers to when crops are grown in cities. During and immediately after World War II, urban farming was popular in Europe and North America when resources were scarce. In more recent years, the interest in city agriculture has been renewed but for much different reasons. The Renewal of Urban Farming New food production projects have started in cities. The motivation for urban farming isn’t just for food, but also increasing plant and animal life in cities. There are hopes of improving communities through unifying people of diverse backgrounds, improving mental and physical health whilst also regenerating derelict...

The Confusion Behind the Trend of Clean Eating

Anyone who is present on social media (Instagram in particular) has most likely heard about clean eating. It’s a fashionable food trend loved by fitness advocates and the social media elite. A clean diet usually consists of plenty of organic fruit and vegetables, no carbohydrates or refined sugars. Though clean eating has widespread supporters, critics have damned the trend as another bad relationship with food and encouraging unhealthy habits that are ultimately damaging. What is Clean Eating? The concept of clean eating is that food is as close to nature as possible. As a result, such a diet would mainly include a lot of whole and...

Mindful Eating for 2018

Mindful eating may sound like another diet fad, especially around the New Year. Really, it’s a way of changing eating habits and focusing on eating without distraction. Although it sounds simple it can have a significant impact. Practising mindful eating correctly can help weight loss and improve digestion. Additionally, mindful eating can also benefit dining experiences by enriching them. How to Practice Mindful Eating It may be obvious, but sitting down to eat is very important. During busy days, people will often rely on convenient, on-the-go food. Today, there’s so much variety that almost any type of food can be takeaway....

Water Fasting Is the Newest Social Media Trend

Social media continues to play a large part in setting the latest trend for the public to try. This is very relevant when it comes to dieting. New fads appear so regularly, it is hard to know where the real information lies. The latest trend is Water Fasting and dieters have taken to social media in their thousands to share their experience. However, the supposed fad is actually a long-standing practice. Despite this, experts are warning that consumers are putting their health at risk for using a quick fix to solve a long-term problem. Water Fasting Isn't Anything New Fasting has been part of some religious practices for centuries. Water...