Andy Maingam asked: It’s often said that the older we get the more stuck in our ways we become. In fact, studies have shown that it’s around the age of 35 when folks stop listening to new music or trying out new foods etc. However, this observation does not seem to apply with regards to [...]
May
14
Jury Still Out on Connections Between Acai Berry and Weight Loss
A Commentary on a Personal Experience with Using the Acai Berry for Weight Loss
I took it upon myself to try out a recent health craze that I was seeing on the news- the acai berry. I began drinking a type of smoothie from my school coffee shop which claimed to boost energy and increase focus. Apparently, the fiber and protein in an
acai berry give you an instant boost of energy, but also supply you with long-term energy as well (1). Furthermore, the antioxidants in acai berries have been proven to help slow the aging process and also prevent heart disease (2). However, it was more so the weight loss benefits which were being hyped, and so this is what most intrigued me. Reportedly, acai berries can help to curb your appetite through the high amounts of fiber, remove trapped waste from your colon, and also speed up your metabolism (1). I decided to try to drink one of these smoothies every day in the morning and in the late afternoon to see if it worked.
First, I did my homework. WebMD claimed that while acai berries have the before-mentioned benefits of antioxidants and energy, there are no conclusive studies proving that they can assist in the weight loss process. Furthermore, there is no proof that the acai berry even has more benefits as a so-called “superfruit” then any other “normal” fruit (2). So, I’ll admit, I went into this skeptical at the start of my experiment. While the smoothie did make me feel full, I don’t know if that was from the fiber or if it was merely how big the smoothie was. Also, I did feel more energized, but I often do after I eat just a normal breakfast, and I also didn’t check the sugar or caffeine content of the smoothie. Over the two weeks my weight went up and down, but overall it remained basically the same (although it may not have been fair, the night before my final weigh-in was chicken parm night in my dining hall). Either way, I saw no conclusive evidence from my smoothie experience that there is any connection between the acai berry and weight loss.
May
14
Jury Still Out on Connections Between Acai Berry and Weight Loss
A Commentary on a Personal Experience with Using the Acai Berry for Weight Loss
I took it upon myself to try out a recent health craze that I was seeing on the news- the acai berry. I began drinking a type of smoothie from my school coffee shop which claimed to boost energy and increase focus. Apparently, the fiber and protein in an
acai berry give you an instant boost of energy, but also supply you with long-term energy as well (1). Furthermore, the antioxidants in acai berries have been proven to help slow the aging process and also prevent heart disease (2). However, it was more so the weight loss benefits which were being hyped, and so this is what most intrigued me. Reportedly, acai berries can help to curb your appetite through the high amounts of fiber, remove trapped waste from your colon, and also speed up your metabolism (1). I decided to try to drink one of these smoothies every day in the morning and in the late afternoon to see if it worked.
First, I did my homework. WebMD claimed that while acai berries have the before-mentioned benefits of antioxidants and energy, there are no conclusive studies proving that they can assist in the weight loss process. Furthermore, there is no proof that the acai berry even has more benefits as a so-called “superfruit” then any other “normal” fruit (2). So, I’ll admit, I went into this skeptical at the start of my experiment. While the smoothie did make me feel full, I don’t know if that was from the fiber or if it was merely how big the smoothie was. Also, I did feel more energized, but I often do after I eat just a normal breakfast, and I also didn’t check the sugar or caffeine content of the smoothie. Over the two weeks my weight went up and down, but overall it remained basically the same (although it may not have been fair, the night before my final weigh-in was chicken parm night in my dining hall). Either way, I saw no conclusive evidence from my smoothie experience that there is any connection between the acai berry and weight loss.
Feb
14
Have you had success with the Medifast Diet?
Stevie asked: I am thinking of trying this diet. I have tried many other diets and although I don’t cheat, I don’t stick with them because I see only minimal results over a long period of time (weight watchers, curves, etc.) It is simply not enough to lose 2 pounds a month, if that, for [...]
Jul
21
A Short Diary of My Experience with the Acai Berry
Amazing Wonder Fruit Considered Highest in Antioxidants & Overall Nutrition
OUT OF THE BLUE – A BLUEBERRY?
My friend Bob from the warehouse recently called me out of the blue. I don’t know him too well, but he seems like a nice enough guy. He left a message and said he wanted to talk to me about something. I called him back and he said he wanted to meet me.
I ended up meeting with him and his friend, and they wanted to talk to me about a “new” product, a fruit drink whose main ingredient was formerly unknown to me: the acai berry, also spelled “açai” berry.
I rolled my eyes at first. I had been through it all. Years ago it was Amway, then it was this, then that, lately it was Quixtar. With exception to some exceptional products, these all come across as great business ideas, but no readily apparent value proposition. Sorry, sweating it on the network marketing thing just because you know me don’t cut it.
Anyway, Bob and his friend spared me the hard sell. They focused on the product itself and asked me to try it. They were even giving me a two free botlles. I said “sure”.
I’m glad I tried it.
NO! IT’S THE ACAI BERRY!
There is plenty written now on the acai berry’s nutritional value – so I won’t go into that. See Cheryl Carpenter’s great article). I just want to relate my personal experience.
The product I tried were two wine-sized bottles made by the Mona Vie company. The bottles contained a blend of 19 fruits, including the sediment containing the skins and seeds from each. My instructions from Bob were to drink 1 to 2 ounces twice a day (morning and evening) and to see what happened. Here is what I observed…
- DAY 1: Noticeably better sleep.
- DAY 2: Continued better sleep at night and overall on all nights following.
- DAY 3: Mild form of joint pain with arthritic symptoms that had developed in recent years – gone! I was able to squat down on my knees and pop back up quickly without the accompanying groans.
- DAY 5: Noticeable ease in back tension.
- DAY 7: I continuously attempt to stretch and pop the bones in my back. There is one area in my back that had been “cricked” for close to a year. It suddenly gave way today with a loud snap, and I felt an immediate sense of relief. Whenever this area “re-cricks”, I easily snap it back in place.
Jan
22
Dating Advice for the 40+ Woman
Dating in your 20s and even early 30s is a lot different than dating in your 20s. You’ve experienced more, have more, hopefully know more and are more comfortable with yourself. Given all of this, following is some dating advice for the 40+ woman.1. Do Tell: In spite of what a lot of dating advice gurus will tell you, spill the beans about what you want and expect. I’ve found, it’s not what you say, but how you say
it.If you come off as desperate, angry and/or uncompromising, then no matter what you say, it will be perceived as a demand. For example, instead of saying, “I don’t like the dating scene and I would love to settle down and get married (again),” try”After being out of the dating scene for so long, it’s intimidating to be out here again. But, I’ve embraced the experience and am taking it as a chance to learn more about myself. One thing I’ve learned is that when the right person comes along (again), I’d love to give domesticity another shot.”Saying this does several things to put your date at ease: a) it shows you’re not desperate (eg, when the right person comes along again); b) shows that you embrace challenges (eg, taking it as a chance to learn more about myself); and c) shows you’re not afraid to be vulnerable (eg, it’s intimidating to be out here again).And, work to mean every word of this. So by all means, get your point across, just do it in a way that doesn’t intimidate your date, or make you look desperate.2. Date Outside of Your Comfort Zone: I once read a story about a woman who went on a year-long dating odyssey. She decided that whoever asked her out, she would go out with them, no matter what.She even went out with a homeless guy! Now, I’m not saying you have to go that far, but don’t shoot for the same ole “type” every time. I have some personal experience with this. My fiancé is quite a few years younger than I am. At 40, no one ever could have told me that I would wind up with someone in their 20s (Demi, I’m with ya girl!).