Adipose tissue, also known as body fat, is a complicated topic. Misinformation about adipose tissue prevents a good understanding of the dangers of too much body fat. Fat is not inert and we are designed to store it. Our modern lifestyles, with an abundance of calories and energy-saving technology, interfere with our evolutionary design and our long term health. Let’s …
Facts about the Fat in Food
Fat has a bit of a bad reputation. It has an important role in our diet and our health. It’s really misunderstood and that is a problem. Eating too much fat makes storing fat easier, but too little has consequences too. Let’s clear up some of the misconceptions about fat. Starting with the fat we eat. Fat in Foods Fat …
Fear of Falling, or is That Failing?
When I started running again after my hamstring injury I would have these moments where I would think “I’m going to fall.” There was no reason that I would fall and nothing had happened, I would just start to feel anxious, my heart rate would go up and I would want to stop. I did not fall. I did not …
This 22 Minutes has One Hour
If you live in Canada you might be familiar with the Comedy Show This Hour Has 22 Minutes. The title references the fact that 30 minute TV shows are actually 22 minutes with 8 minutes of commercials. It is a little truth in advertising. Last week the World Health Organization (WHO) came out with guidelines for activity to offset sedentary …
Why Muscle Matters
Muscle plays a crucial role in our ability to age well, stay fit, and keep active. Muscle is key to maintaining our speed, coordination and balance. More muscle reduces our risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Muscle accounts for at least 50% of our body weight and yet when we restrict calories muscle loss is increased. More muscle means …
Apple Pie Vegan & High Protein Smoothie Recipe
Smoothies can be a great post-workout snack. You can pack a lot of nutrients into a glass, but also a lot of calories too. This recipe for Apple Pie Smoothies is a good recovery snack or meal. Smoothies can be good after a workout lasting more than an hour because they help refuel your muscles and keep you ready for …
Proper Care & Feeding of Your Muscle
Over the last month I have talked about the importance of muscle mass for health, longevity and to prevent disease. Use it or lose it To grow new muscle, or maintain what you have now, you need to exercise and that does mean regular strength training. But what about nutrition? That could be the most common (and misunderstood) question when …
More Muscle Makes your Heart Healthier
Physical fitness is one of the best predictors of future health. Not only aerobic fitness but muscle mass too. Especially when it comes to heart health. In a recent study of men over the age of 45, more muscle reduced their risk of developing heart disease by 81%. Muscle mass reduces inflammation, improves blood sugar control and having more muscle …
Satellite cells may be the fountain of youth
One more great reason to maintain your muscles. Satellite cells don’t get a lot of press. You might not even know what they are, but researchers at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute have shown how activating satellite cells through exercise improves health and longevity. Exercise keeps muscles active which maintains satellite cells. Active satellite cells maintain our muscles. It is …
More muscle matters
It has been more difficult to maintain muscle this year. With the closure of gyms and many people confined to their homes for prolonged stretches, it can be harder to stay fit. It is challenging, not impossible. It is also very important. New research from the sports scientists at Edith Cowen University in Australia emphasizes the importance of exercise and …