Myth Busters: Weight Lifting is Far Better than You Think

 

While most fitness beginners are happy to take up cardio, you can be a little more cautious when it comes to weight training. Unfortunately, there are many wellness myths surrounding weight training, and these can put you off what is an excellent resource for your fitness efforts. Let’s take a look at four of the more common weight lifting myths, and why you should absolutely stop believing them.

 

1. Bulking Up and Building Muscle is the Same Thing: You might be sticking to your gruelling cardio routine and body weight exercises at the gym, but avoiding weights means that you can really impede your toning progress. You won’t bulk up if you lift weights; you’ll simply challenge your body, improve your muscle strength and endurance and increase your metabolic wellness. For an average person who does regular weight training and eats a calorie controlled diet, the results of lifting weights will simply be toning up. That’s right, you’ll replace fat with lean muscle, and that’s good for anyone’s weight loss efforts.

 

2. Lifting Light Weights May Tone Your Body, But Heavier Ones Still Add Bulk: Many people – both men and women – refuse to lift heavier weights because of this major misconception, but some people can and should go heavier. More often than not, people tone up by lifting lighter weights at a higher number of repetitions. However, while this is good for the endurance of your muscles, it is not the ideal way to tone your body. Try lifting heavier weights at a lower number of reps – so long as your muscles are ready. By doing this, you can really build your muscle strength while also burning more fat and increasing metabolism.

 

3. You Cannot Get Stronger If You Lift Light Weights: People seem to think that it’s all about how much weight you lift, but that isn’t really what matters. Rather, it’s a question of whether you are training your muscles hard until fatigue or not. Especially if you are a beginner, you can very much get results from lifting lighter weights. In fact, if you lift heavier weights from day one, your form will be negatively be affected. Having the right form is vital for most exercises, and also results in reduced chances for injury. You can definitely strengthen your muscles when you train with lighter weights, although you’ll have to work out for longer to take your muscles to fatigue. Therefore, if you’re pressed for time, you might want to start with lesser weights and quickly progress to heavier weights.

 

4. Some Exercises Can Lengthen Your Muscles: Unfortunately, there is no exercise that can make your muscles grow longer and, as a result, more lean. You can get a lean body through the reduced body fat percentage you get from lifting weights, but it’s simply not possible to add length to your muscles. Your muscles are attached to your bones and, as such, have a certain fixed length. No matter what exercise you do, your muscles cannot grow beyond the length of your bones. If you hear someone say that a certain weight lifting routine has helped them achieve longer, leaner muscles; what he or she really means is that the routine has helped to create an illusion of longer and leaner muscles by improving their posture and their stance. This is often the case with people who enjoy exercises like Pilates, yoga and dance, as these exercises will improve your range of motion and flexibility. This is because the exercises are mainly cardiovascular in type, but also use bodyweight training that helps tone muscles.

 

Categories: longer muscles, Myths, Weight Lifting

Six Worries Women Have About Sex After Pregnancy

Having sex again after you’ve had a baby can be a concern for a lot of women, as there are many fears about what the experience will be like. According to sexual health and wellness expert Macki West, founder of Cool Mom Tips, there’s ‘no need to fret, most of us are scared to dive back in [to sex]. Some common thoughts are: Will my vagina feel loose? Will it hurt? I feel gross and unattractive. Being touched is the last thing I want right now. All of these thoughts are all totally normal.’ That said, while it’s normal to have such thoughts, some of them are unfounded. There are many myths surrounding sex after pregnancy, so let’s debunk a few of them:

 

1. Your Vagina Will Be Loose: ‘No it won’t,’ says West. ‘Your partner will not be “tossing a hot dog down a hallway”. If that were the case then there would never be kid number two. My husband is honest with me and I straight up asked him if there was a difference. He told me I feel just as tight, but that women actually feel differently all the time, from one sexual encounter to the next. I trust my husband and since he keeps coming back for more, I know I’m just fine down there.’

 

2. You’ve Had A C-section So Sex Won’t Hurt: West asserts, ‘That’s a flat out lie. Ok, I’ve never had a C-section, but plenty of my friends have and they have experienced just as much if not more discomfort post baby.’

 

3. You Don’t Need Birth Control: West advises, ‘Unless you want to have your babies very, very close together, you do need birth control, even if you are breastfeeding. You will ovulate BEFORE your first period so it could be too late before you decide to use a contraceptive. Talk with your doctor before giving birth about your birth control options. If you are breastfeeding your options are limited to condoms, IUD, or mini pill. Another myth is that you won’t get your period while you are breastfeeding. I did with my first two kids and I’m just waiting for the old period to rear it’s ugly head this time around.’

 

4. You’ll Be as Dry as the Sahara: Unfortunately, there’s some truth to this one. West explains, ‘Your hormones are all wacked and your oestrogen levels are low which means there’s less natural lubrication in your vagina. Make sure to have lots of foreplay, read: oral sex or use a store bought lubricant. If you are not comfortable buying lubricant, just get some online.’

 

5. Sex Won’t Be as Good as it was Before: ‘Some women actually have more intense orgasms post baby,’ says West. ‘It’s true. It has been known that some women have sex within a week of giving birth and enjoy it immensely. I’m not one of them and I don’t feel badly about it one bit. It takes me a few months to get back into enjoying it and that’s OK. Once the baby is sleeping through the night you will have the opportunity to get your sexy back.’

 

6. Touching is Too Much: ‘Many women feel over-touched,’ West admits. ‘Oh yes, we do. Just the other night my husband decided to “enjoy” my breasts. He may have enjoyed it, but I had to stop him and gently tell him that I’ve got my fill of breast touching and nipple sucking. He laughed and totally understood and moved on to something we would both enjoy. With all this baby holding and breastfeeding and intimacy with your baby, sometimes it’s hard to turn that off and turn on the sexual intimacy. Or you are just touched out and would prefer to be in bed with no human contact, I’ve had those nights.’

Categories: Baby, Birth Control, c-section, feel, giving birth, Myths, nbsp, post baby, sex after pregnancy, sex won, west, Women

The Most Common Sexual Health Myths Debunked

There are so many myths about sexual wellness and wellbeing that it can be hard to sort fact from fiction. We think it’s high time that we debunked some of these myths, so that you know exactly what is going on when it is necessary.

 

One rather dangerous myth is that you can’t get pregnant when you have sex for the first time. This leads to people not bothering to use protection, and this is a huge mistake because you can ALWAYS get pregnant when you have unprotected sex, be it the first time or the 10,000^th time. You should always use contraceptives no matter what the circumstances, unless you are actively trying for a baby.

 

Another dangerous myth is that all STIs are curable. Recent reports show that people are willing to risk catching and STI because they think they can simply deal with the consequences later. People get carried away by passion, thinking that if the worst comes to the worst they can always have a course of antibiotics later. The truth is that some STIs, such as genital warts and herpes, are not curable with antibiotics. These types of STIs spread by skin to skin contact from the affected area so are highly transmittable. Once again, use protection unless you know the full sexual health of your partner and are using alternative birth control.

 

People also believe that condoms don’t expire, and this leads to them using out of date and expired products. Condoms do have a time limit on them, and you should always make sure that they are within the expiration date. Condoms should also be stored in a dry and cool place, away from anything that may damage or distort them. You should also keep them away from drawers and wallets that may contain sharp things.

Categories: Condoms, health, Myths, nbsp, people, Sex, sexual health, STIs, time

Face Value - Debunking the 6 Biggest Skin Care Myths Out There

No matter your age, having a good skin is a trait we all desire. We’re always looking for the newest product or treatment to give us flawless skin, and sometimes we even try crazy methods in hopes that it will improve our skin. There’s a lot of information out there about skin care, which unfortunately means that there is also a lot of misinformation out there as well. It can be tough to determine what is factual and what is just a myth when it comes to skin care, but because skin care is essential to proper health, it is necessary to avoid some of the popular myths circulating. The most common of these myths can be found below.

 

Myth 1 – You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

You may be great at applying sunscreen on blistering sunny days, but we often think that unless the sun is out, it can’t harm our skin. Both UVB and UVA rays can be very harmful for the skin. Sadly, even on cloudy days these rays can penetrate clouds and cause a very large amount of damage to the skin. In order to prevent this, be certain to wear sunscreen during the day, no matter the weather conditions. You can also invest in some makeup that has SPF in it, so you don’t have to remember the extra step of putting sunscreen on.

 

 

Myth 2 – Scrubbing with Soap is Good for Acne and General Skin Care

You’ve probably heard that scrubbing your face with soap will help your acne and clear up some blemishes, however, this isn’t necessarily true. According to the professionals of Associated Dermatologists, because some types of soap can be very astringent, it is typically not a good idea to use highly alkaline soaps, as they can irritate skin and actually contribute to acne. Additionally, these soaps can destroy all oils on the skin, causing skin to overproduce natural oils, also contributing to acne. In order to avoid this, be certain to use gentle soaps.

 

 

Myth 3 – Expensive Skin Products are the Best

This is a common skin care misconception, and unfortunately we often think the more money we spend on skin care products, the better our skin will look. While expensive, these products are more of a status symbol than an effective skin care product; however, there are expensive and high-quality skin care products. In order to avoid overpaying for a skin care product, be sure to do research prior—see if you can find any reviews about the product or ask your dermatologist if the results are truly worth the money. While you will surely want quality products to treat your skin with, you can find good skin care products for reasonable prices at the grocery store.

 

 

Myth 4 – All Facials are Good for Your Skin

While facials can have great temporary benefits for the skin, there are no positive long-term effects from these treatments; in fact, both facials and microdermabrasion can actually cause acne if you use them too much. This isn’t true of all facials, but it is important to be careful with they types of facials you use and how often you use them. Some facials can wear on your skin and make the exterior thinner. Consult with your dermatologist about specific facials to use or avoid depending on your skin type.

 

 

Myth 5 -  Laser Treatments can Make you Look 30 Years Younger

While laser treatments can be effective, they typically aren’t as effective as advertised. These treatments can be effective in the reduction of sun spots and wrinkles; however, don’t be misled by overzealous advertisements. These treatments can get expensive, so it might be more worth your money to invest in anti-aging skin care products to apply naturally instead. Most women are disappointed by the results (or lack thereof) of their laser treatments, so carefully consider whether or not it is worth the investment.

 

 

Myth 6 – Popping Pimples is a Good Idea

While popping a pimple can give one a feeling of satisfaction, it can actually force pus deeper within the skin, reinforcing the infection. For those who can’t stop popping their pimples, it is necessary to use something called a comedone extractor, a small tool that will help remove blackheads and whiteheads. It can be tough to resist the temptation, but if you leave your face alone, your zits will go away much faster than if you try and pop them—just fueling the infection’s fire.

 

Because these myths are so prevalent, it can be tough to know what to believe. You must remember that everyone’s skin is different, and what is good for one person’s skin, could be bad for someone else’s. If you can find products that work well for your skin, you should stick to those instead of following after crazy or drastic trends that claim to give you perfect skin. If you haven’t found any products that help your skin, consult a dermatologist in order to get professional advice about what kinds of products will be best for your skin specifically.

Categories: debunking, face, Myths, skincare

6 Skin Myths that Can Actually Cause You to Age More Quickly

There are more anti-ageing wellness myths than there are products on the shelf, whether they hail from generational Chinese whispers, or their grounding in “modern technology.” However, with the help of wellness experts, doctors and years of research, we’ve separated fact from fiction.

 

1. You Should Scrub Your Skin Squeaky-Clean: Whether you wash your face more than twice a day, or with products that leave your skin as tight as a drum, you can actually do more harm than good to the wellbeing of your skin. According to dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Karcher, ‘The water-cleanser combo can strip the skin of its natural oils and compromise its barrier, which can set you up for irritation and dehydration.’ Therefore, it’s best to avoid cleansers that contain harsh surfactants – which includes sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) – as these products rid your skin of too much oil and leave it so dry that it feels taut. Instead, look for gentler cleansers that include ingredients such as coco betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, coco glucoside, decyl glucoside, and sucrose laurate.

 

2. Botox Can Prevent Wrinkles: While this is theoretically true, no long-term studies support this claim. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt explains, ‘If you relax the muscles that continually contract, you’ll be less apt to see creases over time. But other strategies, like using sunscreen and keeping up proper skin care, are more reliable and certainly less expensive options for fending off wrinkles.’ If you really must go for Botox, dermatologist Karyn Grossman recommends beginning Botox treatments no earlier than your 30s, which is when fine lines first appear.

 

3. Oily Skin Doesn’t Wrinkle as Much as Dry Skin: Brandt notes, ‘Oily skin may fend off wrinkles more easily because it tends to be thicker, which affords more natural protection against sun damage.’ Dr. Ruthie Harper, an internist in Austin, Texas, adds, ‘Women with oily skin may have higher testosterone levels, which can help protect against diminished collagen levels and, in turn, wrinkles.’ That said, oil-prone skin can still look old, especially when you consider the fact that factors such as sun exposure and smoking speed up the ageing process and cause wrinkles, regardless of your skin type.

 

4. Junk Food Causes Acne: Dermotologist David Bank confirms, ‘So far, no studies have shown a direct correlation between junk food and breakouts or acne.’ Yet high-glycaemic foods (typically foods that contain refined carbohydrates) have recently been linked to breakouts among people who are acne-prone. This is because such foods can quickly raise your blood sugar and insulin levels, leading to inflammation and, as a result, acne. Therefore, Harper recommends limiting these possible triggers and balancing them out with foods and beverages that contain anti-inflammatory benefits, such as green tea, broccoli, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

 

5. You Should Use Skincare Products From the Same Line: ‘Generally this is just clever marketing,’ says Bank. However, certain ingredients do become more effective when used together, and so some companies spread these factors out amongst their lines. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid, for example, work to unclog pores and prevent future spots, and so companies tend to separate these ingredients into two products – often an anti-acne cleanser and a gel treatment. Grossman admits, ‘If you’re trying to address a specific problem, like acne-prone skin or dark spots, this prepackaged approach may make it easier.’

 

6. You Can Get Rid of Cellulite: ‘No cellulite fix is permanent,’ warns dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel. ‘Even liposuction, which removes excess deep-fat deposits, doesn’t necessarily improve the surface of the skin to the degree where the dimpled effect is invisible.’

Categories: acne, acne prone, Cellulite, dermatologist dr, junk food, lauryl sulfate, Myths, nbsp, oily skin, prone skin, skin, sodium lauryl

7 Dangerous Myths Surrounding Sexually Transmitted Diseases

You learn about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from a variety of sources; in sex education lessons, by word of mouth and from your friends. However, this wide range of fonts of information can potentially be damaging to your wellbeing; exposing you to a multitude of myths and urban legends surrounding in STDs. If you believe in such legends, you may be putting your sexual wellness at risk! To keep you and your partner safe and healthy in and outside the bedroom, we asked sexual health expert Lizette Borreli to debunk seven commonly-believed STD myths.

 

1. You Can’t Get an STD from Oral Sex: According to Borreli, ‘This myth is uttered by many teens, but it is 100% untrue. Unprotected oral sex — “blow jobs” or “going downtown” and whether you do it or it’s done to you, puts you at risk for an STD…If the partner is giving oral sex to a man, the risk increases if they have any cuts or scrapes in his or her mouth. These scrapes may include small ones caused by brushing or flossing before sex. Giving oral sex to a woman can increase the risk of infection if there is menstrual blood, if the woman has another STD in addition to HIV, or if the person performing oral sex has sores or cuts in his or her mouth.’

 

2. Pulling Out Prevents Pregnancy and STDs: ‘Better use protection,’ asserts Borreli. ‘The withdrawal or “pulling out” method does not prevent HIV or other STDs. Most disease-causing microorganisms are not contingent on ejaculation for transmission. This method is less effective at preventing pregnancy compared to condoms, the Pill, or shot.’

 

3. Birth Control Users Don’t Need to Worry About STDs: Borreli comments, ‘Birth control methods such as the pill are very effective at preventing pregnancy, but they do not protect against STDs. Condoms are the only method of protection against both STDs and pregnancy, says the Food and Drug Administration. Using a condom and also a birth control method like the pill will provide maximum protection for both partners.’

 

4. Douching After Sex or Having Sex in a Pool will Prevent STDs: ‘You’re still at risk,’ Borreli warns. ‘This classic urban legend has gained popularity under the belief that chlorine is a disinfectant that kills STD-causing bacteria or viruses. Chlorine is not a condom, and it will not kill sperm. If partners desire to have sex in a pool or hot tub, take extra precaution because latex condoms can easily break down in hot water temperatures.’

 

5. You Can Only Catch Herpes if Your Partner Has a Visible Outbreak: Borreli cautions, ‘Most people have no or few symptoms from a herpes infection. The majority of people with herpes are not aware that they have it, but symptoms such as itching or a burning feeling in the genital or anal area, swollen glands, or vaginal discharge, can last from two to three weeks. They commonly cause infections of the mouth and lips, also known as “fever blisters.”’

 

6. You Only Get STDs from Semen: ‘Think again,’ says Borreli. ‘Although semen and blood can spread STDs, some like herpes and syphilis can be transmitted by skin on skin contact. If a partner has herpes and experiences visible “fever blisters,” the sore can spread when it comes into contact with someone’s skin in areas like the mouth, throat, and cuts or rashes. A partner may become infected even before blisters begin to form.’

 

7. Lesbians Don’t Need to Worry About STDs: Borreli points out, ‘Women who have sex with other women may rarely get HIV, but the risk increases if a woman has sex with an HIV-positive woman, or injects drugs or has sex with a man who has HIV…This could happen because soft tissues, like those in the mouth, can come into contact with the vaginal fluid or menstrual blood of the woman infected with HIV. Women can spread a number of STDs to one another during oral sex, manual sex, or frottage.’

Categories: Birth Control, fever blisters, giving oral, menstrual blood, Myths, oral sex, preventing pregnancy, risk increases, sexually transmitted, sexually transmitted infections, stds borreli

Are You Being Sucked In By These Common Diet Myths?

Weight gain and weight loss seem like such a simple thing, and so in theory they should be perfectly straightforward. If you want to improve your wellness and wellbeing, you should eat right and increase your fitness levels, right? Unfortunately, as many dieters will tell you, it’s not as simple as that. In fact, there are a whole lot of commonly held myths about weight loss and gain, and many people simply do not know fact from fiction.

 

First of all, remember that being overweight does not necessarily equate to being unhealthy. Being a few pounds heavier does not mean that you are definitely going to an early grave. It is perfectly possible to be fat and healthy or thin and unhealthy. Just on its own, your actual weight is not directly related to how healthy you are.

 

Many people also believe that eating spicy food helps to boost your metabolism, leading to faster weight loss. Of course, eating well boosts your general health, but does not generally boost your metabolism. Just eat a healthy, balanced diet and make sure you include plenty of protein.

 

People also think that you have to eat an extra 3,000 calories to gain a pound, and that depriving yourself of 3,000 calories equates to losing a pound of fat too, but unfortunately it doesn’t work that way either. Everybody is different, and people’s metabolism can vary hugely. In addition to this, the human body is programmed to store fat, and so it actively fights against you if you try to lose weight. All kinds of other factors can affect your weight, too, such as the time of day, how big a meal you have eaten, how much water you have drunk and the hormones in your menstrual cycle.

Categories: fitness, Healthy, loss, Metabolism, Myths, people, weight, Weight Loss

Fat-Burning Cardio: Five Myths that Are Getting in Your Way

There are various theories regarding cardio training and weight loss. Some wellness enthusiasts assert that it’s best for your fat-burning wellness to do cardio at a low intensity, while others recommend doing it on an empty stomach. The problem is that different fitness professionals have different beliefs, and all the conflicting information out there can lead to misconceptions that hamper your progress, and overall wellbeing. Therefore, we turned to certified strength and conditioning specialist Jim Carpentier to debunk some common cardio myths.

 

1. Long Cardio Workouts at Low Intensity are Best: According to Carpentier, ‘Since your heart rate is not high enough [during low-intensity workouts], your body doesn’t really get a workout from it. Slow/fast workouts (interval training), where you sprint for one minute and then walk for two are best for burning fat. Simply put, a higher heart rate burns more calories. For example, you burn 100 calories in 20 minutes of low-intensity work compared to 160 calories in 10 minutes of high intensity, and you also burn more total fat in less time during a high-intensity workout.’

 

2. You Don’t Need to Enter Your Weight/Height into Machines: ‘The machine won’t be calibrated with your information, and won’t offer personalised results,’ Carpentier warns. ‘Your actual weight should be taken first thing in the morning, before you have consumed any foods or beverages to tip the scale. Enter that weight — and your height if possible — on the machine and you should be set. If the machine says you burned a total of 150 calories, but you weigh 250 pounds and the machine is calibrated to 180 pounds, this number is likely inaccurate.’

 

3. A Quick Cardio Workout Burns Fat Cells: Carpentier points out, ‘If your goal is to burn fat, keep in mind that you only start burning fat cells after approximately 20 minutes of a cardio workout. After warming up at low intensity on a treadmill, stationary bike, StairMaster, or stepper for two minutes, up the speed to moderate intensity for 10 minutes, then do two minutes at lower intensity, then five minutes at high intensity, then close with five minutes of moderate intensity, and two minutes of low intensity as a cool down. Total cardio workout time: 26 minutes.’

 

4. You Should Have an Energy Bar/Drink Before Doing Cardio: If you do this, ‘you only end up burning the calories you just had before hitting your existing fat cells, which is counterproductive if you’re trying to lose weight,’ says Carpentier. ‘Remember that energy bars and drinks were designed with endurance athletes in mind, therefore may have hidden sugars and fat which give them a high calorie content. Instead, have a low-calorie snack about an hour before the workout (allowing enough time for digestion), such as an apple and a half-cup of low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese. You won’t sacrifice energy for the workout, and those minimal calories from the preworkout snack will be burned quickly during a 20- to 30-minute, moderate- to high-intensity cardio session.’

 

5. You Should Doing Cardio on an Empty Stomach: In The Men’s Health Guide to Peak Conditioning, Ellen Coleman, RD, nutrition consultant with The Sport Clinic in Riverside, California, notes, ‘You don’t have to starve yourself, but it’s wise to avoid eating 45 minutes to an hour before exercising. Even carbohydrates take at least an hour to digest. Fats take even longer: two to four hours. When your body diverts energy to digestion, it’s robbing muscles of power and making your workout less effective.’ Carpentier adds, ‘Don’t starve yourself before a workout and, of equal importance, make sure you are properly hydrated.’

Categories: Cardio, cardio workout, Empty Stomach, Heart Rate, high, high intensity, intensity, low intensity, minutes, moderate intensity, Myths, Workout

Pilates Perceptions: Six Myths You Should Reconsider

There are a lot of wellness myths about Pilates, but believing them could really put your wellbeing at risk. Either the misconceptions reduce your chances of success with this exercise, or they make you miss out on the fitness benefits of Pilates altogether. According to Master Pilates Trainer Kathy Corey, ‘When I tell people that I’m a master Pilates trainer, I get a lot of interesting reactions. People who practice and love Pilates are quick to ask their burning questions…but many people who are less familiar with the popular form of exercise ask a lot of questions—and make a lot of assumptions. They say things like, “Oh, I could never do Pilates,” (and then allude to an injury, health issue, or the fact that they don’t think it’d be challenging enough). Some show confusion, thinking Pilates is the same as yoga. And still others mention having tried Pilates once or twice, but never really “getting” it.’ Let’s take a look at the top six myths about Pilates.

 

1. Pilates is just for women: Corey details, ‘Pilates was originally designed by a man (Joseph Pilates) and for men.  Pilates himself was a boxer and circus performer, and he trained both Scotland Yard and the Hamburg Military Police in self-defence and physical training.’ While Pilates is more popular with women than men these days, more and more male sports teams are incorporating Pilates exercises into their cross training programmes.

 

 2. Pilates is like yoga: ‘Yoga and Pilates approach movement differently; have different breathing styles; and utilize very different exercises—although there are some overlaps in these movements,’ Corey explains. ‘In contrast to yoga, Pilates offers more than just mat-based work; Joseph Pilates invented several pieces of equipment (such as the reformer, Cadillac, tower, barrel and more) in the early 1900s that are still used in Pilates classes today.’

 

3. Pilates is too easy: ‘Pilates is only easy if you aren’t doing the exercises properly,’ Corey asserts. ‘If you are going through the motions without applying the principles of control, centring, concentration and precision, it may feel easy—but you are not really doing Pilates.  Properly performed, the exercises should be challenging and rejuvenating for all fitness levels.  Because the exercises engage the deepest core muscles, you need to understand how to do them properly to get the most benefit. That’s why it’s great to take a class with a qualified instructor who can watch and correct your form as needed.’

 

4. Pilates is too hard: On the other end of the scale, even people who are in good shape find Pilates to be a very humbling experience. However, even though Pilates can be difficult at first, that is not to say that you shouldn’t give it a go. Corey points out, ‘A good Pilates class will include instruction for every level of fitness and a breakdown of how to properly perform the movements for your body.’

 

5. Pilates only works your core: Corey admits, ‘While Pilates does build core strength, Mr. Pilates always emphasized that his exercises were for the whole body. He believed the more muscles you use to perform a movement, the more efficient the movement would be. This creates a system of functional strength that applies to all movements.  The Pilates system teaches a balance of strength and flexibility.’

 

6. Pilates is only for flexible people: ‘Flexibility is an inherent part of Pilates training, so you will gain flexibility by doing Pilates regularly,’ says Corey. ‘The exercises are geared to improving flexibility for a more limber body with greater ranges of motion.  And for those people who are overly flexible, the core conditioning creates joint stability so the goal is a balance of strength and flexibility. All exercises can be modified or adapted to suit each individual’s flexibility level.’

Categories: corey, exercises, flexibility, joseph pilates, master pilates, Myths, people, Pilates, pilates trainer, yoga

Myth Busters: The Truth About Masturbation

Masturbation still seems to be of a taboo topic, with many people believing that pleasuring yourself is bad for your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Some myths assert that masturbating makes you crazy, turns you blind, and even worsens your sexual health, but is there any truth in these claims? Does masturbation pose a threat to your wellness, or could it actually be good for you?

 

Let’s start with the positives, shall we? According to award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette, ‘Masturbation actually has health benefits and many experts believe not masturbating is a sign of issues. Masturbating is good and natural for both men and women. One of the best things about masturbation is that it is safe; there is no concern about sexually transmitted diseases. Masturbation is an ideal way for individuals to learn and explore their sexuality before they enter into sexual relationships. Masturbating can teach a person how they like to be touched, improving their confidence and increasing their chances of experiencing sexual pleasure with a partner.’

 

In fact, the State Government of Victoria’s Better Health Channel list several health benefits that come from masturbation, including:

 

• Increased sense of wellbeing.


• Enhanced physical and emotional bonding with your partner.


• Increased ability to have orgasms.


• Improved relationship satisfaction


• Better sleep.


• Improved body image.


• Sexual dysfunction treatment.


• Stress reduction.


• Sexual tension relief.


• Menstrual cramp relief.


• Reduced risk for incontinence.


• Prostate health.


• Male immunity.


• Resistance to yeast infections.


• Chronic back pain relief.

 

These benefits apply to both solo and mutual masturbation – just so you know – but what about the downside of self-pleasure? Is masturbating ever bad for you? ‘Historically, masturbation was seen as a sign of mental illness, and children were taught they would go blind, experience sexual dysfunction and become sexual deviants if they indulged in such an activity,’ Gillette details. ‘In some religions, people are taught that masturbation is a sin, and this can often lead to feelings of guilt or shame. Belief systems aside, there is no physical or mental reason why a person should not masturbate. Masturbation causes no physical harm to the body…aside from skin irritation if proper lubrication is overlooked.’

 

Here are a few masturbation myths that are absolutely not true:

 

1. Masturbation causes hair to grown on the palms of your hands.

 

2. Masturbation causes you to become gay.

 

3. Masturbation causes addiction.

 

4. Masturbation causes infertility.

 

5. Masturbation causes mental illness.

 

6. Masturbation causes stunted growth.

 

7. Masturbation causes sexual organs to turn color or change shape.

 

Gillette points out, ‘The only real dangers associated with masturbation are linked to mental health–but not in the way traditional thinking would have you believe. Most people who experience mental issues related to masturbation are feeling shame or guilt because of their behaviour.’ In fact, Planned Parenthood estimates that roughly half of all men and women experience feelings of guilt after masturbation, which, in turn, has a negative impact on your overall wellness.

 

Gillette admits, ‘For some people, masturbation can be the manifested symptom of a serious condition, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), where the same activity must be repeated over and over again. This does not mean these individuals are addicted to sex; it is no different than if the OCD symptom was something non-sexual, like repeatedly brushing your teeth.’ She adds, ‘The average person masturbates anywhere from several times a day to never at all–the range for “normal” is very broad. Keeping that in mind, if masturbation interrupts normal daily activity, replaces sexual intercourse as a choice, or causes reclusive habits, counselling should be sought from a professional.’

Categories: Benefits, health, Health Benefits, masturbation, mental, mental illness, Myths, nbsp, nbsp gillette, sexual, sexual dysfunction

Homosexuality, Sex Drive and PMS: Why Do You Blame Hormones?

Hormones are confusing and downright irritating little devils. You know you have them, and you know they wreak havoc on your sexual health and emotional wellness, but do hormones get given the blame too often? Over the years, hormones have been blamed for everything from causing cancer to encouraging homosexuality, but contrary to popular belief, hormones might not have as much influence over your wellbeing as you think, and the influence they do have is not so scary. Let’s take a look at some of the more ridiculous myths associated with hormones.

 

1. Hormones in food can make you turn homosexual: Award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette notes, ‘Contrary to the some people’s belief female hormones used to promote chicken growth will turn a man homosexual, the fact is there are no studies supporting this theory…All in all, the only issues ever examined for a link to hormone use in poultry were those related to early onset of puberty, and no substantial evidence was ever found.’ According to CornellUniversity, ‘Steroid hormones in food were suspected to cause early puberty in girls in some reports. However, exposure to higher than natural levels of steroid hormones through hormone-treated meat or poultry has never been documented. Large epidemiological studies have not been done to see whether or not early puberty in developing girls is associated with having eaten growth hormone-treated foods.’

 

2. Hormones lower your sex drive: While Andrew Goldstein, MD, director of the Centres for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, DC, admits that hormones do have an impact on your libido, he argues that relationship or emotional issues – not hormones – are often the primary driving force behind a lack of libido. Other contributing factors include stress, depression, poor body image, and lack of sleep. When it comes to a low sex drive, your underlying causes may be different to other peoples’. However, if you’re an older woman going through menopause, hormones do have quite a bit of influence on your libido. Gillette explains, ‘Decreasing levels of oestrogen can cause vaginal dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable. A loss of female hormones can also desensitise a woman’s female organs, making arousal difficult and thus leading to a lack of sexual desire. Some post-menopausal women actually experience an increase in libido, but this is attributed to a lack of pregnancy anxiety rather than hormonal fluctuations.’

 

3. Hormones lead to mood swings: Gillette details, ‘PMS, the condition attributed to drastic mood swings during hormone fluctuations, only affects approximately 15% of women. For the rest of the population, emotional changes are probably just the result of a bad day or a cumulative response to a series of bad days. This doesn’t mean that hormones won’t cause mood swings; it just means not every mood swing is hormone-related.’ Nanette Santoro, MD, director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at Montefiore Medical Centre and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, adds, ‘Every study done on women with PMS shows their circulating levels of hormones are normal, but some researchers believe that certain hormone metabolites in the brain cause the mood changes – or that some women just metabolise hormones differently. No one knows for sure.’

 

4. Urinary tract infections cause hormone fluctuations: Lauren F. Streicher, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at NorthwesternUniversity’s Feinberg School of Medicine, asserts that true urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur due to bacteria in your urinary tract system that usually builds up due to sex or lack of hygiene. Gillette weighs in, ‘Hormone fluctuations will have no direct effect on bacterial growth.’

Categories: early puberty, Homosexuality, hormone fluctuations, hormone treated, hormones, md director, Mood Swings, Myths, Sex Drive, steroid hormones, tract infections, urinary tract

Have You Been Sucked in By These Fitness Myths?

If you’re feeling a little confused about the best ways to lose weight and increase your fitness, you are not alone. It seems like there are a thousand different ways to exercise and every source has a differing opinion on what is best for your wellness and wellbeing. The good news is, most types of activity are good for your health, but the devil really is in the detail. With so many fitness and dieting myths out there, it’s easy to fall victim to an illogical or irrelevant way of thinking and find that you are not doing your long term health as much good as you would like.

 

A common myth is that if you lose weights you will get bulky. People worry about lifting weights as they think that they will end up looking like a bodybuilder, but the truth is, muscle is much, much smaller than fat. If you have more muscle on your body and less fat, you will be smaller, not bigger. It takes a huge amount of discipline, food and time to properly bulk up from weights – it’s virtually a full time job (and can be enhanced by illegal substances). Weight training is a great way to lose weight, increase your metabolism and make you look leaner.

 

People also think that as long as they are moving, they will be burning fat. Whilst this does contain a small measure of truth, if you are going out for a slow walk, you are really not going to burn fat. A good starting point is around 40 minutes of cardio workout around five times a week, making sure that it blasts your heart rate up and makes your body warm.

 

You should also let go of the notion that morning is the only worthwhile time to work out – unless you are a professional athlete, it really doesn’t matter what time you work out, as long as you do.

Categories: fitness, long, Lose weight, Muscle, Myths, nbsp, time, weight, Weights

Every Embarrassing Myth You’ve Ever Believed About Periods

Where did you learn what you know about sexual wellness? Was it from a well-informed, reputable source? Of course not. As girls, we often pick up everything we know about sex from whispers in corridors and, frankly, our wellbeing can suffer as a result. Therefore, we spoke to wellness writer and U by Kotex* Community Leader Jordan Miller, and got her to address a few sexual health myths that are in severe need of debunking!

 

1. Will swimming in the sea whilst on your period get you eaten by sharks? ‘I will totally admit that I’m scared to death of sharks,’ says Miller. ‘But that has nothing to do with my period and a lot more to do with the movie Jaws. There has never been a documented case of a shark attacking a swimmer because she was menstruating. So, go ahead, dive in and have fun.’

 

2. Are you not allowed to wash your hair during your period? Miller notes, ‘Thank goodness this is a myth, since I can’t imagine giving up my daily shower, especially during my period. There’s no reason for you to change any of your regular grooming and hygiene habits just because you’re having your period. In fact, a warm bath or shower will help you stay clean, and some girls say it helps with their cramps, too.’

 

3. Is bed rest a must during your period? According to Miller, ‘You should get plenty of sleep during your period, but you should always get plenty of exercise, too. You’ll feel better if you get up and get out there (especially since exercise has been shown to alleviate cramps and brighten your mood)!’

 

4. Does hot water increase your period flow? ‘The good news and the bad news: pretty much the only thing that will change your flow is your own body,’ Miller explains. ‘So you can’t make it lighter (sorry!), and you can’t make it heavier. And a nice warm bath or shower, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can help with cramps.’

 

5. Is it impossible to get pregnant during your period? The commonly cited advice that you can’t get pregnant during your period ‘isn’t true, despite what a lot of people believe,’ Miller comments. ‘Tell your friends. Tell every female you know who’s sexually active or plans to be any time soon. You CAN get pregnant during your period. Once inside you, sperm can live for three to five days. Ovulation can occur during, or soon after, the bleeding phase. If you don’t want to get pregnant, either don’t have sex, or use birth control every single time you do.’

 

6. Are irregular periods bad for your reproductive health? Miller advises, ‘First, talk to your health care provider if you’ve missed your period. It can take anywhere from six months to a year to become regular after the first time you get it. And, for some girls, it never becomes completely regular. There are lots of things, including stress, illness and intense exercise, that can mess with your cycle. That’s why you should consult a heath professional first.’

 

7. Is there an age you have to be before you should use tampons? ‘If you’re old enough to have your period, you’re old enough to use a tampon.’ Miller asserts. ‘Just read the instructions and warnings and be sure to use it correctly. It helps to ask your mom or another trusted adult for guidance. Tampons shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort.’

 

8. Are all menstrual cycles are 28 days? Miller points out the 28-day cycle is ‘only an average. Days in the menstrual cycle vary from woman to woman. Your body will tell you what your cycle is, not other people.’

Categories: cycle, Hot Water, miller, Myths, nbsp, period, Periods, Pregnant, tampons, warm bath

Is There Such a Thing as the Male Birth Control Pill?

There are so many myths when it comes to sexual health that it can be difficult to know what to do for the best, to protect your wellness and wellbeing. The pill is one area where there are a lot of misconceptions (if you’ll pardon the pun!)

 

For example, some people believe that brand-name and generic pills are totally interchangeable. Whilst it is true that the quality of the drug between a brand name and generic pill will be equal, the dose variant is much larger in generic pills, with around 10 percent variation as opposed to 3 percent in brand name pills. For that reason, if you are sensitive to the hormones in the pill, you should always stick to a brand name variety.

 

Another recent scare has been that the pill may cause breast cancer. At the time of writing, there is no evidence to support this whatsoever. Women who have had breast cancer are advised not to take the pill, but there is nothing to say that it actually increases your risk. What’s more, studies have shown that women who took the pill for five years or more had a significant reduction in ovarian cancer and a smaller, but still significant, reduction in uterine cancer, so it may actually be beneficial.

 

One thing about the pill that is true, however, is that it can interact with other medications. Antibiotics such as rifampin, doxycycline and amoxicillin can all make the pill less effective so you should employ additional methods of contraception whilst on these drugs.

 

You also don’t really have to take your pill at the same time every day – that is a myth. It’s a good idea to take it at a set time purely because you will be more likely to remember. You can tie it in with an activity such as brushing your teeth, to help it become part of your routine. As long as you take it within a 12 hour window each day, however, it should be effective.

Categories: brand, breast cancer, cancer, contraception, generic pills, Myths, nbsp, Pill, Pills, significant reduction

Is There Such a Thing as the Male Birth Control Pill?

There are so many myths when it comes to sexual health that it can be difficult to know what to do for the best, to protect your wellness and wellbeing. The pill is one area where there are a lot of misconceptions (if you’ll pardon the pun!)

 

For example, some people believe that brand-name and generic pills are totally interchangeable. Whilst it is true that the quality of the drug between a brand name and generic pill will be equal, the dose variant is much larger in generic pills, with around 10 percent variation as opposed to 3 percent in brand name pills. For that reason, if you are sensitive to the hormones in the pill, you should always stick to a brand name variety.

 

Another recent scare has been that the pill may cause breast cancer. At the time of writing, there is no evidence to support this whatsoever. Women who have had breast cancer are advised not to take the pill, but there is nothing to say that it actually increases your risk. What’s more, studies have shown that women who took the pill for five years or more had a significant reduction in ovarian cancer and a smaller, but still significant, reduction in uterine cancer, so it may actually be beneficial.

 

One thing about the pill that is true, however, is that it can interact with other medications. Antibiotics such as rifampin, doxycycline and amoxicillin can all make the pill less effective so you should employ additional methods of contraception whilst on these drugs.

 

You also don’t really have to take your pill at the same time every day – that is a myth. It’s a good idea to take it at a set time purely because you will be more likely to remember. You can tie it in with an activity such as brushing your teeth, to help it become part of your routine. As long as you take it within a 12 hour window each day, however, it should be effective.

Categories: brand, breast cancer, cancer, contraception, generic pills, Myths, nbsp, Pill, Pills, significant reduction

Ancient Myths Surrounding Our Health That May Not Be True

Some of the myths in the health world are based on superstition and old wives tales, from swallowing pumpkin seeds creating a pumpkin in your stomach to cats stealing the breath of babies from them both drinking milk. But some may be based on slightly more fact than fiction. We all love to believe the health myths our families have ingrained into us, but how useful are they in actually curing the problem? With their roots plausibly based in medical truth, here are some of the most common health myths that we’ve believed for centuries.

The hot and cold balance

In Eastern culture, it’s thought to be good for the body to maintain a balance of hot and cold. For example, ‘hot’ foods are considered to be ingredients such as chilies, peppers and beef, whereas ‘cold’ foods are soy beans, oranges and lettuce. The imbalance of hot and cold foods could lead to sickness according to these cultures, and based on Chinese medicine theory a healthy person is good at balancing cold and heat. In a way, this is actually true – eating too many spicy foods can make you feel ill and can lead to ulcers or acid reflux. Likewise, overeating fried or crispy foods can increase the risk of heart disease. There’s no scientific basis to say that eating spicy food will always make you ill – it’s a matter of individual preference and how the body reacts to these foods.

Hot toddies for a cold or the flu

Hot toddies, a mixture of boiling water, lemon and whiskey, are known in certain parts of the UK as being useful as soothing or killing a cold. But scientific evidence doesn’t support this. While alcohol kills some bacteria in the stomach, when we’re sick the disease-causing bacteria are already rife in the body. By this stage, alcohol can do little to kill them. Hot toddies are useful in opening the nasal passages though, thanks to the steam. The alcohol can also help you sleep if you’re struggling because of your symptoms. While it may not cure you, some people find them soothing and they can benefit you in that regard.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of accupressure from Japan that’s believed to help fight disease and pain by pressing certain parts of the body. These pressure points relate to different energies in the body, which can help with ailments. However, there is no scientific proof that it works. It is thought to be therapeutic and can help the individual relax by relieving tender muscles. It certainly isn’t damaging to our health, a positive point given the risks to some modern therapies. Previous studies have shown that it can help with brain function and stress relief, which in turn can help avoid illness.

Chicken soup and matzo balls

Branded the Jewish penicillin, chicken noodle soup has a global reputation for being the best cure for colds and flu. While it may taste good, however, there’s no proof that it can cure your body of anything. The steam can release the phlegm that collects in the body, helping to alleviate some of your symptoms though. Studies have shown that it works best as a placebo, showing that the soup lowered the action of white blood cells that spur on the inflammation, increasing the symptoms of the common cold. It certainly serves as a healthy comfort food, which in itself makes it a great food to eat when you’re ill!

Categories: ancient myths, based, body, foods, health, health myths, hot toddies, Myths, remedies

Debunking Fitness Myths For Women

Getting fit and working to achieve your desired body takes a lot of dedication and commitment. For women who hop straight from work to the gym, the end result will make all the sweating out and ditching some cheesecake totally worth it. However, we can often be too blinded about our goal that we end up losing sight of the possibility of doing some things wrong and following beliefs that are inaccurate. To help you identify what to not believe, here are some popular fitness myths that badly need to be debunked.

 

Myth 1

Sculpting makes you less feminine

This could be one of the reasons why women, despite their desire to stay fit, would not want to go all the way and sculpt their bodies. There’s a notion that weight training could actually make women more bulky. This thought has to be corrected. Women do not produce as much testosterone as men do, so it is very unlikely for a woman to gain huge amounts of muscle mass. Testosterone is a very anabolic hormone found in the human body, which is very important for gains in muscle mass. Men usually have about ten times more testosterone than women. Naturally, you can’t be bulky like those female bodybuilders simply because those women use anabolic steroids. This synthetic testosterone is paired with other drugs in order to achieve high degree of muscularity and get a firm and fit cellulite-free looking body.

 

Myth 2

Protein will make you bulky

Since we’re talking about the fear of looking bulky here, there’s another popular opinion that gets girls a little hesitant: consuming protein can make an individual build lots of muscle and look bulky. Protein builds and repairs muscle fibres damaged after doing strenuous activity such as weightlifting. Therefore it is highly important to have this in the body. As mentioned, women have lower testosterone levels compared to men, therefore having protein-rich diet will tone the body and strengthen the muscle rather than making it bulky. Australian fitness expert Belinda Benn recommends fuelling your body by getting a meal and hour before workout and then taking in a quick-absorbing protein directly after working out when the muscle can still quickly absorb. To help the body recover, eat another good meal an hour later. An important tip to remember when consuming protein shakes is to ensure that it’s not packed with calories from fat.

 

Myth 3

It is possible to lose fat in just one area

Most girls are guilty of this. We often hear ourselves saying, “Oh I want so bad to lose my belly fats but I do not want any changes in my other body parts.” To speak straightforwardly, this is just impossible. The body is not capable of spot reduction so you couldn’t possibly lose fat exclusively in the abdominal area the way you would have wanted to. Losing weight means having it occurring in the entire body and not just in one spot. However, because body fat is not reduced evenly, it is normal for some people to have trouble areas, for women, this is often the stomach, arms, and legs. If you want to appear more toned, a reduction in body fat and increase in muscle mass are necessary. Body fat reduction occurs when a person is in a caloric deficit, wherein there is a decrease in calorie consumption or an increase in the amount of exercise, or both. To help you achieve a caloric deficit, opt for cardiovascular training.

 

Myth 4

It’s not effective if it’s not at least an hour

Most of us have this idea that if we spend long hours on the treadmill, we’d have more chance of burning unwanted fats. But when it comes to working out, intensity makes more of an impact than duration. Trainer Noah Neiman of Barry’s Bootcamp suggests that, “Three intense 15-minute sessions a week have proven to be an adequate amount of stimulus to put the body in a healthy state.” So this means you can skip the two-hour long jogs and unproductive workout sets and instead go for high intensity interval training. For body sculpting, cardio exercises are advisable as they are capable of burning calories and fats while sparing the muscle mass, which is a very important factor in sculpting. Do some intense interval cardio workouts that will increase your body’s growth hormone. Different techniques may apply to different body types. You may need to take supplementary drinks and products like YOR Health to help achieve your desired figure. Whatever you do, make sure to be smart enough to do your research and seek professional help so as not to defy your purpose. And remember, do it with quality not quantity.

 

Author Bio

A blogger based in San Diego, California, Amanda Smith has a penchant for writing about technology and gadgets, travel and arts, health and wellness, and just about anything that tickles her fancy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy catching up on her favourite sitcoms with her yellow Labrador, Chandler Tribbiani. More of her works can be found at wordbaristas.com.

Categories: body, bulky, caloric deficit, consuming protein, debunking, fitness, fitness myths, Muscle, muscle mass, Myths, nbsp myth, Women

Do You Know Fact From Fiction When it Comes to Fertility?

There are so many myths when it comes to sexual health, and some women find it hard to know what steps to take to protect their wellness and wellbeing when there is so much misinformation out there.

 

Even although over half the world go through menstruation, it is still a hugely misunderstood area of human physiology. As a result of this, fertility myths abound, and it can be hard to sort fact from fiction.

 

For example, some people believe that women are fertile all of the time, when in truth most women are only fertile for a few days in each cycle. This is the time when the egg released from the ovaries. Sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for a few days, though, so it’s actually possible to fall pregnant during a few days of each month.

 

Unfortunately, people often feel that infertility is bound to be a woman’s fault, but this is simply not true either. In actual fact, 40 percent of infertility is down to females and 40 percent is down to males, with the remaining 20 percent being a combination of both male and female infertility, so things are actually pretty equal.

 

Women can also ovulate more than once in a cycle, although this is very rare. The second egg would normally be released around 24 hours after the first, and in this case twins can be conceived. This type of conception would result in fraternal (non identical) twins. If an egg splits after it has been fertilised, this can lead to identical twins.

 

People also think that ovulation can only occur on day 14 of the cycle, but this is just an average. Some women ovulate very early in their cycle and others ovulate much later.

Categories: cycle, Fertility, health, identical twins, Myths, nbsp, ovulate, people, Women

Fact or Fiction? The Most Common Pregnancy Myths

When it comes to pregnancy, there are so many myths and old wives tales that it can be hard to sort the fact from the fiction. People will claim that the gender of the baby is related to the phase of the moon at the time of conception, or the sexual position that you used to fall pregnant. Others will say that you cannot fall pregnant at all unless you have an orgasm.

 

Your number one priority should be your wellness and wellbeing, and so if you are trying to become pregnant you should seek advice first and foremost from your healthcare professional, and ignore the well-meaning and often strange advice of family and friends.

 

One common myth is that you need to stop the pill for at least six months before you will be able to conceive. In truth, as soon as you stop taking the pill, you can potentially get pregnant. Even missing a pill or two is enough to mean that you fall pregnant in some cases! At the same time, hormone-based birth control can have an effect on the cervical mucus, and it may take some time for this to reverse in order for you to become pregnant.

 

Others believe that if you have sex with the woman on top, you will not fall pregnant. This one is entirely untrue. It is possible to fall pregnant from any (vaginal!) sexual position, as ejaculation causes the sperm to be placed high up inside the vagina, and the sperm then swim. Due to the natural forces of gravity, it may make pregnancy slightly less likely, but it is most definitely not impossible.

 

One myth that is true is that if men were tight pants, it may be harder for them to father a child. This is because sperm does not like to become too hot. Tight pants restrict the testicles from moving around and this can lower the sperm count. Loose fitting cotton shorts are best for men who are trying to conceive a baby.

Categories: fall, fall pregnant, Fertility, Myths, nbsp, pregnancy, Pregnant, sexual position, sperm, tight pants, time

Myth Busters: Is Atkins a Healthy Way to Lose Weight?

You get a lot of wellness experts who disagree with the Atkins diet, arguing that you need carbohydrates to ensure your wellbeing and stick with a long-term weight loss plan. However, according to nutritionist Colette Heimowitz, this nay-saying behaviour is based on a belief in five myths, which need to be debunked:

 

1. The Atkins Diet contains too much saturated fats, which can lead to host of health problems.

Heimowitz argues, ‘Saturated fats, which are typically solid at room temperature and are found in meat, poultry, dairy products and palm and coconut oils, may be beneficial when consumed as part of a balanced intake of natural fats. When you restrict your carbs, your body makes less saturated fat while burning more of it.’ She adds that, on the Atkins diet, the only fat you truly need to avoid are trans fats, as these can increase your body’s level of inflammation as well as your risk of heart attacks.

 

2. As Atkins is high in protein, it can lead to kidney problems.

When you eat an ideal level of protein, it should make you full (but not completely stuffed) after a meal and hungry in time for your next one. ‘Atkins’ typical intake of 12 to 18 ounces of protein a day is not considered a high-protein diet,’ Heimowitz explains. ‘And most concerns about eating too much protein are unfounded in that they are based on limited or flawed research. For example, the myth that a high protein intake can damage kidneys probably arose from the fact that people who already have advanced kidney disease can’t clear away the waste from even moderate protein intake. There’s absolutely no evidence that any healthy person has experienced kidney damage from eating the amount of protein consumed on Atkins.’

 

3) You don’t eat any vegetables on Atkins.

‘In addition to protein and healthy natural fats, certain vegetables are the foundation of the Atkins way of eating,’ Heimowitz asserts. ‘Vegetables do contain carbohydrates but, in most cases, these are exactly the kinds of carbs you should be consuming. But the key word is “most.” Rather than promoting the standard dietary fiction that all vegetables are equally healthful and should be consumed in unlimited servings, the Atkins way draws distinctions: A serving of spinach is better than a serving of peas; broccoli is more health-protective than potatoes.’

 

4. It is better to maintain a low-fat diet than a low-carb diet like Atkins.

Research has shown that, after the one- and two-year mark, a low-carb diet like Atkins is more effective for long-term weight loss than a conventional low-fat diet, and is beneficial and safe if you’re highly resistant to insulin or carbohydrates. Heimowitz enthuses, ‘This is great news, because these are the people who need to keep carb consumption low for the long term to control the insulin resistance and carb intolerance.’ She adds that science continues to show how Atkins is a viable solution for reversing obesity and the risk factors associated with heart disease.

 

5) You only lose water weight – and not fat – on the Atkins diet.

Heimowitz allows, ‘Typically on any weight loss plan, including Phase 1 of Atkins, the weight you lose is primarily water (diuresis) during the first few days or even the first week. However, on a controlled carbohydrate plan with adequate dietary fat, after diuresis, your body switches from burning carbohydrates to primarily burning stored body fat—along with dietary fat—for energy, which results in weight loss. Moreover, the weight lost is mainly fat, not lean body mass.’

Categories: Atkins Diet, carb diet, diet heimowitz, high protein, Long term, Low-Carbohydrate, Myths, natural fats, saturated fats, term weight, Weight Loss