New Life Wellness & Weight Loss

With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and the shutdown of our country as well as government mandated house confinement, I’ve noticed many people are more stressed out than ever. 

According to one survey, 38% of adults eat unhealthy foods or overeat during periods of stress. Has that been you lately? While it might seem like a pint of ice cream or bag of chips offers temporary relief, new research reveals that eating junk food could negatively impact your mood.  

THE STRESS-APPETITE CONNECTION 

Research shows stress is associated with higher fat intake. A spike in cortisol levels (when stressed) increases the appetite. That can create a bigger problem when you reach for fried, salty, or sweet foods that have little nutritional value and a lot of excess calories. These foods increase inflammation and cause your blood sugar to spike, which can tank your mood. 

Factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance can trigger brain changes associated with depression; diet can combat these mood-altering brain changes. While the foods you choose have an impact on your mental well-being, the reverse is also true: Your mood can influence your appetite. 

HOW IT DIFFERS FOR MEN AND WOMEN 

Men and women had different responses to poor eating habits, according to the study, published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience. Mental distress in men was associated with the least healthy dietary patterns [and] women were less likely to experience mental well-being compared to men if they didn’t follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. 

A healthy diet and exercise are needed for both genders. [But] women may need to pay closer attention to their diets and exercise as they may be more sensitive to dietary variations. This may be in part because women’s brains have more neural connectivity (or regions) between cortices, making a healthy diet even more important for their mental health. 

THE BEST DIET FOR IMPROVING YOUR MOOD 

Researchers have found that a Mediterranean diet was associated with greater mental well-being, especially in women. A 2018 literature review supports that finding: People who followed a strict Mediterranean diet, which included lots of fish, nuts, vegetables and fruits, had a 33% lower risk of being diagnosed with depression compared to those who ate a so-called western diet that was high in processed meats, trans fats, unhealthy carbs and alcohol.  

THE BOTTOM LINE 

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and spending time in nature can help improve well-being and alleviate depression. It’s also important to find productive ways to control stress. Instead of heading to the kitchen in search of something sweet or salty the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try journaling, reading a book or calling a friend. Moving your body with bursts of physical activity is good at alleviating everyday pressures and stress while also keeping your waistline in check. 

If you’re like most people during this Corona Virus Pandemic, your stress levels have increased, you’re watching way too much TV, itching to get out of the house, eating all the wrong foods and watching your waistline expand wondering how you could have let this happen.

Well, I’m here to tell you that there is hope and we are here to help!

For the next 2 weeks we will be discounting our weight loss programs lower than they have ever been before. If you’re looking to lose those 10 to 40 pounds before the summer hits and the self-quarantine is lifted this may be just for you!

We are offering 4 options for both Returning and New Clients:

The best way to boost your health beyond exercising regularly is to do it in the great outdoors. I know it’s been difficult with the onset of this corona virus pandemic and being mostly confined to our homes. But the benefits of getting outside is significant towards better health.

In fact, a new 2016 study of the UK’s first monthlong nature challenge found that after spending time in nature every day for a month, people were 30% more likely to rate their health as “excellent.”

Researchers are currently proving what clinicians have been observing for years: That spending time communing with nature has tangible health benefits. Emerging research shows that exposure to nature significantly alters brain chemistry to promote focus, cognition and mental health — as well as improved fitness.

After all, when people exercise outdoors, they actually get more brain and body benefits from their workout of choice, according to a review published in Environmental Science and Technology. In the study, researchers found that when people exercised in nature, their mental health and energy levels were better off than if they had exercised indoors. Even better, when people broke a sweat in the great outdoors, they reported greater exercise enjoyment and were more likely to stick with their workouts.

A comprehensive review published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2014 explained that outdoor environments improve our brain health through what scientists’ term “soft fascination.” A mental state in which the brain is attentive to the environment but not overwhelmed with the onslaught of stimulation our brains typically endure (Think: beeping phones, honking cars, etc.), soft fascination reduces the demand on the brain’s executive functions, allowing the brain to recuperate, according to researchers

In nature, visual and auditory input is simplified and organized. Everything from tree leaves to waves on the ocean take a simple geometrical pattern, and sounds are simple and often, repetitive. This soft fascination helps you tap into your ‘default mode’ network, which allows us to be more creative, innovative, insightful.

So powerful is nature’s effect on brain chemistry that rehabilitation programs are beginning to use nature trips to help formerly incarcerated adults ease back into society following release. Programs designed to assist veterans in dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder are increasingly using on-the-water activities like fishing and paddling as an alternative form of therapy. Heroes of War, one such program, notes that its veterans report a 56% and 63% reduction in stress levels and avoidance behaviors, respectively.

Unfortunately, research shows that U.S. adults spend roughly 92% of their time indoors. So, even though we may not be able to get outside as much as we would like to, try your best to get outside during this time and be smart. Exercise CDC regulations for social distancing and using a mask and/or gloves is still appropriate.

Tired of seeing your waistline increase during this Corona Virus Pandemic?
It’s every weight loss enthusiast’s dream to zap belly fat but, far from pure vanity, there’s actually a reason why having a lot of fat in the abdominal region can be dangerous. Fat is stored all over our body, but how does an expanding waistline grow your risk for chronic illness?

Your body’s fat impacts your health differently depending on where it’s stored. While most fat found on other parts of our bodies (think arms, legs, buttocks) are considered “subcutaneous fat,” belly fat is more likely to be “visceral.”

PINCHABLE VERSUS PRESSABLE

“Subcutaneous fat” is the pinchable, squishy fat right between your skin and muscle that helps keep you warm, cushions you against shock, and stores extra calories. “Visceral fat” stores calories too but isn’t as pinchable because it is located in and around your organs. It’s hidden deep within the belly region, which is what makes it firm (rather than squishy) when you press it.

PROXIMITY

Fat doesn’t just store calories—it’s a living tissue capable of producing and releasing hormones that affect your other organs. Because visceral fat sits near our organs, its release of these chemicals is poorly situated. Having more visceral fat can raise your LDL  (a.k.a. “bad” cholesterol) and blood pressure. Visceral fat can also make you less sensitive to insulin, which increases your risk for Type 2 Diabetes.

TELLING BAD BELLY FAT APART

Even if you’re thin, you can still have visceral fat around the abdominal region—being “skinny” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthy. There’s no sure-fire way to tell visceral from subcutaneous fat short of an expensive CT scan, but it’s important for you to get a rough idea of what your visceral stores are. Here are a few tricks to figure out where your belly stands:

APPLES AND PEARS

You’re probably wondering, “What does fruit have to do with it?” These two fruits give a quick visual of where most of your fat is stored on the body. Pears tend to store fat in the lower extremities (hips, thighs, buttocks) as subcutaneous fat while apples tend to store fat in the upper region (belly, chest) as visceral fat. It takes a quick inspection, but this is an imperfect way to tell these two fats apart.

WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE (WC): Feel for the top of your hip bone (it’s at the same level as the top of your belly button) and circle a tape measure around this point. Remember to relax and don’t suck in your gut (be honest!). Take 2-3 measurements and figure out the average. Men should have a WC of less than 40 inches (102 cm) and women should have a WC of less than 35 inches (89 cm).

WAIST-TO-HIP RATIO: The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) takes the circumference of your waist (see above) and divides it by the circumference of your hips. To measure your hips, stand in front of a mirror then figure out the widest part of your butt and measure that circumference. Then use this formula:
WHR = (Waist circumference) / (Hip circumference).
Men should have a WHR of less than 1 while women should have a WHR of less than 0.8.

KNOW YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY HISTORY

If your parents or siblings have insulin resistance, heart disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver, you may be at a greater risk for storing visceral fat. Keeping an eye on your visceral fat may be beneficial but know that the causes of these chronic diseases are complex. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider.

BANISHING VISCERAL FAT

If you fall in the normal range for WC and WHR, that’s great! Keep working at your weight goals as you see fit. If you’re not there, don’t despair. Because of its proximity to the liver, visceral fat is usually the easier fat to burn. It’s the less risky subcutaneous fat that likes to stick around.

Unfortunately, you can’t forcefully spot reduce fat around your belly no matter how many crunches you do. The next best thing is to live a healthy lifestyle.

Go beyond just weight tracking. Begin to track your waist, hip and even neck circumference to see how your measurements change over time as you lose weight.

Sweat for 30 to 60 minutes each day. Visceral fat responds well to regular endurance exercises, such as running, biking, rowing, swimming, that elevate your heart rate. As your body uses fat to fuel exercise, it’ll start using up your visceral stores.

Eat a well-balanced diet. He did diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and moderate use of whole grains. Cut way back on added sugars and alcohol since these nutrients will more likely end up as visceral fat.

Sleep more, stress less. It’s easier said than done, but in order to take care of your physical body, you have to take care of your mental state. Sleep loss and stress can sabotage your health and fitness goals, so learn more about getting a quality night’s rest.

Remember, it’s not just about your health; it’s about your happiness, too.

Copyright © 2020 NewLife Wellness & Weight Loss, All rights reserved.
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The corona virus pandemic has changed our lives drastically over the last couple of months. Maybe your favorite gym is closed. Maybe you just started working from home and don’t want to venture back out after your day’s over. Or maybe you just want to save yourself some time between all of life’s other obligations.

Whatever your reason, working out at home is a popular alternative to traditional gyms and studios — and with a few pro tips, you can make the most of your at-home workout during this crisis and build habits you can follow for the long term.

Because while your couch may be inviting, nothing can jump start your day or infuse your afternoon with some energy like a good workout.

1. DEDICATE A SPACE TO EXERCISE

If you’re fortunate enough to have an empty room to put some weights and cardio equipment, great. But many people aren’t so lucky. If you’ve got a small apartment, your dedicated workout space can simply be a mat on the ground or the floorspace that results from moving your coffee table. Your exercise space doesn’t have to be fancy or large. But it helps to have a specific spot you keep going back to. This signals your body and brain that it’s time to work out.

2. FIND A PROGRAM YOU CAN STICK TO

The most common barriers to exercise are a lack of time and motivation. An added barrier to working out at home is not having someone to hold you accountable, like a trainer or other hard-working gym-goers. So, to set yourself up for success, find a program you know you will enjoy — that way you’re more likely to stick to it. If you love HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), find some virtual classes online or on a workout app. If you like strength training, focus on bodyweight moves and simple weight-training exercises. If you prefer cardio and have equipment at home, like a treadmill or bike, use them. When you’re working out at home, it’s less important what you do and more important you get up and move regularly.

3. BUILD HABITS INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

If you go to the gym, you’re presented with countless options for working out. If you’re at home, you’re presented with a computer, TV, bed, couch, fridge and other distractions. That’s why it can be helpful to build your workout into your day, rather than struggling to exercise after your day is over.

Try starting small with a goal to perform 20 pushups and 20 squats before you shower in the morning. If that goes well, try expanding your workout to 20 minutes of bodyweight exercises. Not a morning person? No problem, dedicate time at lunch to a quick workout or reward yourself with your favorite exercise video after your daily afternoon conference call. It doesn’t take a lot of time to perform a quality workout, especially if you utilize the free time that naturally pops up throughout the day.

4. ACQUIRE SOME BASIC EQUIPMENT

You don’t technically need anything except your own body to get in a good workout. Bodyweight work like pushups, planks, squats, lunges and some cardio will help get you in shape. But I do recommend a few pieces of equipment for those who’d like to take their training up a notch. First up: Get a mat. It gives you a padded surface to work out on and it also protects your floors. From there, I like resistance bands and either kettleballs or dumbbells.

Resistance bands are awesome. They’re safe and effective and can be used anywhere. A mid-weight kettlebell is great for total-body moves like swings, but it can also replace dumbbells for upper- and lower-body exercises, including curls, presses, squats, lunges, core work and more.

If you want to take things a step further, try a step. They’re great for cardio and can also be incorporated into bodyweight work. A large exercise ball, a weighted medicine ball and a jump rope are also smart choices if you have the space to house and use them.

5. SET GOALS AND PUSH YOURSELF

It’s easy to be dependent on trainers, group fitness classes or your friends to keep you accountable and working hard. So, if you’re exercising solo at home, it’s common for motivation to wane. That’s where goals come into play.

Set a goal to do at least four at-home workouts each week and mark your progress on a visible calendar. I suggest putting said calendar on your fridge or beside your desk. It will keep you accountable and give you something to strive for. I like to fit smaller goals into at-home workouts, too. For example, doing 25 pushups at the end of each cardio session, and then adding one more pushup each day until you eventually hit 50. Setting challenging (but reasonable) goals can keep you engaged, especially as you begin to notice improvements and progress.

I hope these exercise tips will help you during this time of uncertainty. Stay safe and healthy and keep the faith!

Copyright © 2020 NewLife Wellness & Weight Loss, All rights reserved.
We send questionnaires to all NewLife clients who opted in to the program and is currently on the system.

Our mailing address is:

NewLife Wellness & Weight Loss

736 Mountain Blvd

Watchung, NJ 07069

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In light of new regulations issued by Gov. Murphy caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, NewLife in Watchung will be closed for onsite appointments and is transitioning all clients to remote consultations through text, phone, Skype or FaceTime with Doreen by appointment only.

If you are presently on a weight loss program or wellness program, please call Doreen to schedule a time to speak with her.

In the case you need supplements during the course of this government shutdown, please feel free to text or call Doreen and we will fill your order through your credit card on account and mail to you plus S&H ASAP.

Thank you all for your faithfulness and continued patronage in this time of uncertainty. Be safe and smart during this crisis and remember there is light at the end of the tunnel.
 
Grace & Peace,
Your NewLife Team

With the recent threat of the corona virus it has become extremely important to have a healthy immune system and especially healthy lungs.

Just two minutes in the morning and two minutes in the evening and your lungs may be breathing fine for a very long time. I’m talking about brushing your teeth.

As you’ve no doubt heard, good dental hygiene helps prevent gum disease. But what you might not know? A recent study suggests that gum disease may open the door to some pretty serious lung diseases.

The Mouth-Lung Connection

Smoking remains the leading cause of serious respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The recent study did not conclusively prove that gum disease is another direct cause of COPD. But people in the study who were hospitalized with COPD and other types of lung disease had significantly higher rates of gingivitis and periodontal disease than the folks in a control group who had healthy lungs. It’s not clear what the connection is. But we know that the bacteria from dental plaque, when inhaled into the lungs, not only can cause COPD exacerbations but also might trigger respiratory infections in healthy people.

A Double Threat

For good gum — and lung — health, brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Even better, brush after every meal if you can. And floss daily. The key is to keep dental plaque — that sticky, bacteria-filled film that forms on teeth — from building up and causing gingivitis and periodontal disease. Research shows that spending at least two minutes brushing each cleaning session is ideal for removing plaque.

There are many misconceptions circulating about COVID-19 but one of the most troubling is that the novel coronavirus is “just a cold.”

COVID-19 vs. Colds vs. Flu

The common cold, the flu and COVID-19 are all highly contagious viral respiratory infections that are spread from person to person through direct contact or droplet transmission.
Contact transmission includes direct exposure to someone who is sick. This includes shaking hands, hugging or kissing. It can also occur when people touch a contaminated surface and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes.

Those who are sick can also infect others when contaminated droplets from their coughs or sneezes land in a nearby person’s mouth or nose. Droplets can also travel about six feet before settling on a nearby surface where they can persist for hours or, for some viruses, even days.

The flu, on the other hand, is caused by different strains of influenza viruses. Symptoms of the infection come on more suddenly and tend to be more severe than a cold. While colds can lead to a sore throat, cough and runny nose, people with the flu may also develop a fever and experience chills, body aches and fatigue.

In most cases, people with the flu will recover within a couple of weeks. But some people—particularly older people, babies and very young children and those with underlying health issues—are more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, brain or muscle, sepsis or organ failure. In extreme cases, the flu can be fatal.

COVID-19 is More Deadly

One of the most important differences between the flu and COVID-19: Their mortality rates.

A severe flu season has a death rate of about 0.1 percent, according to a February 2020 editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine.

By comparison, the COVID-19 mortality rate appears to be higher. Just how much higher is still a matter of speculation. On March 3, the World Health Organization reported that about 3.4 percent of confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world are fatal. That would mean the novel coronavirus is more than 30 times more lethal than the flu, which claims tens of thousands of lives each year in the United States alone.

Keep in mind, researchers are still learning about the novel coronavirus and variables among countries, such as population demographics and the quality of health care, also influence estimates on its mortality rate. For example, in South Korea—where aggressive testing is taking place—researchers calculate a COVID-19 fatality rate of closer to 0.6 percent.

More People are Vulnerable to COVID-19

Older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions—such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease—are among those at higher risk for potentially deadly complications associated with COVID-19, which include pneumonia, acute cardiac injury, irregular heartbeat, shock and acute kidney injury.

Keeping Things in Perspective

There are some other key facts that shouldn’t be ignored. So far, most people who are infected with COVID-19 get better on their own with supportive care to ease respiratory symptoms.

Only about 16 percent of COVID-19 cases result in severe illness and complications, including pneumonia and trouble breathing. Fewer still, about 5 percent, will develop very serious issues, including respiratory failure, septic shock and organ failure. That means tens of thousands of people around the world have already recovered from the infection—far surpassing the number of confirmed deaths.

How to Protect Yourself

You don’t need to wait for a vaccine or other antiviral treatments to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19. There is a lot you can do to avoid exposure and reduce your riskof infection, including:

• Washing your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time
• Not touching any part of your face, including your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoiding people with suspected or confirmed infections

Many people, particularly those in affected areas, have chosen to wear face masks to protect against COVID-19, triggering critical shortages among medical health professionals in certain parts of the world. Otherwise healthy people trying to protect themselves against COVID-19 should not wear medical masks, according to the CDC.

Masks can be costly, and they are not a foolproof way to prevent infection—especially if they are used incorrectly or people touch their face more often with contaminated hands. Hoarding them or using them unnecessarily could not only give people a false sense of security but also lead to shortages among medical personnel who need them.

If You Think You Might Be Sick

Anyone who believes they may be infected with COVID-19 or might have been exposed to the coronavirus should take immediate steps to isolate themselves and avoid spreading their illness to others.

If you develop any warning signs of infection you should call your health care provider (HCP) for instructions. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, be sure to call ahead and inform the medical staff that you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Your HCP will work with your local public health department and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested for the coronavirus.