L.A. Lifestyle - Nutritional Products

In a controlled environment, like at home, eating healthy can be a feasible task. At the office, however, there are several tempting alternatives to eating healthy, such as vending machines and goodies brought in by coworkers. In a high stress environment, reaching for that doughnut is almost an automatic gesture, especially during deadlines or busy days. No matter how healthy you are, extenuating circumstances can cause you to stray from your normal eating habits. Here are some tips on how to eat healthier at the office:

•    If your office has a kitchen or fridge, bring healthy snacks and your lunch to work and store them here, which will make it easier to reach for a piece of fruit instead of candy or a bag of chips
•    If your office has a cafeteria, avoid high-calories snacks and choose a balanced meal such as a grilled chicken sandwich, fruit and yogurt

Not only is it difficult to eat healthy in an office environment, it is difficult to get in much exercise each day. Even though most are on-the-go each day at work, people spend most of their time sitting at a desk. Eating unhealthy snacks throughout the day, combined with little to no exercise, has a huge impact on the body. Many will report a slight to moderate weight gain when starting an office job or changing to a position that requires less physical activity. Here are some tips to avoid a weight gain in the office:

•    Eat breakfast! Bring a healthy meal to work if you don’t have time in the morning
•    Avoid drinking coffee or soda—drink hot tea instead
•    Drink plenty of water
•    Take the stairs instead of the elevator
•    Get up and take a 5-10 minute walk a few times a day to recharge your body

With the consumption of processed and refined foods, conventional produce full of pesticides and the toxic environment we live in, all of us are deficient in many vitamins and nutrients. There are many vitamins and supplements out there necessary for everyday well-being. The B vitamins are essential for maintaining healthy nerves, skin, hair, eyes and mouth. These vitamins also provide energy and are necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. This list below describes what each B-vitamin does for the body:

•    B1 (Thiamin)
o    Increases blood circulation, helps in blood formation and the metabolism of carbohydrates. It is also required for the health of the nervous system and is used in the biosynthesis of a number of cell constituents, including the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA).
•    B2 (Riboflavin)
o    Required by the body to use oxygen and metabolize amino acids, fatty acids and carbohydrates. Riboflavin is further needed to activate vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), helps to create Niacin and assists the adrenal gland. It may be used for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration and growth.
•    B3 (Niacin)
o    Plays an essential role in energy metabolism in a living cell. Niacin works closely with vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid and biotin to break the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in food down into energy.
•    B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
o    Plays an important role in the secretion of hormones, helps to fight allergies and are beneficial in the maintenance of healthy skin, muscles and nerves. Pantothenic acid is also used in the creation of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and hemoglobin.
•    B6 (Pyridoxine)
o    Helps in the synthesis of the fats from proteins and carbohydrates. It is also involved in the active transport of amino acids and certain metallic ions across cell membranes.
•    B7 (Biotin)
o    Aids in the synthesis of fatty acids, in energy metabolism, and in the synthesis of amino acids and glucose. Biotin is used for the breakdown and utilization of food. Biotin promotes normal health of sweat glands, bone marrow, male gonads, blood cells, nerve tissue, skin, hair.
•    B9 (Folic Acid)
o    Essential for the metabolic processes going on in our body. Folic acid is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids and the formation of heme, the pigmented, iron-carrying component of the hemoglobin in red blood cells.
•    B12 (Cobalamin)
o    Helps the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, a primary energy source for the body.

Click to learn more about L.A. Lifestyle’s Vitamin B products.

Weight management is more than just losing weight; it is a complete lifestyle change that will improve your everyday life. Diets may offer a quick fix to that goal weight, but it will only last a short time. The first step to reaching your health and wellness goals is to create a healthy living environment. Stocking your fridge with healthy, pure foods and making time for relaxation of the body and mind will help you focus and make better choices that will affect your everyday health. Here are some more tips to avoid the dieting trap and create an environment for healthy living:
•    Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night
o    Studies show that glucose levels have risen in people who only get 4-7 hours of sleep
•    Take a multivitamin
o    Talk with your doctor about additional supplementation based on your specific health needs
•    Steer clear of processed foods
•    Drink more water
•    Eat 3-5 meals a day, with snacks in between
o    Going too long without fuel for the body can cause a drop in blood sugar
•    Eat slower and be aware of portion sizes
o    Enjoy your food and be aware of how much you are eating, which will not only aid in digestion but help you recognize fullness and prevent overeating
•    Eat in more often
o    This will help curb cravings at restaurants or fast-food places