Men's Health Tip of the Day

Skipping Breakfast?

Are you doing what's necessary to start your day off right? Maybe not.With our fast-paced lifestyle, men tend to neglect breakfast. And those who do eat breakfast often consume excess fat and sugar, causing them to feel sluggish by mid-morning.

Skipping Breakfast: Quick Test

Try this pop quiz: - Do you skip breakfast? - Do you suffer from mood swings in the morning? - Do you suffer from frequent headaches? - Do you visit the vending machine more than you visit your favorite gal? - Do you tend to overeat at lunch?

Does this sound like you? If so, you likely lack the proper ammunition to start your day off productively. Consider testing this lay diagnosis by eating breakfast for one week. You may find noticeable improvement in your mood and energy level.

Inner Connections

Edited by: SAR01 at: 3/4/02 12:31:39 am SAR01 ezOP Posts: 10199 (3/1/02 10:23:57 pm) 148.64.136.181 Reply | Edit | Del Community Supporter

Re: Men's health..A.M, eating and running -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What To Wear When Running

In addition to shoes, the right clothing can make a world of difference. Loose-fitting and comfortable clothing will make your run more enjoyable and will prevent the annoying rubbing and chafing that can occur with heavy, tight-fitting clothes. So avoid Lycra bicycle shorts and tank tops -- stick with loose clothing that allows your skin to breathe.

When You Want To Run, Walk First

Once you've decided to give this running thing a try, get off to a good start. The first thing that you want to do is FORGET ABOUT RUNNING, and switch your mind into WALKING mode. It may not seem as hip to walk, but spending a few weeks walking will prepare your muscles and joints for the task of running.

You may feel great in the first couple of days, but even walking can break your body down. Start with easy 20 to 30 minute walking sessions two or three times a week. Even if you feel great, try to hold yourself back for a few days because it may take your body that time to respond to the new training load.

Gradually increase the pace of your walks as your body adjusts to the activity. You will know it is time to increase the tempo when your initial soreness starts wearing off.

Making The Transition From Walking To Running

Once you are comfortable walking at a quicker pace, it is time to add some light running. This doesn't mean jumping right into a full running program. Start your workout with quick walk. Then pick out a tree or landmark on your course, and simply jog to it. Repeat this several times, increasing the distance and including brief walking periods in between the running.

After a few weeks of alternating walking and running, you'll find that you're in much better "running shape." At this point, begin decreasing your walking and increasing the time you run.

Tomorrow: Maintaining your running program.

A Running Program: Maintenance Phase

Once you get to the level where you can handle 10-15 minutes of continual running, you can start to think about adding time. Again, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and time spent running over several weeks. A good rule is to increase your time by no more than five minutes a week. Also remember that your body needs time to recover, so never run two intense workouts back to back.

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These tips are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical attention or professional diagnoses. If you have health concerns, or want to start an exercise program, please consult your health care provider before embarking on any activity or treatment.

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Improving Energy: What Is A Complete Breakfast?

A complete breakfast consists of a healthy combination of calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat. In other words, the majority of calories should be from carbohydrates, followed by protein, and then followed finally by fat. (Those of you on protein diets take a dimmer view of carbos. Check out the Emazing Men's Health series on protein diets).

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What's The Story On Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates supply your brain with energy from glucose. There are two types of carbohydrates, complex and simple.

Complex carbohydrates are found in breads, pastas, and grains. Their responsibility is to provide long-term energy.

Simple carbohydrates are found mostly in refined sugars such as frostings, powdered sugar, and table sugar. They provide your short-term energy.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002