The most noticeable result is simply that I feel great! I haven't had any headaches this week AND my legs feel so much better. I ran for the first time yesterday and I felt the best I've felt running an interval set EVER. I kept waiting to hurt and burn and I didn't. I didn't even have my ipod which is usually my only hope for getting through treadmill intervals. I guarantee you that this was because I was hydrated.
Another awesome result is my skin! People, I have awful skin. I've always broken out. There is not a day in my life since age 13 where I haven't had a breakout somewhere. At day three through five of the water challenge, my skin actually got worse. For most this would be discouraging....but for me, this was exciting because I knew my skin was cleansing itself. Water is the best detoxifier. ALSO, I looked brighter and more balanced.
Well, yesterday and today...my skin looks SO much clearer. It looks like I could swim through the hydration of my skin. That's really weird, but I'm excited and will not stop drinking a lot of water!
Through discipline and determination and an IRON WILL, you will see change and you WILL get results.
Like Nike says, "Just DO IT!"
Your Nutrition Challenge for the Week:
DRINK GREEN TEA
Are you already saying "No, cause I hate green tea."? Well, get over it! xoxo
This is the point of nutrition challenges. We are starting to do things differently and retrain our taste buds and acquire a taste for things we need in our lives to make us healthy.
I was going to make your nutrition challenge to eat a healthy breakfast every day this week but I would be setting you guys up for failure and I plan to spend more time this week sharing healthy meal ideas with you. This is about baby steps. And again...this is just ONE thing you can do this week. And it's WAY easier than consuming a gallon of water every day. However, don't stop drinking a lot of water. Hopefully you now know how powerful the feeling of hydration is.
Let's start with WHY green tea is awesome. And I am NOT talking about lipton iced tea or any of those cold bottled green teas at the gas station. NO. NO. NO. Just read the ingredients. I am talking about green tea bags, Ok?!
13 Amazing Health Benefits of Green Tea That Everyone Can Enjoy
I have read a great deal on the benefits of green tea and the studies and science behind it are compelling. Based on everything I’ve read, I agree with the scientists, nutritions and healthcare professionals that it really is beneficial to your health.
The majority of green tea benefits seem to stem from the powerful antioxidants,called catechins, which scavenge your cells for free radicals that could otherwise damage DNA, and contribute to cancer, blocked arteries and blood clots.
Because of the minimal processing – leaves are steamed instead of fermented – green tea catechins are unique and contain a more concentrated form of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG), which is the active ingredient that many studies have highlighted as the driving force behind green tea benefits.
Green tea’s impact on cancer and heart disease seems very promising, andmany people have experienced life changing benefits as a result of taking it daily. Below is a comprehensive list of benefits you will attain with a regular dose of green tea.
- Lowers your risk of cancer. Although the studies of how green tea affects cancerous cells are still in their infancy, there have been human trials which indicate that it does inhibit cells from developing cancer. EGCG in green tea regulates and inhibits cancer growth by killing cells that are growing inappropriately. In Japan, a study of 500 women with Stage I and Stage II breast cancer found that increasing their green tea consumption before and after surgery significantly lowered the risk of recurrence. Another analysis of 22 studies of the correlation between green tea and lung cancer concluded that by increasing your intake of green tea by two cups a day may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer by 18%.
- Eases the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Study results reported in theProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that polyphenol antioxidants in green tea benefits suffers of arthritis by reducing the incidence and severity of the disease. EGCG protects cartilage destruction and reduces joint swelling and pain. This leads many scientists and health professionals to recommend green tea as a legitimate remedy for treating arthritis.
- Stabilizes your cholesterol levels. Researchers believe that green tea lowers your cholesterol levels by reducing its absorption in your digestive tract and increasing the rate of which it is excreted. However, your body does need cholesterol to build cell membranes, insulate nerve fibres and create hormones. For this, green tea benefits you by preventing the conversion of LDL cholesterol into it’s more dangerous, oxidized form. Oxidized LDL is one of the main factors in the development of atherosclerosis (the build of plaque that blocks your arteries as LDL gets sticky and clings to your artery walls) and increases your risk of heart attack or stroke. The amazing antioxidant effects of green tea protect this, helping to keep your arteries clean.
- Prevents cardiovascular disease. A Japanese study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed significant reductions in deaths from cardiovascular disease among green tea drinkers. The study found that over an 11 year test period, individuals who drank more than 5 cups per day had a 16% less chance of mortality and mortality related to cardiovascular disease when compared to individuals who drank less than one cup per day. They also found that green tea was especially beneficially in preventing strokes, due in large part to the antioxidants and how they prevent clogged arteries.
- Boosts your immune system. Catechins, the antioxidant polyphenol compounds, have been shown to have a major impact in your immune system. Research conducted by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2003 revealed that theanine, found in green tea, boosted the activity of the gamma delta T cells that form part of our adaptive and innate immunity. The study followed a group of coffee drinkers and a group of tea drinkers who each drank 600ml of their drink daily. Blood samples taken four weeks later quite clearly showed that production of these anti-bacterial proteins were five times higher in those drinking tea.
- Promotes weight loss. Both green tea and green tea extract have been shown to fight obesity and lower LDL cholesterol – both of which ultimately lead to a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. The polyphenols in green tea are extremely useful for dissolving triglycerides, a substance in the liver and small intestine made up of mostly sugar and fat, and this is thought to be the reason green tea benefits fat loss. EGCG is also known to stimulate your metabolism and accelerate weight loss. When combined with the caffeine in green tea, this causes your central nervous system to release fat into the bloodstream to be used as fuel which burns your body fat off.
- Reduces tooth decay. Antibacterial properties found in green tea are also used by your body to kill the bacteria that causes plaque on your teeth. Research by the Journal of Periodontology has also shown that for every cup of green tea you drink, there is a decrease in indicators for gum disease. Fluoride is also found in green tea which helps to protect against cavities.
- Effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In 2007, Dr. Orhan Aktas from the Institute of Neuroimmunology conducted a study of how green tea benefits sufferers of multiple sclerosis. While current patients do not have many options to prevent tissue damage and disability, he found that the flavonoid EGCG found in green tea could have a huge impact on multiple sclerosis. He concluded that EGCG is capable of directly protecting against neuronal injury in living brain tissue and that EGCG constituents may open up a new therapeutic avenue for treating MS by combining anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective capacities.
- Slows the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. A recent report published in the journal Phytomedicine has found substantial evidence that the enzymes found in green tea protect your brain cells from damage. Another study conducted by the University of South Florida looked at the effects of antioxidant EGCG. It was shown to be a protein blocker which prevented the chemical reactions that can lead to nerve damage that can lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Fights the cause of allergies in your body. Methylated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been shown to block a cells receptor involved in producing an allergic response. By blocking the production of histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE), two compounds in the body that are chiefly involved in triggering and sustaining allergic reactions, EGCG could very well be the compound which prevents you from having watery eyes, sneezing and coughing.
- Helps to fend off infections. Again, as one of the main benefits of green tea, EGCG has been highlighted by a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology as being able to prevent infections, including the HIV virus. EGCG binds with CD4 immune system T-cell receptors and stops HIV from doing the same to reduce the risk of infection. While it is still way too early to peg green tea as a cure for HIV, an Egyptian study has shown that combining antibiotics with green tea significantly boosts the effectiveness of the antibiotic. In fact, when tested against 28 disease-causing microorganisms, green tea enhanced the bacteria killing power in every single case.
- Reduces and prevents acne. Green tea benefits acne in a number of different ways. It’s antibacterial properties attack and kill the acne bacteria while the anti-inflammatory benefits of green tea reduce the swelling and redness. Antioxidants fight against free radicals which damage the skin and make it more susceptible to acne also help to balance hormone levels to help prevent future breakouts from happening.
- Slows the aging process to prevent wrinkles. One of the latest benefits of green tea is the effect it has on your skin and the aging process. It is again down to the antioxidants that prevent cell oxidation and damage that can make you look older than you really are. Studies are mixed on this particular green tea benefit as new research has come to light which suggests the full benefits can only be had by applying green tea topically to your skin. However, many people have found that potent green tea extracts do have a positive effect on their skin, leaving it softer, more supply and younger looking.Now that you know the WHY, here's the HOWI drink about 4 cups a day, but right now just aim for 2 and drink them with your lunch and dinner if possible. This helps me cut down the cravings. When I'm full but want to keep stuffing my facing. I grab my hot cup of tea and start sipping on it. It helps tremendously AND I know I'm doing something good for my health. BUT really it doesn't matter when you drink it. Just find a way to get it. All the coffee shops have them. Do this instead of your americano or latte.1. Invest in a teapot. Fill it will water and LEAVE it on your Stovetop. Never Take it off unless you need to use all for burners.
2. Buy some Green Tea. I love STASH. and I love TAZO. But you can pretty much get whatever is most affordable to you. Starbucks sells Tazo Zen green tea and China tips. Get A grande Green Tea and ask for TWO tea bags. You can even ask for a little cream if you need help as your taste buds adjust.
4. Turn your burner on high. Boil the water in your pot. And pour it over one or two tea bags.5. For those of you who need help with the flavor...Add a little bit of cream and a couple drops of liquid stevia if you must.6. Drink and enjoy every wonderful thing you are doing for your health.
GOOD LUCK!!Let me know how it goes
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