Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Headache Triggers and Treatments

For me a headache can mean lots of pain, the desire to sleep, and no patience. The pain of a headache or migraine can be so debilitating, it's hard to just to get through the day.

If you work on finding out what triggers your headaches you may be able to avoid them. Here are some top headache producers:

1. Allergies. Blocked sinuses can cause headaches. Try an allergy med to relieve this type of pain. See a doctor if nothing you do relieves the pain.

2. Stress. We all have busy lives, work, kids, homes, pets, etc., too much to do, too little time. Tension headaches. To help avoid or relieve these, you can try Yoga, meditation, any thing you can do for pleasure, or try dolling out your responsibility (don't be afraid to ask for help).

3. Dehydration. Be sure to drink 8-8oz glasses of water each day.

4. Hunger (Low blood sugar). Eat healthy snacks through out the day to avoid feeling famished and loading up on junk. (Try carrot sticks, apples, mixed nuts, granola bars, etc.)

5. Too much caffeine (or withdrawal from).

6. Lack of sleep. People forget that we need lots of sleep. It is highly recommended to get 8 hours a night. With TV, computer, and cell phones it can be hard. At night time, lower the lights and disconnect yourself, read a book, or meditate before bed, don't watch TV.

7. Inactivity. Exercise to improve blood flow, and your over all health.

8. Certain foods (Red wine, beer, MSG, chocolate, aged cheese, sauerkraut, Processed Meats such as: Pepperoni, Ham, Salami, etc.).


How to treat headaches:


  • Get and use an air cleaner or dehumidifier
  • Pain relievers (be sure to follow the dosage guidelines) Try Aleve or Excedrin
  • Avoid trigger foods (see above list)
  • Exercise daily
  • Get enough sleep
  • Eat an apple (many times an apple, or fresh apple juice can help relieve a headache)
  • See a doctor if you have continuous headaches or migraines, it may be a sign of a serious condition.

Thanks for reading!

Note: I am not a doctor. This article is not intended to cure, prevent, or treat any disease. Any questions regarding your health be sure to see your doctor.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

"Best" Fast Food Snacks

When it comes to fast food, if you're health/weight conscious, you probably think "loaded with fat, calories, and best to avoid". Then again the whole "fast" is extremely attractive, thus the fast food industry being so lucrative. So, if you're in a rush, no need to skip the drive-through, just opt for healthier/lower calorie snack instead of the large fry, double cheese burger, and large soda.

Take a look at these "healthier" fast food options (and where to munch them).

Starbucks
Skim Latte (Grande)
130 calories
19 grams carbohydrates
13 grams of protein


Dunkin' Donuts
Egg White and Cheese Wake-Up Wrap
150 calories
13 grams carbohydrates
8 grams protein

Best open 'till 2 a.m. option
Taco Bell
Fresco Crunchy Taco
150 calories
13 carbohydrates
7 grams of protein
See other options at Taco Bell.

Best drive-thru hand held
Burger King
1% Chocolate Low-Fat Milk
190 calories
31 grams carbohydrates
9 grams protein

Best high protein option
Wendy's
Small Chili
220 calories
22 grams carbohydrates
18 grams of protein
Plus : This item is Gluten Free.


Subway
Black Forest Ham, Egg and Cheese English Muffin
180 calories
18 grams of carbohydrates
15 grams of protein
See other options at Subway.

Best sides as a snack option, plus a high-protein treat
KFC
Red Beans With Sausage and Rice
160 calories
26 grams of carbohydrates
24 grams of protein

Macaroni and cheese
180 Calories
20 grams carbohydrates
6 grams protein

2 grilled chicken drumsticks
160 calories
0 carbohydrates
20 grams of protein


Best protein splurge option
McDonald's
4 piece Chicken McNuggets (Hi in fat, so be sure to stick to the serving size)
190 calories
11 grams carbohydrates
10 grams protein

Best sweet treat option
Carvel
Low-Fat Vanilla Flying Saucer
190 calories
35 grams of carbohydrates
4 grams of protein