Mitochondria the Power Station of the Cell

mitochondria the little beanInside each cell is a structure known as mitochondria which means “little bean”. It is appropriately named because that is exactly what they look like, tiny bean shaped energy factories inside every one of the body’s cells converting the food we eat into energy. When the food we consume is combined with oxygen this fuel mixture is used to run every system and process in our body.

Since fat is part of the food that they convert, our mitochondria need tip-top “fitness” working fast and efficiently if we are going to burn off excess body fat A single cell may have anywhere from 200-2000 or more mitochondria.

The hardest working cells such as those in the heart, liver or muscles contain the greatest number. Without these little powerhouses doing their job, you would not be able to breathe much less walk out your front door.

Simply put they are responsible for keeping you alive…a pretty important job! [Read more…]

Dealing With Metabolic Slow-down When Dieting

body weight1It doesn’t matter what diet plan you’ve chosen to tackle your weight problem, any diet plan if it’s a properly set up plan or a poorly set up one, you are going to face some metabolic slow down.

This slow-down is natural and normal because the body is sensing that it’s not getting as much energy as it needs to meet its daily requirements so it begins to slow down certain processes. The extent of this slow-down is in direct relation to how severe your diet plan is. Those with lower calorie intakes will suffer a greater slow-down. [Read more…]

The Important Role of Protein in Your Diet

protein sourcesProtein is an essential nutrient that can be found in animal products, nuts as well as beans. Your body is chock full of proteins. They are large complex molecules made up of smaller amino acid compounds.

Why should you care that you body is getting enough protein? Unlike carbohydrates and fats which are considered micro-nutrients, protein is a ‘macro-nutrient’, meaning that you need to consume large amounts of it to keep your body in top, vital, healthy shape.

There are many more reasons to consume a balanced diet of proteins.

Proteins are present in the outer as well as the inner membranes of every living cell in your body. Most of us realize that protein is the important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage and skin.  [Read more…]