PETER'S PRINCIPLES - Sept. 23, 2007
Ben from White Lake emails asking about the importance of whole grains in his diet. He has heard that he should include them, but why?
Ben, here are 5 reasons why you should add whole grains to your diet. A new study of a quarter of a million people found that whole grains can help fight off 5 diseases: heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory disease.
Researchers found that people who ate two and a half servings per day of whole grains were 20 to 30% less likely to develop those 5 diseases. Experts believe it is the combination of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are found in whole grains.
So, serve up some oatmeal or whole grain cereal for breakfast, whole wheat bread at lunch, and brown rice at dinner. It is simple and will help you live healthier.
Dan from Ypsilanti says he is working out everyday, but is not losing any weight. What does this mean?
Dan, you are not alone! Many people experience this, but a new study finds all is not lost.
Researchers followed a group of men for 3 months. The group was put on a fairly rigorous exercise program that consisted of an hour of aerobics 5 times a week. The group was also told to eat enough to make up for the extra calories they were burning, so they purposely would not lose weight. After 3 months the researchers took several measurements of the men and found they all lost inches in their waist. A fat producing chemical in their body also went down. So, even if you are not seeing a difference on the scale, you are losing inches! It is proof exercise is working. But remember this isn't an excuse to eat poorly!
