Archives for May 2012

Lost Over 200 Pounds with Lifestyle Change

May 29, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

Here’s an incredible weight loss story to share from my good friend Douglas Dowell. He finally reached a point in his life that if he didn’t make a major lifestyle change he might be dead by the time he was 40!

Keep reading to learn how Douglas has lost almost half his body weight! He will share in his own words his turning point, struggles, key healthy foods and how long it took to lose plus keep the weight off.

Douglas Dowell Loses over 200 pounds!

Q. What was your turning point to decide to lose weight and start living a healthier life?

A. All my life it’s been a roller coaster ride with my weight. There would be times when I would lose 60 pounds then old habits would creep back in. My all time highest weight tipped the scale at 465 lbs at age 36. After leaving my law practice in 2008 I’d finally gotten frustrated enough and was completely ready to make a drastic change for the better with my health and my life. [Read more…]

Benefits of Avocado

May 21, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

Top 5 Healthy Foods series second article – Benefits of Avocado. Check back for future posts to read more about my top 5 healthy foods.

Avocados use to be known as high in fat but they are making a healthy comeback. The heart healthy monounsaturated fats in avocados are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain.

Avocados are sodium and cholesterol free and a great source of fiber, potassium, copper and folate. In addition they contain lutein an antioxidant for healthy eyes and skin. Lutein has been shown to be concentrated in the macula of the eye, and research shows it may help maintain healthy eyesight as we age. [Read more…]

Savor a Rainbow of Healthy Foods

May 14, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

You know it’s important to eat your greens, but what about your reds, your blues and even your purple and orange? Eating a broad range of fruits and vegetables from the full color spectrum helps ensure proper nutrition and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart and cancer.

Tip: Savor a rainbow of healthy foods to help your body bounce back stronger from exercise.

Get ready to color your plate, read the benefits of my top color picks and brighten up your day!

Orange found in carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and pumpkins contains beta carotene which your body converts to vitamin A. This vitamin supports vision health, immunity and production of red blood cells which transports oxygen throughout your body giving you more energy. These vegetables are heart healthy lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. So there maybe something to that “eat your carrots” that your parents always told you to do. [Read more…]

Healthy Habits: Benefits of Physical Activity

May 7, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

Top 5 Healthy Habits to Living Young series fourth article – Benefits of Physical Activity. Check back for future posts to read more about my top healthy habits.

You’ve probably heard the saying; use your body or you will lose it! It’s important as we age to keep moving so both our body and mind stay healthy. So let’s get physical and live a long healthy life! Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of physical activity and some of my top activity and exercise picks.

Benefits of Physical Activity

Physical activity is necessary for both optimal health and longevity. Being active will reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart, stroke and diabetes. It will improve your mood, self-confidence and self-worth. A regular exercise program will help to prevent weight gain and aids in weight loss. Activity can reduce your stress, help you sleep better and keep your memory functions stronger. [Read more…]