Does Wine Make You Fat?

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This is a question that has plagued me for years, does drinking wine make me gain weight? Is that just bloat? There are so many mixed opinions on wine, so let's find out the truth together.

Wine is Pretty Calorie Loaded

Wine can have anywhere from an abysmally low 25 calories to an embarrassingly high 400+. Obviously, not all wines are created the same way, and not all wines have the same sugar content. A pinot Grigio will hit you somewhere around 130 calories while a less sweet Sauvignon Blanc will be about 120 per glass. Reds will have the same range with Merlots and Pino Noirs being in the lower 120's and Burgundies being closer to 130. 

A nice little trick to staying on the lower side of the calories is to steer clear of dessert and sweeter wines like Rieslings that can have anywhere from 125-240 calories per serving! Dry wines will have less sugar, and therefore, fewer calories. Reds will have more alcohol content (on average) and will take longer for your body to digest. 

Wine Slows Your Metabolism

First off, wine is made up of 14% carbs and 86% alcohol. There are no fats or protein, and really, hardly any carbs. So where does that bloat come from? Well, any alcohol will trick your body into breaking it down before any food item. Calories from alcohol cannot be stored in the body, and therefore, must be broken down first. This means that if you are drinking a glass of wine with dinner, all digestion stops when that white or red touches your lips. 

Likewise, all metabolic activity ceases and anything fat unable to be broken down will be stored. This process will also increase fat storage around the belly- that bloat!

Alcohol Increases Our Want of Fats

When we digest wine (or any alcohol), our bodies digest the alcohol first and the carbs second. This can lead to a drop in our blood sugar and a feeling that we must eat. And this is what leads you to binge eating after a big night out. Of course, there is pretty little chance of this happening with one glass, unless it is a dry wine which causes blood sugar to drop. 

The sad thing is, any alcohol consumption will trigger the same area of our hypothalamus that says we need more fats. A chemical called galanin is produced when we drink alcohol or eat fatty foods. This chemical is also the one that makes us crave it. Therefore, the more we eat or drink, the more we will want to eat or drink. 

What About the Bloat? 

Yes, unfortunately wine can cause bloat. But, it may be for a different reason than what you are thinking. Alcohol dehydrates the body and increases the visible signs of cellulite, also known as my nemesis. Like galanin, both the bloat and the increased cellulite are tied together. Any alcohol will cause dehydration and inhibit vitamin absorption. This can lead to water retention, known as bloating, and increased cellulite since the skin is not as elastic as usual. Loss of elasticity in the skin can make cellulite easier to see because the fat molecules that are pulling on the connective tissue that is less elastic and more susceptible to that pulling effect. 

The Real Kicker

Ready to think all science is just bored people spinning a bottle on what new discovery has been made? Well, here is is. Long and broad scientific studies have found that women in their middle ages who have had a normal amount of wine on a daily basis (one 5-ounce glass) gain less weight and are less likely to become obese than those that did not. 

Of course, there are a few things we can do to ensure that one glass per day does not wreak havoc on our bodies. Be sure to drink plenty of water, only drink wine when your body is not digesting other foods, continue your normal healthy diet, and keep working out! All of these little things will ensure a healthy body now, and apparently, a healthy one later in life as well. 

Valentines Day Gifts for The Runner

Running has gotten a bit popular over the past decade- perhaps you have heard it talked of once or twice, or, maybe that running bug has bitten you as well. It sure has got me and, chances are, it has gotten you significant other as well.

If you are in that group of the running elite known as marathoners, half marathoners (I will be soon!!), ultra marathoners, triathletes, and the like, you know there are a few products that life can simply not go on without. Of course, some of those have made it to our Valentines Day list, but some of these are also great gifts that your runner will squeal for joy over, but may not necessarily buy for themselves.

Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS Watch

This is a bit like the 405, if the 405 went on a bit of a diet and got way better at understanding where you are- even in tree cover. I will be getting one of these quite soon and would recommend every other runner or newbie outdoor runner do the same. It has better reviews than any Tom Tom, a large display, and shows you your pace compared to your goal. Too bad it does not come with the HRM strap, that is the only downside. Of course, you could always go a little crazy and buy this one instead :)

Runner's Rule Book

Every runner enjoys reading about other runner's running experiences, right? Well then, your runner will enjoy knowing all those running do's and dont's. Because, no one wants to be a rude runner.

Run The Extra Mile

It is artwork and it is encouraging. This is sure to tick two of the many boxes of the things your runner enjoys! It is also so cute and chalk-like, I just love it and would like one now to put in my office. Yes, that would be perfect.

Compression Leggings

It may not seem romantic, but this says you care about them on a logical level. Compression leggings, sicks, and the like help reduce water retention, muscle soreness by reducing lactic acid build-up, and could actually help you finish that race a little faster!

Dry Shampoo- God's Gift to Women Who Sweat

That is a fact. After he rested a bit on Sunday, he woke up Monday and created this. The. Best. Thing. Ever. Get it for your running buddy, significant other, hot yoga neighbor/instructor, or anyone else because everyone will love this.

Running Chronicles Bib Holder

How cute is this, right?! It holds all your bibs so you can look back and think of all those race memories. I simply love this idea and think it is perfect for any scrap booker or insane memory maker out there.

Chocolate Truffles

Last, but certainly not least is the needed chocolate truffles. I got these for a treat at a recent volunteer meeting and they were a hit! And yes, you do need the giant, 36-count box. Also, chocolate is great for increasing race times, stopping all joint and muscle pain, improving running complexion, and making everything not hurt. Science.

Valentines Day Gifts for the Yogi You Love

Did you know that Valentines Day is only 10 days away?!? There are plenty of us out there still scrambling for that perfect last minute gift. If that is you and you also have a fitness loving significant other, your are in luck. We will be going through a giant list of all the things your fitness loving friend will go crazy for come Valentines day. Everything is also linked and able to be to you in time for the 14th. I know, so great!

But, where do we start? Why, with the yogi, of course! Oh the peaceful, calm, and kind yogi; one of the newer fitness loving groups. These fitness lovers tend to be oh-so chiseled, especially since they do the equivalent of rolling around on a mat 3+ times per week. Yogis can be some of the easiest people to buy gifts for, and some of the most difficult. Thankfully, your yogi is guaranteed to like one, or all, of the things on this list!

1. Men's Yoga Bracelet. These are great for guys and gals and come in way more colors than you will ever need. It is also a cheap, cute gift for only $12.
2. Have you seen anything cute than this Onzie yoga outfit?! I think not. I also think your yogi will be feeling the same when they open this next Saturday! At $56 for the top and $65 for the bottom, it is also something they may not just buy themselves any old day of the week.
3. Manduka yoga mats are pretty well known for being the best thing to touch the feet of yogis ever. If your yogi does not have one, they will love it and their yogi respect for you will go up by mounds too! I should probably also mention the price- $118!
4. I Bend so I Don't Break is just a pretty, inexpensive top that any yogi would love to wear for their morning Vinyasa. It is simple and only costs $26. Fantastic!
5. Gold and Red Lotus Bracelet. One time the hubs got me a lotus bracelet out of the blue and it was the best day ever. He got it because he knew I loved yoga and because I like pretty things. It was a win-win and possibly the best gift ever. And did I mention is it only $20? Buy it.
6. Yoga Toes. Do your toes slip and slide one the mat? Mine do! These yoga toes will make down dog slippage a thing of the past. You can also where them to Pure Barr if you are in to that sort of thing! Oh, and they are Calvin Klein and less than the ones Pure Barr sells. Just sayin'.
7. Skidless Mat. The best thing ever. Your yogi's mat will not slip and neither will their toes! It is huge, machine washable, and only $68.
8. Hair Ties that will make your hair look trendy when up and kink free when put back down. It is all in the little things and this little thing says "Your hair is so pretty, only the prettiest of hair bands is worthy to be stretched around it." Yes, that is actually what these say.
9. Quartz Calmness Bracelet. Because it is Valentines day and we do like shiny things. Oh, and because it is less that $50.
10. Goddess Ribbed Yoga Pants are so pretty, I just want to wear them right now. They also come in plenty of different colors, all of which keep the two-tone effect. My favorites are these crazy bright yellow ones for $92!

7 Reasons to Take 10,000 Steps per Day

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Movement, of course, is part of a healthy lifestyle. Things like iPhones and pedometers are a great way to gauge your activity level and see how much movement you are getting throughout the day. Health experts recommend that we all walk between 10,000 and 12,000 steps each day! That is a lot of steps and averages between 5-6 miles! Do you walk that much? I must admit that I usually do not. But, the weeks where I am making strides towards this goal, I notice that I am less bloated and have more energy. Why, you may ask. Well, it turns out that walking can to a lot more for our fitness than we may think.

1. Decreases Bloating

As said before, walking helps decrease bloating. Really, any workout will help reduce bloating when done along with proper water intake. Walking is a great way to get ride of that pesky bloat because almost anyone can do it with a reduced risk of injury. The side-to-side movement that walking creates in the torso region will also build up those abdominal muscles and increase your metabolic rate.

Oh, and did I mention that walking 10,000 steps per day will burn at least 750 calories!?!?! That is reason enough.

2. Maintains Healthy Blood Pressure

Walking 30-minutes a day can help lower high blood pressure and the bad cholesterol in the body. These 30-minute walks are a bit different than parking farther away from the store and hiking in because it is a large portion of time and one, concerted effort. Walking 30-minutes every day will, likewise, decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke since both can occur from high LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and high blood pressure.

3. Decreases Arthritis and Osteoparosis

This is music to any forward thinking lady or older woman! Yes, walking 10,000 steps per day will decrease osteoporosis and arthritis. How? Well, the light, weight bearing activity of walking increases bone density over time. Likewise, the movement will lubricate joints and help with healthy joint function.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a bit like the happiness vitamin since low vitamin D levels have direct links to depression. Unfortunately, 1/4 of our population has vitamin D deficiency. Walking outside 30-minutes per day can help increase vitamin D levels since vitamin D comes from the sun. Of course, your can also take a vitamin supplement for increased levels. I recommend, as always, an organic supplement from a trusted company. Gas station and most drug store brands will not cut it since the vitamins are not well absorbed into the body and have very few checks before leaving the lab where they are synthesized. We pay a lot for our good food, there is no reason to derail all that money and effort with bad vitamins that will do nothing for our health.

There, lecture over. Other positive effects of vitamin D including increased immunity, proper organ function, and calcium absorption since vitamin D is needed in that process.

5. Gain Energy

As odd as it sounds, walking will increase your energy levels. This is because the body takes in more oxygen when we are active. Oxygen helps with mental clarity, physical energy, and proper organ function. A brisk walk will increase oxygen levels without taking away to much energy from a cardio rich workout.

6. Works the Bum and Legs

That's right, working out is a low impact activity that will increase the muscles in the legs and bum. If you are really wanting to increase your leg musculature, try walking at an incline. Inclines are one of those secret weapons for a gravity defying derriere. And to make this even better, the more muscle we gain, the higher our metabolic rate will be. This means that walking 10,000 steps today could get you to those weight loss goals weeks from now!

7. Works the Core and Arms Too!!

Yes, walking is a cross form of motion that will work the abdominal while the arm movement will help increase arm strength. So really, walking can be used a an all over, moderate workout! This is a great way to warm-up before your workout, or, cool down after one!