June 2014

If you’ve made the switch from white sugar to honey believing that honey is a much healthier sweetener you are going to very disappointed by what I have to say this month. Just because something is natural does not mean that it’s healthy.  Honey is a sugar -- it may be less refined and more natural than table sugar but it is still a carbohydrate, calorie-dense sweetener.  One teaspoon of honey contains 22 calories versus 16 calories per teaspoon of sugar.  Unlike sugar, honey contains trace amounts of niacin, riboflavin thiamin and vitamin B6 as well as certain beneficial antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. For that reason there are a lot of people that believe honey reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system, reduces the risk of heart disease, soothes indigestion and improves your complexion. However most of these health benefits are unproven.  Research has proven that honey is sweeter than sugar, it breaks down in the body slower than sugar and that honey can suppress cough and soothe a sore throat.  The bottom line:  Honey is a slightly better way to sweeten than white sugar but certainly much better than artificial sugars. Just don’t “bee” deceived . . . honey should be consumed in limited amounts and never by children under the age of one year.

Are you in the market for some new workout wear?  Of course something black is the most popular choice because it goes with everything and black is slimming.  But it’s time to step out of your comfort zone ladies.  According to a British study, the color red is associated with a competitive mind-set and athletes that wore red beat their competition 60% of the time. Not ready to give up those black workout pants? Start slow with a pair of cute red sneakers or maybe a red sports bra. It just might motivate you to work a little harder in the gym.

Make the time to be good to you and focus your attention on people and experiences.

Good Health!

Terry

"Your circumstances do not define your life and you should not judge someone by where they came from."
~Valerie Gatto, Miss Pennsylvania USA 2014, conceived as a result of rape