Blog Posts by Brett Blumenthal - Sheer Balance

I'm a big label reader. If I don't know a product and what it contains, I immediately look at the nutrition facts and ingredients to get a better understanding of how healthy or unhealthy the food is. It is completely an unconscious behavior at this point, as I've been doing it for years now. This has made me a super-sleuth in weeding out those foods that appear healthy on the surface, but deep down aren't.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of foods that we believe to be healthy, whether it be a result of advertising, word-of-mouth or misconceptions, that truly aren't. Here are my top seven 'seemingly healthy foods' that don't make the grade:More...

1. Instant Oatmeal: We all know how good oatmeal is for us. It lowers cholesterol, is high in fiber and is packed full of whole grains. Instant Oatmeal, however, isn't so healthy. Here's why: Although Instant Flavored Oatmeal is low in fat and cholesterol, it is higher in sugar, higher in calories, lower in protein and lower in fiber per

When attempting to live a healthy lifestyle, many people think that the key is to take things that they love out of their lives. The truth is this is probably the worst strategy. This is not to say that you should indulge all the time, but it is about balance. Incorporating more healthful things into your life leaves less room for the less healthy things. Further, depriving yourself of things you love is a very negative approach…which can ultimately lead to a self-defeating situation.

So, what is a better mentality when it comes to being healthy? Try an additive approach and a little inspiration. Finding ways to add in healthy things in a positive, optimistic way can often be highly rewarding…not only physically, but mentally as well. Further, the more you find ways to be inspired (as opposed to forced) into a healthy lifestyle, the easier it is and the more you will want to do it. Here are a few things to try:

1. Add Journaling into Your Life: If you don't already keep a

Ten years ago, if you ever took a group exercise class, you probably had the somewhat unpleasing experience of getting thrown into a 2 minute abs fire drill at the end of the class. These days, however, the conventional ab session 'tack ons' are starting to vanish and instead, we are seeing more and more classes dedicated to our 'core.' Whether it be Pilates, or for that matter, a conventional abdominals class, a lot more time and energy is focused on this area of the body.

In my mind, this is a good thing. When I was teaching group fitness, I would cringe when class members would bolt right after the cardio section, putting no time or effort into the cool down, core exercises or stretching. Further, I know too many friends and family members who have been prone to throwing out their backs or injuring themselves while lifting things. In short, it is apparent that people often neglect this area of their body. As we get older, however, it is more and more important to spend the

Growing up, I admit, I was not a big fan of beans. I didn't like beans in any variety. The thought of beans conjured up images of red colored beans in a soppy, sweet sauce, which often accompanied hot dogs. Much like sauerkraut, this did not appeal. Needless to say, I've grown up and so have my taste buds. In short...I'm a big fan of 'the beans.'

Beans are a wonderful food. They come in many varieties and are very beneficial to maintaining a healthy diet. They help reduce cholesterol and provide a ton of fiber. Moreover, they are a low glycemic food that is low in fat and rich in complex carbs for long lasting energy. When combined with nuts, seeds or grains, they form a complete vegetable protein. Lastly, they are a great source of Vitamin B and Iron.

So what beans really pack a powerful punch? Below is a breakdown of popular varieties, including info on calories, as well as protein, fat, carb and fiber contents per 1 cup serving.

Throughout life, there are times when we may come across an individual or a situation where a person is very dominant, controlling and possibly even manipulative. Sometimes it is a boss who doesn't allow us to voice our opinions. Sometimes it is a family member who is very demanding and finds ways to get us to manipulate us into doing what they want. And sometimes, it may be a friend who is very pushy and demands that others do things their way, on their time schedule, forgetting that those around them are affected in the process.

This can frustrate us, making us feel stifled, and worst of all, powerless. And although it may come to a head only once in awhile, if we are in a relationship or friendship where this happens on a frequent basis, it can take a toll, and we can lose our sense of worth and even worse, sense of self. It can be debilitating. The only way we can avoid these feelings is to take the power back, and empower ourselves.

Let's take an illustrative

This last week, my husband and I went on vacation with friends. We rented a condo so that we could cook breakfast and dinner instead of spending a lot of money at restaurants. While putting together our grocery list, my friend stated 'I don't want any spa food' in a somewhat negative and judgmental way, implying that was all I ate. I was a bit taken a back. Although I eat healthy food most of the time, I enjoy indulging once in awhile...and especially on vacation. Further, my friend eats healthy herself, insisting on well-balanced meals with lots of veggies and fruit, so I didn't understand what the big protest was all about.

Then it dawned on me. Spa food or in more common terms 'Spa Cuisine' is highly misunderstood. It has a bad reputation of being flavorless, unfilling and boring. The reality is that spa cuisine can be quite delicious. Although the definition of spa cuisine may differ slightly from spa to spa, there are some general characteristics you can count on, and trust

Almost everyone I know, at one point or another, has tried a fad diet or the latest celebrity tricks to lose weight and look good. Some of us will continue on this path of trying to find a quick fix solution to being healthy. Unfortunately, however, none of these schemes really work, do they? The reality is healthy living needs to be a lifestyle; a lifestyle that is about making the right choices and being in balance…a lifestyle that is smarter.

What does this really mean? It means several things. But most importantly, it means that you are in control and you are the one who has the power to be happy and live a health-filled life. To do so, there are certain principles that you have to be mindful of to achieve and embrace living a smarter, healthier lifestyle. You could say, that these are the secrets of success:

1. Consciousness. Being conscious of your actions and in tune with your body and mind. Being aware of how your decisions impact your health and how you feel.

You may have heard that eating four to six smaller meals in one day may be a healthier way of eating. Experts say that it may keep your metabolism up and prevent huge hunger swings throughout the day.

This philosophy may sound great in theory, but when it comes to practice, many argue that it is a challenge…and rightfully so. Coming up with 4 - 6 small meals in one day sure sounds like a lot more work than preparing three bigger meals. The truth is, however, it doesn't have to be. All it takes is some planning.

Assuming you have the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner meals covered, here are six ideas for healthy snacks that you can enjoy that are well-balanced (incorporating all three macro-nutrients: carbs, protein and fat), full of fiber and healthy nutrients to keep you energized and your metabolism in high gear all day long.

1. Baby Carrots and Hummus: Carrots are loaded with Vitamins A, B6 and E... and fiber. Hummus is a great source of protein and healthy