Exercising During Cold and Flu Season

Exercising During Cold and Flu Season

by | Nov 28, 2018 | All, Fitness, Home, Wellness

We are in the midst of cold and flu season. Have you taken the precautionary measures to avoid headaches and runny noses looming in every office building, school classroom and store this season?

We spoke with Chris McGilmer, MD, a sports and family medicine specialist at the Kaiser Permanente North Hollywood Medical Offices, who gave his expert advice on how to best protect the immune system this season and whether or not it’s okay to work out when sick.

This is what he shared:

How does exercise support our immune health?

Exercise, along with other healthy habits, can help strengthen our immune system. A healthy immune system protects us from infection and disease, including the viruses that cause colds and flu.

Some research has found that people who exercise regularly are less prone to illness because they have a better immune system response. Plus, exercise can help us manage stress and reduce the release of stress-related hormones. This is important because stress can be detrimental to our immune function. Other studies have found that exercise can help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways – thus reducing our risk of respiratory illness – and that exercise can boost our number of infection-fighting white blood cells.

Is it okay to work out when you’re sick? When is it safe to exercise?

Exercise is recommended as long as your illness is mild and feel well enough to work out. For example, most people who have a common cold or mild upper respiratory symptoms, like a stuffed or runny nose, are generally able to work out. You’ll very likely have to lower the intensity and you’ll definitely need to monitor your heart rate and breathing. Certain decongestants and cold medications can increase the heart rate. Although some individuals with asthma and other chronic respiratory health conditions can exercise without any issues, it’s best that they reach out to their doctor to see if they can continue being physically active while they are sick.

Please keep in mind that overexertion can make you feel worse and slow down your recovery.

When are you too sick to work out? When is exercise not recommended?

If you’re experiencing a fever of 101.5 degrees or more, body aches, congestion, gastrointestinal issues, or feeling weakness, please wait a few days before working out. Also, drink plenty of fluids while you’re recovering to avoid dehydration both while you’re sick and when you return to your fitness regimen.

When is it okay to return to your exercise routine?

Typically, it’s okay to return to your exercise routine 48 hours after a fever has broken or diarrhea or vomiting has stopped. Your best gauge is your overall well-being. If you feel good, great. If your body is telling you to take another day off, listen to it!

 

Can you really sweat out a cold?

No. Sweating methods, such as a sauna or steam room, inhaling warm steam and exercise can provide temporary relief by relieving nasal congestion and loosening up mucus, but they will not shorten your recovery time. It normally takes seven to 10 days to fully recover from a common cold. If you choose to incorporate a “sweat out method” as part of your treatment plan, drink plenty of fluids and be on the lookout for possible signs of dehydration. When you sweat, you not only release water; you also release electrolytes.

 

Prevention Tips
  1. Get an annual flu shot. This is your best line of defense.
  2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Our immune system needs a variety of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals to function well.
  3. Get enough sleep. Inadequate sleep has been linked to a weakened immune system.
  4. Wash your hands constantly. A 20-second wash with soap and warm water is the best, but if water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  5. Avoid touching your face. The most common way germs get into the body is via the face.
  6. Manage your stress levels. Chronic stress can increase your risk of illness.
  7. Avoid overtraining and exerting your body. Listen to your body and give it time to recover.
  8. If you exercise in a gym or fitness club, sanitize the equipment before and after your workout to minimize the spread of germs.

Content contributed by Chris McGilmer, MD, a sports and family medicine specialist at the Kaiser Permanente North Hollywood Medical Offices. 

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 How to Lower Body Fat Percentage

 How to Lower Body Fat Percentage

by | Nov 27, 2018 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

I weigh about 183 pounds and I am about 5’9″. I’m not sure what my body fat is but I want to get it down. What is the best way to do that? And how many calories should I be eating a day to lose weight? I work out with cardio 4-5 days a week. Thank you.

– Jonathan K.

Answer:

Determining your body fat percentage can be done at LA Fitness with one of our Pro Results® trainers or using a hand-held BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) device. Some LA Fitness clubs are equipped with a BIA scale with integrated upper body measurement. Such segmental devices get an overall picture by looking at hydration status of all 4 quadrants & torso of the body. No matter the tool or method, the most accurate body fat % value is obtained from repeating measurement for a few days. Measure again after a couple of months to evaluate change.

The calories you need to lose weight depends on your age and metabolism. Using calculations to estimate energy needs might provide a range of 2,500-2,800 calories per day. If you’ve been maintaining under that intake, you will need to reduce further… but not less than 1,600-1,800 calories per day. It’s better to add resistance training to your workout routine to amp up lean mass and calorie burning.

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

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Leftover Thanksgiving Toast from OH! Juice Cafe

Leftover Thanksgiving Toast from OH! Juice Cafe

by | Nov 23, 2018 | All, Home, Nutrition, Recipes

“Eating healthy means making more decisions that crowd out items you know intuitively don’t make you feel good while increasing foods that give you energy, enhance your mood and drive for life.”

Hanna Gregor, founder and CEO

OH! Juice Café

Photography provided by: OH! Juice

OH! Juice Café is located at the following location:

OH! Juice Café

OH! Juice Café is located at 90 N Coast Hwy 101, Ste. 212, Encinitas, CA 92024. Open Monday – Friday from 7am to 6pm. For menu and additional details, please visit ohjuicecleanse.com.

Photography provided by: OH! Juice

Thanksgiving Leftover Toast

Ingredients

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Serves 4-6

Note: We recommend using all organic, locally sourced ingredients, just like we do at our Café!
·       1 ea medium butternut squash (Peeled and Cleaned)
·       1 oz coconut oil
·       1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
·       1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
·       Himalayan Sea salt
·       ½ loaf Walnut Bread
·       1 1/2 1lbs. crimini mushrooms (sliced)
·       3 T olive oil
·       6 cloves chopped garlic
·       12 sage leaves (chopped)
·       2 tsp Himalayan salt
·       1 tsp. Black Pepper
·       Optional garnish: goji berries or dried cranberries

Method

Part 1: Mashed Butternut Squash

1 ea medium butternut squash (Peeled and Cleaned)
1 oz coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch pink Himalayan sea salt

Toss ingredients and place on a sheet pan. Roast at 400 degrees for approximately 40 minutes or until soft. Rough mash of ingredients.

Part 2: Sage Mushrooms

1 1/2 lbs crimini mushrooms (sliced)
3 tbsp. olive oil
6 cloves chopped garlic
12 sage leaves (chopped)
2 tsp. Himalayan salt
1 tsp. Black Pepper

Sauté crimini mushrooms in olive oil and add garlic and sage salt/pepper.

Part 3: Balsamic Vinegar Syrup

This is simply a reduction of balsamic vinegar by approximately 75 percent then cooled.

Part 4: Assembly

Step 1: Toast walnut bread (we source ours from Prager Brothers!) and smear a couple of tablespoons of squash mixture on toast.

Step 2: Add a couple more tablespoons of sauté mushroom mixture on top of squash as the next layer of goodness.

Step 3: Finally, drizzle with your balsamic vinegar syrup. Garnish with goji berries or dried cranberries.

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Are All Calories Created Equal?

Are All Calories Created Equal?

by | Nov 22, 2018 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

Hello, I am a 45-year-old male. I’m in good shape but I’m wanting to drop body fat. I’m at about 19% and would like to get down to 15%. I was wondering in regard to my daily calorie limit, is it more important to watch the types of foods I eat or is it more important to stay under a certain number of calories?

– Adam

Answer:

Well, since you are already in good shape with an ideal body fat percentage for your age, I’d say to you have to focus on both food choices and calorie limit to obtain further fat loss.

You can’t eat 1,500 calories of junk and expect to get definition! Limiting calories by itself will help lose weight, but you need to retain lean mass to get that body fat % down. Selecting healthier foods alone can keep you lean but you’d have to be super in tune with your satiety to create a calorie deficit on purpose.

Just for illustration: If your estimated energy needs for weight loss were 2,000 calories, then comprising that from 40% carbohydrate (mostly complex), 30% protein (up to 0.8 gm/lb. body weight) and 30% healthy fats would help achieve your goal.

  • Breakfast:3 eggs, 1 Cup nonfat Greek yogurt, Large banana, Slice whole grain bread, 2 teaspoons peanut butter
  • Lunch:5 ounces chicken breast, Medium sweet potato, 1 Cup green beans, 2 teaspoons margarine
  • Snack:Large bowl chili [made with 3 ounces ground turkey, 1 Cup pinto beans, ½ Cup diced tomato, 1 small onion, 1 bell pepper, any spices] topped with 1-ounce cheese
  • Dinner:5 ounces salmon, Medium ear corn, 2 Cups broccoli

Analysis on www.FitDay.com by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist = 2060 calories, 41% carb, 26% prot, 33% fat

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

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Gearing Up for The Holidays (9 Tips to Help Stay in Shape This Season)

Gearing Up for The Holidays (9 Tips to Help Stay in Shape This Season)

by | Nov 21, 2018 | All, Fitness, Home, Nutrition

The last two months of the year tend to be full of holiday parties, family gatherings, cozy evenings indoors and an abundance of tasty treats. All this can greatly derail the health strides we’ve made throughout the year. While we all know how challenging it is to maintain our healthy habits during the holiday season, with a little determination, planning, and commitment, we can survive the holidays and start the New Year off right.

How to Stay on Track

Select your beverages wisely: Between the bubbly, the eggnog, the gingerbread lattes and the peppermint flavored mochas, a person can easily consume up to a third of their recommended caloric intake with just one drink! Instead, opt for fruit-infused sparkling water, cinnamon or fresh peppermint tea, a wine seltzer (half wine, half seltzer water, half the calories), and if you really want to satisfy the craving, a smaller and lighter version of your favorite holiday drink!

Practice portion control and be selective! You don’t have to stay away from all holiday foods! Treat yourself to one serving of your favorite dish and pair with fresh or steamed fruits and vegetables.

If you’re attending a party or a potluck, take a healthy dish. This guarantees that you’ll have access to at least one nutritious option.

Beware of those lunch room snacks! Yes…those cookies, cakes, and breads that magically appear by the coffee pot. Partake in the conversation with your colleagues and bring along your own healthy snack.

Satisfy a craving with a bite-size treat. You don’t need a full serving. Plus, if you don’t love it, don’t eat it.

Tips to Stay in Shape Over the Holidays

Lack of exercise and unhealthy eating lead to weight gain. They also increase our risk of disease and make it more difficult to manage chronic illness.

  1. Get your annual flu vaccine. Holiday stress, lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits – all these can weaken our immune system and increase our risk of illness. When we receive our annual flu shot, we greatly lower our risk of catching the flu, developing flu-related complications and having to take time off due to illness.
  2. Partner-up or even better, group-up! When you make a commitment with another person, you’re more likely to honor it. After all, no one likes a flake! A fitness partner can help motivate you, challenge you, pace you, and best of all, make it fun!
  3. Start your day with a morning work-out! Exercise is not only crucial for weight control, but it can also help us cope with holiday stress. One of the benefits of the recent time change is the fact that it gets lighter earlier. Become a morning person! Not only will you feel more energetic and accomplished throughout the day, but it also frees up your evening.
  4. On those rainy days, try an indoor workout! Yoga, Tai Chi, a 30-minute dance session, a stairs workout, heck, even musical chairs with the kids! Try anything that gets you moving!
  5. Start the day with a healthy breakfast. People who eat breakfast end up eating fewer calories throughout the day. Make sure you include a complex carb like oatmeal, whole grain bread or quinoa. Add some berries to your morning oatmeal for a delicious meal.
  6. Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals leads to hunger-eating which results in overeating. Consume healthy snacks throughout the day. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and non-fat yogurt are all great choices.
  7. Keep your body well hydrated. Regardless of the temperature outside, our body needs enough fluid to function properly. Our body can confuse thirst for hunger, and this can result in overeating.
  8. Take it easy! Holiday stress can make you feel overwhelmed. Only take on what you can handle. Ask for help and realize that it’s ok to say no.
  9. Make it a priority to get 7-8 hours of sleep. When we’re lacking sleep, our appetite is one of the first things to become skewed, thus resulting in weight gain. That’s because you’re more likely to consume extra calories from high fat and high sugar foods to cover the energy cost of staying awake. Lack of sleep impacts our hunger (ghrelin) and satiety (leptin) hormones. It also causes a spike in our cortisol levels, signaling our body to conserve energy to fuel our waking hours.

Content contributed by Dr. Sean Hashmi, an Obesity Medicine Specialist and the Adult Weight Management Lead for Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

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