WooliebuGGer recently released Constant Evolution Parts 1 & 2, from his forthcoming EP or album, slated to drop later this year. Hailing from Aurora, Illinois, WooliebuGGer began creating music at the age of 14, stating, I am inspired everyday by the idea of what can be accomplished.

Stylistically, WooliebuGGers sound encompasses electronic, experimental, ambient, minimal and glitch elements. And his musical influences include Brian Eno, Kraftwerk, Future Sound Of London, Stereolab, Pink Floyd, The Doors and The Beatles.

Constant Evolution is a single, lengthy song composed of two distinct segments: part 1 consists of a radiant dance beat, while part 2 dampens the rhythm and takes on a flowing, almost psychedelic flavor rife with extended, syncopated notes.

The bipartite song begins with a percolating synth rhythm, followed by a mesmerizing, futuristic melody that exudes electronic dance elements riding on leitmotifs projected by the synths. The leitmotif gives the impression of gazing into a sonic mirror that reflects the melody in ever devolving fractal patterns. The groove is provided by handclaps that ebb and flow, depending on the intensity of the synth matrix. Part 1 concludes with a protracted synth note that vibrates horizontally as part 2 enters riding a clicking, popping groove, with white noise sound effects and an escalating shrill tone that abruptly halts. The tune segues into percussive effects backed by, and riding on, a rapidly stuttering synth, which eventually fades, leaving only the percussive effects, which assume a light industrial feel that elongates and increases in tension, like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey. As the tune culminates, two part harmonies percussion and synth slowly fade, increase and end on a vibrating tone.

The overall sound of parts 1 and 2, together, is electronic ambient music that is kept fresh by the replicating leitmotifs serving as an elastic melody, a melody that ultimately devolves into an austere, minimalist series of detached sonic expression in Part 2. Even though part 2 depicts an almost mechanical detachment, it remains intense with suppressed energy.

Constant Evolution Parts 1 & 2 evokes turbulent, stylish sonority, along with tensile flamboyance under precise control. The latter component, the tensile flamboyance, provides the tune with an edgy tightness that imbues the music with pressure and strain that borders on apprehension. To that end, although its eccentric and quasi-experimental, it is good. That being said, if youre searching for relaxing ambient music, this is not it. On the other hand, if youre searching for ambient music that is pregnant with mysterious sonic symbolism stridently asserting its vitality, this is just the ticket.

Find out more about WooliebuGGer here.

Listen to more WooliebuGGer here.

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Music Review: Constant Evolution Parts 1 & 2 WooliebuGGer - HuffPost

Ever want to escape lifes worries and drift away on a sea of bliss?

Michelle Garrett, a Norman massage therapist specializing in ashiatsu and owner of Drift Therapeutic Spa says Drift, in partnership with Float OKC, may have just what you need to find that escape.

The whole goal with floating is to reduce sensory input during the session, said Float OKC owner Neal Smock.

While both floating and massage help people relax, the combination, Garrett and Smock believe, multiplies the relaxation.

They pair really well together, Smock said.

Drift offers several types of massage, including aromatherapy, Ashi-Thai, deep tissue, hot stone, Swedish and prenatal in addition to ashiatsu barefoot massage.

Garrett said clients should first consider how much pressure they want before selecting which type of massage is best for them. Those who want something really gentle might try Swedish massage. For an extra-relaxing experience, she suggests adding aromatherapy which can be paired with all massage types.

Still, theres nothing like ashiatsu barefoot massage to get a truly therapeutic experience, she said.

We offer deep tissue massage, but most of our clients who like a lot of deep pressure opt for the ashiatsu, Garrett said. Its what were known for. You still get the long flowing strokes, so its still relaxing.

She recommends the ashiatsu for people with chronic tension and pain.

To pair massage with floating, the client can decide which he or she wants first. Garrett said often a client will float to release tension then follow with a massage. Other times, a person may want the deep massage first then finish unwinding in the float chamber.

Its a personal choice, that can vary by client, she said.

Smock said people use floating to decompress, and, while some might want a totally dark, quiet experience, others may want to leave on a dim light in the chamber or have soft, meditative music playing.

People are often surprised how quickly an hour passes in the float chamber Smock said.

Garrett agreed. She said during her first experience floating, five minutes in, she thought, this isnt for me, I dont think I can do this, but then her mind disengaged and the next thing she knew the lights were coming on, and she couldnt believe an hour had passed.

Dont fight the urge for your brain to jump from thought to thought, Smock said.

As the thoughts flow through, eventually without the constant sensory overload we experience in our daily lives, the mind will relax, he said.

Some people even fall asleep which is completely safe, because of the high content of epsom salts which makes the water dense and allows people to float effortlessly. The salts also give the water a silky feel.

Each float chamber has a private shower on the outside, so clients shower before and after floating. Ultraviolet light filters and cleans the float water which is warmed to 93.5 degrees to match the surface temperature of skin.

Thats really important for the sensory aspect, because with the water matching your skin temperature, it becomes neutral, Smock said. It feels like youre floating on nothing.

After few moments, people no longer consciously think about being in water, he said.

While the client controls the light, going pitch black to eliminate sensory input helps the mind rest, Smock said. The spacious chambers are four feet wide by eight feet long and at the lowest point are seven feet high to prevent claustrophobia.

After floating or massage, clients are welcome to decompress further with a cup of Prairie Bloom herbal tea. Drift uses cruelty free, mostly organic Prairie Bloom Botanical products, in part because of the quality of the products, but also because theyre produced locally.

Garrett, a Norman native, said she is pleased to partner with other local businesses.

Float OKC has been in Edmond for two and half years and has been partnered with Drift in Norman since mid-July.

Smock owns the float side of the business, while Garrett owns the Drift massage side of the business.

Drift Therapeutic Spa

480 24th Ave. NW, Suite 120

405-701-2832

driftnorman.com

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Float your troubles away - Norman Transcript

One in five consumers overall agree that organic foods are worth the extra cost.

Customers dont always opt for organic foods, but when it comes to produce, its a high priority.

New research from Mintel reveals that half (50%) of consumers say they are most likely to purchase organic fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables, compared to other food categories like meats/poultry/seafood (41%), juice (39%) and dairy/milk/yogurt (38%).

While three in 10 (29%) Americans say they do not typically buy food and drink with an organic or natural claim, these products are finding their place in shopping carts across the country. One third (32%) of consumers say half or more of the groceries they buy are organic.

Whether a cart full or just a few items, nearly three in five (57%) Americans agree that today they are buying the same amount of organic foods as they did in 2016. However, it appears preference for organic options is on the rise as one third (34%) say they are buying more organic foods in 2017 than a year ago.

Mintel research indicates that price and authenticity are purchase deterrents, even among organic shoppers. Just two in five (39%) consumers whose food purchases are at least half organic and one in five (21%) consumers overall agree that organic foods are worth the extra cost. In fact, Americans are most likely to say they would purchase more organic foods if they were less expensive (62%). Highly skeptical of organic claims, just one quarter (26%) of consumers say they trust organic food labels, while a mere 13% agree that organic foods are highly regulated. For many, brand name outweighs an organic label as just one in seven (14%) consumers agree that an organic claim is more important than a specific brand.

The fact that consumers are more likely to seek organic fresh produce items not only speaks to the lack of organic options in certain segments, but also to the notion that organic claims simply resonate in some categories more so than in others. Our research shows that organic brands appeal to younger consumers, but there is significant effort required to persuade older generations of the value of organic or natural claims. This indicates that if organic brands can reassure consumers that organic foods are indeed living up to their claims, whether through on-pack messaging or marketing campaigns, it could be a boon to the category, said Billy Roberts, senior food and drink analyst at Mintel.

In addition to organics being more affordable, Americans say they would be motivated to purchase more organic foods if they were proven to be healthier (33%) and stayed fresher longer (31%). And with organic consumers the most likely to say they purchase organic foods and beverages at a supermarket (55%) or mass merchandiser (36%), more than one quarter (27%) of Americans overall agree they would purchase more organic foods if there were more organic options from major brands. Meanwhile, one in seven (13%) of those who purchase organic foods shop through online channels, including both delivery and in-store pickup.

Overall, Mintel research shows that feeling good inside and out compels consumption for natural and organic food shoppers. More than one quarter (28%) of Americans agree that they feel better about themselves when buying organic foods, rising to nearly half (48%) of those who are buying more organic foods this year. Whats more, 28% of consumers overall report buying natural/organic products because they know these products are better for them, again, rising to half (49%) of those consumers who are buying more organic foods this year.

While consumers overall may be unaware of organics traits or the precise benefits of eating organically, the products do enjoy a positive reputation and generally appear to make consumers feel good about their purchase, even if it comes at a higher cost. More affordable organic options would do well with consumers and more private-label options are emerging that could help push prices down. While consumers pay attention to brand names, in their eyes, there is little difference between national brand and store-brand organic options. As such, a considerable price difference could compel consumers to turn away from national brands in favor of a comparable option with an organic claim, concluded Roberts.

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Shoppers Choosing 'Organic' Produce - Convenience Store Decisions

Organic groceries can cost you more than twice as much as conventional groceries. For example, you could get a basket filled with conventional chicken, eggs, milk, zucchini, carrots and apples for $10.68. But if you bought the organic versions of those same products, you might pay $24.21, according to Consumer Reports. Yet many people would like to buy organic, either for the health of their families or the health of the planet.

When my family began this adventure in eating whole and natural foods, we experienced sticker shock, said Chrissy Pate who runs the savings website BeCentsable.net. So, I did some research and found that great benefits could be had from making some smaller changes in the right areas.

Pate found that you dont have to spend your whole paycheck to go organic. Instead you can graze through a variety of strategies and do quite well. There are simple, practical ways to get deep discounts on organic products. Here are 10 methods:

[Tech has taken the work out of couponing. Heres how to save big with little effort.]

1. Prioritize your organics. The Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center says produce is the highest priority thing to buy organic, in order to avoid pesticide residues. But even within that category you can cut costs with this loose guideline: If a fruit or vegetable has a protective peel that you do not eat, buying organic is less important.

Consumer Reports says organic poultry, meat and dairy are of medium to high importance, in order to avoid antibiotics and hormones and to get the most nutritious benefits. Lowest priority are packaged foods, since they are highly processed even if theyre organic.

2. Try a regular store. You dont have to go to a specialty store for organics. Conventional grocery chains like Safeway and Giant have devoted more and more space to organic foods as their popularity has surged. Their organic prices are often fairly close to their regular prices, but you should shop and compare to make sure. Also watch out for conventional and organic produce that are displayed next to each other, as store misters could spread pesticide residue from one to the other.

3. Try a small store. When Consumers Checkbook shopped around for organic produce, it found that prices at Moms Organic Market were eight percent lower than those at other Washington-area grocery stores. Trader Joes stores are small, but carry many organic foods. When MarketWatch compared Trader Joes prices with those of three other stores, it said Trader Joes was by far the cheapest.

4. Try a big store. Costco boasts that its Kirkland Signature Organics line will save consumers 20 percent. Walmart is now the biggest seller of organics in America, and since its known for its rock-bottom prices, its worth a look. Target stores especially Super Targets have also made a huge investment in organics.

5. Shop online. I tested online grocers for a Dr. Oz Show segment and found that Thrive Market was promising. We bought a months worth of snacks for a family of four, and Thrives price was $46, compared to $61 at a specialty grocery store. An intriguing newcomer is called Brandless.com. Brandless sells page after page of organics and every product is $3! As you can guess from the name, the products are simply packaged, no-name items.

[Parents, do you have the best 529 college savings plan? (Yes, you can choose.)]

6. Go generic. Regardless whether you are shopping at a conventional, big, little, or online store, generic organics are another way to save. For example, Safeway has its O brand and Whole Foods house brand is called 365. Consumers Checkbook found that often these generic organics were cheaper than the equivalent name-brand conventional foods. The website Cheapism.com found 200 Whole Foods 365 foods that were less expensive than equivalent products at regular grocery stores.

7. Use coupons. Yes! Organic coupons do exist. Dont be fooled into thinking you cant get coupons on these types of items, said Pate. There is a growing customer base for organic foods and, as a result, companies are competing harder to get your business!

First of all, most coupons offered for things like spaghetti sauce are good for the companys conventional sauces or organic sauces, even if the conventional sauce is the one pictured on the coupon.

The other trick is to simply search the name of an organic brand you like and the word coupons and see whats out there. I found five different coupons for Annies Homegrown products this way and even a coupon to receive $1 off of Earthbound Farms organic lettuces. You can also sign up for your favorite organic brands newsletter. They often contain generous coupons. Bonus tip: Create a separate email address just for shopping to avoid clogging up your main email account.

8. Save on non-food groceries. Get other products for little or nothing and then spend the money saved on organics. This is totally doable if you match coupons with sales or stack multiple coupons together, as I explained in my June 6 column. Thanks to websites that find the deals for you, its not hard.

For example, as I write this you can get shaving cream and deodorant for free at CVS, shampoo and Kleenex for free at Target, and Band-Aids and tape for free at Walmart. Several of these deals even allow you to make a profit by combining coupons and sales and getting cash back.

9. Go natural. There are three tips within this tip. The first is to shop seasonally because produce, in particular, is far less expensive when its in season. Second, why not grow your own? This year I spent $31 on seeds for my small garden in D.C., and I estimate its generated many times that in organic veggies. The third idea is to join a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. You are basically subscribing to a local farmer and usually go to a central location weekly to pick up a box of organic food. I once compared a Sandy Spring, Md., CSAs prices with grocery store prices and found they paid $11 less for their box of nine vegetables.

10. Know your labels. And finally, make sure the food you are buying is all you hope it is. The reliable labels to look for are USDA Organic, Certified Organic and 100% Organic. Made with organic ingredients means a product only has to be 70 percent organic. And terms like cage-free arent tightly regulated, so you have to rely on the producers integrity. Even the terms natural and all-natural are misleading because they dont have any government force behind them.

Heres the proof that it works: I put together an all-organic grocery list that included milk, three yogurts, peanut butter, eggs and lettuce mix. If I paid full price, my tab would be $35.55. But by combining several of the strategies above warehouse buys, generics and coupons I was able to get this basketful of food for just $22.80. Thats a 36-percent savings and a relief.

Elisabeth Leamy is a 13-time Emmy winner and 25-year consumer advocate for programs such as Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show. Connect with her at leamy.com and @ElisabethLeamy.

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10 ways to save money on organic groceries - The Washington Post - Washington Post

By Katy AskewKaty Askew , 07-Aug-20172017-08-07T00:00:00ZLast updated on 08-Aug-2017 at 11:21 GMT2017-08-08T11:21:12Z

The European Commissions Joint Research Centre (JRC) has developed a new metabolomics fingerprinting methodology that, the researchers say, could be used to authenticate organic food products.

The JRCs findings were based on a multi-year field study of comparative metabolomics combined with chemometry applied to carrots originating from different agronomic environments. Over a four-year period, JRC scientists performed a biochemical analysis on untargeted liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (LCMS) metabolomics of conventional and organic carrots.

Carrot samples of Nerac and Namur varieties were collected directly from fields in the Walloon region of Belgium. The extracts from the carrot samples were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

Using what the JRC describes as a strict quality control scheme, the data was subsequently exported for multivariate statistical analysis.

Compounds were identified following guidelines of the Metabolomics Standards Initiative and, with the use of chemometry, the JRC said it was possible to classify samples according to agricultural practices and predict the origin of unknown samples.

Several markers related to carbohydrate metabolism and plant defense mechanism were identified as responsible for the differences between organic and conventional agricultural systems, the researchers concluded.

This is the first time that a metabolomics approach has been used for organic food authentication purposes in a long-term field study and, by using external validation sample sets, to predict the origin of unknown samples.

According to data from organic trade body IFOAM EU, the total value of the EU organic retail market doubled from 11.1bn in 2005 to 24bn in 2014.

Expansion of farmland cultivated under organic standards has not kept pace with consumer-driven demand growth. In 2014, 10.3m hectares of farmland was managed organically, which corresponds to 5.7% of the total utilised agricultural area in the EU. But the annual growth of organically managed land slowed down to 1.1% in that year, IFOAM revealed in a recent research report, Organic in Europe, prospectsand developments 2016.

This imbalance of supply and demand, coupled with the premium consumers are willing to pay for organic products, have the potential to encourage fraudulent organic sales, the JRC warned.

The overall challenge faced by the organic sector is to ensure a steady growth of supply and demand,while maintaining consumers' trust. An element to be considered is the pressure of demand that also increases the risk of fraudulent behavioursor other intentional violations. Not only do they harm consumers' interest and cause economic damages distorting competition, but they can also negatively impact on reputationof organic operators that are complying with the rules, the JRC said.

The European Union is targeting increased traceability in the organic sector in order to combat potential fraud. Earlier this year, a new system to electronically certify imported organic food and ingredients came into effect, with the aim of reducing fraud and collecting reliable data on the sector.

UK-based trade body the Organic Trade Board stressed that organic products are already highly trusted and "welcomed" any efforts to further decrease the risk of food fraud. Organic is one of the most highly regulated areas of the food industry, which gives consumers huge levels of reassurance that what they buy is what they are expecting. We would, of course, welcome anything that can uphold the integrity of the food industry but the certification process for organic itself already makes food fraud an unlikely occurrence,"Anna Rosier, OTB director, told FoodNavigator.

While the researchers noted that further studies are required, they suggested that a pan-European study including greater variability, such as the inclusion of different geographical locations with different pedo-climatic conditions, could allow for the development of robust classification models to be ready for use in food authentication control practices.

Source: Food ChemistryVolume 239, 15 January 2018, Pages 760-770, doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.06.161"Metabolomics for organic food authentication: Results from a long-term field study in carrots"Authors: E. Cubero-Leon, Olivier De Rudder, et al

Continue reading here:

EC battles organic food fraud with 'fingerprinting' test - Food Navigator - FoodNavigator.com

Organic groceries can cost you more than twice as much as conventional groceries. For example, you could get a basket filled with conventional chicken, eggs, milk, zucchini, carrots and apples for $10.68. But if you bought the organic versions of those same products, you might pay $24.21, according to Consumer Reports. Yet many people would like to buy organic, either for the health of their families or the health of the planet.

"When my family began this adventure in eating whole and natural foods, we experienced sticker shock," said Chrissy Pate who runs the savings website BeCentsable.net. "So, I did some research and found that great benefits could be had from making some smaller changes in the right areas."

Pate found that you don't have to spend your "whole paycheck" to go organic. Instead you can graze through a variety of strategies and do quite well. There are simple, practical ways to get deep discounts on organic products. Here are 10 methods:

1. Prioritize your organics.

The Consumer Reports' Food Safety and Sustainability Center says produce is the highest priority thing to buy organic, to avoid pesticide residues. But even within that category you can cut costs with this loose guideline: If a fruit or vegetable has a protective peel that you do not eat, buying organic is less important.

Consumer Reports says organic poultry, meat and dairy are of medium to high importance, to avoid antibiotics and hormones and to get the most nutritious benefits. Lowest priority are packaged foods, since they are highly processed even if they're organic.

2. Try a regular store.

You don't have to go to a specialty store for organics. Conventional grocery chains like Safeway and Giant have devoted more and more space to organic foods as their popularity has surged. Their organic prices are often fairly close to their regular prices, but shop and compare to make sure. Also watch out for conventional and organic produce that are displayed next to each other, as store misters could spread pesticide residue from one to the other.

3. Try a small store.

When Consumers Checkbook shopped for organic produce, for example, it found that prices at Mom's Organic Market were eight percent lower than those at other Washington-area grocery stores. Trader Joe's stores are small but carry many organic foods. When MarketWatch compared Trader Joe's prices with those of three other stores, it said "Trader Joe's was by far the cheapest."

Produce guide: The dirty dozen and clean fifteen

4. Try a big store.

Costco boasts that its Kirkland Signature Organics line will save consumers 20 percent. Walmart is now the biggest seller of organics in America, and since it's known for its rock-bottom prices, it's worth a look. Target stores, especially Super Targets, have also made a huge investment in organics.

5. Shop online.

I tested online grocers for a "Dr. Oz Show" segment and found that Thrive Market was promising. A month's worth of snacks for a family of four was $46, compared to $61 at a specialty grocery store. An intriguing newcomer is called Brandless.com. Brandless sells page after page of organics and every product is $3! As you can guess from the name, the products are simply packaged, no-name items.

6. Go generic.

Regardless of whether you are shopping at a conventional, big, little, or online store, generic organics are another way to save. For example, Safeway has it's "O" brand and Whole Foods' house brand is called "365." Consumers Checkbook found that often these generic organics were cheaper than the equivalent name-brand conventional foods. The website Cheapism.com found 200 Whole Foods 365 foods that were less expensive than equivalent products at regular grocery stores.

7. Use coupons.

Yes! Organic coupons do exist. "Don't be fooled into thinking you can't get coupons on these types of items," said Pate. "There is a growing customer base for organic foods and, as a result, companies are competing harder to get your business!"

Most coupons offered for things like spaghetti sauce are good for the company's conventional sauces or organic sauces, even if the conventional sauce is the one pictured on the coupon.

The other trick is to simply search the name of an organic brand you like and the word "coupons" and see what's out there. I found five different coupons for Annie's Homegrown products this way and even a coupon to receive $1 off of Earthbound Farms organic lettuces. You can also sign up for your favorite organic brands' newsletter. They often contain generous coupons. Bonus tip: Create a separate email address just for shopping to avoid clogging up your main email account.

8. Save on nonfood groceries.

Get other products for little or nothing and then spend the money saved on organics. This is possible if you match coupons with sales or stack multiple coupons together. Thanks to websites that find the deals for you, it's not hard.

For example, as I write this you can get shaving cream and deodorant for free at CVS, shampoo and Kleenex for free at Target, and Band-Aids and tape for free at Walmart. Several of these deals even allow you to make a profit by combining coupons and sales and getting cash back.

9. Go natural.

There are three tips within this tip. The first is to shop seasonally because produce, in particular, is far less expensive when it's in season. Second, why not grow your own? This year I spent $31 on seeds for my small garden, and I estimate it's generated many times that in organic veggies. The third idea is to join a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. You are basically subscribing to a local farmer and usually go to a central location weekly to pick up a box of organic food. I once compared a local CSA's prices with grocery store prices and found they paid $11 less for their box of nine vegetables.

10. Know your labels.

Finally, make sure the food you are buying is all you hope it is. The reliable labels to look for are "USDA Organic," "Certified Organic" and "100% Organic." "Made with organic ingredients" means a product has to be only 70 percent organic. Terms like "cage-free" aren't tightly regulated, so you have to rely on the producer's integrity. Even the terms "natural" and "all-natural" are misleading because they have no government force behind them.

Here's the proof that it works: I put together an all-organic grocery list that included milk, three yogurts, peanut butter, eggs and lettuce mix. If I paid full price, my tab would be $35.55. But by combining several of the strategies above -- warehouse buys, generics and coupons -- I was able to get this basketful of food for just $22.80. That's a 36 percent savings -- and a relief.

Leamy is a 13-time Emmy winner and 25-year consumer advocate for programs such as "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show."

Follow this link:

10 ways to save on organic groceries - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Tribune

When consumers buy organic, they buy fresh fruits and vegetables.According to a July research report from Mintel, 50% of U.S. consumers say they are most likely to purchase organic fresh produce compared to other food categories like meats/poultry/seafood (41%), juice (39%) and dairy (38%).Nearly one-third (32%) of consumers say half or more of the groceries they buy are organic, while just 29% say they do not typically buy food with an organic or natural claim. As one would expect, the research showed that price was a main deterrent to organic purchase, with 62% saying they would purchase more organic foods if they were less expensive.However one troubling statistic shows a lack of trust in the U.S. Department of Agricultures certified organic seal. Just over one-quarter (26%) of consumers say they trust organic food labels, while just 13% agree that organic foods are highly regulated.Our research shows that organic brands appeal to younger consumers, but there is significant effort required to persuade older generations of the value of organic or natural claims, said Billy Roberts, Senior Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel.Consumers say they purchase organic foods and beverages most often at a supermarket (55%) or mass merchandiser (36%). And 27% agree they would purchase more organic foods if there were more organic options from major brands.

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Fresh produce is the choice for organic shoppers - ProduceRetailer

Have you ever thought about how much time you spend in your car?

On average, Americans face a 50-minute round-trip drive each day just for their jobs, and nearly three-quarters of commuters drive alone. In suburban and metropolitan areas, the commute can be much longer. Even in Aiken, the average commute time is about 23 minutes. When you include driving to work, taking the kids to school, and doing errands, sitting in a car can easily account for an hour or more each day.

You are probably very aware of the time you spend in the car. What you may not know is that sitting in your car can also have negative effects on your health and happiness. This is the conclusion of several studies that examined the relationship between commuting time and indicators of health. One of these studies suggests that vehicle miles traveled is a strong predictor of obesity. In another study, commuting a greater distance was associated with lower levels of physical activity and fitness as well as a higher waist circumference and blood pressure.

This makes sense because spending more time sitting in your car means you have less time to dedicate to being physically active, something we know is good for your health. Add to that the fact that driving is sedentary. There is accumulating evidence that spending more time sitting in the car, at work, or at home is a predictor of poor health, regardless of how active you are the rest of the day.

It gets worse. Many people eat in their cars during long commutes. Much of the time these meals consist of fast food and other prepackaged foodsnot many people eat salads while they drive! Since these foods are typically of questionable nutritional quality and high in calories, this alone can contribute to poor health. The combination of inactivity and eating behind the wheel can easily shift the balance toward weight gain.

Beyond the direct impact on health through eating and activity behaviors, commuting alone in a car is a form of social isolation. Research suggests that this can lead to depression, itself an important factor leading to poor health.

The problems with long commute times are well established and easy to appreciate. Unfortunately, the solutions are not. Most people cant move so they have a shorter commute, and relying on public transportation isnt practical or even possible for many people especially in our area. Replacing driving a car with active modes of transportation simply isnt practical.

Aside from the time requirement, our environment doesnt adequately support active travel imagine how long a 25-minute drive would take on a bike or on foot! Being able to walk or bike requires access to safe bike lanes and sidewalks that connect peoples homes to work, school, and other destinations. Even public transportation increases activity over driving and enhances social connections. Sadly, this infrastructure doesnt exist in most communities (including ours), which were built to support cars, not people.

But we can take steps to undo some of the damage that so much driving can cause. Making activity at other times of the day a priority is a good start. This could include exercise at the gym, going for a walk, or even yard work or housework. When possible, replace car trips with walking or biking. Planning these activities with others can strengthen social connections as well as improve health and fitness. Finally, act as an advocate for changes in the community that will make active transportation more realistic.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS: Driving can have negative impact on health - Aiken Standard

Fasting is not a new concept to humans nor are the benefits newly recorded. Virtually all major religions include periods or elements of fasting throughout the year within their rituals. Many religions use fasting as a means to cleanse not only the body but also the mind.

Many modern-day advocates refer to this process as cleansing or detoxing. Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine), Plato and Aristotle all wrote about and extolled the virtues of fasting.

One of the earliest modern-day investigations into the benefits of intermittent fasting was conducted by the Spanish physician Eduardo Vallejo, who conducted a three-year study of healthy elderly men, some of whom followed a fasting protocol, and who were subsequently compared to others who did not fast. He discovered that those who fasted were healthier on several important health markers.

In 2005, researchers from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana conducted the initial alternate day fasting protocol in a strict clinical setting. These researchers noted that alternate day fasting increased fat burning and promoted weight loss. However, they also noted that hunger did not decrease with alternate day fasting and therefore it may not be effective as a long-term strategy.

Several researchers have introduced low caloric intake on intermittent fasting days such as in one study wherein overweight subjects consumed 320 to 380 calories every other day and consumed a normal caloric intake on the alternate days.

These subjects exhibited significant weight loss, burned more fat and had improved quality of life measures over control subjects who did not adopt the intermittent low calorie fasting days. Other studies have compared both calorie restriction as well as intermittent fasting as tools for weight loss and found that both strategies are equally effective for weight and body fat loss accompanied with metabolic health measures including improved measures of cardiovascular health.

Intermittent fasting is not starvation or a fad diet. If it properly performed, intermittent fasting can be an extremely beneficial and sustainable method to achieve optimal body fat loss and improve metabolic markers. It is important on fasting cleanse days to stay hydrated with water, tea or unsweetened herbal tea. As well, if using calorie restriction days be sure to include high fiber foods to help move things along and help you feel full.

Changing your food intake in terms of quality and quantity is the most important step that you can take to reduce your body fat.

Ive told my clients many times throughout my career that they can exercise until they are blue in the face, but if they dont get their diet under control they wont realize the results that they wish for.

Sure, you will get stronger and fitter, have better balance and endurance and flexibility if thats what you are training for, but to be lean and fit, you need to address the food component and eat for success.

On the flip side, typically when individuals lose weight and dont exercise, but just change their dietary habits, up to a quarter of the lost weight comes from lost lean body mass that is, muscle!

So, by strategically eating, using proven methods such as calorie restriction, intermittent fasting and incorporating a comprehensive exercise program you can achieve an optimal body mass/fat ration that will minimize muscle loss and maximize fat loss. This strategy is also a proven strategy for long-term maintenance.

The exercise component should have both a resistance component as well as a cardio component in order to maximize fat loss and muscle retention.

Cardiovascular training helps you burn more visceral (belly) fat. This is the most dangerous type of fat that exist internally, lodged around the organs and increasing the risk of chronic disease states associated with metabolic syndrome.

Resistance training can help build additional muscle mass and therefore raise the metabolic rate. Muscle requires more energy (calories) and is metabolically more active than fat so your overall daily calorie burn is higher if you develop more body muscle mass. Other aspects of training such as flexibility and balance work round out a comprehensive approach.

Being truly healthy and fit does not come by accident; it takes a concerted effort and requires a lifetime of devotion to ones own well-being and fitness. I urge you to take responsibility for your own health and life your life to the fullest!

Dr. Jane Riley, EdD., is a certified personal fitness trainer, nutritional adviser and behavior change specialist. She can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 212-8119 cell/text and http://www.janerileyfitness.com.

Original post:
Intermittent fasting, nutritional cleansing - Thegardenisland.com

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This undated photo provide by Jamie Hess shows Jamie and George Hess working out together in New York City. It's tempting to blow off a workout, but getting sweaty with your significant other makes a workout more fun and ups the intensity ante.(Jamie Hess via AP)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) It's hot and sticky outside, all your friends are at the beach or at brunch. It's tempting to blow off a workout, but getting sweaty with your significant other definitely ups the fun factor and makes it easier to stick to. We asked some of our favorite swolemates (that's internet speak for soul mates who like to get swole, as in muscular or swollen, together) about the creative ways they sneak in a workout and how it has improved their relationships.

GEORGE AND JAMIE HESS FIND NEW FRIENDS THROUGH FITNESS

Fitness has always been the foundation of the Hess' relationship. He even proposed on the treadmill at Barry's Bootcamp class. The couple, who are public relation execs, chronicles their fitness journey to 25,000 Instagram followers through @NYCfitfam as a side gig. They say working out has helped them both lose weight and discover new things. They ran their first 5K three years ago and fell in love. Last year, they ran the NYC Marathon together.

George: "Our date nights are now date days. While most people hire a baby sitter in the evenings, we hire ours on weekend mornings so we can head outdoors and share some fitness time and then grab a quick healthy bite on the way home. It's so much more gratifying for us than having a "date night" dinner where we eat indulgent food and then regret it when our pants don't fit the next morning."

Jamie: "I would recommend finding something you love to do together, like a boot camp or spin class, and then sign up for that a few days a week. Not only does the routine help with consistency, but another cool by-product is making friends as a couple. Now that we have to juggle childcare (meaning they have to trade off mornings at the gym), we set aside time on Sunday nights to go over our schedule for the week to make sure we both get in all the workouts we need. The most important thing is scheduling the workouts and then making them non-negotiable."

GIUILIANA AND BILL RANCIC-MAKE IT FUN

A post shared by Bill and Giuliana Rancic (@billandgiuliana) on Dec 13, 2014 at 4:50pm PST

The Rancics started working out together 11 years ago when they started dating and have been sweating together ever since. Their Instagram feed is full of cute photos of them water skiing, boating, golfing and carb loading at their restaurants RPM Italian in Chicago and Washington, D.C.

Giuliana: "Bill and I recently started playing Pickleball regularly and (we) love it. It's like tennis meets pingpong and is a great workout and can get very competitive as well. We play it on outdoor courts, which is perfect for us since we both love being out in the sun. We also love to hike together or go to the gym together when the weather isn't great outside. He's the best workout partner I could ask for."

In this July 21, 2017 photo provided by Giuliana Rancic, Bill and Giuliana Rancic pose for a photo in Harrison, Idaho after winning a Mixed Doubles Pickleball Tournament. (Giuliana Rancic via AP)

Bill: "Working out as a couple is another way to be together while doing something that is good for you. Even if your workweek is too busy, plan to set aside an hour each weekend to either go to the gym, play a sport or take a hike. At the very least, a walk around the neighborhood is a great way to get some exercise and reconnect."

CELEB TRAINER ANNA KAISER AND HUSBAND CALL A BABY SITTER, SCHEDULE A WORKOUT DATE

She's a fitness trainer to stars like Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Ripa and Shakira. Kaiser and her husband, Dr. Carlos Wesley, who are new parents, love to stay active, especially when they travel. They've been spelunking in Riviera Maya, hiking through the Amazon rainforest; have paired up for a relay mini-triathlon in Montauk, New York, and created their own running tour of Paris and London.

Carlos: "Last Sunday, my mom came over to watch the baby and we headed into Central Park together for 45 minutes. We created an interval workout that alternated between short runs and a series of four exercises. (Run for seven minutes, then pushups, burpees, side planks, teasers, each exercise performed for one minute, then run for six minutes and perform each exercise for 45 seconds and so on.) I monitored the time and Anna led the workout sections. We had the best time and came back to the apartment better parents than when we left."

Anna: "We are new parents and we don't have much time outside of work and baby duties. So it can get frustrating not to get time to focus on ourselves, or one another. Working out not only gets us out of the house, but it helps us get physical together, push ourselves harder than we would if we were solo, and achieve a short-term goal that we have to work toward together. Plus, I think it's sexy to see him work out and push himself."

MIKE AIDALA AND CHELSEY KORUS SAY WORKING OUT TOGETHER IMPROVES TRUST AND IMTIMACY

Don't be intimidated by their crazy impressive moves like one-armed handstands. These stunt masters met on the set of a photo shoot in New York's Central Park and say they are each other's toughest trainers and biggest cheerleaders.

Chelsey: "Mike and I love to keep it playful and completely immerse ourselves in the environments we are in. If we happen to be strolling through the woods, we turn it into a free-running obstacle course. A quick dip in the reservoir turns into a long distance swim to the other side. An afternoon in the city turns into a game of 'can you handstand here?' Living this way together keeps the moment alive with possibilities, not to mention a great workout."

This undated photo provided by Peter Cooper shows Mike Aidala and Chelsey Khorus working on a skill called a Figa in New York's Washington Square Park. (Peter Cooper via AP)

Mike: "When we work out together, especially doing high-risk acrobatic trust moves, it requires us to lean on each other's strength, awareness and flexibility which naturally fosters a closer relationship. She's my teammate. ... Thebiggest benefits of training with your partner are the mental and emotional gains not the physical ones."

Link:
'Swolemates': Fit couples share tips on working out together - Lincoln Journal Star