Documentary Series on ValpoLIfe

Our Documentary Series was quite successful last night.  Check out the article in ValpoLife!

Food For Life

Get Your Gut Back On Track!!

As a population we are sick, and the foods we eat just might explain why.  Find out why the solution to our ails lies within the digestive tract and learn how to make small changes that will help you feel better and live better!  Register for this workshop with published author Mari Hahn, TODAY!!  Early Bird discounts available.

Valpo Life Article

Great Article on ValpoLife.com!

Go Pilates, Go!

Pilates at Pumps

Healthy Digestion: Segment Three

Important Points About Digestion... 

• Digestion is important for breaking down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair.
• Digestion works by moving food through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
• Digestion begins in the mouth with chewing and ends in the small intestine.
• As food passes through the GI tract, it mixes with digestive juices, causing large molecules of food to break down into smaller molecules. The body then absorbs these smaller molecules through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream, which delivers them to the rest of the body.
• Waste products of digestion pass through the large intestine and out of the body as a solid matter called stool. 
• Digestive juices contain enzymes that break food down into different nutrients. 
• The small intestine absorbs most digested food molecules, as well as water and minerals, and passes them on to other parts of the body for storage or further chemical change. Hormone and nerve regulators control the digestive process.

The Importance of Healthy Digestion: Segment 2

Why is digestion important?

Digestion is important for breaking down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. Food and drink must be changed into smaller molecules of nutrients before the blood absorbs them and carries them to cells throughout the body. The body breaks down nutrients from food and drink into carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins.

Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches, and fiber found in many foods. Carbohydrates are called simple or complex, depending on their chemical structure. Simple carbohydrates include sugars found naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and milk products, as well as sugars added during food processing. Complex carbohydrates are starches and fiber found in whole-grain breads and cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, recommends that 45 to 65 percent of total daily calories come from carbohydrates.¹

Protein. Foods such as meat, eggs, and beans consist of large molecules of protein that the body digests into smaller molecules called amino acids. The body absorbs amino acids through the small intestine into the blood, which then carries them throughout the body. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, recommends that 10 to 35 percent of total daily calories come from protein.¹

Fats. Fat molecules are a rich source of energy for the body and help the body absorb vitamins. Oils, such as corn, canola, olive, safflower, soybean, and sunflower, are examples of healthy fats. Butter, shortening, and snack foods are examples of less healthy fats. During digestion, the body breaks down fat molecules into fatty acids and glycerol. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, recommends that 20 to 35 percent of total daily calories come from fat.¹

Vitamins. Scientists classify vitamins by the fluid in which they dissolve. Water-soluble vitamins include all the B vitamins and vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Each vitamin has a different role in the body’s growth and health. The body stores fat-soluble vitamins in the liver and fatty tissues, whereas the body does not easily store water-soluble vitamins and flushes out the extra in the urine. Read more about vitamins on the Office of Dietary Supplements website at www.ods.od.nih.govExternal NIH Link.

¹U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. 7th ed. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office; 2010.

**Article courtesy of NIH.gov

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Nancy Beach!

May 2015!!

My name is Nancy Beach.  I was born in Chicago and moved out to Valparaiso when I was 5 years old so Valpo is my hometown.  I graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1967 and went to the American School of Beauty downtown Chicago for cosmetology.  My family owned White’s Beauty Cottage at that time so I worked there until I married Don in June of 1970.  We moved to Florida because Don was in the Air Force in Cocoa Beach.  When he was discharged in October of 1970, we returned to Valpo, and I worked as few more years before we started a family.

Don and I have two sons, Brian and Kevin.  Brian is married to his golf clubs and bowling while Kevin is married to Anne who is such a sweetheart…I couldn’t ask for a better daughter-in-law.  They have 2 children – Ella: 8 ½ years old and Luke 3 ½ years old.  My grandchildren are the light of my life.  We are very fortunate they all live here so we get to see them often.  We are very proud of them and their accomplishments.

Kevin and Anne have been friends with Ian and Michelle so we have known them for some time.  We know how hard Ian worked mentally and physically during his own rehabilitation so purchasing Pumps was a great fit!  His positive attitude is infectious.  They both truly care about you as a person and support you so you reach your goals.  Someone that modifies exercise to meet your abilities is a compassionate person.  They care about your well-being.  I’ve only been coming to Pumps for a couple months and already lost 12 pounds.  In the past, I’ve never had to watch my weight so when the pounds started to accumulate, I needed to find some kind of direction.  I came to see Ian and his suggestions on where to start.  Before long, I found myself taking more and more classes.  Ian introduced me to Kim and her Health Coaching and she is just awesome!  She has given me the confidence I needed and she is so supportive.  All the trainers/instructors at Pumps are just great people.  I enjoy the smaller classes and it’s a good time had by all – between the moans and groansJ. 

In fact, I’ve gotten my husband coming to see Ian.  No that’s progress!!  Thanks to everyone for their support – it is very much appreciated!