Health Benefits of Decluttering

March is National Nutrition Month®

March 10, 2008 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

Since 1973, dietetics professionals have celebrated National Nutrition Month® in March. National Nutrition Month gives us an opportunity to share nutrition education and increase awareness around a theme.

The 2008 theme for National Nutrition Month is Nutrition: It’s a Matter of Fact. This theme urges consumers to look beyond nutrition myths and focus on the facts. You should always look for nutrition information based on scientific research and a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) can help you translate science into practical advice that fits you individually.

The American Dietetic Association is also marking the first Registered Dietitian Day as March 10, 2008 which acknowledges the R.D. as the food and nutrition expert.

As a R.D. for more than 25 years, I have personally seen how making small lifestyle changes can help improve blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels or decrease weight. Through simple scientific-based steps a healthy lifestyle is obtainable.

To learn more nutrition facts visit www.eatright.org or another simple step to take is to visit www.mypyramid.gov. It is important that you make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits and these websites can help you personalize a healthy plan.

So I would like to take a moment this March 10th to acknowledge my colleagues. I am so honored to be a part of the dietetics profession.

If you would like a complimentary coaching session to discuss your nutrition goals or other life goals contact me.

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Is Your Bedroom Clutter Contributing to Your Weight?

March 7, 2008 by clutterbusting 1 Comment

Again, as mentioned in a previous post, the October 2007 issue of First magazine discussed the relationship of clutter to excess weight.

We know that clutter can weigh us down mentally. But how does bedroom clutter relate to weight gain? Excess stuff in your bedroom or near your bed can stimulate brain-waves that cause wakefulness. These brain-wave shifts can cause all-day fatigue, but, more so, they can trigger damaging hormonal changes. A connection has been made between not having enough sleep and eating more throughout the day. Eating more calories than your body needs leads to weight gain.

So is the clutter in your bedroom adding to your excess weight? Spend 15 minutes in the next 24-hours removing or putting away clutter from your bedroom. See what happens.

Is Your Kitchen Clutter Contributing to Your Excess Weight?

March 5, 2008 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

In a recent post I mentioned that two kinds of household clutter can be related to excess weight. One type is kitchen clutter. The relationship between a chaotic kitchen and overeating has been sited in recent research.

In her book Fit to Live (Rodale, 2007) Pamela Peeke, M.D., addresses the connection between kitchen clutter and weight. Kitchen chaos is an environmental stressor and can trigger spikes in appetite in the place where food is most accessible.

Kitchen clutter can cause a release of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol is part of the “fight or flight” response in our bodies. When cortisol is elevated you are vulnerable to cravings. Cravings can lead to excess food intake which contributes to weight gain.

What can you do to eliminate even a small amount of kitchen clutter? Is there one counter-top area or drawer that you can clear in the next 24-hours?

Can De-cluttering Slim You Better Than a Diet?

March 3, 2008 by clutterbusting 1 Comment

The October 2007 issue of First magazine featured an article, “De-cluttering can slim better than a diet.” The article references the latest weight-loss research revealing a fascinating link between eliminating household clutter and achieving weight-loss success.

The article discusses the link between bedroom clutter and kitchen clutter and excess weight. It is suggested that bedroom clutter disrupts sleep while kitchen clutter increases stress. Both a lack of sleep and an increased level of stress can contribute to overeating and, therefore, extra weight.

Are either of these areas cluttered in your home? Do you think there might be a connection between your excess weight and the clutter in your kitchen or bedroom?