technology training: Health Editors' Guilty Pleasures

Recently, we asked readers to share the one food they couldn't resist. And our own staff came out, discussing the health foods we just can't bring ourselves to eat. But that's not all: even though we read medical studies all day and have a heightened awareness of the factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, we still have gaps in our own practice. Wellness blindspots.

Read on for a peek behind our curtain -- a land of dehydration, lack of sleep and portion size confusion. In other words: we're right there with you! What's your own wellness Mt. Everest? Tell us in the comments.

For me, it's hydration -- I forget to drink water every day! It's terrible! For example, it is currently 3:32 and all I've had to drink is half a glass of water and two coffees. I'm going to get a seltzer right now... -- Meredith Melnick, Nutrition and Fitness Editor, HuffPost Healthy Living So should she worry? Yes. Studies show that even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, loss of focus, fatigue and low mood, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/19/dehydration-mood-worse-women_n_1216762.html">reported HuffPost Healthy Living's Amanda L. Chan</a>.
While the coffee debate remains a hot topic, I doubt my 4+ cups a day would be condoned by any professional joe proponent (joponent?) -- Kate Bratskeir, Associate Editor, HuffPost Healthy Living So should she worry? Perhaps. Each cup of coffee has about 95-200 mg of caffeine, <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN01211">according to data analyzed by the Mayo Clinic</a>, for a total daily caffeine intake of about 800 mg. The Mayo Clinic suggests keeping daily caffeine at 500 mg or fewer, making Kate's habit above average.
My guilty pleasure was until recently, my beloved boba. Until reading <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/05/bubble-tea-tapioca-pearls-may-cause-cancer-study-claims_n_1856152.html">this</a>. I plan to return to this habit once I verify that the ones used at the places I patronize don't have the PCBs. -- Patricia Fitzgerald, Wellness Editor, HuffPost Healthy Living So should she worry? Maybe. In one sample of the tapioca pearls used in the popular drink, known as 'boba' or bubble tea, a German research team found evidence of environmental toxicants like polychlorinated biphenyls, which are known carcinogens. The store from which the samples came say they purchased them in bulk from a Taiwanese distributor, who has <a href="http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aALL&ID=201209110045">disputed the presence of PCBs in their products</a>. While it's unclear how the tainted tapioca came to be sold to unsuspecting bubble tea enthusiasts, it's probably wise to inquire about the origin of one's boba.
Mine is staying up too late! -- Laura Schocker, Senior Editor, HuffPost Healthy Living So should she worry? Yes! Staying up late can throw off your body's internal sleep clock, leading to disrupted sleep patterns that can cause insomnia and other sleep disorders. And, if you're working a typical schedule, chances are that you aren't exactly sleeping in to compensate. Getting fewer than seven or eight hours of sleep is associated with a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-michael-j-breus/sleep-health_b_1737901.html">depressed immune system</a>, weight gain, a heightened risk of developing several types of cancer as well <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-michael-j-breus/insomnia-heart-disease_b_1083854.html">elevated risk of heart disease</a>.
I think after I exercise that I deserve to eat whatever I want -- and as much of it as I want. I have specifically planned a run to end at Shake Shack and another one at Je + Jo ice cream (if you haven't been there yet, try it!!) *hangs head in shame* -- Sarah Klein, Associate Editor, HuffPost Healthy Living So should she worry? It's true that regularly incorporating meals that are high in calories, saturated fat, salt and cholesterol -- you know, cheeseburgers and fries or ice cream -- can be dangerous to overall health. So depending on how frequent a habit this is, it could be damaging to overall diet and health. But as an occasional treat that's incorporated into a generally healthful diet (and, clearly, vigorous exercise plan), it may be a reasonable indulgence.
Too sedentary! -- Elizabeth Kuster, Editor, OWN Network So should she worry? In a word, yes. A sedentary lifestyle puts you at greater risk for just about every chronic condition -- from obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease and high blood pressure to some cancers and depression. One study found that it was <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timi-gustafson/sedentary-lifestyle_b_1693488.html">just as threatening to overall health</a> as smoking or being overweight.
I love butter. It makes everything taste better! -- Alana Elias Kornfeld, Executive Health Editor, HuffPost Healthy Living So should she worry? Probably not. Butter is high in saturated fat and cholesterol (and, depending on preparation methods, sodium), so it is without a doubt a food to be eaten in moderation. But a small amount, as part of an otherwise healthful diet shouldn't be harmful.
I am bad bad bad at portion sizes. I have no concept. I basically just eat whatever i want, and however much i want. -- Amanda L. Chan, News Editor, HuffPost Healthy Living So should she worry? Controlling portion sizes <a href="http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/information/portion-control.htm">is important for maintaining a healthy weight</a>, but for those who maintain a trim physique, active lifestyle and healthful diet, it may be less important. Every body is different!

"; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed(this, html, undefined, 'top', {fp_intersects:1, timeout_remove:2000,ignore_arrow: true, width:236, add_xy:coords, class_name: 'clear-overlay'}); });

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/28/health-editors-guilty-pleasures_n_1920171.html

undercover boss barbara walters tupelo honey limp bizkit stations of the cross nike foamposite galaxy bill maher