Sleep and How It's Affected by the Food You Eat

By Cristina Cook

Your general health and body weight not just depend on what you eat but also on how much you sleep and how good your sleep is. Things that you eat can affect your sleep and its quality seriously. Some can improve it but some can make your sleep difficult.

Products that help you with you sleep include green leafy vegetables, fruits, cereals and whole grain breads, mushrooms. Also spices you add to your food can improve your sleep; dill, sage and basil for example.

You should remember those days when your parents put you to bed with a cup of milk and there was a reason to that. Milk actually helps with the sleep a lot. It's rich in substance called tryptophan which again helps in creating a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that controls sleep.

To get more tryptophan and if you're craving a snack then products like turkey, honey, tuna and egg whites should be the best choice. They are tryptophan rich and additionally will help you with sleep.

Things to avoid before bedtime are caffeine rich foods and drinks. Caffeine is a stimulant which helps you with staying awake. Products that contain this stimulant are coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, soft drinks and some medications so try to avoid them before you go to sleep.

Another substance called tyramine should be avoided. Foods like as bacon, cheese, sugar, ham and tomatoes contain it in large amounts so avoid them.

Try to avoid spicy foods soon before you go to bed. They can cause indigestion and heartburn that can affect the quality of your sleep. You might think that alcohol help you to fall asleep but it also have negative effect by making you thirsty during the night and causing waking in the night to urinate.

The amounts you eat also have an impact on the quality of your sleep. It's recommended to have light meals in the evening. This way potential indigestion, bloating or overall discomfort can be avoided.

Additionally, to improve your sleep you can take vitamins and supplements. Supplements that include vitamins B6 and B12, calcium, magnesium and valerian should help you.

Having a good sleep is important to feel good and be healthy that's why do everything to improve it. If food stops you from truly pleasant night sleep then change it for better and healthier products. - 30414

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How One Can Make His Body Fit By Taking Appropriate Nutritious Food ?

By John Goldman

Healthy Nutrition- An Essential

Our body is a store house, which we should retain fit, healthy and joyful. Diet is the significant word to maintaining our body fit, and in well physical shape.

The healthy food consists of balanced quantity of all of the necessary elements need, like carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins and also fats.

You should take in to live, and not the other way round. Spilling your body with the necessary food, not only assist you to lose weight, but also retains you fresh and energetic.

A good diet always imparts a glow on your face and keeps your hair shiny .There are lots of benefits and no losses involved in it .Practically it is a win -win situation.

Become a strong and energetic

It is very difficult to keep away from eating the so called delicious, oily and fried food .People go these eateries almost thrice every week and put on the kilos.

Eating healthy food, comprising of fruits ,vegetables and the balanced quantity of every important nutrient .One should take at least 5 portions of fruits every day .This thing will not only reduce fat in your body but also helps you to revive your skin, hair and face.

An exceptionally significant accessory to your health is your skin, and it is hugely significant to handle it right. To make your skin glowing you should eat fruits, green leafy vegetables, natural juices, and avoid oily fried products.

You should control of fries, chips, chocolates, and other kinds of scrap meal, as they have a great fat and sodium content which is risky for your good health. Going vegetarian is the recent craze which seems to perform miracle for your health, and brain.

It is internally, mentally and physically embellishing as long as you with the appropriate food. Not like a ordinary delusion, vegetarian food is high on proteins, vitamins, and minerals, where we have lentils, green leafy vegetables, milk and milk goods, which are proved to be even more advantageous than meat.

Benefits of a Good Lifestyle

A proper lifestyle, with regular patterns of food intake is a must. You can go for healthier substitutes, rather than consuming fatty foods. This not only makes a good health choice, but is extremely beneficial in the long run.

You can remain in structure, and touch the top of your health with good nutritional food, but do make it a point to practice any physical task. Be it any sport, or household chores, or a gym, physical fitness is a necessary to complement with good intake habits.

Apart from having a lean, attractive body, you can also obtain a glowing healthy skin, which would be the cynosure of all eyes. Your healthy body and healthy food habits will be reflected outwards.

Try to cut down on calories and make a healthy choice today, for the betterment of the tomorrow. - 30414

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The Right Way To Build Muscles With Protein

By Martin Elmer

If you are planning to improve your fitness or lose weight, a high protein diet is a must. And the two goals a closely related to each other. Because when you build your muscles you also build metabolism. And a high metabolism level help you burn fat; and their by lose weight.

To get larger muscles, you have to work out. You are doing that by stressing you muscles to the absolute point of failure, where you cannot do another repetition. Then you must stop, because else you risk an injury.

When you exercising your muscles to their point of failure, you are telling the body that it can expect the same amount of stress in the future. This will make the body grow the muscles.

After the workout a repairing process starts. But the muscles will not just grow to the previous state. The will grow larger to prepare themselves for a similar stress level in the future. The result is larger muscles.

So way to build your muscles is to break them down and then build them up again. To do that you have you provide nutrient to your body; and the nutrient is protein.

Daily diet like poultry, fish and eggs are full of protein. So you have to figure out how much protein you need to build your muscles the most effective way.

A rule of thumb says that for every pound you weight, you have to consume 1g of protein; if you work out intensely. E.g. you have to consume 140g protein per day, if your weight is 140 pound.

It can be difficult to find the right amount of protein. Too high protein consumption will result in more fat, and too little will mean that you are not getting the muscles, you wished for.

The simple way to follow is to go for a high protein diet and cut down on carbohydrate and fat. Then it will not be a problem if some of the protein is converted to fat.

You can supplement your normal meals with protein supplements, if you are having problems getting enough proteins. Then you are also not getting to many calories from the real food.

A positive side effect (besides larger muscles) is that a high protein diet plan also will boost your immune system; and thereby improve your general health. - 30414

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Soups Made Simple

By Kristen Thorpe

There's a lot to love about a cup of delcious soup. Some people love the many flavors and textures, others the warmth and comfort. Lots of soups are so hearty they actually make a complete meal. Of course, in the summer heat, there is always the option of choosing from the cold soup favorites. Here are just a few of the basic types of soups you can create yourself.

When you look at soups, you can generally categorize them into either stock-based or non stock-based soups. Then there fruit soups as well, which generally do not use stock base. Stock based soups can include broth, bouillon, and consomm while non-stock based soups are typically your cream soups, purees, chowders, and bisques.

The majority of soup stocks start with a meat. The classic meat choices are commonly beef, lamb, turkey, veal, chicken, and fish. Lighter color meats such as poultry will create a light soup stock while the other darker meats will make a brown colored stock. To flavor the stock you'll typically add vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion. These soups stocks are the basis for your family favorites including chicken soup, tomato soup, broths, and beef vegetable soups.

Being much thicker and richer, and generally quite nutritional, a puree or a cream soup can often be served as a main course, especially for a luncheon or a light dinner. These soups include varieties such as split pea, bean or potato puree, cream soups such as corn, broccoli or mushroom, bisque of oyster or lobster, and clam chowder.

Fruit soups are a wonderful chilled alternative enjoyed year-round, but especially in the heat of summer. Varieties include strawberry, peach, melon, cantaloupe, and cherry. You'll find certain cold soup recipes use vegetable based stock and others list fruit juice in the ingredients instead. Either makes a wonderful vegetarian dish.

Whatever soup you choose to make, there's nothing quite like coming home and savoring a well-made soup. Finish your cream soup off with a small garnish and serve in a large, flat bowl. Covered soup bowls are ideal for bean and onion soups. And don't forget to make enough for second helpings. - 30414

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The Best Cure For Acne Need Not Be Harsh And Expensive

By Thomas FIsher



Some people suffering from acne will never hesitate to subscribe to over the counter treatments. But, sadly, they're not the best cure for acne around. Not only are they expensive, but they can even aggravate your problem. Some of these treatments contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin. With an irritated skin, flare-ups may only get worsen.

There are natural means of dealing with this skin problem. They are inexpensive, and produce no side effects as their pharmaceutical counterparts. You really don't have to go out now just to purchase them. Some of them could be sitting in your kitchen all this time.

Begin with watching what you're putting in your mouth. Try to steer clear of fatty and greasy foods. Also, skip putting refined sugar in your favorite beverage. Focus on foods that are naturally rich in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. Chicken, yogurt, beans and nuts are some great sources of zinc. For your omega-3 fatty acids dose, have lots of fish and oils like vegetable and flaxseed ones.

Making your own facial mask from things found in the kitchen is really easy. And they're effective too. Crack an egg, remove the yolk and beat the remaining white. Apply on your face, let stay for at least 15 minutes, then rinse with water. Oatmeal is great for exfoliating the skin and absorbing excess sebum. Cook plain oatmeal the usual way. Once thoroughly cooled, massage it onto affected skin, and let stay for some minutes before rinsing.

In a blender, mix clean orange peels with a little water. Apply the paste as a mask to dry up acne quickly, and mildly exfoliate the skin. Aloe vera provides lots of benefits to skin problems, from mild burns, to acne. Break off a leaf and simply apply the thick juice on the affected areas of the skin. You can just let it stay there just like that, or rinse off after a few minutes if you need to get out of the house.

Astringents often sting and make your face red all over. However, there are great all-natural alternatives for those. Apple cider vinegar, or any plain vinegar, is a great substitute. So is lemon or lime juice. You can steep a bag of green tea in a cup of hot water, let cool and apply with a cotton ball.

Obviously, the best cure for acne doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, some pricey treatments for the problem make use of all-natural ingredients too. But still they contain some chemicals in them. That's why sometimes it's much better to simply create your own. They're inexpensive, milder on your skin, and effective. - 30414

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Protein - The Denominator Habitual to All Dietary Regimens

By Protica Research Staff Writer

The human body is in a continuous fluctuation with the environment. Matter and molecules stream in and out, casting themselves into its complexities. Though the body lends them structure, it is the intake -- the diet -- that decides its physique. To be in charge of what goes in a diet is to select what stays inside. Dietary decisions replicate an awareness of metabolism and the nutrients needed to vary it. There may be a myriad of diets purported for every leisure interest and ailment. In spite of this, the one macronutrient that is always mandatory, in substantial quantities irrespective of the physiological state, is protein.

Proteins hold this special position in each diet for a multiplicity of reasons. They tie the DNA to the rest of the cell and modulate every cellular functions and responses. They are the scaffolds of the human body that struts a billion cells. Proteins are as well the workers that shuffle around the body relaying messages, executing upkeep and digestion. Oxygen from the lungs and several nutrients from the stomach are protein full and taken to their destination. The motors in the muscles and the antibodies in the immune system are all proteins. If genes code live in a helix of DNA, subsequently proteins are time in its decoded form. Their pervasiveness makes them central and, protein synthesis a priority in metabolism.

Tally to this innumerable number of functions the vast turnover speed of proteins, and endless protein synthesis becomes very important. Every protein has a short life span and is in then to no time broken down into its constituent amino acids. Original proteins are mandatory to acquire their position. The skin itself is renewed every seven days. After that there are proteins that get used up, broken or excreted, and need to be produced another time. Protein synthesis goes on at a frenzied swiftness regular in customary people. After that there are periods of hurried progression, like athletes in training, teenagers, convalescent patients, babies, pregnant or lactating mothers, where protein synthesis reaches an all time high. Proteins are broken down for additional reasons too. In times of strain, disease or starvation, the body clearly cannot find enough sources of energy. In such situations, proteins are brought apart into their component amino acids and are used as fuel. Consequently, in every physiological states, cells are incessantly at work, churning out new proteins.

To preserve this essential and intense pace of protein synthesis, the body needs a dedicated supply of amino acids. Regrettably, not like carbohydrates and fats that are stockpiled, the human body has no arrangement to store extra amino acids. The constant demand for proteins and amino acids has to be met anew each day and from three promising sources: cellular production, the diet, or breakdown of further body proteins. Of these, cellular production would be most opportune. If the cell could fabricate all the necessary amino acids, there would be no compulsion to provide them in the diet. However, there are amino acids that clearly cannot be produced in the body. These 'essential amino acids' have got to come from the diet.

Proteins, from the diet or supplements, are the greatest substitute. The supply of all amino acids can be ensured and in adequate quantities. Cellular metabolism is relieved of the requirement to yield amino acids exclusive of producing minor adjustment in the supply chain. Protein synthesis can go on permanent. Unless the diet meets the lasting demand for amino acids, other, relatively expendable body proteins are broken down to meet the obligation. In effect, a dietary inadequacy of proteins forces the body to feed on itself.

The need for proteins in each diet is irrefutable. The regular American diet provides 1.2 g/kg of protein against the recommended daily allowance of 0.8 g/kg. The question, next, is whether to combine protein supplements to an existing diet? Though proteins from food might seem satisfactory, there is no telling whether all essential amino acids are supplied, and there is little way of knowing how easily those proteins are digested and assimilated into the body. A meticulously researched protein liquid like Profect, when taken regularly, would remove such doubts.

Apart from supplying amino acids for protein synthesis, a high protein diet based on Profect has additional benefits. Studies on high-protein diets have demonstrated their capability to stimulate weight loss. A high-protein diet produces initial satiety and brings down the total energy intake. Protein synthesis, an energy consuming process, is promoted. The energy to assimilate such a diet, calculated as the 'Thermogenic effect of feeding', is high. More calories are burnt, more proteins are synthesized and the lean body mass increases although the body weight goes down. Brawn is exchanged for flab.

Proteins from Profect form bioactive peptides in the stomach that can improve gut defenses. The destructive stomach bacteria are killed and normal flora is permitted to colonize the intestinal lining. Profect also protects the system from free radicals, free electron molecules formed during extreme activity and strain. Unbound radicals are known to harm cell membranes. Their role in aging, cancer and blood clotting is being intensely investigated. Profect grows the levels of Glutathione, a free radical scavenger that cleans up unbound radicals defending the cell from their effects. The added water-soluble vitamins and mineral in Profect preclude the loss of calcium and other micronutrients seen on high-protein diets. - 30414

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Body Fat And The Food You Eat

By Kwasaq Gosli

Everyone wants to live a better life with good health and fitness. But, to reach this goal one should make such strategies that can help him/her being fit. Following are some simple instructions given for beginners, who want to get rid of excessive fats and look healthier keeping in mind the calories they consume.

Achieving your Set Targets: Eating ethics is the first lesson for everyone looking to lose fats. If you are careless about the diet you intake, then for achieving your target, you are no way near hitting Bull's eye. Even a slight negligence in your diet can become extremely burdensome in your efforts to reduce fats. Try to learn from your mistakes and for better results, always avoid them in future.

Take control of your eating habits: For the person who is intending to get rid of the fat fast, a vital and simple way is to keep an eye on whatever he/she consumes. You should be well aware of the nutritional value of whatever you consume all day.

Take meals with proper timings: Your eating time is very important for your metabolism to work better. When you eat regularly and normally you will have good power and this will ultimately help you lose extra weight. Deliberate food intake, stay away from overdoses and also we can keep an eye on what you eat.

Eat lush-green Vegetables & fruits: Make habit of ingesting fruits and lush green vegetables and try to avoid junk foods and meat. Since these things are low-fatty and provides you with fiber and fresh energy. On the contrary, fast foods are fatty and they drive down your metabolic process.

Fiber and losing fats: Fiber helps us in digestion process and settles in body for long time, since we will have a feeling of fullness and need no food for that time period. Intake of food rich with the fiber also helps us to sustain our level of sugar in blood.

Avoid using artificial sweets: Try not to have too much of chocolates, candies, sweet dishes, coffee, beverages or other drinks since they are full of artificial sweeteners and turn out extremely low energy. In the same way, they add too much fat in our body.

Also, care must be taken while using low-fatty foods because sugar is frequently used in such stuffs with an intention to transform their taste. Stability of your blood sugar will increase blazing of fats in your body.

Prevent the use of alcohol: In order to lose weight you have to prevent using food like, alcoholic drinks, heroine, ecstasy, speedballs and so on. Since such stuff wipe out your body's organs and prevent them to work appropriately. Digestive system is also exaggerated badly and you cannot digest your food as it should be. Therefore it increases your fat level and ultimately you will put on more weight. - 30414

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Seven Reason To Grow Your Own Vegetables

By Susanne Marra

During the last decade there has been a change towards mechanization and homogenization of farming, which uses pesticides, additives, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and mass-production techniques. All this is clearly affecting mankind's health, and new diseases are spreading rapidly amongst humans and animals (bird's flu being the most recent one).

The World Health Organization generates reports showing that the use of chemicals and other substances in food, combined with the manufacturing systems used, can actually be a threat for our well being.

If you can manage the room for a few pots or even a small outdoor garden, it is a great idea to grow your own organic vegetable garden. Today I'm explaining seven reasons for doing this:

1. You will not find any additives in your organic vegetables. Through research by organic food associations we are shown how these things added to our foods can cause mi grains, heart diseases, osteoporosis, and hyperactivity.

2. You will not have to worry about pesticides and synthetic fertilizers being used. Chemical products like these are applied to produce crops continuously regardless of plagues or poor weather conditions, this affects the integrity of the vegetables. Another concern is that pesticides are poisonous to us.

3. Genetically modified (GM), will not be a problem when you grow your own vegetables. Hormones, antibiotics, drugs are used on vegetables to grow bigger and more abundant crops. This practice create clone like vegetables that lack any real taste. By eating these vegetables we also consume the hormones which have been used on the vegetables, along with the risks to our health.

4. Eating your own organic vegetables will be much more healthy for you. They will not contain any of the products or chemicals named above, and they will be much more natural than any ones you would find at the supermarket. Your health will not be at risk because you will then know that nothing has been added to your vegetables.

5. Growing your own organic vegetables will provide you with much more tasty vegetables. Using pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, hormones and antibiotics cause vegetables to grow in an unnatural way and hurt the taste as well. Organic vegetables will enhance your cooking as they tend to have much better flavor.

6. By farming organically you will be being friendly to the environment. By not using pesticides and other terribly harmful chemicals on your produce, there will be no not harm the soil or the environment from the chemical components.

7. By growing your own organic produce you contribute to your own self-sustainability and that of the planet. Small groups have been formed whose members exchange the produce they grow. This helps to create a friendly environment and makes it a better place for everyone.

Eating organic products just means that you don't add anything to them that they would not naturally have. As you can guess, additives, fertilizers, pesticides or hormones are not ingredients of naturally grown food. To enjoy better health, try growing your own organic vegetables in some small pots on your patio. - 30414

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The Top 5 Bodybuilding Supplements On The Market

By Aeolus Jirou

The list of bodybuilding supplements can be very long. It is easy to find information of a variety of supplements on the Internet. It is also easy to purchase them, either online or at you local gym or health store. These supplements can be very expensive and you should no exactly what you are taking before you put something in your body. Here you will find a brief sample of the top 5 bodybuilding supplements available today.

There are shelves full of bodybuilding supplements on the market. Many are popular for awhile and then sort of fade away. But, supplements are absolutely essential for bodybuilders. Bodybuilding is a high intensity sport and requires constant feeding of the muscles. These supplements can help supply fuel to the muscles and help them grow in mass and strength.

Protein is comprised of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of muscle. You should take in 1-2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. If you weigh 150 pounds you need at least 150 grams of protein. Protein shakes and protein bars are a good way to get additional protein in your diet. Whey, soy and egg are all good types of protein. There are many good types of protein powders on the market today. There are no side effects to taking supplemental protein.

Most everyone has heard about creatine as it is a very popular supplement. Most bodybuilders use it on a regular basis. Creatine is a natural component of all skeletal muscle and helps to increase mass and strength. It helps you sustain those very high intensity workouts for ultimate muscle growth.

The nest important supplement is water. Yes, you read it correctly - water. Water comprises over 70% of your muscle tissue. The muscles need water and they need plenty for it. You should consume several glasses of water per day. Always have a water bottle when you are working out. Another way to get water is with protein drinks as they contain both water and high levels of additional protein.

Multivitamin/Mineral. Another substance that is not usually considered a body building supplement, but there is no doubt there are essential vitamins and minerals. With deficiencies of any essential nutrients, your muscles will not respond and grow as quickly and as big as their potential. A multi-vitamin and mineral allows you to take all the essential ones in one convenient product.

One the newest supplements is No Xplode by BSN. This is a nitric oxide supplement. Nitric oxide is a gas that is produced in the body and helps to promote blood flow. This product also contains creatine. It stimulates blood flow and oxygen flow to the muscles. It has received very good reviews from users online.

Everyone has their own top 5 bodybuilding supplements. The ones listed here should be considered for that honor. Bodybuilders need additional nutrients which would be impossible to obtain just from food. Making these five supplements and a few others part of your regimen can help you increase size and strength quickly. - 30414

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How Come Workout Videos Are So Much Easier Than Going to the Gym?

By Jim Thomas

Sure, gyms aren't that bad, but they're expensive, and you aren't always guaranteed to find a personal trainer (or a gym) that you enjoy. You might also not be able to afford the insane prices some personal trainers charge. That's why we put together 5 reasons why workout videos will help you get in shape better and faster.

#5: Anywhere, Anytime.

You don't have to travel all the way over to the gym and deal with their opening hours. Instead, you can do your workouts whenever you want. Hell, take your workout videos to the public park and do them there -- no one's stopping you!

#4: Don't Wait For A Trainer.

If you don't know exactly how to do a certain move, you have to go ask someone at your gym. Trainers are usually busy, and even if they aren't, there's still a good chance they won't know exactly what you're asking. With good workout videos, the instructions (and alternate moves) are built-in.

#3: Never Hurts To Double (or triple!) Check.

Ever had to re-ask a question about a certain exercise, over and over? Then, after the explanation was done, were you still not sure you had it right? Asking a trainer who you might not be paying $500/month to is only going to work so many times, whereas with workout videos, you can view them to infinity.

#2: There Are Thousands of Videos Out There.

If you pay an expensive personal trainer, they can tailor a program to you. But if you're just going to the gym, you might have to figure it out on your own. Whereas if you tailor a program of workout videos to yourself, you can get the best (almost) of both worlds.

#1: Easy on the Eyes.

Hey, I'm not saying there aren't some beautiful people at the gym. But most trainers who make workout videos -- be it men or women -- aren't too shabby to look at, either. While exercise is still the crucial thing, there's nothing like an attractive trainer to keep you motivated. - 30414

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Rock Hard Abs - What Is The Secret?

By Carter Singleton

Do you envy those people at the beach, with their washboard abs? Are you afraid to take off your shirt in public, due to the shape of your midsection? What if I informed you that it's potentially for anyone to realize incredible rock-hard abs? It's correct - With a little bit of work and dedication, you too can have the same beach bod that you envy. You will not be scared to show off your stomach!

So, what's the secret? It's not particularly just "one secret", but basically a combination of things which will assist you in achieving the look you once thought was not possible. For you're body to burn fat, you need two things : diet and exercise. When exercise and diet is combined and used together as a force, you'll be amazed at how it's possible for you to turn your body into a fat burning machine!

to get your body burning more fat, you need to take in fewer calories that you are burning. To do that effectively, an excellent great start is to cut your calories slowly, week by week. Also, you wish to eat five to six small meals a day to speed up this process. This increases your metabolism ( which helps you burn fat ). The higher your metabolic rate means the more calories you may burn. In truth, if you boost your metabolism, you'll be burning more calories while you are at rest!

After you get your diet in order, you need an exercise routine to go with it. A handy exercise for abs is kneeling crunches. You will need special equipment to perform this exercise.

This is where you kneel and contract your abs so that your upper body arches Forward / downward. You hold a rope attached to a crane with weights for additional resistance. Most gymnasiums will have a rope attachment to the triceps pull down to perform this exercise. The idea is to lock your arms against your upper body so you pull down only with your abs and not your arms.Don't overdo your exercises or overwork yourself.

The issue in obtaining great abs is not so much building the muscle. It's cutting enough fat from your body for them to show. You probably know by this point that spot-reduction of fat simply doesn't work here. In order to show those abs you need overall fat loss. - 30414

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How To Look After Feet If Bothered With Diabetes?

By Antoinette R. Wallace

People with diabetes are more prone to put through foot related sicknesses such cracked heels, wounds and foot soreness. However, one can forestall all these ailments from affecting their feet by following 1 or 2 effective foot protection measures.

Continually checking your feet for any hint of bruises, cracking, cuts, swelling or any other infection is a good way to start. If in case, you do see a difficulty, you can make contact with your GP instantly for a similar.

A different way you can combat feet ailments is by keeping them clean. You may not be in a position to get a pedicure continually, but you can definitely clean them at home. Submerge your feet in hot water for about ten mins to loosen the dead epidermal cells present. You can use a scrubber to get rid of them as well as any residue mud. End the foot cosseting session with moisturization.

If you are battling with diabetes, it is essential to be extremely cautious of your shoes. Diabetes sufferers are highly subject to the issue of swelling of feet.If you wear fitted shoes there's a fair chance that you can hurt your feet much more. It is advisable to go for shoes that are a tiny loose than ordinary. You also must take care that your toes get acceptable space to move. Make it a point to wear comfortable and breathable socks before wearing your shoes.

Cracking of feet is a common issue with diabetics. You need to address this problem at the earliest. If you notice any cracking, apply a foot care cream to heal it. You may also employ a petroleum jelly for the purpose. When applying such creams, make cracking, that you do not apply them in between the toes. The skin between the toes has an inclination to sweat more. This sweat coupled with the foot care cream can reproduce grounds for infection.

It is important that you don't subject your feet to extreme temperatures. Do not bath with intensely hot water or cold water. While hot water can burn your feet, extremely cold water numbs the blood capillaries so proscribing the blood flow. So , It is critical that you wash your feet with water of moderate temperature only. Also, if you are using heating cold water. While hot water bottles, make sure that you take note of the temperature.

Not looking after feet when going through diabetes can lead to several complications. Sometimes, amputation of the feet may also be required. Thus, it is in the best interest of every diabetic to take extra care of their feet. - 30414

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What Is The Best Diet Plan?

By Cristina Cook

Actually there is not "best diet plan" that will guarantee you successful weight loss, and reason to that is ridiculously simple - we are too different. We are built differently and our bodies work differently so different methods will work differently for each of us. Traditional weight loss methods still work for most of us though.

Important thing is to modify these methods to suit you.

Great place to look for such information is internet. Open search site and enter "weight loss" to get needed information. In many cases you will be advised to start with a diet pill or use certain dieting strategies for faster and more effective weight loss.

I don't say that these tips or products are wrong; actually most of them can be good for weight loss somehow. Also they can give you some idea of what alternatives are available to traditional weight loss strategies.

The best thing to do overall is to break down each area of weight loss into segments like diet, exercise and diet supplements and determine actions for each of them bringing larger benefit in total.

Telegraph has published and article titled 'Top 5 ways to lose weight for 2008' advising to focus on certain things. Let's see what they suggested.

Article covered bellow 5 main points:

- eat breakfast every day to start your metabolism;

- eat regularly - 6 smaller meals a day;

- set a realistic exercise plan to remain motivated and to continue exercising;

- create a support group to stay motivated;

- find and take diet supplement that works for you.

These were just 5 main points presented by Telegraph but they represent an example of a strong weight loss plan summarising all important areas you have to pay attention to.

Each of these areas seem insignificant but all together they improve your weight loss plan a lot helping you succeed in achieving your weight loss goal.

As for the diet supplements part, it may seem challenging because thousands of brands are available now. Use your common sense, look around and you will notice that only few products really stand out from the crowd. - 30414

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Weight Loss Success With The Cookie Diet - 1

By Lee Reid

Do you think that you have gained too much weight and that it is now time to lose a bit of it? Or is it that your spouse is getting slightly worried about your shape and asks you to exercise a little? Well, the best answer for all these matters related to fat would be "cookie diet".

Cookie diet will control your hunger while offering you a meal. This is a very effective way of getting than to go through surgeries. There are a huge number of cookie diets available all over the country. You could by them without a problem from any place that you might prefer.

Make sure that you obtain your family doctor's idea and his opinion in finding the best cookie diet which has the least adverse impact on your health with a low level of preservatives. The intention of the cookie diet is to control hunger through the use of natural food substances. Sticking to one particular diet will be very absorbing and quite an impossible task once you find tempting food which you have been enjoying eating throughout your life. This will be made further harder job once you attend a function or a party, where everyone else enjoys their tasty meals filled with many fat filled foods, but you are left over to have a dull dieting meal. This is why cookie diet might be extra effective. Controlling your diet would not be required. Your cookies will take care of the job. All you have to do is to take few cookies per day.

The cost factor will be the other factor that will be on your side when you use cookie diets. Cookies would be much less expensive when compared with a normal breakfast or a meal. In addition a large number of these cookie diets are tasty. This will make sure that you won't think of it as a dull meal or as a medicine. It is a tasty cookie that you are eating.

All of us would love to have a great figure and would do basically anything in order to achieve it. But going through all those intense workouts just to let go of your fat doesn't sound like an effective method. You would have to disrupt everything by trying to stick to the fat burning schedule. The use of a cookie diet will mean that you could have fun while your fat burning program is underway. After you get rid of your initial fat it will be far more easier for you to work on your shape again with an exercising schedule. - 30414

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Chiropractic Nutritional Products For Longer Life And Better Health

By Julio Riess

Chiropractic Nutritional Products Developer, Dr. Chris Cormier has taken his holistic chiropractic training and applied it to nutrition based on years of research and observation during the course of his practice. Once a firm believer in vitamin supplements, Dr. Cormier became convinced that whole foods were a far more effective way to get the proper nutritional balance the body needs.

Dr. Cormier makes his theory simple to understand with his "Wellness Triangle." Basically, the Wellness Triangle is made up of the following:

Genetics - Our genetic makeup, our DNA, is something we cannot change.

Physique - We have about fifty percent control over the well being of our bodies. We cannot control many external occurrences. If lightning strikes us, that's our fate. But we can control the way we sit, the amount of exercise we get and many other things that define our physique.

Diet - Ideally, we have a hundred percent control over what foods and beverages we take into our bodies. We in the developed world certainly have the choice between good, health providing meals and processed and preserved foods.

Because we have control over what we eat and because what we take into our bodies is so vitally important to our overall well being, Dr. Cormier has made nutrition the focus of his life's work. He points out the shocking figure that Americans are far down on the list when it comes to longevity. We rank 42nd in the world, even though we rank first in the amount we spend on health care.

Aside from our appalling diet, which includes far too much junk food and far too little fruits and vegetables, Dr. Cormier points to our high stress levels, lack of sleep and prescription drugs as other contributing factors.

Fortunately, Dr. Cormier has what he believes to be an answer to America's diet crisis. He suggests Chiropractic Nutritional Products that are complete foods in themselves, as nature designed them. - 30414

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Not All White Foods Are Bad - How to Get a Flat Stomach

By Veronica Carrillo

To say that nutrition is important for your body would be an understatement. In fact, nutrients are the core elements that allow a person to grow, avoid illnesses, and live longer. Therefore, a good diet is crucial because it provides the needed nutrients to your body. Many foodstuffs today are packaged and labeled.

The problem with this discovery was that most of the juices on the shelf either were from concentrate or had high levels of fructose syrup. I wanted juices that were truly healthy, so I figured why not make them myself from the organic vegetables in my own garden. That led me to comparing juicers and boy was I surprised!

The information displayed on label may seem complicated at times. All you want is to use the given information easily and effectively. How can you do so? Firstly, you should understand that product-specific information (i.e. serving size, nutrient information, and calories) is usually placed on the back-top section of the packaging. Standardized serving size allows you to compare prices of the chosen item with other products.

What are the ingredients? Some energy drinks contain a great deal of sugar, some do not. Usually, high sugar content comes from high fructose corn syrup. This gives you a boost of energy, but a big drain a few hours later. Some energy drinks contain sugar substitutes like Ace-K and Aspartame. Most energy drinks contain some amounts of B vitamins and especially B12- which, in liquid form, go to work quickly in your bloodstream which help with focus, concentration and energy. Next, you have caffeine. Oh no! They must have load of caffeine. Well, to be honest, most energy drinks have the same amount of caffeine that you would get in a cup of coffee, about 80-200mg. Caffeine is a stimulant that activates your adrenal glands to produce energy.

Omega 8005 Juicer It was at this point in the experiment that a friend of mine introduced me to the Omega 8005 juicer from Mercola. This little gadget worked amazingly well and had none of the issues of more costly juicers. The very first thing I noticed was how quiet this juicer was. Since the Omega only turns at 80 revolutions per minute my children did not run screaming from the room while mom makes juice! The slower speed also means that the blades and juice itself are not heating up and destroying valuable nutrients. I think that one thing that sold me on this juicer above other models, other than price of course, was the fact that I could do leafy vegetables in this unit without worrying about stopping the juicer up. I like wheat grass and from what I had found you generally had to purchase a separate juicer made specifically for wheat grass. Add to that the fact that it cleans up in less than ten minutes and you had better believe I was sold on the Omega 8005 juicer.

Which drink is the best? A good question. The answer depends on what kind of results you want to get, along with which brand you select. Tastes also vary. I have sampled many drinks, some good, some bad. From very good tasting to a taste like hair spray. (no kidding). Also, I like the smaller 8 ounce drinks rather than the larger 20+ ounce drinks, I feel less full and bloated. My advice is to sample a few, invest a few dollars and select one that fits your lifestyle and taste buds. - 30414

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Great Wholesome Holiday Meals For the Family

By Adriana Noton

Food is always a big part of holiday celebrations. During the holidays, it can often be difficult to make wholesome meals for the family. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can make meals for the family that will be both healthy and tasty. Although not for breakfast, below are a few wholesome healthy recipes and holiday meal ideas for the family.

1. Smoked Turkey Breast with Collard Greens: Ingredients include: 1.5 pounds collard greens, pound smoked turkey breast, cup chicken broth, minced onion, tsp. red pepper flakes, tsp. minced celery, and tsp. ground black pepper. Place the cut up pieces of collard greens and turkey in a pot. Cover them with water and cook on medium heat, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the onion, celery, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, onion, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, and cook on medium heat for approximately an hour.

2. Peppercorn Honey Mustard Pork Roast: Ingredients include: 1- pound pork loin roast, 1 orange, a 12-oz package of cranberries, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp. honey mustard, 2 tbsp. crushed peppercorns, 1/2 tsp. 1 tsp. minced thyme, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Chop up orange and cranberries. Place in saucepan and blend in honey. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Cool. Place the pork around the roast in a roast cooking pot. Mix the honey mixture and other ingredients in a bowl. Baste the roast and pork with the sauce. Cook at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove and baste the meat. Cook for another 20 minutes. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and then serve.

3. Honey Mustard Glazed Turkey: Ingredients include: 5 pound turkey breast , 1/4 cup apricot preserves, 1 tbsp. honey-style mustard. Place turkey breast in roast pan. Bake for 2 hours at 325 degrees. In a bowl, blend the mustard and apricot preserves. Baste the glaze over the turkey breast and cook for another 20 min. Remove and serve.

4. Rib Eye Roast with Gravy, Potatoes, and Mushrooms: 1 tbsp minced rosemary, 2 minced garlic gloves, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, one 4-pound rib eye roast, 4 pounds small potatoes (cut in small portions), 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 pound chopped white mushrooms, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 can beef broth, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. In a bowl, mix rosemary, garlic, and salt and pepper. Baste the roast. Cook for 40 minutes at 350F (175C). Add potatoes to the roast pan. Cook for another 20 minutes. Put mushrooms in the roast pan, swirl, and cook for another 40 minutes. Mix butter and flour together in a bowl. Remove roast and vegetables from oven. Remove food from the pan. Add beef broth to the pan juices, boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat and mix in flour mixture and tomato paste, and blend. Pour the gravy in a bowl. Slice beef and serve with gravy, potatoes and gravy.

The holidays do not have to be a time of eating unhealthy foods. Careful meal planning and healthy preparation will give your family plenty of wholesome meals to eat over the holidays. - 30414

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Pregnant Women And Acne Treatment

By Gail Jones

The treatment of acne is usually the correct thing to do, if you have it, but not at all times. There are times in a person's life when you should not treat acne, just because you'd like to and, unfortunately, pregnancy is one of those times. Everyone knows, that this is a delicate period in a woman's life and that therefore she must take extra care of herself. If a pregnant woman wants to treat her acne, she must ensure that she equips herself with the proper information.

This should also be borne in mind by those women who might get pregnant. The following are some cures for acne that are not good for use during pregnancy since they could be harmful to the fetus:

Hormonal therapy that may include estrogen, flutamide, and spirolactone. They are a big no, no. They are harmful and may lead to some complications for both the mother and the child. It is better see it as a threat.

Isotretinoin is another one that would put a pregnant woman's life in danger. It has negative effects as well especially for pregnant women and those that are breast-feeding. It may cause severe health hazards in both the mother and her fetus inside her womb. It is advised that a woman in the process of taking Isotretinoin should be monitored by an expert. Those who are trying to get pregnant must avoid the use of Isotretinoin, for it may just trigger negative complications not only for mother but most especially for her child.

Oral tetracyclines, which could be made up of doxycycline, tetracycline or minocycline, may not be an option on any account, because it is injurious. It has been shown that pregnant women or those who are breast-feeding must avoid the use of this drug at all costs, because it may produce side effects that are nothing short of a danger to the life of you and your child. However, the most frequent side effect is the permanent discoloration of your teeth or / and bone weakness.

Topical retinoids, such as tazarotene, adapalene and tretinoin, is the last group that must be refused. Just like the above-mentioned treatments, topical retinoids could be another hazard to you and your baby. Even if you are pregnant or not, it is not wise to use any of the drugs mentioned above.

Those women, who are pregnant and have acne, really must stay away from the heavy therapies mentioned here. Instead, why not settle for more traditional remedies, such as keeping your hair up off your face, washing your face three or four times a day, changing your pillow slips every day, eating more fruit and avoiding fatty, oily and spicy food. - 30414

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Hemorrhoids Pain Relief - Tips To Soothe Painful Piles

By Rand Fortescue

Although it may be an embarrassing topic, millions of Americans suffer from hemorrhoids. Contrary to popular belief, almost anyone can get hemorrhoids. There are many different ways that you can get hemorrhoids. Literally anyone can get hemorrhoids. Sometimes they are temporary while other cases are permanent. If you are one of the unfortunate individuals suffering from hemorrhoids, you are surely seeking hemorrhoids pain relief.

Due to the amount of pressure placed directly on a woman's pelvis and rectum during the course of being pregnant, many mothers to be get hemorrhoids. The baby inside of a woman's body shifting and kicking down into the pelvic region can be excruciatingly painful, especially if you develop hemorrhoids. Luckily most mothers lose the weight and hemorrhoids after they deliver their babies. But as with everything else, not everyone loses the weight or the hemorrhoids.

When you don't eat right and have become fat because of it, you are putting yourself at risk for developing hemorrhoids. The excess weight makes many pre-existing health conditions worse for overweight people and can lead to constipated bowels. The veins and tissues within the anus fill with blood during bowel movements. When you develop hemorrhoids, these veins often do not fully empty of the excess blood. When this happens frequently, you will develop hemorrhoids. Both constipation and diarrhea cause hemorrhoids and severe discomfort to the hemorrhoids.

There are two kinds of hemorrhoids, internal and external. These can both be caused by chronic constipation. Those who suffer from hemorrhoids may eventually alternate between crippling constipation and extremely painful diarrhea. Pain, itching and burning are the most common signs of hemorrhoids.

Internal hemorrhoids begin as swollen veins inside of the rectum. When you have a bowel movement, the tissues in your rectum become full of blood; this assists you in passing the bowel movement. When the tissues and veins continue to fill with blood and cause swelling, they may eventually become stretched and protrude from the rectum. This can be very painful and may send you looking for hemorrhoids pain relief at the drug store.

There are many kinds of hemorrhoids pain relief available. The most commonly known are the ointments that we've all heard of a million times. These ointments are useful when you have internal hemorrhoids that protrude from your rectum. They can cool the burning sensation and help reduce the swelling of the hemorrhoid. If you have frequent constipation, you may want to take a stool softener to help you pass waste easier. The softer your bowel movement is, the less likely you are to injure yourself further.

Diet and exercise play roles in your digestive health, too. Make sure to eat plenty of nutritious foods with high fiber content. Drink lots of water and other fluids that don't contain sugars throughout the day. If you can't get a break from the pain of hemorrhoids, you may need to see your physician. Your MD can get you hemorrhoids pain relief via a prescription. The biggest problem with taking prescription pain medication for hemorrhoids pain relief is that many medications can also cause constipation. Be sure not to make your problems worse by using the wrong pain medications. - 30414

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Make Sure You Get Enough Potassium In Your Diet

By Beth Hoover

Keeping a list of foods high in potassium near handy is a smart move. Potassium is an essential mineral that makes up about 5% of your total body mineral content. So eating enough foods high in potassium is vital to your healthfulness.

Potassium is located mainly in the cells of your body. Along with sodium, potassium's main functions are to help maintain the body's water balance and regulate the flow of fluids on each side of the cells.

Potassium also has many other functions. It's essential for ordinary growth and for the kick of nerve impulses. It helps keep the skin healthy and excites the kidneys to release toxic body wastes.

Working together with sodium, potassium helps to normalize the heartbeat and supply nourishment for the muscles. Potassium working with phosphorus sends oxygen to the brain and working with calcium manages neuromuscular activity.

There is no suggested Daily Allowance for potassium since there are plenty of foods high in potassium. But still most authorities believe that humans should get between 2k and 2500 milligrams daily in their diet.

Potassium inadequacies , however , are not uncommon. Anything that would cause excess urination would increase the loss of potassium. High salt and sugar consumption, coffee and alcohol over indulgence, puking, gut rot, as well as mental and physical stress can all lead to a potassium deficiency.

Water pills and hormonal medicines like aldosterone and cortisone can cause loss of potassium. Diabetics have also been show to be frequently deficient in potassium.

psychological conditions, neuromuscular dysfunction and poor reflexes, sleeplessness, unsteady pulse, general weakness and loss of physical energy, drooping muscles and constipation are all indications of potassium deficiency. Acne in teens and dry sin in seniors might also be an indication of a deficiency of potassium.

A good list of foods high in potassium would definitely include veg, especially green leafy plants. Spinach, kale, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens and Swiss chard are all glorious sources of potassium. Other glorious sources of potassium include broccoli, crush, green beans, bell peppers, celery and romaine lettuce. Other very good sources of potassium are whole grains, sunflower seeds and potatoes with the peelings.

Certain fruits are also excellent potassium sources. These include bananas, apricots, dates, figs, melons, oranges, pears and prunes.

Getting enough potassium in your diet is yet another reason why most responsible nutritive authorities strongly advise eating five to 9 daily servings of fruits and vegetables. These foods high in potassium and so many other important necessary nutrient elements are so required for good health. You can't get too much of these critical nutriments , however , living on a diet comprised of chips and iceberg lettuce. You want to eat your veggies. - 30414

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The Effective Acai Berry Diet Plan You Need

By Nick Elms

If you're one of those enthralled and mesmerized by the overflowing info about the wonder fruit acai berry, it is expected that you're going to search for facts about its health benefits. This berry is not just recognized as a remarkable diet supplement, it is also believed to be an appetite-suppressant meaning you do not need to totally starve yourself of nibbles and sweets when you go to college or work because you can accomplish quantitative weight loss easily with the acai berry diet plan.

The berry of acai is considered to be a power-house of proteins, antioxidants, as well as omega-3 greasy acid, which is also used as a weight loss supplement in the form of fish oil extracts. The basic idea about losing weight with the aid of acai is that it can guarantee junking all of the poisons and wastes in your body and suppress heart Problems from reaching you with the help of the omega-3, so you'll feel more fit the natural way.

Because respected personalities and people such as doctors, movie stars, and TV program hosts recommend this fruit, you should not be astonished when you see numerous acai berry products in the market at the moment. While a few of them are authentic and genuine products from the acai fruits, there are also counterfeit products which will do you no good. Therefore, it is important to confirm the reputation of any vendor that you need to buy these supplements from.

Keep in mind that there are products that only include small extracts of acai mixed with some additions and marketed at the same price as a real acai berry supplement. Note the acai berry diet plan will only be skillful if the concentration of the acai supplement is correct.

An effective diet plan that features the acai berry will make sure that your body functions at its best at all points. Remember this berry should not be employed as a complete substitute for necessary nutrients. You must only understand it as the most favourable supplement to be consumed along with a healthy eating pattern. As an appetite-suppressant, it becomes rid of false hunger signs causing you to feel full even though it also keeps you away from fatty and sugary nibbles.

Once you include the acai berry in your daily diet, you need to also perform regular exercises. You do not have to go to the gym and carry out rigorous exercise programme each day, instead you just have to be more active or do simple exercises, like jogging in the morning for about fifteen mins.

The elemental idea of the diet program incorporating the acai berry is to consume this fruit with your standard plan for weight loss, which the doctor has endorsed you. This is certainly an easy strategy to annul the extra weight in a systematic approach.

should you want to clean out your bowel the right way, you should note that colon cleaning supplements are really forceful, thus they remove both the good and bad bacteria in your digestive tract. But, with the help of the acai berry diet plan, you don't only take out your plump belly but you also clean your bowels properly, leading to a healthier and fitter body. - 30414

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Boost Your Metabolism, Energy Levels And Sleep Better With Acai Berry Supplements

By Amy Bram

As acai berry has becoming more popular among the health conscious consumers, it has grabbed the limelight from various media. Among them are magazines and television shows. You may have heard about its various properties but without first hand experience, you would not know about its potent properties.

Acai berry can boost your health no matter where you are right now. You can use them to your full confidence as many ordinary people have reported great success with them. Many marketers are promoting acai berry as the ultimate weight loss products but there are other benefits that you must be aware of. Some of them include enhancements in metabolism, higher energy levels as well as making you sleep better. That is a sneak peek of some of the major benefits of acai berry supplements.

Before taking any acai berry, you must be sure that there will not be any negative side effects. So far, there is no reported case from taking in acai berry. The only person who should refrain from taking acai berry juice is those having an allergy to them. Therefore, be assured that you can take acai berry without the risks of the side effects.

In order to fully benefit from their properties, you may want to conduct in depth research. When you have jam packed acai berry in a package, their properties are more portent. In order to fully realize its potential, you need to buy from merchants that offer undiluted acai berry and not mixed with other ingredients.

The best acai berry supplements contain very little, if anything, else in them because it diminishes the amount of acai that each supplement contains. Generally, if you can have the higher the percentage of acai in each supplement, the better it is. Those high in acai are worth every penny that you pay for them.

Beware of some unscrupulous sellers who try to unload their wares to you. If they are making ridiculous claims, the chances are they are offering you some diluted products. When you are consuming pure acai berry products, you will find that your health will improve. - 30414

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How To Lose Flabby Upper Arms Without Touching A Dumbbell

By Katherine Crawford M.S.

It is possible to lose flabby upper arms without having to step on a treadmill for hours on end. Is this statement really true? Absolutely.

The secret lies in spontaneous fat loss. This method of losing the flab is the easiest one out there, I promise.

Instead, it focuses on manipulating the tools you eat with (spoons, bowls, glasses), the environment you eat in and the types of foods you eat. And the arm fat melts away without any conscious effort on your part.

How do you spontaneously lose fat? Well, here are 4 things you can start doing today so that the flabby upper arms are gone by tomorrow:

1. Buy foods with labels from not-so-cool places. Studies have shown restaurant goers will unconsciously eat up to 500 fewer calories at dinner if they are presented with wine that comes from an undesirable wine-producing area. You have to be creative here, but it's worth it.

2. Stick with slow digesting carbohydrates. Studies have shown that obese teenage boys will eat 621 fewer calories per meal if they've had slow digesting carbs earlier in the day. The slowest digesting carbohydrates on the planet are legumes and vegetables.

3. Consume salad before dinner. Have 1.5-3 cups of salad before dinner. Studies have shown that restaurant goers eat 100 fewer calories per meal when given salad beforehand. Be careful with the dressing, though.

4. Have unsaturated fat, not saturated fat. Unsaturated fat is horrible for your body and it makes you eat more too. People who have olive oil instead of butter eat 200 fewer calories per meal at a restaurant.

Ok, you are one step closer to getting rid of those flabby upper arms. And if you take action on the advice I have given you, you'll be many steps closer to getting rid of the arm flab.

Having said that, you will get much faster results if you add in some exercise. Please do not get the wrong message, exercise is still a great tool for toning your arms! - 30414

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Food - Preparing And Storing It - A few Handy Tips

By Owen Jones

In these times of superior awareness of the shortages in the world and the recent economic problems in the whole world, but particularly in the wealthy Western countries, which are the powerhouses of most Third World countries' progress, people are more aware of waste. It is a sin again to throw away food, like it was 50 years ago.

This can only be a good thing although it is a disgrace that it took an international financial crisis to make us recall the lesson. These days, waste of any kind is greeted with public censure and so it is at home too. Most people spend a very high proportion of their outgoings on food and so anyone who wants to cut back, has to first look to this quarter to make a saving.

However, saving does not necessarily mean 'not buying', it can and should mean 'not throwing away'. In other words, prepare your food and do not let your food go off. Preparation and storage are the major words. With that thought in mind, here are a few of my tips for preparing and storing food correctly.

Bread - tons of bread is wasted every day, because it has gone stale or mouldy and yet it is completely unnecessary. Store your bread in the deep freezer and not in the bread bin. A whole loaf will slice frozen with the proper knife and sliced bread will come away slice by slice. There is no need to defrost as it only takes a minute or two at room temperature.

Bananas - most people understand that banana skins go black if stored in the fridge, but most people do not know that bananas can be frozen solid. Yes, the skins will still go black, but the fruit will be unharmed.

Cake - to stop cake from going stale, store it in a tin with an apple. The moisture in the apple will stop the cake from going hard.

Watercress - to prevent watercress from wilting, store it upside down in water, that is stalks up.

Salt - salt often gets damp, particularly if stored in a steamy kitchen without sufficient ventilation, but you do not have to worry about that if you put two or three grains of rice in the salt cellar. They will soak up the moisture before the salt.

Cereal - stop cereal from going soft by resealing the bag with a few clothes pegs. Your cereal will last weeks more.

Jam - boiling jam produces a scum which has to be skimmed off and thrown away. This wastes jam, goodness and flavour. However, if you whisk a knob of butter into the mixture at the last moment the scum will not appear, saving time and goodness.

Funnel - you always seem to require a funnel when you do not have one. Then you promise to get a funnel for the next time. Do not bother. Just cut the top nine inches off a plastic bottle of cola. It makes an ideal throw-away funnel. Some of the larger bottles even have a handle on them which is even better. - 30414

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Did You Know You Can In Fact Lose Weight With The Acai Berry Diet

By Linda Williams

You have seen it, I'm sure you have because it is all over the Internet and everyone who is looking for ways to lose weight has no doubt heard about the acai berry diet and the magical way it can help you lose weight. Merely consume this tiny little berry that tastes like a blueberry dipped in dark chocolate and the weight will fall off your body like magic. When you read some of the claims you would think that is how it happens but that is not precisely it.

Everybody would like to know what the truth really is? Well an acai berry from the Brazilian rainforest will not help you lose weight any more than a blueberry from the state of Maine. It is not a magical bullet. It is not a mystical potion that instantly makes the pounds melt off.

Then again, the acai berry can be a benefit to weight loss and an aid to our bodies for the deterrence of diseases, the reduction of inflammation in our bodies and the slowdown of the aging process. It is not because this little berry is a magical fruit but rather because this berry is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods ever found in nature.

The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or the ORAC score is the way the antioxidant capacity is measured in foods. The acai berry has one of the highest ORAC scores ever found in a food. It actually has more than 10 times the amount of antioxidants as red grapes and even twice as much as blueberries, which are an alternative powerful fruit.

Acai berries are in addition very high in amino acids and healthy fats. Roughly 50% of the edible pulp of the berry is composed of fat and that fat is composed of the extremely healthy essential fatty acids Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. The fat found in these berries is also rich in monounsaturated oleic acid, which is similar to olive oil, another remarkably healthy oil.

The acai berry is also unusual in the fact that it contains 19 amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein. They also play host to vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E along with the minerals potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium and zinc.

It has only been recently that the acai berry has been accessible outside of Brazil. This is because the acai berry is extremely perishable and it must be processed or consumed within twenty four hours of removal from the tree in order to maintain the nutritional integrity of the fruit. There are different processing methods but the most effective way to process the acai berry is with a freeze-drying method.

No matter what anybody says the acai berry is not a mystical concoction that will help you lose weight but this small berry is an enormously and highly nutritious food that can help you to acquire optimal health and energy. When you give your body optimal nutrition it responds positively to diet and exercise and the weight will come off. - 30414

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What Is A Healthy Diet? The Simple Truth Finally Revealed

By Jose Andres

Are you ready to make healthier food decisions and get in shape but are confused about what a healthy diet really consists of? Don't worry if you are because millions of other people are in the same position. With so many diet books and programs storming your brain with conflicting information, it is no wonder that so many people are confused on how to eat healthy.

The truth is luckily much simpler than most fad diet plans. While certain types of organic foods may be better for your health, you don't have to blow hundreds of dollars on the groceries every week just to be healthy. Similarly, you don't have to spend $20 on a book every month or pay for frozen meals to be delivered to your home. You can be healthy on your own!

Eating for health doesn't even mean you give up everything that tastes good or has calories and fat. You don't have to deprive yourself! Healthy eating simply requires you to eat the foods that will give your body the most nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that it needs to function.

It's time to unleash the truth and toss out the fad diets. What does a well balanced diet actually mean today?

Let's begin with one category of food that has all but been demonized in today's diet industry: the carbohydrate. Severely limiting this powerful energy resource can have negative consequences, but so can filling up on sugary treats and white refined carbs. The trick is to pick nutritious carb sources.

It turns out that the best carbs that will actually serve a real purpose in your body are very low calorie and low fat if not fat free. We are talking about vegetables, fruits, and tons of whole grains. Go for whole grain and whole wheat (100%, every time) pasta, bread, rice, and cereal over the refined sugary options.

Then mix in lean protein (such as chicken, white meat turkey) and healthy fats (extra virgin olive oil, etc.) and you are on your way to a healthier body, clearer mind, and more youthful, vibrant life. Yes, a healthy diet can be that simple! - 30414

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5 Strategies to Lose Weight For a Wedding - Don't Be a Huge Bride!

By Xaylih Jaryn

That day is soon approaching. You have the reception hall booked. The DJ that spins those hot tunes is already reserved. A celebrity photographer has been hired. You are flipping through a ton of wedding magazines trying to find that perfect dress. Then, you realize that most of the dresses you want are made for the "skinny" bride. You want to look stunning on your wedding day. You want all eyes on you. However, you realize you must lose weight for your wedding if all these hopes and dreams are to be realized. Here are 5 tips to help you reach your ideal weight for your wedding day.

1. Don't forget to be well-rested, eat healthy, and workout - these three will really help you look and feel great on that special day

2. Avoid any fad diets and gimmicks - there are a number of products out there that will either harm you and/or not give you the desired effect. Research each diet or product before even attempting to try it.

3. Since it takes time to change eating habits, keep an exercise program, and adapt to a sleep cycle, you must start months before the big day

4. Plenty of water - helps you avoid soda calories, cleanses you body of impurities and keeps your energy level high; helps your skin look it's best too. Stay hydrated before and during your wedding.

5. Manage your stress - plan for everything well in advance, reduce stress and and it can help you avoid binge eating before your wedding

There you have it. Use these tips as your guide to lose weight for your wedding and look your ultimate best. - 30414

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My 14th Day on the HCG Diet: Homeopathic Weight Loss

By Amelia Handley

So today is day 15 of the HCG diet. I'm on a 25 day program so I've completed a substantial portion of the program. The diet consumer reviews that I've read insisted that the halfway point was key. They insisted that once you got there you had your habits set and you could go off routine. They said you'd naturally reach for veggies and fruits and that I'd automatically prepare my foods using healthy methods.

So that just goes to show that all the diet consumer reviews you read out there aren't going to be 100% accurate because I disagree. It's not exactly what I'd call easier. I think I feel comfortable saying that I'm more capable of sticking to the rules at this point because I've learned a few tricks and recipes, but there's still that definite temptation to NOT do it.

So I guess that's improvement. Rather than being at a state of "easiness" as indicated by the diet consumer reviews I'm at a state of "awareness." And that's a good step, I'd say. This morning I got on the scale and I was at 156; that's a 3 pound drop. I found it very exciting!

My HCG and B-Total was taken as recommended throughout the day. Although I broke my normal routine and didn't take my B-Total until late afternoon. Usually I take it first thing in the morning. It's one of the additional products that I found mentioned in the diet consumer reviews. And this time I totally agree with the reviews. It's a great addition to the HCG.

My green onion burger at lunch was perfect with half a grapefruit. The Melba Toasts I laid out for lunch ended up hanging around there for an hour or two until I ate them mid-afternoon. I was so glad that I ran across another grocery store in the area that carries the Spicy 3 Pepper variety of Melba Toasts. They blow all the other flavors out of the water!

For dinner I had the taco salad from the cookbook. It was good; not my favorite, but alright. That's probably just because Taco Salad is a classic dish that I grew up with and it's amazingly yummy the way I remember having it throughout my childhood and the HCG version just veered too far away from what I already knew. But it's worth a try for anyone looking for quick, easy, healthy meals that the whole family can eat. - 30414

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How To Get Started With A Vegetarian Diet

By Alexis Martin

Recently, a former superstar made the news by suggesting that people could help the environment if they adopted a low fat vegetarian diet for as little as one day a week. Some media treated his suggestion with due respect. Other media outlets derided him, suggesting that the former rock star was living in his hippy past.

What the media almost universally overlooked was the truth behind his words. If everyone understood the facts about vegetarianism, they would understand why so many people have given up meat eating and felt better for it. Let's take a cold, hard look at meat eating from a vegetarian's point of view.

Looking at the subject from an environmental standpoint, there are a number of reasons to turn away from eating meat on the scale most consume it, especially beef. Raising beef cattle requires enormous amounts of arable land that could produce far more nutritional food than the cattle can. This is a fact established by hard data that no one can truthfully deny.

People living near beef processing plants and process plant workers report a high incidence of health problems directly related to the processing of beef. There is sound medical evidence to prove this, but one way to find out for yourself would be to visit one of these places. But be prepared - you may get sick from the smell before you even enter the premises.

If you do manage to get inside and see what beef processing involves, you literally may end up having nightmares. There is nothing remotely humane about the mass slaughter of these animals. OK, technically this is not an environmental concern, but it is certainly an ethical one. Those pretty packages of beef you see on the supermarket shelf won't look the same to you after you have seen how they were made to get that way. You won't be laughing about a vegetarian diet any more, that's for sure!

The meat industry will tell you that beef makes you strong and healthy. They will talk about a protein-packed meat diet as if a high intake of meat is essential for health. What they won't tell you is that you are consuming far more meat than you could possibly need for good health. They will also not tell you that your predominantly meat diet contributes to cancer, heart disease and other life-threatening illnesses.

Ask anyone who has given a vegetarian weight loss diet a chance and most of them will tell you that they are happier for it. Many never eat meat again. Almost no one who has been a vegetarian ever goes back to eating large amounts of meat. No matter what the meat industry tries to tell us to the contrary, a vegetarian diet is a healthy diet.

The two largest religions in the world, Buddhism and Hinduism, both advocate a total abstinence from meat eating. Interestingly enough, all the other major religions, including Catholicism, Judaism, and the Muslim faith advocate abstinence from meat during certain religious holidays. Why is it that only the cattle industry advocates a strict meat eating diet? - 30414

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Is Easy Bruising One Of The Consequences Of A Vitamin K Deficiency?

By Carolyn Cooper

Are you a person who gets unexplained bruises frequently? Do you get dramatic bruises from even the slightest bump? If you are one of these people, you need to consider that you could be suffering from a vitamin K deficiency.

If you are bruising regularly, this is a problem that needs to be faced head on, and you will find that one possible solution for you to consider is a vitamin K deficiency. This is a condition that can occur at any age, but the people most likely to suffer from it are going to be young children and pregnant women; could this be something that is affecting you?

How do you determine if you have a vitamin K deficiency? To understand this condition, you first need to learn how your body uses vitamin K. Vitamin K exists at its most basic level to help your blood coagulate, and it is also necessary to help provide you with proper bone density. Without sufficient vitamin K your blood will experience difficulty in clotting, and safe development of the fetus in pregnant women will likely be impaired. Obviously a vitamin K deficiency can lead to some very negative consequences.

A vitamin K deficiency can be seen in side effects of heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, nose bleeds, hematomas, and a general thinness of the blood. If you are deficient in vitamin K, you will find that you can suffer easy bruising, even to the point of not realizing where you got a bruise in the first place. A vitamin K deficiency can lead to all types of problems that are directly related to your blood's inability to properly clot. Are you suffering from any of these symptoms? If you are, consider whether vitamin K deficiency is the source you problems.

How can you tell if you are suffering from a vitamin K deficiency? Happily enough, these is not typically a concern for full grown adults, because this vitamin is available from a number of different foods, but remember that anticonvulsants can interfere with the way that they work in your system. People who have issues with a malabsorption of fat can also be prone to vitamin K deficiencies. When you want to boost the amount of vitamin K in your system, consider eating more soya beans, wheat bran, cereals, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.

Since we all want to stay as healthy as we are able, you may be wondering if you are suffering from a vitamin K deficiency, and there are several things that you should consider. Be alert for signs that your body may be giving you, and don't disregard any of those signs. If you do find that you have a vitamin K deficiency, you will need to seriously study what supplements and foods will be beneficial for you, particularly if the easy bruising that can be one of the obvious vitamin K deficiency symptoms is directly affecting you.

One sure way to help avoid being deficient in vitamin K is to consider following a daily supplement program like Bruises Be Banned, which contains proper amounts of vitamin K and a variety of other necessary ingredients to help you overcome easy bruising or prevent bruising altogether. - 30414

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