Discover the secrets of anti-aging and beauty secrets of artists and celebrities in the world.
Every woman, even the modern man wants to keep looking younger and want to have a bright face, healthy, and well-groomed skin. You do not need to worry. It has now been discovered her secret. Continue reading this article until the end and discover its secrets to the final sentence of this article.
Whether we idolize them or criticize their behavior, there’s no denying that celebrities now are the epitome of beauty. But how come they are often mistaken for their age- at their flattery at that. Well, let’s find out some secrets why celebrities look younger than they are. Eating lots of citrus and vegetables Greens and citrus like lemons, grapefruit, and oranges are high in Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant. This wonder worker serves as a primary ingredient of collagen, a glue-like protein that binds cells together to form tissues, and makes up about 25% of the whole-body protein content.
The secret of anti-aging. Image: 7-themes.com
Collagen production is vital to skin suppleness, firmness and averts the onset of premature wrinkling. Collagen is, in fact, a much-endorsed ingredient in facial moisturizers and hand lotions Therefore, the more citrus and veggies celebs eat, the softer their skin becomes. Avoiding excessive alcohol Celebrities going in and out of rehabs due to alcoholism look worn-out and spoiled. That is why a lot more celebrities keep their alcoholic intake to a minimum. Despite the sparkling delight it brings, alcohol causes skin damage and loss of moisture due to its dehydrating effects. In turn, this will cause sagging and wrinkling of skin. A High School Musical star says its even better to soak one’s self o he beach without sun protection that drinking too much of alcohol. Alcohol causes dilatation of the blood vessels in the skin and every time you drink, the blood vessels will dilate and stay permanently dilated until they lose their tone. Abusing alcohol will also deplete the body of Vitamin A, an important antioxidant. Avoiding Coffee Despite its antioxidant content, too much coffee causes skin dehydration, and even causes the body to eliminate needed liquids and minerals. It causes skin to look like crepe paper and have very little elasticity if you pinch it up into a peak. A country music diva even shared that drinking too much coffee stains her teeth and causes little winkles around her eyes to look horrible. Celebrities who drink coffee suggest drinking a cool glass of water after a cup of coffee. Drinking LOTS of Water No one can dispute the role good hydration plays to a healthier skin. If hydration does not come from sodas or alcohols and only from clean water, then it has potentially helpful effects on your skin. Furthermore, water helps cells move nutrients in and toxins out, which leaves skin looking better. Paris Hilton disclosed that she drinks more than ten glasses of water a day cause if not she notices her skin to look dull, vapid, and gray. Limited exposure to sunlight More exposure to sunlight puts the skin at higher risk for aging caused by free radicals. But if you cannot avoid it, use a quality high sun protection factor lotion. A former Mickey Mouse club member uses SPF50 on her neck and face and SPF35 on her body to develop nice brownish tan where she likes.
Beautiful skin. Image: truongton.net
Moisturizers Lastly, for celebrities, using a night time moisturizer is the simplest yet one of the most necessary parts of their beauty routine. They choose a night cream with proven age-fighters like retinol. If applied at night, this will reduce the effect of aging and the environment on your skin. Great news. Do you want to have the secret of eternal youth and beauty as has been enjoyed by artists and celebrities around the world? However, if you do not have time to prepare and carry out tips as mentioned above, then you can do this alternative. Now have available a variety of anti-aging solutions and secrets to having a beautiful face and skin healthy at the same time. Get information about the secret of youth and natural beauty for yourself. Please click. Discover the secret now.
Cancer is a deadly disease, but with a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent it. Get unique tips from the article below, so you can get enlightenment. Cancer usually occurs from genetic, environmental, food, and lifestyle factors. The bodies of most people will fight off cancer cells before they have a chance to multiply and grow; however, sometimes the body is unable to eliminate toxic cells. The best way to fight off cancer cells before they have a chance to attack the body is to make sure your immune system is healthy. Effective ways to prevent and fight off cancer cell are as follows: Step 1 Avoid sugar and sugar substitutes to prevent cancer. Cancer feeds off sugar and the harmful chemicals in sugar substitutes. Step 2 Substitute unsweetened soy milk for regular milk. Most milk has added hormones that are toxic to the body. Step 3 Drink green tea to boost your immune system. Green tea contains anti-oxidants that help prevent cancer. Step 4 Eat less meat and more fish. Most meat in the United States contain harmful hormones, antibiotics, and parasites, which are harmful to everyone, especially people who already have cancer. Step 5 Eat more fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and whole grains to prevent cancer. Step 6 Take supplements that boost the immune system. Take anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help your immune system. Vitamin E helps the body eliminate bad cells. Step 7 Exercise every day. Even a daily twenty minute walk will help improve your immune system and prevent cancer. By CM Herold (ehow.com)
Titanium in chewing gum, antifreeze in salad dressing and jet fuel in cereal: are they really THAT bad for you? Food researcher Dr Stuart Farrimond says certain additives can be good Avoiding ready-made and processed foods is the best way to eat healthily Steer clear of chewing too much gum as it may not be entirely harmless
There are lots of scary stories about the unusual ingredients added to foods to preserve them. From sand in sugar to flavour enhancers in chicken breasts and even jet fuel in cereal, there seems to be a whole host of unsavoury additives lurking in our food. However these ingredients are not always obvious from the additives, preservatives and extracts listed on the back of the packaging - couched in scientific terms too difficult to understand.
But according to science communicator and food researcher Dr Stuart Farrimond, some of these additions are not all that bad. He told: 'The truth is rarely as scary as the headline. 'At the end of the day, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and cooking with simple ingredients, while avoiding too many pre-made meals and processed foods is the best way to eat healthily. 'I think it's important to not cut out all treats - where would we be without chocolate and ice cream? Moderation is key.' Here Dr Farrimond explains what each one of those ingredients mean.
Titanium dioxide in chewing gum
Listed as: E171
Dr Farrimond explained:
'Titanium dioxide is a rather unexciting white powder that is used as a pigment to in foods, paints and sun creams to make them look whiter. 'You find it in tablets and capsules, cottage and Mozzarella cheeses, horseradish sauce, lemon curd and toothpaste. ">It is highly purified and used in small amounts in foods; it doesn't contain lead, as some website claim. On an ingredients list you will find it hiding as E171 and, although the European Union considers it safe, there has been some research that it may not be entirely harmless. 'It's been in foods for a long time and in the low concentrations found in foods it's almost certainly fine. 'The European powers-that-be are nevertheless going over all the latest evidence and reviewing whether it should still be allowed in food products at its present levels. 'If you're concerned, I suggest skipping anything that has E171 on the ingredients list - and go easy on the chewing gum, remembering to spit and not swallow.
Carcinogens BHA and BHT in frying oil. Can also contain TBHQ, used to make varnishes and resins
Listed as: BHA is E320, BHT is E321 and TBHQ is E319.
Dr Farrimond said: 'BHA probably is a carcinogen but only if you consume it at very high doses. In the levels it is found in food it is not something to worry about and some experts think it could even be good for us in small doses. 'BHA and its sister substance BHT are antioxidants- similar to some vitamins - and are added to some fatty foods to stop them going off so quickly. Antifreeze in salad dressing Listed as: Propylene glycol or E1520
Dr Farrimond said:
'Propylene glycol is not antifreeze. The similar sounding ethylene glycol is usually one of the main ingredients in antifreeze - and that is highly poisonous. That said, propylene glycol is an ingredient in some 'non-toxic' antifreezes because it is much safer than ethylene glycol. 'Propylene glycol is a clear liquid that tastes slightly sweet and it goes under the codename E1520 in Europe. 'It has been added to foods and medicines for about fifty years as it helps to keep them moist and long lasting.
Jet fuel in cereals with added vitamins
Listed as: E321
Dr Farrimond said: 'This is a very useful antioxidant that is added to everything from cosmetics and fuel to some fatty foods. 'You'll see it listed as E321 on some foods. It is an anti-oxidant - like many vitamins and supplements 0 some experts think that in the low doses found in food it could be good for us and actually help fight cancer. Lots of helpful substances come from some strange places. Insulin for diabetics, for example, is grown in bacteria. 'Quorn meat substitute is a product of fungi and - yes - some vitamins and additives are produced from a petroleum base. It might sound scary, but it's exactly the same vitamin E molecule that is produced in plants – you are not consuming petrol.'
Sand in sugar
Listed as: Silicon Dioxide, silica or E551
Dr Farrimond said: Sand is mostly silicon dioxide but, then again, silicon dioxide is pretty much everywhere - in the earth, in water, in plants and in us. 'It is completely harmless and the silicon dioxide in food is refined and powdered. It's not the sort of thing you would normally add to your cooking, so the idea may put you off eating anything with it in even though no one ever died when sand got in their sarnie on the beach.
Wood pulp in various processed foods
Listed as: Cellulose
Dr Farrimond said: Cellulose is the 'fibre' that you find in fruit and vegetables - helping to give it bulk. Cellulose isn't digested, it passes straight through us and helps to 'keep us regular'. Most of us don't get enough fibre in our diet because we don't eat enough greenery. Of all the food additives, this is one of the least worrying.
Chemical fillers in chicken breast
Listed as: Flavour enhancers and added protein
Dr Farrimond said: 'The amount of added water in supermarket meat is truly scandalous. It is quite normal for chicken breasts to have been 'plumped' with 10 to 20 per cent extra water, sometimes more. 'It's been done for years and while food manufacturers argue that it makes for a more succulent meat, it is really a crafty way to make cuts of meat seem bigger than they actually are. All the water comes off in cooking, and the meat will ultimately shrink back down to its real size. 'Plumped meats sometimes have some added extras, including added protein and flavour enhancers to make them taste a bit better - but it is the water that you really should be shedding tears over. 'Whole chickens aren't allowed to be plumped in the same way that cuts are, so buying a whole bird makes more economical sense. Check the label before you buy to see how much meat is really in your meat.'
Going to the gym WON'T help you lose weight – you need to eat less: Study finds exercise alone is not enough to shed the pounds
Two experts have studied the link between exercise and obesity for years
Trials show exercising and dieting is no more effective than dieting alone
When people exercise, their appetite increases and they eat more food
The only way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories, they concluded
Most people hoping to shed a few pounds head straight for the gym. But the miles they clock up on the treadmill may not actually help them lose any weight, scientists now claim. Doing more exercise increases a person's appetite, and they tend to eat more food as a result, the researchers said. Therefore controlling calories – with or without increasing physical activity - is the key to maintaining or losing weight, they concluded.
Dr Richard Cooper and Dr Amy Luke, both from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, have been studying the link between exercise and obesity for years. Writing in the International Journal of Epidemiology, they said: 'Physical activity is crucially important for improving overall health and fitness levels. But there is limited evidence to suggest that it can blunt the surge in obesity. '
This crucial part of the public health message is not appreciated in recommendations to be more active, walk up stairs and eat more fruits and vegetables.
'The prescription needs to be precise: There is only one effective way to lose weight - eat fewer calories.'
Numerous clinical trials have found that exercising as well as restricting calories achieves virtually the same weight loss calorie-restriction alone, they said.
And other studies show no link between the energy someone expends (through exercise) and subsequent changes to their weight. They added that only 'extremely small' proportions of the US population do enough physical activity to affect their long term balance of energy.
Therefore, they argue that that physical activity does not influence obesity, they said.
They concluded: 'While physical activity has many benefits, multiple lines of evidence lead to the conclusion that an increase in physical activity is offset by an increase in calorie intake, unless conscious effort is made to limit that compensatory response.'
Last year, Dr Michael Mosley, the brains behind the popular 5:2 diet, warned that exercise can actually cause us to gain weight. 'A lot of people think that when you exercise, you can eat what you want - and that the gym will make you happy,' he said. But this is wrong.
He added: 'The key problem is that we reward ourselves with 'treats' after exercise - or have the "I've been to the gym, so I can eat what I want mentality". 'Exercise is a good way to keep weight off - but it's not a good way to lose it'.
'Going to the gym will burn calories - but way less than we think. '1lb of fat is 3,500 calories - and fat is more energy-dense than dynamite' - so to burn 1lb of fat you'd need to run about 38 miles.'
He cites the example of a muffin and latte - which many of us underestimate the calorie content of. 'If you run one mile, you burn roughly 100 calories,' he told presenters Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes. 'A muffin contains around 500 calories - so you would have to run for five miles or walk for 10 miles to burn it off.' And when it comes to a latte - which has around 150 calories - it would be 1.5 miles of running or a three-mile (hour long) walk. 'That is why people never lose weight going to the gym in the long-run.
Health experts have warned against eating pre-washed spinach.
They say commercial washing techniques fails to remove 90% of the bacteria.
Small peaks and valleys in baby spinach leaves could be a key reason why there have been numerous bacterial outbreaks involving leafy green vegetables, they say.
Greens are washed by commercial processes before they head to the grocery store.
But these methods, which can include water and bleach rinses or irradiation, are not completely effective, says Nichola Kinsinger of the University of California.
She says scientists have estimated that 99 percent of food-borne illnesses from leafy greens can be traced back to disinfection issues.
'In a sense the leaf is protecting the bacteria and allowing it to spread,' said Nichola Kinsinger, a post-doctoral researcher working with Sharon Walker, a professor of chemical and environmental engineering.
'It was surprising to discover how the leaf surface formed micro-environments that reduce the bleach concentration and in this case the very disinfection processes intended to clean, remove, and prevent contamination was found to be the potential pathway to amplifying foodborne outbreaks.'
As a result, as the leaves move through the processing facility after being rinsed the bacteria may continue to live, grow, spread, and contaminate other leaves and surfaces within the facility.
The researchers in the Bourns College of Engineering found that because of the varied topography of the spinach leaf nearly 15 percent of the leaf surface may reach concentrations as low as 1000 times that of the bleach disinfectant being used to rinse it.
'Despite current disinfection rinsing, bacteria are surviving on the leaf and causing cross contamination, resulting in the numerous outbreaks we hear about in the media,' Kinsinger said.
'Pathogens can come from irrigation waters or from water used during processing, and they can adhere to spinach leaves.
'If these bacteria are not all killed in the disinfection process, they can continue to live, grow, spread and contaminate other surfaces within the facility and other leaves.'
Using a parallel-plate flow chamber system that Walker developed, the researchers tested the real-time attachment and detachment of bacteria to the outer layer of spinach leaves.
At low bleach concentrations, the bacteria fell off the leaves, but remained alive. At the higher concentrations used commercially, however, all of the bacteria were killed.
'This result was perplexing,' Walker says.
'Our experiments were telling us that commercial bleach rinses should be much more effective than they are. But then we studied the leaf itself in more detail.'
Currently, the industry standard is to add 50 to 200 parts per million of bleach to the water used to rinse leafy green vegetables.
But that is just a recommendation, not a requirement or regulation, Kinsinger said.
For the research, Kinsinger and Walker designed a parallel plate flow chamber system to evaluate in real time the attachment and detachment of pathogens to the spinach in realistic water chemistries and flow conditions.
Their work focused exclusively on baby spinach, however the issue of reduced bleach concentration across the leaf surface and other surfaces within the processing facility translates beyond the specific scenarios tested and demonstrates the limitation of bleach disinfection causing significant concern over public health.
Future research will focus on a broader range of foods, surfaces in processing facilities and pathogen types, Kinsinger said.
Despite their findings, Kinsinger notes that the United States has one of safest food supply system. Still, she says, 'I recommend rinsing those leaves.'
Having a training plan is crucial. A plan keeps you focused, allows you to track your progress and gives you objective data to understand why you are, or are not, reaching your goals.
However developing a strength routine can be stressful, intimidating and confusing.
Too often people’s default program is cardio followed by a few push-ups and crunches. Alternatively, those who spend time in the weight room prioritize exercises such as bench press and shoulder press.
Any activity at all is commendable, but the above exercises primarily train the front of the body and can contribute to a rounded posture and back and shoulder injuries.
So, whether you’re a gym newbie, or have been training for years, make sure your plan is balanced. The five muscle groups below are a critical part of any plan, but are typically overlooked. Don’t be typical; train smart.
1. The posterior chain.
This is also known as the back of your body, running from the back of your head to the back of your heels. Prioritize strengthening your posterior chain, specifically your back and glutes (bum).
Do one upper-back exercise for every chest exercise. If you have been overtraining your chest for years, for the next two months do two upper-back exercises for every one chest exercise.
Chest exercises include push-ups, the bench press and flys. Upper-back exercises include any type of row, lat pull downs, pull-ups and reverse flys.
Do at least one lower-back exercise such as the bird dog, back extensions or supermans.
Strengthen your glutes with multijoint exercises such as deadlifts, squats and bridges.
2. Balance and feet exercises.
Balance and feet strengthening exercises require proprioception – the body’s mind/body loop, which allows the brain to register where the body is in space, and then to tell the body which muscles to “turn on.”
Decreased proprioceptive abilities, and/or weak feet, can contribute to a plethora of injuries including plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and knee and hip pain.
When you run, your feet and brain need to communicate so your feet can safely negotiate the terrain. Otherwise, you trip and fall. And when your proprioception is poor, your body compensates by using vision; you look down to know where your feet are. Over time, looking down will round your spine.
Incorporate unstable equipment such as a bosu, resistance ball or balance board into your routine. Try some squats or push-ups on the bosu. Do some balance work barefoot to strengthen your feet. Try standing on one leg with your eyes closed.
3. Rotator cuff exercises.
Your rotator cuff is made up of four small muscles that originate on your shoulder blade. Together, they help stabilize your arm bone in your shoulder socket and help maintain proper posture.
Try band external rotations. Stand against the edge of a door frame, shoulder blades on either side of the frame. Hold a resistance band, palms up and arms at 90 degrees. Draw your arm bones back in your shoulder sockets.
Then use the muscles around the back of your shoulders to rotate your hands out to the side. As your arms move, squeeze your shoulder blades slightly around the door frame. Repeat 15 times.
4. Wrist exercises.
Weak wrists are often the limiting factor when people are trying to improve their pull-ups, push-ups and deadlifts. Strengthen your wrists by changing your hand position or the width of your grip when you use free weights or barbells. For example, use a thicker bar when doing bench press or bent-over rows; do biceps curls with your palms down; triceps cable presses with your palms up; or put Fat Gripz around dumbbells to increase the diameter of what your hands have to hold.
5. Mindfully do functional multijoint exercises.
Done correctly, functional multijoint exercises such as planks, deadlifts, squats, wood chops and bird dogs are an integral part of any program. They work the entire core, integrate the trunk into the rest of the body and prepare the body for real life.
Unfortunately, most people just go through the motions. To get the most out of any exercise, to improve your biomechanics and to properly train your core, you have to pay attention to how your body is positioned.
For example, when you are doing exercises such as squats and deadlifts, think of them as a core challenge, a moving plank. Focus on stabilizing your spine, don’t let your back arch or round as you move.
Regardless of your exercise selection, always progress appropriately, ask a gym employee for instructions when needed and listen to your body.
How to Prevent Stroke can be the one you do from now on. Preventing the stroke attack is the important thing, without the good prevention everything is useless.
There are many things that you have to know in order to stay in shape. Many people are trying to do the healthy life to make the better condition. What is the disease or symptom that is frequently happened? Well, stroke can be the one that gives you goosebumps. Because no matter how good you are on taking care of your health, stroke can come anytime.
How to prevent stroke attacks yourself? Well, there are many things to do, from the food you consume to the activity you do.
Be happy and healthy. Image: drmagicsmile.com
It is not a simple thing to keep your self from the unhealthy food or unhealthy activity. The lifestyle changes from time to time. The changing lifestyle affects all parts of the body. Stroke not comes because no reason, it comes with the symptoms to alert people to do preventive actions. Have you ever heard tips on taking the care the body from stroke? It is the time to get to know more about the tips and steps on how to prevent stroke.
Steps onHow to Prevent Stroke:
Stroke is the scariest part for everyone. It attacks people immediately and gives the worst aftermath. How to prevent stroke should be done earlier, start even when you are young. When you are young, sometimes you feel free to eat or drink anything without any restriction. That’s why the lifestyle is the may cause for people to get stroke. If you knew this problem, why don’t you change it now? Here are the lists to do on preventing the stroke.
-Exercise Frequently
This simple step on going to the gym frequently might overcome the chance on getting stroke. The way on working out is not only happening in the gym, but also you can do it all at home. Exercising with lots of efforts can cause a good advantage in long time. What if you don’t have time to go the gym? You can do sit-up, push-up, or jogging every morning. At least you have to exercise three to four times a week.
-Stay in Shape
What the meaning of staying in shape? It means you have to keep the ideal weight, not too heavy or not too small. Many problems in your body come because the overweight problem. You can overcome the situation by losing weight by keeping the good food or exercising a lot.
-Stop Smoking
Smoking for a long time will surely harm your body. The parts of your body like lungs, hearts, and liver get the aftermath effect later on. For the better future, limit the amount of your smoke, or even stop smoking on how to prevent stroke.
-Drink in a Limitation
Too much alcohol gives no good for your body. If you are an addict on alcohol, it is time to quit drinking too much and gives you bad feeling.
Stop the unhealthy way of living and get more benefits by doing healthy life. How to prevent stroke is not hard, the only thing you have to do is giving an effort. Your health is the most important thing overall.
Additional tips:
Another simple thing you can do is start your day with a sincere smile, and laugh with family and friends, although for a simple joke. Remember the old adage, laughter is a panacea for a healthier lifestyle, where your nerves will be calmer and more flexible in the face of various pressures on around you.
Yoga class in Bali. Image: amazingbali-vacation.blogspot.com
Take time for a vacation whether alone or with your loved ones to a place of interest, so you get a new atmosphere that make your life more cheerful. If you have time to spare, do not just play your gadget, what if it started to move your body with basic yoga moves. You can get a yoga techniques from books or searching for information to Uncle Google or other search engines. Another clever way, join a yoga class in Bali, so you get a double benefit, namely the practice of yoga and once on vacation in Bali, a tropical island.
With tips and simple solution to the above, you would be free from the dangers of stroke, and can enjoy a healthier and happier life.
Making healthy choices during the summer can be a challenge. I get it – it just feels “right” to indulge while relaxing at the cottage or sitting on a patio. But it is possible to enjoy your summer and maintain a healthy lifestyle; it just takes mindfulness and advance planning.
First, analyze where you are most likely to veer off track.
Do you stop exercising any time your routine changes? Are you a social eater, or do you snack when you are alone? Do you use unhealthy food as an instant energy boost when you are tired or bored on road trips?
Tailor your game plan to your individual needs; prepare for your trigger situations in advance.
If you indulge while traveling when you’re unprepared and tend to grab something (anything!)
Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of “having to” buy unhealthy snacks.
Research healthier restaurants en route, or, better yet, pack a cooler full of nutritious snacks.
For longer road trips, locate in advance the grocery stores you will pass. Stop and buy fresh fruit, vegetables and prepared deli food. Or purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from roadside stands. Always have a water bottle so you don’t get dehydrated, and use that water to wash any produce.
If you tend to snack when bored
Download an audio book or podcasts to keep you entertained.
If you are a social eater
Live by my “love it” rule. Don’t deprive yourself – life is worth living – but don’t mindlessly eat. Treat yourself to a reasonable portion of something that you love. Pick one treat. Don’t have chips, beer and wings. If you love beer, have one with a healthier meal. If you don’t love beer but you love wings, drink a low-calorie alcoholic beverage or water and indulge in a few wings.
Stay hydrated. That way you won’t mistake dehydration for hunger.
If you are attending an event at someone’s home, offer to bring something. That way you have at least one healthy option.
Before going to a restaurant, preview the menu online and decide what you will eat. On arrival, don’t look at a menu. Order your predetermined choice.
Place your cutlery down between bites so that your brain has time to register that you are full.
If you tend to slouch on vacation
Don’t let a change to your routine be an excuse not to exercise. You don’t need a gym to get a good workout; you can move and be active anywhere!
To fit in cardio while travelling, try fartlek intervals. Warm up for 10 minutes, then pick a random landmark to sprint towards. If you are swimming, sprint for a certain number of strokes. Once you hit your landmark or your stroke count, slow down and recover. Repeat for 10 to 30 minutes. Finish with a cool-down and then stretch.
Or explore your vacation destination on foot or on a bike. Use the pedometer on your phone, or buy a tracking device and aim to get 10,000 steps per day.
Fit in strength training. Most hotels have a gym, but if yours doesn’t, or if you’re staying with family, pack a resistance band. Train in your bedroom. Bands are light, inexpensive, highly portable and offer a full body workout. Try attaching the band to the bedpost to do standing rows, or standing on it to do biceps curls. If you don’t like the band, use your body weight to do squats, lunges, push-ups, planks and V holds.
The main take-away is that it is always possible to make healthier choices; it just takes mindfulness and some advance planning. If you make a choice you are not proud of, don’t feel guilty. Instead, use it as learning experience so you can make a more informed choice next time. Also, remember that just because you make one indulgent choice doesn’t mean you have to indulge constantly. Try to keep in mind that your future self will be happier – and have fewer bad habits to break after vacation – if you follow the “love it” rule and remember that moderation is key.
Need a cold snack on a hot day? These treats are perfect ways to cool off, without the extra calories.
Strawberries with Orange-Ricotta Cream
Prepare the orange-ricotta cream early in the day; it is best served very cold over ripe strawberries. You'll have a half cup of the cheese mixture left over. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
76 calories
Watermelon-feta skewers
Ingredients: 5 watermelon balls, 5 (one-half inch) feta cheese cubes, and 5 mint leaves on 5 skewers
46 calories
Cranberry slushy
Ingredients: One-half cup cranberry juice cocktail and 1 tsp fresh lime juice blended with 1 cup ice cubes
70 calories
Chilled cucumber soup
Ingredients: 1 cup peeled, chopped cucumber, one-half cup plain nonfat yogurt, 1 TBSP chopped fresh mint, and a pinch of salt, blended with 3 ice cubes
79 calories
Double mint infused water
Recipe for a 46 oz carafe: 10 hand-torn, fresh mint leaves + 2 bags of mint tea, preferably peppermint. Pour room temperature water over the ingredients and let steep for 1 hour. There is no need to use hot water; the tea will release its flavor in room temperature water. After steeping for an hour, strain and serve over ice.
2 calories
Frosty Cappuccino
Ready in 5 minutes: an "energy" drink perfect for the hot days (and not only!)
105 calories
Fruit pops
Forget artificial fruit flavoring, and go for the real thing. Fruits that are red, blue and purple contain high levels of essential antioxidants and vitamins. Even though it does contain sugar, fruit takes time to digest and hits the liver slowly; you don't get the same sugar crash. Try this 4-ingredient recipe for strawberry yogurt pops containing blended berries. 73 calories
Since the invention of the Walkman, active people have shown that staying entertained is a big key to fitness success. Now there's evidence to suggest interactive entertainment actually can help you exercise harder and boost your mind. University of Florida researchers recently reported that brain games while cycling can improve thinking ability and boost speed by 25 percent. So you get to have more fun, pump up your brain and enjoy significantly more physical benefits. The researchers asked a group of older adults to use stationary bicycles while performing mental tasks that ranged from saying "go" whenever a blue star appeared on a screen to solving math problems. They discovered a sweet spot of difficulty that was just challenging enough to keep brains occupied but just simple enough to not interrupt the workout. Imagine your brain as an engine. Certain physical activities (walking, running, dancing) ask for a lot of your brain's power to calculate stride, balance, limb coordination and more. Other activities (cycling, squats, push-ups) require less brain power because they're simple to do. The trick is to multitask by pairing a simple physical activity with a more challenging brain task or pairing a complicated physical activity with an easier brain task. You want the engine running at full power but not overheating. Finding that balance might seem tough, but you don't have to do it alone. Here are four easy ways you can work your brain and body together for more fitness firepower.
Group fitness classes
Providing a variety of exercises that keep participants' minds humming is part of a group fitness instructor's job. Classes like yoga, BOOM and Zumba all are designed to improve strength and cardiovascular health while engaging participants' minds with instructions and coordinated movements. Working with an instructor and classmates, your brain is treated to social interaction, changing paces, different physical poses and new exercises that keep things interesting.
Podcasts
If you prefer to exercise on your own, try pairing stationary cycling or a treadmill workout with a podcast. Podcasts are pre-recorded audio shows you can download on portable devices, such as smartphones or tablets. Whether you're interested in sports, history, music, movies, trivia or news, there's a podcast for you. You'll be amazed how quickly a 30-minute walk passes when you're being entertained and informed by your favorite podcast. To find podcasts, use an online service such as iTunes or SoundCloud.
Hiking
The changing landscapes of hikes are a natural way to keep your mind busy. Wildlife and plant life provide an interesting backdrop for your eyes, and adjusting to terrain keeps your muscles guessing and your brain focused on balance. To make things more interesting, incorporate a camera for snapping photos on your hikes. Or bring binoculars along for bird-watching. Linking the names and characteristics of the world around you is a terrific way to busy your mind while you're working your body.
Sports
Are you competitive person? Do you enjoy teamwork? Playing a sport could be the perfect fit for you. Sports like softball, pickleball and golf improve your muscle tone, endurance and motor skills while also engaging your mind in strategy, calculation and positioning. If you've played a sport before and enjoyed it, why not start again in an adult league or organize friends to play? Or, if you're looking to try a sport you haven't played, ask friends who may have played. Some key factors to consider when choosing a sport include:
What sort of experience, skills, or fitness are needed to start?
Do you need to purchase any special equipment?
Where is the sport played? Can you play locally?
What time are practices or games scheduled? Are there evening or weekend options that work with your schedule?
Are there fees associated with participation in teams or leagues?
What is the best way for a beginner to get involved?
No matter which multitasking workouts you choose, the key is to have fun. If you're feeling bored, it might be time to change up your fitness routine. Remember that fitness is a lifelong journey. What interested you before might not interest you now, and your tastes forever will evolve.
Start your day with black coffee. Image: austinnfp.org
The true coffee drinker would proudly say, that a cup of coffee could make their activities more optimal and more healthy life, so that every day becomes productive and enjoyable at the same time.
Meanwhile, for those who are having problems with the coffee, of course regard coffee as the main enemy in their lives. Are you a real coffee connoisseur or anti coffee?
As in the case of tea, the coffee has two sides opposed to each other, where the coffee has many health benefits and enjoyment aspects. On the other hand, coffee can also make your body uncomfortable, even make you unhealthy.
The coffee is the elixir of heaven. Drinking a cup of coffee is very nice to start a busy day, but coffee also has an adverse effect on human health. Let us examine the dual effect of coffee for our lives.
The researchers from Australia found that coffee or tea consumption could potentially reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes symptoms Rachel Huxley, a researcher from the University of Sydney, Australia, said that "A cup of coffee with a reduced risk equivalent to seven percent,". Meanwhile, the American Association for Cancer Research, reported that coffee consumption can reduce the risk of death due to prostate cancer. Other studies have also suggested coffee could reduce liver diseases, Alzheimer's, stroke, and Parkinson's. Of course the results of this study is good news for coffee fans all over the world.
Previously many experts suspect that the benefits of coffee just come from the caffeine in coffee beans, but in fact, experts also found that other components of these beverages, such as magnesium, lignans, and chlorogenic acid, has benefits that are not less important. It was also reported that the results of epidemiological studies are showing coffee addict lower their risk of colon cancer. Based on research Rachel, these components are a positive benefit to the regulation of blood sugar and insulin release thereby effectively preventing diabetes.
As we know, that there are two main types of coffee we have known; Arabica and Robusta. Apparently, the two types of coffee also contains nutritional components include proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and minerals. Coffee also contains non-nutritional components that are bioactive compounds for taste and preservative, such as caffeine and chlorogenic acid. Thereby the coffee gives double benefit to mankind.
Each type of food or beverages that we consume every day would have significant benefits for health and life satisfaction, but be aware of the way we consume. Is indeed true, that consume normal amounts of caffeine is beneficial. Utilization caffeine in coffee can give a stimulant effect, which is only temporary and not harmful.
Coffee break in Kori Ubud, Bali. Image: Komang Setiabudi collections
The effects of caffeine on the nervous system is to prevent drowsiness, increased sensory perception, speed of mind, and reduce boredom, so you can be more productive in your activities.
Therefore, there is a coffee break in formal activities such as when we are seminars, meetings and other non-formal activities such as family gatherings, parties or other events. Socially, coffee could be a bridge to melt the ice, on certain conditions, the ongoing of the two parties, that often occur in an important meeting. Perhaps you have experienced the awkward atmosphere in a meeting, and a cup of coffee plus a mild joke can help smooth an important meeting or negotiation.
Effect of caffeine in each individual is highly dependent sensitivity of each person. Most people can not stand at all when they consume caffeine or coffee, so after drinking coffee their heart into palpitations. But there are always exceptions, that there are also people who could consume more than 10 cups of coffee a day without any complaint. However, experts advise that safe dose of caffeine is 200 milligrams per day, equivalent to two to three cups of coffee and tea. It is indeed true that we need to be thoughtful with our lifestyle. Anything too excessive in doing something in our lives is a bad effect in the long term. A healthy lifestyle will make you healthy and happy forever.
If you would like to know the coffee in all its aspects, you can read the blog titled Coffee and Beyond.
The question is, why is there so much craze for the watermelon? At first glance, it may seem like nothing more than a big ball of water. We all know that there is nothing more refreshing than a big, chilled wedge of watermelon on a hot, summer day and it does sport a stylish scientific name of Citrullus Lanatus, but what’s the real reason so many people flock to grocery stores every summer to buy a big, awkward fruit like this one? Well, it is hard to narrow it down to a single reason; there are actually a lot of them. Watermelon is now the most-consumed melon in the US (followed by cantaloupe and honeydew). This cousin to cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash is thought to have originated in Egypt close to 5,000 years ago, where it is depicted in hieroglyphics. As for accessing the total medicinal benefits of watermelons, it is highly dependent on the variety of watermelon and the ripeness. Beta carotene and lycopene is usually bio-available in the highest quantities once the watermelon is completely ripe, and don’t be afraid to eat some of the watermelon rind; there are quite a few nutrients in there as well, particularly the roughage and fiber.
6 Watermelon Facts That Might Surprise You
1. Watermelon Has More Lycopene Than Raw Tomatoes
Lycopene is a powerful carotenoid antioxidant that gives fruits and vegetables a pink or red color. It's most often associated with tomatoes, but watermelon is actually a more concentrated source. Compared to a large fresh tomato, one cup of watermelon has 1.5 times the lycopene (6 milligrams (mg) in watermelon compared to 4 mg in a tomato).
2. Watermelon Juice May Relieve Muscle Soreness
If you have a juicer, try juicing about one-third of a fresh watermelon and drinking its juice prior to your next workout. This contains a little over one gram of l-citrulline, an amino acid that seems to protect against muscle pain. One study found that men who drank natural unpasteurized watermelon juice prior to their workouts had reduced muscle soreness 24 hours later compared to those who drank a placebo. You do need to be careful with drinking watermelon juice, though, as it contains a significant amount of fructose. It may be better to eat the entire fruit, or opt for these other tips to prevent muscle soreness.
3. Watermelon Is a Fruit and a Vegetable
Remember how watermelon is related to cucumbers, pumpkin, and squash? That's because it's part vegetable and part fruit (it's a sweet, seed-producing plant, after all). The other clue that watermelon is both fruit and vegetable? The rind is entirely edible…
4. You Can Eat Watermelon Rind and Seeds
Most people throw away the watermelon rind, but try putting it in a blender with some lime for a healthy, refreshing treat. Not only does the rind contain plenty of health-promoting and blood-building chlorophyll, but the rind actually contains more of the amino acid citrulline than the pink flesh. Citrulline is converted to arginine in your kidneys, and not only is this amino acid important for heart health and maintaining your immune system, but it has been researched to have potential therapeutic value in over 100 health conditions. While many people prefer seedless watermelon varieties, black watermelon seeds are edible and actually quite healthy. They contain iron, zinc, protein, and fiber. (In case you were wondering, seedless watermelons aren't genetically modified, as they're the result of hybridization.)
5. It's Mostly Water
This might not be surprising, but it's still a fun fact; watermelon is more than 91 percent water. This means that eating watermelon with you on a hot summer day is a tasty way to help you stay hydrated and avoid dehydration (it's not a substitute for drinking plenty of fresh water, however).
6. Some Watermelon Are Yellow
The Yellow Crimson watermelon has yellow flesh with a sweeter, honey flavor than the more popular pink-fleshed Crimson Sweet. It's likely that yellow watermelon offers its own unique set of nutritional benefits, but most research to date has focused on the pink-fleshed varieties.
Health Benefits of Watermelons
Kidney Disorders: Watermelons contain a lot of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning or washing out the toxic depositions in the kidneys. Moreover, it is helpful in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damage and the formation of renal calculi in that organ. Added to this, being high in water content, it induces frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning of the kidneys. Also, the anti oxidants present in watermelon ensure good health of the kidneys for a long time, and reduce signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots on the skin. Prevents Heat Stroke:Watermelon is effective in reducing both your body temperature and blood pressure. Many people in tropical regions eat this fruit every day in the afternoon during the summer to protect themselves from heat stroke. In India, you will find the fruit being sold by vendors in almost every street during the summer season. The high amount of water contained in watermelon also stimulates a release of excess liquid in the form of sweat, which cools your body further during hot summer days. High Blood Pressure: The good amount of potassium and magnesium that is present in watermelons is very beneficial in terms of bringing down blood pressure. Potassium is considered a vasodilator, meaning that it releases the tension of blood vessels and arteries, thereby stimulating increased blood flow and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. The carotenoids present in these fruits also prevent hardening of artery walls and veins, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure and the chances of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis. Prevents Cancer:Watermelons have been in the public eye more and more in recent years, primarily because of their impressive level of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient compound that is increasingly being linked to cancer prevention. As the years go by and the studies continue to bring in consistent results, lycopene has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of prostate, breast, colon, lung, and endometrial cancer. All in all, between the antioxidant potential of vitamin C and the impact of lycopene, watermelon is a great anti-cancer fruit!
Diabetes: Diabetic patients, who are supposed to have a low energy and low sugar diet, often complain about starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diets, which gives them the feeling of being half fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, a thick wedge will give you very few calories, since ninety nine percent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage. Moreover, the various vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in watermelons, is very effective at enhancing the impact of insulin on blood sugar. Diabetic patients can also have curries, steaks, and salads made from water melon rinds, which are even lower in sugar. Heart Care: Lypocene, a carotenoid found in abundance in watermelon, improves cardiac functions. Beta carotene, known for its remarkable antioxidant and anti-aging properties, also keeps you young at heart and prevents age-related cardiac problems. The roughage in water melon and its very low energy, along with help from vitamin-C, carotenoids and potassium (potassium cuts the risk of a heart attack), helps to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe from a variety of dangerous conditions. Macular Degeneration: Don’t worry about eye health and macular degeneration if you eat plenty of watermelon, because between the beta carotene, vitamin-C, lutein, and zeaxanthin, your eyes are well protected. They will ensure protection of your eyes from age-related blindness and degeneration, and these antioxidants will protect your eyes from other age-related ailments such as drying up of eyes and optical nerves, as well as glaucoma. Impotence: Arginine, present in watermelon, is beneficial in curing erectile dysfunction, and the stimulating nature of the chemical can boost libido, reduce frigidity and give a kick start to your love life, after you enjoy a few slices of watermelon together! Other Benefits: Lypocene is found to be effective in repairing damaged tissues. Watermelon seeds are rich in beneficial fats and proteins. Watermelons also contain phytonutrients which have very good effects on the health and proper functioning of internal organs, eyes, and the secretion system.
How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon
Cutting into a watermelon and finding out it lacks flavor is disappointing. There's a trick you can use to pick out a ripe watermelon, either from your farmer's market or your own melon patch. Look for a pale, buttery-yellow spot (not white or green) on the bottom. This is where the watermelon sits on the ground ripening, and it's one of the best indicators of ripeness you can use (even commercial watermelon pickers use this as a gauge). Other tricks for picking a ripe watermelon include:
Should be heavy for its size
Smooth rind with a dull top (the top is the side opposite the ground spot)
The thump test (this is controversial, but ripe watermelon is said to have a hollow bass sound)
Store your watermelon in a cool area (50-60 degrees F) until it's cut. Cut watermelon should be refrigerated (and be sure to wipe off your watermelon with a damp cloth prior to cutting it). Remember, try the rind blended with some lime juice rather than simply tossing it in the trash (choose an organic watermelon especially if you'll be eating the rind). Finally, watermelon should be enjoyed in moderation due to its fructose content. One-sixteenth of a medium watermelon contains 11.3 grams of fructose (it's recommended keeping your total fructose intake below 25 grams of fructose per day if you're in good health, and below 15 grams a day if you're overweight or have high blood pressure or diabetes).
