Need a food plan to follow for healthy eating. This provides you the tools for dieting and weight loss:
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Worst Of All Zero Progress, Then You've Just Discovered A Simple Push Button Quick Meal Planning System So Simple And Easy to Use A 7 Year Old Could Do It...'
Meal Plans 101 is a culmination of two dietitians tired of the endless, generic, 'one size fits all' type of diets that are supposed to meet everyone’s needs. As well as the endless calorie counting of foods that only leads to frustration and failed goals. We were tired of everyone telling us that they don't have time to count calories and that every diet book that they read has a generic eating plan, but it isn't individualized to their needs and goals. Leading to frustrations and more money spent on the next diet book.
We were just finally fed up with the 'one size fits all' nutrition programs and have used our combined 21 years of experience to create software that allows you to individualize your meal plans to fit your needs and goals. The reason being is that individualization gets results."
For more information: Meal Plans 101
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Peanut Butter Can Be Healthy
Peanut Butter Can Be Healthy
By Connie Limon
Some good news for those of us who likes peanut butter is that researchers at Harvard University’s School of Public Health found eating a half serving (one tablespoon) of peanut butter or a full serving peanuts or other nuts (an ounce), five or more times a week, lowers the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by as much as 20 to 30 percent. Dr. Frank Hu, associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology says, “the body of evidence is overwhelming that peanuts and nut butters can reduce the risk of serious disease.”
Many years ago I worked in a medical facility where I often snacked on peanut butter and loved it, but felt guilty. The nurse practitioner in that facility told me peanut butter is “very” healthy for you and in fact, she had once practically lived on peanut butter and crackers while going through nursing school. I also just love a simple peanut butter fudge recipe that can be whipped up in about 15 minutes.
Peanut butter contains about 90 percent peanuts and is packed with vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and fiber. It is loaded with monounsaturated, which is the so-called “good fat” that does not raise blood cholesterol levels. It is also virtually trans fat free according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Healthy eating habits definitely include “peanut butter.” Peanut butter lovers all over the world no longer have to feel guilty. It is good for us. Yey, rah rah for Peanut Butter.
Other encouraging studies include ones done at Penn State University where researchers compared a low-fat diet to one that was higher in monounsaturated fat from peanuts and peanut butter. Results were both diets will lower total and LDL-cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) levels. The peanut and peanut-butter diet had the added benefit of lowering triglyceride levels. Heart disease is linked to high triglycerides. The low-fat dieters lowered cardiovascular disease risk by only 12 percent, while the peanut and peanut-butter dieters lowered their risk by 21 percent.
Another interesting finding at Penn State is that peanut eaters had lower body mass indexes (BMIs) as compared to non-peanut eaters. High BMI (higher than 25) increases your risk of obesity-related problems like heart disease and/or diabetes.
On the negative side is that peanut butter is high in calories. A single serving or two tablespoons of low-fat or regular peanut butter has about 190 calories. Just be careful about eating a whole jar of peanut butter in one sitting. Peanut butter as a snack or a peanut butter and jelly on whole-wheat bread is acceptable. I believe I put about 4 whopping tablespoons of peanut butter in my fudge recipe. I usually eat a batch all by myself in about 2 or 3 days. If I do that only once a month, I should still be fine at my next doctor’s appointment.
Source: Newsweek
Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 3-2007.
Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Peanut-Butter-Can-Be-Healthy&id=516680
By Connie Limon
Some good news for those of us who likes peanut butter is that researchers at Harvard University’s School of Public Health found eating a half serving (one tablespoon) of peanut butter or a full serving peanuts or other nuts (an ounce), five or more times a week, lowers the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by as much as 20 to 30 percent. Dr. Frank Hu, associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology says, “the body of evidence is overwhelming that peanuts and nut butters can reduce the risk of serious disease.”
Many years ago I worked in a medical facility where I often snacked on peanut butter and loved it, but felt guilty. The nurse practitioner in that facility told me peanut butter is “very” healthy for you and in fact, she had once practically lived on peanut butter and crackers while going through nursing school. I also just love a simple peanut butter fudge recipe that can be whipped up in about 15 minutes.
Peanut butter contains about 90 percent peanuts and is packed with vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and fiber. It is loaded with monounsaturated, which is the so-called “good fat” that does not raise blood cholesterol levels. It is also virtually trans fat free according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Healthy eating habits definitely include “peanut butter.” Peanut butter lovers all over the world no longer have to feel guilty. It is good for us. Yey, rah rah for Peanut Butter.
Other encouraging studies include ones done at Penn State University where researchers compared a low-fat diet to one that was higher in monounsaturated fat from peanuts and peanut butter. Results were both diets will lower total and LDL-cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) levels. The peanut and peanut-butter diet had the added benefit of lowering triglyceride levels. Heart disease is linked to high triglycerides. The low-fat dieters lowered cardiovascular disease risk by only 12 percent, while the peanut and peanut-butter dieters lowered their risk by 21 percent.
Another interesting finding at Penn State is that peanut eaters had lower body mass indexes (BMIs) as compared to non-peanut eaters. High BMI (higher than 25) increases your risk of obesity-related problems like heart disease and/or diabetes.
On the negative side is that peanut butter is high in calories. A single serving or two tablespoons of low-fat or regular peanut butter has about 190 calories. Just be careful about eating a whole jar of peanut butter in one sitting. Peanut butter as a snack or a peanut butter and jelly on whole-wheat bread is acceptable. I believe I put about 4 whopping tablespoons of peanut butter in my fudge recipe. I usually eat a batch all by myself in about 2 or 3 days. If I do that only once a month, I should still be fine at my next doctor’s appointment.
Source: Newsweek
Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 3-2007.
Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Peanut-Butter-Can-Be-Healthy&id=516680
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Parkinson's Breakthrough
Parkinson's Breakthrough:
"Do this now:
Sit down, lock the door, take the phone off the hook...
Read this entire letter to discover simple steps to “reverse” your Parkinson's condition and regain your Health
day by day...
... and find out what today's top medical scientists, doctors, microbiologisits, and nutritionists have to say about treating Parkinson's that could give you your health back!
There is new research out for people with Parkinson's… that has helped hundreds of people like you slowly… but very effectively… reverse their condition."
To find out more go to: Parkinson's Breakthrough
"Do this now:
Sit down, lock the door, take the phone off the hook...
Read this entire letter to discover simple steps to “reverse” your Parkinson's condition and regain your Health
day by day...
... and find out what today's top medical scientists, doctors, microbiologisits, and nutritionists have to say about treating Parkinson's that could give you your health back!
There is new research out for people with Parkinson's… that has helped hundreds of people like you slowly… but very effectively… reverse their condition."
To find out more go to: Parkinson's Breakthrough
Monday, May 28, 2007
Easy Meal Ideas For Side Dishes
Easy Meal Ideas For Side Dishes
By Debbie Madson
Sometimes coming up with the main dish for meals is the easy part but what to have with it can be the hard question. I usually serve vegetables as my side dish and I'm always trying to come up with new ideas. Here are a few of our favorites.
Potatoes. Try twice baked potatoes adding milk, shredded cheese and ranch dressing. For kids using small potatoes makes these more fun.
Another potato dish is to saute hash brown potatoes, either chopped yourself or using frozen hash browns, with onion and season with seasoning salt.
Green peppers. Stuffed peppers with rice either with green peppers or using red, yellow, orange or green for fun.
Zucchini. Chop zucchini in strips and place on a sheet of tin foil. Sprinkle with butter. Then salt and pepper. You can add other cut vegetables as well. Wrap up and bake in the oven 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stuffed Zucchini is another great option.
Carrots. Serve carrots cut in strips with a dip, shredded in a carrot salad or glaze carrots with a little sugar and butter.
Cauliflower. Steam and serve with a cheese sauce or bake tossed with garlic butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
Broccoli. Stir broccoli florets with a Tablespoon of oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a 500 degree oven 10-12 minutes stirring once. Create a broccoli salad with bacon pieces and sunflower seeds or serve raw with a dip.
Serving a side of corn, green beans or tossed salad is always great also. These are easy meal ideas for side dishes that hopefully will fight the mealtime boredom.
http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com has kids cooking lesson plans to help you in teaching your kids to cook and giving them activities to explore and learn in the kitchen. You will also find seasonal cooking activities, kids craft recipes, easy kids meals and so much more. For more ideas on easy meal ideas visit http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/easy-meal-ideas.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Madson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Easy-Meal-Ideas-For-Side-Dishes&id=417207
By Debbie Madson
Sometimes coming up with the main dish for meals is the easy part but what to have with it can be the hard question. I usually serve vegetables as my side dish and I'm always trying to come up with new ideas. Here are a few of our favorites.
Potatoes. Try twice baked potatoes adding milk, shredded cheese and ranch dressing. For kids using small potatoes makes these more fun.
Another potato dish is to saute hash brown potatoes, either chopped yourself or using frozen hash browns, with onion and season with seasoning salt.
Green peppers. Stuffed peppers with rice either with green peppers or using red, yellow, orange or green for fun.
Zucchini. Chop zucchini in strips and place on a sheet of tin foil. Sprinkle with butter. Then salt and pepper. You can add other cut vegetables as well. Wrap up and bake in the oven 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stuffed Zucchini is another great option.
Carrots. Serve carrots cut in strips with a dip, shredded in a carrot salad or glaze carrots with a little sugar and butter.
Cauliflower. Steam and serve with a cheese sauce or bake tossed with garlic butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
Broccoli. Stir broccoli florets with a Tablespoon of oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a 500 degree oven 10-12 minutes stirring once. Create a broccoli salad with bacon pieces and sunflower seeds or serve raw with a dip.
Serving a side of corn, green beans or tossed salad is always great also. These are easy meal ideas for side dishes that hopefully will fight the mealtime boredom.
http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com has kids cooking lesson plans to help you in teaching your kids to cook and giving them activities to explore and learn in the kitchen. You will also find seasonal cooking activities, kids craft recipes, easy kids meals and so much more. For more ideas on easy meal ideas visit http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/easy-meal-ideas.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Madson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Easy-Meal-Ideas-For-Side-Dishes&id=417207
Sunday, May 27, 2007
OH NO! NOT ANOTHER WRINKLE
Have you reached that point in your life where it seems as if every time you walk by a mirror you see yet another wrinkle? You may think that it is inevitable. Perhaps. But there are ways to slow down that aging process. Take Jack La Lanne for example. The man is 93 years old and is still ripped.
The secret is to eat a diet rich in vitamin C, E, selenium, vitamin A (beta carotene), and Omega-3 fats. Drinking more pure water daily will also help to keep the skin moisturized – from the inside. Most of us do not drink near enough water on a daily basis. And I am speaking of purified water here, not tap.
For hints and recipes with foods that are both rich in the above mentioned vitamins and minerals and are easily obtainable from your local supermarket CLICK HERE!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
The Importance of Water
The Importance of Water
With over 75% of our body made up of water there is no denying the need to remain hydrated at all times.
If you are following a fitness program you will need to consume more water.
We are constantly losing water throughout the day and even at night while we sleep.
To remain hydrated we need to replace this water by drinking sufficient quantities so we never get thirsty.
With exercise we perspire more than normal and thereby lose more water, so anytime we exercise we need to drink more water than we would normally drink.
If you feel thirsty then you are already getting dehydrated and your body is telling you to do something about it.
The problem with many people is their misunderstanding with what is suitable to drink.
There are so many flavored drinks available that people resort to these in preference to drinking water alone.
Water doesn't have all the added sugars, preservatives and colorings that are detrimental to your health.
By remaining hydrated you will have more energy and this will allow you to perform better at the gym or your chosen exercise program.
It will also allow you to recover faster after a workout and reduce the chance of injury.
It is better to sip water constantly throughout the day, rather than try to meet your minimum requirements by drinking a lot all at one time.
Most people live on a daily basis with less water than they should be having and that is why many people feel lethargic.
If you are living in a hot climate you will need to consume more to compensate for the additional loss due to perspiration.
If you are consuming alcohol or caffeine you will need additional water to compensate for the diuretic effect that these have on the body.
Have a glass of water before you go to bed at night and you should find you have increased energy when you wake up in the morning.
Also - You should have access to water when you are exercising and sip regularly from it.
This will help you to have a better workout and have more energy throughout your session.
With over 75% of our body made up of water there is no denying the need to remain hydrated at all times.
If you are following a fitness program you will need to consume more water.
We are constantly losing water throughout the day and even at night while we sleep.
To remain hydrated we need to replace this water by drinking sufficient quantities so we never get thirsty.
With exercise we perspire more than normal and thereby lose more water, so anytime we exercise we need to drink more water than we would normally drink.
If you feel thirsty then you are already getting dehydrated and your body is telling you to do something about it.
The problem with many people is their misunderstanding with what is suitable to drink.
There are so many flavored drinks available that people resort to these in preference to drinking water alone.
Water doesn't have all the added sugars, preservatives and colorings that are detrimental to your health.
By remaining hydrated you will have more energy and this will allow you to perform better at the gym or your chosen exercise program.
It will also allow you to recover faster after a workout and reduce the chance of injury.
It is better to sip water constantly throughout the day, rather than try to meet your minimum requirements by drinking a lot all at one time.
Most people live on a daily basis with less water than they should be having and that is why many people feel lethargic.
If you are living in a hot climate you will need to consume more to compensate for the additional loss due to perspiration.
If you are consuming alcohol or caffeine you will need additional water to compensate for the diuretic effect that these have on the body.
Have a glass of water before you go to bed at night and you should find you have increased energy when you wake up in the morning.
Also - You should have access to water when you are exercising and sip regularly from it.
This will help you to have a better workout and have more energy throughout your session.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Strengthening Your Heart With Exercise
Strengthening Your Heart With Exercise
With the incidence of heart disease on the increase, more people are turning to fitness training to help reduce their chances of problems later in life.
Apart from eating the right foods, there is nothing quite like fitness training to help us maintain a healthy heart.
Exercise of the body increases the heart rate and in doing so exercises the heart.
If you have had heart problems or your family has a history of heart problems then it is always wise to consult your family doctor before undertaking a fitness-training program.
There might be specific exercises that they will recommend you do to help any condition you might have.
You can get heart monitors relatively cheaply and these are a good way to keep a track of your heart rate and see that you are not over-taxing yourself.
A heart rate monitor will allow you to train at the optimum intensity for your requirements.
There are many different types of heart monitors and a corresponding range of prices.
There are heart monitors for specific purposes too where they have additional features to give you some idea of the calories that you might be burning when you exercise.
They can be worn on your wrist or around the chest and some of them are built into home gym equipment such as bikes, treadmills and elliptical trainers where the grips you hold on the equipment relate your heart information to a screen that you can observe while training.
The monitors that are strapped around your chest are generally the most accurate and they usually come with a watch like attachment that displays your heart rate reading.
The premium machines offer all types of data that can help you customize your training to your needs and it will be easier for you to track your progress and improve your health and fitness.
With the incidence of heart disease on the increase, more people are turning to fitness training to help reduce their chances of problems later in life.
Apart from eating the right foods, there is nothing quite like fitness training to help us maintain a healthy heart.
Exercise of the body increases the heart rate and in doing so exercises the heart.
If you have had heart problems or your family has a history of heart problems then it is always wise to consult your family doctor before undertaking a fitness-training program.
There might be specific exercises that they will recommend you do to help any condition you might have.
You can get heart monitors relatively cheaply and these are a good way to keep a track of your heart rate and see that you are not over-taxing yourself.
A heart rate monitor will allow you to train at the optimum intensity for your requirements.
There are many different types of heart monitors and a corresponding range of prices.
There are heart monitors for specific purposes too where they have additional features to give you some idea of the calories that you might be burning when you exercise.
They can be worn on your wrist or around the chest and some of them are built into home gym equipment such as bikes, treadmills and elliptical trainers where the grips you hold on the equipment relate your heart information to a screen that you can observe while training.
The monitors that are strapped around your chest are generally the most accurate and they usually come with a watch like attachment that displays your heart rate reading.
The premium machines offer all types of data that can help you customize your training to your needs and it will be easier for you to track your progress and improve your health and fitness.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
What Are the Benefits of Liquid Vitamins?
What Are the Benefits of Liquid Vitamins?
One of the main benefits of liquid vitamins, apart from the fact that some people find them easier to take, is the fact they are absorbed more easily by the body.
They get assimilated into the blood stream immediately and have a considerably higher rate of absorption than pills and capsules.
Generally the strength of the ingredients in liquid vitamins are up to five times more concentrated that those in pills, so while you might be paying more for them you will also be getting more benefits from taking them rather than pills.
The main problem with vitamin pills or tablets is the fact that they have to be digested and broken down into absorbable nutrients before they are of any benefit to you.
In this process of digestion a large percentage of the nutrients are lost with only the balance getting absorbed.
Liquid vitamins offer a better solution of digestion with up to three times the nutrient value being absorbed as compared to a similar product as a pill.
The decision on what is best for you can be determined from looking at all the factors of ease of use, cost and quality of the nutrients that will actually get absorbed and the products that are available and their nutritional values.
While liquid vitamins might appear to be more expensive you can take them in smaller quantities and still get better results than you would with tablets.
Often liquid vitamins have an unpleasant taste so it might be a good idea to have something else to eat or drink after taking them to make the experience a little more palatable.
Contrary to popular belief that our digestive system will render liquid vitamins ineffective the opposite has proven to be true.
The body assimilates liquid vitamins better than pills, capsules and tablets.
One of the main benefits of liquid vitamins, apart from the fact that some people find them easier to take, is the fact they are absorbed more easily by the body.
They get assimilated into the blood stream immediately and have a considerably higher rate of absorption than pills and capsules.
Generally the strength of the ingredients in liquid vitamins are up to five times more concentrated that those in pills, so while you might be paying more for them you will also be getting more benefits from taking them rather than pills.
The main problem with vitamin pills or tablets is the fact that they have to be digested and broken down into absorbable nutrients before they are of any benefit to you.
In this process of digestion a large percentage of the nutrients are lost with only the balance getting absorbed.
Liquid vitamins offer a better solution of digestion with up to three times the nutrient value being absorbed as compared to a similar product as a pill.
The decision on what is best for you can be determined from looking at all the factors of ease of use, cost and quality of the nutrients that will actually get absorbed and the products that are available and their nutritional values.
While liquid vitamins might appear to be more expensive you can take them in smaller quantities and still get better results than you would with tablets.
Often liquid vitamins have an unpleasant taste so it might be a good idea to have something else to eat or drink after taking them to make the experience a little more palatable.
Contrary to popular belief that our digestive system will render liquid vitamins ineffective the opposite has proven to be true.
The body assimilates liquid vitamins better than pills, capsules and tablets.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
More Money, More Health, More Happiness!
More Money, More Health, More Happiness!
By Alexander Tretjakov
You can change the quality of your life by doing these simple steps …
1. Change the way you feel.
Emotions are very important in our life. When we feel down, our life seems bleak and we feel unmotivated to do anything. Good news is that you can change your mood simply by thinking of pleasant memories from the past. Our mind is incredibly powerful. We just need to be able to steer it in the direction we want it to go.
2. Change the way you think
This one is tricky. Here I am not talking about simply forcing your self to be unnaturally positive about everything. I am talking about developing an understanding of things around you, so you will be able not to be negative. Through understanding why things happen, you will be able to not get mad at unimportant things. You will simply let them go.
3. Change the way you relate to other people.
When we relate to others it is highly important to understand where they are coming from. Just think how many times you were upset at someone simply because you did not understand them or their point of view. If we will start looking for understanding first, in any situation, instead of simply reacting, we will avoid half of the problems that we have in our lives today.
4. Change the way you think about money.
Money is a sticky subject. People, from the time immemorial, had issues with money. Be it, calling money evil, or putting it on a pedestal, there was always a lot of drama surrounding this subject. The fact is though - money by it self is natural. People do good or bad things with money. But in it self money is just an energy that flows from one person to another. It also plays an incredibly important role in our lives. It is like glue that allows everything to work in this physical world. And just as glue isn't the most important part of any object, money isn't be all and end all. However, it is so important that without an idea of some sort of an exchange of currency, this world would not be able to function. So with that in mind, money is another vital skill that we need to learn, to fully participate in this worlds affairs. We need to know how to ear it, save it and spend it. All of that is very important to our existence.
5. Change the way you think about your self.
You can't affect any sort of change in your life if you do not like your self. Your self worth will influence everything you do. If you do not think you are worth it, your chances for success in anything diminish significantly.
One of the ways of increasing your self esteem would be to pay attention to any success that you achieved, however small. Learn how to forgive your self when you fail. This is a way of conditioning your mind to look at your self as a valuable being.
6. Use creativity in every aspect of your life.
One of the greatest and most fulfilling thing we can do to change our life is to use our own creativity as much as possible in our daily life. Being creative is one of those things that is integral in our life yet we pay almost no conscious attention to it. If you feel that your life became a drag, all you have to do is to awaken your creativity again and it will be transformed in an instant.
One of the surest ways to awaken your creative ability is to simply use it as much as possible. You can also check out a program where you go through an intense boot-camp to do the same (www.burstcreativity.com). Whichever way you do it however, you must do it, if you want to sky rocket your satisfaction in life.
7. Change the way you think about your body.
You probably heard many times that our bodies are our temples. Even though we often don't treat our bodies as such, it is worthwhile to make an effort in that department. You see one of the best arguments I know for this is simply that everything in life is interconnected. If we don't take care of our bodies, both from physical exercise and nutrition point of view, they simply will not function very well. And if we don't feel well physically, you can bet that we will not feel well emotionally, neither. Another point to bring up is the reverse of the previous statement - you can easily improve your out look on life by taking the time to improve how you take care of your self. It is not difficult to start feeling great if you haven't exercised in a while or you are eating really badly.
8. Change what you eat
Nutrition, although previously mentioned, definitely deserves more emphasis. Today obesity is one of the biggest problems in North America. If we don't change that soon it will become catastrophic as the population ages. So how do we actually improve our eating habits? We educate our selves. The best tip I know in changing the way you eat is ... (drum roll) ... learn from an expert. Go see a nutritionist. Not only a good nutritionist will be able to craft an ultimate way for you to eat, but they would do it in a customized way specifically made for your body and situation.
9. Pay attention to what is happening around you.
We lead very busy lives. Work, kids - it seems that every minute of the day is taken by something important. In this constant roller coaster it is easy to get "stuck on yourself". We sometimes loose perspective and stop seeing what is happening around us, as we are trying to deal with our own problems. If we do, it can cause innumerable problems and friction with people around us.
The best practice to avoid that is, from time to time, to become an observer. Develop the ability to view your life from the third person perspective. This may be a difficult concept to understand, but getting help in this department is easy. Most meditation traditions teach exactly this principal.
10. Give only what you would like to receive.
Give on to others what you would like for your self - is one of those ancient Christian sayings that rings true in our modern time. To bring it to the modern era, let's look at it from a business perspective. Psychology that applies to sales process also applies in many other arias of our life. In sales in order to persuade the prospect to buy, we use such techniques as mimicking, sincerity and others designed to make that person trust us. But in reality all we are doing is practicing that old principal of making others feel how we want to feel. We are creating an emotional experience for another person and they reward us with a sale. This as well as all the other principals we discussed is very simple. All we need to do is apply them one by one and we will become happier better human being.
Copyright 2006 http://www.BurstCreativity.com
****************************************
Alexander Tretjakov
BurstCreativity Unconventional Thinking University
To enroll in the "Kick-start Your creativity" program
go to: http://burstcreativity.com
*****************************************
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Tretjakov
http://EzineArticles.com/?More-Money,-More-Health,-More-Happiness!&id=269722
By Alexander Tretjakov
You can change the quality of your life by doing these simple steps …
1. Change the way you feel.
Emotions are very important in our life. When we feel down, our life seems bleak and we feel unmotivated to do anything. Good news is that you can change your mood simply by thinking of pleasant memories from the past. Our mind is incredibly powerful. We just need to be able to steer it in the direction we want it to go.
2. Change the way you think
This one is tricky. Here I am not talking about simply forcing your self to be unnaturally positive about everything. I am talking about developing an understanding of things around you, so you will be able not to be negative. Through understanding why things happen, you will be able to not get mad at unimportant things. You will simply let them go.
3. Change the way you relate to other people.
When we relate to others it is highly important to understand where they are coming from. Just think how many times you were upset at someone simply because you did not understand them or their point of view. If we will start looking for understanding first, in any situation, instead of simply reacting, we will avoid half of the problems that we have in our lives today.
4. Change the way you think about money.
Money is a sticky subject. People, from the time immemorial, had issues with money. Be it, calling money evil, or putting it on a pedestal, there was always a lot of drama surrounding this subject. The fact is though - money by it self is natural. People do good or bad things with money. But in it self money is just an energy that flows from one person to another. It also plays an incredibly important role in our lives. It is like glue that allows everything to work in this physical world. And just as glue isn't the most important part of any object, money isn't be all and end all. However, it is so important that without an idea of some sort of an exchange of currency, this world would not be able to function. So with that in mind, money is another vital skill that we need to learn, to fully participate in this worlds affairs. We need to know how to ear it, save it and spend it. All of that is very important to our existence.
5. Change the way you think about your self.
You can't affect any sort of change in your life if you do not like your self. Your self worth will influence everything you do. If you do not think you are worth it, your chances for success in anything diminish significantly.
One of the ways of increasing your self esteem would be to pay attention to any success that you achieved, however small. Learn how to forgive your self when you fail. This is a way of conditioning your mind to look at your self as a valuable being.
6. Use creativity in every aspect of your life.
One of the greatest and most fulfilling thing we can do to change our life is to use our own creativity as much as possible in our daily life. Being creative is one of those things that is integral in our life yet we pay almost no conscious attention to it. If you feel that your life became a drag, all you have to do is to awaken your creativity again and it will be transformed in an instant.
One of the surest ways to awaken your creative ability is to simply use it as much as possible. You can also check out a program where you go through an intense boot-camp to do the same (www.burstcreativity.com). Whichever way you do it however, you must do it, if you want to sky rocket your satisfaction in life.
7. Change the way you think about your body.
You probably heard many times that our bodies are our temples. Even though we often don't treat our bodies as such, it is worthwhile to make an effort in that department. You see one of the best arguments I know for this is simply that everything in life is interconnected. If we don't take care of our bodies, both from physical exercise and nutrition point of view, they simply will not function very well. And if we don't feel well physically, you can bet that we will not feel well emotionally, neither. Another point to bring up is the reverse of the previous statement - you can easily improve your out look on life by taking the time to improve how you take care of your self. It is not difficult to start feeling great if you haven't exercised in a while or you are eating really badly.
8. Change what you eat
Nutrition, although previously mentioned, definitely deserves more emphasis. Today obesity is one of the biggest problems in North America. If we don't change that soon it will become catastrophic as the population ages. So how do we actually improve our eating habits? We educate our selves. The best tip I know in changing the way you eat is ... (drum roll) ... learn from an expert. Go see a nutritionist. Not only a good nutritionist will be able to craft an ultimate way for you to eat, but they would do it in a customized way specifically made for your body and situation.
9. Pay attention to what is happening around you.
We lead very busy lives. Work, kids - it seems that every minute of the day is taken by something important. In this constant roller coaster it is easy to get "stuck on yourself". We sometimes loose perspective and stop seeing what is happening around us, as we are trying to deal with our own problems. If we do, it can cause innumerable problems and friction with people around us.
The best practice to avoid that is, from time to time, to become an observer. Develop the ability to view your life from the third person perspective. This may be a difficult concept to understand, but getting help in this department is easy. Most meditation traditions teach exactly this principal.
10. Give only what you would like to receive.
Give on to others what you would like for your self - is one of those ancient Christian sayings that rings true in our modern time. To bring it to the modern era, let's look at it from a business perspective. Psychology that applies to sales process also applies in many other arias of our life. In sales in order to persuade the prospect to buy, we use such techniques as mimicking, sincerity and others designed to make that person trust us. But in reality all we are doing is practicing that old principal of making others feel how we want to feel. We are creating an emotional experience for another person and they reward us with a sale. This as well as all the other principals we discussed is very simple. All we need to do is apply them one by one and we will become happier better human being.
Copyright 2006 http://www.BurstCreativity.com
****************************************
Alexander Tretjakov
BurstCreativity Unconventional Thinking University
To enroll in the "Kick-start Your creativity" program
go to: http://burstcreativity.com
*****************************************
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Tretjakov
http://EzineArticles.com/?More-Money,-More-Health,-More-Happiness!&id=269722
Monday, May 21, 2007
Stress Reduction Through Exercise
Stress Reduction Through Exercise
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to start a fitness-training program.
Many diseases and illnesses are the direct result of stress, and exercise helps to counter the negative effects that stress has on our mind and body.
Even a light workout or a walk in the park can be beneficial for stress reduction.
By increasing the intensity of the exercise our body begins to release endorphins, which makes us feel happier and this counters the effects of stress.
As our levels of fitness increase we are able to handle more stress both in body and mind, as being physically fit also leads to a more positive outlook on life and less problems are likely to influence this outlook.
We become more alert as we get fitter and tasks that might have been difficult become easier to achieve.
This ability to perform more in a day with less effort has a dramatic effect on our stress levels.
In addition to this, when we exercise outdoors we get the benefits of fresh air, which is something that many people don't get enough of in the air conditioned environments that we have become accustomed to.
The more we exercise the less we are inclined to suffer from the negative effects of stress and this reduction in stress allows us to exercise more easily as our energy levels rise.
It becomes and ever increasing positive circle of less stress and more fitness.
People often get into a 'rut' where they feel they don't have the time to exercise as they have too much to do, when in fact if they took the time to exercise they would have more energy and better health that would allow them to do more in the course of the day.
They would find they could be more productive and do so in a more relaxed manner.
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to start a fitness-training program.
Many diseases and illnesses are the direct result of stress, and exercise helps to counter the negative effects that stress has on our mind and body.
Even a light workout or a walk in the park can be beneficial for stress reduction.
By increasing the intensity of the exercise our body begins to release endorphins, which makes us feel happier and this counters the effects of stress.
As our levels of fitness increase we are able to handle more stress both in body and mind, as being physically fit also leads to a more positive outlook on life and less problems are likely to influence this outlook.
We become more alert as we get fitter and tasks that might have been difficult become easier to achieve.
This ability to perform more in a day with less effort has a dramatic effect on our stress levels.
In addition to this, when we exercise outdoors we get the benefits of fresh air, which is something that many people don't get enough of in the air conditioned environments that we have become accustomed to.
The more we exercise the less we are inclined to suffer from the negative effects of stress and this reduction in stress allows us to exercise more easily as our energy levels rise.
It becomes and ever increasing positive circle of less stress and more fitness.
People often get into a 'rut' where they feel they don't have the time to exercise as they have too much to do, when in fact if they took the time to exercise they would have more energy and better health that would allow them to do more in the course of the day.
They would find they could be more productive and do so in a more relaxed manner.
Take Control of Your Health
Take Control of Your Health Today
Very Interesting 'No-Holds Barred' eBook on the Food & Drug Industry
Take Control of Your Health and Escape the Sickness Industry:
"This remarkable book will show you how to:
Determine which foods and which minerals build bone mass
Prevent/reverse osteoporosis
Substitute safe remedies for dangerous HRT
Avoid food and beverages that cause bones to dissolve
Avoid/reverse all female (and male) complaints without drugs
Prevent/reverse impotence and prostate illnesses
Use simple, natural remedies for many common ailments
Discover the only progesterone that is effective, does not contain preservatives, and costs a few cents per day
Banish constipation
Rejuvenate your skin naturally
Banish brain fog
Prevent breast cancer
Sail through menopause, drug-free
Avoid a commonly prescribed drug that creates severe spinal degeneration, even in the young
Get a mineral that halts 40-50% of calcium loss
Get a Peruvian root vegetable that has been used for 10,000 years to promote bone density and make menopause easy, and costs a few cents a day
Plus much more...
Author's Note: I have been encouraged by the thousands of readers who have indeed been inspired to join our crusade, especially those who have taken the trouble to write to me to say that they have been helped by this book. Many tell me they have found relief from long-endured conditions, merely by taking my advice to make a small change to their diet, or by quitting a product that they had been assured was ‘safe’, but which actually made them sick. Even some doctors have told me that, as a result of reading this book and investigating the medical and scientific sources from which I quote, they have re-evaluated some of their long-held beliefs and looked more seriously to alternative treatments."
Will this eBook help you take back control of your health?
Very Interesting 'No-Holds Barred' eBook on the Food & Drug Industry
Take Control of Your Health and Escape the Sickness Industry:
"This remarkable book will show you how to:
Determine which foods and which minerals build bone mass
Prevent/reverse osteoporosis
Substitute safe remedies for dangerous HRT
Avoid food and beverages that cause bones to dissolve
Avoid/reverse all female (and male) complaints without drugs
Prevent/reverse impotence and prostate illnesses
Use simple, natural remedies for many common ailments
Discover the only progesterone that is effective, does not contain preservatives, and costs a few cents per day
Banish constipation
Rejuvenate your skin naturally
Banish brain fog
Prevent breast cancer
Sail through menopause, drug-free
Avoid a commonly prescribed drug that creates severe spinal degeneration, even in the young
Get a mineral that halts 40-50% of calcium loss
Get a Peruvian root vegetable that has been used for 10,000 years to promote bone density and make menopause easy, and costs a few cents a day
Plus much more...
Author's Note: I have been encouraged by the thousands of readers who have indeed been inspired to join our crusade, especially those who have taken the trouble to write to me to say that they have been helped by this book. Many tell me they have found relief from long-endured conditions, merely by taking my advice to make a small change to their diet, or by quitting a product that they had been assured was ‘safe’, but which actually made them sick. Even some doctors have told me that, as a result of reading this book and investigating the medical and scientific sources from which I quote, they have re-evaluated some of their long-held beliefs and looked more seriously to alternative treatments."
Will this eBook help you take back control of your health?
Sunday, May 20, 2007
What Is a Healthy Diet? By Chris Chenoweth
What Is a Healthy Diet?
By Chris Chenoweth
There is so much information about what is healthy and nutritious these days that it is very difficult to sort out the hype from the truth. Following a healthy diet can be accomplished by making some simple adjustments to your current diet.
If you think it is just too much trouble to make some simple changes to improve your family’s diet, think again. Most people do not realize the incredible impact that a healthy diet has on our bodies, making the difference between poor health and good health.
Along with regular physical activity, a healthy diet is the most important factor that determines your weight. If you are overweight or obese, your chances of developing many diseases or conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers, increase significantly.
EASY STEPS TO A HEALTHY DIET
Your first step to following a healthy diet is to make sure you include food from all food groups. Vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, legumes, lean proteins and low fat milk products should all be incorporated into your daily diet.
*VEGETABLES – A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It also contributes to a healthy weight, reducing your risk of obesity and the conditions associated with it. There are a multitude of vegetables to choose from, the healthiest being dark green vegetables like broccoli, lettuces, and kale, orange vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash, and red vegetables like red peppers and tomatoes.
*FRUITS – Eat a variety of fruits each day, canned, dried, fresh or frozen. Stay away from fruit juices as they can be high in sugar. (Unless you make the juice yourself.)
*WHOLE GRAINS – Choose whole grain cereals, breads, rice, and pasta. Read the food label and make sure the grain that is listed such as wheat, rice, oats or corn is referred to as WHOLE in the list of ingredients. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber can help reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
*LEGUMES – This class of vegetable includes beans, peas and lentils. They are low in fat, contain no cholesterol, are high in protein, and have phytochemicals, compounds that help prevent heart disease and cancer. They are also a good source of fiber. Add pinto, kidney, black and garbanzo beans, split peas and lentils to your daily diet.
*LEAN PROTEINS – Choose lean meats, poultry, and fish. Bake, broil, or grill it. Do not fry! Beans, nuts and seeds also provide protein.
*LOW-FAT MILK PRODUCTS – Eat low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese or low-fat milk every day. Dairy products can lower your risk of diabetes and help build strong bones, reducing your risk of osteoporosis.
There are a variety of foods that should not be present in your diet except in very small amounts. These foods, such as sugars, alcohol, and some fats, contribute to diseases and poor health.
*SUGARS – Avoid foods containing sugar. You know what they are! Always check food labels to see how much sugar is present as some foods contain sugar that may surprise you.
*ALCOHOL – Avoid alcohol. If you must drink, limit intake to one drink a day. Alcohol can increase your risk of many conditions including some types of cancers.
*FATS – There are different kinds of fat in our foods. Some are detrimental to your health and others are very healthy.
1. Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, flaxseed oil, peanut oil and avocados)
2. Polyunsaturated fats (safflower, sesame, sunflower seeds)
These fats raise your good cholesterol levels. To stick to a healthy diet, choose foods with these fats.
3. Saturated fat and trans fatty acids raise your bad cholesterol levels, contributing to your risk of heart disease. Limit your intake.
Saturated fats are found in beef, veal, lamb, pork, lard, butter, cream, whole milk dairy products and can be present in processed foods like frozen dinners and some canned food. Always check food labels before purchasing.
Trans fatty acids, the kind of fats that increase the risk of heart disease, are formed during the process of creating cooking oils, shortening, and margarine and are found in commercially fried foods, some baked goods, and crackers. When checking food labels, make sure the ingredients do not include hydrogenated fats.
Following a healthy and nutritious diet is a necessary step for the improved health of you and your family. It is not difficult to make the simple changes necessary to change an unhealthy diet to a healthy one. The advantages, better health, longer life, and more energy, far outweigh any inconveniences you may experience.
Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Chenoweth
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-a-Healthy-Diet?&id=363795
By Chris Chenoweth
There is so much information about what is healthy and nutritious these days that it is very difficult to sort out the hype from the truth. Following a healthy diet can be accomplished by making some simple adjustments to your current diet.
If you think it is just too much trouble to make some simple changes to improve your family’s diet, think again. Most people do not realize the incredible impact that a healthy diet has on our bodies, making the difference between poor health and good health.
Along with regular physical activity, a healthy diet is the most important factor that determines your weight. If you are overweight or obese, your chances of developing many diseases or conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers, increase significantly.
EASY STEPS TO A HEALTHY DIET
Your first step to following a healthy diet is to make sure you include food from all food groups. Vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, legumes, lean proteins and low fat milk products should all be incorporated into your daily diet.
*VEGETABLES – A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It also contributes to a healthy weight, reducing your risk of obesity and the conditions associated with it. There are a multitude of vegetables to choose from, the healthiest being dark green vegetables like broccoli, lettuces, and kale, orange vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash, and red vegetables like red peppers and tomatoes.
*FRUITS – Eat a variety of fruits each day, canned, dried, fresh or frozen. Stay away from fruit juices as they can be high in sugar. (Unless you make the juice yourself.)
*WHOLE GRAINS – Choose whole grain cereals, breads, rice, and pasta. Read the food label and make sure the grain that is listed such as wheat, rice, oats or corn is referred to as WHOLE in the list of ingredients. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber can help reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
*LEGUMES – This class of vegetable includes beans, peas and lentils. They are low in fat, contain no cholesterol, are high in protein, and have phytochemicals, compounds that help prevent heart disease and cancer. They are also a good source of fiber. Add pinto, kidney, black and garbanzo beans, split peas and lentils to your daily diet.
*LEAN PROTEINS – Choose lean meats, poultry, and fish. Bake, broil, or grill it. Do not fry! Beans, nuts and seeds also provide protein.
*LOW-FAT MILK PRODUCTS – Eat low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese or low-fat milk every day. Dairy products can lower your risk of diabetes and help build strong bones, reducing your risk of osteoporosis.
There are a variety of foods that should not be present in your diet except in very small amounts. These foods, such as sugars, alcohol, and some fats, contribute to diseases and poor health.
*SUGARS – Avoid foods containing sugar. You know what they are! Always check food labels to see how much sugar is present as some foods contain sugar that may surprise you.
*ALCOHOL – Avoid alcohol. If you must drink, limit intake to one drink a day. Alcohol can increase your risk of many conditions including some types of cancers.
*FATS – There are different kinds of fat in our foods. Some are detrimental to your health and others are very healthy.
1. Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, flaxseed oil, peanut oil and avocados)
2. Polyunsaturated fats (safflower, sesame, sunflower seeds)
These fats raise your good cholesterol levels. To stick to a healthy diet, choose foods with these fats.
3. Saturated fat and trans fatty acids raise your bad cholesterol levels, contributing to your risk of heart disease. Limit your intake.
Saturated fats are found in beef, veal, lamb, pork, lard, butter, cream, whole milk dairy products and can be present in processed foods like frozen dinners and some canned food. Always check food labels before purchasing.
Trans fatty acids, the kind of fats that increase the risk of heart disease, are formed during the process of creating cooking oils, shortening, and margarine and are found in commercially fried foods, some baked goods, and crackers. When checking food labels, make sure the ingredients do not include hydrogenated fats.
Following a healthy and nutritious diet is a necessary step for the improved health of you and your family. It is not difficult to make the simple changes necessary to change an unhealthy diet to a healthy one. The advantages, better health, longer life, and more energy, far outweigh any inconveniences you may experience.
Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Chenoweth
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-a-Healthy-Diet?&id=363795
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Good Nutrition
Good Nutrition
Nutrition is a study in itself and there is far more than could ever be covered in this course.
There are however some nutrition basics that will help you to get better results from your training.
Many people are against taking supplements, but fitness training does place additional demands on our body and sometimes this can only be addressed by taking good supplements.
There are many different brands of supplements on the market and these have been developed due to the growth of the fitness industry and the fact that more people are concerned about their health.
Eating the right food will go a long way to supplying us with the nutrition that we need however even the best foods can't always supply us with the requirements of our busy lives.
One of the main food items (if it can be called that) that needs to be eliminated from our diets wherever possible is sugar.
Sugar will add nothing to your health and can do a whole lot of damage and cause problems such as diabetes to occur even for those people who are following good fitness training regimes.
You will need a level of quality complex carbohydrates to give you the energy to do your fitness training and also protein to help your muscles to recover and grow stronger.
These can be supplied through the foods we eat or by buying quality protein powders and nutritional supplements designed for people who train.
Recovery times can be shortened by supplements and taking supplements can enhance improvements in many aspects of fitness.
Good nutrition is probably the most important aspect of any fitness-training program, as it will ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from the work that you are putting in to your health.
It can be quite costly but the rewards can be quite impressive too.
Nutrition is a study in itself and there is far more than could ever be covered in this course.
There are however some nutrition basics that will help you to get better results from your training.
Many people are against taking supplements, but fitness training does place additional demands on our body and sometimes this can only be addressed by taking good supplements.
There are many different brands of supplements on the market and these have been developed due to the growth of the fitness industry and the fact that more people are concerned about their health.
Eating the right food will go a long way to supplying us with the nutrition that we need however even the best foods can't always supply us with the requirements of our busy lives.
One of the main food items (if it can be called that) that needs to be eliminated from our diets wherever possible is sugar.
Sugar will add nothing to your health and can do a whole lot of damage and cause problems such as diabetes to occur even for those people who are following good fitness training regimes.
You will need a level of quality complex carbohydrates to give you the energy to do your fitness training and also protein to help your muscles to recover and grow stronger.
These can be supplied through the foods we eat or by buying quality protein powders and nutritional supplements designed for people who train.
Recovery times can be shortened by supplements and taking supplements can enhance improvements in many aspects of fitness.
Good nutrition is probably the most important aspect of any fitness-training program, as it will ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from the work that you are putting in to your health.
It can be quite costly but the rewards can be quite impressive too.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Get a Better Sleep from Exercise
Get a Better Sleep from Exercise
There's no doubt about the importance of regular and sound sleep for optimum health.
One of the benefits of regular exercise is the fact that it also helps to encourage better sleep patterns.
By exercising there are benefits such as a reduction in stress levels that will also help you to relax more easily and this in turn will help you to sleep better.
You should not however exercise just before going to bed as the stimulation that you get from exercise can hinder your chance of going to sleep.
The best times to exercise are in the morning or early afternoon.
This is not always convenient and many people are unable to exercise any time earlier than after work.
If this is the case then it is still best to exercise as early as possible and allow a little to unwind and relax before retiring for the night.
As your sleep patterns become more regular from the exercise your energy levels will increase from the additional sleep and this in turn will allow you to exercise more often and for longer periods.
With exercise and sleep complimenting one another you can make quite rapid gains in fitness and overall health provided you exercise consistently.
If you don't focus on getting good sleep, then there is a possibility you could wind up over training if you are exercising intensively.
Aside from good exercise and good sleep, you must always maintain good nutrition.
Nutrition also has a bearing on your ability to sleep well, so as you can see, you need balance in your life to get the most out of it.
When any element is missing and there is something out of balance all else suffers.
Even a little exercise will help a lot over a period of time, as will increasing your sleep and relaxation time.
There's no doubt about the importance of regular and sound sleep for optimum health.
One of the benefits of regular exercise is the fact that it also helps to encourage better sleep patterns.
By exercising there are benefits such as a reduction in stress levels that will also help you to relax more easily and this in turn will help you to sleep better.
You should not however exercise just before going to bed as the stimulation that you get from exercise can hinder your chance of going to sleep.
The best times to exercise are in the morning or early afternoon.
This is not always convenient and many people are unable to exercise any time earlier than after work.
If this is the case then it is still best to exercise as early as possible and allow a little to unwind and relax before retiring for the night.
As your sleep patterns become more regular from the exercise your energy levels will increase from the additional sleep and this in turn will allow you to exercise more often and for longer periods.
With exercise and sleep complimenting one another you can make quite rapid gains in fitness and overall health provided you exercise consistently.
If you don't focus on getting good sleep, then there is a possibility you could wind up over training if you are exercising intensively.
Aside from good exercise and good sleep, you must always maintain good nutrition.
Nutrition also has a bearing on your ability to sleep well, so as you can see, you need balance in your life to get the most out of it.
When any element is missing and there is something out of balance all else suffers.
Even a little exercise will help a lot over a period of time, as will increasing your sleep and relaxation time.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
8 Healthy Habits By Jenifer Shapiro
8 Healthy Habits
By Jenifer Shapiro
The following are healthy habits for your mind and your body this holiday season and throughout the new year.
For Your Body - Drink 8 oz of warm water with a squeeze of fresh lemon upon waking and wait at least 15 minutes to eat or brush your teeth to cleanse and tonify the liver and start your day with more energy.
For Your Teeth - Floss your teeth and rinse with warm sea salt water every once in a while to keep them healthy and open the energy while releasing plaque. This is also good if you have a toothache.
For Your Relationships - Tell those you love why you love them at least once a week.
For Your Stress Level - Read e-mails as if the person sending them has no agenda other than what is written.
To Expand Your View of Life - Find something new on your drive to work every day – a new tree, new color on a house, a street name you never noticed, etc.
To Connect With Nature and Nourishment - Eat something natural slowly and think about how far it came and the way it grew before you obtained it to appreciate it’s gift to you.
To Connect With Yourself in New Ways - Read something that opens your mind or heart every day.
To Connect With Your Community - Meet at least one new person each week and memorize their name. It could be the person at the checkout counter or the person you see all the time at the library. Ask their name, introduce yourself and wish them a good day.
ENJOY!
Love,
Jenifer
Jenifer Shapiro is a proven intuitive and shamanic teacher/counselor professionally trained in coaching, hypnotherapy, NLP, yoga, shamanism and other mind, body, soul therapies. She holds an M.B.A. in international business and is the founder of The Empowerment Centre (http://www.TheEmpowermentCentre.com) with offices in Pennsylvania, New York and the Midwest. She is also the founder of Satya Business (http://www.SatyaBusiness.com) and HolisticHometown.com as well as the originator of Integrative Release TherapyTM. She teaches and works with individuals, teens and holistic entrepreneurs to assist them in manifesting empowering, fulfilling lives and businesses. She can be reached at (610) 213-1010 or http://www.TheEmpowermentCentre.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenifer_Shapiro
http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Healthy-Habits&id=378161
By Jenifer Shapiro
The following are healthy habits for your mind and your body this holiday season and throughout the new year.
For Your Body - Drink 8 oz of warm water with a squeeze of fresh lemon upon waking and wait at least 15 minutes to eat or brush your teeth to cleanse and tonify the liver and start your day with more energy.
For Your Teeth - Floss your teeth and rinse with warm sea salt water every once in a while to keep them healthy and open the energy while releasing plaque. This is also good if you have a toothache.
For Your Relationships - Tell those you love why you love them at least once a week.
For Your Stress Level - Read e-mails as if the person sending them has no agenda other than what is written.
To Expand Your View of Life - Find something new on your drive to work every day – a new tree, new color on a house, a street name you never noticed, etc.
To Connect With Nature and Nourishment - Eat something natural slowly and think about how far it came and the way it grew before you obtained it to appreciate it’s gift to you.
To Connect With Yourself in New Ways - Read something that opens your mind or heart every day.
To Connect With Your Community - Meet at least one new person each week and memorize their name. It could be the person at the checkout counter or the person you see all the time at the library. Ask their name, introduce yourself and wish them a good day.
ENJOY!
Love,
Jenifer
Jenifer Shapiro is a proven intuitive and shamanic teacher/counselor professionally trained in coaching, hypnotherapy, NLP, yoga, shamanism and other mind, body, soul therapies. She holds an M.B.A. in international business and is the founder of The Empowerment Centre (http://www.TheEmpowermentCentre.com) with offices in Pennsylvania, New York and the Midwest. She is also the founder of Satya Business (http://www.SatyaBusiness.com) and HolisticHometown.com as well as the originator of Integrative Release TherapyTM. She teaches and works with individuals, teens and holistic entrepreneurs to assist them in manifesting empowering, fulfilling lives and businesses. She can be reached at (610) 213-1010 or http://www.TheEmpowermentCentre.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenifer_Shapiro
http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Healthy-Habits&id=378161
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Herbs and Spices that Contribute to Your Health By Bronwen Elisabeth Roberts
Herbs and Spices that Contribute to Your Health
By Bronwen Elisabeth Roberts
What you eat will show on your face and body: it will impact on the way you carry yourself, the amount of energy you have, and your level of passion for life! You are what you eat and that’s a fact.
Basil grows anywhere
Take advantage of this herb that grows prolifically, just about anywhere. If you don’t have a garden, it will grow in a pot on your balcony. The great thing about basil is that it adds sweetness to your meal and has none of the downside effects of sugar e.g. mood swings, weight gain, addiction, and (yes) acne. In fact, Basil can be used to treat acne; just add boiling water to a bunch of leaves and flowers. Allow to cool, strain and apply directly to the skin.
Try and eat basil as raw as possible: basil grown in strong sun will have the best and most intense flavour and perfume. Basil must be handled carefully: it is preferable to tear the leaves as cutting can produce a strong aniseed flavour. Purple basil (if you can find it…) with its intense flavour and beautiful colour is wonderful in salads as well as mixed with grilled vegetables.
Medicinal qualities include helping with nausea and stomach disorders. Basil juice can be used to treat insect stings and cuts. Basil is particularly good in treating symptoms relating to nervous disorders.
Fenugreek the Wonder Plant
Fenugreek is a plant that is native to southeast Europe and west Asia. Its seeds are often used in Middle Eastern or North African dishes. The slight bitter taste of this spice enhances the many flavours that are used in Eastern cooking.
Fenugreek is famous for its medicinal qualities. For centuries, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans have used fenugreek to treat various disorders. It can improve cholesterol levels and help stabilise blood sugar in diabetics.
Fenugreek can also aid digestion. Occasionally it can cause diarrhoea, depending on the constitution of the patient, so doses need to be monitored. Decreasing your dose should alleviate this side effect. In addition to seeds and capsules, fenugreek also comes in powder and gum forms.
Ginger is a Powerful Healer
Ginger is thought to have originated in South-East Asia. Its hot, spicy and clean flavours have become popular in many cultures over the centuries. In ancient times it was a highly prized Eastern import to the Roman Empire, where it was used mostly for medicinal purposes. In medieval England, ginger was used as a condiment and was as common as pepper. It was also eaten as a ‘sweet’ in a preserved or glace form. Ginger has been used predominantly in the Middle East, Africa and South America but where it has really flourished has been in Asian cuisine. Eaten sliced, juiced, grated, ground, minced or mashed, or preserved in vinegar or sugar, ginger has become the quintessential spice.
Ginger has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries to purge the body of colds and viruses and as a stimulating tonic for digestive disorders and the female reproductive system. Allowed to steep in tea, it induces sweating, which helps fevers run their course. It also tones and helps boost the immune system.
Ginger is also helpful in the treatment of period pains, digestive disorders, nausea and colds. It has been known to successfully treat travel sickness and nausea in pregnancy; used instead of traditional medication. Its revitalising qualities lift the spirits and ease depression.
A House of Garlic
It is one of the most pungent of vegetables and also the most popular. The powerful bite and odour of garlic are caused by a reaction between sulphur compounds and enzymes which are activated by the air when the bulbs are crushed or cut. Garlic is integral to nearly all stocks, soups and stews. It is credited with medicinal qualities as well as its versatility in cooking, for which it is well known. Used whole, chopped or crushed, raw, sautéed or roasted, garlic has a distinctive flavour (not for the fainthearted…) that can vary from pungent to sweet. Garlic grows underground as a bulb consisting of many cloves, each of which is encased in a papery skin. The smell of garlic only emerges once the cloves are cut, causing damage to the cell walls. The more you cut the cloves, the stronger the smell. Cooking the garlic, however, destroys the compound, rendering it milder and sweeter. When choosing a head of garlic, make sure it is firm and dry, with no discolouration.
Most of the modern research on garlic has concentrated on its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as offering protection against strokes and heart disease. While garlic is gathering a reputation for helping to maintain a healthy heart, regular amounts of garlic seem to also help the body fight off infections.
http://www.youarewhatyoueat.tv You Are What You Eat promotes healthy eating: high quality food is one of the easiest and most effective ways to promote and improve physical well-being. By thinking more carefully about what you eat and making healthier food choices, you can get the very best out of your life. Whatever your size, what you eat is crucial to the way you live, look and feel.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bronwen_Elisabeth_Roberts
http://EzineArticles.com/?Herbs-and-Spices-that-Contribute-to-Your-Health&id=214650
By Bronwen Elisabeth Roberts
What you eat will show on your face and body: it will impact on the way you carry yourself, the amount of energy you have, and your level of passion for life! You are what you eat and that’s a fact.
Basil grows anywhere
Take advantage of this herb that grows prolifically, just about anywhere. If you don’t have a garden, it will grow in a pot on your balcony. The great thing about basil is that it adds sweetness to your meal and has none of the downside effects of sugar e.g. mood swings, weight gain, addiction, and (yes) acne. In fact, Basil can be used to treat acne; just add boiling water to a bunch of leaves and flowers. Allow to cool, strain and apply directly to the skin.
Try and eat basil as raw as possible: basil grown in strong sun will have the best and most intense flavour and perfume. Basil must be handled carefully: it is preferable to tear the leaves as cutting can produce a strong aniseed flavour. Purple basil (if you can find it…) with its intense flavour and beautiful colour is wonderful in salads as well as mixed with grilled vegetables.
Medicinal qualities include helping with nausea and stomach disorders. Basil juice can be used to treat insect stings and cuts. Basil is particularly good in treating symptoms relating to nervous disorders.
Fenugreek the Wonder Plant
Fenugreek is a plant that is native to southeast Europe and west Asia. Its seeds are often used in Middle Eastern or North African dishes. The slight bitter taste of this spice enhances the many flavours that are used in Eastern cooking.
Fenugreek is famous for its medicinal qualities. For centuries, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans have used fenugreek to treat various disorders. It can improve cholesterol levels and help stabilise blood sugar in diabetics.
Fenugreek can also aid digestion. Occasionally it can cause diarrhoea, depending on the constitution of the patient, so doses need to be monitored. Decreasing your dose should alleviate this side effect. In addition to seeds and capsules, fenugreek also comes in powder and gum forms.
Ginger is a Powerful Healer
Ginger is thought to have originated in South-East Asia. Its hot, spicy and clean flavours have become popular in many cultures over the centuries. In ancient times it was a highly prized Eastern import to the Roman Empire, where it was used mostly for medicinal purposes. In medieval England, ginger was used as a condiment and was as common as pepper. It was also eaten as a ‘sweet’ in a preserved or glace form. Ginger has been used predominantly in the Middle East, Africa and South America but where it has really flourished has been in Asian cuisine. Eaten sliced, juiced, grated, ground, minced or mashed, or preserved in vinegar or sugar, ginger has become the quintessential spice.
Ginger has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries to purge the body of colds and viruses and as a stimulating tonic for digestive disorders and the female reproductive system. Allowed to steep in tea, it induces sweating, which helps fevers run their course. It also tones and helps boost the immune system.
Ginger is also helpful in the treatment of period pains, digestive disorders, nausea and colds. It has been known to successfully treat travel sickness and nausea in pregnancy; used instead of traditional medication. Its revitalising qualities lift the spirits and ease depression.
A House of Garlic
It is one of the most pungent of vegetables and also the most popular. The powerful bite and odour of garlic are caused by a reaction between sulphur compounds and enzymes which are activated by the air when the bulbs are crushed or cut. Garlic is integral to nearly all stocks, soups and stews. It is credited with medicinal qualities as well as its versatility in cooking, for which it is well known. Used whole, chopped or crushed, raw, sautéed or roasted, garlic has a distinctive flavour (not for the fainthearted…) that can vary from pungent to sweet. Garlic grows underground as a bulb consisting of many cloves, each of which is encased in a papery skin. The smell of garlic only emerges once the cloves are cut, causing damage to the cell walls. The more you cut the cloves, the stronger the smell. Cooking the garlic, however, destroys the compound, rendering it milder and sweeter. When choosing a head of garlic, make sure it is firm and dry, with no discolouration.
Most of the modern research on garlic has concentrated on its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as offering protection against strokes and heart disease. While garlic is gathering a reputation for helping to maintain a healthy heart, regular amounts of garlic seem to also help the body fight off infections.
http://www.youarewhatyoueat.tv You Are What You Eat promotes healthy eating: high quality food is one of the easiest and most effective ways to promote and improve physical well-being. By thinking more carefully about what you eat and making healthier food choices, you can get the very best out of your life. Whatever your size, what you eat is crucial to the way you live, look and feel.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bronwen_Elisabeth_Roberts
http://EzineArticles.com/?Herbs-and-Spices-that-Contribute-to-Your-Health&id=214650
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Buy Organic, Buy Local
I hate the big trendy organic stores. You can't be down-to-earth and over-the-top at the same time, you know? I like small mom and pop health food stores and neighborhood co-ops and local farmers’ stands. I eat a lot of vegetables but I do not garden. I never thought that deciding to Juice Vegetables and incorporate more raw foods would result in a bigger grocery bill. I started to shop prices on my veggies and I keep my eye out for deals. I find the local places provide a real savings and a quality product. There are several reason to shop locally:
- The produce stands are usually cheaper
- Many local farmers and small operations operate organically
- Support the local economy. Our farmer neighbors are businessmen.
- Keeps natural, agricultural aspect of community alive.
- Reduced packaging (less waste)
- Less transportation involved in shipping, less waste of shipping.
- Supporting small farms help prevent large industrial operations that take a toll on the land.
- Less exposure to chemicals and pesticides from growing process.
- Less waxing and spraying of fruits and vegetables for shipping
- Enjoy a wider variety of products with heirloom varieties and fragile items that are not grown for shipping.
- Have the pleasure of asking the farmer questions.
Sake of the planet will make a difference somehow. It is actions like switching light bulbs, recycling, driving smaller cars and buying locally that will save us.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Healthy Ideas
Healthy Ideas:
"Keep it colorful!
It’s time to be adventurous and try new and interesting varieties of fruits and veggies. Remember—variety is key in the quest for good health. A broad range of color equals a broad range of nutrients.
It is important to have a colorful variety of fruits and veggies every day, and snacks are a great way to include them in your diet. Snacking on fruits and veggies of different colors—red, dark green, yellow, blue, purple, white and orange—provides the broadest range of nutrients.
Research shows that people who eat generous amounts of colorful fruits and veggies as part of a healthy diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases including stroke, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and perhaps heart disease and high blood pressure.
So, the next time you prepare a meal or snack, try a delicious and eye-catching rainbow of fruits and veggies!
Colorful fruits and veggies are great sources of vitamins and minerals that can help protect your health, such as:
Fiber
Diets rich in dietary fiber have been shown to have a number of beneficial effects, including decreased risk of coronary heart disease.
Magnesium
This important mineral supports normal muscle and nerve function, a steady heart rhythm and a healthy immune system.
Folate
Healthful diets with adequate folate may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect.
Potassium
Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Vitamin A
Adequate amounts of Vitamin A keep eyes and skin healthy and help protect against infection.
Vitamin C
This valuable vitamin helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.""
Sunday, May 13, 2007
MenFitnessZone.com - Nutrition & supplement
MenFitnessZone.com - Nutrition & supplement:
"Nutrition & supplement
Good nutrition is critical to a healthy lifestyle, yet there is so much information out there, most people do not have a clear understanding as to what they should and should not be eating. This article will simplify things. First off, no more will you eat three big meals during the course of the day. To optimize your metabolism and your digestive system, break the day down with five to six small and nutritious meals. We will cover what these meals should be in a second. When you clog your system with three big meals, your metabolism slows down and your digestive system cannot handle all the food. As a result, you end up with partially-digested food and, for most people, a tired and fatigued feeling.
You want to make sure you eat within one hour of waking up. In other words, do not skip breakfast! If you take away just one thing from this article, let it be that you should eat a big and nutritious meal within one hour of waking up. Furthermore, do not eat within two hours of going to bed. The last thing you want is food sitting in your stomach when your metabolism is at its slowest. Most people know which foods they should stay away from. The obvious ones include desserts, high-fat meals, candy, fast food and fried food.
In fact, most people will feel a big difference simply by staying away from these kinds of foods. The not-so-obvious ones include:
1. Pasta (with the exception being wheat pasta)
2. Fat-free foods (because they are filled with sugar and chemicals)
3. Most frozen meals (because of all the preservatives)
4 Processed meats like fake cold cuts (because of all the preservatives and chemicals)
5. Soda and juices (because of the sugar)
6. Creamy meals (because of the fat)
Furthermore, start getting in the habit of reading the ingredients of the food you buy. If sugar is one of the first three ingredients listed, do not buy it. And if you see hydrogenated oils listed anywhere in the list of ingredients, stay far away. These kinds of fats, called Trans fats, wreck havoc on your body.
As far as what to eat, buying anything at the grocery from the following list is a straight path to better health. These foods include:
1. Fruits like bananas, berries and apples
2. Whole grains including bread and pasta
3. Oatmeal (not the microwave, sugar mix)
4. Low-fat dairy including milk and yogurt
5. Chicken, turkey and fish
6. Vegetables like spinach, squash and tomatoes
7. Olive oil and fresh garlic
8. Eggs
9. Natural peanut butter (the regular kind contains hydrogenated oils)
10. Beans and legumes
11. Almonds and other nuts
12. Water
Simply focus on staying away from the foods you should not eat and buy more of the foods listed above. You will find that the longer you make an effort to do this, the more will power you will slowly develop. Obviously sometimes you are going to slip, but this is not about perfection. Make a conscious effort to improve your eating habits and you will notice a huge difference in how you look and feel. After all, you are what you eat.
By Ryan Cote"
"Nutrition & supplement
Good nutrition is critical to a healthy lifestyle, yet there is so much information out there, most people do not have a clear understanding as to what they should and should not be eating. This article will simplify things. First off, no more will you eat three big meals during the course of the day. To optimize your metabolism and your digestive system, break the day down with five to six small and nutritious meals. We will cover what these meals should be in a second. When you clog your system with three big meals, your metabolism slows down and your digestive system cannot handle all the food. As a result, you end up with partially-digested food and, for most people, a tired and fatigued feeling.
You want to make sure you eat within one hour of waking up. In other words, do not skip breakfast! If you take away just one thing from this article, let it be that you should eat a big and nutritious meal within one hour of waking up. Furthermore, do not eat within two hours of going to bed. The last thing you want is food sitting in your stomach when your metabolism is at its slowest. Most people know which foods they should stay away from. The obvious ones include desserts, high-fat meals, candy, fast food and fried food.
In fact, most people will feel a big difference simply by staying away from these kinds of foods. The not-so-obvious ones include:
1. Pasta (with the exception being wheat pasta)
2. Fat-free foods (because they are filled with sugar and chemicals)
3. Most frozen meals (because of all the preservatives)
4 Processed meats like fake cold cuts (because of all the preservatives and chemicals)
5. Soda and juices (because of the sugar)
6. Creamy meals (because of the fat)
Furthermore, start getting in the habit of reading the ingredients of the food you buy. If sugar is one of the first three ingredients listed, do not buy it. And if you see hydrogenated oils listed anywhere in the list of ingredients, stay far away. These kinds of fats, called Trans fats, wreck havoc on your body.
As far as what to eat, buying anything at the grocery from the following list is a straight path to better health. These foods include:
1. Fruits like bananas, berries and apples
2. Whole grains including bread and pasta
3. Oatmeal (not the microwave, sugar mix)
4. Low-fat dairy including milk and yogurt
5. Chicken, turkey and fish
6. Vegetables like spinach, squash and tomatoes
7. Olive oil and fresh garlic
8. Eggs
9. Natural peanut butter (the regular kind contains hydrogenated oils)
10. Beans and legumes
11. Almonds and other nuts
12. Water
Simply focus on staying away from the foods you should not eat and buy more of the foods listed above. You will find that the longer you make an effort to do this, the more will power you will slowly develop. Obviously sometimes you are going to slip, but this is not about perfection. Make a conscious effort to improve your eating habits and you will notice a huge difference in how you look and feel. After all, you are what you eat.
By Ryan Cote"
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Healthy Eating for Families: 20 Quick and Easy Dinnertime Tips By Jamie Jefferson
Healthy Eating for Families: 20 Quick and Easy Dinnertime Tips By Jamie Jefferson
By the end of any given weekday, we have packed lunches, kissed foreheads, gone to work, driven carpool all over town, and now…now it is time to cook dinner.
Here are twenty quick and easy dinnertime tips that can also make for magical family memories.
1. Have lots of fresh vegetables on hand. I love putting out a plate of veggies for my kids to snack on before dinner. Anything that's still on the plate at dinnertime is simply placed alongside our other choices on the dinner table.
2. While you are at the supermarket, pick up some fresh herbs. These take no time at all to throw in to virtually any recipe, but they make all the difference in the flavor of your food. It is especially nice to have fresh basil, mint, and cilantro on hand.
3. Teach your kids about the balance of food on their plate. Discuss how many food groups are represented. To make this more fun, we ask our kids if they are eating a square meal with all four food groups. And if not, is it a triangle, (three food groups), a line (two food groups), or a dot (one food group)? Thinking of their choices in this way helps my young kids to visualize their choices and to strive for a square with each meal.
4. Hang a dry erase board on the wall or the refrigerator with each family member's name. Beside their name, they can write the number of fruits and vegetables or make a note of the healthy choices they made that day.
5. Don't assume your kids want or need fattening spreads or sugary sweeteners to dress up their food. Two of my children actually prefer toast without butter, waffles without syrup, and salad without dressing.
6. Chop vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower in a food processor, and add it to soups, pasta sauce, chili or stews.
7. Be a good example. The more healthy foods you eat, the more likely your kids will be to eat it, too (eventually).
8. Use the slow cooker. Often, there are times during the day that are less hectic than the dinner hour. Choose a time that is less hassled and make a quick crock-pot recipe. My kids love to help add ingredients to the slow cooker.
9. Make a casserole. Cooking Light magazine features some wonderful quick dinnertime or make-ahead casserole recipes (also available online at CookingLight.com.) Casseroles can be a great place to sneak in even more veggies.
10. Use the electric indoor grill. I use mine to take chicken from frozen to the table in less than 20 minutes. And then I grill vegetables in 5 minutes. Everything tastes so fresh, healthy and delicious. I don't know what I ever did without mine.
11. Create a Bar. My kids love sandwich bars, pasta bars, taco bars, and potato bars. Put out the essentials and some healthy fillings and toppings, and you have a great meal where everyone is in control of what they eat.
12. Delivery! We love pizza, and many places (especially the more gourmet pizza restaurants) now feature healthy choices, featuring pizzas loaded with fresh vegetables. We order a veggie pizza and one with just cheese, just in case the kids aren't in the mood for spinach on their pie.
13. There's more to take-out than the traditional fatty fast food fare. Find a few restaurants that offer quick, healthy take out. There certainly is no shame in ordering food to go.
14. Involve your children in the cooking and baking process. Focus on creating positive memories before, during, and after mealtime. This can be a fun time of togetherness, so ask yourself: what would make it more enjoyable for your family members? For example, you might let your kids play their favorite music while they help you prepare dinner, make the salad or set the table.
15. Involve your children in the grocery shopping. Let them read labels with you and help you to make healthy decisions for the family.
16. Make meals a family affair. Family meals are tremendously important. Not only will you be more conscious of what kinds of foods your children are eating, but it will make a ritual out of the family mealtime, which may help to discourage unhealthy snacking before meals.
17. Drink only milk or water with dinner. Soda and other sugary beverages can fill up your kids with empty calories, leaving less room for the good stuff.
18. Demonstrate your reverence for the peaceful family dinner by initiating special rituals even for everyday occasions. Eat on the good china, or try dimming the lights and dining by candlelight.
19. During dinner, talk about the health benefits of various foods on your plate. Before they eat something, my kids will often ask, "What does this food do for my body?" And then we explain in regard to the specific food. This may require you to do some research in advance (or as a family) so that you are familiar with the vitamin and nutrient contents of your favorite meals.
20. Turn off the TV and radio and dial up the conversation. If your kids aren't talking or they're bickering, distract them by asking about their favorite part of the day. Everyone gets a turn, and you get a peaceful mealtime. You might enjoy it so much that you will want to celebrate breakfast together, too.
Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape.com Visit today for the latest online Coupon Codes including discounts and coupons for children's clothes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Jefferson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Healthy-Eating-for-Families:-20-Quick-and-Easy-Dinnertime-Tips&id=322489
By the end of any given weekday, we have packed lunches, kissed foreheads, gone to work, driven carpool all over town, and now…now it is time to cook dinner.
Here are twenty quick and easy dinnertime tips that can also make for magical family memories.
1. Have lots of fresh vegetables on hand. I love putting out a plate of veggies for my kids to snack on before dinner. Anything that's still on the plate at dinnertime is simply placed alongside our other choices on the dinner table.
2. While you are at the supermarket, pick up some fresh herbs. These take no time at all to throw in to virtually any recipe, but they make all the difference in the flavor of your food. It is especially nice to have fresh basil, mint, and cilantro on hand.
3. Teach your kids about the balance of food on their plate. Discuss how many food groups are represented. To make this more fun, we ask our kids if they are eating a square meal with all four food groups. And if not, is it a triangle, (three food groups), a line (two food groups), or a dot (one food group)? Thinking of their choices in this way helps my young kids to visualize their choices and to strive for a square with each meal.
4. Hang a dry erase board on the wall or the refrigerator with each family member's name. Beside their name, they can write the number of fruits and vegetables or make a note of the healthy choices they made that day.
5. Don't assume your kids want or need fattening spreads or sugary sweeteners to dress up their food. Two of my children actually prefer toast without butter, waffles without syrup, and salad without dressing.
6. Chop vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower in a food processor, and add it to soups, pasta sauce, chili or stews.
7. Be a good example. The more healthy foods you eat, the more likely your kids will be to eat it, too (eventually).
8. Use the slow cooker. Often, there are times during the day that are less hectic than the dinner hour. Choose a time that is less hassled and make a quick crock-pot recipe. My kids love to help add ingredients to the slow cooker.
9. Make a casserole. Cooking Light magazine features some wonderful quick dinnertime or make-ahead casserole recipes (also available online at CookingLight.com.) Casseroles can be a great place to sneak in even more veggies.
10. Use the electric indoor grill. I use mine to take chicken from frozen to the table in less than 20 minutes. And then I grill vegetables in 5 minutes. Everything tastes so fresh, healthy and delicious. I don't know what I ever did without mine.
11. Create a Bar. My kids love sandwich bars, pasta bars, taco bars, and potato bars. Put out the essentials and some healthy fillings and toppings, and you have a great meal where everyone is in control of what they eat.
12. Delivery! We love pizza, and many places (especially the more gourmet pizza restaurants) now feature healthy choices, featuring pizzas loaded with fresh vegetables. We order a veggie pizza and one with just cheese, just in case the kids aren't in the mood for spinach on their pie.
13. There's more to take-out than the traditional fatty fast food fare. Find a few restaurants that offer quick, healthy take out. There certainly is no shame in ordering food to go.
14. Involve your children in the cooking and baking process. Focus on creating positive memories before, during, and after mealtime. This can be a fun time of togetherness, so ask yourself: what would make it more enjoyable for your family members? For example, you might let your kids play their favorite music while they help you prepare dinner, make the salad or set the table.
15. Involve your children in the grocery shopping. Let them read labels with you and help you to make healthy decisions for the family.
16. Make meals a family affair. Family meals are tremendously important. Not only will you be more conscious of what kinds of foods your children are eating, but it will make a ritual out of the family mealtime, which may help to discourage unhealthy snacking before meals.
17. Drink only milk or water with dinner. Soda and other sugary beverages can fill up your kids with empty calories, leaving less room for the good stuff.
18. Demonstrate your reverence for the peaceful family dinner by initiating special rituals even for everyday occasions. Eat on the good china, or try dimming the lights and dining by candlelight.
19. During dinner, talk about the health benefits of various foods on your plate. Before they eat something, my kids will often ask, "What does this food do for my body?" And then we explain in regard to the specific food. This may require you to do some research in advance (or as a family) so that you are familiar with the vitamin and nutrient contents of your favorite meals.
20. Turn off the TV and radio and dial up the conversation. If your kids aren't talking or they're bickering, distract them by asking about their favorite part of the day. Everyone gets a turn, and you get a peaceful mealtime. You might enjoy it so much that you will want to celebrate breakfast together, too.
Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape.com Visit today for the latest online Coupon Codes including discounts and coupons for children's clothes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Jefferson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Healthy-Eating-for-Families:-20-Quick-and-Easy-Dinnertime-Tips&id=322489
Friday, May 11, 2007
Healthy, Quick Breakfast Ideas By Mila Sidman
Healthy, Quick Breakfast Ideas
By Mila Sidman
Most of us already know breakfast is the most important meal of the day… This is especially true when it comes to kids. We need to ensure their little bodies receive nourishing foods to help them grow and thrive.
Here are some healthy, quick breakfast ideas the whole family will enjoy.
Smoothies - Smoothies are certainly a great way to get a good dose of fruit. Chop up some fresh fruit, throw it in the blender and you have a healthy and delicious breakfast. For a heartier breakfast smoothie add some yogurt or a little high-fiber cereal.
Breakfast Muffins - For breakfast try a savory or fruit muffin. For a healthier muffin use whole wheat flour and instead of sugar mash a ripe banana or a little honey into the mixture. Unless you’re an early riser you probably won’t have enough time to make muffins in the morning. Simply make them ahead and either freeze or keep in an air-tight container for a few days.
Wholesome Eggs - Eggs are very versatile and most kids enjoy them. Try a ham omelet with a little cheese or scrambled eggs with chopped tomatoes. Try a prepare-ahead breakfast casserole for a hearty family breakfast.
Don't Forget the Oatmeal - Making your own oatmeal is much healthier than the flavored instant packets. Cook up according to packet instructions and add a little fruit for extra flavor.
Healthy Breakfast Bar - Make up a batch of healthy breakfast bars the day before and use them for a quick, on-the-go breakfast. Use a low-sugar recipe and include lots of healthy dried fruits.
Fantastic Fruit Salad - Serve a chopped fruit salad with a yogurt dip. Mini muffins are delicious dipped in yogurt too.
Breakfast Burrito - Scramble some eggs and place them in a tortilla with chopped tomatoes, a little grated cheese, ham or other favorite toppings… roll up and enjoy a yummy breakfast burrito.
Spruce up your Toast - Try whole wheat bread and serve with peanut butter and sliced bananas, cream cheese and raisins (sprinkle a little cinnamon on top), or cream cheese and a fruit jam (pure, no-sugar added jam is best).
Pizza for Breakfast - Why not? split a couple of English muffins in half, top with a little pizza sauce, grated cheese and some chopped ham or even eggs. Place under the grill for a few minutes and you have a nutritious breakfast pizza. You can make bagel pizzas too.
Those are just a few healthy breakfast ideas to help keep things interesting. And don't forget parents need breakfast too… we're usually so busy looking after the kids, we end up skipping breakfast ourselves. Here’s a trick we use quite often in our house.
Take a selection of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc.) and mix together in a bowl. Then place a handful or two of the mix into individual plastic bags.
So even on the busiest of mornings you just grab a bag on the way out. This makes a great on-the-go healthy breakfast idea.
For tons of easy, family-friendly recipes, kid cooking recipes, nutrition articles and cooking tips visit http://www.easy-kid-recipes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mila_Sidman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Healthy,-Quick-Breakfast-Ideas&id=70344
By Mila Sidman
Most of us already know breakfast is the most important meal of the day… This is especially true when it comes to kids. We need to ensure their little bodies receive nourishing foods to help them grow and thrive.
Here are some healthy, quick breakfast ideas the whole family will enjoy.
Smoothies - Smoothies are certainly a great way to get a good dose of fruit. Chop up some fresh fruit, throw it in the blender and you have a healthy and delicious breakfast. For a heartier breakfast smoothie add some yogurt or a little high-fiber cereal.
Breakfast Muffins - For breakfast try a savory or fruit muffin. For a healthier muffin use whole wheat flour and instead of sugar mash a ripe banana or a little honey into the mixture. Unless you’re an early riser you probably won’t have enough time to make muffins in the morning. Simply make them ahead and either freeze or keep in an air-tight container for a few days.
Wholesome Eggs - Eggs are very versatile and most kids enjoy them. Try a ham omelet with a little cheese or scrambled eggs with chopped tomatoes. Try a prepare-ahead breakfast casserole for a hearty family breakfast.
Don't Forget the Oatmeal - Making your own oatmeal is much healthier than the flavored instant packets. Cook up according to packet instructions and add a little fruit for extra flavor.
Healthy Breakfast Bar - Make up a batch of healthy breakfast bars the day before and use them for a quick, on-the-go breakfast. Use a low-sugar recipe and include lots of healthy dried fruits.
Fantastic Fruit Salad - Serve a chopped fruit salad with a yogurt dip. Mini muffins are delicious dipped in yogurt too.
Breakfast Burrito - Scramble some eggs and place them in a tortilla with chopped tomatoes, a little grated cheese, ham or other favorite toppings… roll up and enjoy a yummy breakfast burrito.
Spruce up your Toast - Try whole wheat bread and serve with peanut butter and sliced bananas, cream cheese and raisins (sprinkle a little cinnamon on top), or cream cheese and a fruit jam (pure, no-sugar added jam is best).
Pizza for Breakfast - Why not? split a couple of English muffins in half, top with a little pizza sauce, grated cheese and some chopped ham or even eggs. Place under the grill for a few minutes and you have a nutritious breakfast pizza. You can make bagel pizzas too.
Those are just a few healthy breakfast ideas to help keep things interesting. And don't forget parents need breakfast too… we're usually so busy looking after the kids, we end up skipping breakfast ourselves. Here’s a trick we use quite often in our house.
Take a selection of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc.) and mix together in a bowl. Then place a handful or two of the mix into individual plastic bags.
So even on the busiest of mornings you just grab a bag on the way out. This makes a great on-the-go healthy breakfast idea.
For tons of easy, family-friendly recipes, kid cooking recipes, nutrition articles and cooking tips visit http://www.easy-kid-recipes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mila_Sidman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Healthy,-Quick-Breakfast-Ideas&id=70344
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Benefits of Resistance Training
People of all ages can get substantial benefits from including resistance training into their exercise regime.
Even elderly people can find noticeable improvements in their health.
By adding resistance training their muscles will become stronger and this will help them with balance, which becomes all-important as they age.
By becoming stronger elderly people also become more independent as they will be less likely to rely on others.
Research has also shown that resistance training improves bone density and this is an important aspect of good health for people of all ages.
Bones are constantly 'growing' as with all parts of the body, however this process slows down as we age.
Resistance training helps to address this aging process by maintaining good bone density.
Post-menopausal women are particularly prone to problems relating to bone density as their hormones change and they can benefit considerably from resistance training.
Along with proper nutrition, resistance training is one of the most effective methods of reducing fat.
And along with fat reduction you can expect a leaner body.
Muscle burns fat so any program that increases your muscle mass will help to burn the fat.
You are effectively burning fat to feed the muscles.
Research has also proven that resistance training has many other beneficial effects for your health from lowering blood pressure and lowering your heart rate while at rest.
This will obviously reduce the risk of heart disease quite considerably.
The additional strength that can be gained from resistance training serves to help anyone lead a more active lifestyle.
With the added benefits of strength, fat loss, balance and the ability to slow the aging process, there is nothing quite like it to help you live longer and be happier along the way.
It doesn't need to be something that rules your life, as even a little bit of training will benefit you, however, doing it consistently will result in a better return for the time you invest in your health.
Even elderly people can find noticeable improvements in their health.
By adding resistance training their muscles will become stronger and this will help them with balance, which becomes all-important as they age.
By becoming stronger elderly people also become more independent as they will be less likely to rely on others.
Research has also shown that resistance training improves bone density and this is an important aspect of good health for people of all ages.
Bones are constantly 'growing' as with all parts of the body, however this process slows down as we age.
Resistance training helps to address this aging process by maintaining good bone density.
Post-menopausal women are particularly prone to problems relating to bone density as their hormones change and they can benefit considerably from resistance training.
Along with proper nutrition, resistance training is one of the most effective methods of reducing fat.
And along with fat reduction you can expect a leaner body.
Muscle burns fat so any program that increases your muscle mass will help to burn the fat.
You are effectively burning fat to feed the muscles.
Research has also proven that resistance training has many other beneficial effects for your health from lowering blood pressure and lowering your heart rate while at rest.
This will obviously reduce the risk of heart disease quite considerably.
The additional strength that can be gained from resistance training serves to help anyone lead a more active lifestyle.
With the added benefits of strength, fat loss, balance and the ability to slow the aging process, there is nothing quite like it to help you live longer and be happier along the way.
It doesn't need to be something that rules your life, as even a little bit of training will benefit you, however, doing it consistently will result in a better return for the time you invest in your health.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Heart Healthy Recipes
Heart Healthy Recipes: "Heart Healthy Tips for Snacks and Desserts
Balancing Good Nutrition with Good Taste
For a heart-healthy lifestyle, it is important to eat nutritious meals. But what about snacks and desserts? Do you have to give up the tasty treats you love best? Absolutely not! They key is reducing the amount of fat in the snacks and desserts you eat.
If you are one of those people who thought 'nutritious' and “delicious” couldn’t mix, you're in for a happy surprise! This booklet has been designed to offer some helpful information about snacks and desserts that we hope will be a blessing to your heart.
Desserts
The perfect ending to a great meal, or even a not-so-great meal, is dessert. For a heart healthy diet, you don't have to forgo the pleasure of sumptuous cake, cookies or pies. Just forgo the calories and choose desserts low in saturated fats and carbohydrates!
Here are few easy choices for low-fat desserts:
* Fruit—fresh, frozen, canned or dried.
* Low-fat yogurt with fruit.
* Angel food cake.
* Low-fat ice cream with no more than 3 grams of fat per half cup.
* Frozen yogurt—fat-free, low-fat, or nonfat.
* Flavored gelatin.
* Sherbets and sorbets.
On special occasions, choose homemade desserts made from margarine with liquid vegetable oil as the first listed ingredient or oils low in saturated fat. Also use fat-free or 1 percent-fat milk, egg whites or egg substitutes. An occasional egg yolk is OK. In choosing store-bought desserts, select those that are listed as low-fat or nonfat. However, it the product is made with hydrogenated oils, it may contain high levels of trans fatty acids. It's best to limit your intake of these kinds of sweets.
Snacks
Between-meal snacks are especially important for growing youngsters, active teens, and pregnant and nursing mothers. It is important to choose foods that are not just pleasure-packed, but loaded with important nutrients as well. The next time you get the munchies, choose snacks from food groups such as fruits and juices, raw vegetables, low-fat cookies, plain (unsalted) popcorn or unsalted pretzels.
You can also try these healthy snack substitutions:
Instead of:
Enjoy:
Fried tortilla chips
Baked tortilla chips (reduced salt)
Potato or corn chips
Pretzels or low-fat chips
High-fat cookies
Fat-free cookies, crackers or rice cakes
Devil's food cake
Angel food cake
Ice cream
Frozen fruit bars, sherbet, ice milk or low-fat frozen yogurt
Pudding made with whole milk
Pudding made with fat-free milk
Doughnuts
Bagels
About these recipes:
The amount of fat, calories and cholesterol changes in each recipe depending upon the ingredients and brands to use. We suggest the use of low-fat or no-fat products. These tips and recipes are a guideline for changing cooking and eating habits. Consult your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian to determine your dietary limits."
Balancing Good Nutrition with Good Taste
For a heart-healthy lifestyle, it is important to eat nutritious meals. But what about snacks and desserts? Do you have to give up the tasty treats you love best? Absolutely not! They key is reducing the amount of fat in the snacks and desserts you eat.
If you are one of those people who thought 'nutritious' and “delicious” couldn’t mix, you're in for a happy surprise! This booklet has been designed to offer some helpful information about snacks and desserts that we hope will be a blessing to your heart.
Desserts
The perfect ending to a great meal, or even a not-so-great meal, is dessert. For a heart healthy diet, you don't have to forgo the pleasure of sumptuous cake, cookies or pies. Just forgo the calories and choose desserts low in saturated fats and carbohydrates!
Here are few easy choices for low-fat desserts:
* Fruit—fresh, frozen, canned or dried.
* Low-fat yogurt with fruit.
* Angel food cake.
* Low-fat ice cream with no more than 3 grams of fat per half cup.
* Frozen yogurt—fat-free, low-fat, or nonfat.
* Flavored gelatin.
* Sherbets and sorbets.
On special occasions, choose homemade desserts made from margarine with liquid vegetable oil as the first listed ingredient or oils low in saturated fat. Also use fat-free or 1 percent-fat milk, egg whites or egg substitutes. An occasional egg yolk is OK. In choosing store-bought desserts, select those that are listed as low-fat or nonfat. However, it the product is made with hydrogenated oils, it may contain high levels of trans fatty acids. It's best to limit your intake of these kinds of sweets.
Snacks
Between-meal snacks are especially important for growing youngsters, active teens, and pregnant and nursing mothers. It is important to choose foods that are not just pleasure-packed, but loaded with important nutrients as well. The next time you get the munchies, choose snacks from food groups such as fruits and juices, raw vegetables, low-fat cookies, plain (unsalted) popcorn or unsalted pretzels.
You can also try these healthy snack substitutions:
Instead of:
Enjoy:
Fried tortilla chips
Baked tortilla chips (reduced salt)
Potato or corn chips
Pretzels or low-fat chips
High-fat cookies
Fat-free cookies, crackers or rice cakes
Devil's food cake
Angel food cake
Ice cream
Frozen fruit bars, sherbet, ice milk or low-fat frozen yogurt
Pudding made with whole milk
Pudding made with fat-free milk
Doughnuts
Bagels
About these recipes:
The amount of fat, calories and cholesterol changes in each recipe depending upon the ingredients and brands to use. We suggest the use of low-fat or no-fat products. These tips and recipes are a guideline for changing cooking and eating habits. Consult your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian to determine your dietary limits."
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Getting Started With Fitness Training
Getting Started With Fitness Training
One of the hardest parts of any fitness program is getting started.
It is so easy to just sit around doing nothing and it takes some degree of motivation to get started exercising.
Many people find that joining a gym gives them the motivation they need to get started and follow through with regular workouts.
The reality is that most of the people who join gyms never complete their membership.
Gyms actually base their costing on the fact that the majority of people will never use their membership regularly.
Why is this so?
There are many reasons why people don't exercise regularly and that can range from inconvenience to boredom.
When you are deciding what to do to lift your level of fitness it is wise to honestly think about your personality and where your strengths and weaknesses lie.
If you are a person who can motivate yourself then a home gym might be the best solution as it will offer the convenience of allowing you to train whenever you like and you won't need others to motivate you.
If, on the other hand, you find it difficult to motivate yourself then a membership at a gym might be a better solution.
Paying for the membership might be all that is needed to ensure that you will attend classes and often we can get motivated by those around us and challenge ourselves to improve and compete with others in the gym.
Alternatively, you might be a person who prefers to go for a run or a walk rather than lift weights.
No matter what you are capable of doing, there is only one action that you need to take however small that might be initially and that it to get started with some form of fitness training sooner rather than later.
Fitness will add to your overall well-being and the more exercise you do the fitter you will become and the more likely you will be to continue with a fitness program.
There is never a better time to get started than right now.
One of the hardest parts of any fitness program is getting started.
It is so easy to just sit around doing nothing and it takes some degree of motivation to get started exercising.
Many people find that joining a gym gives them the motivation they need to get started and follow through with regular workouts.
The reality is that most of the people who join gyms never complete their membership.
Gyms actually base their costing on the fact that the majority of people will never use their membership regularly.
Why is this so?
There are many reasons why people don't exercise regularly and that can range from inconvenience to boredom.
When you are deciding what to do to lift your level of fitness it is wise to honestly think about your personality and where your strengths and weaknesses lie.
If you are a person who can motivate yourself then a home gym might be the best solution as it will offer the convenience of allowing you to train whenever you like and you won't need others to motivate you.
If, on the other hand, you find it difficult to motivate yourself then a membership at a gym might be a better solution.
Paying for the membership might be all that is needed to ensure that you will attend classes and often we can get motivated by those around us and challenge ourselves to improve and compete with others in the gym.
Alternatively, you might be a person who prefers to go for a run or a walk rather than lift weights.
No matter what you are capable of doing, there is only one action that you need to take however small that might be initially and that it to get started with some form of fitness training sooner rather than later.
Fitness will add to your overall well-being and the more exercise you do the fitter you will become and the more likely you will be to continue with a fitness program.
There is never a better time to get started than right now.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Nutrition Software - Meals 101
meal plans101 nutrition software:
"Meal Plans 101 alllows you to:
- Figure out exactly how many calories you should be eating in a day. This may not sound revolutionary, but how many of you know this information? This program gives you the options of weight loss, weight maintenance, or even weight gain so you can customize the program to your goals.
- Track your body composition over the course of your success.
- And you know what the best part is? Some people may know how many calories they should consume, but have no clue how to take that into eating 'real food.' You may need 60 grams of protein at a meal, but how much actual chicken does that equate to? This program tells you EXACTLY what you need to eat at each and every meal of the day.
Here’s the deal – Meal Plans 101 does the dirty work for you to take the guesswork out of your nutrition and you provide the discipline with your eating and exercise to achieve your results!
Want to customize the program even further? Once you've figured out how many calories you need in a day, how do you want to split that up? More carbs, less fat? More fat, fewer carbs? More protein?
There are multiple macronutrient splits so that you can customize the program to your exact specifications.
If you're one of those people whose diet always seem to get in the way, you NEED this program to take you to the next level."
Click Here:
"Meal Plans 101 alllows you to:
- Figure out exactly how many calories you should be eating in a day. This may not sound revolutionary, but how many of you know this information? This program gives you the options of weight loss, weight maintenance, or even weight gain so you can customize the program to your goals.
- Track your body composition over the course of your success.
- And you know what the best part is? Some people may know how many calories they should consume, but have no clue how to take that into eating 'real food.' You may need 60 grams of protein at a meal, but how much actual chicken does that equate to? This program tells you EXACTLY what you need to eat at each and every meal of the day.
Here’s the deal – Meal Plans 101 does the dirty work for you to take the guesswork out of your nutrition and you provide the discipline with your eating and exercise to achieve your results!
Want to customize the program even further? Once you've figured out how many calories you need in a day, how do you want to split that up? More carbs, less fat? More fat, fewer carbs? More protein?
There are multiple macronutrient splits so that you can customize the program to your exact specifications.
If you're one of those people whose diet always seem to get in the way, you NEED this program to take you to the next level."
Click Here:
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