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Monday, September 26, 2011

Quick Tips: Foods To Help With Bloating!

I'm not going to lie: transforming your body from head to toe isn't always the fastest process, because it takes time to burn fat and build muscle. However, there is an exception: With the right diet and workout, you can see a difference in your belly (and maybe even reveal an ab or two!) in just a couple of days. The secret? Beat bloat.

Generally, the best way to avoid bloat is to stay away from soda, alcohol and greasy, salty, fatty meals, which slow the stomach and the intestines from emptying.

Here are 5 of bloat-busting foods:
  • Papaya: There's some research that says the enzyme in papaya may aid digestion. Try mixing diced papaya into plain organic yogurt for breakfast.
  • Oatmeal: According to recent meta-analysis of a number of studies related to digestion, researchers found that oat bran can be particularly beneficial. It's recommended to have oatmeal for breakfast. Warning: Avoid McDonald's new oatmeal, which has more sugar than a Snickers bar, according to this recent New York Times article. Yikes!
More foods to decrease the bloat, so keep reading.
  • Yogurt: The key is to make sure you're choosing a yogurt that has "active cultures," which will increase the number of "good" bacteria in your gut, helping you digest more efficiently and preventing that belly from blowing up.Look for organic plain yogurt (which is very likely to contain the active cultures), and steer clear of anything with "fruit on the bottom." If you need a touch of sweet, stir in some strawberry jam.
  • Asparagus: "There's some really interesting new data about asparagus that indicates that it has some probiotic benefits,". So it may ease gas build-up and, because of its diuretic properties, also flush waste and excess water from your body.
  • Quinoa: This South American grain is a great source of the minerals magnesium, phosphorous and especially manganese. As a bonus, the potassium in quinoa has been shown to beat bloat (your jeans will thank you).
  • Cardio and Yoga: On top of cardio (the fastest way to burn the fat that's covering those dying-to-make-their-debut abs), take a few yoga classes during the week. Certain postures such as "Seated Spinal Twist" and "Triangle" are known for aiding in digestion by wringing out your system and massaging your organs. Whether you're a yoga rookie or a regular, before class, mention to your instructor that you would like to focus on twisting postures.
Have a nice day! :)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

10 Foods to Wake Up Your Workday

Lunch was hours ago, and your blood sugar is plummeting. Before you grab a sugar-loaded snack from the trusty office vending machine, consider the top 10 energy-rich foods below...they'll revive you (and stabilize your blood sugar) so you can stay alert until dinner:
  • Dried Fruit: Fantastic option for fending off hunger, dried fruits work great by themselves or mixed with nuts.
  • Seeds: Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are a satisfying snack, but they won't weigh you down.
  • Hardboiled Eggs: Disclaimer: don't eat these at your desk unless you want to make enemies out of your fellow cubicle dwellers. Hardboiled eggs are a great energy food because they're packed with lean protein. Try them with hot sauce.
  • Granola: You don't need to eat a lot of granola to get a second wind, but be sure to avoid the kind that's coated with a thick sheen of sugar.
  • Veggies: Raw vegetables make great snacks because they can be paired with an infinite number of tasty spreads. Try spicy salsa or a creamy yogurt-based dip.
  • Peanut Butter: Peanut butter (or almond butter) offers the same benefits as raw nuts, just with a silkier texture. Throw some on top of an English muffin, or even better a few apple slices.
  • Fresh Fruit: Fruit equals fiber, and fiber equals energy. Take an apple to work or whip up a salad the night before work.
  • Popcorn: Popcorn (the kind you DON'T get at the movies) provides a satisfying, crunchy alternative to empty-calorie snacks like potato chips
  • Nuts: Yes, nuts are the most obvious choice on this list, but for good reason. Brimming with plant-based protein and healthy monounsaturated fats, few foods pack such power. Eat them straight out of the container or make your own variety.
  • Bran Muffins: Carbs can be tricky: stuff yourself with the wrong kind and you might wake up face down on your keyboard. Bran muffins, on the other hand, will keep you full without making you drowsy. You can freeze a batch and take one at a time with you to work for an ideal afternoon snack.

Have a nice day! :)
     

Thursday, September 15, 2011

20 Things to Make You Smile in 5 minutes!

It’s no surprise that researchers have found that other people will think you’re more attractive if you smile. But did you know that ou feegrinning can also boost your mood, ease pain, and help yl less stressed even if you fake the smile? Plus, it can make other people around you smile, but ask yourself a simpe question:  Can you make someone smile if you forgot how to smile?!
And smile may even earn you a promotion. (People who smile seem more confident and positive, making them more likely to be successful at work.) Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to summon your beautiful smile.

 1- A Smile Makeover
Researchers found that people with more tooth and gum problems showed less of their smile when watching a comedy show. Even if you’re a very busy mom, taking time to care for your teeth brushing and flossing daily, getting twice-yearly checkups, and trying whitening treatments and toothpastes can help you feel more confident about flashing a smile.

2-A Girl’s Night of Pampering
Call a few friends, and break out the nail polish, cucumber masks, and a bottle of wine. We all need time for catching up and treating ourselves like royalty once in a while. For the perfect manicure, treat your hands to a slathering of shea butter, hand balm, or thick face cream. Then file your nails in one direction (not back and forth) with a soft emery board. The best shape to keep them strong: square with slightly rounded edges.

3-A Bouquet of Flowers
Buy yourself a bouquet and set them by your bedside. In one study, women who did this got a mood boost that lasted all day long. In general, the long-lasting cut flowers are alstroemerias, carnations, chrysanthemums, and lilies.

4-A Funny Greeting Card
Visit your favorite supermarket or discount chain store. Go to the coffee bar and get yourself a steaming mug of something, then steer your cart toward the cards. Stick to the humorous section, stocking up on birthday cards, thank-yous, and other funny messages.

5-An Old Photo Album
Toddlers with birthday cake in their hair. Old wedding photos with “dated” bridesmaids’ dresses that were so perfect back then. Grandpa’s old childhood photos with him in a bow tie. It’s all good for lots of smiles, whether you view them alone or with your whole family.

6-A Silly Sitcom or Cartoon
There’s a reason that Friends lasted over a decade. It made us smile. If today’s TV lineup doesn’t have you laughing like the good old shows, buy or rent something from the “TV on DVD” aisle at your local video rental store or discount chain. Or surf for reruns. They’re bound to be on somewhere.

7-A New Shade of Lipstick
Makeup expert Bobbi Brown says that dark, dramatic shades are fine for women in their 20s, but if your lips have started thinning out (which naturally happens as we age), a soft, vibrant tone such as rose, apricot, or berry will help your pout look fuller and more youthful. A bit of clear gloss in the center of your lower lip will also reflect light, adding to the age-erasing effect.

More smiles:
8- Receiving and giving gifts
9-Watching the first snow fall of the season
10. Finding old clothes that actually still fit you

11. Watching a sunrise and a sunset. Maybe not alone
12. Shopping
13. Kids’ laugh
14. Puppies and kittens

15. Breakfast in bed (we can make exceptions, can’t we?)
16. Having someone play with your hair
17. Giving a hug to someone special or Receiving a hug from a friend when you need it

18. A phone call from an old friend
19. Chocolate
20. Pillow fights

Are you smiling now?
Then do one thing - make someone smile today.
Make someone feel cared for, respected, tolerated. Make someone feel loved.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

How to Use Almond Oil for Aging and Dry Skin?

 
As your age increases, your blood fails to manage the circulation speed it had shown before. This results in dehydration of your skin. In the body, the creation of collagen decelerates and this looses the elasticity of the skin. The years of continuous exposure to sunrays, harsh elements make wrinkles, lines and dark spots on your skin prominent. Aging also breaks blood vessels and decreases the production of hormones. Your skin grows to be thin and dull, with enlarged pores.

The anti-aging dry-oily skin care products moisturize, vitaminize the skin and act as anti-oxidants. They help the skin in restoring its natural moisture. It works to smooth the fine lines and wrinkles. If you regularly apply the antiaging dry-oily skin care products, it will make your skin soft and elastic and will also further prevent the new wrinkles. There will be no need for surgical or chemical procedures and your skin will be young and bright.

Benefits of Almond Oil for Aging Skin

  1. Helps in healing and moisturizing dry chapped skin. Good For premature aging, dry or sensitive skin. Nutrient-rich with Vitamins A&E, Suitable for all skill types.
  2. For best results in aromatherapy skin care, use quality skin softener. Also take up a lubricant of sweet almond oil. Do a good massage or just keep it applied on the skin.
  3. It is capable of reducing friction by making your skin smooth.
  4. Almond oil is good for skin as it contains vitamins B1, A, B6 and B2 with extra dose of vitamins.
  5. Almond oil is one of the least greasy oils. It will soak into your skin quickly and leave only a slight residue.
  6. Wash hands in warm, soapy water to remove oily residue from fingers.
  7. Purchase oil in a dark colored, glass jar if possible. This ensures that the oil has had less chance of being damaged by light.
  8. Keep the oil in a cool, dark place and use it quickly once opened to prevent loss of its quality.
  9. Discard unused contents after one year.

Care tips for using Alond Oil for Aging Skin

  • Eliminates impurities and removes dead cells
  • Refines the structure of the skin and stimulates cell renewal
  • Purifies, soothes and decongests the skin
  • Leaves the skin soft, renewed and radiant
  • Gives a healthy boost to the complexion
  • Helps fight against the effects of aging
  • Increases the efficiency of treatments applied afterward
  • Help eliminate blackheads
  • Always test sensitivity to an oil before use. Test a small dab on your wrist, or lower arm and watch for any reactions over a 24 hour period.
  • Do not use nut oils if you have a nut allergy. There is no point giving yourself unnecessary complications.

Warning towards aging

Almond oil is one of the good health oils which can be consumed as well. According to the experts, the oil can reduce the chance of a heart attack and bad cholesterol. However, if you have a peanut allergy you should not consume almond oil or use it on their skin.

Have a beautiful Saturday!