Baby Steps To Better You!

In the beginning of 2014, we all made several resolutions to make smarter choices this year… It’s always super easy to make those resolutions. However, the bigger the resolution, the sooner it breaks. From weight loss to getting more sleep, every New Year resolution meets the same fate (it goes off as easily as it comes) but I get it, you’ve got a busy life and you will always find an excuse !

 

That's why you need to start with little steps to be able to succeed. Here are some baby steps that can make a huge difference in your life:

•  Don’t drink your calories: After the holidays, there will plenty of catch-up nights with your girlfriends and let’s be honest, that means cocktails. Be smart and stop ruin your diet with empty calories from sugary drinks. You also might say " I don't like fruit much so I'd rather drink it to get the vitamins." Sure, you get a few vitamins, but they're added back in to replace the fruit's original vitamins, which were stripped out during processing and that goes for the "not from concentrate" juices as well. You'll also be missing out on the vast majority of the actual fruit's fiber and phytonutrients. Ultimately, you should view juice as simply being flat soda with a tiny bit of vitamin C thrown in. If you don't think a glass of soda sprinkled with vitamin C sounds like a healthy beverage, juice is little better.

• Drink skimmed milk! Skim milk is tasteless, right? If you are currently drinking whole or 2% milk, you probably think so. It is just too hard for you to drink white water. Understand that by drinking even 1/2% milk over skim milk gives the average person hundreds or thousands of extra grams of fat per year! This can add up to extra pounds of fat each year! It has to go somewhere.

• Take the stairs: The elevator is, "of course" the easier option. But this small choice will make you feel better about yourself, burns calories and is a simple way to start making an active effort to chose what’s best for you. Your jeans will thank you.

• Read nutrition labels: Another way to make changes is to start taking a look at the nutrition labels of the foods you are eating. Pay careful attention to serving size, as many labels can get tricky in that area; you might actually be eating two or more servings instead of one. Read the ingredients list too, and beware of trans-fats (also called hydrogenated oils), artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, saccharin to name a few), artificial colors and flavors, high fructose corn syrup, bleached flours, and anything else that you don’t instantly recognize as food.
• Give multi-tasking a break: Too much juggling can lead to a lot of stress. “For those who have always aimed to be brave, capable and so hesitated at the toughest times to get help or to connect, stop doing that! Don't hesitate in delegating. Just sometimes, let it be!"
• Up your spa visits: It's important to reward yourself once in a while for all the hard work you relentlessly do every day. Compensate a busy week at work with a relaxing escape at a spa. Massages help reduce muscle tension and regain your vitality, restoring inner balance.
• Try a new vegetable every week.
• Try to cut back on eating out. Most restaurants put far too much sugar and salt in their foods. Not to mention, GMOs. (Extra bonus: this way you can save some money!)
• Think positively! The Mayo Clinic reports that Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may include: lower rates of depression, lower rates of distress, greater resistance to the common cold, reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and much more...
• Try -as hard as possible- to get your daily recommended 7-9 hours of sleeping...or at least some power naps (The power nap is thought to maximize the benefits of sleep versus time.)

• Use Natural Personal Care Products and Home Cleaners: Your skin is your largest organ and it soaks up everything you put on it and/or it exposed to. Just as there are warnings against second hand smoke, the hazardous labels on these products should say that the fumes are toxic and your skin soaks them up.

When you take a baby step; that first step makes the next one and the later ones much more easier. A few steps in sequence become a path that we walk together.

 

Have a nice weekend!

Home Remedies for Hair Care!

With this humidity, our hair is the first to drop. And our comb keeps ending up in clusters of hair and the entire process becomes heartbreaking. Home remedies are a natural and inexpensive way to treat and cure common disorders. Let's try some simple remedies for attaining beautiful and lustrous hair.

Beautiful and healthy hair boosts up our beauty and confidence. But chaotic and deskbound lifestyles give us an excuse for ignoring hair, which bring about common problems such as dry hair, dandruff, graying, hair loss and split ends.

Here are some simple home remedies with natural ingredients that will bring back life to damaged hair.

• Regular massage with mustard, coconut or almond oil for 15 minutes twice a week will strengthen and rejuvenate your hair. Following the massage, go for a “steam-towel-wrap” for 10-15 minutes.
• Soak multani mitti (Multani Mitti is Fuller's earth. You can find it is small local stores or one of those weekly markets. It look likes clay and is kind of creamish in color except that its hard, sometimes even in a brick form) in water overnight. Mix into it 2 tablespoons of curd and a few drops of lemon. Apply this paste over scalp and hair and leave for an hour. Wash off with water. It is a very effective home remedy for softening hair and imparting a lustrous shine.
• Take 3 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter) and heat it. Mix into it a teaspoon of finely powdered almond. Massaging the scalp with the same will strengthen hair roots and give them a natural luster.
• Mix equal amounts of almond oil and castor and warm it. Massaging the same into scalp once a week, will beneficial for hair loss.
• Prepare a natural conditioner by mixing a cup of curd and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. This treatment is also effective in curing dandruff.
• Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in 2 tablespoon of mustard oil and apply over the scalp. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. Follow this treatment twice a week for curing dandruff.
• Take 3 tablespoon of coconut oil and warm it lightly. To it, add a teaspoon of camphor and massage the scalp. This is another effective remedy for treating dandruff.
• Eating 3-4 teaspoons of sesame seeds every morning gives nourishment to the hair.
• Add 6-8 drops of lemon juice to an egg. Beat well and apply on your hair followed by washing with a herbal shampoo. 
• Use a very mild shampoo and condition your hair at least twice a week. Make sure to rinse out the conditioner thoroughly.
• Massaging with aroma oils once a week reduces hairfall and makes them soft and silky. Rosemary oil and titri oil can also be used.
• Add few leaves Hibiscus (China rose) to a glass of water. Heat it. The juice of a lime should be squeezed in the sieved mixture and it should be applied to the hair before shampooing.                           
• Use lavender or lemon shampoo if your hair are oily and if dry, use titri oil or rosemary shampoo too.
• Rinse hair with lemon juice or vinegar
• Soak a towel in hot water and squeeze lightly. Cover your hair with this for 10 minutes and do try this for almost a week.
• Dry peels of lemon and oranges should be used. This will maintain soft and silky hair and also removes dandruff from the scalp.
• Drink 10-12 glasses of water daily and have a high protein diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
• Mustard oil boiled with henna leaves is useful for the healthy growth of hair.

These home remedies are effective in keeping hair problems at bay, but there are other important factors one should take care of. Always eat a balanced diet that includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, sprouts and whole grains. Maintain hygiene and brush your hair daily with a comb with widely spaced teeth. Don’t comb when hair are wet. Avoid use of dryers, synthetic hair colors and dyes. Do exercise and meditation to remain healthy and stress-free.

How to Clean Your Skin Properly!

Leaving on makeup longer than necessary can damage your skin, especially if it is thick makeup or there is a lot on. Removing your makeup as soon as you back home is a key to keep a beautiful-clear skin, especially overnight. However, it can be tricky to make sure all of it is gone. But first you need to know your skin type:

Different skin types need different care. It's very important to know what type of care you need to get the best methods for clearing your skin.

• Dry Skin: Usually has a dull appearance, feels dry and itchy and is sometimes sensitive. Dry skin must be hydrated regularly from the inside (with fresh water) and outside with (lotions), as well as moisturized with rich hydrating creams.
• Oily Skin: Usually looks slippery and shiny and has a greasy texture. This type of skin is prone to acne. Oily skin benefits from periodic herbal steam treatments and clay masks.
• Normal Skin: This type is a gift. Not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks consistently plump, moist, and vibrant. What a great blessing but it still requires no less attention than other skin types. It benefits from regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing.
• Most people have at least two different types of facial skin at any given time. The combination of skin is frequently characterized by an oily “T-zone” area, which covers the forehead, nose and chin. While the skin around the cheeks, eyes and mouth is normal or dry. People with combination skin should assess their skin regularly and use different products on different areas of the face.

Main steps of removing makeup:

• Do not start by washing your face, this dries out the skin and does not get off most of the makeup.
• Do not over exfoliate the skin or use abrasive products. These can damage the skin and leave it looking dull and wrinkled.
• Remove any eye makeup. Use a gentle makeup remover just for eye makeup. Regular makeup remover can irritate the eyes. Make sure you get most of any eyeliner and mascara you had on, as well as some eyeshadow.

  Note: If you don't have eye makeup remover, baby oil on a cotton ball works really well (just make sure to rinse the oil off afterward to prevent break-outs). Alternatively, you can skip the step to remove eye makeup, especially if you don't have mascara on, because the steam will dislodge most of the makeup.
• You may also use the HydraMitt which is a microfiber mitt that removes makeup in seconds by using warm water only. It's also very gentle on your eyes and will not scratch your skin like your typical microfiber cloth.
• Remove your lip color. Apply a small dab of petrolatum jelly to your lips, and gently rub it in with a tissue. Fold in the tissue, and blot the lips.
• Pat your face dry with a towel and rub in a light moisturizer. The rigor of the applying of makeup and removal of makeup can dry out your skin in irritation. Soothe this with a light moisturizer.
• For a more relaxing treatment, try adding orange or eucalyptus scents.
• Vaseline/ Paraffin Oil is also a good makeup remover, Some Olive Oil on a soft tissue will work, too.
• Always use a non-comedogenic moisturizer.They don't clog pores.(Noncomedogenic is a term applied to oils, lotions, and skin creams that do not block pores. Noncomedogenic products are also sometimes referred to as non-occlusive)

General Skin-care Tips:

• Drink alot of water: Water cleanses your body, helping eliminate toxins. It also hydrates you and rids your skin of dirt and oils. Try to drink half your body weight in ounces (for example, if you weight 100 lbs, drink 50 ounces of water a day).
• Don't get too much sun: Too much sunlight to the skin can cause freckles. So if you do go out in the sun, if needed, wear sunscreen! Remember to use NATURAL sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher.Try not to go in the sun for long periods between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. That time of day is when the sun's rays are their strongest. Sunlight on your skin is a great source of vitamin D but it it can also lead to wrinkles and skin cancer.
• Change your diet. Eat lots of fruits, nuts, seeds, beans etc. Eating healthy along with taking in the right vitamins can do wonders for your skin. Try going vegan for a week to see what it does for you.
• Avoid eating fried foods, white flour and white sugar products, soft drinks, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, including contraceptive drugs, and any other stimulating over-the-counter medicines.
• Do not use creams containing Vitamin A or Vitamin D as these vitamins are not absorbed by the skin and thus such lotions are unnecessary.
• Do not pick your acne or touch your face and avoid anything that puts pressure on or rubs against the skin (such as headbands or hats) as this increase the irritation of acne. Picking your acne spreads infection and causes permanent scarring by forcing the oil and bacteria into the deeper skin layers, which causes cysts, the inflamed acne that causes scarring.
• If you like to use a facial scrub, only do so once a week, scrubbing gently and lightly.
• Exercise, around 15 minutes a day. Exercising properly can make your skin glow. Be sure to wash your face afterwards, sweat and dirt can clog your pores.
• Do not clean your face with soap, which is harsh and irritates the skin follicles and the oil glands. “Twenty-five percent of acne can be managed successfully by washing the face four or five times a day...But this cleansing should not be done with soap...The sebaceous glands are irritated by soap and the irritation causes the glands to secrete still more sebum than normal." Soap has been documented frequently in medical literature to have irritating qualities.
• Drinking three cups per day of organic red clover tea as a natural blood purifier can help your acne clear up. Besides purifying the blood.
• Avoid using cosmetics as much as possible. If you do wear cosmetics, try to use as many natural cosmetics as possible or choose cosmetic products that state that they are either oil-free (water based) or non-comedogenic, which means that they have a low potential for producing acne. Also, always remember to wash off your make-up at night.

Have a Beautiful Week! ツ

Cancer Fighting Foods & Spices!

One of the easiest things for us to fight cancer is to change our diet. The National Cancer Institute estimates that roughly 1/3 of all cancer deaths may be diet related. What you eat can hurt you, but it can also help you. Remember that ´good nourishment´ is a crucial weapon in the fight against cancer and any illness. Good nutritions can be vital in increasing your personal odds of survival.
Also remember that natural compounds are likely to do you a lot better than synthetic pills!
 

Many of the common foods that found in grocery stores or organic markets contain cancer-fighting properties, from the antioxidants that neutralize the damage caused by free radicals to the powerful phytochemicals that scientists are just beginning to explore. There isn't a single element in a particular food that does all the work: The best thing to do is eat a variety of foods.

 
Here are some foods that have the ability to help stave off cancer and some other that can even help inhibit cancer cell growth or reduce tumor size:

A- Foods

• Flax contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease. Try to use flax seed oil and cottage cheese as a breakfast or a light snack.  

 

• Garlic has immune-enhancing allium compounds (dialyl sultides) that appear to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances. These substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. Diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies have linked garlic as well as onions, leeks, and chives to lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.  According to  studies, people who consume raw or cooked garlic regularly face about half the risk of stomach cancer and two-thirds the risk of colorectal cancer as people who eat little or none. Sudies didn't show garlic supplements had the same effect. It is believed garlic may help prevent stomach cancer because it has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, found in the stomach and known to promote cancer there. It is a truly wonderful food. Two or three raw cloves of garlic per day will ward off more than vampires!
• Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.

• Oily Fish: Vitamin A is an important vitamin in the fight against cancer. Oily fish is the best provider, with herring, mackerel and salmon top of the list. Fish oil will also give you long chain Omega-3 as well which has been linked to reduced levels of prostate, breast and colon cancer. You’ll also get a little vitamin D, a proven cancer-fighter too.
• Carrots: Along with apricots, peppers and pumpkins, they provide cancer carotenoids like beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, when required by the body. 1 cup of carrot juice, 2 sweet potatoes, 16 dried apricots and 4 cups of red cherries will each provide 25mgs. Don’t eat them all at once - people have been known to turn a little orange!

A great juice to make yourself involves carrots and apples (for quercitin) and beetroot (for anthocyanins). A real cancer fighting drink!

Carrots help to reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast. Some research indicated beta carotene may actually cause cancer, but this has not proven that eating carrots, unless in very large quantities (2 to 3 kilos a day)can cause cancer.

• Red and Yellow Peppers: The top source of vitamin C - even better than oranges. Vitamin C strengthens your immune cells and neutralizes toxins. Linus Pauling thought cancer patients should consume 2 to 10 gms per day. A large red pepper is 250 mgs. 200 gms raw broccoli 175 mgs. 150 gms papaya 90 mgs. An orange 65 mgs.
• Chili peppers and jalapenos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer.
• Oranges, lemons and Grapefruits: citrus fruits, contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body. Some studies show that grapefruit may inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in vitro. They contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid. They also contain Iimonene which stimulates cancer-killing immune cells (lymphocytes, e.g.) that may also break down cancer-causing substances.
• Sunflower Seeds: High in zinc and vitamin E. Zinc helps vitamin C do its work and accelerates healing time. It is important to a healthy prostate. You need 15 to 25 mgs per day. Five tablespoons of sunflower seeds give you 10 mgs. Best are oysters, 3 are enough. Milk can block zinc absorption. Sunflower seeds will also provide a little selenium.

• Pumpkin Seeds: can be mixed with the sunflower seeds in your morning mueseli. 5 tablespoons will each provide 20 mgs of vitamin E, the ultimate cancer buster, which inhibits cancer cell growth and protects immune cells from free radicals. Vitamin E boosts your immune systems fighting abilities. The target is 300-600 mgs and is difficult to achieve without supplements. Green vegetables, soya and almonds are also good sources.
• Cruciferous vegetables: Like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that may help decrease prostate and other cancers. Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane induces the production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals. 
• Figs apparently have a derivative of benzaldehyde. It has been reported that investigators at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Tokyo say benzaldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says figs, which contain vitamins A and C, and calcium, magnesium and potassium, may curtail appetite and improve weight-loss efforts. Fig juice is also a potent bacteria killer in test-tube studies.

• Soy products like tofu contain several types of phytoestrogens, weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. There are a number of isoflavones in soy products, but research has shown that genistein is the most potent inhibitor of the growth and spread of cancerous cells. It appears to lower breast-cancer risk by inhibiting the growth of epithelial cells and new blood vessels that tumors require to flourish and is being scrutinized as a potential anti-cancer drug. However, there are some precautions to consider when adding soy to your diet. Eating up to 4 or 5 ounces of tofu or other soy a day is probably ok, but research is being done to see if loading up on soy could cause hormone imbalances that stimulate cancer growth. As a precaution, women who have breast cancer or are at high risk should talk to their doctors before taking pure isoflavone powder and pills, extracted from soy.
• Kale has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found in kale, are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.
• Egg Yolk: Along with green leafy vegetables, avocado, beans, carrots, apricots and pumpkins, egg yolk will give you folic acid. If you have cancer, this will help your DNA to replicate properly and protect it during radiotherapy. 400 micrograms is a recommemended amount. Folate, biotin, niacin and vitamin B6 are all B vitamins that help in the cancer fight. Egg yolk, greens and whole grains are the best sources.

B- Spices

• Rosemary may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, termed carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors in animals. We haven't found any studies done on humans. Rosemary can be used as a seasoning. It can also be consumed as a tea: Use 1 tsp. dried leaves per cup of hot water; steep for 15 minutes. 
• Tapioca is derived from the cassava plant. It is one of the many plants that manufactures cyanide by producing a chemical called linamarine which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by the linamarase enzyme. Spanish researches have been studying the cassava and attempting to clone the genes from the plant which are responsible for producing the hydrogen cyanide and then transfer it to a retrovirus. 
• Licorice root has a chemical, glycyrrhizin, that blocks a component of testosterone and therefore may help prevent the growth of prostate cancer. However, excessive amounts can lead to elevated blood pressure.

• Tumeric (curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, is believed to have medicinal properties because it inhibits production of the inflammation-related enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), levels of which are abnormally high in certain inflammatory diseases and cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer. In fact, a pharmaceutical company Phytopharm in the UK hopes to introduce a natural product, P54, that contains certain volatile oils, which greatly increase the potency of the turmeric spice. 

C- Drinks:

• Red wine: even without alcohol, has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free radicals. Also, researchers at the University of North Carolina's medical school in Chapel Hill found the compound resveratrol, which is found in grape skins. It appears that resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation and can help prevent cancer. However, the findings didn't extend to heavy imbibers, so it should be used in moderation. In addition, alcohol can be toxic to the liver and to the nervous system, and many wines have sulfites, which may be harmful to your health. Note: some research indicates that alcohol is considered a class "A" carcinogen which can actually cause cancer...You should probably switch to non-alcoholic wines.

• Green Tea and Black tea contain certain antioxidants known as polyphenols (catechins) which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is best, followed by our more common black tea (herbal teas do not show this benefit). According to a report in the July 2001 issue of the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, these polyphenols that are abundant in green tea, red wine and olive oil, may protect against various types of cancer. Dry green tea leaves, which are about 40% polyphenols by weight, may also reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas, study findings have suggested.
  (Three cups per day help to neutralize free radicals. The Mayo clinic even claims from research that 3-5 cups a day can stop the growth of certain cancers.)

 

Foods That Help Relieve Constipation!

A diet that's too low in fiber may be to blame for your slow bowel movement. Constipation can means different things to different people. Medically speaking, constipation usually is defined as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week. And yet, for many people, it simply means infrequent stools, hard stools, difficulty passing stools, or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement.
The causes and reasons of each of these “types” of constipation are different. 95% of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal.While having a bowel movement once a day is common, it can vary person to person. The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Some people can have a movement two times a day, others may go two times a week.

It is important for women to know that most people are irregular and do not have bowel movements every day or the same number of bowel movements each day.

And the question now; Has anyone really tried a high fiber diet and did this work for you?
You can increase your fiber intake and find that you got worse constipation! Don't worry. This can happen only if  you don't drink enough water! When you start a high-fiber diet, you should drink more and more water.
Think of your Intestines as a ''sponge'', without water it get's dried up and hard and that's what you will have in your intestine, a dried up, hard sponge, if you don't drink PLENTY of fluids with a high fiber diet. And let's just say it can be extremely painful.

The average adult needs between 25 and 30 grams of fiber a day. And this is less than most of us typically eat. But to avoid bloating and cramping, you don't want to suddenly go from eating 10 grams of fiber to 25 in a day. Add more fiber-filled foods to your diet gradually, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help the fiber flow properly through your digestive tract.

Some inexpensive examples of constipation relief foods

• Try Berries as a Treat: For a sweet constipation remedy, take your pick of luscious raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. “All are examples of fruits that have a good amount of fiber. A half-cup of fresh strawberries provides 2 grams of fiber while the same size serving of blackberries will provide 3.8 grams and raspberries 4 grams. Berries also are low in calories, so you can eat a big bowl of plain berries with low-fat whipped cream as dessert or toss them on your breakfast cereal, or mix them in pancakes.

• Beans: Beans can provide twice as much fiber as most vegetables, and making them a regular part of your healthy diet will help ward off constipation. A half-cup serving of navy beans will provide 9.5 grams of fiber, while a similar size serving of kidney beans provides 8.2 grams. Beans can be tossed into any number of salads, soups, casseroles, and pasta.
• Popcorn: Popcorn is a great low-calorie way to get more fiber in your diet, especially if a lack of fiber is your constipation cause. However, if you pile on the salt and butter, you could undo some of its benefits. Go for air-popped or a healthy variety of microwave popcorn( some microwave popcorns are butter-flavored and low-fat.) Popcorn is a whole grain, and increasing the whole-grains in your diet is an effective constipation remedy.
• Dried Fruit: Dried fruits, such as dates, figs, prunes, apricots, and raisins, are another great source of dietary fiber that acts as a constipation remedy. “Prunes, in particular, are great because they not only are high in fiber, but also contain sorbitol, which is a natural laxative,” . Like fiber, sorbitol is a type of carbohydrate and has a molecular structure similar to sugar. Fiber isn’t digested and so it retains water as it passes through your gut. The water softens your stool, helping to relieve constipation.
• Start Your Day With a High-Fiber Cereal: Years ago high-fiber breakfast cereals tasted like cardboard, but not anymore. There are so many wonderful high-fiber cereals now. Choose a cereal that has at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. If your favorite cereal doesn’t have a lot of fiber, add your own: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of wheat bran or flaxseed on top. If lack of fiber is a constipation cause for you, starting the day with a bowl of high-fiber cereal is a smart move.
• Nuts: Among the best are Brazil nuts, peanuts, and walnuts. A 1-ounce serving of almonds provides 3.3 grams of fiber, while a similar size serving of pistachios will provide 2.9 grams of fiber, and pecans 2.7 grams. However, nuts come with a caution: Watch how many you eat because nuts are calorie-dense. Here is a trick to figure out how much to eat: Cup your hand and only fill the palm part.

Quick remedy:

When you want fast and healthy constipation relief, you don't need to reach for a harsh chemical laxative.

Epsom salts are natural home remedies for constipation that are safe and really work. They can reverse constipation effectively, but should not be used frequently or your body could become dependent on them.

 

How to Drink Epsom Salt for Constipation

•  Dissolve two to four level teaspoons of Epsom salt in an 8-ounce glass of water for adults and children aged 12 and older.
• Dissolve one to two level teaspoons of Epsom salt in an 8-ounce glass of water for children aged 6 to 12 years.
• Drink the entire glass in one sitting

 

Tips &Warnings

• The Mayo Clinic states that bulk-forming laxatives which are essentially fiber supplements are the gentlest on your body and the safest to use long-term.
• The Mayo Clinic warns consumers of the dangers of self-treating with over-the-counter laxatives.
• Epsom salt is not a long-term treatment for constipation and should not be used for more than one week without consulting a doctor.
• The Mayo Clinic advises users that Epsom salts laxatives can cause "bloating, gas, cramping, choking or increased constipation" if not taken with enough water

 If you have constipation more than occasionally or have severe pain or bleeding, you should definitely see your doctor. These are possible signs of serious digestive disorders
 

Stay Warm In Cold Winter Days!

Every year during the winter,hundreds of people die because of cold weather. They’re victims of hypothermia(condition which sets in when the deep body temperature falls to 950F or below).
Those most vulnerable are the elderly and young kids. Infants in particular can be affected if they’re changed, bathed, or left in cold surroundings. Whatever the reason is, it's cold and you need new ways for keeping yourself and your family warm. 
But first, you have to know that hypothermia isn’t the only danger. Cold weather also makes people, especially older people, more vulnerable to heart attacks, strokes, and pneumonia. To help protect against these, you should keep your home warm, dress properly, and eat well.
And here are some more ways:

 

1-Warm Your Home:

• Try to keep the temperature in the rooms you use as close to 70F (22C) as possible, and not lower than 65F (19C).
• Don't use an electric blanket with a hot water bottle, or for a person that is incontinent.
• If fuel bills are a worry, you could move your bed into the living room and keep just that room warm.
• Use clear shower curtains over the windows that receive sun light. This will keep the cold air out, and the warmth from the sun will heat your house without cold air coming in. You could also cover your windows with clear plastic sheets and make it airtight.

• Let as much sun hit your house as possible. Check for obstructions (plants/sheds) that might keep the sun's rays from reaching your house. Remove items leaning against walls on the sunny side of your house. (Ideally, put them back again at night for additional insulation).

• Put down a rug or carpet. Rugs and carpets help prevent heat loss through the floor. They are generally warmer to the touch than wood or stone and so offer a warmer surface to walk on.
• Cook...Bake cookies or a pie. Your oven will help to dry the air and heat the kitchen. The kitchen will be warm while you are cooking, and then you can have a great home cooked meal too! Limit cooking that gives off steam, as this will increase the humidity in the air and make your house damp. Lowering humidity in the winter time helps you to feel warmer.
• Light candles can produce a lot of heat, just be mindful of where they are placed and do not leave them unattended. A trip to most any grocery store or discount store can provide you with a number of candles cheap

2- Warm Yourself:

 

Whether something is warm enough for you depends on your metabolism (how easily do you get cold and how difficult is it for you to warm up once you get cold) and your lifestyle (do you walk, wait for a bus, drive a car, park outside at either end of your commute).

• Drink warm beverages. Warm beverages will raise your core temperature. The process can be very relaxing and even stimulating. Make a cup of tea or coffee. Sip on some warm broth.

• When it’s cold, it’s very important to dress warmly, and to protect your head, hands and feet. Several layers of light clothing made from natural fibres, cotton or wool, for example, will help trap your body heat more effectively than a few layers of heavy clothing.
• Wear gloves, a couple of pairs of socks, a scarf, and a hat even indoors! as 20% of the body’s heat is lost through the head. You may think you look silly, but at least you’ll be warm.
• Dress well in bed too. Wear socks, a dressing gown, gloves, and most important of all, a night cap. Duvets keep the heat in better than conventional blankets.

3- What to Eat:

The body needs proper fuel to protect its ‘thermostat’, and an ideal diet should include protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and cheese, plus green vegetables and potatoes.

•  Porridge makes a good start to the day. Try to arrange frequent small meals including at least one hot meal every day.
• Hot soups are also very good, as are complete ‘meals in drink’ such as Complan.
• Keep a flask with a hot drink by bed at night. Before the cold weather arrives, try to build a stock of items such as tinned fish in oil, tinned fruit and vegetables, long life milk, cracker biscuits and tinned meat and pies.
• Buying one item a week will help spread the cost. If your budget is small, vitamin pills, food supplements, and soups can be useful.

4-Exercise:

 

One of the best ways to keep warm is to exercise. It stimulates circulation and keeps the blood flowing to all parts of the body.

 

• If at all possible, go for a walk outside everyday, even if it’s just around the block or down to the local shop.
• If you do have to stay inside, try not to spend all day sitting down.Be active. Moving around produces body heat! The more active you are, the better your blood circulation will be. This means that warm blood gets to your fingers and toes, keeping them warm.
• 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can warm you up and keep you warm well after the exercise session. Plus, a healthy body is generally more tolerant of the cold.

5-When You Need to Go-Out:

• When you're shopping for a new winter coat, look at long ones instead of jackets, as they can help keep your legs warm.
• Like we said about indoors; wear warm clothing with several layers and take special care to keep your head, hands and feet warm. Wear a windproof and waterproof outer layer, and thick waterproof shoes or boots.
• Warm boots and Gloves or mittens for your feet and hands (Hint: mittens are warmer than gloves, because fingers retain more heat when they touch each other.)
• Nothing chills you like wet skin. It’s very important to keep dry, because you lose far more heat when the body is wet. If you’re going some distance, always take a change of clothing.
• Take nuts, raisins, chocolate, or other high carbohydrate snacks, they provide calories for heat production.
• Drink warm liquids to keep a balance fluid level, but avoid alcohol.
•  are critical, you can get Sorels and Sorel-type boots that are very warm. As well, be sure that you always have something with you to cover your ears and face, even if it isn't cold in the morning.

6- After showering:

Do you experience that fear at the end of your hot shower because you know you will be freezing once you open the door/curtain? Don't worry because here are some helpful steps for you to follow so you can enjoy your showers on cold days:

1. Make sure the hot water is on. You don't want to step into a shower which jets icy water all over you.
    
2. Take both hair towel and body towel into your bathroom and hang them over the door of the shower. If you leave them outside the shower, you will have to open the door to access them and the cold air from outside the shower will freeze you!
    
3. Have your shower and wash your hair quickly. While you may enjoy hot water more, it dries out your skin.
    
4. There will be lots of steam when you are finished. This will keep you warm. Squeeze the water from your hair using your hair towel. Drape the towel over your head. This will keep any heat which could escape from your head, trapped close to your body still.
    
5. Wrap yourself in your towel before stepping out of the shower.

More Tips

 

• Make sure you are dry before you're out of the shower. Otherwise the water on your skin will evaporate, taking your body heat away with it.
• Drape your clothes over a radiator for a few minutes to heat them. Be sure to keep an eye on them, or they may burn.
• Avoid keeping the water really hot the whole time, turn it down near the end.
• Your towels should be hot and dry before use. Try putting them in the dryer right before you shower, though be aware that this is environmentally unfriendly because dryers are extremely high in electricity usage.
• Try putting an ice cube in your mouth. This will help lessen the shock of the colder air.

Have a nice Weekend! ツ

Tips For Healthy Hair During The Winter!

We all know that the cooler temperatures and the fewer hours of sunlight can cause several hair problems. Snow, rain, and icy cold make hair brittle and dry. Did you know indoor heating can be as damaging as spending the afternoon under a hair dryer?!

Eventually all of these factors can give you split ends, dry frizzy hair, static electricity, soften the keratin of the hair and weaken your hair(it may break all together)

Somehow girls who aware of the importance of using conditioner in the summer months because of the heat and the sun, forget that from December to March, indoor heating can dehydrate your hair. But don't worry. No matter what's causing your hair woes, you can take the protective steps to insure your hair does not get damaged.

Here are some winter hair care tips:

• The hair gets more damage from blowing it dry than other heat styling tools so try to wash it the day before so it can air dry, then in the morning you can use a curling iron or flat iron to style it. It really saves it.
• Condition your hair every day but only wash it a few times a week. Besides saving time, this will keep your hair from drying out too much.
• Hot Oil Treatments: Grab some Extra Virgin Olive Oil  or Castor Oil, it will help heal your hair from daily wear and tear. Apply directly to damp hair, and put on a plastic cap and/or a hot towel. Hello, hair repair!
• Take a warm/cool shower vs a hot one. This will help lock in the moisture and give your hair extra shine. Hot showers tend to dry out and damage your hair as well as your skin.
• Try wearing styles that don’t need much maintenance. You might be tempted to run your fingers through your hair and comb your hair throughout the day. Leave your hair alone! The extra manipulation can cause an increase in shedding as well as those annoying split ends.
• Trim your hair regularly: The best way to get rid of split ends is to do it yourself! Take some hair shears and attack the split ends about 1/4 inch above the splitting. Many women with perfect hair never have split ends because they make it a priority to get their hair trimmed, or trim it themselves, every 6-8 weeks.
• Water, Water, Water: During winter the temperature drops and sweating is less; that is the reason we have less desire to drink water. However, there is no change in the functioning of our systems; we must become more careful during winter about drinking enough water and fluids( for Hair and Skin)

Eat healthy to give your hair the right amount of vitamins. I'm sure most of us eat sugary/junk food during the winter to get more energy. But our hair is made of proteins, make sure that you eat a balanced diet rich in lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet will ensure better-looking hair.

5 Easy Steps to Get that Holidays Glow!

This holiday season, you can look and feel your best with few steps to your lifestyle and just a little bit of willpower. It is all about keeping the body balanced, hydrated and properly rested. With these easy steps, you can maintain a healthy glow, manage your figure, and have more energy and joy.

1. Hydrate

We have all heard the messages. Our bodies need water. During the holidays if you make this a priority it will help your energy levels, your appearance and your waistline. When you feel the urge to snack, ask yourself if maybe your hunger pans are actually due to dehydration.
Drink green tea. Studies suggest that the compounds in green tea called catechines appear to speed up the rate at which calories are burned. It is also loaded with antioxidants and isn’t as dehydrating as other caffeinated beverages.

2. Pick 3 System

The last word anyone wants to hear during the holidays is diet. Remember that any diet that recommends the elimination of one of the macronutrients- proteins, carbs or fats- is not a viable method of eating that can be sustained, nor does it have a foundation in health and wellness. In fact, radical and fad diets actually hinder future weight loss by slowing down the metabolism. So don’t diet, just be mindful.
For each meal, envision your plates divided into three sections: one third whole grains and vegetables; one third protein; and the other third fats such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, nut butters, butter. Whole fruits are always a top choice as a treat. Cut your alcoholic beverages with seltzer and eat something small before going to a party.

3. Daily Detoxification

If we can keep the body eliminating our excesses we’ll feel and look out best. Time now to stock up on Brassica family vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), high fiber cereals and bars, as well as acidophilus-rich yogurt, plus water and herbal teas.

4. Rest and Reflect

It seems there is never enough time in the run up to the holidays. Sometimes we need to know when enough is enough. Adequate rest gives the body a chance to properly digest and heal. Keeping stress in check is one of the best beauty secrets out there.

Take time for you. You know what you like to do in your “down time”. Whether it is reading, doing cross-words or taking a bath, gather any supplies you will need now and schedule in the time for you. Your body will thank you.
Also, make sure you plan time to get fresh air. It is the best pick-me-up. The air might feel chilly at first but within 20 minutes you can return home from a brisk walk revived and ready to tackle the next festive gathering.

5. Supplement where needed

Most of us do not think ‘health, nutrition and exercise’ when we think ‘holiday’. Certainly, there are times when we will veer off the nutritional path to wellness on occasion and that is okay. Just be aware that there are supplements and functional foods for days when we are less than perfect in the nutrition category. For many, they can be an inexpensive nutritional insurance policy.

Create a fabulously festive look
Luckily, it’s never been easier to create a fabulously festive look with a minimum of fuss. To learn how, we checked in with makeup artist at Beauty Mark in Yaletown, who created a sleek but sexy look that works for a variety of skin tones, ages and social events.

Here’s how to get this season’s best makeup look in 9 easy steps:
1. Skin
Start prepping the night before the event by applying a hydrating mask to your face. It will create a nice, natural luminosity, making pores appear smaller, smoothing out skin tone and providing an all-over glow.

2. Nails
A festive manicure will put holiday sparkle at your fingertips without the risk of looking garish. What’s especially fashionable right now are dark and unconventional hues like green, blue or metallic.“The trend is to have one highlight nail.”

3. Hair
When it comes to hair, it’s all about tousled, sexy glamour, think messy updos, lazy curls and easy accessories:

• Try a ballerina bun, Classically prim ones ruled the runways, but Gwen Stefani’s messy bun is rock-star cool—go with what feels right for you! To do it fast, tease hair on top, then smooth it all back into a ponytail; secure with an elastic. Twist and wind hair around, pinning as you go.
• Slip on a Headband.
• Clip It Half Up: Make a side part, then pull the top and front sections of your hair back with a glitzy barrette.
• Tease That Pony: Give your sweet standby style a little edge: After pulling your hair back (no need to be neat about it), run a fine-tooth comb up and down the length of your hair to rough it up and create that fun, fuzzy effect. It’s that easy.
• Curl Just the Front: Make playful waves: Use a medium-barrel curling iron to create a couple of spirals in the front sections of your hair only. Comb through with your fingers. Done!

4. Foundation
Unless you plan to spend time under high-definition cameras, your foundation should just even out your complexion, not cover everything in a layer of beige. Think “smooth glow,” not “matte mask.” “I would choose an illuminating foundation,You want more of a dewy complexion. It’s even more important with older skin. The more matte you go, the more it will settle in the fine lines.”

5. Brows
It’s time to create a frame for all this holiday beauty by grooming the eyebrows. If your  brows are already well shaped, use a little brow gel and a fine brush to tidy them up, then a pencil to fill them in.

6. Eyes
“If you’re doing a strong lip, you want to keep the eyes neutral,”. Since this season is all about the bold lip in deep, intense hues, that means avoiding competing colours on the eyelids. Instead, think definition and shimmer. Try a soft gold shadow all over eyelids, then sweep a subtle highlighter under the browbone and in the corner of the lid to open the eye. “This shiny gold colour is very simple and it works on many, many skin tones,” noting that it is soft enough to work on older skin as well as younger. The key is to go for “glow” rather than “sparkle.” Finish the eye makeup by adding further definition with liquid back eyeliner and a touch of black mascara.

7. Cheeks
Brush a soft, natural-looking pink blush on the apples of cheeks, just enough to create a healthy glow. The key with blush is to avoid bright clown spots and stripey ’80s contouring; rouge should be applied so subtly it is barely noticeable at all.

8. Illumination
Indeed, more important than colour is illumination. This is a subtle way to add brightness and “a nice glow” to skin of all colours, conditions and ages, without looking overdone.

9. Lips
Finally, the finishing touch and the holidays’ big impact look: the beautiful, bold lip. Start by brushing a lip scrub overyour lips to remove any dry flakes. “It’s essential because in winter, our lips are drier,” Then apply a deep purple lipstick to the lips. “A lot of people recommend a lip liner, but I say you can go without, The shade for the season is this nice plummy wine colour. It works on so many skin tones as well as a porcelain complexion.”

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Tricks to Lose Weight in Winter!

 

Losing weight is a simple equation: if you burn more calories than you eat, the weight will come off.

The summertime offers plenty of opportunities for people to lose weight. Generally, people get more exercise in the summer because they spend more time outside and are more active. People tend to make excuses for why they can't lose weight during the wintertime. But there are steps you can take to make sure you continue to drop pounds during the winter months.          

• Sniff a banana, apple, or peppermint: You might feel silly, but it works. When Dr Alan R. Hirsch of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago tried this with 3,000 volunteers, he found that the more frequently people sniffed, the less hungry they were and the more weight they lost, an average of 30 lb each. One theory is that sniffing the food tricks the brain into thinking you're actually eating it.

• Stay active around the house. While it may be cold outside, there are things you can do inside your house, such as sit-ups and push-ups, that will contribute to weight loss.
• Take up a new hobby or participate regularly in an activity that you enjoy. Play basketball, tennis or racquetball, or join a dance class. You will lose weight and have fun at the same time. If you see results from participating in activities you enjoy, it's likely you will stay motivated.
• Turn off the TV: Dining while viewing can make you take in 40 percent more calories than usual, reports a new study. And texting, driving, or any other distracting activity during a meal can also result in your eating too much. Instead, make each meal something you put on a plate and sit down to, even if you're eating solo.
• Step on the scale daily: If your regular weight increases several days in a row, it's a red flag letting you know you need to cut back a little or beef up your workouts slightly.

                

• Sculpt 3 times a week:  Doing 5 minutes each of push-ups, lunges, and squats (in 30-second intervals) will help build and maintain muscle mass. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be, so you'll torch more calories as you go about your day.
• Next time your mind gets stuck on a certain food, call a friend and redirect your brain by asking how her day's going. Research shows that cravings only last about 5 minutes, so by the time you hang up, the urge to devour junk will have subsided.                                      
• Hang a mirror opposite your seat at the table: One study found that eating in front of mirrors slashed the amount people ate by nearly one-third. Seems having to look yourself in the eye reflects back some of your own inner standards and goals, and reminds you of why you’re trying to lose weight in the first place.
• Surround yourself with blue: There’s a good reason you won’t see many fast-food restaurants decorated in blue: Believe it or not, the color blue functions as an appetite suppressant. So serve up dinner on blue plates, dress in blue while you eat, and cover your table with a blue tablecloth. Conversely, avoid red, yellow, and orange in your dining areas. Studies find they encourage
• Shoot your food: Rather than writing down every morsel, take a picture of it, and file the photos on your phone or computer by date. A visual account of your consumption may help you curb your intake. “Snapping photos and then looking back at them can make people stop and think before indulging,” nutritionist Joan Salge Blake says. It needn’t be a big production: your cell phone will do. Think about it: there you are at the salad bar, making a plate of vegetables. Don’t pat yourself on the back quite yet, though. A simple snapshot of your heaping dish may “show your extra helping of cheese or deep-fried croutons"
• Tie yourself up: You could try fitness guru Valerie Orsoni’s “Le Petit Secret”: “A number of French women wear a ribbon around their waist and underneath their clothes when they go out for dinner. It keeps them conscious of the tummy...particularly if the ribbon starts to feel tighter as the evening goes on!”

 Beware of the holidays. Holidays provide a great excuse to eat poorly. If you choose to do this, make sure you get back to the gym or back on your exercise plan immediately after

 

How to Use Baking Soda as Acne Treatment?

Acne leaves scars on your face that will just make you feel very inconvenient to participate in social gatherings. You might have tried many creams and herbs which are not very promising. Baking soda will not only work but is also a very inexpensive way to cure acne compared to those expensive creams.

You should know first how to use baking soda as an effective measure to treat acne:

• Before the application of baking soda, it is essential to wash your face thoroughly to get rid of all the dirt and any make up.
• Now, do not dry the face with a towel. Let it remain damp.
• Take about three to four teaspoons of baking soda in your palm. Just add few drops of water. Make sure not to make it too watery. If the solution is very watery it will run down the face and will not work.
• Now, apply the paste to the face. Let it dry for about a minute and wash the face.

Be cautious not to use baking soda for quite a long time. It will cause dryness of the skin. In some people with dry skin, the skin may appear dry even after applying baking soda for about a minute. This can be overcome by applying moisturizer to the face immediately after washing off the baking soda.

What is principle behind the working of baking soda?

Washing the face after application of baking soda causes the skin pores to open up. They open up the clogged skin pores by eliminating the top most skin layer that is filled with oily secretions, dead skin cells and dust. As a result it restricts bacterial growth and hence, helps to gain control over acne.

The benefit of using baking soda is that it is free of chemicals. Hence, it will not leave any unwanted side effects such as additional scars or dullness of skin texture and color which is commonly seen in case of commercial acne creams. It will not cause any irritation even upon regular use. An added benefit is that it gets rid of dead skin cells and thereby improves your skin tone.

It is suitable even for daily use. However, people with very sensitive skin should not use it on regular basis. It can cause skin irritation.

Lastly, some people say that long term use of baking soda causes pH imbalance of the skin. This in turn promotes bacterial growth, a major factor responsible for acne. No treatment works for each and every patient. The effectiveness of any treatment depends on the body condition and the extent of the disease. The same applies to acne and the use of baking soda to gain control over the acne. Test your skin initially, if you see an increase in acne or if you do not experience any positive results even after long term use of baking soda, discontinue using it and take the advice of a dermatologist to cope up with acne.

The faster you take action to control acne; the better would be the results of any acne treatment
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