Perfect Drink-Your Best Solution for Quick Weight Loss

Although you have extra pounds you are still impatient to find out what you can do to reduce weight fast and you still can’t wait to see how your body will look when you achieve your weight loss goals.



What is the secret to healthy and quick weight loss is the proper diet which focuses on fresh ingredients that have natural potential to boost metabolism and promote losing weight in a completely natural way.

Lemons are rich in vitamin C which is great for dropping extra pounds and burning excess belly fat. It is also great for liver cleanse which in turn eliminates toxins from the body and increases fat metabolism.

Mint improves digestion and soothes all digestive related problems such as upset stomach and bloating

Parsley is extremely low in calories and high in powerful nutrients such as vitamins A, C, B-9, K and iron which all contribute to reducing weight in a healthy manner. Parsley assists the body in getting rid of excess water and burning the body fat responsible for excess weight. At the same time it improves cardiovascular health and improves blood circulation.

Ginger improves metabolism and helps you burn more calories than usual. It stimulates circulation and excretes the accumulated toxins from the body which is crucial for obtaining the ideal weight.

Water is necessary for hydration and it is the most effective way for shedding the unwanted pounds. When it is combined with the foods listed above it leads to fantastic slimming results.

This drink combination is great for improving digestion and if taken regularly speeds up the weight loss process and helps you get rid of the extra pounds. It will also boost your energy and help you feel fresh and much better throughout the day. Consume the drink any time of the day.

Ingredients:

• 4 lemons
• 10 mint leaves
• a bunch of parsley
• a thumb of ginger
• 2,5 -3 liters water

Instructions:
Squeeze 2 lemons and add the juice in the water. Slice the remaining 2 lemons and add them in the water too. Chop the mint leaves and the parsley, grate the ginger and add them all into the water. Stir well and leave this over night. Consume the next day instead of drinking water.

Perfect Drink-Your Best Solution for Quick Weight Loss

Supercharge Your Diet: 5 Healthy Food To Raise Your Energy Right Away

How Do You Fight Fatigue?

By Christina Sullivan

When most people need an energy boost, they reach for a hit of caffeine from a cup of coffee, an energy drink or a chocolate bar. But there is a healthier alternative and more effective solution to sparking your energy. Exercise.

You might think this is odd, given that exercise burns energy. But, studies show that physical exercise is the secret to beating tiredness, and is the perfect lift when you're feeling fatigued. How? By improving your blood flow and carrying more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.

A little bit of exercise can go a long way to helping you feel livelier and boosting your energy levels, especially if you're tired and living an inactive lifestyle. Doing a low-intensity exercise three times a week has been shown to increase energy levels by 20% and lower fatigue levels by 65%.

Try breaking your exercise down into 10 minute chunks. Add up those 10 minutes bursts to get 150 minutes of exercise a week, which is the recommended amount of exercise each week. That's really only half an hour a day, five days a week. You could fit in a brisk walk for 10 minutes before work, 10 minutes at lunch, and 10 minutes after work. Alternatively, work in the garden, go on a short bike ride, take the kids to the park and kick a ball, play with the dog, or put on some music and dance like no-one is watching.

If you haven't been active for some time, start slowly. Increase your activity level a bit each week, with either a little more intensity or increasing the amount of time you exercise. Increase only to moderate-intensity exercise. High-intensity exercise can leave you feeling drained, especially if you're not used to it. Check with your doctor if you have health concerns. Stop if you experience pain, and seek advice.

Remember, the health benefits of exercise reach beyond getting an energy boost. Being fit has been shown to cut your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and some types of cancer. It can also help keep your weight down, ease your stress, and help you to sleep better.

You might be feeling tired now. So go for a walk. Don't put it off. NOW is the time to start feeling good.

Post your comments about what you did today to fight fatigue.

 

What Does It Mean to “Listen to Your Body?”

Fitness Tips / Move / September 20, 2014

 

“Pain is weakness leaving the body.”

Ah, yes, this statement and similar motivational(ish) quotes are go-to stock phrases of drill sergeants, tough guys, and, unfortunately, coaches and workout buddies everywhere.

 We get it: When it comes to working out, pushing ourselves is a tried and true way to make progress toward fitness goals. But what about when we push too hard in the face of pain, putting ourselves in danger of injury? Hello, rehab! It’s about this time when the physical therapist asks us things like, “Did you feel this coming on?” “When did the problem start?”

Their parting advice is often, you guessed it: “Next time, listen to your body.”

It’s all just a jumble of mixed messages. First, do we ignore the pain or push past it? And second, what the heck does “listen to your body” mean anyway? If we actually listened to our bodies, would we ever willingly participate in activities that make us tired, sweaty, and sore in the first place? OK let’s not get carried away.

One thing we know for sure: Exercise is good. Well, the right amount of exercise at the right intensity is good. The challenge is figuring out when enough is enough and when it’s just too much. The good news is that our bodies already know the answer. We just need to train our brains to recognize the signs for when to put the pedal to the metal and when to pump the brakes—and actually do it.

I Saw the Sign (But Did It Open Up My Eyes?)
It’s understandable to think that exercise- or sports-related injuries are just plain bad luck. But freak accidents notwithstanding, there’s a good chance that before that ACL tore or that hammie popped, your body tried to warn you that injury was a-comin’ for you.

It might come as a surprise, but our bodies are incredibly smart. If we take the time to listen to them, ”some very serious injuries or conditions could often be avoided,” says Dr. Doug Andrews, PT, director of sports medicine for Optim Healthcare. “When we experience pain, our body is definitely telling us that something is not right. It is up to each person to figure out what the signal means,” Dr. Andrews says.

Think of pain like the “check engine” light in a car. Turning a blind eye to this blinking light will inevitably result in a breakdown, granted the body’s warning signs can be more subtle than a car’s. (If only our knees came with a “Check ACL” light.) But when it comes to preventing small problems from turning into lasting injuries, there are symptoms and signals that act as the first line of defence . Sure, soreness and fatigue accompany many exercise routines, but being able to identify more serious aches and pains is more important than many endorphin-seeking, active folks might think.

Tune In to Common Warning Signs
It’s easier to hear the alarms our bodies are sounding when we know what to listen for. Get familiar with the warning signs of three common conditions that could be compromising performance in the gym or in everyday life.

1. OVERTRAINING
Caused by too many intense workouts and not enough time recovering from them, overtraining feels, well, terrible. If you’ve ever experienced some combo of prolonged periods of fatigue, soreness that won’t go away, insomnia, a cold you can’t seem to kick, and heart rate fluctuations, chances are you’ve been overtrained.

What to listen for: While there’s not a single diagnostic test that determines overtraining, it does make its presence known pretty clearly. Be on the lookout for symptoms described above and consider using a heart rate monitor to establish your resting heart rate and your maximum heart rate. An elevated resting heart rate and/or an inability to raise your heart rate during vigorous exercise can both be signs of overtraining. If you suspect you’re overtrained, it’s time to take a break from your workouts to focus on recovery. Take some rest days ASAP and focus on getting quality sleep and eating nutritious whole foods.

2. INJURY
Just because some of our favourite pro sports moments involve an elite athlete heroically pushing through the pain of a brutal injury doesn’t mean we should follow suit. In fact, even minor sports-related injuries generally require intervention. So how do we know when to take a knee?

What to listen for: Dr. Andrews warns of chronic and persistent pain, saying that managing it to allow for continued participation in sports or training is a bad idea. (In other words, don’t pop ibuprofen and wrap your knee in a brace just so you can make it through a run.) That not-so-bad-but-constantly-nagging ache in your calf or bothersome knot in your shoulder? It’s trying to tell you something. Avoid injuries altogether by recognizing the warning flares, no matter how faint they might be. First, acknowledge that you’re dealing with some ongoing pain, no matter how minor you think it is. Then back off from your exercise routine for long enough that you can care for the achy part of your body with targeted mobility work.

According to Dr. Andrews, most instances of soreness are caused by restriction of the fascia, or the connective tissue that interconnects our muscles and joints, which leads to aches, pains, and limited range of motion. His solution: Use a foam roller to break up the fascia then follow up with stretching.

 After resting and stretching the ailing body part, it’s time to do some strengthening. But this time it’s not about PR-ing a lift. Dr. Andrews recommends focusing on strengthening “the muscles that are weak… not the ones that are already strong.” He also points out that this might be a good time to seek out a physical therapist, or someone trained in movement science, to assist in the recovery process.

3. DISORDERED SLEEP
While some of us wear our late-night-early-morning routines like badges of honour, lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can wreak havoc on the body, productivity, fitness routines, and overall sense of well-being. And poor sleep isn’t an isolated event. Sleepiness compounds to create energy crashes during the day, increases stress hormones, and promotes poor eating habits. As the energy roller coaster dips, we often turn to caffeine, sugar, and energy drinks to combat fatigue. These quick fixes further complicate the energy crisis. It’s only a matter of time until illness, depression, or chronic fatigue set in, but it’s not until the daily energy crash turns into an all out well-being train wreck that we begin to take notice.

What to listen for: Everyone has a bum night of sleep every now and again, but paying attention to how frequently you suffer insomnia or fitful, interrupted sleep is important. If you notice unusual hunger, increasingly frequent bad moods, problems concentrating, trouble staying awake and alert despite pounding caffeine and energy drinks, and even poor motor function, you might be suffering from a sleep problem that requires intervention. Instead of trying to self-medicate with sugar and caffeine, try setting a grown-up bedtime routine. Sleep debt must be repaid on the road to restoring energy levels. Adding an hour or two a night over the course of a month will help restore natural sleep patterns.

Once you feel a bit more well-rested, turn your attention to fuel that provides lasting energy: Nutritious foods (protein instead of sugar, for example), plenty of water, and snacks when you need them. Put some limits around your coffee consumption coffee, like having it only early in the day and perhaps in limited amounts.

The Takeaway
Considering how busy most of us are with school, work, relationships, family, working out, and the countless tiny things we make time for each day, it’s not surprising that we sometimes lose perspective on how we’re physically getting through it all. Sometimes the opportunity to rest, eat healthfully, or ditch the energy drink in favor of going to sleep a little earlier slips right past us. But resolving to pay extra close attention to our bodies’ “check engine” lights could be the difference between taking a few days off to tend to an ache or a cold and losing weeks or months to an injury or sickness you just can’t kick.
—Joe Vennare for Greatist
 
Sources:

• Acute high-intensity endurance exercise is more effective than moderate-intensity exercise for attenuation of postprandial triglyceride elevation. Trombold JR, Christmas KM, Machin DR, et al. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2013 Mar 15;114(6):792-800.
• Effect of exercise training intensity on abdominal visceral fat and body composition.Irving BA, Davis CK, Brock DW, et al. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2008 Nov;40(11):1863-72.
• Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the overtraining syndrome: joint consensus statement of the European College of Sport Science and the American College of Sports Medicine. Meeusen R, Duclos M, Foster C,, et al. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2013 Jan;45(1):186-205.
• Seven to eight hours of sleep a night is associated with a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and reduced overall cardiometabolic risk in adults. Chaput JP, McNeil J, Després JP, et al. PLoS One. 2013 Sep 5;8(9):e72832.
• Neurocognitive consequences of sleep deprivation. Durmer JS, Dinges DF. Seminars in Neurology. 2005 Mar;25(1):117-29.
• Water, hydration, and health. Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Nutrition Reviews. 2010 Aug; 68(8):439-58.

http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/2014/09/what-does-it-mean-to-listen-to-your-body/?utm_source=MFP&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly_20141124&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRons63OZKXonjHpfsX76%2BQqW6W2gYkz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMTcpqPa%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7DBLM153N8QXRTg

Low-Carb Diets: Are They The Best Way To Lose Weight?

Low-carb, starch-free, no bread – there’s a lot of hype around low carbohydrate diets following an investigation by ABC TV’s Catalyst program last week – but are they any good for weight loss? LiveLighter campaign manager and dietitian Alison Ginn takes a closer look.

 

Low carbohydrate diets often help you lose weight initially because they restrict the amount of energy (kilojoules) you eat. While following a low carb diet you’ll probably skip the office treats, reduce some meal sizes (because there is no bread, potato, rice or pasta) and possibly have fewer snacks, too.

But long term, a low-carb diet is pretty hard to maintain. All of the restriction can lead to binge eating. So while you may lose weight initially, there’s no reliable evidence to say it lasts.

Are they safe?

In a word, no. Carbohydrate foods break down into glucose (a simple sugar) after we eat them. Our body needs glucose to power the brain and many of our organs. 

There is variation across low carb diets in severity of carb restriction and total amount of food. Starchy foods may be replaced with either protein or fat. Fruit and milk may be permitted, limited or forbidden. 

While severe carbohydrate restriction can be dangerous, the main safety issue is missing essential nutrients when skipping an entire food group (or two or three if fruit and dairy are limited).

Apart from energy the other benefits of carbohydrate foods are

• Fibre: you will get some fibre from fruit and veg but wholegrain foods are the highest source.
• Antioxidants: from wholegrain foods and from a variety of colours of fruit and veg.
• Calcium: yoghurts and milk (dairy or fortified alternative) are some of the best sources of calcium in the western diet.

Complete nutritionally balanced meals reduce the need for frequent snacking which can lead to unintended overeating.

The consensus?

Instead of a low-carb diet include vegetables, fruit, wholegrains lean dairy and protein foods every day to help you lose weight and while ensuring you get all the nutrients you need to keep your body healthy.

How to eat a balanced diet
Balanced meals: Try to have some carbohydrates, vegetables and a protein food (such as lean meat, fish, eggs, tofu and low-fat dairy) with each meal. Eating a balanced meal every time you eat will ensure you get all the nutrients you need and help you feel fuller.
Livelighter.com.au has a meal and activity planner and many delicious recipes to help you achieve your goals.

Move more: Regular exercise will help you feel energised and shed those extra kilograms.

Eat less processed food: Though strict carbohydrate restriction is unnecessary, and even dangerous, it is beneficial to watch the amount of processed sugar you’re eating (and drinking) and also limit added fats. Pay attention to limiting sugary drinks, processed snacks and white starchy foods (opt for wholegrain). Eat more vegetables, fruit, wholegrain foods, low fat yoghurt, eggs, nuts and fish. Water is the best drink for your waist and your teeth. 

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/weight+loss/diets/low+carb+diets+are+they+the+best+way+to+lose+weightr,34411

19 Small Changes You Can Make to Improve Your Health

  

 

Posted by: Bon Heur in Daily Health Tips, Featured November 15, 2014

 

You don’t have to go vegan or sign up for boot camp to give your well-being a nice boost. This month, try one of these refreshingly easy feel-good tips from fellow Real Simple readers.
 
Sometimes big changes start with small shifts. Whether you’re trying to eat better, get more active or ward off germs, a healthier you doesn’t have to mean a total lifestyle makeover. We asked our readers which small change has made the biggest impact on their health.

I gave my refrigerator a total makeover. First I placed fruits and veggies inside clear containers and put them, along with yogurt and salad fixings, on a shelf at eye level. Now when I open the door, those options grab my attention. I also threw out any takeout containers, because they only encouraged me to eat more takeout. As a result of this new system, I unconsciously make healthier choices, and it has helped to lower my blood pressure.
—Sharna Small, Borsellino Dedham, Massachusetts

About a year ago, instead of reading during my 15-minute break at work, I started taking brisk walks around my office-building complex. After a couple of months, I was so surprised at how my body shape had changed with that small amount of exercise. My midsection had slimmed down, and my legs were more toned. Now I feel more energetic throughout the day and sleep better at night.
—Karen Swanson, Taylor, Texas

My therapist suggested deep breathing as a tool to manage stress. I teach eighth-grade math, and my stress level is pretty high on some days. I breathe in to a slow count of five, hold for a slow count of five, then slowly release to a count of five. This instantly calms me down and keeps me centered. Think of it as a three-minute break that you can take anytime, anywhere.
—Cathy Morse, Forest City, North Carolina

There are tons of sweets and fatty snacks within arm’s reach at my office, so I fell into the habit of grabbing a bag of chips or cookies in the late morning and afternoon. Early this year, I began bringing healthy bites (like mandarin oranges, nuts, and granola) to work. Since I’ve cut all those refined sugars and empty calories out of my diet, I no longer experience a late-afternoon slump.
—Katy Lange, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Weight lifting has improved my flexibility and made the aches and pains in my back, neck, and shoulders subside. I spent most of my life believing that cardio was the key to a lean, healthy body and that lifting would only make me appear bulkier. Yet now, at age 41, I look and feel better than ever.
—Christi McCrary, Dallas, Texas

My family and I order all our groceries online. When shopping in the supermarket, I’m more likely to make impulse purchases. (Who can say no to “buy one, get one free” boxes of cookies? I certainly can’t.) It’s much easier for me to resist temptations online. We eat healthier and spend less money to boot.
—Becky Kenemuth, Washington, D.C.

I’ve struggled with weight issues my whole life, so a few months ago I adopted my 10-year-old daughter’s daily exercise routine: 40 situps and 20 push-ups. While she does it at night for her gymnastics class, I do it within the first 10 minutes of waking up. Not only do I feel stronger but the activity also puts me in a better mood and encourages me to make good choices throughout the day.
—Jenny Kober, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

In the past, I would drink coffee while getting ready for work, yet I still felt tired. So my fitness instructor advised me to drink water in the morning before my usual cup of joe. He said that this would get my metabolism going and wake me up. Since I’ve begun guzzling water and waiting until the midmorning slump to drink coffee, I’ve felt refreshed and energized.
—Abbie Dunham, Redondo Beach, California

When I gobbled down decadent breakfasts in the morning, like an egg and cheese on a bagel, I felt lethargic at work. Daily tasks, like sending e-mails and preparing for meetings, required more effort. By eating lighter morning meals, like a dairy-free smoothie or oatmeal with fruit, I have more energy in the morning and that lasts all day.
—Katie Muilenberg, Rockville, Maryland

Establishing a sleep schedule and sticking to it has cured my bouts of insomnia. I go to bed and get up at the same time every day, and I sprinkle my bed with lavender and play soothing music to help me fall asleep. With a full night’s rest, I have fewer mood swings and my mind stays sharp.
—Mare Hare, Marinette, Wisconsin

As part of my goal of getting fit for my wedding, over two years ago I started tracking what I eat on an app called MyFitnessPal. I quickly learned how the calories from my snacking added up, and I also saw how much exercise can make up for those extra calories. I still use the app, despite being a married woman now, as it has proven to be great motivation for eating well and exercising.
—Laura VanderLaan, Atlanta, Georgia

While I understand that fitness is important, I get embarrassed at the gym, and I won’t go for a run unless a bear is chasing me. However, gardening is a surprisingly great alternative to traditional exercise and relieves tension at the same time. Shoveling, tearing out weeds, and stomping on a pitchfork to loosen dirt definitely get my heart rate up.
—Merricka Breuer, Sunderland, Massachusetts

I am amazed by how paying closer attention to how food affects my body and then adjusting my diet accordingly has affected my overall health. For instance, after discovering that a lack of fat in my meals caused an upset stomach and bloating, I started eating more healthy fats. I have dropped 15 pounds and am experiencing less joint and muscle soreness.
—Jill L. Lindsey, Lebanon, Ohio

Since I think it’s more often the things we touch that make us sick as opposed to the air we breathe, I press upon my two boys the importance of washing our hands frequently. We have been an illness-free home for the last year, and I take much pride in that. No one has missed a day of school or work in the longest time. Either we are really lucky or we simply wash our hands.
—Pamela Jean Grady, Kalispell, Montana

After researching the potential sources of my back problems and fatigue, I learned that poor posture can cause these symptoms. So to help me sit up straight, I swapped out my office chair for a stability ball. My back issues have vastly improved, and I’m more alert, not to mention confident, at work.
—Felicia Goldsmith, Davis, California

Sugar has always been my biggest vice. I used to eat dessert after lunch, and I would start thinking about my nighttime dessert even before dinner. Now I refrain from having multiple desserts a day andsatisfy my sweet tooth with a piece of dark chocolate or a handful of raspberries instead of ice cream. Besides not having to deal with the constant crashes and the cravings, I enjoy the sweets that I do eat more than before.
—Abby Pfeiffer, Portland, Oregon

I used to think that stretching was a total waste of time, but after being told to stretch daily after a painful knee injury, I discovered what a difference it makes. When I stretch after a workout, my body is much less sore and achy. My legs used to feel really tight all the time, but as long as I stretch in the morning and at night, they’re pain-free.
—Teresa Tobat, Burke, Virginia

Thanks to our new practice of reading nutrition labels, my kids and I are able to look at a product and know whether it will make us feel good or not. If a food doesn’t pass our criteria (no hydrogenated oils or high-fructose corn syrup, a small amount of sugar, and at least two grams of fiber per serving), we don’t buy it. We love knowing exactly what we’re putting into our bodies.
—Erica Privitelli, Los Angeles, California

About five years ago, when I returned to work after being a stay-at-home mom, I realized that waking up at the same time as my daughter and husband made me cranky. I felt overwhelmed having to immediately prepare breakfast and get everyone ready for the day. So now I wake up 30 minutes before the rest of the household. I enjoy a cup of coffee and read or watch a funny TV show. This daily ritual helps me feel more awake and relaxed and puts me in a better state of mind.
—Michele Gorka, Bridgewater, New Jersey

http://www.healthdigezt.com/19-small-changes-you-can-make-to-improve-your-health/

7 Ways to Naturally Firm Sagging Skin

By Saufiya    Updated: August 28, 2014   

     

   

  

A few more years to your biography do not mean that your skin should not look spectacular. If lately you have been feeling like the largest organ of your body has been losing its elasticity, you should know that there are some great, very effective, completely safe and natural ways to firm your skin. Read on to find out what they are.

1. Banana miracle mask
Mash up a ripe banana, and mix it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. This mask combines some of nature’s most nourishing food supplements and is just great for your skin. This mask helps lift up the skin, tightens it and delivers a natural glow, so you will look like you have just come out of a SPA treatment.  It is especially useful if your skin produces too much sebum, as the mask regulates it and leaves you face shining. An added bonus – if you have some left at the end, you can easily put it in a cake.

2. Strawberry and yogurt goodness
Mash up a few ripe strawberries and mix them in a cup of plain yogurt. The mask is usually used for the face but if you have some extra time and dedication, you could apply it all over the skin. Not only does this combination smell and look delicious, but it also has some wonderful effects on sagging skin. Plain yogurt is a common ingredient of home beauty recipes because of its moisturizing properties. Together with the strawberries it will improve your circulation and tighten the skin. After this mask you will feel and look refreshed and years younger.

3. Geranium Essential Oil
This essential oil has some unbelievable powers when it comes to improving skin condition. Some women have to endure oily, acne-prone skin, which is a difficult problem in itself, even when it is not combined with an aging skin that is losing its appeal. If you are one of those women, you no longer need to bare the weight of your skin – Geranium essential oil is here to help. This enchanting product has many benefits – it tightens the skin, regulates oil production, reduces breakouts and, on top of it all, smoothes out wrinkles.  Simply apply a few drops on your face using a cotton ball or mix it in your regular face cream.

4. Lemon Essential Oil
The scent of lemon is usually associated with freshness and energy – this is exactly how your skin will look after applying the oil to it.  Lemon is a wonderful citrus that can be used all around the house and for cosmetic purposes, because of its harmless, yet strong antiseptic properties. If you have used antibacterial soaps before, you probably know that afterwards your skin feels dry and chapped. Lemon essential oil, on the other hand, reduces sebum production without damaging the skin, tightens the pores, smoothes out wrinkles and lifts up your complexion. Apply on your face with a cotton ball or mix with water and spray on your skin.

5. Use natural oils to firm your skin
There are some natural oils that can do wonders for your skin, they have the power to make it soft but firm and give you a wonderful, youthful glow. Some of the most popularly used oils for sagging skin are almond, coconut, avocado and grape seed oil. You can use them in several different ways, the simplest one being spreading a very thin layer over your face and massaging until it gets absorbed by the skin. You could also combine the oils with Shea butter and vitamin E, or mix them up in your favorite skin creams.

6. Sea power              
Soaking in a bath with sea salts a few days per week can do wonders for your entire body. Sea salts help relax your mind, firm and smooth out your skin, while at the same time taking care of any possible infection. Having a sea salt bath will also help relieve the tension and exhaustion of the day.

7. Exfoliate with baking soda
Mix baking soda and warm water to a fine paste and apply with a circular motion all over your skin. Baking soda is a great exfoliant that helps reduce oiliness and acne problems, makes the skin very soft, tightens the pores and smoothes out wrinkles. If your complexion looks tired and saggy, baking soda paste will rejuvenate it immediately.

Getting softer, smoother, tighter and all around more beautiful skin is possible at all ages, no matter what sorts of environmental conditions you have endured or how tired your skin is.

All you need to do is apply the solutions above a few times a week.

http://naturehacks.com/beauty/7-ways-to-naturally-firm-sagging-skin/

8 Beet Benefits: Aphrodisiac, Brain Booster & More

Written by Randy Fritz from Real Food Life.com

A single serving of beets can boost your energy and lower your blood pressure. Eating beets long-term can help you fight cancer, reduce arthritic pain, and lose weight, as well as assisting in a number of other health areas.

Many people don’t like beets or consider it only a special occasion dish, but we think this powerfood should be on your plate every day.

8 Healthy Reasons to Eat Beets:

1.  Weight Loss
Beets taste sweet, but a cup of cooked beet contains only 60 calories and is full of fiber. This is a perfect food for weight management.

The sugars in beets are smart carbs, since they come in a natural whole food form.  Unlike white sugar, the beet calories come with a lot of nutrients and phytochemicals.

2.  Brain and Energy Boost
Beets are high in natural nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is known to expand the walls of blood vessels so you can enjoy more oxygen, more nutrients, and more energy.

Studies have shown nitric oxide to increase the efficiency of the mitochondria (your energy powerhouses). The results of these studies were impressive.

• A single small serving (70 ml) of beetroot juice reduced resting blood pressure by 2%.
• A single small serving increased the length of time professional divers could hold their breath by 11%.
• Cyclists who drank a single larger serving (500 ml) of beetroot juice were able to ride up to 20% longer.

3.  Nature’s Viagra
One of the first known uses of beets was by the ancient Romans, who used them medicinally as an aphrodisiac. Many plants have been considered an aphrodisiac by some culture at some time, but in this case it may be more than just wishful thinking.

As noted above, beets can increase blood flow due to their nitrates. Increased blood flow to the genital areas is one of the mechanisms Viagra and other pharmaceuticals create their effects.  Beets also contain high amounts of boron, which is directly related to the production of human sex hormones.

4.  Super Antioxidant for a Long, Healthy, Pain-Free Life
Antioxidants help to reverse the daily accumulated wear and tear on the body, known as aging. Beets are a very good source of commonly known antioxidants like vitamin C and manganese, but it is their lesser-known antioxidants which give them their true value.

The blood-red color of beets comes from a powerful group of antioxidants called betalains. There are hundreds of studies on the positive health benefits of betalains.  A short summary of the results shows that they help in the areas of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation. If you go to Google Scholar and type in ‘betalains,’ you will see 3790 scholarly references on this subject.

5.  Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
The inflammatory response is a natural function of the body which saves our lives when it responds to the acute stresses in our lives, like bacterial infection and injury. Due to the constant stress in our modern lives, however, this inflammation becomes chronic. It is as though our body is constantly in a battle. Inflammation has been linked to a number of symptoms and diseases including:

Wrinkles

Susceptibility to infections

Cancer

Arthritis

Bronchitis

Chronic pain

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Osteoporosis

Heart disease

Candidiasis

The blood-red betalains in beets have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation.

6.  Cancer Prevention
Preliminary tests suggest that beetroot ingestion can be one of the useful means to prevent lung and skin cancer. Other studies have shown that beet juice inhibits the formation of cancer-causing compounds called nitrosamines.

7.  Cell Detoxification and Cleansing
The antioxidants in beets have been shown to support what is called phase 2 cleansing.  In phase 2 cleansing, unwanted toxic substances are chemically combined with a small nutrient group. This combination neutralizes the toxin and makes them sufficiently water-soluble so they can be excreted through the urine.

This is therefore deep cleansing on a cellular level, that may have long term health benefits.

8.  Improved Mental Health
The betalains in beets has been used in certain treatments of depression. It also contains tryptophan, which relaxes the mind and creates a sense of well-being, similar to chocolate. Enjoy!

Concerns:
Beet greens are one of the many high-nutrient foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates. Individuals with known or suspected kidney or gallbladder problems are recommended not to eat these high-oxalate foods. This is a much-disputed subject, however. (See Oxalic Acid Controversy.)

Some individuals are concerned when their urine and stool turn red after consumption.  This condition, called beeturia, is not considered harmful and occurs in 10-14% of the population. Individuals with iron metabolism problems are more likely to experience this situation.

Suggestions:

• Raw beetroot juice is one of the most powerful ways you can consume it. It is rather intense by itself, though, and tastes much better mixed with other vegetables. We have thus included a great juice mixture recipe below.
• The nutrients in beets are more susceptible to degradation from long cooking times than other foods, so if you are cooking it, the ideal time would be 15 minutes steaming, maximum.
• Beetroot tops and stems contain much of the same benefits as the root, but with the additional nutrients and phytochemicals associated with green leaf vegetables.

“For pink pee, eat a beet! Children are notorious for refusing to eat their fruits and vegetables, but what child can resist the allure of orange, pink, and even green pee?” — Pee Funny by Benjamin Picard

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/8-beet-benefits-aphrodisiac-brain-booster.html

5 Questions That Hold The Secret To Your Health

 

by Yuri Elkaim 
 

Your body could be trying to send out an SOS, and you may not realize it.

 

You’ve become so accustomed to feeling bad that your body thinks this is the norm, and it runs on autopilot. That daily venti coffee, your gruelling 10-mile run, and your sugar addiction may be wreaking havoc on your health.

Even if you’ve come to accept that this is just how you function, your body is giving you warning signs that things aren’t right.

 

Ask yourself the following five questions and answer honestly. If you can’t say yes to all of them, your body has probably been saying no for a very long time.

 

The Vital Five

1. Can you function without caffeine?

Coffee, energy drinks, and caffeinated sodas are creating a vicious cycle- you drink to wake up, and when the effect wears off, you need more.

Eventually your sympathetic nerves become numb to caffeine, and you’re officially a caffeine addict.  Give your nervous system a break and avoid caffeine.

2. Do most of the foods you eat come from a garden?

Processed foods contain empty calories that won’t nourish you- they are full of artificial ingredients, have no essential nutrients, and are the biggest source of added sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Some products may be falsely marketed as “healthy”, yet they are pumped full of preservatives and chemicals that hurt us in the long run.

Eat real, whole foods (whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables) to gain real health benefits.

3. Can you exercise without feeling weak or fatigued?

Exercise is supposed to make you feel energetic and strong.

You might be exercising all wrong.  The way you work out may not actually be working for you.  Your lengthy, strenuous workout may be exhausting you and depleting your reserves. 

By balancing your exercise with strength training and listening to your body (moving the way your body wants to move), you’ll be exercising smarter, not harder.

4. Has it been a while since you’ve gotten sick?

Sickness should be the exception, not the rule.

Your diet could be destroying your gut flora; the intestines house the majority of your immune system. Eat high quality protein, fiber, healthy fats, and fruits and veggies.

5. Is it easy for you to concentrate?

If you lack the ability to focus or have a foggy feeling, this can be caused by adrenal fatigue, fluctuating blood sugar, and poor oxygenation.

Proper diet, smart exercise, and relieving mental stress will increase your ability to concentrate.

 

So now what? If you’re looking at this list and shaking your head “no” at more than three of the answers, it’s time for a total body reset. 

 

While a “total” anything sounds like a big task, it’s actually easier than you think to get your body back on track. Tweaking a few small, daily habits can make massive change in your day-to-day existence. Let me walk you through the most important changes you can make, that will make an immediately noticeable impact in your life.

The first way to start fixing yourself is to…stop. Stop the habits that are harming your body.  While you may feel mired deep in a dozen bad habits, afraid to make change, or just unsure if any change will actually make a difference, try this for just ONE WEEK.

 

Cut Caffeine.

 

Caffeine, whether in the form of coffee or soda, makes your body secrete adrenaline.  Too much adrenaline each day, and you get the jitters. Too much adrenaline over a long period of time, and you can wear out your adrenal glands. Worn out adrenals can lead to feeling of anxiety, food cravings, and low energy levels.

Just 7 days without these caffeine can boost your energy, drop your anxiety, help you kickstart weight loss, and start to show up on health markers (like blood pressure and cholesterol tests).

Try this instead: Drink a Green Smoothie.

Removing bad habits is one good step, but we’re going for a great change. Rather than simply removing a bad habit, replace it with something good.

A green smoothie every morning is an easy way to replace your caffeine routine. You still get to sit down an sip, only this time, you’ll be increasing your absorbable nutrition. You’ll be giving your body healing greens that detoxify your body, balance your blood pH, and support your body in healthy ways.

My Favorite Simple Green Smoothie

4 cups kale or spinach

½ avocado

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 lemon, peeled

1 ½ cups water

3-5 drops stevia

Blend all ingredients together until pureed. Drink immediately and enjoy!

You deserve to answer “YES” to all five of those health questions above. Healthy bodies can easily say yes. They’re alive, vibrant, full of energy, and able to take on any day.  Swapping out caffeine and swapping in a green smoothie each morning is a great way to start supporting your body.

http://www.finerminds.com/health-fitness/5-questions-that-hold-the-secret-to-your-health/
 

The Best Foods to Eat at Every Time of Day

Choose the right meals, snacks and drinks to boost your health all day long.

Eats by the Hour

It’s not just what you eat, but when you eat that matters. “Our food dictates everything from our mood and energy levels to sleep patterns and cravings,” says Marci Anderson, a registered dietitian in Cambridge, MA. So whether you want to feel alert in the morning, blissed-out at lunch or sleepy at night, smart food choices can get you there. You don’t have to eat everything that follows in one day; just pick what suits your needs.

1.) 7 A.M. Goal: Feel full

Are you hungry when your alarm goes off? Good! “That’s a sign that your metabolism is revved up,” says Anderson. And eating, rather than skipping breakfast, is associated with better metabolism and health, she says. Eat within an hour of waking up and aim for a balance of complex carbs, fats and protein, which helps control your appetite throughout the morning, according to research from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Some suggestions: oatmeal topped with peanut butter and berries or whole-wheat toast topped with Cheddar and avocado.

2.) 9 A.M. Goal: Focus on work

You may be hardwired to expect your morning jolt from coffee, and three cups a day have been shown to be healthy. Java may also perk up your ability to focus and pay attention, says registered dietitian Lauri Boone, author of Powerful Plant-Based Superfoods. For a similar lift with less caffeine, gulp some green tea. Its antioxidants—in particular EGCG—have been found to promote brain cell production and improve memory and learning, a 2012 Chinese study found. Or for a caffeine-free concentration boost, chew a stick of gum, per one UK study.

3.) 11 A.M. Goal: Avoid treats at the meeting

Yes, the breakfast on slide 2 keeps you satisfied, but it’s normal to feel hungry again after three or four hours. Eating a small snack before a meeting stocked with cookies or doughnuts takes the edge off your hunger, so you can resist temptation. Anderson recommends a cup of lowfat Greek yogurt because it contains 15 to 20 grams of filling protein to reduce cravings. Then, if a doughnut still looks good, grab a half and savor the splurge back at your desk.

4.) 1 P.M. Goal: De-stress at lunch

If your morning tasks leave you anxious, try a salad with spinach, summer squash and zucchini topped with quinoa on your break. The vegetables provide plenty of vitamin B6, which helps make mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters and aids nervous system function. Quinoa, a complete protein, is rich in magnesium, and that relaxes blood vessels and muscles, says Boone. You can also sprinkle maca root powder on top, she adds. The nutty-tasting veggie “may enhance the body’s natural ability to respond to stress,” she says.

5.) 3:30 P.M. Goal: Beat an afternoon energy slump

You may want to reach for a sweet latte, diet cola or bag of candy to battle afternoon fatigue, but caffeine can prevent you from falling asleep later, while sugar can bring on a crash that leaves you even more tired. A snack of whole foods, on the other hand, provides real energy for a productive afternoon. Try an ounce of nuts, like almonds, walnuts or pecans, or a nut-and-fruit bar like a Larabar. Bonus: Moderate nut consumption has been linked to a slightly lower weight and waist circumference, finds an analysis of many studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

6.) 5 P.M. Goal: Fuel up for a workout

An early evening workout may bolster your performance and energy at the gym, according to a small 2009 study. So if you’re heading there after work, make sure you adequately fuel your muscles. Aim for easy-to-digest carbs, which provide a quick hit of energy without upsetting your stomach. Think a small smoothie with milk, yogurt and berries. If you’re not hungry, drink coconut water—it’s got sugar and electrolytes to keep you pumped and hydrated, says Boone.

7.) 7 P.M Goal: Stay slim at dinner

You’re probably more sedentary after supper, especially when the temperature drops in winter. Though the best way to torch calories is with a post-meal walk, you can also bump up your burn by adding chili peppers to your meal. The heat from their capsaicin can help spike metabolism and control appetite, according to research from Purdue University. Another slimming strategy: Cook with herbs and spices. When people ate a reduced-fat but spiced-up meal in a University of Colorado study, they reported liking it more than the full-fat version. Why? Spices contribute loads of flavor, but zero calories. So shake on smoked paprika, oregano and garlic powder.

8.) 10 P.M. Goal: Fall asleep

If you’re having trouble catching zzz’s, first ask yourself if you’re hungry. If so, pour yourself a glass of vanilla soymilk, suggests Anderson. It contains carbs, which promote the production of tryptophan, the amino acid that makes Thanksgiving dinner guests need a nap after turkey. “The body uses it to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that tells the brain to go to sleep,” she says. Plus, the calcium in the drink helps relax blood vessels for an extra calming effect.

http://www.healthdigezt.com/the-best-foods-to-eat-at-every-time-of-day/
 

The Many Important Roles of Protein in the Body

Proteins are large, complex molecules constructed from a set of 20 amino acids, 8 of which must be obtained through diet and are not produced naturally by the body. Each protein's specific function is determined by its amino acid arrangement, and these arrangements can vary considerably.

While most people understand that protein plays a role in the growth and repair of cells, in reality it performs far more functions. This article contains a distillation of protein's main roles in the body.

What protein does for us

Aids growth and repair of cells -- After our body breaks dietary proteins down into amino acids, it uses them to build and repair cells and tissue, including muscle tissue. This is one of the main reasons why nutritionists recommend that bodybuilders eat protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, legumes and eggs. However, it's important to remember that protein cannot build muscle by itself; a high protein intake must also be complemented by vigorous exercise for effective muscle growth.

Assists with important biological functions -- Our bodies perform thousands of biochemical reactions daily and all of them require energy. Enzymes are proteins that help to reduce the activation energy of many biochemical reactions, allowing these reactions to occur much faster. One example of an enzyme is lactase, which is needed for the complete digestion of milk.

Supplies energy -- If our carbohydrate reserves are depleted, our bodies can utilize proteins as an energy source by reducing them to their basic amino acid structures and then oxidizing them as it would glucose. However, this is a "last resort" way of generating energy; too much protein used in this manner can cause dysfunction.

Sends signals around body -- Hormones are proteins that are released by a cell, gland or organ to send signals to, or co-ordinate actions in, other parts of the body. One example of a hormone is insulin, which regulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism in the body.

Transports substances around body -- Some proteins, called transport proteins, carry other proteins around the body. Hemoglobin, for instance, is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. It also transports carbon dioxide, a waste product, back to the lungs so that the body can excrete it.
Protects against infection -- Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins that are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize bacteria and viruses. All antigens (substances that stimulate the production of antibodies) have a specific antibody to immobilize them until our white blood cells can destroy them.

How much protein do we need?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recommended daily allowance of protein is 56 grams per day for adult men and 46 grams per day for adult women. Pregnant and lactating women can take a little more.

Whole foods are always the best source of protein, especially those that contain all 8 essential amino acids ("complete" proteins). Some vegetarian examples of complete proteins include buckwheat, quinoa, royal jelly and chia seeds.
http://www.naturalnews.com/046651_protein_amino_acids_muscle.html?utm_content=buffer7e05e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

15 Reasons You Should be Drinking Lemon Water Every Morning

http://www.naturalnews.com/Infographic-15-Reasons-You-Should-be-Drinking-Lemon-Water-Every-Morning.html

How to use Food to Boost your Mood + Vitamin Reference

We all deserve to feel truly happy every single day. The truth is that some of us have a hard time sustaining a good mood throughout the day. In fact, chronic unhappy days become bouts of depression and some people who need hope turn to medications. What if you could rely on food to boost your mood daily?

 

"Nature itself is the best medicine"  Hippocrates

 

For centuries we have known that food affects our mood and mental health. Imagine this knowledge being applied and the food you eat being your daily medication to sustain a good mood, increased energy and vibrant health. Eating clean not only helps you gain more energy, release toxins, and release weight, it also allows for mental well-being. A study found that vitamin deficiency causes a decline mental health which leads to stress, anxiety, depression, addictions and other psychological disorders. If mental illness runs in your family, it is even more essential to eat healthy for your own well-being and to existing and future DNA.

Tweaks and additions to your diet can make a big difference. Eat whole foods as often as you can. Reducing processed and refined carbohydrates will also improve your mood because you’ll experience more stable blood sugar levels. You’ll be on the road to health and bliss once you understand what vitamins are essential for a good mood, which types of food have these vitamins and then eat these foods consistently. Below you’ll find important vitamins and foods that boost your mood.

How to use Food to Boost your Mood Vitamin Reference 

Vitamin D

Researchers are discovering that Vitamin D plays a KEY role in mental health and depression, because it increases serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters responsible for mood. So, skip the Vitamin D pills and get out there in the sunshine as often as you can! Most people will immediately go to a supplement, but studies show that real UV Light is the only way the body can produce Vitamin D that it recognizes.

Our favorite health coach and expert, Tyler Tolman, suggests to get in the sun at least 15 minutes a day and don’t use sunscreen. As an alternative, use organic coconut oil for maximum Vitamin D absorbancy. If you’re worried about getting skin cancer, throw out that negative belief. Tyler Tolman says, “A bad diet, sunscreen, and other chemicals on the skin cause skin cancer – not UV Light. UV Light [the sun and tanning beds] simply bring cancer out through the skin.”

If you’re living in a climate that isn’t always sunny or has harsh winters, Tyler suggests going to the tanning bed. Yep, that’s right. “I recommend any solarium with newer bulbs and a stand up room so you don’t lay down in chemicals,” says Tyler. He continues, “If it’s a 15 minute session go for 10 and you will feel and look great from doing this 2-3x per week.” Tyler lives in Bali so he doesn’t have to worry about going to a tanning bed. But he said if he was in a city for more than a week with low sunlight he would definitely be looking for a tanning bed.

Antioxidants

A published study by the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine in 1998 found that Antioxidants can help perk up the mood of people affected by anxiety and stress. The 5 foods with the highest levels of antioxidants are:

• Small Red Bean (dried)
• Wild blueberry
• Red kidney bean (dried)
• Pinto bean
• Blueberry (cultivated)

This helpful article shows 20 common foods with the most antioxidants.

"Health requires healthy food" – Roger Williams

Protein

Your brain’s chemical activation is dependent on the foods you eat. Believe it or not, protein plays a significant role in keeping your mood and energy level, in check.  Proper protein levels sustain your energy, keep your mood up, and keep you strong.  Next to water, protein makes up most of your body weight. Protein is great for your brain as well.  Your brain’s chemical activation is dependent on the foods you eat.  Your brain cells neurotransmitters are made of amino acids which are the building blocks of protein, so it’s a ‘no-brainer’.  And when you eat protein, it raises the levels of another amino acid called tyrosine that help create the mood boosting chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.

B Vitamins

Folate and vitamin B12 seem to also be important mood-boosting vitamins. Studies have shown that low blood levels of these vitamins are in some cases linked to depression. Some scientists believe that the body uses these vitamins to create serotonin; which as we mentioned is one of the key neurotransmitters that help boost your mood.

Add rich dark leafy green veggies as well as beans into your diet to get more folic acid. Healthy sources for Vitamin B12 include nutritional yeast and plant-based fortified foods. If you discover you are low in B12, you can get B12 Shots from the doctor or use high-absorbancy B12 Patches recommended by Matt Monarch, the founder of Raw Food World. While B12 is also present in meats and cheeses, it can be a very toxic and dangerous way to receive this vitamin.

Selenium

A study  in 1991 showed that with proper amounts of selenium, there was an increase in mood.  The study also showed that if there was a selenium deficiency, the brain is the last place that selenium levels drop, suggesting that the brain considers it very important.  A great source of selenium is from Brazil nuts.  These nuts have very high amounts of selenium (68–91 mcg per nut)

Omega 3′s

More studies are emerging about the importance of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and their prevention of depression. Omega 3′s can boost mood and resbuild brain cells that are critical in performing cognitive function. In fact, a recent study found that consuming healthy Omega 3 fatty acids dramatically boost your mood and reduces negative harmful thoughts. Some of the worlds healthiest plant foods in Omega 3′s are #1 ground flaxseeds, then walnuts, organic soybeans, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and winter squash.

A unscientific study done at Appleton Central High School in Appleton, Wis., observed that students behaved better when they consumed healthy lunches consisting of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. There are dozens of studies that show that plants are the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. The only problem is that it is extremely difficult to get people to change their dietary patterns. Change is on the rise, but Kaplan said that the solution may be supplementation of nutrients because it is integral that people receive less pharmaceutical intervention for mental disorders and more broad-spectrum supplementation.

If you choose to supplement, it’s important to do so with superior quality vitamins or a shake supplement containing multiple nutrients and superfoods.

As always, eating specific foods with these vitamins needs to be habitual. Eating healthier for a few days or once in a while will not bring the result you’re seeking. I’ve found that making small changes each week and keeping up each habit will bring lasting change. We are creatures of habit and we feel comfortable doing what we are use to doing.

"Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel" Keven Trudeau

"Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live" Jim Rohn

http://www.powerofpositivity.com/use-food-to-boost-your-mood-plus-vitamin-reference/