healthy

Mediatation and Life

Did you know unnoticed patterns of the mind underlie all we perceive? What we perceive is actually only the surface of the totality, a fraction of our reality. We only consciously experience what we perceive, but if we are only experiencing the surface portion of the totality, we inadvertently allow the patterns to dominate. These patterns are grooves in the mind which repeat quietly like a never ending loop. They could be thoughts caused by negative reactions or conditioning in life resulting in thoughts such as: "Money is bad", "I am insufficient", or "unsuccessful", etc. Thus, they become subliminal programs running in the background of the mind. The mind then identifies with these programs out of familiarity and eventually takes the programs to be a part of its conscious identity, also known as the ego. The ego then creates a conception of itself and projects this during normal activity. This is perceived as the personality of the individual consciousness. The nature of the individual is to create positive situations for itself and avoid negative ones. Thus it stores a memory of its experiences to positive and negative events and attempts to recreate the positive ones. However, the ego mind that attempts to recreate its experience or "reality" is unfortunately governed by these patterns or habits. Therefore, it has a very limited capacity to affect outer conditions in a manner deemed desirable.

Life experience is often viewed as a series of seemingly random events, yet it is also a matter of perception and cause/effect relationship at least 50% of the time. We essentially become "prisoners of our own device" due to being subjected to experiences of our own unconscious creation. In order to free ourselves, we must identify the pattern and understand its origin. Next we must perceive experiences unfiltered by the mind and intentionally project what we wish to experience. We must then experience without attachment to an expectation of specific results, but rather keep creating and enjoying. There will always be surprises along the way regardless of the success we may have in identifying the patterns because there are continuously higher or more subtle levels of awareness to operate from, but at least we can master them in stages, rather than not at all and consequently have an increased mastery of our life experience. So, how do we identify these subliminal patterns and thus regain mastery of our mind, and subsequently our lives? Some people are inclined towards acquiring an ever increasing knowledge base of what they believe to be true. They feel the more knowledge is obtained, the more truth, security and progress is being made. Although this may not seem like a bad idea, it is not the most direct or accurate method. This is due to the fact that the information obtained can be erroneous since the mind is naturally only attracted to qualities it determines favorable or agreeable due to association through previous experience. The frame of reference for that particular experience or the reaction associated to it could be at fault to begin with, and has also been filtered through the imperfect perception of the mind. Trusting the self to be led by another such as a teacher or "guru" is also equally unreliable as there is no guarantee that another person's mind is any better than your own. This is evidenced by what we see in the news about some cult leaders and the negative consequences experienced by many of their followers.

Therefore, a more safe, direct and accurate method is: Meditation.

When studied, meditation seems easy enough but when practiced it is difficult because it involves being still or physically inactive from 15 minutes to over an hour, which contradicts the body and mind's inclination. When practiced daily, it becomes significantly easier to sit still and focus the mind. One technique to achieve this is by controlling the breath. The breath is controlled by breathing inward and outward in a repetitive, consistently even rhythm. This is accomplished by simply counting each inward and outward breath to the same count. For example: A count of 10 inward, then a count of 10 outward. Repeating this at least 10 times and then relaxing only to observe the breath while continuing to remain still is the next step. Finally, detaching from the mind and observing the thoughts that pass through it, (without judging them) is the beginning of actual meditation. This is known as a form of "detachment" or "watching the thinker". When meditating, focusing on the space between the thoughts and learning to relax in them occurs naturally as the body and mind give up resisting the process. A state of ever-increasing peace and relaxation develop and a sense of expanding awareness or consciousness ensues, this happens because you have surpassed the limited mind-made image of the self and gone beyond to pure being. Thus, it has become Being Meditation. This is the realm of true intelligence/wisdom, the very same that is the source of your intellect and therefore a more direct and accurate experience of knowledge because it is increasingly less filtered by the ego mind. The action of thought is an attempt by the mind to acquire information or answers to questions, yet ironically the superior consciousness of being (which contains the mind and created it) is the knowledge itself. That is why 'being' is superior to thinking. Why look for the knowledge that you already know? Why try to be what you already are? This awareness is all that is required but it cannot be fully comprehended through teaching alone. Only the methods themselves can be taught.

Since awareness is an experience, it can only be... experienced! These simple instructions are all that are needed to have it.

Once you have this experience, you no longer allow these patterns to control you and your life, or at least reduce their ability to. How can you have success or happiness if you have held on to a subconscious program in your mind repeating that you are not worthy of it, or that there is not enough of it to go around? Where do these thoughts come from? This is just one example of what can be examined in meditation. You may remember the experience that caused these patterns, but even if you don't- you can still let go of them by simply becoming aware of the patterns themselves. This way when it happens again, you are in control and can make a different choice about what to think and what to feel, rather than a choice made from unconscious reaction. Operating from a state of being and awareness means just this, and you will begin to create memories of the positive effect it will have on your life experience, thus increasing your confidence and success of use with this method or perspective. This means that by freeing yourself of subconscious patterns by becoming conscious of them, you regain control of the mind- but surpass it through being knowledge, rather than chasing after it. You then know that you are the creator of, and partner with: Life. This knowing empowers you to create what you want in life when you can, and at the very least choose how you experience it when you can't.

Meditation becomes a part of life, and then life itself becomes the meditation. This is the key to enjoy an empowered and successful life.

Do you want to create a warm and loving atmosphere for your baby? Enjoy a shared experience that encourages you to bond with your child and boosts happiness and wellbeing. Why not try Mother and Baby Yoga?

The Benefits

Mother and Baby Yoga is beneficial firstly because babies are open to new and varied experiences. Your shared experience encourages mutual respect and understanding, and brings you both joy and wonder as you embark on your journey. It encourages bonding through touch, rhythm and movement which all bring about deep relaxation.

The series of sequences in yoga encourage your baby's flexibility and are designed to bring the body harmony. Research has shown that tactile stimulation such as gentle massage has great effect on the development of the brain and nervous system, so this helps to give your baby the best start in life that you can.

Not only this, but mother and baby yoga can help to improve your baby's sleep pattern through the level of physical activity. The movements can give relief to colicky babies and improve digestion through massage.

So what are the benefits for YOU, the Mother? Not only will your child be more relaxed, sleep well and have better development but after birth, your body is often tired and in need of a wake up call! Therefore yoga can help muscles to regain strength, increase postural realignment and tone those abdominal muscles and pelvic floor that have been weakened after pregnancy. You will feel calmer and bond well with your child, as doing yoga helps emit a feeling of peace and tranquility.

We know that this period of your life can be challenging. Mother and baby yoga helps a smoother transition into motherhood, encouraging the relationship with your child in a caring environment.

When can I do Mother and Baby Yoga?

This will differ for each new mum and baby. Some will feel ready to do it within weeks of the birth, although generally earlier than 6 weeks is not recommended. Others will want to wait until their child is 3-4 months old. It all depends on you. However, make sure that you have been given the all clear to exercise from your doctor (especially if you have had a Cesarean section) and that your baby is healthy.

What kinds of exercises?

The exercises are often mainly for Mum with gentler stretches and massages for Baby. After birth your body is not at its best and may not be able to cope with strenuous exercise. During breast feeding in particular, your ligaments will be softer and so the aim is to build up your strength.

All classes are different, depending on the participant needs and your Mother & Baby Yoga Instructor's expertise. Some classes may focus on reactivating and strengthening your abdominal muscles and others in relieving tension in your neck and shoulders. Your baby will be involved in gentle stretches, either laying on their baby mat, on top of your yoga mat, or being held in your lap whilst you do your stretching exercises. Some classes offer nursery rhymes and song, to soothe your baby and create a positive atmosphere.

So find yourself a Mother & Baby Yoga class and take that all-important time for the health of both your and your beloved baby.

Not many people know this, but the liver is actually one of the most important body parts you'll ever have. In fact, the functions it plays actually do a great deal in keeping health and overall excretory functions in check. One of its key roles is aiding in detoxification by identifying substances that are not part of the body and getting rid of them in 3 ways-via sweat, urine or feces.

These harmful substances, called toxins, will always unfortunately find a way to enter our bodies. Major culprits for these are poor lifestyle and eating habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol, even drugs and medications.

While the liver normally is capable of processing all these harmful toxins, it also has a saturation point that can be reached when a person doesn't regulate his intake and consumption of toxic-laden food or substances. In this case, the liver may slow down or even cease functioning altogether-and this may create a host of new health problems that may be more difficult to cure.

This is why it is highly important to look after one's liver, and one of the best ways to do this is by a liver detox diet.

A liver detox diet varies in length-you can choose to do it in 3, 7 or even 21 days-but no matter how long it lasts, it works for the purpose of cleansing your liver to help restore normal function and health. The diet plan for such a diet involves the regular consumption of organic and raw fruits, vegetables and whole grains-boosted by regular water therapy for added cleansing.

And of course, this also means discounting harmful food and beverage products such as alcohol and caffeine, items that have a high amount of fat and sugar, junk food and even drugs, especially during the detox program.

Here's what a 7-day liver detox diet typically looks like:

Days 1-3:

The best way to begin your liver detox diet program is via a liquid diet.

Have your 10-12 glasses of water a day and refrain from eating solid food in the meantime. Add in freshly squeezed lime juice for some flavor. This part of the diet is understandably the most challenging for certain people, as it takes time getting used to.

However, this is the period in which the toxins are eliminated from your body. Try some light exercises such as walking to help you unwind and keep your focus.

Days 4-6:

Now you can introduce raw and organic fruits and vegetables to your liquid diet. Create juices from your favorite items, whether oranges, apples, carrots, celery or others. Feel free to mix and match according to taste and flavor preference. Grab a cup or two of herbal tea to add in some variety.

For your meals, go for chopped or boiled vegetables and add in some broth for extra substance.

Day 7:

Continue your liquid diet along with your fruits and vegetables. To aid your liver detox diet, go for some rosemary or dandelion supplements.

Feel free to modify these choices as long as the basic principles are still being followed. After the 7th day, you can resume your normal diet patterns so long as you still hold back on the alcohol.

To make sure that you are on the right track, seek the advice of a medical expert and allow him or her to guide you through the process.

If your body had a 'security guard', it would have to be the liver.

Playing a host of all-important functions (such as preventing toxins and waste from entering the bloodstream, the breaking down of these substances so that they are easily taken out and the creation of bile for the purpose of digesting fats), the liver is truly one body part to really take care of.

Together with the kidneys, the liver is able to process these harmful products and eliminate them via three major exits: sweat, feces and urine. Moreover, the liver also aids in building up reserve energy via the storage of glycogen, to help with the metabolism of protein, as well as fats.

Unfortunately, while the liver does its job well, certain unhealthy lifestyle habits take a toll on its work to the point of abuse. And when this happens, the liver may start functioning quite poorly, or even worse, stop working altogether-causing a host of health problems such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

This is exactly why we are in need of a liver cleansing diet that will help look after this important glandular body part.

It is therefore important that we are aware of the value of good food choices, as doing so will lead us to the path to great health and overall well being. By going on a periodic liver cleansing diet, you are helping your body (particularly your liver) get rid of unwanted (not to mention harmful) toxins and waste products from your body.

Liver Cleansing Diet Basics

One of the best side effects of the liver cleansing diet is eventual and healthy weight loss or weight control. Apart from this, it also strengthens the immune system and aids in the management of certain conditions such as high blood pressure, migraines, digestive problems and high levels of cholesterol.

So what's the proper way to go about a liver cleansing diet?

First of all, cleansing your liver is all about going organic. Therefore, it's best to learn to like natural and organic food products and complement this with water therapy to hasten the waste elimination process.

Whole grains, nuts and legumes are good ways to start. At the same time, it also focuses on the avoidance of unhealthy food products such as processed meats, alcohol and caffeine, carbonated drinks, red meat and salty food.

Remember that even before you go on your liver cleansing diet, certain measures need to be taken-for the first two days, go on a liquid diet, after which you can gradually reintroduce solid food into your system. Start with fruits and vegetables before adding other products.

By doing this on a periodic basis, you are taking good care not just of your liver, but also of your overall health and well being.

Don't discount the importance of a liver cleansing diet as it holds the keys to a better quality of life. While it takes time getting used to, exercising discipline and consistency will help you get to your end goal.

Harness the power of the positive mindset and maintain your drive to strive for wellness, and you will certainly succeed.

Fitness is quite a hot topic these days. Whether it is those that are already fit encouraging others to do the same, or those that have been encouraged trying to get there, the need for quality machines is very high. These machines are instrumental in helping people achieve and maintain goals. One great example of these machines is a stationary recumbent exercise bike.

There are actually many different things for you to consider about these impressive little machines. For one, you are going to have a lot of factors play into what you end up getting. Through the application of some of these factors laid out over the next few paragraphs, you should be able to come away with a recumbent bike that really gets the job done.

The first thing that you should realize is that there are certainly several different companies with a hand in making their own recumbent bikes. With that being said, you should consider looking into those that are the most highly regarded. The reason you might choose a name that you have heard of rather than a relatively new company would be the established customer satisfaction.

You don't want to risk paying a lot of money on a brand that might not be around in five years. If you choose an established company with a reputation to uphold, you are going to be able to assuredly keep that machine in great working condition for many years. You do not want to trust a brand that you have never heard of to design a lasting bike you intend to use every day.

If you are trying to find a particular exercise machine that can really bring you to another level while you are working out, a stationary bike might not have been the first thing that you would have normally thought of. However, with the Schwinn 230 Exercise Bike, you just might be inclined to change your mind.

Really, there are several different things that you are going to want to consider when it comes to one of these impressive machines. Through the course of the paragraphs in this article, you are going to be given a brief but comprehensive look at this bike and what it is going to be able to do for you when you get it put to good use in your home.

One of the first things that you might care to know about this bike, is that it is in a class all by itself when it comes to the workout it is going to provide. Take for instance the fact that this machine has 16 different resistance levels while you are using the bike that you can cycle through at the pressing of a button. This means that you have the capacity to keep your routine challenging even years later.

This is equipped with an LCD screen that breaks down a lot of information for you. This, unlike the bike is not stationary so you can move this around to an angle that works perfectly for you while you are on the bike, and then adjusts again to easily accommodate someone else.

Modern and effective treatment has become almost a necessity for people. At the same time obtaining these services at a reasonable rate is also at the back of everyone's mind. treatments are not limited to the home made formulas being passed down for generations. It is time look ahead of the home made stuff and become aware of the growth in the skin care market. Natural Acne Treatment can be linked with these products as well, as they are herbal.

Identifying those ingredients will make your job that much simpler. Shea butter ranks high on the list of any beauty expert which is the main component in facial packs due to its revitalizing properties. It provides a complete nourishment to your complexion and makes you the proud owner of a fresh new look.

Products are stocked by dozens in departmental stores which can easily confuse you into buying something expensive as well as something that does not suit your needs that can help in Natural Acne Treatment. Finding the best product that work for you is essential both for your skin as well as your budget. The positive side of choosing products off the shelves is that you do not need to throw away your hard earned money in spa's and parlors without knowing what is being applied to your skin. Modern and effective skin care treatment has become almost a necessity for people. At the same time obtaining these services at a reasonable rate is also at the back of everyone's mind. Skin care treatments are not limited to the home made formulas being passed down for generations. It is time look ahead of the home made stuff and become aware of the growth in the skin care market. Natural Acne Treatment can be linked with these products as well, as they are herbal.

Identifying those ingredients will make your job that much simpler. Shea butter ranks high on the list of any beauty expert which is the main component in facial packs due to its revitalizing properties. It provides a complete nourishment to your complexion and makes you the proud owner of a fresh new look.

Skin care products are stocked by dozens in departmental stores which can easily confuse you into buying something expensive as well as something that does not suit your needs that can help in Natural Acne Treatment. Finding the best skin care product that work for you is essential both for your skin as well as your budget. The positive side of choosing skin care products off the shelves is that you do not need to throw away your hard earned money in spa's and parlors without knowing what is being applied to your skin.

Most people have had an acne problem at one point in their lives and many more are going through the stress and unpleasantness of continuing acne problems whether brought on by puberty or adult acne. This article gives a few tips to help you start to overcome and cure acne naturally starting today.

Many people with persistent acne battle the condition using topical creams and oral medications some of which are only available with a prescription. These creams and medications only deal with the symptoms or the external factors which as the breakouts and blemishes. They do not deal with the root cause of acne which means that acne problems persist.

While sufferers battle the actual breakouts, they also battle the scarring left behind. It is important to note that to effectively battle and overcome acne, there are many natural and easy ways to help you overcome acne that you can easily adopt into your lifestyle which will not only deal with the symptoms of acne but also deal with the root cause of acne.

Natural Solutions to Acne

1. Water

Any beauty diet and anti acne diet should always include drinking six to ten glasses of water a day to properly hydrate your skin and eliminate toxins that can aggravate acne and clog pores which leads to breakouts. The fight against acne should always start with keeping skin adequately hydrated.

2. Healthy diet

Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables that are antioxidant rich is essential. Antioxidants fight against free radicals that are damaging to the skin and body. Adding fruits and vegetables that are rich on vitamins such as A, C and E are important for overall well being as well as exhibiting skin benefits because these vitamins combat cell damaging free radicals and help clear skin.

Although consuming the actual fruits and vegetables is more beneficial, you may discuss taking vitamin supplements with your doctor as you try to combat and cure acne naturally starting today. In addition, if consuming the fruits and vegetables is a chore, you may want to consider turning the fruits and vegetables into a smoothie which makes being healthy more enjoyable and doable and help you achieve your anti acne diet.

3. Natural Beauty

With the multitude of beauty and acne products on the market with ingredients some of which can be pronounced and many more ingredients that cannot be pronounced, acne sufferers when may be tempted to try all of them in hopes of clearing up their skin only to aggravate the acne.

Try if at all possible combating acne to use products that are natural or organic to cure acne. Some natural remedies include products containing tea tree oil which is anti-inflammatory and is an alternative to such acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid which are very drying on the skin.

4. Eliminate Stress

Stress does not only affect your peace of mind but weakens your body and your skin. Stress can lead to premature aging as well as aggravate acne. Relax. Take an aromatherapy bath. Meditate. Indulge in a soothing herbal tea. Think positive and reap the benefits of a healthy body and beautiful skin.

Combating stress will allow your body to produce more cortisol which helps the body combat many health problems as well as help fight against acne and its agents and clear skin.

5. No more coffee

A healthy beauty diet and anti acne diet should contain little to no caffeine. Reduce caffeine and increase water consumption. This is the single best thing you can do for your skin and help clear your skin for more beautiful smooth skin. Caffeine aggravates skin conditions in addition to drying and prematurely aging the skin.

Caffeine produces more stress hormones in the body which is not beneficial you're your body or skin because it aggravates acne.

Healthy lifestyle is indeed what you need. A nutritious balance in planning of your meal is important. You want to be satisfied of the kind of foods you want to prepare wherein you will be able to achieve the nutritional requirement needed by your body. There are times that you already forgot to eat your dinner because you are already tired from work all you want to do is to have rest. It is essential to have simple healthy food recipe for dinner in order for you to have the chance to eat a guaranteed foods that are good for your health.

At home you have your cookbooks that you feel like these are already ornament. Foods are great and pretty cool to look at that you want to try to know how to cook and prepare it but actually these are now useless if you try to pick a meal that was being served on the table. To think, with your hectic schedules you cannot even do it at all. With little time you can find or try other ways on how to make it simple and fast for you to cook food. Healthy food recipes that are great can be compiled that would be easy to do for friendly dishes, simple suppers and family meals.

One of type of healthy food recipe that is really a nutritious one is a veggie meal. You can have this as a source of protein that will give you more idea to know more other recipes with regards to a healthy diet. Why not try a vegetable lasagna recipe. This is a kind of vegetarian lasagna that is best once you have tasted it. This can be done by placing the vegetables into the oven for it to be roasted and bring out smoky, rich flavors and this dish is much appealing. It is a good choice for everybody or guest on dinner time.

Ingredients to be prepared are lasagna sheets, 2 zucchini, 1 eggplant, 1 red pepper, 1 white or red onion, small bunch of fresh basil, 2/3 cup/75g/30z grater mozzarella, 1/3 cup/50g grated parmesan, 3 cups/600g of cottage cheese, olive oil, and 500g/pound or fresh potatoes. Method in doing this begins by having the vegetables roasted, and then tosses the courgette and eggplant in the roasting container with the, garlic, onion, tomatoes, and pepper. Add olive oil 3 tablespoons and then season it with salt pepper and you must stir it well.

Next thing to do is for you place it in a hot oven in the degree of 200c/400F in one hour until the vegetables are starting to brown and very soft. You then remove the cooked vegetables from the oven and stir in the basil and olives. After doing so you can now start the vegetarian lasagna. Put one-third mixture of the vegetable at the base of a baking dish, with one-third of mozzarella being covered and now the lasagna sheets then add a layer of cottage cheese. Just repeat this layer pattern and finish it with a layer of cheese together with parmesan to be sprinkled. Lastly baked it for thirty minutes until it becomes golden you then now can enjoy the healthy food recipe.

How can a quick weight loss also be a healthy weight loss? Truthfully, if this is the thought on your mind, you are miles ahead of the majority of people interested in weight loss today. In fact, the true thought that the majority of weight loss seeker are having is, "How can I have a quick weight loss?" There is no mention of a healthy weight loss at all! The problem is that everyone wants the results, but doesn't care about what they have to do to get there. More importantly, they don't care about the long term negative affects that will follow their quick weight loss. In order to achieve your healthy weight loss and for it to also be a quick weight loss, you must make some fitness tuning changes to your body.

Now that we've identified that your mind should be on how a quick weight loss must also be a healthy weight loss, let's get you there! We are going to address several things regarding your life and how you live it. I will give you the paths that you need to take in order for you to get to a healthy weight loss. Then you will need to go down those paths, one at a time. How well and how dedicated you are to accomplishing the completion of those paths will determine whether or not you have a quick weight loss. I will give you the tools to make a healthy weight loss also be a quick weight loss, but you must use them, and use them properly, for your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss to occur.

Step one, to achieve your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss, will be to make some changes to your diet. You must, and must want to, start with your diet. If you are a person that has a minimal or non-existent amount of exercise done each week, then trying to tackle that step first can be disastrous. If you run into the gym, before you correct your dieting deficiencies, you will feel a great deal of fatigue during exercise, and possibly faintness, dizziness, and extended muscle soreness and fatigue afterwards. To begin your stepping into a healthy weight loss and quick weight loss, you must first begin with giving your body the nutrients that it needs. Otherwise, your quest towards a healthy weight loss and quick weight loss will be that much more difficult, not to mention less enjoyable!

The dieting change to begin your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss journey is your daily food intake. You should have three meals a day, each containing a carbohydrate, a fruit or vegetable, and a protein. These items must also be evenly proportioned for each meal. You should get plenty of whole grains in your diet, so make sure that your carbohydrate sources are whole grain as often as possible. Ensure that you also get plenty of good cholesterol in order to keep your cholesterol level under control. This means that you should be eating a variety of nuts, eggs, and fish and including olive oil in your diet. In fact, I would recommend at least one meal a day which contains some kind of fish. Not only is it a good source of protein, but the Omega-3 oils that are contained in fattier fishes such as salmon and mackerel are essential for a healthy weight loss and quick weight loss, as well as healthy living.

Some fitness tuning suggestions for your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss diet.In the morning, I start my day with a fruit, a bowl of oatmeal and some bacon or sausage, followed by a multivitamin. For lunch you should also plan your lunch to contain a protein source, a carbohydrate, and a vegetable. I only have fruit with my meal in the morning, due to the fact that the sugar will help you to start your day by giving you the energy that you need. Vegetables contain more vitamins and minerals than fruit and therefore must be of higher concentration in your diet. My dinner always contains a meat, pasta or potatoes, and a steamed vegetable or salad. The fiber from the fruits and vegetables will slow down the absorption of the carbohydrates into your body, and will allow you to burn off absorbed carbohydrates before they can be stored as fat. By following these diet guidelines, your healthy weight loss will become a quick weight loss as well. Plus, you will have the energy to begin the next path towards your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss journey that will be found in Phase II.

Believe it or not, your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss plan involves snacks! In order to ensure that you are supporting your body's needs for Phase II of your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss journey, you must have two between-meal snacks. I continually use protein bars and protein shakes as my between-meal snack. However, I have also been known to use trail-mix that contains more nuts than fruits. Your goal is to ensure that your body is getting all of the proteins that it needs to support Phase II of your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss plan. If you should ever feel a craving for something sweet, then have a piece of fruit. Some fruits have more sugars than others, such as bananas, grapes, pineapples, raisins, and mangos, and should be eaten sparingly. These are the desserts that will help to lead to your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss, not to mention a healthier you.

You have now completed Phase I of your journey towards your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss. You have started your fitness tuning process by ensuring that the foods that you take into your body are healthy and contain all of the elements needed for your body's healthy lifestyle. I will be following this article with Phase II of your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss journey, but you will be able to get more information regarding proper dieting and the benefits from doing so by clicking on my fitness tuning website's link below. You will be able to join my free membership website, and gain access to all of the nutrition, dieting, and fitness information that I share with all of my members from week to week. Begin Phase I of your healthy weight loss and quick weight loss journey today, and you will soon lead yourself to the results that you desire.

Eating foods that are "nutritious and delicious"--as many slogans declare--is great for health conscious people, and by giving healthy gifts you can help encourage good eating habits.

It only makes sense that healthy gifts are becoming more and more popular. There seems to be a health kick of sorts going on right now for many Americans.

Believe it or not, if you have ever looked at a food chart indicating the portions of the different kinds of foods to eat daily, you will see fruits and vegetables at the top of the list. Recommended by doctors and nutritionists, fruits and vegetables are the foods we should be eating the most.

Unfortunately, many Americans eat less fruits and vegetables than they do any other type of foods on the food chart pyramid. This is another reason that healthy gifts are a good idea, because you can encourage friends and family to develop better, more nutritious eating habits.

When you get a healthy gift or gift basket for someone you know, fruits and vegetables are great to include, but there are also very healthy kinds of foods to choose from. Many healthy gift baskets contain granola bars or other snacks with essential grains and nuts for energy.

Especially people who are very active will appreciate such gift items as trail mix or, as I mentioned before, granola bars, energy bars and dried fruits and nuts.

The greatest thing about healthy gifts is that if you frequently purchase fruit baskets you are already giving away healthy gifts. But there are many more options for specific kinds of healthy gifts you can choose from as well. You can find the very best selections of healthy gifts online if you just know where to look for them.

And, of course, healthy gifts can also include healthy items that are not for eating.

For example:

You can get a kid healthy gift baskets with some sweet fruits to eat, but maybe some toys that will encourage him or her to exercise more. These items such as jump ropes, hopscotch games, a soccer ball or basketball, even kits for games like capture the flag.

Children have tons of energy to burn, and yet, they are exercising less and less. Playing sports and other games are not only ways to stay healthy and fit, but they are also extremely fun. Kids do not realize, as they are zoning out on the sofa, all the fun they are missing out on.

You can also purchase healthy gift baskets for your adult friends with exercise tapes and accessories, nutrition guides and so on. So just because you are getting someone a healthy gift--that does not always mean to get them healthy foods--even recipes are included with some healthy gift baskets.

Therefore, healthy gift baskets are suitable for anyone and everyone. When you purchase healthy gift baskets as presents for any occasion, you are contributing to the improvement of health concerns all over the country. If you give away healthy gift baskets you will not be sorry you did.

Many people in western society are under the misapprehension that they must consume meat in some form to maintain their health and well being, but the consumption of meat in western societies is a reflection of the prosperous nature of that society rather than a reflection of nutritional requirements. This fact is born out when you consider that traditional societies all over the world have long used a combination of legumes and grains to obtain their protein levels.

In Asia, soy products with rice have long been a staple of the diet, whereas in the Middle East it has been bulgur wheat and chickpeas or pita bread. In Latin America it has been rice or tortillas with beans, and in India it has been rice or chapaties with dal. These traditional diets maintained an appropriate balance between grains and legumes which enables the maximum assimilation of protein.

It has been argued that humans evolved to be vegetarian. Our small canine teeth lack the flesh-tearing capabilities of the typical carnivore. We also have flatter molars that are suitable for crushing food, and we have mobile jaws which enable us to grind food into pieces. We also have very long intestines which enable the more fibrous plant foods to break down and for their nutrients to be absorbed by the digestive system. The shorter intestines of carnivorous animals enable them to digest meat and eliminate the waste before it has a chance to produce toxins in the body. Some people consider that the longer intestinal tract of humans makes us more likely to suffer from the effects of toxins produced from animal products because the waste from these foods is not eliminated in a timely manner. Further, it has been suggested that higher rates of colon and rectal cancer in meat eaters as opposed to vegetarians is linked to this fact.

Studies have demonstrated that blood pressure levels and blood cholesterol levels in vegetarians are lower than in meat-eaters, resulting in a decreased risk of developing heart disease. Many vegetables and fruits are thought to possess cancer-inhibiting chemicals, and a low-fat diet which includes a consistent supply of these fresh foods may be indicative of lower rates of certain cancers.

There are a few different classifications of vegetarians. Vegans will not consume animal products of any kind, whereas lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products but not eggs. Ovo-lacto-vegetarians will eat dairy products and eggs as well.

Another compelling reason to become vegetarian in the early years of the twenty first century is the environmental imperative. The amount of energy and land required to produce meat products is far greater than that required for the production of non-meat products. For example, acre for acre, soy beans produce ten times the amount of protein that beef cattle do. You can take this a step further and consider a product like blue-green algae or spirulina, which is one of the most nutritious foods in the world. Acre for acre, blue-green algae produce twenty times as much protein as soy beans do! So you can see how far down the list in terms of efficiency and sustainability meat production is.

There are also ethical considerations to take into account in my humble opinion. I do not feel that it is right somehow to eat something that can look me in the eye. Personally, I cannot think of a good reason to be anything other than vegetarian, having been so myself for a quarter of a century. I have enjoyed consistently good health, and find that I compare more than favourably in comparison to my contemporaries in terms of good health and vitality.

Adrian is an online writer and researcher, and he invites you to visit his website Under Counter Refrigerators for information about these appliances from a range of manufacturers, including General Electric Refrigerators.

You need “a little something,” but how can you make a healthy choice for your afternoon snack? Registered dietitian, Jill Fleming, offers a great strategy for making healthy choices. By understanding the difference between "grow foods" and "treats," even kindergarteners can make a healthy choice. It is an easy trick and it works!

Grow foods are items on which the sun has recently shined. The more refined and processed something is, the farther from a "grow food" it becomes. Raw vegetables and fruits are great examples of "grow foods," as are whole grains. These foods fuel your body; allowing young children to grow and adults to thrive. Read the label. If there are ingredients with more than three syllables - it isn't a grow food. Keep an eye out for high fructose corn syrup (another source of sugar) and partially hydrogenated oils (the source of trans fat); these are ingredients to avoid.

Treats are items which may taste good, but aren't going to help you grow or thrive. It is okay to have a cookie or some ice cream, but it should be a treat -- something special and extra, outside what you give your body to grow and thrive. Treats are not limited to sweets. For example, salty and fried items such as chips have no nutritional value, yet can be quite tasty. Soda, even diet soda, is a treat.

So, go ahead and have a treat, but make good choices. Here are some tips to help you decide:

Avoid items with trans-fat, which your body never needs.

Limit treats to once a day or a few times per week.

Pay attention to the portion size. Split the giant cookie with a friend or save half for tomorrow.

Don't replace meals with treats. A doughnut isn't breakfast - it's a treat.

Beware of sneaky treats. Some things look like grow foods but a really treats in disguise. Yogurt with high fructose corn syrup is more like pudding than a grow food.

Limit soda (and diet soda) to treat times. Don't drink soda as your beverage with a meal. Give your body healthy beverages such as water, skim milk and herbal tea.

Healthy Vagina - If the whole of my body is already healthy from doing exercise, eating proper foods and working out in the gym, then why is it so important that the vagina is singled out and kept healthy too? Is the vagina not part of the whole body? This is a good point and to help clarify the confusion, the vagina is an organ of the body that has its own need for personal maintenance. Because the vagina is out of sight for most of the time, it is however, forgotten about that is, until it gets itchy sweaty or smelly.

If the vagina is in a healthy state, it is then you can say the "whole" of the body is in tip top condition.

As an important part of the woman`s body, the vagina needs as much care to hygiene. It is surprising how it is neglected of basic care. Not always intentionally. The ways to maintain the vagina are really quite simple and easy to initiate

In general your overall health will contribute to keeping a healthy vagina. Consider more yoghurt and lessen sugar throughout the day. Yogurt contains good bacteria called acidophilus. While sugar, encourages a particular bacteria that the yogurt destroys.

Cleanliness - Most reasons for vaginal infections occurring is through sweat and oils buildup. Wash regularly. Avoid douching as it is to thorough and not necessary. While a douche may take bad bacteria, it in contrast takes more of the good which is not healthy. Douching can also lead to increased inflammation (vaginitis). The inside of the vagina need not be bathed because it's constantly flushing itself. The only reason that you might have consider douching is if you're trying to get pregnant or want to alter the vagina`s pH for a greater good.

Condoms also help keep your vagina clean. Having unprotected sex often can lead to vagina problems as well as the obvious pregnancy and STDs.

Cotton is breathable fabric and best to be worn round the genital area. Wearing cotton allows the air to circulate which frees the skin resulting in freshness.

Leaving a tampon for more than six hours is not healthy. It can cause a toxic syndrome. Sanitary towels should also be changed regular according to circumstance. Pads can cause serious irritation. Inserting objects even tampons into the vagina can cause damage. Safe insertion of a tampon should be done when you have made yourself comfortable Find the most relaxed position for your body. Raise one leg on a footstool or toilet seat. Do not rush as the tampon can displace later. insert the tampon slowly and gently.

We all love our bathroom smellies but too much of good thing may not be healthy. Avoid sprays and scented soaps. Soap is really not necessary and along with bubble baths can worsen vaginal dryness. Moisturizers and lubricants are both popular treatments used for vaginal dryness.

Keeping a healthy vagina is part of a regular hygiene regimen. If you notice specks of blood between monthly cycles - see your doctor. Vaginal bleeding is not proof enough to signify something serious is wrong; nonetheless it is in your best interest to ask your GP the reason why.
Is there a specific way the vagina should be washed? No, but there are guidelines you should follow like using products that can irritate the skin or have you suffer an allergic reaction.

Cleansing the vagina is pretty straight forward i.e. warm water and flannel is all that is needed. If the need for lather is your forte then use a special soap for vaginal cleaning. Vinegar is fabulous for refreshing the vagina. Mix vinegar with water for washing. Regular pap smears which screens you for infections or illnesses is not only sensible but great for keeping the vagina in check. Avoid stressful events because they can lead to vaginal infections

Is there such a thing as a perfect vagina? If we knew what a perfect looked like this would be easy to answer. Women differ in shape and build, so therefore vagina`s display small, wide, big, hairy or hairless so how do you tell. If the vagina is healthy - it sure beats perfection hands down.

Infections Vaginal Thrush

Vaginal Odours

In the modern setting, people are very open to the use of different types of contraceptives. However, through the years, there is one observation that women are crying foul about. Women, in most cases are left to bear the burden of responsibility in ensuring the sexual encounter would be safe and protected. Many experts and feminists argue that it is way too unfair and stressful, and as such can make sex much less appealing for women.

If you are into a relationship and you and your partner decide to be intimate, there is a need to put contraceptives in place. If both of you are already aware of the numerous types of contraceptives available in the market, for sure, there would not be much problem about the contraceptives to be used.

Usually, there surfaces a problem about who would be responsible for the contraceptives. While there are many forms of contraceptives for women, like birth control pills, injections, sponges and IUDs, there are only two known contraceptives for men. Those are vasectomy and the use of condoms.

Vasectomy is seldom chosen. That is because this surgical operation is done to cut a tube within the testicles that is essential for the passing and release of the sperm cells, which unite with women's egg cells to form fetuses in wombs. For some men, the process is frightening because of its permanency. That is because the man's ability to induce pregnancy or conception would be removed for life. Some men do not welcome the operations because of fear that sexual performance would be altered.

The use of condoms is then quite obviously the most common form of contraceptives for men. Through condoms, the semen that contains the sperm cells would be prevented from entering a woman's womb. The condom is the most accessible, cheapest and easiest to use form of male contraceptives. It is also significantly less costly compared to almost all female contraceptives.

Now the problem is how to ask men to wear condoms. Some men, when caught up in the moment, are just not sensitive and considerate on women's basic rights and feelings. It is old-fashioned and archaic to think it is the woman's sole responsibility to put contraceptives in place because she will be the one who will conceive and get pregnant.

As simple advise, it would be effective if you would openly and diplomatically ask your partner to wear condoms. If he asks why you do not want female contraceptives, tell him it is because condoms are the cheapest and most reliable. There would be no side effects for the both of you, unlike in female contraceptives that incur several noticeable and negligible adverse side effects.

Diabetes is usually caused due to ineffective insulin. They are mostly seen in the age group of 40 and above. Due to aging and other factors, type 2 diabetes attacks our body. It is also a genetic problem and can be easily transferred through generations. In order to maintain normal blood sugar levels for diabetics, one should take up some natural precautions.

Lots of African-Americans and Hispanics are suffering from this problem. Almost 90 percent of US population is facing this crisis. Too much indulgence into junk foods and sweets causes this deadly disease. Even obesity is the cause of diabetes and vice versa. We should fight against this lethal disease with natural arms. We can easily discard them by leading a healthy lifestyle.It is essential to get normal blood sugar for diabetes.

Tips To Maintain Healthy Sugar Level Naturally

. As there are certain tips to maintain healthy sugar level naturally in our blood, we should follow a strict diet regime. Avoidance of harmful foods like fats and sugar can be extremely beneficial for our body. We can include lots of green leafy vegetables and fruits in our diet. High fiber foods like oat and cereals are also suggested to maintain sugar levels naturally. Home cooked meal best suits a diabetic. In order to treat and prevent diabetes naturally, you have to avoid junk. You should regulate your eating habits and drink lots of water to kick away diabetes. Normal blood sugar levels for diabetics is the essential factor that need to be considered in top priorty.

. Exercising regularly can be one of the best tips to maintain healthy sugar level naturally. Cardio workouts like swimming, running, hiking and walking generates enough metabolism in your body by supplying lots of oxygen. You should perform them regularly and drink at least 10-12 glasses of water in order to live a disease free life.

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Women’s health (physical and mental) is closely related (and somewhat “mimics”) hormonal status and “balance” in the body.
Hormonal status here refers to the interplay between female sex hormones (oestrogen and progesterone), stress hormones (specifically cortisol), and thyroid hormones (TSH, T4, T3). Sex hormone production and balance is particularly sensitive to levels of stress hormones.
Stress has a profound effect on oestrogen/progesterone balance, as well as creating unnecessary inflammation in the body.

A hormonal cycle in perfect balance helps a woman to feel confident, empowered, healthy and happy. A woman who feels “out of sorts”, is depressed for no apparent reason, or shows other common signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance (of which there are many), is either under too much stress, not taking enough exercise, and or, is eating a poor diet. She herself is out of balance!
Eating poorly results in the body not getting sufficient nutrients necessary to produce enough of the correct hormones in the correct balance.
Nutrients often lacking include essential fatty acids (especially GLA, EPA and DHA), B vitamins (especially B6), calcium and magnesium.

A “healthy diet for a healthy woman” should be “designed” to encourage normal healthy production, balance, detoxification and excretion of oestrogen and other hormones. The organs involved are the ovaries and adrenals (for production), the liver (for detoxification), and the kidneys and bowel (for excretion via faeces and urine). Naturally, these organs need to be in good working order, and nourished correctly!
The diet should contain a vast array of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to dampen any internal inflammation. It should aim to lower insulin levels (minimising fat storage), and improve insulin sensitivity, i.e. the way in which the body handles sugars. This helps to burn fat, as well as minimising excess fat being converted to oestrogen.

(N.B. Fat cells can convert fat to a “bad” oestrogen via a biochemical process called aromatisation).

Soya protein seems to encourage fat loss in the body together with an improvement in the amount of lean muscle tissue. Soya (especially soy concentrates) contains high levels of beneficial plant oestrogens… known as isoflavones. Isoflavones help to re-balance levels of good and bad oestrogens, and promote a healthier oestrogen/progesterone balance. Non-soya food sources of isoflavones include fennel, flaxseeds (ground or milled otherwise they are largely indigestible), fenugreek, cumin and other spices, blueberries, and the herbs red clover, black cohosh and kudzu. Ground flaxseeds incidentally are a great “soluble” fibre source that promotes the excretion of oestrogen via faeces, and also minimises oestrogens being re-absorbed back into the body.

Green tea “catechins” also contribute to healthy oestrogen detoxification and excretion.
A diet that is rich in cruciferous vegetables and wholegrains supports healthy liver function…. specifically in the healthy detoxification of oestrogen and other hormones through the liver.

Diet

The diet should be as clean as possible. This means eating food that contains NO unnecessary additives, preservatives, hormones or hormone-mimicking chemicals, sugars, or trans fats/hydrogenated fats. Eating only natural, unprocessed foods (in itself) will ensure that all these biochemically and hormonally disruptive substances are kept to an absolute minimum.

Highly beneficial foods…

Nutritional science has come a long way, and we now know that the following foods are highly beneficial for proper hormone production and healthy oestrogen metabolism.

Soya foods and soy concentrates – tofu, miso, Tamari, tempeh, soya beans, soya milk and plain soya yogurt

Chickpeas and beans in general – mung beans are easy to soak and cook in 45 mins, or sprouted

Whole and ground Indian spices and herbs – fenugreek seeds (wonderful when sprouted), cumin, cinnamon, turmeric etc

Unpolluted oily fish (and other quality fish) and fish oil – choose high-grade unpolluted fish oil capsules

WHOLE grains – brown rice, wheat berries and rye berries (these are the whole wheat and rye grains that when soaked and cooked have a lovely chewy texture), barley, millet, whole oats

Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts

Ground/milled flaxseeds – 2 tablespoons per day

Sunflower and pumpkin seeds –preferably ground

Almonds and walnuts – preferably ground

Berry fruits (especially blueberries, raspberries, blackberries etc.), a little melon and citrus fruits such as lemons. Warm/hot water with the juice of a fresh lemon is the best way to start the day.

Highly beneficial drinks…

Organic Green tea – steep for 5-10 minutes

Miso soup – you can buy sachets or just add hot water to a tsp of miso paste

Soya shakes – blend soya milk, yogurt, berries and ground seeds

Filtered water with a little lime or lemon juice – remember that urine colour is an excellent indication of hydration status. It should be pale yellow/straw colour the majority of the time… so drink enough water and other fluid to achieve this. Drinking sufficient water is vital for normal kidney function and excretion of oestrogen via urine.

Meal ideas…

The majority of the meals and foods I have chosen contain slow-releasing carbohydrates. Slow-releasing carbohydrates (often call “complex” or low-glycaemic foods) are digested and broken down in the gut relatively slowly, releasing their sugars steadily into the bloodstream. This results in a steady rise in blood sugar, sustained energy, as well as efficient fat breakdown and hormone control. Eating complex carbohydrates help increase and control energy levels; aids weight loss, and controls and encourage a natural appetite.

N.B. Re: Women’s health and hormone balance…

Eating natural whole foods keeps insulin levels low – high insulin increases testosterone and oestrogen production leading to potential oestrogen and/or testosterone dominance in relation to progesterone

Breakfast

* Berries with yogurt and cinnamon – Combine ½ a punnet of blueberries and ½ a punnet of raspberries with 100g of goat’s yogurt. Mix in 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds and sprinkle on top ½ tsp of ground cinnamon.

* A small bowl of oat porridge or cooked oatmeal made with soya or almond milk (Ecomil/Evernat). Add grated apple, a handful of whole almonds, or sunflower seeds and 2 or 3 tablespoons of natural “bio” yogurt.

* Fruit bowl with yogurt and flaxseed – chop 2 pieces of fruit, top with plain soya yogurt and stir in 2 tablespoons of ground or ready-milled linseeds (flaxseeds), with a soya milk or almond milk and hot water. Add ¼ tsp of cinnamon too.

* Smoothies in a glass – A blend of raspberries and strawberries, yogurt, soya milk or almond milk, and 2 tablespoons of milled/ground flaxseeds (available from some Sainsbury’s stores or health food shops), or wheatgerm. This meal provides essential fats, protein and fibre and flaxseeds (or other seeds) add a nutty taste to the mixture. A great start to the day!

Lunch

Chickpea dahl with dark green leafy and baby vegetable salad – gently fry off ½ tsp each of fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds and ground cumin. Add ½ can of chickpeas and 100g of cherry tomatoes. Cook gently for 10-15 mins. Make a salad of green leaves, chopped coriander, and add mange tout peas, sliced beetroot, cucumber, and sliced raw fennel. Drizzle with a little olive oil, balsamic or cider vinegar, and a little lemon juice. Serve with a slice of rye bread.

Dinner

Tofu and cruciferous veg stir-fry. Use a variety of cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and stir-fry with onion, garlic and ginger. Use Tamari or a spoon of miso (try brown rice miso) mixed in a little water as a base or marinade. Stir in 100-150g of cubed tofu, tossing the mix until the vegetables are “al dente”… cooked but with a slight crunch!

Snacks if you need them…

A small handful of whole almonds

Hummus and vegetable crudités

A small bowl of sliced melon, blueberries and raspberries

Do supplements help?

Coupled with a good hormone-friendly diet, supplements can further naturally balance and control hormone levels.

The following are examples of beneficial supplements for hormonal balance…

Fish Oil (containing EPA and DHA) – vital for production of healthy prostaglandins and anti-inflammatory substances in the body.

B Vitamins, taken as a “complex” – B vitamins together with EPA and DHA are paramount for healthy oestrogen/progesterone balance, AND liver function.

Antioxidants such as green tea extract, d-limonene, turmeric or other quality antioxidants to support healthy cellular ageing.

Other oestrogen-supporting agents – isoflavones, non-soy isoflavones, phytonutrients, active folates (supporting methylation), support female health at all stages as well as benefiting breast health, bone health and cardiovascular health.

Calcium together with other essential nutrients to support bone health – calcium must be in an absorbable form, and taken with other nutrients, such as magnesium, vitamin D and boron. Microcrystalline “hydroxyapatite” (MCHC) is the ultimate form of calcium for proper absorption into bone, and studies show this to be effective in improving bone density in postmenopausal women.

N.B. Always seek advice from a registered Nutritionist before embarking on a specific supplement programme.

Balancing herbs can be very helpful for many women in dealing with stress or sex hormone imbalance (particularly during the pre-menstrual phase and during and after menopause). Examples include chaste berry (agnus castus), dong quai, black cohosh, red clover, ginger, evening primrose, peony root, red raspberry leaf, and St. John’s Wort.
Many can be taken in isolation, or in combination with each other.
Always get professional advise before taking herbs, especially if you are on ANY medication, or hormonal treatment.

Exercise

Yoga and Pilates are two of the best forms of exercise for women to do regularly.

Stress management – meditation, deep breathing, cognitive behavioural therapy, transactional analysis (TA), are all useful and effective therapies and practises that can benefit women in a thousand ways!

Lucy-Ann Prideaux MSc BSc RNutr Registered Nutritionist Simply Nutrition

Pregnancy can be termed as a very heavenly feeling for any woman. You are in the process of creation. Therefore you should look good as well as feel good. Healthy pregnancy leads to the birth of a healthy baby. During this 9 months period of pregnancy, one should be taking very selective and healthy food. No junk food should be taken as it only creates problems and complications which we do not know until we face them.

Now the question arises that what should we eat when we are pregnant? Well whatever one eats it should contain the basic nutrients. Water, milk, yogurt are all good its better to take low fat milk and yogurt. Lots of green vegetables should be made a part of your daily diet. Proteins are also another essential element of your diet. Fish, mutton, and chicken are some good choices. Red meat is not that healthy as it increases the risk of high cholesterol and fat in your body. Alcohol and smoking should be strictly avoided during pregnancy as its not at all good for you and for your unborn baby.

Pregnancy demands care and tender handling. The more you will look after yourself the more you will stay away from diseases and complications. A pregnant woman should have small portions of food and do not eat in large meals. As when you eat a lot you will experience heart burn and uncomfortable feeling. So make your meals small and there is no harm in eating as many times as you feel like eating. There is no restriction as when to eat and when not to eat. So better make a plan for your meals. A perfect eating routine is composed of four to five meal times. First early in the morning, at this time you can take a warm cup of milk and with it you can eat 1 or 2 oatmeal crackers. And if you are not feeling like drinking milk then you can make your self a nice cup of green tea. It will not only make you feel fresh but it will also help you in preventing morning sickness.

At breakfast time a medium bowl of porridge is an excellent choice, or you can have a vegetable omelet with brown bread and a glass of fresh juice of your choice. Tea is not that good option as it causes heartburn and headaches. So it’s better to avoid it, but once a day you can drink a cup of tea. At lunch time grilled chicken breast, boiled green vegetables, brown bread, pasta, mutton, backed fish, boiled beans, rice, lentil soup are all healthy options. Same is for dinner time. The key thing is that whatever you should eat it must have some healthy nutrient value. Lots of spices, oily food and high cholesterol drinks should be kept at a distance. Drink plenty of fresh water as it will help you flush your system properly, and help you not to have any constipation.

It is said that you need not to put on extra weight during the first 6 months of your pregnancy as whatever you will eat will only goes to your body and after 6 months whatever you will eat directly help your baby to put on weight and you will also notice a prominent change in your weight after 6 months. So it is advised to eat healthy and sensibly. Do no take fatty foods as once you put on weight it will be very difficult for you to reduce after pregnancy. So to keep your self fit and good looking eat cautiously and sensibly. It is better to get more advice from your health nutritionist.

Here are a few quick tips for healthy pregnancy that you should know.

• Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain during pregnancy.

• Eat foods rich in folate, iron, calcium, and protein, or get these nutrients through a prenatal supplement

• Before taking any supplements do talk to your health care provider.

• Do not skip breakfast.

• Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.

• Avoid raw egg, alcohol, raw fish, and fish high in mercury, soft cheeses, and anything that is not food.

• Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. Talk to your health care provider before you begin.

• Continue eating well after your delivery, so that you return to a healthy weight gradually.
Do not consider pregnancy as a disease, as its only a blessing and think yourself as the lucky one who is blessed by God with this beautiful gift of nature.

HEALTHY EATING

what is a healthy eating plan for pregnancy?

A healthy eating plan contains a wide variety of foods from the five basic food groups.* Every day, you should try to eat:

6 or more servings of bread, cereal, rice, or pasta.

One serving equals one slice of bread, 1 ounce of ready-to-eat cereal (about 1 cup of most cereals), or 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta. If you are physically active, you can eat more servings (up to 11 servings if you are very active).

3 to 5 servings of vegetables.

One serving equals 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables such as spinach
or lettuce, or 1/2 cup of chopped vegetables, cooked or raw.

2 to 4 servings of fruit.

One serving equals one medium piece of fruit like an apple, banana, or orange; 1/2 cup of chopped fresh, cooked, or canned fruit; 1/4 cup dried fruit; or 3/4 cup of 100-percent fruit juice.

2 servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese.

One serving equals 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 1/2 ounces of natural cheese like cheddar or mozzarella, or 2 ounces of processed cheese like American. If you are 18 years or younger and pregnant, you need at least 3 servings of milk, yogurt, and cheese. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products most often.

2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, or nuts.

One serving equals 2 to 3 ounces of cooked meat, poultry, or fish-about the size of a deck of cards. Choose lean cuts and eat no more than 5 to 7 ounces of meat, poultry, or fish a day.
One cup of cooked beans such as kidney beans or 2 eggs count as a serving. Four tablespoons of peanut butter or 2/3 cup of nuts also equals a serving.

At least 8 glasses of water.

Drinking milk, 100-percent juice, seltzer or other non-alcoholic beverages counts toward your amount of daily water.

* Adapted from the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Department of Health and Human Services Food Guide Pyramid.

Quratulain Rizvi
Post Graduate, Naturalist, Beautician. Mother Care Your Beauty Guide

As we all know, strategies are important in order to achieve success in any undertaking. However, the problem sets in when we have strategies but we don't know how to act accordingly to these strategies because our mindsets have taken a different route. If truth be told, this is often the disputes with dieters. They set goals and they are determined, especially at the beginning, to reach these goals. However, when it comes to the implementation they always come short-handed because their thoughts get in the way of their success.

Indeed, there are several ideas on how we perceive food. These concepts and observations are the exact same thing that would spell how much of a success or a failure our dieting and weight loss quests would be. Once, a dieter doesn't alter viewpoints about weight loss and dieting then the undertakings would only lead to an unfortunate outcome as the saying goes. Thus, the first point that should be considered at this point is to discuss and alter viewpoints about food.

Here are some ideas that we can dig into, to reshape our mindset about dieting and weight loss:

Do not let your emotions rule your appetite. At times, we allow our emotions to dictate what we want to eat. In this case, we let it dictate how much food we consume which is wrong. Once we continue this, we will be facing weight gain issues repeatedly without harnessing a way to get rid off our weight-related complications. Control your food preferences and limit what you should ingest no matter how you're feeling.

Do not go lax on portion control sometimes. To reward ourselves for something we have accomplished, we tend to go lax on portion control, thinking that we deserve to be rewarded. Indeed, this award is only momentary. We are punishing our systems by allowing it to have illnesses and disorders through wrong food preferences and poor portion control. Exercise discipline and stick to it at all costs.

Do not follow your friends. Although wrong things are done, it will always justifiable since you did enjoy it and at the same time with friends. Same thing goes when dieting. When friends cheat in their weight loss programs together, they do so a little too often, hence, they also get in mess with their weight loss programs.

Eating out is not a license to cheat lastly; doing not thinking that just because you are dining out, then you can already eat anything you like. As we previously mentioned, everything goes back to discipline. And unless you learn to instill discipline on yourself, you will not learn to succeed in your dieting and weight loss quests.

Clean nails that have been polished and taken care of can certainly add to the beauty of your shapely hands and add to your overall personality. Nail polishes help you in enhancing the beauty of your nails and hands. This is a fact that women have been aware of for centuries.

Choosing the right nail polish can go a long way in ensuring that your nails get the best beauty enhancement. The very first step in choosing the right nail polish is to take basic care of your nails. So first of all let’s look at a few tips that will help you take special care of your nails.

Nail care
Taking good care of your nails involves getting proper nourishment; avoiding excessive contact with damaging material and taking due care while working. Household chores can be damaging to your nails because many of the solvents and cleaners that are used are not meant for your skin or nails. It is a good practice to wear gloves while you are doing household chores, particularly when you are handling suspect material.

Choosing the color
Cherry red, pink, coral – these are some of the colors in which you get your nail polish. You can even get them in green or yellow, and look good in them if you know how to use them. How do you choose the color of your nail polish? You should choose a shade such that it will enhance your beauty. That would depend on your complexion. Fair complexion will go well with almost any color, darker colors being more effective in striking a contrast. If you are dark skinned, lighter shades should suit you better. Shades such as red and rich brown would also suit darker skins.

You can also choose between glossy or matte shades. The polish that you choose should match your general appearance, your clothes and jewelry and other makeup. To make you task easier, some companies offer makeup kits that contain matching items covering all the makeup items that you will need.

For formal or semi formal occasions and first meetings, light colors and basic neutrals are best. If your toenails are exposed, you can choose matching nail polish for your toes and fingernails.

Ultimately, though, choosing the color of your nail polish is a very personal decision that you have to make, depending on what your personal preferences are and what kind of a personality you project.

Other considerations
Quick drying nail polishes are available that will dry quickly, but they may also tend to chip off easily. Strong and longer lasting nail polishes are also available. Depending on your need and environment you can choose one of these. Strong chip resistant nail polish should be preferable for daily wear, as you will not need to touch these up frequently. You can also get strong chip resistant and quick drying nail polishes.

While choosing your nail polish you should also consider your general health and allergies. If you have sensitive skin, you should choose hypoallergenic and unscented nail polishes.

Applying nail polish
There are some basic facts that you can keep in mind while applying nail polish. First of all, remove all traces of the existing polish from your nails. Apply a base coat first. After this, apply two coats of the nail enamel. Apply the polish in a few large strokes rather than several small strokes.