Friday, February 27, 2009

CHRONIC BACK PAIN AND SOME GREAT IDEAS


If a pain recurs and lasts for more than three to four months, it is a chronic back pain. Generally, back pain is obvious. Our spine is the centre point of major bundles of nerves and hence, pains are common in this area even by a slight twist or bend during the normal course. A normal pain subsides in itself. However, if the pain does not subside for a long time and when it gets stimulated with every small movement, it means that the pain is chronic and needs immediate attention. Now let us see how to deal with chronic backaches successfully.
What To Do When Confronted With Back Attacks?
Unlike common backaches, severe pains are more serious and definitely need to be treated under the supervision of an experienced doctor. Nevertheless, if it is very difficult to bear the pain till you visit your doctor, you should know how to deal with such situations. People suffering from severe backache usually find it difficult to sleep. Improper sleep will only add more stress to the backache. Hence, the right way to sleep during back pains putting least stress on the spine is to sleep on your side with your knees bending at a 90-degree angle, or to sleep on your back by placing a pillow beneath your knees. You can try some anti-inflammatory medicines to get some temporary relief from the pain. However, all these techniques are only for managing the situation temporarily and for a permanent cure of a backache, you should immediately consult your doctor.
Magnetic Therapy - A Best Remedy For Chronic Pains
Magnetic therapy is a kind of treatment in which a magnetic pad is provided to the patient to place it at the area of pain in order to gain relief. These pads are also recommended to be used as mattresses and by sleeping on them; the patient can get permanent relief from his backpain. Usually during an injury, the affected area gets inflamed and it creates an imbalance at the cellular level in its sodium and potassium ion concentrations. Hence, magnetic therapy helps to rebalance the electromagnetic ion concentrations efficiently, thus healing the condition more speedily and effectively. It not only restores mobility but also enhances flexibility and minimizes the chances of muscle spasms.
The above stated tips are some of the common tips to cope with your severe backache problems. However, the most important thing that people suffering from back pains should know is to avoid lengthy bed rests. Although bed rest is important, it should be minimized or avoided as far as possible. Bed rest only delays the rehabilitation process. However, you can do some simple exercises without injuring your back and strengthen your back muscles to speed up the chronic back pain healing process.
Be it a lower or a severe upper back pain, if it does not subside and persists, it can be a chronic back pain. Know from here what a magnetic therapy is and how useful is it in dealing with severe back pain and what makes it the best back pain cure in chronic ailments. For more information visit severe back pain

Monday, January 26, 2009

AYURVEDIC CURE OF OBESITY

In modern days obesity is defined in terms of Body Mass Index. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a mathematical calculation used to determine whether a patient is overweight or not. It is calculated by dividing a person's body weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared (weight [kg] / height [m]2). Being obese and being overweight are two different things. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese and a BMI between 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. The tendency toward obesity is encouraged by two bad habits namely: 1. Lack of physical activity 2. High-calorie, low-cost foods.

how to overcome stress

Our spinal cord (also known as triple energiser) controls our body organs. But our brain controls the spine. Brain related problems occur when we constantly think for hours (very often leading to stress or depression), drag on a doubt, or suffer from old headache or migraine, etc. Healing With Su Jok To combat such problems, simply touch the tip of your thump with that of the index finger of any hand, or both the hands, gently (all these points on our fingertips correspond to our brain). After a few seconds, one can feel pulsation at these points. Close your eyes for a minute. If you don't feel relaxed, then touch the tips of all your fingers of both the hands and close your eyes for a minute. Repeated this action for few times and see the miraculous result. This is called Gyana Mudra and is related to Sujok Acupuncture Therapy (a Korean therapy). Other Do’s & Don’ts A cup of coffee or tea also works. However, as a precaution avoid citrus fruits, pickles, especially lemon. Instead take tomato.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Five Simple Steps for Losing WEIGHT


The Five Simple Steps for Losing Twenty Pounds Quickly and Safely”By Registered Dietitian Jayson HunterIt’s unfortunate, but true: Many women feel the need to starve themselves when they have twenty pounds they want to lose so they can look great for a special occasion. Whether it is a wedding, class reunion or some other special event there is a tremendous amount of pressure on women to look great. And this pressure often leads to the yo-yo dieting and weight gain that is so prevalent in our society today.
You know the pattern: You starve yourself and seem to drop a ton of weight fast. But then when you go back to your normal eating patterns you gain not only the weight you lost back, but you gain even more! And it’s all the result of one thing: Starving your body of the nutrients it needs.As you’ve probably read somewhere by now, your body’s metabolism actually burns more fat when it’s fed more often. So if you want to lose dress sizes and inches fast you need to be good to your body. And that means eating the foods it craves to help it melt fat.So here are 5 simple steps you can follow to help you lose twenty pounds of pure fat. And these steps will help you keep the weight off and end – once and for all – the yo-yo dieting dilemma. Oh, but before I forget, at the end of the five tips I will tell you about a website for you to visit where you can even more great FREE info and even a 30 day meal plan to make your life even easier!1. Increase Non-Starchy Vegetable IntakeYou have probably seen this many times before, but I guarantee it is one of the most important steps to losing weight. Why you ask? One reason is because eating non-starchy vegetables increases your fiber intake which makes you feel fuller quicker. Another reason is that vegetables are energy consumers. It takes more energy to digest a vegetable than a type of carbohydrate. You could actually be in a negative calorie balance if you compared one carrot’s calories to the amount of calories it took to digest and utilize that carrot. There are studies that show on average for those that ate 4 or more servings of non-starchy vegetables a day were the biggest losers when it came to weight loss2. Protein Should Be At Every MealTo optimally preserve your lean body mass while losing weight it is extremely important to consume some type of lean protein at every meal.Protein is a great nutrient to prevent you from overeating because it will fill you up quicker.It is also another nutrient that is energy costly, which means it takes more calories to digest and utilize protein than it does a carbohydrate. Your best sources of protein are beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy.3. Eat Whole Grain Carbohydrates Consuming whole-grain carbohydrates regulates your insulin levels and keeps your body from producing too much insulin. This, in turn, keeps you losing weight. Large amounts of insulin promote fat storage and fast digesting or simple carbohydrates produce large amounts of insulin. You want to limit or avoid these fast digesting carbs. By doing this you not only improve your health, but will speed up your fat loss. Some studies believe that up to 70% of successful weight loss stems from keeping insulin levels in check and to do this means eating whole grains and avoiding simple carbs. 4. Eat More Healthy Fats Consume adequate amounts of healthy fat foods such as olive oil, walnuts, almonds, or other Omega-3 products. Healthy fats are great antioxidants. They also help with brain function and many other essential processes that take place in the body on a daily basis. Essential Fatty acids also help prevent certain diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Some studies are starting to show that consuming Omega-3 products may boost your metabolism by as much as 400 calories a day. 5. Eat Frequent MealsThere is a direct correlation with eating patterns and volume of food consumed as well as insulin levels.Eat 4-6 small meals day a day instead of the usual 2-3 large meals. Eating frequently will help regulate and boost your metabolism to burn more calories.By eating smaller portions throughout the day, you tend to eat less food overall. You also control your blood sugars because, by ingesting a steady state of nutrients throughout the day, your body has no need to significantly elevate insulin levels to handle large amounts of food. Now of course I do recommend you exercise while making these 5 changes to your diet because nutrition and exercise go hand in hand for fat loss. If you make these simple changes to your diet and take part in an exercise program that has you burning calories then you will drop dress sizes and inches quickly, safely and permanently.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

At-Home Beauty Treatments

The problem: Dry hair

The treatment: An avocado hair mask. Thanks to its high fat and protein content, “avocado is very nourishing, just the thing for taming frizz,” says makeup artist David Goveia, who's beautified the likes of Kate Moss and Cameron Diaz.

What you need: Half of a ripe peeled avocado, one egg and two tablespoons of wheat germ oil. (You can also substitute wheat germ oil for olive or castor oil.)

Making it: In a small bowl, mash the avocado until it's smooth. Then add the egg and oil and blend well.

Using it: Massage the mixture to dry hair, starting from the ends up. Once you've applied it all, cover your head with a shower cap or small plastic bag, grab a book and set the timer for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo out. Note: You can increase the conditioning benefits by wrapping a warm, moist towel around your head while you wait.

How often to use it: For dry and damaged hair, once a week will help get it back on track. If it's normal to oily, twice a month is recommended.
The problem: Dry skin

The treatment: A honey-yogurt mask to rejuvenate parched skin. The lactic acid in yogurt gently exfoliates, while honey helps draw moisture to the skin, says Carreiro.

What you need: One teaspoon of brewer's yeast, a quarter-cup of plain yogurt and three tablespoons of honey.

Making it: In a small bowl, mix all ingredients with a spoon until well blended.

Using it: Before applying the mixture, prep skin with a warm, damp cloth for a few minutes. Smooth the mixture on skin and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Note: Putting these leftovers in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to 48 hours.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Muscle-Up Your Diet





































Muscle-Up Your Diet
Here are 7 foods that will help you build muscle, lose fat, and improve your overall health








If you're serious about changing your body, you're probably already eating pretty well, getting plenty of protein for muscle growth and laying off the sugary carbs to preserve your abs. Just the same, we bet you could do even better. If your eating habits aren't quite up to speed, we're here to help you get started. These seven easy nutritional upgrades will build muscle, trim fat, and help to keep your body in peak condition.

1.) YOU'RE EATING: FAT-FREE FLAVORED YOGURT MUSCLE MOVE: FAT-FREE GREEK YOGURT When companies remove the fat from yogurt, they usually add sugar to make up for loss of flavor. Greek yogurt is naturally much creamier than plain yogurt, so you can't really tell it's fat free, and it has more than twice the protein and only half the carbs. For more flavor, add your own fruit such as berries or banana. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------








2.) YOU'RE EATING: CHUNK WHITE TUNA MUSCLE MOVE: CANNED SALMON Chunk white tuna, though a great source of protein, contains almost three times more mercury than other types of tuna and has low levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Canned salmon offers virtually the same amount of protein, but it's more flavorful, with much less mercury and lots more omega-3s. For quick salmon burgers, mix one can of salmon with one whole egg, one chopped scallion, two crushed whole-wheat crackers, and a splash of low-sodium soy sauce. Shape into patties and cook in a nonstick skillet for five minutes on each side over medium heat.








.3) YOU'RE DRINKING: SKIM MILK MUSCLE MOVE: CALORIE COUNTDOWN Milk has vitamins, minerals, and some of the best protein on the planet, but the sugar in it can inflate your waistline. Calorie Countdown is just like regular milk, but with some of the sugar removed. The chocolate version has 90% less sugar than regular chocolate milk (for a list of retailers and additional info on Calorie Countdown's availability nationwide, check out hphood.com).








4.) YOU'RE EATING: WHOLE-WHEAT PASTA MUSCLE MOVE: SPAGHETTI SQUASH Even though whole-wheat pasta contains more fiber than the conventional kind, a serving can still pack as many as 40 grams of carbs. Spaghetti squash, once cooked, can be shredded to replicate spaghetti. The result is a tasty bowl of "pasta" without a lot of fattening carbs (about 10 per serving). Spaghetti squash is also a great way to sneak another couple servings of veggies into your diet. Preparation: Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Microwave both halves for seven minutes, flip them over, and microwave for another seven minutes. When they are done cooking, rake a fork down the inside of the meat of the squash. Strands of "spaghetti" will magically appear. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5.) YOU'RE DRINKING: A SHAKE WITH A MIXTURE OF PROTEIN & CARBS MUSCLE MOVE: A CARB/PROTEIN SHAKE PLUS A DOSE OF BCAAS A carb- and protein-rich shake will jump-start your recovery after a weight workout, but by adding a shot of branched-chain amino acid powder to the mix, you can further boost your muscle growth. BCAAs like leucine help stimulate the production of insulin—the body's most muscle-building hormone—and trigger the genes responsible for muscle growth. Add five to 10 grams of powder to your shake (or if you buy them in capsule form, simply unscrew the cap and pour them in). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6.) YOU'RE DRINKING: COFFEE MUSCLE MOVE: GREEN TEA Aside from improving overall health and fighting cancer, green tea has been shown to help reduce stomach fat by increasing fat oxidation directly in your abdomen. Shoot for at least three cups a day. If you can't do that, grab a green tea-extract supplement. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7.) YOU'RE EATING: SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST MUSCLE MOVE: LEAN BEEF If you're having trouble gaining muscle weight, you may want to switch to lean beef. Red meat has plenty of protein, but also creatine, and more vitamins, minerals, and calories than chicken. It could be the change you need to get your muscles growing again.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Weight Loss Just By Drinking Water - Maybe The Easiest Weight Loss Method


Make A Successful Weight Loss Just By Drinking Water - Maybe The Easiest Weight Loss Method
Well, you may have heard it before - you can lose weight just by drinking pure plain water. Do you think it is like that? Yes, it is, you can lose weight just by drinking water. I will explain why it is so.There are studies that show that just by drinking water your metabolism will increase with up to 30 percentages. That is quite impressive, isn't it? To make your weight loss possible you need to drink eight glasses of water every day, and if you have lots of overweight you need to drink a few glasses more. If you live in a warm climate or if you exercise very intensive you need to drink more than the eight glasses. You maybe think that eight glasses is much water to drink, but you shouldn't drink it at the same time; instead you need to spread it out throughout the day.
Drinking water is not only great for your weight loss. Just by drinking lots of water you will look better because and your skin will become more glowing. Your muscles will work more effective when you exercise which will lead to a better shaped body.A few tips about how you should act when you decide to lose weight just by drinking water:
Start every morning with a glass of water.
Drink a glass of water before every meal.
Drink lukewarm water, it may be easier to drink lots of water when it isn't cold.
Add a slice of lemon if you don't like the taste of the water.
Avoid drinking just before you go to bed.
Drinking water is a cheap and very effective way to lose weight, but often you need to add some diet and exercise to make your weight loss effective.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Fruit Juice for Aging Skin:

Fruit Juice for Aging Skin:
Ever since Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) have been found to reduce tiny facial lines and fade age spots on the skin, beauty products worldwide are including them in skin creams in the highest concentration the FDA will allow. AHA is made from the juices of citric acid fruits. Higher and more effective dosages are used by Dermatologists and other medical professionals for out-patient skin treatments. AHA reverses sun damage and imparts a more youthful glow to the skin but it cannot get rid of deep lines or sags.

Prostate Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment:
All men should have an annual digital rectal exam beginning around age 40. Another screening technique is a 'prostate-specific antigen' blood test which checks for a special chemical associated with prostate cancer. The test costs about $35 and should be done annually. The newest treatment for prostate cancer and an alternative to surgery, cryosurgery or radiation beams is the implantation of tiny radioactive seeds into the prostate.Lycopene, a nutrient contained in tomatoes and tomato products such as tomato sauce, tomato paste and ketchup, is an effective prostate cancer deterrent. Studies show that men who eat these foods have less risk of prostate cancer. Also, studies show that lycopene fights cancer in men who already have the disease. Prostate tumors are smaller and less aggressive in men who are given lycopene.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

VITMIN SUPPLY


You get free vitamin supplements with Healthy Start, as well as vouchers to buy milk, fruit and vegetables.

Why are vitamin supplements important?

You will get most of the vitamins you need if you eat healthy foods. However:

your young children may not get enough vitamin A, C and D from their food
pregnant and breastfeeding women may not get enough vitamin D or folic acid which may harm their baby

Ask your health visitor or midwife where to get the free vitamins for you and your children. Take the letter attached to your vouchers with you to claim your free vitamins.

The Healthy Start vitamins are also for sale at some NHS clinics.
Why use vitamin supplements?Vitamin A Vitamin A helps with growth, eyesight and healthy skin. You can get it from:
whole cows' milk;
orange, red and dark green vegetables such as carrots, red peppers, tomatoes, sweet potato, pumpkin, apricots, mangoes, broccoli; and
oily fish.
Many young children do not eat enough foods with vitamin A so children should take a supplement until they are 5 years old.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is important for general health and for the immune system. It helps wounds to heal. It also helps you absorb iron.
You can get vitamin C from fruit and vegetables, especially blackcurrants, kiwi fruit, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers and strawberries. Potatoes, sweet potatoes and mangoes are also good sources.

Vitamin D Vitamin D helps make strong bones. Babies and children who do not get enough can get rickets.
Very few foods contain vitamin D – sunshine is more important because you make vitamin D in your skin when you are outside in the sun. This happens in the summer months but not during winter. If you have dark skin or always keep your skin covered when outside, you may not make enough vitamin D for you and your baby.

Folic acid Folic acid is a B vitamin. It is very important before and during early pregnancy.
All women who might get pregnant should take a supplement of folic acid as it is hard to get enough from food. Black-eyed beans, brussels sprouts, spinach, spring greens, broccoli, green beans, oranges and yeast extract are the best sources of folic acid. Some breakfast cereals and bread have folic acid added to them.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Cardio FOR SIX PACKS abs


Cardiovascular training or cardio as we know it, is an aerobic solution that allows for more oxygen to be pumped through your body and hence burn more energy, muscle or fat. Latest research suggests that if you want six pack abdominals and a physique like a 100 meter sprinter, then less is actually more. So whats the best cardio for a six pack.
H.I.T.T. - High Intensity Interval Training.
What is it? Well it basically makes you work slightly harder with less time. So forget about the age old notion of spending hours on the treadmill. All you really need is 20 minutes, at a varied pace. Here is why, new research has found that long state steady cardio can actually start burning muscle for energy. Now, muscle is your fat burner, yes, the more lean muscle you have the higher your metabolism. So why would you want to burn your muscles?On the other hand HITT is anaerobic, like weight training, as the intensity is varied. After a resistance training session your metabolism is continually raised as it tries to repair your body. Enter Interval Training, which is exactly the same. After slow and boring low intensity cardio your metabolism returns to normal, however with HITT your body's' metabolism is raised for up to the next 24 hours, sometimes up to 48 hours! So train with Intensity.So when it comes to cardio for a six pack, next time your at the gym on your chosen cardio machine or going for a jog...try this.
For the next 20 minutes -
Warm up for 4 minutes.
Run at 8.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 6-7)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 9.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 7-8)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 10.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 8-9)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 11.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 9-10)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Cool down for 4 minutes.
Above is a hill style of HITT training. There are many more. I will finish asking you a question when it comes to cardio for six pack abs. Would you prefer to look like a marathon sprinter who runs at a constant steady pace for a long period of time or would you like to look like a muscular 100m sprinter?
Start stripping that fat and seeing your abs today!Cardiovascular training or cardio as we know it, is an aerobic solution that allows for more oxygen to be pumped through your body and hence burn more energy, muscle or fat. Latest research suggests that if you want six pack abdominals and a physique like a 100 meter sprinter, then less is actually more. So whats the best cardio for a six pack.
H.I.T.T. - High Intensity Interval Training.
What is it? Well it basically makes you work slightly harder with less time. So forget about the age old notion of spending hours on the treadmill. All you really need is 20 minutes, at a varied pace. Here is why, new research has found that long state steady cardio can actually start burning muscle for energy. Now, muscle is your fat burner, yes, the more lean muscle you have the higher your metabolism. So why would you want to burn your muscles?On the other hand HITT is anaerobic, like weight training, as the intensity is varied. After a resistance training session your metabolism is continually raised as it tries to repair your body. Enter Interval Training, which is exactly the same. After slow and boring low intensity cardio your metabolism returns to normal, however with HITT your body's' metabolism is raised for up to the next 24 hours, sometimes up to 48 hours! So train with Intensity.So when it comes to cardio for a six pack, next time your at the gym on your chosen cardio machine or going for a jog...try this.
For the next 20 minutes -
Warm up for 4 minutes.
Run at 8.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 6-7)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 9.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 7-8)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 10.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 8-9)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 11.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 9-10)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Cool down for 4 minutes.
Above is a hill style of HITT training. There are many more. I will finish asking you a question when it comes to cardio for six pack abs. Would you prefer to look like a marathon sprinter who runs at a constant steady pace for a long period of time or would you like to look like a muscular 100m sprinter?
Start stripping that fat and seeing your abs today!Cardiovascular training or cardio as we know it, is an aerobic solution that allows for more oxygen to be pumped through your body and hence burn more energy, muscle or fat. Latest research suggests that if you want six pack abdominals and a physique like a 100 meter sprinter, then less is actually more. So whats the best cardio for a six pack.
H.I.T.T. - High Intensity Interval Training.
What is it? Well it basically makes you work slightly harder with less time. So forget about the age old notion of spending hours on the treadmill. All you really need is 20 minutes, at a varied pace. Here is why, new research has found that long state steady cardio can actually start burning muscle for energy. Now, muscle is your fat burner, yes, the more lean muscle you have the higher your metabolism. So why would you want to burn your muscles?On the other hand HITT is anaerobic, like weight training, as the intensity is varied. After a resistance training session your metabolism is continually raised as it tries to repair your body. Enter Interval Training, which is exactly the same. After slow and boring low intensity cardio your metabolism returns to normal, however with HITT your body's' metabolism is raised for up to the next 24 hours, sometimes up to 48 hours! So train with Intensity.So when it comes to cardio for a six pack, next time your at the gym on your chosen cardio machine or going for a jog...try this.
For the next 20 minutes -
Warm up for 4 minutes.
Run at 8.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 6-7)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 9.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 7-8)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 10.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 8-9)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 11.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 9-10)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Cool down for 4 minutes.
Above is a hill style of HITT training. There are many more. I will finish asking you a question when it comes to cardio for six pack abs. Would you prefer to look like a marathon sprinter who runs at a constant steady pace for a long period of time or would you like to look like a muscular 100m sprinter?
Start stripping that fat and seeing your abs today!Cardiovascular training or cardio as we know it, is an aerobic solution that allows for more oxygen to be pumped through your body and hence burn more energy, muscle or fat. Latest research suggests that if you want six pack abdominals and a physique like a 100 meter sprinter, then less is actually more. So whats the best cardio for a six pack.
H.I.T.T. - High Intensity Interval Training.
What is it? Well it basically makes you work slightly harder with less time. So forget about the age old notion of spending hours on the treadmill. All you really need is 20 minutes, at a varied pace. Here is why, new research has found that long state steady cardio can actually start burning muscle for energy. Now, muscle is your fat burner, yes, the more lean muscle you have the higher your metabolism. So why would you want to burn your muscles?On the other hand HITT is anaerobic, like weight training, as the intensity is varied. After a resistance training session your metabolism is continually raised as it tries to repair your body. Enter Interval Training, which is exactly the same. After slow and boring low intensity cardio your metabolism returns to normal, however with HITT your body's' metabolism is raised for up to the next 24 hours, sometimes up to 48 hours! So train with Intensity.So when it comes to cardio for a six pack, next time your at the gym on your chosen cardio machine or going for a jog...try this.
For the next 20 minutes -
Warm up for 4 minutes.
Run at 8.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 6-7)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 9.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 7-8)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 10.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 8-9)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Run at 11.0 kmh for 1 minute (your level 9-10)
Walk or slow jog at 5-6 kmh for 2 minutes (your level 5)
Cool down for 4 minutes.
Above is a hill style of HITT training. There are many more. I will finish asking you a question when it comes to cardio for six pack abs. Would you prefer to look like a marathon sprinter who runs at a constant steady pace for a long period of time or would you like to look like a muscular 100m sprinter?
Start stripping that fat and seeing your abs today!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Healthy and nutritious



Healthy and nutritious food is very important for maintaining a good health. Healthy food involves, regular and timely food, juices, nuts, snacks and much more. A balanced diet, good food habits are essential for a healthy life.
In the normal course of life, we forget to take necessary nutrition that is required for our body and hence we tend to get into many life style diseases. It is very essential for a person to know and understand the benefits of nature's creation like fruits, vegetables, nuts,etc.
You can find useful articles on nutrition and health benefits of various fruits and vegetables. Read on and add these to your daily life. The value of food is more when it is taken in a systematic manner and also by understanding the benefits of every bite we take.
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Radish : Radish is root vegetable and resembles turnips. This vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked .
Chives : Chives are known for their beneficial effect on the digestive system and blood pressure. Chives are said to reduce the risk of several types of cancers.
Coconut : Coconut is known for its antifungal, anti bacterial properties. Coconut oil forms the base of many Ayurvedic medicinal preparations.
Cherries : Cherries are good source of many vitamins, minerals and are tasty to eat.
Plums : Plums are sweet, juicy fruit. It is a good source of vitamin c.
Spinach : Spinach is rich in iron and calcium. It helps overcome iron deficiency.
Beetroot : Beetroots contains good amount of folate, potassium and manganese. They are less in calories and are effective in curing skin problems.
Cauliflower : Cauliflower is highly nutritious and is effective in curing many ailments. It is rich in folate an dis good for pregnant woman.
Mango : Mangoes are a very popular and widely available fruit. It is rich in potassium and is a known antioxidant.
Tomatoes : Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant.
Musk Melon - Tropical Delight :
Musk melon is a tropical fruit which is been cultivated for a very long time. It is a rich source of vitamin 'C' and is effective in reducing body heat.
Cabbage - Healing Properties :
Cabbage is a well known common vegetable. Its is low in calories and is long known for its healing properties.
Bitter Gourd - Health Benefits :
Bitter Gourd is a tropical vegetable. It is a well known cure for diabetes.
Avocado - for fitness and health :
Avocado is rich in pottasium content. The fruit is also a good source of vitamins.
Papaya - A rich source of Minerals and Fibre : Papaya has high nutritional benefits. It is rich in Anti-oxidants, Minerals and Fibre. It also helps in Skin Treatments.
Oats - Fibre food that cures constipation : Oats have some unique fatty acids and antioxidants which together with Vitamin E slow cell damage.
Nutritional benefits of Watermelon : Watermelon is highly refreshing during summer. It does not contain cholesterol and helps in eye sight also.
Nutritional benefits of Banana : Banana helps in the treatment of Depression, Anemia, Blood Pressure, Brain power, Constipation, etc.
Almond: A highly Nutritious fruit : Consumption of Almond lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases and gives overall wellness
Egg: A nutritious food : Egg is a healthy and nutritious food. Lecithin in eggs prevents the absorption of cholesterol of egg and other sources too
Calcium: The bone builder: Calcium Builds Strong Bones. Get calcium from greens, beans, or fortified foods. Vitamin D controls your body's use of calcium.
Healthy food for Stress Free Life: Nutritious and balanced diet is a must to free ourself from the physical and mental diseases and relieve stress
Mushrooms - A highly nutritious food: Mushrooms are rich in minerals, vitamin D (ergosterol), thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), dietary fibre as well as all the essential amino acids and are low in fat and calories.
Gooseberry (Amla) : Rich in Vitamin C: Amla or Gooseberry has many nutritious benefits. The amla has been found to be the most abundant source of Vitamin C in the plant kingdom

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

CHANGE YOUR EATING HABIT AND LOOSE YOUR WEIGHT


Do easy ways to lose weight exist? Everyone knows that diet, lowering caloric intake, and exercise, increasing the number of calories you burn, combine into a formula for losing weight. But sticking to the diet is the hard part. It won’t be easy, but with a little work it sure is easier. Here are some tips to make it easier. Keep a daily log of everything that passes your lips. Writing down everything you eat and drink, even water, will help you eat less. Studies show that people who keep track of what they eat end up eating 15% less. That’s significant. On average Americans consume 245 calories a day from drinks. Switch from juice, soda, and other calorie drinks to water. 245 calories a day is nearly 90,000 calories in the course of a year. That’s 25 pounds. Water isn’t that bad, is it? Keep in mind too that juice and soda don’t trigger a feeling of fullness, despite their calories. Eat five or six smaller meals a day instead of three large meals a day. Eating more meals with smaller portions results in eating 30% fewer calories. Furthermore, even the same number of calories eaten in smaller portions during more frequent meals can result in weight loss. You’re less likely to binge because the body releases less insulin. Make sure your wardrobe only includes the ’skinny’ clothes. If you don’t have clothes that are comfortable when you’re heavier, you’re more likely to be reminded to keep slim every time you dress. And if you have to purchase a whole new wardrobe you’re less likely to gain weight. Use smaller plates. It’s proven that people eat what’s in front of them. Use the salad plates instead of dinner plates. Similar to the idea of using smaller plates, serve your food on the plate rather than in bowls on the table. When the plate is empty the meal is over, instead of spooning another portion onto your plate. Don’t eat white bread, sugar or white rice. Those foods are loaded with carbohydrates which lead to higher blood sugar and weight gain. Do eat whole grain breads and brown rice. Don’t be concerned with the sugar, pretty soon you won’t miss it. Weight loss isn’t easy, but relatively speaking there are easy ways to lose weight. Don’t think it won’t take a little work. If weight loss were easy everyone would be slim all the time.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

TIPS TO GET WHITER TEETH


First impressions make a huge difference, and a great smile can give you the confidence you need to smile with pride. While everyone wants a bright and white smile, but aren’t sure how to achieve it. To help you get the pearly whites you’ve always dreamed of, please enjoy the following list of simple tips to get whiter teeth.
1.Eating Habits A lot of foods have staining properties that will, over time, affect the whiteness of your teeth. Foods like berries, soy sauce, and curry are all dark foods that can stain your teeth. You don’t need to give up any of these foods however, simply remember to brush your teeth after each meal or snack. Also, the more raw and natural foods you eat, the better. Fast food and chemical-based processed foods are much more likely to leave stains.
2.Drinking Habits Coffee, soda, wine and tea also contribute to yellowed teeth. Not only do they satin, but hot and cold temperatures also make your teeth more vulnerable to stains, making hot coffee that much worse. Like with food, brush after drinking staining substances, but not directly after wards or you could wear down tooth enamel.
3.Natural Solutions It may come as a surprise, but many fruits have natural whitening properties when used correctly. You can mash up some strawberries and put them on your brush with toothpaste, or just rub on to the teeth, Leave on for five minutes, then rinse off. Another whitening fruit is orange peels. Rub orange peels on the teeth, and rinse. You can also 4.try orange peel, bay leaves, and toothpaste finely mixed.
Baking Soda It’s widely know that baking soda can whiten teeth and can be found in many toothpastes already. You can also make your own baking soda whitener by mixing baking soda with salt or by simply adding a small amount of baking soda to your toothbrush before the paste.
5.Smoking Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco damage and yellow your teeth in immense amounts. If you’re a smoker or chewer and want whiter teeth, start by cutting down on your tobacco habits as much as possible. Even the smallest cut down will help you have whiter, brighter teeth.
6.Fluoride Some waters and even toothpastes contain fluoride, which has been discovered to yellow teeth. Check toothpaste and water bottles for fluoride before purchasing to avoid accidentally darkening your teeth.
7.Water Drink as much water as possible throughout your day. This will rinse any remaining food or substance from your teeth and lead to overall whiter teeth and improved oral health. Drinking plenty of water is good for the rest of your body too, and added bonus!
8.Dental Care This should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people complain about yellow teeth that don’t even brush regularly. Both flossing and brushing 2-3 times a day at least is the best white to maintain a bright and healthy smile.
9.Home-Cleaning Kits There are a lot of teeth whitening kits on the market to choose from, but few of them are right for everyone or even healthy to use. Before deciding to purchase one of these kits, do thorough research on which is best for you. Some of them may do harm than help, and leave you in pain and unsatisfied.
10.Routine Cleaning Last but not least, see the dentist as often as possible for a check-up and cleaning. No one can get your teeth cleaner than the dentist, and they can give you new and useful tips on how to maintain whiter teeth in healthy ways. Most dentists also offer teeth whitening services, which are guaranteed to be safe, healthy and effective
.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Avoid sun, avoid skin cancer.....



Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer, and its incidence is increasing. The #1 defense against skin cancer is prevention. When you are outdoors, follow these guidelines:
Stay away from the midday sun and its intense rays. Try to schedule outdoor activities before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
Wear a T-shirt and a hat - use clothing to protect your face, arms and legs.
Use sunblock lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher. Cover your skin thoroughly with the protective lotion and reapply after swimming or sweating.
Examine your skin for any abnormalities. Seek medical treatment if you notice any changes.
Sunscreen and melanoma:
Sunscreen prevents sunburn, which is the cause of basal cell and
squamous cell carcinomas, the most common forms of skin cancer. So you should wear sunscreen if you have to be outdoors. However, don't rely on sunscreen to prevent melanoma. The only way to protect yourself against melanoma is to stay out of the sun's harmful rays. This is especially important if you have fair skin, light hair or eyes.
What you may not know?
Clouds will not protect you. Harmful rays still penetrate overcast skies. You can get sunburned, and you can damage your skin. Water will not protect you. Even though your skin feels cool in the water, the sun's rays can penetrate up to three feet of water.
You're still in danger.
Cooler temperatures will not protect you. Even in the winter, sunny days can cause sunburn.
The incidence of melanoma has more than doubled during the past 20 years. Protect yourself by recognizing the signs of disease, avoiding the sun and visiting a physician on a routine basis.

Friday, November 21, 2008

AVOID BACK PAIN


  • If you sit in front of a computer screen all day, make sure to sit up straight and keep your feet slightly raised off the floor on a footstool or other low object. Don't sit for long periods; get up and walk around the office or step outside for a break at least every half hour.

  • Wear flat, comfortable shoes. As your stomach grows and your balance shifts, a pair of high heels will only make your posture worse.

  • Always bend from your knees and lift objects and children from a crouching position to minimize the stress on your back. Let someone else lift heavy objects; this is not the time to risk throwing your back out completely.

  • Start an exercise programme early in pregnancy, one that includes stretches that strengthen and stretch muscles that support the back and legs. Don't worry if you're well past your first trimester; you can start a simple stretching routine at any time.
    Swimming is a particularly good choice for pregnant women because it strengthens your lower back muscles, and the buoyancy of the water takes the strain off your joints and ligaments. Avoid doing breaststroke, though, as this can affect your lower back joint.

  • Stand up straight. This gets harder to do as your body changes, but try to keep your pelvis tucked in and your shoulders back. Pregnant women tend to lean back as their bump grows, which puts more strain on the spine.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Healthy Eating: Tips for a Healthy Diet




Healthy Eating: Tips for a Healthy Diet
Simple Strategies for Better Nutrition
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Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible – all which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and incorporating them in a way that works for you.
Choose the types of foods that improve your health and avoid the types of foods that raise your risk for such illnesses as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Expand your range of healthy choices to include a variety of delicious foods. Learn to use guidelines and tips for creating and maintaining a satisfying, healthy diet.


Monday, November 10, 2008

Avoid Eye Strain When Using Computers.....


Avoid Eye Strain When Using Computers.....

Avoid Eye Strain When Using Computers.....

If you spend most of your weekday sitting in front of a video display terminal, you've probably noticed that using a computer can be a pain in the neck, the eyes and almost every other part of your body!

It's no wonder computers cause eye strain. Studies have shown that computer users tend to stare at a glowing screen without blinking for much longer periods than do people who use typewriters. This is why many people using computers experience dry eye problems. In addition, computer screens reflect a great deal of glare - from windows, overhead lights and even the user's own bright clothing. Finally, many computer users sit practically face-to-face with the monitor.

Whether you spend every day or only a few hours a week using a computer, there are steps you can (and should) take to reduce the physical strains from computer use.

Steps to follow, when using a computer:

  • Have a thorough eye examination. While everyone should have their eyes checked once a year, annual eye exams are especially important for computer users.

  • Follow the "20/20 rule." Keep your face at least 20 inches from the screen and pause every 20 minutes or so to look around the room, so your eyes can focus on distant objects. Regular eye exercise helps prevent eye strain.

  • Place all materials you are working with at the same distance as the screen. This reduces strain of your eyes and neck.

  • Make sure you have a glare screen, which should block glare without making the characters on the monitor appear fuzzy. Also if possible, move or adjust the computer screen to avoid reflections from windows or indoor lights.

  • Sit on a stable, comfortable, adjustable chair. If it is possible to put the keyboard a few inches below the desktop, for example, with an adjustable table, or by using a center drawer of a desk for a pullout keyboard rest, do so. This will keep your arms at a more comfortable angle.

  • Place computer monitor at a 35-degree angle below your eyes. This reduces incidence of Dry Eye.

  • Use preservative-free artificial tears intermittently when on the computer if your eyes get red and irritated. Much of computer fatigue is caused by Dry Eye.

  • Finally, take periodic breaks from the computer during the day, walk around and do some non-computer tasks for about 15 minutes every two or three hours.

Friday, October 31, 2008

10 Ways To Get A Good Night's Sleep.....


  1. Listen to soothing music.

  2. Set up a routine. Go to bed at the same time every night.

  3. Read a book of your choice.

  4. Do some light exercise.

  5. Consider aromatherapy.

  1. Shower before bed.

  2. Don’t eat sugar or caffeine before you sleep.

  3. Try to avoid heavy meals before bedtime.

  4. Don’t face the clock while you try to sleep so it doesn’t distract you.

  5. Use breathing exercises to relax you.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

BE A FIT KID




There's a lot of discussion these days about fit kids. People who care (parents, doctors, teachers, and others) want to know how to help kids be more fit.
Being fit is a way of saying a person eats well, gets a lot of physical activity (exercise), and has a healthy weight. If you're fit, your body works well, feels good, and can do all the things you want to do, like run around with your friends.
Some steps only parents can take — such as serving healthy meals or deciding to take the family on a nature hike. But kids can take charge, too, when it comes to health.
Here are five rules to live by, if you're a kid who wants to be fit. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that some days (like your birthday) might call for cake and ice cream.
1. Eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables. You may have a favorite food, but the best choice is to eat a variety. If you eat different foods, you're more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Taste new foods and old ones you haven't tried for a while. Some foods, such as green veggies, are more pleasing the older you get. Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day — two fruits and three vegetables. Here's one combination that might work for you:
at breakfast: ½ cup (about 4 large) strawberries on your cereal
with lunch: 6 baby carrots
for a snack: an apple
with dinner: ½ cup broccoli (about 2 big spears) and 1 cup of salad
2. Drink water and milk most often. When you're really thirsty, cold water is the No. 1 thirst-quencher. And there's a reason your school cafeteria offers cartons of milk. Kids need calcium to grow strong bones, and milk is a great source of this mineral. How much do kids need? Aim for 3 cups of milk per day, or its equivalent. You can mix it up by having milk and some other calcium-rich dairy foods. Here's one combination:
2 cups (about half a liter) of low-fat or nonfat milk
1 slice cheddar cheese
½ cup (small container) of yogurt
You probably will want something other than milk or water once in a while, so it's OK to have 100% juice, too. But try to limit sugary drinks, like sodas, juice cocktails, and fruit punches. They contain a lot of added sugar. Sugar just adds calories, not important nutrients.
3. Listen to your body. What does it feel like to be full? When you're eating, notice how your body feels and when your stomach feels comfortably full. Sometimes, people eat too much because they don't notice when they need to stop eating. Eating too much can make you feel uncomfortable and, over a period of time, can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
4. Limit screen time. Limit screen time. What's screen time? It's the amount of time you spend watching TV or DVDs, playing video games (console systems or handheld games), and using the computer. The more time you spend on these sitting-down activities, the less time available for active stuff, like basketball, bike riding, and swimming. Try to spend no more than 2 hours a day on screen time, not counting computer use related to school.
5. Be active. One job you have as a kid — and it's a fun one — is that you get to figure out which activities you like best. Not everyone loves baseball or soccer. Maybe your passion is karate, or kickball, or dancing. Ask your parents to help you do your favorite activities regularly. Find ways to be active every day. You might even write down a list of fun stuff to do, so you can refer to it when your mom or dad says it's time to stop watching TV or playing computer games!
Speaking of parents, they can be a big help if you want to be a fit kid. For instance, they can stock the house with healthy foods and plan physical activities for the family. Tell your parents about these five steps you want to take and maybe you can teach them a thing or two. If you're a fit kid, why shouldn't you have a fit mom and a fit dad?

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A LOOK ON DIET FITNESS


Many people nowadays are very much conscious about their own health and fitness. In addition to that, these people, and many others as well, are now having that desire to sculpt their bodies to ahieve that magazine-cover look. As a result, gyms, health spas and other fitness centers have proliferated all over to cater to the needs of the fitness buffs and afficionados.Even on television exercise machines, weight loss products, and other paraphernalia to improve fitness have more or less gained control over the airwaves and made their way into the households. But exerise is not the only way to build that body beautiful. It also entails certain amount of responsibility on the foods one chooses to eat. Being healthy and fit requires one to observe diet fitness.Diet fitness is as essential as exercise itself. Diet for fitness provides the essential nutrition one needs to restore worn-out muscles and for healthy growth. Diet fitness should never be taken for granted. With the popularity of keeping fit, many different views, methods, programs and dieting strategies have been formulated by many professionals. Among these are high carb diets and high fat diets. Whih one is more effective and which one should one choose to follow?First thing to know would be the fundamental differences between these two diet approaches. As the name implies, high carb diets concentrates on taking in carbohydrate-rich foods while high fat diets endorses fat-rich foods. High carb diets are utilized to glycogen stored in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is a glucose complex that provides large amounts of energy ready for use in anaerobic exercises.Fats, on the other hand, is well-nown for being the richest source of calories. It actually contains 2.5 times more calories than carbohydrates and proteins alike. Studies also show that it takes the body 24 calories to metabolize carbohydrates while it only takes 3 to burn down fat. So which one to follow? A person can follow a high carb and low fat fitness diet or the other way around. It is absolutely not recommended to follow both at the same time; unless of course if you want to gain body fat.But then diet fitness is not all about losing fat, one must also consider his diet in order to keep fat away. Research shows that sustainable loss of weight can only be achieved on a diet which suits the individual food preferences, lifestyle, medical profile and satiety signals.Diet programs all over can help you shed off excess pounds, but only one diet can help you stay sexy, and it is the one that satisfies you most. Other important aspects of having a fit diet are moderation, balance and variation. One must be careful not to leave out important nutrients and other substances necessary for healthy body functioning. health organizations are clear about the amounts of nutrients an individual should have in the body.Low fat high carbs, high carbs low fat; the question is not which diet program will work out but which is it that will work for you. Striving for a sexy and healthy body does not have to burden an individual, diet fitness does not have to mean sticking to the same kind of food for life. One may even try to be adventurous and try out new foods out there. Who knows? one may even discover spinach interesting.