Do You Crave for Sweets? Read This to Know Why and How to Overcome

Craving for sweets is a problem that many people suffer from. The problem is not when you consume sweets, but it is when you over-consume them. It can be very bothersome for people who are trying to reduce weight or maintain it. People who have diabetes can do themselves a huge harm by giving in to sugar cravings. It is very important for you to differentiate the cravings that your body absolutely needs from those that your body wants as an addiction. The following sections will explain why you crave sweets and how you can overcome your cravings.
Emotional eating
Most people turn to sugar and sweets when they are stressed or unhappy. More specifically called 'emotional eating'; people reach out to sweets in order to comfort themselves. Severe stress, overwork or lack of sleep can make a person crave for energy dense sweets to get the sudden rush of energy. The instant sugary treat makes the brain release natural chemicals called opioids which give the body a feeling of pleasure and happiness. This explains the 'high' you get after eating a chocolate cake or a donut.

Deficiency of Vitamin B Complex
If a person is deficient in Vitamin B, he tends to be low on energy. To make up for this, his body starts giving out craving signs which make him want sugary or fatty foods that can give him instant energy. It is very important for a person to understand what his body exactly wants for. The only way to fight cravings is to ensure that the body gets its share of nutrition and healthy foods.
Low adrenal function
Adrenal glands secrete hormones like epinephrine (adrenalin), cortisone, oestrogen and progesterone. Low adrenal function can lead to reduction in the secretion of such hormones due to which one tends to feels low on energy, becomes lethargic and craves for instant energy boosting foods.
Dieting
If a person has been on a strict low fat, low carbohydrate diet for a long time, the body becomes insulin resistant. Due to this, even though there is ample amount of glucose in the blood, the body starts sending out signals to the brain because of which the person tends to want for more sweets and fatty foods.
How to reduce or overcome sweet cravings?
• Ensure that your body gets the required amounts of nutrients essential for proper functioning.

• Do not starve yourself.
• Drink lots of water whenever you crave for sweets. There are chances that a person has mistaken thirst or dehydration as hunger.
• Reduce the intake of packaged or canned foods. Your body needs natural sugars and -not synthetic or processed sugars.
• Whenever you crave for a cake or a bar of chocolate, try to divert your mind by going for a long walk or listening to good, soothing music. If the craving persists, try eating nuts or fruits to subside your hunger.
• You can also start mild exercising under the guidance of a personal trainer.
• If you still get cravings, consult a doctor or dietitian. Get your diet plan analysed by a professional.



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Vegetable Juice for Health & Vitality!

As more and more people begin to drink fresh home-made juice for health reasons, it is vegetable juice that is being recognized as the perfect way of revitalizing the body and protecting it against disease.
Regularly juicing vegetables can have an enormous impact on your health, and of the many benefits of drinking vegetable juices my top three are:

• Improved Immunity Against Disease
• More Energy
• Better Digestion

1. Improved Immunity
The number one benefit of drinking vegetable juice for me has got to be the improved immunity against infections and disease. The immune boosting effect has meant that vegetable juices have become part of most nutritional therapies in the battle against many serious illnesses. The anti-oxidants in vegetable juice help to cleanse the blood which is good news for the heart, liver, and kidneys, and the chlorophyll in leafy greens helps to build red blood cells. As well as the vitamins and minerals the phyto (plant) chemicals in vegetables are also powerful anti-oxidants which help to detoxify and prevent disease.
2. More Energy
Drinking vegetable juice is a great way of increasing energy levels as many of the nutrients are converted by the body into energy. The cleansing and detoxifying effect transforms the whole body from being tired and sluggish, to more like an energy efficient well oiled machine. The energy saved in drinking vegetable juice instead of having to digest the whole food can be used by the body in other ways, such as in healing.

3. Better Digestion
Raw food contains digestive enzymes which ease the burden on the digestive system, these enzymes are only present in raw food as they are destroyed during cooking. Digesting food uses a tremendous amount of energy which can be apparent when you feel very sleepy after a heavy meal. The cleansing effect juicing has on the digestive system means less toxic undigested food remaining in the intestines and an easier absorption of nutrients.
More About Juicing!
Fruit Juice?
So, why vegetable juice and not fruit juice? The problem with juicing fruit can be the high sugar content which isn't suitable for anyone who is over weight, has diabetes, or high blood pressure. Although, you need to be aware that some root vegetables such as beets and carrots are also high in sugar. Juicy fruit is high in liquid content, so if you enjoy fruit and there's no health problem, why not just eat it whole?
Most people would agree that the big advantage fruit juice has over vegetable juice is the taste, (because of the high sugar content in fruit).
A Matter of Taste
For many people the biggest drawback in drinking vegetable juice is the taste, which is usually because they have an unhealthy acidic diet, and vegetables are alkaline in nature. This means the taste of many of the stronger vegetable juices can take some getting used to, so it's best to juice the milder tasting ones to start with. However, if someone is going to be drinking vegetable juice for health reasons, it's reasonable to assume that they will also be improving their diet, which will go some way in helping to solve this problem. Most folks sweeten up vegetable juice by including an apple or two in the mix, apple is generally accepted as being suitable to juice with vegetables.
Raw Vegetable Goodness
Raw vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and phyto (plant) chemicals, and drinking the juice from vegetables means that the nutrients can be consumed in tremendous amounts as you aren't having to digest the fibre of the whole food. The high amount of nutrients in vegetable juice are consumed in their natural state making them easily assimilated into the body. Vegetable juices are a great way of getting your five a day (and more) and can help to make sure picky eaters (usually children) get theirs.
When to Juice?
The best time to have vegetable juice is in the morning before you eat anything, this means that the digestive tract is clear of undigested food. Other times of the day are just before meals, certainly not just after, it's best to wait three or four hours after a meal before drinking juice.

Preparation: No need to be over elaborate here, just wash and cut into suitable pieces to be able to fit into the juicer.
Which Juicer?
Choosing a juicer usually comes down to two things, your state of health and your state of wealth. There are many types of juicers around, it depends on the quality of juice required and how much you're willing to pay. Centrifugal juicers shred the vegetables and separate the juice and fibre, and masticating juicers extract the juice by a chewing action, the latter is preferred as the way in which the juice is extracted destroys far less of the nutrients. A good juicing machine will last longer, be more reliable, likely be easier to clean, and importantly will yield a good quality juice.

Energy for Life!
Whether it is for general well-being or to help in the recovery from illness, there isn't a better way of cleansing and nourishing the body. For better immunity against disease, good digestion, and more energy for life, begin drinking vegetable juice for health and vitality!

Pete is passionate about self help, and believes that regularly drinking healthy juices is the best way to maintain or recover good health.

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Benefits Of Healthy Eating: Why You Need To Start Eating Healthy

Healthy eating means being mindful of what you put into your body. Time and time again, we've heard the old adage that we are what we eat. However, most people still find it hard to consciously change their eating habits due to a demanding schedule or perhaps the lack of awareness on the significant benefits of healthy eating. What exactly does healthy eating mean and what are the benefits we can get from being extra mindful of what we eat on a regular basis?
Eating a well-balanced diet means consuming a variety of foods from the food pyramid. Finding the balance between eating too much and eating too little of these food groups makes a whole lot of difference in our health. Simply put, we need to eat more vegetables, fruits, fish, starchy, and fiber-rich foods. On the one hand, we need to limit our consumption of foods rich in sugar, salt, fats, and preservatives. By eating a well-balanced diet, we are doing ourselves a big favor. Not only is it healthy to eat a well-balanced diet, it also affects our entire lifestyle and, in fact, add more vibrancy and richness into our lives. Here are the most important benefits of healthy eating:

Weight Loss

This is perhaps one of the most important benefits associated with healthy eating. Choosing organic, all-natural foods over high-calorie foods allows you to shed excess body weight. With all the fad diets available in the market today, only a well-balanced diet with regular exercise can truly help you lose weight the proper way. Healthy eating ensures that you get the proper nutrition while keeping your weight in check by limiting fatty, sugary, and salty foods in your diet. As you slowly cultivate healthy eating habits, you'll be surprised that this is in fact the best way to keep your body in shape for good and for always.
Higher Energy Levels
Since a healthy diet includes a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, you will instantly feel energized day in and day out. In the simplest terms, breakfast is one of the most important meals required in healthy eating. By feeding your body with protein and carbohydrates, you'll eventually improve your focus and concentration all through out the day, making you more productive both at work and at home. No more sluggish days brought by unhealthy fast food or salty foods.
Improved Sleeping Patterns
This is a common issue for people who regularly eat unhealthy food. Without knowing it, unhealthy eating habits contribute a great deal to your stress levels, making it hard for you to get a good night's rest. Healthy eating provides the proper nutrition that helps your body cope with stress and prevent hormonal imbalance. This will help you combat daily stressors, and trains your body to be calm and relaxed amidst stressful and demanding situations.

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Healthy Low Calorie Foods

'Calorie' is unit of measurement for energy. 1 calorie is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 kilogram of water 1 degree of centigrade. Which means, the higher the calorie contained in food, the more energy it will release when burned. Low calorie food is the main key to lower body weight.
The fact is, high calories are caused by high amount of fat in foods. The order of macronutrients of food is separated into 3 types (protein, carbohydrates, and fat). Out of these 3, for every gram of fat, 9 calories are produced while for every gram of carbohydrates and protein only 4 calories are produced. Fat itself are separated into 3 different types: saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated.

Fish is one example of low calorie foods. Many types of fish contain less than 1 gram of fat per 100g of meat. Chicken is another good low calorie food. Depending on how you cook it and part of chicken, 100grams of meat may contain as little as 1 to 2 grams of fat.
Did you know that for every time you dine in restaurant, you are eating easily 1000 - 2000 calories! Furthermore, this meal may contain up to 100 grams of fat.
Below is a list of foods that are low in calorie and fat.
Food#1: Nuts and seeds. For a protein boost, eat small unsalted serving. This food however, is nutritional dense.
Food#2: Dairy product. Parmesan cheese, low-fat milk, and yogurt are healthy option to get protein. However it is high in fat and should be consumed moderately.
Food#3: vegetables. Vegetables contain high protein and low in fat. Vegetables are healthy choice for low calorie diets.
Food #4: Tofu. Tofu contains little fat and up to 10 grams of protein per serving. It is also high in nutritional value.

Furthermore, here are some tips that will lower your food calories.
Tips #1: Replace butter, margarine, and hard fats with low fat spreads or polyunsaturated margarine.
Tips #2: Place meat on rack when grilling or roasting meat. This allows the fat to drain.
Tips #3: Use tofu or beans as alternate protein source. They are low in calorie and cheaper.
Tips #4: When cooking meats, always trim away visible fats and skins.
Tips #5: Eats out less often and eat more home cooked meals. Home cooked meals are healthier.

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Top Health Benefits of Honey

A completely natural sweetener, it dates back more than hundreds of years, yet the health benefits of honey are still not widely known even today. Healthier and more pure than artificial sweeteners or sugar, honey provides more than a taste for the sweet tooth; honey benefits your health and your body inside and out.
History of Honey
Records can not definitively state how long honey has existed. Some believe honey dates back farther than 20 millions years, but honey bee fossils cause reason to believe that date could extend to over 150 millions years. Cave paintings in Spain suggest that beekeeping began approximately around 7000 B.C. and Egyptian records from 2400 B.C. provide evidence of their culture keeping bees in hives.
The Egyptians used honey in more ways than one. As well as its common use as a sweetener, Egyptians gave honey as a gift to their gods and used it as a component of their embalming fluid. The Romans also gave honey to their gods and were known to cover physical wounds in honey to cure and promote natural healing. The Romans and Greeks both utilized honey as a form of cooking but around the turn of the seventeenth century, honey became primarily used as a sweetener.
Honey Production
So, how do bees produce honey? The process begins at the flower as the bee gathers the flower's nectar. The majority of nectar is water and a minority is complex sugars. Bees need to store and make the sugar usable, so the bees alter the nectar changing it into honey. To complete this task, a worker bee that has a full stomach of nectar flies to the hive to regurgitate the modified nectar for a hive bee. Then, the hive bee ingests the nectar to break down the sugars. Once the hive bee has completed that task, he regurgitates the nectar into a cell of the comb. The hive bees are responsible for beating their wings in order to evaporate any remaining water; once complete, the sugar converts to honey. In a lifetime, a worker bee produces 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey, but when bees in a colony work together, more than 200 pounds of honey are produced within one year.

Honeybees' hard work provides us with a healthy and beneficial food. All in all, it consists of 80% natural sugars, 18% water, and 2% vitamins, minerals, and pollen. Keep in mind, honey does not expire because it does not harbor bacteria, so you can keep it on your shelf for as long as necessary!
Health Benefits of Honey
It is nature's energy booster due to its carbohydrates; these carbohydrates provide energy, as well as strength. Athletes, in particular, benefit from honey due to its ability to create endurance and decrease fatigue. The glucose found in honey plays a role, also, as the body rapidly absorbs it to give immediate energy. On the other hand, the fructose in honey is absorbed at a slower rate to give sustained energy. As opposed to refined sugar, honey keeps the body's sugar levels somewhat constant, instead of spiking the blood sugar which causes an energy crash.
It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and contains antioxidants to help boost the body's immunity. Raw honey has approximately 5,000 enzymes and numerous vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Honey helps fight respiratory problems and has increased the quality of life in cancer patients.
Unlike refined white sugar, it contains no empty calories. Use honey in place of white sugar to reduce blood sugar spikes and to fill those empty calories with vitamins and minerals. In addition, honey has been noted to suppress appetite. One teaspoon of honey contains approximately 21 calories and is sweeter than sugar, which means you are able to use less for the same sweetening effect potentially promoting weight loss.
When applied topically, the properties of honey have the ability to heal wounds including burns and ulcers. The two sugars found in honey, fructose and glucose, attract water so that when honey is applied to a wound, honey absorbs the water into the wound. This action dries out the wound to inhibit and deter bacterial growth.


Top Ten Ways to Cook and Eat Honey

1. Use in your hot tea as a healthy sweetener.
2. Mix into your plain yogurt instead of buying a less healthy, pre-sweetened yogurt.
3. Spread a slice of toast with peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon to jumpstart your morning routine.
4. Instead of sprinkling sugar over your cereal, drizzle it with honey.
5. Substitute it for sugar in cookie, bread, and muffin recipes.
6. Use it as a seasoning for meat. Apply honey to chicken or pork chops before cooking to give the meat a unique flavor.
7. Create a dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and honey to use on top of salads.
8. Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
9. Add honey and lemon with hot water as a refreshing, soothing drink.
10. Eat it straight from the comb! Take a bite out of the comb and chew it like chewing gum. The more you chew, the more honey will come out of the honey comb. When all of the honey is out of the comb, spit out or swallow the wax; the wax is safe to eat and is non-toxic.

Take Caution
Although it is a healthy addition to any diet, certain individuals should take precautions. For instance, children under the age of one should not ingest honey; it contains spores that can cause a life-threatening and paralyzing disease called infant botulism.
Persons with pollen allergies should take caution when eating it; although, serious reactions are rare. Most honey sold in stores is filtered and pasteurized, which lowers the amount of pollen in the honey. If one does have a pollen allergy, eating it straight from the comb should be avoided, as it is in its natural form.
How to Choose Honey
To reap the full benefits, choose raw honey. The raw version has not been filtered or pasteurized, which means that it has not been striped of its powerful vitamins and minerals. To choose the highest quality and gain the full health benefits of honey, look for one that states, "100% Raw" and enjoy your path to nutritional sweetness!

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22 High Protein Foods

Balance Your Fats - The Benefits of Omega 3 6 and 9

If our decisions about fat are made based on fear and guilt, how do we eat well? Where's the pleasure, if it is soon wiped away by negative thoughts? What do we really know about fats?
Thinking positive about fats means we need to get to know them. Let's start with the polyunsaturates. We often hear that we should reduce the saturated fat, cut out trans fats, and eat more polyunsaturates. As the title suggests, we are looking here at the balance of these polyunsaturated fatty acids in our diet.
The main issue here is that we have evolved in an environment where we got the main two polyunsaturates, omega-6 and omega-3, in a certain ratio. Our bodies process both of them using the same enzyme. This worked fine for thousands and thousands of years. Then we started getting more of one in our diets. The ratio changed. Things were no longer in balance. Does this make a difference? There are plenty of scientists around who think it does. Why is that?

Firstly, when omega-3 and omega-6 are waiting to be metabolized by the enzymes, omega-6 gets to the head of the queue. If the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is high, the omega-3 doesn't get taken up by the body properly. We can lose the benefit of what we are getting in our diet.
Secondly, this very new change in our diet appears to have some problems. We need some omega-6 in our diet. It is an essential fatty acid; our body needs it but cannot make it. What seems to be happening is that a diet high in omega-6 can give rise to low-level inflammation. There are lots of chronic diseases where inflammation is a feature, often an uncomfortable one, such as in some forms of arthritis.
Third on the list of issues is metabolism. There is some evidence that omega-6 fatty acids encourage the body to store fat. Over thousands of years, when people didn't get so much omega-6 in their diet, those who lived outside the tropics got a glut in autumn. Fattening up before a chilly winter is a sensible thing for a mammal to do, because you can live off your reserves of fat when food is scarce. Our bodies are programmed to store energy in this way, and nature provides the right food at the right time, in autumn, when seeds (nuts, grains and pulses) are abundant. Eating more omega-6 the whole year round may not be a good idea.

The main two polyunsaturates we meet in foods are omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Our best omega-3s come from fish, but are also found in egg yolks and meats. Strict vegetarians may get them from algae products. Omega-6 polyunsaturates are found in many oils from grains, seeds and nuts. The amount of omega-6 varies, with more than 50% in sunflower, safflower, corn oil and soybean oil. Rapeseed oil has a more favorable ratio.
There are varieties of safflower that have been bred to produce oil with a lower omega-6 content than the regular safflower, and it is also known that grain-fed animals produce meat with more omega-6 than those that graze on green stuff. So you have to be a little bit careful if you want to reduce your omega-6 ratio.

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Slow Down Your Aging Process And Improve The Glow Of Your Skin With Dry Fruits

Dry Fruits have a number of health benefits to offer as they are packed with a number of nutrients and vitamins and thus, considered as the great source of food. One can easily consume them on a regular basis and they don't affect your health in bad manners until or unless you have any allergic reaction from having the same. Eating them is the healthy and tasty ways to boost up your energy level and slow down your aging process. Here are some of the dry fruits that help you in this, so, take a look at the list and be ready to reap their benefits.

Almonds: One of the most popular dry fruits out in the market is almonds. Eating a handful of almonds has a very good impact for radiant skin. These are considered as the king of the dry fruits that are very much helpful in improving the hemoglobin in the blood that promotes blood circulation and ensures glowing skin.
Raisins: Another dry fruit everyone must have is raisins as they are popular and highly known to slow down your aging process. Apart from their beauty benefits, raisins also aid to combat the tooth decay. All the nutrients and vitamins present in them take care of your eye vision and keep the cavities at bay.
Walnuts: Another important dry fruit in the list is walnuts. They are packed with omega -3 fatty acids, which is majorly known for improving the skin texture and resist dryness. Having them regularly not only ensures the glowing skin but also improves your mental power as they are good for your brain and sharpen your memory.
Cashew: Everyone loves the sweet and salty taste of the cashews. And having this power food is good for skin care. It is proven to slow down the aging process because they are the great source of Vitamin E.
Pistachios: Pistachios are a true powerhouse of the nutrients that play a major role in stopping the premature aging. They are rich in Vitamin E, which has the ability to keep your skin nourished and keep them protected from the harmful UV rays.
Next, to fruits, dry fruits are the super food that contains a number of Nutrients, Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals, which plays a vital role in taking care of your Health, Skin, and Hair. What are you waiting for? Go into the kitchen to get any of the dry fruits in the limited quantity and have them to reap their benefits for your glowing skin.






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Raspberry Ketones for Weight Loss

There has been a lot of talk about raspberry ketones this year thanks to a mention on the Dr. Oz show. With a discussion of the benefits of these ketones, the stores couldn't keep them in stock. Things have settled down a little since then, but they are still extremely popular.

Raspberries, like all fruit, are good for you as part of a healthy diet. Raspberries have a special benefit that not many fruits provide. That is, raspberries can provide ketones to our bodies.

The problem is raspberries contain such small quantities of ketones that you could eat until you're full and only receive a tiny benefit of the ketones from raspberries. That's why supplements are beneficial; they contain a concentrated form of ketones extracted from raspberries.

What are ketones?

Ketone enzymes occur naturally in our bodies. Ketones (ketone bodies) are the result of our bodies metabolizing fatty acids. If we do not consume enough carbohydrates to provide our bodies with the sugar energy (glucose) it needs, it breaks down fat for energy and ketones result from this process. Our bodies will then use ketones instead of glucose for the energy it needs.

What is ketosis?

When our bodies are in ketosis (elevated ketone levels), we feel less hungry and eat less than we would if not in ketosis. While in ketosis, our bodies are burning fat as the main source of energy. Our brains use glucose for the energy it needs. But when glucose is not available our brains switch to running on ketones since they can't burn fat for energy.

What are raspberry ketones?

Raspberry ketones are a compound found in, and derived from, raspberries. They are what give raspberries their unique aroma. They are a natural dietary supplement that boosts our body's ability to burn fat and lose weight, naturally.

Raspberry ketones help our bodies produce and release adiponectin. Adiponectin is secreted from fat tissues and from our liver and is a protein that helps regulate our metabolism. Higher levels of adiponectin are associated with lower levels of body fat.

They are an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect against cell damage (oxidation) and help fight off diseases.

When taken as part of a healthy diet and exercise, you can expect good results from taking raspberry ketones. This would be the most beneficial way to go about making a healthy change in your weight. You can rely solely on the ketones, but you will have longer lasting and better results if combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Some of the benefits of raspberry ketones are:

Benefit #1:They help our bodies produce adiponectin.

Benefit #2: They are an antioxidant.

Benefit #3: They are all natural (the raspberry ketones).

Benefit #4: Assist with the elimination of fat.

Benefit #5: They boost metabolism.

So far to date, there have not been any studies done on the effects of raspberry ketones on humans. Japanese scientists did a research study on mice and found raspberry ketones to significantly increase the burning of stored fat and inhibit fat from being stored.

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4 Signs You Should Eat More to Lose Weight

Did you know that eating too little can actually prevent you from losing weight? It's true. When you eat below a certain amount of calories (this level is different for everyone), your body enters "starvation mode" and tries to hold on to all the fat that it has so that it can survive.

The good news is that by eating more food, you can fire up your metabolism and start losing weight again.

Here are four signs that you should start eating more:

You have a lot of weight to lose. The higher your weight, the more calories your body burns just to function on a daily level. A good rule of thumb is to figure that [your body weight X 10] is the number of calories that your body needs to maintain its current weight. If you want to lose weight, you should subtract 500 from this number and that is how many calories you should eat in a day.
You have a high muscle mass. Muscle burns more energy than fat, so if you have a higher muscle mass, then you may need to eat more calories to keep your body fueled.
You exercise a lot. If you exercise hard for an hour a day, five times a week, then you may need more calories. Strenuous exercise burns a lot of calories and if you are not eating enough to maintain this level of activity, you're body will think that it's starving (even if you actually are eating) and will try to keep its fat for energy.
You've hit a plateau. If you've been successfully losing weight by eating right and exercising and your weight loss suddenly comes to a screeching halt, you may need more food. Your body has gotten used to this level of food and activity. Try eating an extra 200 calories a day and see if that doesn't fire up your metabolism.



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Showers Vs. Baths - Which is Better - We Decide

Some are shower people, some are bath people--and some of us just can't decide what we like better. There are lots of reasons why we love our showers, and just as many why we can't give up our baths. If you have trouble deciding which is better, read on! We've listed the most popular reasons why showers and baths are both so popular.

Why You Should Love Your Shower:

It saves water. It's true that showers use less water than baths. There are a few shower experts who will tell you that this depends on the amount of time you spend in the shower, as well as the showerhead you use. And yes, chances are that if you take very long showers and use a showerhead that's inefficient, you may use more water in your shower than in a bath, especially if you don't fill the tub the whole way. But most of the time, you will use less water in the shower. This in turn saves you money on your water and heating bill, and it's better for the environment as well.

It gets you cleaner. Showers do get you cleaner than baths--the dirty water goes down the drain instead of staying in the tub with you. However, that's not the only reason showers are cleaner. When you're in the bath, you tend to use a hotter water temperature than when you're in the shower. This is because you'll be sitting in the same bathwater for some time, and you don't want it to lose its heat. But when your body is hot, it sweats--even when you're in the water. So in a bath, you can sometimes get dirtier when you think you're getting clean. True clean-freaks tend to prefer showers to baths.

It makes you sound like a pop star. Who doesn't love to sing in the shower? For some reason, showers make us sound like pop stars. And belting out "I Am the Walrus" in the shower before work couldn't be better for your health--studies show that singing gives your brain a euphoric jolt that calms your nerves, gives you energy, and puts you in a good mood. So next time you want to sing in the shower, remember it's for your own good--and don't hold back!

It's quick. Sometimes you're in a hurry to get out the door, and that's when showers really shine. No waiting for the tub to fill--just turn on the faucet, jump in, soap up, rinse off, and you're done! Nothing beats a shower when you're late to work or about to miss your bus.

Why You Should Love Your Bath:

It's healthy. Showers are made for speed, but baths are made for relaxation. There's nothing more soothing than a nice, hot soak at the end of a long day. Taking a bath lowers your stress level, and gives you a chance to take a deep breath and put things in perspective. In addition, aromatherapy and medications can be added to a bath to boost your health. If you've got a cold, there's nothing better than a bath to clear congested lungs. Even breathing in the steam from a bath is healthy, and can soothe sore throats. A bathtub is definitely a must-have for any house.

It gets you nice and warm. The winter months can be long, cold, and dreary. When you've got a cold house, you'll appreciate a hot bath. Baths are simply warmer and cozier than showers. If you've got a chill, a long, hot bath is just the thing to warm you up--followed by a thick, soft robe and a cup of cocoa or tea.

It's romantic. Baths are just plain sexy--and the bathtub is the perfect place for an intimate rendezvous. There's something about a pool of warm, steaming water that makes us want romantic company. Light up your bathroom with candles, turn on some soft music, and don't forget the sexy soaps and lotions--and you're sure to have a romantic encounter you'll want to repeat over and over.

It's the perfect mini-vacation. The bathroom is the most private place in most people's homes. When you take a bath, you shut yourself away from the outside world--even if only for a little while. You can bring a book, a glass of wine, your favorite music, and let your thoughts wander--it's almost like going on a luxury vacation for half an hour. If you need time to yourself, time to think and relax, or time to read a good book and escape from the ordinary world, the bathtub is the perfect place to do it in.

So, which is better--showers or baths? It's a tough choice--there are so many reasons to love both. Showers are more practical, baths are more luxurious--and both are plenty of fun. We can't decide which we like better--so you'll have to make the choice for yourself!

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This is the Fruit That Will Make Your Liver 20+ Years Younger!

Simply Vegan

Veganism can improve health and vitality--but it can be a daunting dietary switch even for vegetarians. 

Can I really cut all animal products from my diet? The food will be bland; I'll get bored with it. I'll have to give up eating out. Even for the open-minded, the list of reasons "why not" might seem insurmountable, but if you arm yourself with some basic knowledge and the right items in your pantry, you may discover that a vegan diet blends well with your lifestyle--and keeps your taste buds engaged.

Don't get me wrong: Becoming a vegan takes serious commitment and discipline. Vegans are strict vegetarians who consume no meat or animal by-products, which include poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, dairy, and ingredients such as honey. However, their diet is one rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and protein, which offer many health benefits: improved cardiovascular functions and cholesterol levels and prevention against osteoporosis, arthritis, macular degeneration, type 2 diabetes, and a variety of cancers. The effects are felt more practically as well: A vegan diet promotes energy, weight loss, and healthier skin, hair, and nails.

It is true that a vegan diet can be difficult when you don't have control over the menu, like at restaurants and dinner parties. However, some of the best vegan entrees can be found in ethnic restaurants that serve Indian and Asian cuisine, which offer meals rich in vegetables and grains, and many more restaurants are equipped to adapt their regular menus to vegan formulas.

Eating in is easier, and with the right spices and recipes, vegan meals can be as delicious as they are nutrient-packed. Before starting a vegan diet, you should first understand your daily nutritional requirements. Vegans need to pay special attention to certain nutrients: vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, protein, and iron. Most foods can be found in mainstream supermarkets, or you can grow your own produce or visit one of our state's many farms.

Before changing your diet, make an appointment with your doctor to assess your individual needs and to test for any potential food allergies. Also, continue to eat a well-rounded diet, with all foods in moderation.

What to Stock in a Vegan Pantry

Protein/Meat Substitutes Legumes, nuts, and seeds equal protein power. Be sure to include edamame, tofu, textured vegetable protein (TVP), seitan (also called wheat meat or wheat gluten), and tempeh (a fermented soy product with a slightly nutty flavor).

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) This vitamin is primarily found in animal products, but vegans can obtain B12 from fortified foods such as soy milk (or other nondairy milk), breakfast cereal, meat alternatives, and nutritional yeast, which can be found in most health food stores. An adult multivitamin, which typically contains 6 micrograms of B12, can prevent a deficiency in the nutrient and is strongly recommended.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the most significant and effective forms of omega-3 fatty acids primarily found in fish and seafood. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is converted to EPA and DHA, is the form found in plant foods such as walnuts, canola oil, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, soybeans, and butternuts.

Calcium and Vitamin D These bone-boosting nutrients have found their way into fortified soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, cereal, tofu, and orange juice. Calcium is found naturally in almonds and greens, such as bok choy, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage.

Iron Maximize iron absorption by eating iron-rich foods - like dried beans, fortified cereals, and dark, leafy greens -along with a vitamin C-rich food, such as citrus fruit.

Multivitamins Any diet, vegan or not, can benefit from "dietary insurance." Consider a multivitamin with minerals to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of harder-to-get nutrients. (Note: Make sure the vitamins you buy are labeled "vegan," as some contain gelatin.)

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25 Unexpected And Unusual Uses For Honey

Keep Fit And Healthy While Fighting A Brain Tumour #HATTASTIC

#HATTASTIC

Not all brain tumours are life threatening. One of the most common brain tumors, meningioma, can often be completely removed surgically and be considered cured. Others can be controlled for long period of time with chemo or radiation treatment.

Dealing with the fact that your life has or may possibly change in many ways is certainly a challenge. As well as not feeling on top form you are mentally expected to tackle the problem of turning all the negatives into positive energy to help your body to remain fit and healthy to fight and deal with any treatments that are prescribed. Look for the stronger side of your family and friends to keep you on the up because having Auntie Mabel call by with a face like a wet weekend is emotionally draining on both you and everyone around you.

Note though, that it is also healthy to discuss with your nearest and dearest your personal feelings. Meningioma brain tumors are far more common in women than men and women are usually the worst in expressing their feelings when faced with this situation. We shield and protect all around us from the emotional horrors of the world. Unfortunately this one could be too big to deal with on your own and I think we eventually find that the people around us are far stronger than we think. Fear and anger are natural emotions and we usually know who we can truly share these feeling with but fighting a brain tumor is often a major battle and having the best troops closest to you often helps to share the burden if everyone remains positive.

A sense of humour is good for health and well being. I know! - you might be thinking that this is hardly the time for jokes and funny anecdotes but it does allow you to keep everything in proper prospective. Someone close to me suggested that just before surgery for removal of my meningioma that I ask the Neurosurgeon if I would still be able to play the piano afterwards. When he said that of course I would, I was supposed to reply with, 'Fabulous, because I can't play it now'. But true to form - never being very good with joke timing, the anesthetic took over just before the punch line! I have often been accused of others falling asleep during my jokes but.....!

Eat more fruit and veg; don't eat food full of preservatives. We are continually told this is what we have to do to keep ourselves fit and healthy and to combat brain tumour symptoms. It makes sense to try and eat better - But doesn't a bar of chocolate or a bowl of ice cream also make us feel good and bring a smile to our faces. I go along with the saying, 'a little of what you fancy does you good'. Recognise that if you are undergoing treatment, your body will be fatigued and your mind will be in a whirl. Look out for foods that will supply your energy source and try and get some sort of exercise on a daily basis even if only a short walk.

Be prepared for very bad hair days - it is a trauma and another added stress to what is already an 'Everest' of emotions. There are hats, pretty scarves or how about trying a new haircut prior to any major loss if you are undergoing chemo or radiation treatment. This certainly makes things more manageable and will also get you used to less. Take care with your hair care, using mild shampoos and no blow drying. The way to be positive about this distressing episode is to remember that this hair loss is all part of the healing process and it will grow back eventually.

Tips:

Don't fight fatigue & eat nutritiously.
If a task doesn't need doing right away - either don't do it or have someone else do it for you.
Give yourself permission to stop and take a nap if required.
Listen to your body!


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How Many Calories You Should Eat To Build Muscle?

To add muscle mass you must eat more calories than you burn every day. Start by adding 500-1000 calories a day. However, adding muscle to your body is not simply a matter of adding calories. You want the calories to be a good nutritional balance and that requires a bit more math.

Foods fall into three basic categories. They are proteins, carbohydrates or fats and dietary ratios are indicated in that sequence. One of the most common ratios for muscle building is 40/30/30 which means your diet should consist of 40% protein, 30% carb, 30% fats.

Proteins and carbs contain 4 calories per gram while fats contain 9 calories per gram.

To determine how many calories of each food type you need to consume, take your total calories, multiply it by the appropriate percentage and divide that by the calories per gram.

For example, if you have determined you should eat 2,725 calories a day to gain 1 pound of muscle a week and you are following the 40/30/30 guide you calculate:

40% from protein = 1090 calories (2725 x.4) = 272 grams of lean protein (1090 / 4)

30% from carbs = 817 calories (2725 x.3) = 204 grams of carbohydrates (817/ 4)

30% from fats = 817 calories (2725 x.3) = 91 grams of fats (817 / 9)

The exact protein/carb/fat ratio that works best for you may vary from the 40/30/30 model depending on your fitness and activity level as well as your current weight and age. If you don't get the results you want, can start adjusting the numbers, but don't have your fats level drop below 20%, and remember the numbers must total 100%.



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