How to Get Rid of the Weight Gained During Christmas

The Christmas Holidays are among the most precious and pleasant ones throughout the whole year. But there is one major disadvantage of the Christmas Holidays and this is the weight we gain during this time of the year. There are several factors that simply cannot be avoided - loads of parties and visits of relatives and friends, skipping exercise, eating much more than you have been used to before the holidays.
Sometimes Christmas holidays even take longer than some days, because most people tend to get their vacations, travel, and forget about strict diet and exercise routines. But don't worry, there are many things you can do to lose all extra pounds you've put on during this period. Just stick to some simple rules and you'll lose the gained weight in no time.
1. Reduce the amount of food you eat
Once the Christmas holidays are over, you don't have to eat the same amount of food as during the holidays. You have to start reducing your portions. At the beginning it could seem difficult to do so, and if it really is difficult for you to accomplish it, don't starve yourself, just eat 2-3 times more, but smaller portions so you don't feel hungry.

2. Change your exercise routine
If you already have an exercising routine, then in the first days after the holiday "season" you would have to change it - not drastically, but for instance doing more cardio would accelerate the results. You can also try exercising 1-2 days more than usual, or simply increase the duration of your training. Try to run or cycle at least 30 minutes, preferably at the end of your training. If you don't do cardio every day of your workout program, then you should start doing so, in order to accelerate your metabolism, or you could simply add one day only for cardio.
3. Drink a lot of water
Forget about alcohol, juices and sweet drinks. It's all about water - increase the amount of water you drink every day. This would accelerate your metabolism, and help your body get rid of the unnecessary toxins easier.
4. Forget about alcohol
Well, we mentioned it in the previous point, however, it is necessary to point out, that alcohol is more than caloric - it stops your body from burning the calories it usually does. Imagine what happens to your body when you eat more than usual, less healthier than usual, and not being able to burn the calories, as the alcohol actually prevents your organism from doing so.
And we all know that we've drunk at least some wine regularly during the Christmas holidays. And besides this, every single diet outlines the lack of alcohol as a necessary measure for you to have a successful weight loss.
5. Reduce the carbs
Well, that may seem the hardest part to accomplish, but do you remember how much carbohydrate rich food you've eating during the Holidays - loads of sweets, loads of bread, loads of cookies. Try to avoid all these only for some time, and you'll notice a significant reduce in your weight.

6. Weight loss supplements
If all of the above tips seem to hard to accomplish, remember you can always use some weight loss supplements in order to accelerate weight loss and get back to your previous routines. There is a great majority of weight loss supplements, that is why it is not hard to choose one exactly according to your needs.
If you follow these basic tips we can guarantee you, you'll get back to your normal weight from before the holidays much faster than you expect. It is pretty certain that the most of the weight you've put on during these days is due to your organism retaining water, which means, that you'll be able to get rid of the extra pounds much easier, when they are not only extra fats.

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Why Bother With Breakfast?

They say ignorance is bliss but there are times when ignorance of people makes me sad. One such instance is when people do not think breakfast is important and chose not to include it in their routine. It is said that one should eat like a king for breakfast, queen for lunch and popper for dinner.

Unfortunately for many people, for reasons of their own, dinner happens to be the biggest meal and breakfast is the first one to be skipped. I have always believed that to a large degree, you are what you eat so I think food plays an important part in one's life, especially the quality of life. That is one of the reasons why I take time and effort to not just prepare good food but also to write a lot about it so I spread some awareness in whatever little way I can. Reason I say it makes me sad is because the effects of skipping breakfast may not be seen immediately. But over time one will have to face the consequences. When some of my friends say they do not have breakfast I feel bad because they are not doing any good for their body. In this article I hope to summarise what I have read and understood about the importance of breakfast and also some simple yet quick breakfast ideas to make it easier for you.
Let us look at the impact of having or not having breakfast to better understand why bother with breakfast
1. Weight management - many believe that skipping breakfast so they reduce calories would help them lose weight. It cannot be farther from the truth. When we sleep during the night, our body slows down, so metabolism slows down. When we have something to eat in the morning, we are effectively giving the signal to the body that the day has begun and metabolism should increase. However, people who skip breakfast deny their body of this signal so they feel sluggish as they continue until lunch with slow metabolism. When one feels sluggish and tired, one tends to work less, physically and in turn burns fewer calories. Also, when the body is deprived of food for a long while, cravings begin, especially sugar cravings. This is when we feel like snacking on a chocolate bar or a big fat muffin or cakes etc. This effectively increases the calorie consumption. In summary, a slow metabolism, tired body burning lesser calories and high calorie/fat snacks effectively contribute to weight gain and not weight loss. We all keep hearing about the numerous health problems that can come with being overweight, especially risk of heart diseases and skipping breakfast can potentially lead to being overweight.
2. Lowered cognition - studies have said to have shown that children who have breakfast fare better in problem solving than children who skip breakfast.

Remember that it is not just the rest of the body that gets energy from digested food but also the brain. When the brain is low on energy, one cannot expect it to function effectively. Some studies also show that children who skip breakfast are more likely to have problems concentrating and also have problems with memory when compared with children who have breakfast.
3. Type 2 diabetes - skipping breakfast is said to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If one is already diabetic, it is all the more important to keep sugar fluctuations low which means the body has to be fed at regular intervals. Diabetes is a state of the body that is not particularly easy to manage as the complications of diabetes can be very serious from losing eye sight, heart attacks, having to be amputated. If one is already overweight, the complications get even worse. The effect of diabetes may not be known immediately but the body will be deteriorating gradually. Keeping the blood sugar under control is absolutely important while living with diabetes and skipping meals, that too breakfast will be highly counter-productive for diabetes management.
4. Menstrual irregularities - some studies are said to have shown that girls/women who skip breakfast are likely to have irregular periods.
5. Poor mood - low glucose is said to be responsible for irritability fatigue and tiredness. Some studies show that people who skip breakfast snap at others more easily.
To me the risk of weight gain (and all associated health risks due to being overweight) and risk of diabetes alone are enough to make me run for my breakfast. When it comes to children, it is very important to set up healthy eating habit at an early stage and for that, having breakfast is important. With children getting less and less playtime and exercise these days it is all the more important for them to eat healthy. There is no point in sending them to school to learn stuff if they cannot concentrate and as parents, we need to give them adequate support to enable them to learn. Hopefully, by now you are at least thinking about having breakfast.
I come from a tamil Brahmin family and Brahmin meal plan is quite well known because most of them have a big mid morning meal, later in the afternoon a tiffin or lighter meal is consumed while dinner sometimes is liquid intake or fruits or some cereals, if not curd rice. Reason I mention that is that although some people criticise them for having a heavy meal that early, what modern day dieticians are advising is pretty much similar - have a big breakfast. The meal would normally consist of rice (carbohydrates), dal (protein), vegetables (vitamins and minerals) and ghee (fat) and unless I got it all wrong, this is what constitutes a balanced meal. At this day and age, we barely have the time to make all these before we walk out of the doors to work and neither would our working hours allow such a schedule. So, what are some quick breakfast solutions you could try.
1. Oats porridge - boil a couple of tablespoon of oats in water until it is done (regular oats is better than quick cooking and honestly does not take much time to cook anyway). If you like it sweet, add some milk, sugar or honey or any other sensible sweetener of choice. If you like savory, then add some buttermilk and little salt and consume. Either way, have a banana or any other fruit of choice.
2. Breakfast shake - milk shake or smoothies make great breakfast. Blend a banana sweetened with date syrup or any other natural sweetener (avoid synthetic sweetners or refined sugar) along with some milk. Top with crushed nuts and drink. Adding oat milk instead of cow's milk can help reduce calories and fat and also lend to fibre intake. You could try the same with apple too. You could also use a spoon of wheat germ as topping.
3. Muffin - having a low sugar, bran loaded muffin is a great way to fill you up for the morning. Top a healthy muffin with berries and eat along with a glass of juice. Plenty of healthy muffin recipes are available, try making enough over the weekend itself. I would say it probably takes about 10 minutes to make the muffin batter and about 20 minutes baking time and that would be your breakfast sorted for a week!
4. Breakfast sandwich - you could make these with leftovers too. You could use chapattis or pita breads or wholemeal breads and stuff them with left over sabjis or any vegetable of choice. Over the weekends I tend to quickly sauté grated courgette, spice it with cumin, chilly and coriander powder and make a grilled wholemeal sandwich. This helps me get one of my five a day vegetables as well. You can try the same with paneer or grated cauliflower, cabbage etc. Peanut butter sandwich is a good option as well.
5. Toast and beans - beans also contribute to one of five a day. This option is okay if you have the time to sit down and have your breakfast.
6. Low fat flapjacks - I make my own flapjack which is a bit more chewy than regular ones. I use very little brown sugar but add dry fruits and dates syrup to sweeten instead. Believe it or not small portions of these oats rich almost no added fat flapjacks are a great start to the day.
7. Multi grain porridge - back home it is common practice for moms to make a multi grain powder. It usually consists or wheat, barley, finger millet, sago, almonds and cardamom for flavouring. One can add couple of heaped spoons of this to water, bring to boil while stirring, add jaggery or sugar and milk.

8. Healthy pancakes - make your own pancake mix by adding either the above mentioned porridge powder or wholewheat powder along with some millet powder. Add mashed banana or pureed apple or blueberries, if you want it sweeter, add syrup like dates syrup to make a batter. I tend to skip the baking powder or soda bicarb as it inhibits nutrition absorption. You could add little all purpose flour to ease flipping the pancake. Pour the batter on hot tava and drizzle oil/butter/ghee. Cook both sides, eat.
9. Bread omelet - beat an egg and add salt and required vegetables like tomato, onion, mushroom etc. and make an omelet. Grab couple of toasts and a glass of juice. Having protein earlier in the day is said to be better than later.

10. Museli - combine wheat flakes, oat flakes, rye flakes, barley flakes with some dry fruits like raisins, currants, seeds like pumpkin seed. Serve with seasonal fruits and milk.
11. Quick French toast - cut couple of bread slices into four triangles each. Dip them in beaten egg (season it as needed) and cook on hot tava. Drizzle some oil or butter while cooking. Cook both sides and that's a good breakfast on the go.
12. Millet gruel - Millet is usually considered poor man's food but truth is many people who work hard physically have ragi gruel often for breakfast. It keeps them full for long although they are involved in intense work. One way of preparing is similar to multi grain porridge mentioned previously. Another method is to mix it with some buttermilk and let it sit overnight. Next morning add little water if needed and cook while stirring, until it is shiny. Season with salt and drink. Millets are low fat protein sources.
I hope at least one or two of the above options suit your taste and timing. On weekends one can indulge a bit more by making cooked breakfast and a number of such recipes are available on my blog as well.
Make healthy choices for your life, remember, prevention is better than cure. One can skip any meal, but not breakfast regardless of whether one is hungry or not. For the other meals you can go as per your body, eat when hungry but breakfast is an exception. Do not wait for the 'right' day to start having breakfast, there is no bad time to do the right thing. Live long, live happy, live healthy!

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Tips for Starting a Healthy Lifestyle!

How to Make a Smoothie: 9 Golden Rules

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The best thing about smoothies is their capacity for infinite experimentation. And like many subjective tastes, only you can determine the best combination of smoothie ingredients for you.
But how do you go about preparing a smoothie without botching it up?
There are some key considerations to bear in mind when going about the process, which should speed up the learning curve and get you preparing smoothies like a guru yourself.
Please keep reading as we break down how to make a smoothie great the first time by adhering to 9 simple rules.

1) Estimate The Proper Amount of Liquid to Add
All we are mean here is to ensure that you have enough liquid relative to the other ingredients so that you don't end up making a glass full of paste, or a smoothie with a runny, watery texture. Of course, everyone has different opinions, but I like my smoothies thick but still able to be sucked up with a large-diameter straw.
Most smoothie recipes will attempt to achieve a proper consistency by starting with a cup or two of liquid. This can be regular (cow's) milk, soy milk, almond milk, coffee/tea/alcohol, fruit juice and/or simply water. The amount of liquid needed will increase as you increase the amount of dry ingredients added. Things like ground seeds, peanut butter, dryer fruits (e.g., banana), protein powders, and similar ingredients will soak up quite a bit of liquid. Consequently, you should start with a cup of your chosen liquid and add more as needed to get the mixture to blend. And if it becomes too watery, you can thicken it with more ingredients. No science here, just blend and taste - and repeat till perfect!
2) Plan Around The Most Dominant Flavor(s)
Although this is the #2 consideration, this is really the first decision that should be made. So, is this going to be a pineapple strawberry smoothie? Or perhaps you are leaning more towards an avocado yogurt smoothie? Whatever floats your boat, think about how you want the resulting smoothie to taste - should one or more ingredients stand out? I like to think about it in movie terms - who's the lead? For example, if you love blueberry and like the potent antioxidants they contain, you might make them your "star" ingredient and ensure you are adding at least a cup of them to your mixture. Once that decision is made, you can pick your liquid(s) of choice.

Yes, we know that some of the best smoothies are created by a random jumble of ingredients, but randomness will happen either way. We think it's always best to start with some kind of vision for a smoothie, regardless whether you reach it, or end up with something very different, and perhaps even better instead!
3) Choose Your Supporting Cast of Ingredients
Whatever primary flavors you are aiming for with your smoothie, you have a plethora of options in terms of a supporting cast. For example, for virtually any kind of fruit and even vegetable smoothie, bananas are a great addition since they add some sweetness as well as bulk to the mixture. Further, they can easily be peeled and frozen (in that order!) before addition to give the smoothie the desired slushy feel. Yogurt is another ingredient that complements so many kinds of smoothies by adding density and creaminess. And the great thing about yogurt is that it comes in its own myriad of flavors. For a very rich and thick smoothie, we like Greek yogurt best.
4) Choose Your Sweetener(s) Wisely
While it's always convenient to reach for white sugar to add sweetness to your smoothie, think bigger.
Some of the best choices for sweetening up your smoothie are honey, agave, maple syrup, chopped dates, and raw brown (or coconut) sugar.
Corn syrup is another option for those looking for a liquid substitute for table sugar that more easily mixes at cold temperatures.
5) Give it an Added Health Boost!
Each time you make a smoothie it's a good idea to try and add something special, something that packs lots of vitamins or nutrients. There are so many things that can be added to a smoothie that can turn it from being merely healthy to health super-charged. For example, chia seeds are one of the new superfoods that can make almost any smoothie nutritious; and best of all, chia itself has no flavor, so it doesn't alter the vision of the smoothie you planned to create. Other popular additions are flax seed or flax seed oil, wheat germ, oatmeal, algae (spirulina and chlorella), vitamin and protein powders/liquids. The sky is really the limit here. Just add and taste and see what you can include while keeping things tasty. Just keep in mind that protein powders and flax/chia seeds will soak up lots of water, so keep some extra liquid on hand to add to the mixture as needed.
6) Determine How Icy You Like It
For many people, myself included, a smoothie is not a smoothie without some iciness to it. You can easily add the necessary ice factor by simply freezing any fruit or veggies that you add, or you can simply add ice cubes until the proper slushiness is achieved. Just remember that by adding ice cubes, you are watering down the mixture, so where possible it's always advisable to freeze some/all of your main ingredients instead.
7) Use a High Quality Blender For Best Results
If you plan on making healthy smoothies a part of your lifestyle, then there is no substitute for purchasing a high-quality blender. By this we generally don't mean the kind you are likely to find in your local department store. Achieving the velvety smooth texture that you'll find at smoothie shops is something that requires a blender with lots of power so that very high blade rotational speeds can be obtained. We are talking about blenders with motors typically over 1,000 watts. All other things being equal, faster blades means a smoother blend. This is particularly important when using lots of ice, seed material, and green leafy foods. In short, don't skimp on your blender!

8) Make Smoothies a Regular Part of Your Day

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One of the most important benefits of drinking smoothies is the huge does of vitamins and minerals they can provide, when consumed regularly. As such, we strongly encourage you to drink at least one healthy smoothie each day. Whether it is your own version of a breakfast smoothie, or a refreshing fruit smoothie you treat yourself to after dinner, make it good for you and drink them often.
9) Have Fun With It!
As we discussed at the outset, the best thing about smoothies is the endless creative possibilities they afford. Take advantage of this and experiment and have fun with the processes. We are certain that the more often you make smoothies, the more unique and interesting concoctions you will create. Also, when you've stumbled onto a real "winner," make sure to share it with others who may be looking for some inspiration - and perhaps use your experience to help teach them how to make a smoothie for themselves!

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Juicing! Why It Should Be a Daily Part of Your Diet

In this modern world, with our fast pace of life we have become used to supplementing our diets with vitamins and mineral pills. These supplements have their place and can be very effective, but they can't take the place of a stable diet of fruit and vegetables.
Not only do they provide a wealth of minerals, nutrients and vitamins but they also cleanse and balance the body. Now there is a revolution that is happening at the moment and it is taking the food Industry by storm, which means you don't have to eat all your fruit and vegetables. So what is it? Juicing. That is, taking fresh raw fruit and vegetables. Then extracting the juice from them to produce a tasty cocktail of minerals and nutrients which are brimming full of goodness. And they taste great!
So here are my 8 reasons why you really should consider juicing as part of your daily intake of fuel for your body
1. Raw Juicing is better
Once you have tasted the freshly extracted juice made from your own raw vegetables and fruit you will realize there is no comparison between that and the juices you can buy in a carton which have things such as preservatives and sweeteners added. Homemade juices will have nothing added, nothing taken away just 100% goodness. Your own juice will retain all of its goodness because it's not undergone any processing. This makes a big difference, as any form of cooking destroys some of the content of minerals and vitamins.
2. Getting your vitamins and minerals on a daily basis
Freshly extracted juices are packed with many of the vitamins and minerals which the body needs to keep us fit and well. Those vitamins found in fruit and vegetables are often bound to other nutrients which help with absorption. For example, Bioflavonoids can be found in the pith of citrus fruits which help with the absorption of vitamin C. So obviously juicing on a regular basis is an excellent way of making sure you get the all the vitamins and minerals each day.

3. Antioxidants
You may have heard of Antioxidant nutrients in Newspaper and magazine articles. Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. Vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene can give protection against degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, premature aging. It is believed that these vitamins hold the key to minimising the effects of these devastating diseases. The reason why these nutrients have such a positive effect on our preventative healthcare is that they are able to slow down the damage done by the unbalanced molecules, known as free radicals.
4. Free radicals
Free radicals are molecules produced when the body breaks down food, or it can be caused by environmental exposure: things like tobacco smoke and radiation. They react with other molecules in our body and destabilize them. In other words, putting your cells at risk. They have been linked to the development of diseases such as cancer and heart disease, because they are capable of destroying other healthy molecules which will in turn then be unstable. So drinking freshly extracted juices that contain all the nutrients on a daily basis is going to have a long term impact on your future health as well as benefitting you in the short term.
5. Easier to digest
Fruit and vegetable juices are easy for the body to digest, especially if your body can't cope with a lot of fibre. But they are not to replace the fibre in your diet which is necessary for the elimination of wastes. Because freshly extracted juice is a liquid it will be quickly absorbed and digested in the stomach, and the nutrients absorbed into the bloodstream. This works so efficiently that it will be absorbed within minutes of being eaten. Also of benefit is; plant enzymes which come from the vegetables. These also help in neutralizing any excess fat or proteins from other foods eaten.
6. Cleanses the body

Drinking Fresh juices are an excellent way of cleansing the body. Fruit and vegetables in their raw state hold good amounts of water which will have been filtered and distilled through their complex structures, making digestion a whole lot easier with no impurities to deal with. In addition to that, all fruits contain acid. This helps remove toxins from your digestive tract. Some fruits such as oranges and apples contain pectin; this will also absorb fats and toxins from your digestive tract. Green vegetables are also rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a molecule that absorbs sunlight and converts its energy into carbohydrate. Vegetables with chlorophyll, such as watercress and spinach are helpful when on a detox programme. Carrots and tomatoes are also very good at acting as a tonic for the liver too.

7. Keeping a balanced diet
Freshly extracted fruit and vegetable juices act as excellent alkalizers once they have been digested. So this will help when eating normal foods, as they tend to be high in protein, with too many refined, processed ingredients. All of which can cause high acidity levels. The body has a finely balanced pH level, where it should be somewhere in the middle between acid and alkaline, tipping slightly towards alkaline. So drinking a glass of fresh juice each day will help in maintaining your pH balance to where it should be.
8. Good health insurance policy
Drinking just juice on its own won't give you perfect health, but added to a balanced diet and regular exercise you will increase your chances of a long and healthy life. It may be worth considering other changes you can make as part of your daily routine. Things like:
Stop smoking
Cut back on intake of alcohol
Take regular exercise (at least 3 times a week)
Increase your consumption of fruit and vegetables (juicing makes this a doddle)
Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water
Now that you have the facts, just go out and do it. Get yourself a juicer, buy some fresh fruit and vegetables and start juicing! There are plenty of resources for recipes and tips on juicing or sign up to makemeslim.net and learn how juicing and losing weight can be really effective. It was for me, I lost 40 lb's in just 3 months and I'm maintaining my weight too.

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What You Eat Can Cause Great Suffering Or Great Health

The very quality of life itself can depend largely on what sort of diet and supplements (if any) one takes. There are countless health foods one should be doing all one can to include in one's lifetime diet regimen, rather than simply consuming whatever comes along. Regardless of what one may be trying to accomplish (such as lose weight, etc.) it is vital that one's nutritional considerations come first.

Mechanically counting calories lead only to temporary weight control, while one's ideal weight and body shape can be far more easily maintained by taking in only wholesome, natural, mostly raw food and supplements. Raw nuts and seed such as almonds, sesame and pumpkin seed (please avoid roasted nuts), for example, may be high in calories, but they are also very filling, high in fiber, and contain many other numerous vital and essential health and metabolism promoting substances and therefore have very little if any effect on weight gain.

Raw fruits, raw vegetables, super foods, antioxidants, dietary supplements, herbs, and ionized water can be used quite effectively to help one find optimal health. Natural remedies are becoming more and more accepted in mainstream medicine as an essential part of healing and can be used as vital tools for one's spiritual, mental and physical wholeness. Herbs have been used for thousands of years to cure all sorts of diseases and they have many other uses too. A huge searchable data base of herbal information resources can be found on the internet.

This health food information is mainly for the most serious and dedicated pioneers on the path to self-healing and enlightenment. I can't guarantee any benefits or 100% safety! This information, although freely given, is offered "as is" with no guarantee of safety and effectiveness, and can work no better than the quality of the products you choose to integrate into your diet. However, it is possible with this information to gain and enjoy utterly fantastic levels of health, healing, well-being and spiritual ecstasy.

Please be sure that there is nothing in the list of herbs, supplements, foods, etc. featured on this page that could cause allergic reactions, interact with drugs that one must take, or create havoc if one is going through pregnancy, or other delicate health situations, etc.

The best and most basic thing one should consider doing first is to always drink plenty of water (best to use ionized or alkalized water, and at least one quart to half a gallon, depending on age, weight, body size, etc.) between meals instead of snacking on junk food or other miscellaneous stuff. The water seems to go down much faster if one adds fruit juices to it such as pure pomegranate, blueberry, cranberry, orange juice, etc. Regular flushing between wholesome meals with large quantities of watered down juices, etc. could help one overcome depression, tiredness and even anxiety. Doing this one thing has always been the single most effective way that I have ever discovered to enjoy many great benefits all over. Why? If not enough water is drunk on a daily basis, toxins from what is consumed, toxins from metabolic wastes, and toxins from other sources can and do accumulate causing all manner of problems. In most cases, it is mainly toxins that are the cause of so many mental and emotional problems, not always mineral and/or vitamin deficiencies.

Everyone has special needs, individual variations and differences. The most obvious difference is male vs. female. Because everything I write here is based on my limited "male" perspective, various adjustments would have to be made for women accordingly. Hopefully the basic principles will always be applicable to everyone, regardless of what sex, body type, metabolic needs, etc. The list of herbs and supplements may appear rather lengthy, however, but in no way are they all to be used at once. Instead just research and take a few of the best (for your particular needs) from each group.

Regarding all the vitamin and food supplements that follow, please use only the ones that you feel are essential to your health and never too much of anything. You could actually feel worse, not better if too much of the wrong herb or vitamin is taken. The supplements may require a significant amount of money to get started on and a certain amount of expense to maintain, so start out slow! Finding them to be too expensive is another good reason to make sure to get only what is essential. Whole, natural foods high in antioxidants or "super foods" are far superior to any fractured or isolated substance, so always choose among these first before trying any single or isolated vitamin, mineral, herbal extract, or chemical substance.

This diet is not designed merely to please the senses, it is meant to completely fulfill all nutritional needs and far beyond, so that one's soul, or happiness is completely satisfied. Supplying exactly what the mind, body and soul needs is far more important, wise and sensible than eating just to please the senses. Life is actually much, much more fun and fulfilling this way.

The good thing about living as healthy as possible are all the illnesses, dental and medical costs that one would most likely be able to avoid. So much inconvenience, expense, pain and suffering prevented! I can tell you this is a fact because I have definitely been able to avoid several decades of of what could otherwise have been high medical, psychiatric and dental costs, suffering, etc. by following this path. Increased libido, rejuvenation, younger looking skin, and greatly enhanced well-being are the main side-effects.

The Diet -- Incorrect Eating is Perhaps the Greatest Cause of Suffering Ever:

The human body is designed only for whole food, especially raw, whole alkaline-forming food. Any fractured or artificial concoctions, fast foods, junk food, too much animal protein, hormones, artificial chemicals, antibiotics, etc. as is often found in the modern American diet (MAD) tend to be highly acid-forming and therefore tend to break down rather than support one's natural healing ability, and are the main cause of vast numbers of diseases, incredible emotional suffering and other complications of physical, mental, and spiritual health that make life miserable. Countless billions and billions of dollars have been spent on medical treatments for vast numbers of serious physical and psychological health problems caused by incorrect eating.

The following information is a list of wholesome, mainly raw food and super-food supplements desperately needed by all people everywhere to help restore emotional, spiritual and physical wholeness to everyone. All of the following nutritional gems provide essential enzymes, antioxidants, and other vital principles needed by the brain, nerves and organs for optimal well-being and functioning:

* Raw Fruits and Raw Vegetables -- Pineapple, blueberries, oranges, chlorella, red onions, fennel, lettuce, beets, and whole ginger. Be sure to have more than a quart of raw juices from a selection of the above listed vegetables and fruits every day! Of all the things one can do to fight depression, fatigue, anxiety and any other health problem, nothing else can replace the benefits of taking in these daily, raw, freshly made blended juices.

* Raw Organic Spring Greens, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Carrots, Squash -- Use as a salad or blend with several tomatoes to create a raw "V8." Some companies provide pre-washed, ready to eat lettuce, chicory, cabbage and other leafy greens in a very convenient package.

* Raw Sauerkraut -- (Fermented cabbage, and other vegetables) an excellent source of enzymes, probiotics, raw vegetables and great flavors.

* Raw Kombucha -- A Chinese cultured tea created from a symbiotic combination of fermented yeast and probiotic bacteria which is an excellent source of enzymes, probiotics, and detoxifiers.

* Brown Rice and Legumes -- This very healthy combination is the most economical, widely eaten source of a complete protein and complex carbohydrates in the world.

* Vitasoy Milk -- Excellent tasting soy milk that can easily be used instead of dairy milk if one suffers from milk sensitivities.

* Organic Hemp milk and Rice Milk -- can be used as substitutes for conventional milk and/or soy milk as some people are sensitive to or have bad reactions to conventional milk and/or soy milk.

* Food Grade Yeast -- Excellent tasting source of phosphorous, B complex, and essential amino acids (protein). Phosphorous is an essential mineral needed in large quantities by the body and nerves that must be balanced out with equal amounts of calcium (see coral calcium and dolomite below).

* Granular Lecithin -- Essential source of phospholipids needed for energy production, brain and nerve functioning. Best to use lecithin granules which has a nutty flavor.

* Sardines -- Excellent source of complete protein, nucleotides, essential oils, vitamin D, and ocean minerals. Sardines are considered an anti-aging food.

*Whole Food Oils -- such as flax seed oil, hemp seed oil, whole virgin green olive oil, and pasture-grazed butter oil (perfect for weight control and mineral metabolism).

* 100% Pasture Grazed Raw Butter -- Organic, fresh, 100% pasture grazed, high in weight maintaining CLA, and high in "Factor X," whole raw butter should be available in most health food stores. I personally find whole, raw butter far more tolerable than cheese and other dairy products that are high in protein. Butter is very high in monounsaturated fats with only traces of protein.

* Norwegian Cod Liver Oil -- Excellent source of vitamin D, A, DHA, EPA, and essential fatty acids. When used in conjunction with pasture grazed butter, high vitamin cod liver oil can prevent tooth decay and help remineralize bone tissue.

* Pomegranate, Blueberry, Blackberry, Acai, Mangosteen, and Noni Juices -- High antioxidant blend of juices among many other benefits, helps to protect eyesight and helps prevent heart disease and other circulatory disorders.

* Raw Papaya -- Papaya when eaten fresh contains many enzymes that enhance digestion and absorption of protein, and if overripe or slightly fermented, it contains many microorganisms that seem to enhance blissful happiness, spiritual, psychic, and sensual energies.

* Goji Berries (Ningxia Wolfberry) -- Best to have in the form of fresh berries or juice. Most potent naturally occurring antioxidant, 500% more powerful than beta-carotene, carrots and oranges. Seems to be able to "fix" injured DNA and build immune system. Helps protect eyesight and is an abundant source of zeaxanthin that helps prevent macular degeneration. Go here to find out more about Goji Berries.

* Raw Adaptogenic Herbs and Super-foods -- Rhodiola Rosa, Ashwaganda, Epimedium, Saw Palmetto Berry Powder, Ginseng, Maca, Turmeric, Chlorella, Green Vibrance (TM), etc.

* Fulvic Acid -- Either in the form of Shilajit or a Fulvic Mineral Complex Ionic Mineral Supplement that contains 70 minerals and trace elements. Drink one two two ounces daily.

* Almonds, Unhulled (brown) raw Sesame Butter, and Sunflower Seed, Pumpkin Seed, Pecans, and Raw Unsalted Peanuts -- All contain wonderful wholesome natural substances needed by the human body.

* Dolomite Powder -- A natural form of calcium and magnesium in an optimally balanced ratio. Dolomite is very inexpensive, has a really refreshing taste, is vitalizing, and is highly alkaline. Drink one teaspoon of dolomite per 1.5 liters of ionized water. Use one to four teaspoons daily depending on how much water taken, weight and need. I discovered that drinking large amounts between meals of a mixture of one teaspoon of dolomite per 50.7 oz. (1.5 liters) of negatively ionized water effective against my own life-long severe anxiety and/or depression problems. Warning: some people may have an adverse reaction to dolomite if too much is consumed such as loose bowel movements, poor absorption of other minerals, flushing, itching and dryness of skin. Therefore make sure that no more dolomite is taken than one teaspoon of dolomite per 1.5 liters of ionized water and always take with water and never alone. One might also add high antioxidant fruit juices, some green tea, etc., some ginger, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and/or two teaspoons of the adaptogenic herb ashwaganda to the 1.5 liters of ionized water and one teaspoon of Dolomite Powder for an enhanced well-being effect.

All of the above items when used as the main part of every meal and/or drink every day, because of their satisfying flavor, detoxifying, high enzyme, antioxidant, biochemical and biological value, can help fight fatigue, depression, poor appetite and digestive problems in a more effective manner than any other combination of foods, supplements or antioxidants ever taken. Malabsorption of minerals, vitamins, etc., and toxic and odor forming microorganisms in the digestive tract are a very common problem. Stools should be odorless! Any unpleasant odor in breath or eliminations indicates suboptimal health, poor digestion, and even disease. For one who is wasting away and/or not thriving the above combination of metabolic, probiotic and digestive enzymes can be a real lifesaver. During periods of stress and/or illness, a mostly liquid diet with mineral broths seem to work much better and faster to restore health, energy and vitality.



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Why Turmeric Should Be in Your Kitchen and Your Diet

Turmeric is a wonder herb, and definitely belongs in your kitchen. Known as Curcuma Longa, this herb of the ginger family is used for many different things, from flavoring up your favorite dish to its traditional use in India as a natural antiseptic for burns and cuts. Thousands of years ago it was used as a dye, and now it's becoming known as a wonder supplement proving beneficial to health conditions, from some forms of cancer to Alzheimer's.

Turmeric has long been known as a healing herb

India has long known the magical power of turmeric. It's used to flavor Indian cuisine, and has been added to mustards to punch up the flavor. More importantly though, turmeric has been used medicinally in Indian and Chinese culture to treat the whole body. Turmeric, which contains an active healing ingredient called curcumin, is a potent and natural anti-inflammatory herb that works just as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs... without the side effects. The list of maladies turmeric can naturally treat is wondrous, indeed.

Just what benefits does turmeric offer?

Indian tradition has long known about turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefit, and Chinese physicians have used this wonder herb for liver cleansing and gallbladder ailments. And now in our modern age, turmeric is being studied and used for a vast array of human conditions and illnesses.

Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation through its stimulation of our adrenal glands, which increases production of an anti-inflammatory hormone. So, turmeric is used to ease arthritic conditions by easing inflammation and joint pain.

Turmeric is used in treating burns, and is a natural disinfectant. Plus, this wonder herb is rich in anti-oxidents and helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, by improving blood circulation. Turmeric seems to naturally prevent the body from forming blood clots, and has a natural effect against the forming of antiplatelets.

And there are laboratory studies happening now that would indicate the curcumin in turmeric fights some types of cancer cells. More study is needed on turmeric and it's cancer-fighting abilities, but it has been shown to kill human leukemia cells. Saying turmeric is a wonder herb is an understatement, don't you think?

Downsides of turmeric

Turmeric is considered a safe herb, but there are certain individuals who should be cautious about ingesting it. It is recommended that people with congestive heart problems, liver disorders, and gallstones avoid using turmeric in their diets. Also, pregnant women or people with blood clotting issues should consult their doctors before using it.

Where can you buy turmeric?

There are many supplement companies that offer turmeric in pill form, and these are readily available online. However, our family takes the more traditional approach, and we buy it from our neighborhood grocer. Just find your grocer's spice section and buy a reputable line of turmeric, like Spice Islands for instance. Rice is a staple in our home, and we always blend in a generous portion of turmeric powder along with a favorite vegetable like chopped zucchini, broccoli florets or a crooked neck yellow squash. Turmeric is not only good for you, but it adds a zesty, very flavorful taste to rice and other foods we enjoy.

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A Little Turmeric Can Lead to a Long Life

How much turmeric to use to reap the most health benefits is something many people have wondered about for years. The answer will differ depending on whether you are using it in its natural form or as part of a daily supplement. Due to its spicy flavor, in general a good rule of thumb is that less is more.

Turmeric is used to give most Indian foods their flavor. It has a bitter, earthy taste and can be warm and peppery, making it hard to digest in large amounts. It also loses its flavor quickly, so the more faded it becomes the less likely it is to taste good or carry the maximum health benefit.

Used in its natural form as an addition to various dishes, no more than a ¼ or ½ teaspoon at a time is recommended. Turmeric can also be found in most curry powder, which is used in much Indian and Asian cooking. How much turmeric to use will usually depend on the other ingredients in a given dish and how the turmeric will work to accent them.

Of course, turmeric can also be used as part of a daily natural supplement to help battle any number of ailments including multiple sclerosis, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. It can be an important tool in the fight against aging, but only when taken in the proper amount and when incorporated as part of an overall health regimen including a balanced diet and plenty of exercise.

When it comes to fighting a particular condition, how much turmeric to use should be determined by a doctor. The amount will usually depend on the age, overall health and other medical needs of the individual. In general, it is best to get your daily dose of turmeric in combination with other natural substances such as minerals, vitamins and enzymes for maximum effect.

In terms of supplements, 50 mg of turmeric is usually sufficient, provided it is mixed with piperine in order to aid with absorption into the bloodstream. An enteric coating is also extremely important, as this allows the turmeric to get into the body past the stomach acids and be fully absorbed. Without an enteric coating, it would be necessary to take larger amounts of turmeric in order to get the proper effect.

How much turmeric to use depends on the benefits you are trying to get from it. In order to make full use of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogen properties, it is important that you get a regular amount balanced out with other natural nutrients. There are a range of supplements available online and in your pharmacy which can offer you the right amount of turmeric as well as a host of other natural substances to improve your overall health. Do your homework and check the ingredients and you can find the one which works for you.

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but a little hint of turmeric in your everyday routine can help keep you feeling healthy for years to come. So don't hesitate to take advantage of this wonder of nature. Find an all natural supplement which contains turmeric and you'll feel better before you know it!

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How Important is Natural Omega 3 Complex For Promoting Health?

Natural omega 3 complex is required for controlling cholesterol levels in the body and for the prevention of problems and conditions related to the heart. Because of this reason many people take omega 3 supplements in large quantities to become overall fit and healthy.

It has been found that fish oil is the only richest known source of two of the most important omega 3 fats - DHA and EPA. Fish oil is therefore utilized in making omega 3 supplements like natrol omega 3 complex and many others.

These supplements are effective and a person of any age group and build can use them without any reservations. They don't have any side effects associated with their consumption and are totally safe and pure.

People also use omega 3 fish oil supplements to get relief in inflammatory conditions like arthritis and cystitis. EPA is known for reducing inflammation throughout the body and is therefore an essential nutrient for elderly people.

DHA is good for the memory and it also prevents mental conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. It has been found that schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease occur mainly due to DHA deficiency in the body. Hyperactivity which is becoming very common among growing children also occurs as a result of DHA deficiency.

The above mentioned facts show how much important omega 3 fats are for our health and body. They should be consumed on a regular basis either through diet or through nutritional supplements. Normally 300 to 400 mg of both fats combined is required by an average, healthy person.

If you eat fish regularly you are at reduced risk of developing heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes and some degenerative diseases. A good fatty fish like salmon, herring and hoki provides up to 1000 mg of DHA and EPA combined. The oil of these fish can also be consumed in raw form or in the form of fish oil capsules which are easily available on the market for purchase.

It has been found that only pharmaceutical grade fish oil is effective and free from impurities. Other low grade fish oils are not refined and they may cause side effects, allergies and infections. Because of this reason it is strongly recommended that you buy a fish oil product from a reputable company.

Omega 3 supplements should be consumed by people of all ages since they are helpful in the prevention of many diseases and also promote overall health and well-being.

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How to Prevent Stroke in Women Naturally

The American Heart Association has established guidelines to help women avoid a stroke naturally to live a longer, healthier lifestyle.

Every year about 800,000 Americans have a recurrent or a new stroke, which happens when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by bursts or a clot. The American Heart Association has recently put out its first guidelines to prevent strokes for women. The main focus is pregnancy, birth control and other risk factors that women encounter uniquely or more frequent than men. With stroke being the third leading cause of death for women and the fifth leading cause of death for men, this is a very serious risk factor for Americans.

My sister had a stroke last year that shocked the entire family but she has been very blessed to recover very fast and well. She has been taking her morning walks, jogging in the afternoon and following a healthy diet since then. She has lost about twenty pounds and her health has improved greatly. The guidelines by the AHA apply to patients like my sister Michelle who suffered a stroke.

The key to surviving a stroke and minimizing disability is recognizing symptoms like weakness or numbness in one arm, trouble speaking, and drooping on one side of the face. Guidelines for preventing stroke focus on controlling diabetes and blood pressure, more physical activity or fat loss and healthy eating, and quitting smoking. According to Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, stroke chief at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. she led the panel that wrote the guidelines, published in Stroke, a Heart Association journal.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy strokes are not very common but the risk is still higher, especially the last three months and immediately after delivery. The real issue is dangerously high blood pressure that can cause a seizure and other problems, which is called preeclampsia. Later in life it doubles the risk of stroke and quadruples the risk of high blood pressure after pregnancy. The guidelines mention you can lower the risk of preeclampsia with calcium supplements and pregnant women with very high blood pressure (160/110) may need medications.

Menopause

According to the guidelines, hormone therapy should not be used to try to prevent a stroke. Now the guidelines put women's concerns "on the table" so more physicians discuss them, said Dr. Shazam Hussain, stroke chief at the Cleveland Clinic.

Birth Control Pills

It is recommended that women be checked for high blood pressure before taking oral contraceptives because the combination can increase the risk of strokes. Even though the risk is small it increases greatly in women between the ages of 45 to 49. There are more than 10 million women currently on birth control pills.

Aspirin and Migraines

An aspirin is always recommended for anyone who has already suffered from a stroke unless the stroke was caused by bleeding in the brain rather than a blood clot, or if bleeding is a risk concern says Bushnell. A low-dose aspirin each day "can be useful" to reduce stroke risk in women 65 and older only if its benefits is higher by the potential for bleeding or other risks, according to the guidelines. Women are four times more likely to suffer from migraines than men, and they usually coincide with hormone changes. Migraines with aura do raise the risk of stroke but no alone. Smoking and using oral contraceptives increase the risk even more, so the guidelines stress that patients quite smoking.

I highly recommend that all Americans especially women do follow these guidelines issued by the American Heart Association to prevent all strokes to live longer and healthier. Balanced diets and daily exercise is a very important key to reducing stroke, heart attack, diabetes and other serious issues that affect your health so take action today to improve your health.

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Why Your Body Needs Vitamins and Minerals

Our bodies are always calling out for the right vitamins and minerals. Our cells aren't just craving for nutrients every now and then, but it's a constant fight to have the right vitamins every second of our lives. If feeling under the weather, a cause for this can often be contributed to the lack of essential vitamins in our body.

Vitamins are organic or natural compounds that can be traced back to a lot of fresh foods and plants; getting a sufficient in-take of these vitamins is critical for our well-being. By and large, our bodies aren't designed to produce these types of nutrients (expect for Vitamin D3). So, in order to get the right in-take of vitamins it is either necessary to follow a healthy dietary plan or if unable to get the sufficient nutrients from that, it is possible to take a daily regimen of vitamin supplements.

The daily in-take of vitamins often depends on a person's age, lifestyle, sex, stress level, speed of metabolism, and several other factors. Generally, this means that each of us needs to take the right supplements based on our own individual requirements.

The vitamins are essential for a wide-range of functions, such as their ability transform food into a source of energy and to speed up certain biological functions. Essential nutrients also help form parts of the body's bones, skin, and blood, while also being able to eliminate particular toxins (coming from our polluted atmosphere) that get in our system.

If wishing to get the ideal quantity of vitamins the natural way by having a well-balanced and healthy diet, than your basic food supply should consist of such items as milk (or similar dairy products), meat, legumes, poultry, whole-grain cereals, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vitamins can also be split into two distinct groups, firstly the water-soluble (or hygrophilous), which are the B and C compounds. These vitamins aren't stored in the body, with the excess being eliminated via the body's natural waste system. Because these aren't kept in the system for very long, it is necessary to ensure these vitamins are taken everyday, either via a healthy diet or supplements. Secondly, the fat soluble (or lipophilous), which are the A, D, E and K compounds, These vitamins are often stored up in the system for a period of time, so its important to avoid an excessive in-take of these types of vitamins if taking supplements.

Although, most people can get the ideal level of nutrients from their everyday diet, in certain groups a need to increase the level of vitamins and minerals in their system is heightened. Some of the people often requiring a vitamin boost include pregnant of nursing women, the mature or older person aged 60 plus, where the natural absorption process is starting to slow, in people involved in highly demanding jobs, such as top-level management, where there is an increased stress level, and just for health related matters, such as those concerning illness, after operations, various crises, or throughout a convalescence period.

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Supplemental Oxygen Therapy For Optimum Health

Do you know anyone who suffer from chronic fatigue? Perhaps it's yourself. Not many people understand the fact, most symptoms of fatigue could be simply from lack of getting sufficient amounts of oxygen into their body cells.

Oxygen is one of the most abundant elements on earth, yet somehow in this world we live in today, so many people are finding their body is deprived of optimal levels of oxygen.

COPD patients understands well about the importance of oxygen, because most COPD suffers find themselves in severe difficult breathing situations and require the use of an oxygen delivery system such as oxygen concentrators which comes in several forms such as cylinders, inhalers, portable tanks, and more.

These devices clearly make a huge difference in the patients lives because with the use of the them, they are able to participate in more life activities. This truly makes life for a COPD patient much more rewarding.

Wouldn't it be great if people didn't wait until they reach that point of serious health challenges? What if people would take some time to do their own research and find natural assistance for maintaining maximum levels of oxygen in their body.

Life would probably be a lot less stressful if everyone would seek ways to take preventive measures in the field of health before the tragedy actually happens, wouldn't you agree?

The use of oxygen therapy can do wonders by improving health at a cellular level with the use of natural supplementation. Oxygen plays a powerful and demanding role in our overall health and well-being and is so vital for proper metabolic functions, blood circulation, as well as the assimilation of nutrients, digestion and the elimination of cellular and metabolic wastes.

When we can't get enough pure oxygen from our breathing alone, sometimes activated stabilized oxygen may become necessary to help bring oxygen levels up higher. Activated oxygen supplementation can perform the equivalent breathing results as long as it is completely natural, and non-toxic.

Do you realize even our abilities to think, feel, and act requires oxygen-related energy production? Whenever there are maximum levels of oxygen in our body, the body will tend to heal faster, it will get us back to feeling good again and add more life to our years? Therefore producing a better quality of life, which is what we are all striving to reach.

When doing your extensive research oxygen supplements, take a close look at the supplemental facts and also do product comparisons. Making sure to select a ph balanced formula. Be certain that it does contain bioavailable (free) oxygen. More importantly make sure it is safe, non-toxic, and (f.d.a./e.p.a.) approved.

There are some good formulas available and a few not so good. As long as you do your research you can usually sift through fairly quickly and find some high quality oxygen supplementation in the market. The sooner you get started, the faster you could be on your way to gaining optimum health by incorporating the use of oxygen supplements into your daily health routine.

It is my quest this article has given you some awareness on the topic of oxygen therapy and it has shown how simple supplements can greatly assist your body when seeking preventive alternative for some health challenges.

I am not a medical professional, therefore cannot diagnose or give any type of medical advice. Consult your physician or health care for professional medical advice. These suggestions and information are strictly for educational purposes Only.

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