Treating Varicose Veins

By Samantha Everett

You know what they are because you, like 44% of women (by age 30), have some sort of abnormal vein development, or varicose veins, in your legs.

And if you’re like most women, you want to get rid of them. Now while spider veins are nothing more than an ugly nuisance, varicose veins can swell and become quite painful over time. One thing’s for sure though: If you’re anything like most women, you want to get rid of them for good.

What are varicose veins?

Without getting all “doctor” on you, your heart consistently pumps blood to supply oxygen and all that good stuff throughout your entire body. And while arteries carry blood from your heart to every area of your body, veins take the blood from these other areas of your body and return them to the heart.

Now, your veins are like a one-way street in that they have valves that keep blood from traveling backwards; however, when those valves become weak (due, for instance, to standing all day long), some of the blood trickles back into your vein and becomes clogged, thus causing what it widely known as varicose veins.

FACTOID: Hemorrhoids are varicose veins that form around the anus or, in the case of pregnancy, in the vagina.

Why are spider / varicose veins so prominent?


Varicose veins are a dark bluish hue and look all twisty. They manage to make their way to the surface of the skin so that they are annoyingly visible to the naked eye.


Spider veins can be found virtually anywhere on the body (I have some near my ribs), but are most prominent on the legs and face. Depending on the woman, they can be found all over the body or only in a very small section of the body.

The reason these veins are most prominent in the lower extremities is due to:

- The force of gravity
- The pressure of body weight
- The task of carrying blood up to the heart

The veins in your legs have it tough because they have to carry blood uphill to your heart.

Are varicose veins dangerous?

Now while it’s rare, these veins can produce very undesirable reactions in the body, such as blood clotting, skin ulcers (sores) on the skin surrounding the varicose vein area, and swelling painful rashes.

These occurrences are rare, but if you have any of the following symptoms as a result of the veins, you may want to consult a doctor regarding treatment:

- Fatigue
- Heaviness
- Numbness
- Rashes
- Skin surrounding vein(s) becomes darker

Can I cure varicose veins myself?

You cannot alleviate or get rid of these veins on your own. As well, genetics also play a factor in whether or not your body will develop varicose/spider veins. There are, however, preventive measures you can take to minimize your chances of getting more or making them worse:

- Wear sunscreen to minimize spider veins
- Exercise every day to improve circulation
- Don’t cross your legs while sitting
- Try elevating your legs higher than your body when you lie down
- Wear support hose (I know you won’t, but it is preventive)
- Avoid salt
- Increase fiber intake

What treatments are there for varicose veins?

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the vein. The solution, in turn, causes the vein’s walls to swell up, then stick together and seal shut.

Does it hurt? No.

Does it eliminate varicose veins? Yes. Although you made need to be treated more than once, the American Academy of Dermatology states that up to 90% of patients can expect to see a dramatic improvement.

How much does it cost? Between $100 and $400 (US) per session.

Electrodesiccation
This treatment is similar to sclerotherapy except the veins are sealed off with an electrical current instead of the injection of solution. This treatment may leave scars.

Does it hurt? A bit. You will feel a mild tingling sensation.

Does it eliminate varicose veins? Most experts agree that electrodesiccation is more effective when used to treat the face rather than the legs, although the technique may be used for both.

How much does it cost? Between $150 (for the face) and $400 (for the legs) per session.

Laser surgery (small to medium veins)
Laser surgery is not really a surgery, per se, but rather a technique that involves placing a catheter (a thin tube) into the vein, which sends radiofrequency energy that shrinks and seals the vein.

Does it hurt? A bit. If you’re a complete wuss when it comes to pain, ask the doctor to apply a topical numbing agent first.

Does it eliminate varicose veins? Yes. Approved in 1999 by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) doctors feel that this treatment will eventually become the standard in treating varicose and spider veins.

How much does it cost? Between $300 to $450 per session.

Surgical Ligation & Stripping (large veins)
Yes, this is surgery. Veins are tied shut and removed from the leg.

Does it hurt? No, you’ll be under a general anesthetic.

Does it eliminate varicose veins? Yes, patients who’ve had the surgery reported a 90% decrease in spider and varicose veins.

How much does it cost? About $700 per session.

Potential complications for all the aforementioned treatments include:

- Matting
- Discoloration
- Skin Death
- Swelling

Discuss varicose veins with your doctor

Before you decide what you’re going to do, you should head to a doctor or technician via word of mouth approval (ask around, you’re bound to find a woman who’s had her veins removed). Bruising is a common occurrence after the treatments, but you want to ensure that you don’t leave feeling worse than you did when you walked in.

Good luck.

Thrillseekers' 3 - World Cuisines

By Taylor Cassar

When it comes to eating, most women tend to take the safe route and stick with what they know, but what if someone who had the culinary knowledge of Jamie Oliver took you out to show you the beauty of world cuisine? Would you be willing to take the leap and try everything?

I’m a firm believer that you’re allowed to find certain foods undesirable, so as long as you try them first. And the following world cuisines will give your palate a party like it has never known. Make it a point to try these world cuisines this week.

World cuisines #1
Ethiopian
Consisting mainly of vegetables and meat side dishes, Ethiopian food is known for its spiciness and the fact that it is eaten with injera, an unleavened sourdough flatbread. Although it’s not usually good manners to eat with the hands, it is Ethiopian tradition to do so (with the right hand). Free of pork and offering up a variety of cuisines (wot, tibs, kitfo and breakfast foods), make sure to get a taste of everything when you head to an Ethipian restaurant. As for drinks, try the tej, a sweet honey wine.

What to try: Doro Wot (chicken curry stew)


World cuisines #2
Indian
Rich in spices and herbs, Indian cuisine has a pungent odor but is delectable and sophisticated when it comes to flavor. Staples of Indian food include rice, legumes and atta (whole wheat flour). North Indian cuisine uses a lot of dairy; South Indian cuisine leans more toward rice, and; Western Indian cuisine involves more of a fusion offering, including its staple dish, Chicken Tikka. As with Ethiopian food, eating with the right hand is part of the Indian dining tradition. Take it all down with some palm wine or Darjeeling tea.

What to try: Chicken Tikka Masala


World cuisines #3
Greek
With olive oil as its staple, Greek food is considered one of the healthiest. With a preference toward goat and sheep over cow, and plenty of grilled fish, Greek food offers up a whole lot more than the souvlaki you’ve heard about. Rich in salads, cheeses (feta is the most famous), and, of course, olive oil, Greek food is simple and easy to enjoy. As well, it isn’t usually difficult to decipher what’s on your plate since you’re familiar with most of the ingredients used. Before you leave, you have to try some Ouzo (anise flavored liquor) and, for dessert, the sweet honey and nut baklava.

What to try: Pikilia is an appetizer that offers up a bit of many Greek dishes including Tzatziki (a yogurt spread), Taramosalata (a fish roe spread), Dolmades (rice wrapped in grape leaves), and Tyropita (phyllo dough with cheese).

Health Q&A - Yeast Infections & More

By Emily Bennett

Home remedies for yeast infections and heartburn, why office workers get sick so often, and more.

If you have a health question, submit it to Emily at info[at]ladythrills.com.

Recurring yeast infections

Dear Emily,

I have recurring yeast infections and although my doctor has given me everything from over-the-counter inserts to Diflucan, they seem to return. I’m tired of taking medication and was wondering if there were any natural remedies available.

Thanks,
Alicia

Hi Alicia,

Do you know why you have recurring yeast infections? Is it because of the foods you eat (alcohol, sugars, mushrooms, and other foods could be culprits)? Do you wear tight clothes that don’t allow your vagina to “breathe” (tight jeans, pantyhose)? Do you wear nylon underwear (synthetic materials can result in yeast overgrowth)? Prevention is always best.

Actually, there are plenty of home remedies you can try to remedy your yeast infections. Here are a few that I’ve tried myself:

Plain yogurt – make sure the first ingredient is bacterial cultures and it contains no sugar. Dip a tampon in the yogurt and insert the tampon into your vagina. Repeat this every night until the infection subsides (about four or five days).

Boric acid – Insert a 600 mg suppository into your vagina every night before bed for three to five nights.

Do one or the other to cure your infection; do not do both. And don’t use these remedies in conjunction with doctor’s prescriptions. As well, you should always consult with your doctor before taking anything – home remedies or otherwise.

I hope this helps,
Emily


Dust allergies

I recently got a job in an office environment where I’m surrounded by electronics and, as you can imagine, dust. It has been less than a year and I can honestly say that I have never gotten sick so often as I have working here.

Is it possible that the computer environment is making me sick?

Tara

Hi Tara,

There are many things that can lead to your getting sick more often than usual. To start the time of year plays a factor, as winter time is when most people stay indoors and more easily pass around germs and bacteria.

As well, offices equipped with plenty of electronics collect plenty of dust, as you mentioned, which may cause respiratory problems (congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough).

Finally, older buildings could contain illness-causing molds, so it’s very possible that the air circulation is causing some issues.

You can wait it out and see if perhaps this is just a tough cold that your immune system just can’t shake off as easily. You can build your immune system by taking zinc, Echinacea and vitamins B and C (please consult your physician beforehand though).

I think your best bet would be to visit a doctor to rule out any other reasons why you may be feeling ill all the time, and if the office environment continues to bother you, perhaps you should think about alternative places to work.

Emily


Keeping hydrated

Everywhere I look, I see information about the importance of drinking an adequate amount of water every day, but I can honestly say that I don’t drink more than a glass a day, and I feel fine.

I tried drinking 8 glasses a day once, and all it did was make me go to the bathroom 20 times more often than I would’ve otherwise. I could stand to lose a few pounds, mind you, but otherwise, my health is fine. Seriously, is drinking water that important?

Geena

Hi Geena,

Oh my goodness, you need to start drinking more water, girl! Water is very important for the human body; humans cannot live for more than 3 days without it. Next to air, water is the most important element needed for survival.

Water serves as a lubricant, forms the base for saliva, regulates your metabolism, alleviates constipation, and regulates body temperature. It also hydrates your skin and helps prevent disease.

You should be drinking half your body weight in ounces of water every single day (130 / 2 = 65 ounces of water). And you know what? Water might help you with weight loss because, a lot of the time, we think we’re hungry when we're actually just thirsty. So the next time you're about to reach for food, reach for a glass of water instead and see if you feel satiated.

Drink up,
Emily


Heartburn issues

Lately, it seems that no matter what I eat, I get heartburn. Is there a way to curb this sensation? It’s very irritating and I simply cannot commit to a life of lettuce.

Joanie

Hi Joanie,

Heartburn is a result of stomach acid climbs up into the esophagus, irritating it and causing a burning sensation. It is not, as many believe, a result of excess acid, but rather acid making its way to the wrong parts of the body.

You do not have to live on a diet of lettuce and water; there is hope. To begin, try the natural route. Whenever you feel heartburn coming on, mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water in a shot glass and drink up.

If this does not work, then it’s time to visit your doctor, who will likely prescribe Losec or some other heartburn alleviating drug.

For now, you might want to avoid coffee, citrus fruit, and (gasp!) chocolate. As well, try not to eat huge portions in one sitting and steer clear of eating too close to bedtime.

I hope this information helps,
Emily

If you have a health question, submit it to Emily at info[at]ladythrills.com.

Birth Control Side Effects

By Tara Fraser

Birth control is one of the greatest inventions of all time, allowing women to avoid getting pregnant and enjoy sex with freedom. But the Pill does have its bad side, albeit not usually a very serious one. But birth control side effects are nonetheless very real.

It is important, however, to note the potential problems and benefits that arise from taking The Pill.

Different birth control dosages

The Pill comes in a variety of different levels and with chemical hormones. Some pills contain progestin alone and others contain estrogen and progestin. Although today’s pills tend to contain much less estrogen than pills from just over 10 years ago, they do still contain enough hormones to have serious side effects on women.

And while some side effects are easily detectable, others aren’t. So without further ado, here are some birth control side effects that The Pill may be having on you. And you may not even realize it until you’re through reading.

The good birth control side effects

For many women, The Pill is a godsend; not just because it can prevent unwanted pregnancy, but because some women experience irregular periods and intense menstrual pain, and The Pill helps to minimize the discomfort.

Good birth control side effects #1
Decrease in acne
There is no cure for acne, but because acne is a hormonal problem, many teenage (and even adult) women take The Pill in order to minimize breakouts.

There even exists a pill, called Diane-35, whose sole purpose, besides keeping you from getting pregnant, is to help women combat acne. It works extremely well for preventing most women’s acne, as do many other brands of birth control pills.

Good birth control side effects #2
Weight loss
There are many women who enjoy The Pill because it helps control their appetite and results in weight loss. The most popular birth control that has such an effect is Yasmin.

There are also plenty of women who insist that The Pill didn’t result in weight loss, but it didn’t result in any weight gain, either. So for many women, the side effect of weight loss or, at the very least, no weight gain, is a huge plus.

Good birth control side effects #3
No PMS
Imagine that, just before your period, you felt good and energetic, didn’t have any headaches and didn’t feel irritable. Well, for many women who take The Pill, that’s exactly how they feel.

Not only do women know exactly when they’re going to get their periods; they know how long it’s going to last. The flow isn’t incredibly heavy throughout the menses, which also leaves its takers feeling great.

Good birth control side effects #4
No menstrual pain
I lost an ovary a few years back and my periods were incredibly painful as a result, so my gynecologist prescribed The Pill and although it took a few tries to find the right birth control pill for me, the pain subsided completely.

Whether your menstrual problem is serious or you just can’t deal with the cramps that go along with menstruation, there is a pill that can help you eradicate the pain.

The bad birth control side effects

Unfortunately, ingesting hormones to regulate your period may also lead to other, unwanted, side effects, most of which keep many women from opting for The Pill.

Bad birth control side effects #1
Blood clots
Although the likelihood of blood clotting has been significantly reduced due to The Pill’s recent low doses of combined hormones (estrogen and progestin), there is still a chance that women who take The Pill may experience blood clots in their legs, lungs, heart, or brain.

The likelihood increases if you’re a smoker, over 35 and considerably overweight, but unless you already have a predisposition to developing blood clots, the chances aren’t terribly high.

Bad birth control side effects #2
Depression and/or anxiety
In my mission to find a good pill that would alleviate my pain, I ended up taking a birth control pill that gave me terrible anxiety and had me on the brink of suicide.

At the time, I had no idea that The Pill could have such a serious effect on my mental health, but thanks to a close friend, it was brought to my attention that the new pill I was prescribed could be affecting my moods.

Whenever you start a new medication, especially The Pill, take note of your moods and state of mind. If you become anxious or depressed, stop taking The Pill right away and consult your physician.

Bad birth control side effects #3
Loss of libido
You may be the horniest girl this side of porn without The Pill, but there is a chance that it can hinder your desire for sex completely – and although it’s supposed to keep you from getting pregnant, this is not its intended way of doing so.

If you realize that you have no interest in kissing, let alone having sex with, your man, be aware that The Pill may be causing your lack of desire.

Bad birth control side effects #4
Weight gain & tender breasts
Although some women complain about significant weight gain while on The Pill, the most any woman should gain is about 10 pounds. Most women gain between three to five pounds at most.

Besides the weight gain, your breasts may swell, which, according to some women, is not such a bad thing. But the feelings of breast tenderness may become somewhat irritating and could result at the onset of your period every month.

Bad birth control side effects #5
Nausea & vomiting
Some women note that, in the first few cycles of The Pill, they experience feelings of nausea, at times resulting in vomiting. Luckily, after their bodies adjust to the hormonal changes, the nausea and vomiting subside.

Of course, if you experience nausea, you may opt to try a different pill. It’s possible that while one pill makes you miserable, another will have no negative side effects.

Birth control side effects

There are plenty of other potential birth control side effects that result from The Pill and, because every woman is different, you won’t know what’s going to result from your prescription until you take it.

Keep in mind that what might be a fantastic pill for your friend, may not be suitable for you at all, so don’t ask your doctor to recommend a pill simply because Joanna thinks it’s phenomenal.

And again, keep in mind that your chances for complications resulting from The Pill increase when you’re a smoker or over 35 years of age.

So with all that in mind, now you can make an informed decision about The Pill. There are a host of pros and cons involved, but the decision to take it is ultimately up to you.

Improve Your Posture

By Samantha Everett

Sit up straight! I bet that the moment you saw that, you stopped slouching and pulled your shoulders back somewhat. Wouldn’t you like to have perfect posture without even having to think about it?

If you’ve ever had a stiff neck, chronic headaches, hunched shoulders, or restricted breathing, chances are you need to learn to improve your posture now before it’s too late.

Bad posture, over the long-term, can lead to an imbalance in your muscles, lack of flexibility, and discomfort that tends to be brought on by nothing in particular.

So how can you improve your posture in just a few short weeks? Well, by devoting some time to your body daily, you will notice a huge difference in the way you stand and the way your body begins to feel.


FACTOID: Significantly more women have erect postures than men.


Improve your posture today

Of course, you need to keep in mind that correcting your bad posture won’t happen overnight. If you’re in your mid-20s or early 30s, just imagine how long you’ve had your current stance. Luckily, with discipline and a tad of dedication, you will improve your posture and stand tall before you know it.

If you tend to walk around with a concaved chest because your breast are big, imagine how bad you’ll feel doing that when you’re in your 40s and look like a little old lady with a hump. Don’t let your breasts get in the way of standing up straight.

Yoga
There are a variety of yoga exercises available to all, but the Sun Salutation, which contains a series of 12 postures performed back to back, is a great way to improve your posture.

Head to a power yoga class and spend about 20 minutes doing Sun Salutations and you will feel it in your back the next day. You will begin to feel a pinch in your muscles when you keep your back perfectly erect. This is the proper stance necessary to keep looking tall for the rest of your life.


Pilates
Pilates exercises are designed to not only strengthen your core muscles, but to improve posture. Some people claim to have grown three inches since taking Pilates classes, but because their posture improved so drastically, their straightened spine is what caused the “growth spurt.”

Pilates exercises focus mainly on your entire core, which includes your back and abdominal muscles. After a few short weeks of attending these classes, you will begin to notice a change in your stance.


Sit on a ball
Applying ergonomics in your environment may be expensive, so it may be up to you to figure out how to do so without having to give up your day job. The simplest solution is to replace your chair with a ball.

A firm Swiss ball can help keep your core working all day and will force you to keep your back straight because the moment you begin to slouch, you’ll begin to feel out of whack.


Avoid the one-side carry all
Every time I carry my 10-pound purse (I keep everything in there) and my gym bag around, they’re always hanging off my left shoulder, and now when I stand straight, I notice that my left shoulder hangs somewhat lower than my right one.

You have a few options here if you want to improve your posture: Remove about eight pounds of stuff from your purse, stop carrying things around all day, or alternate shoulders so that neither begins to feel the wrath of your makeup bag.

As for any other bags you carry, try to use one with two straps for either shoulder so that the weight is distributed evenly.


Choose the right mattress
You will spend 1/3 of your life sleeping, so if you spend it sleeping on a bad mattress, imagine how bad you will feel during the other 2/3 of your life.

Opt for a firm mattress, and try to sleep either on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with your knees slightly bent. Also, sleep with only one pillow, otherwise you will throw your neck and spine out of alignment. A good night’s sleep will definitely improve your posture.


Stretch your muscles
When you wake up in the morning, get out of bed and stretch your arms above your head. Then, wrap your arms around your body, as if to give yourself a hug, and twist your body to the left and right.

Do not perform any ballistic movements, such as reaching down for your toes and bobbing up and down; this will not improve your posture and will only lead to injury. If you’re going to do some flexibility stretching, make sure to warm up your muscles first by jogging for a few minutes or doing jumping jacks.

Keep your back straight

It’s important for women to ensure proper back alignment because so many things, such as pregnancy, for example, can really take a toll on our bodies and result in permanent damage if we weren’t standing up straight to begin with.

So make sure you pay attention to the way you stand, walk, sit, sleep, and move, and you will be standing tall for years to come.

Break Your Addiction

By Alicia Socorro

From coffee to cigarettes and shoe shopping to Blackberrys, it seems that every woman is trying to overcome an addiction to something. Of course, there are some addictions that are way more serious than others, but if you want to break your addiction yourself, it is possible. And no, you don’t need a hypnotist.

Giving up a habit that has become an integral part of your routine may feel almost impossible, but with a little help and self-realization, you can do anything you set your mind to. Yes, even break your addiction.


Break your addiction tip #1
Understand why you’re addicted
Before you can even begin to break your addiction, you need to understand why it’s become a part of your life. You have to decide what the reason is, whether it’s because you need it to deal with anxiety or stressors in your life.

And you also need to figure out how it helps you, or, rather, how you perceive it helps you. This is a very difficult step and facing the facts may be more difficult than you imagine.

For example, if you drink to excess, admitting that you’re self-medicating to numb yourself of pain is a lot harder than believing that you drink because “everyone around me encourages it.”


Break your addiction tip #2
Admit it rather than deny it
Whether you smoke or dig yourself into debt by shopping like a madwoman, at some level, you are well aware that what you’re doing is not good for you in any capacity. What’s conflicting is that you know this, yet can’t stop yourself. Or can you?

If you can admit to yourself that you do it because you’re trying to cover up something within, then you can move on to break your addiction. But if you continue to play the victim or trivialize the issue, you won’t be able to overcome your vice.


Break your addiction tip #3
Avoid the triggers
If hanging out with all your smoker friends will definitely get you into the cigarette mode, perhaps it’s best to steer clear of them until you’re confident that you kicked the habit.

As well, if a certain time of day triggers your need for a drink or a cigarette, you have to recognize these situations and overcome them. It only takes a few minutes to get through it. Remember; you can break your addiction by focusing on the present and not the future. Take things one day at a time.


Break your addiction tip #4
Make the change now
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard women say “Oh, I plant to quit when I’m 30.” That’s a crock. If you really want to quit, you’ll quit starting now. There is no right time in the future; the time is now.

If you do procrastinate, it’s because you refuse to face and break your addiction. You will not be successful until you’re prepared and resolve to give it up for good.


Break your addiction tip #5
Take responsibility for setbacks
If you managed to break your addiction for 5 weeks and ended up falling off the wagon once, that doesn’t mean that you should throw all your efforts out the window and fall back into your old habits.

Own your mistake and move on. It’s not the end of the world if you make a mistake, so long as it’s the exception and not the rule.


Break your addiction tip #6
Reward your accomplishment
Breaking an addiction is a huge feat and you should reward yourself for accomplishing your goal. Whether you head out on vacation or buy yourself a box of chocolates, a small reward for your efforts is worthwhile.

Every day you go without is another step closer to breaking your addiction for good. And that is definitely something to be proud of.


Break your addiction tip #7
Create a support system
Going through this alone is never easy, so it would serve you best to enlist the help of friends and family. First, tell this support system about your plans to break your addiction. This way, you’ll feel obligated to follow through even more so.

Second, in your moments of weakness, you’ll have someone to rely on. Your support system will encourage you to keep going and help you through those weak points in your mission to break your addiction.


Break your addiction tip #8
Create a new coping mechanism
A girlfriend of mine used to smoke a full pack of cigarettes a day, and did so for 12 years. But after her mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, she made a promise to quit. The problem was that she took away something that helped calm her down and didn’t replace it with anything.

If you’re going to quit something cold turkey, you can’t expect to move on without a hitch. You need to replace your old habit with a new one. That’s not to suggest that you quit smoking and take up alcohol; no, you need to replace your bad addiction with a good habit.

For example, if you quit smoking, take up fitness or even something as simple as breathing exercises. Your objective is to move into a better, healthier direction.

Break your addiction forever

With a little programming and a lot of willpower, you can definitely kick the habit and break your addiction for good. You’re best bet is to look at things from the immediate and not overwhelm yourself with the idea that you will quitting “forever.”

Take things one day at a time and before you know it, years will have passed and your addiction will be nothing but a distant memory.

Are You A Procrastinator?

By Alicia Sorocco

At some point or another, we’ve all done it. The reasons why are aplenty, but there’s no doubt that we’ve all put off till tomorrow what could be done today. What prompts this behavior? Is it simply because we can’t be bothered? Well, maybe, but there are other reasons behind our consistent postponement of the things that need to get done.

So why do you keep putting off your daily duties? Well, the reasons may surprise you.

Why you procrastinate reason #1
Tasks are unpleasant
If you have to clean out the cat litter or call up the cable company for weird charges to your bill, it’s obvious that neither is going to be fun. So there’s a good chance that you’ll avoid getting them done for as long as you can.

Resolution: If you go into such tasks with a good attitude (“I love my cat so much, she’s adorable,” and “Let’s see which customer service rep is going to make my day today.”), there’s a good chance you’ll come out of them without feeling like you never want to go through that again.

Why you procrastinate reason #2
Tasks are difficult
Whether it’s writing an article that requires a boatload of research or building a dog house, the idea of getting started sucks the wind right out of you simply because the task is huge in its entirety.

Resolution: Break the project down into pieces and, if necessary, delegate. When you turn a huge task into a bunch of smaller ones, you’ll find that you get more done in less time. As well, if someone happens to be around when you’re ready to go, ask for their help.

Why you procrastinate reason #3
Fear of making the wrong decision
Sometimes, the best way to avoid blame or regret is by avoiding the decision-making process entirely. Unfortunately, you will have to make a decision at some point. Let’s get on that today, shall we?

Resolution: Give yourself a deadline and tell someone about it; someone who will rag on you if you don’t follow through. That way, you’ll feel obligated to make a decision and be done with it.

Why you procrastinate reason #4
You’re just lazy
This one is probably the most difficult reasons to overcome. If you just don’t have the motivation in you, it is up to you to discipline yourself because you’re the only person you should always be able to depend on.

Resolution: The only way to change this potentially crippling behavior is by promising yourself a reward once it’s complete. The thing is, you cannot, under any circumstance, reward yourself if you don’t accomplish your goal.

You can also tell others of your intentions to get something done; that way, you’ll feel anxious about not getting it done after having told the world that you would.

Why you procrastinate reason #5
It’s never perfect enough
You, like most of us, are mildly neurotic. No matter how hard you work at projects, you feel as though they’re never completed to perfection. So, rather than break your head trying to perfect it, you give up altogether.

Resolution: At some point, you’re going to figure out, that not everything can be perfect because perfect is a relative term. As long as you do your best and try your hardest, you can’t demand more than that of yourself. Show your accomplishment to others (at the point when you start sweating the small stuff) and get their opinions. There’s a strong chance that they’ll be impressed by what you’ve done.

Why you procrastinate reason #6
You hate your boss
Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that working hard so that a person you really hate can make a bigger salary sucks eggs. And if you’re in a situation where you only want to work the bare minimum so that you don’t get fired, you really need to reevaluate your professional situation.

Resolution: In this particular situation, procrastination is less of habit and more of a vengeful tactic. You have two choices: 1) Begin actively seeking other employment; or, 2) Resolve your issues with your boss.

Why you procrastinate reason #7
You have adult ADD
Focusing your attention on one thing for an extended period of time is almost impossible. If it’s not the lure of Internet gossip sites that distract you, it’s Jane from accounting who comes strolling in to tell you about the latest love affair on the sixth floor. You just can’t make yourself pay attention to the task at hand.

Resolution: If you have an office, close your door. If you work in a cubicle, put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on top of your computer. It’s okay to let distractions take over every once in awhile, but you shouldn’t use them to avoid getting your work done.

Create a list of small tasks to complete each day and make sure that you accomplish them each day. That way, you will have a sense of satisfaction in knowing that you’re not letting your distractions take up the majority of your day.

Stop putting things off

It’s easy to wait until the very last minute to get things done, but that will only lead to more stress in your life, and God knows we all have enough of that already.

Make time to get the things you don’t take pleasure in out of the way so that you have more time to enjoy the things you love doing.

Otherwise, you might wake up one day and discover that you’re 60 years old with nothing to show for it. It’s all up to you.

7 Ways To Refresh Yourself For Summer

By Samantha Hallinger

The heat, the sun, the beautiful blue sky, the happy people wandering the streets – you know summertime can’t be beat. And once you refresh yourself for summer, everyone will take notice of your hotness as well.

After spending all those months in sheer hibernation and putting on all those layers of clothes, it’s time to refresh yourself for summer and give your face, body and wardrobe an overhaul.

So if you’re ready to refresh yourself for summer, here are the myriad ways you can do so.

Refresh yourself for summer tip #1
Revive your skin
After all those months stuck in heated house, your skin must be begging for an overhaul; give it what it needs every day and get that sun kissed look that all women vie for.

To start, hydrate your skin by drinking water throughout the day, every day. About 2 liters is what’s needed to maintain youthful, healthy looking skin.

Next, exfoliate your skin by using a loofah in the shower or an exfoliating soap (an apricot scrub works wonders).

If you want to add a little color to your skin, considering you’re probably looking a little pasty, invest in a self-tanner (try Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner) and use it until you achieve the desired color.

Finally, keep your skin looking soft and smooth by applying a lotion to your skin after you shower. This will lock in moisture and ensure you never have dry-patch elbow.

Refresh yourself for summer tip #2
Tone your body
You can’t expect to wake up and own the perfect body (at least, few of us can), so if you want to refresh yourself for summer, you need to step up your fitness regime. We all tend to get lazy during the winter because, well, we have to cover everything up anyway; but now it’s time to show off, and you need to look your hottest if you want to wear those skimpy tops.

Get to the gym ASAP and perform the requisite 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training at least 3 times a week if you want to see any significant changes in your body.

Refresh yourself for summer tip #3
Eat healthier
The “go-with” when it comes to the gym, eating healthier is part of the fitness regime for summer. And besides, when it’s hot outside, there’s nothing that’s more refreshing than fruits & vegetables.

Although lean proteins and good fats should also make up part of your diet, eating 5 handfuls of fruits and 5 handfuls of vegetables a day, and steering clear of processed foods will help get your body summer ready in no time.

Refresh yourself for summer tip #4
Put away winter wear
It’s time to forget winter ever existed and look ahead to summer as though it will never end. That said, it’s time to put all those bulky winter sweaters and coats away and bust out the skimpy tops, shorts and skirts you’ve been waiting months to wear.

Go shopping! You’re not committed to last year’s summer wear. Hell no! Go out and get yourself some trendy summer pieces that make you feel sexy all over.

Refresh yourself for summer tip #5
Rejuvenate your face
As with your body, your face needs some rejuvenation as well. To start, book a facial today.

Next, remember to exfoliate once a week (Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is fantastic) in order to maintain that fresh, youthful look.

Finally, invest in a high end face self-tanner like Clarins Tinted Self-Tanning Face Cream; you can blend it into your regular moisturizer and use it to give your face that tinted glow.

Refresh yourself for summer tip #6
Get your hair did
Summertime is the perfect time to go for change when it comes to your hairstyle. Whether it’s simply trimming off the ends or adding blonde highlights, update your look with a healthier looking head of hair.

And while summer is fantastic in and of itself, the sun can wreak havoc on your hair, so make sure to treat it – whether professionally or at home – with a hot essential oil treatment (like soybean, castor or olive) once a week.

Refresh yourself for summer tip #7
Get a pedicure
After suffocating your feet in socks and boots for an entire season, it’s time you let your feet take a breath of fresh air… and that means open toe shoes! Yay!

But wait; are your feet and toes looking like something out of the Amazon forest? Many of us tend to neglect our feet in the winter, so book your pedicure appointment today and make sure to keep your feet looking hot all summer. Remember; a man will judge you on your toes.

Always refresh yourself for summer

With the sun shining and you looking your absolute best, this summer will likely be one of your best ever. So keep yourself looking refreshed and wait as the myriad men fall all over themselves trying to get with you.

Detoxify Your Body - 8 Tips

By Tara Fraser

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, fatigued or like hell lately, it’s possible that taking measures to detoxify your body is all you need to start feeling better about yourself.

Wile some experts tout juice diets and the like, I believe that you can detoxify your body without starving yourself. As well, detoxifying is about cleansing in a natural way that you can live with. The last thing you want is to detoxify your body and feel murderous throughout the experience.

Detoxification is about cleansing your insides by stimulating your liver to purge toxins from your body, improve your blood circulation and eliminate these unwanted toxins from your body via your intestines, kidneys and pores.

So if you are of sound health but feel like your body needs a little kick so that you feel more peppy, here are some simple adjustments you can make to detoxify your body starting now.

Detoxify your body tip #1
Avoid certain foods
There are certain foods that are known to increase the amount of toxins in your body and if you want to detoxify your body, you should avoid them as often as possible.

These foods include:

• Red meat
  
  
• Swordfish, shark, marlin (high mercury content)
  
  
• Caffeine
  
  
• Processed foods
  
  
• Hydrogenated fats
  
  
• Refined sugar (all sugars for that matter)
  
  
• Salt
  
  
• Alcohol
  
  
• Sodas

While I wouldn’t ask you to cut these things out of your life for good, I do recommend that you eat them sparingly.

Detoxify your body & feel good

It’s not incredibly difficult to rid your body of impurities, but with today’s hustle and bustle lifestyle, it’s difficult to spend any time on ourselves. But with a little dedication, you can easily repair your insides and feel great from without.


Detoxify your body tip #2
Increase fiber intake
While it might take your body some getting used to at first, increasing your fiber intake is a great way to help your body get rid of unwanted toxins.

And you don’t need to start eating bowl after bowl of beans; you can start easy with fresh fruits and vegetables, the best of which are grapefruit, oranges, beets, cabbage, artichokes, broccoli, and seaweed. These foods should take up the bulk of your diet.


Detoxify your body tip #3
Drink green tea
Green tea is a wonder drink. Not only is it renowned for its antioxidant properties, it also increases energy. So whenever you get the chance, enjoy it hot or cold and fill up on this miracle drink.


Detoxify your body tip #4
Take some herbs
Milk thistle, burdock, yellow dock, red clover, and dandelion root all work to purify your bloodstream by improving your liver function. You don’t have to take them all, mind you; opt for one and spend a few days on it (consult your doctor before taking any herbs).

Burdock and yellow dock purify the blood. Dandelion root heals and ailing liver. Red clover is a diuretic that purportedly heals skin issues. Milk thistle cleanses and protects the liver. All these herbs can be found at natural food stores.


Detoxify your body tip #5
Drink clean water
If you’re not already downing 2 liters of water a day, then it’s time you got started. Water is the best body cleanser; although I do not recommend drinking tap water due to the myriad problems we constantly hear about from tainted waters.

Whether you opt to drink spring water or filtered water, you need to drink at least 2 liters a day, if not more. Don’t drink this amount in one sitting, however; you should be drinking water throughout your day, every day.


Detoxify your body tip #6
Get to a sauna
You can eliminate a whole lot of waste through perspiration. Although getting to a sauna may not be simple, when you want to detoxify your body, make it a point to head to one at least once.

If possible, after you sweat out the toxins, rinse off with some cold water to close off your pores.

Detoxify your body tip #7
Take up yoga
Okay, you don’t necessarily have to invest your time in a yoga class, although I highly recommend it simply because you will be taught the correct way to breathe. And while you might think that breathing is a simple enough technique, considering we do it to live, most people never pay attention to their breathing and fail to properly oxygenate their bodies.

Each evening, a few hours before you go to bed, sit on the floor with your legs crossed and your hands resting on your knees. Close your eyes and take a slow, deep inhale to the count of 10, hold it for a second and exhale deep and slowly to the count of 10. Repeat this 10 times every night. This will help the oxygen circulate more thoroughly throughout your body.


Detoxify your body tip #8
Exercise
As aforementioned, sweating is a fantastic way to detoxify your body. Rigorous exercise will also help your body eliminate toxins via your pores and help you to cleanse your system and purify your organs.

Try to get in about 1 hour of exercise every day. Not only is it good if you want to detoxify your body, it’s also good for your overall health and well-being.

Top 10 Foods That Burn Fat

By Tara Fraser

Exercise is a fantastic way to burn calories and keep yourself looking lean and sexy; but what if you could eat foods that burn fat by increasing your metabolism?

I know it sounds nearly impossible but it’s not; there exist certain foods that burn off fat and can keep your waistline exactly where you want it.

Of course, eating these foods that burn fat won’t work on their own; you need to maintain a healthy diet - drink plenty of water and eat complex carbohydrates along with lean protein and healthy fats - and work out regularly.

So what are these 10 foods that burn fat? I’m glad you asked.

Foods that burn fat #10
Cayenne pepper
Known also as capsicum, capsaicum, red pepper, and chile peppers, cayenne pepper is considered one of the best fat-burning spices and is highly touted by Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen and singer Beyonce.

Cayenne pepper not only helps you burn more calories by triggering a thermodynamic burn that lasts hours after eating, it also enhances the way cholesterol is processed by the body.

But you can’t just depend on cayenne pepper alone; this spicy additive needs to be coupled with lean protein to work its magic because protein is necessary to process and transport fat throughout the body adequately.

Cayenne pepper makes you sweat and raises your heart rate, so your metabolism shoots up for a few hours after eating it.

Foods that burn fat #9
Cinnamon
Research conducted by the USDA has proven that as little as a ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon added to food helps your body to metabolize sugar 20 times faster and lower your body’s blood-sugar levels.

So sprinkle this yummy, sweet spice on fruit and coffee, or add it to your smoothies and watch the pounds melt away.

Foods that burn fat #8
Ginger
A known vasodilator, ginger expands the blood vessels, increases body heat and metabolism by 20%. Whether you consume it ground, fresh or in a tea (found in your local health food store), ginger is a fat-burning beauty.

If all this weren’t enough, ginger also detoxifies the body and stimulates circulation. So there’s a whole lot more to ginger than just the pickled variety on your sushi platter.

Foods that burn fat #7
Citrus fruit
Lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and limes are incredibly high in vitamin C, which has a fat-burning component. The C vitamin reduces fat’s effectiveness and can liquefy or dilute it so that it exits the body.

By adding citrus fruit to your diet, you will essentially increase your metabolism and control your cholesterol levels.

Foods that burn fat #6
Apples & berries
Although all fresh fruit contain pectin, apples and berries have it in abundance. Pectin has a water-binding property and, when ingested, limits the amount of fat your cells absorb.

The watery buildup that results from pectin drowns out the fat from the cells and keeps your body from absorbing it. So pack on the apples and berries (do your best to go organic) and watch the pounds come off.

Foods that burn fat #5
Soybeans
Packed with lecithin, this naturally occurring chemical in soybeans helps your body to keep your cells from accumulating fat.

Ingesting a handful of soybeans (find them at your local health food store) three to five times a week will boost your body’s ability to eliminate fat more quickly.

Foods that burn fat #4
Bananas
Found in milk and oranges as well, bananas contain potassium, a naturally occurring chemical that boosts your metabolism and regulates your body’s water balance.

Bananas contain approximately 450 milligrams of potassium (a cup of milk contains about 350 and oranges contain about 250), and you should aim to have about 2,000 milligrams per day, every day.

Foods that burn fat #3
EFAs
Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, should be a part of your dietary lifestyle. Women who consume fish regularly have lower levels of a protein hormone called leptin, which has been linked to a slower metabolism and obesity.

Do your best to eat fish three to five times a week. The best fish to reach for are wild salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel.

Foods that burn fat #2
Garlic
It may leave your breath smelling somewhat undesirable, but garlic has many healing properties. Besides being a natural antibiotic, a bacteria destroyer and a blood sugar regulator, garlic also has the ability to speed up your fat-burning.

Garlic works like a thermogenic in your body, boosts your metabolism and keeps your insulin levels low to maximize fat burning. It’s stinky, but worth it.

Foods that burn fat #1
Dairy products
The International Journal of Obesity published a study in April 2005 that concluded that calcium and protein that come from low-fat dairy products actually promote weight loss and help to maintain muscle mass.

Try to eat three servings of low-fat dairy products a day, which can come in the form of milk, cheese or yogurt. I guess milk really does do the body good.

Foods that burn fat

One cannot live on these foods alone; variety is, after all, the spice of life. But if you can incorporate these foods into an already active and healthy lifestyle, you will be leaner and sexier in no time.

Keep Your Neck Looking Young - 6 Ways

By Samantha Everett

You’ve seen it on many women and are likely thinking that it won’t happen to you, but if you’re not careful, there is a good chance that your neck will begin to look old well before your face follows suit. But there is a way to keep your neck looking young and none of them involve surgery.

Too many women spend a lot of time primping and preening their faces with everything from expensive creams to professional facials, but neglect their necks until it’s too late.

But your neck doesn’t have to start looking old by the time you hit 30; if you take all the right precautions and lavish it with attention, you can make sure that you keep your neck looking young, beautiful and regal well into old age.

If you can follow these simple tips, you will be wearing your hair in a ponytail almost daily just to show off that gorgeous “head stand.”

FACTOID: Botox is used to remove neck band wrinkles.

Keep your neck looking young tip #1
Watch TV upright
The next time you’re watching television, whether it’s in the living room or the bedroom, take note of your position; do you tend to lower your chin toward your chest and sit that way for hours?

If you hold this position constantly and it has developed into a habit, eventually your neck will begin to develop fine lines and the skin may even begin to sag.

Do your best to keep your chin up at all times. If you’ve ever seen photos of yourself and freaked out over seeing a double chin, it’s possible that it looks like you have one because you tend to keep your chin down. Start holding your chin high and you’ll begin to see a whole new you – and this will help to keep your neck looking young.

Keeping your chin up ultimately keeps your neck from developing folds or wrinkles prematurely. So start paying attention to where your chin is at all times and avoid dropping it.


Keep your neck looking young tip #2
Treat your neck like you do your face
If you treat your face like gold every morning and night, and don’t do the same for your neck, you’ll end up with a soft, smooth face and an aging neck. And if you’ve ever a woman sporting that, you know that it’s not pretty.

From this point on, any courtesy you pay your face, you should also pay to your neck. If you use a face mask, apply it to your neck as well; if you exfoliate your face once a week, do the same to your neck.

And most importantly, use a really high SPF on your neck to keep it from aging; the skin on your neck is quite thin and sensitive, and will age quickly if you do not protect it from UV rays.

By treating your neck and face as equals, your neck will not turn on you and go the route of raisins.


Keep your neck looking young tip #3
Exercise
Not only should you stretch and exercise your neck regularly in order to avoid stiffness and injury, you should also strength train your entire body in order to keep your neck looking youthful. No, I’m not kidding; this will keep your neck looking young.

Strength training causes your neck to strain to lift the weight, inadvertently causing your neck to develop muscle and improve its mobility.

And on those days that you stay out of the gym, remember to stretch your neck by leaning your head toward one shoulder, then the other, and then leaning toward your back and then your chest. Hold each position for about 30 seconds.


Keep your neck looking young tip #4
Stay thin
It’s a no-brainer that if you gain weight, there’s a pretty good chance that your neck will take on some of the extra weight. Unnecessary weight gain is unattractive to begin with, but when it causes “neck fat,” you will not be a happy camper.

Exercise (see above) and healthy eating will keep you from gaining weight, and will keep you from developing a double chin and fleshy neck.


Keep your neck looking young tip #5
Massage your neck
If you can afford it, head out for a facial every three months and ask for a neck massage as well. It won’t cost you extra and you will enjoy the sensation immensely.

If you cannot afford four facials a year, then opt to massage your neck yourself. Add a little moisturizer to your fingertips and massage your neck in an upwards motion. Doing this stimulates blood circulation in the neck resulting in more blood at the surface.


Keep your neck looking young tip #6
Sleep with your head up
If you tend to sleep on multiple pillows, it’s time to stop doing so because you probably end up sleeping with a curved neck. By sleeping on a low pillow, your neck is more likely to remain elongated throughout the night.

If you curl your neck down toward your chest while you sleep, your neck will eventually wrinkle prematurely, but by lowering your pillow or using no pillow at all, you will notice that your desire to curl your chin will subside.

Keep your neck looking young forever

Growing up, we tend to think that we will look young forever and sometimes neglect parts of ourselves until it’s too late. But if you begin to take care of your neck at the same time that you start fussing over your face, you will maintain your youthful beauty for years to come.

And that’s what every woman wants; to look youthful from head to, well, neck. Okay, maybe a little lower than that.

Best Teas For Your Health

By Meredith Thompson

Over the last few years, we’ve been hearing about all the health benefits of drinking tea. Unfortunately, when it comes to the best teas, the information that’s being strewed upon us is confusing at best.

While we definitely know that drinking tea is advantageous in many ways, we don’t know exactly which teas do what and how much we need to drink of these best teas to see the benefits.
And although all tea comes from the same source, the Camilla Sinensis tea bush, what kind of tea it is transformed into depends on what’s done to it after it has been plucked.

That said, here is the lowdown on some of the health properties of the best teas that have come highly recommended by dieticians and doctors alike.

Best teas #1
Green tea
By far the most popular and well-known best teas, green tea has been touted as a godsend for its health properties. Unlike other teas, green tea leaves are not fermented at all, but rather sit in hot air or get steamed.

Not only is green tea chock full of antioxidants that keep free radicals from attacking your body, it can actually neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals currently taking their toll.

Although you would need to drink upwards of 10 cups of tea per day to reap the benefits, when you begin to see the results, drinking 10 cups will be a pleasure.

Other benefits of green tea include:

Inhibits precancerous lesions

Elevates HDL, or good, cholesterol

Prevents tooth decay (but not stains)

Inhibits plaque growth on teeth

Inhibits arthritis

Increases energy

Helps the body burn more calories

Reduces the chance of developing infections

Inhibits the development of halitosis (bad breath)

Keeps blood pressure stable

How much to drink: 3 to 10 cups per day

Best green tea: Sencha green tea

Best teas #2
White tea
White tea is produced by plucking the tea leaves before they are fully mature, and then get steamed and dried to produce buds with white fuzz on them.

With its naturally sweet flavor, white tea is somewhat more expensive that other teas. Most women agree, however, that the flavor, which is much milder and less grassy tasting than green tea, is worth the price.

You can find other white teas under the more commonly used names Darjeeling White and Ceylon White.

Benefits of white tea include:

Fights cancer-causing free radicals

Boosts the immune system

Inhibits plaque growth on teeth

Prevents tooth decay

How much to drink: 3 to 5 cups per day

Best white tea: Bai Hao Yinzhen

Best teas #3
Black tea
Unlike green and white teas, black tea goes through a fermentation process; a process that gives it its deep color and distinct flavor.

Recent studies show that black tea has just as many beneficial properties as green tea. With its sweet and mildly spicy flavor, many women also find it milder on the palate than green tea.

And while green tea tends to lose its beneficial properties one year after production, black tea can last for several years.

The one thing you do need to keep in mind when drinking black tea, however, is that it has a higher caffeine content than other teas, so you might want to avoid drinking too late in the evening.

Benefits of black tea include:

Prevents clogged arteries

Reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol

Prevents bad breath

Helps deter food poisoning (when taken with burnt toast)

Reduces the risk of stroke

Reduces risk of coronary heart disease

Helps digestion

How much to drink: 4 to 6 cups

Best black tea: Yunnan Black Tea

Best teas #4
Oolong tea
With an oxidation level found somewhere between black and green teas, oolong (which means black dragon in Chinese) tastes suspiciously a lot like green tea, save for that grassy flavor that most women tend to dislike.

Oolong tea has a slightly sweet and flowery flavor that is pleasant and doesn’t leave an aftertaste.

Benefits of oolong tea include:

Prevents cavities

Helps burn more calories

Improves blood flow to the heart

Builds stronger bones

Improves digestion

How much to drink: 4 to 6 cups

Best oolong tea: Li Shan

Best teas for your life

If you want to make sure that you live a long and healthy life, you might want to put those lattes aside and start reaching for the tea instead. Sure, they contain less caffeine than coffee, but what they lack in caffeine, they sure make up for in health benefits.

Start incorporating tea time into your day and you’ll feel all the better for it.

Lose Weight Effectively - 9 Tips

By Meredith Thompson

If you want to lose weight effectively, you need to follow some ground rules. I know we live in a fast-paced society, but weight loss will not happen overnight and, if it does, it won’t last.

To get you started on your righteous path to lose weight effectively, here are your sure-fire bets that assure long-lasting results and the least chance of following off the wagon.


Lose weight effectively tip #1
Figure out your motivation
Before you even bother getting started, you need to figure out why exactly you want to lose weight. If it’s because you want to fit into your size 6 dress in time for your sister’s wedding, then you’re heart and body are not in the right place and you are not ready to lose weight effectively.

Your objective should be a long-term one; one that you will stick to your whole life through. Do you want to improve your health, maintain a more radiant appearance or increase your energy? If your motivation is one that sets the standard for the long-term, then you are well on your way to lose weight efectivly.


Lose weight effectively tip #2
Don’t starve yourself
Avoiding food is terrible for your health and your morale. If that isn’t bad enough, it also sends the signal to your body that you’re in a famine, so the next time you ingest anything, it will get stored as fat, as your body is afraid that it won’t get to eat again anytime soon.

Starvation diets won’t do you any good and will leave you feeling like a failure after you finally give up and begin to eat again, which will result in even more weight gain.


Lose weight effectively tip #3
Keep a diary
Most women have no idea how much they actually eat in a given day, but if you held yourself accountable and had to write everything down, you’d realize that you’re probably ingesting a lot of the wrong things.

As well, knowing that you’d have to write down “large chocolate muffin” in your diary might deter you from eating it altogether. The last thing you want is proof that you’re sabotaging your own efforts.


Lose weight effectively tip #4
Visit your doctor
It’s a good idea to trek over to your doctor’s office before you get your plan to lose weight effectively underway. He or she may be able to lend you a hand.

As well, frequent checkups during your bid to get healthier may even be encouraging. As your cholesterol goes down and your metabolism begins to climb, positive reinforcement from your doctor may be just the reassurance you need to keep yourself on the right track.


Lose weight effectively tip #5
Exercise
You knew this was coming. Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your body fit and health at its peak. And you don’t need to go to a gym to see the benefits.

If you are a novice, start by taking a 30 minute walk every day and gradually build yourself up to speed walking, jogging and perhaps even running. Then start building muscle with active sports and by lifting weights. Muscle requires more energy (calories) than fat, so you’ll effectively end up burning more calories throughout the day.


Lose weight effectively tip #6
Eat right
Your diet is one of the most important aspects in your bid to lose weight effectively. Your commitment has to be one of complete change for a lifetime, not just temporary.

Eliminating processed foods and stocking up on fresh produce is a great start. Incorporating lean meats, chicken and fish as diet staples will also work wonders for your health and waistline.

And while it’s okay to have that piece of cake every now and then, it should be the exception, not the rule.


Lose weight effectively tip #7
Avoid quick fixes
You’re surely going to see ads and infomercials that promise that if you take their magical pills, you will drop 4 dress sizes in 7 hours. Don’t believe the hype.

There’s no secret to what it takes to lose weight effectively. You’ve seen it on the reality show The Biggest Loser and you will see it once you get started. Eating right and exercising will help you lose weight effectively and keep it off.

These get skinny quick scams will only make you poorer and fatter in the long run.


Lose weight effectively tip #8
Breathe deep
Among other things, the body needs oxygen to survive. And while you breathe all day long via reflex, most of us don’t breath effectively.

Each day, take a moment to take 10 deep inhales and exhales. This will aid you in maintaining your focus, oxygenating your body and getting your blood moving.


Lose weight effectively tip #9
Drink water
No matter where you are or what time of day it is, you should always have a bottle of water next to you. Water cleanses your system and keeps you hydrated.

Oftentimes, we think we’re hungry when, in fact, we’re simply in need of hydration. Drink at least 2 liters of water every day to keep yourself in top form.

Lose weight effectively

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what it takes to lose weight effectively, but sometimes we all need to reflect and focus on what’s important to us. And if you want to live a long, healthy life and keep looking your best for the rest of your days, then the above tips will help you to succeed.

What Are Fat Blockers?

By Tara Fraser



Due to our consistent attempt to avoid anything that involves discipline or hard work, creative money-makers have figured out a new way to rob us of our money with the promise of dramatic weight loss. This time, it’s through something called fat blockers.

While this isn’t anything new, after all, you’ve certainly heard of a drug called Xenical, these so-called fat blockers work in a different way.

What is Xenical?

Xenical, also called Orlistat, works by inhibiting an enzyme in the intestines (lipase) from breaking up the fat and preparing it for digestion. Therefore, because the fat isn’t adequately digested, it doesn’t get absorbed by the body.

On average, people who took Xenical ended up losing 10% of their total body weight. These people, however, were closely monitored by professionals and put on a diet that required them to restrict calories, especially those coming from fat.

Fat blockers

Other fat blockers, with official-sounding names like “Eclipse 2000 Deluxe Chitosan” and “BSN Cheaters Relief,” cannot be found in your local pharmacy or health food store, but rather in magazines and perhaps bodybuilding stores.

Most of these products are not FDA approved (as though that means anything nowadays) and, although they do not contain and illegal substances, they are not guaranteed to do what they promise and still require a boatload of discipline from the purchasers of such products.

How fat blockers work

All of these fat blockers consist either or tablets or come in powder form and contain, as their main ingredient, chitosan, a calcium-rich compound that is obtained from pulverized sea creatures.

When you ingest this product, it is designed to grab hold of the fat you eat and separate it from the other nutrients in your body, keeping your body from digesting it. Rather, it doesn’t get absorbed by the body at all and simply makes its way out of your system via your intestines.

Most products claim that anywhere from 35% to 80% of the fat you ingest will exit the body without being absorbed, but the problem with the claim is that it has never been substantiated via clinical testing.

So if you opted to buy any of these fat blockers, you would be relying on the word of the manufacturer rather than scientific evidence.

Fat blockers false hopes

Now let’s say that these products actually did work. Let’s say they could magically block your body from absorbing any fat. What do you think the chances are that you would be able to discipline yourself away from, say, that Whopper?

That’s just it. The problem with these magical solutions is that they end up putting the user’s mind at ease and they end up eating perhaps double what they would’ve eaten before without a thought about the possible consequences.

If that weren’t enough, what do you think happens when fat isn’t absorbed by the body and exits via the intestines? Well, I’m sure you can imagine that the odor would be foul and the stool would become loose, taking away your ability to hold in gas and anal leakage.

Finally, most vitamins are fat soluble, which means that your body needs some fat if you hope to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, so without a modicum of fat, you will become deficient in necessary nutrients.

Fat-blocking solution

So what does that leave you with? Well, how about some lifestyle diet changes and exercise? Fat is not the problem in our diets today; there are plenty of fats that are detrimental to our health - no, quality and quantity count.

If you can manage to eat good fats, complex carbohydrates and a healthy amount of protein, as well as spend 30 minutes doing rigorous exercise on an almost daily basis, you can probably bet that you’ll be in the best health and shape of your life.

Why Starvation Diets Never Work

By Samantha Hallinger

At some point or other in our lives, we’ve tried to starve ourselves into a size 6 dress. And it may have worked; but there’s no doubt that the results were only temporary and the moment a morsel of food touched our lips, we were right back where we started.

The worst part of starvation diets is that they actually do work for a while – you do begin to see results almost immediately. That’s why so many women stick to this tried and tested formula of starvation diets for a quick drop on the scale.

Unfortunately, starvation diets are also very dangerous to your health and will likely end up making you gain more weight in the end.

What happens on starvation diets?

Starvation diets problems #1
Your body keeps the fat
When your body senses that it’s not getting enough energy to get through the day (i.e. calories), it switches on its “self-preservation” mode and hangs on to all the fat stores of your body, rather than burning them for fuel.

Then, when you do finally eat, or rather, anything you ingest will be stored as fat because your body thinks it’s heading into a great famine.


Starvation diets problems #2
Your body eats the muscle
While your body is busy holding on to all that fat, it will begin to eat away at the muscles in your body, because they perform less metabolic work and are therefore not as useful as the fat stores.
So while you are losing weight initially, and the scale is making you a happy camper, at the end of the day, your body is eating away at the muscle stores and hanging on for dear life to the fat.


Starvation diets problems #3
Your eating habits come back
We all know that unless you become anorexic, which is a whole different topic altogether, you will eventually return to your old eating habits. What happens is, when you do finally ingest something with a significant amount of calories, your body will store it, along with all the other fat it’s kept thus far, because it assumes that it won’t be getting any more calories for a while.

The end result is that you’ve lost muscle tone, gained fat and weakened your system so that it burns calories more slowly in order to survive. The body is a marvelous thing and you’ve just managed to create a monster within.


Starvation diets problems #4
You’ll be fatigued
With a low and almost non-existent calorie intake, your energy stores will be depleted (calories and energy are synonymous). So you will feel yourself getting more and more sluggish, and waking up in the morning will be a challenge in and of itself.

While water will help to flush out your system, given that you keep drinking it, the lack of nutrients will begin to take their toll after only a few days.


Starvation diets problems #5
You’re always hungry
Whereas there are diets, or better yet, lifestyle changes that allow you to feel full and satisfied while losing weight, starvation diets will leave the hunger pangs beating into you.

Not only will you feel hungry all the time, starvation diets will make you irritable. Nothing makes a woman bitchier than hunger.


Starvation diets problems #6
You’ll get sick
Not only will starvation diets eat away at your muscle, they will also begin to make your bones brittle, munch away at your libido and weaken your immune system.

Sugar, caffeine, stress and constant dieting (yoyo dieting) literally starve your bones and so begin the symptoms of osteoporosis.

Your desire for sex will become almost non existent because your metabolism will slow down and your muscle stores are eroding.

Finally, due to a lack of essential nutrients and vitamins that your body needs, your immune system will not be able to ward off bacteria and viruses that will cause you to get ill.


Starvation diets problems #7
You damage your metabolism
Many people don’t understand that starvation diets have negative long term effects. Your metabolism doesn’t just slow down during your diet phase; it will maintain its slowness well after you begin eating again.

Your body will not immediately comprehend that you’re back to your regular eating habits so it will store everything you feed it as fat. By the time your body gets used to receiving regular calories, you will have already gained all your weight back.


Starvation diets problems #8
You’ll gain it all back
Because starvation diets cannot be maintained for extended periods of time, it is inevitable that you will gain all the weight you lost back, but this time, more of your weight returns will return as fat; not muscle.

The fact of the matter is that starvation diets do not present realistic goals for long term.

Starvation diets suck

It’s obvious that starving your body into weight loss is simply dumb and unrealistic. If you want to succeed on a diet, it needs to be one that you can commit to for a lifetime.

Your best bet would be to eat smaller portions and ingest plenty of fruits and vegetable, as well as lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. Starving may present immediate results, but you’ll be doing more good than harm over the long haul.

Top 10 Exotic Fruit

By Meredith Thompson

When it comes to fruit, most of us are familiar with the basics: apples, bananas, berries, and the like. But what about exotic fruit? Do you avoid exotic fruit simply out of ignorance? Yeah, I used to as well.

But exotic fruit offers up bursts of new flavor and will seduce your palate into submission. So if you’re ready to take a ride on the produce wild side, here are the top 10 exotic fruit you’ll want to try.

Exotic fruit #10
Black sapote
Also referred to as black persimmon or chocolate pudding fruit (yum!), the skin of this fruit is green and the inside is black and has a moist consistency. Its flavor is chocolatey and nutty with a hint of sweetness.

Chances are you’ll buy this fruit when it is not ripe. Leave it on your kitchen counter; you’ll know it’s ripe when the skin gets darker and the fruit begins to feel mushy to the touch.

To eat it, cut the exotic fruit in half and scoop the insides out with a spoon.


Exotic fruit #9
Durian
Okay, I’m not sure how you’ll feel about this exotic fruit because, well, it stinks. But if you give it a chance, you’re sense of taste will thank you.

When selecting a ripe durian, make sure you choose one that is light and has a long, solid stem. When you shake durian, you should hear a seed moving around inside. Upon inserting your knife, it should come out sticky; the rind should split open easily.

To ease up on the smell, remove the rind and discard it (perhaps in a Ziploc bag placed in the freezer is best until garbage day comes around). Durian tastes like a vanilla custard and keep in mind that, once open, you should eat it all; this fruit goes bad quickly once sliced.


Exotic fruit #8
Feijoa
Sweet, thick and juicy to boot, feijoa has a great fragrance and is often referred to as pineapple guava.

Green on the outside and white to cream-colored on the inside, this is another fruit you purchase before it is ripe. Leave it on the counter until it is ripe (you will know because it becomes more and more fragrant). At this point you can put it in the fridge or slice it open and gobble it up.

Cut feijoa in half; scoop out the seeds and then the flesh. Enjoy.


Exotic fruit #7
Jackfruit
One of the largest fruit on the planet, jackfruit has been known to hit the scales at 100 pounds, although you can probably get your hands on a slightly smaller one.

When jackfruit is ripe, it takes on a green to green-yellow skin (the skin is also prickly). The great thing about this exotic fruit is that you can eat practically all of it; the bad is that it’s really sticky, so you need to take precautions when cutting it open (plastic gloves and an apron).

Cut the fruit in half length-wise and remove the hard center. Separate the seeds from the meat of the fruit and note that the meat is thick and firm. You might want to wash and dry the fruit after cutting it, as its stickiness may get annoying otherwise.


Exotic fruit #6
Lychees
With a hard, bumpy brick-colored shell and soft, mushy white insides with a big brown seed, this fruit is succulent and juicy through and through.

Because they are picked ripe, you don’t have to worry about hunting for ripeness. Using a knife or even your hands to peel off the skin, pop the lychee into your mouth and eating around the seed.

If you’ve never had a lychee before, try one in a martini; you won’t regret it.


Exotic fruit #5
Mango
From the many varieties of mango you can choose from, they all have the same, great-tasting yellow colored meaty insides.

If you purchase a mango when it’s not soft, select ones that have no bruising and firm skin. Bring it home and wrap it in a cotton cloth until it becomes ripe. Once ripe, peel it with a knife or potato peeler.

Slice pieces out around the big seed and enjoy the sweetness of this world famous fruit.


Exotic fruit #4
Papaya
High in anti-oxidants and folic acid, papaya tastes great on its own or in a fruit salad.

To know when it’s ripe, papaya turns a yellow-orange color from green.

Slice the papaya in half, length-wise and check out the deep orange color. Scoop out the seeds (although bitter, the seeds are perfectly edible) and cut the papaya into chunks.


Exotic fruit #3
Persimmons
While it resembles a tomato, persimmons are actually very sweet-tasting fruit. With its orange peel and fleshy insides, persimmons offer a hint of spicy flavor when ripe.

To quicken the ripening process (it can take up to a week), place the exotic fruit in paper bag with an apple. Even when they ripen, though, persimmons can still be pretty firm.

To eat, you can wash the exotic fruit and eat it like an apple or remove the peel and slice it into pieces.


Exotic fruit #2
White sapote
The counterpart to black sapote, the white variety has a vanilla and caramel flavor, and creamy texture.

To tell when white sapote is ripe, it is soft to the touch. Again, leave it on the kitchen counter, checking it every now and then for ripeness. Once ripe, cut the exotic fruit in half.

There are a handful of big seeds inside the fruit; you can easily eat around them by cutting around them with a knife or spooning them out. Do not eat the skin, as it is very bitter. To enhance the flavor, you can squeeze a touch of lemon juice directly onto the meat.


Exotic fruit #1
Star fruit
Also referred to as carambola, star fruit is so called because when you cut it into slices, the pieces take on the shape of stars.

When starfruit is ripe, it is yellow all around and ready for slicing.

Wash the fruit thoroughly and cut it into slices; you can eat this exotic fruit, skin and all, as the skin is very thin.


Exotic fruit trials

Most of us tend to shy away from the unknown, but you really have nothing to lose by trying out these exotic fruit and everything to gain thanks to their intense flavors and unique textures.

So the next time you head out to the supermarket, invest in some exotic fruit and enjoy.