Happy & Healthy: The Good Food Blog!

Want to Lose Weight? Choose Johnnie Lynch’s Methodology

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 14:13:00 +0000

Are you one of the millions of people out there that have tried every diet going but fails miserably to either lose weight in the first place or keep it off? Yes? Well, you are definitely not alone in your quest for weight loss. People face major struggles just to take off a pound or two, let alone, if they need to lose significant weight for health reasons. However, even if you think you have tried everything then you still have yet to try one very successful way – the Johnnie Lynch methodology. Do you want to know how to kick start your weight loss and have a good time? Yes, it is possible and no, you won’t need a specific diet or an exercise program. Read on to find out more.

Firstly, you should note that choosing to follow Johnnie Lynch’s methods means you are not following a given diet. In fact, it is all about mindset and changing your perspective. It is about “...inspiring others to achieve their goals, and to set new goals for themselves they never before thought possible...” In effect, Johnnie aims to empower you to make decisions regarding your own path through life and get exactly what you want. This is essential for weight loss because it starts with focusing your mind on your goal and formulating a plan to achieve it.

All too often those looking to lose weight have a love hate relationship with themselves and their bodies. They hate their bodies because their bodies love to thwart their attempts to lose weight. This, in turn, can get very frustrating, annoying and depressing. However, the more negative you feel the less likely you are to lose weight. You think you can’t lose weight, but in fact you can. It is all about changing the way you approach it and the way in which you perceive the process of weight loss.

Johnnie Lynch has actually been through this problem himself. He gained weight following the collapse of his business in 2008 because he fell into depression and had always struggled with his weight. However, after much soul searching, he was able to change his mindset to a much more positive stance, empowering himself and giving him the will to not only lose 55 pounds but also undertake and complete a marathon. If he can do this then so can you.

Johnnie’s speeches tell you exactly how to achieve everything you want in life, from weight loss to financial gain to quitting smoking, to a better family life. It is all in the mind. Changing your outlook and taking control of your life can literally give you everything you need to achieve your wildest dreams. If that dream is to look leaner and feel healthier then it is possible. And your change in attitude will make it possible for you to have a good time at the same time. Nobody said losing weight had to be boring. It is what you make it so listen to Johnnie and enjoy.

You can check out the motivational methodologies referred to here at JohnnieLynch.com.

Protect Against Allergies This Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:50:00 +0000

As the nights get lighter and everyone's mood seems to do the same, we all know that Spring is well and truly on the way. More sunshine is excellent for the system, giving you vital Vitamin D and helping you to feel much better in yourself but it also brings a few problems along with it. Yes, it is almost allergy season as well! If you suffer from pollen allergies then you will be well aware of just how uncomfortable they can be so it is time to start thinking about how to make yourself that little bit more allergy proof, so to speak, in the coming months.

The first thing you may need to do is look to purify the air in your home so you can at least have a haven of pure air to escape to when the going gets tough outside. There are various air purifiers and residential air cleaners that you can take advantage of. You will need to look at those that are appropriate for the size of room, have an acceptable power level and meet all other wants and needs that you may have. There are plenty of brands and models to choose from so do not settle for the first one you come across.

However, one element of air purifiers and residential air cleaners that you will need to look at carefully this allergy season is the quality of the filter. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are undoubtedly the best around because they will retain pollen particles and ensure that your allergies are eased much better than you may find with regular filters. If you would like to find out more then look for a HEPA info page to tell you exactly what you need to know. There is guaranteed to be one for you though so why suffer when you do not have to?

Spice Up Your BBQ With The Ultimate Sauce!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:24:00 +0000

BBQ season is finally upon us - gorgeous weather, good food and great company all in the one place! I love having a barbecue in early June and then another to bookend the summer in September. As a result, I've developed my own unique recipe for sauce over the years and have now put it online. If you really want to impress your friends at your BBQ then take a look at it via the link!

The Ultimate Barbecue Sauce Recipe: Impress Your Friends This Summer!
No barbecue is the same without a good barbecue sauce, but why buy it from a store when you can make the ultimate barbecue sauce in less than 10 minutes?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1779394/the_ultimate_barbecue_sauce_recipe.html

Every Woman Needs To Know About Breast Cancer!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 24 May 2009 21:32:00 +0000

It's been a while since I last wrote on here and a lot has happened since I did. I have been trying to cope with my own diagnosed depression and anxiety pretty much on my own because my health worker seems to think that a computer program will help me more than counselling. It isn't and I am struggling but nowhere near as much as my aunt will be shortly.

She has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Believe it or not, this has not come as of much as a surprise as you might believe. I was shocked to my core when I heard but she is not the first woman in my family to develop breast cancer and will most likely not be the last. It is in the family you see. My mum had breast cancer twice in the space of 18 months. She was first diagnosed with it when she was 32 and was next diagnosed with it when she was 33. The second time was harder as it had spread to her lymph glands. However, she survived, which is more than can be said for my grandad's mum. She died of beast cancer when she was 32. Her twin died of breast cancer a few years later and their older sister also lost her life to the disease before the age of 50.

Of course, times were different all those years ago and treatments have come a long way. There is now an 80% survival rate but every woman should know the symptoms of breast cancer and be vigilant. I have written an article to highlight the symptoms that you need to be aware of so please read it and be aware. It may just save your life.

Breast Cancer Symptoms: Spot the Early Signs of Cancer to Increase Your Chances of Survival
1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes. Protect yourself by knowing the early breast cancer symptoms that could save your life.

Finding Great Restaurants: London

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:20:00 +0000

The recession is well and truly here now and it looks as though it may be here to stay for a while. Unfortunately, that is causing problems for individuals that may have gone out for dinner once a week or once a fortnight in years gone by. Now I really do love my food so I think that is a crying shame... especially when you think about just how many great restaurants there are out there just waiting for you to try them. Many of them will have special deals on at the moment and in the coming months too to try and attract business but how could you possibly find out about them all if you are heading somewhere new or do not know the area in which the restaurant is located very well? Answer - a good restaurants guide will help you.

Believe it or not there are numerous such guides available to you today at the click of a mouse! Say you want to find "Indian restaurants London". All you have to do is search using Google or another search engine and you will get a list of results. However, there is a much better way to do it and that is to use Qype.

Qype is a new website that a friend recommended to me. I'm in London on business next week but have not got a clue where to eat because I live a couple of hours away and only head to the city when I absolutely have to. She told me that I'd find everything I needed on there, from hostels London has to offer to restaurants in the area in which I am staying right down to any shopping or arts activities I fancy to amuse myself. I now have a list of the best and most affordable offers on at restaurants in London as well as the addresses so I know where to find them. it took me a couple of minutes to get that information so for the sake of good food and the restaurant industry here at the moment please take a look. You could save money, try something new and help to save a business.

Losing Weight And Choosing Your Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:11:00 +0000

As a woman, I'm rather happy with the way I look. I'm by no means skinny but I adore my curves. Despite that, I am trying to lose a few extra pounds because of future plans I have. As a result, I was looking into a few diet programs the other day and got rather confused. I don't generally do dieting because I'm a massive believer in eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise. Apart from trying the Atkins diet a few years ago, I haven't had much experience in the dieting area but apparently choosing a diet need not be as bad as I found it the other day!

A friend told me about a dieting website that she had used to find out about various diets just after the New Year. Diets In Review features about 600 reviews of various diets, which shocked me somewhat because I had abolutely no idea that there were that many about. You hear of a few (Atkins, Cambridge, Weight Watchers etc) but I honestly didn't think that many had been formulated. better still, the website tells you about the successful diets and those that no woman should touch with a bargepole! The main reviews are objective but there are women and men alike that have tried the diets and then added their own reviews and comments too so you can sort the good diets from the bad before choosing one to try.

I don't usually review websites or post about them on here because I find that there are so many resources people can use for finding out about various ailments, health issues and diets but this is an exceptional website that you may want to take a look at if you plan on dieting in the near future!

Cervical Cancer: Know The Signs And Symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:04:00 +0000

I was sad to read this morning that Jade Goody, the popular British reality TV star, has been told that she only has a few months to live and will soon be leaving her year old and 4 year old children behind. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008 and has failed to respond to chemotherapy. Instead, the cancer spread to her bowel, liver and groin. As such, she is now making the most of every day as it comes.

The most disturbing fact in this whole story is that Jade is just 27 years old. She is incredibly young and this alone should convnince women that you are never too young to have cancer. I've been having smear tests since the age of 21 to make sure that my cervical cells are fine but too many women don't go to their check ups. I don't want to sound too preachy but every woman should book a smear as soon as they are able to do so for peace of mind. Every woman should also be fully aware of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer to ensure that they know exactly what to look for just in case.

I published an article today about the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer because every woman shouuld have more than enough knowledge to protect herself. It can be found here:

Jade Goody and Cervical Cancer: Signs and Symptoms that Could Save Your Life

Please take a look and bookmark it so the illness that Jade Goody is experiencing will at least help one more woman to survive.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Needs Your Help!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:11:00 +0000

I have to say that I've always admired those athletes you see on TV competing in triathlons... and thought they were mad whilst sat on my backside at home! However, every time someone does one for charity I'm one of the first to acknowledge and promote their cause because they are completing two marvellous tasks in one - a .93 mile swim, 27.25 mile bike ride and 6.2 mile run plus rasing money for excellent causes and there is no better cause than the battle against blood cancer.

It is predicted that approximately 44,270 will develop leukemia in the United States alone in 2009, and that is not to mention the existing 231,461 sufferers (as from the start of 2008) or those with other blood cancers. A very dear friend of mine battled Hodgkins Lymphoma in her mid-20s and was lucky enough to survive. She is now 30 and still growing strong thanks to the brilliant care she received and the current medical treatments but the cause is close to my heart as a result.

I saw a note from one of my friends on Facebook yesterday promoting what her sister, Courtney Montague is looking to do in order to raise money and I admire her in many ways as a result of it. She is going to complete the Mooseman Triathlon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this year but needs at least $3000 to participate. If you do have a few spare dollars, pounds or Euros then please think of donating here. I did and know I'm helping Courtney to do this amazing event for a worthy cause.

As for why Courtney is doing what she's doing, the site puts it best:

As a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training, I am raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

If you do want to read more or make a donation, no matter how large or small, then please check out the info HERE!

Take Care Of Your Skin With Natural Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:47:00 +0000

The skin is often one of the most neglected organs of the body. We use it and abuse it in many circumstances by exposing it to the sun without protection. We also use harsh chemicals on it every day when we wash because some of the cheaper shower gels, face creams and other similar products have added extras that are hardly soft and gentle! As such, you need to take care of your skin. You need to protect it and if you can do so then you will slow down the aging process by maintaining its hydration and offering a little respite to the cells.

I actually wrote this post because I read an article about some of the new natural skin care products available today. I had no idea that some companies were developing natural products with organc ingredients to work in harmony with the skin. Of course, I've heard about stores that offer natural remedies but most of those sell raw ingredients rather than the complete product. Even high profile stores that do not test on animals do not offer completely natural products.

There were several companies featured but one stood out in the article. This was largely because they offered so much more information about the products they offer in terms of how they work and what is in them. Some of the other natural skin care companies only talked about the range of products they sell but Astara Skin Care gave full details about their products. I am always sceptical when companies only tell you what they think you need to know rather than giving you an in depth look at their products so I'll be giving the others a miss but may try Astara Skin Care because their systems impressed me.

Their organic skin care products are specifically designed to offer healthier skin in a completely natural way and thus stave off the aging process as well. The natural ingredients provide nutrition and allow the skin to self heal more effectively than it otherwise would. I would normally be a little suspicious of this because it is such a massive assertion, but the botanical ingredients that are used have been scientifcally proven to offer highly benficial results. The delivery system is also effective so nothing gets lost in transit!

I also liked the inclusion of Totara Tree Essence in the ingredients list. it is expensive but is better than Tea Tree Oil for your skin. It is an antioxidant and reduced bacterial activity on the skin far quicker and more effectively than Tea Tree Oil does.

You should always check out what you are putting on your skin. I am not all for the expensive products in any way but I have to say that I do not like putting synthetic products on my skin. Always look at the company as well as the ingredients label so you can make an informed decision that is best for your skin!

Choosing A Remedy For Toenail Fungus

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Apologies for the lack of updates recently but unfortunately life has got a little in the way of blogging recently. I'll be talking a little more about the reasons behind this in a future post but for now I want to talk about something quite disturbing I read today.

I have to say that I always thought that toenail fungus was something that athletes suffered from and those people that wore shoes that were too tight. I had no idea that my new 2009 diet and fitness regime could actually give it to me as well! I was reading a magazine that listed the most common health complaints that were associated with the gym and toenail fungus came in at #3! You can catch it in damp areas such as the shower, swimming pool or even the gym itself because the conditions are perfect for the passing of the flora behind it. Even failing to dry your feet properly can cause it. Now I have yet to experience toe nail fungus and really would not want to but I decided to do a little research anyway to see just how it can be cured if you do get it.

Toenail fungus can be cured via a range of home remedies or products that can be bought from a pharmacy. Taking the latter first, Zetaclear i supposed to be rather good and is readily available at an affordable price. It can be applied directly to the area to clear up the fungus and protect the area infected from irritation and further infection at the same time. There are also natural remedies you can use as well, although these take longer to work. Tea tree oil is a great remedy, applied directly to the area twice a day. A mixture of oregano and olive oil is also said to be good. Although you cannot use either for more than 3 weeks on the area infected, both remedies are antibacterial and so will heal the area and clean up the infection at the same time.

I will be investigating more home remedies in the near future, as well as affordable remedies for ailments and wholesome and healthy meals too. This will be an effort to help people remain healthy in spite of the credit crunch so stay tuned folks!

Keeping Warm And Healthy This Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:10:00 +0000

As the temperature really begins to drop, the air outside is easily below 0C very single night. As such, you may well find yourself feeling ill. Hypothermia and pneumonia are common ailments at this time of year but only afflict those individuals that do not keep warm 24 hours a day. Of course, the elderly and vulnerable are more likely to feel the cold and become ill but it is important that everyone takes care of themselves.

There are a number of things you can do to stay happy and healthy in the winter just by keeping warm and you do not have to spend any extra money to do so! As electricity and gas are so expensive, you can save a little money in fact by turning down the thermostat by a few degrees and doing the following:

* When you go to bed, wear thick socks, full length pyjamas and a woolly hat! As silly as you may think you look, nobody will see you aside from your partner and you will keep warm. Heat is lost from the body via the head at night so the hat will help you to retain it and the socks will keep your extremities warm as well.
* Eat a warm breakfast and a warm dinner. Eating porrige for breakfast and a warm, homemade dinner will heat your body up and encourage warmth from within to prevent sudden body temperature drops.
* Keep a flask of tea by the side of your bed. Tea is good for the body in a number of ways and can help to keep it warm through the winter. Keeping a flask by your bed overnight will allow you to up your body temperature if you feel a little chilly. Be careful not to spill it though as you will find yourself in pain!
* If you have a spare quilt in the home then put it on the bottom of the bed so you are literally between two duvets at night! Lovely and cosy and warm!
* Use a hot water bottle to warm up the bed before you get in it every night. Leaving it there for 20 to 30 minutes will warm your bed for you at very little expense.
* Use any old towels and material you have to make a draught excluder to lay at the bottom of the door. This will prevent draughts coming through and also prevent heat leaving.

I hope that is of some help! If you have any more tips then please let me know because I'd be happy to publish them right here!

Conjoined Twins Hope & Faith Williams: My Reaction

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:45:00 +0000

Anyone that reads about the news in the Uk at the moment will be aware that conjoined twins, or Siamese twins, Hope and Faith Williams were born last week. Their mother, Laura Williams, is just 18 years old and the youngest mother ever to give birth to conjoined twins.

They were attached at the chest and had surgery to detach them yesterday. Unfortunately, Hope died shortly afterwards. I felt the need to write a reaction to her sad passing, which can be found at my personal blog. I just thought it's an issue that is very real, especially in light of the fact pressure was exerted on Laura Williams to abort them. Please take a few moments to check out my reaction and comment or express your own feelings on the matter here:

British Conjoined Twin, Hope, Dies

Drug Rehab Program Projects For 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:47:00 +0000

Addiction help is unfortunately a big part of our society at the moment. With various treatment plans and methodone projects available, there is help for any addict that wants it. I have blogged about drug abuse and rehab before but watched a TV show today that highlighted the need to speak out about it a little more, especially with the New Year drawing closer at a rapid speed.

The show highlighted one mother's plight. Her daughter had been murdered whilst selling her body to pay for her heroin addict and her younger daughter was also an addict. She feared for her safety and constantly brought up the need for help. As a result, I decided to see what sort of Drug Rehab program options were available for 2009, both new and old alike. There were far more than I expected. I acknowledge what treatment plan works for some will not work for others and believe that it is important to find one that will work for you but some were boasting amazing recovery figures. Although I'd like to know how the figures were reached, they do give addicts hope. After all, you cannot put a price on your health but drugs can ultimately bring an end to your life.

I can across one Drug treatment program plan called the NARCONON plan (hope I've spelled that right!). Apparently the program has a 76% success rate and admits those recovering addicts that lapse within 6 months for free. Although some clinics do offer programs for free, I found the information about this program to be comprehensive, flexible and easy to follow. There are many more like that but the success rate amazed me.

If you do take any drugs at all, from cannabis to heroin, then now is the time to make a change. 2009 has to be the year you get clean for your own sake as well as that of your family. I am very anti-drugs and always have been but for those that have made a wrong life choice, now is the time to make the right one.

Speaking of which, I'll be doing a post about hints and tips to quit smoking in a few days time because that may be on many peoples' New Year's resolution list. Stay tuned folks!

Blog About Your Passions For Your Health!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:49:00 +0000

Hi all... hope everyone is well. Sorry I haven't been around for a while, or at least not as often as I used to be. I've been suffering with a fair few health issues of my own in recent weeks and have found it difficult to cope. More on that at a later date, but for now I'd like to tell you about an opportunity I've found and one that may help your health!

I always find that getting my worries off my chest makes me feel so much better than I did before. I have a horrible habit of bottling things up until they begin to consume me. That is why I began blogging. Although I am a writer by profession, I felt a blog or two wuld help me to positively focus my energies elsewhere... but that only worked for a while because I did not have a personal blog and so had to remain focused on certain topics and niches. I do have a personal blog now though and I feel better already.

I have recently been diagnosed with Depression and have been struggling to cope. My counssellor recommended that I try t vent some of my frustrations through my writing so I decided to set up a personal blog to do just that. The next day, a friend told me about Today.com, which is a blogging host but one that pays $1 for every 100 word plus blog post, plus a few cents for visitors. The money isn't much but it does provide me with an incentive to blog every day and get all of my opinions out there. It really feels satisfying to vent sometimes!

Anyway, I set up English Opinion so please check in if you get a moment.

Also, if you want to start blogging or would like to earn a few dollars from blogging about anything you like then you can do so via this link: Today.com. You can earn a little money by setting up your own personal blog there or even one in the many health niches it provides.

I didn't realise how beneficial a blog could be to my mental health but it has certainly turned out that way! Take a look for yourself!

BLOG at Today.com

Enjoy Good Food: Happy Hanukkah For Vegetarians!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:44:00 +0000

In recent weeks I have really got into my cooking and baking again, as I always seem to do at this time of year! I've had the old recipe books out and have been improvising as always. I love doing that just before Christmas so I can impress the family and enjoy good food of my own semi-creation. As such, I discovered an old vegetarian Hanukkah recipe that I thought I'd share with the world.

I came up with this vegetarian Hanukkah recipe some time ago after trying cheese dumplings at a restaurant in New York when I visited a few years ago. the basis of it is the same as many chees dumpling recipes but with a twist. Check it out!

The Best Vegetarian Hanukkah Recipes: Delicious Cheese Dumplings
For one of the best vegetarian Hanukkah recipes, look no further. Euro Cheese Dumplings are quick and easy to make and will delight you guests over the holidays!
View more »

Perfect Pumpkin Soup For Your Thanksgiving Meal!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:34:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year for all Americans, but it can also be a stressful time if you are in charge of the cooking. After all, cooking for the whole family in just a few hours can be an absolute nightmare. This is why you should choose from the many quick and easy Thanksgiving recipes on offer. They will make your life much easier and deliver fantastic results that suggest you spent hours slaving over a hot stove!

For therest of the article, please see Deliciously Creamy Pumpkin Soup: Your Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Recipe! I recently had it published on AC and I can absolutely vouch for it!

Even if you do not live in the United States and so don't celebrate Thanksgiving, this recipe is perfect for a cold day when you just want to warm up... and you can freeze your leftovers, thus saving money and making the recipe even quicker to prepare!

Taking Care Of Your Financial And Emotional Health During The Credit Crunch

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:13:00 +0000

We all know that healthy eating and regular exercise is good for the mind, body and soul but we so often forgt that it is our state of mind that affects our overall health these days. So many people become stressed every single day throughwork or family issues. However, our emotional wellbeing is more at risk than ever today as a result of something that is threatening us all the world over. The European Zone will soon be heading into an official recession, as will the UK and the US in due course. Millions are losing their jobs every day and it will get worse before it gets better, so what can we do to secure our piece of mind?

Well, you can take a proactive stance. Instead of waiting for the worst to happen and stressing about it, why not take positive counter-measures to build up a little bit of an emergency fund just in case? This will give you peace of mind and help you to lower your stress levels without packing more into your days. Forexample, if you have any old cell or mobile handsets, video games, CDs or DVDs lying around then you can earn a little extra. Similarly, you can also complete online surveys or purchase your Christmas gifts online through a cashback site to get the most for your money.

There are many more things you can do, but the above just represents some ideas that you can tap into.

The main point behind this comes from the fact that I know myself how stressful worrying about a lack of funds is. It has damaged my health in the past because it has a knock on effect so I am determined not to let it affect me in the same way again. Use all measures at our disposal to ensure that you have a little in reserve and thus can avoid the hassle and tension that comes with struggling in such a way.

I wrote a couple of articles for AC discussing the best survey and cashback sites, which are described and linked below:

Paid Surveys and Cashback Sites: Make a Little Extra Money During the Credit Crunch
With the credit crunch hitting hard, try these paid survey and cashback sites. You can earn a little extra money and have fun from the comfort of your own home.
View more »

Make Money Online During the Credit Crunch
Earn extra cash and make money online to get you through the credit crunch with paid surveys and cashback sites.
View more »

You can also find ways to make extra money, as mentioned above, by visiting Finance Central. The blog has plenty of ideas and tips available, as well as reviews of sites that can help you to sell your old stuff and get the best cash figure for it.

Essential Ingredients For Your Credit Crunch Cupboard!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:34:00 +0000

Every health magazine I look in and website I look at these days dseems to stress that it is important to eat healthily, which is an obvious fact given that over 50% of people in both the UK and US are considered obese. This is obviously in line with height and weight and so is clinically defined rather than by common sense! As you can tell, I do not agree with the way that someone is defined as obese but at the same time we need to maintain our health, especially in these testing times, and there are some essential ingredients that can help you to do that.

There is a danger that more and more people will start choosing convenience foods in the near future because they are cheaper and undoubtedly easier to prepare given that many people will be working as many hours as possible to make ends meet. However, with just a few essential ingredients, you can transform quick and easy foods into tasty meals without resorting to convenience foods and avoid breaking the bank as well.

Black Pepper - Black pepper is an excellent ingredient because it is a thermogenic and will speed up your metabolism, thus burning more fat, but add a lot of flavour to any dish. I love the coarse ground black pepper... delicious in everything from pasta to meat dishes!

Garlic - Garlic has so many benefits that I could not name them all here... the post would be too long! It is extremely healthy and again can add a lot of flavour. Whole cloves are inexpensive so it is a cheap ingreidient but you do not need to use a lot to flavour dishes so it will last a while.

Fresh Fruit And Vegetables - In some shops, fruit and vegetables are expensive but if you try the supermarkets or even grow your own then you will find them incredibly cheap. We grow our own potatoes and onions, and carrots and cabbage are being added to that this year. Dirt cheap, literally! And extremely heathy as well. You will certain get the vitamins and minerals you need. Try Dobies and Suttons for affordable seed and starter kits if you want to save money into the future by growing yor own.

Pasta & Rice - Absolute essentials. You can use both to make standalone meals such as risotto and pasta bakes as well as adding them to full meals. If you have nothing else just make sure that you have these two because they will sustain you and are incredibly cheap. In tough times, it matters not that they are carbs but that they will feed you and your family for next to nothing.

The Benefits Of The Acai Berry

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:33:00 +0000

Have you ever heard of the Acai Berry? If you have not then it would not be a major surprise but it is one of those berries that everyone, women especially, should get to know extremely well in order to enhance your health. Smaller than a blueberry, it is one of the most potent superfoods around at the moment. As it is a superfood, it is widely used in energy drinks, health foods and even ice cream! This is, in effect, a quick introduction to the acai berry to show you just how good it actually is!

In terms of its status as a superfood, the acai berry has been used by Amazonian natives in Brazil for some years. It has ten times the number of antioxidants that the blueberry has, and the blueberry has highly been regarded as the top superfood around for some time. As such, the acai berry has a whole host of health benefits such as the following:

* It gives you an energy boost
* It aids the digestive process
* It boosts your immune system
* It fights free radicals and thus halts aging
* It detoxifies the body
* It fights cacerous cells
* It improves the circulatory system
* It can help you fight depression
* It supports weight loss

The small acai berry actually has everything you need within it for all of the above. It contains Omega fats, amino acids, antioxidants, electrolytes and vitamins E, B1 and A.

Although research is ongoing, the acai berry is most definitely safe to eat. There are no side effects and it can be added to almost any food to promote health. As such, you might want to get down to your local health store and investigate the benefits for yourself!

Used Medical Equipment: Save Money And Look After Your Health

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:24:00 +0000

We have all read articles about people suffering medical problems in the past and many of us feel for them. There are children with renal failure, women with heart conditions and men with life threatening conditions that suffer every single day, waiting at home for a transplant or living out their days as best they can. I felt the need to post this article when I recently saw a newspiece on TV about a lady with small children. She is waiting for a heart transplant at home but is unable to afford the machinery she needs to make her life a little less painful. As a result of the appeal, a kind businessman and his family donated the equipment she needed but I got to thinking just how many people may have the same problem and cannot afford brand new equipment. I also began to look at whether there were companies offering used medical equipment for individuals and medical centres alike so that they became affordable. I did not know it previously but there are such companies out there.

Buying used EKG machines, used patient monitors, used blood analyzers and used defribrillators (just to mention a few) can be extremely beneficial because they offer the same service as new machines but at a drastically reduced price that does make them affordable. This life saving equipment is of course tested to ensure that it works and has no damage or wear and tear, which is probably a worry that prevents people purchasing it. The point is that they can save lives without putting a family in jeopardy financially.

Many of the companies that offer used medical equipment also offers refurbished medical equipment as well. Medical Machines Online is just one of them that does so. This is recycled equipment that has been updated and works as good as if it were new. As such, you also have another option. The new parts in the refurbished medical equipment can give individuals peace of mind. Whether you want medical equipment for your home and personal use or you ae looking for equipment for a health practice, this is definitely the way to go.

Oh, and I finally just wanted to express my admiration for those individuals that can afford to make a difference in the lives of others and do so by donating equipment that is vital their health. There are so many people in the world that have money and do absolutely nothing with it besides feed their own greed so a huge pat on the back that also use it to do some good.

Go Organic: Growing Your Own Fruit And Vegetables

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:05:00 +0000

A quick trip around the vegetable section of your local supermarket will today provide you with more choice than ever before, and not only in terms of the types of vegetables and fruits available but also in terms of the different origins and methods of growing. Organic fruit and vegetables are big business today and actually sell far better than they used to because people are becoming more environmentally friendly and more conscious of what they are eating in terms of chemicals.

However, organic fruit and vegetables do tend to be more expensive than regular fruit and vegetables that we havebought for years. As such, the organic version may be out of the price range of many individuals with the credit crunch hitting hard. This is why you should look at growing your own! If you have a back garden or yard and the ability to put a little time into growing your own fruit and vegetables from seeds then you could ultimately save a lot of money.

We started growing our own potatoes this year and with only a few seeds we got quite a good yield. One packet of potato seed gave us enough potatoes for six dinners... and that was from an area in our garden of just one metre squared. My husband used the top soil and supplemented it by using a layer of compost. They were watered regularly and we dug them up when the stems died. The result was a load of gorgeous potatoes that cost us about £1.50 in total when the seeds and compost is taken into account.

If you want to save some money and eat organic fruit and vegetabes then growing them at home is the perfect answer. We're now growing onions, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuces and apples in a larger area of our garden next year... I can't wait!

There are some great seed shops online that can deliver fruit and vegetable seeds to your door for very reasonable price. We used Dobies because they're close to us, but Sutton Seeds is also good. Both stock seeds for all sorts of fruit and vegetables! The links are below if you want to take a look, although I think they only deliver to the UK. Both come highly recommended:

Dobie's link for vegetable seeds
Sutton Seed's link for vegetable seeds

If you want to purchase other stuff for your garden then I think both do that too. I know for a fact that Dobies does but Sutton's is worth a look too. The links are also to the side under "Useful Links" for ease of access.

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:18:00 +0000

Breast cancer is an issue that affects many women and men alike today. It is also an issue that is extremely close to my heart because my Mum has had breast cancer twice. At the time she was initially diagnosed with it she was only 32 years old. She has had the all clear for some time now and is not only my best friend but my hero as well. She put up an absolutely amazing fight and I consider myself extremely lucky to have her in my life today because I know many others do not have mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends as a result of this disease.

As such, I was pleased when I found out it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, and also that Cancer Research UK has launched a marketing campaign to coincide with that. They have released a video to encourage women to complete breast checks regularly and show them how to do it. Girls, you are in for a treat because the model having the breast check happens to be an absolute male babe!

The video is certainly memorable so if you do have any questions as to how you can check your breasts effectively then watch it because it will tell you everything you need to know. Early detection is the key to survival so it is incredibly important that you perform the check at least once a month.

However, if you do want a little more information then you can visit the following two sites:

It's A Girl Thing
Breast Awareness Guy

I received the press release about this, including the following paragraph, which I think is really important:

As breast cancer is still the most common cancer in the UK, the work done by Cancer Research UK is vital. The charity is the largest single funder of breast cancer research in the UK, spending around £45 million on groundbreaking work into the disease last year. Teams of researchers across the UK are dedicated to improving our understanding of the causes of breast cancer and investigating new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. They are also helping to improve the quality of life for women living with breast cancer.

You can support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work by making a donation at www.breastawarenessguy.org, where you can also download a digital calendar featuring Tommy.

And now for the piece de resistance of this post... the video! Ladies, watch it and drool!!!

Your Dental Health And Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:57:00 +0000

Not too long ago, I wrote a post about how telling jokes and smiling can give your health a boost. I hold to the maxim that a smile can brighten up anyone's day, no matter what else is going on around them, but I am absolutely amazed about how many people will not smile because they hate their teeth. I was reading an article on another blog today about Nadia O'Neal, the Tampa Cosmetic Dentist. It pointed out that she was an inspiration to women everywhere as a result of her skills in the field of dentistry and also the fact that she is undoubtedly one of the best in the field. The article pointed out just how well her business is doing as a result of her place as the top Tampa dentist. However, it also pointed out that she helps people to get their lives back on track again.

Coming from the UK where NHS treatment leaves a lot to be desired, I was amazed to find that the services offered were so comprehensive and so well organised on the website. Maybe that's just me but I could believe, after viewing the website, that she helps numerous families and individuals get their confidence back and achieve dental health for life.

I am extremely lucky in that I have very few hang ups about myself. I used to have enough to fill the pages of Tolstoy's War and Peace before I became older and wiser, but then I have never had any issues with my teeth. My dentist is simply amazing but I have to say that, viewing her Tampa dentistry site, I would be tempted to go to Nadia O'Neal if I was close enough!

It is important though to ensure that you do have a good dentist because the value of dental health cannot be underestimated. Smiling may improve your health and make you happier but then so will a pain free mouth!

When it Starts to Get Chilly, Make Some Heart-Healthy Chili!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 03:36:00 +0000

With the official start of fall just behind us, it’s time to start looking for some healthy winter foods that offer the comfort of the season, without adding tons of extra calories to your diet. Chili is a great, easy-to-make and affordable meal that takes about an hour to prepare. Depending on how many mouths you have to feed, this recipe can last for several days, when stored properly. So snuggle up with a hot cup of chili and enjoy this heart-healthy version of a traditional favorite.

Ingredients:

· 3 lbs ground turkey
· 1 medium onion, chopped
· 3 tablespoons minced garlic
· 3 tablespoons cumin
· 2 tablespoons chili powder
· 1 large can of petite diced tomatoes
· 3 14 oz cans of kidney beans
· 3 14 oz cans of black beans
· 2 large cans of V8 low sodium vegetable juice
· Salt, to taste
· 16 oz low-fat Colby jack cheese, shredded*
· 1 container fat-free sour cream*

* Depending on taste

Directions:

Brown ground turkey with onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently. As the meat begins to brown, add the cumin and chili powder. After the turkey is fully cooked, stir in large can of diced petite tomatoes.

Drain all six cans of beans and add to mix. Add 1 ½ - 2 cans of V8, depending on consistency you prefer. Simmer on medium-low heat for 30-45 min.

When serving, top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with cheese, if preferred. Turkey chili can be saved for up to five days, if stored correctly.

This recipe is an alternative to traditional chili and serves 4-6 people.

By-line:
This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of nursing schools online. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com.

Look After Your Heart, Enjoy Your Life!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:13:00 +0000

If there is any part of your body you should want to improve these days it is your heart. We all focus on losing weight and looking younger but many of us forget exactly what makes us get up every morning, what allows us to g about our daily business. In actual fact, many people tend to look at the aesthetics of the body and little else. I am not a huge fan of cosmetic surgery. Whilst I do not judge those that do, I would never choose to go under the knife for the sake of my looks. If I was burned and had to have skin grafts that would be different but I do not see the point in looking after the outside and leaving the inside to its own devices. After all, what use is a good looking corpse?

Sorry o be so blunt but that is what it all boils down to. We should all aim to live long and healthy lives and look young in the process if that is at all possible.

In fact, we are living longer and healthier lives than our ancestors did just two or three generations ago, but yet we often compromise the health of our hearts. As such, I am going to recommend a website I found doing a little research for one of my writing projects. A quick read of some of the articles on it proved to be very sobering today and I want to do a little to encourage everyone to implement a healthy diet and way of life in order to promote heart health in the future. The following sections of the website will hopefully give you enough inspiration (the links to the site are included so you can look for yourself):

Cardiology News - This section covers all sorts of things, from the latest research to healthy lifestyle tip. There is enough information on there to fry your brain but just reading one of the studies should encourage you to take action now. I found the out of hospital heart attack study fascinating and yet scary at the same time!

Arrythmia - I had heard about arrythmia before today but did not have much of a clue as to what it was but if this section does not inspire you to do something about your lifestyle nothing will!

CME Programs - If you do want to learn a little more or have a more profound effect on the world's heart health then this is the section for you. There are all sorts of education programs available and quite a few of them are highlighted here. Even if you do not want to enrol, they are worth a look just to show you what the medical community is doing for us. Thank you all guys!

It is never too late to do something about your heart health so make the change today - you never know when it may save your life!