Healthy Path

Three Choices To Help You Lose Weight

2013-08-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

Your weight loss success comes down to the choices you make. Learn about 3 different weight loss options and decide which will work best for you.

1. The Weight Loss Patch

Perhaps the most appealing benefit of using a patch is that it is so easy to use. No pills to remember to take, no special diets, no required exercise routine. Naturally, sticking to a healthy diet and exercise program is best for your overall health, but if that is difficult for you to adhere to all of the time, the patch may be a solution that works for you.

A weight loss patch that you place on your body will deliver the active ingredients by transdermal delivery, meaning through the skin. The patch ingredients will go directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver. Simply apply the patch to a smooth area of your skin and change it every 3 days. That is all of the maintenance that is required.

A patch can even be used occasionally when you are traveling and know you will be eating out a lot, or for those times you are too busy to cook the proper foods. A patch that suppresses your appetite will help you develop good eating habits that will help you maintain your ideal weight in the future ~ no more yo-yo figures.

2. Appetite Suppressant Pills

Curbing your appetite to stop the influx of calories in the first place seems to be the logical way to lose and maintain your weight. However, we are so bombarded by confusing claims everywhere for appetite suppressant pills ~ in print, on the radio, on television, even on billboards when driving, that it is difficult to know which diet pill will really help take off those pounds ~ and keep them off..

Some diet pills will cause your heart to race, your hands to shake, or an overall "wired" feeling. To avoid these problem, stay away from products that contain Ephedra, Ma Huang, and Ephedrine.

One herbal diet pill that has gotten a lot of publicity lately is Hoodia Gordonii The authentic plant comes from the Kalahari desert in South Aftrica. Respectable television shows like 60 Minutes, the Today Show, BBC, and even Oprah's "O" magazine have given it rave reviews for its fast acting appetite suppressing qualities. While it can take one to two weeks to work fully, many users report a decline in their appetite with the first pill.

In fact, Hoodia has had so many positive reports that there are now a lot of knock-off products being marketed to the uninformed ~ especially on the Internet. The real Hoodia is very rare because it takes up to 7 years for the Hoodia plant to mature to a point where it provides appetite suppressant qualities. In addition, the African government is now limiting the amount of Hoodia it exports, meaning only a few suppliers have the real thing. Because Hoodia is so rare, you can expect it to be a little more expensive than other diet pills.

Another diet pill that helps shed pounds is Herbal Phentermine. This is a non-prescription appetite suppressant that is scientifically designed to produce similar effects of a popular Rx version of phentermine.

The good news is that the Herbal version contains only natural ingredients so you don't have to be worried about side effects. Plus, you can avoid the time, expense, and embarrassment of a doctor's visit.

Herbal Phentermine will not only suppress your appetite, but it will also increase your metabolism so you burn more calories and have more energy.

3. Carbohydrate Blockers

Perhaps you prefer not to have your appetite suppressed, but instead would like to eat all of the pasta, bread, rice, and potatoes you want. If this sounds more like your style, then you might want to try a carbohydrate blocker.

Scientists have discovered, and thoroughly tested a method to allow us to eat the foods we love and not gain weight. We can now stop the normal conversion of starchy foods to sugar before it can pass through our digestive system and store as fat on our hips, thighs, buttocks and stomach. Derived from white kidney beans, the resulting carb blockers, (starch neutralizers), are a completely natural product. They work by neutralizing the Alpha amylase enzyme that digests starch.

By neutralizing this digestive enzyme, the starch from our food does not get digested. Instead, it remains intact and does not convert to sugar. It simply passes through the body undigested and acts as a fiber ~ which is a very good thing. We get more fiber going through our intestines while avoiding the conversion to sugar and the resulting fat storage ~ a definite win-win situation.

Over the past several years, there have been many positive studies to determine the effectiveness of carb blockers and their ability to help lose weight. One study was performed at the Northridge Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, over an eight week time period.

It reported that participants saw an average weight loss of 200% more than those taking a placebo, and lost an average of 1.5 inches around their waists. This was 43 % more than those taking the placebo. Plus they reported having 13% more energy, even though it is not a stimulant.

Whether you choose patches or pills, prefer to eat starchy foods, or use carb blockers, some things to look for when buying diet products are that they:

1) Contain all natural ingredients
2) Do not have harmful side effects
3) Offer a 100% money back guarantee

4 Tips for Using Nail Polish Strips

2013-08-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it: Unless you’re a nail polish Picasso, your DIY manicure probably doesn’t look nearly as good as a salon job. And trendy nail art designs are even HARDER to pull off yourself. Enter nail appliqués: stickers made of a thin layer of nail polish with an adhesive back that flex to fit the contour of your nails. They give you perfectly patterned fingertips—without the wet mess. “Nail polish strips let you get creative and expressive without needing the artistic skills,” says Women’s Health beauty editor Jill Percia. “They’re edgy, cool, and fun!”
To apply nail polish strips, follow the instructions on the package and use these tricks from Percia:

1. Avoid crinkling
Slapping down the sticker over your entire nail can cause bubbles. Start at the base of the nail, then smooth down the rest as work your way to the tips.
2. Resize as needed
Appliqués peel easily if they’re too big—the strips shouldn’t touch cuticles or skin. Use a wood cuticle stick or a metal cuticle pusher to “slice” off the excess.
3. Prevent peeling
Fold the very tip of the sticker over the end of your nail to “cap” it. Covering the nail edge ensures that the end of the strip won’t peel off every time you touch something.
4. Keep it simple
With strips, sometimes less is more. Try doing an accent nail (either index or ring finger) on each hand and then paint the others with a solid shade.

Four Easy Ways to Control Cravings

2013-08-02T07:20:00.002-07:00

I just want to maintain my weight, but sometimes the cravings attack me. I have found this and make a list of foods to chew when craving. And I want to share it to you.
When a certain texture calls your name more than your waistband would like, use these swaps to help you stop food cravings without adding inches.

• When you crave: Crunchy (chips, caramel popcorn, biscotti)
Chew this: Baby carrots, fruit slices, or rice cakes. Almonds can also work, but be careful: Half a cup has over 400 calories.

• When you crave: Creamy (peanut butter, risotto, mac 'n' cheese)
Chew this: Sugar-free Jell-O, hummus, or for dinner, a bowl of velvety soup

• When you crave: Greasy (fries, pizza, burgers)
Chew this: Baked sweet-potato fries or thin-crust pizza with veggies. Choose 90% or higher lean beef--your mouth won't know the difference.

•When you crave: Fluid (juice, soda, slushies)
Sip this: Flavored sparkling water or lightly sweetened iced tea. (Studies suggest that limiting caloric beverages leads to weight loss.) Or try a smoothie. Research shows that the thicker and more whipped the drink, the more satisfying it will be, saving you calories at your next meal. To achieve maximum thickness, toss in a frozen banana and blend.

5 Ways To Remove Pimples overnight.

2013-08-02T06:59:00.002-07:00

Ice

Ice is often used as a quick remedy to get rid of Pimple overnight. You just need to wrap an ice cube (or crushed ice) in a piece of cloth and apply it on your Pimple for about 20-

30 seconds. Repeat this procedure a few times in a day to reduce the swelling of your Zits considerably as it helps to freeze the pores and removes dirt and oil easily. If you are looking for solutions on how to get rid of a red Pimple fast then this ice remedy will surely give the best results.

Manuka honey and tea tree oil

Manuka honey and tea tree oil also serve as excellent home remedies to get rid of Pimples overnight Apply either of these natural cures after washing the face. This treatment, however, works best in case of minor Pimples.

lemon juice

If you are wondering how to get rid of a Pimple on your nose or forehead then lemon juice can be a great help for you. In fact, applying lemon juice on the affected area is one of the simplest ways of curing Pimples. Just apply some fresh lemon juice on your Pimple before going to bed and let it dry overnight. Your Zits and Pimples would surely become much less noticeable or even disappear completely the next day.

Honey and cinnamon face mask

Consider using a honey and cinnamon face mask to mask your Pimples. Prepare this face mask by mixing some honey and cinnamon powder to form a sticky paste.
Then, apply this mixture on the face overnight and wash it off in the morning. However, this pleasant smelling mixture takes might take an unpleasant amount of time to treat Acne.

Better-for-you popsicles for hot summer days

2013-08-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

It's hot. Thankfully, so are better-for-you popsicles that cool your body temperature—and your cravings for something sweet.

Like People's Pops', the farmer's market-fruit infused frozen treats that started the trend, pops in this new crop are made with fresh fruit, less sugar, and few additives. And many are vegan, gluten-free, and organic.

Grab one while you walk the High Line or start stocking your freezer now.

Brewla Bars' The Hero

Brewla Bars introduced its tea-plus-organic fruit pops last summer and The Hero, made with cherry, pomegranate, and red tea, is a favorite. The antioxidant-boosted pops come in at just 70 calories. In addition to the four flavors, co-founder Rebecca Dengrove says she's working on two new ones set to debut in mid-July, with even more creative fruit combos.

You can grab singles at Pushcart Coffee and boxes at Whole Foods and Union Market. And David Burke Kitchen is even selling Brewla Bar cocktails for summer sipping.

Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Pops

Chloe's bread and butter is its fro-yo without the yo—soft serve made with just fruit, water, and a touch of organic cane sugar, which you can order Pinkberry style, with much healthier toppings.

But the shop also makes Fruit Pops, which got an upgrade this summer, with a new size and shape. Right now, they come in five flavors—raspberry, banana, mango, tangerine, and strawberry—and three more will emerge from the ice box by mid-July. Every one of them is dairy-, gluten-, and fat-free.

Enlightened Ice Cream Bars

If childhood cravings for Fudgesicles and Creamsicles resurface every summer, Enlightened offers a healthier ice cream-based bar. The company was founded by personal trainer Michael Shoretz, who worked on the recipe for three years. The bars contain only 70 calories and 3g of sugar (plus 6g of erythritol, which gets mixed reviews from nutritionists
), and you'll get a protein (milk protein isolate, which is a mix of whey and casein), and a fiber boost, too. Just don't expect these to taste like the super creamy treat you remember—unfortunately, less fat also equals less flavor here.

Popbar's Avocado Popsorbetto

The West Village's Popbar bases its recipes on Italian gelato—in pop form. And its newest flavor, Avocado, is catering to urban dwellers who love their healthy fats. The team makes them in house with fresh avocados, water, and sugar. You can even order yours dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with almonds or coconut.

14 beauty uses for coconut oil

2013-07-31T07:04:00.001-07:00

Never mind that it's foun coconut oil has become the moment's most obsessed about natural beauty staple.

It has an enthusiastic following of fans who champion the fatty-acid-rich oil as an amazing hair de-frizzer, teeth whitener, body scrubber, and miracle makeup remover. How many of these beauty uses actually pan out?

We cracked open the truth on the nut's beauty benefits, by tapping cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson, Look Great, Live Green author and Sumbody founder Deborah Burnes, and Rose-Marie Swift, the formulator-founder of RMS Beauty.

Here's what they make of 14 head-to-toe beauty uses for coconut oil.
d in the kitchen,

Intensive Hair Conditioner

All our experts agreed that coconut oil can work wonders for dry, damaged, can't-get-the-tangle-out hair. “Its fatty acids soften hair,” says cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson. How to apply it? Author-beauty formulator Burnes suggests rubbing a small amount of coconut oil between your hands—“so you’re moisturizing them at the same time!”—then applying it to your hair from roots to ends one section at a time. (Note: Thin hair types may not want to apply it to the roots.) Rinse it off in the shower for better-behaving locks.

Frizz Fighter

This is one of the most popular beauty uses of coconut oil, because its natural oils repel water and prevent frizz. “Oil and water do not mix,” says Wilson. “So, the coconut oil on the hair prevents moisture from entering the hair shaft to create frizz.” Learn how to use it here. “Coconut oil is absolutely awesome for your hair,” gushes Burnes.

Whitening Toothpaste

Should you brush your teeth with coconut oil? Well, a study recently confirmed that a specific form of coconut oil can kill Streptococcus bacteria, which would be a step up from chemicals like triclosan in your toothpaste—and mouth! But it's not readily available yet.

As for making your pearly whites pearlier, Wilson says there's no scientific data currently supporting that claim. Still, you might want to try it out in your own bathroom lab, or rinse your mouth with coconut oil

for its other wellness benefits.

Makeup Remover

"It takes off the most stubborn high-tech mascara with ease," says makeup artist and formulator Rose-Marie Swift, who's obsessed with coconut oil's gentle grime-removing action and antibacterial properties. (Two reasons she uses coconut oil in many RMS Beauty products and makes an RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream

"And doesn't it seem like a much healthier option for skin than all those synthetic chemical concoctions?” she asks, providing a third.

Burnes likes it for the eye area, too, adding that it's uber-hydrating—a boon for what's often the first place on the face to show lines and wrinkles.

.)

Night Cream

Slather this on: In addition to moisturizing your skin, coconut oil can help make your skin work better. “The fatty acids help reinforce the skin's natural lipid barrier,” says Wilson. “This process helps lock moisture in the skin, promoting hydration.”

However, using coconut oil as a moisturizer might be a little too greasy for some. If you're one of them, a great alternative is to find a facial moisturizer that uses coconut oil in its base
among other natural ingredients, says Burnes.

Lip Balm

“If the slip and taste of coconut oil feels good on your lips, then go for it,” says Burnes. According to Wilson, the same fatty acids in coconut oil that help your skin hold onto moisture also provide that love for your lips. “It all comes down to the fatty acids creating a barrier, locking moisture in,” she says.

On Cuticles

Our experts think using coconut oil on your cuticles shows serious beauty smarts. One of the properties of coconut oil is that it's anti-fungal, says Burnes. That's good for ragged cuticles—and all toes.

And a plus? Coconut oil helps make your nails stronger. “The emollient nature of the coconut oil keeps the cuticles soft,” explains Wilson. “It doesn't help nails grow, but it can definitely keep your nails from becoming brittle.” To liquify coconut oil, warm it up a little by placing some in a container under running hot water.

Deodorant

Our experts are not so sure about using coconut oil as a natural deodorant on its own. As Wilson explains, there is a study showing coconut oil having antibacterial properties, but coconut oil can't deodorize or act as an antiperspirant. Though coconut could be helpful in a natural deodorant formulation with herbs, powders, and clays that help it along.

In a Soap

Using coconut oil in your soap is a great way to moisturize and soften your hands as you wash up. Our experts love this idea. “It all comes down to the fatty acids in the coconut oil,” says Wilson. “They help soften the skin.”

As a Body Balm or Body Scrub

If you’re making body balm with coconut oil, our experts recommend mixing it with a butter (such as shea butter). “You can mix coconut oil with all kinds of butter to make a body balm,” says Burnes.

If you mix coconut oil with sugar or salt, however, you've got an amazing body scrub with exfoliating properties. “It’s also great to use on your feet because of the natural anti-fungal properties,” Burnes adds.

Massage Oil

Our experts highly recommend using coconut oil as massage oil. Because it doesn't absorb immediately, “the lubricating effect of coconut oil gives it a long 'play time,'” which is perfect for a massage, says Wilson.

Shaving Cream

This is a beauty trick our experts have yet to try, but that we've heard about on the beauty DIY downlow. “I've never used it as a shave cream, but due to the lubricating nature of coconut oil, it's possible,” says Wilson.

Burnes asks, “Does it work as a shaving cream? My gut tells me probably not—it’s going to be too slicky and slidy.” In other words, proceed with caution.

Natural SPF Sunscreen

According to our experts, this beauty use is a big no-no.

“I've seen an in-vitro (outside of the body) study done with coconut oil showing SPF protection,” explains Wilson. “However, this method is not approved by the FDA, and an in-vivo test must be done on humans to support the data. I would not recommend slathering on coconut oil for UV protection.”

Burnes agrees. “Using coconut oil as a natural sunscreen is really irresponsible. Yes, it may have an SPF of 3, but the oil is going to bake your skin more than the SPF is going to protect you.”

6 best hair styles for working out

2013-07-31T06:39:00.001-07:00

hair styles for working out

Portion Control: An Important Key to Weight Loss

2013-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Many people may eat the right foods, just too much of them. Even when you are eating healthy foods, it is still important to pay attention to portion control. Calories do count, especially if your goal is weight loss. As a health coach, I find that most people don’t even realize how MUCH they are eating—even when they make healthy choices.
Our bodies need a certain number of calories to function. Most people get more than their fair share and are surprised when they find out how many calories they should be consuming in order to maintain or lose weight. We burn calories 24 hours a day, regardless of what we are doing—yes, you even burn calories while you are sleeping. Taking in the right number of calories often depends on the portion sizes that you have at each meal.
For example, one serving of lean meat is usually said to be about the size of a deck of playing cards. This is about a 3 ounce size. Most people will eat three times that amount in one serving. This will dramatically affect your caloric intake, even if you are choosing lean meats or fish. If you are going to have a portion of this size, then the amount you eat during the rest of the day will need to be adjusted accordingly so that you take in the right number of calories.
If you exercise, you will need more calories to maintain your weight (or, you will burn more calories and lose weight!). Depending on your health goals, you will need to adjust your calorie intake and your portion sizes accordingly. If you are training for an athletic event, you may not be trying to lose weight and you will need extra calories to maintain your strength and build muscle. If you are trying to lose weight, then exercise will help you burn more calories and shed the pounds.
Once you identify your healthy lifestyle goals, get more information from your health coach about portion size and portion control so that you can more easily stay on track and get where you want to be, whether it is maintaining your current weight with healthy choices or losing some extra weight.

Can You Lose Weight Through Detox?

2013-07-28T05:21:00.001-07:00

People who want to lose weight may opt for a body detox plan to help. Celebrities and the media are constantly promoting detox plans as being terrific for weight loss. As a health coach, it is my job to help people understand what is involved with body detox and how it affects weight loss goals.
Detox programs involve significant restrictions to your diet. Many include a period of fasting, others include eating only certain foods. Either way, your caloric intake will greatly change when you try any type of detox plan. When you consume fewer calories, your body will burn the stored fat for energy, which can help you lose large amounts of weight quickly. But, when you lose weight quickly, you are also likely to regain it as soon as you return to normal eating patterns. Detox plans can slow down your metabolism, because your body goes into a starvation mode and tries to conserve calories for energy.
Not all detox plans are created equal. Some will definitely help you lose weight naturally and gradually. And, detoxifying your body will help to flush many of the stored toxins from your system, recharging your digestive system and all other body functions. When your system is running more efficiently, weight loss can be faster. Using a combination of healthy detox, such as juice detox, and exercise, you can rev up your system and boost your metabolism and immune system. Having a clean slate for a diet and exercise program can mean better results from your weight loss program.
There are other ways that detoxifying your body can help you lose weight. For example, one of the benefits of detox is that you will feel rejuvenated and have extra energy. This will help you fit more exercise into your lifestyle. You will also have better mental clarity, and be better able to stick to your weight loss goals because you can envision your success.
After a body detox program, you will also be more likely to sleep better. Having healthy sleep patterns will help you lose weight faster. Sleeping well will also help you to keep the weight off once you do reach your weight loss goals. Detox will help you eliminate sugary and unhealthy foods from your system and your diet, and you will establish healthier eating patterns. Your taste buds will be recharged and you will enjoy healthy foods without having the cravings for sugar and junk food.
If you are thinking about detoxing for weight loss, then you should avoid the detox programs that involve complete fasting. Starvation is not the best solution for weight loss, because even though you will lose weight quickly, as soon as you start eating again you will gain the weight right back. Talk to your health coach about finding the best detox plan for helping with your weight loss goals.

Farmers’ Market Chickens Higher in Bacteria

2013-07-27T05:37:00.004-07:00

That chicken you bought at the farmers’ market may not be as healthful as you thought.
Researchers in Pennsylvania bought 100 whole chickens from grocery stores, half of which were organic, and 100 from farmers’ markets and tested them for the presence of Salmonella and Campylobacter, two species of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The study appeared online last month in The Journal of Food Safety.
Among the grocery store chickens, 28 percent of the organic chickens tested positive for Campylobacter and 20 percent for Salmonella, while 52 percent of the nonorganic chickens were contaminated with Campylobacter and 8 percent with Salmonella. But the chickens from farmers’ markets were the most contaminated of all: 28 percent tested positive for Salmonella and 90 percent for Campylobacter.
Poultry farmers who process fewer than 20,000 birds a year are not subject to Department of Agriculture inspections, which may account for some of the differences.
Joshua Scheinberg, a doctoral student at Penn State who led the study, said he did not want to discourage people from shopping at farmers’ markets. But he said both sellers and buyers “have to make sure they’re handling the products properly, keeping them cold, making sure they’re not cross-contaminating tabletops or kitchen implements. Yes, we found in a small study higher levels of these pathogens. But these would be destroyed if properly cooked to 165 degrees.”

How Pregnancy Changes a Runner’s Body

2013-07-27T05:34:00.003-07:00

New research suggests that the biomechanical changes that occur during pregnancy can linger long afterward and significantly affect a woman’s running stride.
There’s never been any doubt, of course, that pregnancy drastically changes a woman’s body. She gains weight, her center of gravity shifts and connective tissues become looser. These changes are desirable and necessary for birth.
But they also affect how a woman moves.
A study published in March in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, for instance, documented how women’s walking strides grew wider and shorter as their pregnancies progressed. They began, in essence, to waddle.
But there has been little science available about how pregnancy affects running form, in part because relatively few women have run during and after their pregnancies. That situation is changing, though, thanks in part to strong evidence that running throughout pregnancy does not harm a woman’s fetus, together with well-publicized success stories like those of the marathoners Kara Goucher and Paula Radcliffe, who trained throughout their pregnancies and returned to competition soon after.
But while more pregnant women and new mothers run today, many also experience unaccustomed aches and pains and a niggling feeling that somehow their stride is different now.
Such complaints drive many new mothers to the doctor’s office. And they also sent some to the running clinic at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, whose director, Bryan Heiderscheit, a professor of orthopedics and rehabilitation, could find no studies examining running biomechanics in the pregnancy and postpartum periods.
So he and his colleagues set out to conduct their own. So far, only a handful of women have been studied in depth, but the early results, presented at a 2013 sports medicine scientific meeting and published in The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, are among the first to track biomechanical changes in a pregnant runner’s body and how those changes might effectively be managed.
One of the cases involved a 27-year-old runner who, beginning in the sixth month of her pregnancy, began visiting the university’s exercise lab every four weeks. There, she ran on a treadmill while the scientists used 3-D motion-capture technology to study her form. Her final visit while pregnant came two days before she went into labor. Six months later, she returned to the lab for a follow-up run. By then, she was running on her own about 15 miles a week.
The scientists found that as her pregnancy progressed, her pelvis began tilting forward more and more, altering to some degree how she landed with each stride. Six months postpartum, much of that forward tilt remained. She also displayed more side-to-side pelvic motion while running than she had when she began the study six months into her pregnancy.
She didn’t report any appreciable pain while running. But that wasn’t the case for another postpartum runner studied by Dr. Heiderscheit’s group — a 33-year-old mother of two who visited the running clinic 14 months after her second child was born because of considerable hip and low back pain while running.
After she ran on the lab treadmill, the researchers determined that her pelvis tilted abnormally far forward during running and moved too much from side to side. In effect, her pelvis remained unstable a year after her last pregnancy. Partly in consequence, her right leg struck the ground harder than the left, absorbing about 30 percent more force with each stride.
“None of this was surprising,” Dr. Heiderscheit says. “Pregnancy and labor stretch the muscles and connective tissues in the abdomen,” which allows the slightly unmoored pelvis to tilt and sway. Unless a woman strengthens the affected muscles after pregnancy, the tissues remain stretched.
Relying on that gym standby, crunches, won’t do the trick, though, Dr. Heiderscheit says. They don’t activate the small muscles deep within the abdomen. Instead, he suggests pulling the belly up and in multiple times and also “imagining that you’re trying to cut off the flow of urine.”
Using those techniques, together with traditional abdominal exercises like squats, planks and bridges (instructions for these can be found on The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy’s Web site), can help stabilize the pelvic area. They also suggested that the woman shorten her stride by about 10 percent to reduce the pounding that she experienced as she ran.
After seven weeks, the woman reported that her feelings of pain while running had dropped from a constant 9, on a scale of 1 to 10, to an occasional 3. She returned to running about 20 miles a week.
“I think it’s time we acknowledge that having a baby is going to change how you run,” Dr. Heiderscheit says.
The changes are not necessarily deleterious, he adds. There is no evidence that a majority of mothers are slower runners or more injury-prone after giving birth. “But things are likely to feel different,” he says, “and probably for a long time.”
Ongoing studies at his clinic are looking into whether some of the alterations in running form are, in fact, permanent.
For now, he says, his advice to pregnant or postpartum runners is to pay attention to signals from your body. If you feel pain while running, especially in the back or hips, slow down and consult a sports medicine specialist. After medical clearance, consider starting an exercise program designed to strengthen the abdominal muscles.
And if you need inspiration, the mother with the sore back and hips, Dr. Heiderscheit says, recently completed her first half-marathon.

Fighting off winter hunger

2013-07-22T10:45:00.001-07:00

Hunger is the one thing that can ruin our best of intentions to lose weight. It creeps up on us due to poor habits, lack of proper digestion of nutrients, addiction to empty calories and even as a relief of a boring lifestyle.
Are you that person that sits at the computer munching away at the chips and lollies because you are hungry? The truth is you are not really hungry at all. The truth is that you have a poor digestive system or are addicted to sugar or salt or have hormones and chemicals not working properly in your body and that gives the message to your brain that you are hungry. Or the truth may be that you are really bored with your lifestyle and are using food to fill up that empty hole inside you which you won’t admit is even there.
It’s only me writing here and you reading this article so you can afford to be honest…right now! Why do you think you are hungry when you eat all that stuff that you know, and yes you already do know, is not good for you? What are you trying to fill up in yourself that you think is lacking? Is it not some emotional void or mental repetitive thought that you are attempting to alleviate? Don’t you reach for the chocolate and the fries and then you feel better? Truth is you don’t want the food, you want something else that you are hungry for but what that is may be covered up by the mountains of food that you are pushing down that is really bad for you. We tend to do this even more in winter months using the excuse that the cold weather is making our hunger even worse.
So what can we do to alleviate this problem especially now when it is cold and it’s harder to wake up in the mornings and sometimes harder to get to the gym? There is no easy answer for that; you simply have to get out there. You need to go do your exercise, get in the car and meet those friends or even go join a new group. Don’t let the winter dark and cold put you off. Even if you need to use public transport rug yourself up, take out the umbrella and head to the bus stop about 5 minutes before the bus is due. Mix with people and do new things and if there is an emotional hole you are attempting to fill with all that food that is not good for you very soon you will be comfortable in some club or function talking to lots of people and even too involved in your discussion to think of eating all that food that is no good for you. If that is not what is missing though and there is a physical need for sugar and addictive chemicals then there are other things you can do to alleviate those hunger pangs.
First on the list is to never miss breakfast. No matter what ‘diet’ you are on…and you shouldn’t be because diets are usually bad for you. Much better to adopt a sensible eating plan and make it your way of life than do those yo yo diets that last for 6 weeks and you lose the weight and then go back to all your old habits.
Not having breakfast will exacerbate your hunger and lower your blood sugar. You already have lowered blood sugar in the mornings when you wake up and it is good to give your body a healthy kick start to get you going so always have a healthy breakfast, even if it’s a small one. Everyone can grab a glass of juice as they go out the door and a fruit, or a handful of nuts or even pop a toast into the toaster while you go comb your hair. Much better though to stave off those hunger pangs with a bowl of muesli or a protein food which will keep you full longer but always watch your protein intake as too much for long periods of time can put strain on your adrenal glands.
Also make sure that you have enough sleep because it has been found that people who slept too little weigh more. Lack of sleep affects hormones related to appetite, causing you to gain weight. Also people who stay up late often get the munchies and head for the refrigerator for all those foods which they know are not good for them or fill up with a couple of glasses of alcohol which also puts on the weight.

Of course the easiest way to stay on a healthy eating plan is to only have healthy foods in the house and make a pact that you will not get in the car at 10 pm looking for snacks at the local service station.
The best thing to do at night when those hunger pangs strike is to drink water, especially before going to bed (just one glass) as it will hydrate your body while you are sleeping. It increases your resting kilojoules burn rate and also will make you feel slightly fuller.
Foods with high water content are also good to make you feel full. Salads with lettuce, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes are good. Also fruits such as watermelon, strawberries and oranges but watermelon has a high sugar content so too much of it is not a good thing.
Spicy foods and nuts also will make for variety in your eating plan to give your palate something different and satisfy that hunger. Trying new foods and different recipes can help you with hunger pangs because of the mental stimulation of making the recipe and if you take the care to dress up your food, serve it with candles perhaps and make a small ceremony of eating to make it special, it will take on an element of pleasure which it may not have had before, giving you a different perception of what you are eating and perhaps satisfying you better in a different way.
Remember also that drinking different types of tea is a good way to stave off hunger pangs. Green tea, lemon and honey tea and even black teas will fill you up and make you warm, making you forget for a while those cravings for foods that are not good for you.
So hunger pangs are something we have all experienced but there are things you can do to stop yourself eating the wrong foods at the wrong time and clogging your body with toxins which will make you ill. If however you cannot manage your hunger pangs consult your natural therapist for a healthy eating plan and recipes, a hypnotherapist to assist you with those cravings and even an NLP practitioner to give you tools to change that pattern. There are lots you can do if you begin to check it out.

Five Steps To Lose Fat And Build Muscle Quickly

2013-07-18T05:01:00.002-07:00

Ask ten people at the gym how to build muscle and you'll more than likely hear ten different answers, such is the confusion surrounding this often sought after answer. Much like when people ask how to lose weight you'll get the same type of mass hysteria with nobody really knowing what to do. Today we show you exactly what to do.
Today's post will feature five foundations of building lean, fat free tissue. Whether you're looking to become a man-mountain or just simply improve your physique, let's get to work.

1) Change Your Diet To Gain Size And Strength.
2) Stick To Basic Supplements.
3) Structure Your Workouts To Your Goal.
4) Rest Your Muscles.
5) Sleeping Is Now Part Of Your Training.

These foundations are used by bodybuilders, athletes and newcomers alike. They work, there's no question about it. The first rule concerns your diet. Most people don't watch what they eat when trying to bulk up and in return they look nothing like what they set out to achieve.
You're trying to build a physique the right way, after all, and there are two ways to get bigger we all know that.
In order to get bigger but also stay lean you have to diet. In the video we reveal how to work out your ideal diet to add lean tissue without storing lots of fat in the process. This simply works and has stood the test of time.
Rule number two is about knowing your supplements. Too often, people are all too quick to take a product without truly knowing what they're actually putting into their body, what it's supposed to be doing for them or why they even need it.
The key word to remember here is supplement. It's intended to be an extra. Be sure to get the majority of your diet from the food you eat rather than the sports supplements you use. A decent whey protein and some creatine monohydrate is all you need.
Tip three is about your time in the gym. If you want to get bigger, you need to train bigger. That doesn't necessarily mean longer, either. Stick to the hardcore basic exercises such as Deadlifts and Pull Ups. These multi-joint exercises are spectacular for building up strength and size.
Rest is the most overlooked rule. Once you begin enjoying your training you don't want to take a day off, understandably. But the truth is you hinder yourself if you train too much, particularly with this type of long-term goal. Beware of over-training.
Sleeping is also a key ingredient in this type of diet. In order to release growth hormone your body needs to be asleep. If you fail to get enough sleep you sell yourself short. It's that simple.
So there you have it. We recently gave five tips showing you how to lose weight and keep it off, today we focus on how to build muscle and you'll notice the tips are no more difficult. Apply these to your current training routine and you'll see great returns on each of the steps.

The Benefits Of The Lemonade Diet

2013-07-15T04:20:00.005-07:00

The “Master Cleanse”, otherwise popularly referred to as the “Lemonade Diet Detox,” was developed originally by Stanley Burroughs. The main ingredients used for this detoxification was the green tea and lemonade, which made sense, both biochemically as well as economically. The lemon has the highest vitamin concentration, as well as essential nutrients among all the citrus varieties and probably costs least and also lasts for a longer time. The flavor of lemon complements those of maple syrup, green tea and cayenne. As an effective anti-oxidant, with a very low glycemic index, the lemon is the most potent in the entire citrus family for working efficiently and introducing scarce amounts of sugar, when used to detoxify the system with the lemonade diet.

Each ingredient that has been incorporated in the master lemon detox diet is a powerful cleanser that performs essential homeopathic functions. Cayenne pepper works as the catalyst for the ingredients and is packed with vital medicinal properties. When you opt for the “Master Cleanse,” you are helping the major systems and organs in your body, to adjust and restore their functions optimally by helping to prepare for dietary changes long-term.

According to Burroughs, people learn to “fast” for ten to forty days and then continue to eat foods that are packed with health, to nourish and cleanse their systems. Burroughs is of the same opinion as most homeopaths and naturopaths that food products that are mainly grown from plants should be eaten. He does not refer to veganism, but endorses all types of vegetables, legumes and fruits. He cautions strongly against eating of animal products and dairy, including yeasts. Yogurt is the only exception that has been made when specifying no “dairy products.”

Perhaps Burroughs was not able to enjoy maintaining a juice bar during his time as he concentrates on more practical ingredients. It is worth while investing in a juice aisle that is well-stocked as fruits, vegetables and legumes are now grown organically, throughout the year. It is not therefore necessary to stick to just lemons and the syrup in the lemonade detox diet. It is possible to enjoy the benefits of nourishing and cleansing with the original diet plan from Burroughs and use tasty and affordable alternatives. Nutritionists argue that you can get more anti-oxidants if you substitute the juice of cranberries in various varieties, instead of using lemons, as it is beneficial for improving the urinary tract. Fresh peppers are also advocated as substitute to preparing drinks and dishes with cayenne flavor, as this vegetable is packed with nutrients that you may not get from spices.

You will be faced with two issues when you start discussing the lemonade cleanser. First, people argue fiercely about omitting dairy products. Those who love to eat meats are distressed when meats are omitted from the diet.

Yoghurt has proved to be the only dairy product that has been allowed in this diet. This product is important, due to the cultures produced that are great for enhancing digestion and can satisfy cravings for food, due to the creamy smooth texture. It is easy to stick to a lemonade diet that allows you to incorporate this delicious food when trying to cleanse the system. Nutritionists also make exceptions in some cases by introducing some select cheese, as they feel that these types of strict regimes for detoxifying the system may not introduce sufficient proteins. Therefore, they allow the consumptions of cheese that has reduced fat and good flavors, as well as texture, to be incorporated in some of the cleansing recipes.

Dieters may also find themselves deprived of vital omega-3 with the fatty acids, when they follow a strict cleaning diet, using lemonade. Some nutritionists, as well as naturopaths, may recommend products made out of soy, or vegetable burgers, for satisfying intense cravings for meat. Others will allow certain types of fish filets that may be broiled and liberally sprinkled with lemon and cayenne, at least twice a week. It is essential to ensure that you check out which fish you can eat, as many may contain contaminants that are water-borne, or traces of mercury. It is strictly advised that you avoid eating crustaceans even though your taste buds cry out for chewy and rich flavors. Perhaps if you also refer to the lobster, as a “cockroach of the sea” as most nutritionists do, you may not want to eat this food and lose your craving for it.

What are the options that are available for losing weight? One is to go in for bariatric surgery but the cost for this is very exorbitant and there are certain risks involved. Exercise is a great option, but many people rely on their personal trainer to goad them stick to a routine or motivate them to adhere to the schedule for working out. Personal trainers are also equally expensive. Diet pills may work, but if there are no scientific conclusive proofs, then you may just consume some harmful chemicals that are wrongly advocated for weight loss. Diet pills are being taken off the market almost daily, as many prove to contain harmful substances that could cause detrimental results. How is one supposed to lose weight? Try this Lemonade Diet which consists of lemon with water that will help you to lose weight.

The Lemonade Diet uses natural ingredients to help you lose weight without the danger of ingesting harmful chemicals. The diet consists of maple syrup, lemon and cayenne pepper for detoxifying the body and losing weight. We all know how powerful the ordinary lemon is as there is documented proof on its merits. Cayenne pepper helps to clear your bowels. Maple syrup has many nutritional qualities and also contains B vitamins. Now you can just take a pill with this formula incorporated and combine it with a sensible meal plan and exercise regime to help you melt those pounds successfully.

You will find that you have been able to successfully jumpstart the weight loss safely. The properties of lemon have been extolled scientifically. It is a great way to follow a healthy part to achieve a slim body by deciding to adopt the Lemonade Weight Loss Diet.

When you remove toxins from your body, you become healthier. You can rid your body of the nasty toxins that have been building up for a long time, when you combine the diet, with a healthy exercise and meal program.

The other advantages are that your skin will begin to clear and glow and you will find you are steadily losing weight, concentrate better and find you enjoy greater clarity of mind. It is possible to lose nearly 17 pounds within the first two weeks, when you stick to the Lemonade Diet.

Protein Shakes – Useful Info

2013-07-15T04:19:00.001-07:00

Protein Shakes unique drink packages that contain lots of protein nutrients. They usually showcase in a variety of flavors and forms. They could be in powdered form or simple foils. They can as well be in form of cans. In most cases, athletes normally use them to build strength. They are also used by other sports men and women in their various sporting events. Apart from that, one can also use them as rich content drinks at home and during picnics.

The Local Content of Protein Shakes

Basically, Protein Shakes contain protein nutrient in large quantities. The nutrient is very vital for the building of bones, muscles and several tissues of the body. It’s also very vital for the maintenance of the human skin. In most cases, Protein shakes are made of the combination of other nutrients such as carbohydrates and fats. Together with protein, these nutrients make the shakes to be very rich in content. Many of the shakes are also manufactured with special preservatives which ensure their durability at all times.

Really, the need for protein for daily living cannot be overemphasized. Everyone needs the nutrient to survive. You need that for the continual functioning of your brain and mental systems. Sports men and women also need that for their diets as they go about their games.

The protein content in most Protein Shakes is usually made of special food items such as Milk, Whey, Egg, Casein, and Soy and so on. Some of the shakes are made of the combination of all these items while others are also made in combination of carbohydrates and fat nutrients.

The protein source and how it’s processed before being used to produce the protein shakes is very vital. There’s always the need to make sure that the source of the protein nutrient is genuine.

Whey is one of the basic protein nutrients used in producing the shakes. It’s usually found in milk. In most cases, the nutrient absorbs very fast and can also stay in your body for a short period. It can be a very unique supplement for regaining strength after a workout. You can always use that to regain your strength after taking part in athletic event.

The Casein nutrient which is also used in producing Protein Shakes is also found in milk. It absorbs very slowly and can also stay in the human body for a longer time. It’s a very good supplement that can be taken before bed time.

Soy is also another basic nutrient found in Protein Shakes. It’s normally good when used in the production of shakes meant for athletes. In most cases, Soy reduces lean body mass and also lowers blood levels of testosterone. Oftentimes, many women take Soy to curtail their menopausal symptoms. The Soy nutrient is usually gotten from a plant source. It can be digested as other sources of protein. It’s known for containing antioxidant properties which is good for your body system. It’s also a very good supplement for some meals.

Benefits of Protein Shakes

Protein Shakes come with lots of benefits to everyone that uses them. Basically, they are among the most unique avenues of taking in required protein nutrient for the body. When you take the shakes on regular basis, you’re sure to have smooth skin. Yourmental system is also sure to be in top gear.

Again, Protein Shakes can be a lot helpful to athletes and other sports men and women. They normally use such food drink packages to nourish their systems after their daily workouts. The shakes are usually very safe and are always ready for easy drinking. Athletes take them from time to time to garner more strength for their games.
Protein Shakes have the capacity to restore muscle glycogen which is the fuel source for various games and exercises. Normally, the fuel source may be exhausted during workouts. When that happens, you still need to replenish it. Well prepared Protein shakes can easily do the job for you. They have the power to restore your muscle and body fuel source back to normalcy. Athletes and other sports men and women that require strength regularly can always use the shakes from time to time. They can easily have their strength restored when they take the product on regular basis. The Protein shakes can repair any kind of damage done to your body during bodybuilding exercises. You’ll always be fit to engage in the next exercise when you take the shakes regularly.

The Right Protein Quantity You Need

It’s important you get to know the right dosage of protein you need on daily basis. Basically, the recommended protein intake for all adults is 0.75g per kilogram of body weight. It may also amount to about 45 to 55g of protein on daily basis. You’re expected to get this required protein dosage from the foods items and drinks you take. However, this can be very difficult especially when you don’t have access to quality protein sources. At this point, you can make use of well prepared Protein shakes in order to maintain the right dosage of protein required of you on daily basis.

Indeed, the protein requirement for everybody actually depends on some conditions. If you do engage in daily physical exercises on daily basis, you need to take more of the nutrients in order to maintain a healthy mind and body. Again, the amount of protein nutrient you need also depends on the intensity of the physical exercises you’re engaging in on daily basis. Your energy level and carbohydrate intake also determine the amount of protein required. You may not be able to get the required protein dosage you need from the regular food items you consume daily. But, you can always get the supplement when you take quality protein shakes.

Choosing the Best Protein shakes

Protein shakes showcase in a variety of forms. They can be in foil form or in drinkable cans. When searching for well made types, you have to pay attentions to the brand. There are several producers of such drinks out there. You need to purchase from reliable producers.

In most cases, Protein shakes do come with labels on their cans or foil covers. The labels usually contain the basic composition of the ingredients used in producing the shakes. You have to study the labels very well in order to know the particular shake that meets your standards.

Again, there are special Protein shakes meant for special purposes. There the types meant only for athletes and other sports men and women. Such types are usually well concentrated. They are normally made in combination of other nutrient such as carbohydrate and fats. If you’re an athlete or you engage in bodybuilding activities, you need such products to maintain your health and strength.

On the hand, if you’re an ordinary home consumer, you need to go for special Protein shakes meant for ordinary use. They are not usually well concentrated. Oftentimes, such types may only contain protein sources. This is because, they are not meant for strength building. You simply take them as your protein supplement for healthy living.

However, your main goal of protein intake determines the kind of protein shakes you go for. If your goal is just to shed some fat in the body, you may need to go for shakes that have low content of fat and carbohydrate. If on the other hand, your body requires great amount of protein, you need to go for shakes that are 100% protein in content. Such types can as well be made of carbohydrates and fat nutrients.

There are special Protein shakes you can easily purchase online. They are usually made under unique conditions. They showcase in a variety of brands and forms. You may need to read various reviews written on the shakes in order to select the type that can serve your purpose. A good number of dealers on the products ply their trades online. You can easily locate the best of the shakes when you take time to search well.

It’s necessary you pay attention to quality rather than price when looking for ready-made protein shakes online. You may need to obtain useful pieces of advice from a dietician in order to locate the right type that can serve your purpose. While it’s true that protein shakes are beneficial, there’s every need for you to be well informed before you go ahead to use them. If you’re having several cases of ailments in your body, you need to consult your doctor for proper medical checkup before thinking of using any diet. Your doctor should be able to recommend the best kind of protein shakes that can suit your body condition. In any case, you’re sure to have steady supply of protein when you take time to pick the right shakes from reliable dealers online.

Successful Tips On How To Get Pregnant

2013-07-15T04:15:00.002-07:00

Falling pregnant may not be as easy as it sounds for some women. It is true that some naturally become pregnant and look forward to bringing up children. Others may try hard but fail to succeed, though they would love to bear children and enjoy some wonderful moments with them. It may be the easiest thing in the world for couples who find themselves in this happy situation the minute they wish to get pregnant. Here are a few tips for those who wish to learn how to get pregnant by using tried and tested methods.

The first step on how to get pregnant is to learn all about conception and predicting ovulation. It is important to understand that the hormones that are found in the pituitary gland stimulate the ovaries to ovulate or release an egg, once a month. This egg travels down to the fallopian tubes and this is the time one should try to conceive. Many women are unable to tell when they are ovulating. There are several factors that affect the time of exact ovulation. These include over exercising and stress when women feel like they are trying to aim at a moving target.

The best way to learn when you can be ovulating is to:

• Keep a careful check on the dates in your calendar or day planner. Mark the day you expect to start your period. Make a note of the number of days that it can last, as the chances of probably ovulating at the midpoint of the cycle, is high. To explain further, you may start ovulating on the 14th day if your cycle consistently starts after 28 days cycle. If you have a longer cycle of say, 34 days, the time of ovulation can be estimated 20 days after you began the last period.

• Keep a careful eye for changes that may occur in the cervical mucus. A careful examination will find that the increased vaginal secretions prior to ovulation are clear and slippery and resemble the whites of a raw egg. The discharge will revert to becoming sticky or cloudy, if the chances of pregnancy are slim, or it may stop altogether.

• The basal temperature which is the body temperature when you are resting completely can increase during ovulation. To check this, use a specially designed thermometer to measure the basal temperature of the body. Make out a spreadsheet, or use graph paper to plot readings of the basal body temperature every morning, before you step out of the bed. The time when you are most fertile, is during the days prior to the rise in temperature, which may last for two or three days. The increase will not be more than about a degree so you will have to be alert.

• Kits are available over the counter for predicting ovulation. You can check the hormonal increase by conducting a urine test before the ovulation period. You will be able to find out the likely ovulation time. Look for any signals that can be noticed before you actually start ovulating. Read the label for instructions on how to use the ovulation predictor kit.

Methods To Maximize Fertility Chances

Follow some simple rules and you will understand how to get pregnant

• It is important to have sex, at least twice or thrice a week and this will most likely work, especially when you are ovulating and fertile. Many couples do not find this a task as they enjoy making love. For some, they may be lucky sooner than they think.

• As you reach the ovulating period, ensure that you have sex at least once daily. This will increase the chances of conceiving. It is possible that the concentration of the sperm reduces slightly for the male during sex but this is not something to be worried about if the male is healthy.

• In order to increase the fertility chances, it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes moderate physical exercises, a sensible diet plan, limited caffeine and stress management. Once you adopt these good habits, you will find that you can get through the pregnancy period easily and you will produce a healthy baby.

• It is necessary to plan before you actually conceive by getting your health care provider to assess your health and put you on the right track with sensible changes that will encourage healthy conception. You will know if there are any issues to tackle with your partner’s health as well.

• Folic acid is very important for the baby to grow healthy in your body. Make sure you take your daily dose of prenatal vitamins or supplement of folic acid. If you get into the routine a few months before you conceive, the chances of developing any neural tube defects or spina bifida etc are reduced.

Try to incorporate the following foods that should be eaten when you are planning to have your baby.

• Ideally, try to eat organic fruits and vegetables as they do not contain residues of pesticide. They are healthier as the vitamins are retained and the flavors are better.

• Remember to eat healthy fats, as your body requires “good” fats, such as omega-3 for producing healthy cells. Nuts, such as pecans and walnuts, fish which should include sardines and salmon and flax seed oil, are all healthy foods. Try to source out eggs that have been laid by chickens that feed on insects and greens, as they contain good amounts of omega 3, as compared to chickens that are given regular foods. Use healthy oils for cooking such as coconut, olive, walnut and sesame seed oils.

• Zinc is very good for men to boost their fertility rate and increase motility and sperm count. For women, it encourages ovulation. Zinc is available in goods such as beef, chicken, turkey, oysters and shellfish.

• Iron-rich foods should be eaten by women who wish to conceive. Foods such as tofu, apricots and prunes, are high in iron. It is also advisable to cook foods in a skillet that is cast-iron.

• Studies conducted on the subject reveal that antioxidants are excellent for boost the sperm count. Research indicates that one out of twenty men may be less fertile than others. In order to boost their fertility, men should eat more beans, such as kidney, red, black or pinto. The other foods rich in antioxidants are artichokes, potatoes, green tea, cinnamon, pecans, plums, prunes and apples. Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and blueberries are also good fruits to eat in plenty.

Things To Avoid When Trying To Maximize Fertility

• Refrain from smoking when you are learning how to get pregnant. The sperm is prevented from reaching the egg as the tobacco interferes with the cervical mucus. The chances of a miscarriage are high, as the baby is deprived of oxygen and proper nutrients in the development stages.

• Alcohol is also best avoided as this is absolutely taboo when you are pregnant.

• Before taking any medication, even those that are available over the counter, check with your doctor. Conception is difficult if you take certain medications, especially those that are not considered safe during pregnancy.

• It is not advisable to use lubricants or spittle for the vagina as it has proved to decrease fertility. Use canola or mineral oil rather than lubricants bought over the counter, such as K-Y Jelly. Your doctor will guide you on the best remedies.

• It is not advisable to exercise strenuously when you are trying to conceive. Try to restrict physical activity to a few hours a week as if you work out for more than seven hours in the week, the chances of being fertile are remote.

• Obesity is by far the major reason for men and women not being able to conceive. PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, affects nearly ten percent of the women, causing infertility due to the increase in production of male hormones in women. It is advisable to lose at least 5% of the body weight if you wish to experience regular menstrual cycles and ovulation schedules.

Here are a few tips that will help you conceive faster when you are interested in learning how to get pregnant.

• Make love regularly if you wish to conceive. Men and women should have sex more importantly during the ovulation period though it is necessary to frequent the act regularly. The ideal number of times a week should be twice or thrice to ensure that you do not miss the chance of conceiving.

• Purchase a fertility monitor or a kit that predicts ovulation (opk). Once you are aware of the ovulation period, you can try to have sex during this time and increase the chances. Women may find it difficult to set up a chart or predict the right time. These opk kits work well as it monitors the LH surge period before ovulation. These kits are fairly easy to use and accurately predict ovulation. If you are planning to get pregnant quickly, invest in a Clear Blue Easy monitor or a similar fertility monitor as they are accurate and can predict ovulation easily. These types of fertility monitor work similar to the ovulation prediction kit, by reading changes in LK. The difference here is that hormonal changes are also monitored and therefore couples do not have to guess when they are most fertile. This makes the process faster and simpler.

• Many couples find it difficult or confusing to judge the best time during ovulation. Remember that you have a small window every month during which time you are likely to conceive. The egg survives for about 24 hours for a woman during ovulation. The life of a sperm is three to five days. Therefore, if you have sex during the two/three days before the ovulation period, the chances of becoming pregnant are far greater. You do not have to wait for the day of ovulation for having sex. Make use of every opportunity during this vital period to be able to conceive successfully.

• The calendar method is not something to go by for predicting the ovulation period. Many couples assume that the best time to have sex is on the fourteenth day of your monthly cycle. This is based on the fact that you experience your cycle regularly once in 28 days. This is not accurate and will not predict the right ovulation period. Each woman has her own special period of ovulation and once you learn this, you will be able to monitor your sex-making. When you use the opk, you will be able to check out the previous charts and the records kept and watch for ovulating signs to determine the best time that you ovulate.

• Though maintaining a chart for tracking the cycle is advantageous, you may pass the right ovulating time if you are not alert. Try to keep a record and check if you ovulate every month, at the same time, to help you time your movements better. You would do well to purchase the ovulation prediction kit if your ovulating periods differ every month.

• It is always advisable to get a regular check carried out by your doctor or gynecologist. If you have problems such as sexually transmitted diseases, infections that are not treated or suffering from poor health, the chances of conceiving may be remote. The doctor will put you on the right track by recommending prenatal vitamins to hasten the chances.

• Women should not try to get pregnant when they are in the habit of drinking, smoking or using any type of drugs. These vices can affect the chances of fertility and also the health of your developing baby in the womb. Try to give up these vices before you wish to conceive to ensure that you deliver a healthy baby.

• Couples, who work hard at conceiving, fail to enjoy the moment and look on sex as a function or job that has to be carried out in order to reproduce. This makes the whole concept a chore and they stop enjoying the act. Try to make the moment interesting, as your feelings also may make a vital difference, in your ability to conceive. Therefore, plan your evening by introducing a romantic atmosphere and make sure you enjoy sex. Research on the subject indicates that women who reach orgasm during sex increase the fertility chances as the spasmodic movement will drag the sperm right into the uterus and when men reach orgasm, the chances of increasing the sperm count is greater.

• The positions you assume during sex is also very important when you wish to understand how to get pregnant. The woman on top is a bad idea as the sperm does not remain intact in the vagina. Instead, try the missionary position as it has proved to be beneficial. Another good position is to place a pillow under the hips, to enable the pelvis to remain tilted and hold the sperm longer. Relax in bed for awhile, once you have had sex to help the sperm remain in bed for a longer period.

• Couples, who wish to conceive, will try to give it their best shot and get pregnant within the year. In case, this does not happen, you should see a doctor to get the right advice.

The Ideal Time to Consult a Doctor

Healthy couples can conceive faster if they have regular unprotected sex. Till you reach the age of thirty, you can try on your own to get pregnant, provided you and your partner are healthy. If after a year, you do not succeed or if you are approaching 35 or more, consult a doctor especially if you are aware of issues regarding fertility.

Treatment is now available for men and women who face the problem of infertility and wish to understand how to get pregnant. Consult a fertility specialist to get help.

Fertility Treatments For Conceiving

Couples, who wish to have a child, generally find that it is not difficult. However, there is hope for those who have problems with infertility as medical and technological advances have made it possible for women to conceive, regardless of the problem. You may have a problem with unexplained (idiopathic) infertility or have been trying to get pregnant for a while without success. Several types of fertility treatments are available that will help you conceive and have that beautiful baby that you always wanted. Fertility techniques are now provided with assistance for lesbian and gay couples or single mothers. This overview explains the various benefits provided by fertility treatments for different couples.

Medication For Fertility

Couples who have problems trying to conceive naturally can now avail of fertility drugs. Doctors may prescribe drugs such as Clomid, which is generically referred to as Clomiphene for women who do not ovulate (anovulatory) frequently. This drug works effectively to induce ovulation. Another class of fertility drugs that are also prescribed are Gonadotropins. These include brand names such as Gonal F, Pergobnal and Pregnyl. Women, who suffer from PCOS, idiopathic infertility, luteal phase defect and find no response with Clomid, can avail of these types of drugs. Men are also prescribed gonadotropins, if they have issues of infertility, due to hormonal imbalances. Medications may be prescribed along with the fertility treatment decided by the gynecologist or doctor to enable men and women to increase the chances of conception successfully.

How to Get the Most out of your Bench Press

2013-07-15T04:13:00.002-07:00

Bench press is one of the most important aspects of going to the gym and exercising. Actually, many will fight over an attractive bench just because it helps bring out the best in them as they exercise and tone up their body. Sadly, no matter how attractive or effective a bench has been designed to be, if you do not get the most out of it, all your sweating and effort will go down the drain, so to speak. It isn’t uncommon to find people stuck in the gym for months on end with no improvement at all despite all their hard work doing the bench press. Could it be they are doing it the wrong way, or is it just the fact that they are not dedicated to their presses?

Like any other form of exercise, it is common to reach a moribund point in your workout and become dormant, especially when you are trying to get the most out of your 1 rep bench press. This is where most people would stagnate and sometimes even backslide on their already achieved efforts. The reason for this is when you go full blast constantly. So how do you ensure you get the most out of your press?

1. Workout on the bench only once or twice a week. Do not overdo it.

2. Schedule your exercises in different varying phases, at least 4 phases with each phase taking up to a week. During the first week, ensure you cover 50% of your max reps, the next phase cover 65%, the third phase cover 80%, and the final phase is where you complete your set. Give yourself a break and then start all over again from the start. You will realize that as you progress, each set will become easier and doable by the day. Such exercises help workout your slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers, and eventually your body will become more responsive.

3. You should also concentrate on your supporting muscles and not just the regular bench press.

4. Avoid overworking your body with other exercises, particularly if your main focus is on the legs and triceps. Like doing any other form of exercise, it is always important that you take regular rests in between to allow your muscles enough time to recover and rejuvenate. Remember that if your muscles do not recover well and you start to work out, not only will your gains be limited, you also risk suffering muscle tear. If you must work out during your off days, light exercises such as crunches, sit ups and stretches will do.

5. Do not let anything come in your way, even your genetic composition as many people assume. Say for instance you have short arms and a wide chest; naturally you tend to do more presses on the bench than people with long arms and short chests. Generally, ensure you do everything in moderation and you will be good to go.

6. When all is said and done, it is important to remember that nothing complements your bench presses better than a well balanced diet. Unless you eat well, you are not going to gain anything.

Enjoy the Advantages of a Vegetarian Diet

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A vegetarian diet is interpreted differently by people around the world. Therefore if a person informs you that they are vegetarian, you need to probe a bit further as they have various concepts on what a vegetarian diet constitutes. The foods that are allowed, or restricted, differ according to the person’s perception and they should look for foods to substitute, so that they get the right nutrition that their bodies require. This is how they can succeed in keeping their weights down and leading healthier lives.

We give below a list of headings that are adopted by vegetarians who decide the type of foods that they would like to consume.

A Vegan is a person who does not eat any meats at all. They abstain from eating eggs, fish, all dairy products, meat and poultry. They even avoid any by-products that come from these sources. Some vegans will not even eat honey!

The Lacto-vegetarian consumes dairy products but will refrain from eating fish, poultry, meat or eggs. The Ovo-lacto-vegetarian will consume dairy products and some eggs but will avoid poultry, fish or meat.

If you are planning to switch over and becoming a vegetarian, consider these salient factors, if you wish to lose weight, before you change your diet plan. Do not give up eating meat suddenly, especially if you have been partial to meat in your diet till now. Slowly make a transition from eating non-vegetarian meat to becoming a vegetarian. Do this by increasing the days you do not eat meat slowly by introducing a vegetable delicacy, such as a stir fry as replacement.

Once you get used to not eating meat at every meal, you can look at substitutes and opt for versions such as fake ground beef or faux chicken to substitute when you crave for meat. These taste good and will prove healthier options than meat itself. Use alternatives for variety and you will see great changes in your waistline.

It has been observed that people who eat vegetarian foods consume lesser calories than their counterparts who eat meats on a regular basis. A vegetarian can eat enriched proteins when they wish by selecting various cheeses. However, you can opt for proteins that are low fat so that you get maximum benefits out of a vegetarian diet. Look for low fat options even when you select cheese, as they will work out to your advantage if you are keen on shedding weight quickly.

You should cook foods in such a way that you get maximum nutrients. Try to avoid fried foods, when you are on the vegetarian diet, if you are keen on losing some weight. Opt for grilled, steamed or baked foods instead of gorging on fried and fatty foods. Enjoy experiencing with various tasty dishes, which will work out optimally for you, especially when you are trying to shed some pounds. If you are fond of stir fry dishes, try to use less oil so that you get the maximum benefits of a healthy diet.

Types of Acne Treatment and How to Follow Instructions Carefully

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Teenagers are normally faced with this predicament, when their skin is covered with acne. One of the underlying factors that cause this is the male hormones. The other causes can be related to hormonal problems which also affect acne.

“Acne vulgaris” (acne) affects both men, as well as women, especially when they are in the adolescence stage. It also surfaces during the menstrual period, when women are expecting or during menopause. At the adolescent stage, the endocrine sex glands that protect body tissues are secreted. Androgen is the name given to these type of hormones and since it is commonly found in men, they are the worst affected, for this type of skin eruptions.

Androgen has the effect of inducing oil (sebaceous) glands that are generally associated with the hair follicles or pores of the skin. Though the sweat glands continue to secrete and become lively, they are unable to reach the surface of the skin. They begin to form a white dot known as the “white head” when the gland expands and stretches the tissues surrounding it. For some, this secretion becomes discolored, when it undergoes a chemical reaction. This is how blackheads form at the hair shafts. Both the human gland, as well as the hair follicle, continue to stretch and finally rupture, causing infection in the area. It starts by producing the papule and then becoming a pimple or pustule.

Are there any treatments to cure acne that is caused by the hormones? Acne can be cured by you as you practice self-treatment. You have to learn how to take care of your acne by following these steps. Wash your face and upper part of the body, using a mild soap and warm water, thrice daily. Steam the gently, after washing for about fifteen minutes daily. Do not use cosmetics. Never try to prick the pimple or pustule with your fingers and refrain from touching the face with dirty fingers. It is important to flush your system with cool fresh water and fruit juices. Try to sleep for about seven or eight hours daily and avoid chocolates, starchy foods and nuts. It is important to follow a healthy, wholesome and well-balanced diet, which incorporates vegetable and fruits.

The other option is to use the topical acne treatment. This means using any type of lotion, cream or gel that suits your skin type and condition of acne, which could range from mild, moderate, or severe. You could opt for oral treatment that is prescribed by skin experts. They can advise you on the best acne treatment for inducing oil from producing in the tiny glands that contain sebum. Anti-androgen treatment may also be prescribed to treat acne. You may be able to reduce the production of the sebaceous gland to a certain extent but not fully. The role of sebum is important for the functioning of the body and cannot therefore be totally stopped.

Hormonal therapy is another type of hormonal acne treatment. The excess male sex hormones produced are reversed during the process of this treatment and this may control androgen. How you take care of your skin will yield results and help to improve the condition of your health, as well as your skin. The hormonal acne treatment should be done importantly to ensure that the skin acquires an acne-free young, healthy and flawless skin.

The introduction of the latest innovations in technology for acne have resulted in many expensive brands of cosmetics hitting the market and many people now try to use affordable options that are mild and easy to use home products. These methods are inexpensive and more effective than the cosmetics that are over-hyped by the media.

There is no doubt that one has to use the right methods to cure the problem of acne from the root, which is dealing with the bacteria that causes acne, removing excess oil that forms on the skin, clearing clogged pores and healing inflamed skin. These are the four most potential causes that trigger acne and should be dealt with, when trying to control acne apart from dealing with low self-esteem, depression and so on, that generally affects people when acne spreads.

Most of the face washes, creams and bar soaps, including those that contain acne formulas, contain Benzoyl peroxide nowadays. This has to be used sparingly as excess causes the skin to redden and dry.

Salicylic acid is also used in quite a few facial pads and washes. It helps to unclog the skin pores and prevent pimples, acne skin or skin scars from re-grouping. This should be applied sparingly on the skin or it could have negative effects on the skin.

Using Olive Leaf extract is also beneficial as it is capable of annihilating viruses that are present in the cells, as they interact with the amino-acids produced and gets rid of viruses that lie in the body of the cells. The Olive Leaf extract has powerful anti-fungal and anti-viral properties that kills microorganisms and prevents production of “mycotoxins,” which are harmful to hormonal regulation, as well as toxic elimination. This powerful leaf extract can also, break and destroy the external lining of the bacteria in acne, which will help to control the spreading of this condition. Therefore try to use this amazing leaf extract that has great properties which can take care of eliminating the acne quickly.

Like any other home acne treatment, the response varies from person to person and you need to have patience to wait for results which may be slow, but if you are consistent with the acne treatment for a few weeks, you are bound to see results. There is also the possibility that these home treatments may not work for you, but may worsen the condition, so use them with caution. Check with your dermatologist before you plan to try anything new from home. They will help you to be cautious, as well as guide you on the right methods of following these treatments for effective results.