NutritionFrogBlog

Lana Del Rey: The New Indie Princess?

2012-08-26T22:27:00.002-07:00

Is Lana Del Rey the next icon in making?

With her pouted lips, lushes long brown hair and impeccable face, Lana Del Rey is fast becoming musics new indie darling. Of course is it not her looks that make her a new star but her amazing song writing skills and her retro, sometimes interesting vocals. But is she a icon in the making or just a one album wonder, that is still to be seen as she is so fresh on the landscape of music.

What makes her stand out?

Lana Del Rey has something that truly sets her apart from other pop stars. It is called mystique. When you listen to her painfully honest music and lyrics, it is clear that her heart has been broken by somebody. With music that paints such a vivid picture of her life, it is strange that she still remains so mysterious. We get the feeling that she has not been manufactured to be a pop star but it was her music that captured peoples heart. With her self made debut in music crashing her into the ever glaring and critical spotlight, it is a real fairy-tale story come true. Lana's rise has not been without its pitfalls.

She remains one of the most talked about new artists as some argue that she has been given too much influence in the music world for somebody with so little experience. What people don't know, is that she has been an artist for many years and it is only is the past few that she has hit it big. Many others criticize her live performances calming that she cant sing. Lana has said that she has a unique way of singing. People are just so used to hearing a generic, auto tuned, lip-synced performance that they can no longer appreciate a different tone and quality to a new voice.

One thing is for sure, with her stunning looks and deep,soul inducing beats along with her brutally honest lyrics, Lana is here to stay. She is a new type of singer, one that can cover the front page of Vogue and Rolling Stone magazine without anybody questing why she is there.

HCG Diet; What is it and Does it work?

2012-08-22T23:58:00.003-07:00

The HCG diet has been heard and seen a great deal recently and it's easy to see why. This simple diet helps its customers to lose up to one pound of fat a day when they first start taking it. Who can argue with those results? The HCG diet supplements have however also caused its fair share of controversy as it is a hormone that is produced and created during pregnancy.

So, how does the HCG diet work? To put it in simple terms that you will find easy to understand, the HCG diet, when taken in a supplement form, will balance both your testosterone and estrogens levels. The balance that is created reduces the glycemic levels that one experiences with every meal and thereby it keeps insulin levels lower. The lower insulin levels will translate into weight loss for whoever takes the HCG diet supplements.

It really is that simple to lose weight by taking these supplements and one of the best things about HCG is that is gets rid of fat and not muscle. This leaves you with a leaner, toned and sleek body that will boost your confidence and make you feel on top of the world.

Numerous celebrities have been said to take the HCG supplements such as Britney Spears and Jersey Shore Stars, Snookie and J-WOWW. All three of these lady's look amazing and that is thanks partly to the HCG diet.

One of the most popular ways of taking this supplement is in a drop form. Don't worry about any pain or swallowing big tablets as all you will have to do is drop the liquid HCG under your tongue! The HCG diet is very safe and it is even recommended by Oprah's favourite leading doctor, Dr.Oz. With a recommendation from such a trusted and world renowned Doctor, you really can't go wrong with the HCG diet.

One of the best things about this diet is that you will not have to wait for months to see results. When you first start taking the drops many people have stepped on the scales to see pounds falling from their body each day. The fast results will give you faith in the drops and will make you much more inclined to carry on and not give up. Seeing your new body come together each day will be all the motivation you need to stick with this diet. Because of the rapid weight loss that is experienced during this diet it is not recommended that you consume the drops for long periods of time, this would cause you to lose too much weight and would not be ideal for your body. The supplements are really to give you that fast and effective boost that you need to kick start a brand new and improved you.

The HCG diet is one of the easiest diets to keep up and because of the quick results you will be very happy, very quickly. Also, the diet plan of the HCG diet will truly change your eating habits forever. The change that you will see in yourself from this diet will lead to a healthier person, one that never has to worry about being fat again.

Top 5 Workout Songs To Keep You Motivated.

2012-06-14T01:27:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Workout Songs That Will Keep You Motivated.

Lets face it, working out sucks for the most part. But you can making working out muchmore fun if you listen to music. Music can keep you going for longer and make you want to workout more. Who didn’t want to get up and throw a few air punches when you heard the Rocky theme? Here are my top 5 songs that keep me going when I’m on the treadmill. This list will change often and i will most likely make one every two weeks as i do get bored of the same songs. Most of these songs will be current to the date with some oldies that i have rediscovered thrown in. So, Lets burn that fat!

5. Princess of China by Coldplay and Rihanna (3:58)

This song is perfect for warming up and getting your heart rate up. It is a good time for a nice warm up and the beat of the song will get you on the right track and mind-frame. I love this song at the moment. You can get lost in this song as it tells a story and you wont realize how fast those first 4 minutes go.

Motivational Lyric:

”Once upon a time somebody ran
Somebody ran away saying fast as I can
I got to go, I got to go”

4. Primadonna by Marina and the Diamonds. (3:41)

Upping the tempo of your workout is easy with this song as it travels from a slower tempo to a much more rapid and strong beat that is sure to get you burning some serious calories. If i could, i would recommend you get Marinas new album, Electra Heart, as it is a really vibrant pop album.

Motivational Lyric: (not really motivational but the beat of the music on this part pushes me)

“The primadonna life, the rise and fall
You say that I’m kinda difficult
But it’s always someone else’s fault
Got you wrapped around my finger, babe
You can count on me to misbehave”

3. Bubblegum Bitch by Marina and the Diamonds. (2:33)

Listen to Bubblegum Bitch after Primadonna to boost the intensity up even more. Bubblegum bitch makes me pound hard on the treadmill and always pushes me to run that bit more. As the song isnt long you can be sure to be motivated to push yourself harder for an extra 2.33 minutes.

Motivational Lyric:

“I’ll chew you up and I’ll spit you out
Cause that’s what young love is all about.
So pull me closer, and kiss me hard
I’m gonna pop your bubblegum heart”

2. Lose Yourself by Eminem (5.22)

I just had to put this classic workout song on my list as it never fails to motivate me when i am running. The lyrics of Eminem really make me want to better myself .

Motivational Lyric:

“You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go”

1. In for the Kill by La Roux. (4.09)

The lyrics of this song are perfect for exercise. The beats of this song will really drive you to go that bit further in your exercise and give you the results you want.

Motivational Lyric:

“I’m going in for the kill

I’m doing it for a thrill”

Total workout time: 19.6 minutes.

I do HIIT so this is a perfect time for me. Hope you enjoyed some of the songs and got some new ones to add to your playlist!

Salt Therapy

2012-06-12T01:31:00.000-07:00

What is salt therapy?

For many years, natural salt chambers have been found to be beneficial to health, especially for those suffering with respiratory problems. Salt therapies reproduce a microclimate that is superior to those natural salt chambers.

Firstly, the air is purified in a climate-controlled, insulated room, to produce a germ-free and allergen-free environment. Then, the room is filled with a very low concentration of dry salt aerosol. All clients have to do is sit back, relax, and breathe normally, enjoying the positive effects of your treatment, while the microscopic salt particles work their naturally cleansing magic on your remotest airways and bronchial tubes.

Salt therapy can be used on its own or as a complementary treatment to prescribed medication. Each session lasts 60 minutes for adults, and 45 minutes for children.

What conditions can be improved with salt therapy?

Asthma

Salt therapy clears the airways, meaning less coughing, reducing the need for antibiotics, medication and inhalers, and fewer flare-ups.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Dry salt aerosol acts as a ‘bronchial brush’ for the airways, hastening the elimination of toxins, reducing inflammation and restoring the normal transport of mucus.

Chronic Bronchitis

Salt therapy clears the airways, reducing breathlessness and leading to improved sputum clearance.

Sinus Problems

Salt therapy can provide immediate relief, and often a permanent cure, for sinus problems that conventional treatments sometimes can’t tackle.

Hay Fever

Salt therapy makes hay fever easier to control, used to prevent the associated symptoms of coughing, wheezing, swollen eyes and sore throats.

Coughs and Colds

This type of therapy helps to naturally and effectively relieve the symptoms of coughs and colds that are the result of a viral infection.

Immune System

During winter when we often feel run down and exhausted, salt therapy can boost the immune system and enhance your resistance to infections.

How quickly will I feel the effects?

You will begin to breathe more easily during the first treatment. As sessions continue, symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath are alleviated, and you general health and quality of life will improve.

SuperFoods For Seniors

2012-06-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Superfoods for seniors
They may seem like common staples for any healthy diet, but certain foods can help slow the ageing process and reduce the risk of diseases often associated with growing older. These 10 foods hold special nutritional value for older people.

Oatmeal: A great source of soluble fiber, oatmeal has been shown to help lower blood cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Eggs: With only 75 calories per serving, eggs contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, important for absorbing calcium needed for bone strength. Lutein and zeaxanthin found in egg yolk may reduce the risk for cataracts and help prevent macular degeneration.
Yogurt: Rich in calcium, yogurt can contribute to the calcium requirement needed to prevent osteoporosis. Good bacteria are added to some yogurt, which may help people with digestive problems that often accompany aging. Mixing yogurt with fortified cereal provides added vitamins, including vitamin B12, which many seniors have difficulty absorbing from foods that naturally contain that vitamin.
Blueberries: These blue beauties are among the top fruits and vegetables for antioxidants. Research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease reveals that blueberries may also improve memory and coordination.
Apples: The benefits of apples are too numerous to name. The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body, which lowers the body’s need for insulin and may in the management of diabetes.
Fish: Mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout and tuna (bluefin and albacore) are a low-fat, high-protein source of nutrients.
Chicken: Poultry is an excellent source of protein and chicken, especially breast meat, contains half the fat of a steak. Chicken also has niacin and selenium, which possess cancer-fighting properties.
Broccoli: A good source of multiple nutrients including vitamins K, C, E, B and calcium and iron, broccoli has been found to protect against cancer, heart disease, stroke and macular degeneration.
Sweet potatoes and squash: Sweet potatoes provide beta carotene and vitamins C and E, all of which promote healthy skin, hair and eyesight. Squash is also a great source of beta carotene and Vitamin C.
Rice: As a complex carbohydrate, rice digests slowly, allowing the body to utilize the energy released over a longer period, which is nutritionally efficient. Rice has low sodium content and contains useful quantities of potassium, the B vitamins, thiamin and niacin. Rice contains only a trace of fat, no cholesterol and is gluten free, so it’s suitable for people with celiac disease. By simply consuming these foods you will be prevent the damaging effects of aging and improving your quality of life.

2012-05-20T03:36:00.001-07:00

Apple Cider Vinegar For Skin Care. Review

2011-11-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever drank straight vodka? When i do, i have a horrible gag reflex, its my body saying "don't make me swallow this". This was the same reflex that i got when i drank Apple cider vinegar for the first time. It was disgusting. But it was my fault as i didn't dilute it! :( I'm drinking this stuff to try to improve my skin. It is recommended that you dilute 1 Tablespoon of ACV in 32 ounces of water. When i did dilute ACV it was most defiantly better. It has a tangy sour taste to it and i kinda liked that. I could see myself getting used to it, especially if it improves my skin! Make sure you use organic ACV for best results. Mine was about 2.50euro for 500mls of the stuff at my local health store! The organic version was actually cheaper to my surprise. The store worker, when informed why i was drinking this, told me that it helps alot of people with skin conditions and she would also use the same dilution and use it as a toner at night only. So i did this too. When i put it on my face it felt strange but it was fine. The biggest problem is that ACV stinks!! I mean the smell is horrible and that's why you can only use it at night. use it as a day toner and you may mind people running from you and your stinky face.

So what makes this smelly liquid so good for your skin? Well somehow it levels the pH of your skin! This is a great thing if your skin is blemish prone. It also contains some anti bacterial and antiseptic properties which will calm down your skin and make it more alkaline. It really makes your skin glow too, improving circulation and the texture of the skin. I would recommend anyone who wants to improve your skin try ACV as it seems to be really working for me. Could this be a cure for acne? Probably not but it will for sure help your skin! The most recommended ACV that I've found from researching acne websites and forums is Braggs ACV.

Coconut Water Review.

2011-11-11T03:30:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest, When i first tasted coconut water i didn't instantly love it. It has a metallic taste to it. I wanted a second opinion so i asked my mother to try some. I didn't tell her what it was. With some hesitation, she tasted it and within 3 seconds she ran to the sink and spat it out. "Why did you give me salt water!!" was her response to the health drink. Having said that, the taste does grow on you and after a few more sips i really began to enjoy this electrolyte filled drink. It tastes very "juicy" and very refreshing. And has a bit more of a kick then water. I'm a fan! but i don't know about my mom. I guess it's an acquired taste.

Coconut water is very low in calories (45 per 250mls) and is fat free! This makes it the perfect replacement drink if water isn't your best friend. high in potassium and electrolytes make it the perfect after workout drink, as it gives your body back the much needed electrolytes. Its also great for flushing out harmful toxins that may be making your body hold on to fat for longer.. This natural isotonic drink contains natural sugars so drinking this will help you with them evil sugar cravings.

Health: 4/5
Taste: 3/5
Nutrition: 4/5

The Maths Of Weight Loss.

2011-11-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

Once you've realised that all-important basic equation..

Gain weight = eat more calories
Lose weight = eat less calories

(its amazing how something that simple still eludes people )

..the next step to properly manage your food intake is to figure out exactly what your daily calorific needs are. Once you know this, you know how much food your body *really* needs and can add/ subtract foods as required. Basically, in order to succeed, you need to take the guess work out of it and know that everything that goes into your mouth and into your belly needs to be there.
Get Your Calculator Ready!

I know this formula doesn't have anything to do with this but its what i think of when it comes to math.

1) So.. first off you need to figure out your resting metabolic rate (RMR) or the calories your body requires just to exist if you were lying down for 24 hours:

Age Men
10-18 (body weight (kg) * 17.5) + 651
19-30 (bw (kg) * 15.3) + 679
31-60 (bw (kg) * 11.6) + 879

Age Women
10-18 (bw (kg) * 12.2) + 746
19-30 (bw (kg) * 14.7) + 496
31-60 (bw (kg) * 8.7) + 829

I'll use myself as an example: 63kg, 20 year old man. 63*15.3 + 679 = 1642.9 is my RMR.

2) Then calculate your lifestyle daily energy needs:

Activity level
mostly seated or standing RMR * 1.4
regular walking or equivalent RMR * 1.7
generally physically active RMR * 2.0

So, for me, 1643.9 * 1.7 = 2794.63

3) Then estimate your daily exercise expenditure by working out how much exercise you do a week and divide by seven for an average daily value.
I job about 2 hours a week = 1160 calories approx.
1160 / 7 = 165.

So add that to my daily energy needs: 2794.63 + 165 = 2959.63
My maintenance calorie needs every day are 2959 cals/ day.

For weight loss: I need to reduce my calories by about 15% a day: 2959*0.85 = 2515 cals/day.

Top 3 Foods to help you lose weight.

2011-11-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

3. Asparagus: This wonderful spring vegetable serves as a natural diuretic. This helps your body to flush out extra water weight and as it is very low on calories (40 calories a cup!) you can eat it often as a healthy snack alternative.

Eat up ;)

2. Grapefruit: Unlike other fad diets, eating grapefruit may help you lose weight. This fruit contains an antioxidant called Naringenin. Without getting to scientific, Naringenin causes the liver (one of the best detoxifying organs) to break away fat. Grapefruit also has a high fiber content, making you feel fuller for longer. This fruit is a must for shifting fat cells. If you don't like the sour taste of grapefruit, you can take it in capsule form instead, Although research shows that eating it may be more beneficial and effective.

1. Green Tea: Even though this isn't a food, i just had to include it to this list. For me, this has been a tremendous hep to lose some extra lbs. This amazing drink speeds up your metabolism like coffee does but without any harmful side effects. The ingredient in green tea releases fat into the blood so it can be used by the body. Id suggest drinking 3-5 cups a day for great results. Their are many different flavors of green tea so have fun and experiment. See what you like!. I like mine with a squeeze of lemon juice. Try to replace green tea with your morning coffee, you wont regret it.