Monday, December 27, 2010

How to Gain an Education in Natural Healing

By David H. Woods

Today's wellness based society has more individuals turning to natural healing practices for their medical treatment. Students that want to enter careers in this area have plenty of schooling opportunities available to them. Colleges offer students accredited programs that train them for the professional workplace.

Alternative medical involves natural healing treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy. Students can learn about these areas and more by exploring the educational training options available to them. A good way of gaining an education is to follow some general steps that allow students to enter careers.

  • Step One: Research and Choose a Program of Study

There are several fields that students can enter when pursuing an education in natural healing. Students should research the field to find the natural healing treatment that suites their career goals. This step may also help students narrow down their choices and make a decision. Areas of study may include:

  • Massage Therapy

Students have the opportunity to learn how to perform several massage therapy techniques. Programs train students how to improve a client's health by studying numerous techniques such as shiatsu, Swedish, neuromuscular, and pre-natal massage therapy. Education focuses on training students how to correctly use massage therapy to help people relieve stress, recover from an injury, and relax. Sports medicine, pathology of disease, anatomy, and medical terminology are some educational courses that prepare students for the industry.

  • Acupuncture

This educational training opportunity approaches natural healing as a way to treat the entire person not just the physical. Students study the traditional Chinese medicine technique of placing needles in the body in specific areas and depths. The focal point of education is to train students how to diagnose and treat patients with a variety of ailments. Needles are used to promote health when strategically placed in the body to relax patients, which allows the body's natural healing mechanisms to work. Moxibustion, Tai Chi, Western pathology, and palpitation are some courses students may take.

  • Step Two: Complete a Degree Program

Completing a degree program is the only way to gain an education in natural healing. Students should take the time to research the field and choose a program. Once step one is finished students will be able to confidently step into training. Depending on the program education may only require undergraduate training. Some programs require students to have a master's or even a doctorates degree to become working professionals. Students that enter certificate programs gain a foundational understanding of natural healing. Students that complete an associate's degree program have the knowledge to become massage therapists, acupuncture assistants, and more. Bachelor's degrees are often gained in a wellness related area such as alternative medicine training, to prepare students for careers that require graduate degree training. Masters and doctoral degree programs typically allow students to become practitioners, researchers, and professors in their chosen field. Training may last a few months to six years depending on the holistic healing education path chosen.

Students can obtain accredited natural healing education by deciding what type of professionals they would like to be. There are agencies like the Accrediting Council for Continuing education and Training (http://www.accet.org/) that can fully accredited quality educational training facilities. Begin the process today and research training opportunities.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised on HolisticJunction.com.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by HolisticJunction.com.

David H. Woods is a staff writer for HolisticJunction.com. Locate and request information from Accredited Natural Healing Schools, as well as other Colleges and Universities offering Training in Natural Healing at http://www.HolisticJunction.com, your positive pathway to discovery!

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Friday, December 24, 2010

Smart and Healthy Eating

By Hal Johnson

What is healthy eating? How can you achieve healthy and at the same time smart way of eating? These questions can really trigger the thinking of some people out there that had been eating but are not aware if what they are eating is actually healthy and smart enough to meet their daily needs.

Healthy eating is never really about any strict and word for word nutritional theories and philosophies. It is not also having an unrealistic slim body, nor depriving and not allowing yourself to take the food that you love. Healthy eating is actually feeling great about it, using the right amount of energy, and making and seeing yourself healthy in all possible means. In addition, all of these can be achieved by having a smart move on to deciding which should be eaten and which should be not.

Healthy eating should begin by knowing how to eat smartly. This is basically not just what you eat but more on how you eat. The choice of food that you do has a lot of impact that can either help or put your body at risk. The choices of the food you will have can defend you against the risks of having illnesses like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and even against stress and depression.

Moreover, developing the habits of healthy and smart eating can really improve your body's health by boosting all your stored energy; it can also sharpen your thinking ability, and in making your mood and feelings stabilized.

And if there is one factor that can hinder people from eating healthy and smart, that would be the budget factor. And no matter how negative it may sound, unhealthy eating is one of the cheapest ways to take. But then it has to be noted that the cheapest way is also the most risky way. The cheapest way that one can get in eating is often the one that is laden with all the "bad" things that our body does not need.

However, this should be a reason for you to lose hope and not to try finding for other route and alternative. Opting for fresh fruits and vegetables can be one of the key points that are lacking and not included in the diet of most people. This is primarily because of the price. However, an option that we can take here is to try to find some local shops that sell out cheap but quality produce.

Farmers market is also another option that can give you low prices as compared with the supermarkets and groceries. Making this big leap is not only a major benefit to your health but also it can extend the shelf life of the products, this will in turn lower down the potential of wasting.

There are still other ways that you can do in order to eat healthy and smart. A lot of online suggestions are also given. And take note that trying to make a healthy diet that you want to achieve overnight is impossible. When you try to change everything that you were used to, and doing it all at once is like cheating on yourself, too. Gradually but surely is more likely.

Remember that healthy or smart eating do not have to be totally expensive and luxurious. All you need to do is some proper planning and going out of your way to look for healthy and practical options., instead of just moping there and doing nothing.

Hal Johnson has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website Free Standing Bath Tubs which helps people find information on Bathtub Enclosures and deals on all other types of bathtubs.

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

The Importance of Fiber - It's Not Just For Old People

By Andrea G Stein

A high fiber diet is often recommended, but what is it, why do you need it, and how do you know you're getting enough?

The Importance of Fiber - Not Just for Old People

A lot of people think fiber helps you go. And while fiber certainly will help you keep you regular, it's not just for old people or those of us with digestive track issues. Fiber fills you up and can help you lose weight. Fiber is a lower calorie, nutrient rich food source. It also acts as a natural body cleanser and plays an important role in clearing out fat and other bad stuff. A high fiber diet has been linked to helping prevent cancer and reducing high cholesterol.

The suggested daily allowance of fiber is 35 grams. Unfortunately few of us get that much in a week, let alone in a day. But fiber is easy to come by in foods like whole grains, apples, raspberries, strawberries, beans, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli. Not to mention that you can easily supplement the fiber in your diet by adding some fiber powder to your water. So how do you know if you're getting enough of this great stuff to stay healthy and lose weight?

Here are 3 Signs That You Are Not Eating a High Fiber Diet

  • Blood Sugar Problems - Diabetics need to be especially vigilant at regulating their blood sugar. Fiber loaded carbs like whole grains, create a constant energy source for the body that help maintain sugar and insulin levels naturally.
  • Irregularity - If you're suffering from constipation or irregularity, sticking to a high fiber diet can solve this problem quickly. Fiber will move food through your system and eliminate what's not needed.
  • Fatigue - Fatty food not only can make you fat, but they can also leave you listless. Adding fiber helps boost your metabolism, giving you more energy and helping you lose weight.

As you can see the importance of fiber in the diet cannot be overlooked. Start adding more fiber to your diet today, either through fiber rich foods or a fiber supplement and you'll start to reap the reward of a high fiber diet - more energy, easier weight loss and a healthy blood sugar level

Andrea Stein is the founder of HotMamaSecrets.com, a beauty, health and wellness resource for moms. Unleash your Inner HotMama today.

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

One Simple Tip for Healthy Digestion and Weight Loss

By Nancy S Stjepanovic

Our eating habits haven't changed a great deal over the years. The order we eat certain foods in the Western culture is stagnant. Usually starting with an entre, then the main meal and then desert. Which is fine when you eat sweets like cakes and ice cream but not fruit.

Many people consider fruit to be a desert because it's sweet so it's often served and eaten after a meal. For me and many others like me this is a recipe for disaster.

Fruit eaten after a meal can cause bloating and pain as it sits high up in the digestive system while your body is working hard to digest other more complex foods. The fruit will start fermenting creating gas which makes you feel bloated and uncomfortable. It creates added stress to your body and can result in cell damage.

One way to get around this is to eat fruit before a meal. Up to half an hour is good. The fruit will be digested more easily, providing your body with healthy nutrients and fibre. It passes quickly through the digestive system providing you with some energy while your body waits for more.

It will not ruin your appetite. If anything it will improve your appetite and make digestion of other more complex foods much easier.

Try it for yourself. What have you got to lose?

Try a fruit salad made of fresh fruit or just a piece of fruit without adding any sugar, cream or ice cream. Just natural fresh fruit.

Eating fruit before a meal is also great for weight loss. Try a few strawberries or a banana, a pear or your favourite fruit before eating the main meal. It also increases your metabolism rate as the fruit passes through to the large intestine a lot faster. And don't forget to drink water.

Try it over the Christmas period. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Let me know if it worked for you.

For more interesting articles on health, personal and community development read our blogs under "our thoughts" at: http://www.changecounselling.com.au
Post your comments and I will respond as soon as possible in between my consultations.

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Techniques To Live Healthier

By Makayla Soransen

Many people get lost in a lot of the suggestions and fad diet hoopla which occupies the health and diet market. We all know that living a good lifestyle can lessen the chances of many risk factors, improve one's health and even help one to shed a few pounds, but it could be difficult to determine what will work and what doesn't.

It doesn't have to be complicated if you just stick to a few nutrition and overall health principles. Review this list to see what you can change in your day-to-day lifestyle to improve your well being.

Fruits and veggies - If you're similar to Us citizens, then you're possibly not having sufficient fruits or vegetables in your diet. As a matter of fact, you probably have to double the quantity you're presently eating. Some easy tips to get more fruits and vegetables as part of your eating habits would be to:

1. Have shakes - an easy and scrumptious method to sneak extra fruit and veggies into ones diet.

2. Marinate your veggies - just simply stay away from high fat and salt marinade's.

3. Try frozen veggies - they're as nutritious as their fresh alternatives and steam up quickly in your microwave for only 5 minutes.

Nutrient-Rich Foods - The majority of your diet must contain nutrient-rich, whole foods. Instead of viewing foods as either "good" or "bad" for yourself, look and see whether it contains vitamins, minerals, fiber along with other nutrients and are low in saturated fats, sodium and sugar.

Calorie Amount - In terms of shedding or perhaps controlling a proper weight calories are what matters. If you want to lose some fat to have your desired body weight then you have to either consume little calories, burn more calories or for ideal results, do both, leading us to...

Be Active - Combining healthy eating with working out is the simplest way to lead a balanced way of living and lose weight. Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes per day.

Use these tips in conjunction with a few tasty and healthy snack recipes to further improve your health!

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Friday, December 17, 2010

Simple Glycemic Index Chart for Carbohydrates

By Michelle Reynolds

A low simple glycemic index chart for carbohydrates reduces fat as well as abdominal fat in particular. You do not have to make a drastic change when it come to eating habits all you need do is follow the theory behind the GI diet which reduces weigh and suppresses your hunger pangs. There are thousands of different diets which all profess weight loss and a healthier life style. However, none of these diets discuss the effects that carbohydrates have on the digestive system and increase in blood sugars.

This is where the glycemic index chart differs as the chart shows you the value of the food and how long that particular food will take to digest as well as the effect on your blood sugar levels. The higher the GI count the faster the food will digest and convert to sugar. The faster the digestion process, the more insulin will be supplied to the body and one's blood sugar levels are harder to maintain especially diabetics.

It is a good way to maintain a sound blood sugar level as well as a well balanced meal by using the glycemic index chart for carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are basically vegetables and fruit and do not comprise of meat, poultry and venison. Vegetables that grow above the ground such as cabbage, broccoli and lettuce have a low GI count and vegetable that grow below such as yams, potatoes and carrots have a high GI count.

The GI chart has indexed carbohydrates such as bread, rice, corn and grains which are considered high GI foods. Fruits including bananas and fruit juices are rated high GI foods. A glycemic index will help you choose a balanced meal and the correct food combinations. Should your carbohydrates have a high GI, you should only eat small amounts and try and combine them with a protein. If your carbohydrates have a low GI you can have a fair size portion.

Once you get the concept of how a GI for carbohydrates works you will be able to control your meal portions far better. If you have for instance eggs and potatoes together, you will need to divide the portions equally due to potatoes having a high GI. Should you only have the eggs, you can add onions, mushrooms, green peppers and tomato as well as have a fair size portion. The GI is mathematically calculated especially concentrating on carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates when eaten are converted into glucose and in turn provide the body with energy. Foods that contain large amounts of carbohydrates produce a high sugar load as well as have a high calorie count. The glycemic index chart allows one to control their daily intake of carbohydrates.

A low simple glycemic index chart for carbohydrates measure the effects of carbohydrates on the body's blood sugars levels. Researchers have stated that foods containing a low glycemic index are healthier especially for those suffering from diabetes and obesity. A glycemic index load measures the exact amount of glucose a food releases in the body.

Michelle Reynolds loves to write about weight loss utilizing Glycemic food index. To know more about glycemic index chart for carbohydrates, visit http://www.glycemicindexandweightloss.com/.

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Monday, December 13, 2010

To Be Vegan What Do I Have To Give Up?

By Amirah Bellamy

Being a vegan requires that you consume only plant-based foods. So that means no more prime ribs, filet mignon, smothered chicken or beer-battered shrimp. It also means that you'll have to refrain from consuming any meat or meat products including dairy and eggs. Most importantly though, you"ll have to give up any previously held notions and misconceptions you've had about what being vegan means. By this I mean that all of the myths that you've probably heard about vegans like vegans are unhealthy or that they don't get enough vitamins and nutrients must be thrown out the window and be sure to go up about 100 stories when you do it.

Now as detrimental as this may sound, making the transition to a vegan diet is not all that bad and there is actually a treasure at the end of the rainbow. Being vegan isn't about giving anything up as much as it is about gaining a new lease on life. Sure, you'll dreadfully miss eating all of that gm grass-fed, antibiotic-hormone overdosed livestock, but guess what? You'll have new opportunities to eat more fresh, natural, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. You'll be introduced to a world of flavors. You'll embark upon a new life of vigor and passion. You'll feed millions of the world's poor. You'll drastically reduce your carbon footprint. You'll save the life of hundreds of animals. Essentially, you'll be granted the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of ethical eating.

In this meat-based society it may seem that a life without meat is no life at all, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Being vegan is all about being alive and taking advantage of the goodness of life. After all, what better way to enjoy life than to feed your body foods that are alive. I know that despite all of this goodness this may still be a bit overwhelming for many of you and if that's the case you can always start off on a vegetarian diet which will allow you to continue eating dairy, eggs, chicken or seafood and make the transition gradually. Either way, you'll be warmly welcomed once you are ready to fully transition to the other side. So, until then enjoy the benefits of plant-based eating.

Amirah Bellamy is a Vegan Coach, Vegan Fitness Meal Planning Expert, and Author. To learn more about her fabulous Vegetarian Meal Plans, purchase her infamous eBook "The 50¢ Book That's Hotter Than 50 Cent," or INSTANTLY grab her FREE Vegetarian Starter Kit go to http://www.AmirahBFit.com

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Sunday, December 12, 2010

How To Rid Yourself Of Emotional Eating Habits

By Brooke M Smith

Our lives are busy and stressful. With the business and the stress comes a lot of emotions. We get anxious, overwhelmed, tired, overworked, sad, and even just plain frazzled sometimes. When we feel these emotions, we often times turn to food. We may eat to take our mind off of whatever is stressing us out at the moment and focus, on something menial, or it may just be out of habit. Food is satisfying. When we have negative emotions in our lives we want something that will satisfy us in a positive manner, because food gives our hunger that satisfaction, we expect it to do the same with all of our other emotions. Emotional eating can lead to weight gain, and can increase the negative feelings that we are feeling about our bodies if we aren't careful. These tips can help you to avoid emotional eating, and help you maintain a healthy attitude about food.

1. Learn to spot your triggers. Make a list of what situations tend to send you into an emotional eating frenzy. Is it Boredom? Social situations? Stress? Sadness? Guilt? Routine? Part of knowing how to overcome this habit is knowing how to recognize it. You have to learn to try not to fill that void with food. It may satisfy you momentarily, but as soon as you are done swallowing all your problems will resurface. Learning to address the real issue will help you to remedy it correctly.

2. Try to distract yourself. Find alternatives to eating that you can do when you are wanting to satisfy your impulse for food. Go get a drink of water instead. Do some push ups or lunges. Go walk to the mail box and back. Whatever it takes to get your mind off of wanting to eat.

3. Complete deprivation won't help you. If you are trying to cut unhealthy foods from your diet, emotional eating can easily arise when you feel like you are deprived of your favorite foods. Allowing an indulgence every now and then, in moderation, can cut out those deprived feelings. If you feel complete deprivation, your brain may obsess over whatever it is that you're depriving yourself of, causing you to do nothing but think about that food.This isn't a healthy pattern either. If you're dying to have something, have a bite or two and wait to see if you're satisfied. If you are then be done. Listen to your internal cues. Be very careful not to let that bite turn into a bout of overeating.

4. Determine if you are really hungry. Try very hard to be alert to your hunger cues. If you aren't hungry and are just wanting to eat something out of habit, try chewing gum. It can help to occupy your mouth without the calories.

5. Make your eating habits a healthy lifestyle and not a "diet." Crash diets don't work long-term. They deprive you, and leave you wanting to eat all the foods you, "can't have." Stop dwelling on what you can't eat, and focus on what you can eat. Fill your pantry with good, healthy choices. Making healthy eating a lifestyle will do more than just help you lose weight, you'll feel better, and your family will too.

6. Stop making food a reward. Find non-food ways to reward yourself, your kids, your family, etc. If you are trying to eat healthy, plan out what your rewards will be ahead of time. If you have been itching to buy that new pair of shoes, set a goal that you can purchase them if you complete certain number of workouts. Reward your kids with stickers, money, fun outings, etc. If you create the habit of having food as a reward for your kids it will become the expected and can set them into an unhealthy eating pattern.

Remember that food is fuel for your body, so eat good foods to fuel yourself, not just to fill time. You wouldn't go to fill up your car with gas and then stand there and try to fill your car as it overflows, just because you're bored. Don't do the same thing to your body. The real reward will come when you look and feel the way you want to. Emotional eating occurs when you trade what you want most, for what you want at the moment. Don't give in to the quick fix, instant gratification mindset that has our society plagued. Determine to rid yourself of your emotional eating habits, and in doing so, allow yourself to see results.

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Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Fruit and Vegetable Variety Trumps Quantity

By Keith Scott M.D.

Two new studies show that, when it comes to health and disease, variety in the diet is indeed the spice of life.

One study carried out in Puerto Rico and the other in Spain showed that it is the variety of plant foods rather than the quantity that protects us against disease. Most of us are aware that nutritionists and many government agencies recommend that we eat at least five portions of different fruit and vegetables each day - some experts are suggesting that we should increase this to nine portions per day. These guidelines are based on the nutritional value of these foods in relation to the known minimal daily requirements of essential vitamins and minerals.

But if five portions of fruit and vegetables do indeed provide sufficient vitamins and minerals then why should the experts now recommend that we eat more than this quantity of fruit and vegetables? I don't think that there is a precise scientific reason for these new recommendations; rather it it's a "gut feeling" and the results of studies such as these that confirm how nutrients other than vitamins and minerals help protect us against disease.

The Puerto Rico study (published in the November 10, 2010 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) examined the dietary habits and risk for coronary heart disease of 1200 middle-aged Puerto Rican men over a 10 year period.

The authors found that the risk for coronary heart disease amongst this group was reduced, not by the quantity of fruit and vegetables that they consumed, but rather by the variety of these foods that they ate. Those who ate a greater variety of fruit and vegetables also had lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) - a biomarker for inflammation that also predicts the risk for heart attack and other diseases.

The Spanish study (published in the September 2010 edition of the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention journal) showed that male smokers who eat more than eight sub-groups of vegetables lowered their risk for lung cancer by 23% compared to those who ate fewer than four sub-groups. Moreover, the risk falls by a further 4% for each unit added to the diet from another sub-group.

These two studies are pretty convincing evidence that plant foods contain a multiplicity of valuable disease-mitigating compounds other than vitamins and minerals. They also show us that, for optimum health, it is not such a good idea to depend only on the "superfood of the month" and a handful of vitamin supplements.

Rather we should focus our attention on increasing the diversity of fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices that we eat. 

Keith Scott is a medical doctor with an interest in the healing properties of herbs and spices. He has written several books including Medicinal Seasonings, The Healing Power of Spices.
Download a free pdf copy of Medicinal Seasonings and read more about the health benefits of spices at:
=> http://www.medicinal-herbs-and-spices.com
Watch the VIDEO: Spices - A Health Mystery Solved => http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqIM6QB3wt4

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Sunday, December 05, 2010

The I Hate Exercise Solution: Exercise For Lazy People

By Ande Waggener

Do you often say, "I hate exercise?" Do you wish there was an "exercise for couch potatoes" routine you could do while you watch TV? Guess what? There is. It's called rebounding, and it's the best exercise for lazy people.

When you often say, "I hate to exercise," you need something that's easy and fun to do, something you can easily fit into your day. You need something fast, something that hits all the muscles at once and gives you a cardiovascular work-out at the same time. You need to be Qibounding, using a soft bounce rebounder.

So you know that being a couch potato is bad for you. You know that sitting around allows your muscles, heart, and lungs to get out of shape.

Did you know it also puts you at risk for illness?

Your lymph system, which removes toxins from your cells, functions by your movement. If you don't move, it doesn't work. If it's not working, your body is toxic. If your body is toxic, your immune system is suppressed and you're susceptible to all kinds of illness.

"Yeah, yeah," you're saying. "I know I need to exercise, but I hate to exercise."

Okay, here's why you'll love Qibounding.

1. It's such an efficient way of exercising, just occasional five-minute sessions will make a big improvement in your health and fitness. If you can manage 20 minutes, three days a week, you'll be amazed at how much it can improve your endurance.

2. You can do it while you watch TV. The mini trampoline flattens, and some even fold, so it can fit into even the smallest apartment. You can pull it out, set it up and watch your favorite shows while you bounce.

3. It's fun! It really is enjoyable. It doesn't feel like exercise. It feels like you're playing. You'll feel like you've gotten back in touch with your inner kid.

Here's what one Qibounder who used to sit all day at a computer and never exercised says: "I've purchased other rebounders over the years and never used them...butthe Bellicon [Qibounder] has a springy, fun bounce to it. You can just feel the difference versus other rebounders. I just love it. I now always keep my Bellicon nearby.A quick 5-minute session of bouncing makes me feel alive and ready to go back to work."

The best exercise for people who hate exercise is something that doesn't feel like effort. That's why Qibounding is so perfect.

You can still be a couch potato if you're just occasionally a "hot potato." Spending just a small amount of time bouncing is the perfect exercise for lazy people. Invest in a rebounder, and you'll be healthier, happier, and you'll no longer say, "I hate exercise."

Wait! Don't put your body at risk for illness by not exercising, or worse, force yourself to exercise when you say, I hate exercise. Read my personal experience with rebounding, and find out who else is Qibounding.

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Health - The Benefits of Avocado in a Persons Diet

By Candice McInnes

I am pretty sure that we all know what a avocado is, and have consumed some in a salad or on a slice of toast [my favorite way] at some time or other. Most people love this food and eat it as often as possible but it is a acquired taste [or so I am told] and some think it is just awful and these unlucky ones are losing out on the goodness that this pear provides.

A bit about avocado

[the botanical name of avocado is Persea Americana]

There are about 80 or so different varieties [my all time favorite is the butter pear] and the trees [takes 4-6 years for an avocado tree propagated by seed to bear fruit] that produce them are evergreen and able to grow and produce in diverse conditions [the health benefits of avocado is so widely known that it is cultivated in most parts of the world]. A typical avocado tree can produce between 200 and 400 fruits annually and they come in a few different colors [black, green, purple and dark green].

Some change color as they ripen while others maintain their original color and just soften to show their ripeness. The Mayan's believed this fruit to have magical and mystical powers, so even years and years ago this fruit was known to enhance our wellness and nutritional intake.

Benefits of avocado

This fruit is a good source of the following nutritionally healthy supplements

* copper

* fluorine

* vitamin E

* vitamin B complex

* potassium [a high amount]

* lecithin

* fats [the good type]

Besides being a nutritionally dense fruit it is also believed to have 'cooling energy' and around 300 calories per fruit [20% is mono-unsaturated fat which helps maintain good levels of cholesterol].

This fruit also aids in the following:

* lubrication for the lungs and large intestine

* assisting with the normal function of the blood

* aids the liver functions

* soothes the bladder in adverse health conditions

* counteracts erectile dysfunction

* promotes better bowel movements

* helps ease nervousness

* assists with sleeping

Other uses of this amazing fruit

It is very good as a skin/hair conditioner and helps with dry skin or hair when mashed and applied to the affected area.

Be aware - because of the high fat/oil content of this fruit the avocado can go rotten very quickly once it has ripened [put the fruit in the fridge if you are not going to use it straight away, this is to retard the deterioration of the fruit]

As you can see the benefits of eating avocado are endless and it is no wonder that this fruit is a known as a natural super food.

Candice is a prolific author, and full time internet marketer. You can visit her women bowling shoes website, and get some great information on Dexter women bowling shoes and many other great brands.

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Saturday, December 04, 2010

How to Lose Weight the Healthy Way

By Mike Blount

Are you tired of strangers staring at you for your extra weight? We live in a figure obsessed culture, where the slimmer you are the better life you lead. While this may be an extreme view, it's still a valid one that many struggling with weight understand. What if I told you the secret to weight loss has been in front of your eyes for years? Would you believe and take the opportunity to lose weight the healthy way?

As someone who has struggled with weight, I know the products on the market, their pitches, and the equipment that promised to change my life. I tried the workout routines, the equipment, the specialized food plans, and the pills. While some things worked for a while, nothing seemed to work for a long period of time. I wanted a life changing experience, not a fly-by-night program that would only siphon the money from my wallet, not the fat from my waistline.

The holy grail of dieting does not exist. I learned that basic fundamentals of health play the biggest and best role in losing weight. I began changing the way I bought foods in the grocery store, how I ordered at restaurants, and how often I ate.

I watched my calorie intake. But that was not the whole blueprint to my weight loss success.

I also worked out on a specific system. I started working out to burn calories. I knew how much I was taking in and how much I needed to work off. It became a balancing act where I would attempt to burn off at least a quarter of my calorie intake in a day.

Does this seem overly simplistic? Solutions are the most common sense of all the ones out there. Once I was stranded at a rest area along a major interstate. My car would not start and I could do nothing to get it moving. After an hour of waiting the tow truck company came and ferried my car to a nearby shop. The $235 problem turned out to be an empty gas tank.

My tired self didn't realize my gas gauge was broken. It wasn't until later that it began to make sense. In the same way, the solution for excess weight is a simple one. We don't need to look beyond the food we take in and the energy we expel.

Grab the FREE Fat Loss Myths eBook and learn how to lose twenty pounds fast using smart, informed techniques. You can begin to look better, trim the fat, and use weight loss techniques that work.

Mike Blount writes and speaks about health issues that affect a large portion of today's society. He specializes in diet, nutrition, and exercise advice.

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Thursday, December 02, 2010

How To Shape Your Butt

By Mark R Andrew

Most people are only happy about their butt when they are sitting on it. I'm saying, get off the couch and take some pride in it. With these exercise tips you should be able to sculpt that butt to a thing of beauty.

I think the main trick to enhancing the shape of the butt is to get away from dainty girly butt exercises and do exercises that require strength or power. The reason for this is that the main butt muscle, the gluteus maximus, is a very powerful and strong muscle, designed for explosive movements such as sprinting and jumping, and strong movements such as squatting. In order for the butt to become toned, we need to train it the way it was designed to work. Have you noticed how athletes have great bodies and butts? We need to train functionally.

So what are the most functional exercises related to the butt? These are exercises where you're standing up. Exercises where you are on your back, front or side are not going to enhance the butt as well as when you're on your feet. Those floor exercises might be good for core stability-and you might feel like you are working the butt-but not as much as exercises that are going to put more stress on the body and therefore cause it to adapt, change and become toned.

The main exercise for the butt is the lunge. Now there are many variations of the lunge that each work the butt in a different way. Try doing lunges in every direction, front, back and side-to-side. Also do them with your back or front foot on a box. Step-ups, both side step-ups and front step-ups are also great for the butt. Like the lunge, you can do them anywhere. I sometimes feel that park benches were designed for step-ups more than they were for sitting on. The other trick is to incorporate deadlifts into your routine. Do them with your knees slightly bent to put more of the emphasis on the butt. Again there are many variations. Two legged, one legged, bent or straight legged. When doing squats as part of your leg routine try to put more emphasis on the butt. You do this by trying to "sit back" more and stick the butt out. This takes more load off the front of the thighs and puts it on the hamstrings and butt.

Do 3 sets of each exercise and 10-12 reps as this increases the size of the muscle and enhances its shape. Like I said, the butt muscles are strong explosive muscles so should be trained accordingly.

The next thing is removing the fat that covers the butt and reduce cellulite. Cellulite is misplaced fat cells that are closer to the surface and the way to remove it is to remove the fat. Unfortunately that's where diet and cardio comes into play. The other thing to consider is the predisposition of fat storage. Some will find it harder than others to reduce the fat from the butt. No matter what your body shape, do those exercises 2 to 3 times a week. Do cardio 3 or more times a week, and keep your diet under control. You will see results. It's all about doing the best you can do with the body shape you have.

Mark Andrew, Personal Trainer, BSc Sport and Exercise Science. http://www.mobilefitness.co.nz

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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Top 12 Healthy Fall Foods

By Amirah Bellamy

It's Fall so in the spirit of continuing on our quest toward nutritional wellness let's look at the top 12 healthy foods that are in season.

1. Apples - are good for strengthening bones, cancer prevention and lowering cholesterol. Moreover, apples aid in blood sugar regulation and are one of the richest sources of flavonoids which prevent strokes and heart disease. Apples are also a good source of Vitamin C and potassium.

2. Carrots - are loaded with nutrients. They are packed with iron, protein, calcium, potassium and fiber. They also contain Vitamins C, K, B1, B2, and B6. Finally, like several other foods included on this list, carrots are great for strengthening the immune system.

3. Sweet Potatoes - not only make the absolute best pies, but they're well-known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If that's not enough, they're a great source of calcium, Vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium, and beta carotene.

4. Onions - are good for lowering blood pressure. Like apples, onions are also a good source of flavonoids which enhance cardiovascular health and are a rich source of Vitamins C and B6, fiber, potassium, folate and manganese.

5. Pomegranates - are good for promoting heart health, treatment of sore throats, urinary infections, digestive and skin disorders, arthritis, and some forms of cancer. They also lower cholesterol and blood pressure amongst a long list of other things.

6. Garlic - like onions in terms of nutritional properties, have a long list of benefits. In fact, both garlic and onion are from the lily family. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant, is good for lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol, treating skin and digestive system disorders, improving metabolism and can be used as an antibiotic. Garlic is also a rich source of Vitamins B1, B6 and C, manganese, protein, and calcium.

7. Ginger - is most commonly known for its treatment of nausea. However, ginger is also good for reducing cold and flu symptoms, heartburn and menstrual cramping. This is a good food to always have around.

8. Peppercorn - most commonly known as black pepper has many health benefits, aside from being a seasoning. Peppercorn assists with the absorption of Vitamin B, selenium and beta-carotene, is a good antioxidant and promotes intestinal health. Lastly, peppercorn is a rich source of Vitamin K, iron and fiber.

9. Tomatoes - are a great source of Vitamins A, C, E, lycopene and potatssium and they taste good too!

10. Red Bell Peppers - contain 3 times the Vitamin C found in oranges along with beta carotene making them good at boosting the immune system

11. Kale, Swiss Chard - is packed with goodness from Vitamins C, E, folate and beta carotene to calcium and magnesium. Kale is also a good source of lutein, which is good for preventing cataracts.

12. Butternut Squash - is high in Vitamin C and betacarotene.

Now that you are armed with this list of Fall goodness, make your way to the farmer's market today and stock up.

Amirah Bellamy is a Vegan Transitional Coach, Vegan Fitness Meal Planning Expert, and Author. To learn more about her fabulous Vegetarian Meal Plans, purchase her infamous eBook "The 50¢ Book That's Hotter Than 50 Cent," or INSTANTLY grab her FREE Vegetarian Starter Kit go to http://www.AmirahBFit.com

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Some Tip-Top Health Tips

By Thomas King

A healthy lifestyle begins with a healthy body. Americans have becoming increasingly unhealthy, sedentary, and unhappy in the last decade and rank relatively lower on the scale than other nations for overall healthiness and happiness. The two do often go hand in hand. Obesity is on the rise, closely correlated with a sedentary lifestyle and is one of the leading reasons for depression. The famous line "a healthy mind leads to a healthy body" also applies when talking about overall healthiness. This is a list of the top health tips for leading a happy and healthy lifestyle.

· Don't diet. Eat healthier all of the time and it will be better in the long run. Losing weight gradually is generally better than losing it quickly and is more likely to stay off.

· Eat a high fiber diet. This is an important top health tip. This includes whole grains, brown bread, and cereals. Fiber regulates the digestive system and reduces the risk of bowel cancer. Average about 13-18 grams of fiber a day.

· Stay away from hazardous artificial sweeteners, and try to substitute sugar with the likes of natural sweetening alternatives such as agave nectar or better yet stevia artificial sweetener that is safe and sweet.

· Reduce the amount of saturated fat consumed daily. Only 35% of daily calorie intake should be fat calories and only 10% of those should be from saturated fats.

· Drink less alcohol. Men and women have different requirements - women should have less than 14 units per week and men should have less than 21 units of alcohol. That is equivalent to one glass of one or half a pint of beer. As usual, moderation wins out - a small amount of alcohol helps the heart while a large amount is bad.

· Try to eat the recommended five fruits and vegetable servings a day. It helps to vary the daily diet with different colored fruits and vegetables and also gives a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

· Consume more fish. Omega three fatty acids in the oils are very protective against heart disease and raised cholesterol levels. The recommended weekly serving of fish is two to three - because it provides 1.5 grams of fatty acids.

· Reduce the amount of salt consumed. No more than 5-6 grams of salt should be consumed daily and too much salt can cause heart complications later on.

· Drink about eight ounces of liquid a day. This is not limited to water and can be fruit juices. This helps the kidneys to flush and stay healthy and reduces urinary tract infections.

· Take vitamin and mineral supplements as a back up only. It is much easier to consume the proper foods and meet the minimum nutrient requirements.

· One of the most important top health tips is to exercise! Exercise thirty minutes a day at least to lower the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and most of all, to combat obesity.

These top health tips covered overall health, but it is important to remember that there are other ways to help our bodies stay healthy. For females, we should look to reduce our risk of osteoporosis. For males, prostate health and heart health are very important. These are the top health tips for bone health:

· Weight control. The bones are the shock absorbers of the body. If the body weighs more than is recommended the bones are under undue stress and can lead to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and increased blood pressure. Avoid junk foods that are high in fat and cholesterol and have little nutritional value.

· Movement is another important top health tip. This will keep the body from gaining weight and the joints stiffening up from disuse. Low impact for at risk people is best.

· Do weight bearing exercises. As a person ages their bones become less dense and more brittle. Strengthening joints and bones with low impact exercise is optimal; not only does it keep the bones and joints moving, it also keeps the heart and other body systems in shape.

· Flexibility exercises are a top health tip as well; range of motion improves joint health by lubricating the joints and keeping them from becoming stiff.

· Dietary aids that are rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus naturally fortify bones.

These top health tips will help anyone achieve a healthy life style and improve overall health. An active person is happier than a sedentary one. This list provided the top health tips for achieving a lower overall body weight, a healthier heart, and helps to prolonging the effects of aging. Reading this list of top health tips can assist with leading a better lifestyle.

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

How To Eat Right To Get A Healthier Body?

By Ramir Sarmiento

Eating the right amount of nutrient or food is very important to gain more nutrients and the minerals that you need to fuel your body so that you will be able to work for long periods of time. Eating is the very first thing that keeps you alive and well shaped.

The food we eat supplies our body with enough energy so that we cannot feel tired easily. Our body depends on the energy that food gives. If we did not eat for a long time, we will be dead. Here are some of the facts about eating:

1. Exercising with your stomach empty. Your stomach gives you warning signs that tell you that he is hungry. The rumbling sound is one of that. If you heard this cry of your stomach, you should eat immediately or your body will become weak causing you to pass out.

2. Energy drinks. Relying on energy drinks is not bad if this is done in moderation. Because they are energy drinks, they contain energy that your body needs. However, they are not a substitute to natural things such as fruits and vegetables. Natural foods do not contain preservatives that might trigger certain types of cancers.

3. Not eating breakfast. It is not advisable to skip breakfast. During sleep, your body undergoes fasting. The moment you wake up, you must eat enough food so that you will have the energy you will need for the day. If you did not eat breakfast, you might acquire stomach problems such as ulcer.

4. Diets with low amount of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates give your body energy that you need to perform heavy tasks. It supplies your muscles with energy so that they will function well. Carbohydrates can be gained from cereals and rice.

5. Eating everything you want to eat. It is a fact that eating healthy food accompanied by exercise can give your body the fitness that everyone desires. It is not bad to eat much as long as your body burns the stored energy in your body so that it will not be converted into fats that are the reason for obesity.

6. Eating with low mount of calories. Calories are one of the reasons of being fat. Losing calories means to achieve the slim body everyone especially woman desires. However, losing calories in a fast-paced manner is not a safe thing to do. Losing calories should be gradual and step-by-step. You should get enough calories to make your body function smoothly.

The way you eat determines the status of your body's health. It is very important to eat well-balanced food that contains all the essential nutrients that your body needs to survive and live a healthy life.

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Friday, November 26, 2010

Can You Really Do Yoga To Lose Weight?

By Carly Marx

When people think of the various exercises they can do to lose weight, they often think of riding a bike or running for miles on end. They may think of jumping rope or doing crunches. But what they may not think of is using yoga to lose weight. That is sad, because yoga can be a calming, motivating way to finally get to a healthy weight without putting a lot of impact on your joints.

Yoga has been used for centuries, not only for physical exercise but as a spiritual awakening and method of grounding the body and soul to one another. As a beginner, you will learn ways to link your breathing to your movements, letting you really feel your body so that you are more attune to its needs. And while you are not moving fast, you will really feel the effects of the practice when you are done.

While you may use yoga to lose weight as an exercise program, you will also find it is a mental boost especially when it comes to reaching and attaining the goals that you set for yourself. There might be one pose that you just cannot get during your early practices but you keep at it, working until finally you do get it right. Then you move onto a more difficult pose and more and more as you grow and change. You gain strength and balance and more control over your body. Soon, you are able to make better food choices for yourself because you want to feel healthy and strong, not sluggish and bloated.

After you have learned the beginning poses, you will be able to move into more advanced yoga that will allow you to use linking movements to go from one pose to another in one fluid movement that engages and stretches muscles that have long been forgotten or overlooked. You are so busy concentrating on your balance and your breathing that you don't realize that you are sweating and when you are done, when you get to lay down in corpse pose and restore yourself, you will reflect on how energized and revitalized you suddenly feel.

The next time you come to the mat, you will find some of the poses are so much easier to hit and to hold and you will be relishing the thought of the more difficult ones. Yoga becomes more than just an exercise that you have to do, it is about a state of mind that you want to get back to.

Learn To Do Yoga Weight Loss It is possible. At Strip That Fat you will be taught about healthy eating and exercise you can do for the long-term.

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SALE! Black Friday through Cyber Monday SALE!

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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Healthy Eating Habits Work, Diets Do Not

By Carolyn Hansen

Have you noticed that you are having a hard time maintaining a healthy weight? Or that you have added some fatty pockets sporadically throughout your body? Or that you just do not have the energy that you once had and often feel tired and worn out?

Many would say that this is all part of the aging process and that you just have to sit back and let it happen. This; however, could not be further from the truth! The way you eat plays a large role in the way you age. It is time to create healthy eating habits now before it is too late.

You have been eating a certain way your entire life, so do not expect to be able to change this over night. This is the exact reason 99% of diets do not work. Most diets expect you to nearly starve yourself leaving you feeling worse than you did before you started. As soon as you cannot take it anymore or the dieting period is over, most of the weight you lost comes right back, and then some.

Dieting, because you are starving your body, actually slows down your metabolism. Once you start eating again, your body cannot process the food as it used to, causing weight gain and lethargic reactions.

Dieting, also, usually fails because you are depriving yourself of the foods you truly love. If you really focus on taking care of yourself and your health via a healthy balance diet, you will allow yourself a treat here and there; something most diets forbid you to do. But seriously, who wants to live their life eating lettuce all day every day, nobody, so don't.

Rule of thumb, when it comes to healthy eating, is to eat an 80/20 diet. What this means is that you eat healthy foods 80% of the time and treat yourself the other 20%. Now, I wouldn't go crazy with this and eat ice cream that entire 20%, but you get the drift.

Changing the way you eat is much easier than it may appear. Forget about all the failed diets you have been on and focus on the energy that you can have back by eating proper foods. The best way to change your eating habits is to take it one step at a time. Start with a healthy breakfast; replace your existing breakfast with some organic yogurt, fruit, and nuts.

Do this for a couple of days and move on to your next meal or snack. Before you know it, you will have replaced all of your meals with healthy, satisfying meals.

It won't take long for you to start feeling better once you are eating more natural, organic foods.

Your body automatically knows what to do with these foods and how to process it for the energy you need. Therefore, your energy level nearly instantly increases and you start to feel like you can conquer the world again. Whatever you do, ignore all those diets out there, and focus on a lifestyle of healthy eating habits. You, and everyone in your life, will thank you for it.

If you feel that overeating might be a problem for you, and you would like to put an end to it and get on the fat loss fast track, grab my free 35-page report that shows you how to Outsmart Your Hunger. You can download it right now from this healthy eating page at http://21daystohealthyeating.com/special/optin_oyhb.php?id=2

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Let Go of 4 Common Diet Myths

By Martha McKinnon

If you have a lot of strong beliefs around food, dieting and metabolism, it may be time to let some of them go (or at least to re-think them). Buddha offered sage advice when he said, "Believe nothing. No matter where you read it, or who said it, even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." (And I would add your own personal experience.)

Here are 4 common myths about diet, which may seem radical to our conventional approach to diet and weight loss, that have helped me totally transform my relationship with food, to say nothing of my life!

Myth #1: The best way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more.

Truth: This formula seems to make sense, but it isn't complete. For most people this formula fails over and over again. (If it could work for people over the long term, don't you think it would have by now?) The fact is that your body is designed to survive under extreme conditions like famine, so when you overexercise and under-eat you slow your metabolism as it switches into "survival mode." Focusing on nourishing your whole self and finding fun forms of exercise will be much more effective in the long run.

Myth #2: The reason you eat too much is lack of willpower.

Truth: We eat too much because we can. (There has never been a time when food was as plentiful and convenient as it is in the US today.) Our ancient survival physiology is programmed for overeating when food is available and also when our meals are deficient in relaxation, time, pleasure, awareness, and high-quality food. Once you realize what is driving your behavior, you can take steps to work with your biology instead of against it. (Work smarter, not harder.)

Myth #3: As long as you eat the right foods in the right amounts, you'll ensure good health and lose weight.

Truth: You can eat the healthiest food in the universe and in the perfect amount, but if you consume it in a state of anxious rushing, your physiologic stress response will cause you to burn calories at a much slower rate. You will also excrete more vital nutrients (like vitamins and minerals) leaving less to be absorbed and used. It's important to remember that you eat is only part of the nutrition equation. How you eat is another important part.

Myth #4: The experts are your ultimate source of reliable and scientifically accurate nutrition information.

Truth: There is much conflicting nutrition information out there. (And the advice seems to be always changing.) The truth is your best source of nutrition information is inside you. Its scientific name is the"enteric nervous system" (ENS). (But I like to think of it as your belly brain.) Did you know your belly has as many nerve cells as your spine? The key is to learn to "listen" to your belly brain and let it guide you toward eating in a way that is best for you. (Your body really does know best.)

Begin letting go of these diet myths and begin experiencing a whole new relationship with food and your body.

Martha McKinnon is a health coach and yoga instructor who believes that eating great & losing weight can be simple & delicious when you focus on nourishing the whole you - body, mind, & soul. Her website is http://www.simple-nourished-living.com. Stop by for a free copy of her E-cookbooklet full delicious granola bar recipes.

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Monday, November 22, 2010

Hot Bath After a Workout

By Sheila Roman

There is always a discussion going on amongst the fitness experts as to whether a hot bath is actually good to prevent muscle soreness. The doubt always lingers as to its real effectiveness and there are enough people to argue for and against both. Many more also believe that the hot bath is actually soothing for the muscle pain. The truth lies actually somewhere between the myths, beliefs, findings and actual relief.

When the muscles are exercised, acids are formed in the body and coupled with this there is a lack of blood flow as well as oxygen to the muscles which results in muscle soreness.

When the body is subjected to hot bath, the water activates the blood flow in the body and the muscles get sufficient blood supply, with the result they return back to normal and the soreness disappears in no time.

Similarly by giving hot water splash or keeping hot water bag over the area where there is muscle pain, will not only smooth the muscle but help relieve the pain as well. You can do the same thing even when the muscle is sore. The hot water splash as well as bag stimulate the blood flow externally and help relax the muscles.

The hot water splash or hot water bag not only improves the blood flow into the muscles, it also helps flush out the acid built up in the muscles. You can also use ice pack as well as hot water pack alternatively.

When you apply cold ice pack and hot water bag alternatively, the blood vessels in the affected area get expanded and contracted successively with the application of the pack and changes the blood pressure of the flow. Thereby the acids from the muscles get washed out in no time and relax the muscle and relieve the pain.

There is another remedy too. You can take some Epsom salt, dissolve in warm water and use it on the affected area directly. The salt draws out the toxins and acidic particles accumulated in the muscle and thereby relieves the muscle of the pain.

Having a hot water bath everyday is always good for the muscles in your body.

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Health Foods To Eat For Optimal Health and Wellness

By Becki Andrus

There are many health foods available in the grocery stores, but it can be tricky to determine which items are actually healthy, because the packages can be deceiving. This article is going to cover the 5 health foods to eat, focusing on these 5 foods will help you to improve your overall health.

1. Fruits and Vegetables

We all know that we are supposed to be eating our fruits and vegetables, but many people don't eat as many as they should. Eat abundantly of fresh produce, these foods will fill your stomach with healthy fiber and also provide your body with the essential vitamins and minerals that it needs to be healthy.

2. Beans and Legumes

People often look past beans and legumes, but these foods are a great source of plant based protein. Beans can be used to replace meat in many dishes, they are very versatile and can be used many different ways. Try to eat beans every day to increase your plant protein.

3. Whole Grains

Most of the grain consumption in our modern diet focuses around refined grains: white flour, white rice, processed corn, etc. These processed grains have been stripped of many of the nutritious parts including the fiber, vitamins and minerals that naturally occur in grains. Replace the processed grains with whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, quinoa, etc.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Eating nuts and seeds can be a great way of boosting your protein intake, and you will also benefit from the other vitamins and minerals that they contain. Nuts contain many great nutrients that are healthy, just be careful to not eat too many because they are high in calories!

5. Healthy Fats

Don't be scared of eating fats, your body actually needs some fat in order to be healthy. The most important thing to remember is to eat healthy fats. Focus your fat intake on natural sources of unrefined fats, such as extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, coconut oil, flax seeds, etc.

These are the top 5 health foods to eat, if you plan your meals around these healthy ingredients you will find that your health will improve and you will be able to avoid diseases and illness.

There are several easy ways to start a healthy eating habit and improve your overall health. Access more detailed information, yummy recipes, and learn simple daily steps that you can follow by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com

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Sunday, November 21, 2010

Healthy Eating on the Go


By Becki Andrus

Healthy eating on the go can be difficult, because the most common food that people turn to are the convenience foods that are full of fat, sodium and nutrition-less calories. This article is going to help you to identify some healthy foods that can be eaten, even on the busiest days.

When you find yourself in a rush to get somewhere, the initial thought is usually to stop at a gas station or drive-thru and grab something quick and easy. But, these foods can be very dangerous to your health. Instead of just eating the first thing that comes available, try taking a little time to plan ahead so that you always have a good snack option available.

I like to keep healthy snacks in my purse and also in the glove box of my car. Almonds and mixed nuts are a great on-the-go snack, just fill a small baggie with them and keep them with you when you leave the house. Unroasted, unsalted nuts will provide you with a great source of plant-based protein, and they will give you the energy that you need to get through the day.

Another great snack is fruit. Apples are easy to eat and they taste great, I like to munch on them in the car when I am driving to my destination. You may also consider taking along carrot sticks, celery sticks, or cucumber slices. Carrot sticks are usually the easiest, because you can simply open the bag of baby carrots, fill your to-go baggie, and then you are ready to go!

If you find yourself in need of a meal, you can find some healthier options at a drive-thru or a deli counter at the grocery store. Find menu items that are full of vegetables, such as a salad or a broth based soup. Try to avoid menu items that contain high amounts of meat, and ask them to hold the cheese and croutons. Also, be sure that you are eating a healthy brand of salad dressing, sometimes it is even a good idea to keep a bottle of good salad dressing in the fridge at work so that you always have a good option available.

Healthy eating habits are very effective in improving the overall health of you and your family. Learn how to easily implement a healthier lifestyle by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com

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Friday, November 19, 2010

Is Honey Vegan - Yes or No?

By Amirah Bellamy

Over the years this has been a pretty highly debated topic among vegans. Thus, the best way to resolve it is to start by looking at some basic definitions. Let's first define what a vegan is. Generally, a vegan is defined as someone who does not consume any animals or animal products. Pretty straight-forward right? Okay, so what about bees? Well, bees are insects, which are a type of animal. That was pretty straight-forward as well.

Now for the sticky part (pun intended). The argument gets sticky here because some vegans argue that honey is not an "animal product," but again this is easily resolved. Typically, the term "animal product" refers to things such as dairy that come directly from the body of animals. Honey is what is produced in a process whereby bees ingest flower nectar, partially digest it, regurgitate it, then fan and cool it to produce the substance that we know as honey. So let's see, honey is produced by and comes directly from the body of bees making it, by definition, an animal product.

Now as promised, that was pretty easy to resolve, but the debate does not end there. There are other vegans who assert that although honey is an animal product it is still vegan because, unlike cows, bees do not experience pain which satisfies the goal of vegans not inflicting pain on animals. The only way to resolve this argument is to say that it just depends on your perspective of death. If you view death as painful than honey is probably not vegan since many bees are killed in the process of being robbed of their hives.

Whether you position yourself on the side of the argument that is for or against consuming honey all can agree that there are several alternatives to be used as natural sweeteners. Some include organic raw cane sugar, raw agave nectar, barley malt syrup, blackstrap molasses, brown rice syrup, date sugar, maple syrup and more. As such, if you'd rather not debate the issue and just want to get down to enjoying some of the sweet tastes of nature why not give some of these a try? Not only are they a healthy alternative, but procuring them doesn't involve inflicting any harm to any animals or getting caught up in a never-ending debate.

Amirah Bellamy is a Vegan Transitional Coach, Vegan Fitness Meal Planning Expert, and Author. To learn more about her fabulous Vegetarian Meal Plans, purchase her infamous eBook "The 50¢ Book That's Hotter Than 50 Cent," or INSTANTLY grab her FREE Vegetarian Starter Kit go to http://www.AmirahBFit.com

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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Defining Cholesterol

By Dr. Manuel J Sanchez

Cholesterol is a substance found in the body that is needed by the membranes of our cells and it is also needed by our bodies to manufacture certain hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It is really important to keep our levels of cholesterol in control, since high levels of cholesterol have been linked with the development of certain heart conditions.

Cholesterol comes in two kinds: low density cholesterol and high density cholesterol. Low density cholesterol is usually referred as the "bad" cholesterol because this type of cholesterol can accumulate in our arteries and together with some other substances it will promote the formation of arterial plaque. When plaque is formed, regular blood flow is disturbed and when the plaque levels have risen high enough, this can lead to different problems depending on the place where plaque has accumulated. For example, if there is a plaque buildup in the coronary artery (artery that carries blood to the heart) this will cause coronary artery disease, a condition which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

High density cholesterol is referred as "good cholesterol" and this is so because it helps to reduce bad cholesterol. What high density cholesterol does is that it "carries" the bad cholesterol and takes it away to the liver, which converts the bad cholesterol into bile, a substance that is required for the digestion (breaking down) of fats.

So what can you actually do to keep your cholesterol from going out of control? As repetitive as this might seem, since this is a recommendation given in commercials, health campaigns, and most importantly by doctors, you should have a healthy diet. Bad cholesterol is found mainly in foods that contain saturated fats, so avoiding these foods is a must if you are trying to maintain low bad cholesterol level. Cholesterol is found only in animal products, such as milk, cheese, meat, eggs, and animal fat. Vegetables, grains, fruits do not contain cholesterol. Also, another way to keep bad cholesterol low is by increasing good cholesterol, since as it was already mentioned good cholesterol reduces the amount of bad cholesterol. Exercise and any type of aerobic activity can help you raise your levels of high density cholesterol. Smoking might reduce the levels of good cholesterol in your body so this is not recommended.

Sometimes those measures are not enough to control cholesterol levels, but nonetheless it is important to never ignore them since they still help. There's also prescription pills that can help so it is important to go to your doctor and have regular checkups and it is recommended to start checking your cholesterol levels after you are 20 and after that, every 5 years, or as recommended by your doctor.

And now I would like to invite you to our website and browse around for other important information regarding other diseases at http://www.familypracticecenter.com

While at our website if you have any questions regarding your health please email me, and please allow 48hrs before I respond. At Family Practice Center you can receive advanced medical treatment for everything from routine physicals to minor surgery, all in one convenient.

-Dr. Manuel J Sanchez

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Why You Should Walk For Health

By Michel Maling

For many of us, the thought of going to the gym to exercise leaves us cold. Why not try walking for health. It's easy and you can have fun while getting fit and healthy.

The benefits of walking include improved muscle strength and better balance. Walking will improve bone density and thus decrease your chances of developing osteoporosis. Other health benefits include:

1. Stronger and bigger lungs

2. A stronger heart

3. A lower density of bad cholesterol

4. Better moods

5. Better management of your weight

6. Reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes

The above benefits should make a lot of sense, and hopefully encourage you to walk more.

To get the most of your walking, start off slowly and walk every second day. Start with about twenty minutes and gradually build up to 45 minutes to an hour five times a week. One of the advantages of walking is that you can do it anywhere, from a treadmill in a gym to out in the park. Remember you are exercising, so don't dawdle along. Walk at a brisk pace. If you can't talk with ease, you must slow down, as you are working your heart to hard.

Concentrate on your posture while you are walking and breathe through each step that you take. Walk tall, but don't be too stiff. Hold your tummy tight and hold your head erect with your eyeline straight ahead. Your chin should be parallel to the ground. Strides should be long, but not over-stretched. Bend your arms at about 90 degrees and swing at waist level naturally with each step.

Make sure to do some gentle stretches before and after your walk. You don't need to make the stretches too strenuous, as you are only walking, not sprinting.

If you want to walk for general health benefits, then you need to walk for at least thirty minutes a day at talking pace. For cardiovascular fitness, you will need to walk three or four days a week at a fast pace. Your breathing should be hard, but you shouldn't be gasping for air. For weight loss, walk at least five days a week for forty five to sixty minutes at a brisk pace. You should hear yourself breathe, but you should still be able to talk.

Lastly, try and find yourself a friend to walk with. This will make your walking program easier to stick to. Arrange to meet at the same time and place a few times a week, and this will motivate you to walk, as you wont want to let your walking partner down.

Michel Maling has enjoyed learning all she can about internet marketing and passing the knowledge on in order to help others.
More tips for making money online at http://profitonlinefromhome.com/recommends/category/entrepreneur-health

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Workout Program for Beginners

By Katharina Scharruhn

If you are new to the exercise world, it can be overwhelming and daunting. There are a multitude of gadgets, workout routines, gym memberships etc. Each claims to be more effective than the other. It's confusing. What do you do? Where do you begin? First, let's look at how you define a workout and what it means to you.

5 Steps to begin your workout program

1. Change your perception of what you need to do to workout. A workout can be as simple as a 5 minute walk, especially if you are a beginner.

2. Consistency. Do a little bit each day. You are changing a habit, changing a way of life. This takes time. In our society, we want instant gratification. This is a marketing ploy. In the long run, it does not work. Our bodies do not operate this way. We need to do a little bit each day consistently to have lasting results.

3. Do something you enjoy. For example, if you used to play football as a youngster, go out and throw the football again! If you like to dance, turn on your favorite music and start moving!

4. Celebrate that you did it. Pat yourself on the back. Congratulate yourself for every effort that you make.

5. Accountability. Hook up with someone who enjoys the same thing.

This article focuses on the psychology of "working out". When you change how you think about working out and view it as something enjoyable that you look forward to, chances are that you will do it again and stick with it. You will feel differently about it, which is why it needs to be fun. Do something you enjoy or do something practical. Let's say you need to make your yard look nice for the holidays. Forget the leaf blower! Rake the leaves. You will burn calories. You will have a whole body workout. It will save you money (no gas for the leaf blower) and your yard will look nice.

Have fun beginning your personal workout program!

And, if you would like more specific recommendations, please visit http://www.aphysicianspersonaltouch.com.

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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Learning About Intestinal Candida Symptoms

By Amy Blake

Intestinal Candida symptoms are the symptoms brought about by the virus named Candida Albicans when it infect the human digestive tracts. Most of these areas are usually the moistest places in the body and this is because the yeast virus tends to stay in these places in order for them to develop rapidly. One important thing to keep in mind is that these Candida Albicans are naturally residing in the human body and so are not harmful by nature. Other areas that can be affected are the vaginal, penile and oral areas.

The Causes

There are several factors that can cause the overgrowth of the Candida Albicans in the intestines nut the biggest cause of all is probably due to antibiotics. Intestinal Candida symptoms are so common that at times the host mistake this disease for another one. The host will then just take antibiotics as medication. In the event that this happens and the antibiotic enters the body, there's a big possibility that the good bacteria will die along with the bad bacteria and thus, worsen the disease. Furthermore, other factors cause intestinal Candida symptoms are the weakening of the immune system and stress. Also, a poor diet can also be a big factor.

The Symptoms

As mention before, people often take this disease as for another one and this is the biggest problem and when this happens one may be already be too late. Some of these symptoms are:

Pain in the joints

Lower abdominal pain

Fuzzy thinking

Itching or burning skin

Constipation,

Sudden allergic reactions,

Diarrhea,

Unexplained fatigue,

Yeast infections on the others parts that can be infected

The Treatment

There are a number of treatments for the intestinal Candida symptoms. The first one is probably the easiest and safest way which is through the Candida diet. This diet helps the patient by strictly eliminating the foods with sugar and starch that one eats and replacing them with carbohydrate-rich food and fresh vegetables. There are a number of recipes that can be found online. Another treatment is through taking in dietary supplements that include probiotics and digestive enzymes. These can help in fighting and controlling the development if yeast. In additional, the patient also should engage in activities that can reduce stress such as meditation, yoga and the like. Lastly, in extreme cases, anti-fungal medication can also be prescribed.

Combating this disease isn't that hard like in the usual mindset of people. It only takes discipline in oneself.

To know more about intestinal candida symptoms is like having a weapon against yeast infection. So learn more in my website www.naturalyeastcure.org.

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Saturday, November 13, 2010

How to order Univera Products

New Customers and Associates signing up under Enhanced Life Options


Go to the below web site.

Enhanced Life Options- Univera


You can also order via telephone by calling (877) 627-4787. Please specify that your sponsor's ID is 1076491 when ordering.
Or you can contact us and we will help you place the order.

SPECIAL For Enhanced Life Options first time customers, you can get a $10 rebate on your first order by simply mentioning the site location you found us and ordering using sponsor ID 1076491. Use this form for claiming your rebate by entering your Univera Customer ID, Order ID, and "rebate request" into the comments field.


New customers and associates signing up under a different associate (Not Enhanced Life Options)

Go to the Univera web site at http://us.univera.com and select the "Products" menu to place your order. Upon adding the first item to your cart, you will be prompted for an Associate ID to order your products under. The person introducing you to your Univera products (your sponsor) will provide this to you. For example, our Associate ID is 1076491. Upon checking out, you will be given the opportunity to buy at a reduced rate via the convenience plan while collecting your billing information.


If you are interested in becoming an Univera Associate, you can buy products at wholesale prices. For more information on becoming an associate contact Enhanced Life Options or your current sponsor.

You can also order via telephone by calling (877) 627-4787.

Returning Customers ordering under your own ID

Upon your initial order, you will be assigned your own Univera ID number and a password for future online orders. You can use this for future orders or to change your convenience plan selection at any time. See Univera Office. You can also phone in your order or find out your ID (if you have forgotten) by calling (877) 627-4787.

Specials and Items Not Listed

For items that are on monthly special or not listed (some new items and packages are not shown) on the web interface, please call customer care or your sponsor directly for assistance. 

Do You Have a Stomach Ache or a Gluten Intolerance?

By John William Hill

This is an interesting question and something that I come across quite often as a personal trainer. As a personal trainer and someone who has lost a lot of weight, there are certain things that I know and certain things I don't. When it comes to things like wheat or gluten however I am a big fan of test and measure.

What I mean by test and measure is that I am firm believer in testing small things when it comes to diet and seeing how people get on with them. Gluten, which is the protein in wheat, is one of things that a lot of the human population are very sensitive to and perhaps don't realise it. That's why a lot of foods say "contains gluten" on the back of the packet.

The fact that a lot of people potentially have gluten intolerance really doesn't fit in with the modern diet which is composed mostly of grains and bread in particular. Have you ever noticed how we are conditioned to believe that bread must the corner stone of any diet? If you think about breakfast, normally it is either a wheat based cereal or toast that we automatically assume to be "normal" I am a very big believer in challenging these preconceived ideas.

In truth the only people qualified to discuss dietary specifics are Doctors and nutritionists but I would certainly say if you suffer from bloating, gas or indigestion, in my experience, a doctor is more concerned with cure rather than prevention. On the weight loss side I have seen massive changes when things like bread have been cut out of peoples diets, the good thing is that I have never seen any research that states that bread or wheat are essential to the human diet. The only thing that does this is the food pyramid (which is produced by government agencies who receive "contributions" from large companies who produce sugar based products) which bears no resemblance to the food we consumed for millions of years prior to the agricultural revolution.

So, when it comes to test and measure, I would certainly advise anyone to try either reducing the amount of bread they eat on a daily basis or cutting it out altogether for a week or two and seeing how they feel. This also inspires creativity, particularly at breakfast time when it is easy to have cereals and milk or toast and jam. Of course, specific concerns should always been discussed with a doctor but small adjustments like reducing bread intake may mean massive improvements in energy levels, reduction in weight and even better digestion.

Hi I'm John, I am a mobile personal trainer covering Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Solihull. If you tired of not fitting into those jeans or getting our of breath too easily, I can help you. I have successfully lost five stone and kept it off and I understand how difficult weight loss can be.

Please visit my website now for more information

http://johnhill.inspiringfitness.co.uk/

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