 The Farmer's Market Cookbook: More Than 100 Recipes Using the Freshest Ingredients One of the first things that any nutritionist or dietitian will tell you is that North Americans need to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Before you start groaning and making comments about rabbit food, take a look at these quick and easy ways to add fruit to your family’s meal plan.
Fruits and vegetables are a lot more fun for kids and adults to eat if they can be dipped in something or have a yummy sauce drizzled over them.
Try serving vegetable sticks or fruit kabobs with yogurt dressings. The creamy texture of yogurt pairs well with fruit, and can be sweetened with a tablespoon of honey.
Try a yogurt dressing instead of the traditional sour cream one used with potato salad or spinach salad.
Yogurt only needs a little lemon or lime juice and a pinch of curry powder to make a quick and easy dip for red, green, and yellow pepper and cucumber.
Serve a fruit or vegetable tray with a low fat dressing instead of the chips and dip that you normally serve when you have people over to watch a big game, or as munchies at a barbecue.
Most people think of a vegetable salad and a fruit salad as two different things. One is served as a side dish or main dish for a light lunch or dinner, the other is for dessert or sometimes breakfast.
Fruits and vegetables can complement each other very well, especially when the sweetness of the fruit cuts the bitterness of a leafy green.
This arugula salad recipe is the perfect example as the strawberries pair perfectly with the bitter crispness of the arugula. Other fruits to try include raspberries or mandarin oranges.
By keeping the dressing light with a tangy citrus flavor, this salad is a low fat and flavorful way to get a few good servings of fruits and vegetables into your day.
The Body Fat Solution: Five Principles for Burning Fat, Building Lean Muscles, Ending Emotional Eating, and Maintaining Your Perfect Weight
Building lean muscle mass obviously requires dedication to regular weight training to stimulate your muscles to grow. The areas that often get neglected are nutrition and cardio – both of which are absolutely essential for building lean muscle without fat.
For beginners to bodybuilding, weight training alone will usually provide an initial shock to your muscles that will cause them to grow, but this will only happen for a few weeks.
After that, your muscles will only grow if you are following an anabolic diet to go along with your intense weight training regimen.
Cardio plays the essential role of controlling your body fat levels while you pack on muscle mass.
If you are eating the high number of calories required to build muscle mass, you will inevitably put on fat if you are not consistently performing cardio workouts to keep your body in a primed fat burning state.
Cardio not only works to burn fat while you are exercising, but also has the effect of burning fat for hours even after you have finished your cardio workouts.
The best cardio for weight loss (fat loss) should be performed just after you wake up in the morning or immediately after you weight train.
These are the optimal times to burn fat because this is when your body’s blood sugar will be the lowest.
When there is little sugar in your blood to fuel your cardio workout, your body has no choice but to begin to oxidize its fat reserves to give you the energy you require to complete your cardio exercise.
If your goal is to get a lean and sculpted bodybuilder’s physique, you cannot afford to neglect nutrition or regular cardiovascular exercise. Combining nutrition and cardio with consistent weight training is the secret to bodybuilding success by enabling you to build lean muscle mass.
 The Gastric Mind Band - Why suffer the side effects when you don't need to? Are you overweight? If you are, then you probably know it feels like to be stereotyped as a lazy person. You probably do not feel very beautiful on some days. If you are looking for a way to get rid of those extra pounds, you may be considering having gastric bypass surgery done.
Gastric bypass is a very popular surgical procedure wherein the stomach is made smaller. This change in stomach size will make a person feel full more quickly than usual. It will also weaken your appetite, which will normally result in you consuming smaller amounts of food, though this is not guaranteed as many people put weight back on after the initial weight loss following gastric band procedures.
Of course, every surgical procedure has side effects. Some of the more serious side effects of gastric bypass surgery are the dumping syndrome, blood clots, blackouts, nutrition deficiency, loss of muscle mass and pneumonia. Of course not everything will happen to you but you do need to be aware of what the risks are before going ahead.
After surgery, you need to follow the four stages of the gastric bypass diet. This diet will slowly and properly get you accustomed to eating in smaller amounts.
You need to constantly monitor your food choices and the quantity of food you are consuming. You must also get used to exercising regularly. You may have been lazy to do so in the past, but you can no longer afford to be lazy after you have taken this first step to a new you. A healthy lifestyle is the key to getting the body you’ve always wanted.
Aside from the gastric bypass, other alternatives for weight loss include the lap band procedure or liposuction. Of course, none of these alternatives will affect your eating habits. Changing your eating habits would be something you would have to do on your own. Take time to consider your options before making a final decision. What is important is that you are happy and satisfied with your decision.
If you know you are going to have to change your diet after the gastric band procedure, then there is nothing to stop you “acting as if” and changing it now. It is not going to be any easier not eating the packet of chips viewing TV in the evening after the operation than it is now. So if you are willing to give it a go, you can save yourself a lot of pain, expense and possible side effects with a bit of effort.
 Himalayan Crystal Salt Stones CLICK IMAGE for details The combination of salt and water is essential to this planet. Two thirds of the surface of the earth is covered in salt water. Additionally, our bodies would not be two thirds salt water if it were not so key to life. The primordial sea, which just means the combination of salt and water the existed before any other life, was the catalyst to all the life that we see today. The activation of all of the worlds minerals in the medium of water is like the serum for life.
When Himalayan crystal salt is dissolved in water the activation of minerals occurs and there is an ionization process of the sodium, the chloride, and all other 82 minerals that are found.
This activation of these minerals creates a substance that contains a vibration pattern of all the minerals. This is called sole (pronounced so-lay).
To make sole you need only have a few ingredients and tools.
With an inch of Himalayan crystal salt stones in the bottom of a jar add in a few inches of clean spring water.
Let this sit over night covered. In the am you can check to see if all the crystals were dissolved or if there are still some at the bottom of the jar.
If there are crystals remaining you have hit a point of saturation where no further salt will be absorbed into the water. This is the goal. You can always add in more water or salts as you go always ensuring saturation.
To use this amazing power mixture you want to add in a teaspoon of the sole into a glass of water every morning and drink it up. The vibration frequency of each of the minerals will be released into the body allowing your body to benefit from the vibration of each of these minerals for the next 24 hours or so.
The benefits of sole are said to be many by those who promote it, including giving the body the natural energy stored in the crystals. Apparently the body can hold onto this energy for a day or so. It is also said to eliminate impurities that can cause kidney and joint problems, reduce blood pressure and maintain a healthy acid-alkaline balance.
If you want to try it check with your doctor first.
 Breville Juice Fountain Elite
CLICK IMAGE for huge DISCOUNT With spring in the air, there’s always the desire to be more active and healthy. What better way to start than by juicing fresh fruits and vegetables every morning to start your day? If you’re interested in buying a stainless steel juicer, then this article will provide a basic guide to help you pick the best juicer for your dollar.
First of all, one of the perks of buying a juicer with stainless steel parts is that it makes the cleanup process a lot better. Stainless steel components can be placed in a dishwasher along with your normal dishes and washed without any special attention or care.
This is a big perk as manually cleaning the juicing parts by hand is a pain – not to mention a bit of a hazard, since there are some sharp parts in there!
So a huge thing you want to remember is the you’re already on the right path by choosing stainless steel since it’s the best type of juicer as far as cleaning up goes.
Secondly you should figure out how much money you’re willing to spend for your juicer.
Do you think you’ll just use it occasionally or more like every day? Or perhaps twice a day or only twice a week? Is there a good chance you’ll use it for only a couple weeks or maybe just this summer and then it will go into storage?
The answers to these questions will guide you as to how much money it’s worth it to spend on your stainless steel juicer.
Third, you should think about what you really want to juice. If you’re only going to be into carrots, you might want to buy a carrot juicer instead of an all purpose fruit and vegetable juicer.
If you plan to do a lot of wheatgrass shots, you should make sure your machine has a good reputation for extracting juice from grasses. Extend this logic out to whatever you think you’ll enjoy juicing the most and it will help guide you as to the best machine for your needs.
Not sure what to get? In that case I would recommend the Breville Juice Fountain Elite (see image above) It has great reviews and although expensive you can get a huge discount just now making it more affordable.
Once you get your machine, don’t be afraid to experiment with a number of different vegetables and fruits.
Try different combinations of fruits like carrots, apples, pears, and bananas, mixed with different vegetables such as cucumber and beets. Also don’t be shy about adding in some greens! This will make your drinks a nutritional powerhouse. My favorite combination is organic baby leaf spinach, cabbage, and romaine lettuce.
Add a touch of ginger to a kick of sweetness into any drink that’s otherwise to dull, bland, or bitter. If you have access to shaved ice, it makes a nice touch to throw a bit on the top – not only for taste but also for presentation!
Vita Coco pure coconut water
CLICK IMAGE for details
Madonna and a number of other Hollywood stars have recently invested in the Brazilian company of Vita Coco that produces tetra packs of pure coconut water. This has caused a media surge of interest in coconut water that has probably left a few people scratching their heads wondering what the big deal is with this product.
Coconut water comes from young coconuts. It is a clear liquid that is extensively drunk in such places as the Caribbean and Southern India where the coconut is prevalent. It is a drink that is slightly sweet and that can be drunk straight from the coconut because it is sterile. The ancient Sanskrit word for coconut translates as ‘the tree that provides everything for life’ and when you look at the make up of the coconut it is easy to understand why coconut water has such a high reputation.
The liquid from coconuts is 99% fat free and low in carbohydrates and sugar. At the same time it is rich in important electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. It is a liquid that is great for re-hydrating the body and restoring the pH levels in the body. In short, coconut water is the ultimate isotonic beverage that is ideal for those who do lots of sport or who drank too much the night before.
The incredible thing about coconut water is that it is an exact match with human blood plasma and can be used for emergency blood transfusions. This means that there is nothing less alien to the body than coconut water.
It is also rich in lauric acid that is an anti-microbial agent that helps to protect the body from viral infections. Lauric acid is also believed to stimulate the thyroid gland and thus boost the immunity system.
When you consider all the health benefits of coconut water it is easier to understand why Madonna would be interested in Vita Coco. The material girl is good at making money and surely with the right promotion this is a drink that could find its way into every convenience store in North America.
The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Nights Sleep
We hear repeatedly how you need to make sure you get plenty of sleep, but people rarely think to question, “Is too much sleep bad for you?”
Most adults are required 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day but if you get more sleep then that on a regular basis then you might be getting too much sleep. This can lead to complications.
When you get too much sleep, you often wake up feeling groggy. That groggy feeling is known as sleep drunkenness, since you go throughout your day without feeling fully awake.
On top of feeling groggy all day, studies have shown you are likely to lower your life span by up to 20%. There are also health risks with an increased chance of heart disease, weight gain and diabetes.
Some of the reasons that you might sleep too much are depression, sleep apnea, vivid dreaming, and overuse of substance such as medication and alcohol, as well as an unwanted side effect of some prescribed medications.
You may also find that your body could be trained to sleep that long if you have been doing it a while or you might think that since you don’t get enough sleep during the week then you should sleep longer on weekends.
A good solution to not getting enough sleep during the week is trying going to bed earlier or taking a short nap during the day. Then sleep your normal 8 hours on weekends, making it 9 hours and no more if you want to sleep in.
If you are having problems with oversleeping and you cannot lower the amount of hours you sleep yourself, you should contact your doctor and ask, whether “too much sleep” is bad for you in your particular circumstances and to get help with the cause.
The doctor can help find out if you are suffering from depression or sleep apnea, and can recommend ways to treat those problems so you can get rested and energized.
Suzanne Somers Eat Great, Lose Weight
Balancing your diet is a bit of an art, however once you get into the habit of it it will become second nature to you. You will know what foods to eat, what makes you feel good and what doesn’t and barely even have to think about it.
Avoid the nasties
Foods that are high in saturated fats and synthetic sugars are usually loaded with other additives like preservatives, colorings and sodium as well, a whole host of nasties that we could definitely do without.
The more you stick to a diet that does not contain these things the healthier you will feel and the more you will regain your taste buds and be able to appreciate finer flavors that may be too subtle for your palate at the moment, if you are accustomed to consuming foods full of sugar and fat etc.
Stick to Simple Food Groups
If you want to achieve good health stick to food groups that are simple and don’t contain additives. Choose from any basic food groups, in moderation, each day with the least amount of foods being from dairy and meat.
Great choices are lean meats, fish, free range eggs, legumes, dairy (no sugar or flavoring – go for natural varieties), fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, oats and basmati or brown rice. Choosing the bulk of your food choices from these groups will ensure that you get a balanced diet that is not high in fat or synthetic sugar and is nutrient rich.
Make meal preparation easy with a crock pot or slow cooker
Purchase a slow cooker for ease of meal preparation. It is simple to chop your ingredients the evening before and add it to the slow cooker in the morning – when you arrive home your dinner will be prepared.
It takes little effort and is a great way to regulate the ingredients of what you are eating. There are many ideas for the slow cooker like sweet potato casserole and chicken breast recipes that are healthy and simple – try and buy organic chicken when you can.
Questions and Answers about Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be dangerous, especially when you are not aware of it. If you sleep alone, the probability is that you don’t know that you snore and snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea. The danger of not knowing that you have apnea is risky, sad to say.
Sleep apnea is the case where you will have a difficulty in breathing when you sleep. Your breathing can pause for a few seconds and could go for a while. This abnormal breathing pattern can be fatal if it remains untreated.
But thanks to innovation, sleep apnea can be treated with the use of a sleep apnea mouthpiece, also one of the most sought snoring solutions in the market.
The sleep apnea mouthpiece removes the obstructions in the air passageway that cause difficulties in breathing. When you use this mouthpiece, it puts your jaw into a position where your air passageway is widened, allowing you to breathe normally. This can cure sleep apnea, but unfortunately, not all with this sleeping disorder can benefit from it. The mouthpiece can prove incompatible to some people, depending on several factors like shape of jaw or mouth problems.
Other snoring solutions can prove as effective sleep apnea, too. Aside from the mouthpiece, there’s the chin strap and snore pillow, both products aim to keep the air passageway open while you sleep. You can opt for the advanced sleep apnea treatment tools and equipment such as the CPAP or the continuous positive airway pressure. This includes a mask that is attached to a machine. You will be required to wear the mask and let the machine do its job.
The snoring solution you may not want to get into is surgery. Sleep apnea can be cured through a surgery. The surgery can work on some people and not on others. So it’s best to approach a doctor first and ask advice. Three surgical procedures for sleep are uvuloplatopharyngoplasy, nasal surgery and mandibular maxillar advancement surgery. Some advanced methods include injecting substances on the snorer, pillar platant implant or somnoplasty.
These solutions can take a while to take effect or worse, could not work for you. Try to settle with the easier and least expensive ones first.
Surviving MRSA
MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, a type of staph infection that has evolved to resist most antibiotic treatments.
This can be a very severe infection that is hard to treat and not so easy to notice at the beginning because the symptoms at the start resemble those of an ordinary non-life threatening staph infection that is caused by the staph bacterium that is found in most humans.
This bacterium is primarily set on the skin, throat area and the nose. The staph aureus bacterium is typically harmless but when it shows minor symptoms on the skin, it can easily be dealt with using an antibacterial treatment. MRSA evolves to resist antibacterial treatments and can cause fatal damages to the body if it is not treated in good time.
Some people may have the MRSA bacterium in them but may not exhibit the symptoms of infection. This group of people can be called ‘carriers’ because they can transmit the bacterium to other people through contact but they themselves are not in danger of the debilitating symptoms of the disorder.
An MRSA infection can be acquired mainly in health institutions such as hospitals, intensive care units and nursing homes as well as other public places like gym, coming in contact with an infected person, toilets, sharing towels and bed sheets or other personal effects and in locker rooms.
The early symptoms of an MRSA infection include tiny bumps on the skin that look like developing acne. The bacteria can then get into the body through broken skin, a cut or a wound and can cause a series of other symptoms on the body including boils on the skin, carbuncles, styes, abscesses, impetigo, cellulitis, blood poisoning and urinary tract infections. Other symptoms include pain on the skin, pus coming from bumps on the skin, muscle pains, bone problems and joint pains. The symptoms a sufferer experiences though largely depends on the type of MRSA infection, how it was acquired and how long it has been in the body.
It is not uncommon for an MRSA infection to cause smallpox, wound infections, influenza, suppuration and pneumonia. A lab test to determine whether the infection is an MRSA infection should tell what form of infection is and in some cases a direction in which treatments will work best to deal with the symptoms of the infection and even eliminate the bacteria altogether.
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