51 Lifetimes Instructions
- Have a company handshake.
- Look individuals in the eye.
- Sing in the bathtub.
- Own an excellent songs.
- If in a cope with, hit first and hit challenging.
- Keep techniques.
- Never quit on anybody. Wonders occur daily.
- Always take an outstretched side.
- Be courageous. Even if you’re not, say to be. No one can tell the change.
- Whistle.
- Avoid cynical reviews.
- Choose your lifetimes companion properly. From this one choice will come 90 % of all your pleasure or agony.
- Make it an addiction to do awesome factors for individuals who will never discover out.
- Lend only those guides you never proper want to see again.
- Never deny someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
- When doing offers with ! kids, let them win.
- Give individuals a second opportunity, but not a third.
- Be enchanting.
- Become the most good and passionate individual you know.
- Loosen up. Rest. Except for unusual life-and-death issues, nothing is as essential as it first seems.
- Don’t allow the cellphone to get rid of essential periods. It’s there for our advantage, not the caller’s.
- Be an excellent loss.
- Be an excellent victorious one.
- Think twice before burdening a companion with a key.
- When someone cuddled you, let them be the first to let go.
- Be minimal. A lot was done before you were blessed.
- Keep it easy.
- Beware of the individual who has nothing to reduce.
- Don’t get rid of connects. You’ll be amazed how many periods you have to corner the same stream.
- Live your lifestyle so that your epitaph could study, No Regrets
- Be strong and courageous. When you look again on lifestyle, you’ll feel disappointed about the
- things you didn’t do more than the your you did.
- Never spend an opportunity to tell someone you really like them.
- Remember no one creates it alone. Have a thankful center and stop wasting time to recognize those who assisted you.
- Take cost of your mind-set. Don’t let someone else select it for you.
- Visit visitors when they are in hospital; you need only remain a few moments.
- Begin each day with some of the songs.
- Once in a while, take the picturesque path.
- Send a lot of Valentine’s credit cost playing cards. Indication them, ‘Someone who believes you’re wonderful.’
- Answer the cellphone with passion and power in your speech.
- Keep a observe pad and pad on your bed-side desk. Million-dollar thoughts sometimes reach at 3 a.m.
- Show regard for everyone who performs for an existing, regardless of how easy their job.
- Send your family blossoms. Think of a purpose later.
- Make a person’s day by shelling out the cost for the individual in the car behind you.
- Become a person’s idol.
- Marry only for really like.
- Count your delights.
- Compliment the food when you’re a visitor in a person’s house.
- Wave at the kids on an excellent bus.
- Remember that 80 % of the achievements in any job is according to your capability to cope with individuals.
- Don’t anticipate lifestyle to be reasonable.
If you like this article Please Subscribe Our Rss Feed
Related articles
- What it takes to be a good Lifepartner (xpressurview.wordpress.com)
- You Can Do Anything, a Time at a Time: Suicide is Not The Answer (socyberty.com)
- Staying Proactive Along with Going for a Leap Of Trust May Transform your Lifestyle (aujasus.com)
Top Ten Self-improvement Objects in the way You Need to Cope With
Self-improvement may include anything, from providing up cigarette using tobacco to using the addiction of spending budget. However, the self-improvement objectives are not that easy to obtain. Your own thoughts may put a variety of obstructions in your direction. It is a well-known proven reality that an personal making initiatives for self-improvement is often frustrated by his or her own ideas and routines. The first thing should be to observe down these constraints and understand how to cope with them. Here is a conversation on the 10 typical self-improvement obstructions you need to cope with.
Habit of Postponing
The most usual obstacle is the habit to postpone the self-improvement efforts. The efforts for whatever change you wish to bring in your life should begin today itself. Delaying the things may put your interest off and you may never be able to start. For instance, if you wish to leave cigarette smoking, you must start practicing the right techniques like hypnosis from today onwards.
Habit of Acceptance
The efforts towards improvement often take the backseat if you accept that the things are not going to change. Don’t believe that the present circumstances can’t be improved at any cost. Remember that it is you who will evaluate your situation and take the decision to improve or not. Get out of the boundary of accepting the things easily and challenge yourself that you want to bring the change in order to improve your life.
To Do Lists Don’t Work
Many people fail to maintain schedule which is another common hindrance in the direction of self-improvement. This happens because of the general notion that to do lists don’t work at all. The fact is that scheduling and following the schedule religiously is one great step to achieve the improvement goals. In fact, planning a schedule will help you spare quality time for many more things that will make you happy and motivated.
Self-improvement Is Not for Me
People have the tendency to forget one of the most important facts of life that nobody in this world is perfect. You can keep on moving on the path of self-improvement to make your life better and better. Thinking that self-improvement is only for losers is actually depriving you from leading a life better than your present day living. For instance, if you don’t know swimming, just think how learning this exercise can improve your lifestyle.
Keeping It a Secret
It is a typical perception of individuals that it is better to keep the self-improvement initiatives a key from others. Some individuals never like others to know that they are going through weight-loss workouts. This form of considering can deny you from useful reviews that you must obtain from individuals around you. Keep in mind that getting your self-improvement activities evaluated by others will increase your assurance and encourage your further.
Self-improvement if Expensive
Many people never start with self-improvement initiatives, considering that it will include a lot of money. The truth is that you can always search for beneficial options that can help you in enhancing your life without strenuous big money. Even your buddies can help you by indicating some useful ways of self-improvement. You never have to shell out on many guides and programs for the objective of enhancing. Invest some time to discover one or two good guides or video clips that you discover value investing on.
Habit of Binding
People by characteristics are limited to develop within the relaxation areas of their specific societies. However, you can carry enhancement in lifestyle by studying new elements owed to various other societies. The best example would be to understand a new terminology that will add considerably to your understanding. Furthermore, you can increase further by studying a bit of different way of lifestyle.
Boring and Time Consuming
Upgrades in lifestyle may take several days or several weeks to display. This is a reality against what the so-called self-improvement professionals declare to carry up the changes in a couple several days. And, it is a frustrating believed for many individuals. You have to think this way that your lifestyle is going towards enhancement and you have to savor this modification. It is value knowing that this voyage for enhancement will be thoroughly pleasant.
Only Big Changes Lead to Improvement
Big changes do account for larger upgrades, but small changes are similarly significant. Many people immediate their initiatives to obtain big changes only, without acknowledging the value of the small steps. For example, if you start going for a day move daily, it will add to your time and effort of reaching health.
More Thoughts Fewer Efforts
Lastly, it is another element of people instinct that initiatives actually created towards self-improvement does not have behind the ideas of enhancement. In other terms, good considering alone cannot help you obtain the self-improvement advantages. You will have to create initiatives to recognize these ideas.
You will definitely link with many of these self-improvement obstructions. Give your best taken to get rid of these constraints and provides your 100% to increase for better.
Originally Posted by: Self Improvement Bible
If you like this article Please Subscribe Our Rss Feed
Related articles
- Acceptance & Peace (jayrando.wordpress.com)
- How To Deal With Disappointment (wisdomwithinus.wordpress.com)
- Mind Power Articles (mylittleblackpen.wordpress.com)
- Awakening to the Power of Pleasant Thoughts (awakeningtothedance.com)
- How Self-Confident Are You? (mylittleblackpen.wordpress.com)
- Mistakes – Ways to Embrace Mistakes as Life’s Lessons (divinetiminglifecoaching.wordpress.com)
- Perfect (mattgorski.com)
- Self-Improvement and Success go Hand in Hand (upfrontmenblog.wordpress.com)
- 10 Ideal Habits for a Better Lifestyle (jeanneloh.wordpress.com)
- The Importance Of Numbers And The Role It Plays In Your Life (healthmoneysuccess.com)
- How to Stop Smoking (answers.com)
7 Steps to Instantly Calm
Serenity
Between his busy work schedule, child care, shopping, and, oh, a hundred other things you have to do in a day, is easy to forget how much stress you are really low.
But the body is well aware. All this tension could start a chain reaction of health problems. “When you get stressed several times, the nervous system remains tense, so that even small amounts of stress can make you feel overwhelmed,” says Henry Emmons, MD, author of Chemistry of calm.
That is why it is so important to build a relaxing routine for those times when life falls apart. Learning to cultivate peace with these simple suggestions.
Look for Signs
The best way to manage stress is to prevent the build first. But it can be difficult to know when you’re going to risk because the signals of your body can be subtle. “People are often not aware that stress affects sleep quality, you can get eight hours, but has still not very deep sleep, if you feel tired,” said Dr. Emmons.
To keep your stress levels in check, take a few minutes each day thinking about any unusual changes in your habits or physical health, which can be stimulated by fear.
Change Your Home
When you feel tense, you can get the (unproductive) you want to replay mentally what has happened several times in his mind.
Dr. Emmons recommends moving your attention to your body instead. Find a quiet place to sit and concentrate on feeling the seat under you. Then take a long, deep breaths from the diaphragm, try to breathe through your nose for four, with two, and exhaling through your mouth for seven years. Exhale more than breathe a deeper breath, which helps calm the nervous system. “You can even practice your breath when you are stressed, so you know exactly what that calm deep breathing,” said Dr. Emmons.
Get A Pass
Easy to use stress as an excuse to ignore the exercise has many other things in your mind, right? But working really helps balance stress hormones, said Dr. Emmons.
Then a break, and walk up and down some steps, or subscribe to the kickboxing class you’ve been dying to try. Then cool your routine with some sweet music: Make a special “calming” playlist on your iPod, recommended Beth Hamilton, MD, co-author ofSo Stressed: The Ultimate Stress-Relief Plan for Women. Studies show that brain waves are synchronized with the slow pace, puts you in a meditative state.
Right Snack
During periods of stress, it’s human nature to want to pamper yourself with a piece of cake. But it is more important than ever to stick to your eating habits, says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Eat your way to happiness.
Cravings for sweets highest level of glucose in the blood, making you feel more nervous. For a healthy drink, including anti-stress, fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce, black, Somer. Vitamin C reduces the stress induced by free radicals fruit, while the black chocolate reduces stress hormones (like cortisol) in the body. Another option: carrot or celery sticks Snack. Crunchy Snacks chewing (but healthy!) Helps release pent-up frustration, says Somer.
Call a Friend
Being with friends helps our body to pump feel good hormone oxytocin. Then meet a friend at the end of a crazy-busy day, or call during your lunch break.
Even better: Take time to stroll on a regular basis, you will be paid a boost to your well-being continues. Just do not make calls to bitch fests, ranting will get you working again, Dr. Emmons said.
Get Out
Taking refuge in the office can make you get stuck in “I’m overwhelmed” Mode. Merely breathing the fresh air can improve their prospects, helping them deal with difficult situations more calmly. Get out and enjoy the moment in which the head of equilibrium rather than think about all the things you have to do. If there is a garden close by, stop and smell the flowers. Research shows that inhalation of certain aromas (like lavender) can help restore the immune system is stressed to normal levels.
Preparing For Bed
You know how it works: Just when you lie down for a good night, all the concerns of his career change. And lack of sleep makes you feel more anxious. To combat this vicious circle, the scope of a pad and pencil and write all the negative thoughts or lists of tasks pops into your head, says Sue Patton Thoele, author of Women Aware. Paradoxically, getting their thoughts down on paper really helps you set aside.
If you liked this article Please Subscribe Our Rss Feed
Related articles
- Staying Calm and Centered (gaylekimball.wordpress.com)
- Friendship can reduce stress of rejection in school kids (news.bioscholar.com)
- Wake Up People!!! How to Wake Up Less Stressed and Start Your Day Balanced (augustpoint.wordpress.com)
- Breathe In, Breathe Out (mintythin.wordpress.com)
- Stress and Its Effects on Body (eurekalife.wordpress.com)
- Sleep………..How important is it??? (theworldaccording2nick.wordpress.com)
- How To Keep Calm If You’re A Nervous Traveller (firstchoice.co.uk)
- Deep Breathing for Relaxation (magnahealthblog.wordpress.com)
- How can I reduce stress in my life? (zocdoc.com)
- I Have Stress and There is Nothing I Could Do About It! (josephmazzeido.com)
- Coping with Stress: Five Healthy Habits to Add Now (chunhoc.wordpress.com)
- What Makes Me Nervous (thebloggingpath.com)
15 Fetching facts on Human Attraction
Look closely at your crush, spouse or significant other. Does he or she have symmetrical features? A strong jaw? Or even look a little like yourself? The psychology of human attraction is a fascinating field to study, and depends on all kinds of factors, including reproduction, positive association, and more. Keep reading to learn how and why we find certain people so good to look at.
- We love symmetry: Symmetrical features aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, they symbolize good genes, healthy development, fertility and a prime mating companion. Those with better symmetry will most likely produce offspring who are also stronger and more immune to gene manipulations or alterations.
- Women with prominent eyes are attractive to men: As you’ll see as you keep reading, most of what we find attractive has to do with potential reproduction and mating. In this case, women with shorter and more petite chins and foreheads means they have more estrogen (since estrogen limits bone growth in these areas). That shape makes the eyes look more prominent, a trait that men generally find attractive.
- Men with a larger jaw and prominent brow are more attractive to women: Men have the opposite face shape, usually. A stronger, more prominent jaw and brow equates more testosterone, and women find these characteristics attractive.
- Women like powerful, protective men: During menstruation, women are more attractive to men who would give them healthy, genetically blessed children, should they every mate. This means men who have dominant, powerful and protective characteristics, both physically and behaviorally.
- Hourglass shape: Women can stop aspiring to look like the androgynously built models on catwalks and embrace their curves, as long as their waist to hip ratio is ideal. Men supposedly find women with waist to hip ratio of 0.7 to be most attractive, no matter what her weight is. Having an hourglass shape is an indicator of a woman’s reproductive capabilities (allegedly).
- The younger, the better: Humans are attracted to neoteny, “the retention of juvenile features like large eyes and baby-smooth skin in adults,” Time.com explains. When tested, men and women found 15-year-old girls to be more attractive than 19-year-old women.
- Women like a guy who makes them laugh, guys like a woman who laughs at his jokes: Women really mean it when they say that they just want a guy who makes them laugh. A 2005 study found that women were attracted to men who made them laugh, while men found women attractive when they laughed at their jokes.
- We’re attracted to people we see regularly: Proximity plays a role in attraction, so if you’ve got a crush, find a way to bump into him or her regularly. People are more likely to hook up (even for the long haul) with someone they’re physically close to, in class, at work, friends, or neighbors.
- Gay men go either way: There’s no straight rule for what gay men find attractive, although they usually favor one of two types. Socially speaking, Time notes that gay men either favor “guys who look as if they are in their teens, [or] guys who look as if they could be your dad.”
- We like people who look similar to us: Don’t fret if your significant other is tall while you’re short, or is even a completely different race than you. Even similarities between lung volume, ear lobe length and metabolic rates have been found among couples, causing scientists to believe that humans like picking mates who resemble themselves. Another study even foundthat we’re more likely to stay married to and abstain from child abuse if we end up with a mate with a similar genetic makeup.
- Birth control pills may affect attraction: This next item is still inconclusive, but we thought it was worth considering. Because the type of characteristics that women find attractive in a man waver so dramatically depending on her monthly cycle, scientists are starting to think that women who take birth control pills — which control hormones more steadily — may have an affect on what — or who — they’re attracted to. And on the other hand, scientists discovered that men are generally more attracted to women when they’re most fertile. But if they’re altering their fertility — never quite reaching peak condition — men might find them less attractive than if they were not taking birth control.
- Romantic love might be more important than sex: Beyond symmetry, sex, reproductive potential and proximity, true love is still a powerful influence in forming overall attraction. Scientists who took brain scans of people newly in love found “more activity related to love than sex…” reports LiveScience.com.
- Reciprocal liking: This theory is in direct opposition to unrequited love. Reciprocal liking means that we’re attracted to the person who likes us back. We’re flattered that they like us, which makes us feel good, which makes us associate positive feelings with that person.
- We want a mate who resembles our parents: You’ve probably heard that girls just want to grow up and marry someone who reminds them of their fathers. But the same is probably true for men, too. We might be attracted to people who look like our parents because we look like our parents (see #10).
- Positive association plays a role: Related to #13, this idea is based on findings that we make emotional, irrational associations with people based on what we’re feeling at that time, even if it has nothing to do with that person. For instance, you might think a guy is cute when you see him in line at airport security — when you’re frustrated and tired — but you won’t be as attracted to him as the guy you play kickball with on Thursdays — when you’re more relaxed and happy.
Related articles
- The Brain on Beauty (brain4biz.wordpress.com)
20 Organic And Fat Burning Foods For Weight Loss
The secret to losing weight is to eat and drink until you are full and satisfied, choosing foods that burn more calories than you consume.
Here is the list of fat burning foods which will help you make the right choices to burn off more fat than you ingest by eating them.
No need to become a vegetarian to lose weight. Simply increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, legumes, and nuts.
They will help your body burn up the excessive stored fat. But a single food alone can never help in losing weight.
Make some dietary changes in your daily diet intake and follow them regularly as it can significantly produce best weight loss results. Watch carefully for fat and calories while eating for reduction in body mass.
Take essential nutrients and vitamins as these are the vital components of all living cells in our body. The best way to begin weight loss is by making healthy substitutions to your normal diet.
These days there is so much information out there on the best ways to lose weight, which makes it hard to know what’s healthy or will work. It may help to print viable options in brochures so you can take the information with you to the grocery store and give it out to your friends. Spread the knowledge and let us all eat the fruits and vegetables of our labor.
Here is the list of fat burning foods, which require more number of calories to burn than they actually contain:
1. Apricot – Boosts your metabolic rate
This is the food which is low in calories and fat. This food increases your metabolic rate and keeps you in normal weight. Apricots provide vitamin A, vitamin C, carbohydrates, minerals, dietary fiber [High Fiber Foods], iron and calcium. Also, apricot helps in maintaining good health.
2. Apples – Low fat and low calorie fruit
Apples can be very beneficial for weight loss. Generally apples are low in fat and calories and contain minerals, vitamins, fiber and also low in sodium. All these can help for weight loss in different ways.
You can eat these fruits in greater quantities without consuming extra energy. Fiber in the apples fills your stomach quickly and also limits the quantity of food you have eaten.
Another great benefit of eating apples is; they have high water content and are a great source of detoxification.
3. Grapefruit – A super food for dieters
By eating half a grapefruit with each meal, you will lose nearly 3.6 pounds and those who consume grapefruit juice for three times in a day will lose 3.3 pounds in a week. This has the ability to recharge your metabolism and also supplies a nutritional boost.
It will not only help you in losing your weight, but also helps in fighting against cold symptoms, heart disease and certain types of cancer.
4. Beets – A fiber rich food fights against fat
These are the most attractive vegetables in a diet garden. Beets are helpful to flush water from your system to fight against water retention. Beets are the fat fighting vegetables in these modern days.
As beets are rich in fiber in half-soluble and half-insoluble mode, they play a great role in fighting against fat. Beets also help in protecting against heart attacks, certain cancers like colon cancer and birth defects.
5. Cabbage – A quick weight loss food
Eating cabbage soup can help you in losing weight quickly. Taking cabbage soup for seven days can cause you to lose weight. This vegetable is very low in calories and has plenty of nutrients.
6. Carrots – Rich in beta-carotene act as a fat substitute
Eating large amount of carrots can result in weight loss.
Beta carotene in the carrots can act as a fat substitute by supplying as a thickener in sauces, soups, breads, and casseroles.
So, there is no need to add any fat or cream for that stuff.
Carrots contain fiber, in which half-soluble fiber helps to lower the blood cholesterol levels.
7. Cauliflower – Low fat and low calorie food
This is a party platter vegetable, naturally low in calories and fat. So, don’t feel shy to eat.
8. Cucumber – A great diuretic
This diuretic product encourages the removal of fluids from your body. When you use this in right quantities, it will accelerate the metabolism, eject with the misused fluids and stimulates the removal of fat cells.
This diuretic has one great feature: it breaks the large fat deposits into tiny ones, which can be easily washed out from your body. Through this process, most of the fat cells were removed from your body and at the same time your body will lose the excess water.
9. Lettuce – The food rich in iron and magnesium
The minerals in lettuce will directly enter into your pique. The pique protects your body from illness.
The pique makes use of these minerals and composes them stronger and directly transforms them to the tissues and cells. Also, it increases the process of metabolism and wash out the fatty cells.
10. Onions – A great addition to your diet
Similar to garlic, onions also contain oils and minerals which will help in breaking the fats andincreasing your metabolism. Onions have greater power than garlic, so it is a great addition to your diet.
11. Pumpkin – The vegetable rich in fiber
Pumpkin is a greatest weight loss food for everyone. Pumpkin contains high quantities of fiber and contains only 40 calories.
12. Radishes – Cleans the mucus membrane of the body
Radishes contain improved levels of magnesium and iron. These are the minerals which help to melt the fat in the cells.
13. Sardines – Makes you feel full and stimulates your metabolism
Sardines are boon to everyone who wants to lose weight.
Sardines are full of proteins, which helps in stabilizing the blood sugar, makes you feel full and also stimulates your metabolism.
Also, they are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3s are helpful to strengthen the cardiovascular system and also improves your mood.
14. Spinach – The food rich in fiber
Spinach provides you twice the amount of fiber when compared to other greens. Also, it is a good source of iron and full of minerals and vitamins. Use spinach when you are preparing the salads. This will be healthier and maintains your weight loss routine.
15. Zucchini – A low calorie food
Zucchini supplies only 15 calories for 100 grams. This is a versatile and negative calorie stuff that can be steamed, baked and fried or you can prepare it in any way that you want. So, add this food in your diet which helps in weight loss effectively.
16. Asparagus – A natural weight loss food
This is a natural weight loss food and is an ideal food for young women during their menstrual cycle. Folic acid in this food helps to prevent neural-tube birth defects.
This is the food which has fewer calories and high in volume. Eating large quantities of this food will satisfy your hunger without increasing your weight.
This food is also a good source of vitamin E. It contains an oxidant called glutathione which is considered to protect against cancer. This food is preferred for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.
17. Celery – A calcium rich food
This consists of high amounts of calcium in an about to use form. So, whenever you consume celery, the calcium is directly sent to work. This form of calcium will ignite your endocrine system. The hormones in your body will break up the accumulated fat build up.
High levels of iron and magnesium in celeries will also help in cleaning your system.
18. Chili pepper:
There are many benefits of chili pepper, ranged from relieving arthritis pain to lowering the levels of cholesterol in your body. They increase the metabolism thus resulting in weight loss.
19. Garlic – Helps reducing unhealthy fats and cholesterol
Garlic is also a natural diuretic which acts as a fat burning food. The mustard oils in garlic generate a cleansing action in your body.
During this process a large amount of peristalsis will be generated and it also helps in washing out the excess fat. So, eat garlic and acquire slim body. Garlic has anti-bacterial effect on your body.
20. Green tea – A great slimming solution
There are many health benefits with green tea. It consists of high quantities of anti-oxidants, improves your heart health, supports digestion, regulates your body temperature and blood sugar levels. [Green Tea Diet]
Your metabolic rate will be improved by drinking green tea and it also improves fat oxidation thus assisting you in losing weight.
Note that in order to lose weight you have to burn more calories than you consume. This can be done by eating fat burning foods and physical activity.
10 Yoga Poses to Fight Depression and Anxiety
The mind, body and spirit are all connected and when a person suffers from mild depression or anxiety, the body is out of balance. Yoga is a series of stretches that helps bring balance to the body; not just focusing on the body’s health, but also on the mind and spirit. Always consult a physician or counsellor if you are having ongoing feelings of depression or anxiety and before trying any new exercise program.
1. Begin with the Lotus position, sitting crossed legged with hands resting on the knees, palms up. The most important thing is to remember to breathe. To calm the rapid breathing often accompanying panic attacks, focus on your breathing at first, a five count in and a five count out, but let the breathing become natural. Let the breathing set the rhythm of the practice. Eyes should be closed, listening to the rhythm of the breathing. After five or ten minutes here, the body should feel calmer.
2. Viparita Karani is a great pose for either depression or anxiety as it has both a soothing and energizing effect. Often called the fountain of youth pose, it can be done by beginners or experts. Lay flat on the back with the arms laying at the side and palms down or open the arms with palms up to open the heart even more. Rest the legs against the wall to hold this pose longer comfortably or for more advanced practices, lift up the lower back and rest the bottom on the hands.
3. Fish pose is a terrific pose for opening the heart. Opening the heart with back-bending yoga positions is believed to not only expand the ribcage to give the lungs more room to breathe, but to open the spiritual heart center. Opening the heart, or stretching the chest, eases respiration, relieves stress by unclogging the tension in the tissue in the core. Laying on the back with the arms at the side, round the back and lean as far back on the crown of the head as is comfortable. Lay a bolster, yoga block or pillow under the back for support.
4. In the laying position Setu Bandha Sarvangasana or the Bridge pose is different from a bridge in gymnastics. With bent knees lift the core, arms should lay at the side, palms up or interlock the fingers behind the back. This pose calms the mind and energizes the body. Place a bolster or pillow under the back to hold this pose longer and more comfortably.
5. & 6. The calming poses, Cow and Cat, should be used together. Position the knees under the hips and the hands under the shoulders, kneeling on all fours with a neutral spine. With the inhale, let the belly sink towards the floor, looking up for Cow and letting the head fall down, with the exhale, round the back up to the ceiling for Cat. Keep the eyes closed as much as possible. Try and round the back one vertebra at a time. This pose is terrific for stress in the back; it establishes ideal spinal alignment, strengthens and stretches back muscles in the back and develops coordination of spinal movement.
7. Salabhasana or the Locust pose is a yoga posture. Lying on the belly with the arms along side the body, lift the legs and arms together and lift the chest as high as is comfortable. This pose opens the heart, helps poor posture, depression, low energy, digestion, gas, bladder and back pain. Move into Dhanurasana or Bow pose, relax, then bend the knees and take hold of the feet with the hands. Pull back with the legs to help open up the heart and chest.
8. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana or the Upward Facing Dog pose can be entered from Locust by coming to a neutral laying position, then planitng the toe nails and the palms, directly under the shoulders, into the mat. Lift the body slowly off the mat so that only the tops of the feet and the palms of the hands are the only parts of the body firmly planted to the mat.
9. Child’s pose or Balasana is a resting position which can help calm the body and the mind when under stress. Return to Child’s pose at any time during practice when feeling as though the body may have been pushed too far. On bended knees, lean forward with the forehead to the the mat. Lay arms at the sides of the body with palms up next to the feet or palms down stretched over the head. Breathe deeply, focusing on the breath with eyes closed.
10. Every yoga practice should be competed with Savasana or the Corpse pose. This is the most important pose in any yoga practice and should never be skipped. The body processes the information received through practicing yoga during this pose. Palms, middle of the back, and the back of the head should all be planted into the mat. The feet can fall loose and the eyes closed to help the body relax into the pose. With eyes closed and the focus on the breathing, hang out here for five or 10 minutes.
Slowly wake up the body, wiggling the toes and fingers. Then roll gently on the side, laying the head on the arm and bending the knees. Gently and slowly lift the body. The body should feel revived and the mind calmed.
Focusing on breathing and practicing yoga poses can calm momentary anxiety and depression by giving the mind a peaceful focus and re-energizing the body.
100 Snacks Under 100 Calories
Whilst I discourage extra snacking on carb high food and empty calories. I know this is easier said than done! Every now and then people give into temptation on diets and opt to have a cheeky snack, but finding the right ones that will satisfy your cravings without ruining your waistline can be tricky! However we’ve compiled a list of snacks under 100 calories that adheres to everyone tastes!
Remember to always double check the labels of your chosen foods for calories and to always keep to moderation.
20 olives
68 calories – If you like something to nibble with your treat glass of wine, why not steer away from the crisps and have some olives instead? At only 68 calories for 20 they’re a far healthier option. Olives are also good for the liver.
14 almonds
98 calories – A perfect snack for keeping at your desk when you need something to snack on, almonds is an ideal substitute for the savoury snacks people usually reach for and with heart protective monounsaturated fats (MUFA’s) and some vitamin b why wouldn’t you?
2 Jaffa Cakes
90 calories – Tasty treat that is calorifically low and with just one gram of fat per cake.
‘Be Good To Yourself’ Cool flavour tortilla snacks
93 calories – Having friends over and want low-calorie party food? These are perfect for sharing and won’t spoil your diet either.
Elizabeth Hurley’s Guilt Free Orange and Chocolate Oat Bars
100 calories – indulge in some chocolate orange (not a ‘chocolate orange’) without the hefty calories.
Two bags of Lightly Salted ‘Snack-a-jacks’ Popcorn
98 calories – Fancy a munch at the cinema? You can have two of these bags of ‘snack-a-jacks’ for under 100 calories (you may need to sneak them in however!)
100g of ‘Rod & Ben’s’ Pea & Mint soup
62 calories – Soups are satisfying, making them a great diet snack if you’re peckish.
Aero Bubbleball
99 calories – These ice-cream treats are based on screwball and with much less calories than most ice-cream snacks!
An apple
100 calories – “An apple a day can keep the doctor away.” Apples are rich in soluble fibre which helps protect against environmental pollutants and eliminates cholesterol. Go for one of the sweeter variety and you can skip a less healthy sugary snack.
1 ‘Skinny Cow’ Ice Cream
100 calories – You can still enjoy a frozen treat and keep your ‘beach body’ thanks to these low-fat iced deserts, and they come in a variety of tasty flavours, like berry and chocolate.
Miso soup
57 calories – You can buy miso soup in powder sachets so they make a quick and easy mid-afternoon snack for the office.
One ‘party size’ sausage roll
61 calories – pastry is no friend to a dieter, but luckily just one bite sized sausage roll won’t eat much into your calorie allowance.
Mini vegetable samosa
70 calories – Will count towards your 5 a day and the carbs in the pastry will help lift you from the 3 o’clock slump.
Quavers crisps
87 calories – a cheesy snack at a fraction of the calories of a chunk of cheddar.
10 salted peanuts
74 calories – Nuts are high in calories, but as a ‘Low GI’ food they release their energy slowly, so a small amount will keep hunger pangs at bay for a long time.
Three celery sticks stuffed with cottage cheese
75 calories – Celery may seem like boring diet food, but filled with soft cottage cheese it makes a great savoury treat.
Five ‘Werthers Originals’
100 calories – How long does it take to suck your way through five boiled sweets? It’ll be dinner time before you know it!
‘Be Good To Yourself’ Sweet Chili Cassava Snacks
76 calories – If you love crisps and can not think of anything better than a bag to snack on, opt for a low-calorie choice and avoid temptation.
Three chicken satay sticks with smooth peanut butter
98 calories – Yum.
Two stuffed vine leaves
100 calories – an alternative party snack.
Five squares of ‘Green and Blacks’ Butterscotch chocolate
85 calories – you can diet and eat chocolate (see our article on dieting and chocolate) Just make sure it’s high in cocoa and don’t graze too much.
Two lightly buttered oatcakes
100 calories – The energy given to us from oats gets used very slowly, so this should keep you going until dinner time.
‘Weight Watchers’ Frozen Chocolate Eclair
76 calories – Chocolate, pastry and cream at just 76 calories? It’s true!
Three potato wedges with ketchup
100 calories – It’s almost as good as being allowed chips. Just make sure you don’t put more than three in the oven and don’t overdo the ketchup…
30 grapes
100 calories – Last’s all morning and counts as one of your 5 a day. Grapes help in the treatment of anaemia, fatigue, arthiritis, gout, rheumatism and especially for recovery from illness.
Fun-size Milky Way
76 calories – “The red car and the blue car had a race… All red used to do was stuff it’s face; it ate everything it see’s from trucks to prickly tree’s… but good old blue he took the milky way!”
One melon
88 calories – Melons are the ultimate diet snack! They have such a low calorific value as they are made up mostly of water; go ahead and eat a whole one if you like!
Six dried apricots
100 calories – Convenient snack to have in your handbag, plus they’re full of fibre too.
Tomato soup
74 calories – a low calorie soup can be a filling snack and full of goodness.
Prawn cocktail Skips
89 calories – A light snack to calm your savoury craving.
Sugar-free jelly with two scoops Wall’s Vanilla Light Ice Cream
100 calories – re-visit your youth with this classic kids’ party pudding. Good for sore-throats too!
25 cherries
100 calories – Full of vitamins and low fat, cherries also take a while to eat as you have to avoid the stones, so your morning snack lasts.
‘Special K’ Chocolate Chip Cereal Bar
84 calories – Fewer calories than the standard chocolate bar; a great sweet fix and craving killer.
125ml red or dry white wine
85 calories – this one’s probably best saved for after work however!
2 crackers lightly spread with smooth peanut butter
93 calories – nuts release energy slowly (thanks to their low glycaemic index), plus crackers always take ages to chew, just don’t try to eat them in under a minute.
1 Birds Eye Potato Waffle
94 calories – a treat the whole family can enjoy (although probably best to multiply the quantity by the number of family members).
2 Tuna nigri sushi
98 calories – A very healthy snack for sushi fans!
Stewed apple with 1tbsp fromage frais
83 calories – Make in batches and keep in the freezer. It makes a healthy dessert for that kids will like!
Portobello mushroom stuffed with roast veg and feta cheese
100 calories – Packed with healthy veg and tasty cheese.
3 giant sea salt pretzels
93 calories – Filling treat to pick you up from your mid-afternoon slump.
2 satsumas
42 calories – low-calorie snack packed with vitamin C and awkward to eat which means your snack lasts longer!
Mini Babybel with two Nairn’s Mini Oatcakes
98 calories – sometimes it’s hard to resist cheese when you’re dieting, but you don’t need to as long as you stick with the ‘light’ option.
2 Poppadums with salsa
94 calories – spice up a poppadom with hot salsa!
Meringue nest with cream and strawberries
71 calories – This snack will certainly kill that sugar craving stone dead!
2 Grissini breadsticks with houmous
97 calories – Dipping snacks keep your hands busy!
Eight cashew nuts
100 calories – eaten in sensible quantities, nuts can be a dieter’s best friend, as they keep you fuller for longer.
‘Tunnocks’s’ Chocolate Teacake
91 calories – A chocolate marshmallow biscuit treat. What more can you ask for?
20 Chocolate coated raisins
80 calories – You can pick at this snack all afternoon, and not only is it chocolate but it contributes to your 5 a day. Bonus!
Four marshmallows
90 calories – Toasted until gooey or popped on top of your coffee, marshmallows are a fantastic low-fat sweet.
Carrot batons with extra-light mayo dip
65 calories – low-fat and nutritious.
Small bag of Twiglets
97 calories – Filling and full of flavour, perhaps not if you don’t like Marmite!
Pink wafer biscuit
72 calories – the perfect partner to your cup of tea or coffee.
‘Go Ahead!’ Strawberry Yoghurt Break Bar
72 calories – Fruity sweet fix without the guilt.
Flute of champagne
90 calories – This may not be in your daily, or even weekly budget, but every now and then it’s nice to treat yourself to a glass of bubbly.
Double vodka and slimline tonic
100 calories – Never forget the calories in drinks (You can read our article about alcohol and dieting here). Vodka and slimline tonic is however relatively low, though, so you can enjoy one occasionally.
One slice Warburtons bread toasted and soft cheese
100 calories – Toast with a delicious cheesy topping doesn’t have to be calorific. If you use healthy bread and spread your soft cheese thinly.
Thin slice Soreen malt loaf
86 calories – Sticky and sweet.
Mini pitta with 1tsp tzatziki
97 calories – A savoury delight, cut into pieces to help it last.
One mini Toblerone
21 calories – I bet this one is a realy shocker! Yes, bite sized chocolate with crunchy nougat chunks can be a mere 21 calories each believe it or not. (note MINI toblerone).
A crumpet
100 calories – We usually advise staying away from baked goods, however you can toast yourself a crumpet (avoiding butter) and dust with a tiny amount of grated low-fat cheese for a filling snack.
A pear
100 calories – Next time you fancy a snack, why not reach for a refreshing pear? One of your 5-a-day and less than 100 calories too.
A small baked potato
100 calories – Jacket potatoes are filling and very low in calories if you choose the right toppings. Try with two teaspoons of fat-free sour cream and/or half cup of salsa for less than 100 calories.
A ‘Slim-Fast’ Heavenly Chocolate Delight bar
95 calories – A tasty chocolate bar without the guilt. They also come in Chocolate Nutty Nougat and Caramel Treat flavours, too.
150g of Fat Free Vanilla Onken Yogurt
74 calories – Pop one of these yogurts in the fridge and you’ll always have a tasty snack when you’re feeling any hunger pangs.
A ‘School’ Bar
67 calories – These bars are a convenient snack for an energy boost. They don’t melt either!
‘Weight Watchers’ Luxury Layer Chocolate Brownie Pot
90 calories – If you feel like a treat after dinner but don’t want to ruin your diet; one of these iced desserts is perfect (and it’s much less fattening than ice cream).
A medium corn on the cob with seasoning
100 calories – It’s good to know that you can have a corn on the cob with a little salt and pepper for less than 100 calories!
2tsp hummus with a carrot
100 calories – Enjoy hummus with some crunchy carrot at any time for just 100 calories.
Four slices of mango
90 calories – You can enjoy four slices of juicy mango. They’re also sweet so great as a treat if you’d usually reach for something with more calories!
A cup of blueberries
83 calories – Blueberries (as well as being a strong antioxidant) are tasty, refreshing and a great way of getting one of your ‘five a day’. Also considered a ‘superfood’ for it’s ability to slow the aging process and protect against heart and circulatory disease and many forms of cancer.
A ‘Weight Watchers’ Mini Chocolate Stick
95 calories – There’s nothing better (and usually horrifically calorific!) than a tasty ice cream in the summer months, but if you don’t want to ruin your diet why not try one of these?
70g ‘TOTAL’ 2% yogurt with 80g strawberries
69 calories – Enjoy them with some creamy yogurt for only 69 calories. Strawberries also have the amazing ability to increase the body’s elimination of uric acid (a substance which irritates inflamed joints).
A bag of Fruit Flakes
66 calories – ‘Fruit Flakes’ would be more than three times heavier if they were non-dried fruit, which just shows how much fruit they pack in! Great for a nutritional boost.
A Brooklea Fromage Frais
87 calories – These fromage frais are handy for your lunchbox when you fancy a treat.
Opies cocktail gherkins 30 calories per 227g jar (seriously!)
30 calories – At an amazing 30 calories per jar these gherkins are a good substitute for any snack (and filling I imagine).
A ‘Monster Puffs’ cereal bar
83 calories – Based on the cereal ‘Sugar Puffs’, these bars taste delicious and are a great morning snack.
A bag of Slim Fast Cheddar Flavour Bites
95 calories – Cheesy snacks are notorious for being high in calories, but these cheddar-flavoured bites are only 95 calories a bag.
One Strawberry ‘Weight Watchers’ Mini Swirl Pot
92 calories – If you fancy a tasty snack in the evening, why not reach for one of these? They’re under 100 calories per pot and less calorific than a bowl of ice cream.
One Starbucks Tall Cappuccino with skimmed milk
76 calories – Coffees can be surprisingly high in calories, but if you’re dependant on your caffeine fix then why not opt for Starbucks ‘skinny cappuccino’? You can finally enjoy your hot drink without too much guilt!
10 Pringles
100 calories – At a party you can tuck into 10 Pringles without the guilt. However don’t be pulled into the addictive ‘once you pop you can’t stop’ slogan (pretty sure it’s not true).
A ‘Dole’ Pineapple Pot
62 calories – Pineapple is a great sweet and these pots are handy any time. Being both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial; Sore-throats, digestive problems, bruising and blood clots all respond to Pineapple’s natural ingredients!
2 Cadbury’s Roses
100 calories – There’s no need to be scared of the box of Roses, you can have two of your favourites for under 100 calories, just make sure it is just ‘two’.
A ‘Slim Fast’ Sour Cream and Chive Flavoured Pretzels snack bag
95 calories – Pretzels are a great substitute for fatty crisps and will still give you that savoury kick.
2 kiwis
58 calories – Kiwi fruit’s not only contain as much vitamin C as an orange, it’s a great fruit to take to work or have at home and make a nice change from the more common fruit. Also an aid to digestion and skin problems.
A glass of orange juice
100 calories – Orange juice is the best way of getting your vitamin C and they are also low in calories.
A ‘Müller’ Light yoghurt
96 calories – With flavours like cherry, blueberry and raspberry what’s not to love?
One bag of Ryvita Salt and Vinegar Mini Bites
100 calories – If you fancy a packet of crisps with your lunch you can avoid the guilt with these bites.
16 strawberries
58 calories – Strawberries are one of Britain’s favourite summer fruits and they’re low in calories too. You can dig into 16 for a mere 58 calories! Strawberries also have the amazing ability to increase the body’s elimination of uric acid (a substance which irritates inflamed joints).
Half a pint of lager and seven peanuts
99 calories – There’s no need to miss out on that Friday drink and peanuts or substantially increasing your beer belly when you visit the pub. Half a pint and a few peanuts shouldn’t hurt your diet.
A ‘Slim-Fast’ Chocolate Nutty Nougat bar
95 calories – Keep one of these in your desk won’t be tempted to reach for a calorific chocolate bar next time you have the ‘choco cravings’.
A Frozen banana
95 calories – frozen bananas: They taste great! Simply push a lolly stick into a banana then just freeze it, and you have a cheap, healthy and tasty iced snack for around 95 calories. Take that ice-cream!
1 Cadbury’s Highlights Mousse
60 calories – Satisfy those chocolate cravings with a chocolate mousse, and at only 60 calories you can go to sleep content.
Two medium peaches
76 calories – Lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure, regenerates skin tissue and containing many essential vitamins, peaches are great for you and yummy too.
1 McVitie’s chocolate digestive
83 calories – There’s nothing like a chocolate biscuit with your afternoon cup of tea, and you can have a chocolate digestive for only 83 calories.
1 bag of ‘Walkers’ Salt and Vinegar French Fries
82 calories – If you fancy some crisps, snack on a bag of these and you can enjoy your crisps and avoid any guilt.
1 slice of Marmite on brown toast
100 calories – If you love Marmite and fancy something quick and filling, a piece of toast and marmite is still only 100 calories. Marmite (love it or hate it) is also a fantastic food for vegetarians as it contains vitamin B which is mainly found in meat, eggs and fish.
1 ‘Fruit and Fibre’ bar
95 calories – Under 100 calories and convenient for on the go, pop one in your pocket for when you’re out and about.
A hard-boiled egg
78 calories – Not only are they high in protein and amino acids, but hard-boiled eggs are a filling snack. Second to none for that protein boost. Also a wonderful source of zinc and vitamins A, B, D and E!
25 ‘Jelly Belly’ jelly beans
100 calories – Have a sweet tooth? Why not dig into some jelly beans next time you fancy a snack? You can have 25 of these and still not go over 100 calories.
10 Cosmetic Uses for Everyday Foods
Getting egg on your face can be a good thing
The folds in a chef’s hat are supposed to symbolize the number of ways that chef knows how to prepare an egg, but we’re sure there’s at least one missing: as a facial mask. Many common foods can be used as cosmetics with surprisingly good results. So no matter your motivation (you want to save a few dollars, up your green quotient, or just find a novel way to pass the time), here are 10 cosmetic uses for food that are just as good, if not better, than their store-bought counterparts. (A word to the wise: If you have sensitive skin or processed hair, try these remedies on a small patch of skin or hair first.)
1. Egg White Mask. You can either save your leftover egg whites for an omelet
or angel food cake, or use them for your next facial. Just one white, beaten until smooth, is enough to cover your face. As with other masks, let it dry completely, then rinse off. It will leave you feeling refreshed, and your skin will be noticeably more taut.
2. Oatmeal Face Wash. Oatmeal has calming properties that soothe the skin
and help reduce redness. It can be used in a variety of ways, from a body wash to a mask, but the most basic is this simple face wash: Mix together equal parts warm honey and lemon juice, then stir in three parts instant oatmeal until it turns into a paste. Apply to your face, then wash off with warm water.
3. Vinegar Hair Cleaner. Swap your conditioner for vinegar twice a month
and you’ll get rid of any nasty buildup, as well as improve your hair’s silkiness and shine. Seriously. Don’t use dark or expensive vinegars; stick to cider or white wine vinegar for less strain on the wallet and better results. But don’t do this more than a few times a month or you’ll risk drying out your hair.
4. Honey and Brown Sugar Scrub. Fill a jar about two-thirds full with honey, add a scoop of brown sugar and one halved vanilla bean, and mix. Keep this in the shower and use it as a body scrub that will leave you smelling nice and feeling smooth.
5. Lemon Juice Lightener. Beach-goers have been doing this for years to lighten their locks. Just combine the juice of half a lemon with a handful of leave-in conditioner (which is less goopy than regular conditioner), spread on your hair, and comb through, then wash out. (Note: Highlighted or color-treated hair should be spared this homemade remedy, which could make your hair look brassy.) Many people also apply lemon juice directly to age spots to bleach them out, though this should be avoided on sensitive skin because lemon juice is highly acidic.
6. Coffee: Scrub and Shine-Maker. Your leftover coffee grounds can clog your drain or, if you’re feeling adventurous, be used as an invigorating scrub. For more details, check out this CHOW Tip. Needless to say, avoid doing this if you have sensitive skin. Leftover brewed coffee can also be mixed with some coffee grounds and conditioner to help increase shine in dark hair.
7. Tea Bag Eye Rejuvenator. The quintessential home cosmetic remedy is using cucumber slices on the eyes to reduce puffiness. While that certainly works, brewed black tea bags are even more effective. Place them on your eyes (which should be closed, of course) and let the tannins work their magic—about five minutes should do the trick.
8. Baking Soda Teeth Cleaner. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a quarter teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide for one of the most basic forms of tooth care that exists. It’ll clean your teeth (some would argue better than store-bought toothpaste), but you’ll be missing out on the minty freshness. Of course, you could just go totally au naturel and gnaw a bit of spearmint for that.
9. Oil Moisturizer. Take a page from many a Mediterranean grandmother: Olive oil works fabulously as a lotion. Use too much and you’ll smell like pasta, but in small doses it works wonders as a daily lotion or massage oil. If olive oil isn’t your thing, sesame oil (regular not toasted), peanut oil, almond oil, and argan oil work too.
10. Cornstarch Bath Powder. Superabsorbent and extremely fine, cornstarch is the kitchen equivalent of baby powder and can be used in the same way. Combine it with a few leaves of a nice-smelling dried herb (rosemary, lavender, or sage, for instance) and pulse it in the food processor until evenly mixed. Sift out any large stray leaf bits, transfer to a container with a shake top (like an old baby powder bottle), and use to freshen up anything from your body to your sneakers.
32 Life Lessons for our Teenage Daughters
There’s something like a line of gold thread running through a man’s words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself. ~John Gregory Brown
- Listen to the sound of your own voice
- You won’t always get what you want but never settle for less than you deserve
- Two telephone numbers you should keep in your cell phone your fathers cell number and his work number
- Make up your own mind no one should tell you what to be.
- Don’t just be different dream BIG and give it 100%.
- A man who respects your mind and body is a guy worth dating
- Find your life’s passion now find a charity and donate to it
- Use a condom. Enough said!
- Make positive choices
- Turn off the lights and shut off the water when you’re not using either
- Be a good listener and pay attention to the details
- Ask yourself from time to time what’s your Life plan?
- Take the easy way out. Never!
- Lend money to no one if they need it give it as a gift. If you don’t have it to give then you don’t have it.
- “Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes”
- Being smart and pretty is not enough. Develop your character
- Say thank you when someone pays you a compliment.
- Less is more
- If a guy asks you out on a date he should pick up the bill, if it’s your idea return the favor, if you’re with a gentleman rules not apply
- Fall down, cry, make mistakes and when its all over get back up
- It’s not your job to change anyone so don’t make it your profession
- Believe that all things are possible even when the odds are against you
- Peer pressure is adopting values you don’t believe in
- You don’t have to be a chef but learn to cook a couple of good meals
- Be careful not to fall in love with the idea of love
- The grass is not always greener on the other side so focus on making grass greener from where you stand
- Friends come and go those who stay remember them
- Most people don’t discover what they want until its too late
- Let go of trying to be perfect because it’s impossible
- Make a decision and follow through
- Be honest! You’re travelling a dangerous road when you start to lie to yourself
- If you can’t think go for a walk.
If you found this article interesting, please share it with someone on Twitter, Stumbleupon or leave a comment below. Thank You…!!
10 Surprising Health Benefits of Making Love
Getting sex on is about more than just about pleasure. Good sexual health can perk up your bodily health. It certainly puts you in a optimistic frame of wits. Conserve power, turn off lights and light a candle. Save water, share a shower and soap each other. Go green between the sheets. This is more than a lifehack for mating, more than a justification to have sex.
10. A Lower Blood Pressure Level
A big health benefit of sex is lower blood pressure and overall stress reduction, according to researchers from Scotland who reported their findings in the journal Biological Psychology. They studied 24 women and 22 men who kept records of their sexual activity. Then the researchers subjected them to stressful situations — such as speaking in public and doing verbal arithmetic — and noted their blood pressure response to stress. Those who had intercourse had better responses to stress than those who engaged in other sexual behaviors or abstained. Another study published in the same journal found that frequent intercourse was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure in cohabiting participants. Yet other research found a link between partner hugs and lower blood pressure in women.
9. An Analgesic
Sex releases the fun-time hormone, oxytocin. And as WebMD reports, “as the hormone oxytocin surges, endorphins increase, and pain declines. So if your headache, arthritis pain, or PMS symptoms seem to improve after sex, you can thank those higher oxytocin levels.” Beats taking a double dose of pain relieving analgesic any time.
8. A good Work Out
Thirty minutes of sex burns 85 calories or more. It may not sound like much, but it adds up: 42 half-hour sessions will burn 3,570 calories, more than enough to lose a pound. Doubling up, you could drop that pound in 21 hour-long sessions. “Sex is a great mode of exercise,” says Patti Britton, PhD, a Los Angeles sexologist and president of the American Association of Sexuality Educators and Therapists. It takes work, from both a physical and psychological perspective, to do it well, she says.
7. A Cleansed System
It goes without saying that when we get aroused our blood starts to pump at a quicker rate and, thus, blood flow to our brain increases. Both an increased heart rate and more blood pumping through the brain result in better performance (in and out of the bedroom). What this ultimately means is that the fresh supply of blood pumping through your body provides the organs with a healthy dose of oxygen and rids the body of old and wasteful products. So, another health benefitof sex is a cleansed system. Treat your temple right with the help of a little excitement.
6. Fountain of Youth
Although the orgasm is sometimes referred to as the “little death,” having at least two orgasms a week can increase your life span. Every time you reach orgasm, the hormone DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) increases in response to sexual excitement and ejaculation. DHEA can boost your immune system, repair tissue, improve cognition, keep skin healthy, and even work as an antidepressant. Therefore, a health benefit of sex if you keep the orgasms coming, is potentially a longer life.
5. Healing Wounds & Hearts
Healing can be thought of in many ways. Sometimes a relationship needs to heal. Other times, a person needs to heal. It can be a wound or one suffering from something like diabetes. There have been studies in which evidence suggests that sex heals. Lovemaking can help rejuvenate to the point of cells regenerating and wounds healing faster. Set the stage right for the romp and anything is possible. Oxytocin from the big O, it does a body good.
4. An Anti-depressant
Sex produces phenylethylamine, a love chemical that ups your mood. Also, a study from the StateUniversity of New York shows that women who were directly exposed to semen were less depressed. Though as study lead Gordon Gallup points out, “I want to make it clear that we are not advocating that people abstain from using condoms.” After all, getting an STD or experiencing an unwanted pregnancy is not going to lift up anyone’s mood.
3. Prevents Cancer
Sex can help reduce the risk of breast cancer for women who have never given birth. A study showed that if a female increases the frequency of sex, she decreases the risks of breast cancer. Sex strengthens the pelvic floor muscles that control the flow of urine. Kegel exercises occur naturally during sex, giving women better bladder control. Frequent ejaculations, especially in 20-something men, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer later in life, Australian researchers reported in the British Journal of Urology International. When they followed men diagnosed with prostate cancer and those without, they found no association of prostate cancer with the number of sexual partners as the men reached their 30s, 40s, and 50s. But they found men who had five or more ejaculations weekly while in their 20s reduced their risk of getting prostate cancer later by a third.
2. A Hypnotic
After an orgasm, an intense wave of calm and relaxation overcomes humans (that’s why men usually fall asleep) and it’s a time when people can truly liberate themselves and let go. Plenty of people who enjoy a regular dose of sex convey that they sleep much better during the night and feel alive and refreshed throughout the day. So, one of the health benefits of sex is a better nights sleep, which allows you to handle day-to-day stress much more efficiently and helps fight insomnia.
1. Beneficial to Her
Getting down and dirty with her could help her reproductive health. The more sex she has, the more hormones she will produce that are responsible for increased sexual desire. That’s right, the more sex she has, the more sex she will want to have. More lovemaking can increase her levels of estrogen, which protects against osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. Sex can also help prevent endometriosis in women. Ladies who have sex at least once a week have more regular menstrual cycles than those who frolic under the sheets less frequently. All this sex helps promote fertility in women by regulating menstrual patterns. Post romp, a female gets a jolt of natural oxytocin which in turn releases endorphins. This natural painkiller can help alleviate arthritis pain or lessen cramps. Plus all the practice is perfect if you want to hear the pitter-patter of little carbon footprints. After you’ve made a baby, horizontal dancing can trigger the onset of labor when she’s at term. Semen in her system may help with a speedy delivery. Yes, sex can maybe even help her to tolerate a natural, drug-free birth.
Related articles
- Sex and Its Benefits (socyberty.com)
- Sex and science: the health benefits of lovemaking (telegraph.co.uk)
4 Eating Mistakes That Age You
Eating the wrong foods — or not eating the right foods — can result in symptoms that most people tend to assume are due to aging. Here are four tips they’ve assembled to steer you in the right direction:
Mistake #1: You avoid all animal protein
Vitamin B12, which is essential for energy, is found only in foods that are derived from animals. This nutrient helps regulate your metabolism, and it is an important part of maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system. Fatigue is a classic sign of B12 deficiency
Mistake #2: You’re not getting enough manganese and copper
Manganese and copper prevent joint pain, and are both essential for maintaining joint cartilage and flexibility. In many cases, getting enough of these nutrients reverses joint deterioration and eliminates joint pain.
Mistake #3: You avoid healthy fats
Omega-3 fats are part of your brain’s building blocks. If you’re not getting enough in your diet, the architecture of your brain becomes weak, and brain function, including memory, deteriorates.
Mistake #4: You favor packaged foods over whole
Most processed foods do not have enough potassium, which can result in high blood pressure. Eating better can correct the problem.
Like it..? just share Like Facebook, Stumbleupon, Twitter etc.
Related articles
- Can not eating meat cause a vitamin B-12 deficiency? (zocdoc.com)
- Eat Healthy:- 52 SuperfOOds (imaginethespirit.wordpress.com)
Eat Healthy:- 52 SuperfOOds
Step into any supermarket and you’ll see thousands of labels shouting good-health claims: Whole grains! No trans fats! Essential vitamins and minerals! But figuring out what really is part of a healthy diet is getting harder and harder in these days of information overload. And it shows in the sobering statistics: 66% of Americans are overweight or obese—which is a big reason more of us are developing diseases such as diabetes, and at younger ages.
Start here: Clean out your kitchen, tossing as many unhealthy items as you can. Single-ingredient foods— apples, chicken, cooking oil, etc.—are keepers. Packaged foods with long lists of hard-to-pronounce ingredients go out, especially if they contain more than 7% of calories from saturated fat or more than 10% of calories from sugar. Now, turn the page and find out what you’ve made room for!
52 Superfoods
Fill up on these nutrient packed foods, which can help you fight disease. Feel more energetic and even lose weight.
1. Eggs Each egg has 6 grams of protein but just 72 calories. No wonder researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, found that eating eggs for breakfast (as part of a low-cal diet) helps you slim down.
2. Tomato sauce It’s loaded with lycopene, which makes your skin look younger and keeps your heart healthy. In fact, a Harvard study found that women with the most lycopene in their blood reduced their risk of a heart attack by 34%.
3. Dried plums(prunes) They’re packed with polyphenols, plant chemicals that have been shown to boost bone density by stimulating your bone-building cells.
4. Walnuts Just 14 walnut halves provide more than twice your daily dose of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fat that’s been shown to improve memory and coordination.
5. Brussels sprouts They have more glucosinolates (compounds that combat cancer and detoxify our bodies) than any other vegetable. For a side dish that will make you wonder why you’ve been avoiding them, slice each one into quarters, then sauté in olive oil with chopped sweet Vidalia onions.
6. Acai juice A glass or two of this anthocyanin-rich berry juice can dramatically boost the amount of antioxidants in your blood, say Texas A&M University researchers.
7. Apples They contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may reduce your risk of lung cancer.
8. Bok choy This calcium-rich veggie can protect your bones and may even ward off PMS symptoms.
9. Steel-cut oats Because they’re less processed than traditional oats, they’re digested more slowly—keeping you full all morning long.
10. Salmon You’ll get all the heart-smart omega-3s you need in a day from just 3 oz.
11. Avocados Their healthy fat keeps you satisfied and helps you absorb other nutrients. For a new u twist, brush a halved avocado (pit removed) with olive oil and grill 1 minute. Serve with red onion, sliced grapefruit and balsamic vinegar.
12. Spinach A half-cup provides more than five times your daily dose of vitamin K, which helps blood clot and builds strong bones.
13. Canned pumpkin It’s filled with natural cancer fighters alpha- and beta-carotene.
14. Cauliflower White foods can be good for you! This one is packed with cancer-fighting glucosinolates.
15. Scallops A 3-oz serving has 14 grams of protein but just 75 calories.
16. Collard greens They’re exploding with nutrients like vitamin A, zeaxanthin and lutein, which keep your eyes healthy.
17. Olives They deliver the same heart-healthy monounsaturated fat you get in olive oil, but for just 7 calories per jumbo olive!
18. Brown rice It’s a top source of magnesium, a mineral your body uses for more than 300 chemical reactions (such as building bones and converting food to energy).
19. Oysters These keep your immune system strong. A 3-oz serving (about 6 oysters) dishes up a quarter of your daily iron, plus nearly twice the zinc and all the selenium you need in a day.
20. Edamame One cup has a whopping 22 grams of plant protein, as well as lots of fiber, folate and cholesterol-lowering phytosterols.
21. Strawberries They’re loaded with ellagitannins, phytochemicals that may halt the growth of cervical and colon cancers.
22. Lentils A great source of meat-free protein, a half-cup of cooked lentils also gives you nearly half your daily folate, a B vitamin that protects a woman’s unborn baby from neural tube defects.
23. Bran flakes Their whole grains keep your heart in tip-top shape by reducing inflammation and melting away belly fat.
24. Kiwi Italian researchers found that it reduces asthma-related wheezing, thanks to its high vitamin C content (one kiwi has 110% of your daily requirement).
25. Black beans They’re loaded with protein, fiber, and flavonoids—antioxidants that help your arteries stay relaxed and pliable.
26. Sunflower seeds A quarter-cup delivers half your day’s vitamin E, which keeps your heart healthy and fights infection.
27. Sardines 3 oz provide more than 100% of your daily vitamin D. Sardines are also a top source of omega-3 fats. Try adding mashed canned sardines to marinara sauce and serving over whole-wheat pasta.
28. Asparagus A half-cup supplies 50% of your daily bone-building vitamin K and a third of your day’s folate, it’s a natural diuretic so it banishes bloating, too.
29. Bananas They’re loaded with several kinds of good-for-you fiber, including resistant starch (which helps you slim down).
30. Broccoli sprouts They have 10 times more of the cancer-preventing compound glucoraphanin than regular broccoli.
31. Fat-free milk With a third of the calcium and half the vitamin D you need in a day, plus 8 grams u of muscle-building protein, it’s the ultimate energy drink.
32. Baked potatoes Each one packs a megadose of blood-pressure–lowering potassium—even more than a banana.
33. Sweet potatoes Half of a large baked sweet potato delivers more than 450% of your daily dose of vitamin A, which protects your vision and your immune system.
34. Flaxseed Not only is flaxseed loaded with plant omega-3s, it also has more lignans (compounds that may prevent endometrial and ovarian cancer) than any other food. Store ground flaxseed in your refrigerator and sprinkle on yogurt, cold cereal or oatmeal.
35. Greek yogurt It has twice the protein of regular yogurt.
36. Dried tart cherries Researchers at Michigan State University found their potent anthocyanins help control blood sugar, reduce insulin and lower cholesterol.
37. Wheat germ A quarter-cup gives you more than 40% of your daily vitamin E and immune-boosting selenium.
38. Whole-wheat english muffins You get 4 ½ grams of fiber for only 134 calories.
39. Tea Both green and black tea prevent hardening of the arteries, according to researchers at the University of Scranton.
40. Peanut butter This smart spread has arginine, an amino acid that helps keep blood vessels healthy.
41. Blackberries The king of the berry family boasts more antioxidants than strawberries, cranberries or blueberries.
42. Mustard greens These “greens” (actually a cruciferous veggie) are a top source of vitamin K. For a tasty pesto, chop them in a food processor with garlic, walnuts, Parmesan and olive oil.
43. Grapes They’re a leading source of resveratrol, the plant chemical responsible for the heart-healthy benefits of red wine.
44. Soy milk A good source of vegetable protein, calcium-enriched soy milk has as much calcium and vitamin D as cow’s milk.
45. Brazil nuts They have more selenium than any other food. One nut delivers your entire day’s worth!
46. Canola oil A Tbsp of this heart-healthy oil has all the alpha-linolenic acid you need in a day, plus two different forms of vitamin E.
47. Blueberries They improve memory by protecting your brain from inflammation and boosting communication between brain cells.
48. Oranges One orange supplies more than 100% of the vitamin C you need in a day. It’s also a good source of calcium and folate.
49. Watercress With just 4 calories per cup, this cruciferous veggie delivers a hefty dose of vitamin K, zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene and cancer-fighting phytochemicals.
50. Turkey breast It has 20 grams of satisfying protein but just 90 calories per 3-oz serving.
51. Barley A top source of beta-glucan, a fiber that lowers cholesterol and helps control blood sugar.
52. Shiitake mushrooms One serving (about ¼ lb) provides as much vitamin D as you’d get from a glass of milk.
Related articles
- 9 Best Canned Foods (beatcancer2010.wordpress.com)
- Flax Seeds Essential For Health (positivechangeshypnosisnw.wordpress.com)
- Clear Skin nutrition (nutrition-sheet.com)
- The Flax Of Life. (veggiefitness.wordpress.com)
10 Things Your Teenager Won’t Tell You
Wonder what’s bugging your teen? It’s hard to be certain when all your son does is grunt and your daughter won’t stop rolling her eyes. So rather than pressing our own kids to talk—not going to happen!—we asked teenagers from around the country what messages they wish they could share with their moms and dads. Sure, every child is different, but it may do you and your teen some good if you took these truthful kids’ concerns to heart.
1. She needs privacy.
“I hate that my parents don’t give me any personal space,” says Eleanor, 14. “And I hate that they don’t think I need it.” Even if your children share a room, give each child an area that’s off-limits to everyone else in the family (including you), such as a desk or a spare closet. To show that you respect your teen’s privacy, don’t rummage through her personal space unless you have a concrete reason to believe that she’s lying to you or hiding something serious. And remember: “All kids today are doing drugs” isn’t a concrete reason.
2. Sometimes he just needs you to listen.
“I want to tell my mom and dad everything,” says Keegan, 13, “but I don’t want to listen to them nag.” Understand that sometimes your kids just want a sounding board—they’re not looking for you to solve all their problems. When your son complains that his science teacher is being unfair or his soccer coach has been extra-hard on him, encourage him to talk by asking open-ended questions. (“Well, how does that make you feel?”) Don’t jump in with advice or threaten to intervene.
3. She may be dating—even if you’ve explicitly said she can’t.
“I didn’t tell my parents about a guy I dated for a year, because they didn’t allow me to have boyfriends,” says Marla, 15. “They knew we hung out, but I’d say, ‘Oh, we’re just friends.’” Try to be relaxed when it comes to dating—even if it’s killing you. Instead of forcing your daughter to sneak around, let her start with group dates, where at least four other kids are with her and her date at all times.
4. He may not be getting great grades on every assignment.
“I don’t tell my parents when I get a bad grade because I don’t want to listen to them tell me how I’ve let them down,” says Sam, 16, who says he occasionally fails a quiz but usually makes up for it with better exam scores. “There are nights I just don’t feel like studying!” Sometimes one bad grade is just that: one bad grade. If your son feels like he can vent to you about bombing a quiz or a book report, you won’t have to wait until the end of a semester to find out he’s struggling in school.
5. She doesn’t want to talk to you about sex.
“My mom knows I’ve kissed a boy,” says Sonia, 15, “but I don’t want to tell her anything else. It’s my life, not hers.” The good news is, in a 2005 government survey, less than half of high school students (47 percent) said they’d had sex. Still, it’s safest to assume your teen is in that 47 percent and educate her about birth control or preventing STDs. Don’t press her for personal details, but do offer advice; use third-person examples if it helps.
6. He hates when you don’t hold his siblings accountable.
“I hate that my parents don’t care how my youngest brother acts,” says Henry, 13. “When he swears or picks a fight with me or my older brother, they say, ‘He’s 7. He doesn’t know any better.’ But when I was his age I would have been in big trouble for swearing.” While it’s natural to become more lax as you have more children, it’s important to consider each unique situation, not just your children’s ages. Remember, all of your kids will respect you more if they think you’re a fair and reasonable parent.
7. She wishes you’d cut her some slack.
“It makes me sad when my mom screams at me when I’m already down,” says Erin, 17. Even if your daughter seems to screw up every time you turn around, it’s important that she doesn’t feel like you’re constantly coming down on her. When you’re upset, take some deep breaths; a few minutes might give you perspective (is it really worth it to lose your cool over dirty laundry?) and a chance to evaluate your daughter’s mood. Perhaps she’s ignored the laundry because she’s stressed about school or antsy about a boy who hasn’t called her back.
8. He lies to stay out of trouble.
“Sometimes I don’t come home because I’m too drunk to drive,” says Aaron, 19. “If I told my parents that, they’d flip out, so I lie.” While it would be irresponsible to give underage drinking the green light, you don’t want your child to be in an unsafe situation because he’s rushing to be home on time. If your son calls just before curfew and says he needs a ride, save your questions (and lectures) for the morning.
9. She gets frustrated when you use her age to your advantage.
“I can’t stand it when my parents say, ‘You’re 17. Act like a grownup,’ one day, and then turn around and say, ‘You’re not old enough to do that. You’re only 17,’ the next,” says Izzy. “Which is it? Make up your mind!” Since “age-appropriate” is subjective, try to give your child hard-and-fast rules that aren’t dependent on a number. (“Every member of this family attends church on Sunday,” or “Visiting friends at college isn’t allowed until you’re in college yourself.”)
10. He wishes you would trust him.
“My parents don’t trust that I don’t do drugs,” says Steven, 15. “And I really hate that they believe what other people tell them instead of what I tell them.” Constantly accusing your kids of this or that—especially if your accusations are unfounded—breeds mistrust. Eventually they’ll do something dishonest just because they’re sick of being wrongly accused. Trust your kids until they give you a real reason not to.
Related articles
- Parenting advice by teens, Radical Parenting. Ask yours to be “Teacher for the Day.” (howtobeawalkingmomtra.wordpress.com)
- Busting the myth of the teenaged monster (jamespatrick1.wordpress.com)
- Tips for Talking With Your Daughter (teens.webmd.com)
- Helping Your Teen to Stay Healthy (brighthub.com)
Foods That Look Like Body Parts They’re Good For
Every child has heard the healthy-eating mantra “You are what you eat.” But there may be a closer resemblance between good-for-you grub and your body than you thought. We found 10 foods that mirror the body parts they provide nutrients for—for example, brain-boosting walnuts actually look like a brain. Coincidence? Maybe. Though these healthy foods are beneficial to the whole body, the list below is a fun reminder of what to eat to target specific areas.
1. Carrot: Eye
Slice a carrot in half crosswise and it’s easy to see that the veggie resembles an eye—look closely and you’ll even notice a pattern of radiating lines that mimic the pupil and iris. And the old wives’ tale is true: Munching on carrots will actually promote healthy eyes. “Carrots are filled with vitamins and antioxidants, like beta-carotene, that decrease the chance of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older people,” says Sasson Moulavi, MD, medical director of Smart for Life Weight Management Centers in Boca Raton, Florida. Photos by iStockphoto
2. Walnut: Brain
The folds and wrinkles of a walnut bring to mind another human organ: the brain. The shape of the nut even approximates the body part, looking like it has left and right hemispheres. And it’s no surprise walnuts are nicknamed “brain food”—according to Lisa Avellino, dietitian for Focus28 Diet, “they have a very high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support brain function.” Photos by iStockphoto
3. Celery: Bone
Long, lean stalks of celery look just like bones—and they’re good for them, too. “Celery is a great source of silicon, which is part of the molecular structure that gives bones their strength,” says Dr. Moulavi. Another funny bone coincidence: “Bones are 23 percent sodium, and so is celery,” reports Avellino. Photos by iStockphoto
4. Avocados: Uterus
The lightbulb shape of an avocado looks like a uterus, and it supports reproductive health as well. “Avocados are a good source of folic acid,” says Elizabeth Somer, registered dietician and author of Eat Your Way to Happiness. “Folate has been found to reduce the risk for cervical dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition.” Photos by iStockphoto and Shutterstock
5. Clams: Testicles
Studies have offered evidence that clams, which bear a resemblance to testicles, are actually good for the male sex organs. “Research from the Netherlands has suggested that supplementing your diet with folic acid and zinc—both of which clams are high in––can have a significant effect on improving semen quality in men,” says Dr. Moulavi. Photos by Shutterstock and 3D Clinic
6. Grapefruit: Breast
The similarity between round citrus fruits––like lemons and grapefruit––and breasts may be more than coincidental. “Grapefruit contains substances called limonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in lab animals and in human breast cells,” says Dr. Moulavi.Photos by iStockphoto and 3D4Medical.com
7. Tomato: Heart
Slice open a tomato and you’ll notice the red veggie has multiple chambers that resemble the structure of a heart. “Studies have found that because of the lycopene in tomatoes, there is a reduced risk for heart disease in men and women who eat them,” says Somer. And, she adds, if you mix them with a little fat, like olive oil or avocado, it will boost your body’s lycopene absorption nearly tenfold. Photos by iStockphoto and 3D Clinic
8. Red Wine: Blood
Red wine, which is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, including powerful resveratrol, looks like blood. “When you drink it, you’re really loading up on the healthy stuff that protects against destructive things in the blood, like LDL cholesterol, which can cause heart disease,” says Somer. “There’s also a blood-thinning compound in red wine, so it reduces blood clots, which are associated with stroke and heart disease.” Photos by iStockphoto
9. Ginger: Stomach
Anyone who’s ever reached for a glass of ginger ale when they’ve had a stomachache knows about the antinausea effects of ginger. So it’s fitting that the herb somewhat resembles the digestive organ. According to Dr. Moulavi, “gingerol, which is the ingredient responsible for ginger’s pungent scent and taste, is listed in the USDA database of phytochemicals as having the ability to prevent nausea and vomiting.” Photos by iStockphoto
10. Sweet Potatoes: Pancreas
The oblong sweet potato bears a strong resemblance to the pancreas, and also promotes healthy function in the organ. “Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant that protects all tissues of the body, including the pancreas, from damage associated with cancer or aging,” says Somer. Photos by Shutterstock
Lose weight the French way
HAVE you ever wondered why most French women appear to be effortlessly slim? The answer could lie in their diet. Not the Mediterranean diet, but a weight-loss program that has been taking the country by storm.
When French nutritionist Dr Pierre Dukan introduced his Dukan Diet there 10 years ago, the book rushed to the top of the French bestseller list and spawned a dieting revolution.
Today, more than 1.5 million French women swear by its dramatic and long-lasting results.
Politicians, film stars and high-profile models, including Gisele Bündchen and Jennifer Lopez, live the Dukan life, all of them seduced by its promise of permanent slenderness while eating what you like.
The basic rules
The Dukan Diet starts with a short Attack phase, where you eat nothing but protein – just meat, fish, eggs and non-fat dairy products.
This is the kick-start that gives you the initial impetus and sets the tone for the other phases.
This stage produces immediate results – you can lose as much as three kilograms in five days.
You can stick to the Attack phase for as little as one day or as long as 10 days, but if your goal weight is 12 to 20 kilograms away, then five days produces the best results.
If you have about six kilograms to lose, two or three days on the Attack phase works well; if you are looking to slim down by only three kilograms, a single day in the Attack phase (where you’d be expected to lose one kilogram instantly) is often enough to get you started.
A short-term, protein-rich regime purges the tissues of excess water, dulls the appetite (if you eat only protein, your body produces ketonic cells, which are powerful natural appetite suppressants), while maintaining muscle tone.
Proteins are relatively low in kilojoules (compared with fats and many carbohydrates) and their complex structure means the body has to work hard to digest them – you will burn more kilojoules processing protein than any other food.
After one to 10 days in the Attack phase, dieters move on to the Cruise phase. This is the workhorse stage of the diet, where you alternate pure protein days with days when you add vegetables to your protein.
Weight will fall off at a rate of about one kilogram a week, but with a range of meat and vegetables to choose from, you won’t be hungry.
No more constraints
When you reach your ideal weight the Consolidation phase kicks in, releasing dietary constraints and putting fruit, bread, cheese and starchy foods such as pasta back on the menu.
You are even encouraged to have two totally unrestrained celebration meals a week.
This is a doctor’s recommendation and an important part of the diet’s acceptance that you can relish food and stay slim forever.
You won’t lose weight in this phase, but nor will you gain weight.
Consolidation has been designed to stop you going back to your former eating habits and to set your body’s equilibrium.
If you stick to the plan for five days, for every 0.5 kilograms you lost in previous phases, your body will consolidate the weight loss.
When your time in Consolidation is up and your weight has stabilised, you are free to eat and drink whatever you like for the rest of your life, but you must adhere to that one Dukan rule: protein only on Thursdays. Forever.
Phase one: attack
Have you ever wondered why most French women appear to be effortlessly slim? The answer could lie in their diet.
Not the Mediterranean diet, but a weight-loss program that has been taking the country by storm.
When French nutritionist Dr Pierre Dukan introduced his Dukan Diet there 10 years ago, the book rushed to the top of the French bestseller list and spawned a dieting revolution.
Today, more than 1.5 million French women swear by its dramatic and long-lasting results.
Politicians, film stars and high-profile models, including Gisele Bündchen and Jennifer Lopez, live the Dukan life, all of them seduced by its promise of permanent slenderness while eating what you like.
The basic rules
The Dukan Diet starts with a short Attack phase, where you eat nothing but protein – just meat, fish, eggs and non-fat dairy products.
This is the kick-start that gives you the initial impetus and sets the tone for the other phases.
This stage produces immediate results – you can lose as much as three kilograms in five days.
You can stick to the Attack phase for as little as one day or as long as 10 days, but if your goal weight is 12 to 20 kilograms away, then five days produces the best results.
If you have about six kilograms to lose, two or three days on the Attack phase works well; if you are looking to slim down by only three kilograms, a single day in the Attack phase (where you’d be expected to lose one kilogram instantly) is often enough to get you started.
A short-term, protein-rich regime purges the tissues of excess water, dulls the appetite (if you eat only protein, your body produces ketonic cells, which are powerful natural appetite suppressants), while maintaining muscle tone.
Proteins are relatively low in kilojoules (compared with fats and many carbohydrates) and their complex structure means the body has to work hard to digest them – you will burn more kilojoules processing protein than any other food.
After one to 10 days in the Attack phase, dieters move on to the Cruise phase. This is the workhorse stage of the diet, where you alternate pure protein days with days when you add vegetables to your protein.
Weight will fall off at a rate of about one kilogram a week, but with a range of meat and vegetables to choose from, you won’t be hungry.
No more constraints
When you reach your ideal weight the Consolidation phase kicks in, releasing dietary constraints and putting fruit, bread, cheese and starchy foods such as pasta back on the menu.
You are even encouraged to have two totally unrestrained celebration meals a week.
This is a doctor’s recommendation and an important part of the diet’s acceptance that you can relish food and stay slim forever.
You won’t lose weight in this phase, but nor will you gain weight.
Consolidation has been designed to stop you going back to your former eating habits and to set your body’s equilibrium.
If you stick to the plan for five days, for every 0.5 kilograms you lost in previous phases, your body will consolidate the weight loss.
When your time in Consolidation is up and your weight has stabilised, you are free to eat and drink whatever you like for the rest of your life, but you must adhere to that one Dukan rule: protein only on Thursdays. Forever.
Phase two: cruising
This next phase consists of two alternating diets. This is the workhorse stage, where you alternate pure protein days with days when you add an array of unlimited vegetables to your wide selection of meat, fish and no-fat dairy products. Expect to lose about one kilogram a week.
The most efficient way to work this stage is to spend one day on the pure protein Attack diet, and the next on a protein and vegetable diet, switching between the two, one day at a time, until you reach your chosen weight.
However, some people prefer to work to a rhythm of five days of protein followed by five days of protein plus vegetables, or, if you have only a little weight to lose, try two days of pure protein a week (say Mondays and Thursdays), with every other day protein combined with vegetables.
Now you can introduce the following vegetables – raw, steamed, boiled or baked (in foil) – with your meat or fish: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage (white, red, Savoy, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprout), capsicum, celery, celeriac, chicory, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, French beans, leeks, mushrooms, onion, pumpkin, radish, salad leaves (lettuce, rocket, watercress), sorrel, soy beans, spinach, swede, Swiss chard, tomatoes, turnip, zucchini.
In principle, you can eat as many of these vegetables as you like, whenever you like, but if you want speedy weight loss, it’s best not to eat vegetables with complete abandon – it’s better to eat until you no longer feel hungry.
Carrots and beetroot are on the list of vegetables too, but they are quite starchy, so avoid having them with every meal and, while you’re in this phase, steer completely away from starchy vegetables such as potatoes, rice, corn, peas, beans, lentils and avocado (it is technically a fruit anyway).
Don’t worry if your weight loss plateaus occasionally on the days when you eat vegetables. This is merely the water levels resetting themselves. Stick with it. The weight will fall off.
Phase three: consolidation
The third stage of the Dukan Diet – the Consolidation phase – provides an important period of transition between hardline dieting and a return to normal eating.
Clinical evidence shows that the high-risk period for regaining weight after a diet is about five days for every 0.5 kilograms lost.
But don’t despair – if you have missed meat pies or curry, or if you have been longing to finish your meal with a real dessert, your time has come to indulge again.
In the Consolidation phase you follow a more open diet, but one which is not yet free from all constraints. Nourishing yourself is not just about taking in enough kilojoules to survive; it is also about enjoying eating.
It is now time to reintroduce this biological pleasure which was taken away from you.
Eat as much protein and vegetables (together) each day as you want without any restriction on quantity, time of day or combination.
•Add one serving of fruit per day (avoid high-sugar fruits such as bananas, grapes, cherries, dried fruits and high-fat nuts).
•Enjoy two slices of wholemeal bread per day, spread with fat-reduced butter.
•Have one serving (40 grams) of hard cheese per day (but avoid blue cheese, soft cheese or goat’s cheese).
•Factor in one serving of starchy foods per week in the first half of your Consolidation phase, increasing to two servings per week in the second half. This includes pasta (a 225-gram serving with tomato, not creamy, sauce and with no oil), couscous or polenta (225 grams cooked in stock, not butter or oil), lentils, beans, chickpeas, rice (ideally brown) and potatoes (but only occasionally and without butter).
•Broaden your meat repertoire to include any quantity of lamb, roast pork and ham (remove all fat first) once or twice a week.
•Let your hair down and plan and enjoy one celebration meal a week in the first half of the Consolidation phase, increasing to two meals in the second half. In this meal you really can eat whatever you want – and you should choose foods that you’ve missed during the weight-loss period.
•But there are two important conditions to this celebration meal: never have second helpings of the same dish and never eat two celebration meals in a row (if you splurge on Tuesday night, at Wednesday’s breakfast the success of your diet is on the line). Have one of each: one starter, one main, one dessert and one glass of wine. Have reasonable quantities of each dish and alcohol, but have only one of each.
•You should still stick to having one pure protein day per week, say, Thursdays. This is your insurance policy against gaining weight again.
•Have two tablespoons of oat bran per day (as a pancake or sprinkled on food).
•Walk for 25 minutes per day (longer if you enjoy it and have time).
Phase four: stabilisation
When you have successfully completed the Consolidation stage of the diet (five days for every 0.5 kilograms you lost in the Attack and Cruise phases), you are ready for the fourth and final stage of the Dukan Diet.
Your new slim body will have given up its extreme reactivity, wanting to extract every last kilojoule from everything you eat, and your metabolism will be calmer.
But experience shows the likelihood of regaining weight will remain if you do not incorporate into your lifestyle a number of habits specifically designed to deal with this risk.
The Stabilisation stage of the Dukan Diet offers permanent slenderness in return for four simple, extremely effective but non-negotiable measures that you should follow for the rest of your life.
Stabilisation rules
•Go back to eating whatever you like, but continue to use the basic rules of the Consolidation phase as a safety platform (eat unlimited protein and vegetables, one piece of fruit a day, two slices of wholemeal bread, a portion of cheese, two starchy foods and two celebration meals a week). Use this as your back-up if you are under threat of regaining weight.
•Pick one day a week for the rest of your life when you eat nothing but protein. This is the key that allows you to eat normally for the other days of the week. (Drink at least two litres of water to flush the digestive system).
•Vow to walk briskly for 20 minutes every day.
•Increase your daily oat bran intake to three tablespoons and stick to it for life.
_____________________________________________________________
Like It Just Share:
10 Marriage Rules You Should Break
The two of you should do everything together; work out every disagreement (without actuallyfighting); spend every night in the same bed; and never, ever be bored. Say what?! These and other so-called “rules” for marriage need some serious debunking. And it’s not just because rules your mother may have passed on are outdated; some may be downright damaging. In fact, “breaking some marriage ‘rules’ may be the best thing you can do for your relationship,” says Barbara Bartlein, RN, MSW, psychotherapist and author of Why Did I Marry You Anyway? Here are 10 rules you can break with confidence.
1. Never go to bed angry.
Where did this one come from? Turns out, it may go as far back as the Bible, which advises not letting the sun go down on your anger. But trying to work through a problem when you’re tired and stressed won’t get you anywhere, says Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD,psychologist
and author of A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. “Agree to disagree for now, and to revisit the issue when you’re rested.”
2. Always be 100% honest.
In marriage, no-holds-barred honesty is not always the best policy. For example, “you don’t need to share details of past relationships,” says Bartlein. “That invites comparisons, and when you compare, someone comes up short.” The bottom line: You need to be polite and caring when it comes to your partner’s feelings.
3. Never vacation without each other.
The received wisdom here is that if you have time off from your jobs and lives, you should naturally prefer to spend it together. One problem with this rule is that you and your spouse may not have the same definition of a great getaway (you like to ski, he’s a beach bum). The other danger, says Dr. Lombardo, is the belief “that you have to be each other’s everything, and that’s just not realistic.” Sometimes, you need a spa weekend, and he may want to go camping (or vice versa). Just be sure that you don’t alwaystake off without each other.
4. If you fight, you’re headed for divorce.
Actually, says Bartlein, research shows that couples who neverfight—assuming that means they’re holding back to avoid conflict—are more likely to split. You need to find ways to fight healthily and productively (without blaming, name-calling and the like), but that said, being committed to respectfully airing out conflicts is a far better rule than “keep your mouth shut.”
5. Once you have children, they come first.
“So often, I see couples who have put their relationship on hold in order to be good parents,” says Dr. Lombardo. But those couples, she says, have it exactly backward. Making your relationship top priority is better not just for you, but for your children, who need to see you in charge and who feel safer and more secure with parents who have a loving relationship. “Create couple-only time during which you do not discuss bills or children, where you do fun activities and enjoy each other’s company.” The kids’ll be all right.
6. You should never sleep in separate beds.
Um, snore much? It’s a myth that couples always sleep better and more cozily together than apart. One partner may be a toss-and-turner, or one may hit the hay early while the other keeps a reading light burning till the wee hours. So if one of you occasionally decamps to the guest room, don’t sweat it. “Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to the health of your mind, body andmarriage,” says Dr. Lombardo. Just be sure a separate-bed habit isn’t about avoiding sex or physical intimacy.
7. Partners should sync up their hobbies.
Though spending every free moment you have training for a marathon while your spouse works on his classic car isn’t good for your marriage, neither is subscribing to the notion you should quit doing what you love just because your husband doesn’t love the same things. Giving up your passions is akin to forgoing your independence, and “without independence in a marriage people feel trapped,” says Bartlein. Pursue your separate interests andfind activities you both enjoy.
8. If there’s no spark, you’re doomed.
Many married couples understand intellectually that they won’t always experience that I’ve-been-drugged-by-love feeling in a long-term relationship. “But many still believe that when the spark dies out, it means they’re in the wrong relationship, and seek something new,” says Bartlein. Long-term relationships survive on commitment and trust, out of which grows love. The mistake here is to believe that you can live forever on fireworks, or even just love, alone.
9. Boring is bad.
The problem with this so-called rule, says Bartlein, is when couples confuse a calm, predictable union with a bad one. A drama-filled relationship may feel exciting, but in the long run it’s not likely to be healthy. Isn’t it better, she says, to “boringly” know where your spouse is every night than to be “excited” by constant ups and downs? “Better to have a safe, relaxed, ‘boring’ life together in the everyday. You can always inject excitement with vacations and activities.”
10. You should have sex with your partner to make him/her happy.
This may be a particular problem for women, especially new mothers. “Sex becomes yet another item on your to-do list, and you think you have to do it for the sake of your marriage, and the happiness of your spouse,” says Dr. Lombardo. While neither of those reasons is wrong, they shouldn’t be the only reasons. “Sex is for both of you.”
Did you like this article? Why don’t you share it via Facebook, Twitter, or any other way you want!
8 Secrets of Sexually Satisfied Couples
Your sister, your best friend, your cubicle-mate—you keep hearing about these women who enjoy fabulous sex lives with their partners. But how do they manage to keep it hot, especially when they have a couple of kids and more than a few years together? So you don’t have to broach the subject yourself, we asked a few lucky women for their secrets to a satisfying sex life. Here’s what they had to say—and how you can apply their advice in your own bedroom.
1. They schedule sex.
What? Put “Have sex” on your calendar? “Absolutely!” say couples happy with their sex lives. Rather than killing the mood with a lack of spontaneity, scheduling sex tends to “take away all the very real excuses I could otherwise use, like that I’m exhausted after working and getting the kids to bed,” says Holly Jenkins,* who has been married for two years and has three boys under the age of 10. “For couples in long-term relationships, planning a romantic interlude leads to a higher-quality, more enjoyable sexual experience,” says Victoria Zdrok Wilson, JD, PhD, who cowrote The 30-Day Sex Solution with her husband, John Wilson. Instead of thinking of calendar sex as unromantic, view it instead as a delicious form of foreplay. Send each other anticipatory texts, plan what you’ll wear (or not), and so on.
2. They lock the bedroom door.
This little bit of hardware is essential in a home with children, says Jennifer Flanders, who’s been married 24 years and has 12 children, ranging in age from 11 months to 23 years. She jokes that whenever the family moves to a new home, a new lock on the master bedroom tops the to-do list. Even if you don’t have a physical lock, creating a sense of boundaries is key, says Sacha Mohammed—married 14 years, with 7 children. “I always made sure the children were put to bed on time when they were little so my husband and I could have our time together; the kids were also taught to always knock to announce their presence.” According to Dr. Zdrok Wilson, “each couple needs to evaluate their environment and determine the optimal conditions for great sex.” For some, a lock may be enough to create an adults-only barrier. Others may need to go further to create a sensual, relaxing haven in their bedroom by banning electronic gadgets, computers and TVs, not to mention kids and their toys!
3. They have perfected the quickie.
During certain critical periods in a marriage––particularly when you’re new parents––time and energy are both at a premium. Couples who maintain a good sex life during these challenging times have learned to make the quickie something that’s good for both of them. If you’ve avoided speedy sex sessions in the past because it takes time for you to physically get in the mood, don’t underestimate the power of the mind-body connection. Try thinking of a place or time when the sex was amazing, and use it like a meditation, taking yourself back there in your mind, says Sharon Gilchrest O’Neill, marriage and family therapist and author of A Short Guide to a Happy Marriage. And “don’t be afraid of fantasizing,” she adds, because if you can figure out how to use 20 minutes to your advantage, you can avoid dry spells in your sex life.
4. They experiment.
“Be open to different ways of expressing yourself sexually,” says Jenkins. “As with music, people tend to like a mix of the predictable and unexpected.” You have to find the right balance between being adventurous and being conventional: Don’t be so conventional that it’s boring. But don’t be so adventurous that you lose your intimacy–or level of comfort. This could mean everything from positions to the overall attitude you bring to the intimate encounter. Sexual ruts––always doing it on a certain day, at a certain time, in a certain room––can breed boredom. Something as simple as mixing it up on the living room floor or in the shower can add some much-needed spice. Or get out of the house entirely. “Many couples report that they have the best sex when they’re not at home,” says Dr. Zdrok Wilson. “I call it ‘the dirty little motel’ syndrome.” And it doesn’t have to be limited to when you’re on vacation—hire a babysitter or drop the kids off at their grandparents’ house every once in a while so the two of you can book a room even if it’s only for a couple of hours.
5. They keep communicating.
Mohammed says that “excellent communication skills” is the top reason she and her husband continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life. “Before we got married, my husband told me we would talk about everything, and he meant it,” she says. There’s no other way to understand what your partner wants, needs or enjoys other than talking. And don’t make assumptions: You may be surprised to learn that what you thought was foolproof doesn’t really float his boat anymore, says Gilchrest O’Neill. “Save those conversations for when you’re not having sex, though in the actual moment, speak up about small adjustments your partner can make to increase enjoyment.
6. They avoid or reject excuses.
“Many of the excuses other couples use to avoid sex––like headaches, stress, tiredness or arguments––are some of the exact same reasons we choose to make sex a priority,” says Flanders. “Sex relieves pain, reduces stress, promotes better sleep and motivates us to settle our disagreements quickly.” Beware of letting excuses take on a life of their own, because, to use one example, the kids aren’t needy babies forever, and before you know it sex is so far on the back burner it’s fallen completely off the stove. “Brainstorm solutions to the things that get in the way of having sex,” suggests Gilchrest O’Neill. Tired? Go to bed earlier. Not enough time? Get creative with the hours or minutes you do have. However, if the root of your excuses isn’t fixable with practical changes (for example, if there are underlying problems or resentments), consider seeing a therapist.
7. They trust each other.
Jenkins cites her and her husband’s adventurous sex life, but is quick to add that for adventurousness to exist, it has to be preceded by trust. “Great sex is a reflection of the overall rapport and communication you have in other rooms of the house. To have trust with your spouse, you have to always try to build each other up outside the bedroom. If you say or do something critical or disrespectful to your partner during the day, why would he want to be naked and try something new with you later that evening?” she asks. Trust, comfort and ease with each other happens when you engage in active listening, says Dr. Zdrok Wilson. “You have to work on listening to your partner in an active, empathetic way and reciprocate by confiding in him, and baring your own feelings,” she says. Once you two feel like allies—not adversaries—your sex life will feel more honest and, hopefully, a lot hotter!
8. They care about their appearance and health.
“We still take pride in how we look for each other,” says Mohammed. Certainly staying in shape and paying attention to appearance helps you and your partner maintain the mood. But it’s not just about pleasing your partner’s eye; taking care of yourself makes you feel good about yourself. Not only that, but your libido is dependent on your overall health. “When you feel unhealthy, tired, ill or lacking in energy, you’re not likely to be motivated to engage in regular sexual activity,” says Dr. Zdrok Wilson. So, hit the gym, put on some makeup or dress up even if you’re not going anywhere. Do whatever makes you feel sexy and he’s guaranteed to notice.
Also Read This Great Related Articles
- 10 Reasons Why Having Sex Is Good For Your Health
- Hit the Snooze Button To Live Longer
- Use Common-Sense Lifestyle Tips for Longevity
- 5 Keys to Enhanced Sleep
____________________________________________________________
Lose Weight Easily in Just Seven Days
A Simple Diet Program to Lose Weight Easily in Just Seven Days
Weight loss is one of the top-most concern of many individuals. Ever changing modern work style does not leave us with enough time and opportunities to take care of ourselves and our body. The weight lossprogram or the free diet plan that I will share with you in this post consists of a seven day diet regime aiming to reduce your weight by 3-4 Kgs a week, consider it a rapid weight loss diet. This could be very helpful for bloggers, Internet addicts and IT professionals who spent lot of time working on their computers without burning any calories off their body. Anyone can follow this free diet program as it does’nt aim at quick weight loss. Losing up-to 3-4 Kgs of weight a week is healthy weight loss. If you have been considering various weight loss solutions such as weight loss surgery, I recommend that you try this weight loss diet first and then only look at any other solution if it does’nt work.
Please note the following points before you take up this weight loss diet regime.
- If you are not comfortable, you can discontinue the diet program on any day.
- You must drink at least 7 glasses of water everyday unless specifically mentioned to drink more in the regime below.
- Continue this program till you lose extra weight. Once you attain proper weight, you may either continue or discontinue the diet regime and follow it whenever you need to.
- This is one of the top 10 diet plans if you are aiming at gradual and healthy weight loss.
- This is a low carb diet plan. If you are suffering from any illness and require high carb diet, consult your doctor before you follow this weight loss plan.
- Don’t blame me if you don’t lose enough weight. Just continue the regime for another 7 days.
Seven Day Diet Regime Targeting a weight loss of up to 4 Kgs a week
Day 1 [Fruits] Day one of your diet regime will start with all fruits diet. You may eat fruits of your choice and in any quantity. There is no limit. Eat till your stomach is full. In case you don’t find fruits in nearby stores, you can substitute it with packaged fruit juices but avoid fruit juices that have preservatives in it, they don’t really do any good in this case. On day one, you must eat fruits ONLY and don’t forget to drink at least 7 glasses of water.
Note: The only fruit that will not be on your plate is Banana. Every other fruit is ok except banana. Don’t limit it to just one fruit, have as many different fruits you can.
Day 2 [Vegetables] This is all vegetables day. If you prefer, you may have raw or/and cooked vegetables. Eat as much as you want to, no quantity restrictions. If you want to cook the vegetables, you may do so but avoid using oil while you cook. 7 glasses of water today also.
Day 3 [Fruits and Vegetables] On day three, you will eat a mixture of fruits and vegetables. No quantity restrictions, eat till you fill your stomach. Also, eat one banana today, just one!
Day 4 [Vegetables, Bananas and Milk] Today you will eat 6 bananas, 3 glasses of milk and small quantity of vegetables. In the morning, your breakfast will start with 2 bananas and one big glass of milk. You will follow this in the afternoon for your lunch. In the evening eat 2 bananas, eat vegetables and drink one glass of milk.
Day 5 [Rice and tomatoes] Today you will have one cup of rice, six full tomatoes (medium size) and since you are having lots of tomatoes, drink 10 glasses of water today.
Day 6 [Rice and Vegetables] One cup of rice and raw/cooked vegetables of your choice. It’s recommended that you eat rice in the morning and for rest of the day, eat vegetables.
Day 7 [Fruits, Vegetables and Rice] On day seven, eat fruits, vegetables and 1 cup of rice. You may substitute fruits and vegetables with juices as well, but that is to avoid.
This diet regime works well by burning more fat than accumulating it and since it avoids all sorts of food items that eventually gets converted to fat to become a part of your body, the weight loss is faster and harmless.
Related Articles
- Raw Food Weight Loss (fitnesstipsforlife.com)
10 No-Fail First-Date Conversations
This may be advice for men, but women can follow all of these talking points, too!
So you finally gathered enough courage to go talk to the cute redhead who caught your eye, but your friends aren’t impressed just yet. You finally develop the backbone to ask her out, and now your friends are impressed.
They ask where you plan to take her out, and, more importantly, what you’re going to talk about on that nerve-racking first date. Your knees begin to tremble uncontrollably, but fear not! Read this list and you will have the girl begging for seconds.
10: Avoid her past
Generally speaking, one should never ask about past lovers on a first date. In fact, this should be avoided until she initiates the topic (if she ever does). She might have been hurt or may still be in love with her ex. You also prefer to start with a clean slate, so becoming chummy with her and comforting her about past mistakes may not be the greatest strategy on the first date.
9: Got any brothers or sisters?
Usually, a safe topic of conversation is asking about siblings (but don’t ask her if she’s got cute sisters). Asking about her parents could backfire if they divorced or separated, especially when she was very young. But sisters and brothers usually trigger good feelings and score points for you, since you’re showing a caring side and an interest in her family life.
8: Traveled anywhere special?
A tricky way to spark a girl’s interest is by asking about her past travel destinations and where she intends on visiting in the future. The upside is that if she mentions a spot she always wanted to visit, lo and behold, here comes the knight in shining armor (that’s you, boy) who offers to make her dreams come true one day by taking her there. This also provides each of you with some insight about the other’s cultural background and openness to new adventures.
7: Drinks, anyone?
A topic of conversation, especially if the date is taking place at a restaurant or bar, is the kind of food and drinks each of you prefers. Not only can you gauge whether or not you share culinary preferences, but the potential topics are endless and provide you with a safe topic of conversation — unless, of course, you are dating someone with an addiction to food or alcohol.
6: Any career plans?
Asking a girl about her past education and whether she intends on returning to school is admittedly a double-edged sword. She might love to go on and on about her numerous academic achievements, but she might break down and admit that her current job has absolutely nothing to do with what she studied. In either case, you are provided with a golden opportunity to reassure and encourage her with an abundance of compliments.
5: How’s your job?
If you are years removed from your college years, then talking about work and career goals just might be a safer topic. Admittedly, you shouldn’t let her go into the mundane details about how fed up she is with her life, which would explain why she’s on her seventh margarita. But generally speaking, people like to brag about work, no matter how routine it is. It also gives you an idea regarding whether or not you are dating a future CEO or a waitress for life (not that there is anything wrong with that, of course).
4: Got any friends?
Ask her about her friends. Even if you do not know them, she will love to tell you about her circle of friends, how much they mean to her and where she met them (and all of the things they did together). Don’t doze off, though, my good man; this is when you get precious details about her. If you ever make it further than the first date, her friends are usually the best source to unearth the skeletons in her closet.
3: Free time frolicking
Does she Rollerblade, collect stamps or dance? How about sports? What kind of music does she like? These are the questions you must ask to determine how much of a bond exists between the two of you. Moreover, you gain some insight to follow-up questions.
2: Weekend’s peakin’
Not only do you get a clearer picture of what life with her will be like after the honeymoon, but you are also sending mixed messages, which is not entirely bad at first. Yes, mind games are childish, but keeping your cards at your chest gives you leverage. She will ask herself: “Does he want to see me on weekends?”
1: Be bold and look ahead
Now, assuming she is having a good time and she is looking at you with that sparkle in her eye… in other words, if her body language is positive, you can look ahead and talk about other things you could do together in the future. Admittedly, you do not want to rush too far ahead and scare her off, but if she’s enjoying herself, chances are she’ll be curious to see what other great adventures you have in store for her.
Get Talking
Use these topic ideas as a general guide. Be sure to ask her lots of questions, but the key is to listen to her answers and form new questions around those. And remember: Don’t be nervous. See the first-date experience for what it is: A good time with some good company, and that’s all. This way, you’ll be able to relax and have fun.
June 21, 2011 | Categories: Relationship | Tags: Advice, Ask an Expert, Conversation, Dating, First date, first dates, People, Person, Personal development, Question, Relationship, Rollerblade, Sexuality, Sword, Talk radio, Talking point, Topic-comment, Women | 2 Comments »