Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Power Drinks

We all see ads for power drinks and energy bars. How many times have you seen a coach get some Gatoraide poured over his head? I've seen it so many times it makes me sick. I don't even watch football that often! So, should you consume such things? It depends on who you are really. That is what will tell you the answer. The types of things that you like to do. Are you the average Joe? You want to eat healthy so you feel great and look great. You don't work out often or at all. You go on walks at night time with your woman. Some of that might be for the exercise and some of it might be so you have an excuse to get in the shower with her when you get home. Do you need power drinks and energy bars? No. I'm not sure if that is surprising or not. I used to work at a gas station many years ago. I used to see people getting these drinks all the time. Most of them were fat guys who were also getting a hot dog to eat while they nuke their hamburger. We all know about some of those second rate food items at the gas station.

I'd say that 95% percent of people buying these drinks were men who were overweight. I'm not sure why that is really. I think it has something to do with them seeing sports stars drink it on television. Certainly, they aren't drinking it to loose weight or to be more active. I'd say the same is true if you want to eat the energy bars. I mean, if you aren't going to use them for energy to work out with, it is all a waste. You should spend the money on more important things.

Why do fat guys eat this stuff? Ahhh, the power of marketing. I really think that is all that it boils down to. They respond to the marketing that they see. They see people that they look up to eating and drinking these things, so they feel if they consume them they will be just like their favorite sports hero. Now, if on the other hand you do work out, these can be a great tool for you use. Did you know that you shouldn't eat for up to two hours before you work out? Did you know that it takes at least 30 minutes to one hour for a snack to digest? This is where the energy bars come in handy. They are something small that your body can digest and you won't even notice your body doing any of the work. Eat one an hour before you go into the gym. You will notice how you don't get hungry while you are working out.

For about every half hour you plan on working out, drink about 16 oz of sports drink. That is a good rule of thumb. It takes about 40 minutes to absorb this, so drink it before you work out. If you are the average Joe who doesn't work out but use these for energy, let me tell you something. You are wasting your money. That is all that you are doing. You aren't getting any real benefit from these things. Sure you might be getting some energy here and there, but it is all a waste of money. You can gain the same amount of energy with a good diet. Take all of that money you are spending on this stuff and put it to good use. Save it up for a month and take your woman out to eat or some place fun. You will get more out of it that way than if you spent it on this junk.

Why am I talking about these things in such a negative manner? Because I hate to see people fall to the hype of marketing. That is why. You don't need this stuff. You need this stuff as much as you need a star named after you. Did you know that you can name a star after yourself for 40 dollars? You will never get to go there or even get a piece of the rock that makes it, but you can have it named after you. It is all a waste of money. Give that money to some charity that feeds the needy. They need the food more than you need an energy bar. I mean, why do you really need the energy anyway? Because you have filled up on sweets and burnt yourself out?
Instead you should focus on a healthy diet. That includes snacks of fresh fruit and veggies. That will give you energy and won't rob your wallet. Make sure that you are eating right and you are getting enough rest at night. There is no need to waste money on snake oil.
Make sure that you are going to avoid ALCOHOL!!

From fat to shapely – tips and tricks to get that J. Lo look

Whether you’re a babe or a guy, you have to face it: J Lo is hot, hot, hot! And the biggest thing all men are crazy about in her is that round and shapely butt. And while men go bananas over J Lo pics, women swallow their envy and start looking for ways to acquire the same shapely ass and hot looks. I’m willing to bet that gyms managers got more business from ladies envious of the Latin American diva than from any professional advice about a healthier lifestyle. It seems that negative feelings are better at driving people to improve themselves than the much-vaunted self help books.

So, if you want to have that ass every man is dreaming about, then your answer is a lot of walking and exercises that put the strain on the same muscles walking does. This means that you should walk whenever you have the chance. Go to the mall or to work on foot, if it’s not too far and if the neighborhood is safe. Tuck an iPod in your belt and start jogging through the park every morning. If your job won’t allow you the luxury of jogging every morning, then go to the gym in the evenings and use the treadmills. A lot. This will get you a pair of legs to die for and the shapely ass you wanted all along.

Of course, exercising is useless if you eat more than you burn day in and day out. And you know the answer to this problem, don’t you? So search the Internet a bit. These days you can hardly run a search without dredging up a hundred websites dedicated to recipes, diets and all manner of healthy living advices. There’s literally thousands of diets to choose from. The only things you need are discrimination in choosing the sound ones and the will to stick to them. This combination of dieting and exercising will make your bottom look so good, that men will practically drool wherever you go. We don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it will certainly be fun for you.

Common Myths From The Weight Loss Crowd


Myth: You’ll be OK with a high protein/low carb diet
Fact: This type of diet aims to secure most of the daily required amount of calories from protein foods, such as meat, dairy products and eggs, with a very small part taken from foods containing a lot of carbs (bread, pasta, potatoes and fruits). The biggest problem with this diet is that many common and popular foods are forbidden, which makes it easy for the user to get bored or frustrated. When boredom and frustration set in, quitting time is never far off. Another problem is the lack of nutrients that are usually brought in by carbohydrate foods, while allowing the user to eat bacon and cheese that raise cholesterol levels.

The bottom line is that high protein/low carb diets result in fast weight loss in some users, but it’s not just fat that goes away. People also lose some of their lean muscle mass and a lot of water as the kidneys work harder to rid the body of excess waste from protein and fat.

The added stress to your kidneys is not healthy at all and, in the long run, will lead to dehydration, headaches, feelings of nausea and dizziness. Before engaging in a long-term diet, you would do well to discuss it with your physician. And if you are really keen on dieting, try a balanced diet first, because it will help you lose weight without hurting your system.

Myth: Permanent weight loss can be achieved with fad diets.
Fact: This is yet another common myth among the weight loss crowd. Like any other diet that tells you to cut this or that food from your daily meals, fad diets are not healthy for you. The cornerstone of any diet is supplying the body with all the calories, proteins and minerals it needs. Diets that cut out foods without regard for the needs of your body cannot be healthy for you. Fad diets fail to deliver on the promise of permanent weight loss because people will always crave the forbidden foods and will always end up breaking the rules and ditching the diet.

The key to making weight loss permanent is more exercise and to avoid eating food that makes you fat without nourishing your body. Our extensive studies confirmed the importance of exercising and of a well-balanced diet.

Myth: Low-fat or no fat food is always a good choice.
Fact: The only low fat foods that are also low in calories are fruits. The rest of the huge low-fat or non-fat group are not a safe choice if you are dieting. These products may have added sugar, starch or flour to make them taste better, which means extra calories that do not belong into your diet. So make sure you check the list of ingredients on packages whenever you decide to buy low-fat.

Myth: Switching to vegetarian food will help you lose weight and stay healthy.
Fact: I know this is a hard pill to swallow, but no food plan will work for you unless you take charge of your eating and make sure that everything that goes past your lips is the right kind of food. The key here is to be absolutely sure that the vegetarian diet will give your body all the nutrients and calories it needs. Eating heaps of foods that do nothing for you from the nutritional point of view, outside maybe of filling your stomach, can bring you a lot of trouble in the future.

Since plants tend to have a lower concentration of nutrients than meat, you will have to eat more food than before to make up for this difference. Not to mention that a strictly vegetarian diet will not get you enough vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, calcium and zinc. These substances are taken mostly from dairy products and eggs in a regular diet, but true vegetarians can’t touch those. You’ll have to rely on the few and uncommon vegetables that can provide these substances.

Myth: Dairy products cause heart problems and make you fat.
Fact: Well, thanks to modern medicine everybody knows that eating a lot of dairy products is a surefire path to high blood pressure and stroke, although a large group of people from France refuse to die despite the large quantities of cheese and wine they consume.

Dairy products are the main source of calcium that keeps your bones strong and healthy. It is absolutely essential for children and can be in no way overlooked by adults. Dairy products also contain vitamin D, which is crucial to maintaining the normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in your bloodstream.

If you don’t want to gain weight from dairy products, then choose low-fat or non-fat brands. There are enough of those around. If you are lactose-intolerant, drink soy or rice milk. It does not taste exactly the same as true milk, but it’s still good and nutritious.

Butter and margarine are the only dairy products you should worry about. They do contain big levels of fat. Still, if you can’t do without them, at least eat butter. Margarine is an over-processed fat that is not particularly good for you. Butter may be a bit fatter, but it definitely is the healthier of these two.

Monday, July 17, 2006

You must try this healthy relaxations

Home to natural, safe and extremely effective herbal supplements and alternative medicines and therapies.

At Naturomeds we truly believe that the giant leaps in medical science that we have taken over the course of the last century and the few years of this one, have left us ideally placed to draw greater benefits from the wealth of knowledge contained in the ancient scriptures and texts of the great civilizations of the past. The high levels of accuracy of the diagnostic tools and techniques of the modern era can be used to complement the natural curative powers that reside in medicinal herbs and alternative medicines that have been in use in various parts of the world. We believe in modern, scientific usage of nature repository of powerful herbs and natural cures.

The portfolio of herbal supplements and alternative medicine solutions and therapies available on Naturomeds are completely safe with no side effects. Our ayurveda and other alternative medicine experts have tapped into their extensive knowledge and the information in ancient texts and combined them with contemporary medical knowledge to come up with winning formulations. Naturomeds' herbal supplements and aids help combat a number of chronic diseases like Arthritis, Asthma and Diabetes for which there is no known cure in conventional medical science. A range of herbal products that offer progressive benefits also adorn this site. You can choose from a range of well researched and tested herbal distresses, herbal memory enhancer's, herbal energy boosters, immunity boosters and obesity control solutions.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Online dating, the grim truth and the happy ending

Everyone who’s been involved in online dating knows that what people like to say about themselves in chat rooms is not always the truth. I think there are hundreds of cautionary tales available on the Internet about the perfect online relation that turned out poorly in real life because one or both partners lied about their appearance, marital status or financial situation. It’s true that people are now more cautious about committing to online romances than they used to be. It’s also true that many people are far more wary about disclosing private information to perfect strangers who might not be who they claim to be. But it’s also true that many surfers either like the thrill or do not feel they should take any precautions.

I suppose I could add my own tale to the growing pile, although it is a pretty classic and simple one. I met a lady online and she seemed very nice. We made small talk at first, just to get to know each other better. Then we moved on to the more serious stuff and exchanged photos. She looked good and the photo was fairly recent; it had been taken only a couple of months before. So we decided we might as well go ahead and set up a date. We picked a place that we both knew and felt comfortable with. I didn’t want to scare her by choosing something remote, dark and patronized by no more than a handful of people in case she might think I was trying to rape her or something. I promised to myself that I would be on my best behavior.

Actually, the best thing I did was to come to the date prepared for anything. That’s why I didn’t jump more than a foot when the lady who came through the door was, uh, larger that what I’d seen in pictures. A couple of pounds larger actually. I did not like the fact that the first date was starting with a lie, but I thought I might as well go ahead. And it was a good decision. The dinner was great and we had a lot of fun together, which is why she didn’t say no when I suggested going back to my place. We went for it that night and felt awesome together and in the morning I had a dilemma on my hands. First, I liked her a lot. She was fun, pretty and good in bed. Second, she had lied to me about her weight and she could have used a diet.

That’s when I got the perfect idea. I thought it would have been beyond rude to start hinting at her being overweight, but I did remember reading about a good diet pill called ProShaperx. It took me a couple of seconds to come up with a plan and I’m still proud of myself for thinking of that one. Believe it or not, one week after our first meeting I told my new girlfriend that I was planning to go on a diet and lose a couple of pounds and I asked her if she would like to join me in this. I knew it was a long shot, but she absolutely loved the idea and we bought the pills. It was a crazy combination of competition and cooperation. We wanted to see which one will lose the highest number of pounds, but I helped her stick to the diet and cook special recipes, while she was cheering for every pound I lost. That’s how we started and that’s how we still are today. I’m not sure how many guys can say that diets are fun, but ProShaperx helped me find the best girlfriend ever.

Looks – the path to successful living

Regardless of how sad or cynical this may sound, truth is we’re living in a world that has always used looks to hastily judge a person instead of waiting for actions to be performed and thoughts to be voiced. The world is not a fair place. Those who look better get to enjoy more perks and amenities than others. They get asked out and invited to nice parties. They rise faster to the top because everyone, men and women, likes to see a pretty face and a shapely body around. Smart people can still climb the social and professional ladder, but it’s far easier for somebody who got lucky at birth and came into the world with a fair face and a body to die for.

First impressions are crucial. Today, we meet more and more people and trust less and less of them. Socializing and work put us in contact with persons from other parts of our towns, other cities or other countries. It’s a huge world and we get to know it on a personal basis by meeting a lot of people. That’s why we have to make a good first impression and the same goes for people who meet us. They are under the same pressure as we are. That’s why it really pays to look good. Looks can get one safely through a first meeting and if one can talk without putting one’s foot in one’s mouth, then success will be pretty easy to come by. The fools and the ugly will envy any such person, but that comes with the territory.

Don’t get me wrong. Most people are able to understand what others feel and what kind of heart others have, but the first impression, the one that sometimes makes or breaks a relation. Everyone knows that what’s inside is what actually matters, but everyone relates first from the outside and that’s a fact. Looks can help friendships a lot and good looking people find it easier to spark a conversation with strangers. Also, people feel more at ease around a good looking person, which is why such people get high visibility jobs in the media and film industry. Fact is we all want to look good, regardless of how we feel inside.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

'Natural' Products are Not Always Safe

Many herbs have a long history of use and of claimed health benefits. An herb, or botanical, is a plant or part of a plant that is used for its scent, flavor, and/or therapeutic properties. Although they are so-called ‘natural’, herbal products are not necessarily safe or without harmful effects. They may come from plants, but many plants are considered harmful and poisonous.

Unlike prescription medicines, herbal products are not tested to certify their safety and efficacy before their marketing. Active ingredients in many herbal medicines and supplements are still unknown. Some have been found contaminated with metals, unlabeled prescription drugs, microorganisms or other substances.

Since herbal products are not tested, they may cause certain health problems/complications. It may not be wise to take herbal products if you have any of these medical problems/conditions:


• High blood pressure
• Thyroid problems
• Parkinson’s disease
• Blood-clotting problems
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Epilepsy
• Depression or psychiatric problems
• Liver problems
• Enlarged prostrate gland
• Glaucoma
• History of stroke or organ transplant


Women who are pregnant or nursing should be especially cautious about using herbal products, as well as with people who are about to have surgery. Always check with your health care provider.

It is likewise important to consult with your doctor before using herbal products if you are taking any medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter). Some herbal products are known to interact with medications in ways that may pose risks to your health.

ProShape RX

I’ve always been overweight. Ever since I was a kid, I have always liked food and hated exercising. Staying at home in front of the TV, playing console games, or at the computer always seemed much more fun than going out. I’ve never been able to match the other guys in sports because I could not run fast enough, so I used to keep clear of outdoor games. Because of this, I had few friends and I was always unhappy with my life. I hated school and all those who made fun of me, especially since I could not afford to talk back to boys who could easily hurt me.

As the years passed, I gained more and more weight and spent more and more time indoors. My girlfriend dumped me, probably for a better looking guy, and my friends didn’t like to come around to my place any more than I liked going to theirs. That’s when I started thinking about losing weight through dieting. Despite the loneliness and fear of facing other people, I still refused to admit that something might be wrong with me. Dieting sounded interesting, but the idea of denying myself good food was appalling. One might say that I lived for eating at that time. That’s probably why my early attempts at dieting were complete failures.

When I first read about ProShaperx on the Internet I thought “There’s no way a pill can curb the feeling of hunger”. I was sure that the whole idea was a scam, but it had me thinking. The reason why I had always failed to stick to a diet was the strong feeling of hunger. So I figured that a pill that takes the hunger away could really help me. Later I saw the impressive list of signed testimonials featured on the ProShaperx website and I felt certain that ProShaperx could help me, too. I ordered my first supply of pills and it was a major turning point in my life. I knew that if I defeated my hunger I would really lose weight and I was right.

I have already lost a couple of pounds and I’m not going to quit. I’ve also started going to the gym and I feel ready to try my hand at socializing. I know that my socializing skills are practically zero, but I might as well start sooner than later. I have a long road before me, but I am committed and sure of myself. I think that overweight people should really consider letting ProShaperx help with the dreaded feeling of hunger. It certainly worked for me.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Get Radiant Skin with a Healthy Diet

The skin is the body’s largest organ and it covers you from head to toe. Just like the other organs, your skin also needs proper care and nourishment to look and feel healthy and avoid premature aging. There are a lot of products in the market that all promise to make your skin softer, smoother and more radiant. These expensive products may come in various forms, such as lotions and creams, pills and tablets. People with skin problems usually spend a fortune just to buy these products, but they do not get their money's worth.

The cheapest and most effective way to have healthier skin is not through the products mentioned in the previous paragraph, but by changing your diet. Not all people know that the food you eat is reflected on your skin. If you eat fatty food, the tendency is that you will have oily and pimply skin. If you learn to eat nutritious food, your skin will have a glowing and radiant look.

When you want to prevent skin problems such as pimples, acne and white and dark spots you should change your eating lifestyle. A great skin can be achieved by eating food that is rich with antioxidants. Studies showed that antioxidants in food can slow down the aging process of people. It was also found out that these can fight heart diseases and slow down cell degeneration. These foods usually have low calories that can help maintain your slim but healthy figure. You can increase your antioxidant intake by eating at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits and leafy vegetables a day. Eating these nutritious foods is much better for the body rather than taking pills.

Water intake also plays a big part in your skin's health. Doctors recommend that you take at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. This is to avoid dehydration that will affect your cellular metabolism. Drinking enough water a day can make your skin clearer and healthier.

The substance that makes your hair grow strong and shine under the sun is the protein. Most people do not realize this, so they eat food that are lacking in the protein needed by the body. You must remember to increase your protein intake every day by choosing protein-rich food such as poultry, fish, chicken, and shellfish. As much as possible, lessen your red meat intake so you can avoid clogging your arteries with saturated fat.

Carbohydrates are food components that act as a source of energy. However, too much carbohydrate is not always beneficial to the body. When you eat too much food that is rich in carbohydrates, your pancreas has to increase its insulin production. This results in damaged cells and premature aging. Choose carbohydrates that have low glycaemic index to help the body absorb it.

You must also lessen you sugar intake by eating fruits instead of drinking fruit juices. This practice will prevent age spots and discoloration of the skin.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

H-oodia diet pill

H-oodia diet pill kills the appetite and attacks obesity, is organic with no synthetic or artificial appetite control agents, has no known side effects, contains a miracle molecule (up to 100,000 times more powerful than glucose) that fools the brain into believing you are full, and even stops you from thinking about food.
• Pure Hoodia Gordonii From South Africa
• Great Appetite Suppressant
• Completely Safe and Effective
• All Natural Ingredients
This cactus-like plant contains substances that may exert dramatic control over hunger, appetite, and thirst. Although the Hoodia gordonii plant looks like a cactus, it belongs to a category of plants called succulents.
The use of h-oodia as an appetite suppressant is supported by both colorful folklore history and recent scientific studies. Hoodia is well known to the San bushmen of South Africa , who learned from the teachings of their ancestors to eat this plant to reduce hunger sensations. The San bushmen of South Africa believe that Hoodia is their food, water, and medicine.
Hoodia gordonii has been used for centuries by the San bushmen of South Africa . These people may have, at times, consumed Hoodia on a regular basis. The “San” are known to have chewed on the plant during times of food scarcity, in order to alleviate hunger and thirst. Hoodia gordonii was found by bushmen to be particularly valuable for use during arduous hunting expeditions in the Kalahari desert . The Kalahari desert is a principle home for the San bushmen and it is a prime location for the growth of the succulent plant, Hoodia gordonii. The power of this succulent plant, known to the San as !khoba (Hoodia) is going to be a continuing focus of international attention in the fight against the global pandemic of obesity. The world has finally listened to the “San” people.

Dating when feeling beautiful

Skimpy clothing, good looks and a lot of fun. Yep, you guessed what I’m talking about: summer dating. With summer already at the door, people start wearing as little clothing as possible. That means that a lot of skin is shown off by pretty much everybody. The question is; can you do the same? Beauty magazines, advertisements and TV stations are busy displaying tons of slim beauties and sexy young men, all looking like the world is theirs. And of course, all of us mortals are judged against these standards of beauty and expected to meet their criteria. Are you a bit overweight? Do you have pimples? Then finding the lost sword of King “What’s-his-name” will be easier than finding a date.

Having to conceal your body is a painful experience. It doesn’t matter if what you’re trying to hide is pimples or extra pounds. The result is the same. The simple fact that you cannot enjoy the summer sun and the pleasure of going about in light and comfortable clothing just like everybody else is enough to spark anger and depression. But if you are going to get upset about this, you may at least take steps to solve the problem, too. After all, what’s the use of identifying a problem if you aren’t going to try and solve it? A slim body or a clean, soft skin are not that hard to get, especially when you have the power of science at your side.

For those who think a few extra pounds are the bane of their existence, we heartily recommend the high quality diet supplement called ProShape rx. There’s no faster, nor better way to shed excess weight than this amazing pills. And don’t think we’re trying to swindle you into buying some hazardous product whose main ingredient is swamp grass. ProShape rx is a thoroughly researched weight loss solution based on Hoodia Gordonii, Chitosan and White Kidney Bean, three herbal extracts that help your body burn fat faster and prevent the storing of calories. You’ll be amazed at how fast those unwanted pounds can go away.

And we also have an advice for those who are afraid of seeing their own face in the mirror. If pimples and red spots are standing between you and the sexy caresses of shared love, then try ClearPores. This skin cleansing solution is the perfect answer to your problem. ClearPores is made of deep facial and body washes, herbal pills and a protection cream. The system is designed to fight acne from the outside by cleaning the pores and removing excess sebum and from the inside by killing the bacteria that thrive in clogged pores. The protection cream acts as a shield that prevents future acne flare-ups and makes sure your skin stays clean and soft. Is this perfection or what?

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Caffeine


If you are like me, this is a weakness of yours too. I digest way too much caffeine each day. I probably have at least six or more servings each day. More than I should consume in several days. I drink too much cola. That is my problem. Not only is it loaded with sugar, it has caffeine in it too. A cup of coffee in the morning to get you going isn't going to hurt. It can help you wake up and be more alert. It can help jump start your day into something worthwhile. Instead of feeling sleepy and tired. Though, if you drink too much caffeine, you can have the opposite effect that you are looking for. It can drain all of your energy and make you feel very tired. It can also cause you to have problems sleeping. This can be a very big problem.

You may not think of it as a problem, but it is. Caffeine is addictive. Yes, you can get hooked to it. I'm not saying that you will be like a crack head if you don't get a cup of coffee. But anyone who is addicted to caffeine knows how it feels to get the shakes when you don't have any in your system. This is the addictive qualities of it. You are shaking because you are going through withdraw. Your body is craving it and letting you know.

Caffeine is a great pick me up. From that morning cup of Joe to the extra pep it gives you in your energy drink, it can be very helpful. The key thing is, you must use it right. You can't over due it. Caffeine can have very bad side effects if not used properly. Studies show that drivers who think they can substitute caffeine for sleep are a risk to everyone on the road. Your reaction times are slower and that may cause you to have an accident.

The key thing is to understand the use of caffeine and how to use it right. If you are a bit tired in the evening, a cup of coffee is a great way to give you a little pep. If you are going to be using something dangerous like a chain saw, you should wait until you are fully alert to operate it. Don't think coffee will make you alert enough to be able to run it safely. So, you are tired at work. You need a little pick me up, but don't want to use caffeine. Well, there are some things that you can do to help you out.

Avoid foods high in sugar. Don't run for a candy bar when you are feeling sluggish. Don't drink sodas with your lunch. This will give you a burst of energy, but it will make you tired when the energy is gone. I would suggest to you that you keep some fruit on hand for when you are feeling sluggish. Keep an apple in your desk or some other fruit that you can easily eat and not have to prepare. You can also try pears, peaches, or oranges. You do have to peel an orange, so that might not be the best solution for you if you need a pick me up right away.

Drinking juice is another great way to get that pep you are looking for. You should consider buying a juicer. They aren't too expensive and the benefits of fresh juice are well worth the money. Also, you can make different kinds of juices. You can make an apple and pear drink. There is no end to the kind of drinks you can make. Also, you don't have to worry about what is in them. You make it, you know it is 100% juice.

A serving of juice will help you regain your strength. It will give you the energy you need to get through the day. You might also want to drink juice with your lunch. If you do this instead of drinking sodas, you won't get burnt out as fast. Energy bars are a great thing if you have them on hand. Don't get ones that are full of sugar or honey. That will give you a burnt out feeling. Instead, go with something that is good for you. I have seen some chocolate covered energy bars, don't get this. Run like hell from these bars. It is a expensive candy bar.

Of course, you can always take a nap. This is a great way of increasing your energy. Though, it is not always possible to do. You also should avoid a high fat diet. If you eat too much fat, it will drain you. It will also make you depressed. When you are depressed, you won't have the energy that you should have.

The important thing is this in regards to caffeine. Have a cup of coffee from time to time if you are feeling a little tired. Don't let it replace sleep. Don't think that you can function the same on caffeine as you can fully rested. Don't think that because you had two cups of coffee that it is safe to drive your car even if you are drop dead tired.

by Paul Freegale

A Guide to Common Herbs

Herbs are nutritional foundation nutrients and good alternative medicine to nourish the body's deepest and most basic elements. Medicinal herbs have been used safely and effectively since the time of recorded history for an endless list of reasons from health, healing, weight loss/gain/maintenance, to survival and more. Herbs can offer the body nutrients it does not always receive, either from a poor diet, or environmental deficiencies in the soil and air. They are great body balancers that help regulate body functions.

The benefits of herbs are many and varied. Even the once skeptical traditional medical community is starting to embrace alternative medicine practices using herbal remedies and healing philosophies and practices incorporating herbal medicine and medicinal herbs. Chinese herbs have been used by the Chinese for over 4,000 years to promote health and as healing agents.

Chinese Herbs are taken as tonics to enhance physical and mental well being. Since the dawn of man, herbs have been used for healing purposes and to promote wellness. Today, herbs are still the alternative medicine and primary source of health care for 80% of the world.

Here are some of the more well-known herbs and plant products and their modern uses.

Herbs Modern Uses
Bilberry Fruit Extract, Vaccinium myrtillus Various microcirculatory conditions. Night blindness and poor ability to adapt to bright light.

Cascara Sagrada Aged Bark, Rhamnus purshiana Constipation.

Cayenne Pepper Fruit, Capsicum annuum Carminative, diaphoretic, counter-irritant.

Cranberry Fruit, Vaccinium macrocarpon Prevention of urinary tract infections.

Dong Quai Root, Angelica sinensis Various menstrual disorders.

Echinacea Herb, Echinacea purpurea As supportive therapy for colds and chronic infections of the respiratory tract.

Evening Primrose Oil, Oenothera biennis Conditions related to deficiency of essential fatty acids (e.g., chronic fatigue syndrome) and alcoholism.

Feverfew Leaf, Tanacetum parthenium Treatment of migraines, fever, menstrual disorders..

Garlic Cloves, Allium sativum Elevated levels of cholesterol in blood and as a preventative measure for age dependent vascular changes.

Ginger Root, Zingiber officinale Modern Use: Prevention of the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness, dyspepsia, stomachic.

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Ginkgo biloba Memory deficits, dementia syndromes. Improvement of distance and pain-free walking in peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Vertigo and tinnitus.

Asian Ginseng Root, Panax ginseng Tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility, physical or mental exhaustion, stress, inadequate resistance to infections.

Siberian Ginseng Root, Eleutherococcus senticosus Tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility, also during convalescence.

Goldenseal Root, Hydrastis canadensis Catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract associated with colds and flus. Mucosal inflammations.

Gotu Kola Herb, Centella asiatica Improved memory. Venous insufficiency.

Grape Seed Extract, Vitis vinifera Microcirculatory maldistribution of blood flow. Altered capillary fragility and permeability. Anti-inflammatory.

Green Tea Leaf Extract, Camellia sinensis Chemopreventative. Hypercholesterolemia.

Kava Kava Root Extract, Piper methysticum Conditions of nervous anxiety, stress, and restlessness. Sedative and sleep enhancement.

Licorice Root, Glycyrrhiza glabra For catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract and gastric/duodenal ulcers. Bronchitis. Adrenocorticoid insufficiency.

Milk Thistle Seed Extract, Silybum marianum Toxic liver damage, and for supportive treatment in chronic inflammatory liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis.

Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, Serenoa repens Urination problems in benign prostate hyperplasia stages 1 and 2.

St. John's Wort Herb Extract, Hypericum perforatum Mild to moderate depressive states.

Valerian Root, Valeriana officinalis Restlessness, sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Obesity – a review

Most people think that obesity goes no deeper than a less than fashionable look, but they are wrong. Obesity today is an epidemic, a disease spreading fast across both the industrialized world and emerging economies.

Obesity means having too much fat on your body. First and foremost, obesity puts a strain on joints and bones that have to sustain more weight than before, which leads to arthritis in the long run. The weight also tends to make people less active, which, in turn, means more weight is put on.

The lack of activity and high cholesterol brought by eating too much of the wrong kind of food impair the proper functioning of your heart and blood vessels. This results in high blood pressure, stroke and other blood and heart conditions. Excess weight also leads to apnea, the cessation of breathing during sleep.

However, obesity can be cured with patience and effort. As this diseases spreads over the land, so do the efforts for curing it increase. Talk to your physician if you are interested in getting rid of obesity.

Recognizing obesity?

The textbook definition of obesity is a body mass index of 30 or above. The body mass index is a measure of a person’s weight scaled according to height, as developed by Belgian scientist Adolphe Quetelet in 1840. This index serves to show the amount of fat stored on the body, and the higher your BMI is, the worst is your exposure to certain diseases.

Physicians also warm that having a lot of fat stored around your waist increases the risk of developing diseases. Going beyond size 35 in women and size 40 in men means only trouble in the future.

Things to avoid when trying to lose weight


Dieting is not always easy. In fact, it can prove a tough challenge for many people. So here’s a little guide to avoiding things that could make you lose control and start eating. Avoid them like plague if you wish to succeed.
1. Don’t rush into the toughest diet you can find.This is a common mistake. Many people decide in a moment of desperation to follow a super-strict diet and fail. Don’t rush into a diet that may be too strict for you. If you don’t have any dieting experience and are not 100 percent sure you can stick with the diet, then choose something else.
2. Don’t lose touch with reality.You can’t realistically expect things to happen over night. When choosing your goal, start small, but be prepared to go far. If you hear someone saying that he lost a large number of pounds in a short time, don’t make it your goal to match his performance. Diet results are different from one person to another.
3. Don’t go to the gym too oftenAnother common mistake is to use the enthusiasm of the first days to hit the gym every day. This won’t help you at all. Your body needs time to heal and expand the muscle mass after each training session and going to the gym every day interferes with this natural process. Besides, a week of non-stop training could never offset ten or twenty years of couch potato lifestyle.
4. Don’t get hard on calories.We all know that cutting down on calories is one of the building blocks of all diets, but you have to be careful about it. Cut down on too many calories and your body will start storing anything it possibly can. This is not a good way to lose weight.
5. Don’t skip meals.Some people think that skipping one or two meals could help them lose weight faster. They don’t understand that dieting is all about eating the right food and not starving yourself.
6. Don’t check the bathroom scales everyday.Everybody is eager to see the confirmation of his or her efforts in the shape of lost pounds, but you should not let this drive you to checking your weight everyday. The daily fluctuations of your weight will soon have you depressed and ready to quit dieting. And this is something you want to avoid.
7. Don’t let emotions drive you.Aside from the eagerness that drives people to check their weight every day, there are other emotions that influence dieting. If you know you’re used to reaching out for ice-cream or snacks when you are bored, frustrated or angry, then you should deal with these issues and not allow them to come between you and your purpose.
8. Don’t refuse to seek help.Not everyone was born with iron will and nerves of steel. If you need advice or help, don’t hesitate to ask it from your friends or from professionals. Don’t try to solve all problems by yourself.
9. Don’t deny yourself your favourite foods.Treats are a great way of raising your willpower and determination. Diets are just food control methods, not prisons. So what if you eat something forbidden once in a while, especially if that food is a favourite of yours? If such treats are not frequent, then they will make no difference in the long run.
10. Don’t rely on your willpower aloneUse your head as well. If you wish to know how much you eat, then write everything down and analyze the list for things that should not be there. Sometimes hunger creeps up on you and make you eat something you shouldn’t. Be honest with yourself and keep a clear head.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Being fit this summer

The sun is up, the heat pours down and summer is finally here. With the winter and spring behind us, it’s once more the time of skirts, T-shirts, tank tops and shorts. People can finally go out without having to burden themselves with a lot of clothes and without having to endure the cold. The beach days are about to begin. Love, fun and beauty are in the air. It’s now time to take a good look at yourself and ask the big question: are you prepared for the summer? Eating too much food and skipping regular exercises is a sure way of ruining your looks ahead of the most important time of the year. Are you ready to go shopping for a new bikini suit because the one you already have doesn’t fit anymore?

But you don’t have to go through this. As people start showing off their bodies and having fun under the summer sun, you too can join them without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. You don’t think that’s possible? Then try ProShape rx, the best and fastest answer to your problems. This amazing weight loss solution contains Hoodia Gordonii, the magic African plant that has the dieting market gaping in wonder at the power of suppressing hunger pangs. What could be better than forgetting that you have to eat with no side effects whatsoever? Are you having a hard time sticking to a diet because of the nagging feeling of hunger? Join the growing crowd of ProShape rx users and make hunger a thing of the past.

There is no reason why you should have to hide your body and forgo all the fun pastimes. With the help of ProShape rx you can go biking, swimming, skating and skateboarding knowing that you look great and that you can proudly display your body wherever you feel like it. All these summer pastimes actually help you burn existing fat faster, while ProShape rx makes sure that your body does not store calories as new fat. Moreover, this excellent product helps you endure even more effort than before, as the Beet Root extract clears your blood of toxins and strengthens your cardiovascular system.

How to recognize a bad diet when you see one

Diets come a dime a dozen and that’s the truth. From food plans based on scientific research, to the latest harebrained idea launched by some “this summer’s wonder” doctor and backed by the earnest efforts of Hollywood stars always on the quest for keeping thin, the world is full of diets. The latest big thing to hit the dieting market is Hoodia Gordonii, an African plant that has the astonishing property of curing hunger pangs. A bit of Hoodia and you can go on without eating for days and be no worse for the wear. It’s amazing things like these that make the dieting world interesting.

What most diets and dieting professionals are good for is to pronounce solemnly “Don’t eat this” or “Don’t eat that”. Talk being extremely cheap for the one who does the talking, it can nevertheless be made expensive for those ready to do the hearing. Always be careful about what diets let you eat and what they don’t. Diet or no diet, your body needs certain nutrients and minerals on a daily basis and any diet that keeps you from getting them is no good. Your mind also needs to blow off steam once in a while. So do yourself a pleasure and eat a forbidden food every now and then. Sure it’s banned, but you are also human and, if such things are kept on a careful check, then they won’t make any difference in the long run.

The second pillar of any good diet is exercise. The only way to lose weight without exercising is by resorting to surgery. Otherwise, fat must be lost the natural way: by using it up through extra effort. Exercising has the combined benefits of burning up fat and strengthening your entire body. On the physical side, the heart and circulatory system are the prime beneficiaries of exercising, with the muscle mass coming in second. On the psychological side, your outlook on life and your mood will improve with the effort. You will also be able to withstand stress and pressure better. With so many benefits, it’s a wonder that many people don’t take the trouble to exercises on a regular basis.

This is why we are proposing you a combination of herbal pills and exercises that is practically guaranteed to help you shed those excess pounds fast. The ProShape rx pills are 100 percent natural and contain the powerful ingredients Hoodia, which curbs the feeling of hunger, White Kidney Bean, for disrupting the conversion of starch to sugar, Chitosan, which prevents the absorption of cholesterol and White Willow, to metabolize fat. These ingredients and the comprehensive program of exercises will have you reach your target weight in no time at all. Order ProShape rx today and make the first step toward a healthier life.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Losing Fat Fast: Is it possible


The first thing you need to know if you want to lose fat is that you need to BURN fat. Burning fat is all about using up more calories than you take in. If you eat more calories than your body uses throughout the day, these additional calories will be stored as body fat. To prevent a build up of body fat you need to either reduce your calorie intake or increase your daily activity levels - doing both will have the best effect on reducing body fat. This simply means that the more fat you want to lose then the greater the amount of calories you have to burn off. To help you achieve and speed up your fat loss, here are few things that helps. Speed up your metabolism—Exercise speeds up metabolism. The more active your lifestyle the more likely you are to have a quick metabolism and lose weight. Metabolism does control weight, this is true. What most people don’t know is that they do in fact have the ability to control and adjust their metabolisms and thereby control their weight. Exercise does speed the metabolism up. The more active your lifestyle the more likely you are to have a quick metabolism and lose weight. It may not be healthy for all of us to get into a highly active lifestyle all at once but it is possible to get there as quickly as you safely can as an individual.Eat healthy balanced diet— Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and legumes. Drink lots of water and go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat. A large part of the battle in fighting fat and a slow metabolic rate is the western world’s view of food as entertainment. In addition to taking on an active lifestyle you will need to stop looking at food consumption as a means of gratification. This is what causes us to be gluttons. Instead of stopping when our hunger is sated we continue on until we are stuffed to get more enjoyment out of it. Get plenty of rest and sleep— Sleep and other lifestyle patterns can help or hinder the rate at which we metabolize foods. An active lifestyle should lead eventually to being able to exercise to exhaustion; this in turn should keep your metabolism quick and your fat content low. By extending oneself to ones limits you fully utilize the lungs, heart, and muscles and burn fat most efficiently. Be strong mentally—Try not to be obsessed by your weight. Everyone has a bad day. Do not punish yourself. Try to lose any guilt feelings towards the mistakes you have done. Instead, just move on, start again and enjoy life as it comes.

How to measure BODY FAT: Your Fat Calculator


When it all comes down to losing or gaining weight, most people turn to the scales to determine how much they should lose or gain to have the weight or the shape that they desire.However, health experts said weight alone is not a clear indicator of good health because it does not distinguish between pounds that come from body fat and those that come from lean body mass or muscle. Being over fat and overweight is not the same. Overweight simply means an excess of total body weight based on population averages for heights and body frame sizes. On the other hand, obesity is defined as an excess of body fat regardless of weight. What we have to consider, experts said, in order to determine our fitness, is to know our body fat. Remember that body fat is a percentage of your total weight, so even slender people can have dangerously high levels of body fat. (See Here are three ways of measuring your body fat:
1. Home Body Fat Scales-- Body fat scales claim to measure body fat quickly and conveniently. These body fat scales use the Bioelectrical Impedance method to measure your body fat percentage. A low-level electrical current is passed through your body and the "impedance", or opposition to the flow of current, is measured.
2. Skin fold Calipers-- Calipers are a tool that looks somewhat like a giant tweezers. These are used to grasp your skin folds at different points on your body and measure the thickness. These measurements are then compared to standard values for persons of your age and gender to give you your estimated body fat.
3. Hydrostatic Weighing—This is just a fancy term for underwater weighing. You sit on a scale inside a tank of water and blow out as much air as you can. You are dunked underwater, where you blow out even more air. Since fat is lighter than water, the more fat you have, the more you will float. The scale measures underwater weight to figure out body density. The margin of error is around 2-3%, but the accuracy depends on the amount of air you expel. You have to blow it ALL out or it will not be as accurate. This is a difficult way to measure body fat since it can be uncomfortable and even scary to be dunked underwater with no air in the old lungs.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Power Drinks


We all see ads for power drinks and energy bars. How many times have you seen a coach get some Gatoraide poured over his head? I've seen it so many times it makes me sick. I don't even watch football that often! So, should you consume such things? It depends on who you are really. That is what will tell you the answer. The types of things that you like to do. Are you the average Joe? You want to eat healthy so you feel great and look great. You don't work out often or at all. You go on walks at night time with your woman. Some of that might be for the exercise and some of it might be so you have an excuse to get in the shower with her when you get home. Do you need power drinks and energy bars? No. I'm not sure if that is surprising or not. I used to work at a gas station many years ago. I used to see people getting these drinks all the time. Most of them were fat guys who were also getting a hot dog to eat while they nuke their hamburger. We all know about some of those second rate food items at the gas station. I'd say that 95% percent of people buying these drinks were men who were overweight. I'm not sure why that is really. I think it has something to do with them seeing sports stars drink it on television. Certainly, they aren't drinking it to loose weight or to be more active. I'd say the same is true if you want to eat the energy bars. I mean, if you aren't going to use them for energy to work out with, it is all a waste. You should spend the money on more important things. Why do fat guys eat this stuff? Ahhh, the power of marketing. I really think that is all that it boils down to. They respond to the marketing that they see. They see people that they look up to eating and drinking these things, so they feel if they consume them they will be just like their favorite sports hero. Now, if on the other hand you do work out, these can be a great tool for you use. Did you know that you shouldn't eat for up to two hours before you work out? Did you know that it takes at least 30 minutes to one hour for a snack to digest? This is where the energy bars come in handy. They are something small that your body can digest and you won't even notice your body doing any of the work. Eat one an hour before you go into the gym. You will notice how you don't get hungry while you are working out. For about every half hour you plan on working out, drink about 16 oz of sports drink. That is a good rule of thumb. It takes about 40 minutes to absorb this, so drink it before you work out. If you are the average Joe who doesn't work out but use these for energy, let me tell you something. You are wasting your money. That is all that you are doing. You aren't getting any real benefit from these things. Sure you might be getting some energy here and there, but it is all a waste of money. You can gain the same amount of energy with a good diet. Take all of that money you are spending on this stuff and put it to good use. Save it up for a month and take your woman out to eat or some place fun. You will get more out of it that way than if you spent it on this junk. Why am I talking about these things in such a negative manner? Because I hate to see people fall to the hype of marketing. That is why. You don't need this stuff. You need this stuff as much as you need a star named after you. Did you know that you can name a star after yourself for 40 dollars? You will never get to go there or even get a piece of the rock that makes it, but you can have it named after you. It is all a waste of money. Give that money to some charity that feeds the needy. They need the food more than you need an energy bar. I mean, why do you really need the energy anyway? Because you have filled up on sweets and burnt yourself out? Instead you should focus on a healthy diet. That includes snacks of fresh fruit and veggies. That will give you energy and won't rob your wallet. Make sure that you are eating right and you are getting enough rest at night. There is no need to waste money on snake oil.