TOP 9 HEALTHY FOODS THAT ACCELERATE A HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS

In today's world of highly advertised fad diets, it is very difficult for us to know which foods are actually healthy and which foods are not. This program says not to eat an apple, while this other program tells us it keeps the doctor away. Once and for all, we need to know which foods are nutritious so we can all jump off the weight loss roller coaster. Weight loss without proper nutrition is not the road you want take. No magic pill will ever give you the benefits of eating properly. Stop looking for short cuts and get serious about your health. It is the only way to live a lifestyle that is free of the threats of disease, poor health and obesity.

1. GREEN VEGETABLES: Vegetables such as spinach and cabbage are very significant in maintaining a healthy body. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. How do they halp accelerate weight loss? They are water-rich, which means you are actually filling yourself up with liquids instead of fatty calories.

2. FATTY FISH: Did you read that right? Yes, it says fatty! Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines have omega-3 fats. Despite all the hoopla surrounding the fat-free weight loss craze, your body does in fact need good fat for optimal wieght loss performance. Omega-3 fats also takes care of our heart. It prevents stroke and lowers bad cholesterol in our body.

3. GREEN TEA: Anti-oxidants rid our bodies of free radicals that can cause damage to our cells and slow the process of healthy weight loss. Green tea offers such a powerful supply of anti-oxidants and vitamins that it has been known to accelerate metabolism by drinking only one cup per day. Tomatoes, red grapes and blueberries are also beneficial for the same reasons, but on a smaller scale.

4. CITRUS FRUIT: Oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits are all high in Vitamin C. That helps to prevent colds, asthma and arthritis. What happens when your body is functioning without illness? It performs better! When your body gets the right nutrition, it can perform its own miracles...like giving you more energy and burning off extra weight.

5. CARROTS: Have you ever heard someone say carrots were unhealthy? I guess they would be if you ate tons of them ever day, just like anything else that is abused. The reality is that carrots are a good source of Vitamin A and promotes better eyesight. It only takes a half cup worth to work like magic to accelerate healthy weight loss.

6. BANANAS: This fruit is so nutrition that even monkeys know it is good for them. It can help cure ulcers, diarrhea and stomach cramps because it is high in potassium. If you sweat a lot and need energy, grab a banana. Many athletes consume bananas for energy and alertness. Have you ever seen an overweight monkey or athlete?

7. SOY: The soybean is as close to a magic weight loss pill as you will ever find. No, you cannot pop them into your mouth and watch the pounds melt away, but when you add soy into your daily diet, you will be amazed to see how quickly your health and weight loss improve at the same time.

8. APPLES: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It has Vitamin C and pectin that flushes out toxins in our body. Toxins are probably the number one reason why people cannot lose weight quickly when they eat healthy foods. Apples only work to your advantage when they are eaten raw, so dipping them into caramel sauce or cooking them into a pie will not keep the doctor away.

9. WATER: It may not be food but it is the most important part of your daily diet. Your body cannot function properly if it is dehydrated, and most people do not drink as much as they should. Water also makes you feel full without any calories. Many times people reach for a snack wehen all they really need is a glass of water.

Along with a daily diet of the foods listed above, you need discipline and a willingness to reach your healthy weight loss goals. Most people get discouraged with losing weight when they fail to grasp the concept of living a healthy lifestyle. Once you develop the mind set, eating healthy will be part of your daily routine...and battling weight gain will be a thing of the past.

source: http://www.rcpattern.net/

HAVING "THE TALK" WITH MOM AND DAD

As the adult child of an aging parent, you may be thinking in the back of your mind about what happens when they are not longer able to take care of themselves. The signs may be there or ther could be a significant event that opens your eyes, like a fall, a hospitalization, a car accident or the recent loss of your other parent. You may need to have a talk with them on a very sensitive subject: It's time to bring in help. Take the time to think about it before sitting down in person to have this discussion. When it is time for your parent or parents to move out of their present living arrangement or have someone come in from a home health care agency to assist, there are three main things to consider: their independence, their well-being and their feelings. When the subject is discussed openly, calmly and is not rushed, there is a better chance that the right decision can be made together, without hurt and anger.

When it's time for "The Talk," starting the conversation is perhaps the hardest part. In difficult situations, we tend to revert back to our long-time roles as family members, which is not always helpful. Try not to put yourself in the position of telling them what to do. Instead, present it as a joint collaboration to solve an issue or need in their lives and yours. Think it through before broaching the subject. Make a list of your concerns and questions to organize your thoughts. Choose a comfortable location where you can sit facing each other. Be relaxed and keep your hands gently folded in your lap so that you do not appear aggressive. Give it your complete attention and unlimited time.

Know that this will be a slow process. It cannot be resolved with one conversation, but should not drag out indefinitely. Offer some ideas and alternatives. Talk about their fears and concerns. Be prepared to negotiate. Let them take the time to think about it and agree to talk about it again soon.

EXERCISE HELPS MAINTAIN STRONG MUSCLES WELL INTO OLD AGE

As if you didn't need any more reasons to hop on a treadmill, a new study suggests that exercising can help prevent skeletal muscle deterioration, which is when muscles begin to break down due to atrophy. The study suggests that regular exercise combined with protein consumption will help preserve muscle integrity into advanced years, which is fantastic news if you want to walk without a cane in your senior years. There are plenty of other benefits to exercise aside from just providing a lifetime of good health. By working out your body, you can also improve the overall quality of life. Some of the benefits of exercise include:

1. HAPPIER OUTLOOK ON LIFE: That pump you get from the gym will stay with you long after your workout ends. In fact, exercise can help you battle depression. The study revealed that those people who exercised show a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, especially in people over the age of 60.

2. INCREASED BRAIN FUNCTION: Who says you can't be a jock and a bookworm at the same time? In fact the opposite is true, as working out alctually helps your mind function. A study showed that people who exercise experience a moderate increase in their heart rates and the activity in their brains. Furthermore, the people who participated in the study reported reduced anxiety and solved basic math problems with increased speed and accuracy after the workout.

3. A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP: Did you know that 50 percent of older Americans complain of suffering from sleep problems? While "early to bed, early to rise" is usually associated with the motto of the elderly, exercise may help too. The study suggests that regular physical activity may increase the quality of sleep for older adults with insomnia. In fact, senior who worked out just a few times a week averaged more than an hour of extra sleep per night.

Exercise doesn't need to be strenuous, you'll likely stick with it if it's actually fun. Walks in the park, bike rides on sunny days, a dip in the pool and yoga can be fun and healthy experiences.

source: http://www.fyiliving.com/

A BANANA A DAY KEEPS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AWAY





Time to grab a banana, if not the whole bunch. Chances are, you're not getting enough potassium in your diet. You are not alone either: a study of 21 nations found that on average, no one was getting the recommended amount. Just because nobody follows the guidelines doesn't make it okay - the benefits of potassium are plentiful. In particular, potassium counterbalances a diet with lots of salt, thus helping to lower blood pressure. Potassium also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, even though most adults exceed an acceptable amount of sodium throughout the day, they don't eat the recommended 4,700 mg of potassium.


With one out of three Americans having high blood pressure, avoid becoming a statistic by eating more of these foods that are rich in potassium:

• BANANAS




• SPINACH




• DRIED APRICOTS




• BAKED POTATOES




• AVOCADOS




• TOMATOES




• ORANGES

source: http://www.fyiliving.com/

HOW TO CHOOSE/USE A WALKER

Using a walker can be an emotional decision. However, the right walker may make your life easier, less painful, and prevent injury. Here are tips on how to choose and use a walker.

• Decide where you will use your walker most - indoors, outdoors, or both equally. Walkers with lightweight frames tend to be easier to lift as you walk so may be easier to use outdoors. However, front wheel walkers have wheels that make it easier to move around the house and tend to be a bit sturdier than the lightweight framed walkers. There are also heavier walkers for added safety if you are prone for falling.




• Height: Realize that most walkers are adjustable. Check the walker to make sure that the height of the walker can adjust to your height. Ideally you want to be able to have the top of the walker slightly above your waist for comfortable use.




• To get up from a chair you first put the walker in front of your chair and slide forward in the chair. Next with your hands on the arms of the chair you slowly stand up. Next you firmly grasp the handles of the walker and move forward into the walker. Now you stand with your walker until you feel balanced and ready to walk.




• To walk you move the walker forward approximately one foot in front of you. Make sure that it is stable and firm on the ground and then step forward. Now you firmly grasp the handles and take another step forward. Repeat this.




• To sit down you stand with your back to a chair. Gradually slide your feet back so that the back of your legs touch the chair. Now you set your walker firmly in front of you. You now slide the weaker of your two legs slightly in front of you. You hold the walker handles with a firm grip and shift all of your weight to your stronger leg. Now you keep one hand on the walker as you reach for the arm of the chair with the other hand. Now you tighten your grasp on the chair arm. Now you slowly move the other hand from the walker to the other chair arm. Now you tighten that. Now you slowly sit down and slide into the chair.

source: http://www.ehow.com/

TOP 10 HEARTBURN FOODS


You know it all too well. Heartburn. That fiery sensation that grabs hold of your lower chest after you eat something you know you shouldn't have. What often follows is that sour or bitter taste of acid reflux in your throat and mouth that can last minutes(if you are lucky) or hours(if you are not). Millions of us are familiar with the discomfort of heartburn, a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus. The good news is that heartburn is largely avoidable if you steer clear of the top 10 heartburn foods.


1.TANGY CITRUS FRUITS - Oranges, grapefruits and orange juice are classic heartburn foods. These are very acidic, and likely to cause heartburn, especially when consumed on an otherwise empty stomach.


2. TOMATOES - While they might be chockfull of healthy nutrients, tomatoes are also highly acidic and likely to cause heartburn in those who are prone to it.


3. GARLIC AND ONION - Some people with heartburn do not do well with either garlic or onion, but it is all very individual.


4. SPICY FOODS - Pepper, Mexican food, chili and any other food that is loaded with pepper or other spices can trigger heartburn.


5. PEPPERMINT - While many people think peppermint is soothing for the tummy, it is actually a heartburn trigger food. Peppermint may increase your chances of heartburn because it relaxes the sphincter muscle that lay between the stomach and esophagus. This allows stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus.


6. CHEESE, NUTS, AVOCADOS, AND A JUICY RIB EYE - What do these foods have in common? They are all high in fat. They can be major triggers. Here's why: Fat slows down the emptying of the stomach, so there is more opportunity for a big distended stomach - which increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter - to make heartburn more likely.


7. ALCOHOL - Wine, beer, or your favorite cocktail can all trigger heartburn, especially when they are imbibed with a large meal. Like peppermint, alcohol opens the sphincter, allowing the acid free range.


8. CAFFEINE - Coffee, soda, tea, iced tea, and any other food or beverages that contain caffeine are big offenders. If you have heartburn, you can likely consume a 3-4 oz cup of coffee each morning with no problem. But if you guzzle coffee all day long, then, yes, heartburn is a consequence.


9. CHOCOLATE - Sure, it can be loaded with caffeine, but chocolate can also be a heartburn food in and of itself. Chocolate relaxes the sphincter, allowing stomach acids to flow back in to the esophagus.


10. CARBONATED BEVERAGES - Carbonated beverages cause gastric distension, and if your stomach is distended, this increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter, promoting reflux.


Use the above list as a guide to help you figure out your heartburn foods and heartburn trigger situations. Remember, even if your favorites are not on this list, you don't necessarily have a free pass. Too much of any food can trigger heartburn, it's not just what you eat; it's how much you eat and when you eat it.


source: http://www.webmd.com/

FIVE UNUSUAL WAYS TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE





You've heard it all before. Eat right. Exercise. Stop smoking. But now it's time to take that advice and finally figure out how to fit it all into your life. Think outside the box and take some risks while tackling your own risk factors.


1. GET A DOG: One study found that people who got a dog as a pet lowered their blood pressure, reported more happiness, and lost an average of five pounds over a six week period. Daily walks not only get you out of the house, but can provide for some well needed family time.


2. UPGRADE YOUR CELL PHONE: As cell phone cameras become commonplace,you are now armed with an easy way to lose weight: photograph your food. Keeping a food diary is the single most effective weight loss intervention, and a picture says a thousand words. People who keep track of meals and snacks lose double the weight of those who don't, and taking a quick snapshot of your meal is associated with adopting healthier behaviors in just one week.


3. START A BLOG: Among the clamor of status updates, online check-in's, and constant tweets, it is sometimes hard to hear yourself think. Blogging is an easy and free way to detail their health challenges, frustrations, and triumphs. It's the perfect place to plan yor triathlon training, be held accountable to your scale, or share your strategies with your readers.


4. GO SIBERIAN: When food was scarce, generations of people in Russia's coldest frontier chewed on pine nuts to help curb their appetites. Pine nuts naturally contain two different appetite suppressants, and have the pleasant side effect of lowering your risk of heart disease.


5. SNUGGLE: It's no surprise that physical intimacy can provide a work-out. Aerobic exercise of any kind helps to bring down your blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce future risk. Just make sure you don't have a cigarette afterward!


source: www.blogs.webmd.com/heart-disease