Fitness Food And Style Photo A Day Challenge - Day 1 DENIM

Hello everyone, another month, another challenge.

I thought I would mix things up a little and get you to capture everything and anything Fitness Food And Style related. So get your camera ready!

The words are your guide, prompt, inspiration to get all creative. As you may know by now, I am such a visual person and I live on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. So please come and join me. Hash tag #ffsphotoaday and let's have some fun.

Photo A Day Challenge

Day One - Denim

Assorted denim

A denim bag filled with coloured and acid wash denim jeans. A denim vest, jacket and acid wash shirt! :-) can I have any more denim???

Here are my fantastic four pics that caught my eye from;

@kristinostevik
@sunshinengiggles
@bec_wallaby and 
@susanmarlene

Denim action

What's your favourite denim piece?

Hope you're having a fabulous Wednesday! XxDani

12 Best Fat Burning Foods

Excess fat is never good for the human body. It often leads to weight gain or obesity. In any case, it can be reduced through eating healthy diets. One can also control it by following a unique diet plan. There are several fat burning foods one should be eating on daily basis. Let's take a look at some of them.

1. Almonds
Almonds reduce excess weight and also build the human muscles.

2. Cheese
Cheese enhance weight loss. They also build strong bones.

3. Eggs
Eggs are rich sources of protein. They burn fat as well.

4. Lean Meats
Lean meats strengthen the muscle. They also improve the immune system.

5. Berries
Berries are good for sound health. They also prevent cravings.

6. Peanuts
Peanuts build body tissues and also boost testosterone in ladies.

7. Fish
Fish products like salmon, mackerel and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids. They burn fat and also improve the condition of the human heart.

8. Grapefruits
Grapefruit lower insulin and also regulate blood sugar.

9. Green tea
Green tea is gotten from an ancient herbal plant. It's very good for weight loss.

10. Spinach
Spinach and other green vegetables fight free radicals and also build muscles.

11. Whole grains
Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, cereal, and others are good for weight loss.

12. Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes build body tissues and also improve digestion.

These twelve food items outlined above are very good at burning fat. Aside from that, they also have other functions as described above.

Such edibles must be taken on daily basis when looking for quick results. Obese people are expected to follow diet plans that are rich in most of the food items outlined above. They can also follow a recommended diet plan in order to control their weight.

Meanwhile, the food items outlined above are very easy to come by. One can easily purchase them at the food market. Many of them are very cheap. It's important to include them as part of daily diet when thinking of slimming down with ease.

 There are also diet supplements that contain many of the edibles outlined above. Such supplements are often costly because they are carefully processed. In any case, they are highly recommended for everyone that truly wants to lose weight.

In all, fat burning is quite possible through regular consumption of the food items outlined above. However, it's important to consult your dietitian or doctor for further guidance when thinking of following any diet.
 

Healthy eating requires proper direction.

Diet Tips for Weight Loss - Benefits of Snacking

Planning is crucial to a healthy diet. Know what you are going to eat and when. Your body is a machine, you must keep it fueled to transform it into a fat-burning machine. Make a menu of smart, healthy meals and a menu for your food intake between meals.

 Yes, I am referring to snacking. Once thought detrimental to a successful weight loss plan, it is now viewed as essential, so start snacking your way to a leaner, stronger you.

Jump start your metabolism in the morning by eating a solid breakfast. You have already gone over eight hours without food, so try to eat within an hour of waking up. The sooner you get your metabolism pumping, the better. You must keep it going constantly, when you cut the fuel, you cut the energy and proficiency.

Choose foods full of complex carbohydrates keep your energy levels up throughout the day and protein to help with muscle repair. They will take the edge off your hunger and you will be more apt to make sensible choices for lunch and dinner.

It can be as simple as a handful of nuts or an apple with a slice of cheese. Perhaps some Greek yogurt, a serving of 1%milk or chocolate milk, dried fruit or raw vegetables. Hummus goes well with vegetables or on cracker. Try eating some fresh fruit,

 a serving of oatmeal or granola, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, pistachios or some tuna or chicken salad on crackers. Trail mix is always good (you may even sneak a little chocolate in there), or maybe some Rice cakes or cottage cheese with fruit (peaches or cantaloupe are my favorite). Try a variety of things to find ones that you like and mix it up to keep things interesting.

Decide which snacks you want for the day and have them on hand, that way you can resist the doughnut cart when it rolls around. The best times to snack around 10:00 am and 3:00 pm., approximately two hours before your next meal.

 Following this strategy you may end up eating more, but you'll be less likely to put on weight because you burn those calories more efficiently. Fueling your body in moderate doses throughout the day keeps nutrients optimally available,

your blood sugar levels more stable, and helps avoid the energy crash that affects your mood, concentration and effectiveness. If you wait until you are starving, then you are more prone to make bad eating decisions.

There is nothing wrong with the occasional sugary snack, just don't over indulge in it. If you are one of those types that can have a little something sweet and be satisfied, then go for it.

 Myself, I do better if I avoid them all together. If I have a little, I can't help myself and end up having a lot. The more you avoid, the less sugar your body has to process.

Be sure to drink enough water. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger and causes you to raid the vending machine when all you really needed was a drink.

Think of your metabolism as an engine. When you increase the rpm's, you burn more calories, even when you are idling. So grab a snack and get keep your engine burning throughout the day. Be smart. Make a good plan and stick with it.

Circuit Of Change

Some people call circuit training a shortcut to fitness. It burns up to 30% more fat than a typical workout, while rapidly elevating fitness levels. If you're a runner and you mix in circuit training, you'll find an improvement in your long distance times. 

Many people ask me if I do weight training. I don't. My Shaolin Circuit Training DVDs are the main workout I do on a daily basis. These DVDs are designed for fit busy people who want results fast. Combining push ups with punches while keeping the heart rate elevated means the muscle are being constantly challenged.  If you're pushed for time then you'll achieve more from circuit training than any other type of exercise. 

Shaolin Circuit Training combines cardio and strength training into 9 tough interval circuits.  The level of intensity depends on how hard you push yourself but you should be working at an uncomfortable level of exertion the entire time. How many punches can you do in round one? How many kicks can you do in round five? How about the final round? It's a good idea to make a note of this so you can track your improvement.

Alternate between the Circuit Training Volume 1 and 2 on different days so you're focusing on building the strength of your arms or legs and improving the skill of your punches and kicks. I recommend you alternate these two DVDs twice a week and then, if your doing 5 or 6 workouts a week, do any volume from Shaolin Bootcamp or Shaolin Workout. If you've more time then you don't need to follow the Qigong at the end of the DVD but can do your favourite Qigong followed with the Instant Health Massage. And remember, even though you're out of breath, it's still the breath of Qi. Training in Shaolin means everything we do is a meditation. Even circuit training.

Shaolin Circuit Training is not suitable for beginners.

 Shifu Yan Lei teaches a graded path to Shaolin. Click for more details

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How To Heal Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums have become such a common issue these days that people don’t even consider it a problem anymore. Take yourself as an example: Would you even think of calling up your dentist just because you saw a pinch of blood today on the apple you bit? I don’t think so! What do you say is the reason behind your less caring attitude? Of course you wouldn’t ignore it completely with the fear of being embarrassed in front of others if it were to happen again.

Most people attribute this to the increasing level of awareness about the causes and remedies of such minor diseases. However, it depends upon the level of severity. Bleeding gums could be a cause of something as common as stress, or as severe as cancer. It is imperative to identify the cause before deciding how to heal bleeding gums.

Remedies To Heal Bleeding Gums At Home

Bleeding gums have become so common these days that people treat them the way they treat their headache, by taking over-the-counter pain killers or homemade remedies. Here are some simple and easy tips to save you from a dentist’s visit.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and make elliptical movement while brushing your teeth.
• Stir a teaspoon of sea salt in lukewarm water and gargle with it daily. The minerals present in sea salt are more effective than any other medicated mouthwash.
• Use an electrical brush at least thrice a week. Electrical brushes are more effective at removing plaque.
• Vitamin C is the best way of strengthening your gums. Increase your consumption of citrus fruits and foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, etc. Vitamin C supplements are recommended by nutritionists as an alternative medicine for gum diseases.
• Stand beneath the sun and absorb the UV rays for at least 15 minutes per week. Sun is the best and most effective source of vitamin D. It strengthens the immune system and dental tissues.
• Make a habit of drinking cranberry juice without sugar daily, at least till the time your gums stop bleeding. Cranberry juice serves as a repellent for the bacteria and prevents them from sticking to the gums.

Professional Treatment To Heal Bleeding Gums

It is true that bleeding gums are considered as normal as headaches and can be treated with the same ease. However, it could also be as severe as any life-threatening disease. If left ignored or untreated, it can take the form of some critical gum disease like gingivitis or periodontitis. Bleeding and inflamed gums are one of the initial symptoms of diabetes, pancreatic cancer, heart diseases or hypothyroidism. Gums also bleed and swell in times of stress and depression. In such cases, you need to consult a psychologist because natural remedies would only soothe the gums for a while. If you are unable to cure your bleeding gums through natural remedies, then it calls for you to seek professional help.

Forget the myth that bleeding gums are associated with dental diseases only and dentists are the only people who can cure this. Keep yourself aware and approach the right person for help!

Author Bio:

Kevin Kerfoot writes about health, nutrition, oral hygiene and skin care for Trusted Health Products’ natural health blog and newsletter. Learn more about bleeding gums and other health conditions.

Short Historical View of Asian Martial Arts

"The Ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of the participant." Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957)

Asian Martial Arts are practiced for many reasons, including self-defense, sport, and as a mind-body exercise. If practiced properly, the martial arts are an excellent exercise,

as well as artistic expression. Some students enjoy severe training as a type of ascetic discipline, sublimation, and other train for just pure excitement. However, some arts have a greater risk of injury and would not be considered suitable as a health promotion exercise.

Most countries practice martial arts, either indigenous or borrowed. Most of the popular Asian martial arts that are practiced in the West can be traced to originally to Japan, Korea, China,

and India. The martial arts have evolved into the variations commonly seen today across the USA and Canada, in mini-malls and schools. Traditional arts, if practiced correctly and regularly, will improve the fitness of the exerciser.

There are some arts that are purely for sport or self defense and may not be suitable for health promotion.

Arts of India and China

India has a long history of martial arts. Indian epic religious texts such as the Mahabarata discuss martial skill. Stick fighting and hand-to-hand combat--e.g., Kalarippayat and wrestling--are true Indian arts. Some martial artists believe that the arts of India were transported to China.

Indian medicine and training methods also were taken to Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand. Then they were combined with indigenous martial arts and medicine. There are also Greek and Persian technological, religious, medical, and philosophical influences on Chinese and Indian culture, and vice versa. For example, in 688 BCE the martial art of pankration was practiced in Greece.

Martial arts were practiced in pre-Buddhist India. Today there are hundreds of styles of martial arts practiced in China differing by region and clan. It is a popular myth that kung-fu exercises were brought by the Buddhist Monk Bodhidharma (Chinese:

 Tamo or Damo, Japanese: Dharuma) from India to the already existing Shaolin (Small Forest) Monastery in China. The first Buddhist temple in China was actually the White Horse Temple (68 AD). The arts were practiced in China hundreds of years prior to Bodhidharma's arrival.

"Bodhi" means awakened or enlightened. Bodhi also refers to the Bo Tree, a Banyan tree called the Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa) that the Buddha was said to meditate under the bodhi tree and achieve enlightenment. The monks at that temple practiced what is called Ch'an Buddhism. In Ch'an

Buddhism, the focus was on meditation and direct experience of cosmic consciousness. Ch'an became what we know as Zen in Japan. The monks were said to be in poor health and weak when Bodhidharma arrived, so he taught them exercises to improve their health and fitness. There is a great deal of controversy over what these exercises were,

and there is no clear history as to when they were brought to the monastery, but most likely they were similar to physical yoga methods. There are hundreds of variations and, though usually practiced within the martial arts, they are also excellent as exercise methods.

The martial arts developed within the Shaolin monastery are called Shaolin ch'üan. Ch'üan (Quan) means fist--punching, or boxing in Chinese--and was the forerunner to the modern "hard style" kung-fu known as Wei Chia Ch'üan (Weijiaquan)--the"External Family Arts".

They are called "external" or "outside" arts because they came from India. The temple was disbanded and monks were purged several times during Chinese history; the last time was during the communist "Cultural Revolution" from 1966 to 1976. There are other "hard" styles, which are regional and classified by the area name. Regional versions include O'mei (Emei, Ermei), T'ai Shan, and Wu Tang (Wudang) styles. There are modern forms and traditional forms from each region.

The "Internal Family Arts," Nei Chia Ch'üan (Neijiaquan) are commonly thought to be based on Chinese philosophy, in contrast to the "Outside" Buddhist based art of Shaolin. The arts of t'ai-chi ch'üan, pa-kua chang, and hsing-i ch'üan were classified as Nei Chia Ch'üan,

 "Internal Family Arts," in 1894 by an association of several famous masters. In 1928, the three arts were called Wu Tang ch'üan (Wudang quan) by the Central Martial Arts Academy in Nanking. Wu Tang was the Taoist area and these arts came to be associated with Taoist philosophy.

 Wu Tang region has its own versions of martial arts that may have had no direct connection to the Nei Chia group. They were called Internal Arts or Wu Tang arts to contrast them with the Shaolin arts, due to philosophical and training differences. T'ai-chi ch'üan (taijiquan) is the most popular of the Chinese Internal Arts for health promotion.

Running Is Fun!

Well... for some of us it is. I really enjoy running but I know lots of people enjoy it the most once they have finished. I used to be like that too.

When I was younger and played football and cricket and basketball... in fact any sport that was on offer at school or in my local teams. I used to hate the training part of it.

 And especially running. I loved the running around during a game but the actual training and all the running you had to do to get fit for it was something I really did not like doing.

Fast forward some 20 or 30 years and I love running, can't get enough of it in fact. Running is fun to me. I know Joy likes finishing and the good feeling once you cross that line or finish that 5 k's or whatever particular type of running we do, but the actual act of running she is not all that thrilled about.

How can you make running fun?

You really can make running fun. If you are always running on your own it is hard work and not much fun at all. However if you join a running group or start entering fun runs and running with lots of other people it can be one of the best things you will ever do.

I entered my first fun run some 12 years ago now down in Melbourne. It was the Olympic Dream 10 K Run and I absolutely loved it.

The thrill of starting a run with some 10,000 other crazy runners and walkers like yourself is a real adrenalin rush and when you cross the finish line the sense of achievement you feel is real, emotional and so very exciting.

I have entered many events since and having met my partner Joy back in 2008, she is slowly getting into the addiction that comes with fun runs. I remember her first run over 5 k's when we were still living in Melbourne.

As she was approaching the finish line the announcer called out over the P.A "And now we have Joy Reynolds about to finish and cross the line. Well done, Joy!" The crowd cheered her home.

She certainly felt that thrill of crossing the line and finishing and although she was totally exhausted she loved the whole experience.

As I mentioned earlier many people don't like the actual running aspect of running but they love the sense of accomplishment.

We both run 5 k's every Saturday morning now in the Main Beach Parkrun. Parkruns are held all over the world. http://www.parkrun.com.au This is an event that is free to enter and was first started back in 2004 in Bushy Park, Teddington in England.

It has grown enormously since then. It is open to anyone of any age and any running or walking level.

And thanks to a fantastic volunteer program all the events are timed and free. I highly recommend getting involved or even starting your own Parkrun. Like I said, running is fun, at least it certainly can be.

There are literally thousands of fun runs held all around the world each year. Many charity runs and many just pure and simple for fun.

Why not get the kids (Great fun pushing a pram around a course!) the parents, friends or work mates and go and enter your first fun run? Parkruns are free and really are FUN! Once you do your first I have no doubt you will agree with me, RUNNING IS FUN!
 

Kevin McNamara is a motivational speaker, author. educator and Life Coach. He is rising to National prominence by delivering inspiring messages that encourage people to live up to their full potential by breaking the cycles of procrastination,

hopelessness and despair that many face daily through grief and depression. Kevin lost his daughter, Holly, to SIDS at 5 months of age and devotes his life now to helping others.

Kevin has a mission to help everyone he meets find their true calling in life and move from a place of mediocrity to GREATNESS!

Healthy new lifestyle Transformation Tuesday with Matt

This young man is all about, eat what you want as long as it fits your macros. I came across Matt on Instagram @ If_It_Fits_Your_Macros early this year. So Matt's theory is, enjoy the food you eat and if that means a donut, go for it. Of course don't eat the entire Krispy Kreme or Donut King box!!! He's about calorie counting and reaching your macronutrient target and has an amazing story to share. 

So without further a due, here is the sensational Matt Cull.

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 

I’m 21 and I started out at around 17 going to the gym like most other young guys, with very little knowledge or dedication and spent the best part of 2 years training in the gym with very little progress. It wasn’t until I began studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science that I really became dedicated and started to develop my knowledge of fitness and what is required to gain muscle mass. From there I improved my eating habits and ever since I have been dedicated to educating myself in nutrition and training through my own research of scientific studies and research, the most reliable source of information that is available. More recently, I have been dedicated to spreading the truths of the fitness industry through my business project ‘Macro Fit’, and educating people about a more flexible approach to dieting through macronutrient tracking. When I started my journey I was a mere 68kg and am currently 83kg at 6’ which I predominantly achieved through the utilization of tracking calorie intake and macronutrients.

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

When I was younger I just ate whatever Mum cooked. Our dinner was always home cooked and on the rare occasion we would have take away, it never bothered me that we didn’t eat much take away because my mums cooking was always good. We had plenty of rice and pasta usually with a serving of meat and vegetables. Breakfast was always cereal and toast. Nowadays, I eat a similarly broad range of foods, and even though I still live with my parents, I cook all my meals. I eat any foods that will fit into my predetermined macronutrient goals. Anything from poptarts to broccoli, chicken to pizza etc. It’s all about moderation, with health being the number one priority, so getting sufficient vitamins and minerals and fibre is just as vital as reaching your macronutrient targets.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

I have always been very athletic in the past and have played more sports competitively than I can think of however I predominantly played footy and cricket. I have put these on hold for the time being however to focus on my studies and on my weight training.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

Obviously physical fitness and health is a great interest of mine; ensuring I am healthy and doing the best I can to ensure a great quality of life for myself in the future. In particular I love weight training. Educating myself is a passion and I’ll probably be at Uni studying until I’m 26.  I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping others, especially in educating people about fitness. I have a lovely partner of 5 years who makes me smile as well as our border collie pup of 10 months. I also absolutely love the TV show “Parks and Recreation”, it’s pretty much the only TV I will watch as the rest is nonsense.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

Starting my university degree, not only because I was learning relevant information about the anatomy and physiology of the body but also that university teaches you that you can’t make any claims about something, unless there is sound scientific evidence to support the claim. For me, this provoked a desire to research things for myself and find out all the answers I needed to know from a fitness perspective.

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

I am hoping for my new business to be a success, so I can help spread the truths of the fitness industry to the world and help people to live a more practical and sustainable life while achieving their health and fitness goals.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

Count calories and track macronutrients. It’s not as hard or as time consuming as it sounds, and once you get used to it, it become second nature. I spent too many years not knowing how much to eat, or what proportion of macronutrients I was eating or needed to eat. Tracking macros takes the guesswork out of it and gives you the option to be much more flexible than just about every other dieting protocol, which means you are far more likely to stick with it and achieve goals in the long term.

Thank you so much Matt for sharing your new healthy lifestyle with us. For those interested in following Matt and his amazing macro lifestyle, you can reach him here;

Website (not yet active but coming soon)- Sign up to mailing list at www.macrofit.com.au

Facebook – www.facebook.com/macrofit

Apparel Store – www.macrofit.spreadshirt.com

Email for more info about tracking macros – info@macrofit.com.au

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The Benefits Of Owning An Electric Folding Treadmill

Everyone knows how important it is to exercise on a regular basis, not only to stay healthy, but to stay fit as well, and also to give you that general feeling of well-being.

Jogging is one of the best and most popular forms of exercise for many people, but for some, jogging on a regular basis is just not possible for various reasons, and it is for these people that an electric folding treadmill would work perfectly.

There are many benefits to owning your own treadmill, the main one being that you are able to jog as and when you want to, as time will allow. In other words, even if you're a mother with small children, you can get your daily exercise when the little ones are tucked up in bed in the night, and still keep an eye on them while you exercise.

You might have a job that ties you down to the office at all sorts of hours, in which case it would be impossible for you to go to a gym regularly. However, if you owned your own treadmill, your gym is right there in your home or office, ready for you to use when you want to.

Then of course there is the weather. So many times friends or couples will make arrangements to go jogging in one of the local jogging tracks, only to have to cancel due to the weather being too hot,

too wet, or there is a gale force wind blowing. Having a treadmill of your own though, means that you can jog in the comfort of your own home, no matter what the weather conditions are outside.

Also, while out jogging on a running track you always run the risk of injuring yourself somehow, such as falling, or twisting your ankle, in which case, you will have to limp home in pain, or wait for someone to help you.

 Being able to exercise on your own treadmill eliminates this problem altogether, because if you do injure yourself somehow you are at home, and can simply stop jogging to take care of your injury.

Treadmills are great for people from all walks of life, even those that are just starting out, and are not used to jogging at all.

 No special skills are needed to operate these machines, as they can be adjusted to suit the needs of the individual, for running, jogging, or even just for walking.

Whether you want to jog for the sake of jogging, want to keep yourself fit, or have a few extra pounds to lose, there is no doubt that a treadmill is the answer you're looking for. Buy one that suits your budget and your particular needs, and you can get all the exercise you need, no matter what type of lifestyle you lead.

Treadmills are well made, last for a long time, and will give you all the exercise you need for years to come. If you have a dog at home, and don't have the time to take him for a walk, then do what many dog owners do, and let your dog have his daily run on your treadmill as well.

Why High Intensity Interval Training Is Better Than Steady State Cardiovascular Training

Endurance training helps develop a stronger cardiovascular system, including heart, muscles, lungs and blood vessels, and can add years to your life.

 Cardiovascular endurance also enhances your heart's ability to control the oxygen flow to all of your muscles, improving your overall workout efficiency. You should aim for 30 minutes of daily activity for improved endurance performance.

Since the heart is a muscle, it can be strengthened just like the other muscles in your body. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of daily physical activity.

Just 30 minutes per day can improve your endurance, give you stronger muscles, better sleep and reduced stress levels!

Some examples of steady State endurance exercises (SSCT) include running, walking, swimming, bicycling, dancing, but any sport or exercise that can be performed for longer periods of time to get the heart pumping is considered SSCT.

There is a better alternative though. High intensity interval training (HIIT).
HIIT can boost athletic performance, improve the health of recreational exercisers, and provide the benefits of SSCT in less time and fewer workouts!

SSCT is considered aerobic exercise (running, biking, rowing, swimming, etc.) for greater than 20 min. HIIT is considered a short amount of time exercising at maximum intensity followed by short rest.

Timing varies from method to method, but it usually follows a 2:1 ratio of intense exercise to rest. For example, Tabata (a form of HIIT) is 8 rounds of 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest.

Both methods increase stroke volume (amount of blood pumped per heart beat), heart contractility (force of each contraction), and left ventricle heart mass. Both of these variables increase blood flow and the amount of O2 supplied to your muscles. But HIIT:

• Improves stroke volume better than SSCT
• Improves VO2 Max more effectively, which is important for fighting heart disease
During aerobic exercise, mitochondria (energy factory of a cell) use O2 to manufacture adenosine triphosphate (ATP- the energy source of a cell) through the breakdown of carbs and fat. As mitochondrial density increases,

more energy becomes available to working muscles. HIIT leads to an increase in mitochondrial oxidative enzymes; thus, making your body more effective at breaking down carbs and fat for fuel.

HIIT also has greater excess post exercise O2 consumption (EPOC) after exercise sessions than does SSCT. O2 consumption (and thus caloric expenditure) remains elevated as working muscle cells restore physiological and metabolic factors in the cell to pre-exercise levels.

Some Foods Can Have An Anti-Aging Effect

As much as we want to stay young and live in our own body forever while reaping the benefits of having a youthful skin, we cannot do anything to stave off age permanently. That's why we need to find simple solutions to keep our skin in good health.

 There are a number of ways to keep our skin young and healthy, but try not to depend too much on skin and beauty products which contain chemicals. It is better to stick with foods that are natural and chemical-free.

The following are the foods that can best help you fight signs of aging.

1. Broccoli

If you want to maintain a youthful look, try to consume broccoli on a regular basis. Broccoli is found to take away many years from your looks, keeping you young and healthy. Broccoli contains a powerful antioxidant known as quercetin. It is a natural anti-inflammatory substance that prevents inflammation in the skin which is a primary cause of aging.

2. Beans

Beans also have an anti-aging property. They rich in antioxidants which are known to prevent free radicals from damaging your skin cells. Not only do antioxidants protect your skin from damage but it also protects your tissues and organs.

3. Tea

You usually include tea in your everyday diet, and what you know about this herb is its function as a stress reliever. But aside from its stress relieving effect, tea can also make you stay young looking by hydrating your cells and keeping the aging process in control.

4. Berries

Berries also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. These fruits not only serve as anti-aging foods, but they are also anti-cancer and anti-heart diseases foods. Including these fruits in your daily diet will benefit your skin as well as your overall health.

5. Avocados

Avocados contain amazing anti-aging agents. These delicious fruits contain fatty acids that nourish cells to make them function well. Avocados also contain vitamin E that protects the skin cells from suffering damaging effects from ultraviolet light and free radicals.

6. Chocolates

These yummy and irresistible sweets can also be beneficial. They are one of the best anti-aging foods because they contain resveratol, a natural substance that boosts the health of human body cells.

7. Walnuts

Walnuts help your skin maintain its youthfulness. As these foods contain Omega-3, which is a very good substance to maintain your cell membranes' fluidity, you are guaranteed that you are getting the right amount of nutrients.

Though we can't prevent aging altogether, and certainly we get older each day, it's better to keep those years away from our image at least. And the very best way to achieve it is to consume the right and healthiest foods. So, start eating your way to youthfulness now!

Join A Pregnancy Fitness Class - Becoming Healthy and Prepared

Ask any pregnant woman what worries she has with her pregnancy and she will likely scroll off a long list. Her concerns will range from maintaining a healthy weight gain to even knowing the right time to push; the list goes on and on.

If you are amongst the majority of would-be moms that are not what you call gym buff and fitness rat, then this would probably be the best time to be concerned about your fitness.

 After all, what you do to your body not only affects yourself but mainly the life inside your womb. It is important to stay fit and active all throughout the 9 months of pregnancy. Exercise is encouraged, but should be taken with great care and moderation.

For most pregnant women, especially for first-time moms to be, scouting to find useful information regarding daily health up to things to do on the big day is inevitable. But if you want to be the most prepared mom in the debut of your precious little angel, then attending pregnancy fitness classes may claim to address all your concerns.

As your pregnancy progresses, it would be safer for both you and your baby if you can enroll in pregnancy fitness classes. These classes not only strengthen and tone your muscles in preparation for your big day but it also allows you to be in a crowd of pregnant women. This way, you can socialize and share each of your experiences and get advices from one another.

Pregnancy fitness classes nowadays are composed of highly trained fitness professionals all geared towards making your pregnancy the safest and your body the fittest as in can possibly be. Pregnancy fitness classes not only focus on exercising and proper diet.

It also is a beneficial source of reliable information for your every question regarding labor and delivery. Pregnancy fitness classes are made up with various classes that can be attended.

It ranges from physically enhancing your body to even birth classes that teaches you the proper technique when your most anticipated time finally arrives.

Childbirth classes may prepare your mind for labor and delivery, but pregnancy fitness classes prepares you body.

This way you gain strength and endurance that will help you throughout your labor and finally the birth of your child. Pregnancy is just like being an athlete for an upcoming Olympic games, proper eating, regular exercise, and a positive mental attitude are equally needed for you to win.

Mild Strokes Require Careful Home Recovery Efforts

Mild strokes happen when there is an insufficient supply of blood to the brain because of the narrowing of or blockage in blood vessels. Usually, the narrowing of blood vessels is due to the increasing amount of cholesterol in the body which hinders the continuous flow of the blood.

Although a mild stroke is just a less serious condition compared to Stroke, this condition can be uncomfortable for someone who experiences it, as it brings with it symptoms such as weakness or numbness on the one side of the body, loss of balance, visual disturbances, headaches and confusion.

People who experience and survive this condition should take necessary management steps in order to prevent a stroke from happening again. After being released from the hospital, you have to continue taking the medications prescribed by your physician.

As you are recovering, you need to take into consideration the importance of not tiring yourself out. Take a rest frequently. This is essential, since during your earliest days of recovery, you will still experience some symptoms and these symptoms do not entirely go away.

If you are working, you have to inform your employer about your need for a few days of break for you to relax and fully recover yourself.

One of the symptoms that may still affect you is the weakness of one side of your body. An essential thing to do is to undergo rehabilitation through physical therapy in which you will be guided to relearn basic coordinating skills. Initially,

you will be assisted in doing Range of Motion (ROM) exercises to build up your affected limbs' strength until you can completely do it yourself. You are also encouraged to change position frequently while lying down.

Because of your affected limbs, you may find it difficult to perform your everyday tasks during the first few days of recovery like tooth brushing, bathing, eating and other basic doings. It may take a while for your affected side to carry out its functions,

but take your time and do not pressure yourself.
It is also expected for you to experience difficulty in balancing your body and walking. Assistance from your family members is needed for a time until you can fully stand up and walk without their support.

Do not rush yourself in performing this task. Remember that doing it abruptly may put you at risk of falling and that may injure your head. While lying down, start by slowly getting up. Sit for a while and wait for a minute before you can finally gain strength to stand up. Remember to only do it when you already have enough strength.

A few days or weeks after recovering, you may also begin to get involved in exercises. Take note that you don't have to do it heavily at first.

Exercise in a gradual motion until you can fully manage it. The recovery time of a person with a mild stroke may be either slow or fast, depending on a person's age and response to treatment.

Mild stroke recovery requires continuous health management in order to prevent a re occurrence and even complications.

A Terrific Way of Losing Weight: Walking

Creating some kind of personal exercise program is a fantastic way to get rolling losing weight. But you likely haven't worked out in a while, so you have no clue where to begin. It could even feel a little frightening, commitment wise. Fortunately, it's not that confusing or tough to do - simply start walking. You should make walking a huge part of your exercise plan.

There are lots of ways to fit walking into your day-to-day agenda. This is easy if you have a dog - merely take it for no less than 10 minute plus walk each day. After 7 days, you'll have walked a minimum of seventy minutes more than if you hadn't gone for walks at all.

You can double this by merely walking with your dog once in the morning and once in the afternoon. If you don't live too far away from work try walking there, or at least a part of the way.

For sure, irrespective of how far you are located from your office, you can work something out to get some exercise on the way there. Of course, you'll need to walk back at the end of your work day, too,

 so that doubles your exercise - which is great! But then, if you catch the bus to work, just use a bus stop farther away than the one you ordinarily use. It's not hard to incorporate walking in your daily life.

Walking is excellent for your body and overall health. The reason walking is so good for your heart and at helping you lose weight is that it is the best aerobic exercise.

There is no need for you to be concerned about overworking your joints or muscles like when running, because you can walk as slowly as you must. I have a brother who's one of those individuals who eats a ton of junk and fast food but never gets bigger. How does he do it?

 He tells me doesn't know, but he did tell me that he goes for a walk daily. When he reminded me of that, things suddenly became clear. Walking is simple exercise, so there really is no reason you shouldn't walk.

Try and get into the habit of walking daily since you'll have a better chance of sticking to it, and with the correct diet, you'll be able to lose weight with no problem. As you start to get used to walking,

you'll notice that you're decidedly feeling healthier and, because it's not that hard on you, your motivation will be enhanced as well. As you walk more and notice changes,

you'll want to do more or step up the level of intensity of your walks. Why should you hold back, if you feel like it? Once you get to the point where you're walking at a reasonably good pace and feel ready, You may be ready for jogging. After that, the sky's the limit.

There should be no excuse for you to not walk a short distance daily. No matter how busy you may be, you can surely find 10 minutes here and there for a quick walk. Another possibility is to join a gym and use their treadmills for a half hour or so each day.

The Advantages Of Using An Ab Toning Belt

You've seen the ads on television. "Get flat and toned abs fast by using this belt!"

As you rub your stomach, a frown creases your face in skepticism. You would love to tone up your abdomen. Yet you've learned through experience when purchasing other televised products that you can't believe everything you hear from the paid actors on the screen. Can these ab belts actually do what they say they can do? Will you have the abdomen you will be proud to show off during swimsuit season?

Benefits Of Ab Toning Belts - How They Work

Before finding out what benefits that abdominal belts give, you have to understand how one works. A basic toning ab belt will consist of breathable, lightweight material that allows you to wear it underneath your clothing as you are doing daily chores or exercises. The belt comes equipped with small pads that you stick to the skin of your abdominal area.

These pads contain tiny electrodes that send electrical pulses into the stomach. These electrical pulses stimulate the nerves in your stomach muscles, making them contract and relax. This contraction and relaxation of muscles simulate the exercises you would do to tone and strengthen your ab muscles.
Benefits Of Ab Toning Belts - Advantages To Your Body

While the ab toning belt isn't a full replacement for adopting a healthy lifestyle filled with exercise and eating healthy foods, it can give you several advantages.

The ab toning belt will help you tone and strengthen the abdominal muscles. It will also sculpt and define the ab region. If you have a regular exercise routine, the ab toning belt may help to speed things up to get quicker results.

Abdominal toning devices can't work miracles if you are looking to skip out on exercise and eating a healthy diet as you expect the belt to make you drop the excess body fat. Like with any other type of exercise tool, the ab toning belt is to be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle for you to see true results.

It is recommended that you only use ab toning belts approved by the FDA. Follow the instructions on wearing the belt for 30 minutes a day and set the belt at the right intensity. Although your results may vary, a person can typically see positive results in the toning and strengthening of their abs in about 4-to-8 weeks.

The Bowflex Revolution - You Will Never Need Another Piece of Workout Equipment

The Bowflex revolution is upon us and thanks to this technology you will never need another piece of workout equipment again. This equipment is designed to provide a complete body workout, targeting the muscle systems you choose to work on.

 Once you acquire one of these machines not only will you start looking and feeling great but it is going to save you a ton of space inside your home or exercise space. The new Revolution SpiraFlex system has replaced the old tension rod mechanisms but still provides excellent resistance for your routines. Just like always, the Bowflex eliminates the need for a variety of different weight sizes as well as the need for extra storage.

The Bowflex Revolution provides the ability to over 100 different exercises. The stock components offer 220 lbs of resistance for the upper body (which can be upgraded to 300 lbs, for those looking to up their workout) and 600 lbs of resistance on the lower body (with an upgrade).

This is a complete machine for a complete body workout and you will feel the burn. Combinations allow for the following exercises: leg presses, vertical bench press, leg extensions, preacher curls (with attachment) and so many more.

The varieties don't stop there! The Bowflex Revolution with SpiraFlex technology is an all in one station. The Freedom Arms have 10 different positions with 170 degrees of motion. There are 5 way hand grips and ankle cuffs that provide massive flexibility and workout performance.

There are cuffs for the ankle shoulder, foot and no grip style for the hands. It even comes with a built in rowing machine for the warm up and cool down periods of your workout. Plus it is very compact, it folds down to 55 x 38 inches. They have thought of everything in this device.

There revolution can be upon you too. The weather is warming up now and its time to get your body in to shape for the summer. Work off that winter weight. Take the Bowflex challenge and see the results that a Revolution machine can produce for you.

The machine will typically ship in days or less from their warehouse and arrive unassembled. They do provide assembly service to some locations, check to see if this is available for your location.

Which may be advisable, if you have taken a look at this space age technology, it might take a professional to put this thing together correctly without getting lost.

Make a Positive Difference in Your Life With Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The beautiful thing about change is that it can begin right now. It's true. When you simply even finally make the decision to commit to making a change, trying something new or improving your life, change actually begins the moment you make the decision.

One truly positive way you can change and improve your life is through starting Jiu Jitsu training. So for anyone who is considering giving it a try and is ready to make a positive change, here are a few areas in your life you can expect a positive change.

1; Improve your body: Whatever your current level of fitness; whether you are a couch potato or a gym rat, you will see positive changes. Jiu Jitsu helps you work muscles you wouldn't normally even workout in any other type of fitness program or training. Plus you get an overall toning and strengthening workout unique to BJJ.

2; Improve your mind: Learn focus, patience and respect through this style of martial arts training. Training help students forget their stress for a while but also begin to improve patience and respect. It truly can be life changing.

3; Gain confidence: Even if you think you already are, there is something about the confidence you gain from training in Jiu Jitsu that you simply can't get anywhere else.

It comes from the combination of feeling better physically and mentally and also knowing you can defend yourself. It's all of that and more, but you have to experience to believe and understand it.

4; Self-defense: There really is no better way to train to defend yourself than through the art of Jiu Jitsu. In fact, many self-defense classes utilize maneuvers learned through BJJ. Part of the reasons is that you learn how to recover from and overtake and opponent from the most vulnerable position, on the ground.

5; Overall better physical health: There's more to being in good health than having ripped abs and less body fat. It's about more than just liking the way you look in jeans, too.

Good health means being able to reduce your risk of disease and prolonging your life. Not only that, but the years you add can be quality years. Don't just look and feel good; actually be in good health through this type of fitness training.

You will begin to see all these positive changes in your life as early as your very first class. Of course the longer you train the better the changes and results.

Learn the Ten Most Important Things About Stretching

At the start of every fitness program or sporting event, take the time to stretch out as this would prevent any injuries from occurring. Stretching, before the start of the workout program, warms up the muscles and it will help improve performance as you exercise.

 This article will show the importance of stretching and what you need to do to take proper precautions to avoid injuring yourself.

1. If you play sports, working out at the gym or have a home workout program, be sure that you stretch out before, during and after the workout or game. If you do not stretch, you are prone to injury at some point during a workout.

 I remember playing flag football with a group of friends in Mobile, Alabama. I did not take the time to stretch out or warm-up my muscles as a cold weather system had moved in the area. The end result was that I ended up pulling my hamstring on my left leg and it hurt no like no other. So remember to stretch before, during and after a workout.

2. You will get the full benefit of flexibility if you hold your stretching position for more than a minute.

3. The one important advice that I remember my football coach telling us is not to bounce in our stretches. If you are bending over to do some hamstring stretches, do not use an up and down movement as this will cause straining or even serious damage to your joints.

4. In a stretch position, move slowly from one part of the body to the other. Do not rush when you are stretching.

5. Stretch all the parts of your body, from the head all the way down to your feet. Do not neglect any parts of your body for any reason!

6. When you get up in the morning or getting ready for bed, do a series of stretches, even if you do not plan to workout.

7. Pay close attention to what your body is telling you because stretching may not be enough. There are many extreme home workout programs out there on the market that may be too much for your body to handle right off the bat, so know your limits of what you can do.

8. The human body takes about 9 months for it to develop in the womb and many more years after birth, so when you do your workout, don't get into the mindset that you will achieve immediate results overnight. It will take time and patience for your body to lose weight or gain muscle. Pick a day throughout the week in which you can rest your body and stretch out the muscles for proper recovery.

9. Do exercises, such as swimming, to help stretch and strengthen the upper portions of your body.

10. Select the type of music that you will want to exercise too. Music that contains high intensity beats has been proven to help motivate you throughout a workout. Even when you are stretching or warming-up, listen to your favorite music to help get you going.

In conclusion, to help avoid injury and a trip to the Doctor's office, stretch out your muscles before a workout or suffer the pain and agony of a pulled muscle or worse!