Hamilton Island, a slice of paradise

Seriously, what an amazing time I recently had away on Hamilton Island! The Fujifilm Triathalon and Whitehaven Beach and Ocean Swim was held a couple of weeks ago and it has got me super motivated! In case you missed this post last week, you can catch it up and then know exactly what I am talking about!

This event has totally got me pumped and inspired to train for next year's! More than anything, I'd love to have it include more of my friends, so ... come on, how about we all go?

Fujifilm Triathlon and Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim 

I reckon it's totally do-able, especially if we start training now and even hold our own little mini triathlon! What do you think? Are you in?

Baby steps are the go, remember. We can ease into it all, and start with a solid 25 metres at our local gym swimming pool ... then a 2km ride on the bike, to be followed by a 1km run on the treadmill. Sounds good to you, doesn't it?

Seriously though, when I was invited to be a spectator at this awesome event, I jumped at the opportunity. Little did I know that I would be rubbing shoulders with some of the country's favourite elite athletes!

I  particularly loved the fact this event encourages such a broad range of competitors and participants. It was super to see that Ironmen/women, and Olympians too, are much like us ... aspiring to be good at something. Yes, for sure they are total champions and in their sporting element however "us" ordinary people are encouraged to also give it a go as well.

Take my gorgeous friend Anita, for an example. She didn't even train for this event but was deadset keen to give it a go! And guess what? She smashed it in 2 hours!!! I am so proud of her!

Hamilton Island provided the perfect backdrop for an event like this. Just imagine swimming 750m, cycling 20km - including down a unique airport runway - and finishing with a 5km run through the island's Marina. Topped off by a beach-side finish, this was a triathlon held in paradise!

What a superstar you are Anita!!!! Woohoo!

Super star Anita Mitchell completes her second tri

Staying at The Reef Hotel brought back many beautiful memories. This was my third time on Hamilton Island ... the first time was back in my career days with workmates on the R&R sales team. The second time was much more special though and was when I said "yes" to my husband's proposal! Yes indeed, my wonderful husband proposed to me back in 2005 on this very perfect tropical island. Truly, it was one of the best days of my life….Aaaahhhhh.

To make perfect even better, island visitors get to wake up to this view every morning!!! Seriously, what more in life could you want? It's just sensational!

The Reef Hotel View

What better pastime on a tropical resort is there, than lazing around the pool? How cool is this place? A great life, becomes even more beautiful when poolside!

What else is super cool is bumping into these legendary Ironmen, Guy Leech and Jimmy, in the lift on my way down to brekky. You truly never know who you'll bump into when you go to Hamilton Island. 

Guy Leech, Jimmy and Dani 

Not only was I impressed by the triathlon itself - the event was run super professionally - but the fact we got to rub shoulders with some of the country's and world's elite Olympic champions made this experience totally unreal. Check out these guys, recognise them?!!!

Susie O'Neil, me and Michael Klim

Suzie O'Neil and Michael Klim are such down to earth people, who were both very generous with their time. It was an absolute delight to hear their journeys and especially their candid "on the couch" interviews which gave a real insight into their experiences. 

WHITE HAVEN BEACH - OPEN SWIM 17th November 2013

Another day, another sensational event. We travelled on a speed boat from Hamilton Island to the most brilliant white sand beaches I have ever been to. These two swims were 750m and 2km open ocean swims and they were positively thrilling to watch. 

I managed to catch up with 25 year old Melissa Gorman before her swim. She said it was her first event back after shoulder surgery and that she was going to take it easy. I say, good on her! This totally inspires me to learn how to swim (ahhhh....yeah, I have no clue, can tread water and dog paddle but that's about it! Go figure, hey!)

Melissa Gorman open ocean swimmer champion

So all in all, Hamilton Island is not only a place I'd love to travel to on holidays with the family but also it would be fantastic to arrange a group of friends to head there for a fit-cation and give these triathlons a go!!!! Sensational, don't you think?

Oh yeah..... how could I forget? Before I go, check out the amazing Qualia Resort (woot-whoo a couples only retreat) where I caught up with the Klims for lunch. This place was totally breathtaking and I seriously can't wait to go away on a romantic holiday with Adrian. Soon!

Qualia Resort Hamilton Island

Plus, you really should know these guys totally rock. Both Michael and Lindy are gorgeous people and I can't wait to share the interview I did with Lindy very soon, as she is one stylish woman!

Michael and Lindy Klim with Fitness Food And Style

Here's Michael & I fooling around with a bit of back and freestroke posing. Such good times.  

Who needs an excuse to ride these super cool buggies??? Another perfect excuse to head to Hamilton ;)

Hamilton Island buggies

Much love & friendship,

XxDani 

What Every Man Should Know Before A Cosmetic Procedure

Think only women obsess over their looks? Think again. With more men opting to go under the knife, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.

What Every Man Should Know Before a Cosmetic Procedure

For years, women and their looks have been under the microscope, scrutinized at every turn. Men seemingly escaped the pressure said to age like a fine wine. However, more men are turning to cosmetic surgery to regain their youthful looks. Before the first cut, know what’s true and what’s false.

Myth #1 – Men only get surgery on their bodies; they don’t mess with their faces.

False. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2011, the top five male cosmetic procedures were:

1. Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) – 62,000 procedures
2. Eye Lid Surgery – 29,000 procedures
3. Liposuction – 23,000 procedures
4. Breast Reduction – 20,000 procedures
5. Facelift – 11,000 procedures

Only 317 pectoral implants were performed in 2011. Chin implants are also on the rise with a 76% increase from 2010 to 2011. It seems “rugged” is no longer a good look for men.

Myth #2 - To get rid of man “boobs”, just lose weight.

False. Enlarged breast tissue in men actually has a medical name. It’s known as gynecomastia. And losing weight isn’t always the answer to get rid of them. Even with weight loss, male breast reduction is often needed to return breast tissue back to its natural appearance. Weight gain is one reason for it, but it can also be caused by genetics, hormones, and medications. While a man having breasts can be embarrassing, it isn’t physically harmful.

Myth #3 – Men who receive plastic surgery are vain.

There will always be those who seek cosmetic surgery for vanity reasons, but not all men opt for procedures just for their looks. There are several medical reasons for cosmetic surgery. For example, while gynecomastia itself is not an issue, it may be a catalyst for an underlying medical issue such as cirrhosis or testicular cancer. Rhinoplasty may be necessary if a man has a broken nose and the bones don’t mend correctly, causing breathing issues. Men with a deviated septum may also need rhinoplasty as part of a sinus procedure.

Myth #4 – For a man, any plastic/cosmetic surgeon will do.

This myth can be dangerous. As with any other surgical procedure, time and care should be paid to who is going to be doing the work. Some men are notorious for just getting the least expensive item as long as it is functional. Men, this is not an area you want to skimp on. Find out how much your insurance will cover and be prepared for anything else out of pocket.
It is also important to know what type of training your surgeon has received. A board certified doctor is best to have, but be sure to know what they are truly certified in. Some surgeons may be certified in another specialty and ended up in plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons are not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Be sure to look for a board certified plastic surgeon. There is a difference. Ask questions and don’t assume. You wouldn’t have a board certified orthopedic perform surgery on your liver would you?

Citations:

Dr. Simopoulos is a cosmetic surgeon based in Beverly Hills. You will find more information about laser body sculpting on his website.

Weight loss story Transformation Tuesday - Helené

This transformation will blow your mind!!! Seriously! 

For those that are finding it difficult out there or feeling like they have plataued, this interview will make you realise ANYTHING is possible!!!!

Let me introduce the beautiful and wonderful Helené Mikanovic from the most romantic countries in the world, France. I have been following her on Instagram since early this year and all I can say is WOW! Truly one amazing girl and she has such a wonderful story to share!

Weight loss story 51kgs AKA 112lbs already LOST!!!! 

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

I'm 25years old, I'm not really in a particular diet, the "basics" were given to me by a doctor in February 2012, and since. I eat healthy, I workout every day, trying to listen to my body and it works very well :)

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

When I was a kid, I was like all the other children. I like to eat sweets, chocolate, chips, ice cream, cakes, Mcdonalds etc... all these things that are not healthy. Quick things to eat. I don't take the time to discover the flavors, my mother had some vegetables I immediately said "no, I don't like it!" while I had ever tasted.
I learned to eat things I never eat before, some vegetables, for example, I learned to appreciate the real flavor and not things filled with chemical things.Take the time to discover, take the time to try several times. It changed my way of eating, my way of life.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?When I was young my weight was “normal”, I praticed sport (fencing), high level sport, I did sport for most of 12 years. I was departemental champion (I have pics if you are interested!) I was a sportswoman, I did bike and swimming. I was a young active child. Then one day I had a fight with my teacher. I think it was at this time (15yo) that I start gain weight.
Now I begin to love the sport again. I don't do sports at a high level because my highest weight was 396lbs (180kgs) and at this weight, you can imagine the difficulty playing sports!
Now, I do stepper, walking, squats, cycling and swimming. Gradually!
But on TV :) I love watching tennis

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?I'm passionate about many things. I love the simple things in life. I like to walk in the forest, in the countryside. I love beautiful scenery, watching the sea, I love taking pictures. I like to capture every moment of my life.before my weight loss and even now.
I'm a very simple girl, a hello, a smile, a little attention makes me smile :) I'm not complicated, I love people, I love life, I love the simplicity.
I like to share my experience on instagram. I smile when I get nice comments, I smile when I get advice, I smile when I see the progress of my friends on instagram, I love people who are fighting for their lives. I smile when I see people post nasty comments because I think they make me move forward in life.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?When I was young, my parents took me see some doctors for my weight, I also went into center for obese children. 3 times for long months… I lose weight but after, I always became more fat. I know all methods “balanced” diet, as I was eating everything but in small quantities by removing cakes etc. I lost 2,2lbs (1kg) per month. I’m not saying it is not good but when weighed 319lbs (145kgs) at 24 yo height 1.69cm, it is urgent to lose weight for health reasons.
So I decided to make an appointment with a nutritionist (january2012). I was happy to go to my appointment … and then..........I went, I came out crying.
Why? Because I was unmotivated, saying that it was difficult to lose weight and in my case surgery would be best (sleeve, bypass etc …). For me it was out of the question that I do make. I was motivated and I was losing weight so why have surgery???
I’ve never been to see her again.
One word in my head: SUCCESSFUL, to become what I am!
NO! I can do it, I want to get there, this doctor was so mean to me, I was just looking for help!
It was THE thing.

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

I don't have a goal for the next 12 months. My real goal is to have a healthy life. forever.

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

I'm not a doctor, I'm not a professional. I just want to say that everything is possible, you should never give up. Don't let anyone discourage you, surround yourself with good people. Let anyone try to take the wrong wayeven once. Bad habits are so easy to pick up! I just want to tell you, no matter where you start, nothing is impossible. yes it takes time, but believe me it is the best gift that you can do in life.
My journey is not over, I continue every day to share with you, I know how hard it is, there is no miracle but the miracle is really changing. become what you are.

NB: Helené has replied back to these questions via email and apologised for her English but I think she did an amazing job and I did not edit one word. I would be terrible at French! 

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey with us all Helené. I look forward to catching up with you later on in the year to see your progress. For those that wish to follow Helené, please do so on her Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Tell me what are some things that stop your healthy lifestyle?

♥ Dani 

Why Steam Is So Beneficial For Treating Acne

By Alex Morgan

Acne is a common and distressing skin complaint. It
predictably starts during puberty, affecting approximately
three quarters of all 13-18 year olds, and can sometimes
continue to affect people well into their adult lives. While
research remains to be done on the exact cause of acne and
there is no one definitive cure yet available, there are a
number of treatments which can help to greatly reduce the
symptoms.

So, what exactly is acne? Basically acne is a disease which
causes spots and redness on the skin, most often on the
face, neck, chest and back. These spots can be either
whiteheads, blackheads, red or yellow spots or hard red
swellings just below the surface of the skin. It occurs when
the little glands below the surface of the skin produce too
much sebum. This is an oily substance, used to keep the skin
soft and supple. However if too much sebum is produced it tends
to clog up the tiny pores through which hairs grow out of
the skin and this causes blackheads and whiteheads. To make
matters worse, this build up of oil creates a perfect
environment for a bacterium (Propionibacterium acnes) to
grow. Your bodies immune system tries to fight this growth
in bacteria causing the redness and inflammation which often
comes with spots.

There are some factors which are known to contribute to
acne. Hormones, for example testosterone, known to be high
in both boys and girls during their teenage years seems to
aggravate acne. Stress is also a contributing factor, one
theory being that stressed people touch their face
frequently and so help to spread bacteria. Acne also seems
to have a genetic cause, since if your parents had acne, you
are more likely to suffer from it too. There are however a
lot of misconceptions about acne - that it is caused by poor
hygiene, or eating chocolate, for example, these are not
true.

There are many effective treatments for acne and your doctor
will be able to prescribe the most appropriate one for you.
There are also a number of self-help treatments which you
can try. Basic hygiene is important to get rid of bacteria
on the skin, so you should wash twice a day with a gentle
cleanser and try to wash your hands before you touch your
face, for example when applying make up.

Steaming the face or other affected parts can be a useful
addition to your acne treatment program. Although people
with very severe acne are advised not to use steam
treatment, for the vast majority of suffers, steaming can
really help clear the complexion since it opens up the pores
and at the same time increases sweating and so helps to
flush impurities out of the skin. Since sweat is salty, it
can also act as an antimicrobial agent, killing some of the
bacteria found on the skin. Steaming also increases blood
circulation, bringing greater amounts of oxygen and
nutrients to the skin.

Adding herbs and essential oils to your steamer just before
use, can bring many additional benefits for your complexion.
Lavender helps to aid relaxation and can be a very effective
way of reducing stress, which is a known contributor to acne
outbreaks. Mint too can be used to dissolve the grime
clogged in facial pores and make it easier for it to be
flushed away. Other herbs and oils provide more general
benefits, like rose hips which is great for skin
regeneration.

There are a variety of ways to steam your face. Perhaps the
most basic is to do it yourself at home over a very hot bowl
of water! However, there are a selection of fantastic facial
steamers available to buy, which can make the job a whole
lot simpler and safer too, no wandering about with kettles
of boiling water. Perhaps the cheapest model available is
the portable steamer. This is lightweight and very easy to
use, just fill up the reservoir with water and turn it on.
You can safely add essential oils to the water reservoirs of
commercial steamers and one great advantage is that you can
control the steam volume, having either a fine mist or a
strong steam spray delivered. Some facial steamers are
designed to be used with ozone which is antibacterial and
dries the skin, giving even greater benefits to users.

Once you have finished your steam treatment, you must always
wash your skin immediately afterwards to remove all the
impurities which have been drawn out by the steaming
process, otherwise you will make the condition worse. The
results of steaming your skin in this way will not be seen
for a few weeks, in common with all other acne treatments.
But if you continue to regularly cleanse your skin in this
way, you should be rewarded by a much improved complexion.


Are you tired of suffering with spots? Discover the benefits
of using (http://steamforacne.com) steam for acne and how it
can radically improve the condition of your skin. Visit us
now at http://steamforacne.com

Five Fun Ways To Get In Shape

By Mckayla Anna

There are so many ways to get in shape, but they don't all
fill us with excitement! Getting fit is something that can
be fun, however, if you're a little creative about it. To
help you out I've put together five fun tips to help you get
fit again but without the traditional kind of exercise!

1) Dance Classes

One of the best fun ways to get in shape is to dance. There
are so many different types of dance class these days,
you're bound to find one that suits you. Better still, go
with a friend. It's a fantastic night out and you'll be
burning calories at the same time! When you're not out at
your class, just put on some uplifting music at home and
dance around the place. See how tired you get in just thirty
minutes - you'll be getting a fantastic workout without even
trying!

2) Play With Your Pet

If you have a dog then there's no better way to bond and
have some fun than going out for a long walk or run. Your
dog will love it: and you will too when you start to see
those pounds falling off! Even running around with them in
the back yard can have a great effect.

3) Play Some Sport

Most of us dread the idea of facing the gym regularly, but
doing something like sports with your friends can be a lot
easier to get your head around. Whatever sport you like,
even if you just end up playing catch, it'll get you moving
which will, in turn, get you back in shape without you even
realizing it.

4) Sign Up for A Charity Run

Doing a sponsored walk or run is one of the best ways to
earn some money for charity. What better motivation do you
need to get out there and to start exercising? Whenever
you're feeling tired or down about being active, just
remember that you're doing it for a fantastic reason.

5) Get A Fitness Game

These days, even playing a computer game can keep you fit!
Games such as the Wii Fit are now some of the most popular
ways to get in shape. They give you a real workout but they
make it fun, helping to take the pain out of exercising
regularly. Not only this, but they're a fraction of the cost
of buying a membership to the gym!

No matter how you exercise, have some fun! You'd even be
surprised at the
(http://www.gettinginshape.org/walking-as-an-exercise.html)
walking exercise benefits that you'll reap just by taking
your dog for a walk each day. If you still need a bit more
motivation then head on over to
(http://www.gettinginshape.org) Getting in Shape for more
exercise and dieting tips.

Better Health With A Weightlifting Fitness Program

Getting fit can be difficult, particularly if you've spent
the last few years (or decades!) putting off fitness until
tomorrow. Well, your fitness is not something that can keep
waiting. Your health depends on it.

Staying fit doesn't require you to run 6 miles each day. It
only requires that your lungs are healthy and your heart is
strong. There are benefits for the rest of your body too,
such as losing that extra weight that somehow settled on
your tummy.

Is there a fast track way to losing weight and getting fit?
Surely hours on the everyday is not the only way?

Doing cardio work (running, cycling etc) is vital for heart
health, but you can speed up your fitness and weight loss
progress by undertaking a weightlifting fitness program.

Before you panic, don't for a second think that you are
going to turn into the incredible hulk! Lifting weights is a
proven beneficial exercise that has multiple benefits:

- As you build muscle and lose fat, you'll get rid of
weight much quicker.

- Bones become stronger.

- Your body will strengthen and you'll be more energetic.

There's no need to go to a gym if you don't want to.
Weightlifting fitness can be accomplished at home too. All
you'll need is a simple set of dumbbells to start with and
progress from there.

Start out with light, easy weight lifting and then progress
from there to more heavier weights. Within a few weeks you
will notice your muscle definition and your overall body
shape changing for the better.

Weight lifting brings about faster weight loss results than
just doing running or walking. However that does not mean
you should give up the cardio altogether: your body still
needs it. The ideal balance is 50% cardio and 50% weight
work.

A great routine to get into is to do your cardio work in the
morning (say 30 minutes of fast walking) and then weights in
the afternoon. But never work the same muscle with weights 2
days in a row: they must recover first. In fact, training
the same muscle group just twice per week is fine as the
muscle actually grows when you are recovering from a
workout.

The Biggest Health Problem Today? Stress

Stress has been in the news as a health epidemic since the
early eighties and this situation continues to worsen as an
increasing number of workers say that they are suffering
increasing stress in the workplace. Indeed work is now the
leading environment for the development of stress in adult
Americans. However levels of stress have also been rising
for children in the past few years and many people now link
this to a loss of religious and family values, isolation,
insufficient social support and simple corporate greed.

Nowadays, stress is far more of a danger than it was just
ten years ago and looks to be more extensive and more
invasive than ever with a lot more stress coming from
psychological instead of physical threats.

Stress causes a rise in heart rate and greater blood flow
leading to higher blood pressure. Levels of blood sugar also
increase to give the body the extra fuel which it needs to
fight stress, and the body is designed to push blood away
from the stomach when we are stressed in order to provide
extra strength for the legs and arms as part of what is
often called our "flight or fight" response.

Stress contributes to anxiety and chronic depression
together with skin and gastrointestinal problems, and
interferes with the workings of a lot of the body's major
organs. It can also create an impairment of the immune
system, which cannot shake off viral disorders from the not
particularly serious cold to very serious diseases such as
AIDS and cancer.

Stress in the workplace directly influences such things as
employee absenteeism and productivity and the business
climate progressively worsens with competition today at an
all-time high. The pressure placed upon employees to produce
and the continual concern about job security can produce a
number of conditions including neck pain, back pain, stroke,
hypertension, diabetes, ulcers and heart attacks.

All sorts of things can create stress including just sitting
in front of a computer for six hours every day or more,
meeting deadlines or having somebody continually monitoring
you. In this case the results are frequently seen as
depression and a range of physical ailments which give rise
to lost work time.

Taking the steps to manage the stress in your life may well
be the nicest gift you can give yourself and just a few
quite simple alterations to your lifestyle can make a big
difference to how you handle stress. For instance, taking
just 20 minutes out of your day to walk will lower your
level of stress as will talking to other people, prayer and
meditation and following a healthy diet. Take the time
necessary to master a few relaxation techniques because deep
breathing and relaxation exercises can do a great deal to
reduce your level of stress.

The Weight Loss Tip That Will Change Your Life

By Henry John

Tell everybody that you're going to lose weight and you will
get inundated with advice. Whoever you talk to will warn you
what not to do and what to be aware of. It can become a bit
of a nightmare. You are left really not knowing what to do.

Which diet should you go on? There is always something new
on the market that is promising to rid you of your excess
weight without you having to lift a finger - and in double
quick time too. Then there are those who pass on their
experience of a program saying it's the best there is - or
is it?

If you are after a quiet life, the best thing you can do if
you want to lose weight is to tell nobody. People don't mean
any harm, in fact they want to support you. They mean well,
but they can also give you a lot of unwanted pressure, which
you can do without.

So, the first thing to do is to keep things to yourself. Do
your own research. Make your own decisions. If you rely too
much on the advice of others you will find out the truth the
hard way.

Don't go on a diet. This is probably the best tip that you
will ever get about losing weight. It sounds strange, but as
far as advice is concerned, it's gold dust!

Did you know that the diet industry is worth over $60
billion. It's huge. Surely it's right to assume that diets
work then? You would think so, but all is not quite as it
seems. Diets only deliver short-term weight loss. The
majority of people who go on diets never achieve permanent
weight loss.

So what's the answer? The simple fact is that if you want to
lose weight permanently you have to change. You have to get
rid of the habits that make you fat. You do this by learning
new ones - slim habits.

Learning new habits is the only sure fire way of making
changes. It means that you can learn new eating and lifestyle
habits that will be with you forever and it will allow you
to take control of your life so that you never have to go on
a diet again.


A speaker and author on dieting, healthy weight loss and how
to stay slim, Henry John's special interest is permanent
weight loss and behavior change. He is committed to
assisting people with weight loss tips and advising them on
the best way to lose weight so that they can achieve
(http://www.slimhabit.com/) permanent weight loss. If you
would like to learn more about how to lose weight
permanently go to (http://www.slimhabit.com/)

Energy Drinks Are Not Healthy

How can energy drinks be healthy? They are usually full of
artificial caffeine, HFCS (ref:
(http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html)
Double Danger of HFCS), Taurine and of course, to somehow
validate everything, synthetically produced vitamins. This
cocktail of chemicals will do more harm than good. It
already has.

More and more people that consume the traditional energy
drink regularly or even daily have already or are destined
to eventually suffer from stomach, kidney, liver or heart
problems. Not to mention the effects these chemical
cocktails can have on one's teeth (premature enamel
degradation) or skin (dehydration related blotching).

An entire new generation is coming into adulthood without
their parents' coffee routine, but with a morning, afternoon
or evening energy drink. Sometimes all three. Many spend
hours online gaming, instead of exercising, which
accentuates the problem with energy drinks, introducing type
2 diabetes and other sedentary diseases.

Why should we be concerned about this new variety of mental
stimulant? A cup or two of coffee every day has never caused
serious health effects. The big difference relates to where
the buzz comes from: natural coffee beans vs. laboratory
produced synthetic caffeine.

Just like with any other product found in nature, the
caffeine in the coffee beans comes with many by-products
which are not easily separated from the pure caffeine
elements. natural caffeine comes with fibers and other
organic substances which reduce the absorption of the
caffeine into the bloodstream.

In most energy drinks, the caffeine is synthetically
produced in a factory. This synthetic caffeine has one
advantage over natural caffeine: it is extremely potent.
All of the natural byproducts that come with natural caffeine
from coffee beans or Guarana are not present with laboratory
caffeine. It is also much cheaper to produce than natural
caffeine, another great thing, from the manufacturer's point
of view. Unfortunately, from a consumer's point of view, this
concentrated caffeine blast is absorbed into the bloodstream
almost as soon as it hits the stomach.

Natural products like the actual coffee from coffee beans,
Guarana seeds or tea leaves, are absorbed more gradually by
the body. They are also not as concentrated and therefore
less toxic than the chemical caffeine in most energy drinks.

Here are some advantages of natural caffeine (whether it be
in coffee, tea or Guarana). Firstly, the increased mental
alertness is longer. Instead of the instant high you get
from most energy drinks and then the subsequent downfall,
you get a sustained feeling of mental clarity for a few
hours and the effect eventually wears off more naturally and
gradually.

Secondly, continuous exposure to synthetic caffeine over
saturates our nervous system. If this excessive exposure
continues, our nerves go haywire. This is Mother Nature's
way of telling us to be careful. Our hands may quiver,
nervous habits develop; our body starts to show signs of
stress not different from those related to anxiety or
depression. Not recommended for anyone.

With guaranine or tea or natural coffee beans, our digestive
and circulatory system can easily eliminate the excess
quantities without unduly affecting the nervous system. But
even with natural stimulants, they must be used carefully
and not in excessive amounts. It is best to stick with one
cup per day; of coffee (not the grande which is really like
6 coffees) or one 12 oz can of a natural energy drink or
unsweetened cold tea.

Organic coffees don't contain any of the chemicals used in
large farming operations. (http://www.wholefoods.com) Whole
Foods Markets has a wide variety of these.

Some natural energy drinks that are recommended :
GURU Energy Drinks and Syzmo. They are both made with
natural caffeine from Guarana and/or coffee. What's good
about GURU is that it is entirely natural, has no
artificial sweeteners or vitamins. Sysmo is made from good
ingredients but is more costly, and is an acquired taste.

Both of these are available on the
respective companies' website and at
(http://www.wholefoods.com) Whole Foods Markets.

With regards to teas; cold, brewed teas will provide the
best combination of anti-oxidants and natural caffeine. A
good brand is ITOEN, from Japan. Itoen Teas seems to be
the purest, unsweetened product out there. The Zen taste
grows on you after a couple of bottles. Another cool brand is
the US based Honest Tea, but they recently sold out to Coke
and now it seems they're selling out to the sweeter American
taste buds.

Relaxation And Stress Management

Many people get caught up in their day to day lives and
focus on the future which can bring about anxiety or stress.
Stress can cause many problems such as concentration issues,
lack of good judgment, negativity and lack of productivity.
The best way to combat these feelings of stress is through relaxation.
Relaxation plays a key roll in leading a healthy happy life.
Relaxation takes as little as ten minutes a day and can be as simple
as breathing exercises, or as challenging as a kick boxing class,
the choice is yours.

Relaxation can happen anywhere, at work, at home or on a
little deserted island off the coast of Mexico. Unfortunately
not everyone can take a nice vacation to that dream island or
a seven year sabbatical. Many need to learn to relax in the
comfort of their own homes and lives. The key is to find something
you enjoy and teach your mind to relax when you do it.

There are many ways in which you can relax. Finding your
method is really your biggest obstacle, but it is easy, just
think about what you enjoy most. Maybe you like listening to
music, reading, meditating or walking. Any of these
activities can be a relaxation method and can be scaled down
to as little as ten minutes.

Watching TV, listening to music, surfing the web and
reading all offer a break from regular day to day
situations. They each create an alternative world that is
entirely your own. Your mind visually escapes into a place
that is different and exciting instead of dull, boring and
always the same as so many of us think our lives are.

Learning to control your breathing and meditation can be a
little more complicated since you must learn these
techniques in order for them to work properly. Meditation
can help you learn to reflect on situations and to control
your breathing to calm your mind. These techniques need to
be mastered and exercised in order to achieve the maximum
result. Once you have achieved your goal, you can relax at
the drop of a hat and find inner control in as little as ten
minutes.

Other people prefer to hit the gym to relax. Some like to
run, walk or lift weights. Others might prefer cycling,
kick boxing or tai chi classes. Running and walking burn off
excessive built up energy, however not everyone wants to run
a marathon. For them there are other types of classes which
sole purpose is relaxation such as yoga. Many people choose
to skip the classes and gym all together and simply walk
their dogs in the park.

Your body will tell you what it likes and what it doesn't
like, you just need to learn to listen. Take note of what
worked and what didn't while you were practicing different
relaxing techniques. If one doesn't work don't be afraid to
try a different approach. Make sure to keep yourself
motivated by reminding yourself you will be healthier and
happier in the end and think how nice it is to do something
enjoyable.

Teaching your body something new is always a challenge,
however once you get the hang of it, it is like riding a
bike, your body won't forget how. It is important to find an
activity which you enjoy and know you will stick with, but
you must make a conscious effort to remind and train your
body to relax while performing this task. It may take time,
but in the end the rewards will be fantastic for your mind,
body and lifestyle.

What You Can Do With Celery Seed

If you have simply bought yourself some celery seed on a
whim, or you are simply interested in finding out what it
can do for you, there is some information that you should
know about the seasoning celery seed. This seasoning has
been around for quite some time in a wide variety of
cultures, and you will find that with a little bit of work,
it can be easily integrated into your diet. Take some time
to look around and see what celery seed can do for you!

What is Celery Seed?

Celery seed comes from a plant called apium graveolons, not
the celery vegetable. There are a lot of other small, brown
seeds, which are similar in appearance, but the unique smell
of celery seed gives it away. They smell just like celery.
When you use celery seeds in your recipe, whether you are
making crockpot chicken noodle soup, a salad dressing, or a
vegetarian casserole, you will find these seeds impart the
flavor of celery without having to add stalks of celery to
the recipe.

How Can You Use Celery Seed?

You can use these seeds to flavor soups and salad dressings
as well as in pickling. Chicken noodle soup has a real kick
if you add some celery seed. If you suffer from bronchitis,
gout, arthritis, and various other inflammations, celery
seed is a scientifically proven homeopathic remedy.

Because celery seeds have a significant concentration of
phtalides, you will see that it has some scientifically
provable qualities as a sedative and a muscle-relaxant.
Consumption of celery seeds also leads to an antioxidant
effect.

How can I make a good celery seed salad dressing?

As well as being an excellent ingredient in homemade chicken
noodle soup, celery seeds are found in many types of salad
dressing. You can make your own by combining a teaspoon of
salt, a teaspoon of celery seed and a teaspoon of dry
mustard. Next, add a teaspoon of onion juice and trickle in
a cup of salad oil and a third of a cup of vinegar slowly.
The resulting dressing is mild yet tangy and is very tasty
on vegetable or fruit salads. You might prefer to add sugar
and pepper, depending on your taste.

What Foods are Good with Celery Seeds?

Celery should be added when you feel the recipe would suit
it. With a bit of experimentation, trial and error you might
even be able to come up with some fabulous new recipes.
Homemade chicken noodle soup is known for being extra tasty
with added celery seed, or crockpot chicken noodle soup if
you are at work all day and want to come home to a ready
meal. If you normally add celery to a certain recipe, try
celery seed instead for a change in texture. Coleslaw and
chicken potpie are other recipes, which suit a celery seed
flavor.

There are many reasons, as you can see, for using celery
seed. A bottle of celery seed keeps for up to 3 years so there
is no reason not to get some and experiment. Try making
some chicken noodle soup and adding celery seed
to taste. You definitely won't be disappointed with the
results!

Finally! a complete list of which foods are best to eat for
burning 38% more body fat. Discover the 110 amazing
fat fighting foods guaranteed to melt stubborn body fat =>
Fat Loss Foods

The First 72 Hours After Quitting Smoking

Feelings of fatigue, irritability and an extremely
persistent headache are all side effects of nicotine
withdrawal and are all perfectly normal. Why? Simply
because it is in the first 72 hours when nicotine purges
itself from your system - regardless of the smoking
cessation method you have chosen to use.

The good news is that if you prepare mentally for your quit
day, many of the symptoms will not make you feel like you
have to lock yourself in a closet. Letting friends and
family members know that today is your quit day (if you
feel they would be a help and not a hindrance) would be a
good idea and since it's common knowledge about how people
act when they stop smoking, you may just get the house to
yourself for the day.

Keep in mind, that by making plans in advance on how you
are going to handle these symptoms, it can really help if
you write them down. What are you going to feel? What are
the symptoms of withdrawal? You may want to include these
things on your list:

Feeling angry or agitated: I will take deep breaths and
take a walk outside. I will leave the room or go take a
shower.

Feeling overly emotional or sensitive: I will find a few
moments for myself.

Feeling tired: Rest and healing are needed to allow myself
to heal from my addiction.

Feeling nauseated: I will drink a glass of water (helps
with nausea, as do apples and ginger).

After I eat I will: Find something to do so I don't crave
the 'after-dinner' cigarette.

A really good way to help your body get rid of the nicotine
within it is to drink lots of water. The more you drink,
the faster your body will metabolize the stored nicotine
within your system and the only side effect of this is a
slouchy stomach and maybe a few more trips to the bathroom.
The faster you can get the nicotine flushed out of your
system, the sooner the withdrawal symptoms will be over, at
least the physical ones.

Some theorize that drinking beverages with caffeine in them
can cause your withdrawal symptoms to worsen. Others find
that it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever. Each
individual's situation is unique. If you find that
caffeinated drinks are causing you to crave cigarettes,
then it would be best to cut back or stop completely.

Sometimes giving up too many things at once can also open
up another can of worms, so maybe just try cutting back on
the caffeine. Water, fruit juices, and even ice cream
shakes, can help clear out your system and get those
withdrawal symptoms done with faster.

A very common side effect during the first few nights is
finding it difficult to fall asleep and then to sleep
soundly. Even though you might have been exhausted
throughout the day, when it's time for bed it seems like
everything is racing through your mind and you can't get
comfortable.

Taking a nice hot shower or a soothing bath, just prior to
going to bed can be very helpful and can help you become
relaxed enough to fall asleep. Normally, this will only
last one or two nights at the most, but if it becomes
persistent, you may want to consider taking an
over-the-counter sleep aid for a night or two. Your
sleeplessness won't last for long.

QUIT SMOKING the pain free way.
No stress, no cravings, no weight gain, no pills, patches
or gums. Check out the NO.1 program that boasts
a 97.2% success rate and has a 100% guarantee here =>

Quit Smoking Today