December 2008


At first reading, Strip That Fat seemed like a pretty silly name. Now, two months into the program we realize that it is totally appropriate for a process that does exactly that.

Working together, and we can’t recommend the “buddy system” highly enough, Gayle and I have done away with nearly 20 pounds of unwanted fat.

Gayle started out merely overweight. I, on the other hand, fit into the “morbidly obese” category. Between the two of us we had, at the beginning, a total of 125 pounds to “strip”.

We knew from our past experiences(many, many, experiences) that we never lasted long enough on any of the highly restrictive (low carb, no carb, low fat, no fat, cabbage soup only, etc) diets to achieve any significant or lasting results.

Determined to someday achieve our rather ambitious weight goals, we kept looking and looking for the “magic diet plan”.

We tried the teas, the pills, the Atkins, the South, North, East and West-sides, even the colon assaulting powders–all to no avail. If you can imagine a 422 pound yo-yo…that’s been us for years. Somehow we always missed, or chose to ignore, the fine print on the sales page of every new diet plan. You know what we’re talking about: the line that reads “These teas, pills, and/or potions are effective when used with a program of eating less and exercising more.”

Regardless of any carb, fat, fruit, or cabbage soup intake, EATING LESS…AND EXERCISING MORE will have a desired effect on a weight problem. Of course, we knew that; and so do you.

So why keep searching for the easy and instant? In our case at least, it was a combination of laziness, impatience and frustration. You can fill in your own motivations; but the bottom line is that after all those unsuccessful attempts, each January first when we set out anew to make this our year to achieve a healthy weight, we found that we were heavier than the previous January… when we had made the exact same vow. Sound familiar?

So, we’re excited. For the first time in years, our January resolution (yep, same one) will be starting at a much IMPROVED level. And we are getting there by EATING MORE (often) and EXERCISING (within our comfort level). We are two months “in” instead of the usual “two weeks and out”. And the results are beginning to show.

Just last week our “ever-style-conscious” teen age grand daughter commented: “Gee Poppy and GG, your new diet seems to be working! How much have you lost?”

Just try explaining to an ultra thin teen-ager that we’re not “on a diet”–just a simple and pleasant “lifestyle change”; that we’re not “working” as much as “learning”; and that we haven’t “lost” a thing. Bottom line is that we have “gained” so very much.

Click the following links for a couple of “resources” that helped us to get inspired:

Strip That Fat and Smart Diet

All the best,

Fred and Gayle

P.S. Read also about how to build immune system inside this post.

Shin Splints involves an uncomfortable pain in the shin bone area or tibia caused by injury to the posterior peroneal tendon. The resulting soreness occurs in the front or inside section of the tibia. In many cases, shin pain in runners is caused by intense physical activity like jumping, running or playing active sports; shin pain in runners can require an extended period of time to improve.

Symptoms of Shin Splints

The symptoms for shin splints include inflammation and/or soreness around the shin area, particularly after running or walking for long distances. The pain typically presents itself at the beginning of the workout, then lessens slightly, and reappears when settling into rest. It is common for shin splints in athletes to occur in people who have just started to get involved in running, walking, or sports activities.

Shin Splints: Causes

The most common cause of shin pain in runners is undue stretching of the muscles and tendons adjacent to the shin bones, which are the tibia and the fibula. Excessive use of these muscles by athletes and runners is the most common trigger for this condition. Other causes for shin pain in runners can also be due to overuse of the anterior tibialis muscle in the front of the leg, along the outside front of the shin bones.

Over pronation of the feet is often a significant contributor to shin pain in runners. Over pronation causes internal rotation of the tibia and amplifies the tractional forces upon the muscles and ligaments in the lower leg.

Treating Shin Splints In Runners

In the immediate term, rest is required to help lessen shin pain in runners. Running and other strenuous activities should be minimized until the condition is under control. Shin splints can frequently be prevented by performing stretching exercises before strong physical activity. It is important for athletes and runners to slowly increment their level of activity, and always go through a proper warm-up before sudden or intense exercise. A change in running style to eliminate overstriding and avoiding heavy heel strike can also reduce shin pain in the long term.

Using suitable footwear is also an effective way to prevent and reduce the pain associated with shin splints, particularly for athletes who use a heavy heel strike. It is important that running shoes with proper rear foot stability be used whenever possible. Additionally, running orthotics are useful by helping to correct over pronation and cushioning the heels, thus reducing the impact while providing heel stability.

Runners and other athletes need to continuously maintain proper preventive foot care in order to perform properly at all times.

quick weight loss : There are many people who are out there and asking the question ‘Are there any easy ways to lose weight?’ when people are asked, it seems that everyone knows that dieting, and cutting down on food intake, increasing the amount of exercise that we do and thereby increasing the calories that we burn; all these things work to combine into a formula to help us to actually quick weight loss. For many; the hard part is sticking to a low calorie, and often bland, diet. Just like anything else that is new - it is certainly not easy, but with work to estabish the new behaviours it is possible to do. Here are some pieces of advice that we can use to help us to keep on track with our weight loss and dieting endeavours as we look at some of the many
diabetic diet in connection with weight loss tips.

1) Keep a daily log of everything that you eat. When wer write down everything that we eat, this helps us to eat even less. When we look at the studies we see that people who keep track of what they eat end up eating up to fifteen percent less. We see that this is a very significant point that people should take note of.

2) The average American consumes an additional 245 calories per day just from drinks. You may be advized to switch from juice, soda, and other calorie drinks to water. 245 calories a day is nearly 90,000 calories a year. That’s 25 pounds. Are soda and juice really that good? Another fact is that despite their calories, drinks like soda and juice don’t trigger a feeling of fullness the way foods do.

3) Eat five or six smaller meals a day instead of three large meals a day. Studies show that eating in smaller portions more often results in eating 30% fewer calories. Furthermore, even the same number of calories eaten in smaller portions during more frequent meals can result in weight loss. You’re less likely to binge because the body releases less insulin.

4) Get rid of the clothes that we consider to be fat. If you don’t have clothing that’s comfortable when you’re heavier, you’re more likely to be reminded to keep the weight off every time you dress. And you’re less likely to gain weight if doing so means having to buy a whole new wardrobe.

5) Use smaller plates. It’s been proven that people eat more when more food is in front of them, and they eat less when less food is in front of them. Smaller plates mean smaller portions, so put the salad plates into use as the main plate.

6) Similar to the idea of using smaller plates, serve your food on the plate rather than in bowls on the table. When the plate is empty the meal is over, instead of spooning another portion onto your plate.

7) Avoid white foods such as white bread, sugar, and white rice. Those are the foods with loads of carbohydrates which lead to higher blood sugar and weight gain. Stick to whole grain breads and dark rice. Don’t worry about the sugar, pretty soon you won’t miss it.

natural weight loss : There are a lot of other juice recipes for weight lossand tips for easy ways to lose weight. Try not to be intimidated if it’s only easier instead of really easy. If weight loss were easy, everyone would be a supermodel.

The health industry is saturated with several health myths that have been heard for many decades. With a number of researches and studies on health of a human being, the truth behind these myths are now exposed. Next time when someone tells you any of these myths, scream that you know the truth behind these myths. The health information blog has several unknown health truths that are essential for a healthy living.

You must drink eight glasses of water everyday – It is true that you have to drink enough amount of water, but the eight glasses measurement is a sure myth. Every man has a different body structure and there is no single rule that fits for all. The juices, coffee, tea and other liquid that you consume add to fluid content in your body. You should not drink water just to add to the number of glasses of water that you take. You can drink water when you are thirsty, but don’t count on the glasses. At the same time, take care that you don’t stay for a long time without taking any fluid.

Low carb diets are healthy – A number of people believe that eating low carb diets are healthy and it should be followed. However not many people know about the truth behind these diets. Carbohydrates and proteins are vital for the body. Just by reducing the intake of carbohydrates, you cannot remain healthy. You should take carbohydrates and proteins according to the amount that is required for your body. Never fall into the pit of these unhealthy low carb diets. If you want to lose weight and get rid of fat, take a look at health product review to achieve your goal in a natural way.

Coffee should be completely avoided – This is the most common myth that even the doctors say. Coffee has antioxidants that are crucial to zap the free radicals. When you take two to three cups of coffee everyday, you are actually doing something good to your body. Controlled amounts of coffee intake are good, but you should not drink coffee in huge amounts and become addicted to caffeine.

You should not eat normally when you have fever – There are no scientific proofs that validate this myth. Irrespective of the measures you take, the fever causing virus stays for 7 to 10 days in the body. Hence you have to have medicines to fight against the infection and the diet that you take has nothing to do with it. You need to keep your body hydrated and drink ample amounts of fluids. You have to know the vital health and nutrition tips that help you stay active and healthy even if you are sick.

If you’re dealing with Hyperhidrosis, otherwise known as excessive sweating, it can be an emotionally trying condition to deal with. But is there are way to cure sweating such that you can begin to live a more normal life? The answer is that thousands of people around the world have been able to bring their sweating down to managable levels using various methods and you can too! You just need to find out what methods work best for you. What you’ll find here are a few things you can do to get you moving in the right direction. So, here is the right direction stop sweating for you only.

Causes of excessive sweating include infections, menopause, medications, alcoholism, and certain types of cancers. These medications include antidepressants which should not be stopped without physician supervision. Infections often are associated with a fever, as the body tries to fight off the bacteria or virus causing the infection. If you are experiencing other symptoms associated with sweating, such as a cough, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue, it is important to take your temperature using a thermometer, and also make an appointment to see your primary doctor.

The solution is to try out as many different excessive sweating treatment methods as possible and use the ones that work best for you. Here are a few to consider:

1. Cut Out The Coffee!

Coffee is just loaded with sugar and caffeine. These are both substances which elevate your heart rate, your metabolism, and basically make you more anxious. When you’re in this state, you tend to be more prone to sweating. In today’s society where coffee is big business and the early morning drink of choice, being a sweat sufferer, you’ve got to be a bit more cautious about how much of it you put into your body. Cut out the coffee and you should notice a change.

2. Stop Smoking!

This excessive sweating treatment will only be useful to those who light up, but it powerful. Smoking stimulates your sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for signaling your body to sweat. The more you light up, the more you signal your body to get it’s sweat on. Cut out the cigarettes!

3. Don’t Overdo the Alcohol

I know what you’re thinking, first the coffee, now the alcohol??? This guys going too far. But the truth is that drinking alcohol causes you to sweat more! It dilates your blood vessels which means more blood courses through your veins, which means your body heats up, which means…you guessed it, sweat-fest. So to keep things under control, especially if you’re a bit of a drinker, cut out the alcohol!

The trick is to finding the right preventive method for you. And the central to that lies in knowing your body. Learned what your perspiration triggers are, knowing what conditions lessens your sweat, and what conditions makes your stop altogether. Cut of your problem by visiting stop sweating program. We understand your problem! Have a happy life

Health is very important for everyone in this world. There is no point in earning a lot of money and giving the money to a doctor at early ages. Every one wants to lead a healthy life, but the problem is that many don’t take steps to lead a healthy life. It is not that you have to watch the calories you consume and do all tough exercises to be fit. However, you have to follow a healthy lifestyle for a healthy living. The following health and wellness tips expose some important things that you need to follow to lead a healthy life.

Drink more water – The best healthy thing that you can do for your body is to drink several glasses of water. This easy step can bring you several health benefits for your whole body. Simple plain water keeps your body hydrated as about 70% of your body consists of fluid. To stay active, you have to keep your body hydrated. When your body loses water content, all your activities will be slowed down. Just by improving the amount of water you drink, you can get relief from tiredness and sluggishness. However, you should not drink hydrogenated drinks telling that you are increasing fluid intake. These artificial drinks contain large quantities of salt and sugar that are not good for your health.

Eat different varieties of foods – To prevent many diseases and to supply essential nutrients for your body, you have to consume various foods at various times. Colored fruits and vegetables have lots of antioxidants that are required to flush away toxins from the body. When you fill your plate with colors, you can be happy that you consume healthy foods.

Include protein rich foods – When you eat every meal, make sure that you include proteins to each of your meals. If you eat plain carbohydrate rich diet, you will feel hungry soon because of the way the human body digests carbohydrates. These carbs are easily digested so that glucose level in the body boost up suddenly. When you take equal amounts of proteins, the digestion of proteins is slow and a steady stream of glucose is supplied which will keep you active. The health wellness blog has more information about the healthy foods that are vital for healthy living.

Many health products are now available in the market, which help you maintain proper health. With these products, you can provide your body with necessary nutrition. You must read health product reviews before you purchase any of these products. This is essential to be beware of scams that are commonly found in the health industry.

Many useful utensils in the kitchen remain unknown. popular kitchen constituents and seasonings are an efficacious cure for injuries and infections. Yeast infections can sometimes be caused by micro-organisms from the Candida albicans. But don’t be surprised to know that home remedies for yeast infection can be very efficacious in eliminating these micro-organisms.

Yeast and Home Remedies

The micro-organism Candida is always ever-present in our bodies. The growth of fungi creates infections when the environment and our bodies change. This alteration in the surroundings can range from improper acidic or alkaline balance to inadequate diet. Raised levels sugar in your diet, taking antibiotics or oral contraceptive pills, and hormone changes can all trigger yeast infections. These components can cause the fungi to be present resulting in very painful signs.

Home Remedy

Although a number of products are commercially available to help soothe the irritation brought by yeast infection, you might find these products a little costly or buying them would be quite inconvenient or you need the cure this instant. Also, there might be a possibility that the fungi acquire a resistance to commercially available medications.

Alternative Treatments

Some of the curatives that have been advocated include the use of borax especially if the yeast infection causes discharge that looks like egg white - calcarea carbonica to help with the itching and burning sensations felt before and after menstruation, kali bichromicum to ease a very painful discharge with itchiness and burning, natrum muriaticum, pulsatilla, sepia and sulphur.

These micro-organisms can be fought against with other micro-organisms. The use of probiotic bacteria is what we are speaking of and they are a good organism that occurs naturally in your digestive tract and vagina. When probiotic microflora grow, it suppresses the development of the Candida responsible for the infections. It is a war waged by micro-organisms. It’s pretty likely that these kinds of remedies may not be readily available at home. There are many natural, homemade curatives available.

Many people have reported favorable results when using garlic to treat yeast infections. Make a paste by mincing garlic cloves with a garlic press, or by chopping the cloves with a sharp knife until very fine. Right away apply the garlic paste to the area around the vagina. Obstinate fungi can be combated with the antibacterial action of garlic. The only real disadvantage is its odor.

A lesser stinky substance would substitute honey. However, the smell may not be as strong as garlic but the stickiness of honey would be quite uncomfortable. Honey, applied on affected areas, has been said to alleviate various symptoms of infection. You should apply honey and let it be for half an hour before cleansing with warm water

Vinegar is also a very strong antifungal and antibacterial cure. A combination of vinegar and warm water is reported to be very effective. The area must be soaked for at least twenty minutes in order to see or feel any effect. Cider vinegar is said to be more efficacious.

What are “super foods”…and why should I care? You might as well ask a similar question: “What is clean air…and why do I need it?” The answers to both questions are the same.

It’s called “quality of life”; and if by taking a few simple steps you could dramatically improve that quality, wouldn’t it be kind of silly to ignore those very steps?

If you live in an area that regularly announces the daily “air quality index” and frequently advises “staying indoors—in a ‘hepa filtered environment’” your options there may already be limited. You can uproot your family and “head for the hills” or a more rural environment; or, you can accept the prospect of ongoing breating problems.

If breathing is not your problem, but diet is, the answers there may be a simple as a trip to the grocery store. (With Google’s help, of course) Do a quick search for “super foods”.

Do several searches as I did, and you will eventually end up with the “basic lists of 14″ plus the one that includes CHOCOLATE–dark chocolate, but chocolate none-the-less.

Recent dietary research recommends 14 different, nutrient-dense foods, that very strongly promote good overall health. Coined “superfoods,” they tend to be lower in calories, higher in levels of vitamins and minerals, and to contain many disease-fighting antioxidants.

A diet built primarily, though not necessarily exclusively, around these super foods virtually guarantees a rapid improvement in your quality of life…improved digestion, higher energy levels, lowered blood pressure, the list goes on; but you get the idea.

And just what are these “mysterious, exotic” super foods, you ask?

(1) Beans—Practically any legume fits the bill.

(2) Berries—All are good; blueberries are best.

(3) Broccoli—No surprise here.

(4) Green Tea—Would Oprah lie to you?

(5) Nuts—Walnuts leading the list.

(6) Oranges—And almost all citrus fruits.

(7) Pumpkin—Pie anyone?

(8) Salmon—The wilder the better. Farms are for cows.

(9) Soy—May need to re-think this one; but I may be the only “tofu-phobe” on the planet.

(10) Spinach—Mom and Popeye were right all along.

(11) Tomatoes—You say tomahto…I say tomato.

(12) Turkey—It’s not just for Thanksgiving any more.

(13) Whole grains and oats—The more grains the better.

(14) Yogurt—An acquired taste. Personally, I’m still acquiring.

(15) CHOCOLATE—Dark, but still CHOCOLATE!

Did I mention CHOCOLATE?

And just what improvements to my quality of life can I expect from such “super foods”?
They warrant a list of their own:

(A) Lowered blood pressure.

(B) Diabetes—Reversed and/or controlled

(C) Alzheimer’s—Reduced or eliminated.

(D) Energy levels—Increased.

(E) Mood Swings—A thing of the past.

(F) Fatigue—Delayed till bedtime

(G) Bone and muscles—Improved tone and function

(H) Immune System—Strengthened

(I) Spirits—Watch thenm soar when you fit into your clothes again.

Superfoods can be the basis of a sound, healthy, nutritious lifestyle. Two weeks, or less, will be all the proof you need.

More info available at: super foods and super food

Read also about how to build immune system.

When it comes to health care industry, several myths can be heard everywhere. Many of the false statements are responsible for poor health care. It is necessary to know the truth behind the myths so that you can you can live healthily. Only when you know the truth, you can understand the reality and uncover the hidden important health secrets. The health information blog has more information about the truths related to healthcare.

Acne is caused because of not washing frequently

Acne is mainly caused by unnecessary oil secretion of sebaceous glands. When dirt and dust accumulates on the skin, it reacts with the oil to form acne. If you wash acne very often, the infection spreads to other areas as well. Also, when you wash your face often will clear the oil and hence, the glands work excessively to secrete more oil increasing the severity of acne. You have to look for good health product review that helps you identify the best acne products.

Lumps in breast means breast cancer

The increasing consciousness about breast cancer has lead to many fallacies as well. About 80% of the cysts in breast have nothing to do with cancer. Hormonal changes can create cysts and secretion of fluids. Bruising may also lead to the formation of such non dangerous lumps. However, if you have significant lumps, it is better to consult a doctor to understand the truth.

Cholesterol is absolutely bad

Many people do not know that cholesterol is essential for the body. There are two types of cholesterol – low density lipoprotein which is bad and high density lipoprotein which is good. Sources like cheese, butter, cream and meat contain bad cholesterol whereas the cholesterol that you get from nuts, and fishes are essential for your body.

Eating bananas will make you fat

The most common myth among those who are on diet is about bananas. Banana supplies 95 calories and it has only half gram of fat which will not lead to obesity. Banana is a rich source of several minerals such as potassium. Banana is a handy, easily available snack that can be consumed at any time.

You can skip breakfast if you are late of office

Many people have the habit of omitting the breakfast so that they can have huge meals during lunch time. This is a very bad practice that will eventually lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. You can take simple breakfast if you are not able to spend time in preparing rich foods. However, important minerals and vitamins must be made available to the body when you wake up in the morning. You can look at health and nutrition tips to know the essentiality of diet and snacks.

Fitness basically refers to the state of being healthy. Hence, it will really be great if people will spend more time on fitness throughout their lives.

It is stated in the Scriptures that our body is our temple. Therefore, it is our obligation to preserve it. For this reason, maintaining the health of both the mind and the body is an important consideration.

But of course, this involves a great amount of effort as well as thorough actions. Anyhow, no matter how tough it will be, the fruit is very rewarding. If you want a happy and healthy life, not all are privileged to have it, only those who work for it .

Fitness exercise is very important on one’s routine. Through fitness exercise, people are able to build up their immune system to fight disease . One of the main diseases the immune system needs to fight is that killer disease, heart disease.

Sadly, more and more people nowadays tend to ignore good physical fitness . Hence, more and more people too are suffering from different diseases. No wonder hospital businesses are prospering by gaining lots of clients, even it is against the will of these patients.

In fact, the suggested activities for physical fitness by the Council of the President on Physical Fitness and the Surgeon General are not generally followed by high school students nowadays. These young people account for 33 percent of the population of the United States.

The attitude of neglecting physical fitness of today’s young people is usually carried by them as they turn into adulthood. Of course, this results in an increase on the number of sufferers from various diseases caused bya weak immune system .

The National Institute on Aging took a survey in America and found only 58 percent of its people are engaging in a program of lifetime fitness. Most only participate in fitness if they have time . Only about 26 percent are regularly performing the lifetime fitness program, and then, only about three times a week.

The importance of a commitment to lifetime exercise is always being stressed in society. However, more often then not, people neglect it. Too frequently people disregard the fact that exercise can really be an enhancement on the value of their life.

You have probably heard that the most common causes of death are heart disease, stroke, accidents, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory ailments. These are the five most common causes of deaths yearly as reported by the Center for Disease Control.

Think about it. Most of the most commonly causes of deaths can easily be avoided. But only if more people start to take the need for exercise more seriously . There is no telling how much longer a person’s life can be extended if they exercise becomes a part of their lifestyle. Bergen County Adult Fitness is a goal of the Ridgewood YMCA as well as many other YMCAs across the county.

When referring to lifetime fitness program, we are not only dealing with physical exercise. Also, this program includes a diet that needs to be observed.

It is very certain that with a lifetime commitment to physical fitness, life will be longer and better . With a healthy mind and body you can enjoy life more.

The decision is yours. Will you be cautious of your health and commit to lifetime fitness? Or will you decide to abuse your body and suffer more in the end? Bergen County Health & Fitness is being gained at the Ridgewood YMCA. Check out the YMCA in your area.

Read also about increase immune system.

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