Achieve Fitness by Choice, Not by Force

By Meetu Nadir

Although, a majority of people understand the need to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle, only a few follow the routine in their everyday lives. This is especially true in case of women, who consider exercise to be a tiring and boring activity and hence they shy away from a regular workout. But, what most woman are not aware of, is the fact that exercise does not necessarily require them to spend hours on a treadmill, or do push ups or any other such things that might freak them out.

In fact, fitness can be achieved by combining work with play. It is important to remember that exercising basically involves making you body move. So, for women who don’t want to spend time at a gym, exercising can be as simple as going for a walk, playing their favorite sports and games or anything else that requires body movement. Making any sports activity a part of their daily routine, not only ensures that the women remain fit but also makes them have some amount of fun. And the icing on the cake is that even friends and families can also become involved in these sports activities. Now, what can be more enjoyable if one gets to spend time with family and friends, in addition to remaining fit?

Another way for ladies to keep themselves fit, is to work with children. The task of keeping up with children is a great way to mix exercise with parenthood. Small babies often keep their parents on toes as the parents move them and their paraphernalia all day. Even minor activities like carrying an infant, walking him or her when colic strikes, pushing a carriage and then a stroller, and even dealing with endless rounds of laundry, keeps parents and especially moms, in motion.

However, when children grow up and become more self-reliant, parents take that as a cue to sit down and rest. But soon the physical inactivity starts taking its toll and the women, whose day was spent, running around their children, suddenly become fatigued by just waking in the garden. This is perhaps the first indication that they are loosing their fitness and need to look into the matter seriously.

But what happens when children grow up and like to spend more time with their friends. Don’t worry as there are still plenty of other methods that women can adopt to remain fit, including trying their hands at gardening, or maybe mowing the lawn, or perhaps organizing a regular walk around the block with friends. The choices are endless and one only needs to have the zest to choose an option that appeals most to their personality and then make it a part of their daily routine.

So, it can be easily said that to keep fit one does not necessarily have to go t a gym against one’s wish. This will anyways not work as a person can be forced to do something only for a certain period. But to maintain a routine of fitness for a lifetime, people need to choose a means that appeal to their nature, which will ensure that they carry it out through their entire lives

Meetu Nadir
Freelance Writer
http://www.meetusreflections.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meetu_Nadir
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Stop Taking Me For Granted
By Jeff Scott

Have you ever had those words said to you? Ouch! It is possibly true, but hurtful none the less.

It’s usually during an argument. Of course it’s a subjective point of view, but usually not without some validity. It sounds like you don’t care. But it is sometimes quite difficult to tell when it’s happening. Often the only time you know you have taken someone or something for granted, is when something dramatic happens in your life.

The reason why we do this is because it has become part of our daily routine and we are virtually operating on autopilot. And if this includes how you treat your partner, then you could be swimming in dangerous waters.

But really, routines are not always bad things. We have so many things in our daily life that if we were to think of all of them, we wouldn’t get anything done. If we had to think every time we cleaned our teeth or got showered or got dressed, life would become a nightmare.

Imagine having to think how to drive our car when we go to work. Going through what has to be done before we start the engine, checking where the indicators are, how to turn on the lights.
It would be just like the first time we ever got in the car and were shown how to do all these things by the instructor.

So routines cannot be avoided if we wish to run our daily life efficiently. But again, taking things for granted can rob your life of so much pleasure and excitement.

We all get used to the sun coming up in the morning. It’s not a big deal, or so we think. It happens every day and we never give it a thought. We get used to the trees and flowers, to the fresh air we breathe, the change of the seasons, the sound of birds singing. But just imagine for a moment if were deprived of any of these routine happenings. Imagine if you couldn’t hear the birds sing, because you were deaf or locked away in some stinking jail in the middle of a wilderness where there are no birds even if you were set free.

And what about the change of seasons? Do you complain when the summer ends and the autumn days bring cooler weather. Just think, if you lived in the middle of the Sahara desert you wouldn’t be aware of the time of year because every day would bring unremitting sunshine and there would be no plants or trees coming into blossom or losing their leaves.

There are thousands of aspects to your life that you probably have never given a second thought to for many years.

So stop now and think about your life. Do a mental exercise and go through all the different aspects like, your health, your family, your employment, your friends, your home, your possessions, your country. Think what it would be like if you didn’t have them. Realise how lucky you are.

The author is a retired business man who is passing on the experiences of life he has gained over many years. See his new site at Leather Car Seats and also Chicco Car Seats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Scott

Heart disease is America’s number one killer of both men and women. Regardless of gender, high cholesterol puts everyone at increased risk for heart disease. But there are some important and simple steps you can take toward keeping cholesterol in check and improving overall health.
Start with food. Your diet is an important factor in controlling cholesterol. A healthful low-fat eating plan, combined with regular physical activity, is key to heart health. In fact, new National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines recommend that one in three Americans need to make diet changes to lower their risk for heart disease.
Foods high in soluble fiber, like oatmeal, beans and peas, barley, and many fruits and vegetables (such as apples, oranges, and carrots) are now recommended to help lower cholesterol levels.

The best way to increase your HDL, “good” blood cholesterol, is to stay active and trim away excess pounds if you are not already at a healthy body weight.
When it comes to LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, your food choices are key. A heart-healthy eating pattern — a diet that’s high in soluble fiber with moderate amounts of fat and cholesterol — can make a difference and can help reduce LDL levels.
To lower LDL, try eating more foods high in soluble fiber. Studies have shown that oatmeal helps to lower LDL cholesterol, without lowering HDL.
Eat foods from all five food groups — And eat a variety of foods within each food group. That way you will get a full benefit package from food.
Remember breakfast — A perfect time to enjoy fiber-rich foods and fuel your body for the day ahead. Enjoy oatmeal, or other whole-grain cereals. Top a bowl of whole-grain or fiber rich hot or cold cereal with fruit and nuts for additional fiber.
Pick high-fiber snacks — When you need a quick energy boost during the day, reach for a high-fiber treat. Popcorn, fresh fruit, raw vegetables, or nuts are convenient and healthful choices.
“Fiberize” your cooking style — Substitute higher-fiber ingredients in recipes. Swap up to one-third of the flour with quick or old-fashioned oats when you bake. Add extra vegetables to casseroles, soups, salads and pasta dishes. Use brown rice instead of white rice.
Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily — When possible, eat the skin — it provides fiber, too!

source:http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/fitness/cholesterol.html

By Bill Mansell

• Always wear rubber gloves when you plan to do any household work or gardening. If your hands are exposed to too much water, soap, detergents, dirt or chemicals then, the skin of your hands can become wrinkled and rough.
• Ideally, you should moisturize your hands at least 4 times in a day, especially after washing them. Even if you do not have time make it a habit of moisturizing your hands before you go to bed at night. This is just as important as brushing you teeth before you go to bed, every night.

• You can also use your face exfoliator on your hands. This will help to remove any dirt and dead skin cells, and nourish and rejuvenate the skin of your hands.
• You can scrub your hands with bath salts, after washing them with soap. This will leave your hands squeaky clean. Do remember to slather some moisturizer on your hands afterwards.
• If you have oily hands, you can try rubbing cornmeal on them after washing them with soap.
• Go in for regular manicures (professional or homemade) to keep your hands and nails in good condition.
• Drink lots of water and fresh fruit juices. Eat a balanced, low-oil diet.
• Exercise regularly. If you are healthy and fit, you skin will have a healthy glow.
• If the skin of your hands is dry and flaky—you can massage a little petroleum jelly on your hands before you go to bed at night. After you do this, you may wear thin cotton gloves. Wake up in the morning and enjoy the soft feel of your hands.
• A quick, easy-to-make homemade scrub for your hand will help. Here’s the recipe for a rejuvenating homemade hand scrub:

Ingredients for the homemade hand scrub recipe

• White Oats- 1 tbsp.
• Honey-1 tsp.
• Water-½ cup

5 Natural Common Cold Beaters
by: Jacob Mabille
The aptly named common cold hits nearly every one of us on a regular basis and once a single family member has it, it can spread quickly and viciously. While the cold itself is relatively harmless it still presents almost crippling symptoms. The common misconception is that you can fight a cold, essentially getting on with your life and trying to ignore the problem. This is much more likely to prolong the agony as a pose to beating it. In preference to turning to the pharmacist there are natural ways to reduce the recovery time and relieve the nagging symptoms of a cold.

Rest

The misconception that exercise will help to sweat out a cold is misleading. The body needs to be able to fight the cold infection and by exercising or being excessively active you are reducing its capability to do this. Resting allows the body to fully combat the cold virus. The immune system and various immune functions within the body are strengthened or generated during sleep. It is these that will help your body beat the cold.

Water

When suffering from a cold the body is susceptible to becoming dehydrated. In order to prevent this it is absolutely essential that sufferers drink plenty of water. The recommended eight glasses of water a day is the absolute minimum that you should be aiming to drink when suffering from a cold. For this reason, water can help to further strengthen the immune system and subsequently beat the infection.

Vitamin C

It may sound something your mom or your grandmother would try to convince you but it is widely believed to be true. However, too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and possible even kidney stones. Many proponents of vitamin C as a cold remedy would argue that 1,000mg every hour is not damaging and will help to reduce the time a person suffers from a cold. However, it has been medically proven that 250mg has the same positive effects as any larger dose with fewer and less severe side effects. The best way to obtain this level of vitamin C is through fruit juices because this also provides a good source of extra fluid.

Garlic

Garlic is another age old herbal remedy for colds. It helps to strengthen the immune system and is also a good antiviral. Putting garlic in meals will help to prevent colds and can also reduce the suffering time of patients. The best way to consume the garlic is freshly ground and raw. Many people would find this a struggle, especially because a lot of people eat as many as three or four cloves as soon as they show symptoms of a cold.

Elderberry Extracts

Elderberries may look harmless but to the cold virus they are far from it. It is a powerful antiviral as well as being a highly effective prophylactic. As an antiviral it can help to stave off the actual infection causing the cold, and its prophylactic properties strengthens and rejuvenates the immune system. Elderberry and blueberries are among the best varieties of fruit a cold sufferer can eat for these very reasons.

The Immune System Role

You will have probably noticed that almost all of these remedies are strongly based around the strengthening of the immune system. This is because there is essentially no cure for the common cold and we are forced to rely on our bodies to fend off the infection. In order to do this, the immune system needs to be as strong as possible and the stronger it is the less suffering will be required.


source:e-healtharticles.com

Water Retention Remedies and Cures: You Need To Know!

Author: happypappy

When dieting or trying to maintain a healthy weight, all of us have experienced fluctuations in our weight.  Sometimes a weight gain can be hard to understand and we ask ourselves “why am I gaining weight when I have been eating a healthy diet and doing the correct exercises?”  Almost always the answer is water retention.

There are a few reasons that water retention happens in our bodies:

* If we consume too much salt (sodium) either by pouring too much salt onto our food, or eating food with a high salt content, or even drinking pop which has a high sodium content, our bodies will retain water to compensate. Our bodies will automatically ‘hold on’ to the excess water causing weight gain which is not FAT but the weight of the water retained.
* Too much salt in our bodies will also cause high blood pressure, and the resulting water retention is also dangerous for one’s heart, especially in the obese, as water retention can lead to swollen ankles and kidney problems.
* In the Western diet most adults in the UK and the USA are carrying as much as 5 pounds of extra water, as their diet is so high in salt.
* When we decide to go on a diet, the opposite happens, and because the dieter changes his or her eating habits, less sodium is consumed, and the kidneys can finally function properly and flush out the extra water. This often leads us to believe that the quick weight loss that we are experiencing is FAT LOSS but what it actually is, is just the extra water.
* Standing too long without moving around can cause a ‘pool’ of water to collect in the ankles and feet, causing swelling and water retention.
* Pre – Menstrual Syndrome also causes water retention and gives women the feeling of being ‘bloated’. Before menstruation the blood breaks down progesterone causing the kidneys to retain water. The same happens in pregnancy.
* Oedema and bloating also occurs in menopausal women because of hormonal changes and fluctuations.
* Side effects of some medications, especially cortisone related drugs cause water retention.

There are also many illnesses which can cause the body to retain water, some of which are:

* Thyroid disease
* Arthritis (swelling joints)
* Liver Disease
* Varicose Veins
* Kidney disease

The GOOD NEWS is that there are many ways that one can combat fluid retention:-

* It is a good idea to have blood tests to determine if your body is deficient in certain vitamins such as Potassium which regulates how the flow of fluids in one’s body works.
* Horse Chestnut helps overall health and can prevent the retention of fluids.
* Do not consume too much alcohol, this will cause you to be dehydrated and then when consuming too much fluid your body will retain it.
* Remember 8 to 10 glasses of water is the correct amount. Consuming too much water is dangerous and it can dilute the electrolytes in our blood.
* Do not abuse laxative (by taking too many) as your body will swing between being dehydrated and edema.
* The puffiness of edema with people with eating disorders, makes them think that it is from weight gain, when it is merely water retention.
* Move your ankles and feet all the time, and elevate your legs if you have to stand all day.
* Skip the junk food from this day forward!
* Check your Vitamin B6 levels, as a lack of this vital vitamin can cause edema
* A daily dose of a calcium tablet can prevent pre menstrual water retention.

So in general – keep aware of your water levels in your body, check for swollen ankles or puffy fingers.  Follow the tips above and you will not retain water and think you have gained weight!  The best thing for your body is to keep a healthy weight and follow a healthy diet which contains all the nutrients and minerals you need.


Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1063121_23.html

Dealing With Grief Over A Departed Pet

Author: hunny01

The loss of a beloved pet can be as devastating as losing a family member. Afterall, pets can even be more lovingly unconditional than people. If only the amount of love showered on our pets can be equal to the amount of years added to its life, our pets would live as long as we want them too. But as everything else that has a beginning, so too, do they have an ending. Indeed the paradox of loss is at constant play with life. we are certain that everything ends but we are uncertain when it ends. we are certain how it will make us feel, but uncertain at how to deal with what we may feel.

So how does a man say goodbye to a beloved pet, companion and best friend who has given him its full attention, unconditional love and loyalty and even aid in daily living i.e. blind people with their guide dogs and policemen with their canine friends, among others And once goodbyes have been said, how does man cope with the grief and loss after

Needless to say, conditioning of the human mind even before a bond has been created between man and beast is essential and must be established. Man, the rational one in the friendship, and usually the bereaved survivor of the two friends, must keep in mind always that nothing survives forever, not even the ideal companionship of a man and an animal. Once the proper conditioning of the mind has been set, it is easier for man to face the reality of a future separation with his beloved pet.

However, mental conditioning can only do so much when no emotional bonds have been created yet once man begins to establish an emotional bond with his pet, no amount of conditioning can ever fully guarantee an easy way in dealing with a possible separation or loss.

Man deals with loss in his own unique way. There is no definite formula for dealing with the grief over the loss of a pet. Otherwise, if there is, indeed, a formula, it would come out something as absurd as asking a doctor to compose a music for his dead pet, or asking a painter to write a book dedicated to his pet. In a word, what works for some may not necessarily work for others. What is constant with any variable, however, is the importance of facing the pain. Running away from the reality and pain of loss never helps. Though running away may momentarily desensitize the first few pangs of pain, the next few ones that will eventually turn up at times when it is least expected will only become twice or thrice as painful than the first.

Acknowledging the pain, however, helps develop an eventual acceptance over the loss of your pet, and in the long run, even peace knowing that your beloved pet may be in a place far happier than the one you can ever offer it. By acknowledging your pain, you are allowing yourself to grieve over lost times with your pet. In grieving there is remembrance. What better way to give tribute to your beloved pet and what better way to keep your pet alive in your heart forever than remembering all the times spent together

Eventually, you will find that healthy remembrance and acceptance of the pain is not only therapeutic but offers a way that will lead you to acceptance over the loss itself as well.

The next step of dealing with grief over the loss of a pet is through creative expression. A healthy way of dealing with the death of a pet, or any other loss for that matter, is to discover your own potential for selfrelease and catharsis. Try to experiment, through hobbies, sports and interest, on activities that will keep your mind focused on being productive and creative. In all activities, always be conscious that you are channeling your grief and loss positively through the activities you are engaged in. Eventually, you will only realize that your pain has lessened and diminished over time.

The perils of not consciously keeping to mind the motivation for the activity which is the pain of loss may only be equivalent to not accepting and acknowledging your pain and once you find yourself unguardedly remembering your dead friend, your pet, the pain may only become twice as hurtful. However, if you keep in mind the purpose for your constructive activity, you are actually, creatively and productively living with your pain and loss. For artists, it would even help you include, as your creations theme, your departed pet. Talk about your pet. Share photos of your pet. Remember your pet. Walk to where you often have your walks. The possibilities of calling to mind the joy that your pet has given you is endless.

Indeed, there is no easy way to forgetting the pain of losing a beloved pet. But perhaps, the paradox there is not to forget the pain, but instead, to live with the pain. Once this pain is channeled creatively and productively, you will find out that your beloved and precious pet has done more for you than you ever thought of in its life and even in its death.

source: http://www.sooperarticles.com/self-improvement-articles/dealing-grief-over-departed-pet-11011.html

Beautiful Feet

Having cracked or bleeding feet is never desirable to anyone. All of dream of a pair of beautiful feet that can be flaunted in the most stylish pair of stilettos. If you wish to get such beautiful feet, you need to know how to care for your feet. Setting aside some time from your daily schedule, about half an hour, for a regular foot treatment will keep them healthy and beautiful throughout the year. The time that you provide to pamper your feet will help you to forget about the day-to-day worries in a great way. Read on to know about the foot care tips that will make beautiful foot.
Apply a foot scrub every day, preferably after a tiring day at work. You can either make a scrub at Beauty Tips or simply buy one that contains essential oils. Massage the ingredients into your feet, and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Wash off with warm water. This method is helpful when it comes to saving time as well as getting the desired effect.
Use a moisturizer everyday on your feet, after bath and before going to sleep, carefully massaging into the dry areas, nails and the cuticles. This will keep the feet feeling soft.

If you suffer from feet that ache from pressure, then there are natural remedies for aching feet as well. For this, you need 4-5 drops of essential oil of tea tree, 3-4 drops of essential oil of cypress and 1-2 teaspoons of jojoba oil. Mix all the ingredients together, pour into a large bowl or bucket of warm water, place your feet in the water and leave on for 5-10 minutes. After this, step into a bucket of cold water in which, a cup of green tea has been mixed.
A foot massage before going to bed would help relieve you feet of stress. For this simply warm colorless sesame oil or olive oil and massage into your soles and toes with both your hands. Put on cotton socks and go to sleep.
Another way of caring for your feet to keep them beautiful is by walking barefoot on pebbles. This would stimulate acupressure points on the soles of the feet, dispensing health benefits throughout the body.
Sometimes girls feet suffer from painful corn. Getting rid from these corns will help you in having most beautiful feet. Soak your feet in warm water and add pinch of salt. Gently rub corn affected area with coarse emery board. Cut a fresh pineapple and put the piece over the area for 5 to 10 minutes. The enzymes present in pineapple will help the skin faster in dissolving the corn.
Add half cup of sugar, one teaspoonful of baking powder and one fourth teaspoonful of poppy seeds combined with ten drops of lemon juice. With the help of vegetable brush, scrub your feet thoroughly and rinse. Follow this twice a week to possess most beautiful feet.
You can also get beautiful foot with paraffin wax. This ingredient is know for making your feet soft and supple. Paraffin wax clears the clogged skin pore and increases in blood circulation. Thus with open pore, your skin will absorb required moisture and you get beautiful woman feet.
A nice foot tonic can help you in getting beautiful girl’s feet. You can make an effective tonic with a cup of milk combined by one teaspoonful of mint leaves, peppermint extract and rosemary. Apply this mixture and keep for 10 minutes. Wash off and say “my beautiful feet.”

source:http://www.beautytipshub.com/beautiful-feet