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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

HOW TO RECHARGE AFTER RUNNING

As the weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining, it is extra important to stay hydrated when exercising outdoors. Want to recharge with something other than water or a sports drink? There are other great options of healthy drinks that replenish your body after a strenuous workout.

Coconut Water

When: Pre- or post-run or on runs of about 60 minutes

Why: Coconut water, the clear liquid found inside the fruit, contains none of the fat found in coconut milk and has a tangy, light almond flavor. Eleven ounces contain 14 grams of sugar and 670 milligrams of potassium—way more than sports drinks. “Potassium works closely with sodium to maintain water balance and helps trigger muscles to contract and relax optimally,” says Suzanne Girard Eberle, R.D., author of Endurance Sports Nutrition. Coconut water has enough carbohydrates for an hour-long run but not enough sodium for longer efforts.

Sipping Points:
Coconut water, which is fat-free, comes plain or flavored with mango, orange peel, or passion fruit.


Iced Green Tea:

When: Pre- or post-run and on easy runs less than an hour

Why: Green tea is a stellar source of catechins, antioxidants that fight heart disease and cancer. According to research, catechins can reduce muscle damage caused by exercise, and also speed recovery. A recent study found that people who had the equivalent of five cups of green tea daily for three months and exercised lost more belly fat than those who only exercised. Iced green tea is a tasty alternative to water on easy, short runs, says Leslie Bonci, R.D., director of sports nutrition at the Pittsburgh Medical Center. Plus, tea contains caffeine, which boosts speed and endurance. If you drink iced green tea often, go with unsweetened, says Kimball, to avoid taking in excess calories.

Sipping Points: Steep tea bags for at least three minutes to release more catechins. If you buy bottled, choose brands with fewer than 15 grams of sugar per eight ounces.


Chocolate Milk

When: Post-run

Why: The drink you loved as a kid has the ideal amount of carbohydrates and protein that tired muscles need for recovery, says Joel Stager, Ph.D., director of the department of kinesiology at Indiana University. According to a study Stager led, drinking chocolate milk postexercise speeds up recovery and increases the time it takes to reach exhaustion during a subsequent exercise session better than sports drinks. And a 2007 British study found that regular milk is better than water or a sports drink at restoring fluid levels following a bout of exercise in the heat. Plus, milk contains bone-strengthening vitamin D and calcium.

Sipping Points: Single-serving containers are handy for tossing into a cooler for a postrun treat and for portion control.


Cherry Juice

When: After a hard run

Why: If George Washington was more of an athlete, he never would have felled his dad’s cherry tree. A study done in 2008 by British researchers found that runners who drank 16 ounces of tart cherry juice in the days before, the day of, and two days after a marathon decreased inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle damage. “Cherry juice is very useful for postexercise recovery,” says Declan Connolly, Ph.D., professor of physical education and exercise science at the University of Vermont. Cherries are higher in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than many other types of fruit. Try drinking a cup of tart cherry juice after exercise—particularly during heavy training. But don’t guzzle it like it’s tap water: One cup has about 30 grams of natural sugar and 130 calories.

Sipping Points: If cherry juice is too tart for you, try a sweeter blend with cherries and other 100 percent fruit juices.


Vegetable Juice

When: Post-run

Why: Chock-full of a variety of nutrients in a concentrated package, 100 percent vegetable juice is a tasty way to get a serving or two of veggies. Those made mostly with tomatoes have lots of lycopene, an antioxidant that a British Journal of Nutrition study found protects muscles from oxidative stress caused by exercise. Many brands have three to five times the amount of sodium and 13 to 17 times the amount of potassium in sports drinks, “which makes vegetable juice an ideal part of a postrun snack or meal that includes carbs and protein,” says Kimball.

Sipping Points: Sodium levels can range from 140 to 620 milligrams in regular (non—low sodium) brands. Choose higher levels if you crave salt post-run.

Monday, May 28, 2012

HOW TO RELIEVE FROM SUMMER ALLERGIES

How to Relieve From Summer Allergies using Natural Remedies

Summer means sun, bright blowers, tasty fruit and sneezing, sniffling and itchy eyes for people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Dust, mold and pollen thrive in the spring and summer, causing the histamine reactions of allergy sufferers to overreact. If you have allergies, you may prefer natural remedies over prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Some remedies prevent symptoms, while others act similarly to drugs, without the side effects.

Instruction:
  • Eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation. Food options include fatty fish such as salmon, nuts and eggs.

  • Use a neti pot to clear clogged sinuses. The neti pot -- a small container with a long spout-- will help you drain a saline solution through your sinuses, clearing out irritants and mucous.

  • Incorporate stinging nettle into your diet. The plant blocks your histamine production. Use it in tea or in capsule form.

  • Use quercetin, a bioflavonoid found in citrus, apples and tea, among other produce, according to Mother Earth News. The chemical prevents histamine release. Adding vitamin C may boost its effectiveness.

  • Control your environment as much as possible. Keep windows closed in your home and car and use air conditioning.
Tips & Warnings
  • Some vitamins are higher quality than others. Be sure to get high quality vitamins, usually from health food stores.

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables are always the best option over frozen or canned ones for use in natural remedies to relieve allergies.

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. You should always consult a physician before starting any diet, exercise or alternative medicine program.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

FENG SHUI TIPS FOR ROMANCE

Feng Shui tips for romance and relationships

Feng Shui plays an important part in your relationship and romance, follow the twelve tips below and you will be fighting them from your door.

1) THE SOUTH WEST CORNER - This segment of your house is where love reigns and you should pay special attention to it. It governs the luck of love, romance and family happiness.

2) SOUTH WEST CORNER - If you wish to improve your existing relationship, place a family photo in your south west corner of your home, make sure it is a happy photo or even a painting of a family. If you wish to enhance your romance luck place a Dragon headed tortoise with a piece of red ribbon in his mouth .

3) CHANDELIER - Hanging a chandelier or crystal sphere/ball in the Southwest corner of your home is wonderful for activating the chi energy that stimulates romance. This introduces fire into this segment, which has Earth as its presiding element to bring love luck.

4) SOFT LIGHTING - Soft or pastel colour lampshades with soft lighting in the Southwest creates an atmosphere of romance which in itself is known to "put you in the mood". Needless to say, harsh lighting and spotlights are definitely to be avoided here.

5) CANDLES - Candles in all shapes, sizes and colour are suggestive of love. Apart from giving your area a warm glow, it also enhances the entire look of your home, while enhancing romance. Remember however, to put them out so that they don't pose a fire hazard in your home.

7) CRYSTALS - Natural crystals are one of the best symbols of mother earth. Rose quartz and yellow citrinin are crystals that work well to bring you lots of love luck. Place these crystals in the form of pebbles or larger forms like the raw Amethyst in the Southwest corner of your living room to energize love.

8) PINK BED SHEETS - Pink sheets raise subtle yang energy, which enhances feelings of love and romance in those who seek conjugal bliss in the bedroom.

9) BE HONEST - Talk openly about your relationship and ways that you feel you could improve it.

10) Buy a indoor water fountain and place it in the south-west corner of your home, you will be amazed at the effect this can have on a relationship, or encourage a new one.

11) A wise man puts his foot down, only to shift positions when arguing with his wife.

12) Use Crystal’s spheres in your home to activate ch'i.


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