8 Ways to Improve Your Health Today …



It can seem a little daunting to think about how to improve your health and well-being. You know you should eat better, but how? And what else, besides dieting, do you need to do to improve your health, right now, today? I can help! I’ve chatted with my personal trainer and my physician to compile a list of the things you can do today… and none of them are ridiculously challenging or expensive.

1. Stop smoking

Image source: data.whicdn.com
Well, I start off with a big lie. I said none of these would be ridiculously challenging, and this one probably is. If you stop smoking now, today, you’ll notice better health in as little as a week. That is, once you’re not clawing at the walls, dying for a smoke. The health risks associated with smoking are well-known and documented. Bottom line: it can, and probably will, kill you. What’s healthier than not being dead?

2. Start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables

Image source: data.whicdn.com
Most adult women are supposed to get about 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, but most of us only get two… maybe three. One of the easy things you can do to improve your health today is to grab an apple or a handful of carrot sticks and start munching! If you’re not a fan of the fruit, then try sneaking in a serving by drinking it as a juice … or by experimenting until you find a fruit or veggie you love! Pomegranate or Asian pear, anyone?

3. Get your grains

Image source: dinnerdemystified.com
Along with adding more fresh fruits and veggies to your diet, you’re probably also in need of fiber and all of the other health-boosting goodies in whole grains. This one is easy: swap your Sunbeam or Wonder Bread for your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for whole wheat. If you’re feeling particularly daring, switch your breakfast cereal to whole grain, too.

4. Get moving!

Image source: data.whicdn.com
We all know we’re supposed to be at least somewhat active, but at the end of a long day, that couch, parked right in front of the TV, looks so much more appealing than the treadmill. But, sweetie! I know it’s hard, and that you’re tired, but truly, this is one thing you can do to improve your health today! After dinner, load the dishwasher then go for a brisk walk. You’ll feel invigorated, energetic, and you’ll sleep better, too!

5. Watch your sexual health

Image source: img.thesun.co.uk
When you start having periods, and especially when you become sexually active, it’s time to start seeing a gynecologist annually for a pelvic exam and once every two years for a Pap smear. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice concerns. Sexual health and well-being is completely in your control, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Trust me, whatever questions you have aren’t the strangest, nor will your doctor judge you.

6. Don’t stress!

Image source: data.whicdn.com
If your schedule looks anything like mine, you barely have time to sleep, not to mention eat well and exercise… but all three of these work together to help you combat the negative effects of stress. Add a session of yoga or meditation to your routine. Start saying “no” when you feel overloaded. It’s time to de-stress a little!

7. Wear sunblock

Image source: data.whicdn.com
Your risk of skin cancer increases dramatically with every sunburn you get, even just one! Improve your health today by lessening that risk — by wearing sunblock. Any dermatologist or doctor or nurse or cancer survivor will tell you that your golden tan isn’t worth the risk. Besides, that’s what bronzers are for, right?

8. Drink water or milk

Image source: data.whicdn.com
During our childhood and young adulthood, our bodies are busily storing the calcium and other nutrients we’ll need for strong, healthy bones and lush, gorgeous skin. Once we reach our early 20s, that calcium storage stops, so be sure to drink milk (or other sources rich in calcium) to be healthier, now and in the future! It’s also important to drink water to keep hydrated. The jury’s still out on whether water will make your skin prettier, but we know it’s good for your digestive and renal systems.
Aside from quitting smoking, none of these are terribly difficult, but they can all make a difference, starting now! I admit I’m having a hard time with the stress… but that’s just me! Which of these ways do you think you’ll improve your health today? Or is there something else you’re doing to take better care of you? Please share!

Read More

5 Things to Make Your Mouth Water …




1. Baked Scallops

Oh, these are sinfully good. I have a friend who orders a plateful of baked scallops every time we dine out and I always end up eating half of them.

2. Ukrainian Red Beet Borscht

The main ingredients for this soup are red beets, white beans, and coleslaw cabbage. Sounds healthy, right? I bet this smells awesome, too.

3. Crazy Feta

My mouth watered when I saw this photo. This calls for feta cheese, jalapeno peppers, olive oil, garlic, juice of a lemon (and zest), and salt and pepper.

4. Yummy Yogurt Parfait

Mix your favorite yogurt with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and granola and you got yourself a healthy snack! This is also an easy dessert idea for a party.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

This recipe is for the ladies out there who love to bake. And when you end up baking a loaf or two, please send some slices my way. I will be forever grateful.
If you feature food on your blog regularly, we’d love to link to you. Please leave your blog URL below.

Read More

7 Hottest Trends of Summer 2011 …


Fashion is a constantly evolving industry and if you like to always be seen in the latest season’s style then it is vital to stay abreast of changing trends. Every year the fashion sector creates an extraordinary and indulgent range of spring/summer and fall/winter garments which set the tone for the coming months. And this year is no different, with summer 2011 showcasing some interesting trends which fashionistas need to stay abreast of.



Many fashion trends, whilst set to be big for certain seasons, actually last for the entire year as well. As fashion designers are working away on the next seasons couture, you will be able to enjoy a years worth of fantastic wardrobe without looking outdated, allowing you to stay chic and in-vogue until the next year’s classics come around. There are several fabrics to look out for, including lace, crochet and macramé clothing, in addition to a multitude of new trend styles.
Lace – Lace clothing is nothing new but has evolved over the years, and for summer 2011 you’ll find hints of lace on garments is a top buy.
Crochet & Macramé – Meanwhile, the rise of the 70’s has led to macramé and crochet finding their way back into fashion as well, and garments with these two fabrics will be a big trend this year.
Tail Hems – As a new alternative to the previous and very popular maxi dress and mini skirt are tail hems. These dresses are longer at the back than they are at the front, and are set to rock thefashion scene all year.
Pleats – Whilst there is nothing new with pleats, the clothing style is to really trend this summer and it set to appear on all kinds of apparel from skirts and pants to camisoles and light T’s.
70’s Style Trousers – Skinny jeans and pants have disappeared to be replaced with wide legged pants, so you can expect to see large numbers of bell bottom, flared and boot leg cut jeans on the shelves.
Jumpsuits – Playsuits and jumpsuits are abound again, though it is expected that they’ll go out of fashion as quickly as they’ve come in, so don’t rush out and buy too many.
Capri Pants – If you don’t want to hide away your figure with wide legged trousers the Capri pants will also be hot for Summer 2011 and offer a short legged, tight fitting pant to show off your slightness.
With so many fashions coming in year after year it can often be difficult to not only keep up with the changing trends but also be able to afford such items. Especially for the fashion conscious, by the time many of the designers are in mainstream and cheaper stores the season is already well underway, resulting in you trying to catch up rather than leading the pack. However, there are many online stores which offer you great discounts, including couponcactus.com where you’ll be able to find savings on top in-vogue fashions. This means that you’ll be able to buy your summer 2011 wardrobe for less, keeping to all the latest trends and changes whilst ensuring that you don’t break the bank whilst trying to look as in style as possible.
Guest Autor: Geoff Wakeling

Read More
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

More