Benefits of Weightlifting And Why You Should Try It

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Weight lifting might seem like a masculine sport to some, but many ladies are starting to realize the enormous benefits it can have on their lives. Yes, it’s true that weight lifting builds strength and muscle, but it won’t make you look like ‘men’ ladies, no matter what you have heard in the past! Just take a look at some of the famous Instagram models out there. They post their workouts regularly and give tips, and you can bet that they use weights in their workouts. Some even consider themselves ‘bodybuilders’, yet they have the most feminine shape! Here’s why everybody should try weightlifting:

Build Strength And Muscle

Weight lifting is going to build strength and muscle. Not only is this great for your health, you’ll also develop a more shapely body. Your body will become more efficient at burning fat and calories, even if you eat a ‘bad’ meal. The great thing about women who want to build muscle is that they don’t build it in the same way as men. Men have more testosterone than women, which is why they grow big. Women can grow ‘big’, but only with years of deliberate training and eating. In some cases, even drugs. It’s very, very difficult to get to that level for women. When women use weights, they can build muscle and look ‘toned’.

 

Create The Body You’ve Always Wanted

Weightlifting allows you to build the body you’ve always wanted. You can’t spot train fat loss, but you bet you can spot train areas on your body weight train and build. That being said, training your whole body is crucial to avoid imbalances. The amount you train each part, is your choice. Some women choose to train their gluts up to 3 times a week in order to get them looking firm and peachy. Some prefer to dedicate one day a week to a body part. This is entirely your choice, but at the beginning, you’ll want to make sure you’ve given each muscle group a chance to recover before training it again. This is why most people start with a plan that focuses on one body part per day per week, to ensure that they have fully recovered. You can then change up your plan as you like. Building your shoulders will give you a more shapely upper body, and can even make your waist look smaller, for example. Building your gluts makes your waist look smaller too. Many women focus on these proportions to create an hourglass figure!

Treat Yourself To Cute Gym Clothes

Going to the gym means you get to treat yourself to cute gym clothes. Having nice gym clothes makes you feel good about yourself. It also allows you to show off your personality in the gym. There are all kinds of weird and wonderful leggings out there, from rainbow leggings to leggings covered in unicorns. The weight lifting shoes for men and women tend to look bang on trend too.  

 

Stay Mobile Later On In Life

You shouldn’t just exercise for how you look now. You should exercise to stay mobile later on in life. Do you want to be someone who needs people to look after them and assist them, or would prefer to stay independent? Weight lifting can help you with this. Plus, you’ll look younger as you age too! Those who exercise early on always look younger later on in life. Just looking at some of the fittest celebrities out there proves this.

 

Build Self Esteem And Confidence

Lifting weights helps people to build self esteem and confidence. When you see what you are capable of, you’ll love it! You’ll feel strong. Every time you master an exercise you’ll feel accomplished. You’ll have more confidence inside and outside of the gym. You really can’t beat the feeling.

Have More Goals To Work Towards

You can develop so many goals to work towards with weight lifting. For instance, you can aim to squat a few more pounds each week. You can aim to add a rep or two onto your set each week. Setting these short term goals, alongside your long term goals, is going to help you get fit and healthy for life.

 

Be Able To Perform Better In Day To Day Life

Not only will you experience everything else listed here, you’ll even be able to perform better in day to day life. Want to carry all of your groceries from the car in one trip? No problem! Somebody needs help carrying a box? You can do it! You’ll also have far more energy than you’ve ever had before. You’ll feel happier. What could be better than that?

 

Develop A Healthy Hobby

Do you have hobbies? What about hobbies that are truly good for you? Weight lifting is a healthy hobby that you can enjoy for life. We all need hobbies and things to do outside of work and home, and this is a great one to try out.

 

Everybody should try weightlifting, even if you don’t commit to anything straight away. Just try it for a few weeks, and pay attention to how you look and feel. Chances are, you’ll notice improvements really quickly and feel great about yourself. This is why so many people find it addictive. One thing to make sure of, though, is that you give yourself enough rest.

To begin with, you should have at least 2 days rest a week. When you’re more experienced, 1 day of rest can be OK. Your body needs rest to improve too. Overworking it will only cause problems in the long run. Also, bear in mind that as changes are made outside of the gym, you also need to make sure you’re eating to support your goals. This means making smart choices, and getting plenty of protein to help your body recover. A good mix of healthy protein, carbs, and fats is crucial. A small treat or two a week shouldn’t hurt too much either. Your routine should all be about balance and moderation.

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For New Year, I Become A Better Me

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We all approach the New Year with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Excitement,  because this marks the chance for us to take a new start in life and make it all better, or at least try to correct some of the mistakes of the past. Apprehension, because this is the time when we review how the resolutions of the previous year have gone, and chances are that they have been ditched quite early in the year! But for this New Year, here’s a little guideline to help each one of us quit bad habits and stick to the healthy resolutions for 2017.

 

Don’t Quit Bad Habits Cold Turkey

Many wait until the first day of a brand new year to ditch their bad habits into oblivion: They over-indulge before they start, thinking that they need to enjoy it now while they still can. Unfortunately, this behavior only creates extreme cravings, whether for sweet chocolate, video games, or even tobacco. Why does this happen? Simply because our habits are just as addictive as a drug and affects the brain at different levels. While this is less dangerous than life-threatening and illegal drugs, they do create over time a dependency that the body and the brain get used to.

For gamers, it’s the fact that they can’t relax and don’t know what to do with themselves if they don’t play, for others it could be that over-eating is the only thing that they think makes them happy, etc. There is no way around it: Up to 90% of people who entertain a bad habit are addicted without knowing it. Consequently, when you decide to ditch a bad habit, you will experience what is called a period of withdrawal. Withdrawal is a difficult experience to make, with symptoms that can be similar to the flu and can last for a few weeks, sometimes even long periods of depression. But stick with it, you’ll soon feel a lot better.

 

Don’t Do It On Your Own

Quitting smoking, quitting alcohol, eating healthy food, etc., is for many quitting the habit of a lifetime. This is a big step and you need all the help you can get on the way! Thankfully you will find some useful support: Champix tablets help to stop smoking for example, as they work directly on the nicotine receptors in the brain and makes cravings for cigarettes more manageable. Others prefer to rely on friends and groups to limit some addictions, such as going shopping with a reasonable friend who will stop you from over-spending. Some even swear by hypnotism and claim that they found it a great support when they decided to quit for real. Whatever you choose, do make sure that your plan includes something to help your brain fight the addiction.

 

Quit Gradually Over A Period Of Time

Your habit will generate cravings, whether those are irresistible needs for something sweet, or for letting your credit card smoke with over-use if you are addicted to shopping, etc. We all have bad habits and it is natural to miss them when we decide to stop. Whether you are looking forward to saying goodbye to cakes for example, or quit video games, you will need to gradually reduce your daily intake to make sure that you will be successful in quitting. There are more than just power of will when you walk away from bad habits: Often the brain and the body will still be intoxicated with substances generated by our habits, this could be the adrenaline from gaming for example. Therefore the brain, or the body, will be requiring the usual ratio it generally receives.

This is a physical reaction and fighting it, even though it is for your own mental and physical health, can actually makes you feel sick. As a result, you will be better off if you gradually get your body used to smaller amounts of your bad habit. This is something that you will need to plan carefully, to make sure that while you continue to diminish the frequency, you are not creating too significant cravings. Give yourself a week to reduce your daily intake if you are addicted to soda drinks, for example. Similarly, if you love shopping too much, you can allow yourself only a certain budget, take it in cash for extra safety, for a fortnight.

Replace Bad Habits With A New Habit

A bad habit is not only an addiction, but as we know it is also a habit. The best way to forget about a habit is to swap it for a new one. It could be anything as long as you are careful to stay away from other types of dangerous addictions. Whether you decide to pick up jogging, to start a painting course, to learn a new language, or even to lose yourself into books, it is up to you. As long as you find something that you can be passionate about, you are sure to never go back to your bad habit again. After all, passions can be just as addictive too, but they are healthy!

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The Essential Expose On Exercise - Here's What You'll Really Get Out Of It

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Most of us have pretty busy lives, and most of us wish we could fit more into those hours we’re awake. We’ve got careers, families, hobbies, interests, and households to take care of. Usually, something has to give. We prioritize, and that can often mean that the things that benefit us the most get pushed to the back of the line. When it’s that exercise class or that half hour in the gym that gets given away, it can turn into a lot of guilt and disappointment.

Exercise has quite a big impact on our emotions. Many of us think turning to exercise will improve our emotional health. Being slim may help you feel more body confident, but it is never a guarantee of happiness or self-fulfillment. Exercise alone may not be the best approach if you want to lose weight either. When you rely on exercise to achieve something like this, and it doesn’t work, it can lead to further unhappiness and disappointment.

If you’re keen to appear more toned, there are other approaches. There are non-surgical procedures like CoolSculpting. Diets and detoxes may also help achieve a few changes in your physique. It’s important to remember that we are all born with a particular body shape. Pregnancy may change this somewhat, but our physical bone structure can’t be altered. Shifting fat stores and toning muscles is something that requires time and more than just exercise to achieve.

Of course, exercising does release all those happy hormones. You may even feel quite elated while you’re working out, and yes, that can become addictive, leading you to over-exercise. Exercising to excess can lead to injury. This can be painful and debilitating, and you won’t be able to continue exercising while the body heals. Was it all worth it in the first place?

There are many reasons to exercise that go beyond the hormone release and slimming benefits. You might use it as a social activity. Joining a class can help you meet new people and make friends. Some people combine their exercise with their commute. Cycling or jogging to work can be far more pleasurable than being stuck in traffic. It might be considerably quicker too when you factor in parking.

Exercise is essential to good health. The kind of exercise you do is up to you. An active lifestyle may be all the exercise you need to stay in good health. It helps boost your immune system, increase your stamina, and builds your physical strength. Do you need an exercise class or gym membership? No. You can be healthy and active in life. Adding a few exercises to target strength, balance and stamina may be beneficial, though. There are plenty of home workouts you can try. If you don’t enjoy one, try another, and if you don’t have time, pick one that doesn’t take as long.

The term exercise can be very off-putting, and for some, exercising itself isn’t always enjoyable. It’s important to find a balance in life that offers what you need. Does exercise benefit you the way you expected it to?

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Amazing Trades To Make For A Healthier Lifestyle

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A lot of people struggle with the concept of moving towards a healthy lifestyle. In many of these cases, it’s easy to see why. The end goal seems impossible, and there are far too many things you need to change before getting anywhere near it. However, this is the wrong way to view your journey to a healthier lifestyle.

You need to do things step by step, slowly, over time. Start to make changes to your current lifestyle and swap unhealthy activities with healthier options. It’s these little swaps and trades that will put you on the right path - and all of a sudden, achieving your goals will not seem hard at all.

In today’s guide, I wanted to talk about some of those little changes you can make. Giving things up can be tough - but swapping them for healthier alternatives can help. Read on to find out more - and feel free to leave some of your suggestions in the comments!

 

Trade ready meals for home cooking

One of the best things you can do for your health is to start cooking meals yourself. Ready meals that you buy from stores are always full of salt, sugars preservatives and are unhealthy as a result. Cooking food yourself means you know exactly how much sugar and salt you are using - or butter and fat, for that matter. It will give you a far greater insight into what you are eating, which is critical to leading a healthier lifestyle.

 

Switch your large dining plates to smaller ones

If you want to lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories - it’s as simple as that. Portion size is often to blame, and even an enormous plate of healthy food can lead to weight increases. So, lose the big dinner plates. Buy smaller ones instead, and only plate enough food to keep your hunger at bay. A standard portion size of pasta, for example, should be about the size of your clenched fist.

 

Swap forks for chopsticks

When you are hungry, do you find yourself eating quickly? If so, try slowing things down a little. Chewing food for longer tricks your body into thinking it isn’t hungry anymore. And, swapping your knife and fork for a set of chopsticks is a great way to slow things down even more. The slower you eat, the more chance you will feel full by the time you finish your meal. And that means you won’t feel like having a second helping or could try and skip your pudding.

 

Swap white bread for rye bread

White bread has a few nutrients, but it is also full of sugar and calories, So much so, in fact, that you are better off not eating it at all. However, if you are a bread lover, replacing your standard white loaf with rye bread is a much better option. There is a lot more fiber in rye bread, meaning you will feel full after eating less. There are fewer calories in rye, too, meaning you could lose a little weight just by making this simple trade.

 

Trade sodas for juices

Be honest - how many cans of soda are you drinking every day? You shouldn’t need me to tell you that colas, lemonades and soft drinks are packed full of sugar and empty calories. Find yourself a good juicer to start making your own drinks. Which is best? There are plenty of options out there, so take a look around and see what you can find. healthybutsmart.com recently published a review of the Breville 800JEXL, for example. There are hundreds of other options out there, too. One thing to bear in mind with juicing is that you should always include veggies, rather than just using fruits. There is a lot of sugar in fruit juice, so balancing it out with healthier vegetables is going to help you get healthier.

 

Stop throwing out juice pulp and use it in cooking instead

One more point about juicing: when you juice you remove all the fiber in the pulp. This is an imperative part of your nutrition, and drinking juices alone might not be as healthy as you think. To balance things out, start using the pulp that remains after juicing in your cooking. This way, you will get the full health benefit of all the fruit and vegetables you are using.

 

Lattes for black coffee

Who loves picking up a latte on your way to work each morning? If that sounds familiar, making a little change is going to help you consume fewer calories. Lattes are packed full of milk, which, as everyone knows, is full to the brim with fat. Even skinny lattes are calorie-rich, so don’t think you can swap your regular latte with one of these. There can be up to 300 calories in a latte. If you are drinking 2-3 a day, you can see how easy it can be to shift some weight by eliminating them from your diet. However, making the switch to a simple Americano or black coffee each day will reduce your calorie intake by a considerable amount.

Swap cereal for eggs

Do you enjoy chowing down on cereal in the morning? Most people do, as it fills them up. However, swapping your cereal for eggs is a lot more beneficial. First of all, it gives you a massive protein boost, which will help you burn off fat during the day. It also fills you up for longer than any carbohydrate will. Other trade-in ideas include cooked ham, smoked salmon or Greek yogurt. Speaking of which…

 

Go Greek

A lot of people out there eat low-fat yogurt because they feel they will lose weight. However, what low-fat yogurts lack in fat, they make up for in sugar. You are far better off eating Greek yogurt instead. It is full of protein, and mixed with fresh fruit in the morning makes a delicious start to the day. You can use Greek yogurt as a replacement for many other things, too. For example, the sour cream you use in your burritos is packed with fat, so going Greek will save you a lot of calories.

 

Popcorn for chips

Chips are full of grease and are incredibly unhealthy. And, let’s not beat around the bush - they can be expensive, too. Swap your chips for popcorn, however, and it’s a different story. Pop your own corn and you can stuff your face with three huge bags at the cost of only 100 calories. As long as you avoid the sugar or salted popcorn, it is a much healthier snack than a bag of potato chips.

 

Trade store bought salad dressings for DIY alternatives

We’ve all been through the process of creating a beautiful, healthy salad, only to wreck the health benefits in a single second. How? Just by slavering salad dressing all over it. Store bought dressings are packed full of sugar. The creamy dressings like ranch or Caesar are also full of fat - 250 calories in each portion. But it is so easy to create your own alternatives. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a hint of mustard - it’s all you need to make a tasty - and healthy - salad dressing.

Stuffed crust to thin crust

We all love a treat every now and again, and, once in a while, there is no harm in calling up your local pizza delivery company and placing an order. But, the next time you call, think about going for a thin crust pizza instead. The more bread in your pizza, the more calories there are, and if you enjoy a stuffed crust, it can get even worse. A stuffed crust pizza can contain as much as 3,000 calories - way more than the average daily calorie limit.

 

Trade cookies for dark chocolate

Cookies and chocolate bars are full of sugar and fat. Everyone knows it, yet we all love them and eat them whenever we get the opportunity! However, swapping them for a couple of squares of high-quality dark chocolate can save you a whole bunch of calories. Look for a brand made from a minimum of 70% cocoa to enjoy the full benefits. It’s a much healthier alternative to cookies or chocolate bars, and it will give you a little perk up in the late afternoons.

 

Trade your energy drink for a power nap

Are you a fan of energy drinks? While they can give you an enormous boost from the caffeine and sugar, they aren’t healthy at all. So, the next time you are going through your mid-afternoon dip, don’t go to the vending machine. Instead, find a quiet place and take a 10-minute power nap. You will wake up refreshed and full of energy, and will have no calorie penalty to pay at all!

 

Trade grocery shopping before meals for grocery shopping after meals

Finally, you should never go shopping on an empty stomach. Statistics suggest that you will come home with a more unhealthy - and expensive - shopping bag. So, eat a meal before you go shopping at your local grocery store. Not only will you save on calories, but you will also be better off regarding money.

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Are You Listening? You're Digestive System has A LOT to Tell You

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When it comes to health and wellness, the focus is usually on the same few things. You think about weight, feeling good, having energy and waking up with a smile on your face. It's all yoga poses in front of a sunset and paleo dieting, but there is one area that's overlooked.

Part of that reasoning might be because it's not the most pleasant of topics. You might obsess about the things you eat, but the actual process of digestion? It's a bit gross. No one wants to think about stomach acid and bowel movements; they don't fit with the clean, sparse image we have of wellness.

This is a massive problem, because of how vital your digestive system is. Your stomach is your engine, but it's also the entire source of nutrients in your body. If it's not working, then nothing is going to work right. It doesn't matter how many vitamins you take if you can't absorb them. It's irrelevant if you eat "clean" if you don't get the benefit from the nutrients.

When it comes to managing health and wellness, you have to start from the inside out. That means managing your stomach and gut health is essential, because without those, nothing much else matters. Digestive complaints are all too common, and there are various reasons behind them. Some have their roots in lifestyle choices and some are genetic, while others are spontaneous illnesses from the just-bad-luck pile.

There are symptoms you have to be aware of, because identifying them is the only way to know your stomach is working as it should. Most of the time, digestion should be something that you can forget about. You should be managing it so well that you can afford to overlook it. But if you are suffering from one of the symptoms below, then it's something you need to rectify.

Bloating

It may seem normal to bloat after eating, and to an extent that's true. But there is a difference between your stomach expanding as you eat, and bloating that's being caused by excess gas.

You'll produce more gas if your stomach is having a tough time digesting something. So if this is a regular complaint, your diet is the first place to look. Complex carbohydrates are more difficult to digest; if you only have the problem after eating these foods, it's likely the source.

But if you're bloating after every meal, even those rich in protein, then it might be worth further examination.

 

Poop Problems

Yes, sorry, we're going to have to go there! It's pretty difficult to talk about GI complaints without going into the less attractive side of things. As icky as it sounds, it pays to be aware of your bowel movements.

As a rule, your poop should be solid and a light brown color. If it's dark to the point of being black, that could be a medical emergency due to bleeding in the GI tract. Look for medical advice immediately. A lighter color or floating issues, as The Alternative Daily details can mean you are eating too much fat. This can also be a sign of Celiac Disease.

Regularity is something that is very individual. Some people have to go two or three times a day, and for them, that's normal. Others once every two days. The only way to know what's right is to judge what's right for you. If your movements change in frequency, then it's worth keeping a food diary to see if there is any obvious cause.

Finally, blood in a bowel movement is not necessarily a cause of alarm. In most cases - and particularly if you're younger - it will be hemorrhoids, which are unpleasant but treatable. Nevertheless, seek medical advice if you see blood anywhere it shouldn't be.

 

Acid Reflux

This is a burning feeling in the chest and windpipe, which can occur at any time but primarily after eating. It's often grouped into a disorder known as GERD. There is no specific test for GERD; it's more an easy way of associating several symptoms.

Anxiety can worsen GERD, so look at lifestyle changes that can help calm stress if that is an issue (or consider seeking help from a therapist). Eating spicy food is also responsible, and carbohydrates don't help either.

Spices are fine in moderation, however, acid reflux can be a sign of a more serious problem like a stomach ulcer. In these cases, it will be accompanied by a pinching pain in the stomach. Ulcers are not life-threatening, but they can make you feel horrific and should be dealt with by a medical professional.

 

Stomach Cramps

Nine times out of ten, this is going to be down to something that you have eaten. Again, the more complex a food the more likely it is to hurt as it takes time to digest it.

However, it's worth considering if you have an allergy or a sensitivity. There are a few ways to try and identify this. You can go for allergy testing, but this can sometimes give false negatives. It also doesn't identify a sensitivity.

You can try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine and seeing if that eliminates the problem. This will likely only be effective, however, if your digestion is good enough to digest the pill effectively. And, again, it won't show a sensitivity.

Your best bet is to keep a food diary. If it's being caused by a particular food, then you will be able to track it. The FODMAP elimination diet is effective in helping find issues, and if it's a chronic issue, well worth doing. It will allow you to make the changes you need. If you don't find an effective culprit, then visit a doctor.

Diarrhea

There are many causes for this, though the top suspect will be Celiac Disease. This is relatively easy to test for, with a blood test being the first step. This can be followed by an endoscopy, but is not always necessary.

So the weapons in your arsenal are food diaries, elimination and knowing what works for you. If you see a change, seek medical advice. You can consider supplements and probiotics - and perhaps should - but these are just treating the symptom. Find the cause, treat it, and you will soon get the most of your wellness efforts.

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4 Tips To Keep Your Smile In Tip Top Shape

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Keeping your teeth in a good condition is so important if you want to look fantastic. It can make your smile look bad if your teeth are not looking great. Here are some unmissable ways to get your teeth looking ideal.

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Brush Them At Least Twice A Day

One simple way to get your teeth looking great is to ensure you are brushing them at least twice a day. So many people forget to do it first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. But it’s so important that you do brush them if you want to keep them looking good. By brushing them, it’s ensuring all food particles are washed away, and your teeth stay in a good condition. Make sure you are doing it for a good amount of time as well. So many people rush brushing their teeth, but it will mean you'll miss cleaning everyone. You can get many electric toothbrushes which have a timer which will go off when two minutes has passed. Also, don’t just go for the cheapest toothpaste; make sure you pick one which will keep them in a good condition!

 

Use Teeth Whitening Treatment

Another simple way to get your teeth looking great is by using a teeth whitening treatment. If you have been smoking or drinking alcohol, your teeth often can become discolored. It can also happen if you haven’t brushed your teeth correctly and bacteria is now growing. We talked previously about how to avoid getting yellow teeth. You can get many different toothpastes which will help to whiten your teeth. You can also get whitening strips that you can use at home. You can also go to the dentist and get a professional whitening treatment which will last for longer. It’s important to make sure your teeth are looking great if you want a beautiful smile.

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Consider Getting Braces

You should also consider getting braces if you want to straighten your teeth so they look perfect. It can help you to build confidence and you will feel happier with a better smile. They do have to stay in a while, so you need to be sure about getting braces. Talk to your dentist about the pro’s and con’s of braces, so you can decide whether they are right for you.

 

Use Mouthwash And Floss Regularly

Another simple way to get your teeth looking great is by ensuring you are using mouthwash and floss. A lot of people think that brushing their teeth is enough, but you might end up leaving food in your mouth which could turn into bacteria. Mouthwash is also essential to help you to get fresh breath, while floss can ensure that your smile stays great during the day. Here is a guide to choosing the right floss and mouthwash for you to use every day.


Hopefully, you can keep your teeth looking great so you can have an award-winning smile!

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5 Things To Consider When Taking Supplements

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Supplements exist to assist your healthy lifestyle and make sure you can live in comfort. It might be a case of easing the symptoms of a disorder, or simply making sure you’re equipped with the right necessities for your body. In any case, they can be very beneficial in the right circumstances. If you don’t know what you’re doing with them, though, they can be just as dangerous.

Do You Need Them?

Before you start taking supplements, you need to really decide if they are for you. If it’s an illness that could easily be made manageable with a better style of living, then maybe you should reconsider. Start going outside and exercising while eating healthily, and you may find that the symptoms go away automatically. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t take supplements, but make sure they’re a necessity first.

Taking The Right Amount

Just because these are supplements and not medicines, it doesn’t mean you can afford to take them any less seriously. When we’re prescribed medication, we’re very diligent in making sure we don’t take more than the recommended amount. That can change when it comes to supplements. Sure, with the right dose, your supplement could help to prevent the spread of bad bacteria. Take too much, though, and the effects could be damaging rather than beneficial

Side Effects

Just like with any sort of medication, side effects are a consideration that you need to think about. No-one can make any guarantees that you’ll be free of side effects when taking supplements but study them properly in advance. Make sure you know what to look out for, and talk to your doctor to ensure that they will be suitable for you. If there are any particularly bad potential side effects, this is especially important.

They Won’t Solve Everything

In an ideal world, we’d all use supplements as a replacement for medication. Putting natural ingredients in our body is always a better alternative when possible. Unfortunately, it isn’t always an option. This is another area where talking to a medical professional is the best case. Tell them about the supplements you’ve found, and see what they suggest. They’ll be able to tell you whether they are appropriate for your condition or not.

Don’t Become Reliant

When you get to a point, it’s easy to become reliant on supplements. You could go by for months taking it when you really don’t need to. Again, this all comes back to the amount that you’re taking. With the wrong amounts, it can be very detrimental to your health. At some point, you need to stop and think about how many supplements you are taking. Do you still need to take them, or have the original symptoms subsided? Make sure you don’t fall into a pattern of reliance.

 

Remember: In the right circumstances, supplements can be exactly what you need to improve your health. You must make sure that you need them before you take them, though, instead of making your health even worse!

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Cracking The Bikini Body Secret

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Summer is fast approaching. That means one thing. Bikini time! If this fills you with dread, fear not. Taking action now can help you to become bikini ready in time for those long, hot days of summer.

My birthday photo shoot in Pinones, Puerto Rico

CONFIDENCE

Before I get into diet and exercise, let's talk about confidence. This is the most important factor.  It’s ok to be you. Own it. Love yourself and don't let others approval define who you are. It doesn't matter what size and shape you are, you can feel beautiful in your swimwear this summer.

Think about the type of suit that fits your body shape the best. Apples shapes might want to go for a v-necked one piece, while athletic types might favour a tankini. Not everyone is suited to a two piece, so don't force yourself into one. There are so many suits out there in sizes 0-26+, so don't limit yourself this season.

Also consider the little things that can make your confidence soar. Paint your toenails and get your feet all buffed and ready. Exfoliate and moisture too so you feel good about yourself.

There are also some great suits that give you a bit of help and flatten out your lumps and bumps. If you are feeling self conscious, take a look here, to find something that can help.

If you are still not feeling summer ready, consider taking inches off with a body wrap or cosmetic laser dermatology. Whichever you choose make sure you do your homework and make the right choice for you.


DIET

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So you’ve got a great suit and some confidence but you’d still like to lose a few pounds before hitting the beach? That's ok too. You know at what weight you feel your best. You could try eating more fruit and vegetables. The increased fiber and water content of this food, fills you up for longer, making craving for bad things less likely. You could also try a whole food diet, removing anything processed like sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet.

Homemade loaded shrimp salad (cooked in 100% Coconut Oil)

Homemade loaded shrimp salad (cooked in 100% Coconut Oil)

EXERCISE

Another way of gaining a summer body you can be proud of is to exercise. Remember though that abs are made in the kitchen and not in the gym, so make sure you exercise along with a healthy and well balanced diet.

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A very popular exercise method is HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training. This is great if you are busy and find getting to the gym a struggle. You can do HIIT workouts in your own home and without any equipment. The idea behind it is that you spend less time overall working out. You exercise in small short bursts, putting all your effort in and then rest for a short time and so on. This shocks your body into burning fat. Check out these great Youtube videos for a free lesson.

Another great exercise for getting bikini body ready is Pilates. Pilates is designed to strengthen your core muscles through resistance work. You can do a pilates workout in a kitted out studio, or in your own living room. Equipment is pretty cheap and many people say that it improves their posture and overall well being as well.

How do you plan on getting bikini ready this season??

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3 Ways To Get The Perfect Smile

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We all know that the easiest way to a beautiful smile is to improve your oral hygiene. This won’t take much doing –you will just have to brush your teeth more often and see your dentist regularly. If that still doesn’t seem to help improve your teeth to your liking, you can always try a dental treatment. Your dentist will be able to carry out these procedures. Interested to know more? Read on for all the information you need!

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Teeth Whitening

You can always buy teeth whitening kits over the counter at your local drug store. However, for best results you need to see your dentist. This may be a lot more expensive, but the results will be far better and will last for much longer. One thing to bear in mind is that this may not make your teeth super white, but it will make them a few shades lighter and get rid of any stains. The procedure will be done in stages, and you will need to visit your dentist a few times over a couple of months. He will make a mold of your teeth and give you whitening teeth to apply at home. Over time, the gel will brighten up your teeth and give you a beautiful smile!

 

Braces

If your teeth is not as perfect as you would want it, your dentist can attach braces to them to help straighten them out. There are two types of braces: fixed and removable. If you have fixed ones, they will be attached to your teeth at all times. Removable ones can be taken off for cleaning. Normally, patients will need to wear their braces for a long period. On average, this can be between 18 and 24 months. After you have them removed, you may still be required to wear mouthpieces overnight. This is to make sure your teeth don’t move straight back into their original positions. Some people prefer to have invisible braces made out of see-through plastic. There are some different options available, including Invisalign Braces.

 

Dental Veneers

Veneers are artificial covers placed over your teeth. They are permanently attached and disguise discoloration and stains on your teeth. They can also be used to cover up a chipped tooth. However, more often than not, they are only used as a cosmetic treatment. Even though they are permanently attached to your teeth, it is still possible to chip them, just like normal teeth. To affix them, your dentist will need to drill into your front teeth slightly. He will then take an impression so that he can make veneers that will fit your teeth. This may sound like a scary procedure, but you have nothing to worry about! You will be given an anesthetic so that you won’t feel a thing.


If anyone of these treatments sounds like it could help you towards your perfect smile, speak to your dentist about it. They will be able to talk to you about the procedure and discuss any other options you may have.

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Overcome Your Fear Of The Dentist With These Simple Steps

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If you want to keep your teeth healthy and looking good, then going to the dentist is a must. However, many people are afraid of the dentist. Maybe it’s the sterile environment, the pointy tools or just having somebody poking around in your mouth. Whatever it is, being scared of the dentist isn’t pleasant. The good news is, you can overcome your fear of the dentist.

Use this guide to help you!

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Find an Understanding Dentist

There are many understanding dentists out there, you just need to find them. Some dentists even say that they specialize in anxious clients, so it could be worth looking for one of them if you’re particularly frightened of the dentist’s chair.

 

 

 

Visit the Environment Before Your Appointment

 

When you think you’ve found the right dentist for you, visit the office before your appointment. Getting an idea of the environment, the receptionist, and everything else to expect should help to put you at ease. Then on the day of your appointment, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

 

 

Have an Early Morning Appointment

 

If you book your appointment early in the morning, you’re going to have less time to dwell on it and think about what you have to do. You can get it over with, realize it’s really not that bad and get on with your day.

 

 

Start off Small

 

By starting off with smaller treatments and working your way up to having larger treatments, you’ll be able to build up a relationship with your dentist (if this route is an option for you). When you see just how understanding and helpful they are, you’ll feel more at ease sitting in their chair. Maybe go for a simple check up at first. Then you could have a scale and polish, and work your way up from there. This will help you, especially if you suspect you might need some real work done at some point. If you have no choice but to have same day crowns, then you should make sure you’re visiting a trustworthy, understanding dentist first.

 

 

Ask for Breaks if You Need Them

 

If you feel like you might need to take breaks, make sure you tell your dentist and set up a cue. They might even suggest this for you. For example, if you begin to panic and feel like you might need a break, your dentist might suggest that you should raise your left hand. Many understanding dentists will give you more control as they tell you you’re free to leave whenever you want. It’s highly unlikely you’ll actually leave the chair, but you have the option.


Only you can take the steps you need to overcome your fear of the dentist. Nobody can take your fear away. The key is first wanting to do it, then taking the steps to slowly feel better about visiting. If you want to keep your teeth in good condition, then you must make sure you visit the dentist once a year. Your teeth make a huge difference to your appearance, so don’t neglect them!

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