5 Things To Consider When Taking Supplements

/

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!

LET'S GET SOCIAL

 



 

Cracking The Bikini Body Secret

/

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

Photo Credit

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.

Photo Credit

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??

LET'S GET SOCIAL...

3 Ways To Get The Perfect Smile

/

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!

Photo Credit

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.

LET'S GET SOCIAL...

Overcome Your Fear Of The Dentist With These Simple Steps

/

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!

Photo Credit

 

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!

LET'S GET SOCIAL...

Trying to Stay Fit? Try These Tricks!

/

By no means am I the queen of health and fitness! But like everyone else, I do take pride in my appearance and my physical well being. Getting fit is certainly one of the most important tasks that we should all be looking to achieve it. Nevertheless, I’ll be the first to admit that it isn’t always easy.

 

Photo Credit

 

Get To Work

Our lives are dominated by work, and every other aspect has to fit around that schedule. So why not try to embrace your career as a way of getting fit.

I’m not telling you to give up your office job and become a P.E teacher. What I am saying, is that you can change routines for the better. If it's possible, start cycling to work, and you’ll be amazed at the results you see. It’s cheaper, it’s easier, and it will leave you feeling fitter. Just be sure that your bike is protected. Compare cycle insurance before taking it out for a ride. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Aside from anything else, the early morning exercise will set you up nicely for the day ahead.

 

Team Up With A Friend

After finishing a day of work, gaining the motivation to exercise can be difficult. I’m all too familiar with seeing the gym lose out to a night of Netflix. However, you can beat those problems by gaining an extra incentive. Try making exercise social.

Photo Credit

Teaming up with a buddy is a great way to find regular support throughout your exercise plans. Meanwhile, you can also sign up for classes to meet new people too. Let’s face it, recreation time is already short enough without losing out to solo time on the treadmill. Maintain the sociability, and it’ll be like killing two birds with one stone. Furthermore, your continued support can drive each other on to gain better results than you ever thought imaginable.

 

Don’t Take A Break

I bet most of you have started a routine in the past in great style only to stop once the pattern is broken. Unfortunately, maintaining good health and fitness is a never-ending challenge. It shouldn’t overtake your life. On the other hand, falling in and out of plans isn’t healthy.

One of the most common sources of those activities ending is going on holiday. Of course, the bid for fitness shouldn’t stop you from taking those vacations. However, maintaining a sense of fitness while away will be very beneficial. It’s not just a case of staying fit at this time. More importantly, it will prevent the loss of motivation upon your return.

Besides, a morning jog through new territory can be a great way to explore the destination too.

What are some ways you try to stay fit?

LET'S GET SOCIAL...


4 Ideas To Boost Your Endurance and Stamina

/

Image Source

Everyone wants to be as fit and healthy as possible. It is human nature to look in the mirror and think ‘I want to be fitter.' It is also human nature to want to make it happen, but not to take the necessary steps to make it possible. For those of you that are sick and tired of saying you will change, here are some basics that will transform your fitness. 

 

Make It Enjoyable

The one thing that most people complain about when it comes to exercising is the lack of enjoyment. And, to be fair, they are right because exercising can be boring. If you are just running on a treadmill for one hour a night, you are not going to stick to your goal. But, if you can’t wait to get out and to hit the gym, you are going to succeed. The trick is to take part in activities that you like. For example, if you don’t like the gym, don’t go to the gym. Instead, try going for a jog or taking up a hobby like yoga or Pilates.

 

Mix Weights And Cardio

Although your fitness centers on your cardiovascular system, you also need to concentrate on weights. Training your cardiovascular system is a good start, but it is only one area that you can improve. Lifting weights will hone your body, and that will improve your entire fitness levels. Remember that your muscles are essential to your fitness. So, the healthier they are, the healthier you will become. Alternatively, you can perform muscle-building exercises if you don’t want to lift. Sit ups and press ups are just as effective as any other exercises.

 

Quit Smoking

This is only for the smokers among you because not everyone is partial to a cigarette. But, the people that are need to stop as soon as possible. The chemicals like the tar and the smoke from the fags fill your lungs and your respiratory system. When you exercise, you need oxygen to perform at a high level. These chemicals, however, prevent your vital organs from transferring oxygen efficiently. On a basic level, they produce less and the red blood cells have less to carry to the muscles. Quitting might not be an option, so cut down instead. Smoking pipe tobacco or roll ups is a good way to cut down and wean your body off smoking full stop. 

 

Change Your Diet

Think of the food you eat as the energy your body needs to function. If you don’t have that energy when you are working out, you won’t hit your maximum fitness levels. Your diet may be making it harder to work out, so look at what you eat. Try and replace junk food with anything healthy like vegetables. Also, drink more water. Water is the fluid that will transform you into a health machine.

 

Finally, you need to rest. If you work too hard, your body won’t have time to recover or progress.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA...

Let's Talk About SEX......ual Issues We Hate

/

You know I’m all about staying fit and healthy. I hit the gym on a regular basis and I’ve released hundreds of articles on how you can keep fit. Whether that’s the proper way to exercise or the correct way to diet, but one subject I haven’t really talked about is sexual health. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a single post on my blog that mentions it. But I’m not the only one. It seems that as a society, we shy away from this topic as much as we can. Sure it will pop in the news occasionally and we all remember sex ed from high school. But for the most part it’s forgotten, and that’s dangerous. There are a few sexual health issues you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about, no matter how uncomfortable they make you feel. 

 

Impotence

 

Impotence is perhaps the biggest taboo in sexual health. Don’t talk about it, don’t bring it up and certainly don’t bring the topic up with your partner, right? The same is true for a low sex drive and sexual dysfunction. But these are all medical conditions and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. In fact when you look at statistics they are all shockingly common. Hollywood might want you to think that every guy is ready to go as soon as he sees a girl naked. But it’s just not the case. The good news is that if you talk about it, you can fix it. There are treatments for all the issues that I’ve just mentioned. After seeing a healthcare professional, you can get a cialis discount card to get the medication that you may need. Once you have that, you can get on the track to healthy relationships in the bedroom. Don’t forget that problems like this can be symptoms of a more serious issue. Particularly if they occurred suddenly and that’s why they should always be checked out. 

 

Infertility

It’s weird how our minds work. When we’re young we have sex and pray to whoever it is we pray to that the pitter patter of tiny feet don’t arrive in nine months. But once you’re in a committed relationship, and you’re settling down the gears might switch. You start to focus on trying for a baby and it can be devastating when you don’t find you’re not pregnant. Even after one try, you’ll start to think that it’s not going to work. You might search online and find the pill in some cases has stopped women conceiving even after they have stopped taking it. But you have to remember a shocking statistic- your chances of getting pregnant each time you have sex without any contraception is on average five percent. That means ninety-five percent of the time it won’t work. It’s a frightening thought but it should also be reassuring. If it doesn’t work one time you should not automatically assume you have a problem. But once you go to your Physician, you can find out what you can do to improve your chances. 

 

I hope you see now there should be no taboo when talking about sexual health. If you can talk about it, you can tackle it head on.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA...

3 Small Lifestyle Changes For A Healthier You

/

The sun is finally peeking out from behind the clouds; winter is starting to pack its bags!! That can only mean it’s time to come out of hibernation! Having a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean a complete overhaul, though. Try these three small changes for big rewards.

 

Invest In A Sun Light

Sunset-over-the-horizon.jpg

Image Source

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is now a recognized disorder that many people suffer with. It is thought that this is partially as a result of a change in how most people spend their days. In years gone by, many people were engaged in labor and jobs outside. However now, many of us work indoors. 

Sun Lights are a fantastic investment if you spend a lot of time inside, whether that be through work or another reason. As more and more versions hit the market, they also become more affordable.

SAD is an organization dedicated to supporting those with the disorder. They have some great advice for selecting the best Sun Light for you here. They are also known as SAD Lights. If you want some more information on the disorder, you can find more information here. A standard box light is a great starting point, but you can also buy ones that double-up as alarm clocks. These slowly fill the room with natural light in the morning. These are especially useful for the dark winter months.

 

Get Yourself A Little Motivation

Image from Flickr

 

Okay, we all know how important drinking water is. We’re told over and over again about it. But it is still not easy. However, help might be at hand. These motivational water bottles feature an inspiring quote on one side and a measuring chart on the back. Not just any measuring chart, though! This one features encouragements like ‘Don’t Stop’ and ‘Almost There’ to help you along the way. Plus you can pick the type of bottle top you prefer.

 

These bottles can also be used for smoothies and other cold, healthy drinks. For example, once a day you could fill the bottle with green tea instead of water. Green tea is well known for its many benefits. These range from helping improve your memory to burning fat. Adding a slice of lemon will help it retain antioxidants once it has cooled.

 

Don’t Aim To Be A Gym Bunny!

 Image from Jonathan Rolande

 

Seeing gym fanatics plastered all over our social media feeds can be both irritating and depressing. These people seem to be working out so often they must never sleep!

The trick is not to think you have to match their level of fitness. While exercising lots is great, the National Health Service recommends a minimum of 150 minutes a week. Although this sounds like a lot, it is only 30 minutes a day with two days off a week! This should be a mix of moderate aerobic and vigorous activity. Again, don’t be scared off! Moderate aerobic activities can include simple things like fast walking, bike riding or even mowing the lawn. Vigorous activity can be had through things like skipping ropes or a half an hour run. Once you get started, it will come naturally to up your hours and intensity.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA....

Make Your Mind Happier and Healthier With These Tips

/

When someone asks you about your health, what do you immediately think of? Your body and physical health, of course, but that shouldn’t be the case. Yes, most of us link the term ‘health’ to our physical health. But as well as referring to the condition of our body, it also links to our mind, and it’s important to remember that.

 

Image credit

To keep our bodies in good shape, we eat the right foods and hit the gym regularly, but what are we doing for our minds? The truth is that most of us are doing very little to keep our minds healthy, which has meant an increase in mental health problems over the past few years. Want to make your mind healthier and happier? Here're a few things that you can do to help to boost your mental health.

 

Learn to be more positive

We’ve all heard how important being positive is to our minds, but how many of us would actually call ourselves positive people? The truth is, very few of us have mastered the art of positivity, most of us, sadly, are pessimists, not optimists. The good news is that it’s never too late to change your mindset to make yourself more positive.

Of course, thanks to our star sign, some of us are more negative than others. Depending on when we are born, we each have a star sign that affects many aspects of our lives, including how negative or positive we are. The levels of positivity and negativity that we feel, also tend to go up and down throughout the year, depending on how the planets are aligned. To find out how your star sign will affect you this month, you can check out your pisces monthly horoscope online.

While your star sign does affect your positivity, no matter how much of a negative person you are, you can still change that. It might take more hard work, but it is possible. The most important things that you can do is tackle every issue or problem in a positive way. For instance, say you lose your job. Don’t think of it as a bag thing, see it as a chance to spread your wings and gain new experience. Being positive is about changing your perception of situations.

 

Make meditation part of your life

When it comes to keeping our minds healthy, one of the best ways to go about it is by meditating every day. You may not be keen on the idea of meditation, but if you want a happier mind, it’s something that you must, at least, try.

It may take some getting used to, but meditation has some fantastic effects on the mind. From calming and soothing it to making it easier for you to concentrate and get to sleep, meditation has some fantastic benefits. The great thing about meditation is that there are so many different forms to try, from yoga to tai chi. So if one type of meditation doesn’t work for you, give another a go.

 

Surround yourself with the right people

Don’t spend time with dpeople who don’t make you feel good, as this will cause damage to your mental health. Use your time wisely and don’t waste it on people who aren’t worth it. Surround yourself with people who help you to grow, boost your confidence and make you more positive.

 

So there you have it, everything that you need to know about making your mind healthier and happier.

 STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH ME....

Positive Lifestyle Changes You Can Start Today!

/

Having a healthy lifestyle may seem challenging to some, but it doesn’t have to be. Changing for the better doesn’t have to mean you overhaul your life like almost EVERYBODY does with these sudden New Years Resolutions. Even the most minor lifestyle changes can have a positive and dramatic impact on your life. It’s all about routine, commitment and staying focused. Here is a list of possible changes you can make to ensure you’re living the healthiest lifestyle possible.


Have regular check-ups
Start to schedule regular appointments with medical professionals. These could include doctors, opticians, dentists and nutritionists. Each of these experts can help you stay on top of your health and treat any current issues you may be facing. Regular check-ups can also highlight possible medical symptoms before they get worse and advise you on how to care for yourself properly. You can also use these sessions to air your concerns about your family’s medical history or to ask for weight loss guidance. Always visit a reliable Doctor and Dentist to keep all aspects of your body in tip top condition.


Improve your sleeping habits
If you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning and spend your days feeling drained, you need to improve your sleep habits. Start getting up at the same time every day including weekends (I know, I know). This can be difficult but after a few weeks, your body will adapt and get used to the change. It is a self-regulating system, so if you don’t get enough sleep one night, your body will get tired sooner the next day. Therefore making you want to go to bed earlier. Knowing what time you need to get up will also give you the opportunity to plan what time you go to bed to ensure you get enough rest. This can brighten your mood and make your body feel more active. It will also give your body a chance to rejuvenate and prepare itself for the day ahead.

A casual walk on a nature trail.


Making time for exercise
Many people will put off exercise because they don’t have time for it. Everyday life can be hectic and squeezing long gym sessions into your schedule can be difficult. But shorter workouts can be just as efficient and are easier to fit around your work and home life. Research high-intensity short workouts and make an effort to do them every day. Also, try to keep your body moving by walking more and taking the stairs. You could also try jogging on the spot during commercials or joining an evening and weekend sports team. Any additional movement you can give your body will keep your weight down and your fitness levels up.


Make an effort to try at least two of the items on this list and you could be reaping the benefits in no time. Small changes are still valid and give you the opportunity to grow, so don’t disregard them. They may be small, but they could change your life completely. Take your health seriously today and you’ll be more likely to live a long and happy life!

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH ME...