Good For you Too Snack!!

Pineapple Flaxseed Smoothie:

1 8 oz. container of non fat vanilla  yougert.

1cup of fresh pineapple chopped.

4 oz. skim Milk

1 cup of ice

1 tblspoon of ground or not flaxseed.

Blend

Serve with fresh slice of pineapple.

enjoy.

Will make enough  for 2 large servings

ENJOY!

Pineapple Smoothie is a quick, easy drink recipe. This is a wonderful vitamin C rich drink, which is packed with flavor and nutrition. This is prepared with ripe pineapple slices, crushed ice and sweetener of choice.

Pineapple is also an excellent source of manganese and contains calcium, magnesium , potassium and phosphorous in small amounts.

Some of the health benefits of pineapple:

Pineapple contains powerful digestive enzyme, that can destroy bad bacteria and parasites.

• Help to prevent the formation of blood clots .
• Helps to cure cold, cough and fight throat infections.
• They are very good for healthy bones.
• It is an excellent remedy to nausea.
• It cures constipation.
• benefits  of  Flax seed highlighted  in blog  from:3/26/3012

Time Management

Managing and prioritizing not to make good use of our time but to make the best use of our time.

We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.

Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in our Higher Power and strengthen our families and relationships.

Managing our time is essential in helping us to choose the better and best priorities in our lives.

Please click on the link below to find and excellent step by step article (from wikiHow) about managing your time.

When managing your time I have always found these two quotes to be helpful admonitions for myself!

1.       Do not forget Murphy’s Law: “Nothing is as easy as it seems. Anything to be done needs more time than you think and if something can go wrong, it will go wrong.” **Of course, there are also many days where everything seems to go right, as well”**

2.       “Without goals, you cannot know what to do. Without a schedule you cannot know, when to do so.”

I hope everyone learns to make the best use of their time.

Sincerely,

A member of the Cobb CSB Peer Team

http://www.wikihow.com/Manage-Your-Time

Brisk Walking May Have Benefits.

The Walking Report

Are you a speed demon or more of a stroller? If people think you're a New Yorker simply by the speed of your stride, you're in luck. The same study found that those who walked at a brisk clip had a much lower risk of developing dementia than their tortoise-paced counterparts. Those with a slower walking speed in middle age were one and a half times more likely to develop dementia. “Walking speed can be a great test of general frailty, and since walking is not exactly simple (you have to look where you’re going and plan ahead) the time it takes you to process this information can be a measurement of how damaged the brain is,” says Dr. Camargo.

**Even if you are that turtle pacer...walk , walk walk,,,try to make a  goal  to get 10,000 steps  in a  day!

The Benefits of Flaxseed

Is flaxseed the new wonder food? Preliminary studies show that flaxseed may help fight everything from heart disease and diabetes to breast cancer.

By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD

WebMD Expert Column

Some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. There’s some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. That’s quite a tall order for a tiny seed that’s been around for centuries: flaxseed.

Flaxseed was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000 BC, according to the Flax Council of Canada. By the 8th century, King Charlemagne believed so strongly in the health benefits of flaxseed that he passed laws requiring his subjects to consume it. Fast-forward 13 centuries, and some experts would say we have preliminary research to back up what Charlemagne suspected all those years ago.

These days, flaxseed is found in all kinds of foods, from crackers to frozen waffles to oatmeal. The Flax Council estimates close to 300 new flax-based products were launched in the U.S. and Canada in 2010 alone. Not only has consumer demand for flaxseed gone up, agricultural use has also increased -- to feed all those chickens laying eggs that are higher in omega-3 fatty acids.

Although flaxseed contains all sorts of healthy components, it owes its healthy reputation primarily to three ingredientsOmega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.

  Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75-800 times more lignans than other plant foods.

    Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.

Other benefits

1. Flaxseeds are a a great source of fiber and work as a natural laxative. They are a great way to keep things regular.

2. Flaxseed oil contains concentrated amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat. Vegetarians and vegans often use this as a substitute for fish oil, although there are differing opinions over whether the Omega-3 in flaxseed oil is as beneficial as that in fish oil.

3. Ground flaxseed has been shown to work just as well as statins in lowering cholesterol.4. Flaxseeds are a good source of magnesium.5. Flaxseeds contain high levels of lignans. Lignans may protect against estrogen-dependents cancers such as breast cancer.

6. An ounce of ground flaxseed per day was shown to regulate estrogen levels in post-menopausal women.

7. Flaxseeds have been shown to protect post-menopausal women from heart disease.

8. Flaxseed decreases insulin resistance and may protect against diabetes.

9. Preliminary research in mice shows that flaxseeds may prevent or slow the spread of prostate cancer.

10. Studies in mice show that flaxseed may prevent or slow the spread of melanoma.

As with everything, moderation is key. Too many flaxseeds may cause negative effects. Just one tablespoon per day is enough in most cases. If you are unsure how much is right for you, ask your doctor how much he or she recommends.

Sources: American Cancer Society
**Easy to add to diet by adding to yogurt, toast and jam, salads,cereal,and  any veggie. 

Getting close to garden time..Consider planting these

9 Food Cures You Can Grow at Home

Put your green thumb to work growing a first-aid kit that will keep you healthy all summer. Dr. Oz

Aloe Vera

Grow it: Plant in pots placed in full sunshine. Water well.

Use it: Break open the thick leaves and apply the gel that seeps out to your skin to soothe sunburn. “It’s 96 percent water and 4 percent active ingredients, including amino acids and enzymes that nourish damaged skin,” says pharmacist Margo Marrone, founder of The Organic Pharmacy in the United Kingdom.

Basil

Grow it: This sweet, fragrant annual is ideal for growing in pots. Pull off the white flowers as soon as they appear to keep it from going to seed and your herbs from tasting bitter.

Use it: Rub crushed leaves on your temples to relieve headaches. Pour boiling water over basil leaves for a pain-relieving footbath. Great spice in the kitchen too!!  Use on all meats and veggies and adds great flavor to any Italian dish you make…grow a lot of this!!

Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties.

Lavender

Grow it: This sun-loving plant needs good drainage. Use a small pot filled with gravel and a light soil.

Use it: It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Crush a handful of the heads and add to a bowl of boiling water to use as a steam bath for your face. You can also dab the oil from the flowers on blemishes, says Marrone. You can also boil in water to make house  smell great with a calming effect.

Lemon Balm

Grow it: Pot it, or it will colonize your garden.

Use it: Use for healing and preventing cold sores. Also, rub leaves directly onto skin as a natural insect repellent or to soothe bites.

Mint

Grow it: Use a sunken pot, because it grows vigorously.

Use it: Ideal for treating the collywobbles, which you might know as butterflies in the stomach. Sip tea made with fresh peppermint leaves to soothe stomach cramps, nausea, and flatulence. For a natural decongestant, place a fistful of mint leaves in a shallow bowl and cover with boiling water. Lean over it, drape a towel over your head, and breathe the steam. Great in tea hot or clod and  awesome in water  on ice!

Parsely

Grow it: Thrives in a pot in the sun as long as the soil is kept moist. Feed with organic fertilizer.

Use it: Immune-system booster. Eat one tablespoon of chopped flatleaf or curly parsley daily. Chewing parsley neutralizes mouth odors. Also add to  your water with a cucumber  for a great summer  water treat! Sage

Grow it: Needs full sun and a dry sandy soil.  Sage means “to be in good health.”

Use it: Gargle with a broth made from a quarter-cup of leaves (and cooled) to relieve sore throat. Great as  a spice on poultry and  veggies!!

Rosemary

Grow it: This hardy perennial loves basking in sunshine.

Use it: Tea made from a thumb-sized piece has been known to lift spirits in people suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and hangovers. Infuse warm red wine with rosemary, cinnamon, and cloves to soothe winter colds.. In the kitchen…add to water  for a  change, use as a seasoning  for  veggies  meat fish and Italian Food …a bargain since it grows like a weed in the right place.

Sage

Grow it: Needs full sun and a dry sandy soil.  Sage means “to be in good health.”

Use it: Gargle with a broth made from a quarter-cup of leaves (and cooled) to relieve sore throat. In the kitchen use on poultry, fish and  veggies for added flavor

Thyme

Grow it: Plant in dry, light soil. Needs sun.

Use it: A powerful antioxidant as well as an antiseptic. Drink a tea made from lemon thyme to treat colds before bed. Warning: don’t use thyme when pregnant.

In the kitchen  great on poultry, fish and  veggies

AaChoooo!

Effective Ways To Relieve Seasonal Allergy Symptoms 

 

Q: Is there a natural way to ease my allergy symptoms?

A: One remedy I've long espoused is nasal irrigation, which can wash away allergens (like pollen) and excess mucus. When you experience a flare-up, fill a neti pot (a small, spouted dish) with saline water, then tilt your head to one side and pour it into the upper nostril. The water will then flush out of the lower nostril. Certain supplements can also help (consult your doctor before taking them): Bromelain may reduce inflammation inside the nasal passages, while some studies have shown butterbur to be an effective natural antihistamine

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Oz-Natural-Ways-to-Ease-Allergies#ixzz1ptPQS05q

Quick Cures For Itchy Eyes:
Wear Sunglasses to keep the pollen from flying into your eyes
Baby Shampoo & Water to slightly irrigate around your eyelids to remove pollen
Pataday for seasonal allergies, one drop per day
Quick Cures For Suffy Noses:
Nasonex 1 spray per day
Patanase 1 spray per day nasal antihistamine
Quick Cures For Sneezing:
Saline Spray
Zyrtec 10 MG per day
Claritin 5 MG per day
Quick Cures For Itchy Nose:
Wear a hat it’s a pollen blocker
Avoid hair gel it’s a pollen magnet
Wash hair at night
Dr. Oz asked Bassett who should get an allergy shot and who would most benefit from it? Bassett said that 80-90% of people who have allergies can benefit from allergy shots. It’s the only immune treatment available that prevents the progression of allergic disease, long term relief, safe and effective and gets the job done.
So people wear a hat, your big sun glasses and and your allergy medicine of choice and greet the day

First Day Of Spring!

Select Artificial Sweetners With Care and Concern.

Links Between Aspartame & Depression

Maintaining a healthy diet is linked to physical and mental wellness. Individuals often consume "diet" products to lose weight or because they think these products are healthier. However, many diet products include an ingredient called aspartame. According to the National Institutes of Health, not only can this ingredient be physically unhealthy, it has also been linked to mental health issues such as depression.

Aspartame

Aspartame is a combination of two amino acids: henylalanine and aspartic acid, according to MedlinePlus. Common aspartame products include Equal, NutraSweet and diet sodas. Even though aspartame is a sugar substitute, it is 220 times sweeter than real sugar, reports MedlinePlus.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/282909-links-between-aspartame-depression/#ixzz1pVqWWPW7

Maintaining a healthy diet is linked to physical and mental wellness. Individuals often consume "diet" products to lose weight or because they think these products are healthier. However, many diet products include an ingredient called aspartame. According to the National Institutes of Health, not only can this ingredient be physically unhealthy, it has also been linked to mental health issues such as depression.

.

Truvia Sweetened Drink Enjoy Crystal Light in Your Water, Naturally Sweetened with Truvia (plant based) KraftBrands.com/CrystalLight

Several research studies have found a link between depression and aspartame. According to a study published in August 1994 in the "Biological Psychiatry," individuals with depression are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of aspartame. These effects include fatigue, nausea, headaches, poor memory and insomnia. This particular study was actually stopped before completion because of the severity of reactions that the participants experienced. This study recommended that individuals who have existing depression should not consume aspartame. Additionally, another study published in March 2007 in the "Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients" found that aspartame can lead to depression withdrawal symptoms, which immediately decreased when resuming aspartame. He also found that subjects become addicted to aspartame, experiencing intense cravings when not consuming it.

Aspartame and Serotonin

Chemicals, or neurotransmitters, in the brain are key factors in mental health diagnoses. When neurotransmitters are imbalanced or lessened, mental health issues tend to result. Serotonin is an especially important neurotransmitter linked to the diagnosis of depression. Since neurotransmitters cannot be directly measured, researchers typically use the brains of animals to learn more about them. A study published in August 1987 in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" found that in rats, aspartame decreases serotonin level. More studies on this are needed to further examine this phenomenon.

Stevia And Truvia  are better  choices  …they come  from plants.

Gastrointestinal Effects

Aspartame can cause gastrointestinal side effects, especially from diet soda, as it is absorbed and metabolized quicker. Common gastrointestinal complaints include stomach upset, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and weight gain due to fluid accumulation. Although most people drink diet soda to reduce their calorie consumption and lose weight, a few studies have found that switching to diet soda causes gradual weight gain, according to "Fluids and Electrolytes with Clinical Application." The weight gain is not due to fat, but rather fluid accumulation around the lower abdomen caused by the metabolites of aspartame.

May Contribute to Diabetes

Many diet soda drinkers are diabetics who are trying to avoid the negative effects of sugar, although aspartame may be more harmful. According to research done by H.J. Roberts M.D., a diabetes specialist and expert on artificial sweeteners, aspartame use can trigger clinical diabetes. In a 2003 article published in "Nutrition Health Review," Dr. Roberts explains that aspartame tricks the pancreas into secreting too much insulin, which removes too much glucose from the blood, creating hypoglycemia and the clinical symptoms of diabetes. Aspartame also overstimulates the pancreas, causing inflammation and pain known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can further disrupt the pancreatic Islet cells, which are responsible for producing and releasing insulin.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/355002-side-effects-of-aspartame-in-diet-soda/#ixzz1pVrQAc1z

Drowning in soda: America's health problems made far worse by massive soda consumption

"We can demonstrate an association between daily consumption of sugared beverages and diabetes risk," researcher Litsa Lambrakos said. "We can then translate this information into estimates of the current diabetes and cardiovascular disease that can be attributed to the rise in consumption of these drinks."
The researchers found that sugary soft drinks also contributed to the loss of 21,000 life-years, plus an increase of 50,000 in the life-years spent suffering from heart disease.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/029439_soda_consumption_diabetes.html#ixzz1pViSzI1H
The analysis included juices with sugar added but excluded 100 percent juice.

"Juice from fruit itself is nutrient-rich, and its nutritional value goes beyond the carbohydrate content," said Robert H. Eckel of the University of Colorado, a former president of the American Heart Association.

The findings may build new support for the growing push for a soda tax. According to policy experts, a tax of just one cent per ounce would reduce soda consumption by 10 percent.
"The reason why there is a current debate about a tax is that scientific evidence in populations has consistently shown that more than one drink a day increases your risk," Bibbins-Domingo said.
"The finding suggests that any kind of policy that reduces consumption might have a dramatic health benefit."
A single serving of soda or other sweetened soft drink contains between 120 and 200 calories of sugar, equivalent to a man's recommended intake for a full day and exceeding the recommended daily intake for a woman.
If a person who drank more then one soda a day… cut back ONE soda …they would consume 51,100 LESS calories in a year this is  equivalent  to losing a little over 14 pounds and reduces sugar intake by 3,650 teaspoons!!!! Think about  that !! May we suggest WATER!!

Sleep Is a Recovery Tool!

How Lack of Sleep Hurts Your Health

 

While you're snoozing, the body repairs damaged tissue, produces crucial hormones, and strengthens memories.

Is one of your favorite sayings "I'll sleep when I'm dead"? You may want to reconsider. Far from being a time-wasting, 8-hour sentence in a useless void, the research is pretty clear on this point: sleep is crucial for good health. It helps memory and mood, keeps you trim, strengthens your immune system, fights inflammation, and keeps your heart and blood vessels in tip-top shape.

"When you're sleeping you're regulating hormone levels, you're regulating insulin levels, your blood pressure is being kept under control, there are a lot of things going on, and if you're not getting enough sleep you're throwing these things out of whack," says Shelby Freedman Harris, PsyD, director of behavioral sleep medicine at Montefiore Medical Center's Sleep-Wake Disorders Center in New York City.

While you're snoozing, the body repairs damaged tissue, produces crucial hormones, and strengthens memories — —a process called consolidation, which helps you perform a new skill better after sleeping than you would if you spent an equivalent amount of time awake. (Take that, all-nighters!)

"It's a way for the body to integrate everything that happened over the past waking day and to kind of prepare for the next day," says Virend K. Somers, MD, a professor of medicine and cardiovascular diseases at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., who studies sleep and heart health.

Hopefully, you're convinced that sleep is good for you. So what happens when age-old culprits like insomnia or sleep apnea — —or newer ones like a jam-packed schedule— — cause you to chronically lose sleep? That's right, they may affect your health— — particularly your heart. (In general, short stretches of sleep deprivation— — when taking care of a new baby, for example — —can be challenging, but aren't thought to have a long-term effect on health).

Why your heart needs a good night's sleep

Short sleepers, typically defined as people who get less than six hours of sleep a night, as well as people who don't spend enough time in the deepest stages of sleep, are at higher risk of heart attacks and strokes than those who get at least seven hours.

A 2011 study in male Japanese factory workers found those who slept less than six hours a night had a five-fold increased heart attack risk over a 14-year span compared with those who logged between 7 and 8 hours a night. Another published in 2011 found that healthy men 65 and older with normal blood pressure were nearly twice as likely to develop hypertension during the study if they spent less time in the deepest sleep stage (known as slow-wave sleep) compared with those who spent the most time deeply asleep.

Is lack of sleep making you fat?

Recent research also suggests that a lack of sleep could be contributing to problems like diabetes and weight gain, both serious health hazards. Some studies have linked shorter sleep to a greater likelihood of obesity, but whether or not sleeping less is a cause or effect of obesity remains unclear.

What we do know is that sleep deprivation reduces sensitivity to insulin, the key blood-sugar-regulating hormone, while making it harder metabolize blood sugar properly. Short sleep also boosts levels of hormones that make us hungry, while reducing secretion of the hormones that help us feel full. So it makes sense that being starved for sleep could lead to weight gain — —even if only for the fact that being awake longer gives us more time to eat.

When people are sleep deprived and eat a cookie, their blood sugar goes higher and they're more resistant to the effect of insulin than if they ate the same cookie after a good night's sleep, says Dr. Czeisler. "If you're on a diet to lose weight and you're sleeping five to six hours a night, 75 percent of the weight you lose will be lean body mass."

That means just 25 percent of the weight you're losing is fat, he added; when people sleep enough, fat accounts for 50 percent of weight lost.

"A lot of people who don't get enough sleep often say they have trouble losing weight, or they have this slow weight gain," notes Montefiore's Harris. Often, she adds, people who start getting treatment for sleep apnea find that once they're sleeping better, it's easier for them to lose weight — —and losing weight may help lessen sleep apnea symptoms.

"You don't have to be overweight to have sleep apnea, but if you are, sometimes losing at least 10 percent of your body weight can reduce the severity of your sleep apnea," Harris says.

Understand Food Labels..and Read them.

Find out if the healthy labels on your grocery items are loaded with lies or telling the truth.

At the grocery store, you’re bombarded with terms like “whole grain,” “low-fat,” and “sugar-free.” But how can you know if they’re telling you the whole truth? We’ve investigated some popular but misleading supermarket labels to break down what’s really in your favorite foods.

 “Lightly Sweetened”

This term isn’t officially regulated by the FDA, which means it could have anywhere from 1-100 grams – or more – of sugar. Instead of “lightly sweetened,” search for the label “No added sugar.” That label is FDA regulated, and can lead you to foods that will help cut your carb and calorie counts.**Remember keep sugar grams to 50 - 70 max.!

“A Good Source of Fiber”

While fiber is an important part of your daily diet, what’s more important is making sure you’re getting the right kinds of fiber. Packaged foods that use the term “a good source of fiber” sometimes use a fiber additive that’s not as beneficial as the fiber found in natural foods like whole grains and vegetables. While this label is not totally misleading, in order to get the best sources of fiber, make sure you eat fresh, whole, fiber-rich foods too.

“Made With Real Fruit”

More often than not, the fruit that’s advertised is not the fruit that’s actually in the item. While you think you’re getting one set of benefits from what’s advertised, you’re most likely getting something completely different. Not only that, but “real fruit” quantities aren’t regulated by the FDA so the amount could be so miniscule that it won’t have any beneficial effect on you at all. When it comes to fruit, just eat the real thing!

Dr. Oz.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Facts about St. Patrick's Day Holiday

• St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17 because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is believed that he died on March 17 in the year 461 AD. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history. St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, and a provincial holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
   
• In Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their jackets or caps. Children wear orange, white and green badges, and women and girls wear green ribbons in their hair.
   
• Many cities have a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Dublin, the capital of Ireland, has a huge St. Patrick’s Day festival from March 15-19, that features a parade, family carnivals, treasure hunt, dance, theatre and more. In North American, parades are often held on the Sunday before March 17. Some paint the yellow street lines green for the day! In Chicago, the Chicago River is dyed green with a special dye that only lasts a few hours. There has been a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston, Massachusetts since 1737. Montreal is home to Canada’s longest running St. Patrick’s Day parade, which began in 1824.

Thought For the Weekend

Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. ~Francesca Reigler

Guilt Free Devils Food Treat 'FIX"

Yum Yum Brownie Muffins

Check out this ROCKIN' recipe from Hungry Girl!  "

1 Muffin, or 3 minis - 181 calories, 3.5g fat, 37g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5*)

This super-simple 2-ingredient recipe is a Weight Watchers Fave!

1 box devil's food cake mix

1 can solid pack pumpkin (15 oz.)

Directions:

Mix the two ingredients together. Don't add anything else that may be mentioned on the box, such as eggs, oil, or water. The mixture will be very thick and you will be tempted to add in other things to make the batter smoother. DO NOT DO THIS AS IT WILL RUIN EVERYTHING! Place batter into muffin tins (or mini muffin tins) lined with paper, or sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 12 regular or 36 mini muffins. ENJOY and SHARE.

Think It* Believe It * Achieve It!

The Power of Positive Thinking

"There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself."

-Henry David Thoreau

Beyond The Quote

Having a positive attitude toward the things around you will determine life’s overall importance. If you are truly happy and appreciate all that you have, wealth will flow freely throughout your life.

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images that are conductive to growth, expansion and success. It is a mental attitude that expects good and favorable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds.

Not everyone accepts or believes in positive thinking. Some consider the subject as just nonsense, and others scoff at people who believe and accept it. Among the people who accept it, not many know how to use it effectively to get results. Yet, it seems that many are becoming attracted to this subject, as evidenced by the many books, lectures and courses about it. This is a subject that is gaining popularity.

It is quite common to hear people say: "Think positive!", to someone who feels down and worried. Most people do not take these words seriously, as they do not know what they really mean, or do not consider them as useful and effective. How many people do you know, who stop to think what the power of positive thinking means?

Positive and negative thinking are both contagious.

All of us affect, in one way or another, the people we meet. This happens instinctively and on a subconscious level, through thoughts and feelings transference, and through body language. People sense our aura and are affected by our thoughts, and vice versa. Is it any wonder that we want to be around positive people and avoid negative ones? People are more disposed to help us if we are positive, and they dislike and avoid anyone broadcasting negativity.

Negative thoughts, words and attitude bring up negative and unhappy moods and actions. When the mind is negative, poisons are released into the blood, which cause more unhappiness and negativity. This is the way to failure, frustration and disappointment.

Practical Instructions:

Here are a few actions and tips to help you develop the power of positive thinking:

   Always use only positive words while thinking and while talking. Use words such as, 'I can', 'I am able', 'it is possible', 'it can be done', etc.

  Allow into your awareness only feelings of happiness, strength and success.

 Try to disregard and ignore negative thoughts. Refuse to think such thoughts, and substitute them with constructive happy thoughts.

  In your conversation use words that evoke feelings and mental images of strength, happiness and success.

 Before starting with any plan or action, visualize clearly in your mind its successful outcome. If you visualize with concentration and faith, you will be amazed at the results.

 Read at least one page of inspiring book every day.

 Watch movies that make you feel happy.

  Minimize the time you listen to the news and read the papers.

Associate yourself with people who think positively.

 Always sit and walk with your back straight. This will strengthen your confidence and inner strength.

 Walk, swim or engage in some other physical activity. This helps to develop a more positive attitude.

Think positive and expect only favorable results and situations, even if your current circumstances are not as you wish them to be. In time, your mental attitude will affect your life and circumstances and change them accordingly.

TBA  :THINK IT* BELIEVE IT *ACHIEVE IT!! 
Happiness is an attitude.  We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong.  The amount of work is the same.  ~Francesca Reigler

Eating Trans Fats Linked to Depression

_______________________________________________________________



By Kathleen Doheny

WebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Jan. 26, 2011 -- Eating too much trans fat, long known to raise heart disease risk, can also boost your risk of depression, new research suggests.

Eating a heart-healthy diet with olive oil can lower the risk of depression, says researcher Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, PhD, associate professor of preventive medicine at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Las Palmas, Spain. The study included more than 12,000 people.

"The participants with an olive oil consumption higher than 20 grams a day (about 0.7 ounces) had a 30% lower risk of depression than those without consumption or with a very low consumption of olive oil," Sanchez-Villegas tells WebMD.

Those who took in the most trans fats, however, had up to a 48% increased risk of depression.

The unhealthy fats, says Sanchez-Villegas, are believed to lead to biological changes in the body linked with both heart disease and depression.

Diet and Depression

The researchers evaluated 12,059 men and women, with an average age of 37. All were free of depression at the start of the study.

The men and women completed a food frequency questionnaire, describing their intakes of various types of fat. After a median follow-up of 6.1 years (half were followed longer, half less) 657 new cases of depression had been diagnosed.

The researchers then looked at the type and amount of fat intake to see if it played a role. It did.

Those who ate a high amount of trans fat -- the fat type found in fast food, industrially produced pastries, and certain whole milk products -- had an increased depression risk, while those who ate the most olive oil had a lower risk than those with a low consumption of olive oil or no olive oil.

The trans-fat intake in the participants was fairly low, Sanchez-Villegas says. Those in the highest intake group took in about 1.5 grams daily, and it was in that group the researchers found the 48% increased risk of depression.

In the study, both good fats and bad showed what scientists call a ''dose-response'' relationship. "More consumption, more protection [for olive oil] and more intake, more risk [for trans fatty acids],'' Sanchez-Villegas says.

The biological changes that occur with high consumption of ''bad'' fats may explain both the heart disease and depression link, the researchers say.

The ill effects of bad fats on heart disease are believed to be due to increases in LDL “bad” cholesterol and reductions in HDL “good”cholesterol. There are also inflammatory changes, and these changes have also been linked with depression, the researchers say.

Inflammation may interfere with the brain's neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, Sanchez-Villegas says, and a lack of serotonin adversely affects mood.
Read more :Trans fats Toxic or Tasty?
http://fooddemocracy.wordpress.com/2007/11/23/trans-fat-toxic-or-tasty/

Self Motivation Tips and Ideas

One of the key ingredients of success is having a well motivated life. People are driven by the things they want to achieve. Those who know how to motivate themselves are those who succeed in attaining their goals and aspirations in life. So how do you motivate yourself? How can you drive yourself to get the things you want in life? What are the key ingredients in having a well motivated self? This article will help you in your first step in motivating yourself.

Here are some of the great self motivation tips which guarantee to help you:

• Know what you want

The first thing you should do is to know what you want in life. Get a pen and paper and write down the things you want to achieve in this lifetime. Make sure to note only those which are attainable and within your powers. Once you have a clear picture of what you want to do in your life, it will be easier for you to gear yourself towards it.

• Work hard for it…take those action steps!

If you already visualize the things you want to achieve, it is time you work hard for it. Motivate yourself to work hard for what you want by having your eyes fixed on the prize you will receive for it. Visualize yourself achieving that thing you wanted the most, the feeling of joy and contentment you will get out of all your hardships.

• Think positively and Smile when you are thinking or planning your steps!

If you want to motivate yourself effectively you have to let go of all negative inhibitions. By thinking positively you can motivate yourself to do something you haven’t done before for your own good. You need to have than can-do attitude and always look at the bright side of things. Negative thoughts will pull you down but when you think positively, you can reach greater heights.

• Don’t be discouraged…Keep in mind, mistakes are lessons and problems lead to new roads of success!

Life is no bed of roses and somewhere along the road of life you will experience pains, hardships, and failures. Motivate yourself to overcome these hurdles in life by always finding and knowing there is always a way out. Problems come and go and it is how we look at them that matters. Do not allow yourself to be discouraged by failures in life instead look at them as opportunities for you to grow stronger and become a better person. Experience is the best teacher and you should learn from your mistakes.

• Be contented

Many people often judge themselves based on the standards of others and this makes them feel inferior and dissatisfied with what they have. Motivate yourself by being contented with what you already possess. Be thankful at all times and avoid comparing yourself with others. Build on what you already have and take one step at a time. Contentment is the key to happiness and an important ingredient in self motivation.

Self motivation plays an important role in being happy and successful in life. It is vital that we know how to motivate our selves in achieving our dreams in life. The self motivation tips presented above can serve as your guide towards motivating yourself today.

Start with the SMART Goal Setting to learn how to set and achieve your personal goals and improve your goal setting.

Do the positive things that will get you motivated and help you stay motivated so that you can enjoy all the good things of life. The site, Home of Motivation is dedicated to motivating people beyond their expectation.

Do you want to know how to motivate your students? Here, Motivating Students, you can find the techniques to increase their motivation to learn and among the best way to do this is to spark their interest especially at the beginning of every lesson.

This great site, :http://beyondthequote.com/motivational-quotes.html

contains a hand picked selection of the very best motivational and inspirational quotes. What sets their quotes apart from the rest are the unique and enlightening meanings that accompany each quote.

Here an example:

"There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself."

-Henry David Thoreau

Beyond The Quote

Having a positive attitude toward the things around you will determine life’s overall importance. If you are truly happy and appreciate all that you have, wealth will flow freely throughout your life.

Be Selective!!

Calorie Density

Thought for the day:

Why are some foods better than others? Research has uncovered many trends we can use. Here’s what to look for: Low calorie density. Your body doesn’t count calories — instead, it responds to the volume of food in your stomach. Fool your brain into satiety by choosing foods that have a lot of bulk but few calories — like fruits, vegetables and popcorn. This principle doesn’t just apply to snacks — a piece of fruit, a leafy green salad or a cup of soup before a meal will help you eat less during that meal too.

Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Foods-That-Help-You-Lose-Weight.aspx?p=2#ixzz1oykvpeSW

Great Snack Idea:Nonfat plain yogurt, any fresh fruit, flax seed and a drizzle of honey.

Managing your Weight Can help you Lower your Blood Pressure Numbers!!!

Remember: Healthy Eating can Be delicious and on your budget!

Manage Weight

According to the National Institutes of Health, excess body weight is correlated closely with high blood pressure, and a weight reduction program can be very beneficial for lowering blood pressure and improving the efficacy of anti hypertensive medications. Research has shown that weight reduction, even as little as 10 Weight

Controlling your weight is a very important step that you can take to reduce your high blood pressure. Losing just a few extra pounds can help lower your blood pressure. Keeping your weight under control can also help you feel better, be more able to exercise, and reduce your chance of having a heart attack.

For some people - those with less severe high blood pressure - losing weight may be all that's needed to control their hypertension. For others, losing weight may reduce the medication they need to take for their high blood pressure. Two things count about weight: how much and where. pounds, reduces the blood pressure of overweight persons with hypertension.

How much

Research has shown that weight reduction, even as little as 10 pounds reduces blood pressure in a large percentage of overweight persons with hypertension, makes blood pressure medications more effective and reduces cardiovascular risk factors.

Where

Extra pounds are bad enough, but it also matters where those pounds are stored. If they are around your belly, you are "apple shaped." If they are around your hips and thighs, you are "pear shaped." Where you store weight is for the most part inherited from your parents, just like the color of your eyes or hair, although men tend to be "apple shaped," and women "pear shaped." If you are apple shaped, you are at a greater risk for heart disease. But whether you are an "apple" or a "pear," you should take steps to lose extra pounds.

How to lose weight

Eat fewer calories than you burn. Don't try to see how fast you can lose weight. It's best to do it slowly. "Fad" diets do not work over the long haul because they cannot be followed for life. When people go back to their old way of eating, they usually regain the weight, leading the cycles of weight loss and gain.

Try to lose about ½ to 1 pound a week. This isn't as hard as it sounds. One pound equals 3,500 calories—or seven times 500. So if you cut 500 calories a day by eating less and being more active, you should lose about 1 pound in a week.

Here's an example. In one day:

  Replace a chocolate candy bar at lunch with a small apple.

 Have a piece of baked chicken instead of fried chicken at dinner. Then take a 15-minute brisk walk after lunch and dinner instead of lingering at the table

You can cut your calories by 500 that day. Making these kinds of changes every day will help you to lose about a pound a week.

For More information visit: http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/blood/loweringit.asp

How To Understand Food Labels - How To Read Food Labels

Health claims on food packages can be confusing, and it's sometimes hard to reconcile the information of the front of the package with what's on the nutrition facts panel on the back of the package.

Have you ever gotten confused by the information on the food labels on the food you buy to eat? Especially when you are trying to cut calories, fat, and carbohydrates.

Do you read the labels on the food you buy? If you don't, it is time to educate yourself and start reading the labels of foods you buy for yourself and your family. What are those food labels really saying? A food label is like a recipe - It tells you what's in the food you eat. Don't you want to know what you're putting into your body? In order to plan a healthy diet, you must know how to read a food label.

This article will help you make quick, informed choices that that can help contribute to healthy eating through more informed label reading.

When trying to figure out what the food you are thinking of buying actually contains, ignore the front of the package hype! It is just that - marketing hype. Manufacturers can't actually lie on labeling, but they can stretch the true when trying to get your attention to buy their product.

Every packaged food must include a list of ingredients. The ingredient in largest quantity is listed first, while the one in smallest quantity is listed last.

Recommended serving size/Calories per serving. The first items, at the top of the label, you'll notice are Serving Size and Servings Per Container. Serving Size is a standard measure of food. Servings Per Container represents the number of servings found in the food package. Serving size can be expressed in kitchen terms - cups, spoons, slices, ounces, and also in grams. Serving size tells how much food makes up a single serving. All data on the label is based on the serving size stated.

Amount Per Serving - Shows the number of calories found in a single food serving. Multiply this number by the serving size and it should equal, or come close to, the total volume of the package.

Sample Food Label on left: Always remember that the calories listed are based on one (1) individual serving from the container. 4 servings x 280 calories = 1,230 total calories in the container/box/bottle on the sample food label.

Calories from fat - Food labels show Calories from Fat so you can limit the amount of fat you eat for a healthier diet. The rule of thumb is that no more than 30% of your daily calories should come from fat. Higher fat foods should be eaten in smaller portions.

% Daily Value - This section tells you what percentage of the total recommended daily amount of each nutrient (fats, carbs, proteins, major vitamins, and minerals) is in each serving, based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet.

Total Fat - This equals the number of grams of fat per serving of the food. A heart-healthy diet limits foods containing saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium.

Saturated Fat - A fat that is solid at room temperature and comes chiefly from animal food products and some plants. Some examples of saturated fat include foods such as beef, lamb, pork, lard, butter, cream, whole milk and high fat cheese. Plant sources include coconut oil, cocoa butter, palm oil and palm kernel oil. Saturated fat causes high LDL cholesterol levels -- a risk for cardiovascular disease.

Trans Fat - Also known as also known as trans fatty acid. Trans fat is a specific type of fat formed when liquid fats are made into solid fats by the addition of hydrogen atoms, in a process strangely enough known as hydrogenation. Hydrogenation solidifies liquid oils and increases the shelf life and the flavor stability of oils and foods that contain them. Trans fat is found in vegetable shortenings and in some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods and other foods. Small amounts of trans fats are found naturally in certain animal based foods. Trans fat is what is considered unhealthy fat.

Cholesterol- This line tells you how many milligrams of cholesterol and what percent this is of the recommended daily value.

Sodium/salt - The latest recommendation for sodium is less than 2,400 mg of sodium per day, or about a teaspoon of table salt.

Total carbohydrates - Tells you how many grams of carbohydrates are in each serving and the percentage of the Daily Value this represents. This number includes starches, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, added sugar sweeteners, and non-digestible additives.

Fiber - Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate and aids in elimination. At least 15 grams of fiber per day is recommended.

Protein - Many foods contain some protein but meat, fish, poultry and dairy foods are highest. Protein needs average between 50-100 grams per day.

Percent Daily Values - This section gives some estimated nutrients per 2000 and 2500 calories.