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Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

5 Tips To Get A Flat Tummy… Fast

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By Ingrid Macher Nothing can ruin your confidence faster than belly fat. Before I made my transformation and lost 55 pounds in 90 days… All I wanted was a flat tummy… with some sexy abs… But no matter how hard I worked… I couldn’t get rid of that frustrating “pouch.” I’d diet and exercise, but nothing I tried got me any closer to my goal. But then I did some research and found out why belly fat can be especially hard to lose. It turns out, a lot of the fat is actually stored under your stomach muscles. And you’ll never get rid of this fat by simply cutting calories or running on a treadmill. It’s much more complicated than that. Because to get this fat under control, you first
have to get certain hormones under control… hormones which cause you to store fat
around the midsection. But by following these 5 simple tips, you’ll take control of your hormones… and force your body to melt that stubborn belly fat. Tip #1: Make sure you get enough sleep. It’s funny. When we think of losing weight, we think of being active. But sometimes the best thing you can do for your body is the thing that requires the least amount of effort… Sleep! Lack of sleep has been shown to lead to weight gain. It makes us insulin resistant… which sends us into fat storage mode. It also controls our levels of leptin, which is known as the hunger hormone. So without enough sleep, we’re going to crave more food… making it harder for us to get the slim waistline we’re after. So make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Tip #2: Reduce stress. Stress isn’t just something that takes its toll on you mentally. Its effects are actually felt by your body. When you’re stressed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. Unfortunately, too much of this hormone causes your body to store belly fat. So it’s extremely important you control your stress levels. Exercise is a great way to do this. But make sure you also take time to allow your body and mind to rest completely. A great way to do this is by meditation. Just close your eyes, play some music, and let your mind go where it wants to go. Tip #3: Have good posture. Many people underestimate the effects good posture has on their appearance. By standing up straight and pulling in your tummy, you’re indirectly working your
stomach muscles all day… which helps them get that toned appearance. But that’s the only reason to practice good posture… Another reason is… is simply makes you look skinnier! By making the decision to stand up
straight, you look much healthier and much more graceful than if you slouch. Tip #4: Eat high-fiber “super foods.” It’s hard to have a flat belly when you’re bloated. And the way you prevent the bloat is by including a lot of high-fiber foods in your diet,
which keep your digestion regular. Some great choices here are: wheat germ, chia seeds, and flax seed. Tip #5: Eat small meals every 3 hours. This is another way to prevent the bloating people get after eating a big meal. By eating small meals more regularly, you make it easier on your body to digest those meals. So you avoid bloating. Plus, these small meals keep your metabolism revved up… so you automatically blast more fat! Make sure to have a nice snack between lunch and dinner. Aim for foods high in protein and fiber. This will help boost your metabolism and keep you from overeating at dinner time. By following these 5 tips, you’ll be able to make incredible progress… and get a flat tummy in no time. I did it… and I know you can do it.   Ingrid Macher is a holistic health coach, personal trainer, and fitness motivator. After finding the key to losing 50 pounds in 90 days herself, she has found it her duty to help everyone to become more healthy and happy. On her website, she reveals how she did it in her free eBook: 
9 Simple Secrets I Used to Melt Away 50 Pounds – http://my9secrets.com/
9 Secretos que me Ayudaron a Perder 50 Libras Rapidamente – http://9secretos.com/

Health & Fitness

JOE DOWDELL CELEBRITY FITNESS

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Photographed by Joshua Kogan Interview by Evelyne Verpaalen The name Joe Dowdell may or may not ring a bell with you, but you have certainly seen his work: the bodies of dozens of movie stars, athletes and models have transformed into the best shape of their lives, with the help of his motivating training and coaching. Natalie Portman, Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, Olympian Tim Morehouse, NBA All Star Roy Hibbert, Derek Luke, Chris Noth, Gerard Butler and dozens of Victoria Secret and Sports illustrated Swimsuit Issue models have all worked their butts off in his Peak Performance gym in NYC. The 10,000 square foot training private facility is located in the Flat Iron area of NYC. The gym has been voted in the top 10 gym in America two years in a row by Men’s Health Magazine. Besides being a personal trainer and strength coach, Joe Dowdell is one of the most highly sought after fitness experts in the world. His book ‘Ultimate you’, a 4 phase total body make over, was named a fat-loss bible for women and he recently finished working with 50 Cent on his soon to be released fitness book, Formula 50. Joe Dowdell has also recently appeared as judge/expert on the Bravo TV series, Rocco’s Dinner Party. Miami Shoot Magazine is curious to hear what’s next on Joe’s plate. MS: Joe, tell me a little about your current projects and things we can expect from you in the future? I’m working on a bunch of different projects from some new book ideas to a software app to a plan for the future expansion of my brand, PEAK. MS: How did you get connected with 50 cent? How long did it take you to work on the book? Basically, I was hired by Jeff O’Connell (the writer) and Violator (50 Cent’s Management Company) to develop the entire strength & conditioning program for 50’s new fitness book, Formula 50, which is due out Jan. 2013. It took me about a week to develop the entire program, which included a beginner version and an intermediate/advanced one as well. On projects like this, I like to write up an initial draft and then I play around with it before testing them out on the training floor. I think it’s important to go through the programs in order for me to make sure that the program makes sense. Once I got through all of them, I sent them to the writer and he went through all of them as well. Afterwards, we chatted and confirmed that they were exactly what 50’s vision was for the program. MS: You’ve worked with a lot of movie-stars and supermodels. How much time do they usually have before their shoot to transform their body? And how often do they work out during that time? Over the course of my career, I’ve had the good fortune to work with a lot of people in the entertainment and fashion industry. Some of these individuals were steady clients for a while and others were project specific. For the ones that were for a movie role or the Victoria Secret Runway show, I would usually have around 8 weeks. In these situations, we typically trained 5-6 times per week. MS: Do you also give nutritional advice during those weeks? Is it high protein low carbs or something completely different? I’ve always have my clients work with a nutritionist. I know quite a bit about nutrition but my area of expertise is in strength & conditioning. Currently, Dr. Mike Roussell does most of the nutritional counseling and programming for my clients and athletes. In general, if the goal is fat loss than we typically recommend a high protein-low carb approach. But, like Dr. Mike says, “you need to meet clients where they are at.” In other words, if your client is eating McDonald’s every day, the likelihood of getting them to go Paleo on day one is pretty unrealistic. You may need to start by asking them to include one serving of vegetables at every meal and progress from there. MS: You recently were on the Rocco’s Dinner Party. How did you get into the show? Did you learn anything yourself from being on the show? I received a call at my gym from a casting director from LA who had seen me on either Access Hollywood or E! (I can’t remember which one) and wanted to know if would be interested on being on the show. She said it was going to be focusing on healthy food and that two Chefs were each going to be preparing two separate dinner parties for the guests. After the dinner parties, one chef would be declared the winner. Anyway, it sounded very interesting so I asked who else was going to be on the show. As soon as she said that Chazz Palminteri (Actor, A Bronx Tale) and Jeffrey Ross (Stand-up Comedian, Friars Club) were two of the other guests, I was in. I’m a big fan of Chazz and I think Jeffrey Ross is hilarious. The night turned out to be pretty awesome. Chazz was a very cool guy and he revealed that A Bronx Tale was actually based on his childhood, which was pretty fascinating. If you’ve never seen the movie, you need to see it. And, Jeffrey Ross was hysterical all night especially off camera. MS: Who is on your client wish list/ who would you like to transform? I really don’t have a wish list. I’ll work with anyone who wants to train and is willing to put the “effort” into it. I love working with athletes and I’m currently training a bunch of MMA fighters so I guess I’d just like to continue to do more work in that world. MS: How do you feel about Protein shakes? Love them.  I always have one post-workout on strength training days. MS: How many times do you recommend training a week to see results?

Body, Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, Healthy Recipes

EAT TO LIVE

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By Polina Ivko To quote Benjamin Franklin, “One should eat to live, not live to eat.” Since the beginning of time, human society searched for sources and ways of improving their longevity and quality of life. Do you recall the fountain of youth or recent hormone therapies? In the history of modern science there were many successful experiments done to test the effects of nutrition and diet on our health. The recent rave is about calorie restriction. This dietary regimen promises to improve lifespan, promote weight loss, boost body repair function and survival rate after a major trauma or disease. The research on calorie restriction dates back to 1930s. Initially, the studies consisted of experiments on small animals under various nutritional conditions. For example, in 1982 Dr. Donald K. Ingram at the National Institute of Aging, Baltimore, Md., conducted a study in which mice fed every other day lived 82% longer than mice fed every day. Currently, Dr. Luigi Fontana at the Washington University School of Medicine is working with people who switched to a daily calorie restriction diet. It will take many years to get the true results, however, Dr. Fontana already observed some life improvements of the subjects and even calls them “new species.” He predicts that “calorie restricters” lifestyle will change how a human body works and ultimately result in better and longer life. You may have heard of many stars, models and gurus talk not only about what they eat, but also about how much they eat. For instance, a supermodel mentioned in countless interviews that she eats at her stomach’s want, but gives the indulgences up for a few days before or after that. Also, Fauja Singh, marathon runner, is a living proof of calorie restriction benefits. The man is 101 years old who has been active all his life, never had a surgery, has no signs of heart disease and takes no medication. He believes that the secret is in his diet that consists of simple foods and half-portions. In other words, Singh eats half of the amount of calories a regular person consumes. So, what is really happening in your body during fasting that makes you healthier? Scientists at the Whitehead Institute tied cell hyperactivity with mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) which decreased production of ketone, a known sign of aging in mice. When you fast, your blood glucose and insulin levels decrease aiding in mTORC1 inhibition, hence, prolonging your life. Calorie restriction is an up and coming trend in the health and fitness world, that might not have enough scientific evidence yet, but is certainly worth your attention. Take a look around at your friends and family, evaluate their dietary lifestyle and make your own conclusions.  http://www.miamishoot.com/msmwinter2012/files/70.html  

Beauty, Body, Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, Skin Care

WINTER SKIN PROTECTION

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1. Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser and WARM water. A hot shower may feel great during the cold temperatures, but it will destroy the top layer of your skin that helps retain moisture and will dry out your skin even faster. Stay away from soaps that have strong antibacterial ingredients and deodorants that contain skin irritating ingredients. 2. Modify your facial skin care routine by skipping the toners and astringents. These products are for drying out excess oils in the skin and may dry you out further during the winter. Use sparingly in case you do need it. 3. With cold windy dry air and hot heat pounding at your skin daily, moisture is continuously being pulled. Apply moisturizer frequently throughout the day as often as your skin feels tight and dry. 4. Do not ditch your sun protection just because the days are shorter. Using an SPF is important no matter what time of year it is. Use a minimal SPF of 15 to ensure sun protection and re-apply every 1-2 hours. 5. Exfoliating will help clear skin of dead dry cells that build up on your skin’s surface. This will help keep your skin smooth and promote new skin growth. Be sure not to over exfoliate this can damage the new cell growth and decrease the potency of your moisturizer. 6. Don’t forget that your lips have skin too. Exfoliate your pout with a yummy sugar scrub and follow up with a moisturizing lip balm.

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness

THE TRUTH ABOUT HANGOVERS

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          by Ingrid Macher Okay, so you had some fun last night. But you ended up drinking too much and now you’re paying for it. Oops! Chances are… if your pounding headache allows you to, you’re probably searching the internet for cures for your hangover. But you need to be careful with that because there’s a lot of misinformation out there. And it turns out… a lot of commonly shared cures for hangovers aren’t just ineffective… but can actually harm your health. Don’t worry though… I’m about to give you the truth… and help you get over that hangover quickly. Make the pain go away. When we aren’t feeling good, we want that pain to go away fast. So we often rely on pain medication as a quick fix to get over whatever’s ailing us. Have you ever heard the term, “Take two Tylenol and call it a day?” Well it turns out… Tylenol is one of the worst things you can take when you’re hung over! Because Tylenol contains a substance called acetaminophen. That’s what makes it effective at getting rid of your headache. The only problem is, it places a burden on your liver. And if your liver is in a vulnerable state (like it is after drinking), you can end up with liver damage! So stay away from the Tylenol. If you need that quick fix pain reliever, stick to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen. Does coffee give you energy? Since you’re usually feeling lifeless the day after a night of drinking, it makes sense you’d want to drink some coffee for a quick “pick me up”. But as tempting as that may sound, coffee may be one of the worst things you can drink! Why? Because coffee contains a lot of caffeine, which dehydrates you! And if you’re feeling the standard hangover symptoms of a pounding headache and dry mouth, then you’re already dehydrated! The last thing you need is to start flushing out more water (which coffee does, since it’s a diuretic). So if you need a little boost of energy, what should you do? Well, oolong tea is a great alternative to coffee. It contains much less caffeine… and more vital nutrients, which you’re also depleted of after drinking. Another option is to drink water with a squirt of fresh lemon. Water is the substance your body needs most after drinking. You desperately need to rehydrate yourself. And the lemon adds minerals and antioxidants. But a third alternative many people don’t know about… is coconut oil. It is one of the best foods you can eat for a quick burst of energy. It’s made up of special fats that are instantly used for energy (instead of stored around your waist). It’s also a strong natural antibiotic known for its immune boosting properties. So taking down a spoonful of the stuff can get you going quickly. Put the booze away. Another myth often spread is that drinking more alcohol in the morning will help make the hangover go away. This is because hangovers happen when your body rapidly returns your blood alcohol level to zero. So by drinking again, you can delay the process and ease the pain. The only problem is, all this does is delay the inevitable. By drinking again, you’re putting your body under a heavy burden of stress at a time it’s already depleted. Not to mention… drinking so regularly is a dangerous path you don’t want to go down. So when your night ends, so should your drinking. So then what should you do? Well, take some ibuprofen, rehydrate yourself, give yourself an energy boost with some coconut oil, and then be sure to eat nutritious foods to start putting the minerals back in your body. When you follow those steps, you’ll get over your hangover the healthy way. If you found this information helpful, please share it with your friends. http://www.miamishoot.com/msmwinter2012/files/72.html

Health & Fitness

RESORT PICK OF THE SEASON – ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa

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-Located at 10295 Collins Avenue in beautiful Bal Harbour, this resort occupies 750 feet of Florida’s most saught after beaches. -Enjoy 180° panoramic views, unique outdoor terraces, ocean front pool and a 10,000 square foot waterfront spa. -When it comes to dining they have everything to satisfy your appetite at Mister Collins oceanview bar and signature restaurant.   ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa 10295 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, Florida 33154 USA Tel 305-455-5400 www.oneluxuryhotels.com  

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness

YOGA – THE HARMONY OF SOUL

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    THE HARMONY OF SOUL Yoga is my passion. The first time I took a yoga class I knew it would change my life. It made me feel invigorated, stress-free, healthy, strong, graceful and feel more beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. I continued to practice yoga and every time I discovered more benefits such as weight loss, resolution of my scoliosis, mental clarity and a feeling of unity of my body, mind and spirit. Some of the most common questions that I hear every day as an instructor are; why should I do yoga and what benefits does it bring? The answer is very simple. Yoga induces one’s health on many levels: psychological, physical, biochemical, intellectual and spiritual. If people are healthy they are happy. Yoga is a great way to escape every day stress for anyone. It is a path through which you can resolve your emotional and psychological problems by meditation, exercising pranayama (deep breath) and asanas (body positions). Everyone expresses different levels of stress over a lifetime, that translates into muscle strain and eventually creates a tension shell over the body. Yoga has a large variety of exercises channeled towards relaxation that can help you unlock that tension shell and prevent future physical and mental stress by creating a stronger willpower, a mental ballast and an ability to enjoy life easily. Moreover, a person who is free of the muscular and psychological tension will experience an improved quality of sleep. Yoga is also a perfect road to physical well-being. The exercises that are done during a yoga practice help to restore the proper structure of spine, normalize the work of musculoskeletal system and all the internal organs, regulate blood circulation, endocrine system, digestive tract and respiratory system. After every practice you will find yourself feeling limber, relaxed and as light as a snowflake. In terms of biochemistry, yoga helps to lower the levels of glucose, sodium, cholesterol, white blood cells and increase the levels of hemoglobin, lymphocytes and thyroxine in blood. Hence, it can prevent or regulate existing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, sports injuries, arthritis, osteoporosis and countless others. Everybody can find something in themselves to fix with yoga. Yoga improves the intellectual abilities by properly regulating hemispheric interactions of the brain which forms wholeness and interconnection of all psychological processes. Furthermore, the practice influences spatial thinking and teaches the brain to develop creative approaches to solving any problem and increases the quality and volume of attention and memory. Do not be surprised to find yourself more successful in your career, social circles and socio-economic standing. Harmony of soul is another element that is exercised through meditation during a yoga practice. You will learn to balance your life, love the world as it is and ultimately find peace. Indeed, yoga has a very unique system that enforces development and unification of every component of human psyche and body. You will not find any other activity that offers such a wide range of work on yourself physically, mentally and spiritually all at once. __________ Polina Ivko is a Yoga instructor in South Florida born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine. She got her first taste of exercise as a ballet and traditional dance student at Kiyanochka Choreography Academy at the age of 6. Through out her life she was looking for ways to balance and unite mind, body and heart. Finally, she found herself in yoga. After an extensive training, she became an instructor at the age of 16. Currently, Polina specializes in many formats such as yoga, pilates, cardio training and silver sneakers. For a consultation, please contact her at: indulgeinyogahealth@yahoo.com

Health & Fitness

READY TO ROCK YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME?

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5 Tips to Get Your Body READY TO ROCK Your Halloween Costume       Boo! One of the most special holidays is right around the corner. I have to say it’s my favorite one, Halloween! And as we all know, Miami is the perfect place to spend this time, with incredible events and parties everywhere. I love this time of the year because for one day I get to be whatever I want – a superhero, a movie star, or maybe even a sexy nurse. So if you are like me and love this festivity, here are 5 tips that will help you to rock that hot Halloween costume! 1) Start incorporating fat burning foods into your meals every day. What are “fat burning foods” you ask? Avocados, grapefruits, chicken, fish, eggs, oatmeal, nuts, and berries. Eating these foods will put you on the fast track to getting lean and sexy in no time. 2) You need to supercharge your body with these super foods – Raw Maca Powder, Goji Berries, Spirulina, Chia Seeds, and Apple Cider Vinegar. These foods pack a powerful punch of nutritional value, helping you stay healthy, energized, lose weight.. and even keep you looking younger than ever! 3) Cut out the sugar! Nothing can ruin your attempts to lose weight faster than sugar, sugar sitting in our body turns into fat! This 1 ingredient is hiding everywhere in all the drinks and foods we eat – this includes sodas, juices, desserts, and white carbohydrates. Instead of these nutritional sins, replace them with whole grain foods, fruits, vegetables, water with squeezed lemon, and green tea (or Oolong tea to burn even more fat!). 4) Eat meals more often. By eating small meals often throughout the day, you will increase your metabolism, reduce your cravings, avoid over-eating, and you’ll be less likely to make bad decisions on what to eat. Make sure you include protein in every meal because it takes longer to be digested.Work out your legs! Our leg muscles are the largest muscles in our body, so when we do any kind of physical activity involving our legs, it requires a lot of energy. In this process, you not only build your sexy legs but also burn fat from your whole body. 5) Work out your legs! Our leg muscles are the largest muscles in our body, so when we do any kind of physical activity involving our legs, it requires a lot of energy. In this process, you not only build your sexy legs but also burn fat from your whole body. Whatever your plans are for this Halloween, remember to smile, have fun, and enjoy the good times with friends. And if you apply these 5 tips over the next few weeks, I guarantee you will not only feel better and have more energy, but you’ll be sexier than ever and rock that Halloween costume! _____________ Ingrid Macher is a holistic health coach, personal trainer, and fitness motivator. After finding the key to losing 50 pounds in 90 days herself, she has found it her duty to help everyone to become more healthy and happy. On her website, she reveals how she did it in her free eBook: 9 Simple Secrets I Used to Melt Away 50 Pounds – my9secrets.com 9 Secretos que me Ayudaron a Perder 50 Libras Rapidamente – 9secretos.com Are you ready to change your life?

Health & Fitness

Bikini Body Beverages

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How To Drink Your Way Slim And Sexy By Ingrid Macher Summer Issue 2012     Now that beach season is in full swing, it’s time to bring out the bikinis. This can be either good news or bad news for you, depending on how you’ve treated your body over the past year.  If you made healthy living a priority and have that slim and sexy body all ready to go, you probably can’t wait to show it off. If on the other hand, you still have a few pounds to lose, then you’re probably dreading the fact the clothes are shrinking smaller and there’s less fabric to hide behind. But you shouldn’t worry. It’s a long summer and you still have time.  If you’re eating right and exercising but still not seeing the results you want on the scale(or in the mirror), what I’m about to share can make an immediate difference in getting you a beach body you can be proud of. See, just eating all the right foods isn’t enough to drop those stubborn pounds. The foods you eat only make up half of what you consume. The other half comes from what you drink. And if you make the poor beverage choices most people make, those calories can add up fast and stunt your weight loss efforts. Especially now, as the weather gets hotter and we have to drink more often just to stay hydrated. So while it’s great you decided to pass on that greasy cheeseburger for a healthy chicken salad, it’s all wasted if you’re washing it down with a sugary soda. By making the wrong choices, you can literally be washing away all hope of ever getting that head-turning beach body. What are the wrong choices? Well, first and foremost, you want to avoid all sugary drinks. This includes soda, sports drinks, and iced tea. It also includes all the high-sugar fruit juices that are more like liquid candy than they are actual fruit.  These drinks are all incredibly high in calories, with most of those calories coming from simple sugar. This spikes insulin, wreaks havoc on your blood sugar, and is easily stored as fat. However, don’t think you can just drink the “Lite”, “sugar-free” or “diet” versions of these drinks. While having much less sugar, these drinks are full of toxic artificial sweeteners that mimic its effects. They also cause sugar cravings, making it much harder for you to eat healthy. You’re going to also want to avoid drinks loaded with caffeine. This includes coffee and other energy drinks (many of which are also loaded with sugar). These stimulants stress your adrenal glands. They also dehydrate you, making it much harder for you to shed the pounds. Yes, I know they provide a short-term energy boost, but this is almost always followed by a crash. You also need to limit your consumption of alcohol. I know it’s not what you want to hear, and the occasional drink is fine, but not while you’re trying to lose weight. Alcohol also dehydrates you, makes you crave junk food, and impairs your judgment. Plus, when you take into account all the high-sugar, high-calorie mixers used in most drinks, it becomes a two-headed monster of bikini body destruction. So, what should you drink? Well, the obvious choice is water. It makes up around 70% of our bodies and is needed by all of our cells to function. It has 0 calories, keeps you hydrated, and helps eliminate toxins. Plus, if you drink it cold, it burns fat! A study has shown just by drinking eight glasses of ice cold water per day, you’ll burn 7.3 extra pounds of fat per year! Water is that special. If you find it boring or tasteless, try drinking it with a squirt of lemon or lime. Another great drink is hibiscus tea, also known as “Jamaican water.” It comes from the flower of the Hibiscus tree. It’s rich in nutrients and has a great natural fruity flavor. Hibiscus tea has been shown to lower blood pressure as well as bloating, giving you the appearance of a slimmer waistline. If you feel you need an extra boost of energy, you should try oolong tea, which is a healthy substitute for coffee. In addition to its great taste, it has been shown to increase our rate of fat burning by 12%. In fact, its metabolism boosting effects are an incredible 250% more effective than green tea, which is known for its weight loss effects. Don’t underestimate how important the liquids you’re drinking are to your appearance. By eliminating all those empty calories from unhealthy drinks, you’re giving your body the boost it needs to shed the fat and finally form the slim and sexy beach body guaranteed to impress.  www.burn20.com

Health & Fitness

Looking For A Better Love Life? It May Be Right Under Your Nose!

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By Dr. Thomas Connelly Summer Issue 2012       As we all know, when it comes to love, relationships, and even sex, being physically attractive to our partner is an important criterion. Yeah, you can “buy” attractiveness to a degree – the pole dancers at “Foxy’s Fun House” will pretty much make Quasimodo feel like a handsome stud – but for this article, we’ll focus more on actual attractiveness vs. the kind seen through the green haze of dollar bills. When people think of physical attractiveness, there’s a certain part that nature plays – some people are just more attractive than others in a “natural” sense. But even then, almost anyone can look “good enough” with some effort. Exercise, cleanliness, good grooming habits, clean clothing and shoes, and well maintained hair are steps anyone can take to look “better”. But you know, one of the most important things often goes overlooked – your teeth. And here’s the big thing about teeth: they might not be the first thing one notices, but they are probably one of the biggest deal-breakers when it comes to dating, romance, and sex. Not having the nicest shirt in the world may not matter so much (especially since your date may be picturing you without it anyway.) But enter the dating pool sporting a brown smile, missing or rotted teeth, or an infected tooth giving off an odor? Ugh… watch the opposite sex run for the hills. (Before I move on, I want to state that even though I’m focusing on single people and dating, this information is also for people already in relationships. Trust me, husbands and wives/boyfriends and girlfriends are just as affected by bad teeth. So if you aren’t “getting enough”, maybe something with the toothbrush isn’t in order.) Ok, so what makes for a good set of datable teeth? Well, there are a few things 1. The biggest factor in teeth and relationships is cleanliness. Brushing and flossing everyday will go a long way in ensuring that your teeth aren’t going to keep you from corralling the person of your dreams. While there are many more things people do to beautify their smiles, brushing and flossing daily are the basic building blocks that everyone can participate in. Also, it goes without saying that avoiding smoking, and limiting staining beverages like coffee can also help quite a bit. 2. The next step after basic brushing and flossing is seeing your dentist regularly and getting the dental work you need done. This means getting cavities filled, and it means getting those root canals, crowns, bridges, and implants when they are needed. There is nothing more unappealing than an infected or dead tooth front and center (or, even worse, no tooth at all.) Plus, besides the appearance factor, having healthy teeth provides a wealth of other health benefits. 3. Next up is straight and properly spaced teeth. Now, I am not suggesting outright perfection is needed here: in all honesty, most people need not be too concerned with a perfect smile in this regard. However, that said, teeth that are all over the place won’t be doing you many favors, either. 4. Lastly, once the above three issues are handled, the next step for some people is teeth whitening. This gives one that “movie-star smile”, and can really make a difference. With the advances made in the field of cosmetic dentistry in the last few years, there are very few reasons to not be able to find some type of assistance to restore some dazzle to your teeth. As these practices become more common, they also become more affordable to the public, which makes cosmetic dentistry a benefit that almost anyone can enjoy. ______________________________________________________ Outside of physical looks, there are also other factors to consider regarding this issue. Having a set of bad teeth can lead to a lot of embarrassment and stress in a person. People with bad teeth usually know they have bad teeth. This can lead to a number of problematic symptoms, such as low-self esteem, withdrawing from social activities, or even a reluctance or total resistance to smiling. People simply do not feel good about themselves when they know there is an obvious issue that leads to rejection or social awkwardness. It’s not the 1800’s anymore: having a good-looking set of teeth has become a standard in today’s social circles. In addition, having a set of healthy, white teeth exudes an air of confidence, makes a great first impression, and has been proven in studies to increase a person’s chance of success with the opposite sex. Basic things such as brushing and flossing, and even avoiding things such as smoking and keeping coffee to a minimum can go a long way in helping one score. Hey, there is always a chance for romance as long as people take care of themselves. With a little bit of prevention, and being proactive when a problem does arise, hooking up with that dream date is just a smile away.

Health & Fitness

5 Tips to Maintain Your Weight Loss FOR GOOD

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By Lifetime Mom Melissa Chapman We’ve all been there– in fact I’ve been there many times. I’d embark on some sort of crash fad diet and lose a solid 10 to 15 pounds. Of course once I stopped drinking the shakes and staying on said diet, those pounds came right back on, and fast, and I felt like a complete and utter failure. And yes, much to my chagrin I have repeated this vicious cycle of losing and then gaining the weight back at least a handful of times and it’s never very pretty. Somehow, once I got married and had kids my post c-section muffin top, while unsightly, was not as high on my list of priorities as other pressing things like feeding my anorexic dog, running my kids to their gym classes (I know how ironic) or just keeping the house from falling down around me. Life in general just completely railroaded me into a routine of taking care of every one and thing except for myself. But I finally decided it was time. My turning point came when my daughter asked me if I wanted to start shopping at Lane Bryant (not that there’s anything wrong with that) and I realized I just didn’t feel good. And it’s a not about a goal weight for me– I don’t own a scale, it’s about how I feel in clothes, it’s about wanting to wear clothes and be able to tuck in my shirt. It’s about not dreading THE THOUGHT OF wearing a bathing suit. It’s about feeling lighter which translates into ultimately feeling better. But I also don’t want to just lose weight and then after my fad diet is over and done with, gain it all back. Well according to Ingrid Macher, a certified holistic health coach, personal trainer, and fitness motivator, I don’t have to give up on my body. Macher admits once she met and married her soul mate, she gained 50 pounds of happiness. Fitness was no longer a priority; and after trying everything from extreme exercise routines to dangerous pills and almost every diet she could find, with no results, she figured out her problem – she was missing the most important element of the process – getting the right mindset. Like most people trying to lose weight, she realized she was setting herself up for failure from the start.  So she dedicated her time and effort to staying positive and motivated, and as a result was able to lose 50 pounds of fat in 90 days, and reach a healthy 117 pounds. But most importantly, for the last three and a half years, she’s been able to keep the weight off without even trying due to her new mindset. Of course seeing that she’s been able to maintain this weight loss, is to me, a true measure of her success and so I asked her to  share her top 5 tips for keeping the pounds off. Her advice will resonate whether you’re trying to maintain a weight loss or even if you’re just starting out on your journey to lose weight. 1. Stay positive and always make time for yourself. University studies have shown that having a positive outlook and mental attitude about your health brings greater physical results without even changing your diet or exercise routine! I found this to be the #1 key to losing all those ugly pounds and keeping them off. 2. Have a “cheat day” once a week. Having a cheat day restores your body’s energy levels & kicks it out of starvation mode and back to burning fat, which is what we want right? Knowing that you can have whatever you want 1 day a week also helps you stay motivated the rest of the week. 3. Write down everything you eat, drink, AND how you feel, in a journal. This will make you think twice about cheating on the other 6 days and help you to stay accountable to yourself as well as help you realize how certain foods are affecting you physically and emotionally. 4. Prepare your meals for the week ahead of time – every Sunday can be your preparation day, separate your foods into portions so they are ready to eat throughout the week. This will prevent you from having temptations to make bad decisions for your meals, and it will save you time and money. 5. Find the exercise routine that fits your personality. Getting your exercise in should not be a miserable chore. Find some type of activity that you enjoy and start doing it regularly. Ride bikes with your family, take your pet for a walk, if you like to dance, try Zumba. Be adventurous; don’t be afraid to try new things until you find the one that you love the most. That will give you the drive and enjoyment to stay healthy. _____________________________________________ In addition to these strategies, Macher has found that certain foods can cause a train wreck in your new healthy lifestyle. Products that contain artificial sweeteners, like “diet” sodas and energy drinks, will actually cause you to have MORE cravings because these ingredients cause your body to expect sugar when it’s not receiving it. Additionally, excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and dairy causes your body to store the excess energy as sugar, which will then turn into fat. But it’s not just food that can make you fat, behaviors in our daily activities that can really sabotage our effort to stay fit include; skipping meals, inadequate sleep, drinking too much alcohol, and the worst offense, having negative people in your life. “The biggest challenge I have found that women face every day is dealing with peer pressure from friends and family that don’t understand that you have a new lifestyle. Some people may even criticize and make negative comments trying to make you feel bad, but you must realize that these actions are only a reflection of their own insecurities,” says Macher.

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness

Does My ‘50 Proof’ Alcohol Mouthwash Increase My Cancer Risk ?

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It’s very likely that alcohol-based mouthwash (which is almost all of them) is, in all likelihood, something that will increase your risk of getting Oral Cancer. The first thing I want to get out of the way is the “stats” or the “absoluteness” of that statement. If you do any research on the subject, you’ll be pointed to the Dental Journal of Australia and the findings of one Professor Michael McCullough. In his report, he cites several international studies done that do provide a link between alcohol-based mouthwash and oral cancer. In one such study, which included 3,210 people, concluded that “mouthwash use was a ‘significant risk factor’ for head and neck cancer.” Now, one “rebuttal” is “well, people who smoke and drink, which are known oral cancer causes, are more likely to use mouthwash.” That’s fair — Professor McCullough’s research showed people who smoked and used mouthwash were 10 times more likely to get oral cancer than someone who used neither. And yes, alcohol drinkers were more than five times more likely. So yes, that rebuttal holds true to a point. But here’s the kicker — his research also showed that mouthwash users who neither smoked nor drank were still four to five times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-mouthwash users. That’s pretty telling.  I’ll be honest – sometimes I don’t like to rely 100 percent on statistics (I’ve said this before). That’s because “stats” can be skewed either way, depending on how you word the question or the findings. You know what I prefer to use along with my stats? Good old logic and common sense. And here’s what good old logic and common sense tell me: Fact: Alcohol is a well known and established Oral Cancer risk factor. In fact, it’s the number two risk factor (behind tobacco). There is no doubt about this. I’m not saying a few beers will give you oral cancer, but it’s been established that heavy alcohol users are far more likely to get oral cancer. And, as we’ll see in a second, in terms of your mouth, using mouthwash can put you into that “heavy alcohol user” category (whether you drink or not). Fact: Almost all mouthwashes contain not just alcohol, but a significant amount of alcohol. Typically 25 percent (that’s 50 proof, folks). That’s about four to five times as much as beer, about twice as much as wine, and as much as some hard liquor. Your mouthwash is pretty potent stuff. Fact: Most folks rinse with mouthwash for 20-30 seconds or so (which is far longer than alcohol stays in your mouth when you drink wine or beer.) So not only does mouthwash contain more alcohol than wine or beer, but you keep it in your mouth far longer. It is this last aspect, coupled with daily use, that can bring a mouthwash user into the high-risk “heavy alcohol user” percentile when it comes to oral cancer risk factors. In fact, even if a person doesn’t drink alcohol at all, daily use of alcohol-based mouthwash can make them a far higher oral cancer risk than someone who drinks moderately, but doesn’t use mouthwash. So, why haven’t you heard anything yet … I’m pretty sure you are thinking “wait … why haven’t I heard anything about this yet? After all, things that are bad for me are always brought to light, right?” (You can stop chuckling now.) Well, let’s take a look at that. It’s my theory that we haven’t heard much about this because of the HUGE can of worms it will open. You see what happened with the tobacco industry, right? Lawsuits galore. And that was for a product that, let’s face it, we all knew was bad. Conversely, mouthwash is actually marketed as a health product. Can you imagine the outrage and lawsuits that will arise if and when this is admitted? It could bankrupt some huge companies. Believe me, they are not going to let that happen (which is why you have to follow my lead and rely on common sense and logic in this case.) These companies put alcohol in their mouthwash as a flavor carrier, to provide some “burn and bite,” and to give a short-term antibacterial shot to your mouth (and it is short-term … trust me; mouthwash is not necessary, or even very effective, in combating bad breath or the like.) In other words, alcohol makes the mouthwash “seem” effective. It’s marketing, plain and simple. So, what can you do? Well, it’s simple: don’t use mouthwash, for starters. It’s just not necessary for good oral hygiene. If you must use something, use a natural mouthwash (available in most health stores) that doesn’t have alcohol. I hope this makes sense to you. Think about it, and draw your own conclusions (and please don’t wait for the FDA to tell you something is bad … You might be waiting a looong time.) By: Dr. Connelly  

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