Five Secrets to Weight Loss

by: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

Weight loss - such a "big" topic! Every month another book or program is out by another expert on weight loss. Everyone wants to know the secret to losing weight. 

Weight used to be a major issue for me. Losing weight was never out of my thoughts, and I can't tell you how many different diets, pills and programs I tried until I discovered some "secrets" that have worked for me for many years now. 

7 Magical Foods For Healthy Women

By Marina Janakievska

Eating varied food is very crucial for both genders, but science shows that for women, there are several special foods that could provide that extra edge that they need. It’s about foods that could help protect from different diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer… Start playing these "cooking games" in you kitchen, and improve you health.

Examinations show that foods rich with lycopene may play a role in avoiding breast and cervical cancers. Tomatoes belong to this group, but the studies show that the protection comes from a way of eating rich in vegetables generally.

Flaxseed is a plant based on omega 3 fats, fibre, and lignans - disease-fighting compounds. The studies show that flaxseed can reduce hot flashes, and also can lower "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides.

Being Alone May Kill You

By Nick Klopper

Loneliness is way too common. It is experienced by people of all places and of all ages, from people young and old. 

As those who have felt the twinge of pain of loneliness understands, it isn't fun. What most people do not know, however, is that being alone also has serious and wide ranging health consequences. In fact, one landmark study found that being alone can even be fatal.

The study went like this: several thousand people completed a health survey send out by a group of researchers. Among other things, these people answered questions about how much social support they had, such as whether they were single or married, belonged to a group, and how much interaction they had with friends.

The researchers organized the data and then followed up nine years later with the subjects. What they realized was shocking. Many more of the volunteers who were susceptible to being alone, those who reported weak social connections, had died during the nine year period.

Fat Burning Foods for Weight Los

By Krista Klein


A size zero figure, a fit transition into your middle ages and a lean mom are the three most coveted spots in a woman’s life. More so now, with the advent of numerous lifestyle changes that demand and glorify a certain type of physique. And even if we do leave aside the glamour aspect of a fitter you, we also see and read and know that many major health issues arise from excessive weight and lack of exercise. To combat health problems too, a more regulated diet and exercising becomes imperative!


Every day a new diet plan and a new novel idea for losing weight floods the internet and people start working on it as soon as possible. But more often than not, these diets and food charts bomb. Reason is simple enough- you cannot lose weight by taking away essential nutrients from your body. The positive effects of doing so are largely outnumbered by the negative effects of the same. Therefore fat burning foods are the most plausible and effective way to cut down on your calories. 

Get fit (and have fun) on holiday ...

by Christime Fieldhouse

Now, don't laugh, but there is a theory that holidays are the perfect time to get fit. But is it that easy?

Even if you never do any exercise, odds are you swim a bit on holiday, or  maybe have a game of tennis with the kids. And don't you feel better afterwards?

Experts reckon we should capitalise on that feelgood factor to build up an exercise habit we can take home.

Doug Hutchison, a personal trainer who specialises in exercise counselling and weight management, says summer holidays are the ideal time for a fresh start. "You will instantly have more energy because you are away from work, there are no chores to do and, for once, you'll have time for yourself."

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle ...

By: Mohammad Samsulanam

Most people start their new year with goals to get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, similar to most resolutions when you are trying to maintain healthier habits, this might only last for a few weeks or months and then it’s back to the old ways.

The following are some of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle that will help to motivate you to stay track.

To begin with, you can learn how to enjoy delicious meals again. At times, most people spend a lot of time just eating the fast food meals and will completely forget how real food taste. You can restore your taste buds with fresh vegetables and fruits, olive oil, herbs and spices and so on. When you are not exercising and eating the right food, you will feel guilty all the time. But, if you are maintaining a healthier lifestyle this will remove all the guilt feelings.

Why Crash Dieting Is Ruining Your Metabolism and Health...

By: Randy Dehetre

When you first start a crash diet – and literally stop eating – you might notice that you lose a fair amount of weight, but the ugly truth is that the weight you are losing is mostly water and muscle mass. Body fat is notoriously difficult to get rid of because it's difficult to break down, when your body doesn't have enough energy coming in from food it will automatically start using energy stored in your muscles – you are effectively turning yourself in to a globule of fat!

Your body is a remarkable piece of machinery and one of the most advanced chemical factories on Earth. It is also extremely efficient which is not good news if you plan on losing weight by simply eating less. If you can't understand why you are putting on weight or not losing any weight then the first thing many people try to do is reduce what they eat.

The problem with simply reducing your food intake is that your body will soon realize that it is getting less food and as a result your metabolism will slow down to compensate and when you start eating normally again (which invariably happens on a crash diet) you'll find that you end up putting on even more weight than before.

Are you watching who's watching you and your drink?

Drug rape ... are you at risk?

A frightening new trend shows middle class women in their 30s and 40s are the new targets for drug rapists...

THE FACTS

- You're most likely to be drug-raped at office Christmas and on holidays abroad.

- There are over 1,000 new victims a year

- 70% of drug-rape victims know their rapist.

The real nightmare is that it actually happened. Some women seemingly unlikely victims of drug rape, like a married mother-of-two who normally wouldn't go out for party very often.

Many people heard of drinks being spiked, but never in a million years to think that it will happen to themselves.

It's a common response. When we think of drug rape, we see it as something far removed from our lives. You may think it happens to young women in nightclubs, right? Wrong. The rapist's target is more likely to be in her 30s or 40s, having a drink in a bar or pub, and , most worrying of all, the majority of victims know their attacker.

Climb, Leap, Claw to the top ...

by Geogia Clark

"If you want something done, you've got to do it yourself ... right? Wrong! That is a very arrogant position to take."

Easy, tiger! We all want to get ahead in our careers, but being too ambitious can limit your chances for success. Here are the traps to avoid...

TRAP#1: You chase the quick cash ...
You've spent more than three years living on two-minute noodles during uni, so now it's time for your just desserts.

Key questions in your First Real Job Interview must include: How soon will there be a career development opportunity for me? When will I be eligible for promotion? Can I move up in the organisation, or is it a flat structure? "These are the things that govern how rapidly your pay goes up," says Southam. A warm and supportive work environment is worth gazillion dollars more than a job you dread going to everyday ...

Make peace for your body ...

by Dr Pamela Stepphenson-Connolly

A self-concious anxiety can make us punish our bodies for being a certain way, particularly at this time of year. It's time to break a cycle ...

With the swimsuit season upon us, how much time are you spending worrying about your weight, skin and a whole host of "imperfections" that you find far easier to cover up in winter?

Many women fall into a pattern of seasonal body obsession (for example, any time we have to wear a swimsuit or a party dress). These habits can be difficult to change, but now it's the time to break a cycle.

First, challenge your thinking. Examine how much your view of your body shapes your happiness, sense of self-worth, sexuality and identity.

Ask yourself, "Do I respect my body? Am I grateful fo the way it has carried me through my life up until now, or am I angry with it for not matching up with my fantasy of being a size 10? Many women are alienated from their bodies. If this is true for you, it's time to make peace with your physical self.

Our bodies are living, active entities, not collections of parts. In order to stop focusing negative feelings on certain bits of our bodies, it helps to understand how and why we do it.

Over-thinking your work success and convincing youeself you're a fake?

by Candice Chung

Always over-thinking your work success and convincing youeself you're a fake? Here's how to duck those self-doubt thoughts ...

It's after work and you're on the bus on your way home. You find a seat, fish out a magazine and start flipping through it, and start reading.

At the back of your mind, you are still thinking about your day. All the meetings, deadlines, and things you haven't done. You try to shake off that niggling feeling and are quietly relieved to get through another day without any major disaters.

Your manager thinks you are a star, yet, somehow, you find it hard to believe. Others say you are a hard worker, but they have no idea just how much effort you put in to get everything done. If only they knew what was going on inside. If only they realised that, deep down, you've been feeling like a fraud.

Imposter or high achiever??
For business owner Nyssa Berryman, 31, the false belief of being a fraud is something she has been wrestling with for some time. Despite being nominated for several prestigious business awards for her successful PR company. The Buss PR, Berryman still finds it's hard to relate to her own accomplishments at time.

"I'm usually a very confident person, but, privately - every now and then - I'll sort of pause and think. "Do I know what I'm talking about? Do people even trust me? ... And I'm hit with a feeling where I don't know if I'll ever find real success."

Although Berryman has always been a high-achiever, external praise and recognition only offer her a limited sense of reassurance. In fact, it is often when she stops to evaluate her successes that she feels a heightened sense of anxiety.

A Girl's Guide to living solo ...

by Tania Gomez

Think it's just be a sad fish-tank existence?Actually. living alone can be wonderfully liberating.

If there is a life experience every girl should have, it's to live on her own. You have your own space, you can do whatever you want, and you don't have to deal with running into your roommate's overnight suitors in the bathroom come morning. But before you go solo, here are a few things you must know.

things that may take some getting used to ...

First time living alone? Here's how to beat some common teething problems.

freakout: There is no-one on hand to offer up outfit critiques. If you walk out looking like a circus clown, you're only your own sister!
fix-it: Duh, that's why they invented camera phones. When in doubt, snap a pic and send to a friend.

freakout: The silence. And getting scared because it's just too damn quiet.
fix-it: This is where background noise comes in handy. Turn on the TV, put some music on, or watch a DVD.

freakout: Having to fix a leaky tap when you have NFI about home maintenance.
fix-it: Whether you google it, call your dad, or get a nice boy in your building to help you out, now is a good time to locate your inner handyman. Every girl should learn a few basic home-maintenance skills, like changing a tap washer or unjamming a door lock, if all fall apart, just bring in the professionals.

freakout: Coming home and wanting company.
fix-it: You're living on your own, not under house arrest. Who say your social life has to stop? Call a girlfriend. Go out to dinner. Invite people over. Life still continues - you just get the added bonus of having your own space to relax in at the end of it all.

10 Ways to Live Longer ...

by Jess Martin (CLEO Magazine)

And no, one of them is not brussels sprouts ...

"Anything that gets your heart pumping is great for longevity"

1 ... pat a pet
There is eveidence to suggest that our furry friends are more than just bandles of cuteness to look at. Studies show the survival rates of heart attack victims who had a pet were 28 percent higher than those patients who didn't. Contact and interaction with animals triggers a relaxation response and also reduces levels of stress hormone cortisol.

2 ... butt out
Still sucking face with those cancer sticks? Expect to shape up to 10 years off your life, not to mention significantly increase your risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and emphysema. Non-smokers are twice as likely to make it to the age of 90 as smokers.

3 ... have a laugh
There is a reason laughter is said to be the best medicine. A norwegian study found that cancer patients had a significantly higher chance of survival if they had a good sense of humour, cutting their chances of death bu about 70 percent (compared to those patients who were less likely to crack a smile).

4 ... get jiggy with it
Ah, the old horizontal (or vertical) dance of love. Having sex has physical, social and mental upsides; it releases a number of beneficial chemicals into our bodies, increase intimacy and bonding, and can work against depression. No partner on your horizon? No worries, according to some research, orgasms alone (about 100 per year) can increase your life expectancy by three to eight years.

Why everyone should have a MID-LIFE CRISIS

from Woman&Home Magazine

Who do you think you are?
At the heart of a mid-life metamorphosis lies the fact that you have changed and your life needs to alter to reflect that. So, although you might have known in the past, it might be time to take shock of who you currently are and what's important to you.

Start by making a list of all your core values
The things that matter most to you in life, like honestly, creativity and connection with others - the elements that really mean something to you.

For each core value, ask yourself two questions
What does this value mean to me? So if you're chosen, say, compassion, you'd say it means putting yourself in someone else's shoes and not judging them. And second, why is this important to me? In this case, it could be because it keeps you connected to the world and the people around you in a meaningful way.

Unleash all your hidden talents
Being told early on that you're hopeless at something - whether it's singing, painting or something more fundamental - can mean you blank that area from then on. Going back to your list of core values is a good way of finding hidden talents.

• which of these values are you not expressing in your everyday life?
• What difference would it make to your life if you did express this value?
• Write down six things you could do to express this. In the case of "adventure", these would be things that take you out of your comfort zone, such as public speaking or joining a new group where you don't know anyone. Your hidden talents might turn out to be as simple as getting on with new people.

Why am I so disorganised?

by Linda Bird (SHE Magazine)

Time-saving guide to an easier life ...

Feel like you are swimming against the tide? Try these easy ways to get back in control.

What's your excuse for a messy home, falling behind on deadline or always being late? Too busy? Too exhausted? Too many kids, or not enough hours in the day?

"Ask yourself what your disorganisation is costing you in terms of family life, friendship, time, money, health, reputation and work. How much more could you get done if you knew where to find your keys, responded to e-mails more efficiently, and cleared up regularly?", says Dr. Marilyn Paul - the author of Why Am I So Disorganised? Sort out your stuffs ...

The solution is simple. Start making microchanges - from putting your keys in the same place every night and streamlining your diary to clearing your desk each evening. Break the jobs into smaller tasks. Instead of saying, ' This weekend I'm throwing everything out', pick a small area - a cupboard, a drawer, the garage, your wardrobe - and really clear it. Make a list of each tiny step or task and tick each one off as you do it. And let yourself do the easy tasks first, rather than bravely grappling the hardest one. That way it's more motivating.'

To-do list are great, but don't have little bit of paper you'll only lose. Instead, use a notebook for lists and to assess your progress. A diary and family calendar are vital. as is being able to say no, being realistic about your time, and knowing how long a chore or job will really take you.

Start now, pick whichever area of life that's most in disarray - the office, your home and family life, your financial affairs, even the way you look and take care of yourself - and take one step towards getting back in control of that area.

The 5 secrets of high-energy women

Have you ever wondered why some women always seem to have loads of energy, why you permanently feel tired and run-down? A few simple adjustments are all that's needed...

Get enough sleep

Too many of us fall into the trap of thinking of sleep as time that could be better spent doing something else.  You'll still be able to carry out simple tasks after just a few nights missed sleep, but, over time, lack of sleep will start to take its toll on your body. Your appetite will increase to conpensate for your body's growing need for energy, which could lead to weight gain. And if you regularly get fewer than six hours of sleep at night, your metabolism may slow down so your body won't be as efficient at breaking down glucose (sugars) in the blood into energy, which will add to your tiredness.

• Always make SLEEP a priority and put it before distractions such as late-night TV sessions.
• Get into a ROUTINE by going to bed and getting up at the same times every day.
• Learn to WIND DOWN and relax before bedtime.
• AVOID STIMULANTS like caffeine and nicotine, and depressant such as alcohol, for at least three hours before going to bed.

Think energetic

If you're happy with your life, you'll feel positive and have lots of energy, but if you're depressed, anxious or unhappy,  you probably won't. If you're depressed, you may also have trouble sleeping, which can lead to you feeling trapped in a cycle.

Eat well

The wrong sort of food slows down your system. Fatty food for breakfast, for sample, can make you feel sluggish during the morning. And stimulants such as caffeine and chocolate, as well as, depressants such as alcohol, give you a quick rush of energy followed by an equally fast drop, leading to a seesaw effect on your blood-sugar levels. Also, stimulants lead to bursts of adrenalin being produced - these speed everything up initially, but ultimately lead to exhaustion as your body tries to cope with the demands being made on it.

• THE BEST FOOD ARE THOSE THAT RELEASE ENERGY SLOWLY into your system. These includes fresh fruit, root vegetables, dried fruits, nut, seed and whole grains. Eating five small meals a day will help stabilise blood-sugar levels.
• ALWAYS EAT BREAKFAST. Oats or unsweetened cereal, yogurt and fruit make a great start to the day.
• Keep a READY SUPPLY OF STARCHY ENERGISING SNACKS handy, such as apples, bananas or grapes and oat cakes or rice cakes.
• CUT OUT STIMULANTS for a week and see how you feel. During the day, switch to decaf drinks and fruit or herbal teas. Green tea contains catechins, which speed up your body's metabolic rate, making it particularly energising.

Get moving

The more you exercise, the more energy is produced by your body. At first it can be a struggle and you might feel even more tired than usual, but this will soon pass and your energy levels will increase dramtically. Aim to do enough to work up a slight sweat, or more if you're up to it. Exercise stimulates the release of feelgood substances in the brain known as endorphines and, at the end of session, you should feel invigorated and energised.

Look and feel 10 years younger

Strip away the years with these activities and attitudes guaranteed to make you feel and look younger - no surgery needed

Breathe slowly and deeply
Taking shallow breaths can lead to low levels of carbon dioxide in the bllod, which has been linked with having an irregular heartbeat. It also reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, leaving you tired and forgetful. Slow your breathing to 10 breaths per minutes (breathe in for a count of three and out for a count of three) and breathe so that your stomach expands, not your chest.

Take up the tango
Scientist say it demands an unusual combination of mental and physical activity, thereby helping to maintain healthy brain cells and keep you young.

EXERCISE -BUT ONLY MODERATELY
Intense exercises uses up oxygen and produces ageing free radicals, which is why some athletes have depressed immune systems and look older than their years. Moderate exercise stimulates the production of the body's antioxidant enzymes and slows the ageing process. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking a day.

Double your energy - NOW!

by Elisabeth Wilson

Imagine how great you'd feel if you had energy to burn.

Most women would like to have more energy, but when you're tired and stressed it's hard to see a way out of that vivious circle.

THE GOLDEN ENERGY RULES

RULE 1 You can't care for others if you don't take care of yourself

It's difficult for women to find time for themselves without feeling guilty. But if you don't, it's like taking money from the bank without ever paying in. You 'bankrupt' your energy levels and get more and more depleted until a very little nudge completely floors you, and your own health is at risk.

Try this today Make a list of three things that would make you feel really good - maybe a manicure, a glass of wine and watching a DVD, or meeting up with a friend for coffee and a chat. Put them in your diary, one for each of the next three days. Keep to them even if you haven't finished the ironing or the work report. Actively rewarding yourself with small treats every single day goes a long way to beating fatigue.

Get a natural high ...

by Gill Cox

If you're fed up of feeling low, try these all-natural remedies to put the spring back in your step.

Work it out

Regular aerobic workouts boost levels of feelgood chemicals in the brain, and research in the US found exercise to be almost as powerful as anti-depressants for treating depression. Try brisk walking, jogging, dancing or swimming - anything that leaves you a bit breathless is ideal. Aim for at least half an hour, two to five times a week.

Lap up the morning sun
Sunlight lifts mood and it's all down to the hormone melatonin, which is vital for including sleepiness - sunlight acts on photoreceptors in the eye to suppress melatonin, while darkness encourages it. To stabilise your melatonin cycle, take a 20-minutes walk in the early-morning sunshine and feel good instantly.

SLEEP ON IT Depression can lead to insomia, and lack of sleep brings us down emotionally and can lead to weight gain, too.

The no-diet diet

by Nathalie Gibbins


Imagine a diet where you don't have to count calories, give up certain foods or go hungry ... Too good to be true? No, it's food combining - and it could help you lose weight forever.


You can expect to improve your digestion, send your energy levels soaring and chase away a host of common health woes, including allergies, headaches, bloating and IBS. Diets don't get much better than this! It's based on the theory that certain food groups don't digest well with others, so should be eaten at separate times. All you need to do is plan your meal around two simple rules.


RULE #1 - Don't mix protein with starch


"Different foods need different conditions in order to be digested," says Kathryn Marsden nutritionist. "Protein needs an acidic environment, whereas starch needs an alkaline one. By eating the two together, your stomach won't be able to break down either food, so neither can be properly digested." The result, is that half-digested food passed from your stomach to your small intestine, where it isn't in the correctly broken-down form for vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients to be absorbed. In addition, the length of time it takes to digest proteins, and starches is different. "Most animal-based proteins take around eight hours to be broken-down, whereas starches move more speedily through your system, requiring three to four hours. Eat them together and your whole digestive system slows down. This mean you're left with food hanging around in the gut, which goes off - just like it does in the fresh air - causing acidity, bloating, burning, and gas,"


RULE #2 - Eat fruit on an empty stomach


If you think you're being good by eating fruit for dessert, think again. "Fruit passes quickly through the digestive tract, in arounf half an hour. When fruit is delayed in the stomach because it's accompanied by other foods, not only is much of its goodness lots, but the rest of the meal spoils. The acids in fruits interfere with the production of the stomach acids and disturb the alkaline medium needed by starch-digesting enzymes. But when eaten on its own, fruit passes quickly to the small intestine, ready for its crucial nutrients t be absorbed," says Marsden. So try to eat fruit on an empty stomach - as a mid-morning snack, for example - and leave an hour before eating other foods.


TIP
Don't be afraid to increase portion sizes to compensate for not mixing proteins with starches. For example, don't just skip the potatoes with steak - replace with extra vegetables or salad.