Where did the year go? Suddenly it is L December......AGAIN - and we realize that with giant strides we started in January and within a blink of an eye, 2008 is almost over!
A big "Thank You" for your friendship, laughs and memories during 2008 . .Without you, I'm sure that 2008 would have been extremely boring.
From my side I wish you all a magical Festive Season filled with Loving Wishes and Beautiful Thoughts.
May 2009 mark the beginning of a Tidal Wave of Love, Happiness and Bright Futures.
And to those who need someone special, may you find that true love
To those who need money, may your finances overflow To those who need caring, may you find a good heart
To those who need friends, may you meet lovely people
And please if you win Lotto, remember who sent you this lovely email
"ho, ho, ho" Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
being sorry
being sorry for the first time shows you are indeed sorry for your act... but the second time means you did it on a purpose... isnt it that when you asked somebody to be part of your life, that also means you have the responsibility over her?... and yet just how stupid others may be... to make someone wait hanging without any clue... just so inconsiderate of others feelings... while he is having fun chitchatting "others", he doesnt know theres someone waiting in despair for his assurance...
Thinking Before Speaking
Have you made the error of asking when someone's baby is due only to find out that the lady is not pregnant or that she had her baby a month ago? You usually make that mistake one time before learning to be more careful. Eric didn't seem to learn. He usually ended up sticking his foot in his mouth.Eric struggled to lose weight. He tried diet plans and consulted with his doctor. He decided to join a fitness club to try losing weight. Talking about it at work, he made the mistake of saying: “They even have classes for new moms. You should try it, Elaine. It could really help you.”Elaine's indignant response left Eric wishing he could crawl in a hole. He couldn't believe what he had said. He knew what it was like to be overweight and to have people make comments. If only he could retrieve those words. But it was like trying to catch tadpoles in a fishnet.Once words leave your mouth, it is impossible to take them back. It would be easier to eat soup with a fork than to retrieve your words once they are spoken. It is your responsibility to carefully monitor what you say. Avoid saying hurtful things for lack of forethought. Careless comments can separate friends and create walls of offense. Learn to speak words of encouragement and politeness. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply be silent and listen.Try This: Before you speak, think how people will perceive your comments. Don't always say the first thing that pops into your head. Create a new habit: when you see someone, think of something nice about him or her: These attitudes and words will come out naturally in your conversations with them and when talking to others.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
OKRA
OKRA
A guy has been suffering from constipation for the
past 20 years and recently from acid reflux.
He didn't realize that the treatment could be so
simple -- OKRA! He started eating okra within the last
2 months and since then has never taken medication
again.
All he did was consume 6 pieces of OKRA everyday. He's
now regular and his blood sugar has dropped from 135
to 98, with his cholesterol and acid reflux also under
control.
Here are some facts on okra (from the research of Ms.
Sylvia Zook,PH.D (nutrition), University of Illinois .
"Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients,nearly
half of which is soluble fiber in the form of gums and
pectins.
Soluble fiber helps to lower serum cholesterol,
reducing the risk of heart disease. The other half is
insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal
tract healthy, decreasing the risk of some forms of
cancer, especially colo-rectal cancer. Nearly 10% of
the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid is
also present in a half cup of cooked okra.
Okra is a rich source of many nutrients, including
fiber, vitamin B6 and folic acid. He got the following
numbers from the University of Illinois Extension Okra
Page . Please check there for more details.
Okra Nutrition (half-cup cooked okra)
> > * Calories = 25
> > * Dietary Fiber = 2 grams
> > * Protein = 1.5 grams
> > * Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams
> > * Vitamin A = 460 IU
> > * Vitamin C = 13 mg
> > * Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms
> > * Calcium = 50 mg
> > * Iron = 0.4 mg
> > * Potassium = 256 mg
> > * Magnesium = 46 mg
> >
These numbers should be used as a guideline only, and
if you are on a medically-restricte d diet please
consult your physician and/or dietician.
Ms Sylvia W. Zook, Ph.D. (nutritionist) has very
kindly provided the following thought-provoking
comments on the many benefits of this versatile
vegetable. They are well worth reading.
1. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize
blood sugar as it curbs the rate at which sugar is
absorbed from the intestinal tract.
2. Okra's mucilage not only binds cholesterol but bile
acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering
liver.
But it doesn't stop there...
3. Many alternative health practitioners believe all
disease begins in the colon. The okra fiber, water and
> ensuring bulk in stools, helps prevent constipation.
Fiber in general is helpful for this but okra is
one of the best,along with ground flax seed and
psyllium.
Unlike harsh wheat bran,which can irritate or injure
the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes, and
okra facilitates elimination more
comfortably by its slippery characteristic many people
abhor.
In other words, this incredibly valuable vegetable not
only binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile
acids) which cause numerous health problems, if not
evacuated, but also assures their easy passage from
the the body.
The veggie is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming
(except for the many who greatly enjoy eating it), has
no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is
economically within reach of most.
4. Further contributing to the health of the
intestinal tract, okra fiber (as well as flax and
psyllium) has no equal among fibers for feeding the
good bacteria (probiotics) .
5. To retain most of okra's nutrients and
self-digesting enzymes, it should be cooked as little
as possible, e.g.with low heat or lightly steamed.
Some eat it raw
A guy has been suffering from constipation for the
past 20 years and recently from acid reflux.
He didn't realize that the treatment could be so
simple -- OKRA! He started eating okra within the last
2 months and since then has never taken medication
again.
All he did was consume 6 pieces of OKRA everyday. He's
now regular and his blood sugar has dropped from 135
to 98, with his cholesterol and acid reflux also under
control.
Here are some facts on okra (from the research of Ms.
Sylvia Zook,PH.D (nutrition), University of Illinois .
"Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients,nearly
half of which is soluble fiber in the form of gums and
pectins.
Soluble fiber helps to lower serum cholesterol,
reducing the risk of heart disease. The other half is
insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal
tract healthy, decreasing the risk of some forms of
cancer, especially colo-rectal cancer. Nearly 10% of
the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid is
also present in a half cup of cooked okra.
Okra is a rich source of many nutrients, including
fiber, vitamin B6 and folic acid. He got the following
numbers from the University of Illinois Extension Okra
Page . Please check there for more details.
Okra Nutrition (half-cup cooked okra)
> > * Calories = 25
> > * Dietary Fiber = 2 grams
> > * Protein = 1.5 grams
> > * Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams
> > * Vitamin A = 460 IU
> > * Vitamin C = 13 mg
> > * Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms
> > * Calcium = 50 mg
> > * Iron = 0.4 mg
> > * Potassium = 256 mg
> > * Magnesium = 46 mg
> >
These numbers should be used as a guideline only, and
if you are on a medically-restricte d diet please
consult your physician and/or dietician.
Ms Sylvia W. Zook, Ph.D. (nutritionist) has very
kindly provided the following thought-provoking
comments on the many benefits of this versatile
vegetable. They are well worth reading.
1. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize
blood sugar as it curbs the rate at which sugar is
absorbed from the intestinal tract.
2. Okra's mucilage not only binds cholesterol but bile
acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering
liver.
But it doesn't stop there...
3. Many alternative health practitioners believe all
disease begins in the colon. The okra fiber, water and
> ensuring bulk in stools, helps prevent constipation.
Fiber in general is helpful for this but okra is
one of the best,along with ground flax seed and
psyllium.
Unlike harsh wheat bran,which can irritate or injure
the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes, and
okra facilitates elimination more
comfortably by its slippery characteristic many people
abhor.
In other words, this incredibly valuable vegetable not
only binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile
acids) which cause numerous health problems, if not
evacuated, but also assures their easy passage from
the the body.
The veggie is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming
(except for the many who greatly enjoy eating it), has
no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is
economically within reach of most.
4. Further contributing to the health of the
intestinal tract, okra fiber (as well as flax and
psyllium) has no equal among fibers for feeding the
good bacteria (probiotics) .
5. To retain most of okra's nutrients and
self-digesting enzymes, it should be cooked as little
as possible, e.g.with low heat or lightly steamed.
Some eat it raw
Friday, November 7, 2008
17 SIGNS YOU LOVE SOMEONE
(17) SEVENTEEN: You look at their profile constantly.
(16) SIXTEEN: When you're on the phone with them late at night and they hang up, you still miss them even when it was just two minutes ago.
(15) FIFTEEN: You read their Texts and Ims Over and over again.
(14) FOURTEEN: You walk really slow when you're with them.
(13) THIRTEEN: you feel shy whenever they're around.
(11) ELEVEN: When you think about them, your heart beats faster but slower at the same time. (10) TEN: You smile when you hear their voice.
(9) NINE: When you look at them, you can't see the other people around you, you just see him/her.
(8) EIGHT: You start listening to slow songs while thinking about them.
(7) SEVEN: They're all you think about.
(6) SIX: You get high just from their scent.
(5) FIVE: You realize you're always smiling when you're looking at them.
(4) FOUR: You would do anything for them!
(3) THREE while reading this, there was one person on your mind this whole time.
(2) TWO: You were so busy thinking about that person, you didnt notice number twelve was missing
(1) ONE: You just scrolled up to check & are now silently laughing at yourself.
(16) SIXTEEN: When you're on the phone with them late at night and they hang up, you still miss them even when it was just two minutes ago.
(15) FIFTEEN: You read their Texts and Ims Over and over again.
(14) FOURTEEN: You walk really slow when you're with them.
(13) THIRTEEN: you feel shy whenever they're around.
(11) ELEVEN: When you think about them, your heart beats faster but slower at the same time. (10) TEN: You smile when you hear their voice.
(9) NINE: When you look at them, you can't see the other people around you, you just see him/her.
(8) EIGHT: You start listening to slow songs while thinking about them.
(7) SEVEN: They're all you think about.
(6) SIX: You get high just from their scent.
(5) FIVE: You realize you're always smiling when you're looking at them.
(4) FOUR: You would do anything for them!
(3) THREE while reading this, there was one person on your mind this whole time.
(2) TWO: You were so busy thinking about that person, you didnt notice number twelve was missing
(1) ONE: You just scrolled up to check & are now silently laughing at yourself.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Top 10 Tips to Stay Energized All Day
1. Start the day right. Yes, that means breakfast. Combine a whole grain with fruit, skim dairy, or soy milk, and even add some lean protein to the mix to sustain energy levels throughout the morning. Cooked oatmeal with yogurt and a banana or Lite Mueslix with soy milk and blueberries are good choices.
2. Have a mid-morning snack. Combine a protein and a carbohydrate. It is fine to be hungry mid-morning, so honor your hunger and give your body fuel when it is asking for it. Try yogurt with a peach, low fat string cheese with an apple, or cottage cheese and grapes.
3. Eat lunch on time. Don't push back lunch until you are ravenous. Instead, eat your mid-day fuel right on time to keep your blood glucose levels nice and steady.
4. Boost your mental energy. Nature's nutrition for the brain are omega-3 fatty acids. Add light tuna or salmon to your lunchtime food choices, in addition to walnuts, tofu, and canola oil. Healthy fat keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, so add small amounts to meals and snacks. Some good choices include avocado and almonds.
5. Start the day with moderate caffeine levels and keep caffeine intake modest. While it does increase mental energy, too much caffeine may lead to energy highs and then lows, and it can interferes with quality sleep.
6. Limit processed foods high in sugar. Avoid the office candy jar, treats, and vending machine whenever possible. Processed foods do not provide sustained energy and can result in low-energy moments during the day.
7. Consume foods high in folate. Higher levels of blood folate have been associated with faster and better thought processing. Good sources include lentils, chickpeas, black beans, asparagus, broccoli, avocado, and orange juice. Also important are vitamins B6, found in bananas and spinach, and B12, found in lean proteins and skim dairy products.
8. Have an afternoon snack. If dinner is late or if you have an evening workout scheduled, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat yogurt provide energizing carbohydrate.
9. Consume complex carbohydrates that contain fiber. The fiber allows the carbohydrates to be released more slowly, providing sustained energy. Opt for whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole grain cereals.
10. Stay hydrated. About two-thirds of our body is water, and dehydration can contribute to reduced energy levels. About 80% of the fluid we consume comes from the fluids we drink, and the other 20% comes from foods. Always drink when you are thirsty, and have water available during the day to hydrate regularly.
2. Have a mid-morning snack. Combine a protein and a carbohydrate. It is fine to be hungry mid-morning, so honor your hunger and give your body fuel when it is asking for it. Try yogurt with a peach, low fat string cheese with an apple, or cottage cheese and grapes.
3. Eat lunch on time. Don't push back lunch until you are ravenous. Instead, eat your mid-day fuel right on time to keep your blood glucose levels nice and steady.
4. Boost your mental energy. Nature's nutrition for the brain are omega-3 fatty acids. Add light tuna or salmon to your lunchtime food choices, in addition to walnuts, tofu, and canola oil. Healthy fat keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, so add small amounts to meals and snacks. Some good choices include avocado and almonds.
5. Start the day with moderate caffeine levels and keep caffeine intake modest. While it does increase mental energy, too much caffeine may lead to energy highs and then lows, and it can interferes with quality sleep.
6. Limit processed foods high in sugar. Avoid the office candy jar, treats, and vending machine whenever possible. Processed foods do not provide sustained energy and can result in low-energy moments during the day.
7. Consume foods high in folate. Higher levels of blood folate have been associated with faster and better thought processing. Good sources include lentils, chickpeas, black beans, asparagus, broccoli, avocado, and orange juice. Also important are vitamins B6, found in bananas and spinach, and B12, found in lean proteins and skim dairy products.
8. Have an afternoon snack. If dinner is late or if you have an evening workout scheduled, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat yogurt provide energizing carbohydrate.
9. Consume complex carbohydrates that contain fiber. The fiber allows the carbohydrates to be released more slowly, providing sustained energy. Opt for whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole grain cereals.
10. Stay hydrated. About two-thirds of our body is water, and dehydration can contribute to reduced energy levels. About 80% of the fluid we consume comes from the fluids we drink, and the other 20% comes from foods. Always drink when you are thirsty, and have water available during the day to hydrate regularly.
9 Fat-Burning Eating Tips
Now don't get all excited. We don't have any magic wand solutions that will take the place of exercise and eating right. But we do have a few foods that could help you on your journey to rid yourself of excess flab. Hungry Girl's here with the scoop...
1. LEAN PROTEIN To put it simply, protein takes a lot of effort for the body to break down and digest. A lot more than, say, fat. So while your body is working hard to process that protein, you're burning calories. HG tip -- eat fish! Chances are you're not getting enough of it. Not only is fish a fabulous source of lean protein, BUT many types are full of those Omega-3 fatty acids you're always hearing about. Beans are also a wonderful source of protein. And it's no secret how we feel about our friend the soybean. (Let's have a cheer for veggie patties and soy-meats!)
2. WHOLE GRAINS Belly fat is not particularly cute on anyone (except maybe babies), so it's exciting news that whole grains can do a number on that stubborn flab around your midsection. One of the easiest ways to get whole grains into your diet? Oatmeal in the morning. Quaker's Simple Harvest Multigrain Hot Cereal is really good and just full of grains. Also, Kashi GoLean's Hot Cereal packs in 7 whole grains and a big 5 - 7g fiber! Mmmmm...
3. GRAPEFRUIT Ever since you were a kid popping Flintstones Chewables, you've known that Vitamin C is good for you -- and that certainly hasn't changed. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant AND has been shown in studies to help burn fat. So, if you're looking for a snack, how's about a nice, juicy grapefruit? The theory is that grapefruit helps to lower insulin levels, which keeps you from being hungry all the time! We know it smacks of classic diet food, but those Ruby Reds are MIGHTY delicious! If it's too sour for you straight, sprinkle it with some no-calorie sweetener like Splenda or stevia.
4. GREEN TEA Green tea is EVERYWHERE. It's been classified as a "superfood" as it's been linked to reduced rates of heart disease and cancer. And now it helps us lose weight too? Green tea has been shown to raise our metabolism, which is key in our battle with the bad stuff. Researchers also suspect that substances called polyphenols combined with caffeine are responsible for its fat-burning properties. If the hot murky stuff doesn't do it for you, try HG's Green Tea Crème Swappuccino! Only 75 calories and SO GOOD!
5. SPICY FOODS You know how when you eat spicy foods, you sometimes start to sweat a little (ew)? That's because it's given a little kick to your heart rate. These little kicks will result in a temporary increase in your metabolism, which will help you burn fat a little easier for a bit. A quick hit with cayenne, red pepper flakes, or whatever hot sauce you fancy should do the trick and get your blood pumping. And these spices are practically calorie-free. Yes!LIGHT
6. DAIRY Hey, dairy queens! Good news! It turns out that people who eat low-fat or fat-free dairy lose MORE weight than people who don't. Sure we mentioned protein before, but it bears bringing up again since the magical combo of calcium and protein seems to work wonders. We're WAY into yogurt, so we suggest picking up some Fage Total 0% Greek Yogurt and mixing in your favorite fruits, sugar-free preserves... or whatever! Also, light string cheese is a GREAT little snack, with only around 50-60 calories and 2.5g fat a pop. Not bad for hard cheese, people.
7. WATERExperts say it's important to drink lots of water if you're trying to burn fat Your body can't work effectively if it's dehydrated -- not only will you FEEL like you don't have any energy, but also your body really won't have what it needs to function and burn off fat. Keep that machine humming -- drink around 8 glasses of water a day!
8. CINNAMON Sure this stuff tastes good -- that's why it's found in SO many things. But those chefs might not know that their sprinkling of cinnamon is helping the body process sugar more effectively and lower blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can lead to the body storing more fat, so maybe put together a little shaker of cinnamon and Splenda to sprinkle on your favorite foods! Then whip up some fat-burning cinnamon toast by using your new concoction on whole-wheat bread!
9. APPLES An apple a day isn't going to keep the gym away, but it'll probably make your diet plan more effective. Word on the street is that the pectin contained in apples limits how much fat your cells can absorb. (SWEET!) Plus it's a naturally soluble fiber, which is always good. So next time you feel all snacky, grab whichever apple looks best to you (we love Fujis!).
1. LEAN PROTEIN To put it simply, protein takes a lot of effort for the body to break down and digest. A lot more than, say, fat. So while your body is working hard to process that protein, you're burning calories. HG tip -- eat fish! Chances are you're not getting enough of it. Not only is fish a fabulous source of lean protein, BUT many types are full of those Omega-3 fatty acids you're always hearing about. Beans are also a wonderful source of protein. And it's no secret how we feel about our friend the soybean. (Let's have a cheer for veggie patties and soy-meats!)
2. WHOLE GRAINS Belly fat is not particularly cute on anyone (except maybe babies), so it's exciting news that whole grains can do a number on that stubborn flab around your midsection. One of the easiest ways to get whole grains into your diet? Oatmeal in the morning. Quaker's Simple Harvest Multigrain Hot Cereal is really good and just full of grains. Also, Kashi GoLean's Hot Cereal packs in 7 whole grains and a big 5 - 7g fiber! Mmmmm...
3. GRAPEFRUIT Ever since you were a kid popping Flintstones Chewables, you've known that Vitamin C is good for you -- and that certainly hasn't changed. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant AND has been shown in studies to help burn fat. So, if you're looking for a snack, how's about a nice, juicy grapefruit? The theory is that grapefruit helps to lower insulin levels, which keeps you from being hungry all the time! We know it smacks of classic diet food, but those Ruby Reds are MIGHTY delicious! If it's too sour for you straight, sprinkle it with some no-calorie sweetener like Splenda or stevia.
4. GREEN TEA Green tea is EVERYWHERE. It's been classified as a "superfood" as it's been linked to reduced rates of heart disease and cancer. And now it helps us lose weight too? Green tea has been shown to raise our metabolism, which is key in our battle with the bad stuff. Researchers also suspect that substances called polyphenols combined with caffeine are responsible for its fat-burning properties. If the hot murky stuff doesn't do it for you, try HG's Green Tea Crème Swappuccino! Only 75 calories and SO GOOD!
5. SPICY FOODS You know how when you eat spicy foods, you sometimes start to sweat a little (ew)? That's because it's given a little kick to your heart rate. These little kicks will result in a temporary increase in your metabolism, which will help you burn fat a little easier for a bit. A quick hit with cayenne, red pepper flakes, or whatever hot sauce you fancy should do the trick and get your blood pumping. And these spices are practically calorie-free. Yes!LIGHT
6. DAIRY Hey, dairy queens! Good news! It turns out that people who eat low-fat or fat-free dairy lose MORE weight than people who don't. Sure we mentioned protein before, but it bears bringing up again since the magical combo of calcium and protein seems to work wonders. We're WAY into yogurt, so we suggest picking up some Fage Total 0% Greek Yogurt and mixing in your favorite fruits, sugar-free preserves... or whatever! Also, light string cheese is a GREAT little snack, with only around 50-60 calories and 2.5g fat a pop. Not bad for hard cheese, people.
7. WATERExperts say it's important to drink lots of water if you're trying to burn fat Your body can't work effectively if it's dehydrated -- not only will you FEEL like you don't have any energy, but also your body really won't have what it needs to function and burn off fat. Keep that machine humming -- drink around 8 glasses of water a day!
8. CINNAMON Sure this stuff tastes good -- that's why it's found in SO many things. But those chefs might not know that their sprinkling of cinnamon is helping the body process sugar more effectively and lower blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can lead to the body storing more fat, so maybe put together a little shaker of cinnamon and Splenda to sprinkle on your favorite foods! Then whip up some fat-burning cinnamon toast by using your new concoction on whole-wheat bread!
9. APPLES An apple a day isn't going to keep the gym away, but it'll probably make your diet plan more effective. Word on the street is that the pectin contained in apples limits how much fat your cells can absorb. (SWEET!) Plus it's a naturally soluble fiber, which is always good. So next time you feel all snacky, grab whichever apple looks best to you (we love Fujis!).
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