Keeping Children On Task May Be Easier Than You Think

No one says that keeping 30 nine year olds engaged in learning is simple, but as a school teacher, that's what you're expected to do… among a whole host of other tasks that, at the end of the day, seem more like accomplishments that rival achieving peace in the Middle East. Unfortunately, some teachers add to their own obstacles by not paying attention to simple design rules that can help children stay focused on what's being taught instead of on every possible distraction.First, choose classroom furniture designed to help kids switch focus easily. We found a terrific example in the Downview Desk manufactured by Versa Products, Inc. Designed so students can see the front of the room and their computer monitors at the same time, this clever construction actually mounts the monitor below the work surface under glare-free glass. No more hiding behind a 17-inch screen and gazing off into an abyss. Give yourself the ability to see your students at all time and know when they're "getting it" and when they're not.Second, arrange desks in a U-shape as opposed to traditional rows or "pods." The problem with pods is that you are creating a situation where a few students will always have their backs to you even if you actively move about the room. Rows tend to put several students between you and the kids in the back—each layer becomes another degree of disengagement. A U-shape formation allows you to stay in close proximity to all of the students making it easy to hear and see.Third, manage with highlighters! Huh? Make sure each desk has Velcro (or a clip) to hold a regular highlighting marker. During times that you are in front of the class giving instruction, have the students remove their highlighters and highlight certain phrases or objects on their own papers as you talk about it. These moments of intense concentration will keep the students focused on what you are saying and what they must look for on their papers, instead of zoning out or chatting. The best part about highlighters instead of markers, is they wash out of clothes easily and don't stain furniture that's been coated with durable finishes like Nevamar Armor Plated Laminate.
If you've hit an age where meeting attractive younger (than you) girls or women seems to be a wicked challenge, maybe it's time to consider opening your mind to new horizons. Yes I'm talking about Thai girls and Thai women here. And doing it from a guy who has lived in Thailand for the best part of four years.But before we meet the perfect Thai girl, why Thailand? Maybe it's the attention. It's hard not to be taken by people who seem to be always smiling, welcoming and friendly. And with a great 'not too serious about anything much' attitude and the Thai Buddhist qualities, well, it's all quite compelling.Anyway, Thailand is a world in itself, so be prepared to be amazed and have all your normal 'logical' thinking replaced with ongoing illogical and strange behavior. In other words, Thailand is a completely weird place. Just remember that when you travel to a foreign country, after you get there, you become the foreigner...Amongst all its differences, the pleasures are true and fascinating. There's no doubt Thailand is a crazy world. But strangely enough, it seems to hang together well. And the proof is in the pudding... having thrown myself into this lifestyle, I now feel somewhat 'apprehensive' about having to travel to a Western country and meet Western people. Why would I feel that way?Maybe because I've been immersed in smiling, polite Thai people who always welcomed me and wanted to know about me. Maybe because I've been surrounded by Thai food that is always so important everywhere you go. Food that... "shows how we delicately care about feelings of people." And then there's the Thai girls...Let's talk about Thai girls and the Thai world through these 5 simple steps:Step one: Go to http://yourthaigirl.com and read the downloadable ebook, (and while you're there sign up to the Thai Girl, Thai Life newsletter). In this ebook you'll learn all about Thai culture, lifestyle, and of course, Thai girls.You get savvy on what to do, what not to do, when to do it, and where to go and do it. You'll know what it all means, and the ebook will give you the 'inside picture' to the world of Thailand.Step two: Book your ticket to Thailand as soon as you can. When you arrive, prepare for the slam... the heat... an invisible hammer that hits you with its mighty force... rushes to greet you with the power of a thousand simmering angels...And yet, before you know it, you'll be slipping down the long passageways inside the cool air conditioned airport. Get your bags, your bearings, your Thai girl book and prepare for your biggest journey. (Hey, Thailand is not as hot as you think :-)Step three: Get out and meet and greet people. Prepare your name card, your few words of Thai, a nice hotel or resort with a funny name, and your best clothes. In this country, it pays to look good. Thai's like to be clean, fresh, and attractive. No kidding.Step four: Just be you. Expect lots of questions. The Thai's want to learn English... speak English with you. You'll have a great, precious, remarkable time. Be adventurous. Be a tourist. Learn new things. Travel on the sky train.Step five: That's it, all done. Remember though to keep light-hearted. The Thai's like to have fun, not be 'too serious' and will appreciate it if you show respect to the things that are important to them. The key word is enjoyment. Have fun.Actually, there's really nothing to it. It's so easy (once you're here!) The main thing is to keep your calm, appreciate the beauty of Thai girls, seek out quality relationships, and let me know how it all goes, okay.

Web Based Project Management Software Tool from Inventa Technologies

Project Management SoftwareProject Management Software is a web based tool that help to manage projects such as Integrated Calendars, Report Generators, Scheduling, Multiple Projects and Tasks, Files Upload, Tracking, Prioritizing, etc. Project Management System is a simple tool that help managers and the team members successfully plan, manage and execute the different tasks involved in each project.Why Project Management Software and How Does it Work Online Project Management Software Tool which increases the effectiveness of your work and the happiness of your clients by making the workflow fully transparent to them. Web Based Project Management centralizes complete project information on to a single server that tracks all the work being done. As a result every member of the team can access to the requisite info anytime. Task Management Software is designed to make Project Management easier and even more cost-efficient; Task Management Software is interactive and responsive Tool that runs on the computer as either a single user or may be shared by a group of Project Managers.Project Management Tools available that help you to organize your business better collaborate more effectively, plan and track projects comprehensively and IT Project Management capabilities will enable organizations to support their business processes in a Simple, but Effective manner. It is also a great litmus test to gauge what kind of Project Management Software you are looking for and whether the tool you are looking at is a good fit or not. Features/Benefits of Project Management SoftwareWeb Based project management software has several benefits over the conventional style of managing a project. Here are a few benefits of the software that may boost your appreciation for it.1) Cheap to Try: The dollar cost of a pilot or test-drive can run anywhere from cheap to free for this kind of Project Management Software. You don’t have to waste a lot of time with sales pitches or slide shows. You can try it and see if it fits.2) Easy to Use:Project Management Software is User-Friendly Tool and generally can be learned quickly. With Project Management Solution you can create Multiple Projects and Multiple Tasks quickly and intuitively.3) Low Risk to Failure:You don’t have to put your career on the line to try it out. Since it doesn’t take a ton of money or time you don’t have to spend a lot political capital to try out this kind of Project Management Software. If it doesn’t work so be it, at least you tried to solve a problem. If it does work, you’re a hero who solved a problem without betting the farm. 4) Work and Collaborate:Team members both collaborate and coordinate by regularly posting the status of their own work, participating in discussions with other project members, and providing feedback on tasks done by other team members.5) Multiple User Management:Since Project Management System can be accessed from any web browser, you may be interested in it to manage collaborators working from remote locations. Whether your collaborators are telecommuters, sub-contractors or working in other branches, you need one unique place where the ongoing activity will be centralized.6) Calendar:The Calendar function allows you to view your schedule month by month or get the detailed daily view. You can also create events and assign them to yourself and/or to your team mates, all tasks can be opened straight from the calendar.7) Security and Access Rights:Since all employees within an organization may have different roles, they may not be allowed to consult certain pieces of information. The CEO might want to be "boss" and get an overview of all projects' and users' activity while technicians could only be allowed to view their assigned tasks without being able to view any statistics or reports.8) Online Project Management Software can be implemented as a Web application, accessed through an intranet or extranet using a web browser.9) The foremost and most outstanding feature is saving of time.Conclusion: Project Management System is useful for small-to-medium size businesses who want an uncomplicated and effective IT Project Management Tool.What to Do Next...If you have any queries regarding the above information or looking for a Project Management Software please contact us at Enquiry@InventaTech.co.uk or visit us on www.inventatech.co.ukInventa Technologies provides valuable information on Project Management Software, Web Based IT Project Management & Task Tracking Software System Tool, and designed to help organizations collaborate and Manage Client Information, Multiple Projects and Multiple Tasks, Files, Contacts and Calendars.http://www.inventatech.co.uk/project-management-software.php

Ashwagandha- the Indian ginseng

Ashwagandha - also known as Indian Winter Cherry has the Botanical name Withania Somnifera -It is a shrub belonging to Solanace family. It is grown in the western India, Gujarat, MP, Punjab and in Himalayas.Ashwagandha gets its name because its roots have the odor of horse. (Ashwa = horse , gandha = odor). It is called by another name Varaha karni because its leaves resemble pig’s ear. Ashwagandha has light (laghu) and sticky (snigdha) properties, bitter and sweet taste. On digestion the sweet taste dominates. The main part used is root of this herb.Medicinal properties of AshwagandhaThe various medicinal properties of ashwagandha is attributed to compounds known as withanolides which are present in it.Ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen (as it enhances endurance), rejuvenating tonic and sedative. Hence many herbalists refer this herb as Indian ginseng.Effects on mind: As it balances vata and kapha, it improves memory, counteracts the effects of stress and calms mind. It has an ability to relieve stress. It acts as sedative. Stressed patients with insomnia are benefited by this herb. This herb can be used in Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss and insomnia. Effects on general health : It acts as balya and strengthens the body. Generally, ashwagandha stimulates the immune system and strengthens it. It increases body energy level.Convalescent patients’ gain more energy and can spring back to normal routine quicker when this herb’s preparations are used after illness.The immediate relapse of disease is prevented on use of Ashwagandha. This supports HIV patients by strengthening their immune system. Anti-inflammatory properties: It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been successfully used in adjuvant therapy for arthritis. It reduces inflammation of joints and eases movements.Effects on digestive system: Ashwagandha increases appetite . It normalizes digestion and bowel movements.Effects on reproductive system: This magic herb increases shukra dhatu, sperm count and sperm motility. It increases libido and known as best Vajikara dravya (aphrodisiac) It is also used as uterine tonic and to enhance female libido.Ashwagandha retards ageing process when used as rasayana (rejuvenating preparation).It reduces hypertension and also acts as diuretic.Effects on pregnant woman: Ashwagandha is very effective in conditions like habitual abortion, threatened abortion. It stabilizes pregnancy and balances harmones which stabilize pregnancy.Usefull preparations of Ashwagandha:1. A paste of ashwagandha leaves when applied on a local inflammation acts as anti inflammatory. 2. The herbal massage oil which includes this herb is useful in many conditions like paralysis, epilepsy, sleeplessness etc.3. The preparation of Ashwagandha which is processed with ghee, sugar and honey is a very good aphrodisiac and increases semen quantity, sperm count and motility. It is effectively used in Erectile dysfunction, low libido and premature ejaculation.4 Ashwagandha roots when used regularly helps to improve the conditions like emaciation of children, senile debility, rheumatism, in all cases of general debility, nervous exhaustion, brain-fag, low of memory, loss of muscular energy and spermatorrhoea. It increases body energy and vigor . It helps to rebuild the body system which is worn out due to chronic diseases like syphilis, rheumatism etc. It also replenishes the lowered energy of body due to over-work, mental exertion thus preventing early ageing.5 Ashwagandha when used regularly , is very useful in emaciated children. It increases body weight and body energy.6 Regular use of ashwagandha helps to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.7 Fine powder of ashwagandha well mixed with oil is very use full in many skin conditions.8 Ashwagandha also acts as galactogogue and thickens the milk when given to nursing mothers.This article is copy righted. The author Dr.Krishna.R.S is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of foods.

There's nothing that comes close to its power in online marketing.In fact, many of the most critical elements of eBusiness are tied to it: joint ventures, newsletter publishing, automated follow-up, article distribution, free reports, autoresponder messages and eCourses, networking... the list could go on and on.Of course, I am referring to EMAIL MARKETING. It is impossible to be successful online without some form of marketing via email. Nothing else can boost your business like a good list and an understanding of how to use it.You can *literally* send a mailing in the morning and earn several thousand dollars by the end of the day with email marketing.What I want to share with you in today’s lesson is how to increase your email marketing leads, sales and profits. So, let's get at it...--> Develop an attention-grabbing subject line.Russell Crowe would have never won an Academy Award for Gladiator if no one had watched the movie. Britney Spears wouldn't have gone quadruple platinum with her latest CD if no one listened to her music.And you ain't gonna earn a single penny in profits from your email marketing if folks don't read the message you send.It’s one thing to send an email out to 50,000 prospects, it’s another thing to get any of them to read it.And whether or not you need to start writing your Oscar acceptance speech depends upon how well you craft the "subject" line of your email promotion message.There are three keys to writing subject lines that are so compelling that the recipient is practically forced to click and open your email.1. Personal. There is something both attention-grabbing and exciting about seeing your name in the subject line of an email.For one thing, we just love to see our own names. Nothing grabs our attention quicker than something that is specifically about us or for us. And, for another, personalization *typically* means it isn't SPAM. While some spammers do have access to databases with our names, for the most part their lists are built by harvesting emails.So, when we see our name in the subject line, we immediately are drawn to it..."Jimmy, here is the information you requested""Jimmy, I'd like to give you a free copy""Jimmy, did you forget about this?"Almost every good autoresponder or email distribution system will have a “personalization” feature that will allow you to automatically insert your prospect’s name into your email messages when sending your mailings. It works like this…A. Person joins your list through a subscription form, which captures their name and email address.B. You insert a predetermined code (like ) that your autoresponder or mailing system provides you, into the email message.C. The system automatically converts that tag into the actual recipient's name before delivering the email.Voila – you’ve got personalized emails. You can generally use these personalization features in both your SUBJECT line of the email and the BODY of the actual email message itself.An additional attention-grabbing feature to the 'ol subject line is to TARGET your audience. Of course, you will *always* want to send your emails to a targeted audience. I.E. Don't send your Wrestling email to a homemakers' list. :o)For example: I recently sent a mailing out to a smaller list I have of folks who are interested in reprint rights to products. I had made reprint rights available to my new product, and I wanted to let them know about the licenses. Here are some sample subject lines that I might have used…“New reprint rights released today…”“Reprint rights are available…”“Sell this new product and keep every penny” You may receive 500 emails a day, but if you are interested in reprint rights (and you would be, or you wouldn't be on that list) then this particular subject line is going to stand out when you download your emails.When you combine personalization AND targeted audience, then you have a very compelling subject line..."Jimmy, new reprint rights released today...""Jimmy, reprint rights are available...""Jimmy, sell this new product and keep every penny"That's an email I'll read every time. :o)2. Powerful. Another key to writing an email subject line that entices the reader to take a look at your message is to use "power words."A "power word" is a word that appeals to the senses. It's been shown over and over that we do not buy based on logic, but rather on emotion. Email marketing works on that same premise. A few "power words" include: Free, New, Exclusive, Amazing, Fast, Results, Guaranteed, Unlimited, Step-by-Step, Overnight, etc.Etc. means "and so on." Don't put "etc." in your subject line. That's not a power word. :o)"Power words" are strong motivators for reading further. Why? Because they trigger our emotions. They create curiosity. They are compelling. So, use them.--- Sidebar --- Since I've mentioned something you SHOULD include in your subject line, let me also mention something that you SHOULD NOT use. Avoid two things like you avoid an angry rattlesnake... hype and in-your-face symbols. Don't make outlandish claims like "Earn $50,000 overnight." If it isn't believable, then folks will simply delete your email without ever reading it.And for goodness sake, don't use "in-your-face" symbols!!!!!!! No one reads *****URGENT******* or (((((Read Now))))) or @@@Newsflash@@@Kind of gets the same response as that obnoxious alarm clock at five in the morning.In other words, it's a turn off! :o)--- End of Sidebar --- Another “type” of power words is a DEADLINE: 24 hours only, next 3 days, only 5 will be accepted, the first 10, etc.Power words, especially the word “FREE” are particularly effective in getting people to read your email. Combine a power word with a deadline and you’ve got a winner.3. Promising. The third key is to present a desirable result. Your subject line must make a promise. It must inform the reader, in that split-second that they view it, that there is something that awaits them if they read your email. And that something must be desirable. It must be something that the reader does not want to miss out on. It must appeal to the emotions and pull the reader to the edge of their seat like they were waiting for the climax of a really good movie.Your subject line should create expectation. Understand this: folks don't buy products because they want your product... they buy products because they want the result of your product. We buy exercise equipment because we want to look good. We buy candy bars because we like the taste. And we visit the dentist because we ate too many candy bars. :o)We revolve around results. We work because we want the paycheck. We drive our vehicles because we want to get somewhere. We play golf because we enjoy it. We are a results-driven society.By creating an email subject line that promises results you create expectation. Look at the difference between these two subject lines..."Free 7-day eCourse released today...""Free 7-day eCourse you can obtain in 5 minutes..."Both have a power word. Both are fairly interesting. But……which one creates expectation? The second one makes a promise... I can have it in 5 minutes!This is one of the biggest keys in email marketing, and yet is often overlooked. It amazes me how many ezine publishers, for example, have this subject line..."Bob's Newsletter, Issue 212"Whew, hold me back. I can't wait to read that. :o)Sure, some folks will read it anyway -- especially if you have a loyal readership who knows your stuff is first rate.But, I don't care WHO you are, you will ALWAYS have better results with a subject line that creates expectation.You can apply these three keys, "Personal, Powerful and Promising" to any form of email marketing you use... autoresponders, newsletters, free reports, solo mailings, joint venture offers, virtually anything to do with email marketing.Get this right and it will be time to start working on the 'ol Academy Awards acceptance speech for your Best Email Oscar. :o)

Choose a healthier life with organic foods

It is often confusing when you go to buy dog food to try to identify what is important on the label and why some foods are priced so much higher or so much lower than the rest. It is important to buy a good quality food that meets your dog’s needs, but the quality of the food is not always guaranteed by the price. Many of the very high priced dog foods or “gourmet” foods are no more nutritionally balanced than the premium foods offered by large or small dog food companies. Typically the very low priced dog foods should be avoided as they are largely made up of filler type ingredients and little protein and very little nutritional value. What’s On The Label?The ingredient portion of the label must list all the food items and additives that are contained in the food. In most developed countries the items in dog food are controlled by a federal agency to ensure they are appropriate for consumption and are not a danger to the animals. The substances in dog food must by generally recognized as safe, or GRAS. No diseased meat, improperly processed meat or vegetable material or other items may be used in the food. The items listed on the ingredient portion are listed by natural weight at time of processing, starting with the heaviest item and working down. That means that the meat is weighed in its moist, natural state just like the soy meal or ground wheat will be listed in their natural dry state on the ingredient list. Since processing removes most of the water, especially in dry food, the first ingredient on the list may not be the predominant ingredient in the final dry kibble. In reality most dry foods will list beef, chicken or meat as the first ingredient but on full analysis of the final dry ingredient there will be far more of the wheat fillers in each kibble. Avoid dog foods that list animal or meat by-products as the main ingredients as these have almost no nutritional value for the dog. Since there is almost no way to know how much of the original ingredient is in the final result the information on the ingredient label is not as useful as it may seem. The better information that is provided on the label is the actual analysis of the feed, which is based on the final product and its actual breakdown. The analysis will list the crude protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. Generally a dog should have between 21 and 26% protein in the diet depending on their age and level of activity. The more active a dog is the more protein they will need to sustain energy levels. Puppies and senior dogs should not be fed high protein diets as it can cause problems in puppies with bone growth and may cause excessive weight gain in older, more sedate dogs. How much to feed? If you are feeding a good quality premium dry dog food it is important to follow the feeding recommendations. Poor quality foods will have you feed more and will lead to increased mess to clean up. Premium dry foods usually are fed by current body weight of the dog as well as the growth stage of the dog. Be sure to feed the correct food for the correct growth stage to optimize the benefits to the dog. If you are in doubt about the correct feeding amounts or are concerned that your dog may be gaining or losing weight due to the food immediately seek the advice of your vet. Often rapid weight loss or gain has nothing to do with the food but may be a serious health concern or even a genetic condition.

You have probably heard a lot of people talking about the health benefits that come with eating raw organic foods. You may have wondered what implications come with a diet of organic foods. A table full of raw beef and oysters does not appeal to most people, but there is more to it than that. An organic foods diet means that you are required to eat the food in its natural unprocessed state. Organic foods may already be included in your diet, if you eat fresh fruits and vegetables.The processing and cooking of the foods strip them of a lot of vital nutrients. A lot of people say that cooking vegetables leaches out the vitamins and it can also destroy the important enzymes that they contain. Packaged foods available in every grocery store, that have been processed in some way to help you benefit from an easy package meal, have a very low nutritional value and they are not very good for your body because they are hard to metabolize.Earth gives us natural foods. If you consume them as such, in their raw state, it becomes a lot easier for the body to process them. Raw foods are packed with vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Everything you do costs energy. The energy levels of your body are given by enzymes. These things are not the most popular topics of discussion, but they are very important for your body. Think about how tired you feel after serving a big meal of cooked foods. This happens because you use your body enzymes to process these foods instead of using them for other activities of your daily life. By consuming raw organic foods that contain their own enzymes helpful for digestion, you preserve your energy for doing the things you like, instead of wasting that energy for digesting food you just ate. People that follow a raw food diet consume up to 75% of raw foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, nuts and other foods in their natural form. Preparing raw foods involves several processes. One of these is juicing. Many people turn the fruits and vegetables into juices. Just by drinking fresh juice in the morning you can benefit from a health boost. Another way of preparing raw foods is by using a dehydrator. The moisture is taken out of the fruits and vegetables so they are good for long time storage. The dehydrator uses hot air to remove the moisture from the foods, but the temperatures it operates under has to be below 1160 F, so that all the enzymes in the food are stored and not destroyed.Organic cheese can also be a part of a raw food diet. The process used for obtaining organic cheese does not involve temperatures higher than 1160 F, so it fits in the category of raw foods. The government keeps the organic farms under strict supervision, so you don’t have to worry about quality or scams if you purchase products from them. The cows from which the milk is harvested for the organic cheese cannot be treated with any antibiotics or other medicine in case of illnesses. In case they must be treated, they are removed from that farm. This guarantees that the organic cheese or other foods you purchase from that farm are 100% organic.The amount of raw foods included in your diet should be around 75% (ar at least 50%), but you should not start eating immediately this amount of raw foods. Instead you should increase the quantities gradually. As a precautionary note, if you plan to have any major changes in your diet, you should consult your doctor. Even though raw foods are the base for a healthier life, some of them may conflict with certain medication, so this is the best thing you should do in order to avoid unpleasant situations. Due to the detoxifying effect raw foods have, some people may experience mild headaches and nausea, but only temporary.

Home Made Food For Dogs

Home made diets can be an important part of dog feeding. Many times,commercial diets consist of food items that have artificial colouringagents and flavouring agents that are harmful to the dog's body. Home madefood items have the guarantee of freshness in the preparation unlikeready-made commercial items.The preservatives added into commercial food items may not be the suitablefor dogs from a health point of view. Even in case of renal diseases indogs, the home made diets may be made with ground beef, slices of bread,calcium carbonate, boiled eggs etc.The purpose is to have a restricted protein supply in the feed items thatare prepared. This should be carried out with home made diets preparedexclusively for dogs suffering from renal diseases. Water is added insufficient quantities to help the proper metabolism in digestion -imperitive for impaired renal cases.The dog may have allergic symptoms like severe itching, which may not getcorrected by different kinds of medications employed over a period oftime. Such cases may get easily treated once the dog food is changed fromthe commercial type of food to the home made food items.Often, home made food items are prepared using freezing procedures to killany germs or by adding grape seed extracts to provide sufficientantioxidants to the home made food items. Food grade vinegar is also addedin many cases to the meat pieces prepared in a fresh manner. All these canbe enriched with vitamin supplements that are available in fruit essences,fish oil etc.Cranberry juice, bananas, fish and meat are prepared in a quality mannerand no preservatives are added during the preparation of these kinds offood items and the dog becomes more active after the consumption of suchfood items.

Selecting London hotels based on location as well as price can make a London vacation both comfortable and affordable even on a shoestring budget. There are many hotels located within an easy walking distance to “The Tube.” The Tube is London’s most commonly used form of transportation for residents and it can make getting around the city fast, easy, and affordable. With 275 Tube stations throughout London, it’s not difficult to find a hotel within easy walking distance to one of these stations, giving travelers easy access to the many sights and experiences London has to offer.While guided tours of London can be costly and most museums charge admission, there are many things to do in this wonderful city that don’t cost a dime. For instance, visitors may want to check out Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park. Other suggestions include the many parks located in London, viewing art at Kenwood House and the National Gallery, watching London light up at dusk while walking the Embankment, or trying the free food samples that Harrods always has to offer. Many affordable London hotels are located in close proximity to these attractions or are just a short Tube ride away.Dining in London does not have to break the bank either. There are certainly many wonderful restaurants in London for those who seek a luxurious (and expensive) dinner, but the true adventure of London comes in part from the pub experience. Not only can travelers get a pint of their favorite local ale, but they can also indulge in traditional English fare: Fish and chips, bangers and mash, Ploughman’s lunch, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Additionally, the pub is a great place to meet some of the locals and hear about some of the area’s history and folklore. Visitors may also learn of the favorite haunts of London residents and have the chance to see a side of city that other, less adventurous travelers might miss.Saving money while on vacation may be a necessity for some travelers. For others, the savings may provide the opportunity to splurge on something very special, something to be remembered for years after the vacation. This splurge might be a dinner prepared by a world-renowned chef, enjoying a theatre production, or a memorable stay at one of many luxurious London hotels.Unlike many other holiday or vacation destinations, London can accommodate all budgets, even very small ones. There are several London hotels available for £28 (about US $55) or less, many of which are located close to the Tube. The Tube provides fast, affordable, and easy transportation around the entire city, making it simple for visitors to get from one sight to the next without the expense of car rental or parking fees. London features many admission-free attractions and sometimes the best way to find them is by visiting a pub, enjoying a pint and some grub, and taking up conversation with one of the local residents.

The Vegetarian Diet: Important Nutrients And Supplementation For The "vegan" To Consider

Folks unfamiliar with vegetarianism think of vegetarians as people who are missing out on tasty and nutritious foods. Some of the more enlightened people know that many vegetarians rely on discount vitamins to help supplement essential nutrients for their bodies. To the vast majority, however, vegetarians are all as pacifists who are unable to choose or enjoy tasty and nutritious foods. The truth is that vegetarians come in as many different shapes and forms as there are diets. This means there are so many varied forms of vegetarian diet that it would make any one contemplating vegetarianism go nuts. Nuts do form an important portion of a vegetarian diet, but the point is there is much more dichotomy to a vegetarian diet than meets the eye. There are those vegetarians who consider milk and milk products as acceptable and then there are those that do not. There are those that consider eggs as an acceptable part of a vegetarian diet and others that do not. The diversity is mind-boggling. However, all vegetarians should consider discount vitamin supplements as an essential part of vegetarianism. In some ancient cultures vegetarianism arose due to economic, religious or social issues. In South East Asia and the Indian subcontinent, vegetarianism is based on religious traditions and economic reasons. The centuries of vegetarianism in that part of the world has produced a wide variety of herbs, spices and vegetable extracts that are now commonly used in western cultures. Recent studies have shown that the old-world ingredients such as garlic, turmeric, ginseng, capsaicin, psyllium, cayenne, fenugreek, various oils, nuts, etc. have great positive dietary benefits. In western cultures, vegetarianism is embraced more as a healthy alternative to weight-loss or weight-control diets. Whatever the reason behind one being a vegetarian, it is absolutely essential that proper nutrients be included in one's diet. Many animal products are main sources of key nutrients like vitamin-B12 and other essential vitamins. Any diet that avoids animal sources of such nutrients must find alternative sources to incorporate these into the diet. A common source for such nutrients is fortified cereal. However, the high sugar levels in cereals make fortified cereal an unattractive alternative. The sugar content in a typical American diet is extra-ordinarily high and is a leading cause of many diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, etc. These diseases in turn lead to other life threatening conditions, especially as we grow older.The average life-span in the United States and other developed nations has been steadily increasing. As we age, more and more of us are facing many diseases that come with age. Everyone knows that prevention is better than the cure. As a result, following a well-balanced diet cannot be stressed enough. A good diet is like stopping smoking. Just as it is never too late to stop smoking, it is never too late to start following a balanced diet. Obviously, the earlier one starts in one’s life in maintaining a healthy diet, the better the long lasting results. Children's vitamins have now become the norm rather than the exception. Pre-teens and teens find vitamins as an accepted form of daily nutrition. Who has not heard the phrase, "Have you taken your vitamins today?" Young adults, middle-aged people and even those in their sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties are now beginning to understand the importance of adding discount vitamins and dietary supplements to their diets.Vegetarians are especially at risk at being deficient in vitamins and important nutrients. The vegetarian is likely to avoid all animal products including eggs, milk, yogurt, fish, fish oils, meat, poultry, etc., which are the main sources of important nutrients. The only alternative source for such nutrients for the vegetarian is discount vitamins and dietary supplements. To help vegetarians develop a healthy diet and include key nutrients in their diets, some online discount vitamin dealers are providing in depth information and a wide range of vitamins and diet supplements. Even as diets come and go, the importance of incorporating discount vitamins and supplements to a vegetarian diet must be a constant. In a fad filled society, where a brand new diet is introduced almost every week to the public as the latest fix-it-all to health and weight issues, a good diet is one regimen that is here to stay.Most people do not have the time to keep up with the latest health news and developments. To assist, online discount vitamin dealers offer detailed articles and latest health news to keep the public abreast of key trends and happenings. Articles range from the latest bills in Congress that may affect the sales and distribution of vitamins to the latest research on organic vitamins and foods. For those interested in further information on the vitamins and supplements they are taking, additional articles are available as well. The recent developments of combining bottled water with infused vitamins are a hot topic. The FDA's classification of various forms of water based on its origin; such as spring water, purified water and mineral water are also addressed on these sites.In matters of diet, health and wellness, one must bear in mind that it takes time to see noticeable changes. It is no different when one is trying to see noticeable changes due to intake of vitamins and supplements. There are no overnight cures or instant healing. Diet is a lifestyle. It is a habit, something one does without thinking. Good diet is a habit. It is a matter of life-style and something that has become a part of one's daily life. Long lasting lifestyle changes take time to develop. Ours is an instant gratification society where getting people to stick to a diet with discipline is a challenge. Results of a diet take time to become clearly noticeable. The advantage of incorporating discount vitamins and supplements into one's diet is that it does not require any drastic changes. It is just a matter of taking the vitamins as a matter of daily routine.As the ranks of vegetarians grow, so does the need for information about a proper well-balanced diet. Many celebrities who practice a vegetarian diet like Olympian Edwin Moses, tennis great Martina Navratilova, actors Orlando Bloom, Brad Pitt, actress Naomi Watts, music stars Shania Twain, Prince, Paul McCartney, etc., all take vitamin supplements. To maintain one’s vegetarian life-style and yet at the same time follow a good diet, discount vitamins and supplements are an absolutely critical part of the diet. In most instances, a vegetarian is a vegetarian for one reason, which is to achieve the goal of a healthy and long life. With such a goal in mind, it would only make perfect sense to ensure that no essential nutrients are missing in one's diet.

For over ten years now, I have been a drug-free competitive bodybuilder, and I can tell you first hand what it takes to develop a muscular physique. In this article, I want to discuss with you my top 5 tips for increasing strength and building lean muscle.Tip #1 Stick with the basic exercises! You heard me correctly. Do exercises that place a higher demand on your body and involve more muscle groups then just one. Examples include squats, presses, dips, chins, rows, and deadlifts. If you don't know how to do them properly, hire a personal trainer or if you have pain seek an orthopedic, chiropractor, or physical therapist. These exercises will give you more "bang for your buck."Tip #2 Vary your repetitions and weight loads! The human body possesses different types of muscle fibers, and in order to recruit these different types, you need to work with higher repetitions and lower repetitions. Rest intervals between sets, tempo, within the set, and how hard you workout will all greatly affect your end results. What I mean by that is if you want just strength, generally workout with loads between 3-5 repetitions, and rest up to 3 minutes or more between sets. If it's strength and size train with loads between 8-15 repetitions and rest 90-120 seconds between sets, and pay close attention on how fast you move the weight (a bit slower here). And lastly if it's endurance, seek extremely high reps, 30, 50, or more. This may be good for say boxers and swimmers who need tons of endurance.Tip #3 Increase your Carbohydrates to at least 2x's your Body weight! If for example you weigh 200lbs now, aim for at least 400grams in carbohydrates per day. This may sound like a lot, and you may not be able to do it right away, but trust me this is one of the KEYS to increasing lean muscle mass. I'm not talking about carbs from ice cream and pizza, but "clean carbs" from oats, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and whole-wheat pastas. By doing this you store a lot of sugar in your muscles, known as glycogen and that gives you killer workouts. Also gives your body a constant flow of the hormone insulin, which is critical in obtaining more muscle.Tip #4 Eat about one to one and a half grams of quality Protein per lb. of bodyweight! Eating this amount of protein will ensure that you are getting in enough. Remember, your not a sedentary person and your body demands more of this macronutrient in your diet to help keep the building process growing. I find that a lot of individuals are lacking when it comes to protein. You can get some through quality foods like lean steak (filet, flank, london broil), chicken breast, turkey breast and fish. You can also supplement with a high quality whey and casein protein, which is ideal for before bedtime. Keep in mind protein has a high thermic effect on the body, meaning it helps raise the metabolism because it requires a high amount of calories just to break it down.Tip# 5 Get Enough Sleep! I understand this may be a hard one, but is very critical for you if you want to get more muscular. You see your body releases it's repair hormones at a higher level at night, usually between 10p.m. and 2a.m. It's the peak time when your body is regenerating and repairing. This is a big factor in you gaining the quality muscle your want to obtain. I suggest 7-8 hours each night. If you can't get that in, try taking a 30 minute nap at sometime during the day before sleep to allow the body to recover from the day's stress and workout.Copyright (c) 2007 Brian Gurneak

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the cell membranes of all body tissues and transported through the blood plasma. In the human body there are two types of cholesterol carriers - ‘bad cholesterol’, low-density lipoprotein or LDL and ‘good cholesterol’, high-density lipoprotein or HDL. To put it simply, good cholesterol carriers help to keep the arteries healthy by clearing the cholesterol out of the system. The bad cholesterol carriers deposit cholesterol in the artery walls thus thickening them - a key cause of heart disease. The treatment of high cholesterol should be a priority!

The American Heart Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommend aiming for an HDL count of around 60 mg/ dL. An HDL count lower than 40 mg indicates an increased risk of coronary artery disease. The LDL reading should be around 130 mg/ dL. High LDL levels can be precipitated by a diet rich in saturated and trans fats and low in beneficial fats (monounsaturates and polyunsaturates). Smoking, a high alcohol intake, other poor dietary habits and lack of exercise can all contribute and should be targeted in the treatment of high cholesterol.

Total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL usually means that the risk of a heart attack is relatively low. To keep it low, it is best to follow a diet with plenty of fruits and fiber, low fat proteins and whole grain cereals. Less saturated fat, more monounsaturated fats and foods rich in Omega 3 would help in raising the level of good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol.

A large part of the American adult population has cholesterol levels of 200 to 239 mg/dL, classified as a borderline high risk. The risks are higher if the HDL level is below 40 mg/dL. Sometimes a cholesterol level of 200 to 239 mg/dL may not indicate a borderline high risk, because of a high HDL cholesterol count and a low LDL count. If other risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are present then regular check ups to ensure appropriate treatment of high cholesterol are essential.

Total cholesterol level of 240 or more puts a person at high risk of heart attack and strokes. At these levels, it becomes essential to change one’s diet completely and include heart friendly exercises like walking and swimming. The regime for the treatment of high cholesterol(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/High-Cholesterol.html?source=article) may include cholesterol-lowering drugs.

The American Dietetic Association advises that to maintain a cholesterol-friendly diet, it is best to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and wholegrain foods. Other dietary advice useful in the treatment of high cholesterol is to limit saturated fats by choosing lean cuts of meat, chicken without the skin and low-fat dairy products. Keep fatty fast food and processed cakes, sweets and chips to a minimum. Ensure you choose heart healthy cooking oils such as canola and olive oil. Other beneficial oils can be found in oily fish such as mackerel and salmon, nuts and avocadoes. Limit dietary cholesterol from meat, egg yolks and offal.

Most of the time those fat free snacks you nosh on taste so sweet because they're actually made with a lot of extra sugar. Fat free cakes, cookies, breakfast bars, power bars and cereals that claim to be healthy often contain incredible levels of sugar or high fructose corn syrup. When you shop for food, it is important to read the ingredients listed on the label carefully. Avoid buying those snacks that have extra sugar because it ultimately leads to fat – which is exactly what you don't want!

Excess sugar in your body that can't be burned off builds up in your blood and insulin is released to store it. Only a bit of the sugar that is not burned off is stored as glycogen in your liver and muscles. The rest of the accumulated sugar is stored in your body as saturated fat.

Increased insulin levels can cause serious health problems besides storing fat you don't need, such as insulin resistance, diabetes and osteoporosis. Also, too much sugar in your system causes sodium retention. Excess levels of sodium in your body can cause water retention. Retaining water will make you look and feel bloated. Further, water retention can lead to high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

Sometimes people choose sugary snacks to give them a “boost”. A “sugar rush” is an unnatural, temporary burst of energy that ultimately leaves you feeling sleepy, foggy, stressed, anxious and even depressed. Add to that the potential health problems that result from too much insulin in your body, and clearly sugar is not the answer to energizing yourself. Rather, you can realistically attain increased levels of energy through nutritious food, exercise and self-awareness.

Sugar is alluring because it tastes sweet, but eating too much is detrimental to your health and body. Choose what you eat carefully, read the labels on everything you buy and stick to wholesome foods with few additives.

By replacing those sugary snacks with nutritious alternatives, you will look better, feel healthier and have plenty of energy everyday.

Jenny Craig Diet

The following article presents the very latest information on Jenny Craig Diet. If you have a particular interest in Jenny Craig Diet, then this informative article is required reading. See how much you can learn about Jenny Craig Diet when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information. Kirstie Alley made headlines when she lost 50 pounds following the Jenny Craig weight program. As a result, Alley has become an outspoken advocate of this nutrition system. While Alley’s weight loss may be surprising, you may be wondering whether you could duplicate her success. But, to begin with, you need to have an understanding of Jenny Craig, the company’s claims, and whether the weight loss program is a sure-fire way to lose weight. The company website notes that Jenny Craig is one of the biggest weight loss programs in the country. Company managers say that the program stresses good nutrition and moderate activity. As a result, company executives say, individuals can achieve their weight loss goals by carefully following the program. Jenny Craig has more than 600 locations in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. If you enroll in the program, you will receive a weight loss instruction book and you’ll be able to locate a weight loss partner through an online bulletin board. The program offers two general approaches to weight loss. With the first approach, you report to a Jenny Craig Center, where you’ll receive individual consultations. The consultant will work with you to develop daily menus. You buy the diet food directly from the company. The second approach is an at-home program in which you have phone conversations with your consultant. You order your food every two weeks, with menus and other materials delivered to your home, within five to seven days after your order has been placed. Your consultant will take you through the program, answer any questions you may have, and attempt to ensure that your experience with Jenny Craig is a positive one. Calorie counts on Jenny Craig depend on your individual requirements, but the daily calorie level will be at least 1200. Under the program, you should lose at least a pound a week or one percent of your total weight. The menus are designed according to the specifications of the Department of Agriculture’s Food Pyramid. You can select from at least 70 different foods. The food has received the seal of approval from Jenny Craig’s Medical Advisory Panel. In her autobiography, entitled The Jenny Craig Story, Craig wrote, “When somebody makes a decision to go on a diet…they become almost totally preoccupied with food. We decided that if we provided the food, it would let the clients focus on their own bodies.” According to dieticians at Northwestern University, the Jenny Craig system does have its drawbacks. For instance, it offers little in the way of fiber, and those who follow the program may not consume enough iron and zinc. Consequently, the program may be difficult for women of child-bearing age who need a great deal of iron in their diet in order to prevent anemia. Also, since Jenny Craig supplies the food, clients do not learn how to prepare their own low-calorie meals. As a result, once you stop using Jenny Craig, you could find your weight skyrocketing upward. Moreover, Northwestern dieticians say that the company’s counselors have limited training, meaning that the individual consultations with clients are less effective than they could be. In addition, there’s little in the way of a support network for Jenny Craig clients, since there are no regular support group meetings. Because nine out of every ten Jenny Craig customers are women, men may not be comfortable taking part. Jenny Craig’s weight maintenance program is also expensive--$200 a year. Is the Jenny Craig program appropriate for you? The answer depends largely on your personal preferences. If you do not want the hassle of having to shop for your own low-fat food, Jenny Craig offers an attractive option. Also, if you believe in a go-it-alone approach to weight loss, Jenny Craig may be perfectly acceptable. However, if you want professional weight loss advice, you do not like the idea of buying company food, and you want to meet and talk with other men or women who are trying to lose weight, another program might be more appropriate. As always, talk at length with your doctor before beginning any serious weight loss program. Is there really any information about Jenny Craig Diet that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

Dark berries like blueberries and cranberries are increasingly recognized in the public as health icons. Not only nutritious by their contents of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein and dietary fiber, berries are also synonymous with antioxidant health benefits.Antioxidants are an important nutrient category thought to be the major health characteristic of colorful fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are substances synthesized in our bodies or obtained via edible plant chemicals that can prevent or slow oxidative stress to our body’s cells. More than 60 diseases, including cancer, diabetes, inflammatory, neurological and cardiovascular diseases, are linked to oxidative stress that may be relieved by dietary antioxidants.Scientists believe that plants make antioxidant chemicals to protect the plant’s regenerative capacity from the damaging effects of constant exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, infections, pests, injury and oxygen radicals produced during photosynthesis. These antioxidants are found in their highest concentrations in the fruit skin (or rind) and seeds.Antioxidant phytochemicals, such as the blueberry anthocyanins, contribute scent and blue pigment to the berry skin. This plays a useful regenerative role to attract insect pollinators and birds that eat the fruit and then disperse the seeds in their droppings.Plants also benefit from antioxidant protection in their skin against ultraviolet radiation, photo-oxidative processes, and viral or bacterial pathogens. These are benefits that can be passed on to animals and humans who consume the berries.Oxidative Stress and “Pigment Power”Without protective antioxidants from pigments like anthocyanins in berry skin, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are created during normal photosynthesis leading to oxidative injury. These injuries affect proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, and can cause alteration in gene transcription and even lead to programmed cell death (a process scientists call “apoptosis”, eh-poh-toe-sis) in the fruit or its seeds. Some botanists and food chemists refer to this protective benefit as “pigment power”, which is desirable to obtain through the human diet. We acquire this transfer of protection by eating fruits, vegetables and animal sources that have color-rich pigments. Dark berries are an excellent source of these pigments.Within colorful berries we can find many members of the pigment group called “phenolics.” Each member provides antioxidants, color, scent, and flavor qualities. The following is just a sampling of the thousands of edible plant phenolics. Any one berry species may contain dozens of antioxidant pigments. Each of the berries below is a rich source of anthocyanin pigments; a few of which are listed where medical and food science have revealed preliminary evidence for health benefits.Here is a list of the antioxidants found in the following berries:o Blackberries: gallic acido Black raspberries: ferulic acido Blueberries: anthocyanins, chlorogenic acid, peonidinso Cranberries: proanthocyanidins, catechins, quercetino Elderberries: myricetino Red raspberries : ellagitannins, procyanidinso Red grapes: resveratrol, proanthocyanidins (seeds), catechinso Strawberries: ellagic acidROS – Radical Oxygen SpeciesWhen human cells use oxygen, they naturally produce ROS as by-products of normal metabolism. This can lead to cell damage if normal counter-balances are absent in the environment inside and around cells. ROS are also called “oxygen free radicals” or elements so reactive they are “free” to interact with numerous cells and chemicals in the body, often in a way that is damaging.Antioxidants synthesized internally or introduced from our diets act as neutralizing sponges or "scavengers" of ROS. By donating electrons sought by the free radical, antioxidant molecules serve to counterbalance, absorb, quench, prevent or repair damage done by ROS.However, when balancing mechanisms are ineffective, perhaps because of a diet poor in antioxidant foods or during the decline of body functions with disease or aging, ROS disperse randomly in a concentration gradient from their point of formation. There, if unchecked by antioxidants, they can cause damage within cells and to nearby cells, that can contribute to disease and aging. This is one of the leading theories for how Alzheimer’s disease progressively destroys neurons.Oxidative Stress and Dietary “Therapy”Most diseases are initiated and perpetuated to some degree by ROS and by insufficient amounts of internal and dietary antioxidants. These are the underlying conditions for “oxidative stress” which may explain a sizable component of aging.If chronic, oxidative stress can lead to an increased risk of developing the following diseases:• Cancer• Cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders• Diabetes• Neuronal degeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease)• Macular degeneration causing vision loss and general deterioration of aging• Chronic sicknessMeasuring Antioxidant Strength: ORACThe term ORAC, standing for “oxygen radical absorbance capacity”, is a numerical way of representing antioxidant strength in berries and other foods. When antioxidants are present in a food, their collective strength can be measured in the test tube assay called ORAC.Recently, scientists working with the US Department of Agriculture published a database of ORAC values.Dark berries, especially wild and cultivated blueberries, blackberries and cranberries, stood out with the highest ORAC values among some 25 fruits tested. Their values were in a range of about 7,000-13,000 ORAC units per Cup or 250 ml serving.Preliminary North American guidelines recommend at least 5,000 ORAC units per day for the adult diet. Doubling that number would not only be safe for antioxidant reserves, but would also provide antioxidant qualities that would supply numerous essential macro- and micronutrients. Most importantly though, it would make for enjoyable eating!The ORAC test will likely gain public acceptance as a standard measure allowing comparisons of freshness and antioxidant strength in different foods. This standard will facilitate selection of high ORAC foods and relate antioxidant capacity to potential protection of health. For example, there is already scientific evidence for an inverse correlation between dietary intake of antioxidant foods and incidence of some cancers (US National Cancer Institute).Antioxidant BerriesWild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium).Wild lowbush blueberries have nearly 50% greater antioxidant strength than their cultivated cousins – the highbush blueberry – that is so popular in grocery stores. Wild blueberries score highest in ORAC among common (but not all) berries, having about 13,000 ORAC units per Cup or 250 ml. Over the past 10 years, the focus of food scientists on health properties of wild blueberries has revealed a compelling story of nutrient richness and diversity of potential health benefits, including:• Urinary tract health (identical in strength to cranberries)• Inhibition of cancer development• Cardiovascular protection• Mental alertness• Vision supportBlackberry (Rubus ursinus)The juicy delicious dark blackberry has great taste and nutrient richness. Confirming the idea that the darkest berries correlate with the strongest antioxidant activity, science has recently demonstrated that blackberries have some of the densest concentrations and widest diversity of phenolics found in the plant world. Blackberry’s ORAC is nearly 8000 units per Cup or 250 ml.Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)“Blackcaps” are a little-known powerhouse of antioxidant richness and outstanding taste. Isolates from black raspberries were shown in laboratory tests to specifically starve tumor cells by preventing growth of new tumor blood vessels. Overall a more powerful antioxidant berry than even the wild blueberry (ORAC > 15,000 per Cup or 250 ml), blackcaps contain a toolkit of flavors and nutrients.Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)The North American cranberry has become famous for its popular juice. Known well for its anti-adhesion properties, which inhibit bacterial infections in the urinary tract, cranberry extracts have shown anti-cancer and cardio-protective effects in laboratory studies. These results occur mainly from the cranberry’s abundant supply of antioxidant phenolics that also make it a promising agent for blood, brain and vision health.Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)Another phenolic-rich dark berry with a delectable taste, the elderberry has been associated with many of the potential health benefits already mentioned. It has stood out particularly in laboratory tests for its anti-inflammatory and urinary tract benefits. The elderberry also shows promise for anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects that may offer protection against such virulent pathogens as Salmonella, E. coli, H. pylori and Staphylococcus.Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)The red raspberry is well loved for its subtle distinct flavor but is also a wonderful store of antioxidant phytochemicals, particularly one called ellagic acid. One of its other constituents, a ketone, was shown in recent laboratory studies to stimulate fat metabolism, causing experimental animals to lose significant weight.Red Grape (Vitus vinifera)The red grape is valued for its familiar popular taste and diverse number of phenolics residing mainly in its skin and seeds. Especially rich in the phenolic called resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, red grapes are linked to having a possible beneficial effect on:• Alzheimer’s disease• Heart disease• Cancer• Osteoarthritis• Other aging disordersStrawberry (Fragaria vesca)Containing a host of antioxidant phenolics, the strawberry’s constituents may be particularly important as natural blood-thinners, anti-fungal agents and inhibitors of oxidizing effects on cells from chronic stress.Other AntioxidantsOther phenolic antioxidants mentioned in current public media include:• Apigenin• P-coumarin• Kaempferol• Caffeic acid• Hydroxycinnamic acid• Tannic acid• Salicylic acid (similar to aspirin)These pigment chemicals belong to the flavonoid subclass of the phenolic super-family and are present among dark berries.Color-rich plant foods like berries offer a delicious, nutritious way of keeping dietary intake of antioxidants high. Eat color! Gain ORAC! Live Well!Reading* PubMed, US National Library of Medicine, http://pubmed.gov* Wild Blueberry Association of North America, http://www.wbana.org* Wu X et al., Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of common foods in the United States. J Agric Food Chem 52:4026-37, 2004.Copyright 2006 Berry Health Inc.

Delightful Day-Trips To Take On Your Visit To Brussels

Brussels is superbly located for quick-trips to several charming cities in Belgium. The three day-trips in this article have been highlighted because of their proximity to Europes capital.AntwerpA little over half an hour by train from the very heart of Brussels is the busy city of Antwerp. If you have a longer stay in Brussels, you’ll want to experience a day here to enjoy it’s interesting fashion shops and nice mix of good value restaurants. If you fancy a stay overnight then the abundance of good, clean hotels will be a welcome sight – particularly as they charge significantly less than you’ll pay in Brussels. You can book a hotel from the tourist office in the town centre of Grote Markt.The equivalent of Grand Place for Antwerp is it’s pleasant Grote Markt square. Here are some of the must-see sights in Antwerp if you’re only about for a short stay:- After checking out Grote Markt amble over to the Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal – one of the most impressive medieval churches to be found anywhere in Belgium, Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal dates back to the 15th century.- Museum lovers will enjoy Maritime Museum, Rockoxhuis Museum, Momo (a museum dedicated to fashion), Plantin-Moretus Museum and Museum voor Schone Kunsten (art).- Quite similar to Brussels, there are no shortage of restaurants and cafes in Antwerp – however it is significantly cheaper to eat.BrugesBruges is slightly farther away from Brussels than Antwerp, but still conveniently placed for a day-trip. It takes about an hour to reach Bruges by train and it’s well worth the effort when you consider the beauty this well preserved medieval city has to offer. Because of this, Bruges can often be packed in peak season and it can be difficult to obtain accommodation so be sure to book a place in advance if you plan to spend the night. Being a tourist hotspot, eating out in Bruges can be somewhat more expensive than other places in Belgium, and the food tends to cater to the mass number of tourists that flood the city during peak times.Once you step into the heart of Bruges, it’s not surprising to know that it’s one of the most visited places in Belgium – there’s wonderful medieval charm here, including ancient building, narrow winding streets and a quaint network of criss-crossing canals.- Make sure you take a romantic boat ride along the cities beautiful canals. You can get a ticket for under six Euros.- Bruges has two segments to it’s centre-square – the Markt and the Burg. The latter has some of the most interesting buildings in Bruges including the Heilig Bloed Basiliek, the upper & lower chapel and the Stadhuis (town hall).- Bruges offers a choice of worthwhile museums such as Groeninge (displaying a fine collection of Flemish art from as early as the 14th century). The Gruuthuse Museum is another that museum lovers will enjoy – set amidst a grand medieval mansion Gruuthuse offers an exquisite collection of art & tapestry.- St Salvatorskathedraal is a gothic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century.- Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk took over two hundred years to build and this sprawling church of our lady dates back to the thirteenth century.- Two of the grandest sights in Bruges are the Stadhuis (possibly the grandest town hall in Belgium, initially built in 1376) and the Belfort (also dating back to the 13th century) which towers over the Markt in the grandest of ways. It is here that the towns charter is kept.- The Markt is one of the two central squares of Bruges city centre – an open market has been held here as long ago as the tenth century.- In case you didn’t pick up enough chocolate in Brusses don’t fret – Bruges has more than enough Belgian chocolate shops to keep your cravings satisfied.GhentGhent is severely under-rated as a tourist spot. With it’s quaint town centre comprising narrow canals, cobbled traffic-free streets & a fine castle and cathedral it’s a very alluring place to plan a day-trip to. It’s also just a half hour train ride from Brussels.Here are the must-see sights in Ghent if you happen to come for a short stay:- The fabric of Ghents town centre was built in the 13th and 14th century. Like Brussels It’s easy to navigate through Ghent thanks to a comprehensive and well run public transport system. Your first port of call should be to the impressive Stadhius (the largest town hall in Belgium) which dates back to the early 15th century. Close-by, the Belfort was built in the 14th century and offers stunning vistas over the city.- It took approximately six hudred years to complete St Baafskathedraal – Ghents most prolific and oldest Cathedral and some parts of this gothic masterpiece stretch back to the twelfth century.- Ghent has some stunning listed buildings (many of which are a thousand years old) and you can see many of them in and around the area that runs from St Michielsbrug to St Baafskathedral.- Gravensteen Castle was constructed in the eleventh century and it’s one of the most prolific landmarks of Ghent. Closeby are the Museum voor Sierkunst en Vormgeving (with various displays depicting Ghent life over the past couple of centuries) and the fish market (Vishmarkt). There are alternative museums to visit – Museum voor Schone Kunsten has a large display of art dating back to the 14th century while the Bijlolemuseum is held in a building that was first built in the 13th century.- Pop in to Vrijdagmarkt, a pleasant market & restaurant area peppered with market stalls and quaint cafes/bars.- Stroll along the river Leie for one of the most pleasant walks available anywhere in Belgium.- Ghent has a large selection of restaurants, cafes and bars and they range from pokey student type affairs to more elegant and expensive offerings. The south of the city is known for its student population so you’re more likely to find a youthful crowd here. There’s a reasonably wide selection of choices throughout the city – from traditional Belgian fare to Thai, Italian and Asian.- If you’re planning on staying the night you should be able to find a room that meets your requirements. Accommodation is typically fairly easy to secure (except for July when the town hosts Gentse Feesten). It’s possible to secure a basic room from as little as 25 euros – or if you’re able to afford something more extravagant you could kip in style for 400 euros.If your stay in Brussels extends to a week or more, you should certainly consider a day-trip to at least one of these wonderful Belgian cities.

Every good thing in our lives is a gift from God. He has given us the beautiful gift of music. As a guitar instructor for over 30 years, I have seen how music blesses people.One of my students was a Beverly Hills lawyer studying classical guitar. He told me that playing music on the guitar always took him to another place and he felt the stresses of his work disappear. Relieving stress is a benefit of playing an instrument.There are many studies proving that playing an instrument causes your brain to develop in both hemispheres. At a homeschool fair I exhibited in, one of the moms stopped by our booth to tell us how much her teenage daughter loved my worship guitar instructional program. She came back later to add that all of her daughter's grades went up and that she believes it was related to learning the guitar.There are many good reasons to learn to play an instrument, but adding real worship puts the music in a whole new and deeper category. You see, we were created to worship a Holy God. There is a depth of fulfillment in worshipping Him that secular music will never touch.When we worship Him we fulfill Hebrews 11:6. This is the scripture that says without faith it is impossible to please God and that He rewards those who believe He exists and earnestly seek Him.What are those rewards? There are too many to list here, but a big one, and the third benefit in this article, is peace. We have peace with God and can experience peace regardless of what is happening around us.One morning, while I was worshipping, the phone rang. It was an obscene phone call but because I was in God's presence and peace, instead of reacting negatively I told the caller, in love, that what he was saying was sin.I told him that Jesus died on the cross for his sins and if he gave his life to Christ that he would be forgiven and that God could meet all of his needs.Well, he hung up on me, and I noticed that I did not feel slimmed or disgusted with the call. Instead, I prayed for him for a while.The fourth benefit of developing a daily time of worship is that it's easier to hear from God. When we practice being in His presence through prayer, worship and meditating on His Word, we recognize His ways and desires for our lives.What is the result of aligning yourself to God? Joy. Joy is not the same word as happy. Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him. He knew that dying for our sins would be painful and horrible, but necessary to redeem us back into a relationship with a Holy God.We can experience that joy in the trials of our lives. In the book of James, we are told to count it all joy when we face trials of all kinds. Consistently worshipping puts our hearts in alignment with our Creator and He gives us the strength to endure all things with His peace and joy.The next benefit I thought about was the fact that we can please God! Again, in Hebrews 11:6 it says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Hence, with faith we do please God.When I give a special gift that I know someone wants it is so exciting. Many years ago, my voice teacher mentioned that she and her husband wanted a Troy-Bilt rototiller but that it was too expensive. I approached one of the leaders of a group she was involved with and 30 of us paid for the rototiller. I couldn't wait to see the expression on her face when she saw their present!How much more is our Father in heaven pleased when we give of ourselves by giving Him our devotion every day? Realizing his pleasure should bring a smile to our faces as we come before Him with our daily worship.The last benefit is that it is a tangible way we can say ‘Thank-you' for all the wonderful gifts God gives us. I usually end my Newsletters with the words ‘Worship Him with all your heart because He loves you with all of His.' God Bless.

Diet Fitness

Diet Fitness is the only way to go if you want to lose weight and you want your body to be healthier. Too many people need to lose weight and get fit, but don’t make time in their life for it. Instead, they try fad diets and miracle pills that claim to take off the weight without any effort. The only thing these people are losing is their money. The truth is dieting and getting fit require dedication, changes to your current routine, and getting more exercise. To lose weight, you need to use up more calories each day than you consume. If you consume more than you use then the extra calories are stored as fat. The most effective way to lose weight and get fit is to reduce the amount of calories you consume and to increase the amount of physical activity you engage in daily. Diet fitness involves a combination of the two will help you drop the pounds, get fit, feel better physically and mentally, and reduce your chances of heart related health issues.People often view a diet as starvation and set themselves up to fail from the very beginning. Diet fitness is about giving your body what it needs without feeling deprived. If you consume large amounts of sugary foods including junk food and soda, then a great deal of your daily calories are empty calories that give you nothing. Replace that soda with water or sugar free tea. Replace that bag of potato chips with pretzels. Instead of grabbing a chocolate bar grab and apple. Diet fitness means you get to eat, you just need to make some drastic changes to your eating habits.Diet fitness isn’t easy. It if was, everyone would be doing it. The first few weeks are the hardest. As you start to feel better because of the foods you are consuming and the exercise you are getting, you will become very excited and motivated to continue doing it. Most people don’t get to that point because they have very little willpower. I am telling you now your body will start going through withdrawals for those unhealthy foods because it has been programmed to get them for so long. Diet fitness can happen if you are dedicated to succeeding. It doesn’t mean you can’t ever have a slice of chocolate cake again or some ice cream. It just means you can’t have them every day and that you need to eat better and get more physical activity in your life. Completely removing such favorite foods from your life will lead your diet fitness plan into failure. To feel better, live longer, and look your best, diet fitness needs to be implemented into your lifestyle. While these changes may seem drastic at first they will become routine over time. Make sure you plan a menu and stick to it. Plan an exercise routine as well and stick to it. You will see results and be glad you did it. A diet fitness plan is the best give you can give yourself.

A caterer is an important aspect of any wedding. You want the food to be properly prepared so that your guests will leave satisfied. If the food served at your wedding is top-notch, guests will not be able to stop talking about it.Chances are, food will be a considerable part of your wedding budget. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you get your moneys worth. If a reception hall specializes in hosting weddings, often times they will have a cook on staff who will handle the necessary details for you. However, if they don't, then it will be up to you to find a caterer. Whichever route you go, there are some general questions that you should ask. One of the first questions you will need to ask is what is the cost per head? Also, be sure to ask if there are any discounts available for children. You will need to know if gratuity is included in the cost you were quoted or will that be an additional charge. You will need to know how many entrée selections are available to choose from. Typically, you are allowed a beef, fish, and chicken dish. If you want alcohol at your reception, you need to know if they have a liquor license. If not, you will be required to get your own. Also be sure to ask if the reception hall supplies the glasses, silverware and linens that will be needed. Buffet style is a great alternative to a sit down dinner. Often times, it is considerably cheaper. It also allows your guests to choose what they want to eat. If you decide to go with a sit down dinner, the evening will more than likely start off with a cocktail hour. This will give the guest the opportunity to mingle while fruit, fried calamari, assorted cheeses and hor'deurves are served. After the cocktail hour comes to an end, guests will make their way to their seats, so that the bride and groom can make the grand entrance. Afterwards, the first dances will take place, followed by the best man (and possibly the maid of honor) toasts. After the toast is made, soup and/or salad are served. Afterwards, Intermezzo, or a serving of sorbet, will be served, to prepare the guests for the main course. Following the main course, the wedding cake is cut and served with coffee. Some couples may choose to have a Venetian Hour. A Venetian Hour is a line of desserts that include various pastries, cakes and fresh fruit. Dinner is an important part of any wedding reception. It is important to sit down and plan out a budget before committing to the food. Make sure to keep in mind the style and mood of the wedding when planning your wedding food

essential mineral for life. It is found in the red blood cells of the body and is also needed to produce red blood cells. Most of the iron in the body is attached to the haemoglobin molecules in red blood cells, thereby transporting oxygen to all the tissues of the body. Haemoglobin is the essential protein found in red blood cells and represents about two thirds of the body's iron. When red blood cells die, the iron in them is recycled in the bone marrow to be used again in new red blood cells. Myoglobin is the heme-containing protein that is involved in the transport and storage of oxygen. Purpose of Iron –# Iron is found in the haemoglobin, a protein inside red blood cells that helps transport oxygen out of the lungs, so that it can be carried to the body parts that require it. Therefore, its main role is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.# Iron assists with the metabolisation process and it is crucial for the body to regulate temperature. # Iron is part of myoglobin, which helps muscle cells store oxygen. Without enough iron, ATP (adenosine triphosphate - the fuel the body runs on) cannot be properly synthesized. # Iron prevents fatigue and promotes good skin tone.# It increases resistance to stress and disease.Deficiency of iron –If the quantity of iron in the body become below normal levels, iron-deficiency anaemia can occur. This is characterized by weakness, tiredness, muscle fatigue, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, a person's skin may become pale due to a lack of red blood cells in the body. In children, iron deficiency is usually the result of an inadequate iron intake. In adults, iron deficiency is most commonly due to chronic blood loss, such as during heavy menstruation in women, intestinal bleeding from peptic ulcers, cancer, or hemorrhoids. Individuals with renal failure, especially those being treated with dialysis, are at high risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia. Vitamin A helps mobilize iron from its storage sites, so a deficiency of vitamin A restricts the body's ability to use stored iron. Signs of iron deficiency anaemia –# Feeling tired and weak # Difficulty maintaining body temperature # Insomnia# Decreased immune function, which increases susceptibility to infection # Glossitis (an inflamed and sore tongue)# Eating substances such as dirt, (referred to as pica or geophagia)Who all need extra iron supplements to prevent a deficiency?# individuals who tend to lose more iron, such as pre-menopausal women# people who do not absorb iron normally # pregnant women # people who take aspirin# pre-mature and low birth weight infants # teenage girls # women of childbearing age, especially those with heavy menstrual bleeding # people with renal failure, especially those undergoing routine dialysis # people with gastrointestinal disorders, who do not absorb iron normallyRecommended Daily Allowance –The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iron in healthy adults is 10 milligrams per day for men and 15 milligrams per day for premenopausal women. Premenopausal women's needs are higher than men's needs because women lose lots of iron during menstruation. Pregnant women will need as much as 30 milligrams of iron per day because the unborn baby needs iron for development. One interesting fact about iron is that it has the ability to regulate how much the body absorbs. When current iron levels in the body are normal, no iron is absorbed. When level gets reduced, the body goes into iron absorption mode. Good dietary sources of iron –Food contains two types of iron - heme iron and nonheme iron. Heme iron is derived from haemoglobin, and is found in animal foods that originally contained hemoglobin, such as red meat, fish, shellfish and poultry. Iron from these sources is readily absorbed in the intestines.Iron from plant foods include lentils, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, whole grains, fortified cereals and breads, peas and beans is arranged in a chemical structure called non-heme iron. Other sources of dietary iron include green leafy vegetables, tofu, chickpeas, and strawberries.Heme iron is absorbed better than non-heme iron, but most dietary iron is non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is absorbed better when it is consumed along with animal protein and Vitamin C.Therefore, it is beneficial to consume citrus fruits or juices which are high in vitamin C, along with foods that contain iron.Is a high iron diet or excess iron supplement harmful?There are some instances in which a high iron diet can prove to be harmful. People suffering from hemochromatosis (a common hereditary disorder where the body is unable to adjust to the amount of iron that is absorbed and stored) need to avoid iron rich foods. This can lead to severe damage to the liver, heart, and pancreas. Chronic liver disease can also result in excessive amounts of iron being stored in the liver - thereby aggravating the damage done to the liver. The most common side effect from excess iron supplements is stomach upset including discomfort, nausea, diarrohea, constipation, and heartburn. Stools become dark green or black when iron supplements are taken orally. Do not take iron supplements alongwith antacids or calcium supplements at the same time – give a gap of atleast 1-2 hours.
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Butter Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

Mix yogurt, ginger, salt and red coloring and rub into chicken.
Let it marinate overnight.
Place in an ovenproof dish and brush with oil.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 40-50 minutes. Save the liquid, if any.
In a saucepan, melt butter and fry cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms and bay leaf for 1 minute.
Add sour cream and chicken liquid.
Add crushed saffron, and cream.
Cover and simmer gently for 5-6 minutes.
Add chicken pieces and adjust seasoning. Add ground almonds.
Dissolve cornstarch in water and add to the chicken.

Let it thicken. Cover and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Remove from heat.

Methi Paratha

You have to usually make the dough in the night so that you can prepare the paratha for breakfast. Because of methi, this paratha is very good for health.

Ingredients:

Methi leaves 2 bunchesBesan half cupWheat flour 3 cupsChilli powder 1 tea spnOil and ghee 2 Tbl spn eachSalt

Procedure:

Cut methi leaves into small pieces and add salt. Keep for 5-10mins. Squeeze water out of the leaves. Add this to remaining ingredients to make dough. Apply oil and leave for 1-2hours. Make paratha. Fry the paratha and apply ghee on both sides.
Serves : 5Preparation time : 15min

This recipe was sent to me by Aruna few months back. I forgot to try it for a long time. Last week when I was going through her mails, I found this. Aruna said, “This is a little sweet version of Kadhi served with Gujarathi thali - the white colour one. I got this recipe from a Gujarathi collegue of mine in my ex office”.
I have tasted Gurjathi thali only once back in 2002 in San Diego. I loved it, but never got an opportunity to try it again. When I tried this kadhi, I liked it.
Ingredients:2 cups sour and thick buttermilk (or yogurt/curd)1.5 tbl spn besan(gram flour)1 tea spn chili-ginger paste3-4 curry leaves1 tbl spn sugar2-3 strands coriander leaves1/2 tea spn cumin seeds1/4 tea spn fenugreek seedsA pinch asafoetida1 tbl spn gheeSalt
I added pinch of turmeric to this as Aruna had mentioned in the notes.
Method:Make a mixture of buttermilk/yougurt and besan. Heat Ghee, add cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds and asafoetida. Now add the buttermilk mixture and mix well. Add the curry leaves, salt, coriander leaves, chilly-ginger paste and sugar.Bring it to a boil.Here note that curry leaves are not added in ghee, they are added later on.
Variations:1. Use haldi powder for yellow colour2. Skip the sugar3. Add the curry leaves in the ghee/oil4. No asafoetida
Serves : 2-3
Preparation time : 15mins

Gujarathi foods dish.

Gujarati food is another unique cooking style in India. Majority of Gujaratis are vegetarians and their cuisine comprises of the simplest of ingredients, which combine to deliver a signature taste and texture. Gujaratis love their food. Maybe thats an understatement :) If you have ever visited a Gujarati family or a Gujju restaurant, you know. They are absolutely passionate about food! There is seldom a Gujju restaurant without a huge Thali spread, commonly unlimited. From their simplest kadhis (curd based dish, served with rice), to the multi flavored oondiyu (signature dish, mixed vegetables slow cooked with special spices), each dish can offer something new to the taste buds! Some of their preparations can come across a bit sweet (small amount of sugar added to enhance other flavors), if you are new to the cuisine. This is essentially true of the Kathiawadi (a region in Gujarat) style preparation. On the other hand, the Surati (another region) preparation is predominantly savory. While on the topic of Surati food, Surati Farsans (snacks... fried snacks) immediately come to mind! Jalebi (Indian Funnel cake) with Fafda (chick pea flour fritters) is a nostalgic brunch combination. Dhokla, Khandvi, Handvo, Patra ... all snack items!Also, another interesting point to note is that Gujaratis are the #1 consumers of cooking oil in India! Thats what makes their food so irresistable I guess :) One of my favorite Gujju dishes is a stuffed vegetable preparation, which very suprisingly is NOT deep fried! More surprisingly, inspite of being non-deep fried, it is one of Hubbie's favorites too. Just bring up this recipe, and you will undoubtedly hear him rave about how well his grandmother makes this and sigh in foodie nostalgia! I suspect it is one of his favorite childhood memories.Indian food bloggers have blogged about varieties of stuffed eggplant... Andhra, Maharashtrian and modern-deconstructed version. Here is another variety - stuffed Eggplant, Baby Potatoes and Onion. Kanda-Batata-Ringana Nu Bhareli Shaak (Onion-Potato-Brinjal stuffed Curry)The trick here is in choosing the vegetable and stuffing it. Choose small baby purple brinjals, baby potatoes and small red onions. Usually you would make a plus shaped cut to stuff the vegetables. But stuffing them can be a gentle art, especially frustrating for stuffing onion. Here is are some stuffing tips directly from Hubbie's favorite chef (his grandmother)Onion - Trim the tips, peel and washPotato - Peel and WashBrinjal - Wash and trim the stalks.Hold each vegetable vertically and make a diagonal slit, 3/4 into the vegetable. Then turn it upside down and make a similar slit on the opposite diagonal. Instead of the cross cut of the same side, you have the two slits on the opposite ends. This enables easier and more abundant stuffing. Now here the the details of the recipe