Relax & Reclaim

Here's something you've probably heard of before.... Women's fitness goals are different from men's.... How different ? You may ask.  Just wait until you see what I'm going to show you.... Cerebral Influences Like most other meaningful activities, fitness starts between your ears. It's all in your mind. A fitness program or regimen starts out as an idea. It's even more than that as well. Your way of thinking also influences how you workout.  Here's a couple of examples for you: Most men work out to achieve a goal targeted toward a set of desired results. For example, a guy sees that women are attracted to a certain body type, they tend to focus on achieving that goal, for the purpose of attracting the babes. Now this doesn't mean that women don't do the same thing because we do. In fact, women are typically more "body-conscious" than their male counterparts.  What differs for each gender are the reasons for get...

One of the best ways to start out your new year is to make a self-assessment list. Don't focus on what you may have failed to accomplish in the last 12 months.  It's unimportant and can be self-defeating . Rather, look at where you want to be and use tiny steps to get there. I'll give you an example: Although there's always room for improvement, I see myself as somewhat content with my life the way things are. It is, of course difficult to think of anything else when there are real issues to be discussed. We all have to deal with problems from time to time. Whatever they may be, these challenges are all a part of growing up . Modern psychology has taught (or conditioned) us to "get in touch with our inner child". Hogwash. Here's a challenge: Try telling your mortgage lender that you missed last month's payment because you needed to explore your fascination with dollies, so you blew off making the payment. or Explain to your kids that there are no groce...

People want to be healthy and (hopefully) stay that way, but global healthcare costs are soaring. This has created a staggering number of people desperately seeking low-cost alternative treatment options. Alternative medicine has generated controversy in many medical academic circles.  mad scientist mixing concoction The Alternative Treatment Debate For some people, the very word "alternative" conjures up images of risky, unproven experimental treatments that are potentially hazardous to the general public. The most common methods of alternative or complementary therapies include herbs, supplements, and fringe therapies found outside of conventional medical applications.  Unusual concoctions come with the territory of "alternative treatments". However, some alternative methods unintentionally raise questions regarding their safety and effectiveness. Homeopathic techniques like acupressure, herbal tea methods , meditation , plant extract therapies  a...

Those of you that follow this blog regularly will probably recall my original "Basics Series".  I brought that series out for the benefit of my new readers who may have been unfamiliar with herbal therapies. The other parts, of course, are available via archives, table of contents (TOC), and internal blog search. Feel free to read and share them.  This brings me to my newest series which is simply titled "The Basics 2". My previous series was in three parts. I'm not sure if I'll make this series quite that long (or longer), but I wanted to provide you with some additional content on the subject. Once again, feel free to share and read.... Over the years, numerous medical professionals have come to recognize the therapeutic capabilities of commonly-used herbs to treat and prevent various illnesses. At one time, this was considered "fringe medicine" by a majority of medical professionals and was rejected in many scientific circles. Despite m...

It's berry season in many parts of the world folks! Not only are there delicious many varieties of berries available now but they are all very good for you.  Come with me as I take you on a delectable and nutritious tour through some of these great choices! Many berries contain large amounts of Vitamin C, B vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Berries are very simple to arrange and to have readily available.  Various berry selections can be grown indoors which makes eating them from the vine or tree even easier. Ellagic acid is another important phytochemical in virtually all berries. More than a simple antioxidant, ellagic acid also blocks metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer.  In animals, it has inhibited development of colon, esophageal, liver, lung and skin cancers stemming from a variety of carcinogens. Here is a handful (pardon the pun) of highly recommended berries for healthy living. Strawberries This low calorie, high nutrient berry stands at the top of t...

Every so often you may see someone on the street with beautiful skin that radiates and glows.  I mean REALLY glows. Have you ever wondered how they got their skin so beautiful? Maybe genetics? (possibly) Great cosmetics? (also a possibility) To get this kind of radiant skin requires a lot of special treatment. And no, it's likely not surgery either.  Healthy living and great skin-care techniques can produce glowing youthful-looking skin. What you take in your body is just as important as your outer appearance. Here are some great pointers for naturally beautiful skin. gorgeous skin complexion *   Balanced diet for clear skin .   Eating too much refined food such as sugar can drain your body of essential vitamins and minerals . This will increase your risk of having wrinkles and premature aging skin.  It's important to eat foods that are rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids such as fruits, vegetables and fish. Drinking at least eight to ten glasse...

Every year, millions of people commit to losing weight by exercising. Perhaps you've even made a promise to add more exercise into your day.  Your day-to-day routine may keep you from staying with a program for longer than a few weeks or months. Sometimes you may even get bored with the routines. This can keep you from shedding a single pound and in some cases even cause you to gain additional unwanted weight.  If you dread the very thought of exercise, take a look at these tips.  Time to change tactics this year, time to fool your body into exercise! Sneaky Tip #1 – Do Something You Enjoy Exercise doesn't always mean spending hours at the gym peddling away on a stationary bike or working out on an elliptical machine. It doesn't even mean you have to spend tons of money on work out equipment you will likely never use either.  Anything you do to get your body moving could be considered a form of exercise. For example, walking is an easy exercise that...