tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90227138149272537822024-03-06T11:02:35.194+05:30Green YatraGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.comBlogger900125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-83200020418915423582014-03-17T18:09:00.001+05:302014-03-17T18:09:47.698+05:30The Ultimate Anti-Inflammatory Detox<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n11.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11738" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n11.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>Want a hormone-balancing, brain fog-clearing, tummy-soothing detox with a side effect of weight loss?
Yes, me too!
I devised this detox because I see patients for food allergies every day. Although food allergies are still rare (affecting about 5% of the population), food intolerances are quite common. And for many allergic and food intolerance issues, I ask patients to go on a food restriction diet ranging from one week to one month. After following this plan, many of them experience weight loss, fewer menopausal or PMS symptoms, a decrease in acid reflux, better energy, better sleep, a clearer complexion, and more.<a name='more'></a>
Surprised? I was too.
After seeing so many of my patients experiencing these positive side effects, I decided to try it myself. One month later, I concluded that I was going to take out most of these foods for good because I was feeling so fantastic.
Try this detox for at least 10 to 14 days and I have a feeling you'll want to continue some portion of it permanently.
<strong>Why do this before the holidays?</strong>
<ul>
<li>You don't have to buy any crazy products.</li>
<li>It's natural.</li>
<li>It's healthy (and some detoxes are not!).</li>
<li>It does not require every expensive food intolerance testing.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Why does this work?</strong>
Turns out that food allergy researchers may be on to something in the diet world. In non-allergic patients, these foods may be irritating the gut, thus causing inflammation, which triggers our body to release inflammation "soothing" hormones. These hormones also store away calories. The overall inflammation in the body is also likely the source of the bloating, acne, brain fog etc.
So why not try eliminating potential these food triggers? If it helps at the end of two weeks, just add one food back each week to see which foods you may consider eliminating permanently from your diet.
The downside: You may see no results at all or may want to extend it for a week. If nothing else, you'll probably eat more vegetables and fruit than you ever have in your life!
Now, let's get down to the details:
<strong>Foods to Avoid:</strong>
<ol>
<li>Soy</li>
<li>Wheat</li>
<li>Dairy</li>
<li>Nuts</li>
<li>Egg</li>
<li>Corn</li>
<li>Shellfish/fish</li>
<li>Limit sugar and artificial sweeteners</li>
</ol>
Lucky for you, the FDA has mandated labeling of the top 8 food allergens on any packaged food—this includes milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish. So that even if it doesn't specifically say <em>soy</em> in the ingredients, it must be labeled somewhere on the package as having soy.
<strong>What can you eat?</strong>
<strong></strong>Try eating predominantly vegetables, with a rice or sweet potato side.
Fruit or seeds can be snacks.
Vegans will find it hard to avoid nuts and soy, but hemp seeds, chia seeds and oils are a good substitute.
While you should limit the sugar intake, it's not absolutely banned.
Lastly, you should not be hungry on this detox!
<strong>A typical day may look like this:</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>When you wake up:</strong> 1 glass green juice</li>
<li><strong>Breakfast:</strong> Chocolate Cherry (Green) Smoothie: spinach, raw cacao, frozen organic cherries, chia seeds, coconut milk</li>
<li><strong>Snack:</strong> Herbal tea</li>
<li><strong>Lunch:</strong> Large salad with avocado, olive oil, balsamic dressing, and tomato soup</li>
<li><strong>Dinner:</strong> 3 to 5 Black bean burgers (no bun) with guacamole, and salsa. (Optional: sweet potatoes, veggies, and kale chips)</li>
<li><strong>Dessert:</strong> 1 serving of dark chocolate (my favorite is Green and Black's 85% dark)</li>
</ul>
I have many more recipe and snack ideas (since I am prescribing this all day long!) but this is just a sample. So, I'm excited for you to try it and please share in the comments how it's working for you so we can all learn from your experience
Source:-http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11889/the-ultimate-anti-inflammatory-detox.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-17608479669585800492014-03-17T17:52:00.001+05:302014-03-17T17:52:09.494+05:305 Tricks To Visualize (And Get) The Body You Want<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n10.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11735" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n10.jpg" width="510" height="193" /></a>When I was morbidly obese, I spent years trying to lose weight by dieting. But no matter how hard I tried, I just kept gaining weight. Exercising didn’t help much either, and even though I was riding a stationary bike for almost an hour a day, I just couldn’t get my weight to budge. I was over 400 pounds, frustrated with myself, and completely at a loss for a solution.
I wondered whether I might find success using visualization — a meditative technique used by athletes, celebrities, and people like you and me to relax, improve performance, and achieve personal and career goals. I'd used visualization to solve other problems in my life, such as relieving headaches and quitting smoking, so I decided to try it for weight loss.<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">To my surprise, visualization worked stunningly well. It seemed that as soon as I started practicing visualization for weight loss, a subtle shift happened inside of me. I just wasn’t as hungry. I started to crave healthier foods, and I started to become more active. I had more energy and less appetite.</span>
In just over two years I lost 220 pounds without forcibly restricting the quantity or quality of the foods I ate, and without forcing myself to exercise. In fact I lost the first 75 pounds without doing any exercise at all. It’s as if my body all of a sudden wanted to be thin and was actually helping me lose weight.
That was 10 years ago, and I’m still the exact same weight. My body still wants to be thin, and it’s simply not an effort. To me, this inside out approach to fitness is the most sensible and sustainable way to lose weight, and it all starts with using visualization to get your mind and body to work together.
Here are some of ways visualization helped me achieve the body — and life — I always wanted.
<strong>1. I visualized my ideal body.</strong>
I targeted my weight problem through visualization by creating a vivid image of my ideal body. I imagined myself thin and fit, with defined stomach muscles and tight skin. Anyone who knew me at that time would have thought I was insane: This ideal body seemed like an impossible, crazy goal to set for myself. However, I didn't care how unrealistic this image of myself seemed. I wanted to make sure that I had a clear vision of where I was headed. Eventually I became the exact image I visualized.
As it turns out, picturing clear, vivid images is the perfect way to communicate to your brain. Research has found that when your mind enters the state of deep relaxation brought on by visualization and other mind-body practices, it becomes primed for suggestion.
<strong>2. I used visualization to help reduce stress.</strong>
One thing obesity studies have clearly established is that stress can drive weight gain. When we're under constant pressure, the body releases stress hormones that spur hunger, slow down metabolism, and encourage our body to convert calories into fat. What I later discovered was that visualization, meditation, and other mind-body practices are proven tools for reducing stress. Even though my daily life was still filled with challenges, visualization helped me stay calm and kept me relaxed and immune to potential stressors. As a result, the stress hormones that were causing hunger and fat storage in my body started to dissipate.
<strong>3. Visualization helped me work through my emotional issues.</strong>
When I reached my heaviest weight, I was working alongside an extremely angry, aggressive business partner. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was using my weight as a protective barrier between him and myself. While he wasn’t a physically violent person, he triggered past memories of being abused as a child.
Many people unconsciously use weight as a barrier when they feel threatened, but I found that I could use visualization to create a proactive barrier that helped me feel safer. I would imagine being engulfed in a column of light that was impenetrable. It created a safe barrier around me that others could enter only with my permission. Yes, this was all in my mind, but when I created this barrier using visualization, I was able to convince myself that I was safe and didn't require the excess weight to insulate me from the world. Once I felt safe, the fat began to melt away very quickly.
<strong>4. Visualization helped me eliminated my junk food cravings.</strong>
Once I figured out how suggestible my brain was during visualization, I tried an experiment. I had always been susceptible to sweets and sugar, and I wanted to see if I could eliminate this craving. Once I reached a state of deep relaxation during my visualization, I imagined that sugar granules were actually pieces of ground glass. I pictured what would happen if I put these sugar granules — which were ground glass — in my mouth. They were tasteless. Worse, they would cut up my mouth and destroy my insides. I was repulsed. After just a few days, I didn't want sweets or anything with sugar in it. The effect was so strong that I haven’t craved sweets or junk food of any kind for almost 12 years now. I've since taught this method to other people, and they've found it equally effective. One woman wanted to control her chocolate cravings. During visualization, she imaged that chocolate was in fact stinky, foul mud. Within two weeks, she no longer craved chocolate.
<strong>5. I activated the “Get Thin or Get Eaten” adaptation using visualization.</strong>
Way back in our evolutionary past, certain adaptive behaviors helped us survive. People who lived in cold climates with long winters and scarce food supply survived by developing the ability to slow down their metabolism and conserve the fat stores in their abdomen and thighs. Conversely, our ancestors who faced the threat of large predators developed what I call the “Get Thin or Get Eaten” adaptation: They were able to go at a full-out, life-or-death sprint to escape the jaws of a bear or tiger. When the Get Thin or Get Eaten adaptation is activated, your body wants to be thin for survival reasons, because the thinner and faster you are, the better your chances of surviving an attack. This adaptation still exists within all of us — we just need to activate it. The problem is there aren't too many tigers out there chasing us anymore. But you can activate this primal survival response with visualization.
I discovered the power of using visualization to activate the Get Thin Or Get Eaten Adaptation by accident. One day while I was riding my bike a dog started chasing me, barking ferociously. Before I knew it I was at an all out sprint with this canine snapping at my heel. I escaped, and then discovered over the next two weeks the weight just melted off my body. I never got chased by that dog again, but while I was biking I would visualize that I was being chased. I imagined the dog was chasing me, and I would experience the same surge of adrenaline, and then I would imagine myself outpacing the dog with a smile on my face. This worked really well and my weight loss continued to accelerate. Sometimes I wouldn’t even exercise, I would just image I was biking really hard and the dog was chasing me and that still yielded results. That’s because our survival brain doesn’t know the difference between a real and imagined experience, so when you visualize your being chased, to the body it still feels real. If being chased by a predator feels too threatening, you can achieve the same effect by imagining yourself being chased by a friend in a game of tag, but still running really fast to escape.
In these various ways I was able to use the power of my mind, through visualization to help address the real issues that were causing my body to hold onto weight and get my body to once again want to be thin, naturally and sustainably, from the inside out.
Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-81150983524808013012014-03-17T17:35:00.001+05:302014-03-17T17:35:41.120+05:305 Everyday Moments You Didn't Realize Were Spiritual<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n9.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11732" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n9.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>There are moments in your life that will take your breath away, ones that will make you weep, and others that will fill you with joy. Although we tend to focus on the good moments, each of these moments are sacred. They have been sent to teach us important life lessons. Being part of the human experience means we all share similar highs and lows, and sometimes these shared experiences are actually spiritual moments in disguise, intended to put us directly in touch with the higher being (spirit). Here are a few spiritual moments we all have shared at some point in our lives:<a name='more'></a> <strong>1. Hearing an old, familiar song on the radio.</strong> Have you ever been driving along and your mind starts to wander? Maybe you start thinking about someone, or something very pivotal in your life has just occurred and suddenly, an old familiar song will start playing on the radio. With shaky hands you reach for the volume to turn it up. You look around in traffic, wondering if someone you know secretly called the radio station and requested it. None of these are coincidences. These songs are messages from the Divine or your loved one, letting you know that everything is all right. They are meant exclusively for you. <strong>2. Seeing a ray of sunshine behind dark clouds.</strong> When I was a child, my mother would say, “If you see rays of sunshine bursting through the clouds, God is answering someone's prayers.” Years have gone by and I still love this idea. That somewhere, somehow, someone is experiencing true bliss right now. At any given moment there's someone who is feeling extraordinarily happy. Those moments, those little rays of sunshine that we see in the sky, are a reminder to us that there is a silver lining. We might not be experiencing the happiness ourselves at that very moment, but that doesn't mean your happiness doesn't exist. And maybe someday your house will be the one the sun shines down on. <strong>3. Experiencing a life-changing "that could have been me" moment.</strong> Have you ever felt like you were saved from a terrible situation at the very last minute? Have you ever wondered how the circumstances worked out in your favor? Or maybe you felt like you had a guardian angel watching over you? There's a good chance that at some point in your life you'll experience something that shocks you, jars you, or terrifies you. When you say, “That could have been me,” first remember to be thankful that it was not you. Secondly, understand that it may be a way to wake you up about something you are doing that is not good for you. And finally, when you felt that there was a guardian angel looking over you, there was. <strong>4. Shedding tears of joy.</strong> It is a moment when you feel so happy, your heart is so full, that you begin to weep for no good reason. Tears of any kind are a spiritual release, so crying is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body. When you find yourself crying from happiness, remember this time as a blessing. This is a time of spiritual enlightenment for you. It is a moment when your body is suddenly overwhelmed by it all. Release and enjoy the moment — it is a wonderful time in your life. <strong>5. Receiving a message from a stranger.</strong> The universe brings people into our lives at the exact minute that we need them the most. These strangers (who sometimes might turn out to be lifelong friends) are sent with messages for you, if you will only listen. Have you ever been on a plane and the person next to you starts talking about a topic you were just thinking about? Or has a kind stranger offered to buy your coffee just as you look down and realize you left your wallet at home? Or maybe your car gets a flat tire, and a stranger gets out in the rain to make sure you get some help. There are certain strangers that come into our lives with great messages. Talking to these people can help us to learn and grow. While you should always be cautious of strangers (listen to your gut), there are a few strangers that come bearing messages; personal, perfect messages especially for you. If we listen, these messages can change our lives. So often we go through life at breakneck speed, actively seeking the next gratification and the next gratification. We stay focused on all the wrong things like television, or money, or shopping, or work. But if we stop and take a moment to experience the universe around us, we might just see how many beautiful spiritual gems are waiting to be uncovered. Source:-http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12956/5-everyday-moments-you-didnt-realize-were-spiritual.html?utm_campaign=recommendation&utm_medium=scroll&utm_source=featureGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-59781078552651271552014-03-17T17:21:00.001+05:302014-03-17T17:21:36.398+05:30How To Turbo-Charge Your Body's Natural Detox System<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n8.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11728" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n8.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>The liver is one of the most amazing organs we have. Aside from its super healing powers, it’s the body’s main detoxifier and the second largest organ in the body (second only to the skin).
Taking care of your liver can provide a multitude of benefits, such as improved immune response and improved digestion. On the flip side, an unhealthy liver can lead to many problems and may result in symptoms such as lack of energy, brain fog, difficulty with weight loss, mood swings, and poor digestion.<a name='more'></a>
If you think it’s time to start taking better care of one of the most important and powerful organs you have, try some of the following tips:
<strong>Limit or Avoid: Alcohol, Sugar, Pesticides and Harsh Chemicals</strong>
<strong>Alcohol</strong>
It’s a well-known fact that alcohol damages the liver. If you want to live a lifestyle your liver will love, eliminate or reduce your intake of alcohol to an average of one drink per day.
<strong>Sugar</strong>
Though the research is mixed on this particular topic, many doctors believe that sugar is toxic to the body. According to Dr. Robert Lustig of the University of California, San Francisco, high sugar intake has been "linked to changes in metabolism, increased blood pressure, liver damage and interference with hormone signaling."
<strong>Pesticides and other nasty chemicals</strong>
Chemicals that are toxic to pests are toxic to your body. They not only make your liver work overtime, they can also cause long-term damage. Though it’s impossible to live completely toxin free, reducing your intake of (or exposure to) these poisons will be extremely beneficial to your liver and overall health. It’s best to choose organic when possible.
<strong>Consume: Milk Thistle, Fiber, Garlic, Coffee and Spices</strong>
<strong>Milk Thistle</strong>
Dr. Andrew Weil, physician and founder of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, has described milk thistle as “an herb that protects the liver from toxic injury and stimulates regeneration of the liver.” Milk thistle is most easily consumed via a high-quality supplement. It can be taken on its own or in combination with other supplements. My personal practice is to take a high-quality supplement daily that contains milk thistle and other liver-loving ingredients.
<strong>Fiber</strong>
Consuming adequate amounts of fiber will help your body’s elimination process, which in turn helps your liver remove those nasty toxins.
You can help ensure that you’re getting enough fiber by increasing your intake of fresh vegetables. If you need an extra kick, add some chia seed or a little psyllium husk to your smoothie. Just remember to get plenty of pure, filtered water to aid in the elimination and detoxification process.
<strong>Garlic </strong>
Garlic is truly a super food. It offers endless benefits, one of which is its detoxifying and protective effects on the liver.
<strong>Coffee</strong>
Coffee can be a controversial topic, but it’s been shown to have a protective effect on the liver. According to a study conducted by Arthur Klasky, MD, coffee reduces the risk of liver damage in people at high risk for liver disease. When it comes to coffee, be sure to always choose organic, as nonorganic coffee beans are often heavily sprayed with pesticides. And don’t go overboard, either!
<strong>Spices </strong>
I’m a huge fan of using spices — not only for the major flavor enhancements they bring to food, but also for the many health benefits they provide. Coriander, for example, has been shown to help with liver detoxification.
<strong>Maintain A Healthy Weight</strong>
Research has shown a direct link between obesity and an unhealthy liver, specifically a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
If you’re concerned about your health, it’s best to see seek assistance from a qualified professional. Just remember, you always have the power to make choices that will benefit your health.
Source:- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12924/how-to-turbo-charge-your-bodys-natural-detox-system.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-64141800854823584482014-03-17T17:12:00.001+05:302014-03-17T17:12:17.220+05:30Creamy Carrot, Sweet Potato & Lentil Soup<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n7.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11723" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n7.jpg" width="364" height="511" /></a>Step aside, French onion soup and au revoir, buttery bisque! This creamy soup with lentil topping is a great meal during this season of transition from colder to warmer weather or, depending on where you are, from warmer to colder weather.
The soup is a great way to detox since it’s easy to digest and packed with nutrients, especially beta-carotene, that will have your skin glowing. The lentil-walnut topping lightens the dish and adds protein and fiber to turn it into a hearty meal. Lentils are packed with folic acid and protein and the walnuts add an omega-3 boost, making this a great energy-boosting meal, but also comfort food thanks to the sweet potato and creaminess of the soup. It’s half-salad, half-soup and all delicious.
This is an easy make-ahead meal to serve to a crowd or keep leftovers for yourself and enjoy the next day. Bon appétit!
<strong>Creamy Carrot-Sweet Potato Lentil Soup</strong>
Serves 2
<em>Soup Ingredients</em>
<ul>
<li>2 large carrots</li>
<li>1 sweet potato (around 1 cup, diced)</li>
<li>Salt/pepper to taste</li>
<li>1 Tbsp. of coconut oil</li>
<li>1 red onion<a name='more'></a></li>
<li>2 cloves of garlic</li>
<li>1 leek</li>
<li>A piece of fresh ginger, to taste</li>
</ul>
<em>Optional</em>
<ul>
<li>a pinch of cinnamon</li>
<li>½ cup of coconut milk or almond milk</li>
<li>1 cup of water (or more, depending on the size of your sauce pan — enough to cover the vegetables.)</li>
</ul>
<em>Lentil topping ingredients</em>
<ul>
<li>½ cup of French / “Du Puy” /green lentils, cooked</li>
<li>1 tsp. of Dijon mustard</li>
<li>1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar</li>
<li>1 tsp. of lemon juice</li>
<li>1 Tbsp. of olive oil (or ½ Tbsp of olive oil and ½ Tbsp of walnut oil)</li>
<li>1 tsp. of maple syrup</li>
<li>A pinch of each of (or as many as you have or like of) the following spices: coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, sea salt, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom)</li>
</ul>
Optional (for an even creamier texture)
<ul>
<li>2 tsp. of tahini</li>
</ul>
<em>Final touches</em>
<ul>
<li>2 Tbsp. of walnuts, toasted</li>
</ul>
<em>Optional garnish (if you’re fancy)</em>
<ul>
<li>a few sprigs of herbs such as parsley or cilantro</li>
<li>handful of arugula or spicy mustard greens and</li>
<li>drizzle of walnut oil</li>
</ul>
<em>Directions for soup</em>
Add onion, garlic, ginger and leeks to a sautée pan on medium heat with coconut oil. Sautée for a few minutes or until the onions are translucent.
Peel and chop carrot and sweet potato into 1-inch chunks. Sautée for another few minutes.
Add spices. Cover vegetables with water. Lower heat, cover and let simmer until the veggies are soft. Add to a blender (preferably a Vitamix for the creamiest texture imaginable!) or mix with an immersion blender until smooth.
Add coconut or almond milk and stir.
For the lentil-walnut topping: Whisk all dressing ingredients together. Pour over lentils and mix well.
To serve. Warm soup over the stove. (The soup should be thick so it can hold the lentil topping … and fill you up!) Pour into a bowl, top with lentil mixture and toasted walnuts. Add garnish.
Bon appétit!
Rebecca Leffler’s new book “Green, Glam & Gourmande” is available here.
Source:- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12921/creamy-carrot-sweet-potato-lentil-soup.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-53013017006571309012014-03-17T17:04:00.001+05:302014-03-17T17:04:31.390+05:30How To Create A Gratitude Jar<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n6.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11720" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n6.jpg" width="510" height="440" /></a>Sometimes I wake up and my first thought is <em>I didn’t get enough sleep.</em> I get to the fridge to find that I don’t have enough fruit to make my smoothie. And then I look at my to-do list and realize I don’t have enough time to get even half way through it.
I get in my car and discover that I don’t have enough gas to get to the yoga studio. Later, I come home to a letter from my bank manager telling me I don’t earn enough for a mortgage.
And I spend the rest of the day feeling like I’m just not good enough.
<strong>The Never Enough Problem</strong>
<strong></strong>Never good enough.
Never thin enough.
Never clever enough.
Never pretty enough.
Never rich enough.
Never successful enough.
We could all fill in the blank of "never __________ enough."<a name='more'></a>
We spend our lives calculating how much we have, how much we want, and how much we don’t have. And we compare this to what everyone else has (or to the visions of perfection we get from the media) – a self-defeating cycle that will always ends with the same conclusion: <em>We are lacking. We never have enough. We never are enough.</em>
<strong>But there is an answer to the Never Enough Problem: Gratitude.</strong>
Gratitude is what makes the glass half full. It reminds you that you have enough and that you are enough.
I created a Gratitude Jar a couple of months ago. It started as nothing special, just an old-fashioned glass jar with a ribbon tied around the rim. Every day, sometimes several times a day, I write down what I am grateful for and add these "Gratitude Notes" to my jar.
And remarkable things have happened.
My outlook on life has shifted. I no longer feel like I am inadequate and lacking from the moment I wake up or berate myself for not getting through my to-do list. I appreciate the food that I have, the time that I have, the people that I have.
Appreciating yourself for your strengths AND your imperfections (not in spite of them), allows you to find a sense of belonging and to feel more connected to life.
When I have a down day (we all have them!), a quick glance at my Gratitude Jar reminds me that life is full of wonderful things to be grateful for and I have the strength and support to overcome anything.
But having gratitude doesn't just happen! It's a practice we have to foster every day. You wouldn’t expect a flower to grow without water, and you wouldn’t expect your body to get healthier without nourishing it. So you can’t expect to feel like you have enough and you are enough, without nurturing a gratitude for life and an appreciation of yourself.
Sometimes it’s the simple things that make life wonderful: the beautiful sun rise and the blackberries at the bottom of the garden, to the smile from a stranger, or the encouraging text from a friend.
Taking time to appreciate those moments of joy helps you to cherish your life and yourself.
Gratitude Jar Ingredients
<ul>
<li>1 jar/box</li>
<li>Ribbon to decorate</li>
<li>Paper for writing Gratitude Notes on</li>
<li>Gratitude</li>
</ul>
Source:- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11062/how-to-create-a-gratitude-jar.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-20537143704113531042014-03-17T16:52:00.001+05:302014-03-17T16:52:10.074+05:30Why So Many 'Healthy' Women Can't Lose Weight<div><a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n5.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11715" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n5.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>Women who are "healthy" but still carrying those last 5-10 pounds: this post is for you. These are the top areas women neglect, even when they think they're being healthy. In contrast to the gimmicky, quick-fix methods out there, this post examines the root of your problems.</div>
<div></div>
<div><b>1. You have an estrogen to progesterone imbalance.</b></div>
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<div>Many women — especially those of child-bearing age — have an estrogen dominance problem. If you exercise daily, it's likely that you're using up your progesterone and estrogen is dominating. Other causes of estrogen <a name='more'></a>dominance include environmental factors such as pesticides, plastics, industrial waste products, car exhaust, meat, soaps, furniture and carpet.</div>
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<div>Diet, environmental avoidance of xenoestrogens, and taking supplements can bolster your progesterone and decrease estrogen dominance. There are many books, websites and detailed articles I've found helpful, and I'm happy to share with those who want more information.</div>
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<div><b>2. You're not getting enough vitamin D.</b></div>
<div><b> </b></div>
<div>Possibly due to our awareness of skin cancer and the use of sunscreen, our levels of vitamin D are lower than they were decades ago. Vitamin D acts like a hormone in our bodies, and deficiency has been linked to allergies, asthma, weight gain, fatigue, food allergies and even cancer. Vitamin D levels can be tested by your healthcare provider, and supplemental vitamin D can be found in various forms.</div>
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<div><b>3. You have high cortisol.</b></div>
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<div>High levels of cortisol (our "stress hormone") is another big reason we tend to keep weight on our abdominal area. I used to wake up very early to do a spin class or intense run, then race home to get ready for work, then deal with my young kids and chores. That increased my cortisol levels and working against my goals of having a lean body.</div>
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<div>If you feel like you need to be on a caffeine drip at all times, it means you're having too many highs and lows with cortisol as a big culprit. Cortisol is associated with increased appetite, cravings for sugar, and weight gain. You need to unwind everyday with whatever it is that shuts off your hypervigilence — even if it's for 10 minutes per day.</div>
<div></div>
<div><b>4. You're eating processed "healthy."</b></div>
<div><b> </b></div>
<div>Excess sodium, GMOs and sugar are all hidden ingredients which are both inflammatory and causes of excess weight gain. Just because it's at a health food store and it's "gluten free" or "low fat" or "natural," DOES NOT mean it's good for you. It took me a long time to get over this, because packaging with the words "natural" and "healthy" are very enticing.</div>
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<div><b>5. You're eating too much fat.</b></div>
<div><b> </b></div>
<div>Paleo and other higher-fat diets work for some people, but many women, such as myself, don't do well with them. Our bodies may do well with fat — especially when added to greens — but be careful not to go overboard.</div>
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<div><b>6. You're skimping on quality sleep.</b></div>
<div><b> </b></div>
<div>This still remains tried and true. Your hormones need it. Your muscles need it for repair, and your brain needs it. The two hormones that are key in the relationship between sleep and weight loss are ghrelin and leptin. Put very simply, leptin tells us when to stop eating and when you're sleep deprived. Ghrelin is the hormone that tells you when to eat, and when you're sleep-deprived, you have more ghrelin.</div>
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<div>Often when I am having sleep disturbances or jet lag, I use melatonin and magnesium as supplements to get me on the right track.</div>
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<div><b>7. You're not eating your cruciferous vegetables.</b></div>
<div></div>
<div>Cruciferous vegetables from the vegetable family Brassicaceae include cabbage, kale, cauliflower, bok choy, broccoli and other similar green vegetables. Not only are they good for you because of the feeling of fullness you get from the fiber, but they're also good for estrogen metabolism through a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C). It is a natural source of DIM (3,3-Diindolylmethane) that helps promote estrogen balance. This is the cheapest, easiest way to get your hormones — and your weight — in balance</div>
<div>Source:- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10296/why-so-many-healthy-women-cant-lose-weight.html</div>Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-38139294021992208422014-03-17T16:43:00.001+05:302014-03-17T16:43:23.853+05:307 Daily Habits That Will Make You Healthier<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n4.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11712" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n4.jpg" width="850" height="400" /></a>Rituals are essential to maintaining a harmonious daily routine and create the resiliency and positivity to navigate our lives successfully.
Here are seven rituals that you can easily adopt into your daily life and create more balance and better health as a result. They're practical, simple and require barely any additional time or previous skill. There's no reason you shouldn’t make these part of your life.
<strong>1. Start your day with a positive affirmation about yourself.</strong>
The way you view yourself and your life in the morning sets the stage for the rest of the day. Say something like this to yourself: "My life is beautiful and I have plenty of opportunities to succeed and be happy," "I'm capable, deserving, and ready to create an amazing life for myself and my loved ones," or, "I'm proud of my body and I deserve to treat all of myself with love and kindness." If you have a hard time coming up with positive affirmations first thing in the morning, take some time and write out three to five affirmations that target areas you struggle with. Changing your internal dialogue through positive affirmations is a fundamental part of changing your life and the opportunities that will come to you.
<strong>2. Slather your body in lotion SLOWLY.</strong>
It’s so important to touch your own body on a regular basis (this is important especially if you tend to dislike your body), so instead of rushing when you get out of shower, take just one or two extra minutes and rub lotion on your entire body with firm pressure, slow movements and loving attention. This is not a time to judge your bumps and curves, it’s about feeling your own skin.
<strong>3. Listen to calming music.
</strong>
I live in NYC, and the crowds can easily get to me, so I listen to calming music on my phone while I walk, ride the subway or work on new projects. If you're driving, try listening to calming music while in traffic. I promise it will work wonders on your road rage. Get me some Mozart, please!
<strong>4. Swap coffee for tea.</strong>
I used to reach for a cup of joe every chance I got. I admit it, as a European I love the taste of strong coffee, BUT it also kept me wired, affected my sleep, and added to my stress and anxiety which manifested itself in the form of a frequent uncomfortable knotlike sensation in my throat. I cut back my coffee consumption to one small cup in the morning and have loved exploring different teas as a replacement. I love the comfort of consuming something warm that also leaves me feeling calm and centered.
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<strong>5. Chew your food slowly.</strong>
Many people have a tendency to inhale their food in a matter of seconds. Chewing your food properly, however is an essential part of the digestive process because saliva contains important digestive enzymes. Chewing also breaks food into smaller particles and makes it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. Taking more time chewing your food can help you avoid uncomfortable sensations like overeating and bloating as well as weight gain.
<strong>6. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, and dedicate that time to think of things for which you're grateful.</strong>
I turned taking the stairs into one of my daily rituals because it's a simple way to do something positive for my health on a consistent basis, and it's a nice reminder to do my gratitude work. I recommend taking the stairs if you have to get to floor five or below. If you want to up your game even more, walk up the stairs on the balls of your feet instead of planting your whole foot, and you’ll get a nice definition in your calves (what a great extra bonus!).
<strong>7. Gently stretch your body throughout the day.</strong>
It doesn’t have to be a whole stretching routine every time, but simple stretches throughout the day can go a long way in terms of reducing tight shoulders, a stiff neck, and an achy back. Start with simply lifting your arms up above your head, stretching your wrist, rotating your neck in different directions, getting up from your chair and doing a little forward bend. It doesn’t have to be a tough and sweaty routine. Simple goes a long way. It will increase blood flow throughout your body, loosen your muscles, mobilize your joints, and freshen up your mind.
Source:- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12918/7-daily-habits-that-will-make-you-healthier.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-49720062793550787452014-03-17T16:23:00.001+05:302014-03-17T16:23:18.063+05:303 Herbs To Relieve Anxiety<div><a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n3.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11709" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n3.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>When anxiety starts to rise in your body, it can feel like the world is closing in on you. Your breath comes in short gulps, your pulse speeds up, and your mind starts to race.</div>
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<div>Whether your anxiety is a rare visitor who only shows up when you’ve got an important meeting in the morning, or a more consistent companion that’s been with you for years, there are natural herbal therapies that are safe, effective and non-habit forming.</div>
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<div>Of course, lifestyle practices like conscious breathing, exercise, and ensuring that you’re eating a mineral-rich diet can make a big difference in dealing with anxiety. <a name='more'></a>But when I was struggling with severe anxiety, it could seem like those common suggestions didn’t even put a dent in my suffering. My clients tell me similar stories. “I really don’t want to take medication,” they say, “because I know a lot of the anti-anxiety meds are addictive.” Then they sit for a moment and confess, “But it really feels like I need more than just the breathing exercises.”</div>
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<div>The good news is that there are lots of wonderful herbs that are strongly effective against anxiety, and they don’t share the same risk of addiction and dependence that come with pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. Like all medicinals, these herbs aren’t right for everyone, but they can be tremendously helpful when they’re used at the correct dose and are correctly matched to your needs.</div>
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<div>Here’s the lowdown on three herbs that can help you dance more gracefully with anxiety. It’s important to remember that herbs aren’t like drugs; there’s no “anxiety herb.” You’re looking for the herb that’s the best match for you.</div>
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<div>Avoid taking any of these herbs (unless otherwise directed by a qualified practitioner) if you’re taking prescription medication for sleep, anxiety, or depression, or if you’re taking blood thinners like Coumadin or Warfarin.</div>
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<div><b>1. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)</b></div>
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<div>Skullcap is the anxiety remedy for people who experience anxiety along with restlessness, muscle tension, and jaw clenching. If you tend to toss and turn in bed, or if you feel like you can only relax when you’re out walking (but sitting still makes you want to jump out of your skin), or if you feel like “climbing the walls” when you’re stuck inside during a bout of anxiety, skullcap can help you to unwind not only your anxiety, but also the accompanying muscular tension and restlessness. Skullcap is effective in tea or tincture (a tincture is an herb extracted in alcohol) form, but if you can tolerate small amounts of alcohol I think 20-40 drops of the tincture (for a 150-pound person) is the most effective form.</div>
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<div><b>2. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)</b></div>
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<div>Often mistaken for an aphrodisiac because of its seductive name, passionflower is actually the remedy for people who are so burned out and exhausted that all that’s left is anxiety. This is the remedy for people who give and give until they have nothing left for themselves. The tips of their tongues are usually bright red, and they feel a sense of being exhausted but unable to rest because the thoughts in their head keep spinning out of control. They may have heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat during bouts of anxiety.</div>
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<div>This plant is effective in both tea and tincture form, but like skullcap, I tend to prefer tinctures for anxiety remedies because they’re easy to use and ready in an instant. Use 20-40 drops of tincture in a little bit of water (for a 150-pound person) and increase the dose by 10 drops at a time if you don’t feel relief after 15 minutes.</div>
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<div><b>3. Kava kava (Piper methysticum)</b></div>
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<div>Kava kava is the most famous anti-anxiety herb, and with good reason. It’s a powerful remedy that’s been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety, as compared to a placebo. Kava kava is more sedating and hypnotic than passionflower and skullcap, and some people find that it creates a blissed-out feeling. It has an intriguing taste that almost numbs your mouth, and has a long tradition of ritual use in Polynesia as well as medicinal use for its sedative and pain-relieving properties.</div>
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<div>In recent years there’s been some research to suggest that over-consumption of kava kava may damage the liver, so I caution clients not to use this herb if they have liver problems, if they consume alcohol regularly, or concurrently with acetaminophen. That said, there is a very long history of safe use of this herb, so as long as you don’t have any liver issues, you can feel confident using this herb up to 3-4 times per week to help relieve your anxiety. It’s effective as a tea, tincture, or capsule, but I think tea or tincture is best.</div>
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<div>Remember, these herbs are helpers on your journey to healing your anxiety. All of your other lifestyle practices, like breath work, exercise, journal writing, a healthy diet, and reaching out for support from friends, family, and practitioners are still important — but there’s no question that life with anxiety is a lot easier with safe and effective herbal remedies in your back pocket.</div>
<div>Source:- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10481/3-herbs-to-relieve-anxiety.html</div>Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-20558789100956467742014-03-17T16:13:00.001+05:302014-03-17T16:13:15.960+05:30Why I Don't Recommend A Vegan, Raw, Paleo Or Gluten-Free Diet<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n2.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11706" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n2.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>I'm a nutritionist and a strong believer in the power of vitamin cures. Every week, I see people significantly improve their health and looks just by eating right, which is why I love my job so much.
One of the questions I'm often asked is, "What diet do you recommend?"
My answer is usually met with surprise:
"If you don't suffer from a specific condition, I do not recommend any specific diet."<a name='more'></a>
Don't get me wrong, I'm not telling people to just go and eat whatever they get their hands on.
I do have some basic principles:
<ol>
<li>Eat as naturally as possible, i.e. avoid processed stuff and go for simple and real food instead.</li>
<li>Eat as organically as possible and preferably locally grown produce.</li>
<li>Make sure to eat more raw than cooked food and more plants than animals.</li>
<li>Change your diet <em>slowly </em>and never force yourself to do something for which you're not yet ready.</li>
<li>Keep a food diary to find out what makes you feel and look better and what does not.</li>
<li>Walk 10,000 steps every day.</li>
<li>Use common sense!</li>
</ol>
I know this sounds simple and, of course, I help my clients put together a sensible step-by-step guide.
However, I've found that the simpler the instructions, the greater the chances to sustainably change your diet and lifestyle. We live in a world where contradictory studies pop up every week and even experts can get confused. How can "normal" consumers possibly keep track of what they should or should not eat?
By following my basic principles, my clients slowly but surely cleanse their system and re-discover their innate food navigation system, which tells them <em>exactly </em>what and how much food is good for them.
This navigation system is called "somatic intelligence" and we can all use it effectively, once the signals our brain and body give us are no longer distorted by chemicals and artificial ingredients running through our system.
Of course, it takes time and practice to develop and understand this innate skill, but be patient, ask for help if you need it, and you'll notice changes soon.
Another reason why I do not recommend a specific diet is that I am not only an orthomolecular nutritionist but also amindfulness coach. Our mind is a powerful tool we can use to achieve the most amazing results. But if we do something which is not in line with our personal mindset, the consequences can be detrimental to our health—no matter how well we eat.
For example, if you love a steak on your plate every now and then I wouldn't do you a favor if I told you to stop eating meat. If a bowl of warm soup is what makes your day in winter, I will surely not ask you to become a raw foodist. If you really want to celebrate your birthday with a piece of sugar-laden cake, do so. When your body is mostly clean, it will automatically tell you how much is enough and what to eat next.
So, like I said, if you don't have a condition which requires a specific diet, there is no need to complicate things.
When you want to live as healthily and happily as you possibly can, keep things simple.
Keep them real.
Keep them natural.
And clean.
Listen to your body.
Follow your mind.
And use your common sense.
Source:-http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11822/why-i-dont-recommend-a-vegan-raw-paleo-or-gluten-free-diet.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-184015962888878952014-03-17T15:53:00.001+05:302014-03-17T15:53:58.106+05:303 Delightful Ways To Ditch Dairy<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n1.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11703" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n1.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>I remember the day I finally admitted to myself that I was lactose intolerant. It was my second quarter of college, and I was sitting in a giant lecture hall drinking my tall non-fat latte when that familiar stomachache started. It was the same stomachache I had gotten the week earlier when I'd eaten ice cream, and the same stomachache I'd experienced earlier that day when I was enjoying dairy milk in my cereal at breakfast. Ugh.
This was many years ago, and at that time there wasn’t the variety of non-dairy milk options that line grocery store shelves today. I knew that soy milk was an easy substitution, so I made the switch and my body was much happier. Well, that was until several years later, when I began to notice that my body was having reactions to soy as well. Then it was time to get creative.<a name='more'></a>
Over the years I have found a variety of ways to replace dairy in my kitchen while using whole foods and real ingredients. Here are my top 3 easy substitutions for dairy:
<strong>1. Use homemade coconut milk sour cream instead of dairy-based sour cream.</strong>
I discovered this switch earlier this year, and it's changed my life.
To make coconut sour cream: mix 1 cup of full-fat canned coconut milk with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Mix well, then let sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to thicken up a bit. Serve over your favorite Mexican entrée.
<strong>2. Use a vegetable puree instead of heavy cream in sauces.</strong>
In a pinch, full-fat canned coconut milk makes a great swap for heavy cream in sauces, but I really enjoy pureeing vegetables into my sauces, which helps to thicken them while adding extra flavor and nutrients. My favorite puree involves blending steamed sweet potatoes or cauliflower with a little broth to make a thick sauce, then incorporating this into recipes in place of heavy cream.
<strong>3. Use a nut-based cheese instead of dairy cheese.</strong>
Nuts make a fabulous mock-cheese that can be used as a spread, dip, or creamy topping on any recipe. Here is my favorite recipe that requires less than five minutes of hands-on prep!
<strong>Non-Dairy Nut Cheese</strong>
Makes ½ cup
<em>Ingredients:</em>
<ul>
<li>1 cup raw, unsalted nuts</li>
<li>⅓ cup nutritional yeast</li>
<li>¼ teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)</li>
<li>⅓ cup water (or more as necessary)</li>
</ul>
<em>Directions:</em>
Add nuts to a glass jar or container and cover with water. Let soak for at least 30 minutes and up to several hours.
Drain nuts and discard the soaking water. Add nuts to a food processor along with the nutritional yeast, salt, and water.
Puree, scraping down the sides of the food processor as necessary, until the cheese is a smooth, creamy consistency.
Depending on desired consistency and the length of soaking time, additional water can be added as needed.
Store in the refrigerator and use within 5 days.
What are your favorite substitutions for dairy in your kitchen?
source:- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11338/3-delightful-ways-to-ditch-dairy.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-25762434969470068982014-03-17T15:37:00.001+05:302014-03-17T15:37:45.940+05:305 Reasons You Should Jump Rope Every Day<div>
<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11700" alt="1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1922181_655481741174564_739809224_n.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>There's a reason elite athletes like boxers include jump roping as a cornerstone of their workouts: it's an incredibly efficient way to burn calories, get conditioned, and have way more fun than getting on a cardio machine for an hour or more.
Here are just a few of the many reasons to add jump roping to your workouts:
<strong></strong>
<strong>1. It burns a ton of calories.</strong>
When you jump repeatedly, your body burns 800 to 1,000 calories an hour — compare that to 200 to 300 calories burned per hour while walking.<a name='more'></a>
Even better, jumping rope (especially high-intensity jump roping) makes your body a calorie-burning machine. This means that when you add jump roping into your workout routine, you’ll be burning more calories not <em>just</em> during your workout, but throughout the entire day.
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<strong>2. You can take it with you anywhere.</strong>
Are you traveling, or do you not feel like going to the gym today? Throw your jump rope in your suitcase and bring it with you on vacation or whenever you just want to fit in a quick workout anywhere.
If you’re short on time, even just a 4-minute tabata jump rope workout will help you stay fit when you’re traveling or away from your normal workout routine.
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<strong>3. It aids in balance and coordination.</strong>
Jumping rope can help increase your coordination, which will not only help you excel in any new sport you try, but will keep you healthier and less accident prone later on in life.
And while balance may help you rock a yoga class now, it’s important to maintain throughout your life as well. According to Dr. Daniel W. Barry, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Colorado, jumping may be as important as bone strength at avoiding fractures. Says Dr. Barry, in an article in The New York Times: “Fragile bones don’t matter, from a clinical standpoint, if you don’t fall down.”
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<strong>4. It helps you relax.</strong>
When you jump, your body releases endorphins, which act as pain relievers and give you a sense of well-being and relaxation.
What's more, the deep breathing you do while exercising vigorously clears your mind, sharpens your focus and energizes you for the day ahead.
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<strong>5. It's good for your heart.</strong>
February is American Heart Health month, and there's no better workout to get your heart rate up and keep your heart happy than jump roping. Jumping rope on a regular basis improves your cardiovascular fitness, the ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to working muscles<strong>.</strong>
If you don't already have a jump rope at home, there are a few things to keep in mind when getting one. First, the thinner the jump rope is, the easier it will be to try speed-focused jump rope styles like double unders.
Second, you'll want to get a rope that, when doubled over, hits at about chest-height. Any longer than that and you're likely to trip up on the rope.
Here are a few jump rope variations you can try on your own:
<strong></strong>
<strong>Single unders: </strong>Grab your jump rope with both hands, swing it in front of you then jump over it.
<strong></strong>
<strong>High knees with a jump rope:</strong> Grab your jump rope with both hands, then drive your left knee toward your chest as high as you can get it, then immediately bring it to the ground and replace it with your right knee while swinging the rope in front of you.
<strong>Double unders: </strong>Just like they sound, double unders require you to get the rope under your feet twice in one jump. These are a very advanced form of jump roping, so if you don't get them at first, don't worry! Focus on keeping as tight as possible and keeping your arms by your side as you swing the rope around, and you'll get them with time and practice.
</div>
<div> Source:- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12699/5-reasons-you-should-jump-rope-every-day.html</div>Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-63265107774584882572014-03-16T12:34:00.001+05:302014-03-16T12:34:13.203+05:30Handy Holi Safety Tips<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/holi-feast-3.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-11691 aligncenter" alt="holi-feast-3" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/holi-feast-3-1024x681.jpg" width="620" height="412" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Here are a few tips and suggestion to make your holi safe and joyous.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">• Play safe. Don't get to boisterous and do not let others to be rude on you.
• Synthetic colours used during Holi often contain lead oxide, engine oil, diesel, chromium iodine and copper sulphate, which cause skin irritation and even blindness in cases of extreme exposure.
• The best option would be to play with eco- friendly, natural or homemade natural colours. Your skin and hair will feel tampered with the use of skin friendly natural products.
• If natural colours are not possible, then ensure a better quality of colours. Buy colours from a reputed shop or vendor.
• Use more of red or pink colours which looks good and can easily taken off. Gaudy purple, green, yellow, orange have more harmful chemicals in them and should be avoided.
• Make sure that your face is well creamed before and after the play.
• Apply thick coating of paint on your nails- both in fingers and toes so that they remain protected.
• Oil your hair well, so that colour doesn't stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later.
• Cover your hair. Make use of hat or caps to protect your hair from being coloured with hard-to-rinse dyes.
• Make sure that powder or any other product does not get inside your eyes. Eyes are extremely vulnerable on Holi because of their strategic place in body and also because of the use of harmful chemicals in colors these days. Please ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times. Use a sunglass to protect your eyes from a misfire of colour filled darts or water jets.
• Use dental caps to save your teeth from any unwanted stains.
• Put on your worst clothes so that you won't have to take on the hassles of an immediate washing.
• Rags like tattered denims and bright shades like black, blue, green, purple are highly recommended.
• Try to save yourself off from all possible attacks on the face. In case your such attempts fail, keep your eyes and lips tightly shut if you are attacked on your face.</p>
If possible avoid going outside your home, atleast for the peak hours of celebration. The premises of your home ensure that you are safe from pouncing hooligans, even friends who can be a little rough on the day.
• When traveling keep the car windows thoroughly shut, even if you don't have an AC car. Do not bump into the frenzied group of mob if you take to streets. Better you cross the road to the sidewalk across. Or, simply stay at a safe distance.
• Do not use permanent dyes. If someone has applied it on you, do not rub the face with soap immediately in order to get rid off it, especially when it is wet. Instead, use good quality cleansing milk for removal. It's better than using soap, which will dry up your skin.
• Rotten eggs when thrown on your head, flying missiles from locality buildings…are still not too bad, will be smelly yet is a good conditioner for your hair. But tar, shit, Mobil, stones and all the rubbish that you can be hit with is not. Avoid being a prey to hooligans.
• Remember you also have police on your side and if any untoward revelers misbehave, you can make your complaint. Mark out the locality, building and if possible the person.
• Take a bath much later after the entire Holi celebration is over. Taking frequent baths, washing the face again and again, will ruin your skin. You will also lose hair, for too much soap/shampoo has a drying effect.
• If you are prone to skin allergies, avoid playing with gulal altogether. Going to a dermatologist (skin specialist) serves no purpose, after the damage is done.
• Avoid running on jumping on wet floors, so that you don't slip and injure yourself. Bones are specially vulnerable on this day.
• Avoid over indulgence in bhang, drinks or food... so that you don't repent later.
• Do not drive if you are high on alcohol or bhang.
• Keep handy pain killers, anti-oxidants, anti-allergic tablets if all the above tips have been disregarded.
Bright colours, water balloons, lavish gujiyas (sweets) and melodious songs' are the ingredients of perfect Holi.
Let’s together enjoy the festival of love, friendship, happiness, fun and brotherhood and spread colourful love and joy across the globe
Wish you a very happy, colourful and wonderful Holi.
With Colors of Love and Gratitude,
Team GreenYatra
Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-80651754130887286342014-03-16T12:26:00.001+05:302014-03-16T12:26:36.763+05:30Handy Holi Safety Tips<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/holi-feast-3.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-11691" alt="holi-feast-3" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/holi-feast-3-1024x681.jpg" width="620" height="412" /></a>
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<td width="100%"><b>Here are a few tips and suggestion to make your holi safe and joyous.</b>
<ul>
<li>Play safe. Don't get to boisterous and do not let others to be rude on you.</li>
<li>Synthetic colours used during Holi often contain lead oxide, engine oil, diesel, chromium iodine and copper sulphate, which cause skin irritation and even blindness in cases of extreme exposure.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>The best option would be to play with eco- friendly, <b>natural or homemade natural colours.</b> Your skin and hair will feel tampered with the use of skin friendly natural products.</li>
<li>If natural colours are not possible, then ensure a <b>better quality </b>of colours. Buy colours from a reputed shop or vendor.</li>
<li>Use more of red or pink colours which looks good and can easily taken off. Gaudy purple, green, yellow, orange have more harmful chemicals in them and should be avoided.<a name='more'></a></li>
<li>Make sure that your face is <b>well creamed</b> before and after the play.</li>
<li>Apply thick coating of <b>paint on your nails</b>- both in fingers and toes so that they remain protected.</li>
<li><b>Oil</b> your hair well, so that colour doesn't stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later.</li>
<li><b>Cover your hair.</b> Make use of hat or caps to protect your hair from being coloured with hard-to-rinse dyes.</li>
<li>Make sure that powder or any other product does not get inside your eyes. Eyes are extremely vulnerable on Holi because of their strategic place in body and also because of the use of harmful chemicals in colors these days. Please ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times. Use a <b>sunglass</b> to protect your eyes from a misfire of colour filled darts or water jets.</li>
<li>Use <b>dental caps</b> to save your teeth from any unwanted stains.</li>
<li>Put on your worst clothes so that you won't have to take on the hassles of an immediate washing.</li>
<li>Rags like tattered denims and bright shades like black, blue, green, purple are highly recommended.</li>
<li>Try to save yourself off from all possible attacks on the face. In case your such attempts fail, keep your eyes and lips tightly shut if you are attacked on your face.</li>
</ul>
If possible avoid going outside your home, atleast for the peak hours of celebration. The premises of your home ensure that you are safe from pouncing hooligans, even friends who can be a little rough on the day.
<ul>
<li>When traveling keep the <b>car windows thoroughly shut,</b> even if you don't have an AC car. Do not bump into the frenzied group of mob if you take to streets. Better you cross the road to the sidewalk across. Or, simply stay at a safe distance.</li>
<li>Do not use permanent dyes. If someone has applied it on you, do not rub the face with soap immediately in order to get rid off it, especially when it is wet. Instead, use good quality <b>cleansing milk</b> for removal. It's better than using soap, which will dry up your skin.</li>
<li>Rotten eggs when thrown on your head, flying missiles from locality buildings…are still not too bad, will be smelly yet is a good conditioner for your hair. But tar, shit, Mobil, stones and all the rubbish that you can be hit with is not. Avoid being a prey to hooligans.</li>
<li>Remember you also have <b>police</b> on your side and if any untoward revelers misbehave, you can make your complaint. Mark out the locality, building and if possible the person.</li>
<li>Take a bath much later after the entire Holi celebration is over. Taking frequent baths, washing the face again and again, will ruin your skin. You will also lose hair, for too much soap/shampoo has a drying effect.</li>
<li>If you are prone to skin allergies, avoid playing with gulal altogether. Going to a dermatologist (skin specialist) serves no purpose, after the damage is done.</li>
<li>Avoid running on jumping on wet floors, so that you don't slip and injure yourself. Bones are specially vulnerable on this day.</li>
<li>Avoid over indulgence in bhang, drinks or food... so that you don't repent later.</li>
<li>Do not drive if you are high on alcohol or bhang.</li>
<li>Keep handy pain killers, anti-oxidants, anti-allergic tablets if all the above tips have been disregarded.</li>
</ul>
'Bright colours, water balloons, lavish gujiyas (sweets) and melodious songs' are the ingredients of perfect Holi.
Let’s together enjoy the festival of love, friendship, happiness, fun and brotherhood and spread colourful love and joy across the globe
Wish you a very happy, colourful and wonderful Holi.
With Colors of Love and Gratitude,
Team <a href="https://www.facebook.com/greenyatra?ref=stream" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=126587470724769&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D">GreenYatra</a>
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Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-39142840811463156362014-03-15T18:47:00.001+05:302014-03-15T18:47:04.018+05:305 Awesome Ways To Use Lemons Instead Of Beauty Products<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/67033_420227208087451_1146714745_n.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11688" alt="67033_420227208087451_1146714745_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/67033_420227208087451_1146714745_n.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>Lemons have been used for hundreds of years on both skin and hair. The citric acid in lemons act as an effective astringent by penetrating through pores to remove excess oils, dirt, dead skin cells and even blemishes, leaving you with a brighter complexion and healthier-looking skin.
As a natural source of vitamin C, lemons are also used to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of age spots. When it comes to hair, the acids in lemons are brilliant for cleansing both your scalp and hair to remove shampoo and oil buildup, and even reduce dandruff.<a name='more'></a>
<strong>1. Cleansing exfoliator</strong>
Combine the juice of ½ a lemon with 1 Tbsp. of good-quality olive oil in an airtight container and whisk with a fork to mix well. Add 1 Tbsp. of honey and mix until it becomes a medium consistency, then mix in ½ cup of raw sugar.
You can add more or less honey and olive oil to make the scrub thicker or thinner, and even add more sugar if you feel it needs more scrub.
<strong>2. Lemon revitalizing mask</strong>
Combine 2 Tbsp. good quality natural yogurt and 1 Tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix well.
Apply the mask to your face and neck after cleansing, avoiding the eye area.
Leave it on to dry for 20 to 30 minutes; you'll feel it tightening on your face and neck, which creates a lifting and firming affect. If desired, you can leave it on for up to an hour to increase the effects.
Rinse off with warm water, then with cold water, and gently pat your face dry before applying moisturizer.
<strong>3. Hydrating cleanser with honey and olive oil</strong>
Combine ¾ of a cup of olive oil, ½ a cup of raw honey and three Tbsp. of lemon juice.
After shampooing, massage the mixture from your scalp to your ends. Wrap your hair in a heat cap or plastic wrap and leave in for 30 minutes, then rinse.
<strong>4. Lemon hair rinse</strong>
If you have oily hair or buildup from products, mix ¼ a cup of lemon juice with ½ a cup of water and rinse it through your hair after shampooing and conditioning. It will leave your hair looking brighter and healthier.
<strong>5. Dandruff treatment</strong>
Mix the juice of ½ lemon with ¼ of a cup coconut oil and rub into your scalp. Leave in for 15 minutes then wash your hair as normal.
It’s important to test any homemade beauty recipes on sensitive skin, like the on the inside of your wrist, to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction to any ingredients. So always remember to do a quick patch test before applying anything.
source :- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12882/5-awesome-ways-to-use-lemons-instead-of-beauty-products.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-53813097934491198532014-03-15T18:18:00.001+05:302014-03-15T18:18:45.717+05:30If You Love Bloody Marys, You'll Love This Cleansing Smoothie<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1374785_420289068081265_1087234571_n.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11685" alt="1374785_420289068081265_1087234571_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1374785_420289068081265_1087234571_n.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a>This is an acquired taste, but if you love Bloody Marys, you'll get it. If you're serious about quitting sugar, you need to get rid of all sweetness and switch to a savory palate, especially in the mornings as you start your day. I choose this smoothie to ensure I get 2 to 3 cups of veggies before I walk out the door.
<strong>Green Smoothie Cleanser</strong>
Serves 2<strong></strong>
<em>Ingredients</em>
<ul>
<li>Ice</li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped fennel (or 2 celery stalks)</li>
<li>Ginger, 1 inch knob</li>
<li>Turmeric, 1 inch knob (if available)</li>
<li>Handful of baby spinach</li>
<li>Watercress (or rocket)</li>
<li>1 small soft avocado</li>
<li>1/2 capsicum (red or yellow is best)</li>
<li>1 cup par cooked broccoli</li>
<li>Big handful of flat-leaf parsley and/ or coriander</li>
<li>1 tablespoon of chopped red onion</li>
<li>1 lime (including some zest)</li>
<li>1 cup coconut water (or plain water)</li>
<li>Big pinch of cayenne pepper (or chilli powder or a dash of Tabasco</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pinch of stevia<a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<em>Method</em>
Blitz all ingredients in a high powdered blender until smooth.
source:- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12338/if-you-love-bloody-marys-youll-love-this-cleansing-smoothie.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-42169609983584060502014-03-15T17:50:00.001+05:302014-03-15T17:50:59.734+05:305 Tips To Detoxify Your Life, Starting Today<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1239986_515585078526609_382801809_n.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11680" alt="1239986_515585078526609_382801809_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1239986_515585078526609_382801809_n.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>As consumers, we're becoming increasingly concerned with the chemicals in our everyday products like sunscreen, hand cream, and even our food. One startling fact is that of the 84,000 chemicals on shelves today, only about 1% have been studied for safety, and even those have not been studied for how they react together.
The good news is, many of these products marketed to us by big business are actually very easy to forgo, or to make ourselves – safely.
Here are five easy ways to reduce your toxic load, starting today:<a name='more'></a>
1. Stop using so much sunscreen!
Avoid having to use as much sunscreen by using long sleeve, loose cotton shirts, broad brim hats, and generally avoiding being the in sun between 10am and 3pm during the warmer months.
And when you do opt for SPF, use safer sunscreens without nano-particles, oxybenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate or retinyl palmitate. Generally use mineral sunscreens (look for ingredients like "zinc cream") over chemical ones.
Remember that you actually need Vitamin D, so spend some time outside with short sleeves and no sunscreen before 10am. Dr Sarah Lanzt, author of Chemical Free Kids, says her family motto is "Get sun, not too much, don't get red."
Check out her article The Burning Facts: Sun, Nanoparticles and Sunscreens for more on which chemicals to avoid. See the EWG's Guide to Sunscreens, or this article from Sarah Wilson, for some of the better options.
2. Start making your own non-toxic cosmetics, in order to avoid these eight deadly chemicals.
An easy place to start is lip balm: the basic recipe is one part bees wax to one part liquid oil, such as jojoba or olive oil, by weight. Place together in a glass jar, and put the jar in a saucepan of water over a low heat. Beeswax is a beast to clean off afterwards, so I prefer the jar to using a double boiler.
You can experiment by adding more or less oil, depending upon how firm you like your balm, and by using a mix of coconut oil, shea or cacao butter. If your balm comes out too hard or soft for your liking, remelt it and start again!
Here are five more beauty products to make from coconut oil, and a list of safer choices to buy.
3. Make your own non-toxic cleaners.
You can make just about anything you need to clean your house from a few simple household ingredients, like baking soda, vinegar, super washing soda and soap.
Laundry: Make your own laundry powder by mixing equal parts super washing soda and grated soap, and using about ¼ cup per load of laundry. Add some borax or oxi-clean for heavy duty loads. Use ½ cup white vinegar in the rinse for a fabric softener, especially if you have hard water.
Kitchen: Make this all purpose spray cleaner by soaking your left over citrus peel in white vinegar for a couple of weeks, then decanting into a spray bottle (strain well first). Dilute with 50% distilled water, and add a tsp of dish soap for extra power.
Download my free non-toxic cleaning printables, for more easy recipes.
4. Only eat real food.
So much of our food is now processed and full of additives, that it can be overwhelming to know what to eat and what to avoid.
If you are new to eating "real" foods, start by reading food labels in the supermarket and just avoid ingredients you can't pronounce or that are identified only by numbers. Try to move towards eating more "real" foods, but don't be discouraged by set backs. Just make one change at a time until you get there.
Tip: Don't deprive yourself of treats, or you're doomed to failure. Here's a delicious but simple "real food" recipe of mine for chocolate balls you will love.
5. Add some plants to clean the air at home.
Add some pot plants to your home. These will clean formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.
Any plants will help, as long as they are potted in soil, as studies have found that it is the soil, combined with the root system of the plant, that does a lot of the filtration. However, some plants which seem to be particularly effective include the peace lily, bamboo palm, rubber plant and green spider plant.
Over to you: Leave a comment and tell me, what are you going to change today, or what is your best tip for moving to a less toxic lifestyle?
Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-12277654942660651492014-03-15T17:29:00.001+05:302014-03-15T17:29:41.970+05:30DIY: Lavish Your Hair With This Avocado Mask<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1238819_515349141886541_1646884760_n.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11676" alt="1238819_515349141886541_1646884760_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1238819_515349141886541_1646884760_n.jpg" width="510" height="240" /></a>I live in Boulder, Colorado, 5,420 feet above sea level. Can you say DRY and BRUTAL for my hair, skin, and nails? I remember the sheen and body I'd see in my hair when I lived on the East coast during spring and summer. Out here, my wannabe luscious locks begin to look like lonely shriveled branches.
Years ago, I'd use hot oil treatments in my hair, until I found out how toxic most of them were. Now I've got my own version: I treat my hair with an avocado mask. Avocado oil is so nourishing and hydrating. It does wonders for your skin and is even better for your scalp.<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">To beat the winter dull, here's my recipe</span>
<em>What You'll Need</em>
<ul>
<li>1 avocado</li>
<li>2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted</li>
<li>5 drops geranium essential oil (said to promote emotional balance, mood elevation, and skin health)</li>
</ul>
<em>What To Do</em>
1. Put all the ingredients in a food processor and mix until smooth.
2. Using a basting brush or professional color application brush (available at beauty-supply stores or online), paint on your hair, then squeeze to distribute evenly.
3. Leave on for 30 minutes and then shampoo out completely.
Your hair will feel thicker, fuller, smooth, and silky. I have just given you my secret weapon against dry and brittle hair … What do you do to hydrate your hair? I'd love to hear from you!
Source: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12933/diy-lavish-your-hair-with-this-avocado-mask.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-3094259026859265172014-03-05T19:28:00.001+05:302014-03-05T19:28:26.558+05:30Foods that Increase Your Sperm Count<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/429468_311249682318359_1663114381_n2.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11597" alt="429468_311249682318359_1663114381_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/429468_311249682318359_1663114381_n2.jpg" width="324" height="132" /></a>Sperm Count is one of the most important characteristics
in male fertility. Research shows that in more than half of
infertility issues in couples, low sperm count is the cause.
According to the World Health Organization , sperm count
of more than 15 million sperms per milliliters in considered
normal. In semen analysis which is a test for sperm quality
to find the underlying cause of male infertility, the following
parameters are measured: sperm count , sperm motility ,<a name='more'></a>
sperm morphology , volume, fructose level and pH.
Several environmental , lifestyle and medical causes can
lower the sperm count significantly.
Here is a list of the most common causes of low sperm
count:
Drugs such as cocaine and marijuana
Drinking alcohol
Exteneded uses of computers and laptops
Long-term sitting, such as driving and bicycling for a long
time
Smoking
Stress
Obesity
Medical issues:
varicocele, infections, inflammation of testicles and
prostate, ejaculation issues, anti-sperm antibodies,
tumors, homonal imbalance, gluten intoleance and some
medications.
Exercise and a healthy diet can help you to increase your
sperm count. Here we gathered a list of 10 foods that can
help you to boost your sperm count :
• Bananas
Bananas are effective at increasing sperm count, since
they contain a rare enzyme called Bromelain . Bromelain is
also found in pineapples, and mostly in their stem.
Beromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme which
also boosts greater production of the male sex hormone,
testosterone (Source: Dr. Oz ).
Bananas are also a rich source of vitamins B1, A and C.
These essential vitamins help the body enhance its sperm
producing ability and increases stamina significantly.
• Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is not just used in seduction, but it also
has enormous health benefits. According to a research
published in the Journal of the American Dietetic
Association , dark chocolate can increase the feeling of
attraction between two people by releasing the same
endorphins that are secreted during sex.
Dark chocolate also contains L-arginine, which is also
present in red meat, nuts, spinach and lentils, whole
grains,soy, seafood and eggs . This amino acid is needed
for sperm production and when consumed, increases
sperm count and boosts semen volume. According to The
University of Michigan Health System , several months of
L-arginine supplementation increases sperm count,
quality, and fertility.
L-arginine is also known to improve the dilation of blood
vessels, which increases blood flow to the genitals, which
can help the penis to enlarge . That’s the reason why men
who consume dark chocolate everyday have reported
stronger and more intense orgasms.
• Garlic
Garlic has the ability to increase blood flow in the body.
Garlic contains a chemical called allicin . Allicin is
responsible for many of garlic’s amazing health benefits
including its antimicrobial, and anti-hypertension
properties. This compound prevents plaques from building
up in arteries and enhances blood flow to the genital area
which increases the production of sperm. Garlic also
contains nitric oxide synthase , or NOS, which plays an
important role in a healthy erection . Garlic provides the
body with selenium and vitamin B6 which are responsible
for the mechanism of healthy sperm production.
• Pomegranates
Pomegranates are useful in problems ranging from cold
and flu to low sperm count. Pomegranates contain anti-
oxidants that fight a chemical in the blood which destroys
sperm. This chemical is known as malondialdehyde
(MDA) . Malondialdehyde is also found in the semen and is
associated with low sperm quality . A new study published
in the International Journal of Medical Research and Health
Sciences (2013) shows that smoking increases the levels
of MDA in semen and lower the sperm count in semen.
Aother study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal shows
that daily consumption of pomegranate juice destroys free
radicals and boosts sperm quality .
• Beef
Beef is a rich source of zinc which possesses protective
properties that prevent free radicals from becoming part of
sperm. Zinc stops testosterone from converting into
estrogen which is responsible for low libido. According to
Mayoclinic, daily consumption of 66 milligrams of zinc
may increase sperm counts in subfertile men and 220
milligrams of daily zinc is helpful for sexual dysfunction in
men.
If you’re vegetarian like me, don’t worry! There are plenty
of vegetarian and vegan foods that are abundant sources
of zinc.
Please make sure to check out Top 10 Signs of Zinc
Deficiency .
• Walnuts
As mentioned earlier, walnuts contain arginine that helps
in the increased production of sperm and also boosts
semen volume. Walnuts also contain Omega-3 fatty acids
which help increase blood flow to the penis. They also
possess twice the antioxidant power of other nuts. An
amazing fact about walnuts is that having 7 walnuts a day
lowers cholesterol and the risk of heart attack.
• Spinach
Spinach has many health benefits and is easily available.
Green leafy vegetables like spinach contain high amounts
of folic acid . Vegetables enriched in folic acid help
contribute to sperm count. They also make sperms
healthier and increase their motility.
• Fruit Salad
Fruits like oranges, strawberries, cherries, and other
antioxidant-rich fruits are effective in boosting sperm
count and preventing damage to sperm. Eating a fruit salad
helps you absorb all the nutrients of fruits at one time. By
making eating fruits a habit, it can help counteract free
radical damage. The semen of men who take up to 1000
mgs of vitamin C daily has less clumping than that of their
deficient counterparts. This increases motility and the
chances of fertilization.
• Water
The simplest way to improve you sperm count is to drink
ample water each day. It’s necessary to keep your body
hydrated in order to boost the functioning of cells,
including sperm. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day
can help your sperm to go a long way.
In the end, this video summarizes some effective changes
in your lifestyle that can boost your fertility:
View How to Increase Your Sperm Count on HowcastGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-63582042601770880702014-03-05T16:51:00.001+05:302014-03-05T16:51:58.168+05:30Vegan Stuffed Squash With Dates & Pine Nuts<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/429468_311249682318359_1663114381_n1.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11594" alt="429468_311249682318359_1663114381_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/429468_311249682318359_1663114381_n1.jpg" width="384" height="256" /></a>There are many different types of winter squash, each one with a unique and incredible flavor. Most of us are familiar with the butternut, a wonderful gateway into the world of winter squash, but if you're looking to expand your squash repertoire, I encourage you to visit your local farmers' market. You're sure to find an exciting assortment to try!
This recipe works well with many different types of squash and is a perfect opportunity to try something new. Make this as side for your next gathering, or let it shine bright as the main entrée. I love to make an extra large batch of the mixed grains and add it to salads for a quick lunch option.<a name='more'></a>
<strong>Vegan Stuffed Squash With Dates And Pine Nuts</strong>
Makes 4 – 6 servings, depending on size of squash
<em>Ingredients</em>
<ul>
<li>1/3 cup barley</li>
<li>1/3 cup brown rice</li>
<li>1/3 cup farro</li>
<li>3 cups water or broth</li>
<li>1/2 onion, diced</li>
<li>1 Tbsp. olive oil</li>
<li>1 cup almonds, chopped</li>
<li>½ cup pine nuts</li>
<li>5 dates, pitted and chopped</li>
<li>½ + cup vegetable broth</li>
<li>Sea salt</li>
<li>4-6 small winter squash (I love golden nugget!)</li>
</ul>
<em>Directions</em>
Combine grains and water (or broth) in a pot and bring to boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the grains are tender. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a small pan and add the onion. Over medium-low heat, cook the onions until slightly caramelized, about 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Slice the tops off of each squash and use a sturdy spoon to scrape out the seeds and pulp.
Spread the almonds and pine nuts on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, until nuts are golden brown.
Once the grains are cooked, add in the onion, almonds, pine nuts, dates and vegetable broth. Mix until well combined.
Fill each squash with the stuffing, top off with 1 Tbsp. of vegetable broth and bake for 30-45 minutes, until tender.
Source:-http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12829/vegan-stuffed-squash-with-dates-pine-nuts.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-79840638369917112782014-03-05T16:17:00.001+05:302014-03-05T16:17:28.299+05:30Basil Beet Juice With A Ginger Kick<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/429468_311249682318359_1663114381_n.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11591" alt="429468_311249682318359_1663114381_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/429468_311249682318359_1663114381_n.jpg" width="377" height="196" /></a>My tribute to the truly incredible Rolling Stones — I was lucky enough to see them at a small gig at the Brixton Academy and mind-blowing is the only word I can use. In case you don’t know, "Ruby Tuesday" was released in January 1967.
Now, on with the juice! Rich, nutritious beetroot and carrot juice combined with sweet creamy pineapple juice, a mellow fresh hit of basil and a little cheeky kick of ginger. This is one of the nicest juices on my detox program — hope you agree.<a name='more'></a>
<strong>Beet Juice with a Ginger Kick (serves 1)</strong>
<em>Ingredients</em>
<ul>
<li>¼ medium pineapple (with or without the skin, depending on your juicer)</li>
<li>2 medium carrots</li>
<li>1 small bulb raw beetroot</li>
<li>1—2 cm chunk root ginger</li>
<li>4 sprigs fresh basil</li>
<li>1 small handful ice cubes</li>
<li>no brown sugar (sorry, just a little ref to a Stones track)</li>
</ul>
<em>Directions</em>
Juice all the ingredients, but make sure you sandwich the basil and ginger in between other ingredients to ensure maximum juice extraction.
<strong>Why Say Hello and Not Goodbye to This Ruby Tuesday?</strong>
Beetroot is currently one of the most talked-about vegetables in terms of its nutritional benefits and there have been several studies conducted globally about the effects of drinking beetroot juice. The conclusion of all these studies is that the high level of nitrates found in beetroot keep the blood vessels dilated, meaning that high blood pressure is reduced and stamina in both the elderly and also athletes is improved due to the increased oxygen uptake capability. This juice is also loaded with vitamins B and C and beta-carotene, as well as calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium and magnesium.Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-63271725205755991012014-03-05T15:59:00.001+05:302014-03-05T15:59:22.588+05:308 Yoga Mistakes That Are Holding Back Your Practice<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/522615_395942890442043_175759767_n.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11588" alt="522615_395942890442043_175759767_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/522615_395942890442043_175759767_n.jpg" width="306" height="144" /></a>For various reasons, I like to practice my yoga at home. While this gives me a lot of freedom to practice it the way I want to, it also means that I have to be my own teacher. This in turn means that the little corrections, the tiny push which teachers provide are things I need to do on my own.
While it's possible to do this (I take videos of my sessions), you sometimes never know if you're still making mistakes. Even if you go to a yoga class, you may not be getting enough individual attention to rectify the small missteps — both physical and mental — that may hold you back from developing your practice.<a name='more'></a>
Below, I have listed some common yoga mistakes which you may not realize you're making:
1. Not being self-aware.
One of the spiritual benefits of yoga is learning to immerse yourself in the present moment. So when you're doing the poses, it's important to be self-aware and focus on your body.
That means being aware of how you're breathing, of whether your back leg is stretched properly, etc. Doing poses on autopilot, thinking about the movie you just saw, isn't conducive to a strong practice. If a pose is too easy for you, maybe it’s time to move on to one with a higher difficulty.
2. Letting your ego get in the way.
We've all been in this situation. You've been practicing a pose for a long time but are yet to master it. It's easy to get frustrated in such a situation and force your body into a pose.
By forcing your body this way, you risk injury. But it's also important to push yourself beyond mild discomfort. So how do you know the difference? By being self-aware. By being self-aware, you understand your body enough to know when to push yourself, and when not to.
3. Practicing inconsistently.
Are you a weekend yogi? A lot of people fail to realize that success with any practice, not just yoga, is consistency. It's also important to realize that each yoga session builds on your previous session.
By practicing yoga inconsistently, you can shock your body even if you accomplished a pose just a week back. Make a decision either to practice consistently, or just not practice at all.
4. Breathing improperly.
The importance of proper breathing in yoga cannot be emphasized enough. Holding your breath may be OK in weightlifting, but not in yoga.
Some poses require deep breathing whereas some require normal breathing. At some point in a pose, you need to inhale whereas at other times, you need to exhale. Find out how you need to be breathing.
5. Not being genuinely grateful.
To get the full emotional and psychological benefits of yoga, it's important to practice it from a good place in your heart. It doesn’t mean forcing yourself to be happy even if you're feeling down. It just means accepting the present moment for what it is, and accepting yourself for who you are and how you're feeling right now. Regardless of whether you feel good or bad, it's possible and is important to feel grateful during your yoga practice.
6. Not properly warming up and cooling down.
Like with any other exercise it's important to warm up and cool down properly. Yoga, thankfully, provides the perfect cool down in the form of savasana.
But for warming up, I like to do a couple of rounds of sun salutation and a few other stretches, depending on whether I’m feeling stiff in a certain area. So figure out a good warmup routine that works for your body.
7. Thinking of yoga as just a workout.
Although yoga is a great workout and has incredible physical benefits, it also has emotional and psychological benefits. If you intensify your yoga or focus purely on numbers, you treat it as a workout or a stretch and lose the other benefits that it provides.
So treat it as a relaxing, meditative practice, and preferably listen to relaxing music while you do it.
8. Not using props, etc. to modify pose.
None of us start yoga doing all the poses perfectly. Some of us start off in worse shape than others, so it's important to modify a pose to fit your requirements. Find out if you can use props or modify the pose in some way to fit your needs while still using proper technique.
What are you waiting for? Figure out what mistakes you are making and make your yoga practice more efficient.
Source:-http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12835/8-yoga-mistakes-that-are-holding-back-your-practice.htmlGreen Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-92031806307639352512014-03-05T13:30:00.001+05:302014-03-05T13:30:06.804+05:30Children Begin to Eat Vegetables When Tempted With Rewards<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/383808_149499138491162_1812324168_n8.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-11584" alt="383808_149499138491162_1812324168_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/383808_149499138491162_1812324168_n8.jpg" width="210" height="175" /></a>A new study has revealed that a rewards system for about 10 days may be a good way to help children start eating veges.
When 3-4 year old children were given a sticker each time they tasted a wee bit of a vegetable they disliked, this very act of rewarding them seemed to change their attitude towards the vegetable. Infact, after a few weeks, children began to rate the vegetable in a more positive way.
<div>
Verbal praise did not have a similar effect as rewards. <a name='more'></a>
"We would recommend that parents consider using small non-food rewards, given daily for tasting tiny pieces of the food - smaller than half a little finger nail," researchers said.
</div>Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-57568287911854324452014-03-05T13:07:00.001+05:302014-03-05T13:07:21.610+05:30Cereals Have Higher Sugar Content Than Doughnuts<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/383808_149499138491162_1812324168_n7.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11580" alt="383808_149499138491162_1812324168_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/383808_149499138491162_1812324168_n7.jpg" width="80" height="80" /></a>Cereal manufacturers in Britain have come under heavy fire after a Channel 4 program revealed that some of the best cereal brands marketed in the country contained very high levels of sugar and salt.
According to the program "Dispatches: do you know what's in your breakfast?" which is scheduled to be aired on Monday, a 30g serving of Kellogg's Frosties contained more sugar levels than a Tesco jam doughnut. <a name='more'></a>
<div>
While the jam doughnut contained 8.6g of sugar, Frosties accounted for 11.1g of sugar while other famous brands such as Nestle's Honey Cheerios and Kellogg's Coco Pops 10.53g and 10.2g of sugar.
One of the most famous brands of cornflakes marketed by Kellogg's had salt levels which were higher than Walkers Ready Salted crisps.
Calling for uniformity in labeling products, British Heart Foundation's policy manager Mubeen Bhutta said, "We want to see a single labeling system introduced across all foods so that parents can make informed choices about what they are buying. I think parents would be very surprised that cereals, often advertised as having health benefits, contain more sugar than a doughnut."
While the charity foundation accused cereal manufacturers of duping the consumers by claiming that their products were healthy, Kellogg's joined hands with their counterparts by dismissing the report by stating that their cereals contained far less sugar levels that other sweets.
"The reality is a single serving of Frosties or Coco Pops has the same amount of sugar in it as glass of orange juice or a banana. It's important to remember that a doughnut contains around 14 times the level of fat as a single bowl of Frosties", a Kellogg's spokesman revealed.</div>Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9022713814927253782.post-8193009132143456712014-03-05T12:34:00.001+05:302014-03-05T12:34:10.496+05:30Wheat Aleurone in Cereals and Bread is Healthy<a href="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/383808_149499138491162_1812324168_n6.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11575" alt="383808_149499138491162_1812324168_n" src="http://greenyatrablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/383808_149499138491162_1812324168_n6.jpg" width="300" height="250" /></a>A new study has pointed out that intake of cereals and bread containing wheat aleurone is good for health.
Wheat aleurone is a novel wheat grain fraction with high levels of potentially health-promoting compounds.
<div> New clinical trials with ready-to-eat cereals and bread containing wheat aleurone have been performed, and showed increased blood concentrations of tentatively beneficial compounds such as betaine, and decreased homocysteine and LDL-cholesterol which are both associated with heart disease risk.</div>
<div>
Buhler produced aleurone fractions in their pilot production plants in Switzerland, which were then incorporated into ready-to-eat cereal by Buhler, and into bread rolls by Barilla in Italy. These products contained 9 g aleurone per portion. <a name='more'></a>
The University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, UK conducted a 4-week randomised controlled clinical study with human subjects, who consumed two portions of bread rolls, and one portion of ready-to-eat cereal as part of their diets.
The study showed that, compared to control products, the consumption of the products, which provided 27 g aleurone per day, led to significant changes in a number of plasma biomarkers.
Betaine increased, and there were decreases in homocysteine and LDLcholesterol, which are both associated with heart disease risk.
Furthermore, there was a decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a biomarker for inflammation.</div>Green Yatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574948930196550435noreply@blogger.com0