Checkout this article, a weekly activity for tummy. Wonder if i can flatten it by a few cm s?? doesn't hurt to try huh!!






 

Hope it's not too late to wish  `Selamat Hari Raya' to all bloggers who took a stroll  at my humble blog. This year we celebrated `Aidil Fitri' in Trengganu - mom-in-law's house. It was a quiet `Raya' since  my sister in laws (5 of them) headed to their own venues for `raya' celebration this year.

 It has been quite sometime i took a break from blogging.  I was busy educating myself on how to make `macarons' or also known as `french macaron' via the `net' - youtube n other reading materials. As usual, my children are the catalyst behind this tedious and head wrenching project.

 For info, `macaron'  and `macaroon' are totally two different confectionery. Macaron is a sweet confectionery made with egg whites, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond powder or ground almond, and food coloring whilst Macaroon is a type of light, baked confection, described as either small cakes or meringue-like cookies depending on their consistency. (i googled this info out)

Macarons in a variety of colours.

macaroon

Though the ingredients for macaron making is easy to obtain but the technique proof to be the gist of it. I bought 1 kilo of almond ground  and tried a few batches with different recipes and managed to finalize  one  that came out almost perfect with feet and a few other criteria s. The first flavour i did successfully was chocolate macaron with `nutella' as its filling.

Below i proudly present  my fruit of success after many many disastrous baking. 

"bon-a-petit"

Reaching 50 and with no exercise your joints will start to give away especially the knees. Here's an article from The Dr. Oz Show which could enlighten us on  the functions of Omega-3 which is often talk about nowadays.

It's good for your joints, skin, vision, brain, heart, helps lower bad cholesterol levels and even boosts fertility. It's an anti-ager and an anti-inflammatory. It's found naturally in a variety of delicious foods including walnuts, salmon, tuna, olive oil and avocados. It's omega-3 - and it's time you got to know the daily dose that's good for just about every single part of your body.

A yacht washed ashore by a huge tsunami sits on top of a building in Otsuchi, Japan. on Monday, March 14

A tsunami smashes vehicles and houses in Kesennuma city in Miyagi Prefecture in northern Japan on Friday

Cars washed inland by the tsunami sit in debris-covered water outside Sendai

Five-year-old Neena Sasaki carries family belongings from her destroyed home in Rikuzentakata in Miyagi Prefecture on Tuesday, March 15.

Japanese residents queue for food in Sendai.

Rescue workers look for missing people who were lost in the tsunami, in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

A Self Defense Forces soldier holds a 4-month-old baby in Ishinomaki city in Miyagi prefecture Monday. The child survived the tsunami with her family

Sixty-year-old survivor Hiromitsu Shinkawa spent two days floating on a piece of roof in waters off Fukushima prefecture before being rescued

Residents carry supplies as they navigate over damaged vehicles outside a store in Tagajo, Miyagi Prefecture

Before and After: Devastation in Japan (images from CNN)

Minamisanriku in Miyagi, Japan, in 2002, and again after the tsunami in 2011.

Kesennuma in Miyagi, Japan, in 2002, and again after the tsunami in 2011.

Kashima in Minamisoma, Japan, in 2003, and again after the tsunami in 2011

Otomo in Rikuzentakata, Japan, in 2005, and again after the tsunami in 2011.

Fujitsuka in Sendai, Japan, in 2008, and again after the tsunami in 2011.

Airport in Sendai, Japan, in 2003, and again after the tsunami in 2011

Dr. Oz is vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University. He directs the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital. His research interests include heart replacementsurgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, complementary medicine and healthcare policy. He has authored more than 400 original publications, book chapters and medical books and has received several patents.
Tea Tree Oil

Applying this naturally antimicrobial oil straight to the skin can treat a range of fungal infections, including athlete's foot.

Tiger Balm

This nearly 100-year-old remedy contains active ingredients, including camphor, that create a heating effect and help ease pain.

Band-Aids

Protecting small wounds helps prevent infection—and discourages scabs from forming, which helps reduce the chance of scarring.

Ibuprofen

Take this drug a few days before menstrual cramps hit. It blocks the formation of compounds called prostaglandins, which cause your uterus to contract.

Aspirin

If you're over 40, ask your doctor about taking two low-dose aspirin daily to help prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.

Pepto-Bismol

This pink medicine can treat all manner of GI ailments, from nausea to diarrhea, by fighting inflammation and acid buildup.

Toothbruth

Keep it inside your medicine cabinet, not on the counter. Flushing the toilet can send tiny bacteria everywhere—including onto your bristles.

Toothpaste

Check the label. Sodium lauryl sulfate creates foam when you brush, but you don't need it for a clean mouth—and it can cause canker sores.

Dental Floss

Flossing is essential to help prevent gingivitis, a chronic infection of the gums that increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Neti Pot
 
Using a neti pot to cleanse your sinus cavity can help fight congestion—without the side effects of allergy pills and nasal sprays.
 
Valerian Root

This ancient insomnia remedy may affect the neurotransmitter GABA, the chemical targeted by many prescription sleep medications.

 Extracted from The Dr. Oz Show.

Do you have problem sleeping?? Here are some food listed by Dr. Oz to help you get a good night sleep.


Having trouble falling asleep? There is a surprising way to get more shut eye: change your diet. Learn what foods to eat before bedtime so you can stay sound asleep 'til the sun comes up.




 
You may not think what happens at your dinner table has much to do with your nights of tossing and turning, but there is a connection. Diets high in refined sugar can cause indigestion and trigger insulin surges that interfere with the hormones that affect sleep. The solution: low-fat and high-fiber foods. 

When you eat is as important as what you eat for a peaceful night. Eating late at night forces your body and brain to be digesting instead of resting. Avoid eating 3 hours before you go to bed. 

The following are simple, tasty and nutritious options to help you get the 7-8 hours of sleep that are so critical to your health.


Bananas are chockfull of potassium and magnesium, which both help to relax your muscles to give you a peaceful night’s sleep. Bananas also have the added benefit of helping to lower your blood pressure while you sleep.



Popcorn With Parmesan Cheese provides a delicious combination of carbohydrates and dairy. Dairy has tryptophan in it, which is a precursor to a sleep-inducing hormone, and the carbohydrates in the popcorn help your brain absorb tryptophan better. For simple instructions to make light, homemade popcorn, click here.



Top your salads with chia seeds; they contain the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan. The tryptophan in chia seeds, like in turkey, raises melatonin and serotonin levels, which promotes stable sleep. With more than twice the tryptophan of turkey, you’ll need just 2 ounces of chia seeds to help you snooze.



Wheat germ sprinkled on yogurt or cereal will provide you with a boost of vitamin B6, used in sleep aids for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. Try 1 teaspoon of wheat germ for more restful sleep. 





A cup of valerian tea with honey before bed is a centuries old practice. The natural compounds in valerian tea have been used as a sedative and may help reduce the amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep. The glucose in honey will help you relax as you are trying to fall asleep; it affects orexin, a neurotransmitter that has been linked to alertness.



Tart cherry juice is rich in melatonin, the sleep hormone that regulates and resets your internal clock. Drink an 8 oz. glass in the morning and 2 hours before bed for sweet dreams. To get the full benefit, drink this juice at a scheduled time every day. To read more about melatonin, click here.


A turkey burger with spinach on a whole wheat bun is the perfect meal for restful sleep. You can thank the tryptophan in turkey for that. Tryptophan not only affects melatonin, but it also creates serotonin, which helps to stabilize sleep. The iron in spinach is also known to help relieve the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. For Dr. Oz-approved turkey recipes, click here.


Note : Iron is critical to several body functions including :

• Creating hemoglobin in red blood cells
• Transporting oxygen to cells
• Regulating cell growth and development
• Maintaining a healthy immune system
• Promoting healthy brain function

A deficiency of this essential nutrient can put you at risk for serious conditions such as iron-deficient anemia, which causes fatigue and weakens the immune system.


 Cheese and 100% whole grain crackers are your best bedtime-snack bet. The whole grains help produce serotonin. Cheese, like other dairy products, contains tryptophan. Together, they make for a winning combination.

Here are some home remedies that are tested by Dr. Oz and might be  useful in case of emergencies.



Dr. Oz continues to put viewer home remedies to the test. See what works and what doesn't.






Often communicated by a trusted source, it's easy to believe in the healing powers of home remedies. However, it can be difficult to differentiate a successful home remedy from an old wives' tale. To clear up the confusion, Dr. Oz took some remedies YOU swear by and put them to the test!

Method: For the first step, chop garlic and add to 1 tablespoon of honey. For the second step, add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder to a half a glass of warm milk. Swallow the honey-garlic mixture and chase it with the milk mixture.
Verdict: It works! Inflammation is a major cause of joint pain. Garlic, honey, turmeric and milk all have anti-inflammatory properties. Mixing turmeric into warm milk (instead of water) makes it easier to drink.


Method: Use a cotton ball to tickle the roof of your mouth at the point where the hard and soft palate meets.
Verdict: It works! Hiccups are caused by a spasm of the diaphragm. Tickling the roof of your mouth stimulates the vagus nerve, which interrupts that spasm.

Method: The didgeridoo is a wind instrument that produces a droning sound. Play this instrument, or as an alternative, blow into a wrapping paper roll before bed to help with snoring and sleep apnea.
Verdict: It works! Snoring and sleep apnea are caused by collapse of upper airways. Playing the didgeridoo strengthens those muscles and prevents them from narrowing. It uses circular breathing – storing air in your cheeks for one continuous breath. This practice can also lessen daytime sleepiness, a complication of snoring and sleep apnea.

Method: Cut a lemon into pieces and then eat it.
Verdict: It works! Raw lemon is high in vitamin C, and in high doses, vitamin C can cause diarrhea.

Method: Pour rubbing alcohol into a bowl, wet the bandana in the alcohol and then tie it tightly around your head
Verdict: It doesn't work. Although there might be some comfort in cooling your forehead, the fumes of the alcohol can actually worsen your headache. Additionally, high levels of alcohol absorbed through the skin and may cause nausea. Instead, soak the bandana in water that's been mixed with a little bit of rosemary or lavender.

Method: Take raw cabbage and blend in a juice extractor to remove the pulp. Drink the juice while fresh. You can sweeten the taste by adding carrot juice.
Verdict: It works! Fresh, uncooked cabbage has been proven to heal ulcers. In a study conducted in the 1950s, over 90% of participants were completely rid of their ulcers through this method.

Method: Take a bit of olive oil, and swish it around in your mouth. Swallow.
Verdict: It works! Because olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats (the good kind of fat) and antioxidants that reduce plaque buildup, it works to prevent gingivitis. It can also minimize the discomfort from other sores in your mouth. Additionally, the antioxidants in olive oil help to kill off H. pylori, the bacteria that infects stomach lining and causes ulcers.

Method: Chop up 5-6 large leaves of cabbage into halves or quarters. Add them to 2 cups of milk. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat for around 20-35 minutes until it boils and starts to look and feel sticky. Spread the mixture onto your back and leave on for around 20 minutes.
Verdict: It does not work! Although the heat may help to loosen up the muscles and bring relief, there is no science behind milk or cabbage being useful for back pain.

Method: Take boiled rice, add around 10 crushed curry leaves, 1 tsp cumin seeds and then fry together. Then add 1 glass of water and bring to a boil. Have the drink on an empty stomach.
Verdict: It works! Rice usually helps an upset stomach. Additionally, there is also some evidence that curry leaves contain a protein that slows down digestion, and could be helpful to treat diarrhea.

Method: Peel and slice an onion. Then cut the tops of panty hose and place the slices inside. Wrap around you ankle like a bracelet. Put a sock on over the onion. Wear overnight to reduce your fever.
Verdict: It might work. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties which could reduce a fever, but only when eaten. There is no evidence that this would work through the skin.

Method: Heat 1 tsp olive oil. Cool oil until it's tepid. Make sure you test first. Add less than 1/3 of a pressed garlic clove - make sure you use only tiny pieces that will dissolve and not chunks. Use a clear dropper and add a couple drops into the ear canal.
Verdict: It works! Garlic has anti-bacterial properties which relieves pain and cures infection.

Method: We've all heard that chicken soup is good for a cold, and instinctively, this makes sense...but does it really work?
Verdict: It works! Chicken soup slows immune cells down, reducing the inflammation that causes cold symptoms. The steam also helps to clear stuff airways. Try this bonafide recipe from a Dr. Oz viewer.


Method: Swallow a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar rather than popping antacids to soothe heartburn.
Verdict: It does not work! Apple cider vinegar works for a lot things (like killing germs, weight loss and hair health) but unfortunately, there's no evidence that supports it can help heartburn. And if it tastes bad, skip it altogether.

Here's a treat on how to look younger without undergoing cosmetic surgeries. Just take a look at all the list of foods that Dr.Oz has laid out. Choose your pick!!

Consider these foods your anti-aging staples. As a rule, fruits and vegetables high in flavonoids and carotenoids, 2 powerful plant-based antioxidants, will remove the free radicals from your skin and body that cause you to age prematurely.




A well-balanced diet can help you lose weight, live longer and feel fitter. But it can also help you look younger. Forget the fountain of youth. Load up a plate at the feel-better buffet and turn back the clock on a full (and happy) stomach.

• Cucumbers are good for the skin. The silica in the peel helps reduce wrinkles and boost collagen. Buy them unwaxed if possible.
• Blood oranges contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that combat free radical damage and UV rays.
• Cod contains selenium which safeguards your skin from sun damage and cancer.
• Mango provides 96% of your daily vitamin C needs and helps prevent periodontal disease.
• Lowfat cottage cheese is full of protein, and therefore promotes hair health (since hair is mostly protein). Just be wary of hidden sodium levels.
• Lean beef is full of iron. Iron deficiency can cause nail beds to be thin and concave.
• Foods of the Mediterranean: fennel, an anti-inflammatory; octopus, a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, B12, iron and zinc; gigantes beans, giant lima beans rich in potassium
• Oysters an excellent source of zinc, which aids in protein synthesis and collagen formation. 
• Red peppers and brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, which help build collagen and fight off free radicals.
• Blueberries 1 serving of this superfood provides more antioxidant activity than most fruits and veggies. Antioxidants fight the free radicals that cause wrinkles.
• Sunflower seeds contain lignin phytoestrogens, which prevent collagen breakdown and boost the skin's lipid barrier.
• Tuna contains Omega-3 fatty acids that fight UV-related cell damage and are a rich source of niacin, a deficiency of which causes skin rashes.
• Avocados are one of the richest sources of monounsaturated fats and contain biotin for healthy skin.
• Watermelon is a source of lycopene, which protects the skin from UV rays.
• Kelp contains vitamins C and E, which protect fats in the skin's moisture barrier from free-radical damage.
• Lentils are a good source of zinc.
• Pumpkin seeds are pumped full of antioxidants and magnesium, which help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Eggs are high in iron and biotin.
• Pomegranate seeds contain juice rich in ellagic acid and punic alagin - 2 agents that fight damage from free radicals and preserve the collagen in your skin.
• Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber which reduces LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol").
• Black currants contain a compound called anthocyanosides, which can help improve vision. Additionally, this superfood contains 5 times the vitamin C that oranges do, making it a superb immunity booster.
• Cranberry juice disrupts the formation of plague and thereby prevents yellowing of teeth. The flavonoids in cranberry juice also counteract the damaging effects of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Be careful that you aren't drinking a sugar-laden cranberry juice cocktail.
• Dark chocolate will help curb your sweet tooth and is rich in flavonoids.  
• Red wine made with the dark skin and seeds of the grapes that are rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that includes resveratrol. If you aren't a drinker, opt for grape juice or a resveratrol supplement available at your drug store for about $25.
• Pure noni juice, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can help fight the formation of tumors – and wrinkles. Noni and noni products, like DERMAdoctor Photodynamic Therapy Noni Lotion, build collagen and are high in antioxidants and polyphenols.
• Guava is packed with vitamin C which boosts collagen production to smooth skin. Two cups of guava per week is the perfect dose of this anti-aging powerhouse.
• Wheat germ is rich in zinc, which plays a crucial role in the production of new skin cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help prevent eczema; recent studies even indicate that wheat germ can help reduce acne. Get half a cup of wheat germ per day for your daily dose of zinc. Try sprinkling it over salads and yogurt or adding it to smoothies.
• Romaine lettuce is a leafy green vegetable high in vitamin A, a vitamin that helps revitalize skin by increasing cell turnover and encouraging new skin cell growth. Add 6 leaves to your salad or as a side with dinner for your daily allowance of vitamin A.
• Brazil nuts contain selenium, a powerful mineral that aids in the production of the antioxidant, glutathione which repairs cell damage and slows down the skin's aging process. Just 2 nuts a day will help you stop the aging process in its tracks.
• Tomatoes provide lycopene, which helps prevent heart disease, elevated cholesterol and cancer. Lycopene acts as natural sun block, preventing the UV damage that causes sun spots, dryness, wrinkles. Remember to cook tomatoes for the maximum anti-aging effect.
• Sardines, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promote hair growth and shine to keep your locks looking young.
• Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin C, which the body needs to manufacture sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is the body's "natural conditioner," and keeps hair shiny, smooth and young looking, while preventing dryness.
• Beans, which are high in protein, promote hair growth and help thicken hair cells by making the fibers stronger.
• Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A; this nutrient is essential to a healthy scalp and youthful-looking, shiny hair. 

Another information from The Dr. Oz Show to be shared, a storage chart which i found it to be useful for my everyday use.


Properly storing foods can help maintain their quality. Whether you’re freezing or refrigerating, one basic rule applies: When in doubt, throw it out! Use this chart from Home Food Safety to stop guessing and get the most out of your food.

Feeling stress ?? Here are some tips from The Dr. Oz Show to lower stress.

Whether it's work, money or family that's the cause, most of us have more stress in our lives than we'd like; it's pushing our bodies to the breaking point and we don't know how to manage stress, let along eliminate it. Dr. Oz is revealing how to lower your stress in less than 5 minutes

As usual, every time i switched on the tv i would checked the infos on every  astro channel choosing what story to watch. The movie title on HBO sounds interesting so i decided to hook up to channel 411.

It was a beautiful story of a relationship between a professor and a faithful dog named Hachi. It was a story on loyalty,a moving story which shed my tears. It was a true story. I googled and found the story behind the american adaptation of the Japanese movie Hachikō Monogatari from this link.


***In 1924, Hachiko was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner's life Hachiko saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno didn't return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting.

The people of Japan was so touched by this heartfelt example of a dog's devotion for his owner that a statue a bronze statue in Hachiko's likeness was erected at Shibuya Station:

Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases  and Alzheimer's disease (AD), is one form of dementia that gradually gets worse over time. Do you know that Alzheimer's disease can strike a person as early as 45. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Practicing a healthy diet is more than counting calories – it’s about choosing the foods that will most fully benefit your body and mind. These brain foods have the power to build your brain up and prevent cognitive decline and the onset of crippling conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.




Antioxidants, monounsaturated fats and omega-3s are big health buzzwords that have one thing in common – they do great things for your body and nourish your brain. Giving your brain the nutrients it needs is essential to longevity. Keep this list of foods handy and make sure to refuel your brain often. It will thank you later.

• Lentils (kacang dhal) provide a steady stream of glucose to your brain. Glucose, a sugar and key source of energy for cells in the body, is the only fuel your brain can use. The high fiber content of lentils is a key component in keeping your brain in optimal shape. The fiber regulates the release of the glucose, providing a steady stream of fuel that powers your brain cells. 

• Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and have been found to keep the arteries of the brain clear of plaque. They nourish the brain by helping communication between brain cells. Sprinkle some into your yogurts, cereals and salads, or munch on them alone.

• Brazil nuts are an excellent source of healthy, or monounsaturated, fats. They are also high in magnesium, a mineral that’s essential to the transmission of signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Almonds, walnuts and cashews are also excellent brain foods. Eat a fistful of brazil nuts or mixed nuts a day.

• Coffee can protect the brain. One study found that coffee can help keep the blood-brain barrier intact; this barrier acts as a coating, and protects the brain from unwanted materials and damaging elements, like harmful cholesterol. Another study showed that coffee may also improve short-term memory. Coffee is high in antioxidants; Americans get most of their antioxidants from coffee. Drinking one or two cups a day is healthy, just remember to use modest amounts of milk and sugar. 

Article is  taken from The Dr. Oz Show

from Martha Stewart Living  http://www.marthastewart.com/article/removing-stains-the-basics


The diluted-soap solutions called for above is made with 1 tablespoon of fragrance- and dye-free liquid soap (containing sodium laurel sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate) and 9.5 ounces of water. Pour it into a tiny spray bottle. Do not use the enzyme detergent, called for below, on protein fibers, such as silk, wool, cashmere or angora. Always wash fabric after using a dry solvent (such as mineral spirits or acetone), and do not use acetone on acetate.,

 

 Anybody up to the challenge??Here are some guidelines for us to reduce consumption of sugar and embrace a healthy life.


There’s some sour news about the sweet stuff. Excess consumption of sugar can lead to an increased risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other serious health conditions. Take this challenge to reduce the amount of sugar you consume – you’ll feel healthier, and if you stick with it, you may just extend your life.





There’s no sugarcoating the facts. Excess sugar consumption puts your body in danger of many potentially fatal conditions.

 

TASK #1

 

Know Your Risk

Learn the top 4 reasons why sugar should get the boot from your diet.

1. High Blood Pressure - Normal nitric oxide levels keep blood vessels healthy and open. Too much sugar in your diet decreases nitric oxide levels, causing blood vessels to become narrow, which causes high blood pressure and an increased risk for cardiac disease.

2. High Cholesterol - People who consume too much sugar are more likely to have lower levels of HDL, or good cholesterol, higher levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, and higher levels of triglycerides, or blood fats. This clogs up arteries and blood vessels, leading to heart disease.

3. Liver Disease - A diet high in sugar is believed to exacerbate fatty liver disease. Too much sugar spikes insulin and drives fat into the liver cells, which causes inflammation and scarring, eventually causing the liver to become cirrhotic.

4. Insulin Resistance - When sugar enters the body, insulin opens the door to allow sugar into the cells. However, when there are continuous sugar spikes, insulin becomes less effective. Sugar can’t get into the cells and become “stuck” in the body, producing toxic effects that lead to obesity and the threat of diabetes.


The average American consumes 24 pounds of artificial sweeteners each year. Sugar substitutes are added to nearly 6,000 products sold in the US, including baby foods, frozen dinners and even yogurts.

 

Carefully Consider the Alternatives

Examine the health risks linked to artificial sweeteners. They’re not always the healthier option.

• Sucralose (includes Splenda brand) – It is 500 times sweeter than sucrose, stored in body fats, and does not affect blood sugar levels. Its use is too new to know the long-term effects, but it appears the most promising and is the best one for cooking.

• Aspartame (includes Equal, Nutrasweet brands) – Several studies have found it has adverse health effects. This sweetener stays in your body longest, and it cannot be heated – or it turns into formaldehyde.

• Saccharin (includes Sweet’N Low brand) – Long-term data suggest it may be one of the safest sweeteners, even if some of the data is not positive.

Hunt down hidden sugars hiding in your cabinets and pantry. Throw away foods containing high amounts of added sugars, everything from tomato sauces to ketchup and peanut butter. Be especially wary of low-fat items as they often contain more sugar to make them taste better.

 

Eliminate Hidden Sugars

When purging your kitchen, be on the look out for these names:

• Fructose
• Maltose
• Sorbitol
• Evaporated cane juice
• Syrups
• Xylotol
• Sugars ending in "ol" or "ose"

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day. That equals about a 100 calories worth of sugar. Unfortunately, it’s less than the sugar in one candy bar or can of soda. This doesn’t include all the natural sources of sugar from fruits, some vegetables and even some whole grains. Many Americans consume close to a whopping 22 teaspoons a day.

 

Cut Your Consumption

Instead of buying and consuming processed foods that include sugar, try buying healthier and whole-food alternatives with low or no added sugar. You can add up to one 1 teaspoon of sugar to these foods. This puts you in control of the amount of sugar you’re consuming.



Soda is loaded with caffeine and high-fructose corn syrup, and it's making Americans sick. In addition to contributing to weight gain, soda increases your risk of diabetes, bone weakening and tooth decay.

Cut Out the Soda (Soft drinks)

Whatever amount of soda you are currently drinking, cut it in half. If you drink 6 sodas a day, decide which 3 are the most important to you and eliminate the other 3. Next week, cut it in half again. Continue on like this until you have eliminated soda from your diet.

STEP 6


Using fresh spices and herbs can trick taste buds into thinking you’re eating something sinfully sweet.

 

Trick Your Taste Buds

Try adding cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla or allspice to your coffee, cereals and baked goods.
In addition, some of these natural alternative sweeteners may also do the trick.

• Honey - Unlike white table sugar, honey is a complex food. One teaspoon contains 25 other compounds including proteins, amino acids and trace minerals.
• Agave - A distilled sweetener derived from the blue agave cactus, agave has a low glycemic index.
• Stevia - A low-calorie sweetener that comes from a plant native to Paraguay and Brazil, stevia is 200 times sweeter than table sugar, so a little goes a long way.

STEP 7


Though eating as few simple sugars as possible is the goal, if you do eat them, there is a right and wrong way to do so. Never eat high-sugar foods by themselves.

 

Keep Your Sugar Under Control

When not eaten with other substances like fat or protein, sugar consumption can cause blood sugar spikes. Pair sugars with nuts or some olive oil and bread first. This slows your stomach from emptying and will keep sugar levels stable.



 

For the benefits of those  who has no idea what the drama is all about here's a synopsis that i copied from Koreandrama.org
Synopsis
Dr. Min Ki Seo went to Blue Island to fulfill his deceased girlfriend’s last wish to find the single mother and her little girl who was infected by HIV and to apologize to them on her behalf as she had unknowingly given the girl tainted blood when she was being treated at the hospital. Lee Young Shin, the single mom, was having a hard time caring for her grandfather who has Alzeimer’s and keeping her daughter’s HIV condition a secret while teaching her how to live with it. Min Ki Seo was an arrogant person who looked down on people and in meeting Lee Young Shin who accepted her fate and tried to make the best of it despite all odds, he slowly changed for the better and became a warm and caring person.













 

There is a foolproof technique for folding a fitted sheet. These instructions are for a right-handed person; just reverse them if you're left-handed.

1. Stand holding the sheet by the two adjacent corners of one of the shorter edges. With the sheet inside out, place one hand in each of these two corners.




2. Bring your right hand to your left, and fold the corner in your right hand over the one in your left, enveloping it. Next, reach down and pick up the corner that is hanging in front; bring it up, and fold it over the two corners in your left hand; the corner that's showing will be inside out.







4. Lay the folded sheet on a flat surface and straighten it into the shape shown.
5. Fold the two edges in so all the elastic is hidden








6. Fold the sheet into a rectangle.




Read more at Marthastewart.com: How To Fold A Fitted Sheet - Martha Stewart Home and Garden

 Enclosed some recipes which are good for our heart and healthy too. It is easy to cook, all we need is to improvise accordingly.

This food pyramid is a basic guideline for our eating plan and  choosing a right diet can help boost immunity, fight cancer and increase longevity.


Alternative health expert Dr. Andrew Weil’s food pyramid will help you eat the optimum amount of fruits, vegetables and even pasta to prevent inflammation and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. The 5 Foods  for Better Health are examples of anti-inflammatory food.


Article is from The Dr. Oz show.

Nuts are also packed with fiber to maintain digestive health. If you’re concerned about the high-calorie content of nuts, remember this: Your body can’t digest nuts entirely, reducing their caloric value by 10-15% off of the total calories. 





From The Dr. Oz Show.Added to Articles on Wed 01/19/2011