7 Health Benefits of doing Yoga Exercises

Yoga is one that focuses on the activity of meditation or penance in which one focus all minds to control the senses and the body as a whole. There are different types of yoga, but each one essentially relies on structured poses practiced with breath awareness.

Global community is generally familiar with Yoga as the main exercise activity part of the Body. Yoga is also used as an alternative treatment, usually this is done with breathing exercises, body work and meditation

Yoga has become more popular around the world, more and more people have seen the benefits of this exercise. Here are some of the benefits of yoga exercises:

1. Detoxify the body from toxins and diseases
As the yoga poses and breathing exercising that gently massage your organs, thereby increasing the blood flow to various parts of the body. The increased blood flow cleans the body thoroughly and gets rid of all the toxins. It also delays the aging process and makes you feel energetic.

2. Improve your posture
Yoga has many standing and sitting poses means you are more likely to sit and stand that leads to a better posture. Doing yoga also increased an awareness of your body as it teaches you how to control your body in a healthier position. This heightened awareness tells you when you bend or slump so you can adjust your posture.

3. Increase the flexibility and agility
In addition to muscle strengthening, Yoga also beneficial for all of the soft tissues of your body which improve flexibility particularly in back, hip, shoulders, and hamstrings.

4. Increasing the strength of our bodies
Yoga poses (Asanas) require you to support your body weight in a new ways, so help you build strength in different parts of the body. For example, Tree Pose, which balancing your weight on one leg. Some practices focus on the less movement and moving slowly in and out of poses, which also increase muscle strength and endurance.

5. Reduce Stress and Enhance body relaxation
Yoga has long been known to be a great antidote to stress. Yoga combines many popular stress-reducing methods, including exercise and learning to control the breath, clear the mind, and relax the body. Over time practitioners report lower levels of stress and increase feelings of happiness and wellness. This is because concentrating on postures and breathing acts as a powerful form of meditation.

6. Keeping You Healthy Heart
Yoga has long been known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Several research have shown that doing yoga at least three times a week can lead to lower blood pressure and the overall risk of heart disease.

7. Various protecting a dangerous disease
In addition to be beneficial to the heart, yoga also can help fight diseases such as digestive disorders, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and varicose veins. Medical researchers have begun studying the benefits of yoga therapy or also called Integrative Yoga Therapy.

The 7 benefits of the above may still be less for those of you who 've never tried yoga exercise, and other benefits of yoga that you can see yourself after a shot.

10 Health Benefits of Fruit Avocado For Our Bodies

Avocados, a fruit that we often encounter. This versatile fruit has many benefits and efficacy for humans. There are many substances that are rich benefits contained in this fruit. Green fruit is often used for juice or mixed ice and ingredients in other dishes. It was a pleasure to make a lot of people liked it. Some people are afraid to consume it because it is considered to have a high fat content. Is it really true? What are the benefits and efficacy of avocado or avocado?

Apart from these, avocados are also considered as one of the healthiest food in the planet because it contain in excess of 25 essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, copper, iron, phosporus, magnesium, and potassium. In fact, you would need to eat two or tree bananas to obtain the potassium content of one avocado . Avocados also contain fibre, protein and beneficial phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein, which help protect against various disease and illness.

Below I will present some of the benefits of the fruit of love this one. shape of this fruit is still not pleasant, but it's very delicious and has many benefits including the following:

1. Weight lose
The avocado has 200 calories for 100 grams. Typically, fruits has approximately 60-80 calories for 100 grams. Due to the high amounts of calories,avocado is a best diet for people who want to gain weight. Avocado is a healthy source of calories, unlike many other calorie-dense foods that may contain excess saturated fats and sugar.

2. Lowering cholesterol levels in the blood
Avocados are rich in a compound called beta-sitosterol which has been shown to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. According to a study, patients with mild hypercholesterolemia who included avocados in their diet for 7 days had 17 percent decrease in total blood cholesterol levels, a 22 percent decrease in both LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels, and a 11 percent increase in HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

3. Prevent aging
Being rich in antioxidants, avocado is beneficial in preventing aging symptoms. The glutathione in avocado may boosts immune systems, slows the aging process, and encourages a healthy nervous system.

4. Reducing the risk of stroke
The high levels of folate in avocados also protect against stroke. A study has shown individuals who ate a diet rich in folate had a lower risk of stroke than those who do not

5. Maintaining the health of our heart
Avocado contains vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help regulate homocysteine levels. High level of homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Besides that, avocado also contains vitamin E, Glutathione and monounsaturated fat which help in maintaining a healthy heart.

6. Maintaining the health of our eyes
Avocado is an excellent source of carotenoid lutein, which known to help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

7. Improve absorption of nutrients in the body
Avocado intake is linked with increased nutrient absorption. A study suggests that, when participants ate salad included avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes beta carotene and lycopene) than those who do not include avocados.

8. Protecting ourselves against cancer
Many studies have shown that avocado can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. The oleic acid in avocado is also effective in preventing breast cancer.

9. Regulate blood sugar levels in our body
The monounsaturated (good) fats in avocados can reverse insulin resistance, which helping to regulate the blood sugar levels. Avocados also contain more soluble fiber, which keep a steady blood sugar levels.

10. Prevent birth defects in children
Avocados are rich in folate, a B vitamin commonly known as folic acid. One cup of avocado provides you about 23% of the Daily Value for folate. The high amount of folate in avocado is essential in the prevention of birth defects, such as neural tube defect and spina bifida.

The Paleo Diet: Can You Believe, Can not....

Paleo Diet- plan Paleo diet, a diet based on the concept of an eating style similar to the caveman diet can promote weight loss and better health is receiving much attention lately. As more research reveals the potential problems that could occur due to a diet rich in low-proceed and fresh foods, many people have to make changes in their ideas and consume more fresh or minimally processed foods. Those in search of similar principles to be able to shed a few pounds may have heard about the Paleo diet.

As a result, the diet recommends eating fresh fruits and vegetables mostly nuts and organic meat, excluding potatoes, pulses, milk, coffee, alcohol, refined oils, sugar and salt. This eating plan is considered a variation of the blood type diet that uses a similar logic to its recommendations for blood type 0 or even a softer version of the Atkins diet, which is essentially also a high protein diet. Eat locally produced organic food is also highly recommended. This gluten-free diet can be a good option for those who suffer from celiac disease. The diet of the defenders to get around 56-65% calories from foods and 36-45% of plant foods.

Grilled meats, fish and eggs are the main protein source s, while the tomatoes, apples, strawberries and pears are among the most popular choices in terms of plant foods. Nuts, is also highly recommended in this diet provides plenty of essential fatty acids that are necessary for proper body functioning. Proponents of this diet believe that this diet can help prevent modern diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and depression. On the other hand, there are many voices that are rather skeptical about the concepts behind this type of diet. One of the main arguments is that it is impossible to know exactly what our ancestors ate so that the principles are highly speculative. In addition, it eliminates many popular sources of carbohydrates such as pasta, bread and desserts, this diet can be very restrictive for some people.

Furthermore, because it encourages the consumption of meat in large quantities, this diet is not suitable for vegetarians and vegans much less. In addition, diets high in protein, may promote kidney damage, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol or constipation. Can you believe, no. But for those who crave a slim body, why not.

Take Your Food to Another Level with Sea to Sky Seasonings Salts

Do you get into a routine where everything you make tastes the same?

I certainly do. I tend to rely on the same spices, do the same 10 dishes again and again and fall into the same pattern at mealtime because I'm rushed for time.

I've recently discovered however, that all it takes is a little salt. Not just any salt, of course. I'm talking about Sea to Sky Seasonings Salts.

These Canadian-inspired infused seasonings & salts enhance flavours way beyond simple table salt. The goal of Sea to Sky Seasonings is "to elevate your taste experience to a new level," and they have most certainly reached it.

By  using as many locally grown, ethical and organic ingredients as possible, you get the freshest, most vibrant taste. And you won't find any food colourings or other flavour enhancers here - just natural ingredients that will enliven both your food and your palates.

New flavours are introduced seasonally - I tried some earlier this season such as Vancoucer Coast & Mountains Berry & Honey Salt (try rimming your Margarita glass with this one - heaven), Vancouver Island Seaweed Salt (so good a top of salmon!), Thompson Okanagan Apple Salt, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Garlic Salt (I shook this all over my homemade sweet potato fries), Northern BC Wild Mushroom Salt (so decadent on eggs!) and for the every day, I quickly became addicted to Kootenay Rockies Spring Skiing Salt (so fresh!).

And now I want to try these from Sea to Sky Seasoning core lineup:

Bacon & Tomato Salt - Smokey Oyama bacon, concentrated sundried tomatoes and sea salt all packaged into one delicious ingredient?  Oh my!

Cabernet Sauvignon Salt - This Cab Sav from the Niagara region is sure to intensify your evening's menu.

Cinnamon, Chocolate & Chipotle - How sexy is this combination? Just think of all you can use it on!

Silk Spice - Created by Chef Silke Seiler, this seasoning is fascinating and completely unique. What a fabulous gift for the food lover in your life!

Shop the entire Sea to Sky Seasonings Store and rev up your cooking - naturally!

How to Increase Penis Size with Naturally

How to Increase Penis Size- This technique is in fact already known since long, even by supposedly said that the people of Sudan and the Middle East region was the first use of this technique.  Men they were hereditary bequeath this technique for many centuries, and now our turn to try it.

Before starting, there are a few things to note:

• This technique is not a technical one-way instant visible results immediately, must with determination and strong commitment from yourself, so if you give up guaranteed not to succeed.
• Do not force yourself to get instant results. So they want quickly and then we managed to speed up exercises that can cause injury to the penis. Appreciate your vital organs.
• Routine is the key to the success of this technique.

A.  Stretching / Length extender
This exercise is intended to increase penis length, way is to stretch the erectile tissue.  Erectile tissue is a tendon tissue that will make our penis erection when filled with blood from the blood flow in our bodies.  This exercise is more secure than if we practice using the weights that the tying of the penis.
The first thing to note is that the penis must be in a flacid state (sleeping, sluggish, calm, non-erect).  The second one should be sitting or standing position, the third is not the penis in slippery conditions or circumstances that could cause our hands slip when holding the penis.  And the steps are as follows:

• Hold the tip of the penis with one hand and other hand holding the hand holding the penis.  At the time of holding the hands make sure we do not skid, but also not to be too loud as it can injure the penis.
• Pull the penis toward the front until you feel the stretch, but not too hard.  Enough to feel that we are forced to stretch the penis, lasting until about 30 seconds, then release.  repeat until approximately 10 times.
• Remove the penis, then penis at-Tap your right thigh to the left until about 30 seconds, or until the penis is relaxed.
• Repeat step 2, but this time pull your penis upwards.
• Repeat step 3.
• Repeat step 2, this time pull the penis towards the left.
• Repeat step 3.
• Repeat step 2, this time pull your penis downward.
• Repeat step 3.
• Repeat step 2, this time pull the penis to the right.
• Repeat step 3.

Furthermore, repeat these steps but this time in the round in a circle to the left, and vice versa.  Repeat five times and then ends by repeating step 3.  This exercise will really feel the results after 3 to 4 month.

B.  Jelging
These exercises are intended to enlarge the penis size.  This exercise has been done for centuries by many tribes in the middle east, which exercises original author calls it a family secret recipe.
Technique is by constantly forcing the blood to meet the penis, which will eventually lead to cavities in the enlarged tendon tissue and is able to accommodate more blood, which eventually enlarge the penis size.  For information on penile erection occurs because the blood that we are fulfilling the penile tissue, so it hardens.  This exercise takes about 20 minutes.  And is better done while sitting or standing.  Use enough lubricant fluids, such as baby oil or vaseline.

The first thing to note is that the penis must be in a state of partial erection, or approximately 60-80% erection, because if the penis in a lackluster state then it will not get any results.  And if the penis in a state of full erection, the penis will be too hard and jelging will not do.  The second is to never to ejaculate.  if not abstinence, be rest for a while until the excitement subsides, then continue.  If jelging days until ejaculation then it must be terminated immediately, because after ejaculation the penis muscles will be too tired to do jelging, increase the risk of injury step is as follows:

• Make sure your penis and hands had been smeared with a liquid lubricant.
• Also make sure the penis has been in a state of 60-80% erection.
• Hold the bottom base of the penis with the position of our hands when motion is OK (make sure we handle as much as possible, by uniting the thumb with the index finger. ) Then the clamp handle until you feel the blood locked in the penis, but not too strong. Does not deal with all the fingers.
• Pull the handle us up slowly while the index finger and thumb are still locking the penis, the penis will look bigger because of the blood being forced up and over.  At the moment our hands up, hold the other side at the base of the penis with the same grip
• After the first grip to the tip of the penis (not the head of the penis), remove the handle first-hand and raise your other hand up in the same way.  If the URLs of these techniques such as cattle ranchers who milk the cows.
• Do it for 10 minutes, or 100-200 replications.

After three weeks of raising the frequency to 20-30 minutes, and within three months the results would be seen.  Completed the exercise your penis will feel warm and slightly painful, it also looks a little bigger.  This is the normal state and indeed the state sought.  Since the completion exercises will stretch and tendon tissue in a state of fatigue (fatigue).

Normal if the penis can not erect after exercise jelging

If the surface penis hurt or prolonged pain in the penis, stop exercising for a few days to recover.  That mark our grip is too strong, set back our grip.

C.  Kegel
According to the authors this is the practice of true manhood.  This exercise aims to train stamina and harden the penis (though durable), also to prevent prostate cancer.  This exercise can also sharpen our ability to control ejaculation (though durable).  In women, exercise is good for improving the quality of orgasm.
Also known as Kegel exercises BC.  The technique is to train the muscles Bulbocavernosus (BC muscle).  This muscle is located near the base of the penis and prostate, these muscles are indirectly pumping and contracting when we ejaculate, and by training these muscles are also trained our manhood.  This exercise is first created about 45 years ago by a gynecologist named Arnold Kegel, MD  and is now recommended by many gynecologists around the world.

Variations that can be done is as follows:

• bc muscles tighten repeatedly for 20-30 times then rest for a few moments, then repeat several times.
• bc muscles tighten slowly until the bc muscles feel tense and the hip feels tired and then release.  Rest a while and repeat several times.
• bc muscles tighten and hold for 30 seconds.  after that off and resting, repeat several times.

The frequency of this practice is not binding, because the muscle does not get tired bc, the more we practice the better.  This exercise can also be done anywhere because it is almost invisible to others.
The latter is the frequency of exercise of the earlier techniques, comparison between exercise and rest must be in accordance with the power of the penis, the lag time is very important to give the penis some time to recover.  Good luck.

How to Increase Breast Size Naturally

How To Enlarge Breasts Size Naturally- Breast is an organ located in the upper chest of the living -sex females, including humans. Where the primary function of breasts is to provide nutrients in the form of milk for your baby or toddler. But the breast has an important role in the attraction of habit intimate human relationships to the spouse. Therefore, having large breasts is the desire of every woman around the world.

Breast Tightening Tips
Some tips on how to tighten and enlarge the breasts, an outline is to pay attention to nutrition for breast care and exercise / workout routine.
First, nutrients to the breast:
• Consumption of fish oil is more often
• Improve your diet with antioxidants ( vitamins C, E, beta-carotene or fruit and fresh vegetables )
• Limit alcohol, coffee, cola, and chocolate
• Eat more fiber, like oats, brown rice and soybeans

Second is a routine exercise with massage. Previously used in the machinations of oil massage or breast massage. The ways:
• Massage your breasts gently squeezing motion with a motion like
• Use your hands to ' twist ' breasts slowly and carefully
• Use both hands to apply pressure and pull of taste

That bit of knowledge about tips on how to enlarge breasts without surgery, quoted from various sources.

7 Kinds Milk and Functions For You

We only know the first cow's milk, but now there is a wide selection of milk, it turns out a wide selection of milk also contain different nutrients.  "Some products are already fortified with vitamin D. There is also a dairy product not enriched with nutrients such as cow's milk so it could be an alternative for those who suffer from lactose intolerance. To know the advantages and disadvantages of each milk, consider the following explanation.

Milk Cow
Plus Cow's milk is very rich in calcium and has two times more protein than other types of milk.  Although there are currently several types of cow's milk, non fat or low-fat, each of which has almost the same nutritional content.
Minus: For people suffering from lactose intolerance, cow's milk can cause problems such as diarrhea, abdominal bloating or discomfort.  But, in fact people who intorelan lactose can drink up to 4 ounces of milk each day without suffering symptoms.

Soy Milk
Plus: The milk is made by soaking and smooth seeds are rich in soy protein and calcium and has no saturated fat.  Another advantage is low in calories and have a variety of flavors.
Minus: Soy products can inhibit the absorption of protein and minerals.  Several studies of soy against breast cancer is still controversial, in part mentions soy consumption increases the risk of breast cancer.

Goat Milk
Plus: Goat's milk is very easy to digest because the protein molecules of different shapes with cow's milk protein.  Besides the calcium content in goat milk with cow's milk is not less, plus contain more tryptophan, an essential amino acid.
Minus: Goat's milk also contains lactose, so just like cow's milk can cause a complaint to the lactose intolerant.  In addition, not everyone likes the taste is a combination of salty and sweet, the smell is quite overpowering.

Almond Milk
Plus: In recent years, this almond milk is quite popular in America.  Milk prepared from almonds mixed with water and sweetener also contains vitamins, minerals, and less fat content.  It was also more comfortable and rich.
Minus: Only a little protein, about 1 gram per cup, much less than soy milk or cow's milk containing 7-8 grams per cup.  This type of milk is also not recommended for people allergic to peanuts and deficiency of vitamin B.  "Some almond milk products are also given an additional sweetener.

Rice Milk
Plus: Made from rice, milk of this type contain less fat and calories.  Also available in vanilla or fresh, and free of lactose and soy.
Minus: The nutrition, rice milk, dairy milk is inferior to others.  In addition to not contain vitamins A and C, rice milk also have little protein.

Raw Milk
Plus: Milk taken directly from the cow, according to Gazzaniga is a gift from nature is good because it is not processed.
Minus: Fresh milk is not on-pasteurisation can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli or listeria.  According to prevention and disease control centers in the U.S., in the last 13 years more than 800 people suffering from illness due to consumption of fresh milk and cheese.

Organic Milk
Plus: Proponents say organic food organic milk produced from cows not fed hormones, antibiotics, pesticides or synthetic fertilizer.
Minus: The price is twice more expensive than non-organic milk.  However, organic milk has nutritional and health benefits the same as conventional cow's milk.

Sources: LiveScience

Step Into Comfort with Sof Sole's New Airr Performance Insoles and Orthotics

With the arrival of the warm weather, you're probably outdoors more than usual, walking and running before the intense heat of the day.

What are you doing to keep your feet feeling good and happy? Most of us have running shoes from years ago and haven't given it another thought since.

That's why you need Sof Sole's New Airr Performance Insoles.

For us ladies:

- The Airr Performance Insoles (pictured above) gives you maximum air cushioning for high-impact activities.  A built-in encapsulated air chamber in the heel and arch and polymer gel forefoot cushioning gives you a hearty bounce and that cushy feel that makes you feel like you can do anything.  The Coolmax fabric top gives your feet room to breathe and keep 'em from getting wet - perfect for running in this heat.

- If you're going to be kick-boxing, jumping rope or running marathons, the Sol Sole Airr Orthotic Insoles are for you. These insoles have the same air chamber as the Airr, but here it's in the heel.  Again, gel forefoot cushioning ensures your complete comfort, but with the Orthotic, you get the addition of a  reinforced stability plate and energy rebound foam. Something tells me you'll be outrunning your mates in no time with these.

- I have a high arch, which can mean that flat, hard shoes can be quite painful. The Airr Arch is the first insole that I've seen that is almost the entire length of a shoe. Which means it won't slip out from under your arch like others in the past and can be worn in any kind of shoe, not just sneakers. Smart.  The anatomically engineered foam based hugs your foot's every curve and the heel and arch encapsulated air chambers will have you wondering how you got this far without it.

And for the guys out there who are sprinting your way through the week, there are styles for you too! Check out the New Airr, Airr Orthotic and Airr Arch for men.

Once you try Sof Sole New Airr Performance Insoles, you won't we able to slip on a pair of shoes without them.

Shop now at a retailer near you. In Canada, look for them at select Sports Chek and Mark's Work Wearhouse stores.

Yoga | Yoga Videos | Yoga Postures | Yoga Asanas | Yoga Poses, Classes, Meditation, and Life Everything about Yoga Today

Yoga- Actually, I also really like yoga because yoga I can lose weight my stomach. My stomach was not fine, it just after the practice of yoga a significant weight loss. Be kind to yourself when practicing yoga. Go slowly, especially in the beginning, and listen to your body. We know what you can do. If you say "stop", stop. Do not push.

Yoga is not a competitive sport. You can not win points for matching a picture in a book. Pressing too, is probably not to your liking, and you can do damage. Whenever possible, work with a teacher, and the use of books, videos and websites to supplement their classroom instruction. Above all, stick with it. If you practice, you will improve. And you will feel better.

Below are the yoga techniques you need to know, try to get some practice in a relaxed manner.

Classic Postures

Sit/Easy Position

A starting position that helps focus awareness on breathing and the body; helps strengthen lower back and open the groin and hips.

Sit cross-legged with hands on knees. Focus on your breath. Keep your spine straight and push the sit bones down into the floor. Allow the knees to gently lower. If the knees rise above your hips, sit on a cushion or block. This will help support your back and hips. Take 5-10 slow, deep breaths. On the next inhale, raise your arms over your head. Exhale and bring your arms down slowly. Repeat 5-7 times.

Dog and Cat

Increases flexibility of spine

This is really two poses, one flowing into the other. Begin on your hands and knees. Keep your hands just in front of your shoulders, your legs about hip width apart. As you inhale, tilt the tailbone and pelvis up, and let the spine curve downward, dropping the stomach low, and lift your head up. Stretch gently. As you exhale, move into cat by reversing the spinal bend, tilting the pelvis down, drawing the spine up and pulling the chest and stomach in. Repeat several times, flowing smoothly from dog into cat, and cat back into dog.


Read more: http://www.yogasite.com/postures.html

The New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle - The Only Bottle You Need

It's sweltering out. I bet you're drinking tons of water.

Are you still buying bottled water? Sure, that $1 or $2 might not seem like much when you purchase just the one, but think about how many you've bought this week. That's a trip to the movies!

I'm guilty of buying bottled water too. Often tap water doesn't taste fresh or clean to me, even though I know it's just fine.

The best solution I've found is the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle.

It has a filter right in it, so you can use plain old tap water. The filter gets rid of chlorine, making it fresh and tasty, as well as saving you tons of money and saving the environment from all those disposable plastic bottles.

Each filter provides the equivalent of 300 bottles of water, so you really get your money's worth and don't have to worry about changing the filter every few days like many on the market.

I love that it holds 600ml (20 oz.) of water! It's more than the regular bottles you buy, but not so much that it weighs you down.

The bottle is BPA-free and can accommodate all kinds of ice cubes. The screw tight lid is leak-proof, so whether you're commuting by subway, car or mountain range, your water stays in the bottle. And there is a nice sized twist on cap that allows you to drink and hydrate comfortably (I don't know how people drink from those wide-mouth ones without it dribbling all down their front).

This is my new favourite travel companion as it fits in cup holders (hallelujah!) and has a fun finger loop that makes it easy to carry, even if your hands are full (and when aren't they?)

I stopped buying bottled water, thanks to the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle. I've already saved a ton of time (no need to search out a store for water anymore), money (it's safely stashed in my wallet ) and the environment (no recycling anymore bottles).

What seems like a teeny switch actually makes a helluva difference.

Make the change too! Get the whole family/office/posse  New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottles.

Intuition Does More Than Liven Up Your Water

I am trying really, really hard to drink more water because I know it is important to stay hydrated and and replenish my system.

I find it difficult though because it is so plain and unexciting.

One of the best ways I've discovered to revitalize not only my container of water, but my body, is with Intuition.

This amazing new line of prevenative drink products adds flavour AND ingredients that enhance your life in various ways. A tube containing juice concentrates, natural flavours and medicinal herbs makes it easy to add to your water bottle. It won't clot like powders and the flavours are discernable, but not overpowering. You can also add it your water, wherever you happen to be - at home, the office, on the go - making it a convenient and flavourful way to drink throughout the day. Oh, and it's affordable too.

This naturally produced product of Canada includes ingredients from naturally grown plants and vegetation.

My Vitality is wild strawberry flavoured with a hearty kick of spice. This caffeine-free concentrates includes ginko biloba, Asian ginseng and other energy boosting herbs that will help you get throughout the day without feeling sluggish. You can safely use and drink up to 6 tubes a day - you can't say that about those expensive sugary energy drinks, can you? And feel free to turn it up a little, by making The Vitality Daiquiri! Drinks before dinner just got a little more exciting...

I really like Vitality My Waistline. This refreshing lemongrass lemonade stimulates your metabolism while supressing your appetite using natural ingredients such as yerba mate and dandelion root. You can have up to 4 tubes a day and since it's so tasty (thanks to Michelle Hunt, co-founder of The Martini Club International Inc. for creating such exciting flavour profiles) you probably will.

There are new flavours just about to be released (sooo good) so be sure to check back often for new products.

Purchase Vitality now online or in health stores across Canada.

Vermont Soap Organics Deep Cleans Without Toxic Chemicals

I am trying to rid our house of chemicals and go all natural wherever possible.

One of the first places I hit was underneath the skin where I store my house cleaners. A clean house is very important to me, but now that we have the option of cleaners that use natural ingredients instead of toxic chemicals, I want to replace everything under there.

The problem is, some natural cleaners just don't do the job well enough.

So I'm always on the lookout for something that doesn't just smell good or makes my appliances look good, but really gets in there and cleans.

Vermont Soap Organics produces "USDA Approved, Certified Organic alternatives to the chemical and detergent based personal care products now in general use," and their Farm & Ranch Multi-Surface Cleaner stands up to my vigourous testing.

I like that it works on everything in the bathroom and kitchen, it brings out a shine on the taps as well as the porcelain and countertops. I feel good knowing that its free of artificial preservatives, colours, fragrances alcohol and detergents too.

Not only that, it smells good. Using saponified  organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic orange oil, tea tree and other natural essential oils, organic aloe and rosemary extract, you get that fresh, clean aroma without inhaling anything harmful.

But don't feel you can only use it on your room's surfaces - it works on all washable materials including wood, plastics, leather, cloth, people, pets, car interiors and much more (just be sure to test a small area prior to use).

So instead of having 5 bottles under the sink, have just the one. The good one.

Buy Farm & Ranch Multi-Surface Cleaner now.

Count Down to Better Health With New Balance's Via Slim Pedometer

Did you know that you can walk your way to good health merely by eating well and walking 10,000 steps a day? According to The Walking Site:

"The average person's stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long. That means it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk one mile, and 10,000 steps is close to 5 miles. A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day."

It sounds like a lot, but once you track your steps throughout the day, you might be surprised.

I put on my amazing new New Balance Via Slim Pedometer to track just my walk to the grocery store, library, post office etc. In other words, my usual route through the neighbourhood. Here are the results:

4951 steps

1.56 miles

149.5 calories burned

2.38 miles/hour

Now imagine if I'd worn it all day! There is something so invigorating having a pedometer along with you. It really does feel like you've got your own personal coach, egging you on to go that one bit farther. I felt like I just wanted to keep going!

And it's so easy to use. You just clip it onto your waistband and it does all of the hard work of counting and tracking your steps. It displays the time, sensing if you're walking or running, tracks how many miles you've gone and how fast and my favourite feature - tells you how many calories you've burned.

My Mom and I go walking once a week and it started out at just a few hours and this week was our longest yet - 8 hours! Luckily I had my trusty New Balance Via Slim Pedometer with me. Here's how we did this week:

15842 steps

5 miles

478.4 calories burned

2.34 miles/hour

I think I'm just going to keep this l'il baby on my at all times. In fact, I'm going to go for a long walk now and see how many steps I can go!

I've finally found the motivation to walk everyday and work off these last few pounds that just won't leave with my New Balance Via Slim Pedometer.

Get one too and we'll do it together!

XANGO’s Juni Gentle Body Bar Cleans Naturally

Do you know what's in your soap? Did you know that your body absorbs not just what you put into it, but what goes on it?

That's why you should be using XANGO’s Juni Gentle Body Bar. This all-natural soap uses a botanical-, not chemical-based formula that exfoliates and cleans your skin without stripping it of it's natural oils. That means that your skin stays soft both in and out of the water.

Mangosteens are known as a powerful fruit that you eat, but here in XANGO’s Juni Gentle Body Bar, a mangosteen infusion with pericarp oil calms and soothes your skin. It also gives it a healthy radiance that now that you're sporting shorter fashions, you'll really appreciate. And the addition of olive, safflower and coconut oils keep your skin nourished and hydrated. None of that dryness that you usually experience from bars of soap occurs. And a lovely, delicate fragrance wafts from the bar, thanks to ingredients such as orange oil and lavender.

I have heard that the soapy lather you are used to with soap bars is due to the use of chemicals, so that you could see that your soap was working away. But Juni gives a great, thick lather and there are no chemicals here!

Want peace of mind that you're not washing away your body's natural oils? Then get yourself the Juni Gentle Body Bar.

Desperate for Vim, Vitality and Vigour? Get It All with EatStrong Snacks!

 

I am desperate need of some extra energy,

I know you feel the same. My to-do list is teetering with items yet to be crossed off, laundry is done but not put away and where did that new basket of dirty clothes come from? That's just the beginning, so I need to ramp things up and eat food that is full of energy to help get me through these frenetic days/weeks/months.

And something quick and easy and that doesn't taste like wallpaper would be great.

After months of searching, I am thrilled to have found EatStrong.

Founder Sophie Pachella created a fresh new line of "honestly healthy snacks." Yep, this is the real deal - good food that fills you up. 

Take the EatStrong Trail Mix, for instance. It is a surefire way to keep low blood sugar crashes at bay and to get you through those tough crunch times where you don't have time to eat, but you've got to have something. Vitamins, minerals, omega-3s and fiber abound in this delightful mix of almonds, cashews, flax seeds, pistachios, sunflower seeds and walnuts. Ooh, it's tasty and filling. Oh, and to keep your sweet tooth at bay, Sophie's popped in some organic cacao chocolate drops, so you won't have to give into the lunch room vending machine anymore. Phew!

And if I need a quick meal or snack on the go, I prefer EatStrong Energy Bars to those supermarket ones that are supposedly "healthy," but you and I both know how laden with fat and sugar they are.

This soft bar of  finely crushed flax, sunflower and hemp seeds is only 230 calories, but it will keep you going for hours on end.  Again, some organic chocolate drops have been added in to satiate you. According to Sophie, this blend of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will "increase metabolic function, fortify muscles and promote lean body mass."

 

It's practically a workout in a bar. Practically.

Life is sometimes too busy to stop and eat well. At least eat well on the run. 

 

Get EatStrong now.

Need a Quick Pick Me Up? ReVyte Revitalizes You Anytime Day or Night

Are you tired?

Is that you stayed up too late watching a movie on cable? Was it that huge lunch that you just devoured and now you're slumbering at your desk? Did you just come from a meeting that left you feeling completely exhausted and depleted? Have you been burning the candle at both ends and now you're wondering how you're going to get through the day?

Whatever the reason (mine: it was so hot and sticky last night, I tossed and turned without catching much shut eye at all and then I was thinking about all that work waiting for me on my desk and... well, you get the idea), there is help available.

ReVyte is an effervescent vitamin supplement tablet that dissolves in water and delivers a walloping pack of vitamins (A, C and B12, for example) and energy (caffeine and ginseng extract), so that you can get through your day.

You simply dissolve 1 or 2 tablets (2 tablets per pack) in a glass or bottle of water. It goes from creamy light yellow to shockingly electric yellow in just a minute.  The flavour is subtle - lemon/lime - but you'll start to feel peppy quickly. I felt renewed and revived after just a few minutes of having just half of my water!

ReVyte does not contain any dairy, sugar or animal products, with the ingredients listed on the back of the package.

While you don't want to come to rely on having a ReVyte every day, it's nice to know it's there when you need it.

It's Easy to Look Good This Season, Thanks to Skinny Dips!

Thank goodness the weather is warming up. Do you feel your palate changing? A couple of weeks ago I was still craving stews and chilis, but these days, I'm thinking grilled chicken, big salads and dips.

Skinny Dips: 60 Recipes for Dips, Spreads, Chips, and Salsas on the Lighter Side of Delicious by Diane Morgan is perfect for this time of year. Diane gives us full-bodied, vibrantly-tasting dips that also happen to be low calorie. And she doesn't do it with substitutions or sweeteners, thankfully. It's all made with whole, natural ingredients.

So whether you're making dips for a summer pool party, to take to someone's potluck dinner or want to make a light lunch, dinner or snack to enjoy at home, these recipes will definitely wow the crowd.

There are so many kinds of dips, you'll never run out of ideas for party snack again! Choose from Vegetable and Herb, Salsas, Guacamoles and Tapenades, Cheese and Tofu , Bean and Legume, Meat and Seafood and Crudites and Other Skinny Dippers. 

Friends and neighbours will be begging for the secret to your dips, such as Butternut Squah Bharit, Svelte Green Goddess Dip, Pomegranate, Orange & Avocado Salsa, Microbrew Cheddar Cheese Spread, Curry Pumpkin Hummus and Thai-Style Spicy Pork Dip!

To help keep you fitting into your summer dresses and capris, Diane's listed the calories of each recipe, as well as how big the recipe is, making it super easy to double or triple the amounts, depending on the size of your crowd. A Healthful Ingredient Glossary helps you with unfamiliar ingredients and recommendations. A section on Tips and Techniques helps guide you through the process of handling and cutting fresh chilies, roasting garlic, zesting citrus and other tasks that will make your dips stand out.

I am so grateful to have found this little gem. It's like having a party planning committee and restaurant menu options permanently at your side!

Buy your copy of Skinny Dips: 60 Recipes for Dips, Spreads, Chips, and Salsas on the Lighter Side of Delicious by Diane Morgan  now!

Clancy's Fancy Hot Sauces are a Gourmand's Dream!

Hot sauces almost always deliver heat without much flavour.

It takes quite a bit of searching and tasting before you come across one that really stands out with flavours that penetrate your food and palate.

Created by Colleen Clancy, this sauce is like no other that you've ever had. It is fresh and full-bodied, savory with meaty, umami wickedness. It's no wonder, with ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, Michigan honey, wheat-free tamari, fresh garlic, cayenne peppers and molasses. I've had "gourmet" hot sauces before, but never anything with this kind of culinary pedigree.

There are 3 heat levels - Mild, Hot and Extra Hot - and I love each and every one equally. The Mild delivers a very mild heart but so much flavour that I've been covering much of my plates with it when I don't feel like anything spicy. When I'm in the mood for some heat, I turn it up a notch with Hot, which has some, but a very bearable amount of kick. The Extra Hot packs a wallop, but you still get so much flavour that it's just as addictive as the rest. I don't quite have my palate developed to handle the heat of this one, but I'm working on it!

I have to say that I want to carry a bottle around in my purse with me so that I'm never without it. It's making food without it seem like less than. Oh god, have I turned into one of those people who carries around her hot sauce like a crazy person?

Yes, I think I have folks.

And it's all Clancy's Fancy's fault.

Colleen, thank you so much for such a wonderful flavour journey each time I have one of your sauces. It is truly remarkable. It's also remarkable that I really don't like to have anything without a hit of your magic wonder in a bottle either. Bad news for someone that eats for a living.

p.s. If you're smart, you'll become a Clancy's Fan as I did.

Make the Switch to All-Natural, Handcrafted Soap It Up Gourmet Soaps by Di

Recently, I realized that I had been buying some household, everyday products from the grocery or drugstore just because that's what I'd always done. But it would cost me less and be better for me and the earth if I bought natural products, so for the last few months, I've made the switch and I'm not going back!

For instance, instead of buying bars of chemical-ridden soap at the drugstore, I now look for natural ingredients and handcrafted by real folks, not machines.

Soap It Up are glycerin and goat's milk soaps that:

- are handcrafted and homemade

- are made of all natural ingredients

- are skin-safe

- are hypo-allergenic

- are available in different scents and varieties

- smell delicious

- look beautiful

- feel amazing (soft, moisturized skin is yours again!)

- are available for both men and women

- are insanely affordable!

I tried Beautiful, a perfume-scented glycerin soap made with palm and coconut oils.  Di came up with the perfect name, as it's the first word that comes to mind when you inhale the light, joyous scent. Also, the bar itself looks beautiful. The colour is like pink lemonade and really, what could be happier and more beautiful than that? This is one you'll buy over and over because it's absolutely perfect.

And Cherry Almond, a creamy goat's milk soap, is simply divine. It feels like you're bathing with moisturizer in one hand and a delectable pastry in the other. Now why would you want to buy drugstore soap when you can have this?

Shop the entire Soap It Up Collection and get gorgeous handmade soap that's good for you and will make you feel and smell good all day long!

The New Line of 100% Organic Spice Blends from Teeny Tiny Spice Co. of Vermont ROCKS MY WORLD!

Do you ever feel like all of your food tastes the same?

I do. Despite changing up the menu every night, I think because I tend to buy the same ingredients again and again, my cooking tends to feel very familiar.

Sure, getting a new cookbook helps, but I feel like it never really changes.

One of the most revolutionary ingredients I've ever come across is the new line of 12 100% Organic Spice Blends from the Teeny Tiny Spice Co. from Vermont.

They are like nothing I've ever cooked with or eaten before (and remember, I eat for a living!).

Owners Thora and Ed Pomicter (pictured above) "always had a passion for global cuisine, but were often challenged by ethnic recipes that required so many different spices that it was nearly impossible for them to keep their pantry adequately stocked. To resolve this, and help other home cooks add the flavor of various world cuisines to everyday meals with ease, they created Teeny Tiny Spice Co. of Vermont." 

Thank goodness for Thora and Ed's ingenuity, because these spice blends truly bring the world right into your very kitchen. You get the flavours of Northwest and Southwest India, North and East Africa and places that you might not normally be able to replicate easily at home.

I live in a very metropolitan urban center and I have to say, I've never seen anything like these before. Nothing that is this authentic, that's certified organic, that's made in small batches, that is so flavourful, so easy to use and very affordable! Ed says, "We provide spices already combined in proportions to give you just the right flavor profile to create dishes with the essential flavors of North and South, East and West."

And let's be honest - when's the last time you made Ethiopian, Persian or African for dinner?

I am so grateful for having found these spectacular blends. I mean, Chocolate Chili? With it's cocoa nibs, juniper berries, organic Vermont maple sugar and Himalayan pink salt, you can see why Teeny Tiny's spices far and away beat my ol' standard chili recipe any day! And I'm in love with the British Curry mix - it's become my new favourite comfort food dish - and so easy to prepare.

Choose from so many exciting selections - British Curry; Citrus Pepper; Ethiopian Berberé; Garam Masala; Montréal Seasoning; Penang Curry; Perfection Spice Rub; Persian Adwiya; Ras el Hanout; Shepherd Herb Mix and Vindaloo. I love the range of this line - you can simply put some rub on some pork chops or chicken if you don't feel like doing too much or if you feel up to a few simple steps, create a Thai Style Penang Curry or Ras el Hanout Tangine.

Each spice blend covers you for at least four to eight "full recipes" depending on the blend and how heartily you use it. Each tin of spices tells you the heat level as well as how to use it, so you don't have to start from scratch every time - just get your veg, grains and/or protein, add your spice blend and away you go. To a brand new, healthy way of eating!

I recommend getting One of Everything. Or at least the Herb & Spice Collection or Heat Collection. Because these are going to be your culinary best friends for life.

p.s.- True story. I was going to make a Shepherd's Pie one night and I thought the Shepherd Herb Mixour cat Cosmo would really give it new life and zest. But had grabbed it from the low spice shelf it was on in the kitchen and apparently, it was better than catnip, as he was playing with it, tossing it around like a football. It happened every night for a week, until I went and put it on a slightly higher shelf. I'll keep you posted...