Rosemary Flower Candies (Rosemarinus Officinalis)

Leave your tic-tacs at home. This medicinal plant provides delicious mouth fresheners to integrate into a balanced healing diet.
When a herb or plant has the designation 'officinalis' it means it has been recognised to have medicinal qualities. 'Rosemarinus', so called because of marine connections (colour of sea - grows by sea e.g. Mediterranean) is possibly the best example of a herb that we commonly grow that has extensive folklore and many attributed medicinal values.
Beloved by the Romans, who bought it to the UK from Turkey, they believed this valuable herb could preserve dead bodies from corruption and it was often strewn or grown in graveyards and around tombs. It was well known to the Tudors as a stimulant to the system. In ‘The Garden of Health’ (1579) William Langham writes:
"Carry the flowers about thee to make thee merry and glad and well beloved of all men...hang the flowers on thy bed and place Rosemary in the bath to make thee lusty, lively, joyful, strong and young. To comfort the heart steep Rosemary flowers in rose water and drink it".
Gerard agrees in his 1636 Herbal. "The flowers of Rosemary, made up into lozenges with sugar and eaten make the heart merry, quicken the spirits and make them more lively". He also notes that Rosemary water acts as a breath freshener.
Rosemary has long been recognised as a valuable heart and liver tonic and its use can help to reduce high blood pressure. It has been used in the treatment of nervous complaints, digestive disorders and menstrual pains.
Rosemary is a symbol of constancy in love because it remains fresh and fragrant when cut, longer most other evergreens. For this reason it was often used for solemn occasions such as weddings or funerals - 'Be it for my bridal or my burial'. As in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Rosemary is for remembrance and in the language of flowers the gift of Rosemary means 'Never will your memory fade'. Ancient myth has it that ‘Where Rosemary flourishes - the woman rules’. Rosemary is sometimes used in psychic work as an aid to concentration, memory and mental steadiness. Under the pillow or over the bed its delicious aroma is said to prevent nightmares.
One word of warning though - excessive use of Rosemary taken internally can cause fatal poisoning, but that is no reason not sample the delicious and invigorating herbal tea or eat a few of the flowers.
Like the raw flowers, Rosemary sugar candies are a tiny taste explosion and quite delicious. Preserving them in sugar helps to extend the amount of time you can experience this uplifting Epicurean event. First of all find a plant with flowers. It often flowers twice a year so this should not be too difficult. You can either pick the whole flower from the plant, or set up some arrangement that catches them as they fall naturally.
In a warm place, such as a sunlit window sill above a radiator, drop the flowers onto dried (even warmed) white sugar. Make sure the receptacle is open enough that moisture can evaporate from the flowers into the sugar and then into the atmosphere. Also make sure that no moisture gets to this mixture at any point as the sugar will ‘clump’ and the flowers will start to rot, spoiling the taste. Shake the mixture now and then to aid the process.
When thoroughly dry, seal the sugar/flower mixture into a moisture-proof receptacle and every now and then - treat yourself !
With thanks to: J. Lust, M. Woodward, D. Conway, C.L. Zalewski, R. Genders.

Subtle Body Imaging Systems

Work with electrical fields that surround animals and plants suggests the presence of an energy body. Studies using Kirlian photography show energy fields surrounding physical objects although there is still some debate as to what these actually are. One famous Kirlian experiment is the 'Phantom Leaf Effect'. In this experiment the leaf is cut or torn and the top part removed. The Kirlian photographs taken reveal it still to be there as an etheric body, perhaps a 'holographic energy template' for the leaf, although there is much discussion as to what this effect actually is.
Electro-acupuncture systems show a way forward to combining the best abilities of orthodox medical science with far more subtle and less invasive treatments. The Motoyama A.M.I. Machine compares the electrical balance of two sides of a human body, by attaching electrodes to acupoints of the 12 main meridians. This machine allows observers to analyse subtle energy streams in the body. Acupuncture and the philosophy behind it has an enhanced understanding of the energy systems that nurture cellular growth and repair.
The Voll machine or Dematron is another breakthrough device in this field that is relatively unheard of. Instead of monitoring the terminal acupoints as in the A.M.I. machine above, the Voll machine measures the electrical parameters of any single acupuncture point in the body. It can show which organs are affected by dis-ease (or un-ease) by analysing the electrical voltages associated with each spot. The Voll machine can help to find the reasons for energetic dysfunction and has a 'treatment mode'. This can apply energy at the right frequency through resonance, or is used to introduce other substances into the electrical circuit for resonance information. This technique is used to match the frequency of homeopathic remedies to the patient. The Voll machine is also used to study the ill-effects of environmental poisons in the growing field of clinical ecology.
The Mora device has holders for multiple remedies for simultaneous testing to find resonance between them and the patient. Instead of a wire hook-up it uses radio waves to broadcast the vibrations to the machine. It is used to identify allergens and it is possible to inject special frequencies of subtle energy into meridians with this device.
The Interro system contains a memory bank of magnetically coded vibrational signatures for hundreds of homeopathic remedies. The computer searches the data bank for acupoint resonance reactions, meaning that the actual remedies don't even need to be present for resonance tuning.
Light treatments for cancer are also in evidence. Photodynamic therapy uses drugs or herbs to enhance the body's light sensitivity and then tunes in specific wavelengths of light. Reports suggest that this treatment destroys only malignant cells. Colour light therapy is a new field, directing specific colour frequencies that resonate with the patient into specific parts of the body.
These machines and others demonstrate the principles of frequency matching between patient and remedy. Radionics measures the patients primary energetic frequency. Although this is nonsense to most doctors. Energy or 'vibrational' medicine is heavily legislated against and machines have been made illegal and confiscated. This field has been overlooked for far too long.
Work with electrical fields that surround animals and plants suggests the presence of an energy body. Studies using Kirlian photography show energy fields surrounding physical objects although there is still some debate as to what these actually are. Energy or 'vibrational' medicine is heavily legislated against and machines have been made illegal and confiscated. This field has been overlooked for far too long.

Wild medicine and Tansy cakes

It started with the Tansy cakes. I had to ask myself 'Why would anyone eat anything so utterly disgusting in taste'? Chrysanthemum Vulgare is a common perennial in the British Isles and the name Tansy is said to be derived from the Greek 'athansia', meaning 'immortal'. Reasons suggested for this include the fact that the dried flower lasts forever or that it has a medicinal quality contributing to long life. Looking back to Greek literature, Tansy was given by the Gods to Ganymede to make him immortal. In the language of flowers the gift of Tansy means 'Rejected address' - " I am not interested in you". Its strange taste, not unlike the smell of 'mothballs' might have something to do with this.
Tansy certainly had a reputation as a vermicide and vermifuge (killing and dispelling intestinal worms) in the middle ages. John Gerard wrote in his 17th century Herball:
"In the Spring time are made with the leaves here of newly sprung up, and with eggs, cakes of Tansies, which be pleasant to taste, and good for the stomacke. For if any bad humours cleave there unto, it doth perfectly concoct them and scoure them downewards".
Tansy was a common kitchen garden herb for medicinal and culinary use, in place of expensive foreign spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. It was used to flavour custard, cakes, milk puddings, omlettes and freshwater fish. In Ireland it was included in sausages called 'Drisheens'. Its use as a springtime 'cleanser' became ritualised into a part of the Christian religious Easter traditions;
"On Easter Sunday be the pudding seen,
To which the Tansy lends her sober green."
The consensus on this much written about herb is that it was used at Easter to purify the blood after lent. This consensus shows a problem though, in that in England the plant does not show leaves until the end of May - well after Easter. This is evidence of the assimilation of natural 'self-medicating' herbalism into a controlling religious patriarchy.
Observation of wild and domesticated animals shows that they regularly self-medicate with wild plants. Sick chimpanzees chew bitter leaves from a bush not normally part of their diet, and then recover. Research by Michael Hoffman shows that a particular nematode worm is common in the monkey's gut during the rainy season and that their chewing of the leaves coincided with the prevalence of this parasite, which it destroyed. This was the same bush that local tribes use to get rid of stomach parasites.
Dogs and cats self medicate by eating couch grass or cleavers. Parrots, chickens, camels, snow geese, starlings - all have been observed consuming substances normally alien to their diet to remedial effect. Bears particularly are venerated by North American Indian culture because they symbolise the powers of 'regeneration'. North American Indians discovered the use of a root called Osha from bears. It is so effective as an all round painkiller, antiviral, antipeptic that it is now on the endangered species list.
The Woolly Bear caterpillar has also been observed to change its diet according to whether it is infected by a particular parasite. Normally a Lupin eater, the caterpillar increases its chance of surviving a particular fly parasite by changing to a diet of Poison Hemlock. Self-medication is not therefore a 'rational choice' in other species, but a carefully integrated part of a survival mechanism against an invisible predator - disease. Humans seem to have lost this sense of their own health and are not usually informed as to the uses of plants growing around them.
Humans often self-medicate though - alcohol indulgence to deal with stress being an obvious example of this or the ready availability of pharmaceutical or street drugs. We often consume substances such as caffeine or sugar drinks for easy energy. The natural trait towards self-medicating may well be at the basis of many of our unconscious 'eating choices'. Potatoes contain a form of opiate and all foods to some extent can act as 'alteratives' to a unique physiology. We talk about comfort foods and rewarding ourselves with treats to eat. Often we might have a favourite food that can help if we feel too ill to eat, like scrambled egg. This is a unique food because it contains all of the amino acids we need to digest it. Chocolate is to many the ultimate comfort food treat.
An extreme example of what we do is shown in 'Pica' where a person gets uncontrollable desires to eat certain edible (and inedible) substances. This condition occurs in pregnant women and is thought to express the need for particular minerals. Because our food sources are often limited to processed (and demineralised) food, and because of the destruction of herbal folk-lore and access to wild medicine, many of us have lost touch with our 'health sense' and an ability to use food or wild plants for self-medication. A regular preventative 'detox' was an essential part of our diet at one time and if you like the taste of mothballs you could even try Tansy cakes.
Article with thanks to Roger Phillips and Michael Hoffman

Vibrational Medicine

Vibrational medicine attempts to treat people with various forms of pure energy. The influence of alternative medical systems such as Chinese, Ayervedic or Tibetan medicine have led in part to the development of machines that can 'image energy'. Heat energy imagers are an accepted part of our technology. We readily accept imaging heat, even though we can't see it, because heat is something we can sense through touch. With the 'energy body' it is not so straightforward. Very few of us have experienced this for ourselves and there is apparently no sensory backup to tell us it is there.
Experiments in 'electro-acupuncture' and Kirlian photography have led to an energy map of the body identical to that shown in traditional Chinese medicine. The meridian system is seen as an interface between the physical body and the energy body. Applications of resonant energy to the meridian system promote healing in a number of dis-eases, by altering the energy of the 'root system' concerned in the dis-ease. Much of this work seems to be 'undercover' and information and the manufacture of equipment for treatments of this nature is actually suppressed through legislation.
The etheric body, acupuncture meridians, chakras and nadis and other multi-dimensional aspects of the human are described by ancient schools of healing throughout the world. Western medicine in its reductionist stance, ignores these aspects because they can't be studied under a microscope. Only now, at the beginning of the 21st century are some doctors starting to catch on.
Vibrational medicine interfaces with subtle energy fields that underly the functions of a physical body. It is based on the idea of resonant frequencies, similar to a tuned string on a musical instrument resonating with anything tuned to the same frequency, or an opera singer smashing a glass by singing at a certain pitch. Some sciences and philosophies have recognised vibrational elements as an important part of the universe. It is proving difficult to link these new sciences with the dogma of Western medicine. Even as long ago as 1928 Thomas Sugrue recognised vibrational elements at work in the human body:
"The human body is made up of electronic vibrations, with each atom and elements of the body, each organ and organism, having its electronic unit of vibration necessary for the sustenance of, and equilibrium in that particular organism. Each unit, then, being a cell or a unit of life in itself has the capacity of reproducing itself by the first the law as is known as reproduction-division. When a force in any organ or element of the body becomes deficient in its ability to reproduce that equilibrium necessary for the sustenance of physical existence and its reproduction, that portion becomes deficient in electronic energy. This may come by injury or disease, received by external forces. It may come from internal forces through lack of eliminations produced in the system or by other agencies to meet its requirements in the body."
Edgar Cayce (1928) from There is a River by Thomas Sugrue.
Experiments in high-energy particle physics and the new field of quantum physics show us that nearly all matter is energy. In some sense we are made from 'frozen light'. As beings of energy we are influenced by and can be treated by energy and modern medicine is all too slowly realising this.
Medical science, alternative medicine and quantum science are merging in a few specific places. For example M.R.I. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) as mentioned previously, places the patient in a strong magnetic field that passes waves through the body. The computer creates an image by analysing changes in the magnetic alignment of the hydrogen protons in our cells. This is essentially an 'energy imager' but is used only for physical diagnosis.
A key principle behind M.R.I. is that the atoms under study (hydrogen) are being stimulated by the transfer of energy of a specific frequency. The energy is only absorbed by the atom if it is of a particular resonant frequency. Systems which produce frequencies that resonate with the biological phenomena being studied have the greatest chance of successfully imaging indicators of disease. M.R.I. promises much new diagnostic information about the body, showing even more detailed cellular pictures of structure and function. It is still looking at only physical molecular imaging - a sophisticated application of a Newtonian philosophy.
Cancer is already treated by radiation therapy, the application of gamma rays which can be focused at certain depths within a patient. This is used in a 'Newtonian science' way - primarily to destroy the lump. Any notions of vibrational levels that resonate with the patient are unresearched, because this aspect of us doesn't exist to Western scientific medicine.
What is needed now are imaging systems that allow healers to look to the level of energetic causes of illness and not just the biochemical abnormalities accompanying established disease. Truly preventative medicine awaits an imaging system that will prove to doctors that there is more to human beings than mere flesh and blood.
Devices capable of sensing vibrations in a person are appearing, one such uses voice analysis to identify missing frequencies. Practitioners are astounded at the accuracy of their findings and the speed of results in supplying that frequency to a patient. This tool is allowing switched-on energy workers to heal without having to diagnose, because the treatment gets to the energy root problem directly.

Thirty Things You Can Do To Avoid Cancer

1. Make sure you have a pure source of foodstuffs. Obtain fresh, organic produce regularly by joining a vegetable box scheme
2. Eliminate plastic storage containers from your kitchen and do not buy or store food in plastic or clingfilm
3. Try not to cook the life out of food. Steam vegetables such as brocolli or cauliflower to maintain their integrity and nutritional value
4. Eat wide from many sources for a balanced diet. Include nuts, herbs, lentils and fresh, organic, locally grown produce
5. Find different ways to give yourself a regular, yearly detox
6. Think about and act on your health in a preventative way. Try out some alternative therapies to help you switch on a health sense
7. Test your bodies PH rating. Cancer loves sugar and readily available proteins in an acid environment. Quit taking sugar as much as you can and eat foods that balance your PH
8. Throw your microwave away. Recent tests show 97% of flavonoids lost in brocolli by microwaving
9. Do a toxin stocktake on your household products and food sources. Throw away any harmful chemicals you are persuaded to put into your environment or yourself by advertisers
10. Make sure that your air and water supplies are as pure as possible. Exercise in a healthy, non-toxic environment
11. Find out more about your immune system and how to support it in thought, word and deed
12. Avoid known stressors such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee, extreme conditions and so on, as much as possible
13. Check your home and work for sources of harmful radiation
14. Avoid using deodorants and sun screens containing parabens
15. Avoid factory farmed products such as milk, eggs, fish or cheese. Animals are often fed large amounts of antibiotics as a precaution and live in very stressful conditions
16. Avoid genetically modified food (GMO)
17. Eat slowly and chew food properly. Enjoy eating as a special moment when you ingest new energy for your being
18. Avoid vexatious media intrusions. Just because they thrive on a diet of drama, conflict and spectacle, it doesn't mean you have to
19. Adapt a lifestyle that is in tune with what is around you. Find time to enjoy life and do things that you love
20. Get out into the countryside regularly
21. Carry out your own 'genetic counselling'. Write down the ailments suffered by your ancestors and look for genetic weaknesses in your physiology. Act to compensate for perceived weaknesses
22. Think about your health at physical, intellectual, emotional and energetic levels
23. Look out for ways to experience 'healing moments' in your everyday existance
24. Inform yourself about your medical condition and explore alternatives if you are prescribed medical drugs. All medical drugs have side effects
25. Practice creative visualisation and other methods of positive thinking
26. Find constructive outlets for negative energy
27. Do things that give your life personal meaning for you
28. Get a hair analysis done to see if you are missing any minerals in your diet. The human body needs: 90 nutrients, 60 minerals, 16 vitamins, 12 essential amino acids, 3 essential fatty acids - check them out !
29. Read the labels on food. Avoid trans fats (Hydrogenated Vegetable oils) in biscuits and cakes. Make your own - its fun !
30. Do things that make you laugh

Serious Dieting Tips, Humorous Explanations

A few months ago, I set out to lose 22.6 pounds, then to put back on at least half of it.
Huh? Anybody who's ever found herself stuck on a yo-yo diet is probably thinking that I am either crazy or planning way too hard for the inevitable yo-yo heartaches. However, my plan is more sneaky than that.
First, I want to lose this rubber tire I've been carrying around my waist. Have you ever gotten stuck inside a rubber tire? It's not a pretty site.
Then, I want to put back some of that weight in the form of muscle. It's my grand master plan to change my shape from looking like a silly pear to looking like an upside down silly pear.
Will it work?
I think I have the "silly" part figured out. And so far, I have lost14.6 pounds, but I think I really lost a few more, because I have been getting ahead of schedule on adding those muscle pounds.
I would love to tell you what my weight is now, but that's very private information. Why should it be so private? I am not 100% certain, but I believe it is so that people can easily move between Earth and the Moon without being detected by hidden scales. (Why people keep their age private is the subject of my column on aging gracefully at http://www.thehappyguy.com/aging-gracefully.html .)
While there is more to healthy dieting than a few tips, these ten dieting tips should help you laugh away a few pounds (What a great way to lose!). Hint: the tips are serious; the explanations are not.
Tip #1: Never eat before bed. This is just common sense. It is so much more fun to eat IN bed.
Tip #2: Bake, don't fry. This is also common sense. Baking allows you to retain more friendships. When you bake in the sun, you get a nice tan and go for a dip in the pool to cool off with your friends. But when you fry, you get a sunburn and don't dare go in the shower for a week...which scares your friends away.
Tip #3: Drink plenty of water before meals. This will help you eat less during the meal. After all, few people can over-eat consistently while rushing off to the bathroom.
Tip #4: Don't taste-test while you cook. Many cooks taste their dishes several times while cooking to make sure the flavor is just right. Over a lifetime, the typical cook who takes such measures will put on 13.4 pounds. Worse still, tasting your cooking in advance deprives you of entertaining facial scrunches when your family tastes your untested recipes. (Remember that laughter is a great way to burn calories?)
Tip #5: Don't eat what your kids leave behind. Admit it, after your kids leave the table, you gather up the food they leave behind. You just can't bear to throw it away because you know that it's enough to feed a small, famished African country. So you eat a "second supper" out of guilt. How can you be so heartless?! Send the leftover food to that small, famished African country.
Tip #6: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are not all that bad for you, if you eat them in moderation. But stay away from those dreaded peanut butter and jellyfish sandwiches.
Tip #7: Blot your pizza to remove 17% of the saturate fats. If you blot it really well, you can remove 100%. Of course, an empty plate might require a spicier sauce...
Tip #8: No snacking in front of the TV. Get up. Right now. No snacking in front of my TV. I don't want crumbs on my living room carpet.
Tip #9: Schedule your exercise. It's true, if you don't schedule it, your exercise will get pushed aside by things you do schedule. I suggest scheduling it during office meetings, dental appointments and reality TV shows. You wouldn't want to miss anything important, would you?
Tip #10: This is a good one. Why, because #10 on any top-ten list is always a good one. Ten is a great number. So tip #10 is to celebrate every ten pounds lost by preparing a triple chocolate double-dip cheesecake supreme ice cream parfait deluxe. Go ahead and drool. You deserve it. And if you think preparing it is fun, just wait until you lose another 50 pounds ... and have permission to actually eat it.
I hope these tips help you. On a serious note, most people will lose a significant amount of weight if they follow these ten tips along with watching their calories according to any popular healthy dieting plan. Well...almost. You might not want to follow tip #6. You will probably lose fewer pounds eating jelly than you would eating jellyfish.

What is White Noise?

The best way to explain White Noise is to first look at why it has been given that name. White is used because of the way light works. White light is not an absence of color but is rather a combination of ALL colors. Going along with that same reasoning, White Noise is a combination of ALL frequencies of sound all playing at the same time.
Because white noise is actually a combination of all frequencies it is most likely used as a sound blocker. It is typically used by those in loud city environments or with exceptionally noisy neighbors.
Think of it this way. If you are having a conversation with one person in an empty room you would have no problem understanding that person. Now imagine you are at Sunday family dinner and instead of that one person there are now 20 people around the table all talking at the some time. You would struggle to hear them all so you only pick up one or two voices. Now multiply that times 1,000. Suddenly you have a sea of people all talking at the same time and it is impossible for your brain to "hear" any single voice. Now imagine your noisy neighbor is one of those people. Suddenly you can't hear them, instead all your brain "hears" is a gentle wave of sound.
When those voices are now frequencies, you get a sound that is a bit like static of a radio.
There are many ways White Noise can be enjoyed. The top two ways are by playing a pre-recorded CD or cassette tape or using one of the many White Noise Generators available. These both accurately produce a static like sound that blocks unwanted noises. In addition, many of these CDs and White Noise Generators have a soothing sound like running water or fans in the foreground. This is meant to further relax and are great to use at bedtime or for just reading a book in the middle of the day.

Weathering Colic for New Parents

A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates say that between 15-25% of infants are born with Colic. Although it is not believed to effect a baby's development it is still a struggle for parents to cope with. Babies with colic most often cry for several hours at a time with diaper changes and feedings having no effect.
Some of the symptoms that your little one may have colic are (but not limited to) as follows:
1.) A high pitched cry that does not let up in intensity, sometimes for hours at a time
2.) Pulls their legs towards their chest or holds them straight out
3.) Face becoming flush and warm while legs feel cooler
4.) Held breathes
5.) Painful facial expressions
Unlike many other childhood ailments, there is no one specific reason a baby may have colic. There are several factors however that may exasperate colic.
They include:
1.) Lack of Burping
2.) Food Allergies
3.) Swallowing Air
4.) Overfeeding or Eating too fast
5.) A tense home environment
The good news is that the symptoms usually disappear at about the 4 month mark. In the meantime here are some tips on minimizing those symptoms.
1.) After each ounce or few minutes of formula, burp them.
2.) Do not feed them while they are lying down
3.) Go for a ride in the car or try a gentle rocking while walking.
4.) Play white noise for them. There are many options in white noise now including lullabies playing in the forefront. Constant noise like Vacuum Cleaners and Fans are also very helpful in some cases and can be purchased on CD to avoid drafts or other issues. These can be purchased from the author of this article at www.yourfavouriteshop.com
5.) A warm bath with a few drops of chamomile essential oil to the water to help them to relax further.
6.) Change to a low-allergy formula or switch to a soy based one.
7.) If you are breast feeding, avoid tea and coffee
Above all you should always consult your physician to discuss the different symptoms. You should always be aware that the symptoms listed above may also be indications of ear infections, allergies, etc. so it is important to discuss everything candidly with your pediatrician.

Conquer Those Carbohydrate Cravings

Are you a hopeless carbohydrate addict? Let's conquer these cravings once and for all…..
By Jeff Lugeanbeal- www.worldwideweightloss.com
I drove over to my parents home the a few weeks ago for dinner. I arrived early, and asked my mother if I could help her finish preparing dinner. The smell of mom's pot roast in the oven really got my mouth watering and I couldn't wait for dinner.
She sent me to the pantry to retrieve some honey, I opened the pantry and was amazed at what I saw. Of course their was the standard pantry fare, but many other items were lurking in that pantry. Here were a few: crackers, cookies, potato chips, tortilla chips, oatmeal crиme pies, white bread, sun chips, frosted corn flake cereal, pop tarts, and popcorn. No kidding, these were all in her pantry.
I asked my mother if she ate these items often. She said, "Yes, I'm hungry all the time so I just snack on the stuff all day". She said she eats three meals a day, but gets hungry so she snacks on crackers, chips, etc., then an hour or so later she is hungry again, so she eats more snacks.
The carbohydrate frenzy- trigger foods
Eating the fore mentioned types of carbohydrates all day will make anyone hungry and crave food every hour or so. You see, eating these types of snacks causes our blood sugar to spike and fall very rapidly, triggering our body to crave more food all day long. It's a viscous cycle with no end. This type of cycle not only sets up our body for weight gain but the possibility of diabetes and a whole host health problems.
How to conquer these carb cravings once and for all
By reading this article I know you are motivated enough to stop these cravings for good. Here are some free tips to get you on your way to healthy eating and craving free!
1. Eat three balanced (protein, carbohydrate, fat) meals a day plus two healthy snacks. This stabilizes blood sugar, reduces cravings, turbo charges your metabolism (your body will naturally burn more calories), and helps you with weight loss.
2. Spend some time in your pantry and even your refrigerator. Pitch all the cookies, crackers, white bread, chips, store bought fruit juices, etc.. These foods have no nutritional value, only empty calories that will no doubt cause you to gain crave more foods and gain weight faster.
3. Eat healthy snacks such as protein shakes, nuts, fruit, veggies with dip, etc. At each snack eat a small portion of protein, carbohydrate and fat. These healthy foods have a positive impact on your body. They give your body vital nutrients, and most importantly, stop the cravings. You'll feel better, and won't be as tired during the day.
4. Drink plenty of water.
5. Limit your amount of caffeine. I know, I sure love drinking a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. If you are a caffeine addict, meaning you drink three cups or more of caffeine a day, try to cut it back to one or two. As far as cravings go, caffeine sure gives our bodies a jolt and can make us feel good and even more alert, but after that initial jolt and you "come back down" your body will either crave more caffeine or carbohydrates.
6. The ultimate goal is to eat healthy foods, which in turn give our bodies proper nutrition, which in turn makes us feel better. But this can take time. If you are used to eating junk food, and always craving food, don't worry. Start out slow if you have to. Your body will take time to adjust to a new way of eating. You may even feel lousy for a few days or even a week, while your body adjusts to the healthy foods. But in the end, you will feel great!

How Low-Carb Diet Plans Treat Carbohydrates

A number of popular diets are focused on carbohydrates. Some demonize them. Then warn you against eating any carbohydrates. Others in fact, emphasize a high carbohydrate intake. Here is how low-carbohydrate diet plans treat carbohydrates.(Such as The Zone, Atkins, South Beach and others)
For more than two decades. Dr. Robert Atkins preached and sold the gospel of protein is good for you. And carbohydrates are evil. Until recently, this line of thinking was beyond the pale. Now there is some new evidence. That backs the idea that a high- protein. Low-carbohydrate diet. May accurately help you lose weight.
Whether such a diet that also includes bacon, steaks, butter, cheese. And other foods with plenty of saturated fat is good for your overall health is another matter.
In theory, a high-protein/low carbohydrate diet could help increase your satiety. A feeling of fullness that comes with eating. Fewer carbohydrates could also avoid fast and high rises. And falls in your blood sugar. Which may also keep your hunger at bay. Together, these could help you avoid overeating. Making you satisfied with fewer calories.
That's the theory. Unfortunately, there are few good long-term studies to test it. Short-term studies have shown low- carbohydrate diets to be safe in the short term. But your weight loss is due mostly to a reduced caloric intake. Not necessarily to the low-carbohydrate nature of the diet. Such reductions often happen when you drastically change what you eat.
Two year-long studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Suggested that the benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet. May last for six months to a year. These studies compared high-fat, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. With low-fat, moderate-protein, high-carbohydrate diets. In both studies. The low-carbohydrate approach produced more weight loss at six months. However, by the end of a year weight loss was similar with both diets.
Apart from the uncertainty about their ability to maintain your weight loss. A high-protein diet could cause you long-term problems. Many of the high-protein foods that you choose. While on this type of diet (red and processed meats, cheese, and full-fat dairy products, for example) are high in saturated fat. But low in vitamins and minerals. This may increase your risk for heart disease and colon cancer.
Diets very high in protein (especially animal protein, like red meat). May also increase the risk for osteoporosis in women. Because your body takes calcium from the bone. To neutralize the acids that build up in your blood. From the result of you digesting such large amounts of protein.
Until more is known. About the true risks and benefits of high- protein/low-carbohydrate diets. You should view them with caution. Keep your protein intake at moderate amounts (about 8 grams a day for every 20 pounds of body weight). Vegetable protein is a better choice than animal protein. And don't skimp on the healthful carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These should still make up a large part of your diet.
You can minimize or avoid any diet deficiencies associated with low-carbohydrates diets. When you approach your low- carbohydrate diet as an integrated part of your *-lifestyle-*, not solely an ingredient focus.

Laser Eye Surgery Can Provide Spot On Eyesight To Folks Who Have To Wear Glasses by Andy Guides Jr

Laser eye surgery, also called LASIK surgery can correct less than normal vision. In most cases the surgery is successful and the individual can see well without the aid of glasses or contact lenses. This type of surgery was developed in 1990 and has become increasingly popular.

Laser surgery is possible for those that have certain eye problems. Those with near sightedness and far sightedness are in luck because they qualify. When the eyes work correctly light pours through the lens of the eye and on to the retina where the light bends or refracts. The retina is what makes things focus within the sight system. People that have problems with vision have a problem with the light refracting on the retina. For many reasons the light does not get that far or goes too far. When you wear corrective lenses it causes the light to once again fall on the retina to focus.

An eye afflicted with myopia does not work that way. The light that goes into the eye refracts onto the cornea instead of the retina. In laser surgery the cornea is reshaped to make the focus function return to the retina. Some of the eye material in the center of the cornea is removed so that it becomes thinner and enables the light to get to the retina. In those with hypermetropia light is refracted but is not able to reach the retina. Instead of taking material out of the middle of the cornea, material from the edges is removed.

When surgery is performed pain medication is given to the patient being put directly on the cornea. Tape is used to stop the eye lids from shutting and a speculum is screwed on to make sure the eye lids never close during surgery. A cut is made in the corner to make a small flap. Then the laser moves in to remove material from the cornea. Once that is done the flap is replaced and it is all over. It only takes a few minutes to perform the procedure and the only thing the patient might feel is a bit of discomfort. The laser is automated and the perimeters are entered into it prior to surgery so there is very little chance anything can go wrong.

The people that are most likely to have this surgery are those whose vision has not changed much, which limits the surgery and discounts young patients. Having a cornea that is relatively thin may prevent a patient from having the surgery. Material cannot be removed if there is not much there to be removed. This happens when a person has serious loss of eyesight. Those that have the age related presbyopia or have astigmatism are candidates for the surgery.

Health Insurance will not support laser procedures and the patients have to pay for it themselves. There are those doctors that will take payments but most want to be paid completely up front. When you pick a doctor make sure to get one that has done this surgery time after time. A doctor that charges a cheaper price but is not experienced is not a good idea. Expect to pay anywhere from USD $1500 to $3000 for the surgery. If you find someone to do it cheaper make sure to see their policy on add on charges. You will find that every little thing will be charged and not included on the quote that was given to you to begin with. Make sure the price they request is the only thing you will have to pay for.

This type of surgery is major surgery. It will take some preparation to have it and if you wear contacts you will not be allowed to wear them for a while prior to surgery. This may be just a few days or up to a month or so. Afterwards eye makeup must be avoided and a guard is placed over the eye to protect it while sleeping. There are drops to be put in the eye periodically to prevent dry eye and a chance that you may have to take an antibiotic to prevent an infection. Some people see relatively well right after surgery but it might take some time with others however, approximately ninety percent of people having laser eye surgery are able to see clearly without having to wear corrective lenses.

Smile Again With Confidence by Nick Messe

There are many people who have gotten quite adept in the art of smiling with only their eyes, keeping their mouth firmly closed for pictures or when communicating. It has become natural to automatically do so because they are ashamed of missing, broken or crooked teeth. An attractive smile outranks body style, hair and eyes as the most sought after physical attribute. It's your first impression and people are simply happier when they get their smile back, never again avoiding mirrors.

Unattractive teeth impede many people. It inhibiting their potential to soar to greater heights in life. Having a beautiful smile can return to you a quality of life that you may have long forgotten, once again restoring confidence in careers and relationships. With online payments, free initial consultations and virtual imaging, you truly do not have to live this way even a day longer.

There are many affordable options in orthodontic care these days. Many people are unaware of the great strides that braces have made. They are not your grandmother's braces anymore. Invisalign is a clear, gradual way to straighten teeth.

They are virtually invisible, with no wires or metal like the uncomfortable braces of old. You can remove them when you eat, allowing you to floss and brush normally. There is less time spent in the dentist's chair adjusting metal wires and brackets that usually cause irritation. This new technology also treats many ranges of teeth problems.

Another tool in your orthodontist's arsenal is heat-activated arch wires. Locking onto brackets, the wires begin to warm and gradually apply gentle pressure. They result is a moving, shifting and straightening process which gets the teeth into position. Its force is about half that of heavier stainless steel braces, speeding up the healing and treatment process.

After Invisalign treatment, you may opt to have a bonded retainer. Small pieces of wire are placed in the inside, lingual, of the teeth, maintaining your teeth in position. For the denture wearer, some complain that they wobble and feel too big and unnatural. They are now enjoying mini implants because they are stable, yet still allow for some movement.

Approximately the size of a toothpick, these small implants are placed inside the bone and then the dentures are attached to them. The really good thing about mini implants is that they require much less bone density than other implants. It can be completed in one sitting and many people swear by them as they are so much like having their former teeth back. All this without the bulky feel of dentures and messy creams.

Let's face it. No one should have to live without their smile. Everyone deserves to have the confidence to shine. Now people of all ages can have a smile makeover, and get their life back.

How Can Cholesterol Work In Your Favor? by Andy Guides Jr

While most experts tend to focus on the bad effects of too much fat, cholesterol is an important building block that the body needs. It contributes to the process of building cell membranes and improving their ability to function. It also helps with creation of several vitamins and hormones.

Cholesterol is also important to the digestive process, especially where fats or lipids are concerned. Since the blood can't dissolve it, it has to be whisked away and disposed of. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are the answer. They carry lipids to the liver, which is the gateway to the system that eliminates substances from the body. It is also possible that HDL helps protects arteries by working to dissolve plaques or deposits and ensures better blood flow to the heart. Researchers continue to explore the healthy benefits of high HDL.

Most people know that cholesterol is found in animal products. These include meat and dairy items like milk and cheese. However the body can make its own; usually as much as it needs. As discussed above, the body can also eliminate extra cholesterol but not always and not completely if large amounts are consumed. To avoid excess, diets should be rich in plant products, alternative proteins, lean meats, dairy products that are non fat or low fat, and foods that have little or no saturated fat or trans fat.

Some studies have shown that moderate consumption of alcohol may increase HDL. A moderate amount is defined as no more than one or two drinks each day. No one should start drinking to gain HDL as this can lead to other problems. The point is that some alcohol may help heart health.

The best news is that physical activity may help increase HDL. That means that improving health may be as simple as getting moving. Exercise will also increase the chance of avoiding diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. No marathons are required. A daily walk is a good start.

Sometimes, good habits are not enough. Family history can also affect blood levels of fats and the propensity toward forming plaques. In this case, doctors have drugs that can assist the body counteract the deleterious effects of foods. Soon, they may also have options to help build HDL.

In any case, working to keep a healthy heart and clear arteries is one of the best choices a person can make. Many of us have room to improve our choices and limit cholesterol. Our lives and health are worth it.

Some Insights on How You Can Fix Your Damaged Metabolism by James Druman

Have you been on a starvation diet before? You know the ones I am talking about—when you eat nothing but protein or torture yourself with some sort of water vegetable diet. Your body may lose a bit of weight, quickly, but unfortunately, it is either only water weight or even worse all muscle and no fat. Then all of a sudden, you hit a plateau and can't lose any more weight, and as soon as you give in and eat the wrong thing your body balloons up bigger than it was before you started.

So the sad irony about these diets is that they claim to help you lose weight fast, but they eventually leave you in a much worse position than before—heavier and at even less of a disadvantage to actually lose the weight properly. The reason is that you have damaged your metabolism.

Well, I bring you a bit of good news. Your dream body is not lost forever. Although it will take you a bit more time to actually recondition your body and its metabolism, you can still build a great body if you get off on the right foot this time.

You have got to train your body to be a muscle-building fat-burning machine. And I am about to share with you how to do that. Within 1 month your metabolism will be warming up, you will be starting to really get into a zone, and 2 months in you will be really shedding the weight. After the 3rd month, you will be like a well-oiled machine.

Of course, this all depends on consistency. It's all about choices, and you have got to make the right ones.

So what are the keys to making this happen?

-Eating 5-6 smaller meals a day

-Eating every 3 hours or so, including breakfast

-Having a good post workout meal (often this means a shake)

-Actually eating enough calories to maintain energy levels

-Making the right food choices, such as unprocessed meats and vegetables

And don't Forget about the training aspect!

-Strength Training, building muscle that burns calories all day by doing compound movements

-Interval Cardio to increase the intensity to increase your metabolism.

Your exercise routine is really your key to success. I have noticed that the majority of people out there think that they can simply change their diet for a couple weeks and all of a sudden they will be transformed into who they want to be. This is partially laziness and is partially the fault of the fitness corporations preaching their easy results.

To really fix your damaged metabolism, you need both diet as well as exercise—and I'm sorry to say that walking isn't going to do it. The mixture of strength training and high intensity interval training is paramount to your metabolism rebuilding success.

Often I hear people say, "But I don't want to build muscle, so why do I need to lift weights?" It is necessary to build muscle to fix your damaged metabolism. You need to do compound muscle building exercises, even if you are female. Doing squats and deadlifts as well as other core strengthening exercises (not sit-ups and crunches) will burn help burn the fat off your body even when you are not working out.

Keep at it and over time, you will eventually notice that you have fixed your damaged metabolism. Your body will be burning calories like crazy, even when you are resting, and that's what we really want, isn't it?

Diet Programs And Meals - The L. A. Shape Diet by Levi Reiss

The L.A. Shape Diet was created by Doctor David Heber. This diet is based on eating lots of fiber, fruits, and vegetables. You will evaluate your own need for proteins. You'll drink a mixture of soy milk or skim milk with fruit, and nutritional powder including protein. Each of the two steps lasts seven days. During the first step the diet drink replaces two daily meals, and in the second step it replaces one daily meal. Here are some of the principles.

The L.A. Shape Diet is quite different for women and men. Dr. Heber recommends that women consume 100 grams (approximately 3 ounces) of protein a day as follows: 30 grams at breakfast and supper provided by the protein drink, 25 grams in the mid-afternoon snack, and the rest at dinner from fish or poultry. The recommendation for men is 150 grams of protein a day as follows: 35 grams at breakfast, 20 to 30 grams in the mid-afternoon snack, and 50 to 75 grams at supper. The morning and supper protein drinks are not the same. If you are hungry you can add protein powder to the drinks. You prepare this drink by mixing soy or skim milk, protein powder, fruit, and ice. Protein powder is available in various flavors. The diet includes a detailed list of snacks and food per day during each of the phases. During the second phase the menu differs for women and for men. Drink lots of water or green tea. Eat fruits and vegetables according to their colors. Fight against stress, which often incites people to eat when they aren't hungry. This diet strongly emphasises physical activity.

An advantage of the L.A. Shape Diet is that the menu is fixed; you won't spend time deciding what to prepare. A separate program for men and women may be more effective than a single one destined to meet the dietary needs of both sexes. On the other hand, it's complicated to prepare the protein drink. You may find it inconvenient to drink a lot of liquid in the morning. Furthermore the program lasts only 14 days and provides no transition or stabilization phase.

Here are two sample menus:

Menu 1 (Week 2, day 3 for women)

Breakfast: Protein drink or 7 egg whites. A slice of whole wheat bread. 1 fruit.

Lunch: Protein drink or avocado, vegetable, and turkey salad.

The mid-afternoon snack is a cup of red fruit.

Supper: Soy chili. Green salad. A red apple.

Menu 2 (Week 2, day 3 for men)

Breakfast: Protein drink or 7 egg whites. A slice or two of whole wheat bread. 1 cup of mixed vegetables.

Lunch: Protein drink or avocado, vegetable, and turkey salad. A slice of whole wheat bread. A slice of cantaloupe.

Your mid-afternoon snack is soy pudding.

Supper: Soy chili. Green salad. A red apple.

Some information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes more than 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and lots more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French.

Diet Programs And Meals - The Blood Type O Diet by Levi Reiss

The Blood Type O Diet is one of a group of diets that depend on the individual's blood type. These 4 diets are all said to promote weight loss, eliminate toxins and fat from the organism, fight against some illnesses, and slow the aging process. Blood type O, in which O stands for origin, is the most common one. These people tend to move a lot and are meat eaters. They should be physically active and avoid grains, dairy products, and legumes, food that makes them gain weight. Here are some of the diet principles.

Blood Type O dieters should eat small quantities of lean meat. Generally speaking, red meat, seafood, liver, laminar (an algae), and vegetables such as spinach help them lose weight. Nuts and grains may be avoided for rapid weight loss. Whole wheat is a problem food. This diet comes with a long list of foods to eat and foods that you should avoid. Even the favored food groups such as fish and vegetables encompass plenty of items to avoid. For example, you should stay away from cabbage, potatoes, corn, black olives, eggplant, avocados, and regular and shiitake mushrooms. Good choices include leafy green vegetables, garlic, beets, turnips, onions, sweet potatoes, parsnips, red peppers, leeks, dandelions, horseradish, and Jerusalem artichokes. You probably should take vitamin B, calcium, and small quantities of iodine supplements. Clearly you cannot follow this diet without a book. Three times a week perform cardiovascular exercise such as walking, bicycling, or swimming.

Advantages of the Blood Type O Diet include improving the state of your cells and immune system. Its foods are varied and healthy. Disadvantages include the need for supplements and the lack of fiber.

Here are two sample menus:

Menu 1

Breakfast: Puffed rice. A glass of soy milk. A glass of pineapple juice. 1 Tea.

Lunch: Endive salad. Filet of sole. A slice of rye bread. Sliced pineapple.

The mid-afternoon snack is carrot and celery sticks and a glass of prune juice.

Supper: Spicy lamb meat balls. Steamed leeks.

Menu 2

Breakfast: A slice of wheat germ bread. Light jam. A glass of pineapple juice. 1 Tea.

Lunch: Chicken salad. A glass of tomato juice.

The mid-afternoon snack is a peach and a glass of soy milk.

Supper: Green salad. Haddock filet. Green beans and broccoli.

Some of the information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes over 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and lots more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French.

Are Dental Implants Right for You? by Kathryn Dawson

Dental implants are a popular and effective type of cosmetic dentistry, perfect for replacing missing teeth. Teeth can fall out and this becomes even more true as the body ages when teeth become effected by decay and weaken with age. Before the technology around dentistry, in particular cosmetic dentistry, became so advanced there were limited things that could be done with missing teeth. False teeth have been around for a while, however this is more appropriate for people who have lost all their teeth. When just one or two are missing there was little that could be done before the advent of dental implants.

Dental implants involve having a titanium tooth root inserted into the bone of the jaw. Once this has fused completely with the bone a prosthetic tooth is attached. There is a surgical procedure involved as the gum tissue has to be opened in order to insert the root. Once the root has been attached to the jaw the gum is sewn back together over the root. The root is left alone for several months in order to allow a strong union to develop between the metal root and the bone. During this time there will be regular checkups with the dentist who will want to see if the gum is healing correctly and if the body is accepting the root. Titanium is used because this is a metal that is not often rejected by the body. On occasion this has happened, however, so the dentist must keep a close eye on things. After a few months the bond will probably be strong enough to hold onto a prosthetic tooth. This part of the procedure is much simpler than the first part.

Dental implants are considered to be a permanent solution. There is always the chance however that the bone weakens as you continue to age and if this happens the implant can become loose. Be prepared for possible future costs involved and take this into consideration before purchasing implants. Regular implants vary in cost between around Ј1500 and Ј3000 per tooth depending on where you have it done. Smokers in particular suffer from weakened bones in the mouth and so they should think carefully before having this type of work carried out.

A regular dentist is able to carry out this procedure so you should talk to them first if you are considering this type of procedure. They will be able to tell you whether it will work well or whether you are not an appropriate candidate. There are alternative solutions available if you are wanting a whiter, brighter and straighter smile. Much less severe than dental implants is a simple tooth whitening procedure. This is not permanent but does last a good while and can really make your teeth a few shades lighter. If you have badly discoloured teeth then this could be ideal for you. There are over the counter kits available but it is always better to get it done professionally so you can be sure the enamel isn't getting worn away and you are stripping the teeth of any vital components that can lead to lasting sensitivity and pain.

If you are looking for even more of a radical teeth makeover however, then porcelain veneers are available. This is the most expensive option but is considered a permanent solution and can totally transform your smile. It is irreversible however as the teeth have to be shaved before the veneer can be attached, so think carefully before agreeing to have this work carried out.

As well as dental implants there are a few other options available if you are looking for a smile makeover. Talk to your local dentist in Grimsby or other parts of the UK to find out more about each of these procedures.

Comestic Dentistry Is Right For Everyone Due To These 5 Benefits by Jeff Schuman

Are you considering getting cosmetic dentistry done, but can't decide if this is the right idea for you? Then you need to understand the benefits for this so you can see why it is a smart idea for anyone.

There are many different benefits you need to be aware of to help you make an informed decision. Below are some of the most essential benefits you need to be aware of.

1. Produces results - Everyone that has this done will get results that they will be happy with. No matter what dental problems you have, with this dentistry procedure, you will have a great smile in no time.

It has even been known to help reduce signs of aging in certain people. You will have a youthful appearance with a smile that is beautiful, so you can be sure this will leave you happy.

2. Attractive appearance and an improved psychological outlook - Having this treatment done means that your appearance will be improved and also your psychological outlook will improve.

Looking good leaves you feeling good and confident about yourself, so in a way it can help you gain your self confidence back also.

3. Accessible - There are dentists located in every city these days and most of them offer this service. Some of them specialize in it, while others offer it, but also do other dental treatments.

Any dentist can easily do this for you so you end up with a smile you can be happy with.

4. Long lasting effects - When this is done, there won't be any worry about having to have it fixed or redone in just a short time. It will last for as long as 10 years.

This means that the money you spend on this treatment will be well worth it, since you won't have to keep going back to the dentist.

5. Short recovery time - The recovery time is much shorter for this then it is for other types of treatments. Plus, there are many people that never feel pain while recovering, except in the first day or two, but that goes away quickly.

Now that you know these benefits of cosmetic dentistry, you just have to decide if this is right for you or not. To be sure you are making the right choice for you, it is a good idea to do your own homework on this and take time to talk to a dentist about it. Just remember, if you want a great smile, then you definitely can't go wrong with this treatment.