Back in the saddle

So much has happened in the last few years!
I met someone, got married, have 2 jobs, so much!
I will be expanding on all of these and more in the coming months. Stay tuned!

Natural Remedies For Gingivitis

No longer is the word ‘gingivitis’ as scary as is used to be a decade ago. With the increasing level of research and development in the field of medicine, gingivitis is as easy to treat as seasonal fever. Moreover, it can be cured with the help of natural and home made products.

Natural remedies for gingivitis are surprisingly simple and cost effective, as compared to the professional treatment of the disease.

Eat Citrus Fruits

Lack of vitamins is the most common cause of any gum disease. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C strengthen the gums and help them fight against bacterial attacks. Increase your consumption of oranges, limes and broccoli. Vitamin C supplements can also be taken as an alternative medicine for the treatment of gingivitis.

Enjoy A Sun Bath

Vitamin D is another important feed of gums. It keeps them strong and healthy. Numerous researches have shown that deficiency of Vitamin C and D increases the risk of gum diseases, including gingivitis. Fortunately, the most rich and effective source of vitamin D is free of cost. All it requires for you is to stand under the sunlight for 15 minutes per week. The ultraviolet ray of sun stimulates the vitamin D in our skin. However, sun baths are not for you if you have skin allergies, instead take vitamin D supplements.

Use Coenzyme Q10 Containing Tooth Pastes

Like Vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10 is also found in our body. It is an antioxidant which strengthens the gum tissues and prevents from dental diseases. Lack of this enzyme damages the gingival tissues. Coenzyme Q10 is easily available in the form of toothpastes. Use the toothpaste with the highest amount of Coenzyme Q10 enzyme for at least 3 months.

Gargle with Green Tea

Most of us are aware of the benefits of green tea. From obesity to high blood pressure, green tea is beneficial for a countless number of diseases. But how many of us knew that it can also be used as an alternative medicine for several gum diseases? It is one of the most cost effective remedies for the treatment of gingivitis. All you have to do is stir some green tea leaves in hot water, let the water cool for some minutes and then apply it to your gums and teeth. You can also gargle with it; just make sure it is warm enough for you to bear.

Drink One Glass Of Cranberry Juice Daily

Another major cause of gingivitis is the plaque that is formed as a result of sticky and sugary foods. Such things trigger the bacteria and help them in building up tartar. Cranberry juice, without sugar, is known to prevent the bacteria from sticking to the teeth.

In today’s era where technological advancement is replacing the traditional modes of daily life utilities; the field of medicine is taking a U-turn in a sense that people are moving more towards the home made and natural remedies for treating different diseases. It is time for you to realize the benefits of natural remedies and save your gums from the torture of gingival removers and scalers.

Author Bio:

Kevin Kerfoot writes about health, nutrition, oral hygiene and skin care for Trusted Health Products’ natural health blog and newsletter. 

6 Ways Stress Makes You Gain Weight

We will be getting under the hood and trying understand how stress makes people fatter. It is no secret that obesity is causing undue stress to the American economy. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention found out that the total indirect and direct cost of fighting obesity in America is $147 billion in 2006. The study also revealed that obese people spent $1,429 more on medical bills compared to people with normal weight.

Craving carbs

Have you ever felt good after eating a huge bowl of pasta? Chances are you did and there is a good reason for feeling that way. Craving for carbohydrates is one of the common responses to an increase of stress hormones circulating in the body. Sugar is the best and quickest way to replenish energy that is needed to execute a fight or flee response to stress. Carbohydrates are known to supply sugar which the body needs. But if the sugar stays in the body, it will be stored as fat.

Increased cholesterol levels

Having symptoms of anxiety can actually give the body a hard time. Stress is known to increase cholesterol levels which if left unabated can lead to several cardiovascular diseases and may also cause strokes. Higher lipid profiles are observed on people who are unable to cope with stress and it has something to do with the body’s inability to ward off inflammation caused by the rise of cortisol in the body.

Comfort eating

Recent study suggests that there is a gene that is thought to have an influence in metabolism. This gene is produced when the body is under stress. It is thought that this gene may cause comfort eating which can add thousands of calories and significantly increase weight.

Hormonal imbalance

Stress is notorious in causing hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance causes additional inches on the waste line. Hormones may prevent fat breakdown or can stimulate more amounts of insulin which can make cells insulin resistant and make it doubly hard to get rid of fat. Getting quality sleep and relaxation together with proper diet and exercise can help get rid of stress and help the body recover from hormonal imbalance. Consult a doctor if you are having problems with your hormones. Naturally, an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormones, is the best doctor to consult if ever you are having hormonal imbalance.

Slows down fat burning

Stress can be a tough customer and it could interfere with fat burning. Unresolved stress can cause the metabolic function in the body go haywire. Healthy DHEA and cortisol ratios are important to keep the metabolism rate at normal levels and allows the body to burn fat efficiently. Aside from coping with stress, it is best to cut down on fat so that the body will have less to store and burn some of the stored ones through exercise.

Elevating your blood glucose

When the body thinks that it is in danger, it secretes the stress hormone called cortisol.  As the body feel the stress, the heart pumps faster, the blood pressure gets higher and the blood sugar increases. Now if the blood sugar remains elevated, the cells in time become insulin resistant which can develop into type-2 diabetes. The elevated blood sugar levels have nowhere to go but are stored as fat which contributes to weight gain.

Exercise alone will not help in lowering stress. You need to have a healthy diet and a nice disposition to constantly elevate the mood. It would help if you incorporate other stress-busting activities such as yoga and even laughter. Kicking out unhealthy habits like eating fast food will also help. Drinking water will also help in keeping the body hydrated. Lose weight, be happy and feel better because these will serve as your weapons against stress.

About the Author:

Ryan Rivera writes about stress, depression, and anxiety attacks.  Please check out his Calm Clinic Twitter account for more information regarding these topics.

Dance Studio Schedule

Doesn't it suck when your bedroom refuses to clean itself?
Well in the mean time, I've been planning my dance DVD workout schedule, reading through my Ballet for Dummies book and trying to fight a sinus cold. Yay me. On the bright side it's almost the end of the month, and my financial aid stuff for college is close to being finalized.

Now as far as the dance schedule goes, I made it based on the fact that I'm normally very sedentary. I've tried workout programs in the past obviously, but most don't work because of this one sucky fact: even if you do the 1 hour a day workout and eat a decent diet, sitting at the computer the rest of the day does not much weight loss make. I also just found that I have a couple random Zumba cardio workouts as well that I can throw in.


Day 1
30 min Body Revolution workout 1
60 min NYC Ballet workout 1
14 min Yoga Booty Ballet Rehearsal and Guided Meditation
45 min Yoga Booty Ballet Total Toning Basics
30 min Hip Hop Abs Fat Burning Cardio
55 min Slim in 6 Cool it Off!

Day 2
30 min Body Revolution workout 2
60 min NYC Ballet workout 1
36 min Yoga Booty Balley Cardio Cabaret
30 min Hip Hop Abs Fat Burning Cardio
30 min Zumba Workout (pick one)
55 min Slim in 6 Cool it Off!

Day 3
30 min Body Revolution Cardio 1
60 min NYC Ballet workout 2
30 min Yoga Booty Ballet Advanced Fat Burning
24 min Hip Hop Abs Ab Sculpt
30 min Zumba workout (pick one)
55 min Slim in 6 Cool it Off!

Day 4
30 min Body Revolution Workout 1
60 min NYC Ballet workout 2
49 min Yoga Booty Ballet Hip Hop Abs
30 min Hip Hop Abs Fat Burning Cardio
30 min Zumba workout (pick one)
30 min Power Yoga: Mind and Body Adrienne Reed (via Youtube)

Day 5
30 min Body Revolution Workout 2
60 min NYC Ballet workout 1
30 min Yoga Booty Ballet Advanced Fat Burning
25 min Hip Hop Abs Hips, Buns and Thighs
30 min Zumba
55 min Slim in 6 Cool it Off!

Day 6
30 min Body Revolution Cardio 1
60 min NYC Ballet workout 2
36 min Yoga Booty Ballet Cardio Cabaret
42 min Hip Hop Abs Total Body Burn
30 min Zumba
55/30 min Slim in 6 Cool it Off! or Yoga (your choice)

Day 7
Relax and pamper.


I hope you enjoyed the Peep Show :)

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight during Pregnancy

If your weight is or has ever been a concern, the thought of going through a nine-month weight gain marathon can be nothing less than terrifying! This can even put a damper on the joy of finding out you’re expecting.

Rest assured, however, that being pregnant does not have to be synonymous with a life-changing increase in body mass. In fact, it can be an opportunity to implement the type of healthy lifestyle you may be after. What could be more motivating than getting fit and fabulous for the sake of your child?

If you’re already in the groove, finding out you’re pregnant can give you an extra boost to stay on track and focus even more attention on your diet and exercise routines. And if you’re just starting off in the world of healthy awareness, you can really use this time to up your knowledge and implement smart routines into your daily life.

Don’t let anything get in the way of enjoying your pregnancy to the fullest- follow these tips for integral wellness and maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy.

Focus on Foods

It’s important to keep in mind that pregnant women only need about 300 more calories per day to nourish baby. So, while you may be eating for two, the second person in question here is of course much smaller than the first.

If you haven’t already, read up on what really constitutes healthy food choices. A balanced diet of lean proteins, whole grains, good sources of calcium and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables has never been more important. Not only will your diet provide you with the energy you need during pregnancy, it will help stave off cravings for fatty or sugary foods.

Another essential factor in maintaining a healthy diet while expecting is dedicating some time to it. Schedule in a good hour each day for preparing healthy meals. Use a weekend morning to shop for options you can have on hand for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout each day.

Feed your Cravings

Of course you’ll have cravings for tasty things (or strange combinations!) during pregnancy. You just need to remember to recognize them for what they are and satisfy them smartly.

Ask yourself why you’re craving a certain food item. If you’re dying for a cheeseburger and fries, for example, your body may be low on protein and iron. Or, you may be suffering from low blood sugar altogether from having skipped lunch.

You can then determine what to do- have you eaten well today and generally satisfied most of your hunger with healthy options? Then go ahead and have that cheeseburger! If you haven’t earned your ‘cheat’ meal, you might be better off making a good low-fat cheeseburger at home with some carrot sticks on the side.

Feed cravings for sweets with low-fat dark chocolate or frozen yogurt topped with a handful of blueberries. Tempted by processed potato chips? Try tortilla chips instead, dipped in some homemade guacamole with plenty of tangy lime, tomatoes and onions.

Stay Moving

There is no secret to exercising during pregnancy, other than avoiding any activities that could result in a fall or hard impact. You don’t have to sign up for yoga or join an aqua aerobics class (although these can be great ways to stick to your routine and meet other mothers-to-be).

The key is to stay moving, every day. Twenty-thirty minutes of gentle exercise will keep your blood circulating well and stimulate your metabolism. Think of it as your time to focus on your health and well being  Treat yourself to an invigorating morning walk or peaceful evening stroll. This will do wonders for clearing your mind as well.

Swim whenever you have the chance- the feeling of weightlessness is delicious during pregnancy. Or, dance around in the living room with your older child. A body in motion is a naturally healthy body, and it doesn't take much!

Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy doesn't have to be a scientific or painful process. Use this as an opportunity to implement healthy lifestyle changes- you can then pass them on to your child.

Sonia Moran is a mother of two active boys who struggled with weight gain during pregnancy and losing the weight afterwards. Her journeys lead her to realize that there’s no way around it- you simply have to adopt an overall healthy lifestyle, the sooner the better! She is also a writer and consultant for www.amoralia.com. 

Weight Loss Weigh In

Well whoda thunk it! I've already lost weight! Granted I've had a cold the last few days...
Before this week, the last time I weighed myself was a month ago and my highest weight was 350 lbs. I now weigh 338 lbs, so thankfully I'm already starting off at a loss. Time to add to that number!

This is a short post mainly to put in my current weight plus a couple before pics. I'm not overly proud of them, but alas I have to start somewhere.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!





Lbs lost so far:
12


P.S. I bought the Biggest Loser shirt for motivation, plus they make great workout shirts. Go figure.

Firmoo Sunglasses Giveaway!

Click Here to check out Firmoo's Sunglasses and Be sure to Leave a blog comment below mentioning your favorite pair.
In order to be counted in the giveaway, also make sure to log into the Rafflecopter Widget and enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm extremely happy to announce that I've teamed up with Firmoo for an awesome giveaway! Firmoo is one of the world's leading online sunglasses companies, providing high quality fashionable glasses for great prices.
You might have seen Firmoo sunglasses giveaways before on other websites/blogs, but for those who haven't I'll explain the process.

Prizes
There are 7 possible prizes in this giveaway.
1 Grand prize winner could win a pair of their choice of sunglasses from firmoo.com, shipping included.
The winner can also choose glasses that have prescription lenses, visit this page to see how it's done!
In order to unlock the grand prize, though, there has to be at least 50 valid contestant entries. So be sure to share the giveaway with your friends and family! I really hope someone's able to win the nice pair of sunglasses!

6 Contestants, regardless of how many enter, will win a $20 sunglasses E-Voucher good for sunglasses from this firmoo wrap around sunglasses page. This is also a great page to pick your favorite pair to mention below!

Eligibility and Valid Entries
In order to qualify for any prize you need to be 18+ years old or considered an adult in your country/state, and you'll need to visit firmoo.com from this blog and leave a blog post comment below. This is important because firmoo will be checking Google Analytics to make sure that people click any link to firmoo from my blog. They'll also use Google to check whether 50 unique people have clicked it for the grand prize.

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this promotion. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Void where prohibited.


Shipping
Not in the United States? That's ok! Check out this page to see what countries firmoo ships to as well as other info about shipping to other countries. If they ship to your country, you can win the sunglasses! You can checkout their other shipping policies on this page; including tracking policies and minimum purchase prices on regular orders for free shipping.


The Winners
The winners will be chosen randomly via the Rafflecopter widget. The more entries you have, the better chance you have to win.
The winners will be announced within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. An email will be sent to the winners and a response will be required within 48 hours of the minute the email is sent.


That's pretty much it! Good luck everyone, I really hope someone wins an awesome pair of sunglasses just in time for summer!