Friday 9 October 2015

Health Drinks That Are More Exciting Than Coconut Water

While there’s some debate as to whether coconut water is really the miracle beverage that marketers claim it is — especially for recreational physical activity — there’s no denying its large following. This rise in popularity has caused a slew of other plant waters to sprout. Which ones are worth a try? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of some of the latest alternatives.

1. Watermelon Water

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4 Ways to Get Over a Break Up

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Break ups are not easy. It can be devastating to end a relationship, but it is also a new beginning. This is your time to not only discover more about yourself but also learn about what you really want in your next relationship.
“Let me start by saying that no matter how badly it hurts right now, no matter how upset or angry or lonely you feel, this pain will end. There is a light at the end of every tunnel (even if the tunnel itself might seem unbearably long) and the even better news is: you have the power and the strength within you to overcome this,” said Katharina A. Macher in Getting Over a Breakup–Now! 11 Steps for Turning Your Worst Breakup into Your Greatest Opportunity.

Thursday 8 October 2015

How To Avoid Money Arguement In Your Relationship

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Have you ever squabbled with your companion or mate over cash? If yes, you're not the only one. Past studies have demonstrated that money related concerns are among the most widely recognized wellsprings of difference for couples.
Contrasted with other tricky points, couples' contentions about cash have a tendency to be more exceptional, more hazardous and more inclined to stay uncertain. Be that as it may, cash doesn't need to be a wedge in your relationship. With practice, you and your partner can figure out how to discuss funds in a more beneficial, all the more fulfilling way.

10 Jobs That Pay More Than $50,000

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Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Finally, some good news for college graduates who are wondering whether that degree is really worth it. The economy has added millions of well-paying, full-time jobs in the past few years, according to researchers at Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), and most of those coveted positions are going to people with college degrees.

Your To-Do List for Building More Muscle

A MODEL RELEASED MAN IN HIS TWENTIES WORKS OUT WITH BARBELL''S.

A MODEL RELEASED MAN IN HIS TWENTIES WORKS OUT WITH BARBELL''S.
Holly Stein/Getty Images
The tricky thing about fitness — or life, for that matter — is that there is no definitive road map. Most people adopt working out as a way to get in shape, improve their self-confidence, or maybe just try and become more appealing to the opposite sex. These may be simplistic goals, but they’re goals nonetheless. And establishing goals is the very first thing you need to do when deciding to adopt a lifestyle change that includes getting in shape.

Balance Training: What Your Workout Routine Has Been Missing

March 1933:  Balancing on one hand and one leg, soldiers doing physical training at an army vocational training camp at Aldershot, Hampshire.  (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)

March 1933: Balancing on one hand and one leg, soldiers doing physical training at an army vocational training camp at Aldershot, Hampshire. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
Fox Photos/Getty Images
They say life is a balancing act. In fact, our entire lives depend on a certain level of balance — be it by juggling our personal and professional lives, or figuring out a workout routine that marries the perfect level of strength training with the ideal amount of cardio. It’s all about balance; and what better way to develop a more perfect sense of balance than through balance training?

7 Superfoods That People Don’t Eat Enough of Anymore

It’s hard to watch a few minutes of TV without hearing about the best new superfood. In the last several years, we’ve seen it happen for salmon, kale, chia seeds, coconut oil, and açaí berries, just to name a small handful. In our quest to find the best eats to boost our health, we’ve completely forgotten about these seven nutrient-packed foods that once graced our kitchens.

In addition to keeping you feeling good, adding some of these old-school ingredients back to your diet can help shake up your meals with some different flavors. Need more reason to go for the less-glamorous side of superfoods? How about cost. Since demand is a lot lower for these foods than today’s trendiest healthy eats, you’ll also leave the grocery store with a fatter wallet. Get ready to taste a blast from the past.

1. Zucchini

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Wednesday 7 October 2015

15 Ways to Stay Fit and Active at Work

Staying motivated in an office all day is one tall order. An even taller order? Getting a workout in after 5 o’clock p.m. While it would be great to work for a company that offers their employees lunchtime yoga classes and an in-office rock climbing wall, that’s not yet the case for most 9 to 5’ers. We’re crossing our fingers that the aforementioned scenario will one day soon be the norm across corporate America, but until then, try taking these simple steps toward a healthier daily routine.

1. Desk push-ups

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With your feet flat on the ground and a good distance from your desk, lean forward and put your hands on the edge of your desk. Maintaining a straight body, lower yourself by slowly bending your elbows, then pushing back up, engaging your arms and core.

2. Send your documents to the printer furthest from your desk

Making this a habit is an easy way to ensure you take a few extra steps throughout the day. It will also help boost your energy level, as well, once you return to your desk.

3. Swap your chair for an exercise ball

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Sitting on an exercise ball is ideal for lower back and posture awareness. Additionally, lack of a chair back will help keep you more alert, as slouching is not an option.

4. Alternate mouse sides

Switch your computer mouse to the opposite side on which it typically sits every other day. This will help keep you from favoring one side over the other (i.e. we might tend to lean on one side of an office chair if the mouse stays on the same side).

5. Seated leg lifts

These can be done right from your chair and underneath your desk, allowing you to engage your muscles without interfering with your work.

6. Stretch your wrists

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Straighten one arm out in front of you, activating that hand by slowly pulling back on your finger tips. This should feel great during a long day of typing.

7. Loosen tight hip flexors

Stand in front of your chair and put one foot on the seat. Keep your standing leg straight, push hips forward toward the chair, lift arms overhead, and slightly arch your lower back.

8. Boost confidence with a pranic pose

Certain power poses are said to revitalize us, and Sarah Klein, certified health and nutrition coach, expert yoga instructor, and owner of Whole Health Lab, suggests doing the following to counteract the motion of hunched shoulders and a hanging neck that we get while sitting at a desk and staring at a screen all day. Turn your chair around and stand with your back against the back of the chair. The top of the chair should be at the bottom of your shoulder blades, enabling you to lean back over it and open your arms up, creating a supported back bend.

9. Lunchtime lunges

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Take a stroll around the block and incorporate lunges with each step to get the blood flowing in the legs after having spent the morning sitting down.

10. Wall squats

Put your back flat against the wall, with your feet out in front of you and knees at a 90-degree angle. Hold this position for as long as possible, you’ll definitely feel a great burn in your quads!

11. Trade the boardroom for bicycles

If your coworkers are up for it and you have a relatively cool boss, suggest everyone bring his bike to work on a day that your company is having a meeting that doesn’t require the use of powerpoint presentations or the like. Take a leisurely spin on a route that’s quiet enough to allow for group discussion.

12. Crush the H2O

Make a point to fill up your water bottle several times a day. Pick a number (depending on how good you already are, or are not, about drinking water throughout the day) and stick to it. Upping your daily water consumption gives you more energy and helps us feel less sluggish.

13. Get up every hour

When we’re in the middle of a task, we can become consumed by our computer screens. Leave a note in your workspace to remind yourself to get up at least once every hour, even if it’s just to take a stroll to a coworker’s cubicle to say hello. This will give you an extra boost and can help increase productivity once you return to your desk.

14. Open up your hips with the figure 4 stretch

Sit on the edge of your chair with feet flat on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle. Cross one leg over so that your ankle is sitting on the opposite thigh. Sit up nice and tall, sweeping arms up overhead. Maintaining a flat back, hinge forward for an added stretch.

15. Smile!

Because hey, why not? Laughter is contagious, and happier employees will result in an all-around happier, more-productive work environment.
“When we have our physical and mental health in balance, we are able to focus on the things that really matter: creating purpose & living life inspired.” – Sarah Klein

10 Ways to Fuel Your Body Before Running a Marathon

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Source: iStock
Race season has arrived, and as certain as the leaves will begin to fall, runners will line up to grab their race packets and don their numbers. There’s a lot of preparation and recovery, both pre- and post-marathon, and fueling your body is one of the most important things to consider.

What You Need to Know About Fat in Your Food

Butter curls in a small white butter dish.

Butter curls in a small white butter dish.
Source: iStock
Let’s be real: We all can tell the difference between normal foods and their reduced-fat versions. We might think it’s all in our heads — that if we didn’t know we were eating a less fatty food, we wouldn’t know the difference. But recent science discoveries suggest that we would still know we were being cheated, because fat is a taste, not just a texture. As more people become increasingly health-conscious, fat sometimes becomes archenemy No. 1. But cutting it out deprives you of the taste that makes those foods so good in the first place.

Men Can Get a Big Belly During Pregnancy Too: How to Avoid It

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Source: iStock
When a woman is pregnant, the father often begins to display similar symptoms. While this so-called sympathetic pregnancy can be seen as endearing, no one really wants to put on baby weight. We spoke with registered holistic nutritionist, culinary consultant, and author of Food CuresPeggy Kotsopoulos, to find out exactly how men can avoid some of the physical pitfalls that can happen when their wives are pregnant. Here are her six must-dos.

6 Foods That Help Get Rid of Belly Fat

Crunches: check. Sit-ups: check. You’ve done every core workout under the sun, so where’s the promised six pack? If your abs are still hiding under a pesky layer of fat, it might be time to reconsider your diet choices. Luckily, it’s not too late to change your ways and uncover your abs before beach season is over. Men’s Health recommends eating smaller meals along with 3 to 4 liters of water daily in order to maintain your blood sugar level and boost your metabolic rate. Cut back on the carbs, as Muscle and Health advises, and stick to only eating them in the morning or right before a workout. Plus, whatever you do, avoid those midnight snacks! When it comes to what foods you should put in your body, reach for any of these six options to speed up your six-pack.

1. Broccoli

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10 Healthy Snacks to Eat at Work Without Ruining Your Diet

Apple slices and carrot sticks don’t tend to lift your spirits when it’s mid-afternoon and your boss just slammed hours worth of work on your desk. Peanut butter cups and Snickers — while certainly instantly gratifying — aren’t exactly a great alternative either as they’ll cause a spike in blood sugar and subsequent drop in energy (not to mention that they’re full of empty calories, sugar, GMO-packed high-fructose corn syrup, and the kind of chemical preservatives that will cause your pant buttons to pop). Thankfully there are brands that understand this dilemma and are making snacks that you can satisfyingly munch on without the guilt. Here’s a look at 10 junk food alternatives that will make getting through a hellish work day just a little bit easier.

Urban Remedy

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5 Proven Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a prime example of getting too much of a good thing. Your body needs cholesterol, but too much leads to blockages that hamper blood flow to your heart and brain. Whole grains, black tea, and a good breakfast are among the easiest ways to lower your cholesterol. Take a look at these five proven ways to lower your cholesterol without sacrifice or medication.

1. Drink black tea

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Your Diet Will Probably Be What Kills You, Says New Research

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It’s definitely a challenge to eat healthy and stick to a clean diet. Especially in America — where you’re never too far from a fast food restaurant, pizza delivery, or convenience store stocked with junk food. Our diets, along with a lack of exercise, has led to the exploding obesity epidemic, and that — despite the dangers of shark attacks, tornadoes, and even car accidents — is likely to be what will end up killing many of us.

Tuesday 6 October 2015

Intermittent Fasting For Fat Loss: What It Is, How You Do It & Does It Work?

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For years we’ve been told by fitness gurus and nutritionists that the best path to fat loss is to eat small meals every few hours. This, they claimed, would keep your metabolism running like a well oiled machine while at the same time, would prevent your body from going into a dreaded fat-storing “starvation mode”.
There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that this eating strategy works for some people, but according to a number of scientific studies, the frequency of meals has absolutely no effect on fat loss, but does have beneficial metabolic effects on dietary thermogenesis and insulin sensitivity (in other words, it helps regulate your blood sugar levels, which in turn can help keep your appetite under control).

5 Weight-Lifting Moves You Can Substitute For Deadlifts

SAN ANSELMO, CA - MARCH 13:  Kfir Lindheim does a deadlift during a CrossFit workout at Ross Valley CrossFit on March 13, 2014 in San Anselmo, California. CrossFit, a high intensity workout regimen that is a constantly varied mix of aerobic exercise, gymnastics and Olympic weight lifting, is one of the fastest growing fitness programs in the world. The grueling cult-like core strength and conditioning program is popular with firefighters, police officers, members of the military and professional athletes. Since its inception in 2000, the number of CrossFit affiliates, or "boxes" has skyrocketed to over 8,500 worldwide with more opening every year.  (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
If your goal is to add lean muscle and mass, everyone will tell you that you need to focus on two main exercises: the squat and the deadlift. Whether you really aim to get into shape, or start building some serious muscle, you’ll want to zero-in on on your legs — because developing the muscle groups in your legs will not only help you burn more calories, they will also help you tone and train every other muscle group in the body.

The 5 Best Ways to Improve Your Memory

The 5 Best Ways to Improve Your Memory

After a long day at the office, you need to grocery shop, but you can’t remember what items you’re missing from the fridge. You need to call your doctor, but as soon as you pick up the phone, her name slips your mind. Eventually the information comes to you in an “aha!” moment, but these memory lapses — which happen to everyone from time to time — can be frustrating and time-consuming.
You may think that memory gaps are bound to increase as you get older, but there are actually ways to strengthen your memory as you age. According to Real Simple, neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to develop neurons and build connections to improve your memory. No matter your age, you have the ability to learn new tasks and strengthen your memory, as your brain is able to form new pathways that assist you with learning new information and remembering it for longer periods of time.
Like a muscle, you have to work out your brain and provide it with proper nutrition in order for it to fully function. Here are the top five ways to keep your memory sharp for years to come.

1. Sleep

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Monday 5 October 2015

Peach Walnut Yogurt Parfait

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For most of my life, I’ve never really had a breakfast that I’d call my own. What I mean, is that I don’t usually have a default breakfast. Each day, depending on whatever is available in the kitchen, I grab something quick and innovate – some days it could be just a banana, others scrambled eggs and asparagus, and sometimes, when I want something warm and sweet, I cook up a quick flaxseed porridge and top it with nuts, seeds and a small portion of fresh fruit that I have sitting in the fridge.

6 Steps to Be a Confident and Successful Man

Some people have just got it and some don’t. At least, that’s how it seems sometimes. But the truth is, a person who often experiences success in life more often than not can attribute his good fortune to more than just luck. In one way or another, many people in our lives who are confident and successful are this way for a reason, and we’re not talking about being the recipient of a hefty trust fund, either. Here are a few habits from everyday men who work hard and earn their way to the top, whether it be at the office or in relationships.

1. Plan for the future

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