Discover the Health Benefits of Produce

Your mother told you to eat your fruits and vegetables – and you should listen to mom. Research suggests eating enough fruits and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of many chronic diseases and may help protect against certain types of cancer. Despite these health benefits, most people don't eat enough produce. It's a shame, too, because if prepared without adding fats or sugars, fruits and vegetables are relatively low in calories. As a result, eating more of them may help you achieve and keep your healthy weight.

Whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried, fruits and vegetables are major sources of nutrients we need – but we often don't eat enough of them. Since the nutrients in fruits and vegetables vary, it's important to eat a variety. Opt for dark-green, red and orange vegetables, and beans and peas.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend filling half your plate with vegetables and fruit. Here are some tips on how you can add more produce to your meals:

• Keep frozen, canned and dried fruit and vegetables on hand, especially when fresh produce isn't in season. Buy canned fruit that's packed in juice for less added sugars and calories, and choose low-sodium canned vegetables.

• Try new types of fruits and vegetables and prepare them in different ways. Texture is everything when it comes to sandwiches, so experiment with veggie toppings like raw cucumber, avocado slices or pickled carrots. Add flavor to breakfast by topping oatmeal, frozen waffles or cereal with berries or banana slices. Create a guilt-free dessert with fresh fruit or serve it as a topping on low-fat yogurt.

• Many children and young adults drink more than half of their fruit as juice, which often contains a significant amount of added sugar. Whole fruit contains fiber and other nutrients without the added sugar. When drinking juice, make sure it is 100-percent juice, without the added sugars.

For more tips on improving your health through nutrition and foods that taste great, consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area and learn more at the Academy's Cooking Tips and Trends section.

Body Image and Young Women

Young women can fall into the trap of wanting to look like super-thin models or television personalities. These unrealistic goals can lead to an unhealthy body image and low self-esteem, not to mention disordered eating behaviors. This may involve eating too little, eating too much or following a restricted diet of only “healthy” foods. Some early warning signs of disordered eating are rapid weight loss, overly picky eating and the desire to eat alone. (See Eating Disorders.)

Since food and body image are closely linked, having a healthy body image may take the help of a registered dietitian nutritionist and a psychologist. The overall goal of any treatment is to accept your body and learn how to balance food and emotions. If used the right way, food can be a source of pleasure, nourishment and self love.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential to overcoming poor body image issues. Embracing a variety foods with balance is key. A healthy eating plan includes:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Lean red meat
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Fish
• Nuts
• Beans and peas
• Vegetable oils
• Whole grains
• Fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese.

There is room for a moderate serving of a sweet or salty food such as chips, chocolate or ice cream to satisfy sweet or salty cravings. This allows you to indulge without the guilt.

A vegetarian diet can be a part of a healthy eating plan as long as it includes a variety of foods including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and fat-free or low-fat dairy or non-dairy substitutes.

Physical Activity

Physical activity helps boost body image and alleviate stress, but when working out becomes obsessive or out of control, it may become unhealthy. If you feel guilty, depressed or overweight if you miss a work out, it may be time for help.

Young women should get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise such as walking, jogging, biking or dancing most days of the week. In addition, do resistance training at least two days a week. This will help keep your muscles and bones strong. Resistance training includes free weights, wrist and ankle weights and rubber resistance bands.

Be Social

A healthy social life helps with body image. People who surround themselves with positive, happy and uplifting friends tend to be more confident and accepting of their own unique body and mind. Encouragement and social support go a long way toward a positive self image.

Eating Right During Menopause

For women, menopause is a reality check that your body is changing. This is a time to take care of yourself by making healthy lifestyle choices. Eating well, and being physically active will make this midlife transition easier.

About Menopause

Every woman has to face this “change of life” at the time of her last period. On average, women reach menopause at age 51, but it can happen earlier or later. Menopausal symptoms vary with every woman. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain around the middle, sleep disturbances and mood changes. However, some women go through menopause with no real symptoms.

What causes menopause? Hormones. As women age, your ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, two of the main hormones for reproduction. As estrogen levels go down, one of the first signs of “menopausal transition” is irregular periods in which bleeding is unusually heavy or light; the time between periods also may become longer.

Weight Gain with Menopause

Due to lowering hormone levels and the natural aging process, many women find it harder to keep extra pounds off in their forties and fifties. Often women lose muscle and gain fat, mainly in the belly area. Lifestyle factors come into play, too: Menopausal women tend to be less active and eat more calories than they need.

Health Risk Associated with Menopausal Weight Gain

Let’s face it: When we gain weight, we don’t feel good. It can be uncomfortable and cause low self esteem. But that’s not all. Weight gain is related to health issues including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance (a condition in which your body cannot use insulin correctly, which can lead to diabetes).

Avoiding a “Midlife Metabolic Crisis”

Plan for your body’s natural metabolic slowdown. As with any time in life, there are no quick fixes when it comes to weight loss. There are, however, ways to avoid a midlife crisis when it comes to a slowing metabolism.

• Be physically active. Adults should do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise doesn’t have to mean a trip to the gym. You can be active doing daily activities. Take the stairs; park further away from your destination and walk; garden; or dance.
• Eat Right. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein foods contain the nutrients you need without too many calories.If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink a day.

Avoid oversized portions. Try using a smaller plate, bowl and glass. Cook more often at home where you are in control of what’s in your food. When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options. Choose dishes that include vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

Facial Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection that is caused by bacteria. When it affects your face it is called facial cellulitis. This infection can affect both children and adults. Cellulitis is caused by three types of bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Haemophilus influenzae.

A person with facial cellulitis experiences swelling, redness and pain in the skin on his or her face. Apart from the skin being infected, the person also has swelling and pain in the tongue. The other symptoms include fever, irritability, body aches and decreased appetite. Once you notice these symptoms it is mandatory that you go to the doctor to get the symptoms diagnosed. This is because this infection can present considerable risk factors to the person. Once diagnosed appropriate treatment can be provided to the person and the infection can be quelled.

There are a number of ways which the doctors employ to diagnose cellulitis. One simple way is to touch the affected are. It will be tender and warm. When this is combined with the redness that the doctor can see, he can include cellulitis in the possible infections list. To confirm this, he check if the person has any open wounds or cuts which may have facilitated the entry of the bacteria into the blood stream of the person and thus causing the infection. Even if the doctor does find an open wound or cut, he cannot be conclusive about the infection. The sure-shot way of confirming cellulitis is to conduct a blood test. If bacteria are present in the blood, the doctor can confirm Cellulitis.
Once the infection has been diagnosed as it posed considerable threats to your body. Facial cellulitis can infect your brain which results in meningitis. There are some other rare conditions that can develop when you have cellulitis. These are thrombophlebitis and Gangrene which are rare and you do not have to be too concerned about it. But you have to realise that, if you do not get cellulitis treated quickly then you are at the risk of developing the above mentioned conditions too. If you have diabetes, then your immune system is not in very good shape. In this situation if you are infected with cellulitis, this will balloon to other potentially complicated problems that can put you in a great deal of difficulty.
There are various treatments available for getting rid of cellulitis. This is a recurring infection and hence the foremost form of treatment should be preventive in nature. You should be generally hygienic and should avoid contact with food that is spoilt. If you have diabetes, you should take extra care of not cutting yourself and thus exposing and open wound or cut through with bacteria can enter. You should regularly clean the affect area if you have already contracted the infection and take the prescribed medicine regularly. As the infection is caused by bacteria, the best form of medicine is antibiotics. You can take antibiotics orally or intravenously. If you have an open wound or cut and are susceptible to bacterial infection, it is a good idea to take antibiotics to prevent the infection.

Laser Hair Removal - the best method of hair removal?

Everybody wants to look and feel fantastic and to enjoy the confidence that brings. However, excessive body hair is a common problem effecting both men and women and varies from person to person. It can be unsightly, causing embarrassment and loss of confidence but removing it can be just as bad. Hair removal is often seen as a major inconvenience and a chore to say the least. 

There are numerous ways of removing unwanted hair, however the relief is often short lived and just trying to decide on which method to use can be a headache in itself. 

Shaving is probably the most commonly used method and does allow you to achieve something approaching smooth feeling skin. However, the re-growth is fast usually returning a day or two after shaving and shaving sensitive areas is also a problem for many people which can cause irritation, rashes and cuts. This is where the creams, foams and moisturisers come in and the cheap and cheerful way of removing hairs walks out the door. 

Hair removal creams can be used on most areas of the face and body. The creams usually work within 10 minutes by dissolving the hair. Applying cream to large areas of the body can be tricky and messy and can cause irritation and even allergic reactions. The re-growth is also fairly quick and the hair can be back within a week, as like shaving, it removes hair from the surface of the skin and doesn�t tackle the �root� of the problem. 

Waxing the unwanted hair gives a longer lasting result as the hair is basically pulled out whole. It is common not to notice any re-growth for around four weeks. Not long considering the pain waxing causes and the risk of ingrown hairs which can be irritating and cause infection. 

However, there is one hair removal option available to everybody which gives permanent results! 

Soprano XL 

Laser hair removal is safe, quick and easy and with no mess, ingrown hairs or nasty nicks in sight! 

Laser hair removal works by permanently damaging the hair follicle underneath the skin so the hair falls out and it is unable to grow back. Soprano XL can treat unwanted hair on all areas of the face and body. The treatment is both comfortable and painless and has even been likened to a hot stone massage. Who ever guessed that hair removal could be enjoyable? 

Approximately six treatments are recommended for the body and eight for facial areas, usually with a space of six to eight weeks in between treatments. The best thing is that there are no side effects and results are noticeable after the first one to two treatments. After each treatment the hair will be noticeably thinner and finer than before until most of the hair is un-able to grow back. The costs start at approximately �50 per treatment and due to the small number of treatments needed to eliminate unwanted body hair the overall cost compared to a lifetime of shaving or waxing is considerably less. 

LHR is becoming more and more popular by the minute. As the treatments are so comfortable with no mess and minimal effort from yourself, laser hair removal is the new lunch hour treat!

Get exclusive collection of dresses online

Dressing up for an occasion requires planning and preparation. Choosing right from the array of dresses as per the event and our choice, that suits our personality. To be in the right attire is the need of the hour. Well we never know when opportunity will knock at our door. The glamour world and the media has highlighted and instilled the sense of present ability and every one wants to be unique in their taste and style. Whether we want our presence felt at a party or at the prom hour, party dresses and prom dresses are always available with us in a wide range of size and style. Your evenings can always be cherishing if you choose evening dresses from our stock. The gorgeous and varied hue of these dresses adds to the glory and beauty of the individuals wearing them. There is also an opportunity in the dress business. And our stocks are inimitable that can bring a great luck and profit in the business. Wholesale evening dresses and wholesale evening gowns with new designs that is acceptable as trendy by the huge group of the young generation. 

Great opportunities lie also with Wholesale prom gowns and wholesale prom dresses. There are immense possibilities that once you pick the stock from us, your store is matchless and the hub for the customers of various age groups. Wholesale dresses can be bought at affordable price and can also sell them at an alluring price for the customers. Moreover dresses can be offered at a wide range of sizes, colours and designs to choose from. During parties, marriage seasons and various occasions there are ample opportunities to set your target. Wholesale dresses are always profitable. Wholesale cocktail dresses and wholesale bridesmaid dresses are also available with us in different style and design to suit situation. Wholesale party dresses can draw your attention quickly as we have exclusive range of colours, sizes and varieties that can even suit theme parties. We offer all kinds of dresses to pitch in parties of any strata of the society. We meet the choice of intellectuals and common sections of the society. 

Our wholesale cocktail dresses and wholesale bridesmaid dresses are sure to appeal your eyes irrespective of your skin color, religion and dressing sense. From simple, sexy, to dazzling dresses we cater to all your needs. Want it for yourself, family members and friends we are there at your service. We take ultimate care of our customers� requirement and also their wallet. Wholesale party dresses are sure to win many a hearts. So be it party dresses or prom dresses, be it evening dresses or wholesale evening dresses and wholesale evening gowns, Wholesale prom gowns and wholesale prom dresses we have reached a benchmark that no competitor can reach us. Our service and exclusive quality stuff can raise no questions. The smile on your face and contentment in your heart is our aim. Make the right choice and get into the right attire toad brilliance to your look.

Open Toe Wedding Shoes Vs. Closed Toe Wedding Shoes

Choosing which wedding shoes to wear- open toe wedding shoes or closed toe wedding shoes - may be just as intense as getting the best bridal gown design. This may leave a bride helpless. A mix of excitement and nervousness is enough to agitate the bride. Thus, the confusing choice of the type of shoe to wear is more than enough to keep her crammed up. And it disturbs her more that even her planners cannot give a specific impression on this subject. 

It is but normal that someone else cannot speak for the bride as to what type of wedding footwear she should be wearing on her special day. The answer depends only on the bride's personal style and preference. 

Before making her final choice, a bride has to consider a vast range of options and factors. She has to first take note of the time, the place, the season and the weather during which her wedding day will be on. This once again brings about the debate of which of the two given types of shoes would be more advantageous to a bride- open toe wedding shoes or closed toe wedding shoes. Generally speaking, both open toe wedding shoes and closed toe wedding shoes are accepted for weddings, even with the most formal one. The distinction now would vary at how each will be beneficial to the bride's situation and preference. 

Closed toe shoes are one of those selected foot wears most women prefer because of their style and the comfort that they give to the fragile women's feet. They come handy on days when there is a need to look executive or prim or during days when you want to look your best and you forgot to repaint your nails or worse, you got chipped nails. These are good fashion cover-ups and are indeed blessings when it rains. 

Apparently, weddings are occasions that are expectedly prepared and anticipated. They are no flaws to cover-up. Thus, closed toe wedding shoes are now merely plain shoes to enhance the wedding dress. 

On the other hand, open toe wedding shoes are similarly beneficial. Aside from being a latest trend that most fashion conscious women prefer, it also gives comfort, ease and a feeling that shoes may be hot in style but definitely cool were worn. These shoes are just perfect for weddings, especially indoor ones. This fashion baby can boost a bride's feel-good self knowing that everything her from head to toe is all but part of her wedding royalty. 

Both two types of shoes are unique on their own styles. They both mirror femininity and class to every women who has them on, and this includes a soon to be wed bride. Every bride is deserving of the best pair of wedding shoes that she could ever have. May it be closed or an open toe wedding shoes, whatever her preference might be, what will matter in the end is how comfortable she is and how lovely she thinks of herself with that pair of shoes.

How to Keep Hands Supple

Every single day we use our hands to handle so many things. This may range from papers, pot holders, sponges, steering wheels and so much more. Just like our feet these extremities also need some time to rest especially if we work in the office and typing is essential. Nobody wants carpal tunnel syndrome (numbing fingers) and most especially rough and manly palms. Just imagine shaking hands when meeting new people, wouldn�t it be nice to accompany your elegance with soft hands as well? This article will give you tips on how to get soft, supple palms and forearms without having to resort to spas and such. 

Wash your hands 

After a stressful day, your hands are stressed too. So, during your night-time routine make sure you wash them with warm water and a trusted moisturizing soap, this is to remove dirt, dust and what-not on the surface of your tips, palms and everything in between. This is also important for hygienic purposes, not only do you achieve more relaxed hands you�re also getting rid of any disease-causing microorganisms you might have contracted during the day. 

Hand Spa 

Hand Spas are expensive, so why not do it at home? All you need is a bowl of warm water. You can add your favourite aroma scent to get a spa like ambience. Next, you need to soak your hands for about ten minutes. Also, if you have spare honey lying around you can put an ample amount on your palms and rub them gently together. Soak again. This will soften any hard areas and leave you hands feeling supple. 

Hand Cleansing/Exfoliating 

After your spa experience get moisturizing soap (bar or liquid) and put some on a wash cloth or a soft bath stone. You can choose any moisturizing soap that you like; recommended soaps are apricot and Aloe Vera. Using your wash cloth or bath stone gently massage your palms, the back of the palms and between fingers to relieve stress and tension. Then, rinse your hands and pat dry with a soft towel. 

Moisturize 

The final step to achieve soft, smooth and supple hands is to moisturize. You can use a regular moisturizing lotion, body butter or you could opt to use a hand cream filled with minerals that help calloused and rough hands become smoother and suppler. Apply an ample amount on your palms and rub your hands together while massaging until the moisturizer is absorbed by the skin. 

Always remember that your hands, like your feet need spas and massages too, especially because you always use your hands to handle so many things and it is also easily noticed. So take care of your hands with these easy steps you can definitely keep your hands soft, smooth and supple without breaking the bank.

Pria Kataria Puri Collections Are Modern In Style And Indian In Expression

According to Pria Kataria Puri, her collections are for the modern woman who plays multiple roles in her life i.e. role of a mother, wife, career person, home maker and many other roles. Pria Kataria Puri mentions that she designs clothes for the multi-faceted modern woman, her attitudes and moods. 

Pria Kataria Puri has designed western resort wear collection which includes clothes for evening parties, cocktail parties, dinners, brunches etc. The choice of colours made here is excellent. These include spicy green, oranges, turmeric yellow, black, midnight blue, off white, gold and off white. These vibrant colours were wrapped in luxurious fabrics like chiffons, crepes, silk, satin, georgettes and velvet. 

Embroidery and colours form a significant part of all her collections. In fact Pria Kataria Puri believes it to be her moral obligation to preserve Indian art of handicraft and craft on materials or clothes. Hence all the apparels she designs have hand embroidery work on them along with mirror work, beads, shells and hand trappings in wool threads. Pria Puri describes her collection to be sensuous with elegant silhouettes mixed with luxurious feminine fabrics intermingled with rustic colours and exquisite hand embroidery, which she adds is her signature style. 

Pria Kataria Puri is one of the original proponents of Indian Nouvelle Couture. She has carved a niche for herself with her unique and exclusive collections that are modern in appearance and Indian in expression. She has been awarded the Bharat Yuva Ratna award and the Bharat Vikas award for designing women's wear. In the words of Pria Puri "the urban modern professional woman of today needs a multi faceted wardrobe....no complicated shapes, no frills�simply elegant yet luxurious clothing". She adds that she is equally comfortable with Indian and Western garments. This can be reflected in her work as her collections are a blend of the East and West. 

Pria Puri is a member of the Fashion Design Council of India. She has a clientele that includes Bollywood personalities and well known faces abroad. Her collections are available in India and in the Middle East, Europe and USA.