Five Foods to Build Muscles and Lose Weight

Is it that we can achieve the perfect body by working out in the gym alone? The answer is, NO. Working out, no doubt helps the body to burn calories and lose weight. But, without combining it with a diet particularly suited for the purpose of losing weight and building muscles, the task is only half complete. A body doesn’t need to weight to lose weight first and then build muscles. With a right proportion and mix of all three, the goal can be achieved in the most efficient and easy manner. A good diet helps in achieving lean muscle mass which makes the body healthy and stronger.

The key is to eat less calories and more fibre. One should aim at gaining maximum amount of nutrition through lesser amount of calories. One can burn fat and raise the metabolic rate through cardio workouts and strength training. The aim is to watch while you eat that is “control the portion size”. One should get the full body assessment by knowing the muscle weight, body mass index and water proportion in a body. Then the diet and the workout should be balanced according to the individualistic needs.

A diet rich in lean proteins, carbohydrates complex in nature and right mix of fruits and vegetables must be followed. Even healthy oils and dry fruits should be included in the diet.

There are many kinds of popular diets like Water diet, Salt free diet, cabbage soup diet, Juice and various other detoxification diets. One should follow the healthy eating habits like:

Eat a well-planned meal and eat the food with concentration.

Make a chart and determine the types of foods through which you want to acquire the daily calorie intake.

Maintain a copy of what you eat, this will help you in determining which foods keep you healthy and active.

Watch the foods you eat in terms of their portion and also avoid skipping any meals. Skipping meals in not good for body as it reduces the basic metabolic rate.

Substitute good foods from bad foods like consume more of water, fresh fruit juices and lemonade rather than caffeinated and fizzy drinks. Opt for low cal-food rather than high calorie and junk food.

Prefer a home cooked meal over a high preservative and additive food bought from the super markets.

TOP FIVE FOODS that build muscles and lose weight

WHOLE EGGS: The eggs come with 7 grams of protein per egg. They are readily available and a cheap source Read more…

By: HealthGuy  :  Filed Under Exercise, Fitness, Health Tips, Work-Outs

Stress During Exam

Exam stress is unavoidable. The stakes are high, there is never enough time for medical exams revision, and revising multiple subjects at once would make anyone’s head spin. However, there are practical things you can do to alleviate common causes of exam stress:

Plan Ahead…

Trying to combine revision with a 48-hour working week doesn’t leave much time for rest and relaxation; both key elements of successful revision. The secret is planning ahead; start by setting out what you need to know, and how long you have before the exam. Get a blank calendar and be ruthless – strike through the days you know that even with the best will in the world you won’t get any revision done. Include birthdays, nights outs (the mornings after the nights out), courses, and anything else that might get in the way of revision. Add a few extra rest days in as well, so you can swap them in as needed. For some people, the act of preparing a revision plan is daunting, for others it’s almost cathartic, and the first step in their revision strategy. Personal preferences aside, the earlier you plan your revision, the better, but make your schedule knowing (and accepting) that things don’t always go to plan, and it’s not the end of the world if you can’t stick to it exactly.

Eat Well…

Go for ‘brain food’, slow-release carbs (for serotonin), dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids (for flavonoids and phenethylamine) and eat regularly. On the exam day, take a bottle of water with you, and stay hydrated. Don’t try anything for the first time on an exam day, whether it’s energy drinks, beta blockers, or an untested ‘short-cut’ to the exam centre.

Sleep Well…

Especially the night before the exam, a good night’s sleep is the best exam preparation you can have. Don’t bother with last-minute late-night cramming, you won’t take anything in. Instead, spend the time working out how to get to the exam centre, making sure you have the right stationery and ID, and that you have cash for parking if needed.

In the exam, open your paper, write your candidate number clearly, read the instructions (properly), and breathe deeply. In three hours it will all be over.

By: HealthGuy  :  Filed Under Health News, Health Tips

Remedies and Drugs for Itch Safe to Use During Pregnancy

Home Remedies For Itch Relief in Pregnancy

The following may help in mild itch in pregnancy:

  • Baking soda paste. Take three parts of baking soda powder and one part water and mix it well. Apply on the itchy rash.
  • Baking soda bath. Sip one cup of baking soda in a warm bathing water and soak for about 15 minutes.
  • Oatmeal bath. Grind some plain (non-flavored) oatmeal in a food processor until you get fine powder. Sip one cup of the powder into a bath. Be careful since a tub with an oatmeal bath may be very slippery.
  • Olive oil, almond oi, castor oil may be appropriate for the dry itchy skin.

Safe, Over-The-Counter Products

Probably safe to for the itch relief during pregnancy, but speak with your doctor before use:

  • Calamine lotion
  • Diphenhydramine cream
  • Diphenhydramine pills
  • Epsom salt bath
  • Lactic Acid/Salicylic acid/Urea cream mixture
  • Lidocaine cream
  • Loratadine pills
  • Menthol cream
  • Witch hazel lotion (for hemorrhoids)
  • Pine tar soap

Safe Moisturizers

  • Moisturizing creams that contain stearic, linoleic, linolenic acid, isopropyl myristate, ceramides, cholesterol, glycerine, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, sorbitol are probably safe to use in pregnancy.

Side Effects of Certain Topical Products

  • Dimethicone cream may cause itching.
  • Lanolin may cause eczema.
  • Mineral oils (aqueous cream, petroleum jelly) may cause itching.
  • Allergies after applying practically any skin product are possible.

What Does Not Likely Help in Itch

Aloe vera, calendula lotion, primrose oil, tea tree oil, vitamin C, D, E, K creams are less likely effective in relieving itch. Vitaimn A and retinol products should be avoided during pregnancy.

Read which anti-itch cream is appropriate for which type of pregnancy itch

By: HealthGuy  :  Filed Under Women's Health

Easy Ways To Monitor Blood Glucose At Home

The Blood glucose monitoring is important for determining glucose in the blood specially the Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels or blood sugar level regularly. Abnormal (High or Low) glucose readings could have drastic effects on health of the patient. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for people with diabetes control their blood glucose regularly to avoid even more health-related complications. To strengthen the use and sale of glucose monitors now a day many manufacturers offering completely free various types of glucose monitor to patients.
The American Red Cross and the American Diabetes Organization are the best places to be able to donate the monitor. Some may receive all or they can provide the name and location of the other organization that will require extra in your area. Clean and disinfection is very essential before you handed over it to different organization. Many community clinics and health care centers will be happy to receive donations of this kind. Similarly the mission who’s aim is to provide medical services may find this particularly useful because their funds are limited, you could always use a little help from the generous individuals. These blood glucose monitors can be deposited in various churches in your area. One of the most valuable tools used to monitor glucose is the glucometer. There are a variety of blood glucose monitors for diabetics offered, but the operational principle is practically the same for everyone. A sample of blood using a lancet (amounts depend on the device) and placed on a strip of blood glucose, are inserted into the meter, in a short time (5-10 sec.) the meter provides a record and a digital display of blood sugar level. A chart of blood glucose (log) is usually an essential part of your monitoring needs. The table is used to keep a daily record of your blood sugar level in the blood, this chart/ record may be useful for you and your doctor.
This method will help professionals to identify patterns on a daily basis and make any necessary changes to medicines for the treatment of diabetes and his Diet plan.
Diabetes is a incurable health problem, it cannot be cured completely but it can be control. The majority doctors do not always understand what the causes are - but happen to be the opportunity to make medicines and special equipment to help, manage and maintain it through this cause more problems. When you cannot control the disease it affects the vital organs and limbs that can stop working or may be taken away.
When a person is buying a new blood sugar monitor keep an eye on, or believe he do not need to use it, but he can always make an effort to donate it to another person. There are many people who need it - but they cannot afford it because their insurance doesn’t support.
Diabetic Patients using glucose meter to should know how to record the glucose reading as part of their every day management should to learn to keep the test results and how to help save them .
Blood glucose monitoring in your house is not very difficult, but it must be remembered that the blood glucose meters are less reliable over time and must be carefully examined before use. The new models of monitors blood glucose is easier to use and more perfect. The strips only require a small drop of blood and are corrected by the principles of plasma. The results are quicker to understand and compare, while using the lab results. Internal memory for storage and performance test times faster makes these meters very attractive.
Check the expiration date on the tape. Use the tape with the counter and do the prescribed code of the container belt is your number encoded in the equipment. Otherwise you can get false readings.

By: HealthGuy  :  Filed Under Diseases & Conditions, Health News, Health Tips

Diversify Your Workout Routine

By never switching up a gym regimen you’re inadvertently creating enhanced stress levels and ultimately lessening the overall pleasure found in exercise. Recently, I discovered that my habitual routines were leading to increased stress levels, and making these daily much more difficult to perform. So, it was time to do something about it.

Using some simple ingenuity, I utilized the time I spent feeling bored to conjure up new ways to make fitness exciting. So, in a sense, it was my routines that lead to new opportunities. Ironic! I know, but sometimes people only make changes when they’re forced to, or are pushed to their breaking point.

Those who exercise do one, pursue the following; cardio, endurance or strength. There are a handful of individuals, mind you, who aren’t professional athletes, which practice both, regularly. And although they are in supreme physical condition, they’re mind and bodies will grow tired of routine. It’s only in our human nature that we become bored and seek out new, interesting things! But let’s start small.

For some, this could mean simple changes in their free-weight exercises, starting the week with arms, and ending in chest. For others, it’s about cycling or running that extra six miles a day. It’s my sturdy recommendation to indulge in a solid mix of free weight exercise AND cardio, as not to create boredom, or lack of will.

And a workout regiment should vary from week to week, no matter WHAT - Spontaneity is the answer! Trainers and fitness experts claim to love what they do, and if you were to ask any one of them about their schedule, I’m sure you’d be quite surprised. But tweaks in the gym aren’t the only solution; there are so many other naturally engaging ways to become healthy.
This could involve any of the following activities:

• Mountain Climbing
• Jogging
• Kayaking
• Sports (i.e. – Tennis, Soccer, Basketball, etc..)
• Swimming
• Karate

These activities don’t always have to be as strenuous as you think. For instance, entertaining the idea of 18 holes of golf is an excellent way to tone leg muscles and burn calories (provided you walk!). Another great example is a simple walk through the park or around the block – whichever is most suiting to your environment. And don’t be afraid to take a break and do something you love that won’t break your wallet or clog your arteries. Personally, I love to fish, and I think this is an excellent way to relieve stress and ease the mind and body.
The effects of increased stress are irritability and the general feeling of soreness and tiredness. This could be detrimental to any workout routine or a person’s mental state. Congruently, things like posture and ability to perform daily activities other than exercise become tarnished.

Teaching the body and muscles new things is extremely important as well. This is inherently accurate with things like dance. Particularly, Zumba is an excellent example of something unique. The ability to indisputably enhance cardio and endurance while practicing muscle memory routines effectively exercises the whole body, but even more importantly, it’s just plain fun!

The most practical way to stay in shape is by playing intramural sports. The pure competitive nature of these athletic activities raises adrenaline, and further drives the body above and beyond. Although difficult for those without inbuilt talent, people sometimes crave the need to become better. These fast paced competitive activities come with a certain rush, which is a perfect segway into my next point.

Mixed Martial arts is growing in popularity, and certainly does come with a grueling training schedule for anybody that’s involved. Congruently, people have been taking up things like karate and Jiu Jitsu for decades. Surprisingly enough, most people enrolled in such activities begin at a very early age, but don’t stay in tune.

Most of the teachings and practices of things like mountain climbing, soccer, and mixed martial arts are very difficult to mimic at an ordinary Gym. Yet, they are all great ways to actively stay in shape, and are also quite enjoyable! I’m not telling you readers to stray too far from popular routine involving treadmills, ellipticals, and home gyms, as these are essential tools in cardiovascular fitness. With that, remember to get your heart rate up every now and then, whether you’re going for an outdoor run or swimming in your pool. And lastly, remember to have fun!

Jim Rollince is a representative from the web relations department of Gym Source. He currently oversees all creative writing efforts and is an expert in Home Training Equipment.

By: HealthGuy  :  Filed Under Health Tips, Work-Outs