You Lift Like a Girl

Anyone who's been to the Saturday farmers market knows there are lots of veggies out there to choose from. But do you know what ones are richest in antioxidants? A recent study of close to 30 different types of veggies put these three at the top of the list: broccoli, beets, and bell peppers (the red kind). Yep, the top-notch veggies all start with B. Makes it easier to remember, doesn't it? Let's Hear It for the B's The recent tests measuring total antioxidant content of the veggies revealed that they were particularly high in phenols -- that category of disease-fighting plant compounds that does everything from bolstering artery function to inhibiting the kind of cell damage that might lead to cancer or Alzheimer's. Broccoli and bell peppers are also a top source of antioxidant vitamin C. And beets are full of blood-pressure-friendly potassium. By RealAge

Elastin and collagen are two vital proteins for skin elasticity and structure. They account for nearly 30 percent of the total protein content in your body. Collagen and elastin decrease yearly as you age. It is important to discover how to increase these two proteins to keep skin looking youthful and healthy. The following methods can help you safely and effectively increase collagen and elastin production. Step 1 Exfoliate skin with an exfoliating cream (available at local drug stores). Exfoliation involves removing the dead layer of skin cells from the surface of your skin. When you exfoliate, the dead skin cells are replaced by new ones. New collagen and elastin are created in the process, giving a more youthful appearance. Always read and follow the package directions before applying the cream to your skin. Step 2 Take an ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplement daily. Thisvitamin is vital in collagen and elastin production. A deficiency in vitamin C can weaken elastin fibers. Recomme...

Step 1: Follow the New Rules of Weight Loss Use this 99-Second Edition of YOU: On a Diet By: Mehmet C. Oz, MD, and Michael F. Roizen, MDPage The path to your new life and your new shape really is simple. Adopt these strategies and watch your body change effortlessly. Make Your Eating Plan Automatic Over a 14-day period, train yourself to make good-for-YOU food choices (Step 2 makes this easy). You’ll reprogram your appetite, so YOU will be in charge of what you’re eating. Eat three main meals, plus snacks, so you’re never hungry. Eat the same things for breakfast and lunch almost every day. Yes, every day. People who minimize food choices lose more weight. Eat Deliciously Fill up on whole-grain carbohydrates (that includes vegetables); fiber; nuts; and lean, healthy protein such as fish, poultry, and (sparingly) lean meats. In a hunger emergency, chew on your favorites from this list: apples, almonds, walnuts, edamame (soybeans), sugar-free gum, chopped veggies, nonfat yogurt or cotta...

Cherries : Eat a daily handful and you may enjoy fresher, less puffy skin. It's all thanks to the inflammation-fighting anthocyanins and melatonin in cherries, writes Tannis. Melatonin may boost UV protection and cell growth as well -- two great ways to keep wrinkles at bay. Tart cherries tend to be highest in melatonin. Nectarines : These smooth-skinned sisters of the peach provide a mini-spa's worth of nutrients that may help correct sun damage from the inside out, according to Tannis. They offer skin goodies like lycopene, lutein, niacin, copper, and vitamins A, C, and E. The A, C, and E trio also works to control inflammation and free radical damage in both the watery and the fatty layers of skin. Watermelon : Nibbling on watermelon wedges has the power to refresh your face as much as your palate, thanks to the high water and lycopene content. Lycopene helps protect and preserve connections between skin cells so skin is tighter, smoother, and better able to retain moistur...

Check this guy out! Such an inspiration. But the best part about his transformation is that he conquered his goal @ the age of 50! All it takes is the DESIRE to change and DEDICATION! http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/randy-shred-40lbs-20percent-body-fat-to-win-a-bet.htm

Nutrition is all about portion control, moderation and smart choices. Being conscious of WHY we are eating is also very important (are you hungry? thirsty? anxious? bored?) Partnering up with a friend or family member can be a great way to instill the accountability factor. If you don't have a partner start a meal journal! ~Desire & Dedication~

Omega Fatty Acids There are omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids that the body uses, but for the purpose of this article, I am only going to talk about the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Your diet should consist of a ratio of 1:1 for both omega-3 and omega-6. Most of the foods that Americans put into their bodies would probably be closer to a 10:1 up to 25:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3. This, just like anything else that you put into your body in excess, will cause problems. Just like the old saying: "If you abuse it, you lose it. If you don't use it, you lose it". When your body has an abundance of omega-6 fatty acids, it initiates either an anti-inflammatory or an inflammatory response in your body. A little bit of this is natural and has many uses when it is only in small amounts temporarily. Beneficial Inflammatory Response The inflammatory process really gets a bad rap in this area, because it is really the healing process of an acute injury. Without inflamm...