Chic-Shuk Secrets

Sun damage is the greatest threat to your skin’s long-term health and beauty. Nothing ages skin faster than the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, and premature aging caused by exposure to the sun’s rays creates saggy skin, wrinkled skin, dark sunspots and discoloration.

Your skin is exposed not only when you’re lounging by the pool, but when you’re going from your car to the grocery store.  Further more, about 80% of the sun’s cell-destroying UV and UB rays can penetrate windshields and assault your skin even through cloud cover.   

Some of the nasty secrets of what the sun can do to your skin are destroying skin’s connective tissue, leading to loss of tone, texture and firmness (what causing the appearance of wrinkles) and encourage melanocytes to become overactive and clump together, resulting in age spots, uneven pigmentation and skin cancer.  

In order to prevent sun damage, besides staying indoors you should wear broad-spectrum lotions with SPF 15 or higher, over sized sun-glasses, wide-brim hats and use spray tanning services!

Remember: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and sun damage can affect people of all ages, races and colorings – not just those with light skin and light eyes!

I used to think the best diet food is low fat and calories reduced. However, its not always true! The best diet food that is healthy, can fight disease and will slim you down is: Nuts! Nuts are fatty, but they keep you full, plus the extra protein they contain will revs up metabolism. Recent studies found that people who ate nuts on a daily base lost 39 percent more weight than those who didn’t , even though their calorie intake was the same! On top of that amazing weight loss fact, keep in mind that nuts can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes and- cancer!!!  now, that a reason to go nuts, don’t you think ???!!!

All peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, but Red Peppers are simply bursting with them plus considered to be a great source of Vitamin B6. This very nutritious vegetable and the antioxidants it contain help preventing cell damage, cancer, and diseases related to aging. Further more, Red Pepper support the immune function, can reduce inflammation like that found in arthritis and asthma, promotes proper blood clotting and strengthens bones.

With all of these great health benefits and nutrition values, I love cooking this Moroccan-style healthy veggie meal since satisfy as steak and tasteful as a gourmet dish:  With 302 calories, 9 grams of protein,  8 grams of fat and 4 grams of fibre per serving, you cannot go wrong with this MUST TRY RECIPE !!!

Couscous-Stuffed Red Pepper W/Yogurt:

Ingrediants:

85 grams of whole wheat Couscous
2 tbsp Raisins
50 ml hot vegetable stock
1 tsp clear honey
1 large lemon- squeez for juice
2 garlic cloves
small bunch flat-leaf parsley
150 ml tub non-fat natural yogurt
2 tomatoes , roughly chopped
2 red peppers , halved, cores removed
1 tbsp olive oil

How to make:

• Pre-heat oven to 400* degrees.

• Place couscous and raisins in a heatproof bowl. Stir stock, honey and lemon juice, then pour over the couscous. Cover and leave to absorb for 5 mins.

• Place the lemon zest, garlic and parsley in a mini food processor and whizz until everything is well chopped.

• Stir 1 tbsp of this mixture into the yogurt, then set aside. Stir the remaining mixture into the couscous with the tomatoes and some seasoning.

• Spoon the couscous mixture into each pepper half, then sit them in a small roasting tin. Drizzle with oil, then bake for 40 mins until peppers are tender.

• Serve with the yogurt and a simple green salad on the side, and- ENJOY!!! 

Lets face it- There are many myths regarding bad affects or certain risks when it comes to using Birth Control Pills. While there are more then hundred milion women around the world who take birth control pills we should all be aware that as any other pill there are possible sides affect, however- they are very rare. On the other hand, there are many health and beauty benefits that contradict most myths.

These are several Health & Beauty facts regarding the use of Birth Control Pills you might wanna be aware of:

• Birth Control Pills DO NOT make you FAT. Especially with today`s low level hormones pills.

• The overall use of Birth Control Pills significantly reduce the risk of many types of cancers.

• Birth Control Pills help control not only birth but have a great beauty care benefit while controlling ACNE, in all ages. The effect is powerful and recommended by many dermatologists regardless the need of birth control matters.

• Using Birth Control Pills DOES NOT effect or reduce the chances of conceiving furute wise. The other way around- Birth Control Pills can actually protect the uterus.

• As long as you are a non smoker, and your blood pressure is balanced, even if you`re over 35, you should not have any concern taking Birth Control Pills.

• While taking as prescribe, every day at the same time, Birth Control Pills are %99.7 effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy.

• Many recent researches have proven there is no risk in continuously taking more then 21 pills at a cycle while skipping 1 or two periods. More then that- it is recommended for women who normally suffer from heavy bleeding, pain or migraines during their monthly period.

• There is no phisical need “cleaning” your system after a long use of Birth Control Pills, taking a break from its use after certain period of time and is considered as an unnecessary act.   

Eating right, has major Health and Beauty benefits.

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from many diseases, illnesses and early aging of the skin is to eat right and keep a healthy diet. It is the best natural powerful defense against cancer, diabetes, heart disease or stroke. Whether or not you have a family history of those diseases, what you eat and how much you eat can help reduce the risk.

What does Eating Right mean?!
Making healthy, smart choices whenever it comes to foods, on a daily base. Whether you`re eating inside or outside, gourmet food, or fast food- with today`s variety of ingredients and products, there are always better, smarter choices you can make:

• Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day!

• Choose whole grains over processed (refined) grains and sugars

• Substitute healthier fats for not-so-healthy fats

• Beware of portion distortion, and help trim down the number of calories you eat.

• Substituting lower calorie and lower fat foods for higher in calories and fats foods to help maintain a healthy diet and weight.