Dieting has never been an easy thing for me especially since loosing weight comes slow even when I`m really trying to keep a healthy, light lifestyle routine AND exercise at least 4 times a week… Apparently, there could be a hidden factor in weight control such as: Bacteria. Everyone has bacteria in their digestive system, but if you’re overweight, it may be because the blend of those bugs is causing you to absorb more calories from the food you eat!
Adding healthy bacteria and “Getting more pro-biotics in your diet can change the balance of bacteria,” says Steven Pratt, M.D., author of SuperHealth, and that can lead to more efficient weight loss! Eat more Yogurt which contain probiotics, such as acidophilus and take control of your weight-loss like I did… (and yes, it worked..)

These are some manue secrets you need to know:

• Anytime you see the words “Parmesans-Crusted,” or “Orange Glazed” assume the dish has been slathered in sugar or cheese, had given a frying treatment and probably contain nearly a full day’s worth of sodium and half a day’s worth of calories!
  

• In Mexican restaurants, salads are mostly the absolute worst choice from the menu. For example, with burritos and tacos, the amount of high-fat, high-calorie fillers is limited to what will fit in the shells! pay attention!
  

• The top word you should be careful about is the mighty Caesar. Regular restaraunt`s Caesar dressing is normally loaded with many grams of fat and is very high in calories, combine it with cheese and croutons and you turn your light, healthy salad to a complete diet disaster! always ask for a low fat or fat-free dressing!

Good Luck!

This one-of-a-kind beauty Eva Mendes knows she cant always go for the healthy snack especially when she’s in love with Uncle Eddie’s vegan chocolate chip cookies.

They maybe contain no dairy or unrefined sugar, however, one cookie is loaded with 140 calories and 6 grams of fat! There you go- I just proved my point- even one of my all times favorite celeb does not give up her sweet tooth satisfaction every now and then!  Bottom line- if satisfying you sweet tooth makes you happier- pick your most favorite fatty sweets and make sure that you enjoying it once a while! (As many healthy, skinny and beautiful celebrities and famous people you know do) It is not gonna be the end of the world for your diet or weight watching routing…  It means keeping a healthy lifestyle with a healthy relaxed mind!  

A new year has always been a good time to start fresh. No matter what it is, choose one thing you wish to change in your life and take advantage of that new cycle in time.  I have decided that this year, I would take more control over my body (which includes my weight AND shape) and am finally going to sign up with a monthly membership at the local gym. I`v been wanted to do so for a long time,  and for some reason couldn’t find a better time then right now!!!                   

May 2010 will be happier and healthier to all of us!

xoxo

Rather you are about to spend some quality time with your family, or you are more like me- escaping out of town for a few days, THIS IS THE TIME of the year to go crazy, forget about our healthy lifestyle everyday habits, leave your weight watching and diet rules at home and simple CELEBRATE. celebrate the holiday, drink for some new beginnings, enjoy your beautiful healthy life! pick the most delicious meal you can make or order your most favorite dish at a restaurant! forget about the fat and calories for once, and simply celebrate! treat your body`s beauty with a special spa treatment you`v never tried before, take several deep breaths and relax. After all- ITS A HOLIDAY!!!

Luv you all and wish you healthy, beautiful life!!!

• Diet Saver- Smart Snacking

• Secrets of the Sun- Thief of Beauty:

• Avocado: Power of Nature:

• Heidi Klum Glowing Skin Secrets:

• Red Wine or Bad Wine?!

• Blueberries Health & Beauty Secrets:

• Hunger Attack Solution:

• Beauty Bites- Foods for Beautiful Skin:

• Health Benefits of Laughing:

• Nutritionists Healthy Rule:

• Eva Longoria Emotional Secret:

• Dark Circles Dark Secrets:

• Improve your sleep- Healthy Secrets:

• Number 1 Rule for Healthy Diet:

• Red Pepper- My Healthy Veggie Meal:

• Think Outside the Box:

1. What do I drink when I`m thirsty?

2. Do I normally eat in front of the TV or computer?

3. How often do I eat out?

4. How fast do I eat?

5. Do I always finish my entire meal?

6. How many times do I eat during the day?

The answers to these questions could be very, however each one of us should be as closer as possible to these answers:

We should drink lots of water, whether thirsty or not, or at least drink what is based on water, like green tea or lightly flavored vitemins water. When it comes to where we eat, around the table is your best choice since otherwise we tend to be distracted and eat more then we should. When we eat out, it makes it harder to watch our weight and healthy eating since most restaurant food has extra portion, calories and fat. Try to cook at home more often, eat slowly and listen to your body. You would know when you full and should stop eating. Even if there is still food on your plate! yes my friend, you can save it for later and continue eating once hungry again! This is how you keep your stomach and therefore your metabolism working by eating small meals several times a day.

Good Luck!!!

Number 1: Angelina Jolie

Number 2: Jennifer Aniston

Number 3: Heidi Klum

Number 4: Drew Barrymore

Number 5: Taylor Swift

Number 6: Jessica Alba

Number 7: Halle Berry

Number 8: Beyonce Knowles

Number 9: Megan Fox

And as a “Bonus” women, I had to give the 2009 first lady a little credit, right?! therefore number 10 most glamorous is:

 Number 10: Michelle Obama

Dark circles under eyes usually are not necessarily a sign of exhaustion or serious illness, like most people tend to think. They can make you feel old, unhealthy and tired, and medically defined as round, uniform areas of pigmentation beneath each eye, which can affect both men and women.  What appear as shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under your eyes, thinning skin and loss of fat and collagen, which make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious, can be a result of many sakes:  Allergies, tiredness, part of aging (The loss of fat and collagen is common as you age), normal lifestyle factors (such as smoking and drinking alcohol or too many caffeinated sodas) and last but not least reason- unfortunately- heredity.  No matter what the cause is, you can still reduce the appearance of dark circles, and in some cases, you may be able to get rid of them altogether!

For prevention you should eat healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, take daily vitamins supplement if necessary (especially vitamin K and B12), reduce sodium intake and drink plenty of water. If you are a smoker-  quit smoking! Smoking causes vascular (blood vessel) problems that can not only threaten your life, but also make your blood vessels appear more prominent and bluer beneath the skin. However, the most natural, easy way treating dark circles when appear is to apply cool tea bags, or cucumber slices over your eyes for about 10-15 minutes daily, keeping your eyes closed. It will reduce swelling, discoloration, and puffiness then refresh the appearance of skin around the eyes!

Admitting I am totally addicted tvito French Fries, I must say it was kinda hard reducing the amount I used to eat ever since keeping a healthy weight watchers lifestyle and dieting routing. However, I have recently discovered there is a much healthier and even tastier way to enjoy the sense of eating fries! since I love sweets, I really enjoy the flavor you get from Sweet Potatoes. More then that- they are so nutritious, which makes it a smart, healthy choice to make! Sweet Potatoes contain many health benefits such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Both are powerful antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer, and not only they taste like a dessert they are considered very good food for diabetics since help in stabilize blood sugar levels. In addition, Sweet Potatoes are rich in minerals like Calcium, Iron and Potassium. Be sure to add these wonderful naturally sweet vegetables to your meals throughout the year! and not only as fries, since they are some of the most nutritious vegetables around!

Check these nutrition facts for these baked, throw into the oven for 20 min Sweet Potatos Fries, from Trader Joe`s , my favorit brand:  Only 190 calories, 9 grams of fat and 26 grams of carbs and 0 cholesterol!!!  SWEET!!!

It is scary how all that work stress can effect our health and our waistline, even if we don’t eat more then usual. Chronically stress can majorly increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. More then that- The darkest secret of stress when it comes to your weight watching lifestyle routine or, in different words- why do you gain weight from being stressed without eating more then usual? Apparently, A long term stress can increase levels of Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes the storage of belly fat and is the main reason of why you can get fat and gain weight without eating more then usual.

Don’t let your job making you fat, and try to calm the non so healthy stress by after hours Yoga or Meditation, which are  beyond cutting stress have shown many health benefits and been considered to be natural cures to improve heart health, lower bad cholesterol, reduce migraines, bolster the immunity, lessen depression and fight pain symptoms.

My favorite solution for fast, healthy and as fresh as possible meal, when short on time for cooking, is the low fat convenience Contessa Frozen Meals. In less then 10 minuets of preparation and a single pan, I always feel like I had just cooked that  hearty home-style healthy meal. Contessa brand offers customized gourmet foods, including convenience meals for short and simple preparation and a consistency of quality and freshness. I love the fact there are greens and tasteful healthy vegetables included in every bag, plus the sauce is always packed separately for a preferred taste and dietary needs.  Contessa meals are definitely a great healthy fast food solution, and at no doubt for people who appreciate fine food, though have no time or the ability to cook.  Especially once trying to maintain a weight watchers lifestyle and healthy diet, these low-fat and less calories meals from Contessa brand are highly recommended for any occasion!

I was surprised, however went home’ and of course- had to try that little beauty secret myself, and- Ladies and Ladies: GREAT RESULTS ! The nail polish got dry in seconds thanks to the oil spray, exactly as I was told!

Now I use my Cooking secret as my Nails Beauty secret!!! How fun!

Interesting state of mind, I though to myself, plus we already know Drew Barrymore`s opinion is very similar so then honestly- I couldn’t agree more with both of these really good looking celebs! 

Emotional Health is  basically a positive state of mind engendering a sense of well being that enables a person to function effectively. People with good emotional health are aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They have learned healthy ways to cope with the stress and problems that are a normal part of life. They feel good about themselves and their lives,  enjoy what they do for living or/and have healthy relationships. From my personal experience I recommend trying to take things more easy, even if its hard. Cheer yourself up whenever you`re down. Smile with no reason and laugh! laugh harder and more often! There are many health benefits behind laughing which are definitely effecting our emotional wellness and skin beauty, so then I would simply force myself to laugh more if it doesn’t come naturally!  Wish for healthy relationship with your spouse or try to heal them if they`r not. Your emotions effect your beauty directly, no doubt, and it is time to take action and make sure you stay positive and healthy at all times!   

There are many myths regarding coffee beans and drinking coffee habits. However, recent Japanese reserches found that having a cup of coffee a few times a week, thanks to the Antioxidants coffee contain, may lower not only the risk of mouth AND throat cancers by up to %50 percent, but link coffee to lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancers as well! 

Now, since caffeine raises blood pressure, if you enjoy drinking a lot of coffee, you may wanna choose decaf. It has the same healthy benefits as regular coffee.

What can I say, it makes me feel much better now, recommending drinking coffee with my favorite low fat soy based creamer:

Coffee Mate makes drinking coffee more “sophisticated”! It is a great healthy choice for your healthy lifestyle, and there are so many different flavours to choose from so then you never get board with the same old taste! This product works great for someone like my mom, which is lactose intolerant lack enough of an enzyme called lactate, and aren’t able to completely digest the natural sugar found in milk which calls lactose. All COFFEE-MATE coffee whiteners are lactose free, low fat and low calories, with few sugar-free versions available as well, which makes adding only 2 spoons of it to your cup of coffee makes it unnecessary to add any kind of sugar or other sweetener!
I like several flavors coffee-mate offers and it is very much fun finding new flavour on the market shelves every time I shop for groceries! I like the `Irish Cream` the most…

Some food can benefits our skin in different levels. However, these following ones are at the top list, and are highly recommended if you wish to keep your natural beauty skin as healthy and glowing as possible, before even applying any type of facial creams or anti-aging products. It is simple-  Stay healthy and look great at the same time! Eat more of these foods:

• Wild Salmon: A prime source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce skin inflammation and prevent redness, wrinkles and future sagging

• Yogurt: (and make sure it is a low-fat one, of course) gives bone boosting and more calcium then a glass of skin milk.

• Oysters: Yes, ladies and gentlemens, Oysters are a top source of Zing, which helps build collagen and speed up skin renewal and repair.

• Blueberries: from my Antioxidants  list, blueberries are full of them, and can prevent long term cell damage.

• Kiwifruit: One of my favorite fruits. It is rich in potassium as banana, however add its plenty of vitamin C and you promote glowing, wrinkle free skin! Luv this one!

• Sweet Potatoes: full with Beta-carotene, which helps smooth the skin.

•  Tomatoes: are major source of lycopene, combined with their anitioxidants can protect against sunburn.

• Walnuts: rich with omega 3 and help fight against skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

• Dark Chocolate: last but not least, great news for the chocolate lovers: it is full with antioxidants and nutrients cocoa, which helps boost hydration, smoothness and protection against sun exposure.  (choose chocolates with %60 percent cocoa). 

One of the healthier, lighter and low in calories breakfast I can recommend is a simple, yet perfect combination of Bananas, Peanuts, Whole Wheat bread and Skin Milk. With this nutritious concept of natural healthy carbohydrates, potassium, protein and fiber you would feel not only full, but keep your blood sugar steady so then you would gain an all day energy!

Try this healthy, high in nutrition -

Banana-Peanut butter Sandwich: 

Add a small cup of skin milk and get your ALL DAY ENERGY breakfast, with only 450 calories, 9 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber !

Ingredients:
1 tablespoons reduce fat peanut butter
1/2 Banana, sliced 
2 slices whole wheat bread, toasted

ENJOY!

Ever wondered why smiling, laughing, happy people always look prettier?  There is a simple proven secret for that:  There are many health benefits of laughing, and our sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools we have to make certain that our daily mood and emotional state support good health.

Look how many benefits you can gain from a simple LAUGH:

• Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

• Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy, enhancing relationships and supporting both physical and emotional health. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. With so much power to heal and renew, I recommend looking for several daily positions which can make you laugh, in order to improve your lifestyle and health!

For those of you I care about the most, there are few reasons why I wrote this post:   There is enough space in my soul to wish you all great achievements with this year`s goals. Even for those of you I care less, I still send my warm thoughts, and hope may god bless. Therefore, no matter who you are or where you at, if you truly believe in the spirit of this date, I wish you all be healthy and strong, keeping up a warm smile from this day on. Looking forward for a brighter tomorrow and never come cross ANY sadness or sorrow. Improve your lifestyle and keep your inner beauty nicer then its cover. May only goods and miracles fulfill your hearts, Shana Tova from me and best regards!

No Fat and O Calories Oil?! UNBELIVABLE!!!
Using Pam oil spray has changed my life and considered as my secret weapon MUST HAVE product in my kitchen cabinets!  It works well with most baking and frying, adds no calories or carbs to the food, doesn’t leave an aftertaste and has a long lasting shelf-life.

My favorite cooking secrets using Pam Spray Oil:

• Fried eggs, whether regular or scrambled or make omelets.

• When making grilled cheese sandwiches or panini, spray bread with PAM Butter instead of spreading with butter.

• Spray PAM onto cooked, drained pasta instead of tossing with oil.

• For golden oven-roasted turkey and chicken, spray the skin with PAM before placing in oven.

• Spray your pan with PAM when cooking chicken breasts, pork chops, fish, and more. It will prevent food from sticking to the pan while providing crispness, browning, and flavor.

• Love baked potatoes with crispy skins? Scrub your potatoes and spray the skins with PAM. You’ll never peel your spuds again!

• Spray foil with PAM before covering casseroles and other baked dishes to prevent cheese from sticking to foil.

• Spray gelatin molds with PAM before adding gelatin dessert; after the gelatin dessert sets, it will be easier to unfold.

• When grilling; spray PAM Grilling on the cold grill, tongs, skewers, and grill baskets to Prevent sticking

Discover more about the Benefits of oils and Cooking Secrets:

Everyone from brides and grooms to celebrities are celebrating today: 09/09/09 in their on way. The magical date will see several launches Numerologists and marketers alike share a fascination for dates like 09-09-09, which might explain why computer giant Apple, the distributors of Beatles music and filmmaker visionary Tim Burton are all peddling new products today. Though technically there’s nothing special about the symmetrical date, some concerned with the history and the meanings of numbers and ascribe powerful significance to number 9 and its triple time appearance in today`s date.

The number nine is a most remarkable number in many aspects. It is held in great reverence by all who study the occult sciences; and in mathematical science it possesses properties and powers which are found in no other number. It is the last of the digits, and thus marks the end; and is significant of the conclusion of a matter, and symbolize the plenitude of a talent, the reward of the test.

In its spiritual meaning, number nine is the number of patience and meditation, of harmony and inspiration and the perfection of the ideas. This number brings us to the very height of vibrational frequencies in this number sequence, represents attainment, satisfaction, accomplishment, and our success to achieve an influence in our circumstances. Yes, it represent an “end”, however every `end` is a new beginning. In its spiritual meaning, number Nine deals with intellectual power, inventiveness, beseeches us to recognize our own internal attributes, and extend these abilities out into the world to make a positive, influential difference.

When a persons name is translated to numbers and their sum is 9, according to numerology he holds a strong sense of compassion and generosity. Usually this number produces an individual that is very trustworthy and honorable, and one unlikely to harbor any sort of prejudice. A person that feels very deeply for individuals less fortunate than himself, and if he is in a position to help, he certainly will. The 9, being the highest of the single digit numbers, holds an elevated position in terms of responsibilities to mankind.

Think about today`s number and the overall world. Hopefully this day represents an end to the current recession? 

One of Oprah`s major Diet Secret is not to eat close to bedtime, and another secret is including BLUEBERRIES in her everyday diet routine since they are favorite and most nutritious, anti-aging fruits. 

Discover more about the Secrets Of Blueberries:

I use Light&Fit Dannon Nonfat Vanilla Yogurt which is my favorite choice since its nutrition facts and its flavor. I normally buy the 32 OZ jar since it has basic vanilla flavor and is good for several servings. I can easily say this Yogurt is available in my fridge at all times like any other basics products since it brings a great way to enjoy a light, refreshing meal whenever I need it! With 50% fewer calories than regular low-fat yogurt, 0% Fat. 110 Calories and vitamins A and D  it can be used everydayfor: Smoothies, yogurt parfaits, fruit dips, baking, fruit & yogurt salads or delicious desserts. Dannon Light & Fit also meets the National Yogurt Association Criteria for live and active culture yogurt. 

My secret to control any hunger attack AND to get my boyfriend`s attention was adding some crunchy, rice and wheat flakes with oat and blueberry clusters from “Special K”, plus bunch of fresh blueberries, if available, to the bowl of yogurt.

Kellogg’s® Special K® Blueberry cereal are lightly toasted, lightly sweetened and high in flavor. Recommended for a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and an excellent source of 11 vitamins and minerals, Kellogg’s Special K mixed with Light&Fit yogurt gives me the satisfaction I crave any time of day!

And don’t forget adding some fresh Blueberries!  

To read more about Blueberries click here: