HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Don't you just love Halloween? I do, I have very fond memories of eagerly anticipating my night of candy gathering, and don't get me started on the costumes!

When I was little, it was all about being every princess that was out there. When I got older, It was a great opportunity to dress up provocatively without being considered a tramp. Now, sadly, I am apparently too old for dressing up, but the fun lives on because I get to watch my nephew prepare for Halloween, and I see the same excitement in his eyes that used to be in mine.

So, here is to Halloween! The one night a year you get to be somebody else, and you get rewarded by getting candy.

VOTE!!!!

VOTE!!!
The midterm elections are a week away, and it is vital that you vote! Although I would love to ensure that everybody in the country votes for every democratic candidate and measure on the ballot, it is far more important that you just get out there and vote no matter which side of the fence you fall on.

You may feel that you don't have enough knowledge to make an informed decision, but that is no excuse. There are plenty of ways to learn about the candidates. If you are looking for ways to become better informed, you can go to http://www.dontvote.com, they can provide you with all that you need to get up-to-date on everything that will be on the ballot, no matter which state you are in.

Whether you like the direction the country is going, or you want to see a major change, voting is the only way you can have a say in it. Don't miss out on one of the few opportunities we have to make a difference. Vote!!

SENSITIVE SKIN

SENSITIVE SKIN

If you, like 40 percent of the population, have sensitive skin, there are ways you can treat it.

HOW TO TREAT SENSITIVE SKIN

Products created for sensitive skin have one thing in common: minimal ingredients. Because sensitive skin is often dry, a simple splash of water will effectively remove any surface oil in the morning. in the evening, wash your face with a very mild cleanser. Although you may feel that exfoliating your skin will only serve to further irritate your skin even more, you are incorrect. Everybody needs to help their skin shed that dead upper layer of skin on the surface of the face. The best way to exfoliate, if you have sensitive skin is to pick an exfoliate lotion that is very gentle and rub on to your face gently. After you have cleansed your face, use a gentle moisturizer, be sure to use one with an SPF during the daytime. For nighttime use choose a cream that is specifically targeted for dry skin, some experts even recommend baby moisturizers. Keep in mind that if you treat your skin with care, your skin will treat you well for a lifetime.

SMOOTHIE RECIPES

SMOOTHIE RECIPES

Smoothies are delicious way to get all kinds of healthy foods into your diet. With just one smoothie, you can get in half your servings of fruits and vegetables as well as healthy dairy products and other vitamins and minerals. Besides, they just taste so good!

There are a myriad of ways to prepare a smoothie. You can even add some vegetables to them, really, you haven't lived until you've had a smoothie with a carrot in it. I am providing some smoothie recipes I got off of http://www.wiredberries.com/ to help you get started.

SMOOTHIE RECIPES:

The first smoothie includes flax seeds, which are rich in heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids. (the flax seeds should be ground in a coffee grinder to release the oils, and stored in a covered jar in the fridge.)

1 cub plain vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup ice
2 tbsp. ground flax seed
1 tbsp honey
1 banana

Combine in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add a handful of berries or other fruit to increase the antioxidants.

3 cubs cantaloupe chunks (from 1/2 melon)
2 cubs lowfat plain yogurt
2-3 tbsp. honey

Place the cantaloupe chunks, honey and yogurt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and serve over ice
(about 290 calories per serving)

enjoying a smoothie a day will improve your health for a lifetime.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

What do you suppose would happen if you followed your dreams? Sure, it seems like an easy question. Your life would be perfect and you would have everything you want. Well, I don't think it's that easy.

Don't get me wrong, I think everybody should follow their dreams, I'm just saying the path to your perfect life might not run that smooth. You will probably have to go through some hardships and rough patches before you have the life you want. So now the question becomes, is it worth it?

Let me just share a little bit of what's going on with me. I quit my job of 16 years a couple of months ago to follow my dream of becoming a writer. I mean, I loathed and despised my job so it was an easy decision to make. But, I'm not on easy street where the roads are paved in gold, not yet anyway.

You know the old saying, "life is a journey," well, I think the road to perfection is a journey. I just started getting paid for my writing, so I have moved a little way up that street, but after two weeks of writing day and night I have only made about $200. So you see, reaching your goals takes some effort and time.

I can tell you this, regardless of my lack of funds I am much happier now that I was three months ago.

ALMONDS:CRUNCHY GOODNESS

ALMONDS:CRUNCHY GOODNESS

When it comes to Heart Disease, wouldn't you do just about anything to ensure you don't get it? Wouldn't it be great if we could just eat something tasty and improve our heart health? Amazingly, we can. Almonds have the ability to lower our risk of Heart Disease by a significant percent.

Almonds have been touted for their health benefits for a while now, but more and more medical information comes in daily that proves just how potent these nuts really are. They are beneficial for a myriad of reasons.

Almonds are considered so beneficial to your health, that there is even an entire institution here in California that is devoted to the study, research and promotion of them. http://www.almondboard.com. They have all the latest updates on different studies being done on the health benefits of almonds. They also have some really yummy looking recipes.

But, what is it about almonds that make them such a darling in the medical community?

Health Benefits of Almonds

• Almonds are rich in vitamin E, fiber and magnesium
• They contain levels of antioxidants that are comparable to the levels found in foods such as broccoli and tea
• They are high in monounsaturated fat

This is just a snippit of information that shows you the power of the almond. Doctors believe that the real magic of the almond, lies in the combination of these things. It's the fiber, the unsaturated fat, the arginine, the plant sterols and other phytochemicals. they all work together to prevent heart disease.

The best part is the fact that they taste good too. But, if you don't like eating almonds, you can try drinking almond milk. It may sound weird but I've tried it and I loved it. It's sweet so you can add it to unsweetened cereal and not worry about extra added sugar. It's also a dairy alternative, so if you are somebody who can't, or doesn't want to, consume dairy this makes a great option. Almond Milk is high in protein, fortified with vitamin A, D and E, a good source of calcium and 100% lactose and cholesterol free.

Whichever way you choose to consume them, almonds make a delicious and healthy way to help prevent Heart Disease, as well as many other life-threatening illnesses.

DOVE:REAL BEAUTY FOR REAL WOMEN

DOVE IS BRINGING REAL BEAUTY TO REAL WOMEN!

So, are we all finally getting the message? Those cover models are not as perfect as they seem. The time has come to yank the mask off of Madison Avenue's dirty little secret, those are not real women staring out at us from the magazine covers. Dove is bringing real beauty to real women, finally!

Ladies, advertisers don't just retouch pictures of their models, they digitally enhance them. Seriously, they photo shop the pictures! They take the pictures of the models, who are already gorgeous, and reshape their faces, move facial features, and re size their bodies. As if most of us don't feel bad enough about our bodies, they are slimming down women who are already a size 2.

Dove has chosen to take a different route. They are showing the real beauty of real women. We all saw their ad campaign last year of the normal sized women in their underwear, well now they are taking the lid off of the tricks advertises use to enhance pictures. I think it's brilliant!

Now, I don't believe their reasons are altruistic, it's a clever marketing strategy, instead of selling us on how we wish we look, they are selling us on the idea that we are fabulous just as we are. Whatever their agenda may be, it's a message that's long overdue, and you can see for yourself at http://www.dove.com.

You know the average women wears a size 16, and their average weight is 145lbs. I think it's high time we all realize that we don't have to be a size 0 to be beautiful. As a matter of fact, I think it's more attractive to be a few pounds over the average than under (as long as you are at a healthy weight.) And that's really where the attention should be, health.

So, stop beating yourself up because you ate that piece of chocolate cake. Celebrate if you've graduated from a size 4 to 6. Concentrate on your health and emotional well being and you will be a happier person, and there's nothing more beautiful than happiness.

HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS

HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS

Don't we all want healthier food options? Don't you wish it was as easy to cook healthy low-fat dishes as it is to make the heavier versions? Healthy food options are all over the place, you just have to make a concentrated effort to look for them and to learn new recipes.

I don't know about you all, but I'm tired of depriving myself of all the decadently delicious foods that are out there. I'm sick of having an apple,when what I really want is some hot and cheesy potato skins. Don't get me wrong, I still love a nice juicy apple, and they are amazingly good for you, but dammit, sometimes an apple just won't do. I found that with just a little effort on my part, I can find all kinds of healthier and lower calorie versions of all the food we don't normally allow ourselves to indulge in.

One of the best places I've found is http://www.hungry-girl.com. they have all kinds of recipes as well as items in restaurants that make for healthier choices. One of the best ones I picked up includes one of my favorite companies http://www.morningstarfarms.com/. I'm including 3 different recipes for healthy food options so you can try it out for yourself.

Slim Chicken

ingredients

1 wonder light hamburger bun

1 morningstar farms chik patty, original

1tbsp. fat-free mayo

1 large lettuce leaf

Directions

1. microwave chik patty for 1min on each side
2. toast the bun
3. add tomato, lettuce and mayo
4. enjoy

Nutritional Info

Serving size 1 sandwich, calories 250, fat 7.5g, sodium 865mg, carbs 38g, sugars 3.5g, protein 13.5g

Potato skins

Ingredients

3 med sized potatoes

1/2 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese

2 tbsp. betty crocker baco-o-bits

1/4 cup chopped chives

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Prep potatoes by washing and drying to remove dirt and piercing them several times with a fork to prevent bursting
3. Place potatoes on a microwave safe plate and microwave for 4 mins
4. Turn potatoes over and microwave for another 4 mins
5. Cool for a few mins, then cut potatoes in half lengthwise
6. Using a fork, gently scrape out the bulk of the flesh
7. Place potato skins on a baking dish spritzed with a nonstick spray
8. Cook for 8-10 mins, depending on how crunchy you like your skins
9. Evenly distribute cheese and bacon bits onto potato skins
10. Turn off the oven, but return the skins to the oven until the cheese has melted
11. Remove and top with fat-free sour cream and/or salsa

Nutritional Info

Serving size 4 pieces, calories 146, fat <1g,>

Guiltless BLT

Ingredients

2 slices of wonder light bread, weight watchers bread (or another 40 calorie bread)

2 slices louis rich turkey bacon

2 slices tomato

2 tsp best foods mayo/reduced fat

1 romaine lettuce leaf

Directions

1. Toast bread
2. Prepare bacon in the microwave
3. Smear a tsp of mayo on each half of bread
4. Break bacon pieces in half
5. Assemble your sandwich using all remaining ingredients

Nutritional Info

Serving size 1 sandwich, calories 180, fat 7g, sodium 710mg, carbs 24g, fiber 6g, sugar 1g, protein 8.5g

That should keep you occupied for a while. But, remember there are plenty more where these came from. All you have to do is look, or keep checking my blog for more.

MADONNA AND CHILD

MADONNA AND CHILD: WHAT'S UP WITH THE MAMA DRAMA?

Ok, I don't get it. Why is everybody so up in arms about Madonna adopting a child? Cut the woman a break for GOD's sake, she's doing a good thing. How often do we hear about how many parentless children there are around the world. Theese same people berate parents here who only want white infants. I constantly hear screaming about how there are so many less fortunate children who need a home.

Madonna may have been a freak 20 years ago, but come on, you know we all were too. At least I'm willing to admit I was, and I know some of you reading this personally, so don't try to act as if you weren't wild back in the day because I have pictures.

Madonna has proven herself to be a good mother, at least as far as we can tell, so get off her back. She gave birth to two children of her own and wanted more, so she decided to do a noble thing. I'm proud of her. Anyway, that's just what was getting my goat today.

A PAIN IN THE BUTT: SCIATICA

A PAIN IN MY BUTT:SCIATICA

I have been in excrutiating pain for the past few weeks. It's something I've been dealing with for several years, it's called sciatica. It starts as a nagging pain in my lower back and starts to move to my butt and down my leg, (ouch!) If any of you have had this debilitating condition you know what i'm talking about.

The causes of sciatica can be anything from a herniated disk to a compressed nerve root. The bad thing is that it is soooo painful, the good news is that there are a lot of differeant ways to treat it. If you're not sure if that nagging pain in your lower back is from sciatica or not check out some of these symptoms.

Sciatica Symptoms

• Pain; starting in your lower back, and worsened by prolonged sitting or standing
• Pain; when trying to stand from a low sitting position
• Pain: worsened by coughing, sneezing or laughing
• Weakness; this may appear in your leg or foot
• Numbness
• Tingling or a pins and needles feeling
• Loss of bladder or bowel control; this is very rare and very serious. if you experience this go seek medical attntion immediatly!

Now you know whether or not you have sciatica, but what can you do to treat this nagging pain in the butt and lower back? Gratefully, there are actually a lot of easy treatments for this problem.

Sciatica Treatment

• Maintain your daily routine; believe it or not one of the worst things you can do is to stay on any prolonged period of bed rest. Go about your business, just stay away from any activity that may trigger your pain
• Coldpacks; this is good for the first 48 hours. Apply to the affected area for 15-20 minutes four times a day
• hotpacks; after 48 hours, apply heat to the area. If pain continues alternate warm and cold
• Stretching; avoid jerking, bouncing or twisting

If the pain is severe, you may want to look into getting some over the counter medication. If you go this route, make sure you get a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory like aspirin or ibuprofen. This is the type of pain medication that is both a pain reliever and anti-inflammatroy. there are also some alternative therapies you can try.

Alternative and complimentary treatments can work alone or hand in hand with some ot the other treatments. Alternative teatments include; Accupunture, Accupressure and Chiropratice treatments.

One of the best things you can do to avoid the nagging pain in the butt is excercise. Yes ladies, yet another reason we should be getting our tushes off the couch.

Don't let lower back pain knock you out. Kick that nagging pain on its ass!

HOMEMADE FACIAL MASKS

HOMEMADE FACIAL MASKS: FACIAL MASKS FOR DRY SKIN, OILY SKIN, SENSITIVE SKIN AND FIRMING FACIAL MASK

I'm obsessed with my skin! Aren't you? I mean with your skin, not mine, why would you be obsessed with my skin? Anyway, I digress. I crave having that clear even skin tone that magazines create digitally for their cover models. Ok, so I realize most women don't really have that perfectly flawless skin, but i don't care, I aspire to it anyway. So, I am on the constant look out for facial masks that will help me achieve that perfect beauty.

Before you say anything, I know that no beauty product can perform miracles, but they can help, especially a really good facial mask. I found a really good website that has a whole slue of homemade facial masks http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/, and I'm going to share them with you.

Homemade Facial Mask: Dry Skin

Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk, smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 mins, rinse off with warm water

Homemade Facial Mask: Oily Skin

Grate an apple finely and then add about 4 tablespoons of honey. Mix it well, apply to your face, Wait 10 mins and rinse

Homemade Facial Mask: Sensitive Skin

Warm a small pot of honey in a double boiler, then test a small amount on your hand to make sure it's not too hot. When warm apply the honey generously over your entire face. Leave the mask on for 15 mins. Rinse thoroughly with warm, then cool water

Homemade Facial Mask: Firming Skin

Mash up a very ripe banana. Add just enough honey to make a soft pulp. Apply over the face and hair. Leave on for 10 mins and wash off with warm water.

I tried to cover all the basis here, but I know the first one I'm trying-the firming facial mask!

let me know how these work for you, now go make a mask.

MEDITATION:GOOD FOR YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING

MEDITATION:GOOD FOR YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING.

I am such a high strung person that I'm always on the lookout for a good way to stop my brain from racing a mile a minute and relax. We've all heard about meditation, but I always just pictured it being something for people who were akin to the Dali Lama. I looked into it though and found out some very interesting things.

First of all, the term meditation describes a variety of practices with a variety of goals, and it usually involves turning your attention inward to the mind itself. This is where they usually lose me, because it sounds so new agey. But, it doesn't have to entail sitting on the floor with your palms turned upward like you're praying to some unknown being.

Meditation can be as simple as breathing. While focusing all of your attention on your breathing, you begin to realize your brain begins to clear of all the other crap going on in your life. It also calms down your body because you are taking the time to stop running around. Just the act of sitting still for a few moments can beneficial to your body.

Another thing I discovered is you have to be patient, (which is one of my downfalls for sure.) You won't necessarily be able to stop your mind from wandering in the beginning, but with practice it will happen. Without even realizing it we are all meditating from time to time already.

You know when you get home from work, pour yourself a glass of wine and turn on your favorite music? That's meditating, because you are clearing your body and mind from all the toxicity from the day.

My favorite way to meditate involves a scented bubble bath and aromatherapy candles, oh and of course a good cigarette afterward! I'm only halfway kidding about that second part. Anyway, go meditate, it's good for you.

HOMEWORK

HOMEWORK: I CAN ONLY TAKE SO MUCH!

Ok, I realize that homework is a part of school. And I also realize that as much as I hate it, even I at the age of 37 have to do my homework just like any other student, but I can only take so much.

I have spent the last three years studying things I have no interest in, and sacrificing a personal life in order to get good grades, and I'm ready to get to some stuff that matters to me now.

Maybe I'm bitter because I did all of that work and still didn't get into UCLA, (even with a 3.8 gpa), or maybe I'm disappointed that I'm gonna end up going to a school I had never heard of before I moved to the Valley. Whatever the case may be, I'm at my wits end!

I was supposed to be going to CSUN this semester, and I was so eager to finally be taking the classes in my major, but to find out days before the semester began that I would have to go back to Los Angeles Valley College for another semester just about did me in.

A good example of how bad my attitude is starting to get is the fact that I'm supposed to be in my history class right now. And yet, here I am writing in my blog, a much more worthwhile endeavor if you ask me. I never NEVER would have ditched a class before.

Of course I'm going to stick it out, it's all worth it in the end. I just hope and pray next semester will re-energize me, because I still have a long way to go. Gotta go do my homework now.

INTIMIDATION

INTIMIDATION: MEN AND TESTOSTERONE
intimidation, men, testosterone.

I was getting a pedicure yesterday and had an experience I'm sure all women have had at one time or another; a puffed up jackass, hyped up on his own testosterone, trying to use intimidation on me. Laughable if you know anything about me.

In a nutshell: he was blocking me when I was trying to get into the parking lot at my manicurist, and so I gave him "the look." You know the one, it says "what the hell are you doing?" As I got out of my car, I saw him approaching me the way a father would approach a child who has done something wrong.

I told him if he thought he was going to confront and try to intimidate me he better just walk away. Of course, an ugly confrontation ensued, with him pacing back and forth between me and my car. In the middle of the whole nasty scene, which I won't bore you with, a little old lady came out of the manicurists and yelled at the man to go away and stop harassing "this sweet girl."

I don't know this lady, I've never seen her before in my life, but I will never forget her. She reminded me that just as one bad person can put a blight on your day, a good person can turn it all around and make you happy again.

It's a lesson I will try not to forget, and I will try to follow that sweet lady's example every chance I get.

AIDS IN AFRICA

AIDS IN AFRICA: BONO DOES IT AGAIN!
aids, africa, oprah whinfrey, bono, red, red products, shop red.

Bono was just on the Oprah Whinfrey show, discussing a new campaign he has started called, SHOP RED. It's a brilliant idea. It provides the average person the opportunity to help in the fight against aids in Africa. You don't have to send a check, and you don't have to sign up for anything, all you have to do is simply buy products you are more than likely already buying.

The SHOP RED Campaign is in conjunction with a handful of stores and the premise is; buy the items that are tagged as red products and a specified amount of the proceeds will go to The Global Fund, http://www.jointheglobalfund.org, to send life saving medication to women and children in Africa who are living with, and dying from, Aids.

Stores In The Program

• Gap
• Armani
• Motorola
• Converse
• Apple

Just .40 a day can save a child's life. Can you imagine a baby, toddler, or teenager dying because they can't afford the .40 a day it costs for the medication? I saw some of the T-shirts they are selling at the Gap and they are very cool. Please go check them out.

The Holiday Season is almost here, just think of how many lives you can save by purchasing all red products as your gifts this year. I know I will. If you want to learn more about the program you can visit, http://www.JoinRed.com

LYCOPENE:THE HEALTHFUL TOMATO

LYCOPENE AND THE HEALTHFUL TOMATO:
lycopene, tomato, ophrah, Dr. Oz.

Lycopene is a proven antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals that may damage the body's cells. One of the best sources of getting lycopene in your diet is through the tomato. I was watching an episode of Oprah recently, and she had Dr. Oz, (the author of you: the owners manuel), on discussing how powerful tomatoes were in the fight for good health.

According to Dr. Oz, it is so potent that he recomends we get at least 10 Tbls in our diet every week. But, before you go out and buy bushel fulls of raw tomatoes, he's talking about cooked tomatoes. Apparently, research shows that lycopene in tomatoes can be absorbed more efficiently by the body if processed into juice, sauce, paste and ketchup.

The reason for this is because, the chemical form of lycopene found in tomatoes is converted by the temperature changes involved in processing to make it more easily absorbed by the body. However, if you just can't resist a juicy raw tomato, you can always toss it with some olive oil or walnuts in a salad. The added fat also helps to absorb the lycopene into your body.

WHY LYCOPENE IS SO VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH

Ongoing preliminary research suggests that lycopene is associated with reduced risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix and skin.

WHERE LYCOPENE GETS DEPOSITED IN THE BODY

• Liver
• Lungs
• Prostate gland
• Colon
• Skin

You can see why it is the darling of the antioxidant family. It is found most abundently in the tomato, and is also being touted as possibly being able to help prevent various forms of Caner and Heart Disease. And really, what a yummy way to get and stay healthy. there are a myriad of ways to prepare a tomato, and I've provided a recipe for you here. For more on lycopene, you can go to http://www.lycopene.org, and for more tasty recipes you can click this link to http://www.homecooking.about.com

RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, undrained
• 1 can (16 oz) stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1-1/2 cups incooked instant rice
• 3 freen onions, with tops, sliced

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in 10-inch skillet
2. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently
3. Reduce heat
4. Cover and simmer for ten minutes or until rice is tender

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR SKIN AND HAIR

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR SKIN AND HAIR:
beauty tip, save money, skin, hair, cleansing cloth

If you're anything like me, you'll break the bank chasing after every new product that comes out claiming to enhance your beauty, save money, or make you appear to look younger. Well, you don't necessarily have to. I have found a couple of beauty tips for skin and hair that are not only less expensive but pretty clever as well.

One of my favorite things to use to clean my face is a cleansing cloth. I use oil of olay http://www.olay.com/. The only problem is it's pretty expensive. But while I was perusing the Internet, I found a great tip on saving money on these things. You can cut each of the individual cloths in half, thereby doubling your product. It's so simple, I wish I'd thought of it myself and a lot earlier. I dump a bucket full of cash on my hair as well.

All the expensive hair products I use are not only sending me into bankruptcy, they are also doing some serious damage to my locks. Here is a cheap way to get all the buildup of crap we put on our hair out. Simple take one cup of apple cider vinegar and rinse it through your hair once a week. Don't do it more than that though because it will strip all the natural oil out of your hair if done too often.

That's all I got for now. Try this stuff out and tell me how it works for you.

McDreamy VS McSteamy

MCDREAMY VS MCSTEAMY, I refuse to choose,

What is up with Greys Anatomy trying to pit Dr. McDreamy against Dr. McSteamy? I absolutly refuse to choose between the two. It's apples and oranges my friends, apples and oranges.

On the one hand, you have McDreamy, he's more of the tender, sweet, caring type, with those "dreamy" eyes and gorgous head of hair. Than you have McSteamy, he's just raw sexuality. He's the guy you want to just grab you, throw you over his shoulder, and throw you on the bed.

The only solution I can come up with is to meld them together. Then you'd have Dr. McDreamSteamy!!!!

Ooh, I like that. Maybe I'll send the story idea to the producers. Remember, If you see that story line that I came up with it first.

ANSWERS REGARDING ANTIOXIDANTS

WHY ARE ANTIOXIDANTS SO VITAL TO OUR HEALTH?
antioxidants, vitamins, vegetables, healthy food, diet, free radicals
Your probably hear it every day, "high in antioxidants," "or rich in antioxidants." But what exactly are they, and why are they so vital to our health? Where are antioxidants found, and how can you incorporate them in your diet?

What Are Antioxidants

I found a definition at http://www.holyname.org that I think describes it best for our purposes: antioxidants are compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging. they are found in nutrients and enzymes.

Why Are They So Important

They are vital to our health because they are believed to play a role in preventing the development of such chronic diseases as Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Alzheimer's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Cataracts. Ok, sounds great but what types of antioxidants are there?

Types of Antioxidants

Nutrients:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Beta-carotene
• Selenium

Enzymes:

• Spuperoxide dismutase
• Catalase
• Glutathione perovidase

These enzymes are your primary defense in destroying free radicals

Foods They Are Found In

• Vitamin E:Vegetable oils, Walnuts, Peanuts, Almonds, Seeds, Olives, Avocados, Liver, Leafy Green Vegetables
• Vitamin C:Oranges, Grapefruit, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Cantaloupe, Strawberries
• Beta-carotene:Cantaloupe, Mangoes, Papaya, Pumpkin, Peppers, Spinach, Kale, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Apricots,
• Selenium:Seafood, Beef, Pork, Chicken, Brazil nuts, Brown rice, Whole wheat bread

although there are many supplements out there, it is best to get your antioxidants from food. Keep in mind, The American Heart Association suggests, "people eat a variety of foods daily from all of the basic food groups." Moreover, they believe it is better to get the bulk of your needed nutrients through food, as opposed to supplements. We now know that consuming mega-doses of antioxidants can be harmful due to their potential to toxicity and interactions with medications, so getting them through your food is a safer way to ensure that won't happen.

I HATE CLEANING!

I HATE TO CLEAN!
I hate is so much that I've convinced myself I must write this in my daily rant before I get to it. Cleaning is not only not fun, it can be down right disgusting sometimes. Especially when you have to clean your bathroom, (I'll give you two guesses which room I'm cleaning today).

Do you think my bathroom is way past cleaning if I have some sort of tiny little bugs flying around my bathroom sink? I'm telling myself it's just because of the weather, and not matter what I do I just can't get rid of them.

I know what you're thinking, you're saying to yourself, "I bet they'd go away if you just cleaned your bathroom." Well, that's pretty smug of you, but I suppose you're right.

So, stop snarking at me already. I'm cleaning!

STAY HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
It's that time of year again, the holiday season. This means your kids are starting to think about their Christmas lists in earnest, and you are starting to peruse the deals on airline tickets you can get to go visit extended family for the holiday season. One of the things people dread the most is the high risk they face of getting sick while traveling.

Most people believe they get sick from the poor air quality on airplanes, false. While you do run a higher risk of getting sick while traveling, it's more about the close proximity you have with all the other people on the plane.

The air quality on a plane is actually much better than on the ground. In fact, it goes through a filtration system twice before ever getting to you in the cabin. By the time in reaches the masses on board, all but 3% of germs have been filtered out. I can't say the same thing for that precious little tyke sitting next to you.

Granted, you are somewhat trapped in this cesspool of germs, but there are things you can do to help improve your chances of staying healthy.

PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

• Drink plenty of fluids: I'm talking about water, not coffee or alcohol, they will dehydrate you and raise your risk of getting sick
• Get your own bottled water, don't drink the planes tap water or ice. The quality isn't the best, I'll just leave it at that
• Get up and move around as often as possible. This will get you away from your tightly packed seat where you're practically directly breathing in the air your neighbor is breathing out, and it's good for your circulation

The Holiday Season should be a happy time, filled with family and friends, not a time to be downing Advil and cough syrup like it's candy. Don't let traveling during the holiday season stress you out, that's what your in-laws are for.

COMPUTERS!!!!!!!

Due to the ever increasing frustration that has become part of my life, I have added a new category to my blog. It's called Daily Rant. Watch out people, this is where I plan on unloading all the anger and hostility I can't take out on the idiots or things that cause me strife in the world.

We shall start our rant today on computers, or as my precious little nephew calls them, paputors, (he's 3-years-old and a genius!) Were computers invented to make our lives easier or a living hell? Because honestly, on any given day it could be either one, or usually both, for me.

Take for example saving your digital pictures. They make it sound like it is the easiest thing in the world. Just plug this thing a majig in here, then click this button, oh but make sure it's compatible with the computer program you have or you'll break everything, even your tv. Oh, the television had nothing to do with it but somehow it linked up to some doohiky, and now they're all broken.

The problem is we'v become so accustom to having the tech toys that we start to rely on them. Just recently, my sister's computer crashed, through no fault of her own, and she lost everything!!!!! Pictures of my nephew, work related stuff, home business stuff, you know a bunch of really important stuff! Before computers she would have had all of that ..stuff filed away as hard copies, but not now.

It's not that I want all these unbelievably magical things to go away, I just want whoever makes them to remember we didn't all spend our teenage years locked away in our garages. Not to build computers anyway.

Please feel free to comment on any of my rants. And don't be shy, add yours to my comment box and I just may add them to my blog.

HOW TO HELP A FRIEND THROUGH GRIEF

HOW DO YOU HELP A FRIEND THROUGH GRIEF? I'm not sure, but I recently had to deal with that very question, and I read everything I could get my hands on. Death, and the grieving process are differant for everybody, which complicates the situation. All I wanted to do was take away my friends pain, but i've learned, as hard as it is to do, I need to allow him to go through his grief in his own way and own time.

That's one of the most frustrating parts of grief, everybody deals with it differantly. Even the person grieving may not know what they will feel at any given moment. Through all my research, I learned a few things you may find helpful if, and when, you find yourself in this situation.

Ways You Can Help

• Let your friend know you are there for them whatever they may need
• Don't be afraid to talk about the loved one they lost
• Don't worry if their emotions seem to go from one extreme to another
• Take your cues from them:if they want to talk than talk, if they want to sit with you and say nothing let them, if they want to act as if everything is ok, go with it

The truth is, nothing is going to take away the pain they will have to go through. Be patient with them, they will be dealing with their grief and loss the rest of their lives in differant ways.

I hope you find these tips helpful when you find yourself in this situation. And remember to take care of yourself as well. When you care about a somebody enough to feel their pain, you will end up feeling it.

ARE YOU TECH SAVVY?

ARE YOU TECH SAVVY? I know I'm sure not! But, I also know I love Computer, digital cameras, tivo, (don't touch my tivo), and all other technical toys, but they are beginning to make my life a living nightmare.

They were invented and designed to make our lives eaiser and more enjoyable. When they work and you can figure out how to use them, they do just that. But, GOD help you if you can't figure out how to set them up, let alone use the darn things, it just zaps all the joy out of what they were intended for.

I got my first tivo shortly after they came out. I'm a huge tv aholic and it seemed like this invention was made just for me. I eagerly took it out of the box and spent the next week in various stages of a nervous breakdown trying to hook the damn thing up to my tv. As it turned out, the instructions that came with were wrong, and it took calling the support desk numerous times a day throughout the week before I got somebody that actually helped me. Don't get me started on my first digital camera!

I thought my days of desposable cameras, that printed disposable pictures, was far behind me when I got my first digital camera. As it turned out, I never could take a decent picture on it. It was probably my fault, I was probably doing it wrong, but who can tell by reading the directions. I might as well have been trying to read swahili. And computers, the most frustrating of them all.

The problems is, we are all suckers for technology. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I'm just saying the makers of these gadgets should realize we're not all part of the geek squad. Take some pity on us please and make these things dependable and easier to set up. We'll all be happier, you'll make more money, and we won't lose our minds.

IS THIN NO LONGER IN?

IS THIN NO LONGER IN? Has society finally come to their senses, and realized that most of us don't find walking lollipops attractive? Are they getting how dangerous it is to portray the ideal woman as a walking q-tip? I don't think their motives are this altruistic, more likely it comes down to the GOD we all worship...MONEY!

Last week was fashion's version of the Olympics, Fashion Week. Most of us probably heard how Spain was refusing to hire models who were too thin, but what is too thin by their standards? Don't get me wrong, I think this trend is definitely a step in the right direction, but we have to realize that models lately are close to a size 0.

I just saw a report on Entertainment Tonight http://www.etonline.com/, that stated, "the average size model is somewhere between a 2-4, and their weight is an average 120lbs, while the average American woman is a size 16 and weighs 165lbs." Keep something else in mind, these size 2 models are over 5'7". They have to be in order to be a runway model. So, that size 2 is now even smaller than you think.

In my opinion, they don't want these models to be too thin because the clothes don't look as good. Granted, the whole reason for the shrinking of models from the past, (Cyndi Crawford was a size 6),was because fashion designers basically wanted walking hangers to display their clothes, but it appears you can be too thin.

These girls just look unhealthy, and the clothes look like they are on the walking dead. That doesn't make for big sales. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe they really do care that young girls and women are looking at these models and feeling like they just don't measure up, but somehow I doubt that.

Whatever they reason, it is a step in the right direction, and I applaud their new attitude. Let's hope there are more countries and more designers to follow.

3 SIMPLE WAYS TO HEAL DRY SKIN

If you're anything like me, you dread the damage you're skin suffers during the dry, cold Winter months. I have found 3 simple ways to heal dry skin, and alliviate the pain and suffering that goes along with it. But, don't think the only thing you need to concern yourself with is the extreme itchiness that comes with dry skin.

Common Symptoms Associated with Dry Skin

• Scaley skin
• Long-term redness to affected areas
• Skin that sloughs off easily
• Hyper sensitivity to affected area

As you can see, the painfull itching is only one componant of this problem; however, it is one of the most annoying ones. Until I found ways to combat the situation, I would wake up in the middle of the night tearing at my ankles and lower legs. Unatractive and painfull, not a pleasant combination.

The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to avoid these symptoms, and allow yourself the ability to enjoy the Winter months again.

3 Simple Steps

1. Take a shower in lukewarm water (not hot). Hot water will only make matters worse, as it dry's out the skin even more.
2. Use an in-shower lotion. It doesn't even have to be one of the lotions companies are making that are specified in-shower. You can use any regular lotion. Put it on right before you get out of the shower, and then gently pat yourself dry.
3. While you're still slightly wet, aplly more lotion. Your skin will soak up more of the moisture if you let it dry with the water.

That's it. It's seems so simple and basic, but often times those are the things that work best. If you want more infor regarding dry skin, you can visit http://www.jergens.com

HOW TO BEAT WINTER DRYNESS

How to beat winter dryness. Now that Fall is here, and with Winter fast approaching, it's time to pay close attention to our skin and hair. We've all been there, red, itchy, cracking skin, fly away frizzy hair, it's enough to make a girl want to stay indoors all season. Either that or drop a pile of money at the beauty counter trying to counteract the affects of old man winter. Before you lock the door and throw away the key, there are other less expensive options you can try.

I've found some economical, homemade tips for pampering ourselves without breaking the bank at frugalliving.about.com. On top of being a cheaper way to go, they are also much more environmentally friendly, so that's an extra bonus for those of us who no longer want to kill the ozone layer with our hairspray.

Homemade Hairspray
Take a lemon or an orange, simmer it in water, strain, and put in a spray bottle. The added feature to this one is how nice your hair will smell.

Deep Moiturising Hair Treatment
Take a generous amount of mayonnaise, apply it to you hair, wrap in a warm towel for 15 mins or more, and then shampoo in warm (not hot) water

Homemade Moisturising Skin Care
Mix about equal parts of corn meal and honey, use it as an exfoliating scrup, and then store it in a jar for later use.

You see, we don't always have to go to the mall or expensive makeup counter for our beauty products. Sometimes the grocery store will do just as well.

You can find more inexpensive ways to do just about anything at http://www.frugalliving.com

HOW TO BEAT THE FLU

How do you beat the flu? We are entering the cold and flu season, and if you're like me you'll get each of them at least once over the next few months. We all know how lousy we feel when we come down with the symptoms associated with colds and flu's, but what's even worse is how they interrupt our lives and leave us out of commission for those 2-5 days it takes to get over them. Wouldn't it be nice to avoid it all together? Unfortunately, most of us can't, but I have found a few things you can do to alleviate the symptoms if you do get the flu, and maybe even protect yourself from getting it at all.

Nothing I'm sharing with you is some state-guarded secret. Most of us have heard these tips before, mostly from our mothers. But, with everybody leading such busy lives I felt a little reminder wouldn't hurt:

1. Drink plenty of liquids:
I'm talking about water and maybe some herbal tea, not your favorite diet soda. Not those so-called healthy drinks, which are really loaded with more sugar than the soda, either.
2. Get plenty of rest:
This one is key because you're more apt to getting the flu when you're body is run down and tired.
3. Eat lots of fruits and vegetable:
They are chalk full of phytochemicals, which help protect against cell damage and boost the immune system
4. Take Oscillococcinum:
This stuff is amazing! I took it last year when I was coming down with the flu. It's a homeopathic medicine, and it comes in small tubes which taste like sugar, (I swear!) you take one tube full every 6 hours, and you'll feel much better. From my experience, it eases the symptoms and stops the flu from getting worse. You're still sick, but it doesn't progress to a worse state, so obviously you want to start taking it at the onset of your symptoms.

I hope this helps. Like I said, no real new information, just a little reminder to help get you through the season.

If you want more information regarding homeopathic remedies go to

Is Green Tea a Medical Miracle?

I have been hearing about the medicinal benefits of Green Tea for years. I even find myself perusing my grocery store to look for my favorite green tea enhanced beverage, but is it all for not? Does green tea really contain magical ingredients that can cure everything from a hang nail to Cancer? The answer is...maybe.

Green Tea has been around for approximately 5,000 (well, I'm sure it's been around longer, we've just known about it that long), and from the beginning it's been touted as a miracle elixir. It's reputation is so renown, even The National Cancer Institute (NCI), and The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have spent their time and money researching it, but thus far, the results are mixed.

The FDA has come to a conclusion about green tea's effects on Breast and Prostate Cancer, and based on two different studies, they find green tea to have no positive effect in either disease. The NCI also states that, while they have had promising results on research in rats, such as inactivating oxidants before cell damage, a reduction in number and size of tumors and inhibited growth of Cancer cells, the finding in human studies have not been as conclusive.

So, what does all of this mean? Basically, if you like green tea by all means drink it, but if you're looking for a medical miracle you may have to look elsewhere. The jury is still out though on this issue, so stay tuned and we may just find our miracle after all.

Jenn

How To Kill A Zit

Picture this; it's the night before some big event, and as you're passing by your hallway mirror, and sneak that glimpse we all try to pretend we don't do, you see it...A ZIT! But wait, you're 37 not 17. What the heck, weren't those nasty bastards supposed to go away when puberty did?

Unfortunately, they don't, not completely at least. There are all kinds of reasons for this I suppose, but I slept through the class in biology that explained all of that. I no longer question the why of it, but I do question how to deal with it.

The good news is I found a simple solution that helps alleviate, if not get rid of, the problem. Believe or not it's Visine. You heard me, I said Visine. You know their tag line; Visine, it gets the red out, and it really does!

Here's all you have to:

1. Put one drop of Visine on a cotton swab
2. Gently apply pressure to the offending area
3. Wait 30 seconds

After that, no more red, at least not for a few hours anyway. You may have to re-apply throughout the day, but by the next day not only will the red be gone, the protrusion will be much smaller. I think the Visine helps dry it out or something. I'm not really sure how it works, and I don't care just as long as it works.

Try it one time and let me know how it works. I'm also open to any and all beauty tips you may have.

Bye for now, talk to you later.

Stretch Your Stress Away

For the past few years, I have been practicing Yoga. I say practicing because I have never gotten past the beginners stage, but I don't think you need to, to experience some of Yoga's benefits.

I do about 20 minutes a day of some basic Yoga moves, and I feel More limber (meaning I'm less likely to pull a muscle turning to look behind me), more focused, (which is hard for me, my mind tends to wander a lot), and more relaxed, (also hard for me as I tend to be a very anxious person.)

You know how how tight your body feels after getting up in the morning, well at least mine does, after doing some easy Yoga stretches, I feel so much more limber. I literally can't bend all the way down to touch my toes when I first get up, and after doing my morning Yoga, I can twist my body all the way around. Ok, not a complete 360, but I think you know what I'm talking about. Yoga is also a great way to meditate and focus.

My mind goes a 1,000 miles a minute, and I find it very difficult to focus on the things I need to do. After doing my morning routine, I'm calmer and feel my mind is much clearer. It is also a great way to help relax yourself.

I tend to be a bit on the anxious side, everybody who knows me is laughing right now, and doing Yoga has given me some tools I find helpful in getting rid of unwanted stress. It's not just the body stretching, it's also the breathing techniques that are so beneficial. That's what I think helps in the stress category.

My point here is this, you don't need to be able to bend your body into pretzel like positions to enjoy the benefits from Yoga. Remember the saying, a little goes a long way. So, take a little time to unwind and let me know if it doesn't make you feel so much better.

My Heart to Yours

This being Breast Cancer Awareness month, most people believe that it is the number 1 killer of women; WRONG! Don't get me wrong, It's an insidious disease that needs to be eradicated. That being said, we must not turn our attention away from the true epidemic in women's health; Heart Disease.

Heart Disease is the cause of 43% of deaths among women every year. The saddest part of this is, so much of this death is avoidable. It a severe lack of knowledge, both in the medical arena and general population, that contributes to these deaths.

We have all been under the false assumption that the surest sign that you're having a heart attack is chest pains, when in fact, most women suffering a heart attack never even experience this symptom. It has also been assumed that heart attacks are more of a man's disease, therefore, attention, time and treatment have all been geared toward the men.

Think about this statement from an article on americanheart.org, "women are less likely than men to receive recommendations from their doctors for preventive rehabilitation to protect them against heart attacks and death," according to a study published in an issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. That's truly terrifying!

Here are just a few of the examples of the types of symptoms women experience while having a heart attack. After you read these you may understand how it is so easy for most women to shrug them off as nothing.

1. Pain in the shoulder
2. Pain in the neck
3. Pain in the jaw
4. Shortness of breath
5. Quick onset of nausea

These symptoms can be confused with any number of other problems. The bottom line is this, you are the best advocate for your health. Take the time to educate yourself, and demand to be taken seriously if a medical professional tries to blow you off.

I hope this helps to start you on your way to improving the quality of your life. Remember, every day is a new day!

Bye for now, talk to you later

How To Succeed At Online Dating

Now, I'm no expert on online dating, but I do have some experience. Therefore, I thought I'd share some of my insights with you. I have found that online dating is really not that much different than meeting somebody in person. In fact, in some ways it's better. You get to screen potential dates in several steps, thereby limiting the possibility of coming face to face with a totally incompatible suitor.

First, I will share a little bit of my adventures in cyber dating. I've only belonged to one, jdate, and I've heard from countless people I've told that they have one of the better reputations. However, I didn't join because of that, I happen to be Jewish and thought I would make my mother happy by finally dating a member of the tribe, (if your Jewish you'll get that.)

I either I got very lucky, or I'm a very good judge of character (truthfully, It's probably a little of both), because I ended up dating the second guy I met for a year. Although it didn't work out romantically, we are still very close, and who knows maybe one day we will end up together. Anyway I digress, I belonged to jdate off and on for a year, and in that year I went out with one guy, (also off and on) for a year, 2 guys were one daters, one got two dates, and one I went out with for 2 months. Here's the thing, they were all great guys, just not right for me.

I've heard so many horror stories that I can't help feeling a little left out of the online dating sludge pool, but I do believe there are a few little tricks to avoiding that, and that's what I want to share with you.

1. Be very honest:
I can't believe people lie on these things, I mean isn't the point to eventually meet these people, they will find out that you weren't completely forthcoming. Nobody wants to start off a relationship on that note, and more than likely nobody will.

2. Talk on the phone before meeting:
Let's face it, you cant truly know if you'll have nice conversation without first having one. E-mails are fine in the beginning, but don't spend too much time on them. One of the best pieces of advice I got before I went looking for love online was not to spend too much time e-mailing each other before talking, a lot of my friends wasted a lot of time only to find out they had nothing to say to the live person.

3. Always be yourself:
This is so important! If you are really looking for your soul mate you have to make sure you are really his. Besides, don't we all know by now our true selves come out eventually anyway. Do you really want him to meet the real you 3 days before the wedding?

4. Relax and have fun:
Easier said than done, I know, but if you approach this as fun and exciting instead of terrifying and embarrassing you might just actually enjoy yourself.

The bottom line is, if you are of a certain age, it isn't as easy to meet a significant other as it used to be. Most of us have learned the lesson the hard way about dating in the work place, and trying to find him in a club, well let's just say I threw my beer goggles away a long time ago.
I wish you all good luck and good love. Let me know how it goes.

Bye for now, talk to you later.

Dressing For Sex-cess

I found myself having a conversation with my sister the other day about the decline of today's youth. We were watching an old Britney Spears video, and were horrified that her parents let her out of the house dressed that way, let alone make music videos oozing with sexuality! Britney is 25 now and a mother herself, but at her peak she was between 16 and 20-years-old. After going on and on about this sad state of affairs, it hit me, I have become my mother! However, that doesn’t mean I’m wrong in thinking this way. It is said every generation, “in my day, parents would never allow you out of the house dressed like that,” or, “when a girl dresses like that boys will get the wrong impression.” Although I can’t say I would ever want a daughter of mine to present herself in that manner, I started to remember being told the same thing when I was a teenager and in my early 20’s. As a matter of fact, I used to take a change of clothes with me when I went out so I wouldn’t have to listen to my mother say, “you’re not going out dressed like that, are you?” I know I was a good kid; so maybe judging teenagers based on how they dress isn’t fair.

That being said, things do appear to be getting worse. I mean is it really necessary to wear your pants so low your butt crack shows when you’re sitting down? Another question we should be asking, is there a correlation between how kids today dress and the rise in sexual activity at younger and younger ages? I don’t know the answer to that question, but it does seem like more than just a coincidence. The thing that troubles me even more than kids whom willingly engage in promiscuous acts is the sexual objectification of mere children.

Going back to Britney Spears, when she first exploded onto the scene she was just 16-years-old, but she sure didn’t look it to me. Even worse, she didn’t look it to millions of adult men. It’s dangerous enough out there, why create even more potential for problems? When I was a teenager adults complained that kids copied Madonna’s style of dress; tons of bangle bracelets, bows in our hair, and day-glow shirts; my oh my, how far we have come. However, day-glow shirts don’t sexualize whoever is wearing them, whereas pants that sit below your hipbones do.

I don’t have any children of my own, and I remember vividly being a teenager and what I was like. I can sympathize with today’s parents, and I can understand the desire of these kids to want to look like their idols as well as compete with each other; however, I believe things have gotten out of control. It is very scary to see 12-year-old little girls dressing in such a way as to attract men four times their age. Combine all of these things with the hormones that rage inside every teenager, and you have a recipe for disaster.

I don’t mean to say children should not be allowed to express their individuality through clothes and other mean, merely; we should be watching over and redirecting them when they begin to veer off into risky expression and behavior.

I’m sure fifteen to twenty years from now these same children will be parents of their own teenagers, and terrified by all the things they are doing. This is part of what is called the circle of life. I don’t think it means, however, that we should just turn our heads and ignore behavior that can harm our youth. I suppose, ultimately, it is up to the parents to decide what is right for their own children. I know, should I ever be privileged enough to have kids of my own, the issue of clothing will be just one of many, many, many, concerns that will keep me up at night. But, I hear in the end, it’s more than worth it.





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Power Foods For Your Health

Power Foods For Your Health

There is powerful medicine out there. So powerful, in fact, it may help prevent some of today’s deadliest diseases; diseases such as, Cancer, Heart Disease and Diabetes, just to name a few. The best part is, you don’t need a prescription, you won’t break the bank buying it and you’ll actually enjoy taking it. To find this medicine you need only to take a trip to your local grocery store. I’m talking about food, “power food,” to be exact.

The key to food’s medicinal attributes lies in the antioxidants they contain. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA,) has put together a list of the 20 foods that have the highest concentration of antioxidants, and are believed to help prevent the damaging effects of free radicals, which are a major cause of cell damage.

Power Foods

Small red beans
Wild blueberries
Red Kidney beans
Pinto beans
Cultivated Blueberries
Cranberries
Artichoke
Blackberries
Prunes
Raspberries
Strawberries
Red Delicious & Granny Smith apples
Pecans
Sweet Cherries
Black plums
Russet potatoes
Black beans
Plums
Gala apples
Walnuts

Knowing Them on Sight

Here’s an easy way to recognize a lot of these “power foods” next time you’re perusing the aisles of your neighborhood supermarket, color! Fourteen out of the 20 power foods
are fruits and vegetables, and all are vividly colored. Those colors are the signal that these foods have high concentrations of antioxidants. So, even if you can’t remember which ones are on the USDA’s list, you can’t go wrong choosing those with deep, rich, and vibrant colors.

Incorporating Them in Your Diet

There are many easy ways to incorporate these foods into your diet, and you can use one or more of them in each meal without a lot of preparation. The following are examples of the types of meals and snacks that can easily be made.

A fruit smoothie:
This is a great way to get in at least two of the berry choices on the USDA’a list, and it’s incredibly easy. Just pick two of your favorites, put them in a blender with some non-fat plain yogurt and a little fat-free milk (the amount can vary depending on how thick you like it), and blend! It’s that simple. Or, you can have some high fiber cereal and add a handful of your bright blueberries on top.
Salads:
Why not try a leafy green salad with cranberries and walnuts. Sprinkle a little extra-virgin olive oil and vinegar on top as your dressing and you are eating your way to health, especially heart-health with the omega 3 fatty acids the walnuts will give you.

Three-bean soup:
This one’s great for the upcoming winter season, and again so easy to make. Take some black, pinto, and kidney beans, blend them with some fat-free sour cream and milk, and heat on the stove.

There is a plethora of ways to incorporate these power foods into your daily diet. All it takes is a little creativity and a will to commit yourself to a healthier lifestyle.

So, here’s to eating and living well!!!!!