Product Name: Today’s Diet and Nutrition Magazine
Submitted by: Maureen Fennell; Raleigh, NC
Rating: 8
Where to buy: http://www.Today’sDietandNutrition.com

Description:  Today’s Diet and Nutrition is a monthly magazine that can either be bought online, in the store or by subscription. The magazine covers the topics of health, nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, beauty and cuisine.

Review: This magazine has tons of wonderful recipes! There are many different kinds of recipes as well as swift and easy and for something a tiny more special.

I like the overall look of the magazine as well. It is well organized with appealing photos and not just a magazine with way too many advertisements.

The magazine not only encourages a healthier lifestyle in terms of diet and nutrition, but also covers articles regarding general health. The article in the Sept/Oct issue about the importance of proper sleep and the effects of sleep-deprivation. The articles are very well written and simple to read with clinical terms either being kept to a minimum or well explained.

The few products that are advertised are well chosen and suit the magazine completely highlighting products that are either used in various recipes, are health conscious or are fairly new. The over all price of the Today’s Diet and Nutrition magazine is fair with today’s standards. Much more value if purchased in a subscription just like any magazine.

Overall, this magazine is very good. It is informative on important health issues and it is nice to have articles that cover such a wide variety of health topics not just diet but healthier living in general. I would advocate this magazine just for the wonderful recipes alone but the articles are good as well.
 
Criticism: This magazine at times is a little thin and some issues seem to thick and contain more than others. My biggest criticism of Today’s Diet and Nutrition Magazine, is that it contains no coupons! It would be nice if there were some coupons with the ads especially for new products or for products that are used in the issues recipes.

Product Name: AB KING PRO
Submitted by: Dil Fang; Washington, WA
Rating: 10
Where to buy: http://www.telebuyonline.com

Description:  ABKINGPRO is an exercise machine designed to give you flat, sexy, rock-hard abs faster and easier than any other product on the market. The ABKing Pro is perfect for every fitness level; it has levels for the newbie to the most fit exercise buff.

Other machines only give you a 90-degree range of motion, but the AbKing Pro’s secret is its astonishing 200-degree range of motion that targets your upper, lower, middle abs and obliques all at once, on the way up and down. In just 3 minutes a day combined with regular exercise and a sensible diet you’ll tighten your stomach and reduce the love handles in days, not months.

Review: The AbKing Pro also offers proper neck and back support, keeping you in perfect form. It offers you different ranges of motions for different levels of resistance. It folds for simple storage under your bed. It has a fully adjustable sturdy frame, thick padding for superior support and a rolling wheel action, that grants for a smooth consistent motion.

Criticism: Not much to say very easy to use. The only problem was
assembling it, other than that, great! It can cause weight loss within 30 days and is amazing. Highly suggested!

Don’t you just love the New Year?  It’s full of new opportunities, new enthusiasm, and new commitments to change your life for the better.

One common goal around the New Year is to get healthier through exercise.  If starting a new exercise routine is part of your self-improvement plan this year, here are seven tips to help make it easier.

Tip #1:  Consult your physician first.  Before you begin any exercise program it is really important to make sure you’re physically up for it.  This is particularly important if you’re not normally physically active.  A doctor can advise you on how to approach a new exercise routine and tell you what signs to look for if you’re overdoing it.

Tip #2:  Set small goals.  While it might be really exciting to set a massive goal like running a marathon or going to the gym every day, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to actually achieve the goal.  The goal may begin to feel overwhelming.  The solution?  Set smaller goals.  For example, if your goal is to go to the gym each day, just go to the gym one day a week for three weeks.  Once you have accomplish that goal, step it up.  Decide to go to the gym twice a week for three weeks.  Once you’ve accomplished that goal, step it up again. Soon you’ll be going to the gym every day.

Tip #3:  Reward yourself.  Goal setting and achieving is supposed to be fun.  When you reach a goal, whether it is a tiny one or a big one, reward yourself.  For example, using the gym example from above - when you reach your goal of going to the gym once a week, you could purchase yourself some workout music or get a new piece of workout clothing.  When you reach the final goal of going every day, well it’s probably time for some new clothes because you’re looking awesome, right?!

Tip #4:  Do something fun.  Exercising doesn’t have to be running around a track until you can’t breathe anymore.  Dancing is exercise, walking in nature is exercise, jumping on a trampoline is exercise, as is tennis, yoga, etc.  Find a sport that you enjoy, and reaching your goals will become simple and fun.

Tip #5:  Mix it up.  It’s easy to get into a rut when you’re beginning a new workout routine.  In order to keep things interesting and maintain your motivation, consider a few exercises or sports you enjoy.  This can make it easier on your body too.  For example, if you’re running two or three times a week, consider walking or riding your bike on the other days.  Maybe add yoga to keep your muscles flexible. 

Tip #6:  Exercise with friends.  Friends motivate you to get to the gym, friends make it fun, and friends can challenge you to push yourself just a tiny bit farther than you might if you were working out alone. 

Tip #7:  Exercise during your ideal time of day.  Are you a morning person?  If you’re a morning person, then the best time for you to plan your workout time is probably in the morning.  If you’re a night person, then try to plan your workout in the evening.

Starting a new exercise routine is a fantastic way to feel great, look great and improve your health.  Congratulations on making a resolution to improve your life!

Product Name: LL’s Environmental Magnetic Clay
Submitted by:  Marlena Nkene; Decatur, GA
Rating: 10
Where to buy: http://www.magneticclay.com/

Description:  It uses bentonite clay that literally pulls toxins out of the body but has lots of other detoxifying herbs and spices for a greater effect. The baths are said to remove years of toxins that have been sitting, circulating and stored in the body. 

Review: I love this site because it explains all the health benefits in great detail. Most important though is to follow the instructions to the letter. If you cant commit to $60.00 (about 10 baths) at first.

A seller called Alive and Aware sells mini baths for about $15.00 good for about 2 baths (for an adult) but more for children and the chronically ill.  The clay has a lot of great testimonials and also has been stated to do very well with children diagnosed with autism and toxic metal poisonings.

They have kits formulated to address different health issues. All in all I love the way it makes me feel afterwards. After using this product you feel lighter and more refreshed. Your skin has more glow and feels softer. It is totally worth it!

Criticism: The cleanup afterwards can be a bit messy. The Environmental kit has charcoal added to it so with this particular kit you can’t SEE the toxins being pulled out as with the other kits. But it feels amazing afterwards!

Do you subscribe to the philosophy that resolutions are made to be broken, or do you believe the New Year’s holiday is an opportunity for change? 

Resolution makers generally fall into one of three categories.  There are the serious resolution makers who, year after year, dedicate themselves to self-improvement and use the holiday as a launching pad for success.  Then there are the people who begin with good intentions; however, they don’t follow through and see their goals to the end.  The last group of people are the ones who make resolutions on the spot.  Someone asks them what their New Year’s Resolution is and they make one up just to have something to state.  I’ve certainly found myself in this group from time to time, and so have many others. 

What group do you fall into? 

Many people do not take this life-changing opportunity seriously.  New Year is actually the perfect time to dedicate yourself to a goal.  Here is why:

•   You’re in the right frame of mind.  It’s a time of planning and reflection.  There is no superior time to make a life change than when you are assessing the past and planning for the future. 
• You will have the support of friends and family committing to similar goals.
 
• It’s a good measurement.  A year is an excellent yardstick.  A year gives you enough time to plan how you’re going to achieve your goals, make mistakes, and still come out successful. 

Why do we make resolutions?

When you think about resolutions you’ve made in the past, what were your reasons?  What did you hope to accomplish?  Were you just going along with the crowd or did you really want to change your life?  When you look back, do you find that you were in the group that didn’t take the holiday and the opportunity to improve your life seriously?  If so, why?  Do you subscribe to the philosophy that resolutions are made to be broken, or do you believe the New Year’s holiday is an opportunity for change? 

If you fall into the group that believes resolutions are made to be broken, maybe it’s time for a change of heart.  Maybe it’s time to make goals that will improve your life. 

Want to give it a try?  Here’s how:

• Choose a resolution that feels attainable.  If you choose a lofty goal that you’re not confident you can achieve, you may end up giving up because you feel overwhelmed or frustrated.  Choosing a goal you’re confident you can attain will help you create a pattern of success.

• Break it up into small steps.  Any large goal can be broken into a series of smaller goals.  For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds, start by setting a smaller goal.  Maybe losing five pounds is a good start.
 
• Make your goals both measurable and timely.  Losing 50 pounds is a measurable goal. Losing 50 pounds in 12 months makes it timely.  Now you have a deadline.

• Reward yourself

• Research potential obstacles and prepare for them.

New Year’s Resolutions don’t have to be broken.  With the right frame of mind and proper goal setting techniques, New Year’s Resolutions can be successful, life changing and rewarding experiences.

If you’re starting the New Year with a resolution to be healthier, what you eat is a great place to begin.  Here are five healthy recipes to help you get started on the right foot.

1.  Smokey Garlic dip 

This swift and simple snack is satisfying without busting your healthy eating goals.

• 2/3 cup non-fat sour cream
• 3 tbs fat-free mayo
• 2 tbs lemon juice
• 1 chipotle pepper canned in adobo
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tbs fresh chopped cilantro

In your blender or food processor, blend together all ingredients except the cilantro.  Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle cilantro on top and serve with vegetables or fat-free tortilla chips. 

• Calories 36
• Protein 1g
• Carbs 6g
• Fat 0g

2.  Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This amazing bread is tasty for a sweet breakfast, an afternoon snack or a dessert.  In fact, there isn’t any time a slice of this bread isn’t good!

• 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup low-fat semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 mashed ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbs vegetable oil

Combine dry ingredients and chocolate chips in a massive bowl.  Making a well in the center, add wet ingredients: bananas, apple sauce, egg and oil.  Mix together until just moistened.  Lumps are fine - don’t over-mix.  Pour batter into a loaf pan sprayed with cooking spray.  Cook at 350° for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove bread from the oven and let it cool. 

• Calories 133
• Protein 2g
• Carbohydrates 28g
• Fat 2g (1 saturated, 1 monounsaturated)

3.  Breakfast casserole 

This recipe is fantastic because you can make it on the weekend and it’ll last all week long. 

• 8 ounces crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Cooking spray
• 1 pound turkey breakfast sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 1/4 cups fat-free milk
• 1 cup (4 ounces) reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (8-ounce) carton egg substitute
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Place bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 8 minutes or until toasted.

Heat a skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat.  Add sausage to pan and cook until browned, stirring to crumble. In a massive bowl, combine sausage, bread and onions.  Combine milk, cheese, eggs and egg alternative in a separate bowl.  Add milk mixture to bread mixture, tossing to coat.  Transfer mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°.  Uncover casserole. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes, or until set and lightly browned. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

• CALORIES 344
• FAT 10.8g
• PROTEIN 28.7g
• CHOLESTEROL 123mg

4.  Chicken Salad

During the work week it is difficult to maintain healthy eating habits without packing your lunch and bringing it to work.  Here is a great recipe that will make you glad to skip the drive-thru.

• 1/3 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 3 tbs chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbs plain non-fat yogurt
• 1 tbs lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 3/4 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 3/4 pound)

Mix all ingredients in a huge bowl, cover and chill.  When you’re ready to make your lunch, spoon it on your favorite bread or a bed of greens and you’re good to go.

• CALORIES 20
• FAT 0.7g
• PROTEIN 2.6g
• CHOLESTEROL 7mg

5.  Salmon and Edamame Pasta Salad

Fish oil and soy are two excellent nutrients.  Make this dish on a night when you just want to feel a little superior. 

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked bowtie pasta or shells 
• 2/3 cup shelled edamame
• 1 (4-ounce) salmon fillet, skinned
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 6 cups baby spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 4 tsp wholegrain Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta in boiling water for 5 minutes.  Add edamame; cook for 6 minutes or until tender.  Drain and rinse with cold water.  Heat a non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium high heat. Add salmon; cook for 7 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, turning once. Coarsely chop salmon. Add to pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.

Heat olive oil in pan over medium high heat. Add onion and sauté for 4 minutes or until tender. Add spinach; cook 2 minutes or just until wilted, stirring frequently. Add spinach mixture and dill to pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. Add mustard, salt and pepper; toss to coat.

• CALORIES 262
• FAT 8g
• PROTEIN 17.1g
• CHOLESTEROL 14mg