2 Tablespoons oil
1 C. rice, uncooked
1 clove minced garlic
½ C sliced green onions
2/3 C. chopped, canned hot chilies
½ C. diced fresh tomatoes
2 C. low-salt broth (vegetable or beef)

Directions:

Heat oil in a heavy skillet and sauté rice. Stir until rice is golden brown. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer thirty minutes. (Serves 6)

Low calorie, low fat, low salt

Description:  This is a dietary supplement that helps suppress your appetite.  It is all-natural and has been proven to work in a study conducted by a physician in a Philadelphia clinical research facility. 
 
Review:  There are many dietary supplements available to us in this day and age.  This is the only supplement that has been clinically tested and proven to suppress your appetite.

I have been trying to lose weight for years.  I always start out great and then falter after a couple of weeks.  I noticed that after a couple of weeks it’s the hunger pains that get me.  I might eat my small meal but an hour or two later I’m starving again.  This supplement has helped me take the edge off.

I take them as needed.  I’m not much of a pill taker so to talk so trying to make myself stop and take one 4 or 5 times a day just wasn’t working.  I decided to try them only when I felt the hunger pains come on.  This works very well for me. 

There are other days when all I want to do is eat.  If I try to fight it off, the hunger pains just get worse and before I know it I’m into the cookies, cakes and anything else I have the ability to find to suppress that feeling.  When I have these types of feelings now I just go grab a DEX L10 and take it with a full glass of water.  Within a very short period of time the hunger goes away and I have the ability to get on with what I’m doing. 

I also like the fact that I do get an energy boost from these pills.  Nothing drastic or overwhelming but I feel better and want to get up and do something.  They also don’t have the effect a lot of energy building pills have.  There’s no caffeine or other stimulants that give you that feeling of rush or make you shaky.

Because is has been clinically tested I feel safe taking this supplement.  You can never be too safe when it comes to things like dietary supplements.  I talked with my doctor and came away feeling like this supplement would be helpful not harmful.

Criticism:  Once in a while when I take this I do get a slight headache.  It’s never been really bad but has kept me from taking the pill until the next day. 

There’s much that still isn’t known about acne.  But there are some factors that often contribute to its appearance.  Some of them are simple to control, while others are difficult or impossible to do anything about.

Bacteria and Sebum

Bacteria and sebum are the root causes of acne.  The bacteria P. acnes is found naturally in the skin, and so is sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands to moisturize the skin.  Clogged pores, excess sebum, and the P. acnes bacteria can combine to cause damage to the pores, which shows itself as blackheads, whiteheads or pimples.

While it’s fairly straightforward how acne forms, the harder question is why it forms.  Studies have shown some factors that contribute to the process:

Hormones

One of the most recognized factors that causes acne is hormones.  This is why acne is so prevalent in the teens.  With the onset of puberty comes an increase in hormones - including androgen, the male sex hormone.  A number of studies have linked excess androgen to acne.

Other hormonal changes can also cause acne.  For example, many women experience breakouts right before their menstrual periods or when using (or ceasing to use) hormonal birth control methods.  Some women even find that pregnancy triggers acne for them.

Diet

Claims that eating chocolate and greasy foods causes acne have been around for many decades.  But these have been found to be questionable at ideal.  Studies have found, however, that dairy products seem to contribute to acne.

The reason that dairy products are a factor in acne is unclear.  But some scientists believe that it is due to the hormones present in cow’s milk.  Even milk from cows that do not receive hormone treatments contains some natural hormones.

Other Factors

There are many other things that are said to contribute to acne.  One that women often experience is using the wrong cosmetics.  Some makeup is greasy and can block pores, facilitating the formation of pimples.  This problem can be avoided by using cosmetics that are marked as non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.

Skin irritation is also known to be a factor in acne.  This can occur as a result of scrubbing, chafing, or squeezing existing pimples.  As with the cosmetics, these things can make it easier for pores to become clogged.

There is much that’s not known about acne, but there are lots of treatment options available this day.  Those who are predisposed to acne might not have the benefit of a cure, but these treatments can often greatly reduce or even eliminate breakouts altogether.

The truth is that vegetarians can eat balanced diets too.  It takes careful planning, but it’s not as difficult as one might imagine.  The key to eating a balanced diet as a vegetarian is to know what foods give you the vitamins and nutrients that most people get from animal sources.

Calcium

Calcium is important because it strengthens our bones.  Most people associate calcium with milk and cheese, but these are not the only sources of the important mineral.  There are many vegetables that contain calcium.

Leafy green vegetables are one of the most popular sources of calcium among vegetarians.  Broccoli and beans are also rich in calcium.  Soy products provide lots of calcium as well, as do fortified fruit juices.

Lacto and ovo-lacto vegetarians can consume milk and milk products, so it’s easier for them to include calcium in their diets.  But vegans can get the calcium they need for strong bones as well.

Protein

A common myth about vegetarianism is that it is extremely difficult to get enough protein.  The fact is that even though vegetarians usually eat less protein than those whose diet includes meats, meat-eaters often eat too much protein.  Plant proteins can also be healthier, because they don’t come with the large amounts of fat and cholesterol that animal proteins someetimes do.

Beans are a great source of protein for vegetarians.  Grains, nuts, and seeds are also protein-rich.  Even many vegetables, such as corn, provide a big amount of protein.

Vitamins

One thing that vegetarians usually get plenty of is vitamins.  Fruits and vegetables are loaded with them, and many of these foods have several different vitamins in one delicious package.  But there are a few vitamins that vegetarians need to take extra care to include in their diets:

- Vitamin B12 is one important vitamin that’s usually obtained through meat, eggs or dairy products.  Lacto and ovo-lacto vegetarians don’t need to worry about getting enough B12 in their diets.  Vegans, on the other hand, might want to take into account taking B12 supplements.

- Vitamin D is also often lacking in vegan diets.  Those who consume dairy products that are fortified with Vitamin D don’t have to worry about it, but strict vegans usually do not get much of the important nutrient.  Two solutions are to get plenty of sunshine, which causes our bodies to create Vitamin D on their own, or to take Vitamin D supplements.

Eating a balanced diet is no harder for a vegetarian than it is for anyone else.  Getting all of the vitamins and minerals we need requires us to eat a variety of foods, and to make sure those foods have enough of the things we need in them.  By educating yourself about which foods have the nutrients that vegetarian diets often lack, and making it a point to include those in your diet, you can be a healthy vegetarian.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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