Health and Beauty

Weight Loss OR Loss Management!

We live in a world where media dominates our minds-what we should look like, what we should dress and eat! Advertising, particularly for fashion and cosmetics, has a powerful effect on how we see ourselves and how we think we should look. As a result many girls and women are dissatisfied with their bodies and end up with very low self-esteem.
Media portrays unrealistic figures of "perfect body" whereas the reality is that both males and females come in all different shapes and sizes, therefore we should accept it with grace. Your weight loss/management journey should be about achieving better health instead of focusing on becoming someone else’s definition of “perfect.” The first thing you should do while you are trying to loose weight is love your self.

BMI for adults:
BMI takes into account that people come in different shapes and sizes. That's why a range of BMIs is considered healthy for an adult of any given height. To find out if you're at a healthy weight for your height, find your Body Mass Index (BMI). Below are the BMI categories for adults:

  • Underweight = less than 18.5
  • Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
  • Overweight = 25-29.9
  • Obese = BMI of 30 or greater
media and body image are closely related. Particularly, the body image advertising portrays affects our own body image. - See more at: http://www.mirror-mirror.org/the-media-and-body-image.htm#sthash.CrNjW1rB.dpuf

media and body image are closely related. Particularly, the body image advertising portrays affects our own body image. - See more at: http://www.mirror-mirror.org/the-media-and-body-image.htm#sthash.CrNjW1rB.dpu
Reasons of weight gain:
If your lifestyle includes healthy diet and regular exercise still you are gaining weight, consider the following possibilities.


Hormonal Imbalance as a result of stress.
Medical condition like hypothyroidism.
Medications.
Menopause.



Its worth visiting your doctor and getting tests done if you are generally feeling unwell for long time. 

Time for a change!
If your BMI is in the overweight or obese category, its time for you to make a change slowly steadily. Do not make drastic changes as it will bring you more harm than good. Set attainable goals. It’s important to decide on small, practical changes that you feel comfortable with and that you can stick to. Remember, there is no quick-fix answer to long-term weight loss, it takes time. Aim to lose about 1 kg every month. Exercise regularly and eat balanced diet of small size portions, non processed/home made meals. Below are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Get active, 30 minute brisk walking everyday is the best exercise.
  • Eat three regular meals a day and healthy snacks, such as fruit, if you’re hungry.
  • Eat slowly, chew every mouthful thoroughly, and stop eating when you start to feel full.
  • Only eat when you’re hungry. 

  • Include starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, rice or pasta in every meal.
  • Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Use less butter, margarine and vegetable oils.
  • Cut back on meats high in fat (like burgers and hot dogs)
  • Replace snacks such as chocolate, biscuits and crisps with healthier alternatives, such as fruits, nuts, sprouted beans and pulses.
  • Drink more water instead of sugary drinks like sodas.  




Ayurveda Body Types:
http://www.ayurveda-holistic-medicine.com/ayurveda-body-types.html

Ayurveda Diet:
http://www.ayurveda-holistic-medicine.com/10-best-foods-to-eat.html



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Pregnancy and Postnatal Period:

coming soon...


Pregnancy Information and Forums
http://www.babycentre.com 
http://www.birth.com.au/
http://www.mothering.com/ 
http://babyandbump.momtastic.com/ 

Pregnancy Yoga and Exercise
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prenatal-yoga/MY01542 
http://www.spinningbabies.com/more-info/for-pregnancy 

Holistic/Herbal Healing
http://www.livestrong.com/article/381906-red-raspberry-leaves-during-pregnancy-and-while-breastfeeding/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/160187-lavender-oil-pregnancy/ 

Natural Hypnobirthing
http://hypnobirthing.co.uk/what-is-hypnobirthing/ 


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Menopause Period:

I am inspired to write about this topic as this affects every woman. The menopause is stopping of your menstruation (monthly periods). It is caused by a change in the balance of the female hormones. Oestrogen is the female hormone that regulates a woman's periods, when levels of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone decreases, it causes the ovaries to stop producing an egg each month (ovulation). At this time menstruation ceases permanently and you're no longer able to conceive.

Menstruation can sometimes stop suddenly when you reach the menopause. However, it is more likely that your periods will become less frequent, with longer intervals in between each one before they stop altogether. Generally, it happens between the ages of 45 and 55, but for a few women it can start early or ends late. For the majority of women, the menopause will last within couple of years but again it can take longer for few women.
Menopause can be a time of great physical and emotional change that can overwhelm you if you don't know what to expect. During that period most women suffer from physical changes such as.. irregular periods, aches and pains, hot flushes (an all-over hot feeling one minute and a shivering sensation the next), dry or itchy skin. It can cause emotional changes such as.. mood swings, which can range from tearfulness and irritability to depression.

Most women do not need treatment for the menopause. However, seek medical attention if symptoms are severe and interfere with day-to-day life. Many women at menopausal age suffer with Osteoporosis (weakening of bones) which can be quite painful. Many women find alternative therapies and medicines work well, herbs such as Red raspberry leaf tea is useful in treating many gynecological-related ailments. When used regularly, red raspberry leaf will tone smooth muscle tissue, helping to ease cramps and discomfort. It also helps to regulating cycles during peri-menopause, which is the period of time leading up to menopause. Some woman find Homeopathy, Ayurveda or Unani medicines help ease symptoms, others find physiotherapy or yoga works for them. For some using knee/elbow support bands along with oil massage (Kalonji Oil) is helpful. Making small changes to lifestyle can be very beneficial, balanced diet, plenty of water, enough sleep and some light exercise/walking on daily basis can make a huge difference..
Red raspberry leaf is useful in treating many gynecological-related ailments. When used regularly, red raspberry leaf will tone smooth muscle tissue, helping to ease cramps and discomfort. It also helps to regulating cycles during perimenopause, which is the period of time leading up to menopause.

Read more: Herbs for Menopause Symptoms | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5312343_herbs-menopause-symptoms.html#ixzz2DjvoG8ZR
Red raspberry leaf is useful in treating many gynecological-related ailments. When used regularly, red raspberry leaf will tone smooth muscle tissue, helping to ease cramps and discomfort. It also helps to regulating cycles during perimenopause, which is the period of time leading up to menopause.

Read more: Herbs for Menopause Symptoms | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5312343_herbs-menopause-symptoms.html#ixzz2DjvoG8ZRphysiotherapy, yoga, homoeopathy, ayurveda, uani etc.. Some women find using knee/elbow support bands and massage helps. While for many women making changes to their lifestyle and diet helps improve menopausal symptoms. Eating balanced diet, being active (regular walking), reducing stress levels, taking multivitamins can help reduce menopausal symptoms.




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Seven steps to a fantastic home facial:


Step One: Cleanse 
Any treatment that concerns the skin usually begins with getting off the dirt and makeup on your skin. Thus, the first step to an effective facial is by applying a cleansing cream all over your face and neck. You must leave the product on your skin for at least two minutes to give it time to dissolve dirt, make up and oils. Then, just wipe your face with a clean warm cloth or a facial tissue.

Step Two: Exfoliate/Scrub 
To remove deep-seated dirt and dry skin cells, you need to moisten your skin with warm water and put on a facial scrub, particularly the ones with micro beads. Gently massage the product on your face, use circular motion. Just make sure that you avoid the delicate area surrounding your eyes. After a while, rinse off with lukewarm water. 

Step Three: Steam 
Place a pan of boiling water in front of you. Then, lean over it and cover your head with a towel so that the steam will directly reach your face. Make sure that you stay in this position for about five minutes. Hot steam will open up your pores. If you have problems with blackheads and white heads, you can try removing them by pressing affected areas with the squeezers. Your pores tend to open up after being in contact with steam or warm water; to prevent dirt from entering your pores, you need to close them. To do this, splash your face with cool water. Pat dry your skin with a clean soft towel. 

Step Four: Massage 
Gently massage the facial cream on your face and neck in an upward and circular motion. Massage stimulates circulation and brings more oxygen to the face. It also stimulates the production of collagen and tightens the skin. It also delays the onset of wrinkles. Regular (monthly) massage can help reduce puffiness and encourages a brighter glowing complexion. 

Step Five: Mask 
Apply a facial mask all over your face. Just follow the instructions on the back of the product that you are using. When the mask feels taut and dry, you can now rinse it off completely with warm water.

Amazing Natural Face Mask:














Combine 2 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your clean face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This can be done two times a week. “This mask heals, moisturizes and balances the pH of the skin. “Honey is a humectant and natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of skin and soothes damaged skin. 

Step Six: Tone 
In order to refresh your skin and get rid of excess oil, apply a facial toner on areas that are prone to acne and other blemishes; put special attention to your nose, forehead and chin. If you have extremely dry skin, you can skip this step. 

Step Seven: Moisturize 
Apply a good amount of moisturizer all over your face and neck. Dot your skin with moisturizer and smooth in. 

TIP: For quick facial skip steam and mask.  

Here's the best routine facial massage video I found on youtube. All credit goes to the owner of this video.



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Makeup:



You might be interested in these natural / neutral makeup tutorial. All credit goes to the owner of these videos.








Perfect Hair Mask:

Here are some very good hairstyles you might want to try. All credit goes to the owner of this video.

 




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