Handy Tips For Home Bakers

Baking is an art with science. It is a delicate process that involves precision and lot of patience. It is also said to be one of the best stress busters of all time.

I began my baking journey when I was in 8th class. My first bake was chocolate cookies for my mother on her birthday. It was nowhere close to what was mentioned in the recipe book I was referring to. Still she relished and appreciated it with each bite. After her persuading comments I thought of tasting my cookies. It was a total disaster. But my mother's expressions motivated me to bake for her again. I vowed to give her that taste for real which she was describing while eating my cookies.
I decided to undergo baking classes. During my summer vacations I enrolled with Cookery expressions.

Those were one of the best classes I had ever been part of. It was a pure delight for all my five senses. The sweet aroma of fresh cakes, colorful cupcakes, crisp cookies and mouth watering chocolates were my inspiration to go for the classes regularly. Our teacher was a self learned baker and was too good at her job. She knew everything starting from breads, different varieties of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, chocolates and much more.

"Baking is not just an art, it's an art with science" was her first words. She taught us how important it is to measure every single ingredient while baking. Even a slight variation in quantity can adversely affect our desired results. Our class was full of amateur bakers. It sounded as if we were in our chemistry lab. She shared all her cake baking secrets with us.

I am sharing those useful secrets today through this article.

1. It's highly important to know your oven. If any error, always calibrate it correctly.
2. Flour used for cake should contain less protein.
3. Baking pan has to be of proper size. Should not be too big or too small.
4. Baking butter should be used at room temperature always. We should not try to melt it artificially by heating it.
5. Always fold in the dry ingredients and liquid ingredients separately.
6. After preparing the cake batter, never leave it out for too long. It is advisable to put the cake batter inside a pre heated microwave oven within five minutes of preparing it.
7. Last but not the least, it is highly recommended to understand the chemistry behind using every single ingredient.
a. Flour thickens the batter.
b. Leavener like baking soda causes the cake to rise.
c. Fats provide necessary moisture to the cake.
d. Sugar caramelizes, absorbs liquid and helps the cake to turn brown.
e. Egg used helps the cake batter to set in the oven and gives an even texture to the cake.

After understanding this logic behind baking one can mix and match the ingredients and experiment with his/her recipe in their own style.

Those ten days of baking classes were an enriching experience of my life. Hope these tips will come handy and help you become an expert home baker.

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10 Easy Chicken Recipes the Family Will Love

Looking for ways to put dinner on the table with a bit of creativity but without the hassle and hectic prep time? I learned years ago that just because I was responsible for making dinners in my household, it didn't mean I was able or interested in prepping a time consuming hot meal five nights a week. If you have the same hectic lifestyle most families have today, these tips and recipes should help you feed your family, stay within budget, and actually enjoy what you cook!

All recipes here start with cooked chicken, and will feed four (with average appetites). Doesn't matter if it's white or dark meat. It doesn't even matter how much chicken you use - you know your family's appetites better than anyone!

I know - most of you are saying, "Cooked chicken? You just told me I didn't have to spend a bunch of prep time making these meals!"

Right! What I do is either buy one of those precooked rotisserie chickens (I love the ones at Costco because they are only $4.99 and absolutely delicious!), or I buy a 3 - 4 pound Purdue roasting chicken when they are on sale (of course, any decent chicken will do) and cook it over a weekend.

Then I cut off all the meat and place it in individual quart size freezer bags to be used later on. Forgot to take some out to defrost in the morning? No problem - just throw a bag in the microwave to defrost while you get the other ingredients together.

Now, here's the beauty of what I do: I teach you how to pair ingredients to put a meal together. I don't outline ingredients you need to measure.

1. Add your cooked chicken to steamed rice (I use the boil in the bag brown rice variety, and make two bags at a time) and one can of cream of chicken soup. Stir well. Spray a baking dish with Pam and add this mixture. Top with slices of cheddar cheese. Microwave on high just until cheese begins to bubble - remember, everything else is already cooked.

2. Add chicken to a large bag of Green Giant Steamers. Wait until one minute before they are done, and add the chicken then. I like the broccoli and cheese and the roasted potatoes with garlic and peppers, but anything works.

3. Add the chicken to some Mac and Cheese! Personally, I prefer the precooked side dishes you can find in the refrigerated section. (I had enough of the boxed variety back in college, thank you!) Add a cut up fresh tomato or a can of diced tomatoes.

4. Add chicken to a can of chili with or without beans, and serve over baked potatoes.

5. Make open faced chicken sandwiches: slice a loaf of French bread into thick slices. Top with chicken, cover with a can of chicken gravy. I also make instant mashed potatoes! (Don't laugh... my family loves instant mashed potatoes, and if you haven't tried the new ones that have come out lately, you should!)

6. Chicken omelets are great! Packed with protein, and easy to make. Add feta cheese, tomatoes, or even a can of sliced white potatoes!

7. Make a yummy chicken salad by tossing the chicken with greens, and adding dried cranberries, walnuts, sesame seeds, blue cheese crumbles, and apple slices.

8. Make your own chicken pot pie! Mix the chicken with canned chicken gravy and a can of cream of chicken soup. Add a can of peas and carrots, and a can of diced white potatoes. Pour into pie dish. Top with premade pie crust. Follow directions for baking the pie crust - this is your most critical ingredient. Usually plan on 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.

9. Chicken flatbread! Buy the premade pizza or flatbread, and top with chicken, pizza sauce or diced tomatoes, and your choice of cheese. Add black olives, minced garlic, or anything you really like on your pizza and flatbreads. Follow directions on the flatbread package to cook.

10. Chicken and pasta is delicious, filling, and you can't go wrong with any age group with this one. I like to use either penne or rigatoni, but it really doesn't matter. Mix the pasta with olive oil, a little lemon, some minced garlic, salt and pepper, capers and whatever other seasonings your family really likes. Toss well. This can even be served as a cold pasta salad, too.

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How To Eat Healthy And Lose Weight Fast In 10 Easy Steps

How do you get quick results to lose weight while eating healthy? It's an easy answer, but not always easy to do. Exercise. Watching what you eat and how much you eat will put you on the right track to lose unwanted pounds. Adding extra activity and exercise will increase the fat cell breakdown. Learning how to eat healthy and lose weight fast will positively affect your overall health and lifestyle.

How To Eat Healthy And Lose Weight Fast In 10 Easy Steps

1. Portion Control. Use your hand as a reference when judging portion sizes. The palm of the hand is the size of a protein based food. The closed fist is the appropriate size of carbohydrates. Fingers spread out wide or a "jazz hand" indicates how much fruit and vegetables should be consumed in a meal.

2. Go low on dairy. Small amounts of dairy are more appropriate since dairy is heavy with calories and fat grams.

3. Water intake. Drink water throughout the day and whenever you are thirsty. Keeping your body hydrated will aid in metabolism and energy. Water flushes out toxins and aids in digestion and absorption. Fat cells don't have a chance to produce when water is flushing out what the body does not need.

4. Processed food. Keep away from processed food when possible. Pre-packaged food lacks nutrients and adds excess sodium and calories to your system.

5. Indulge in vegetables. Eat a variety of vegetables and leafy greens everyday. They will burn fat cells and keep the blood clean from illnesses.

6. Boost energy with fruit. Fruit and berries are packed with antioxidants and give you quick and lasting energy. The sugar fructose is present in fruit and can help to satisfy sugar cravings.

7. Juicing wheat grass. Extreme caution and education should be warranted when using wheat grass. Wheat grass suppresses the appetite and melts fat cells rapidly. It is bursting with nutrients that fight off diseases.

8. Stay away from sugar packed beverages. Soda pop, energy drinks, and fruit juices that are not 100% juice are loaded with sugar. Excess sugar adds calories and encourages fat cell production.

9. Sprout your seeds and grains. Sprouted foods are 200% more nutrient dense than the food itself. Sprouted foods like wheat, lentils, beans, broccoli, and sunflower seeds suppress the appetite, give the body rapid and sustainable energy to burn fat cells.

10. Fish and seafood. Fish should be consumed 2-3 times a week. Fish is rich in omegas and protein. Fish is low in calories and encourages fat cell reduction.

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Finding Great Deals in Clothing Stores

There are several ways you can find great deals in clothing stores. However, in order to save the most amount of money, you'll need to put in some work and have some patience. You shouldn't have any problems finding discounts and other incentives that will provide great value as long as you are willing to do some legwork.

Clearance Sales
Most clothing stores offer clearance sales during different seasons so they can move out inventory and have space for new styles. During this time you could easily see discounts of 50 percent and often quite a bit more. Be aware that just because you see a "clearance sale" sign, that doesn't mean you'll need to wait eight months to a year before you can wear certain items. There are many retailers who won't wait for the traditional changing of the seasons to offer great deals. For instance, you may see summer clearance items when it's still actually summer, while you may find a jacket during a December clearance that you'll be able to wear for at least two or three more months.

However, with all of the upsides that clearances offer, they do have a downside as well - namely a limited selection. You may not find that dress you love in your size, for example. You may still have the option, however, of going to the retailer's website to see if they have inventory that will fit. There are a lot of other items that you may not find in the retail location that you'll see on the website.

Coupons
A lot of clothing stores also offer coupons that can lead to significant savings. In many instances, you can save a lot of money down the road if you buy now. For instance, if you spend $75 today, you could get a coupon good for $30 off a future purchase. You'd basically spend $75 for $105 worth of items. Also, many retailers will offer Internet-only deals to get you to visit their websites.

Try getting on mailing lists for even deeper discounts. Whether you get on a traditional mailing list, an e-mail list, or both, you will be able to find deals that aren't offered to the general public. Another way to save is to look at the bottom of your receipt next time you buy something. There may be an offer to take a telephone or online survey that could shave 15 percent or even more off your next purchase.

These are just some of the ways you can find great deals in clothing stores. We didn't even touch on credit card promotions where you can build up points for even greater discounts. The bottom line is that if you shop wisely, you can save more money than you ever imagined was possible.

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The Perfect Grilled Chicken Recipes for Your Barbecue Evening

However holding barbecues can be an enjoyable experience when planned effectively. If it's your first time to do so, opt to serve barbequed poultry-- it's less expensive than beef plus you'll be guaranteed that your visitors, including youngsters will certainly enjoy it.

Right here are some delicious barbequed poultry recipes that you need to attempt:

1. Smoked Chicken and Noodle Surprise

What you need:

• 4 chicken breast halves (boneless and skinless)
• 1 head Romaine lettuce, cut
• 6 cherry tomatoes, cut
• 1 red onion, cut
• 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup rotini pasta
• Meat flavoring to taste

Season both sides of poultry breast with steak flavoring. Pre-heat grill to high heat and lightly oil grates. Cook poultry until juices run clear, 8-10 minutes per side. Once cooked, allow to cool before slicing into strips. In a large pot, bring pasta to a boil over salted water until al dente, then drain. In a large dish, mix lettuce, tomatoes, onion and cheese. Toss with pasta and poultry to serve.

2. Five-Spice Grilled Chicken

What you need:

• 1 entire chicken, one-half
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tsp. grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon. fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tsp hot chili paste
• 1 tsp soy sauce

In a medium dish, combine lime juice, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, five-spice powder, rice vinegar, hot chili paste and soy sauce. Pour mix into a large re-sealable plastic bag then include poultry halves. Coat poultry equally with marinade, seal and refrigerate for 6 hours. When ready, pre-heat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil grates. Take out poultry halves from plastic bag and take out excess marinade. Cook poultry skin-side down for 2 minutes then transfer to indirect heat. Cook for 30-45 minutes until well-browned and meat is no longer pink in the center.

3. Italian-Style Grilled Chicken Wings

What you need:

• 1 1/2 kilograms chicken wings
• 1/2 cup + 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup Italian-style salad dressing
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup hot pepper sauce

In a large re-sealable plastic bag, mix poultry wings, 1/2 cup soy sauce and salad dressing. Turn to coat. Refrigerate for 4 hours. When ready, melt butter in a small saucepan then include 1 tsp soy sauce and hot pepper sauce. Remove from heat and reserve. Pre-heat grill to average heat. Remove poultry wings from plastic bag and take out excess marinade. Cook for 25-30 minutes, turning periodically. Allow to cool, pour butter blend over wings then serve.

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Extreme Weight Loss Diet - Not For The Faint Of Heart

Is the meaning of the word extreme considered negative or positive? I guess it depends on the perspective of the person. At any rate, anything that is extreme should only last for a short period. Something that is extreme keeps it's thrill when it is short lived and not frequent in occurring.

An extreme weight loss diet should be kept in those bounds. Extreme weight loss diets are considered to be a jump start to a regular diet. Careful consideration should be used to determine how long an extreme weight loss diet should continue.

Are extreme weight loss diets effective?

The answer is, yes! An extreme way of eating usually involves eliminating certain types of food in your daily meals. The types of foods that are eliminated are considered food for fat cells or interfere with proper digestion.

Extreme Weight Loss Diet Examples:

*Cut out sugar. Simple sugars are an excellent source of food to help fat cells grow. Foods that contain simple sugars are candy,ice cream, soda beverages, and desserts with added sugar. Also, refined carbohydrates like white bread and rice are easily converted into simple sugars when digested. Most processed food has sugar or glucose added. Remember to check labels. Even ketchup has sugar.

*Cut out carbohydrates. Most carbohydrates are considered simple sugars. When broken down in the digestive tract, they convert into glucose and affect blood sugar levels.

*Cut out fat. Well, not completely. There are healthy fats that your body needs. The type of fats to avoid are trans fat and saturated fat. Saturated fat comes from animal products. Trans fat are made from oils that are partially hydrogenated. Healthy fats are monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3 fatty acids. Monounsaturated are found in foods and oils. Polyunsaturated is mostly plant-based. The Omegas are found in fish.

*Cut out calories. Counting calories eaten in every meal and snack, can burn fat cells quickly when you are consistent and accurate. Calories should be adjusted to activity levels.

*Cut out toxins. Doing a detox diet can flush out unwanted undigested food and parasites. Detoxifying uses plenty of water which is very good for healthy systems and cells. Bloating will cease and your body will be better prepared to accept and absorb nutrients. The nutrients will then assist your metabolism and lower fat cell production.

To be successful in using one of these diets, be consistent and drink plenty of water.

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Best Foods For Weight Loss - 10 Best Foods for Weight Loss

What is your favorite food? You may have to say goodbye to it for a little while, but maybe on your weight loss journey, you will find other foods that quickly become your favorite.

The best foods for weight loss are types of foods that will help you to curb cravings, speed up metabolism, ease digestion, and increase energy.

When considering the best foods for weight loss, you should also consider cutting out foods that would inhibit fat cell growth. Be moderate when eating foods with sugar, fat, and processed foods. Beverages are easily overlooked when dieting. Water is the best drink for shedding pounds. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies are great choices to avoid sugar filled drinks. Soda pop and energy drinks are excellent foods for fat cells.

10 Best Foods For Weight Loss

1 .Sprouts. Sprouted beans, vegetables, and seeds, are packed full of nutrients and protein. Sprouts are a quick source of energy. They are digested easily and quickly without using much energy.

2. Cinnamon. The spice cinnamon is helpful in regulating blood sugar. Cinnamon also aids in suppressing the appetite.

3. Grapefruit. Grapefruit has the ability to reduce the appetite and induces lipolysis, which is the process of fat burning.

4. Ginger. Ginger stimulates weight loss through fat burning also. Ginger is calming to the stomach.

5. Peppermint. The use of peppermint can enhance the feeling of fullness. Peppermint is energizing and reduces cravings.

6. Lemon. Lemon is a strong cleanser and it also detoxifies. Lemon supports lipolysis and aids in suppressing the appetite.

7. Nuts. Get your squirrel on and eat plenty of unsalted nuts. Nuts are an excellent source of protein. Protein keeps you feeling full longer.

8. Chia seeds. Eating chia seeds in yogurt or oatmeal is a great way to add protein and omegas to your diet. Chia seeds sustain hydration in your body and are full of protein and all three omegas.

9. Greens. Dark green leafy vegetables and and all green vegetables are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins. They will aid in supplying your blood with the nutrients it needs for energy and metabolism.

10. Fruit. Fresh fruit is cleansing to the body systems and gives you energy. Fruit is an excellent snack to stave off cravings and help you feel full and satisfied.

The best foods for weight loss can be most effective when consumed with daily exercise. Exercise burns fat cells and releases feel good hormones. More energy and weight loss will be the result of exercising and eating right.

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Does Yoghurt Help Lose Weight?

The fat content in the body exceeding normal levels and values leads to overweight cases and obesity. They are dangerous conditions which can lead to health issues including heart disease. Unhealthy eating and leading a life that is not active creates simple paths for being overweight. However, if you are already overweight or obese, you can still do something about it and shed off the extra pounds to enjoy a healthier and fitter you. Here are some of the ways on how to lose weight fast at home.

Exercise 

The one mistake people make is that they must hit the gym to exercise. There are so many exercises that you can do easily and effectively in the comfort of your home. You can pick up a series of moves to help with your weight loss or use simple exercise home equipment to achieve the same results. Another simple way of making it possible to lose weight at home is to be on your feet and stay more active. For instance, you will be surprised at just how rewarding some dancing or tending to your flower garden can be for you.

Use home remedies 

When it comes to weight loss remedies, nothing is as beneficial as using healthy natural safe remedies. The best thing about the remedies is that they are readily available at home or at the grocery stores. You can work your way around them to get the best results with your weight loss. Some of the best are lemon and honey, green tea, bottle gourd, apple cider vinegar, parsley, cranberries, cabbage, finger millet, tomatoes, cucumber and carrots. You can also use fennel seeds and papaya as solutions on how to lose weight fast from home. They make some of the best remedies.

Cook healthy 

The fact that you are home gets you the benefit to make your own food and to stay away from the fast foods which lead to weight gain. Cooking healthy at home revolves around choosing the best low calorie foods and recipes and using the right cooking oil and processes that fetches you the full benefits, at the same time aiding weight loss. When cooking, you can replace your cooking oil with coconut oil or olive oil and use only reasonable amounts. When you prepare your own food, you will be more careful about what you include and how you cook for weight loss purposes.

Drink lots of water 

To begin with, water can suppress hunger pangs keeping you off food for much longer. It also helps with proper hydration which is important in flushing out toxins and boosting good bodily functions important for weight loss. Water actually has electrolytes which are known to aid weight reduction. It is a simple step on how to lose weight fast at home for everyone. Drinking enough water will also fetch you added advantages such as beautiful, flawless skin which is something everybody yearns to have. You can add a little lemon juice to enjoy your water.

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Crab Cake Appetizers With Creamy Lemon-Orange Sauce

Many crab cake recipes call for lump crabmeat only, but you can make tasty, eye-catching cakes with claw meat, or a mixture, as well-and it's typically nearly half the cost of lump meat alone. Shred any pieces of whole claw meat with your fingers. It's easy to do, and the meat will bind well to form the cakes.

The citrusy cream sauce in this recipe is also simple to prepare, and it provides a fresh, cool lemony-orange flavor to complement the spicy richness of the crab cakes.

Makes 10 crab cake appetizers

Ingredients

For the Sauce

    1/2 cup light mayonnaise
    1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
    1 tbsp fresh orange juice
    1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
    1 tsp finely grated orange zest
    1 tsp Dijon mustard
    1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
    sea salt
    freshly ground black pepper

For the Crab Cakes

    1 lb crab meat (claw, lump, or a mixture), picked over
    1 cayenne chile (or other thin, hot chile), stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
    1 scallion, finely chopped
    1 large egg, whisked
    1/2 cup panko or other fine, dry breadcrumbs
    2 tsp fresh lemon juice
    1/2 tsp chile powder
    sea salt
    2 tbsp olive oil

Preparation

For the Sauce

  1-  Combine the first 6 ingredients (through mustard) in a small bowl.
  2- Place the garlic clove on a cutting board and sprinkle with salt. Finely chop the garlic and salt together (or mash thoroughly with a fork) and stir into the mayo mixture. Season with black pepper.
  3- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. (May be made 1 day ahead.)

For the Crab Cakes

  1- Combine the first 7 ingredients (through chile powder) in a medium bowl and season with salt.
  2- Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions, about 2 inches in diameter, and place on a platter or plate. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes. (Refrigeration helps the cakes hold together during cooking.)
  3- Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the crab cakes and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side.

Plate the crab cakes and spoon a small dollop of lemon-orange sauce on top of each, or serve the sauce in small bowls alongside.

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Tips On How To Dress On Your First Date Without Stress

One of the biggest problems girls face is choosing what to wear on a first date. This can be a very stressful process and is the reason behind the proverbial forever-late syndrome. Well you do not have to go through cold sweat on what to wear after reading through these tips:

Pick red

Sounds like a weird notion but recent studies have shown that men love red in a woman more than any other color. Men are more likely to ask a woman in red amorous questions. If you are not comfortable in dresses, try a red skirt with a black or blue top or jacket. In case the color red is just not your thing, you could try red lipstick.

Short dress in a soft fabric

You want to look approachable and easy on the eyes of your date. You need to have a flirtatious dress made from soft fabric. A well accessorized summer dress or hot sweater dress should do the trick.

Know what flatters you

You do not want to experiment with a new daring look on your first date. You want to be comfortable all through the date. So wear something that you know flatters your body and brings out your personality.

Know your style and stick to it

It is easier to be confident in cloths that you are comfortable. This definitely does not include a new trend or something you saw your friend wearing. If you feel comfortable in jeans, go ahead and wear them. Just make sure you accessorize well and have some nice eye-catching shoes on.

Have a pair of go-to heels

If you know that you will want to walk for a while before or after the date, it would not be a good idea to go in new shoes that you have to break in on the day of the date. If you are not comfortable in heels, stick to wedges or flats.

Have an outfit ready for a summer date

Along with a little black dress, you should also have an outfit that you can wear on a picnic. If invited for a picnic, a dress is an obvious no since you will be sitting on the grass.

Do not go crazy with makeup

This is a no day to go wild with new styles or trends. Keep it simple. Draw attention to your strong features like your lips with a glossy lipstick, or to your gorgeous eyes.

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Chicken Cacciatore With Buttered Noodles

Wherever the name came from, chicken cacciatore is a succulent dish of tender poultry braised along with vegetables-often mushrooms-garlic, and fresh herbs in a warm, flavorful sauce of tomatoes, chicken broth, and red or white wine.

The preparation is as simple as the ingredients: a quick sauté to brown the chicken and get the vegetables started, then a slow, easy braise to deepen the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken a bit.

Serve the cacciatore by itself or with pasta. Here, I used buttered noodles alongside-but serve the sauce on top, if you like.

This is simple, rustic Italian at its best.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil, plus more as needed
• 1 whole fryer chicken (about 3-1/2 lbs), cut into 8 serving pieces
• flour, for dredging
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 1 medium onion, cut into thin, vertical strips
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin, 2-inch strips
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 14.5-oz can stewed tomatoes, in juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 8-oz broad egg noodles (with or without yolks)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Preparation

1. Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess. Season with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
2. Transfer the chicken to a plate. If there is less than 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan, add more oil.
3. Add the mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté until just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute.
4. Add the wine to the pan, scraping up browned bits, and bring to a simmer. Cook 2 minutes.
5. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, and dried oregano and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, breaking up the tomatoes, and cook 5 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the pan, nestling into the sauce. Cook with the lid slightly ajar, until the chicken is tender (turning 2-3 times) and the sauce is slightly thickened, 45-50 minutes.
7. Stir in the parsley, vinegar, and rosemary and cook 5 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.
8. Meanwhile, cook the noodles in a pot of boiling, salted water 10 minutes and drain. Return to the pot and add the butter, stirring well to melt and combine. Season with salt and pepper.

To serve, divide the chicken and sauce among 4 plates or shallow bowls. Divide the noodles alongside and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve right away.

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Natural Organic Skin Care Products

Tired to having to deal with the nasty side effects of chemical-based products, most people today are turning to natural organic skin care products. Nonetheless, there a few who do not support the use of natural alternatives claiming that they are not as effective and usually take a couple of months to show noticeable results. These individuals seem to be highly misinformed on the subject.

This short write-up discusses 10 reasons that justify the decision of using organic skin care products to improve the look of your skin and enhance its health.

1. Natural organic skin care products are made using natural ingredients sourced from nature. It mostly includes plant-extracts, herbs, nuts and fruit-extracts that are touted for their skin-enriching properties. As such, they are healthier for the skin and body. The thumb rule is that you should never slather anything on your skin that you cannot eat. Their natural status also permits long-term use without any side-effects.

2. There is an extensive array of products to choose from. It includes hydrating masks, cleansers, exfoliators, skin whitening agents, cell regeneration and firming products, eye creams and lotions, moisturizers, wrinkle-reducers and breast enhancement products.
3. Organic formulations are also available in varied forms for the sake of convenience of use. There are supplements, lotions, creams, gels and dermal patches.

4. These items are eco-friendly. Unlike chemical variants, they are not tested on animals.

5. They are created to work with different skin types thereby reserving an option for everyone.

6. It does take a couple of weeks to produce noticeable results. However, they are not short-term. They not only work on the skin superficially, but go deep to solve the problem at the root. As a result, it is possible to sustain results even after one has stopped using the product.

7. Almost all skin care products are laboratory tested for safety and effectiveness. A few are even regulated by government food and drug agencies.

8. In comparison to their chemical counterparts, the risk of side effects is minimal.

9. The price factor is another advantage you can secure if you use natural organic skin care products. They are moderately priced in comparison to other brands on the market.

10. Finally, given their increasing popularity naturally-produced skin care formulations are easily available online and at local stores.

There Are Some Exceptions

• There is a possibility of side-effects if a product is used after its expiry date.

• Organic products are formulated using natural ingredients. Some individuals are allergic to specific ingredients both in their processed and unprocessed forms. Hence, if you suffer any kind of allergy, it is advisable that you read the product label carefully before you use it.

• Also, a genuine natural product is one made of 95% organic ingredients. Anything less than that might contain artificial fillers and additives.

So, stop wasting money on crap, run-of-the-mill products. Opt for natural organic skin care products and work your way to healthy skin safely.

Swiss Botany specializes in natural organic skin care products. Its lineup includes a good range of products right from hydrating masks to wrinkle-reducing creams to skin whitening agents. Taking it further, it is affordable price range.

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Quickest Way To Lose Weight - Fast Weight Loss Tips

1) Good Frame of Mind

You want to set yourself up to a good frame of mind. This is probably the most important fast weight loss tips that I can give to you. The reason for this is that you want to say to yourself "I am going to lose this weight." You would be amazed at what you can accomplish just by changing your frame of mind.

You want to hang around people that support you. If you truly want to succeed for the quickest way to lose weight, make sure these people will be honest with you and not sugar coat things. You do not want somebody that is going to lie to you. You do not want this because it can create you to get big headed and ease off your diet. This fast weight loss tip is essential because it will allow you to be in a positive mindset throughout your journey.

2) Lose Weight For The Right Reasons

This fast weight loss tip is essential. The reason this tip is essential for the quickest way to lose weight is because if you get it in your mind that you are supposed to look a certain way and you cannot reach those expectations almost immediately... You will end up getting depressed which will in fact end your diet. You want to being losing weight for your health. Not for anybody else. Solely for yourself.

3) Slowly Make Changes To Your Life

We have all been there before. We get so excited about the idea of losing weight that we completely change everything different about our lives. Then after a week of dieting, we are back to our old selves only this time we are stuck paying for a gym contract. This is bad. You do not want to make changes to your life so drastically. This fast weight loss tip is so important with regards to the quickest way to lose weight because it will keep your new lifestyle going. If you add just one thing different each week, your body will have time to adapt to that one addition. One week you may want to add just drinking more water, the next week you might want to start walking 3x a week. It's these little steps that will eventually turn into a mile. That is why this tip is essential for the quickest way to lose weight.

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Weight Loss Tips For A Better Lifestyle

If you have tried everything that you can think of to lose weight yet nothing seems to be working, it may be time to handle things a little differently. After all, losing weight doesn't have to be something that is difficult. If it were difficult, nobody would be interested in trying. Instead, it has to be a lifestyle change that you are ready to commit to.

First of all, you are going to have to decide whether or not you are serious about losing weight. Maybe your doctor has put you on a weight loss diet. If this is the case, it is important to understand that your health is in danger. Otherwise, your doctor wouldn't bother to do this. Don't take any weight loss pills that may be offered to you at your doctor's office. Even though this is something that your doctor may encourage, it isn't a good idea to help you to reach your long term healthy lifestyle.

You are going to have to change everything about what you eat on a daily basis. If you are not eating low fat foods, you are going to have a difficult time losing weight. If you are okay with a slower weight loss, you may not even have to exercise to lose weight. However, if you want it to, quickly, a combination of diet and exercise is always the best way to go. If you prefer, you may consider counting your calories. This way, you will know for certain when you are done eating. If you are careful with your calorie intake, you can eat as much as you want as long as it is a low fat food or even a fruit or vegetable.

Now, it's time to think about your water intake. If you want to flush away the fat, you are going to have to drink six to eight glasses of water every day. If this is something that you have a hard time with, consider drinking with a straw. Getting enough fluids is essential for your weight loss goals. If you are exercising, your body is going to crave water. Once you begin to eat healthier foods, your body may even begin to crave exercise. It won't be long before you notice a shrinking waistline. This will hopefully be the motivation that you need to continue to meet your weight loss goals. The most important thing that you need to remember is that this is a lifetime plan. If you make your goals and then go back to your old habits, all of your efforts will have been wasted.

If you like this and thought it was helpful head on over to 90 second fat loss

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A How To Guide for Wedding Dress Shopping

The Dress, The Dress, The Dress!! This is the single most important thing that every woman has been dreaming since she was a little girl. She tried on her mother's wedding dress and pretended to be getting married, or would wear the dress and pretend to walk down the aisle.

The dress is a crucial part to setting the scene for the BIG day. The dress determines how the bride will feel as she walks down the aisle. The dress determines her glow, as all eyes are on her as she walks to meet her husband at the alter.

When wedding dress shopping, remember not to bring a big crowd. Although you want all your girls, you dad, your groom, your family and most importantly your mom, there to help, most of the times it is nicer and easier to have just one or two people. Most people bring their mom, their sister(s) and maybe their maid-of-honor or mother-in-law. I think it will be easier to choose a dress and make the right decision to make you happy for your wedding day.

Now when you are trying to choose a style of dress, it's best to do some research before heading to the salon. There are so many styles of dresses to choose from: A-line, trumpet, mermaid, ballgown, sheath, drop-waist and more. You have to know you body type in order to know which dresses will look most flattering on you. If you aren't sure come with a few ideas and try them on. Eliminate the styles you don't love or that don't flatter you, and continue on with the styles that do. Once you find the style that flatters all you curves and makes you feel comfortable and BEAUTIFUL, now you have to choose the dress!

Here is the harder part. With the style in mind, you can try on dresses, in that style, with different accents. Whether lace, jewels, frill, ruffles or a combination of these are you fancy, you will be able to find the dress that you have been dreaming of since you were a little girl! Once you have the dress, you can continue to plan your wedding. This is the dress that you will be wearing as you walk down the aisle and proclaim your love in front of all you friends and family. It's not what we think but the way that your groom looks at you. You can see the sparkle in his eyes and the idea that he can't wait to spend the rest of his life with you. Best of luck dress shopping, I know you will love drop-dead gorgeous on your wedding day!!

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Foods Necessary to Keep the Lungs Healthy

Indoor and outdoor air pollution affects our lungs on a daily basis. It is especially important for people who suffer from lung illnesses such as asthma or emphysema to take care of their lungs. Fortunately, there are several foods that are scientifically proven to keep your lungs in good shape.

Water- Nothing can live without water in some form or another. Water can help in a variety of ways. Drinking water helps soothe throat irritation and makes it more comfortable to talk, sing, or shout. These activities are vital because they exercise our lungs by pushing air in and out of our bodies at different rates, expanding and retracting our lung muscles and working the diaphragm. When a chest cold comes on, inhaling steam from a hot shower can help break up congestion in the sinuses and lungs, making it easier to breathe. Just drinking more water helps the body recover from illnesses that affect the lungs such as influenza and stops it from becoming pneumonia.

Carrots, Apricots, and Oranges- These orange colored snacks contain cancer fighting vitamin A which is important for repairing the lining of the lungs and the windpipe preventing lung infections which can be deadly for children with asthma. They also contain a good amount of vitamin C, an anti-oxidant which also has been linked to better lung function. It helps rid the body of toxins including what the lungs have inhaled throughout the day. Oranges contain iron which transfers oxygen to the bloodstream faster. Red and orange fruits and vegetables also contain carotenoids which have been known to assist in the prevention of lung cancer. All of these fruits and vegetables can be tossed into a salad for an easy lunch.

Onions- One of the cheapest and most variable vegetables is also one of the healthiest. Some experts consider onions a super food. It contains vitamins C, an antioxidant, B, which fights cancer, and queretin which helps prevent lung disease. Almost anything cooked on a stove requires onions for flavoring. They are excellent in stir fry, on top of meat, or deep fried in batter as onion rings.

Meat, Fish, and Eggs- Protein is an essential nutrient to every part of the body as it helps rebuild tissue and keep the respiratory muscles going even under distress. Fish contains fatty acids that reduce inflammation and healthy fats to maintain good muscle health. Most of these contain B vitamins which research suggests reduces the risk of lung cancer. For vegetarians and vegans, beans and fortified cereals are an important part of a healthy lung diet.

Dark Leafy Vegetables- Cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli have shown that they can reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as half. They contain B vitamins like meat and eggs but are also rich in antioxidants which dispel pollution from the body. Out of all the dark green vegetables, broccoli is known to be the most beneficial when it comes to lung function.

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How To Choose a Dress For a Party

Choosing the right dress for an event always appears easy if you are an onlooker. However, it often proves to be a challenge if you are actually the one in search of an appropriate dress for a party. Perhaps you are wondering why most women spend enough time browsing through their list of clothes in a bid to lay hands on a dress of their choice. The simple fact is that wearing a nice party outfit often instills confidence in every woman regardless of the age. There is barely any lady who can have the guts to attend a party if matters of the outfit have not been settled. If you are a lady and you want to streamline the process of choosing the right outfit for one of the parties you wish to attend, the information in this passage is for you.

Comfort and elegance are independent
Most women think that both and comfort and elegance are not independent of each other. This might appear strange in your eyes. However, it is plain truth. Comfort refers to the state of the body that has is free from any sort of anxiety. It refers to being in state of relaxation and free from all sorts of pain. On the other hand, elegance normally refers to the external appearance of a particular cloth. Therefore, dresses that are beautiful or elegant are those that are able to capture the attention of onlookers. As a matter of fact, only one look is enough for such dresses to capture the attention of onlookers. But a cloth which has an appealing external appearance may not be comfortable. Therefore, ensure that you choose an outfit that possesses both elegance and comfort.

Try the dresses that are new on the market
If you have been invited for a party, it is often advisable to pick an outfit that is fashionable. However, exceptions are usually tolerable if the event you are attending has specified the kind of dresses that attendants should wear. If this is not the case, going for outfits that are new on the market is usually recommended. As indicated above, a woman's confidence is greatly affected by her clothes. Actually, your mood will not be pleasant if you go for an event dressed in clothes that are old fashioned. As a matter of fact, you may end up feeling out place if you did something like this.

Identify the type of party you have been invited to
This is very important and often has a huge bearing on the selection process. Find out from the person who has invited you whether every attendant is supposed to be in a particular outfit or not. If it is a cocktail party, you can find out from specific boutique owners whether they have a collection of dresses for that event. This will streamline your search process to a significant extent. You can use the same technique if you want to choose a dress for a prom night or dinner.

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Fitness Nutrition: Easy, Healthy, High-Protein Chocolate Pancakes Recipe

If you're into fitness and weightlifting, healthy nutrition is a must. These high-protein pancakes are easy to make, taste delicious and are very healthy with only 3 ingredients - eggs, bananas and protein powder. Here's how to make these for breakfast, post-workout or any time you want a quick, healthy and delicious snack.

This recipe is for one person, so double, triple or quadruple the amounts depending on how hungry you are and how many people are to be served. It all starts with 2 large eggs - break them into a small bowl and stir them with a small whisk or a fork until they're fully mixed, then sit it aside.

Next, peel a banana and lay it on a plate, then mash it with a fork. Keep mashing it until there are no solid pieces left and it looks like a semi-solid goo on the plate.
The third ingredient is a scoop of any high-quality chocolate-flavoured protein powder - pick a high-carb or low-carb powder based on your current nutritional plan and calorie requirements.

And that's all that goes into these healthy pancakes... Simply mix the three ingredients together now, mix well and pour or scoop them onto a hot griddle or frying pan. Cook them the same way you would any other pancakes - just remember they'll be darker because of the chocolate.

Top them with whatever you like - butter, fruit, syrup or whatever, and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown:
There's no way to give exact numbers for these, as eggs & bananas vary in size and protein powders come in many different configurations, so use this just as a guideline:

2 Large Eggs: 150 calories, 12.6g protein, 1.2g carbohydrates, 10g fat.

1 8-3/4" Banana: 105 calories, 1.2g protein, 26.7g carbohydrates,.6g fat.

1 Scoop Protein Powder: 130 calories, 30g protein, 3g carbohydrates, 1g fat.

Overall: 385 calories, 43.8g protein, 30.9g carbohydrates, 11.6g fat.

(Note: Eggs & banana breakdown courtesy of 'The Complete Book of Food Counts' by Corinne T. Netzer; Protein powder breakdown based on Whey Isolate by Body Fortress.)

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Different Ways to Fast for Weight Reduction

Ever since we as humans got into the concept of dieting to lose weight, there have been literally dozens of different ways to approach weight loss. It seems like almost everyone has an angle, be it high carb or low carb diets, fat-free or healthy fats, and on and on it goes.

Some so-called experts claim their diet works for everyone, and then some other expert comes along and advocates something totally opposite. Clearly it can get very confusing.

But probably the one thing that holds true for any diet to work could be broken down into one word: compliance. Most diets will work, at least to some degree, if the person doing the dieting can keep to it on a regular and long term basis. And I suppose I should add, with the caveat that the diet truly is going to keep the person healthy and strong.

So perhaps the first thing that we should take in consideration with the diet is to choose one we can we live with. With the high amounts of wonderful food that we have available to us now, it is rather difficult just to stop eating. But if we could indulge in those foods we love, provided they are healthy, but then "postpone" eating those foods, maybe that is the best way to lose weight.

That's where we get into fasting. The concept of going for periods of time of near famine conditions and then give the body large quantities of nourishment has been part of the human way for dieting for most of our existence, at least until recently when food for most people on earth has become more abundant. It could be the fact that the human body is really hardwired for this sort of diet. So perhaps if we could use some concepts for fasting, as long as they were healthy, it might be a way for us who love food to get our way without putting on enormous quantities of weight.

Many health experts are now getting into fasting as perhaps the best answer for weight loss. There are a couple of main categories for fasting that people should look at, and both if done in the right way could be at a very good option for many people.

1. Intermittent fasting. This is where you limit the food you eat during a day into a 6 to 8 hour window.

2. Alternate day fasting. There are a few variations of this. One is where a person will fast the entire day, only drinking water. This might be done a couple of times a week, and then you would eat your normal diet during the other days. This for most people is quite harsh, so another alternative is to eat one meal during that fast day of perhaps 500 cal.

It has been found that the compliance for this type of fasting is the highest. Some have tried during their fasting days to spread the 500 calorie meal into a few small meals spread throughout the day, but this only seems to encourage cheating.

Fasting does seem to have a lot of promise for many people because it makes the body reset itself, encouraging it to burn more fat from storage. Similar to exercising the body, when the person does routines over and over every day the body adjusts and workout results diminish. With fasting we push the body into a fat burning mode and then, prior to going into starvation mode (which is longer than two days) we provided it nourishment. In a subsequent post I would like to get more into this, but I think it's an interesting concept that people who really want to lose weight should look into.

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Weight Loss Tips For Women and Common Mistakes in Losing Weight

Weight loss advice come fast and furious from magazine covers, TV commercials or friendly neighbors. You can easily get caught up in the fat burning madness, if you are not careful with all the tips. Here are a few weight loss tips for women in order to avoid the pitfalls you may encounter on your quest for a leaner figure.

Systematic overeating

We have all felt the urge to continue eating despite the fact that we are way past the point of satiety. Your stomach will gradually increase its size as a result of systematic overeating. More room to fill, means more calories in. The more you overindulge, the harder it becomes to satisfy your hunger. The solution - slowly cut the sizes of your portions. This will make your bloated stomach shrink over time. Another trick to keep your appetite at bay is to have protein dense snacks throughout the day.

Processed foods

Going all natural can be a time-consuming and money-draining endeavor when it comes to food. The secret is to opt for foods that coming from the ground. What does this mean? The less processed food is, the healthier it is. Consuming refined beverages causes blood sugar levels to spike, which is almost the same as turning a fat-storing switch on. Your best bet for a healthy menu is food that is close to its original state.

Confusing thirst with hunger

When you are stuck behind the desk with a pile of paperwork, you are likely to ignore the urge for a glass of water. Dehydration may cause the body to experience a slight sensation of fatigue, much like when you are sleep deprived. The brain sends the signal that energy is needed straight away. The first source of energy is food, so your brain falsely assumes that you are hungry when in fact you are just thirsty. Misreading the signals of your body is one of the main culprits for the surplus calorie count. To stay hydrated throughout the day, have at least 7 glasses of water.

Eating on the go

The lack of time in our fast-paced life causes us to grab a bite on the run or skip a meal altogether. However, this may turn in a landmine that is almost impossible to sidestep. The most likely scenario in this case is to pig out as soon as we get the chance. Stuffing yourself not only spoils the taste of the food, but it adds extra inches to your waistline. Enjoy your meals - savor the flavor by having small bites. The rule of thumb to keep away hunger is to have moderate portions regularly. Scheduling your menu may be difficult but grabbing a fruit or a handful of nuts now and then is achievable.

Lack of fat

While for many women foods rich in fats are counterproductive to tightening the belt, nutritionists say just the opposite. Cutting fat from your menu completely will derail your weight loss plans, driving your body in starvation mode. Instead of burning extra pounds, to compensate for the lack of nutrients, your cells start burning muscle. Add some healthy fats to your menu. Olive oil, fish, avocado or nuts are great choices but stay away from the hard stuff - fatty cuts of meat, fried foods and sugary delights. Remember Omega-3 fatty acids are your friends, trans-fats and saturated fats - not so much.

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The Perfect Shoes for Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is the one day in your life where you want to look like a princess and want everything to run smoothly. Once you've chosen a date, you start putting a list together of the things you need to make the day memorable and spectacular.

One of the things you will need to pay careful attention to is your footwear. They should complement your dress in every way. Remember even if you have a floor length gown, as you walk, your footwear will peek out at the front, which is why you need to ensure your shoe choice blends in with your dress design.

If you are wearing a cream or white pair of stilettos to complement your beautiful gown, you may want to consider heel rings. Heel rings are shoe accessories that are glittering rings of spectacular beauty and can be the welcome addition to any shoe on your special day. This way when your heels show under the dress, they are impressive and look expensive, even though the rings are affordable solutions to creating those perfect shoes for your perfect day.

Bridal shoe clips can be clasped on the front or back of any shoe and are easily put in place and removed. The advantage is that they don't damage the shoe in any way, which means you can remove them after your special day and wear the footwear on a daily basis. They offer you an opportunity to create your own spectacular and personalized design to not only match your dress, but match your personality and style.

Crystal clips are a popular choice and add that elegant and sophisticated finish to any style of footwear. They come in a range of designs and color options, enabling you to choose the ones you feel will be the best match. Maybe you want to add a spot of color or make the most of the bridal shoe clips to add your "something blue" to your design.

Bows are another very popular choice with can add a modern stylish finish to any footwear design. Whether you've chosen flat pumps or stilettos, clipping on a bow on the front or back of each shoe to match your dress, may be just the elegant touch you are looking for.

Often finding the perfect footwear can be a nightmare, which is why shoe accessories make the selection easy. Once you know the style of shoe and color you want, you can buy them plain and dress them yourself to add your own finishing and unique touch to the overall design of your footwear.

The advantage to bridal shoe clips is that you are not restricted by your footwear choice in any way; you are in complete control of how you will look on your spectacular and beautiful day. Most women dream of their wedding day, some even plan the entire day from when they are children from their dress design to their bouquet flowers, which is why it's so important that you have the perfect footwear to blend in with your overall dream.
Bridal shoe clips can be worn over and over again, adding flair to any footwear at any time. After your wedding day, you can keep them and add them to your favorite pumps to create spectacular evening shoes to match your black dress or you can place them on your stilettos when wearing a suit to work.

Bridal shoe clips do not have to be a one day item, unlike your wedding dress. Because of their stylish and modern design, you can wear them any day of the week.

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Easy and Natural Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

When choosing any diet plan, you should always make an effort to manage your intake of bad cholesterol, or LDL. While the easiest way to do this is minimizing your intake of meat and eggs, there are many other natural ways to accomplish it as well.

Get More Vitamin E

Taking 400 international units of Vitamin E can prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol. Oxidation is the process that causes cholesterol to harden and become plaque, increasing the risk of heart attack. Vitamin E also raises the level of HDL. HDL is a good form of cholesterol that actually helps remove any bad cholesterol clogging your arteries. Start taking a Vitamin E supplement or add things like olive oil and nuts to
your diet.

Don't Skip Breakfast

People who eat a healthy breakfast are less likely to crave food throughout the day. They are also less likely to overeat during any of their other meals also. Making this a habit can lower your cholesterol intake even if you do splurge on your favorite fast food and will lead to weight loss.

Enjoy Small Meals Frequently

Large meals cause your body to release a huge amount of insulin. This will stimulate cholesterol production too. Eating small, frequent meals without increasing the total calories will limit this process. Eating on a steady schedule like this will also increase your metabolic rate. If your body knows you're going to be feeding it
regularly, it is less likely to store.

Eat More Fruit and Beans

While many vitamins and minerals can play a role in cholesterol production, Vitamin C is one of the most critical. It's responsible for raising HDL levels. If you get your Vitamin C from fruit, you'll also be ingesting a fiber called Pectin. This fiber actually flushes cholesterol out of the digestive system before it hits the blood stream. Pectin can also be found in beans, so be sure to add more of them to your diet as well.

Add Garlic to Your Diet

Eating about seven cloves of garlic daily will cause a significant reduction in cholesterol. Even the best of garlic lovers may have some trouble taking in that much through diet alone though. You might want to try taking an odorless garlic supplement as well.

Skip the Decaffeinated Coffee

You may already know that caffeine isn't very good for you heart, but removing it from your coffee may not be helping much either. Coffee beans actually contain a chemical called cafestol, which can hinder the body's ability to control LDL cholesterol. Regular and decaffeinated coffee contain the same amount of cafestol, so you should really avoid it all together. If you still need an energy booster, try taking ginseng.

Remember, not all cholesterol is bad! Lowering your intake of LDL, but increasing HDL cholesterol will improve your health. If you can't do without meat and eggs, practice these tips and moderation to keep your arteries and heart healthy.

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Best Low Calorie Meals To Reduce Weight Quickly

Everybody wants to lose weight quickly. The secret lies in calorie intakes and hence the importance of regulating what goes into the mouth. Protein, fiber and water make some of the healthiest low calorie foods to help in reducing weight. There are however other great meals that you can enjoy and stay full at the same time avoiding any fatty storage which makes it harder to lose weight. Getting it right with your meals is the first step towards successful weight loss.

Whole grains: They include oatmeal and brown rice. Oats have filling fiber which assists in the balancing of blood sugar levels. They therefore make amazing breakfast meals and when taken with milk, you balance in protein as well. A fiber packed meal and water will keep you feeling fuller for longer, hence you avoid overeating during the day.

Black rice: Not many people know about the black rice. It is a grain that however packs lots of antioxidants and fiber and has fewer calories and carbs compared to the brown and white rice. The flavorful grain can be enjoyed in salads or burritos. It can also make a delicious side dish.
Vegetables: The best energy burning vegetables that you can go for include, zucchini, celery, cauliflower, asparagus and broccoli. Broccoli in this case contains 25 calories, but will require 80 calories to digest. It means that by just eating it, you burn a whole 55 calories. It adds to the list of foods that actually help reduce weight.

Legumes: They provide the perfect weight loss ingredients considering that they are good sources of fiber. They also help in preventing diseases. Beans contain nutrients, antioxidants, complex carbs and fiber. The best that you can go for include black eyed peas, black beans, chickpeas, red kidney beans and faya beans. They can be used in stews, salads and soups or even wraps to make delicious meals.

Soups: Broth based soups are the best when it comes to fast weight loss. This is because they keep you feeling full ensuring that when it is meal time, you eat only small portions. The soups are amazing fat and calorie busters, especially with fiber filled veggies.

Meal strategizing is what helps lose fat fast. It begins by knowing which foods are best in calories. There are high and low calorie foods and a balance needs to be struck between them for effective weight loss results. When you are already aware of which foods are low in calorie, preparing meals becomes an easy task since all you have to do is ensure that you keep them balanced and in portions that won't amount to overeating. There are lots of low calorie foods which make healthy meals that will help in losing weight.

It is however also advisable to drink some water before eating. This is because people have a tendency of mistaking thirst for hunger. After drinking water, you might find out that you were actually not hungry at all.

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5 Tips to Buy the Best Designer Bag

If you are planning to buy a designer handbag for yourself, there are a few ways to make sure that you get the right one. Authentic designer bags are not found very easily in the shopper's market. You are bound to come across a number of choices and being confused is easy. This is why you need to do some research and figure out which bag is the best for you as what's best for you. Your friend may find a handbag that is the best for her but that doesn't mean it is the best for you as well. Here are 5 tips to help you choose the right bag that will draw positive comments about your fine taste in fashion bags.

1. Go visit the designer outlets or search online. There are plenty of s web sites having designer handbags for sale. Check out the different bags from the same designer or the same design house. Check different online sites as collections sometimes change. Do not forget to check out handbags created by the various designers - you never know who might please you with their creation.

2. It may easier to buy the designer bag through online stores. You may not have the time and patience to visit each store in town, so just sit by your desk and browse for the best handbag available. Don't be surprised if you find some amazing collections since online stores tend to stock a wide variety of designer products.

3. Do you have some errand to run by the mall or the departmental store? Go and look through the designer bag collection they have. The advantage is that they can take care of everything that you need along with the bag. You can talk to them about the warranty as well as their return policy.

4. The other best deal may be found through sites like eBay. This place is similar to the shopper's paradise. You get really good products for reasonable prices. You could also find discounts for special occasions. You just need to be very careful and make sure the seller is verified, as you do not want to buy a fake handbag.

5. If the budget is your concern, know that you can buy a previously owned designer bag. There are a lot of buyers who buy really good designer bags and then put them for sale without using them for a long time. You can get previously owned bags for a good price. However, you need to be sure that the handbag you buy is authentic and not a fake.

Make your dreams come true. Please visit: http://www.jewellsfashionhandbags.com/home.html to check out the famous European fashion handbag and accessory designers. Jewell's fashion designer handbags at wholesale prices can save you time and money. You can shop from the comfort, convenience and safety of your home. Save up to 50% from the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The exquisite bags and accessories are New and the Quality of the workmanship and the Authenticity of the designer brand name are guaranteed.

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How to Get Fit and Trim in 7 Easy Steps

When you know how to get fit and trim, it's much easier to get started on your journey. As with anything, proper planning is a catalyst for success. With so many fat loss rules and guidelines it may be hard to figure out where to start and what to do. It's not your fault, there's a new gimmick everyday claiming to give you the best results. When the real trick is going back to the fundamentals. So, it's time for us to look at ways to get fit and trim with 7 easy steps:

What you will need to do first before you should begin:

1. Take a before photo
(This will help you continually see why you have made this change for the better)

2. Write a lengthy Facebook post about what you're doing and why you want to accomplish it.
(The support you'll get from friends will be a huge help in your journey. Plus, it will hold you accountable)

3. Find something that motivates you
(Inspiration is the best motivator. If you take the time to marvel at the changes you want to make daily you will inevitably reach your goal.)

The 7 Steps to Take:

1. Create a list of your goals
This is the most important step. This is where you find out where you are, and where you want to be. The best way to make a goal is to be as specific as possible. This way you can continually look back and see how far you've come and how close you are. Without goals, you won't be able to tell how close you are. Also, make sure you put down what you want to achieve on a weekly, monthly, and even daily basis. And celebrate every milestone.

2. Clean out your fridge and pantry
The best way to start is by getting rid of all of the junk foods and soft drinks. You aren't going to need them since you want to get fit. You can donate them, give them to friends, or throw them in the garbage, so long as they aren't in your home. This is the best way to remove any temptation for junk foods.

3. Get good foods
Now that you've gotten rid of all of that junk food, it's time to replace it with good, clean, healthy food. While grocery shopping, get lots of different kinds of veggies and fruits. I personally suggest getting frozen veggies though. If you happen not to eat all of the veggies you bought, you won't have to worry about them going bad. Avoid canned foods at all costs.
4. Create a to-do list
With your busy schedule, wouldn't it be nice to have something to tell you when you need to do something goal orientated? Well, this is great for your Smartphone. You can usually set an alarm for everything you want to accomplish on a daily basis. Set up your meals 3.5-4 hours apart and eat whenever an alarm goes off. You can also schedule your workout sessions.

5. Pre-make your food
By pre-making your food you are making a commitment to not skip a meal. This also saves on a lot of prep time. So when your alarm goes off, you can simply take out a pre-made meal and eat. This is one of the best ways to ensure you stick to your diet. You won't be a victim to hunger ever again.

6. Train with high intensity
It's simple, the more you put in, the more you get out. The harder you train the more you change. Intense training is important when it comes to getting fit, but not as important as safety. Make sure you don't overdo it. It's not worth getting injured over. Then you won't be able to work out for days, weeks, or months. That will set you back in a big way.

7. Relax and Relieve Stress
When you are stressed out, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. This is a big reason why a lot of people have trouble losing weight. To help you relax and relieve stress, you can try yoga. Not only does it provide you with a great workout, but you also get the added stress management that comes with it.

This 7 step guide is here to help you get from where you are now to where you want to be soon. To get the best results, cycle through this list consistently and watch the results come in. Soon, you might not even be able to recognize yourself.

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Top 10 Paleo Foods

The Paleo diet has emerged as one of the most popular diets today. Essentially, this diet advocates consumption of: low-glycemic carbohydrate sources such as fruits and vegetables, high quality cuts of free range and grass fed meat and healthy fats. Here is a quick overview of the top ten paleo foods.

1. Grass Fed Beef

Grass Fed Beef tops the list as one of the most popular paleo foods. Grain fed cows usually are filled with hormones and antibiotics that are potentially toxic to human health. Grass fed beef sources are 100% chemical free and have higher amounts of healthy fats such as CLA.

2. Free Range Eggs

Like other grass fed animal sources; free range eggs are not filled with dangerous growth hormones and antibiotics. Organic free range eggs are filled with high amounts of healthy cholesterol known as high density lipoproteins. This form of cholesterol is beneficial for the nervous and endocrine system.

3. Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate is a classic Paleo dessert. Because of its low sugar content, dark chocolate has a bitter taste. Dark chocolate contains high amounts of phenylethylamine - a chemical that produces feelings of love and joy. It is also a great source of antioxidants and electrolytes like magnesium and potassium.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes are can be used in a variety of paleo meals. Whether its making a side of fries to cooked with a well seasoned grass-fed steak, or a gluten-free sweet potato pie; sweet potatoes are a common staple in the Paleo diet. Sweet potatoes help control blood sugar and are an excellent post-workout carbohydrate source.

5. Almonds

One way paleo diet espouses individuals to get a healthy amount of fat is by eating almonds. Almonds are not only filled with healthy monounsaturated oil, but is also a good source of protein. Many Paleo cooks create a tasty dessert out of melted dark chocolate, raspberries and almonds.

6. Avocado

Avocados are another great source for healthy fats. Avocado is not only an awesome source of heart-healthy unsaturated fat, but is also a great source of Vitamin K.

7. Coconut Oil

Once thought of as a artery clogging source of fat - coconut oil is now a popularly used cooking oil in the Paleo diet. Coconut oil is filled with medium-chained tryglycerides. These fatty acids are used immediately for energy consumption, especially when one is on a low carbohydrate or ketogenic diet.

8. Berries
Berries of all kinds - blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and bilberries contain high amounts of cancer-fighting antioxidants. Berries also are very low on the glycemix index and contain low amounts of fructose compared to other fruits.

9. Kale

Kale is a very popular superfood and a common green vegetable in the Paleo world. Kale is a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-filled fibrous plant that makes for a great side salad with seasoned wild salmon and quinoa.

10. Broccoli

Broccoli along with other cruciferous vegetables are superfoods that are filled with a vast array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These vegetables are especially important for men to help promote healthy testosterone levels.

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Finding Your Own Sense Of Style

Men shine brightly on the TV screen, daunting their cool kicks, designer sunglasses and seemingly fun and outrageous looks. You admire what they have done and now you're ready to follow in those footsteps and be the you that has been locked inside. But should you take this step and create your own copycat looks from those you see on the TV? It is too often that fashion disaster erupts when people try to take this route to their fashion.

Not all trends are created equal, nor do they all appease the needs of each individual man. Let's face it, we have all looked at someone else and wondered 'what were they thinking when they got dressed?' Trying to go with the looks you see on TV (or elsewhere for that matter, whether in a magazine or on a co-worker) will oftentimes result in those same questions being asked of you.

It is okay to not be suited for a certain style; not every man is created the same. However, what is important is that you understand this fact and are not going around looking foolish.

With all of this being said, how can you learn what is and what is not right for you in terms of your fashion etiquette? Contrary to popular belief, learning your style isn't that difficult to do.

First, consider your physical attributes. Looks may not matter, but they sure affect how a particular piece will look on you. There are certain colors, textures and designs that will flatter your personal attributes rather than hinder them, and taking thins such as your skin tone, weight, muscular build, hair and eye color and posture you can better determine what works and what doesn't.

Where do you live? Yet another factor that can help determine your swag style. What's fashionable in Miami might not be quite so impressive in Nebraska. Plus, weather conditions must be factored into the equation as well.

Is there a certain brand that you prefer? Some brands are just made to work well with certain people. When you find your brand, stick to it. Sometimes it is worth paying a bit more or looking a little harder to find he right clothing.

It is equally important to consider what you like as far as style goes. You have to like what you are wearing to feel comfortable in it to wear it well. When you find your clothing pieces to be appealing to the eye you will have far more confidence and can certainly make most any look work for you.

With that in mind, also consider the fact that the way you dress will be an inclement factor in how others perceive you. So, if you want to be perceived as a certain style or want to avoid other negative stereotypes, keep this on the forefront of your mind when selecting your fashions.

Use the tips above together with your personal style to decipher an individual look all your own. It is worth the extra amount of effort that it takes because you will always go out with that confidence and look that you want.

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Diet Plan For Healthy Weight Loss

Keeping Your Weight Loss Permanent

Losing weight is a sometimes daunting task but when successful it is a cause for great pride. Keeping the weight off is also a hard job but with some key guidelines to help it is possible to keep the weight off and enjoy yourself at the same time.

How You Eat

First, it is important that in your original plan you accomplished the loss in a healthy way with a good variety of healthy foods and exercises that fit your lifestyle and attitude. This is important because to maintain your new healthy lifestyle you will need to permanently incorporate your new eating habits and exercise regime. Variety and things that suit your pace of life is the best way to stay the course with your new healthy lifestyle.

A Healthy Attitude

You need to reinforce a positive mindset in your new habits for eating and exercising. Making sure you keep with your new routine is important and keeping an upbeat view about your new habits is vital. Luckily the nutritious food and exercise will actually help in making you physically and mentally feel better and keep an optimistic outlook.

Exercise

Exercise is a crucial step in maintaining your new lifestyle. There is a huge variety of exercises and styles of workouts. You have no excuse in not finding something to suit your schedule and temperament. It's important to remember that while you can take off weight with just wholesome and nutritious eating habits adding a cardio and weight-lifting program greatly increases your chances of losing more weight and maintaining it over time.

Motivation and Support

Sharing your goals with some friends or your family can be a good motivator and an additional help in staying the course for a healthier you. Even better include them in your new weight loss arrangement, it's an excellent way to keep up your enthusiasm and attitude.

Carefully Choose Your Weight Loss Plan
 
Remember to choose carefully in your weight loss ideas and plans as well as the people you let on to your intentions. You do not want any negative thoughts or feelings to hamper your goals. Losing weight can be fun and interesting if you approach it with a positive attitude. Learning about new foods and workout styles can be quite enjoyable. Learning to cook, meet new people and travel to new and different areas can all be part of your new improved life. 

Approaching weight loss with a fun and yet practical outlook can be extremely rewarding and life-changing.

Losing weight is challenging but can be done with some effort and the right attitude.

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