Thursday 31 May 2012

WANT THAT SUMMER BODY? PART 2

The 14 Best Summer Foods for Weight Loss

'Tis the season to skimp on clothing, not flavor. These light and refreshing summer foods will tingle your taste-buds and help you shed lbs.

By Megan Cahn

Shrimp

One upside to the summer heat? We're less likely to crave those heavy foods that weigh us down and pack on the pounds. Even when opting for lighter fare; though, it's still important to get the right amount of protein. Enter shrimp, which is jam-packed with it but also low in fat. According to nutrition expert Keri Glassman of Nutritious Life, it's also high in B12, a vitamin found exclusively in animal products. Try a mix of shrimp, avocado, and cherry tomatoes for a healthy and filling summer dish.

Frozen Grapes or Cherries

When the temperature rises, it's only natural to crave a frozen treat. Unfortunately, our metabolisms aren't quite on par with those of our energetic kids, and succumbing to that chocolate-covered Drumstick is more trouble than it's worth. Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson suggests keeping grapes or dark sweet cherries in the freezer for a refreshing frozen treat. The iciness gives the fruit a sorbet-like consistency, and the sweetness will satisfy those sugar cravings.

Canned Tuna in Water

Canned tuna is loaded with protein and makes for a great summer lunch or snack. Nutrition expert Lisa De Fazio suggests forgoing mayo and instead mixing tuna with Greek yogurt and your favorite low-fat fixings. Serve it with rice cakes or whole grain crackers on a picnic or at the beach.

Watermelon

We're all familiar with the importance of drinking water—especially during the hot summer months—which is why eating its namesake melon is a no-brainer. Watermelon will keep you not only keep you hydrated, it will help you feel full and satisfied. Plus, it's high in amino acids and antioxidants and is an excellent source of vitamin A and C, Glassman says. Eat it by the slice or try a uniquely delicious and refreshing watermelon salad with feta cheese, mint, and olives.

Chilled Soups

Low-calorie, broth-based soups hit the spot when it's cold outside, but the mere thought of eating piping hot soup on a summer day makes us sweat. Susan Moores, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, suggests taking a more chilled out approach to soup in the summer with a tasty gazpacho or refreshing cucumber dill soup.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is definitely having its moment in the culinary spotlight. And for good reason: It has twice as much protein as other low-fat yogurts, which gives it a deliciously creamy texture and makes it super filling. Glassman suggests adding cinnamon to the plain variety for a sweet tooth fix or mixing it with savory spices to coat chicken before grilling.

Raspberries

Berries are ripe for the picking all summer long. We love them sprinkled over cereal, blended in smoothies, or even tossed into a salad. According to Glassman; however, we should be reaching for raspberries first. All berries have fiber and antioxidants, but these tart red ones are on top of the chart. Their high water content also makes them supremely refreshing on a hot summer day. For a new take, try mashing fresh raspberries with white wine vinegar for a meat marinade or salad dressing.

Grilled Vegetables

Veggies are low in calories and high in fiber, but we're so quick to dunk them in creamy dips and dressings that they often morph into a secretly high-fat snack. To keep your vegetables low-cal, try drizzling olive oil over onions, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus and throwing them on the BBQ. The grill will bring out deliciously distinct flavors that you won’t want to cover up. Jackson also suggests keeping a plate of grilled veggies in the fridge to make salads, vegetable pitas, pasta, and frittatas on the go.

Iced Green Tea

Nothing hits the spot on a sweltering afternoon quite like a glass of ice tea with lemon. This summer, De Fazio suggests swapping your usual herbal blend for a green tea. The antioxidant-rich Chinese tea is usually served hot, but when poured over ice, it morphs into a thirst-quenching elixir.

Mango

If you're craving something creamy, Glassman suggests making a mango smoothie. The tropical fruit is full of fiber and has a thick quality that will fill you up—plus, mangoes are loaded with healthy antioxidants. But a mango’s versatility goes way beyond the blender: Dice one into a spicy salsa to top grilled chicken or white fish, or add a few slices to a summer salad.

BBQ Salmon

Salmon is full of healthy monounsaturated fats and muscle-building protein, De Fazio says. Ditch the heavy meats and throw some of this omega-3-packed fish on the BBQ for a filling and flavorful summer meal.

Pears

Get the term "pear-shaped" out of your mind—this fruit is a part of a winning diet plan. According to Glassman, pears have high levels of pectin, which is known to promote weight loss. They also have 30 percent more potassium than apples and are a great energy booster. This summer, pack pears for an easy snack or try adding them to desserts and salads.

Whole Grain Salads

We know, salads are the standard summer weight-loss meal. But lettuce eventually gets boring, right? Get out of the mixed greens rut and toss around the idea of a whole grain salad like wheatberry or tabouli. Moore also suggests flavoring your salads with herbs from the garden, so you can go light on the dressing.

Pitted Fruits

Save apples and oranges for the colder months—summer is the prime time to take advantage of sweet and juicy pitted fruits. Not only are they delicious, Glassman explains that pitted fruits like nectarines are loaded with potassium, while the fiber in plums promotes better digestion.


Sunday 27 May 2012

Want That Summer Body?

7 Ways to Get Your Body Swimsuit-Ready, Starting Now

 

 

Tank tops, shorts, and swimsuits… oh my! It's May, which means you'll have to peel off your winter clothes soon. While only you know what you've been hiding underneath all those layers, you're not the only one who feels insecure this time of year.

Although you can safely lose only about 1 to 2 pounds of body fat a week, you can feel more confident by swimsuit season if you begin making changes today. Here are 7 attainable goals to set and stick to, starting now:

1. Get your sweat on with strength training! If you want to feel good in your bathing suit, this is non-negotiable: Fit your workout in, no excuses! Commit to a full-body strength-training program at least three times a week to burn calories during the workout, boost your metabolism's calorie-burning power for 24 to 48 hours after, and develop lean muscles that look and feel better than flab. Perform exercises that use more than one muscle group such as squats, pushups, rows, and lunges in a circuit to make your workouts most efficient. Tip: Try working out in the morning to get your metabolism revved up for the rest of the day.



2. Make your butt and belly your top priorities. Your glutes (butt muscles) are the biggest muscles in your body, so working them out is one of the best ways to burn calories--and prevent a saggy bikini-bottomed butt. (There's nothing worse!) Of course, everyone knows that the real key to looking great in a bathing suit is having a flat belly! Give both areas extra attention during workouts leading up to and during bikini season by performing this move right after warming up at the beginning of each workout, 2 to 3 times a week:

 
Bridge Marching: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips off the floor so your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, keeping your hips parallel to the ground. Maintaining that straight line, lift your right knee upward, so your foot comes up off the ground. Then, return it to the starting position and lift your left knee the same way. Continue alternating (as if you are marching in place), keeping your butt muscles contracted the entire time for a total of 10 on each leg.

 

3. Drink extra water.
Skimping on water can reduce the effectiveness of your workouts because even mild dehydration can affect your performance and fat-burning potential. If you need another reason to drink up, swallow this: the best way to rid yourself of excess water weight is to flush your body with water. You should drink at least half your body weight in ounces each day (e.g., a 150-pound woman should drink 75 oz. or the equivalent of about four and a half 16.9 oz. bottled waters a day). Just don't skimp on the ice! Research has shown drinking ice-cold water causes your body to work harder (i.e., burn more calories) to maintain its ideal core temperature. So gulp down the cold stuff like it's your fat burning fuel--because it is!

4. Increase your daily intake of natural diuretics. These are foods that increase the speed at which fluids pass through your body to help you de-bloat. Natural diuretics include cucumbers, asparagus, lemon, green tea, and any foods with a higher concentration of magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and/or caffeine. Tip: Try adding cucumber or lemon to water.

5. Cut back on processed, starchy carbohydrates
such as breads, pastas, bagels, cookies, and crackers. Most of these foods are loaded with extra sodium and preservatives that can contribute to water retention and bloating. If the ingredients on a packaged item list more than a few ingredients--or anything you can't pronounce--don't eat it. Instead, opt for a serving of one of the many fresh fruits and veggies now in season, with lean protein to keep you satisfied.



6. Reduce your alcohol intake. If you're used to having a glass of wine or pint of beer every night, try cutting back to two or three nights a week. You'll reduce your total calorie intake and set yourself up for a better night's sleep to energize you for your workout the next day. Tip: When you do indulge, always sandwich your drink with a glass of water before and after to avoid alcohol's dehydrating effects.

7. Stand up taller and engage your core muscles. Think about tucking your hips underneath and tightening up your stomach as if you were going to be punched. Improving your posture will instantly make you look thinner--even if you haven't lost a pound yet!--and train your body to hold everything in once you're in a swimsuit. Every 15 minutes, set an alarm for a "posture check" to train your body: If you're standing, stand up straight and hold everything. If you're sitting, pull those shoulders back and engage your stomach muscles.


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Friday 25 May 2012

REFLECTION


While listening to some Gospel music this morning I was inspired to write about Reflection, so here goes.
Let today be a day of reflection on our Lord Jesus, for what he has done for us throughout our lives.
Let us pray for mercy, blessing, guidance and protection.
Let us pray for each other, so that we all can overcome these trials and tribulations that is upon us.
Be patient and wait on the Lord, because he knows when the time is right to give you a breakthrough.
Praise the Lord today, thank him for saving your soul from the pit of hell.
Thank him for life
Thank him for food
Thank him for everlasting love
Thank him for helping you in your daily lives.
When you feel discouraged just let go and let God help you through.

It's important to read your bible and pray and let God take full control of your life.
Just give him a chance today and you will see all your problems just disappear.
He is here to guide you on the right path, just trust him today.
 Look to him today and be blessed.
Blessings to you all.

Tuesday 22 May 2012

MUSIC


What type of music do you like?
Reggae?
Soul?
R&B?
Gospel?

Whichever music you like, I am  sure you get the same effect.
Music is that sweet melody/sound you want to hear all the time, no matter what time of the day.
Listening to your favorite music will make you feel calm and at peace with the world.
Music is therapeutic.
  1. It releases stress
  2. It gets you focused
  3. It gets you active
  4. It makes you want to dance
  5. It makes you feel free
  6. It makes you come alive
Music is like the sweet aroma that you get from a fresh pot of coffee in the morning.
Music is like a drug, you always crave more.
Music is like food, it gives you strength to survive these stressful times.

If you feel withdrawn, stressed, distant, overworked, overwhelmed, just listen to some sweet soothing music and relax.

1. When I want to relax and just reflect on the goodness of God, I will listen some Gospel or my Adele CD (at the Albert Hall). Sneak peek below.


 

 
2. When I am in the mood for love, I will listen to some R. Kelly, Barry White or Gerald Levert

3. When I am ready to party I will listen to some of my boys, Elephant Man (my favorite DJ, love him) , Mavado, and Beenie Man



Gully God


King Of the Dance Hall


Drop me a comment and let me know your favorite Music/Artist for :
  1. Relaxation
  2. Love making
  3. Party
Get the latest Adele 21 CD below. Love me some Adele.

Sunday 20 May 2012

Sharon Osbourne on Her Impromptu Make-out Session on 'The Talk': Ozzy Won't Like It!

 
(John P. Filo/CBS)To say Sharon Osbourne is unpredictable is an understatement. On today's episode of "The Talk," she spoke candidly about her plastic surgery, recreated the controversial breast-feeding cover of Time magazine with "NCIS" star Michael Weatherly, and then made out with Broadway actor Richard Fleeshman.
Yes, Mrs. Ozzy Osbourne made out with another man.
At the end of the hour-long CBS chat fest, Sharon appeared in the final segment with Fleeshman, who is starring in Ghost: The Musical, which is now on Broadway. The 59-year-old was recreating the pottery making scene that Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore so memorably did in the 1990 movie. And while playing with the clay, Sharon decided to really steam things up by ripping open the young theater star's shirt and kissing him passionately on the lips. She also wiped clay on his bare chest and nuzzled against him.

After the show Yahoo! TV caught up with the Osbourne matriarch, who cracked: "I just abused a teenager, I think." She said that the steamy smooch wasn't scripted -- she just took the lead. "[Before the show], I asked him, through our producer, if he would take his shirt off and come out like in the movie and he said 'no,' " she recalled. So she took matters into her own hands, which promoted her co-host Sheryl Underwood to joke: "And you are now our leader for doing it!"
So what will Ozzy think of Sharon's lip-lock? "Oh, he'll be Ozzy," she told us. "'Who is that person? Now what do they do?' He won't like it. And the kids will kill me."

Although her family may not be thrilled with her impromptu kiss, Sharon -- who is pulling double duty now that "America's Got Talent" is back on the air – won't be tamed and says that nothing is off-limits when it comes to her appearance on the show. "I admitted yesterday that I would go topless," she told Yahoo! TV. "You get to a certain age in life and it's like, 'Oh, it's no big deal!"


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http://tv.yahoo.com/news/sharon-osbourne-on-her-impromptu-make-out-session-on--the-talk---ozzy-won-t-like-it--.html
 

HOMOSEXUALITY

What is Homosexuality?
This topic is a hush hush topic today.
Is it a disorder as some people would think?
Is it hereditary, or is it adopted?
Homosexuality is known to be a romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender.
Sexual orientation can be categorized as:
  1. Heterosexuality
  2. Homosexuality
  3. Bisexuality
What do you say to a child who confides in you about their sexual attraction(s), whether same sex (homosexuality) or both sex (bisexuality).
Do you immediately call a Pastor to pray for the child because you think that they are possessed by  DEMONS or do you get COUNSELING for the child?


'Coming out of the closet', as we all know it, can be very hard and I am positive this was not an easy decision to make.
We have to be very careful, as parents, about the next step we take because this can lead to depression, a life of torture, or finally suicide.

People who are identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, Dyke (popular names), experiences lots of discrimination, prejudice, bullying and also encounter acts of violence.
Why discriminate against them, rather than finding out their reasons for choosing such a lifestyle.
Was it :
  • Peer-Pressure
  • Things that happened in their past for example, being molested or raped
  •  Hatred for a particular sex 
  • Money
Let us sit and listen to what they have to say and then draw your own conclusion.

According to the bible, homosexuality is considered a sin, so all those who choose this path will have to give their explanation, when the time comes, on why they choose this path so no one on earth need to discriminate or threaten anyone because of their sexual orientation.

It's all up to you to choose the right path.






Thursday 17 May 2012

Words Of Encouragement

It is funny how this minute you are on top of the world, and the next minute you are not.
Life is so unpredictable. Its not that you did not prepare yourself for the rough times ahead, but its just that life is so hard you seem to be drowning.

When will this end?

Is there going to be a time when you can say ahh yes I can take a vacation to one of those lush green Caribbean Islands, and play in their white sand beaches, and drink RUM AND COKE on the rocks?

Yes you can.

An old time Jamaican saying, "A man no dead no call dem duppy".
Never give up, fight with all your might.
Hold your head up.
Whatever you do make sure you ask for direction from your father above, whoever or whatever you may believe in.
Life is what you make it.

Parents get the best education for your children, this will set them up for a solid and bright future.
Education is the key to success. 
And children the ball is in your court, the future is yours, you decide what you want to become, a nuisance or a child with a purpose. Remember it's not going to be all good, so prepare yourself for rough times ahead.
Be patient don't rush your youth, take your time to figure out this thing called life, and you will have guaranteed success. Also having proper mannerism and respect for others will carry you a far way.

Life can make you and break you, so be brave take full control of it and focus, and you will be successful.



Thursday 10 May 2012

MOTHER'S DAY

 

                               M-O-T-H-E-R


"M" is for the million things she gave me,


"O" means only that she's growing old,


"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,


"H" is for her heart of purest gold;


"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,


"R" means right, and right she'll always be,


Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"


A word that means the world to me.