Monday, May 30, 2016

Why Pineapple is Called the Healing Tropical Fruit

eatwhateatwhere.blogspot.com
I so love pineapples that I eat them everyday, thanks to the small pineapples sold on sidewalks at a very cheap price. Three of them cost only P25, sometimes P20, if you know how to bargain.

Pineapples give you vitamins and minerals, potassium, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, beta carotene, thiamine, folate, B6 and of course, Vitamin C. That's not to mention its soluble and insoluble fibers beneficial for effective weight loss.

Plus bromelain.

Bromelain is what makes pineapples effectively anti-inflammatory---and inflammation, incidentally, is mostly responsible for a lot of diseases, like arthritis which is fast becoming popular these days. You get rid of harmful inflammation, you get rid or prevent of a lot of deadly diseases. Thus, pineapple is called "the healing tropical fruit."

Of course, another reason for its healing property is its rich Vitamin C content. Fresh pineapples are rich with this vitamin which is essential for enforcing the immune system.

But mind you, it's got to be fresh pineapples. Eat it as soon as you peel it. Hence, the small, cheap pineapples I buy along sidewalks may already have zero Vitamin C and other nutrients. I'm aware of that.

Still, I get its soluble and insoluble fibers and fruit sugar to help me eat less and yet stay energized. That's effective weight loss.

But don't get me wrong---I do love eating fresh pineapples as well, when I have the opportunity. I recommend organic pineapples. Some pineapples are bombarded with chemical fertilizers, so beware.

And oh, pineapple in cans are a definite no-no.

Pineapples also help create collagen due to its Vitamin C content. Collagen is the important protein base of internal organs, bones, skin and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps your body fight infections, illnesses and helps heal wounds faster.

And I haven't heard of anyone being allergic to pineapples or getting an overdose of it (except irritating your tongue if you eat more than enough). But check with your medical doctor, just to be sure.

If I were you, I'd eat pineapples more often.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

How to Use Turmeric to Reduce Inflammation

www.turmericforhealth.com
Inflammation is swelling. It's the body's reaction to injury or infection. Arthritis, meningitis, sinusitis and the like (ailments with the suffix itis in them) are caused by inflammation and needs attention before worse infection sets in.

Here's where turmeric comes in as a practical home remedy. While seeing your medical doctor for consultation, try turmeric or "luyang dilaw" in Tagalog. It's active antioxidant---curcumin---is known to be powerfully anti-inflammatory.

Aside from being a good first aid remedy against arthritis, muscle sprains, pains and injuries, it can also prevent or slow down cancer. About 70 percent of cancers are due to inflammation. It helps prevents liver disease and digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.

How do you use turmeric to reduce inflammation?

The simplest way is making tea. Just peel off turmeric roots (peel off thinly), wash thoroughly, and boil until the brew turns dark. Then take it warm as tea.

A lot of delicious Filipino food dishes use turmeric for coloring, but making tea of it is the best and simplest for me. Some put sugar in the tea, but I prefer pure turmeric tea. What I recommend is squeezing fresh lemon or kalamansi juice into warm turmeric tea.

Though turmeric is all-natural, consult with your medical doctor first before taking it, especially if you are under medication.

Here are top 10 health benefits:

What You Should Know about Small Pineapples Sold on Sidewalks

cuzcoeats.com
You probably see them everyday on sidewalks---small pineapples vendors peel and slice and place in plastic bags. They cost P10 a piece or P25 per 3 pieces.

If you have no time peeling small pineapples, then buy these peeled ones.

For sure, they have lost their Vitamin C. Exposing pineapples like that quickly evaporates their Vitamin C. Well, other nutrients are probably still intact, like Vitamin A and some minerals.

But what's important is getting their fibers.

Don't expect to get powerful nutrition from these small pineapples already peeled and sliced. But what you get are its powerful fibers. Fiber is not just good for bowel movement. It's also vital for overall health.

With fibers, you get healthier digestive system and help good bacterial growth in your intestine. With a healthy digestive system, your body easily absorbs nutrition from other food. So you grow healthier and stronger with these small pineapples even if their nutrients have mostly evaporated.

Also, they are perfect for weight loss. Pineapple fibers make your tummy feel full and gives you energy a longer time. I often eat pineapples after my water therapy in the morning or before a meal.

I choose the deep yellow ones, not light yellow. Deep yellow means the small pineapples are sweet. I love eating them after placing them in the chiller for some 30 minutes.

Of course, wash them thoroughly first in running water. And if possible, have the small pineapples peeled right before you---though most times, this isn't possible because they have already been peeled and packed in plastics.

Buy from vendors that observe cleanliness. You often see this in the way they keep their carts, utensils and how they carry themselves.

Well, if you have the time and want to be assured of clean handling, I advice you buy unpeeled small pineapples and peel them yourself.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

How to Enjoy Your Jog and Get Tired Less

www.orthology.com
I had a great jog this morning, though a bit late. I did wake up at 5 am but had to do a lot of chores. So finally, I was able to go out and jog at 7:30 am. Goodness.

The sun was "too up" for me to jog outside. But I had to. Yesterday rained and I wasn't able to jog out (I just worked out indoors). So, I cannot have two successive days without jogging. Working indoors is good but jogging outdoors is still different.

But surprisingly, a thin cloud filtered the sun's bright rays so that it didn't hurt that much. It was like 7 am. I jogged leisurely while looking around, enjoying my surroundings and intently noticing things. Before that, I was unconsciously thinking about how many rounds more I should jog and how far the end of the streets were.

That made me grow tired quickly. So I changed mindset. Instead, I looked around appreciatively.

I appreciated the trees and gardens in the front yards of the houses I passed by, especially noticing their flowers and leaves. I never noticed before the low but mature moringa tree in front of the newest super modern Zen townhouses on one street I passed through. It fitted nicely as a background to the smart architectural design of the edifices.

Then there was the lush kaimito tree at the back of house number 17, whose top partly showed itself as seen from the street. I never noticed that before.

Then on this other street, house number 24 actually has a mini-swimming pool. I saw it at the side of the property when I jogged past it. I never knew that before.

One thing more---I also intentionally waved at people I met along---gardeners, street sweepers, other joggers, old widows chatting in front of the chapel, the taho vendor, folks killing time at the plaza, and many more.

It was fun looking around and noticing things---like you were a private detective doing surveillance work and discovering new things.

After jogging several rounds, I had more energy for shadow boxing, martial arts and push-ups.

So, here's Choy's Cut for you---just take things easy.

Here's some practical wisdom on jogging:

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Suddenly Edema. So, What Do I Do?

angrytrainerfitness.com
Have you ever heard of God's health graces and mercies? I'll tell you a story.

Here you are, a health buff, very particular about what you eat and drink, working out regularly, observing a healthy lifestyle.

And then suddenly, edema.

So I had my urine and blood tested. They saw a trace of protein in my urine (proteinuria) and slightly elevated creatinine in my blood. The doctor said both indicate kidney problems, probably serious or just in their initial stages. I needed more tests.

Oh my! What happened?

Suddenly, I felt so weak and sick. Thoughts of me dying began in my mind when I was alone (or even with other people), I felt like a floating ghost seeing my former life on earth when I walked around, and I was imagining how my kidneys were being destroyed.

I saw 4 doctors, two of them nephrologists, one working at the Kidney Center. We chose to stick with the one at the Kindney Center.

So I was worked up. I had a series of urine and blood tests plus ultrasound of the abdomen area (every organ was thoroughly checked!) and prostate plus chest x-ray. When you have these tests you really feel like the end is near, especially when you see how kidney patients look, in wheelchairs or stretchers or beds along the corridor of the hospital.

Will I be be among them soon?

Each time I see them, I say a silent intimate prayer---please heal them, Lord. I can't go past each of them without imagining the hardships they're in. "What have they done to end up like that?" I always wondered. There was this teenager in a wheelchair who looked so weak. Was he an alcoholic? Did he love eating salty food?

There were adults who walked around with swollen feet and legs.

Suddenly, I was in the world of the terribly sick, the swollen, people with tubes and dextrose and masks. In the midst of all these, it seemed the outside world was...well, too "outside."

I was glad I was out of there when the tests were done.

The next day, the lab and ultrasound results all yielded normal. Well, there were some slight elevations, and one kidney had a very tiny cyst, but the kidney expert said they were nothing. And I have to start watching eating fatty food to protect my liver. I thank God for the healing mercies. My urine was normal and so was my creatinine.

Generally, I was healthy!

I did read somewhere that edema sometimes is temporary or too mild that it needs no treatment. It will just go away by itself, as mine did. No more edema since we started praying for healing.

But of course, I realize that all these were a warning---that I should double my health consciousness, especially watch what I eat and drink more. God's mercy isn't meant to be abused. And by God's grace, everything would be okay---nope, better.

And it's another way for me to see that I am actually healthy. The past months I've been wondering how healthy I really was. Sometimes, regular exercises and healthy diets aren't assurance of good health. You have to check what's going on inside of you.

So I guess, God allowed the edema so I would let myself be worked up and see how healthy I really am through the lab and radiological results. Otherwise, I wouldn't have thought of undergoing them, and especially spending money for the same.

Thank God for His health graces and mercies.

Here's a video on edema:

Sunday, May 15, 2016

New People I Meet in the Streets During my Jog

blog.radissonblu.com
This morning I went out a bit late for my jog because I and my wife discussed something about life and the Benny and Susanne Hinn wedding we had watched online the other day.

So anyway, I had my regular jog, and there was this big guy (in my mind I call him Sweet Big Guy) who I often see these days walking his little tiny dog (and letting it poo in the street) around in the morning. He carried a manual fan and umbrella along (protection from the heat and sunlight) and walked a bit around.

He probably felt that was enough exercise for his weight loss and diabetes. He often just stands there letting his dog smell plants, pee and poo. And then he loved chocolates and drank two bottles of softdrinks (thus Sweet Big Guy) , keeping these things a secret from his wife.

How do I know?

The street store owner where he bought chocolates and softdrinks told me so.

Each time I went past him, we greeted each other "good morning." I just wish he'd do more walking than just standing there and taking a few steps around.

Then there was also this new guy who looked like my officemate, Bobby, way back in 1993. He walked slowly. When I said, Hi!" he seemed delighted. So I plan to call him Bobby in my mind from now on.

As I was whirling my arnis stick around for warm up, suddenly a fat guy on his bike went past me. He had a smiling face. At once, the word "Buddha" crossed my mind. "Buddha on bike" was more apt, I decided.

Then there were these two young foreigners (Asians), one was tall the other was stout, who jogged around together as they talked in English. They looked friendly but shy. In my mind, I decided to refer to them as "Fat and Thin."

Last but not least was the small teenage girl on her big bicycle who almost ran me over when she tried to avoid running over the poo on the street which Sweet Big Guy's tiny dog had left.

I still don't know what to call her in my mind. Can you help me?

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Frankly, This is the Truth about a Healthy Fit Life and Wellness

europe.averydennison.com
I guess that's life---you can do what you can but you often end up guessing what happens next.

But then, you also have to be exact. Accurate.

Truth is, you don't know what's coming to you, whether you'd still be in good health tomorrow or not. You may have the best of health today but you don't know about an hour or day after if that would still hold true.

Health condition can drastically change in a moment.

Of course, they tell us to keep positive about it all. And we have to. I believe that with all my heart.

Yet, at the same time, we have to lean on the Creator---the Author of life, health and healing---depending on Him entirely and not being too confident about ourselves and what we do, can do and achieve.

There are two extreme views on this---no, three:

1. Others eat all they want, do no exercises, abuse their health and then claim that their faith in God will save them from ailments---relying "entirely" on God and keeping positive about it all.

2. On the other hand, there are those who rely solely on their rigid workouts, sophisticated diets and fitness supplements, laughing at any hint of Divine intervention.

3. Third are those who imagine themselves neutral or in between. They eat a little of this and that, think that their travel to work is enough exercise for them (they don't want to over exert themselves), and they believe a bit of this and that about God.

So, where do you belong?

In my case, I do what fits my body and lifestyle, eat what's healthy for me, and then rely entirely on God, depending on his grace on a daily basis. It's both spiritual and scientific.

It's not a little of everything but complete ingredients of what you really need.

I have learned that in life, you have to do what is right. But remember---even doing the right things will go dead wrong if you leave out God from it. It's not how right you are but how faithful.

When done this way, God catches you when you fall. I mean, there may be important things or details you forget to do in life, but if you rely on God by faith, he still completes the picture for you.

By grace, everything becomes exact---becomes well. That's wellness.

Hear this medical doctor's talk on wellness:

Why Watermelon Does this to You in Summer

www.medicalnewstoday.com
I didn't pay much attention to watermelon before because I thought it was just water and sugar plus the juicy meat that filled your tummy.

If only someone had told me how watermelons could make me look handsome, I wouldn't have ignored it.

But then one day I learned that it was rich in vitamins and minerals. So I started eating slices of it whenever there was watermelon around, especially in summer. And I'd been looking more handsome in summer ever since.

Delicious, juicy, and full of health benefits---what more cold you ask for?

If you want healthy skin this summer, watermelon is what you want to eat lots of during picnics. I mean, it's the fruit that's commonly brought along picnics, right? Often together with mangoes and bananas.

And summer time is when we often go on picnics. No wonder people look different in summer---they often glow with a healthy shade of pink. Probably it's due to summer picnics...and watermelons.

Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A, which is good for the skin. And because it is also rich in Vitamin C, it helps the body build and maintain collagen which is vital for the structure of your skin and hair.

Did you know that just a cup full of watermelon gives you about 21 percent of the Vitamin C you need per day.

Here are other health benefits of watermelon:

1, Prevents asthma due to its Vitamin C content.
2. Reduces the risk of hypertension, says the the American Journal of Hypertension.
3. Prevents cancer.
4. Improves digestion and helps prevent constipation.
5. Prevents inflammation due to its choline content. Choline also helps us in our sleep, learning and memory, and muscle movements.
6. Researchers believe the amino acid L-citrulline in watermelon helps muscle injuries recover faster.

Then watch this:

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Best Snacks In-Between Meals

www.mumsnet.com
Especially in summer, you need to eat in-between meals. Your metabolism works harder in hot days so you often feel hungry before a meal comes.

Well, in a way, you also eat more in cold weather. It's also due to your metabolism.

But it's okay. Nothing to worry about as long as you eat the right snacks. When I feel hungry and grabbing a snack, I choose fruits. And among the best fruits is pineapple.

Pineapple has natural sugar and fibers to renew your energy level and make your stomach feel full. I often just eat 2 to 3 slices and I'd feel strong and refreshed again.

A big apple is also ideal. I prefer big Fuji apple which is usually sweet and more fleshy.

And talk about "fleshy," I also recommend banana. Two big bananas in-between meals (two in the morning and two in the afternoon) are superb. You still got one left for eating before dinner.

Five bananas a day is the limit.

Atis or Sugar Apple is also good for snacks. And oh yes, mangoes. Summer time is mangoes time. In my case, all I have to do is pick indian mangoes from the tree in our backyard, keep them in a warm place (and what place isn't warm in May?), and eat them when they're ripe---like what I'm doing now while writing this article. Hmm! All for free!

What's also important about these fruits is that they're loaded with vitamins and minerals without getting you fat.

So, when I have written many articles already and need to stand up and do some exercise, I eat what fruits are available in the fridge, sometimes half a big apple, a few chunks of pineapple or one banana.

I also keep some prunes in case I run out of fruits.

But why do you need to eat in-between meals? Can you skip snacks? Don't. If you skip snacks and starve yourself till meal time, you may tend to overeat and gain weight unnecessarily.

Why People Look at Your Face


www.startribune.com
Congratulate us! This is our 200th article!

Anyway, the best skin areas are those on the soles of your feet and on your butt area. They're the smoothest and firmest. Unfortunately, people don't look at your feet soles or your butt. They look at your face, first and last.

And your face is where skin is most sensitive.

I don't know why it's like that, but it's like that.

Most people don't have problems with their facial skin, but some do. Like I did in college. I always had this struggle before I left home for school---how to fix my facial skin. And the main problem was what soap to use.

I was a health and fitness buff then, but your shapely body often didn't matter when you had an oily, messy face. You wash it now and it's clean and tidy, but not after an hour or so. That was my problem.

I had used a number of recommendations---Neco, Perla, Safeguard, Ivory, Johnson's Baby Soap, laundry soaps---and they were good soaps (except the laundry soaps). But what wasn't good was my face. Nothing worked on me. Before I reached school, I always felt sticky and dirty on the face.

So, for ten long years (yeah, I went to college for 10 years because I was a working student) that was my everyday problem.

Bad news was, it's hard to hide the face. And it's the one place on your body people look at first and often make their judgment about you. People at the office, school, and public jeeps and buses all looked at your face the moment you stepped in.

Worst was when I applied for jobs.

So, why do people look at your face first and last? Because it's a kind of resume or biodata. To most folks, it can speak volumes of who you are.

You young folks today are lucky. There's NLighten Kojic Papaya with Glutathione. I and my sons have been using it since last year and it's been effectively helping us keep our faces tidy all day.

I work out a lather on my face and let it stay there for 2 to 3 minutes. Then I rinse. Oiliness is gone and stays gone for hours! The same works for my kids.

If you want to buy from me, just comment below or contact me.

Here's what NLighten Kojic Papaya with Glutathione is all about:

Why You Need Cucumbers If You're Diabetic

www.telegraph.co.uk
You're diabetic and you're wondering what food is good for you. Something you can eat when hungry though it's not yet meal time.

Something filling the stomach but does not give you more sugar.

Cucumber.

It's your best choice. First, it's easily available anywhere you are. Second, it's cheap. Third, it's easy to prepare---no cooking needed.

I love cucumbers even if not peeled. Just wash the skin thoroughly and then slice right away. Just keep it chilled. Anytime you feel hungry, just grab a few slices. Make sure to buy cucumbers with firm bodies, not those already soft. We need cucumbers with nutrition still intact.

And remove the seeds if possible.

Best of all, cucumbers have a type of hormone that pancreatic cells need to produce insulin. That's all-natural help for diabetics. Of course, this doesn't mean you can do away with your diabetes medication. Cucumbers can just help a bit and it's safer compared to other foods.

But go on with your medication as your doctor prescribes.

Here are other health benefits:

Monday, May 9, 2016

So What If Ginger is Anti-Inflammatory? One Thing You should Know about Ginger

archive.indianexpress.com
You take ginger ale when you have problems with your voice. That's what most folks think gingers are for---better voice quality.

Most of us don't know it's anti-inflammatory, too.

But so what if it's anti-inflammatory?

It means it's anti-pain.

In fact, says Dr. Josh Axe of Medical News Today, small amounts of ginger are more effective for reducing pain than taking painkillers and other pain medications most general practitioners prescribe today.

Got a headache or toothache and you're tired of medicines and their side effects? Try sipping fresh ginger drinks.

More importantly, ginger is best against intestinal or digestive inflammation. Moreover, it has prebiotics. Some fibers in it are pro-good bacteria.

You having problems with acnes or pimples? It's probably due to some digestive problems, too, says Axe. So, enjoying sips of ginger tea (or eating bits of ginger) now and then may also solve your acne problems as it solves your digestive health.

Nausea during travels? Eat some bits of ginger before traveling. Or apply some ginger essential oils.

Anyway, inflammation ailments are often those named with "isis" as suffix in them. Ginger tea is good, therefore, to fight against arthritis, gingivitis, sinusitis and other symptoms of inflammation like diabetes, Axe adds.

More on Ginger here by Dr. Axe:

Friday, May 6, 2016

Facial Skin Care During Your Summer Outing

casualtravelist.com
WELLNESS. We're preparing for a trip to Calamba, Laguna this afternoon. My wife is busily preparing her wonderful picnic dishes, and I serve as her quality control or master taster.

Anyway, when you're right in the middle of a summer outing---especially when you're on the road to the outing destination---it's difficult to maintain clean skin, especially facial skin. You get all oily and dust and germs easily stick to your skin.

I should know---I'm an expert on oily skins---I mean I probably have the most oily face on the planet. It's not really getting rid of oiliness for good but controlling it. Because oil on the skin helps you delay skin aging. Dry skin ages faster.

So oily skin is good. Too much oil---well, that's the problem we must control, especially during an outing. If only I could collect oil from my face and sell it as cooking oil. I'd probably be rich!

So what do you do to manage sebum or skin oiliness, especially if you're right in the middle of an outing?

My tip is to eat no oily food before the road trip. Eat fruits with lots of Vitamin C, like pineapple (but be sure you have moved your bowels well before you hit the road). Then, during the outing, eat less oily or greasy food. Careful on junk foods, too.

But what if you can't avoid these foods?

Then take this handy skin oxygen therapy product, 02 Bubble Cleanser, which I believe is the best remedy. You can easily take it with you anywhere. Once you feel your face is so oily and dirty, just spray a few quantity on your hands and rob gently on your face to refresh and clean it.

Then your face feels like it just had a complete bath! Refreshed, rejuvenated and soft and silky.

Your facial skin stands out from the rest!

If you want to buy and you live in Metro Manila, just comment below or contact me (ask your dermatologist first about it).

Here's more on the product:

How Your Water Intake Should be in Your 50s

www.wisegeek.org
HEALTH. Here's what I learned lately---when you're middle aged, you should begin to watch your water intake, the same way you begin to watch what you eat.

Age slows down your body as well as your body organs, no matter how healthy you are. So sometimes, your water intake when you were young does not work anymore now that you're in your 50s.

You should drink fluids according to how your body can manage them.

If you drink a lot at a time, your body may find it difficult to manage it, especially if you're not moving around a lot anymore. Like me---since I have been writing full-time as a content writer and blogger (and not been moving around a lot as I used to), confined to my desk most of the time---and yet drink a lot of water---some form of water retention happened.

It's what they call dependent edema, one cause of which is sitting in a chair for a long time. If that happens on a daily basis, it may lead to health problems, like edema.

So, what I do now is do more aero workouts---aside from my squats and brisk walks. I should do these a lot more during the day and watch out that I don't get immobile and confine myself the rest of the day in my chair typing.

Another thing, you should drink just enough water at a time. Don't drink a loadful at any one time. Distribute it during the day.

Here's what you may want to consider to get rid of edema. Ask your nephrologist about it.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

How It Feels to be 56

LIFE

Me? 56?

Well, in a way, it's beginning to feel like it. But sometimes I can't believe how time flies by. It's like only yesterday I was 16 or 20. Now I'm 56.

It's my birthday (again) and I thank God for life, health, family and ministry. I thank Him for making everything simple and practical.

This morning I was brisk walking around the neighborhood and surveyed the place where I grew up in. A lot of my contemporaries aren't here anymore---transferred to some other places---and others have left this world.

As I was walking down Assets Street, I thought I heard my friends' voices when they were yet kids. I saw in my mind how they swiftly and expertly maneuvered down the street on their bikes.

I also saw them play basketball with bare feet.

Then I smiled---do you really get this sentimental when you're past 50? Or am I just the one like this?

I thank God that I'm in good health---though lately I don't know how this renal problem got into me. I have to get rid of it soon. Sometimes it happens---no matter how you take care of your health, something goes wrong in you.

And then those who abuse their health don't have anything wrong in them.

I'll be undergoing some tests.

But otherwise, my blood chemistry reflected normal results. I can't wait to see my medical specialist next Tuesday.

Oh yeah, another thing with being 56 and a health buff is that you can't wait to get rid of an ailment that mysteriously hit you. I don't drink or smoke and I eat whatever healthy food I can afford, and then this.

Yup, another thing about being 56 is, health mysteries begin to surface. I'm usually so impatient when it comes to this, especially when I know I'm not supposed to be having it.

Then one morning, while brisk walking and jogging, my eyes just stared at the wonderful sky with a few dashes of light blue clouds on it, and then I seemed to hear a voice in my mind---"God made that. You see that power? How can anything be out of His control?"

Yup. Last but not least, you begin to be more aware of and sensitive to God and life when you're 56.

So, why do most middle aged men see and hear things younger folks don't? Well, simply because most of us have seen and heard more in life than do younger people. Like how aged wine has stayed longer in oak barrels than new wine has.

Second, we've learned a lot from our foolishness.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

How You Waste Your Brisk Walks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slTNf0sweD8

FITNESS. It looks like more and more folks are jogging in our area each morning. And I also notice more joggers daily late in the afternoon.

That's good news. More health-conscious neighbors.

But the bad news is, you can be jogging and brisk walking daily for hours and yet waste all of it down the drain. How?

As I watched some of these joggers and brisk walkers, I noticed how they found it all a burden. One young lady, for instance, probably was pushing herself so hard trying to beat goals, her face was twisting and she groaned in pain as she passed me by.

Another guy looked like he was angry at the world  each time he brisk-walked past me.

So I started smiling at all the joggers I passed by and greeted them good morning. Some responded, but some looked at me like I was from another planet.

I appreciate Paul, my jogging "classmate" in our area. He jogs at a pace he's relaxed with and you'd see in his face that he's just enjoying his workout. Sometimes I see him run fast, probably trying to beat his usual pace so his lungs and heart would be challenged a bit, but then returns to his natural pace after and enjoys the run again.

Without the enjoyment factor, all your workout comes to naught. That's how you waste your brisk walks. What's the use if you're all stressed out and emotionally tensed?

A lot of joggers miss the beauty in their surroundings. They just jog and try to reach goals and punish themselves. I do it differently. I watch the trees and birds and the gentle sun and the blue sky on an early quiet morning. Sometimes, I stop to watch Mother Nature as I catch my breath, having just ran faster to challenge myself physically. You workout and relax and enjoy peace and quiet.

That's how your workout becomes really healthy. Brisk walking and jogging should be meditation.

Here's a running video you may get inspiration from:

How Leg Workouts Workout Your Tummy Effectively

www.denvertummy.com
FITNESS. It's been my theory actually since I was in college---working out your legs is a vital part of working out your tummy. A lot of "experts" laughed at me then and I could do nothing because I had no "expert' to back up my claim.

My muscles weren't bulky---they still aren't. Many folks think you become a fitness expert only if you look like Incredible Hulk.

But I went on doing my theory---worked out my legs. In fact, it's among my favorite body part to workout.

And then this guy comes along on Youtube. He's an expert. I mean, just look at his muscles and I'm sure you won't doubt that he's one hell of an expert.

And he says, it's vital to workout several other muscle groups around your tummy to effectively workout your tummy---like the leg muscle group. What he calls compound workouts.

And I'm telling you, leg workouts like squats are among the best exercises. I prefer it to running, although you should also jog and brisk walk regularly.

Squats work out your back muscles, tummy, thighs, forelegs as well as heart and lungs. What more should you ask for?

That's why my major workout these days is really a combi of squats, push-ups, pull-ups and jogs. Plus my martial arts shadow boxing. That's it.

Notice something there? I don't use any workout equipment, save my horizontal bar and martial arts sticks.

Here's the expert guy on Youtube:

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Life's Reality on a Healthy Fit Life: Why the Health Conscious Still Get Sick

inspirefellowship.org

LIFE. I've been a health and fitness buff for decades, in fact since I was in grade school. I have researched lots of things about it and observed life's reality about a healthy fit life.

You need to keep working out, eating right and living a healthy lifestyle.

But here's reality---these things aren't guarantees that you won't get sick.

You get a better chance to live healthy and ailment-free with a healthy fit life, but you shouldn't rely on it alone. You must cling to a higher health Source. A lot of wrong things can suddenly happen despite your efforts---things no one can explain (not even medical experts)---so we need all the help we can get from Someone who is over and above us all and controls all things.

Sometimes it's a wonder why some folks who are conscious of what they eat suddenly turn out positive for gall bladder stone or high in their cholesterol levels, and things like that.

Some non-smokers and non-alcoholic drinkers I know sometimes look sicker than those who wallow in their bad vices.

How do you explain, for instance, the fact that non-smokers who inhale secondhand cigarette smoke are apt to suffer more than smokers themselves?

At times it pisses me off how I easily get the cold and cough while smokers never seem to have any problems with them. I just thank God that these days I don't catch them even if people around me sneeze and cough at me. It's all by God's grace, not my healthy fit life efforts.

Although we need to continue with a healthy fit life, no doubt. I guess this, too, falls under faith with works.

Get healthy and fit. Benefit from wellness secrets. But understand that only God brings everything to fulfillment.

Here's a sample on God's Health Plan for us:

Why Your Face Needs Facial Refreshment

WELLNESS. Do you treat your face to some refreshments now and then?

We understand it well when our bodies need refreshment. And the refreshment it mostly needs is rehydration. So we drink cool tall drinks of freshly squeezed fruits.

But few of us understand facial refreshment. We forget that the face is very much a part of us as the body is, and what the body needs it also needs.

The body needs nourishment and exercise. So does the face. The body needs to be refreshed. So does the face.

Facial refreshment is essential especially when you're out in the streets exposed to the sun, dust, smoke and the elements. Without proper facial skin care like facial refreshments, your face often suffers skin cell death.

So you need to treat your skin with the refreshments it needs to relieve it of stress and contamination or infection,

But you can't be washing your face now and then.

That's why 02 Bubble cleanser is the best handy solution. You just keep a small spray bottle of it in your bag and you can get facial refreshments anywhere you are, anytime you want it. It effectively hydrates and rejuvenates your skin through its special oxygen therapy and essentials that relieve skin of dead cells, sebum (skin oiliness) and other excess debris and impurities.

If you want to buy, and you live in Metro Manila, just comment below or contact me.

For more, watch this video:

Why Two Meals of Green Leafy a Day are a Must

foodandstyle.com
It's not just for dietary fibers (so you'd get healthier digestive system) and it's not just for getting the nutritious benefits of fresh green leafy vegetables (so you'd get Phytochemicals and antioxidants to fight off deadly diseases like cancer).

Here are two reasons why two meals of green leafy a day is a must:

1. Brain health. Rush University researchers in Chicago did a study on 950 senior citizens and found that green leafy eaters had less chances of getting dementia. According to the leader of the research team, Martha Clare Morris: "...increasing consumption of green leafy vegetables could offer a very simple, affordable and non-invasive way of potentially protecting your brain from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

2. Delay Dying. It's not just about delaying the effects of age but delaying dying. According to Mercola.Com eating green leafy vegetables "lowers your risk of dying prematurely by a whopping 42 percent! Moreover, it says that eating just 5 to 7 servings of veggies and fruits a day lowers risks of dying from any health-related causes by 36 percent.

Now, what could be more important healthwise in this life than to have healthy brain and long healthy life?

Of course, eating green leafy vegetables has lots of other health benefits because they are rich in micro-nutrition.

But why just 2 meals a day?

Well, you may eat 3 to 4 times of green leafy vegetables a day. Why not? I recommend a minimum of 2 because many people are not used to eating that much vegetables. They can start with 2 meals a day.

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Back to Semi Vegan

survivalthrive.com
After being fully vegan for 5 months---and I enjoyed every day of it---I'm back to being semi vegan. I add some fish and a little bit of meat now and then to my meals.

Because since I've been going out of the house and eating in restaurants and fastfoods, I often have no choice but to eat meat. Most menus out there are meat.

I enjoy Chowking's Chopped Suey and Mann Hann's Mixed Vegetables. But I only get to eat them when their outlets are around. I also try Bhodi's now and then but their outlets are also not that many.

What I often come across is Jollibee and similar fastfood outlets. And moreover, I can't keep my companions waiting while I look for an eatery that serves good vegetable dishes.

So, I eat full vegetarian dishes only when I'm at home---and when they're available. Because most times, even at home, it's cheaper and practical to just order from the carinderia at the nearest street corner than cook your own food each meal.

But what I note to be so helpful is making sure you eat lots of green leafy once or twice a day, especially during supper. It takes care of your digestive health as well as makes you feel lighter than eating meals heavy with meat.

And I try to make up with my fruit consumption.

Anyway, Jesus ate Mediterranean dishes which are semi vegan.

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