Sheila Smith

6 tips for long, strong and healthy nails

May 13, 2015 by Sheila Smith

With a little time and maintenance even the weakest and most brittle nails can become longer, stronger and healthier. Here’s how to do it:
Take more protein

Let your food be as rich with protein as possible. You can eat eggs, meat, beans, peas … You may also take supplements and protein shakes.

B complex

B complex is essential when it comes to the health of your hair, skin and nails. It is incredibly effective for strengthening the nails. Therefore, take as much as possible through food (egg yolk, liver, green leafy vegetables, peanuts …) or as a supplement. Vitamin B may not accelerate the growth of the nail, but will contribute to their strength and elasticity, and thus prevent them from cracking.

Wear gloves

When you wash the dishes and especially when you clean the bathroom or floors it is necessary to wear rubber gloves. Chemicals from detergents are detrimental to the health of your skin and nails. This will not accelerate nail growth, but you will certainly give them a chance to grow.

Give them a proper care

If you want to grow healthy nails you need to maintain them the right way. You should regularly trim and shape them in order to maintain a nice shape and remove any jagged edges that are a potential threat.

Use acetone free products

Never use nail polish removers that contain acetone because it dries the nails and makes them brittle. Use oil based removers that will nourish the nails and cuticles.

Stop biting your nails

We think it is not necessary to emphasize how much this bad habit makes your nails brittle and certainly not very long! Therefore, if you have a habit to bite your nails take a chewing gum or do something creative with the hands, in order to take your mind off biting.

Learn how drop extra pounds from specific parts of your body

May 13, 2015 by Sheila Smith

In order to reduce the stomach, you started with a rigorous diet and the pounds have melted everywhere – except on the stomach. Sounds familiar?
The new nutritional theories say that it is possible to lose weight from certain parts of the body.
The studies are based on the fact that hormones trigger obesity, especially excess pounds on certain parts of the body.
If you control your hormones you will control your weight. You just have to adjust your diet and exercise.
Hmm, sounds too good to be true? We have no choice but to try and see, right? 🙂

The guiding principle

Physical processes coordinate hormones, and they indicate where the fat will be located. Problems arise because many of us live in a state of hormonal imbalance caused by low-quality diet, stress, pollution and physical inactivity.

Each group of fat came from the operation of specific hormones. If we balance our hormones by special diet, exercise and general changes in lifestyle, the stubborn fat deposits will disappear.
Nutritionists recommend a Mediterranean diet (fruit, vegetables, fish, small amounts of meat, healthy oils and omission of sugar and fast food), daily intake of multivitamin supplements, minerals or fish oil and a program of regular exercise.
It is a principle theory, but for each group of body fat there is a different way to do it in order to correct the hormonal imbalance that causes it.
Waist fat
The fat over the hips and buttocks may be a sign that you have a problem with insulin, which regulates blood sugar. If it is not balanced, it leads to the deposition of fat in the waist area. If you take too much sugar, which it forces your body to produce insulin (to remove sugar from the bloodstream). But after a while, when sugar consumption is not reduced, the cells will cease to react properly, excess glucose in the bloodstream will start to deposit unwanted fat deposits on the waist.

Action Plan: To reduce the production of insulin and thereby melting the fat around the waist, you need to put the intake of sugar and carbohydrates under control. Keep up the Mediterranean diet, avoid sugar and foods that burn quickly (alcohol, white bread, cookies, chips, rice, cereals with added sugar for breakfast, sweetened drinks). Eat foods rich in antioxidants (this helps prevent the bad effect of free radicals) such as cinnamon, chili, cranberries, blueberries, broccoli and green tea. With the addition of a multivitamin and fish oil, be sure to take chromium (excellent for control of blood sugar), magnesium and zinc.

Excess fat under the armpits
If you have a greater fatty tissue under the armpits it can be a sign of slower thyroid gland. This gland controls the consumption of calories from food. If the gland does not function properly it can lead to weight gain, fatigue and depression.

Action Plan: Some raw foods can aggravate the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. So if you notice these symptoms, reduce your intake of broccoli, cabbage, kale, beets, peaches, strawberries and soy products. The thermal processing of these foods removes the unwanted effects. Take supplements such as iodine and selenium, which promote healthy functioning of the thyroid gland. Therefore eat Brazilian nuts, kelp, liver, onions, salmon, tuna and whole grains. And be sure to avoid stress. The stress hormone cortisol slows the thyroid gland.
Excess fat on your hips and buttocks
The female hormone estrogen promotes deposition of fat around the hips and buttocks. Many of us have been exposed to high levels of natural ( found in the water and grown meat) and synthetic estrogen.

Action Plan: Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They contain special ingredients that help bind the excess estrogen. Avoid alcohol, sedatives, drinks with preservatives and artificial colors, because they hinder the efforts to cleanse the liver from the excess estrogen. Eat natural yogurt that brings beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, which help eliminate the estrogen through the digestive tract. And reduce coffee. New research shows that more than two cups of coffee a day can boost the production of estrogen in women.

Ultra effective weight loss plan – lose 8 to 15 pounds in one week!

May 12, 2015 by Sheila Smith

American nutritionist Mark Hyman created a ultralight weight loss plan, which will help you eliminate toxins from your body, relieve pain and inflammation, and in seven days you lose 8-15 pounds without major sacrifices!
You have five meals during the day – three major and two snacks. In the morning and in the evening you have to drink an “ultrasmoothie”, eat an “ultrasoup” for lunch, and in the evening you have to take a hot “ultrabath”.
See the rules of this plan and you’ll easily get rid of the excess weight!

Ultrasmoothie

Ingredients:

Half a cup forest fruit
1 banana
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
2 teaspoons of flaxseed

Mix all ingredients in a blender and your shake is ready!

Ultrasoup – vegetable soup

You can easily make an ultrasoup by simply boiling a minimum of 7 types of vegetables including green vegetables (cabbage, spinach, chard…) . Spice it and eat it during the day.

Ultrabath

Before you go to sleep enjoy your ultrabath. Add a mixture of Epsom salt, baking soda and lavender essential oil. This will help you fall asleep easier and eliminate toxins from your body.

Example daily menu
Breakfast: Lemonade without sugar and ultrasmoothie. Snack: a cup of ultrasoup.
Lunch: Two cups of steamed vegetables, chicken fillet, half a cup of brown rice, ultrasmoothie. Snack: ultrasoup.
Dinner: Fish baked in olive oil with lemon juice, two cups of steamed vegetables and ultrasmoothie.
NOTE: Do not use this diet plan longer than one week! One week is enough to clear your body from toxins.

Fantastic green detox drink for a flat belly

May 11, 2015 by Sheila Smith

If you recently gained weight don’t worry! With a correct nutrition and physical activity you can quickly return to your slim figure, there are are also many healthy drinks that will help you in this effort.
This miracle drink with ginger, spinach and avocado will speed up the metabolic processes and it will be particularly effective for elimination of fat deposits on the stomach.
Drink it every morning and you’ll easily return to your slim figure and healthy body.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of ground ginger
1 clove of garlic
1 table spoon of apple cider
1 teaspoon of honey
a handful of mint and parsley
half avocado
half a cup of water
spinach

Preparation:

Wash the greens, peel the avocado and cut it into cubes. Put all ingredients in a blender except for the honey and ginger, mix them and add then add the honey and ginger and stir some more.
Drink this healthy, natural drink in the morning before breakfast.

Japanese method for a slimmer waist

May 10, 2015 by Sheila Smith

Imagine slimming your waistline just by laying down. You think it’s impossible?

According to the Japanese doctor Fukutsuchi – specialists for pelvic problems and author popular books – it’s possible!
The doctor discovered that the main cause of large deposits in the waist is the divergence of the pelvic bones and bones under the rib cage. After a series of experiments and trials, he confirmed his hypothesis and devised exercises to lose weight fast – if we can call laying down an exercise! 🙂
The essence of the method is to do it three times a day for several minutes – just laying on a towel folded into a roll.
The result – slimmer waist!

This is what you should do:
1. Fold a towel into a roll;
2. Lay on a firm surface – never on a bed, preferably on the floor and place the towel under your back. The position of the towel should be right under your navel. The folded towel should be slightly longer than the width of the back;

3. Relax. Put your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your feet so that they only the thumbs touch;

4. Fully extend your arms above your head. Turn your palms down and make your little fingers touch;

It is a pretty uncomfortable pose. If you find it difficult to extend your hands, do not force it, extend them as far as you can. It is important to make sure your little fingers and toes touch.

Lie in this position for 5 minutes. Do this exercise 3 times a day, but the first time should not be longer than 5 minutes.

It is not difficult, but at the beginning you may have an unpleasant, even painful feeling, because the skeleton will start to return to his natural position. If you find it too difficult to get through 5 minutes, start with a minute or two and increase it every day, until you get to 5 minutes. And do not miss a day to do this in order to get a stable result! In essence this is stretching. If you move the towel under the breasts – you will have the effect of raising the chest. If you put it below the ribs – the waist will become more pronounced.
Just be careful, because in this position the bones and joints are moving.
After the session, get up slowly and carefully. First on the side, then sit down and then stand up. Avoid sudden movements.
If you have any problems with the spine, back, consult your doctor before performing the exercises.
Even if you do not believe in this method, you won’t lose anything if you try it. We recommend that you measure your waistline before and after this exercise and you will be pleasantly surprised!
Over time, this position corrects the posture and gives a nice, healthy feeling throughout the body.

3 vitamin bombs for a beautiful and radiant complexion – home treatments

May 10, 2015 by Sheila Smith

When it comes to youth and beauty the clock can’t be stopped, but it is certainly possible to slow it down!
A proper care for your skin is necessary in order to maintain its elasticity, radiance and glow.
Don’t worry, it does not mean you need to buy expensive creams and skincare products.
It is enough to visit your nearest market and you will find all the ingredients at affordable prices, and the effect will be the same and even better!
If you don’t trust me, try and see the stunning effects that are provided by the homemade masks and treatments.
We have singled out the best vitamin bombs for your skin. Choose the right for you!

1. Peel off mask – Vitamin C – You probably know that vitamin C has amazing effects for your immune system. In addition, it is also an excellent face cleanser and perfect ingredient for an effective peel-off mask.
Mix a bag of vitamin C powder (or 2 tablets) with almond milk until you get a thick paste. Rub the paste on your face and leave on. When you feel a tingling sensation, rinse your face with lukewarm water and apply a rose water tonic. If you have wounds on your face do not use this mask because it is very aggressive on open sores.

2. Anti-aging treatment – Vitamin E – If you notice lines and wrinkles around the eyes and lips – do not panic! The appearance of wrinkles is a natural aging process of the skin and no one ever escaped from it. You need to accept it as the most normal thing, but you can also do something in order to slow the creation of new and deepening of old wrinkles. Vitamin E is a great anti-aging ingredient.
Before going to sleep simply squeeze the contents of a vitamin E capsule and apply it directly to the problematic areas of the face and gently pat.

3. Nourishing Mask – Omega 3 fatty acids – Omega 3 fatty acids have phenomenal properties for your health. These are healthy fats that are essential for normal functioning. In addition, these fats are fabulous for skin care – they reduce inflammation, decrease the visibility of wrinkles and clean the clogged pores.

Mix ground chia seeds with organic yogurt and a few drops of flax oil. Apply the mixture as a face mask, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. If you apply mask applied before bedtime, you will feel its effects during the next day!

What is the best natural oil for your hair type

May 9, 2015 by Sheila Smith

We’re sure you already know that the natural organic oil are a real boon for hair care – they provide care, hydration, shine, softness and silky texture, eliminate dandruff, split ends…
However, much like commercial hair products, different oils have different effects on our hair. So dry hair will not match the same oil as the oily hair, dyed hair requires one type of oil, while curly hair needs other oil.
Check out our little guide and find out what natural oil is best for your hair type.

Coconut oil – This oil is the most effective and most often recommended as a natural treatment for hair care. Apart from the fact that it calms the scalp and relieves the harmful effects of smog and UV rays. Coconut oil can regenerate hair, recovering from permanent chemical treatments. If you enjoy head massages, gently warmed coconut oil is ideal for this. So if you have very damaged and dehydrated hair the best choice for you is organic refined coconut oil.

Castor Oil – Castor oil is the best solution for dry scalp, because it acts as a very strong moisturizer and enhances hair growth. If intensive hair fall is your main problem, this oil will take care of its regrowth and strengthening. Massage it into the scalp and leave it overnight. In the morning, wash it with shampoo. Once a week, perform this treatment and you will notice and improvement of the hair within a few months.
Jojoba Oil – This oil is suitable for all types of hair, and it is known as a treatment for dry and damaged hair.

Peppermint Oil – Good circulation and blood flow through scalp is essential for healthy and thick hair. Peppermint Oil will take care of this problem and will provide enough oxygen. The result will be strong and thick hair.
Citrus oil – If you have oily hair, then the citrus oil is perfect for you. It is great for elimination of dandruff, lice and inflammation of the scalp. Apply it once a week and leave it on the scalp for an hour, then wash with a mild shampoo.
Almond oil – Almond oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are known for strengthening and revitalizing the hair. Massage your scalp and head with almond oil twice a week to increase hair growth.
Tea tree oil – This oil is suitable for people with greasy hair as it controls the sebum production, fat on the scalp, but also moisturizes the hair. Tea tree is a good solution for dandruff, a few drops can be combined with olive oil to make your hair radiant and nourished.
Olive oil – Olive oil is a best solution for dry hair, especially during the summer. When you need extra care, even after bathing in chlorinated pools, apply olive oil to the hair and scalp, then wrap a warm towel and wash your hair with a mild shampoo after an hour.

5 Foods You Think Are Healthy, But Aren’t

May 9, 2015 by Sheila Smith

Lately, people have begun to pay attention the food that they consume.
The problem is that manufacturers followed this trend and in order to earn more, began to advertise all kinds of foods as “healthy” even though they are not.
Check out these 5 foods you thought were healthy and next time think carefully, before you buy them.

1. Salads – salads are often associated with the opinion that they are healthy, but is it always so? Salads are healthy, but when you add a variety dressings of or mayonnaise they cease to be good for your body, because you consume too many unnecessary calories.

2. Granola bars – If you make them by yourself then you are on the right track. But if you buy them at the store you didn’t make a good choice. Most granola bars that you can find in the shops and supermarkets are full of sugar or sweeteners.

3. Muesli – This breakfast is also presented as a healthy one. But if you buy muesli in a grocery store or supermarket chances are that it will be full of sugar and unnecessary calories. It is best to buy your own cereal, soak them overnight in water and add almonds, walnuts, honey or something according to your taste.

4. Popcorn – Popcorn are healthy and contain few calories but that does not apply to those prepared in the microwave. Make them at home in a healthy way.

5. Brown bread – This is the biggest problem. In fact most types of bread, which are sold as brown do not contain brown flour from whole grains, it is actually white bread with added color. The real brown bread is not soft, but hard. If you just want a healthy bread, make it yourself from germinated wheat grains.

Don’t let manufacturers trick you!

Find out what is the best sleeping position!

May 8, 2015 by Sheila Smith

Everybody have certain habits when it comes to sleeping. While some of us can not imagine spending all night lying on their backs, others love to spread all over the bed.
Sleeping is definitely a very important part of our day, because during sleep the body relaxes, it charges, and renews the energy.
Although maybe you prefer to sleep on your stomach, you should consider how good it is for you.
Check out our sleeping position guide and find out which is best for your health.

1. Sleeping on your back – Sleeping on your back is the best and healthiest position. This position reduces the risk of back pain and neck pain because the spine is in proper position, and the muscles are relaxed during the night. Raised head prevents the development of heartburn, because the acid from the stomach cannot return to the pharynx. There is no face pressure which causes wrinkles nor a pressure on the breasts which spoils their shape and firmness.

The only drawback of this sleeping position is the snoring.
The perfect pillow should be fluffy and big that will keep your head and neck slightly elevated so that the muscles are relaxed.

2. Sleeping on your side – Sleeping on your side is the second preferred position. It’s good for the whole body, prevents snoring and keeps the spine in the correct position. And just like sleeping on the back it prevents heartburn. However, if you are someone who takes care of wrinkles and facial beauty, sleeping on your side is not recommended. The face is constantly on the pillow and it has a lot of pressure on the skin – thus contributing to the faster formation of wrinkles. You can reduce the effects if you sleep on a silk surface, but the pressure will still be there. Also, this position is not good for the breasts because you stretch your ligaments and they lose the elasticity and firmness.
If you are pregnant, Sleep on the left side, because this is the ideal position for good circulation.
The ideal pillow is a fuller or anatomical which will fill the recess between the head and shoulders and so will keep the spine in proper position.

3. Fetus position – This position is not ideal, but it has some advantages. It is a good anti-snoring position as well as ideal sleeping position during pregnancy. However, when you curl up in a position where your head and knees nearly touch you bend your spine, creating pressure on the muscles which reduces the ability to breathe, because of pressure on the lungs. This can lead to reduced amounts of oxygen in the body, resulting in a number of negative consequences. Also, your face is pressed to the pillow which accelerates the formation of wrinkles. Try to strengthen the spine, or try not to be in full fetal position.
The ideal pillow is the same as with sleeping on the side – one that will support the head and neck.

4. Sleeping on your stomach – This is by far the worst sleeping position. Even though the position significantly reduces snoring, because the airways are open, this position causes back and neck pain. Imagine the neck facing the side all night long . Huge pressure is created on the vertebrae, so you may wake up stiff, and in addition there is risk of wrinkles due to the the pressure, however, if you don’t have a problem with your back and neck, and you snore – this is the best position for you.
As for the ideal pillow it should be as thin as possible or do not use a pillow at all.

(Photo Credits: www.health.com)

Healthy shrimp pasta recipe!

May 7, 2015 by Sheila Smith

This is a phenomenal recipe for shrimp pasta without using actual pasta! 🙂 Healthy food has never been tastier! From now on, you do not need to sacrifice your favorite meals, you just need a to modify them for the sake of your slender line. It is important to have a little will and imagination, and your recipes will be perfectly modified for healthy eating. This fantastic pasta is made in less than half an hour and it is perfect for those moments when you want a quick, tasty and healthy meal! Check it out!

Ingredients:

a package of fresh or frozen shrimps
2 large zucchinis
olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup of white wine
lemon juice
chopped parsley

Preparation:

Slice the zucchinis into thin strips. Leave them on a paper towel in order to drain off all the water.

Put the chopped garlic in a skillet with olive oil and fry it on a medium heat.Then add the zucchini.

Add the shrimps, white wine and lemon juice and mix all ingredients together.

Enjoy your meal! Another great thing about this recipe is that it will not take you a lot of time to make it. It is a great idea for a quick and healthy meal that you can take to work!

(Photo credits: justataste.com)

7 reasons why you should start playing sports

May 7, 2015 by Sheila Smith

The health benefits from doing sports should by no means be ignored.

There are activities for absolutely every body type and personality – whether you cardio exercises, team sports or individual activities – you will easily find a sport that will suit you!
And we are here to persuade you to start doing sports! 🙂
We have 7 reasons why you should start playing sports immediately!

1. Weight control

This may be the most important argument for the ladies! 🙂 Sport is absolutely the quickest and most effective way to have the perfect body. Proper nutrition will lead you halfway, because without physical activity there will be no real results.
When you exercise, the body uses the energy stored in the form of fatty deposits (excess weight) and uses the calories that you consume through food.
But do not worry, it is not necessary to sweat in the fitness center or gym for hours. It is enough just to do a shout run and instead of using the elevator use the stairs.

2. Health control

No matter how fit you are, the practice of sport is essential for your health! Physical activity strengthens high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol and reduces the unhealthy triglycerides. It ensures a good blood flow, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help prevent or control a wide variety of health problems, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain cancers, arthritis….

3. Improving mood

Need emotional energy? Or need to eliminate the stress after a hard day? Practicing in the gym or a short 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates the secretion of serotonin – the hormone of happiness, which is directly responsible for happy feelings. You will automatically feel better when it comes to your appearance and it will increase your self-confidence.

4. Charging your batteries

The more energy you’ll spend, the more you’ll have it! Regular physical activity will improve your muscle strength and will boost your endurance. Physical activity contributes to a better nutrients and oxygen flow to the tissues and your cardiovascular system will work more efficiently. When your heart and lungs work efficiently, you have more energy to deal with everyday things.

5. Sports will improve your sleep

Regular physical activity will improve the quality of sleep! The faster you fall asleep the better you’ll feel in the morning, without waking up all the time and having restless dreams. But do exercise right before sleeping because your body will be too excited to fall asleep.

6. Improvement of sexual life

Every day you’re exhausted from work and you can’t do absolutely anything, let alone be intimate with your partner. This is how you enter the vicious circle of frustration and tiredness. Physical activity can help you here too. As we said it energizes you, and you will look and feel better, which will certainly have an influence on your intimate relationship! Sports can increase sexual desire in women.

7. Exercise can be fun!

Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend your free time. It gives you the opportunity to relax, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun way. So, go dancing, go on hiking or join the volleyball team. Find a physical activity that you’ll enjoy. If you get bored, try something new.

Contrast showers against cellulite

May 6, 2015 by Sheila Smith

It is true this treatment is a little unpleasant, but it is very effective, and we have to work hard for beauty.

The weather gets better and better, not to mention that summer is coming so we need to get ready for swimwear. Everybody wants to look good and eliminate the excessive weight and cellulite that accumulated due to unhealthy diet.
The treatment is called contrast shower.
Check out how the treatment affects the reduction of cellulite and why it is so effective.

Contrast shower is the process of switching/changing the temperature from hot to cold water and back again.

The hot water on your body affects the expansion of blood vessels and lymph, while cold water narrows them. They both have positive effects on our health, which is why the combination of hot and cold water in the shower is an excellent treatment against cellulite, because it improves circulation and it is an efficient detoxification treatment.
How does contrast showers work?

Contrast showers boosts lymph drainage and restore blood to the heart. This affects the efficient elimination of toxins and harmful substances from the cells that are routed through the bloodstream to the liver and kidneys.
Cellulite is the result of six factors – weakened circulation and lymphatic drainage, chronic inflammation, accumulation of toxins in our body, relaxation of the skin, accumulation of fat and weak tissue regeneration. Contrast showering directly influences the first three factors – improves circulation, the tissues receive more oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously releasing the toxins and waste. Thus, it relieves chronic inflammation, so this treatment works on the other three factors.

The cold water on your body stimulates the release of noradrenaline and norepinephrine – hormones that are crucial in the regulation of adipose tissue. However, showering with cold water only will not have the desired effect. You will develop tolerance to the cold water and the effect will not be as effective as the contrast showers.
The hot water expands the arteries and veins, which increases the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the cells. On the other hand, showering with only hot water can cause side effects such as water retention in the body and chronic inflammation.

So, the best solution is to combine hot and cold water in the shower. You don’t have to make any sudden changes in the temperature. Let’s say – start showering with warm hot, then gradually reduce to cold. Then gradually return to hot water and repeat this process until the end of the shower. It is recommended that you finish showering with cold water in order to make the effects last longer.

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