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Energy Healing 101: Pranic, Tantric, and Reiki

You have probably come across exotic-sounding terms such as “chakra”, “prana”, “aura”, and “tantra” in your course of reading books on spirituality, sex, and healing in the New Age literature section of the bookstore. But what’s the real scoop behind these exotic vocabularies?

Are All Energy Healings the Same?

Chakra or energy center is a term used in Pranic healing, an ancient Hindu system of energy healing. “Prana” means life energy. “Aura” is another terminology traced to Pranic healing. Aura is a non-physical body that consists of energy, which exists along with our physical body. The aura that covers our body is said to have seven layers pertaining to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual as manifested by energy. Studying the color and thickness of auras give ideas on the state of health of individuals. Six colors are associated with aura and interpreted into six personalities. These colors are all present in an individual but one or two are more pronounced.
Green – ambitious achiever
Blue – spiritual peacemaker
White – unconventional chameleon
Red – activist
Orange – creative communicator
Violet - psychic

Although Tantra is popularly associated with the peculiar practice of sex and spirituality, it is another method of energy healing. It comes from the word “tan” which means to spread or expand. The concept of connectedness is a recurring theme in Tantric writings on sex and spirituality. As a method of healing, spirituality and sex figure prominently. It is presupposed that the union of man and woman can reach spiritual levels during orgasm, which removes the body and mind off collected impurities. These impurities being negative energies can in turn manifest as physical illnesses.

Unlike Pranic and Tantric healings, which have Hindu origins, Reiki originated from Japan. It is relatively younger than Pranic and Tantric healings having been rediscovered in the early 1900’s. Reiki stands for universal energy, an energy brought forth by higher intelligence. Students of Reiki are taught how to tap this energy to heal physical, emotional, and mental illnesses.

Although Pranic, Tantra, and Reiki are all systems of energy healing, they differ in the type of energy tapped for healing: life energy, sexual energy, and universal energy respectively.

The concepts of the connectedness of mind, body, and spirit; the connection of individuals to all living and nonliving things around them and to the universe; and how energy impacts physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are some of the salient similarities of these three healing methods.

Why Do People Turn to Energy Healing?

Pranic, Tantric, and Reiki are considered alternative methods of healing. In spite of the availability and relative accessibility of modern medicine, how come more and more people are being drawned to them? Here are some possible reasons:

· Energy healing worked where modern medicine failed.

For several reasons both explainable and unexplainable, modern medical treatment failed to heal ailments and conditions in several if not many persons. Research or data may not be able to support this statement. But for the families of the dying as well as for the dying patient, they would take the risk of using alternative methods ranging from herbals and organics, faith healers, witch doctors, and New Age healing techniques just to be get well.

· People perceive modern medicine to be isolating.

Medical treatments are oftentimes focused on the disease and its causative agent, which can make a patient feel isolated and treated like a mere host of the disease. Although recent developments in hospital practice are gradually promoting the holistic treatment of a patient, the perception still persists. Unlike in energy healing, since energy and spirituality are intimately linked, the patient feels that all aspects of his health are being attended to.

· Energy healing is non-obtrusive and natural thus it is safer.

Repeated surgical procedures are physically and emotionally traumatic for most patients. It is but a logical and attractive option to both patient and families to look for less stressful health interventions. Moreover, with the rising popularity of New Age religions, going natural is the way to go.

· Energy healing is a good way of relieving stress.

Meditation is part and parcel of energy healing methods and this is an added come-on for highly stressed people. Moreover, sophisticated equipment is not required thus it becomes all the more convenient for students and future students of energy healing.

The battle between alternative healing and mainstream medicine continues as both present the benefits of their approach. But in the final analysis, what matters is the restoration of good health.

BIOGRAPHY - DEAN MARTENS, C.H.

Nearly 15 years ago, Dean Martens was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, spinal bone spurs, arrhythmia, systemic candida, ulcers, and colitis. His doctors said that the first two dis-eases were scientifically incurable and that traditional medicine offered no optimistic outlook. Dean decided to study "Health" instead of how to alleviate the symptoms of his dis-eases. His research and studies focused on the nature of health and the communication that the body gives during dis-ease. His studies incorporated the teachings of Hippocrates, Kellogg, Graham, Tilden, Shelton, Jensen, Lad, Brennan, Moore, and Wigmore. By changing his lifestyle (which created the dis-eases) and cleansing through natural means, he was able to rid himself of all dis-eases and their manifestations. The outcome of this applied research was that he completely regained abundant health. This newfound truth becam his passion of sharing with others how, they too, can Take Responsibility for their Health.

Dean found through experience that, "regaining lost health is simple, it's the discipline that's tough." In his quest for further knowledge, Dean travelled throughout the western hemisphere. His travels through Central, South and North America, and the Bahamas guided him in the direction of herbal medicines. His journey led to Michael Moore at the SW School of Botanical Medicine where he received his certification as a Clinical Herbalist. Dean discovered that with the assistance of herbal supplements, he could cut healing time by more than half. The herbal supplements however, must have all of their micro-nutrients and constituents available to maintain their balance. This is similar to when the plant was thriving in the Earth. The only missing piece to the puzzle was how to restore the energy the plant lost when pulled out of Mother Earth. Reading Hands of Light led Dean to study with the author, Barbara Brennan, at her Long Island Institute. (Ms. Brennan had previously been a physicist with NASA in the area of Bio-energetics.) Utilizing such energetic techniques as QI Gong, vortex pouring and "live" energized water, Dean found the ability to re- establish the energies that were lost. Now, he realized, one can have the true synergy available from botanical plants.

Most scientists and some herbalists believe that if we have more of a plant's individual active constituent, we have a better "medicine." Dean Martens knows this is not true. It does however, produce a more concentrated effect. This is similar to a pharmaceutical. The residue then adds to the body's toxic load. For an herbal supplement to be of utmost assistance, it must be in balance, i.e., that it must have the synergy of it's original vital force as well as its original chemistry which it had within Mother Earth. This is vital in order for it not to act as an imbalanced pharmaceutical. It is now well known within physics that nature's synergy produces balance.

In 1992, Dean Martens founded Herbs of Light, Inc. as a vehicle to assist people in regaining their health. He lectures throughout the country on "Taking Responsibility", which examines the lifestyles that bring back and maintain health and the role of herbs within that process.

Dean believes that true medicine "does not hurt the patient". It assists in truly bringing health back and pre-dates recorded history. Hippocrates knew this well. Please read the first statement of the Hippocratic Oath!

Education:

In Process	Homeopathic Physician Certification International College of Homeopathy	Tampa, FL
1992-1993	Bio-Energetic Studies Barbara Brennan's School of Healing	Long Island, NY
1992	Certified Clinical Herbalist SW School of Botanical Medicine	Albuquerque, NM
1992	Ayurvedic Studies Dr. Vasant Lad (at the Ayurvedic Institute)	Albuquerque, NM
1986	Colon & Bowel Management Studies Dr. Bernard Jensen	Escondido, CA
1980	Holistic Health Studies Ann Wigmore at the Hippocrates Health Institute	Boston, MA
1975	Iridology Studies Dr. Jane Donnegan	Miami, FL

Professional Affiliations:

• American Herbalist Guild
• American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)
• American Natural Hygiene Society (ANHS)
• Chiropractic Academy of Homeopathy (CAH)
• National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA)

Highlights:

• Founder and President of Herbs of Light, Inc.
• Healed himself of scientifically incurable diseases
  (Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spinal Bone Spurs along with Candidiasis,
  Colitis and Ulcers)
• Featured on ABC Action News Prime Time
  "Herbal Medicine in America"
• Respected columnist, lecturer and invited guest on syndicated Radio and T.V.
• Presented first health lecture to U.S. Marine Corps
  (Camp LeJune, NC in 1993)
• Past V.P., American Natural Hygiene Societh of South Florida
  (described in Fit For Life Book)
• Producer and supplier of the Heritage Store's (Edgar Cayce Products)
  herbal extract line

It's time to start a Healthy life

How many times have you gone to sleep at night, swearing you'll go to the gym in the morning, and then changing your mind just eight hours later because when you get up, you don't feel like exercising?

While this can happen to the best of us, it doesn't mean you should drop the ball altogether when it comes to staying fit. What people need to realize is that staying active and eating right are critical for long-term health and wellness -- and that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The more you know about how your body responds to your lifestyle choices, the better you can customize a nutrition and exercise plan that is right for you. When you eat well, increase your level of physical activity, and exercise at the proper intensity, you are informing your body that you want to burn a substantial amount of fuel. This translates to burning fat more efficiently for energy.
In other words, proper eating habits plus exercise equals fast metabolism, which, in turn gives you more energy throughout the day and allows you to do more physical work with less effort.

The true purpose of exercise is to send a repetitive message to the body asking for improvement in metabolism, strength, aerobic capacity and overall fitness and health. Each time you exercise, your body responds by upgrading its capabilities to burn fat throughout the day and night, Exercise doesn't have to be intense to work for you, but it does need to be consistent.

I recommend engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise four times per week for 20 to 30 minutes per session, and resistance training four times per week for 20 to 25 minutes per session. This balanced approach provides a one-two punch, incorporating aerobic exercise to burn fat and deliver more oxygen, and resistance training to increase lean body mass and burn more calories around the block.

Here's a sample exercise program that may work for you:

* Warm Up -- seven to eight minutes of light aerobic activity intended to increase blood flow and lubricate and warm-up your tendons and joints.

* Resistance Training -- Train all major muscle groups. One to two sets of each exercise. Rest 45 seconds between sets.

* Aerobic Exercise -- Pick two favorite activities, they could be jogging, rowing, biking or cross-country skiing, whatever fits your lifestyle. Perform 12 to 15 minutes of the first activity and continue with 10 minutes of the second activity. Cool down during the last five minutes.

* Stretching -- Wrap up your exercise session by stretching, breathing deeply, relaxing and meditating.

When starting an exercise program, it is important to have realistic expectations. Depending on your initial fitness level, you should expect the following changes early on.

* From one to eight weeks -- Feel better and have more energy.

* From two to six months -- Lose size and inches while becoming leaner. Clothes begin to fit more loosely. You are gaining muscle and losing fat.

* After six months -- Start losing weight quite rapidly.

Once you make the commitment to exercise several times a week, don't stop there. You should also change your diet and/or eating habits,' says Zwiefel. Counting calories or calculating grams and percentages for certain nutrients is impractical. Instead, I suggest these easy-to-follow guidelines:

* Eat several small meals (optimally four) and a couple of small snacks throughout the day
* Make sure every meal is balanced -- incorporate palm-sized proteins like lean meats, fish, egg whites and dairy products, fist-sized portions of complex carbohydrates like whole-wheat bread and pasta, wild rice, multigrain cereal and potatoes, and fist-sized portions of vegetable and fruits
* Limit your fat intake to only what's necessary for adequate flavor
* Drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water throughout the day
* I also recommend that you take a multi-vitamin each day to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Enjoy life, we all deserve it.

BLACK HAW

(Viburnum prunifolium, Wildcrafted root bark)

Affects:	Nerves.
Uses:	Powerful relaxant of the uterus. Reduces blood pressure by relaxing peripheral blood vessels.

GYMNEMA

GYMNEMA
(Gymnema sylvestris, Wildcrafted leaf)

Affects:	Tongue and intestines.
Uses:	Reduces appetite for sweet food. Reduces absorption of sugars by the intestines.

Tobacco and Cancer

Smoking damages nearly every organ in the human body, is linked to at least 10 different cancers, and accounts for some 30% of all cancer deaths. And it costs billions of dollars each year. Yet one in four Americans still light up.

Free Holiday E-Book

I have a nice ebook about holiday traditions that I would like to give to you absolutely FREE of charge. Please email me dottye789@earthlink.net to get your copy.

Must read: EPA poised to "regulate" colloidal silver off the market

The powers that be have been trying for years to ban colloidal silver
and remove it from the marketplace. Why? Because it's the perfect
natural antibiotic, and it makes virtually all drug-company
manufactured antibiotics obsolete. (Shhh! It's an underground health
secret. Don't tell anybody...)

Bacteria have no resistance to colloidal silver like they do with
standard antibiotics, and colloidal silver is dirt cheap and
incredibly safe compared to drugs (I've been saved from viral
infections more than once by drinking an entire 2 oz. bottle of
colloidal silver).

Now, the EPA has found a clever way to potentially regulate colloidal
silver out of the market: they've announced they will classify the
substance as a "nanotechnology pesticide" and force colloidal silver
companies to prove it's safe if they want to keep selling it.

But where is the EPA's scrutiny of all other nanotech particles in
foods, skin care products and drugs? Nowhere to be found, of course.
The EPA seems to be exclusively targeting colloidal silver as the only
nanotech threat to U.S. consumers, and if they pull off this stunt,
they will have finally achieved the government's longstanding goal of
eliminating the competition to lucrative antibiotic drugs.

(The government protects corporations, not the public, didn't you
know?)

NewsTarget's exclusive feature story on colloidal silver is based on
interviews with one of the top health freedom attorneys in the country
-- a man who helped defend companies against the FDA's attempts to
outlaw the substance a few years ago.

Handy Tips For Healthy Permanent Weight Loss

The key to successful healthy weight loss is to make some permanent, realistic eating and lifestyle changes.

Don’t starve yourself.

Eating small healthy meals throughout the day lessens the chance that you’ll start snacking on candy or fat-laden fillers. Try to eat five small meals per day, instead of three large ones. That way you avoid becoming too hungry and there’s less danger of you reaching for something sweet when your blood sugar levels are lower.

Anorexic

There are many ways of which to obtain weight loss and some of these techniques are excessive exercise, intake of laxatives and not eating. Some people submit themselves to starving – this is what you call anorexia. These are the people who believe that they would be happier and most successful if they were thin. Anorexia is an eating disorder that usually begins in young people around the onset of puberty, mostly for teenage girls, but it can also appear to teenage boys and adult men and women. Typically, anorexic have extreme weight loss which is usually 15% below the person’s normal body weight. People suffering from anorexia are very skinny but are convinced that they are overweight.

Eating Red Meat Raises Breast Cancer Risk?

There seems to be so much controversy with this subject. Every week, a new article comes out that contradicts the one from the week before.

According to Harvard researchers, regular consumption of red meat raises the risk of one type of breast cancer. The study was based on data from a sample of more than 90,000 women who were monitored over the course of nearly 15 years. At the conclusion of the study period, women with diets high in red meat were twice as likely to have been diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, even when other risk factors such as family history were taken into account. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is a particularly growing problem among middle-aged women.

What This Means for You
Researchers defined "high" red meat consumption as one and a half servings or more a day. For beef lovers, the study's authors recommended reducing red meat consumption to three servings a week or less.

Osteoporosis: A debilitating disease that can be prevented and treated.

First, let me say that I am not a Doctor. This article is based on research and watching my mother suffer with this debilitating disease. If you think you are suffering from Osteoporosis, please see a Doctor.

An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. The disease is not gender specific and can effect both men and women, although, women are 4 times more likely to develop the disease. So of the 10 million estimated to have the disease, 8 million are women and 2 million are men. 55 percent of the people were age 50 years or older. Osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person’s disease, don’t let it fool you…it can strike any age.

Osteoporosis causes the bones to become fragile and more likely to break. These breaks are referred to as fractures. They often effect the spine, hip or wrist but any bone can be effected. The fractures of the spine or hip can require hospitalization and major surgery. It can happen at any time from something as benign at lifting a laundry basket.

My mother has fractured her spine twice in a four-month period of time, while this is not typical, it can happen. To help ensure that this does not happen again, she has been told that she can not lift anything over 1 pound, ever. She is at the point where she is afraid to do anything and that is not a way to live. The doctor has also started her on Fortéo®. This medication stimulates new bone formation and significantly increases bone mineral density. Fortéo® is self-administered as a daily injection for up to 24 months. Sounds awful, but there is nothing to it. It is a tiny needle and you hardly feel a thing. Side effects can include nausea, leg cramps and dizziness. This medication is usually used for those who are at high risk for fractures. There are several medications that are now being used now to treat Osteoporosis. Again, check with your doctor for an option that is right for you.

Some of the risk factors that will determine who will develop Osteoporosis are:

Age – the older you are the higher the risk will be. The older you are the weaker and less dense your bones will be. But, keep in mind that it can strike at any age.

Gender- Remember that women are 4 times more likely to develop the disease.

Family History - Susceptibility to fracture may be, in part, hereditary. Young women whose mothers have a history of vertebral fractures also seem to have reduced bone mass.

Bone Structure and Body Weight – Small bone structure and thin women are at a greater risk.

Lifestyle - Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or consuming an inadequate amount of calcium.

These are just a few. To see the entire list please visit: www.nof.org

Calcium alone cannot prevent or cure osteoporosis, but it is an important part of an overall prevention or treatment program. We get calcium from a variety of things we eat every day. (One I didn’t realize was Broccoli.) Then of course, is fish, cheese, milk, or by adding nonfat powdered dry milk to your recipes. Be sure to start taking a calcium supplement. Since there are several different types of calcium and a variety of supplements available, you should discuss the choice of calcium with your doctor. Getting enough calcium, whether through diet or supplements, is essential to maintaining bone strength and can play a vital role in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures. Speak to a doctor or dietician about how you can get the proper amount of calcium.

If you have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, take heart, while taking prescribed medications is very expensive, especially for those who do not have insurance to help defray the costs, using them is vital to your health. There are very few options available for those who are retired for obtaining these types of drugs without cost, but they are out there. For more information, read my article on Affordable Heath Care.

Take action now to prevent suffering with this debilitating disease. And if you are suffering with Osteoporosis, there is treatment. Check with your doctor and make a plan of action.

FREE Groceries!!!

Did you know that most of the major grocery store chains have a policy in place that will allow you to take home free groceries? Do you know the four ways of getting free groceries? I KNOW! AND YOU SHOULD!!!

For the past few years, I have been aggressively fighting the battle against high grocery shopping bills.... and I'm winning the fight! I have found numerous techniques that save me, on average, anywhere from 30% to 50% on every grocery shopping trip, sometimes more! I have discovered ways of getting free groceries and how to capitalize on coupons. Discover what I know and download this money saving book now.

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Obesity

Medication, exercise, healthy diet, none of these things will effectively cause

permanent weight loss until a person is ready to be happy with their body and their overall self.

You cannot successfully lose weight if you think your life is suddenly going to get better after the

weight is gone. You have to want to do it because you love yourself and you want a healthier

body. I think this is the most important thing I have finally learned about life and about myself. I hope

that in the future there will be a time when people are not judged by their appearance, therefore

those that think a different body will make them happy, will finally be able to be believe their

worth is based on who they are and not what they look like.

Weight Loss for Women

Carrying around extra pounds influences your health and wellness in many more ways than you might imagine. Extra weight increases risk for everything from heart disease to gallstones and may have a negative impact on your sex life! I suffered with gallstones and gall bladder disease for years, until my gall bladder had turned to leather (according to the surgeon) and was removed during emergency surgery.

Do you need to lose 10, 15, 25 pounds or more? If carrying even the smaller amounts of 10 or 15 extra pounds may not seem like much, think again. Try lugging around with you an equivalent weight all day. How about a 10-pound sack of potatoes? See how you feel at the end of the day and imagine the impact this extra weight has on your body day after day.

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Some helpful hints to finding the best pets for kids

You probably remember some of your very first pets. Maybe it was a goldfish, like me, or possibly, it was a dog or cat. For others a gerbil was their first memory of a pet. In most cases, there are difficulties to picking out the best pets for kids. This article should help make the decision a little easier.

Think about your child first-What type of children do you have? Are they more active? Do they have a tendency to lose interest in things quickly?

These are just a few thoughts to get you thinking about children and what the best pets for kids are. In most cases, it is a great way to start laying the groundwork for showing your kids how to be responsible. In addition, you can have the kids save their allowance for part of the costs to feed and house their pets.

So what are some of the best pets for kids? A lot of times it all boils down to practical things such as how much room you have and if the kids will lose interest or not in the pet.

For example, some people may actually have the room for horses, while other it may be a goldfish or cat. If it is a goldfish or gerbil, the kids might lose interest in the animal after awhile, once the novelty of having a pet has worn off.

Think carefully about what the best pet is for kids in your house before going out and bringing one home. It is an unfortunate reality that often, pets are brought into a home without much thought in regards to the commitment of having the animal. Then after a few short months of living in bliss, the human forces this animal out to a shelter due to the lack of forethought.

By figuring out the best pet for kids, and knowing which animal suits your children the most, you will ensure a happy home for the new addition to the family.

Healthy alternatives with Echinacea

You have probably heard of the herbal supplement called Echinacea, but do you know what it really can do for you? Echiacea was once an herbal supplement that one could only find in the most obscure of healthy foods stores. These days it is quite common to find in most supermarkets.

Echinacea is most often taken to ward off the cold and flu symptoms that arise in the spring and fall. While not FDA approved it has been on the market for several years as a great way to help boost the immune system and make one less vulnerable to the germs that are floating around.

Most people consider taking Echinacea during the worst of the cold and flu season or whenever they are starting to feel a bit of a cold coming on.

Here are a few things you should know about taking Echinacea.

Only take it for a few weeks at a time. Studies have shown that taking Echinacea year round seems to stagnate the effects of this herbal supplement in the body. Echinacea can lose its potency over time; therefore, you should not buy it in large quantities.

Taking Echinacea after already having the cold or flu will not usually help alleviate any symptoms. The primary time to use Echinacea is before the onset of any symptoms, as the primary use of this herbal supplement is to prevent germs from taking hold in the body.

Keep these things in mind while shopping for and taking Echinacea and hopefully it will help you get through the cold and flu season without a hitch.

The fiber rich diet

Many people know that they should have more fiber in their diet. Usually the thinking behind this is not focused on dieting, but more of a bathroom issue. However, new research has shown that diets that are high in fiber are also beneficial to losing weight and keeping the weight off. This article will explain, simply, how this works.

Most diets people try are fads. These diets want you to restrict your intake of certain food group and varying ingredients. Often it is a restrictive diet, such as a no carb diet, that works in the short term. The problem with these sorts of diets is that it requires the person to forego some basic nutritional needs that the body yearns for.

So how does a fiber rich diet play into all of this? Let me explain. First, a diet rich in fiber is going to help you stay regular. In addition, the fiber that aide in this function will also help clean out the intestines and colon.

Second, a fiber rich bread is more filling than a white bread sandwich and therefore will keep you feeling full, longer. This is the major key to a fiber rich diet. What you need to eat is the foods that are nutritious and that will fill you up longer. By eating fiber rich foods, you are eating some of the most beneficial foods that your body needs and will keep you feeling full longer.

Try adding more fiber to your diet, see how it helps you feel more alive, and has you munching less during the day.

Do you know how to conduct a weight management program?

Many people want to lose weight. They think about it all the time, especially after a large, calorie dense meal. This is the most common time individuals will swear off the sweets and proclaim themselves on a diet-at least until the munchies come around later that night. So what can you do to help yourself? Create a weight management program.

A weight management program is a way to track all of the foods that you eat during the course of a week. Often physicians and physical trainings will start off with a person doing this sort of self evaluation in order to determine eating habits. This is a great way to figure out what sort of foods you are eating, and where you can make some changes.

It’s not hard to create a weight management program. In fact, all you really need is a piece of paper and something to write with. Keep your weight management chart with you at all times. You never know when you might be hungry and looking for something to eat. If you have the weight management chart with you, it makes it easier to keep track of the foods that you are eating. If you leave the chart at home, it becomes more of an obstacle and is more likely not to be done.

Once you have written everything down for the week in your weight management chart look to see what foods you are eating. Do you notice a trend in the types of food? Are you eating mainly calorie dense, fatty foods? If you are, you now know exactly what you are eating and can start making some adjustments.

Another helpful hint with the weight management chart is to track the time when you eat. This is another helpful weight management trick that will show you when you are eating through the week and when you shouldn’t be eating.

Keeping a weight management chart is an essential part of the beginning of a diet. Consider it the data that you will lean on for the rest of your dieting process.

What most people don’t know about weight loss

You probably already know that a great many Americans are obese or are at least somewhat overweight. With the lifestyle of Americans geared to being as productive as possible and doing whatever needs to be done to get the job done-it’s no wonder that healthy eating is one of the areas that is neglected.

Did you know that weight loss could be a relatively easy thing to do?

What do you think of when you think about weight loss? You probably envision time taken away from work and family to go sweat for an hour a night at the gym. For some this is the perfect avenue to weight loss and a great stress reliever. Maybe working out on the Stairmaster fills you with dread because you hate to work out. Don’t sweat it. Here are a few tips to help your weight loss program, which are especially helpful during the holiday season.

First, don’t eat several large meals in one day. This will pack in the calories and may make it hard to burn throughout the day unless you are very active.

Second, try to eat about six smaller meals through the day. Space them out about two to three hours away from each other. By doing this you will have more fuel through the day constantly feeding your tank, and you will not feel sluggish after eating three large meals.

Third, try working out with weights three to four times a week. You need about twenty minutes at each session to make a huge difference in your weight loss program. The thinking behind this is that weight lifting continues to burn more calories after you have worked out than doing something like walking, where you stop burning calories the minute you stop walking.

Try these few tips for your weight loss program and you will see the inches starting to melt off faster than most diets you have tried.

Tips for a Great Low Fat Thanksgiving Feast

With the holidays right around the corner many of us start thinking about our waistlines. For some of us just the thought of that Thanksgiving feast leaves you worried about eating too much fatty foods or overeating. Not to mention what all that fat can do to your heart and arteries. So here are some tips to help you enjoy Thanksgiving without the worry of expanding your waistline, while maintaining your health.

Most of the traditional foods served during the holidays are actually very healthy. But what we do to them is another story. We tend to add in a lot of extra fat sugars and calories ourselves.

When you look at the basic foods we eat during the holidays you will find that turkey has very little fat and is full of protein and is a great source of B vitamins. Turkey breast has the least amount of fat, but be sure to remove the skin first. A three-ounce serving of skinless turkey breast has about 120 calories and 1 gram of fat. But the dark meat has about 160 calories and six grams of fat – two of the grams of fat are saturated fats.

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and fiber. But many of us tend to add butter and excess sugar or marshmallows. This changes a healthy food into something very fattening and bad for our hearts and circulation. Try using orange juice and a sprinkling of brown sugar for flavor instead and limit your portion size to no more than half a cup.

Regular potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. When making mashed potatoes try using low sodium, fat free chicken broth or fat free milk and sour cream instead. Many of us use butter and heavy cream in our mashed potatoes and of course they are loaded with fat. Try flavoring with garlic, fresh herbs and ground black pepper, once again keep your portion size small.

Vegetables should be steamed or roasted for the best nutritional value. Don’t load them up with cheesy sauces or butter that just makes them more fattening.

Gravy and stuffing can be sources of fat and calories. You can make a lower fat gravy by straining the fat from the drippings using a fat separator. Also use cornstarch or a sprinkling of flour to thicken rather than a butter and flour. You can also add extra flavor to your gravy by using fresh herbs and wine.

You can make a low fat stuffing by leaving the butter out and using fat-free broth and lean turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. Or better yet, leave the sausage out if you like, and use meaty mushrooms and extra vegetables instead.

As for appetizers, have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. Use low-fat or fat-free sour cream and yogurt for dips. Delicious low-fat dips can include Spinach Dip or some salsas, including Mango Black Bean Salsa. Have homemade baked pita chips or tortilla chips to go with them. Nuts and dried fruits make great snacks, too.

Most importantly, don’t starve yourself beforehand. You will most likely eat more if you’re very hungry. Many times we tend to skip breakfast on the holidays because we are too busy and know there will be a big feast later. Don’t make the mistake of “saving yourself for the feast” This just causes us to eat way more then we should. Try some whole-grain crackers, fruit and raw vegetables while waiting for the big feast, and as always drink plenty of water. When the time comes to sit down to your Thanksgiving meal, you will be ready to enjoy it without overdoing it.

Welcome to Healthy Diets, Healthy Living!

Welcome friends,

Healthy Diets, Healthy Living is being created to collect information on living a longer, healthier life. As I collect information on diets and health I will add them to this site for further study. I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. If you feel you might need advice on health or diets please seek a qualified doctor in your area.

Of course there are many areas of health to discuss, but this site is dedicated to healthy living through proper diet and nutrition.