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How To Keep Your Positive Energy???

Do You  Want A Better Life? NOW.... But How???  

In this universe, like energy attracts like energy. So positive energy attracts positive people, events and circumstances.

So what do you do if you are not feeling so positive? Do you feel sad, angry, annoyed, or simply drained? You certainly do not want to stay that way if you want to attract positive things to your life.
Follow these tips to turn that negative energy into positive energy:

Acknowledge your negative feeling. Yes, acknowledge that you are feeling it. Do not deny or suppress it – simply allow yourself to feel it. By acknowledging it, it will be easier for you to eliminate that feeling. However, do not dwell or wallow in that feeling. Simply recognize it.
Find something to be grateful for. No matter how bad your day went, something must have happened that you are thankful for, no matter how small. It might be running into a friend, getting a good lunch, or something else.

Think about someone or something you love. Think about a loved one smiling at you. Think about a happy moment you spent together.

Read a joke or listen to upbeat music. This is especially effective if you are simply feeling tired or annoyed. A good joke or happy music can quickly shift your energy to positive.

Meditate. Take a break. Close your eyes, sit in a relaxed position, and breathe deeply. Imagine a beam of light shining through the center of your body. Feel that light spreading through and warming your body. You can do variations of this meditation, or do whatever relaxing meditation you are comfortable with.

Talk to positive people. Their positive energy can give you a quick pick-me-up. Positive energy is usually stronger than negative energy so their positive energy will most likely “infect” you!

Tip #2 For Weight Loss~ Purchase Fruits and Vegetables already cut

Tip #2: Purchase Fruits and Vegetables already cut

The intentions are usually good when most people purchase fruits and vegetables at the super market. Most people buy them to eat them, but too often don't find the time to prepare them, so they rot in the fridge without being consumed. Purchasing pre-cut fruits & veggies helps you avoid preparation time so they are easier to eat. Whether it's the time or laziness, buying pre-cut fruits and vegetables can help you eat more.

Why is it important to eat more fruits and vegetables?

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of many vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances. When eaten as part of a healthy diet, evidence shows they may offer protection from:

• certain cancers
• cardiovascular disease
• stroke
• diverticulosis
• birth defects
• obesity
• possibly many other chronic diseases

How much should I eat?
The recommended intake of fruits and vegetables in the current "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" is:

• for adults, 7-13 servings (3.5-6.5 cups) per day
• for youth, 4-10 servings (2-5 cups) per day depending on age, sex, and activity level

What fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances?*

Calcium	Importance: essential for healthy bones and teeth; normal functioning of muscle, nerves, and some glands Excellent sources: calcium fortified juice Good sources: collard greens, spinach, green soybeans (edamame), turnip greens
Fiber	Importance: decreases risk for heart disease, diverticulosis, and diabetes and has a number of other beneficial effects Excellent sources: apples, lentils, lima beans, pears, pinto beans, raspberries, spinach, small white beans Good sources: bananas, blueberries, broccoli brussels sprouts, chickpeas, green beans, kiwi, onions, oranges, plums (dried), split peas, sweet potato
Folate	Importance: reduces a woman's risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect, reduces risk of heart disease and cancer Excellent sources: asparagus, broccoli, chickpeas, collard greens, lentils, lima beans, pinto beans, spinach, split peas, strawberries, white beans Good sources: beets, blackberries, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce
Iron	Importance: needed for healthy blood and normal functioning of all cells Excellent sources: lentils, spinach, white beans Good sources: apricots (dried), chickpeas, lima beans, pinto beans, small white beans
Magnesium	Importance: necessary for healthy bones, involved with more than 300 enzymes in the body, inadequate amount may result in muscle cramps and high blood pressure Excellent sources: almonds, pinto beans, spinach Good sources: beet greens (cooked), black beans, butternut squash, lentils, lima beans, navy beans, peanuts, red kidney beans, soybeans, white beans
Potassium	Importance: diets rich in potassium may help to maintain a healthy blood pressure Excellent sources: pink beans, lima beans, small white beans Good sources: apricots (dried), bananas,broccoli, cherries, chickpeas, kiwi, lentils lima beans (small), pinto beans, potatoes, split peas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes
Vitamin A	Importance: keeps eyes and skin healthy, helps protect against infections Excellent sources: apricots, apricots (dried), cantaloupe, carrots, collard greens, grapefruit, leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watermelon Good sources: asparagus, celery, plums (dried)
Vitamin C	Importance: helps heal cuts and wounds, keeps teeth and gums healthy Excellent sources: apricots, beans (yellow snap), bell pepper, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage (green), cantaloupe, cauliflower collards, grapefruit, kiwi, lemon, lime, melon (honeydew), onion, orange, pineapple, potato, raspberries, rutabagas, spinach, squash (summer), strawberries, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, watermelon Good sources: asparagus, banana, carrot, celery, cherries, corn, cucumber, green beans, nectarines, peaches, pear, plums

How can I get my kids to eat more fruits and vegetables?

• Keep a bowl of fresh fruits on the counter. Refrigerate cut up fruits and vegetables in small bags for easy snacks on the run.
• Eat as a family and serve fruits and vegetables at every meal. Add grated or cut vegetables into entrees, side dishes, and soups; top off cereal with fruit.
• Set a good example. Snack on fruit and order low-sodium, low-fat salads, soups, or vegetable sides when at restaurants.
• Pack the refrigerator, freezer, and cupboard with pre-cut, frozen, and canned vegetables so that it is easier for you to prepare meals and snacks that include vegetables.
• Let children choose which fruits and vegetables to serve and how to incorporate them into their favorite meals. Let children choose fruits and vegetables when you shop at the farmer's market or grocery store.
• Make fruits and vegetables fun. Try dressing up sandwiches with faces and smiles made from fruits and vegetables.
• Keep trying. For some foods, it may take multiple times before a child acquires a taste for it.

Thanksgiving for Vegetarian(6) ~ "THREE SISTERS" STEW

6 servings

In Native American mythology, squash, corn, and beans are known as of the "three sisters." These are the very crops, along with garden vegetables, that the harvest festival of Thanksgiving is meant to celebrate!

Ingriendients:

• 1 small sugar pumpkin or 1 large butternut or carnival squash (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium green or red bell pepper, cut into short, narrow strips
• 14- to 16-ounce can diced tomatoes, with liquid
• 2 cups cooked or canned pinto beans
• 2 cups corn kernels (from 2 large or 3 medium ears)
• 1 cup homemade or canned vegetable stock, or water
• 1 or 2 small fresh hot chiles, seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 to 4 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

Instruction:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Cut the pumpkin or squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and fibers. Cover with aluminum foil and place the halves, cut side up, in a foil-lined shallow baking pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife but still firm (if using squash, prepare the same way). When cool enough to handle, scoop out the pulp, and cut into large dice. Set aside until needed.

Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until the onion is golden.

Add the pumpkin and all the remaining ingredients except the last 2 and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently, covered, until all the vegetables are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

If time allows, let the stew stand for 1 to 2 hours before serving, then heat through as needed. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro. The stew should be thick and very moist but not soupy; add additional stock or water if needed. Serve in shallow bowls.

Weight Loss~Tip#1~The Cheapest Way to Suppress Your Appetite - WATER

Tip #1: The Cheapest Way to Suppress Your Appetite - WATER
The body is comprised of 70% water and nearly every person needs to drink more. Water gives you an essentially free appetite suppressant and colon cleanser. To determine how much water you need to drink each day divide your body weight in half and that's the number of fluid ounces you should be drinking every day to see water's amazing weight loss benefits.

A quick example: Body Weight: 150 pounds / 2 = 75 fluid ounces of water (and this doesn't include the ounces of water in your soda, which should be eliminated altogether.)

Note: You can drink 2 cups of water when you wake up. Also between 2 meals drink 2 cups of water. It will your digestion.  

5 things you can drink to lose weight

1. Ice cold water

You'll burn an extra 200 calories a day by drinking eight glasses of ice cold water because...
Your body has to burn calories (or fat) in order to heat the ice cold water back up to your body temperature. The amount of calories you burn (and the weight you lose) will rack up over time as you drink Ice cold water everyday.

A German study says drinking about 2 extra glasses of water can boost your metabolism by 30% and they figure when you drink about 1.5 liters of water a day you'll lose an extra 5 lbs a year and for a special weight loss trick...

 
2. Milk

Milk is high in calcium and calcium can boost weight loss by increasing fat breakdown in fat cells. This doesn't mean you should go out and drink gallons of milk everyday - but adding milk to your diet in moderation can double the rate of fat you lose.

Different studies say different things on milk and weight loss... some say you can lose 30, 50, and one study even said 70% more weight than people who don't include 3-4 servings of dairy (milk) a day.



3. Green Tea

Studies show you can burn 35-43% more fat during the day when you drink 3-to-5 cups of green tea

Note: Don't drink green tea at night because it will hurt your stomach.

4. Vegetable Juice

Drinking a glass of vegetable juice before your meals may cause you to eat 135 less calories.   according to a study done at Penn. state university and even if you can't make vegetable juice...

Drinking a couple glasses of water before meals will also make you eat much less so you lose more weight.

5. Whey protein

Whey protein helps you release appetite suppressing hormones that curb your cravings.

In a recent study... people drank either whey or casein and 90 minutes later they were allowed to eat freely at a buffet table. The people that drank whey protein ate significantly less calories.

30 Tips~for Weight Loss

Many people asked me: "How can you loss your weight?"  At beginning, I searched a lot of website to find the methods. Also, I tried different ways to do. Finally, I found the most important way is my perseverance. keep doing is the easy way and can reach the good result. 

Here  are some tips as reference. It might help you with some certain ideas. Afterward, I would like to share my personal experience in weight loss.   Stay tuned

Tip #1: The Cheapest Way to Suppress Your Appetite - WATER

The body is comprised of 70% water and nearly every person needs to drink more. Water gives you an essentially free appetite suppressant and colon cleanser. To determine how much water you need to drink each day divide your body weight in half and that's the number of fluid ounces you should be drinking every day to see water's amazing weight loss benefits.
A quick example: Body Weight: 150 pounds / 2 = 75 fluid ounces of water (and this doesn't include the ounces of water in your soda, which should be eliminated altogether.)

Tip #2: Purchase Fruits and Vegetables already cut

The intentions are usually good when most people purchase fruits and vegetables at the super market. Most people buy them to eat them, but too often don't find the time to prepare them, so they rot in the fridge without being consumed. Purchasing pre-cut fruits & veggies helps you avoid preparation time so they are easier to eat. Whether it's the time or laziness, buying pre-cut fruits and vegetables can help you eat more.

Tip #3: Don't Ever Eat Until Full

The Japanese Islanders, known as the Okinawans, have an average BMI of 21.5, and are known to have excellent fitness and health. The secret to their weight management is the "hara hachi bu" just eating until they are 80% full. It's is far from starving themselves. By following this secret, you can still eat and eat what you like. But, you shouldn't ever eat until you're stuffed or full. Stuffing yourself expands the stomach so it takes more food to satisfy in the future.
As versatile as the stomach is, it adjusts and expands depending on how much we are or aren't eating. If you are always eating until you are stuffed, you stomach expands. When you simply eat to satisfy your hunger without overeating, the stomach adjusts so you don't need as much food, leading to a smaller appetite and weight loss.

Tip #4: Eat More Fiber

Fiber keeps you regular, feeling fuller longer which keeps you skinner, in addition to controlling your blood sugar levels. Beans are one of the best sources of fiber, while fruits and vegetables, and whole grains contain significant amounts as well. FiberOne is one brand that manufacturers fiber-rich foods that actually taste good. Visit FiberOne.com for a complete list of fiber-rich foods.
Glucomannan is the best fiber source. As a soluble fiber, Glucomannan absorbs up to 200 times its weight in water and forms a gel-like substance in your stomach so you feel full. "When you open a glucomannan capsule and mix it with water you will see it soak up the water and expand."

Tip #5: Fat Equals Better Weight Loss!

Fat with each meal helps control blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full longer. But eating the Right Fats is critically important. The following list of healthy fats will help you maintain your weight and lose weight, make sure to add some of these fats to your grocery list:

• avocado
• sunflower seeds
• pumpkin seeds
• cold-water fish
• natural peanut butter
• low-fat cheese
• low-fat salad dressing

• low-sodium nuts
• olives and olive oil
• safflower oil
• canola oil
• sunflower oil
• flax seed oil

The Top 3 Fats to aid with "Weight Loss":

Korean Pine Nut Oil - You'll eat 28% LESS FOOD when you supplement your meal with Korean Pine Nut Oil.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) - Build lean muscle and lose BELLY FAT with this clinically proven fat.
Sesame Seed Oil (rich in Sesamin) - Sesame Seed Oil decreases fat storage, increases fat oxidation, and up-regulates "fat burning" enzymes.

Tip #6: Eliminate Drink Calories

Do you love slurping down a sugary soda? You're not alone. The FDA reported that the average American consumes 82 grams of sugar PER DAY from sodas and other sugary beverages. That equals 328 extra calories each day of unnecessary (and empty) calories.
There's 3,500 calories in every pound of human body fat? By eliminating your consumption of sugary beverages you can eliminate 119,720 calories per year which equals 34 lbs of weight loss.

Tip #7: Spice up your Weight Loss Efforts

Cayenne peppers are beneficially for weight loss! Cayenne has been traditionally used in medicine for centuries. Capsaicin is the key component that gives cayenne its spice. Capsaicin is more than a heat additive; it is also attributed to many health benefits.
Cayenne peppers have a lengthy list of health benefits from fighting inflammation to boosting immunity. A double blind placebo-controlled study in Maastricht University in the Netherlands revealed that capsaicin help sustained fat oxidation at a higher rate and helps with weight maintenance.

Tip #8: Less Salt Means Less Weight Loss

Bland food is anyone's idea of a good meal, but the more salt added increase the risks. Salt forces greater water retention while drying out certain organs. Salt also increase blood pressure and leads to long-term weight gain. But the key to eliminating salt or eating less is to get used to it little by little. Instead of adding the entire amount of salt called for in a recipe, add half as much. By making the adjustment in little increments, you won't recognize the taste difference and eventually, you'll appreciate food without salt. Its one small step to a healthier, leaner you.

Tip #9: What's for Breakfast? Fruit!

Fruits are the perfect weight loss foods. Research conducted at Pennsylvania State University revealed fruits and vegetables have low "energy density" because they are heavy in weight but have few calories. Eating fruits for breakfast is the perfect way to start the day. The antioxidants help you use the nutrients that you take in from the food that you eat. Eating fruit in the morning helps you avoid and overcome temptations to overeat or eat unhealthy. The habit of starting your day off right will help you the rest of the day.

Tip #10: Starve Yourself Backfires

Yes, you will lose weight if you starve yourself and fast. HOWEVER, your body quickly adapts. Organs and tissues only work right with a regular supply of glucose. When glucose levels decrease, glucose production in the liver is increased by stress hormones. By starving yourself, you cut off the source of glucose; your body feels the drop and begins storing fat. When your fat stores have been depleted, muscle is broken down and used for energy.
When you do start eating again, your body will start storing anything you eat so that it can function in case you decided to starve again. You'll quickly gain weight and fat. In the immediate short term you will lose weight, but in the long term, you'll only add weight.

Tip #11: Determine Your Body Type

It can be very helpful to determine the type of body you have before deciding on a specific diet. The 3 different classifications for body types are:
1. Endomorphs: If you have larger bones than most, you would fit in this category. Men and women in this category generally have bigger thighs and hips with shorter arms and legs. Many stocky looking built people fall into this category. Endomorphs generally gain muscle easier but also store fat easier.
2. Mesomorphs: Mesomorphs usually are built athletically with an hourglass or ruler shape. Muscle mass is usually easier to put on for mesomorphs and losing weight is generally easier also.
3. Ectomorphs: Ectomorphs are thinner and lankier. With narrow waists, hips and shoulders, ectomorphs are often called "sticks." Ectomorphs easily lose weight, but have a more difficult time adding muscle mass. Ectomorphs don't have high levels of fat either.
Before determining the best way to lose weight, it's a good idea to determine your body type.

Tip #12: Savor and Enjoy Every Bite

Taking your time to eat your food and enjoy the taste helps you fill up faster without eating as much food to decrease caloric intake. Slowly eating your food helps you naturally suppress your appetite and helps food digest better. It takes the brain at least 20 minutes to signal satiety or fullness. If you eat too fast, you won't feel full until you have already overeaten. People who eat fast do not experience this level of fullness until they have already over eaten. Take your time eating and savor and enjoy every last bite to lose weight faster.

Tip #13: Chew Away Calories

Chewing gum aids weight loss in several ways. At the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Obesity Society, a study was presented that showed the power of chewing gum for weight loss. The study showed that gum chewers consumed 39 less calories per day, had fewer cravings, improved moods and less stress. Chewing gum helps people avoid snacking. And Chewing gum also helps you eat less sugary foods during meals.

Tip #14: Don't substitute with a substitute

It's true, sugar substitutes have few or no calories at all, but the stronger sweet taste that comes with sugar substitutes is worse than the sugar itself. A featured article in Time magazine revealed sugar substitutes don't help with weight loss. A Purdue University study on animals with diets including zero calorie artificial sweeteners showed animals consumed more calories and had a slower metabolism and fat burning when compared to animals with diets including glucose. Sugar substitutes can actually sabotage weight loss efforts and the body can't digest it properly. So it leads to greater weight problems. The key is sugar moderation instead of sugar substitutes.

Tip #15: Speed through Your Workout

Quick 20 minute total body workouts are a great way to burn fat and lose weight. Rest no more than a minute in between exercises and alternate different exercises to target different parts of the body. For example, right after doing bench press, start on some squats. After squats, immediately do shoulder, etc. The same works for running. Sprint for as long as you can, then cool down and catch your breath, when your breathing returns to a normal rate, sprint again. According to a number of studies, a few 30-second sprints are just as beneficial as an hour-long jog. Sprint for about 20 seconds before you can work your way up and you'll be losing more weight.

Tip #16: Make Your Feet Love You

Running and exercising can take a toll on your feet, but investing in quality shoes can keep your feet happy. Don't go for cheap shoes just to save money. Spend the extra money and time on finding comfortable fitting shoes. If you're feet are comfortable, you will actually run a little more or exercise longer.

Tip #17: Just Say Yes to Laxatives

Laxatives are a great way to help you digest food better and pass stool easier. Laxatives instigate bowel movements and soak up the body's fluids to release through your stool to help you pass the junk form your food faster without it being stored as fat. Just remember to drink a lot of water. Laxatives may leave you dehydrated so keep your water intake going to see the benefits of a laxative.

Tip #18: Share Your Goals with Friends and Family

If others know you're dieting, they can help. The support you can get from others will only increase your chance to see the success you are looking for. If others know you are dieting they are more likely to be considerate of your choices and habits. You will likely be surprised by the amount of support you receive and you might even be a good example to others. Who knows, they may join you.

Tip #19: Get to Bed Earlier

People who get just 6 hours of sleep each night are 25% more likely to be obese compared to those who get 8 hours a night. To function normally, people need 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. A study conducted in Chicago led by Eve Van Cauter followed a group of men in its 20s. They were asked to sleep for four hours for two consecutive nights, and then 10 hours for the next two nights. With only 4 hours of sleep, the group had a 24 percent greater appetite and craved specifically high-sugar, high-salt, and starchy foods. A good night's sleep is critical for weight loss and better overall health. With a healthier body, it's easier to shed fat and get into shape.

Tip #20: Lose Weight With the Seafood Diet?

Not the see-food diet, the seafood diet. Eating more shrimp and lobster has been known to help people lose weight because of the fatty acid in the shells chitosan. Chitosan amazingly binds fat together to help you avoid absorbing it. Instead of being stored as fat the fat passes through your system. The less fat your body absorbs the less it has to burn, so you get greater benefits.

Tip #21: Get Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Acupuncture is becoming more popular when it comes to weight loss. It can help aid the digestive process to improve weight loss. Acupuncture therapists carefully pick pressure points and can use electro stimulation of acupuncture points to increase the release of endorphins and stimulate the metabolism. Two important notes are:

• 1. Meet a good experienced acupuncture therapist
• 2. Don't move.

Tip #22: Spice up Your Diet

While herbs and spices can bring out mouth-watering flavors in your food they also help with weight loss. Herbs and spices have multiple benefits, including speeding up metabolism and helping you feel fuller. Many common herbs and spices you can easily find aid weight loss efforts. Some of the best natural ingredients include cayenne, fennel, flaxseed, garlic, and ginger.

Tip #23: Alternative to the Cotton Ball Diet

The cotton ball diet is one of the more extreme diets. Eat cotton balls to lose weight. But there's a better option available. Replace the cotton balls with Glucomannan. This effective appetite suppressant has been proven to help dispel appetites and help you lose weight. Glucomannan expands in the stomach to help you feel full longer.

Tip #24: Detox Your Way to Weight Loss

Fast Detox diets can flush toxins for quick weight loss from 6-12 pounds. All the pre-processed & chemical filled foods nowadays are difficult to fully digest and leave waste behind that is difficult to pass. A detox is a great way to kick start your weight loss efforts to eliminate those toxins.

Tip #25: Don't get caught in the diet soda trap!

"Diet" on the side of a soda can doesn't mean the soda is better for you. According to Carol Simontacchi's The Crazy Makers: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Brains and Harming Our Children, "One liter of an aspartame-sweetened beverage can produce about fifty-six milligrams of methanol. When several of these beverages are consumed in a short period of time (one per day, perhaps), as much as two hundred fifty milligrams of methanol are dumped into the bloodstream, or thirty-two times the EPA limit." Saccharin contained in most diet sodas is about three to five hundred times sweeter than sugar! No matter the sugar substitute, the fact remains that it is still bad for your body and your weight loss goals.
To give up calorie heavy beverages, slowly substitute the soda for water. Water is much more refreshing than heavy, calorie-ridden sodas and it helps you lose weight.

Tip #26: Casual Friday is Your Best Day for Weight Loss?

Dressing casually to work can actually help you lose weight. A study performed in the University of Wisconsin showed there is a relationship between the clothes you wear and weight loss. Wearing casual clothes is a great way to reduce stress and increase physical activity so that it can lead to more weight loss. The study also showed that those who wore casual clothes to work also took 491 more steps than the well dressed counterparts. Those dressed casually burned 8% more calories than their well-dressed counter parts.

Tip #27: The Fountain of Youth Can Exist?

Simply supplementing with HGH is a simple way to lose weight fast. The only problem is real HGH costs thousands of dollars because doctors charge huge markups. But you can successfully and naturally increase growth hormones from foods like eggs, whole grains, seafood, nuts and seeds. You can also take HGH boosting supplements like Lifessence HGH+.

Tip #28: Drink water - NOT from the cup

Water is the key diet factor. And we all know it is important. But drinking water alone isn't enough. The more water you get from fruits, vegetables, and other foods swells in volume, making you feel full faster. Opt for fruit when you want a snack and you'll be on your way to greater weight loss.

Tip #29: Get Your Yoga On

Exercise is great, but yoga can also help. Yoga helps people shed those pockets of stubborn fat Research at the Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle (funded by the National Cancer Institute) revealed that yoga can help lose weight and at the very least keep you from gaining weight. Yoga tones less-used muscles, helping to burn fat in those little areas. You'll also notice better flexibility and easier body movement. Yoga also facilitates digestion and helps you sleep better, both of which can be an immense help towards weight loss.

Tip #30: Snack the Right Way

Snacking isn't always a bad thing. Snacking on healthy food when you're hungry in between meals provides energy and helps you avoid junk food, saturated with unwanted calories. When shopping for snacks, opt for the healthier options instead of chocolate and gummy bears. Pick up some Reduced Fat crackers or dried fruit instead of a candy bar. Avoid letting snacks turn into meals, however, and only take small servings to get the greatest benefits.

Thanksgiving For Vegetarian (5)~~~Shepherd's Pie

This vegetarian shepherd's pie recipe is a simple yet delicious lambless version of the real thing.

Yield	6 servings
Time	1 hour
Tools	large sauce pan or Dutch oven wooden spoon deep pie plate or baking dish
Ingredients	2½ T olive or vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ c onion, minced 1 large tomato, chopped 6 c mixed vegetables, finely chopped Some possibilities: - bell peppers - carrots - celery - corn - green beans - leeks - mushrooms - peas - spinach - zucchini 1 c vegetable stock or water 1 t soy sauce pepper 2 to 2½ c mashed potatoes Garnish ideas: paprika, minced parsley, sesame seeds
Directions	Heat 2 T oil over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add onion and continue sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato and cook for two more minutes, stirring frequently. (If you need to make the mashed potatoes, start them now). Add stock and vegetables, bring to boil, cover, lower heat, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes. Add soy sauce and pepper, taste, and adjust seasonings as necessary. Preheat oven to 350. Use remaining ½ t oil to grease pie plate. Arrange vegetables in it, then cover with a layer of mashed potatoes. Garnish. Bake until bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes	For a more substantial dish, you can add/substitute things like pre-cooked tofu, lentils, or seitan.
	Key to abbreviations and conversions

Can acupuncture help my health problem?

Respiratory problems can be treated very effectively with acupuncture. If you have a cold or flu, one or two treatments can help you feel remarkably better. If you get frequent colds every winter, or colds that drag on or lead to bronchitis, acupuncture helps strengthen the underlying weakness so you won't be so vulnerable. Chronic allergies, asthma, and sinusitis can also be treated with acupuncture. Herbal medicines strengthen the effects of acupuncture treatment without making you drowsy, spaced out, or nauseous like over-the-counter medications. 

Many chronic digestive problems respond beautifully to acupuncture care. Gas and heartburn can often be reduced by acupuncture treatment. Uncomfortable constipation can be cleared up, eliminating the need for laxatives. Chronic diarrhea is sometimes a very stubborn problem that also responds to acupuncture and herbal remedies. Even severe cases of colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and food allergies improve with treatment. 

Acupuncture is especially helpful for gynecological problems. Women of all ages can benefit from regulating the menstrual cycle, and reducing cramps and PMS. Irritability, depression, bloating, and pain with the period are often greatly reduced within a few months. 

Acupuncture and herbal medicine combined are a powerful treatment for longstanding gynecological problems. Painful endometriosis and fibroids with heavy bleeding are effectively treated. Infertility is often resolved successfully. After childbirth, a new mother's energy is replenished and revitalized. For women in menopause, treatment greatly relieves hot flashes and nightsweats and restores restful sleep. 

Acupuncture  provides pain relief for many kinds of chronic pain. Back pain, headache, and whiplash from car accidents respond well to acupuncture treatment. Sprains or strains from sports injuries can be treated. Acupuncture  reduces the pain of repetitive stress injury, which affects many people working with  keyboards or musical instruments. Painful migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches can be treated with acupuncture. Painful joints from arthritis can be greatly relieved.  

Symptoms of stress respond very well to acpuncture care. Anxiety, depression, and insomnia are relieved, providing support for people going through a hard time, or anyone suffering from a busy life. The deep state of relaxation you experience during treatment begins to relieve anxiety and stress from the very first session. For more infomation about acupuncture treatment for depression, please read our Special Focus section for a summary of a new study. 

Acupuncture  offers excellent support to anyone suffering with chronic weakness and pain from serious illness, such as cancer, AIDS, CIFS and MS. Treatment can often help provide relief from side effects of medication. 

The 10 healthiest ethnic cuisines~~

It's dinnertime, and you're craving something with a little flavor. Maybe you'll grab Indian takeout or whip up a taco salad. But, uh-oh, these days it's easy to find yourself biting into the ethnic version of a triple burger and fries.

"We've Americanized dishes to the extent that they don't have their original health benefits," says Daphne Miller, M.D., author of "The Jungle Effect: The Healthiest Diets from Around the World -- Why They Work and How to Make Them Work for You."

Enjoy global cuisines in their purest state, on the other hand, and you get meals that are light, nutritious, and incredibly yummy. So we asked experts to rank the 10 healthiest cuisines and reveal what makes them good for you.

1. Greek

There's a good reason docs love the Mediterranean diet: Traditional Greek foods like dark leafy veggies, fresh fruit, high-fiber beans, lentils, grains, olive oil, and omega-3-rich fish deliver lots of immune-boosting and cancer-fighting ingredients that cut your risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other diet-related ailments.
In fact, eating a traditional Mediterranean-style diet is associated with a 25 percent reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer, according to Harvard University research. And people lose more weight and feel more satisfied on this type of diet, which is rich in healthy fats, than on a traditional low-fat diet, another Harvard study suggests.

This cuisine also ranks high because of how it's eaten, says Miller, who is also an associate professor of family medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.

"The Greeks often share small plates of food called meze," she says, having just a bite of meat along with low-cal, healthy Greek staples like fresh seafood, slowly digested carbs (beans, eggplant, or whole-grain breads), and small portions of olives and nuts.

If you're eating out, order grilled fish and spinach or other greens sautéed with olive oil and garlic.
"This dish gives you the anti-inflammatory combo of olive oil and greens with the blood-pressure-lowering effects of garlic," Miller says.

Danger zone: Unless you make it yourself and go light on the butter, the classic spinach pie (spanakopita) can be as calorie- and fat-laden as a bacon cheeseburger.

2. California Fresh

You don't have to live on the West Coast to reap the body benefits of the California style of cooking. California Fresh is all about enjoying seasonal, local foods that are simply prepared -- and that's a healthy style you can adopt no matter where you live, says supermarket guru Phil Lempert, a leading consumer trend-watcher.

Eating plenty of disease-fighting, naturally low-cal, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables from a local farmers' market or farm is good for your body, and it's satisfying, says Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D., Health magazine's senior food and nutrition editor.

"Foods grown locally are going to taste better and may have more nutrients," she explains, while produce that's shipped cross-country after being harvested can lose vitamin C and folate, not to mention flavor.
And what should you whip up from your local riches? Chef Annie Somerville at Greens Restaurant in San Francisco serves orrechiette with mushrooms, broccoli rabe, Italian parsley, hot pepper, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, or grilled veggie skewers over quinoa or couscous.

Danger zone: Relying on high-fat cheese to flavor veggie-based dishes is not a waist-friendly move, Largeman-Roth warns.

3. Vietnamese

Fresh herbs, lots of vegetables and seafood, and cooking techniques that use water or broth instead of oils -- these are some of the standout qualities of Vietnamese food.

"This cuisine, prepared the traditional way, relies less on frying and heavy coconut-based sauces for flavor and more on herbs, which makes it lower in calories," Largeman-Roth explains.

Traditional Vietnamese flavorings (including cilantro, mint, Thai basil, star anise, and red chili) have long been used as alternative remedies for all sorts of ailments, and cilantro and anise have actually been shown to aid digestion and fight disease-causing inflammation.

One of the healthiest and most delicious Vietnamese dishes is pho (pronounced "fuh"), an aromatic, broth-based noodle soup full of antioxidant-packed spices.
Danger zone: If you're watching your weight, avoid the fatty short ribs on many Vietnamese menus.

4. Japanese

When Miller was traveling around the world doing research for her book, she found that traditional Japanese cuisine -- especially the version eaten on the island of Okinawa, where people often live to 100-plus -- was superhealthy.

"Not only are Okinawans blessed with a diet rich in cancer-fighting fruits and vegetables, but they also prepare them in the healthiest way possible, with a light steam or a quick stir-fry," Miller explains.
They also practice Hara Hachi Bu, which means "eat until you are eight parts (or 80 percent) full," she says. These simple diet rules may be why people in Japan are far less likely than Americans to get breast or colon cancer.

Japanese staples that are amazing for your health include antioxidant-rich yams and green tea; cruciferous, calcium-rich veggies like bok choy; iodine-rich seaweed (good for your thyroid); omega-3-rich seafood; shiitake mushrooms (a source of iron, potassium, zinc, copper, and folate); and whole-soy foods.

"The soy that's good for you is unprocessed, not made into fake meat," Miller says. Think: tofu, edamame, miso, and tempeh, a nutty tasting soybean cake made from fermented soybeans.

Healthy choices the next time you visit a Japanese restaurant? Miso soup, which typically contains seaweed and tofu, or a simple veggie-and-tofu stir-fry.

Danger zone: White rice can cause a spike in blood sugar, so ask for brown rice, rich in fat-burning resistant starch (RS).

5. Indian

Say "Indian food," and you probably think of its aromatic spices, such as turmeric, ginger, red chilies, and garam masala (a mixture of cumin, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, and other spices).
These distinctive flavors do more than perk up your favorite curry: They may actually protect against some cancers. And turmeric and ginger help fight Alzheimer's, according to recent studies. Researchers point to the fact that rates of Alzheimer's in India are four times lower than in America, perhaps because people there typically eat 100 to 200 milligrams of curry everyday.

Turmeric, a main ingredient in curry, may have anti-inflammatory and healing properties; its benefits are now being studied at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Other good-news ingredients in Indian cuisine include yogurt and lentils, a fiber-and-RS all-star that has significant amounts of folate and magnesium, and may help stabilize blood sugar. Lentils are often combined with Indian spices to make dal, usually served as a side dish.

"A vegetable curry with dal is a great choice at an Indian restaurant," Largeman-Roth says.

Danger zone: Avoid anything fried, like samosas (pastry puffs) as well as heavy curries made with lots of cream and butter.

6. Italian

The Italian tradition of enjoying a leisurely meal is good for digestion. But what really makes this cuisine a winner is its star ingredients: tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, and basil.

"Studies have shown that the lycopene in tomatoes may help protect women from breast cancer," Miller says.
One of the best ways to get cancer-fighting lycopene is in cooked tomato products: a half-cup of tomato sauce has more than 20 milligrams. Plus, garlic and traditional Italian herbs provide vitamins A and C. And olive oil helps lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, and burn belly fat.

Notice that melted cheese isn't on that list of power Italian staples: Italians typically use Parmesan or another hard cheese instead, grated in small amounts for a big flavor boost.

Danger zone: Americanized dishes like double-cheese pizza or gooey lasagna tend to be loaded with fat and calories, Largeman-Roth says.

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7. Spanish

Our judges applaud the Spanish tradition of eating tapas (small plates of food): "I love the idea of being able to sample little portions of tasty, healthful foods and making a dinner of it," Largeman-Roth says.

The Spanish eat tons of fresh seafood, vegetables, and olive oil -- all rock stars when it comes to your weight and well-being. Superhealthy dishes to order: gazpacho (full of cancer-fighting lycopene and antioxidants) and paella (rich in fresh seafood, rice, and veggies).

Danger zone: Avoid fatty sausages and fried items, which can show up on tapas menus in the United States.

8. Mexican

Forget those high-fat, calorie-stuffed options at many popular Mexican restaurants: Authentic Mexican cuisine can be heart-healthy and even slimming, our judges say. In fact, a Mexican diet of beans, soups, and tomato-based sauces helped lower women's risk of breast cancer, a study from the University of Utah found.
And the cuisine's emphasis on slowly digested foods like beans and fresh ground corn may provide protection from type 2 diabetes.

"Slow-release carbohydrates have been shown to lower blood sugar and even help reverse diabetes," Miller says.

Danger zone: It can be easy to overeat rich queso dip; keep fat and calories in check by portioning a little out of the dip bowl.

9. South American

With 12 countries within its borders, South America has a very diverse culinary repertoire. But our judges applaud the continent's traditional diet of fresh fruits and vegetables (including legumes) along with high-protein grains like quinoa. In fact, a typical South American meal of rice and beans creates a perfect protein, Largeman-Roth says.

While some parts of South America are famous for their huge steaks, a healthier option (unless you share the steak with friends) is ceviche. This mélange of fresh seafood boasts a variety of healthful spices and ingredients, from cilantro and chile peppers to tomatoes and onions.

Danger zone: Brazilian or Argentine restaurants often have fried items like sausage, yams, and bananas. If you're trying to lose pounds, steer clear or split an order with the table.

10. Thai

Can a soup fight cancer? If it's a Thai favorite called Tom Yung Gung, the answer just might be yes.
Made with shrimp, coriander, lemongrass, ginger, and other herbs and spices used in Thai cooking, the soup was found to possess properties 100 times more effective than other antioxidants in inhibiting cancerous-tumor growth.

Researchers at Thailand's Kasetsart University and Japan's Kyoto and Kinki Universities became interested in the soup's immune-boosting qualities after noticing that the incidence of digestive tract and other cancers was lower in Thailand than in other countries.

Many common Thai spices have feel-great benefits, our judges point out. Ginger aids in digestion, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, and lemongrass has long been used in Asian medicine to help treat colds and ease tummy troubles.

Danger zone: When you're eating out, avoid soups with coconut milk because they're high in saturated fat (and calories).

An Acupuncturist's Perspective on Migraines and Headaches

Theses days, I had headache so my husband gave me acupuncture treatment. Later on, I felt much better. So I asked him, what is your perspective on Migraines and Headaches. As western medicine field, most of time, We use Tenonol as typical medication. How about Chinese Medicine? Is it efficient? 

For migraines, acupuncture treatment depends on whether the patient comes into my office experiencing acute pain or is seeking preventative treatment in between migraine attacks. Prevention should be the long-term goal. Here I will describe how I approach each situation with acupuncture.

Acupuncture treatment during a migraine
Although several studies suggest that acupuncture is effective for migraine prevention, the use of acupuncture for reducing pain during a migraine attack requires further study.

In my clinical practice, I have found acupuncture to be quite effective for managing the acute pain of mild to moderate migraine attacks.

A typical acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into acupuncture points on the body followed by gentle manipulation of the needles. This instantly increases blood flow in the tissues through a mechanism know as the "axon reflex", which dilates the small vessels around the needle area. An increase in circulation where blood flow is poor is called removal of "stagnation" in Asian medicine and is generally considered a very good response for most chronic conditions and for migraine prevention.

However, this is not the approach I take during a migraine attack. Since pain during a migraine is believed to be associated with dilation of blood vessels in the head, inducing this physiological reaction through the insertion of needles into the head and neck area would not be desirable during an attack. It may even temporarily worsen the patient's pain and accompanying symptoms such as nausea.

Instead I minimize activity of the blood vessels in the head and neck during a migraine attack. How is this done? By limiting the acupuncture points selected to those on the arms and legs. The head and neck areas are rarely stimulated to avoid unnecessary dilation of vessels in that area.

In addition, the entire treatment is often done with the patient in sitting position rather than the usual lying position. This is because blood vessels are under greater control in sitting position, minimizing the chance of undesired dilation of the blood vessels following acupuncture. In certain situations, a high frequency (100 Hz) electrical current may be connected to the acupuncture needles to help constrict the blood vessels.

Acupuncture for migraine prevention
Emotional stress is a well known trigger for migraine. Japanese researchers have found that people living in fast-paced business centers in Tokyo tend to have an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, specifically, an inhibition of the parasympathetic system that is active during relaxation, and an excitation of the sympathetic nervous system, which governs our response to stress. This type of imbalance is associated with other health conditions such as heart disease, insomnia, high blood pressure, and premenstrual syndrome.

In order to harmonize the autonomic nervous system, I use a special acupuncture technique called SES. The SES technique involves the shallow insertion of acupuncture needles just to the dermis of the skin, with manual needle stimulation given while the patient is exhaling and in sitting position. This technique was originally studied by professor Kazushi Nishijo of Tsukuba College of Technology in Japan, who found it had positive physiological effects on the nervous system. My recent studies suggest that this acupuncture technique may activate the parasympathetic nervous system and decrease muscle tension. Acupuncture points for this technique are usually chosen on the forearms and lower legs.

The Mayflower~~

When foreigners come to Boston, most of them will visit Mayflower. Even though I have lived in Boston around 3 years, this is my first time to visit there. I'd like to share the ideas.

The Mayflower Before the Pilgrims

About 1607 or 1608, Christopher Jones and several business partners purchased the Mayflower.  Their first voyage in the ship was to Trondheim, Norway, in 1609, to bring back lumber, tar, and fish.  The Mayflower got caught in a very bad winter storm on the way home from Norway, and the captain ordered his crew to throw some of the lumber overboard to lighten the ship.  They barely survived the storm, which lasted several weeks and blew them several hundred miles off-course.

After that, Christopher Jones must not have wanted to sail the Mayflower into the cold North Sea, because he never went there again.  Instead, for the next ten years, he took the ship to La Rochelle and Bordeaux, France, and Malaga, Spain, often several times a year.  He would return to England with a ship loaded with as much as 200 tons of French wines, Cognac, and occasionally some vinegar.

In May, 1620, after returning to London from Bordeaux, France, the Pilgrims made contact with Christopher Jones, and they hired him to transport them to America.

 

The Mayflower after the Pilgrims

The Mayflower stayed with the Pilgrims in America the first winter, and departed home for England in April, arriving back home in May 1621.  Master Christopher Jones, the ship's captain, died the next year, in March 1622.  Christopher Jones owned a fourth of the ship, and when he died the ownership of his share passed to his widow, Josian.  

Josian, with the other three owners, stopped using the ship, and by May 1624 it had fallen into ruins.  It was appraised at that time to a value of just over £128, and because of its very poor condition it was almost certainly broken up and sold off as scrap.

Shortly before the 300th anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage (1920), a historian by the name of J. Rendell Harris published a book, The Finding of the Mayflower, in which he claimed to have rediscovered the Mayflower, as a barn in Jordans, England.  However, his evidence was extremely speculative, much of it based on oral tradition that he himself may have initiated and encouraged; and the possible family connections between the barn owners and the Mayflower's owners has not stood the test of subsequent research.  The barn likely is the remains of a 17th century ship, but there is no evidence it is actually the Mayflower.

Vegetable Pot Pies~~

Sometimes the simplest of dishes make an outstanding centerpiece in your dinner table. It need not be elaborate or gourmet, but simply few dishes put together and showcased in an elegant manner – just like this pot pie. Its such a no fuss dish. Easy,pretty quick and an impressive dinner for guests or for any special occasion. Its so grand that it can be your meal to this Holiday season
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The other day, I had some guests for dinner. I had had a long day and was not really upto making anything elaborate. But one cannot just serve the guests anything now, can we? My husband suggested that we can as well go out and eat. I just went into the fridge to see how well it was stocked. Umm – carrots, celery and few spring onions – not bad. Freezer section housed peas, beans and PUFF PASTRY! Oh yes! Pot Pies Having Puff pastry is always a boon. Its so versatile to allow almost any kind of dishes at short notice. With the menu decided – it took about 1-1/2 hours total to prepare these. Most of the time was on the skillet and oven. Not much work on prep work.

Just because Turkey Pot pies are famous doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be a Vegetarian one, now is there? Why deprive no-meat eaters a scrumptious treat? Any vegetables would work. Want to add Tofu? Seitan? What about Tempeh? My answer to all of them is YES! Anything goes. Try out your favorite mix of vegetables or fillings. Let your imaginations soar. I have adapted this recipe from Vegetarian Times Magazine and used ingredients and proportions suited to our needs.



But what are Pot pies? Usually Pot pies are flaky pastry crusts enclosing a savory filling. There are variations to the effect that the pastry crusts can be used only to cover the top and not the bottom which is what I have done for this recipe. I have added a mix of legumes namely chickpeas and kidney beans along with vegetables and egg pappardelle pasta. You can use egg noodles instead. Since its for a festive occasion, some cheese doesn’t hurt. If you are still conscious about keeping it low fat, then use fat free cream cheese and low fat Cheddar. Now to the recipe

Ingredients – Serves 4-6
• 1 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
• 1/2 cup chickpeas, cooked
• 1/2 cup kidney beans, cooked (or use canned beans instead to save time)
• 1 onion,chopped
• 3 spring onions, whites and greens chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 celery sticks,chopped
• 1 large carrot (or 2 medium), diced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen beans
• About 8 Oz of Egg Pappardelle pasta ( or use egg/plain noodles instead)
• 1/2 tbsp dried rosemary and dried marjoram ( or use 1 tbsp Italian seasoning mix – has more herbs )
• 1 bay leaf
• few sprigs of cilantro,chopped (optional)
• 4 cups of Vegetable broth or water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
• 3 tbsp fat free cream cheese
• 1/4 cup cubed low fat cheddar cheese ( or parmesan)
• 1 sheet Puff Pastry sheet, thawed at room temperature
• salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preheat oven to 350F. Heat butter/oil in a large saucepan. Saute the onion, spring onion until browned. Add garlic.

Add celery and carrot and saute for another 5 minutes.

Stir in the broth along with corn, chickpeas, kidney beans, dried herbs, bay leaf along with salt and pepper.

Let it come to a slight boil, then add the pasta. Cook until it turns soft. Remove the bay leaf.

Whisk together the cornstarch, flour along with 1/2 cup cold water.

Stir this into the vegetables along with cream cheese and cheddar. Add more salt/pepper if required.

Remove from heat and add the peas and beans along with chopped cilantro. Give it a mix until well combined.

Spread the thawed pastry on a lightly floured surface.

Roll it using a rolling pin to cut 4 or 6 squares (as per need).

Take small pie dish and stir in the vegetable mixture into it.

Place the cut puff pastry square and drape it over the filling, tucking in the sides.

Pierce the tops in several places with knife to allow steam to escape.

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is flaky and brown.

Serve hot.

Very filling and simple dish yet so elegant.