Love handles: How to Remove and Get Rid of It Once and For All

How to Get Rid of Love Handles or "Belly Fat"

source: freedigitalphotos.net

Got a lot of side baggage? Want to trim down your waistline? Are you ready to lose your love handles once and for all? 

For some reason fats love to accumulate in certain areas of the abdomen. A lot of people find fat in this area very difficult to manage. 

Sadly, people have lots of wrong notion when it comes to losing side flabs. It is important to know which methods are really helpful in making your tummy firm or fit. We do like to get rid of or remove love handles effectively without wasting time and effort. 

Three methods to remove love handles

Fitness trainers would agree that there is no single way of losing fat. We did some research on how to get rid of love handles and we came up with three effective ways. Three is far better than one, and it also bring faster and effective results. Here are the three methods to remove love handles.

1. Do couple of exercises that focus on the obliques

Oblique muscles help us turn and do twisting motions. They are located on either side of the abdomen starting from the waist to hips. Love handles are actually fats that cover the oblique muscles. People believe that ab workouts can burn side flabs but it does not work that way since it target a different group of muscles. 

Focusing on the obliques will tighten the abdominal muscles and reduce belly fat. Recently, the American Council on Exercise highlighted the following exercise for the obliques:

· Captain’s chair

· Bicycle crunch

· Reverse crunch

· Hover

· Vertical leg crunch

The five exercises were found to produce the highest level of activity for the waist and hips. Although you can also try other exercises like wood chopper or side planks. Remember that there is no single exercise that can get rid of fats. So the more oblique exercises you do, the faster you can say goodbye to your love handles. It is likewise important to breathe with every contraction and increase the number of repetitions as your lower abdomen gets stronger.

2. Eat food that lessens belly fat

Food is a major cause of love handles (admit it) and you have to do something about it. Sweets, carbs, and fried foods go directly to your belly, but, and thigh. When you monitor your food intake, belly fat or love handles also goes away. Including fiber in your diet detoxifies fat and other impurities in the abdomen. You can also snack on avocados, yogurt, bananas, and berries. These foods naturally fight off belly fat and overall body fat that could definitely remove and get rid of love handles. 

Protein is also helpful since it stimulates fat-burning and appetite-reducing hormones. You can try protein rich healthy foods like low-fat cheese, chicken, lean meat, eggs, and nuts. We also recommend reducing consumption of alcoholic beverages especially beer.

3. Lose overall fat

When you lose body fat you also lose the love handles this is because body weight is proportional to waist line. Researchers from University of Connecticut say targeted or isolated exercise is not enough. They found out that tennis players have the same amount of fat in their dominant and non-dominant arm.

You can do cardio exercise, strength training, resistance training or high intensity interval training. We recommend five 30-minute cardio exercises in a week. A 10-minute intense training three times a week can also help you remove and get rid of the love handles.


References:

· Perry, E. (2011) Targeted Fat Loss: Myth or Reality? Yale Scientific: The Nation’s Oldest College Science Publication. [Online] Accessed 16 March 2015.
· Turner, N. (2012) Reset Your Hormones to Beat Belly Fat. The Dr. Oz Show. [Online] Accessed 16 March 2015.
· CBSNews. (2011) Eight Delicious Foods That Help Fight Belly Fat. CBSNews. [Online] Accessed 16 March 2015.
· [No Author] (2001) American Council on Exercise (ACE)-sponsored Study Reveals Best and Worst Abdominal Exercises. ACE Fitness: Press Releases. [Online] Accessed 16 March 2015.

How to Survive Mt. Pulag: Tips For First Timers

Mt. Pulag Must Knows and Traveling Tips

Mt. Pulag is one of the most favorite hiking spots in the Philippines. It was popularly known as the second tallest mountain in the Philippines, but a recent data shows otherwise and that it already became the third tallest mountain.

Anyway, planning is a must when you want to go to Mt. Pulag. I do admit, when I first went there, there were lots of things that I didn't know which made my hike a lot harder. In this article you will learn the essentials, must knows, and some traveling tips to Mt. Pulag. These will help you survive Mt. Pulag.

What to bring to Mt. Pulag

Deciding on what to bring to Mt. Pulag is very important and it will help you survive the hike. Here are the basic things you need to bring to survive Mt. Pulag.

• Carry light and bring only what you need. One of the most basic tip to Mt. Pulag is to carry light, carry only a few items so that it will be easier as you go along the hike. There is no place to take a bath at the mountain or at the campsite. Another option would be is to leave some of your things and clothes at the headquarters area (where the jeep stops). You could take a bath there before or after the hike. Although there are porters who could help carry your things, if you can't carry light.

• Cooked food or canned goods. It's hard to cook at the campsite and it will surely get most of your time. Plus the materials you need for cooking will add up to your load. To make your camping experience a lot easier, one Mt. Pulag survival tip is to bring cooked food or canned goods so you could enjoy most of the view.

• Snacks and drinks. For those who will hike for the first time, hiking is a real exhausting activity and you need snacks to maintain your energy throughout the hike. This is very important for those who will pass through the hard trail. Bring jelly ace or mini chocolate bars this are quick source of glucose and it helped us a lot or you could bring any snacks that you want for as long as you bring some.

• Rain gear and garbage bags. We weren't expecting rain when we went there because it was in the middle of November. But still it poured on the second day and we weren't quite prepared. When I asked our tour guide, she said that rain in Mt. Pulag is ALWAYS unexpected so be prepared. Bring rain coats fit for you and bring garbage bags for your camping bag as well. 

*Another Mt. Pulag tip: Place your things, clothes, and other stuff in a plastic bag before putting it in your camping bag. Some of my friends did this which saved their things from the pouring rain (which I wish I also knew before I packed my stuff). 

What to Expect in Mt. Pulag

Aside from the scenic view and the long hike there's a lot more to expect when you hike Mt. Pulag. There would be few stop overs where you will be instructed on the rules and regulation of the park. You would also be offered a tour guide if you still don't have one. It is their rule that every group of guests should have a tour guide no matter how many times you've been to Mt. Pulag. It would also be easier to survive Mt. Pulag with a tour guide, they do help a lot.

Once you start the trail you won't see much but you will see a better view as you go along. Take a rest if you want to, like for us we would stop and rest at a scenic view. There are water refilling stations as you go along, so there's no need to worry if you consumed your water already. 

It gets really cold at the month of November especially at night. For those who will go to Mt. Pulag in the months of December to February do expect ice along the trail! Yes, at this months it gets really cold in the mountain that guests could see ice on the grass and along the trail. While for those who would prefer a better view of the mountain and the park, it is better to go there at summertime. It is also better to go during summer because there would be less chances of rain. 

Mount Pulag is also known for the breathtaking sunsets. Being able to witness a magnificent beauty of nature is truly a remarkable experience. At the end your hike, you would certainly have that rewarding feeling especially to see that you are really higher than the clouds, higher than other mountains, and higher than any place. 

What to Wear in Mount Pulag & Hiking Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you during your hike and survive Mt. Pulag:

• Wear the right gear. Wearing the right gear changes a lot of things during the hike and it is better than using ordinary shoes or clothes. Be sure that your shoes is fit for a mountain trail or your feet will likely have calluses and blisters after. Also, wear the right hiking clothes so you could easily move around during the hike. Don't wear too many layers of clothes during the hike, it will make you feel heavier and slow you down. Wearing the right hiking attire helped me in surviving Mt. Pulag.
• Accessories.  Bring your own cap and sunglasses especially if your hiking on a summer season. While for those who are hiking on the mentioned cold months - gloves, scarves, mufflers are must haves. 
• Hike early. The earlier you finish hiking, the best spot you have at the campsite. It is also better to reach the campsite before sunset to make the most of your camping experience.
• Don't shout or disrespect the mountain. Like I said, we went there at the middle of November so we weren't really expecting rain. Locals do have a myth that if a hiker shouts and disrespects the mountain it will surely rain the next day. I guess I do believe their story since there was a man/co-guest in our campsite who challenged the myth and caused the rain the next day.

When is the best time to go to Mt. Pulag? 

I would say that summer season or the months of March - May would be the best since the weather is just right.  But if you're up for more adventure you could go during the cold season on the months of December - February to witness an icy cold trail. But if you choose to go during cold season, you need to be fully prepared in order to survive the cold and icy weather up Mt. Pulag.

Hiking and surviving Mt. Pulag is like 'to see is to believe', once you get there will you only realize that this mountain park is amazing and one of a kind! Hope these Mt. Pulag traveling tips helped you a lot.

Seven Weight Loss Myths Revealed

The common weight loss myths that you need to know

Before you try to lose weight, it is important to be aware of these common weight loss myths in order to avoid them. Thankfully due to science and research, our knowledge with weight loss improves through time. You have probably heard of some as tips to lose more weight but then again think before you fall for the myth. Learn from these 10 common weight loss myths for a more effective weight loss.

Source: freedigitalphotos.net

7 Weight loss myths:

1. Cutting out snacks will help you lose weight

Snacking is okay, if you eat healthy snacks and would consume only what you need. The truth is that eating healthy snacks would even keep your metabolism going. Avoid snacks that are high in saturated fat and sugar. Eating fruits and nuts to help boost your metabolism instead.

2. Slimming pills have a long lasting effect

Slimming pills either act as diuretics or laxatives to produce rapid and short term weight loss. Most of the slimming pills do not directly act on the fat cells or the adipose in the body. They do not really help you control your eating behavior; instead it gives people the freedom of consuming a lot of calories thinking that it won’t add up to their weight. Take note that slimming pills also have a duration of effectiveness and once the effect is already gone, the weight loss usually bounces back.

3. Foods with “reduced-fat” or “less-fat” labels are healthy

These labels could be misleading and are not healthy options. The US Food and Drug Administration says that these items are added with salt, flour, sugar, or starch to improve the flavor and texture after the fat is removed. As a result, these foods actually contain more calories than the full-fat version

4. Lifting weights will only produce a bigger body built

The right combination of exercise will help people lose weight faster. As a matter of fact, the combination of aerobics and weight lifting exercises will speed up the weight loss process because of the added energy expenditure. The trick is to have the right amount of repetitions; the more number of repetitions done, the higher is the weight loss result.

5. Physical activity only works if I do it for a longer duration

Exercising for an hour in order to lose weight is already out of trend. Recent researches say that the physical activity for 30 minutes and 60 minutes bring the same weight loss results. Experts would now recommend aerobic exercises or a high intensity workout for more than 10 minutes.

6. Eating meat will not help me lose weight

Most people confuse meat with fats but that is not true. Lean meat will help you form a leaner body structure. Meat also contains a lot of nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc. Lean meat takes a longer time to be digested and helps control a person’s appetite.

7. One weight loss regimen is good enough

Overweight and obesity are caused by different factors. Thus there is no single method that could cure obesity and overweight. A combination of methods is more appropriate to address the varied factors that affect weight like diet, physical activity, and lifestyle modification.

Top Five Benefits of Having a Sauna Bath

Benefits of Sauna Bath

Sauna is commonly used for relaxation or a recreational activity during winter. Ever since then many health benefits of sauna bathing emerged. It uses the concept of gentle and persistent heat to promote overall wellbeing. People use sauna for different reasons, and most probably those reasons are for a good cause. Learn the different benefits of sauna and have more reasons why you should have a sauna bath.

source: freedigitalphotos.net

Why you should have a sauna bath once in a while

1. Relieves stress

Stressors in life harm both mental and physical health resulting to anxiety, depression, or disease. This is why most people use sauna as a relaxation technique to relieve stress. It is the most common and immediate benefit of using sauna. The quiet and warm space clears the mind from any distraction and gives you more time to focus on yourself. It promotes mental health effectively that it even promotes quality of sleep.

2. Detoxification

Detoxification is one of the benefits of sauna because it produces sweat by opening the pores and promoting vasodilation. Sweating is a natural process where the body releases heat and accumulated toxins. You actually sweat out what you don’t need like fat and harmful chemicals.

3. Relaxes the muscles

This is one popular reason why people use sauna after a workout. Heat promotes vasodilation and blood circulation. As the body temperature increase, blood circulation gets even better. More oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the muscles causing relaxation. Heat also stimulates the release of endorphins which produces a natural tranquilizing effect to the muscles.

4. Relieves almost all body pain

Heat is a natural remedy to diffuse any kind of pain because of vasodilation. When blood vessels are dilated the body becomes less sensitive to painful stimuli. Heat also enhances the healing process of the body. This is the reason why health professionals recommend hot compress for wounds.

5. Promotes weight loss

Weight loss is another benefit of sauna. The persistent heat generated from sauna increases the body’s core temperature. The principle of metabolism is based on thermogenesis. Increased body temperature also increases metabolic processes in the body.

Some would not believe that sauna promotes weight loss, but they cannot explain why the heart rate increases. Perspiration and increased heart rate are actually signs of increased metabolic processes. The effect of sauna is like a mild exercise where you burn 350-500 calories in one session.

Tips to maximize the benefits of your sauna bath:

• During a sauna bath, brush the skin on your belly, thigh, and arms using upward strokes. This stimulates the pores to open more and further improves blood circulation.
• Drink plenty of water before and after your sauna bath. Also, don’t go into the sauna after a heavy meal.
• The best time for sauna is late in the evening. It is also better to use sauna after exercise or playing sports.
• Clothes decrease the effectiveness of the sauna bath, so don’t hesitate to go with less – it’s more effective.
• Shower after 10-15 minutes or as necessary to help you cool down. Have a cool shower after to close your pores. Don’t use soap initially because it may clog the pores.
• Rest after your sauna session and let your body adjust with the change in temperature.

Safety Precautions:

There are benefits of a sauna bath but there are also precautions needed. Spend less time in the sauna if you have a medical condition. People with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and chronic health problems are allowed to use the sauna for a maximum of 15 minutes only. It is safe to use sauna for 15-20 minutes but don’t go more than 30 minutes because it will make you lose more water and electrolytes. People are also advised to avoid drinking alcohol before entering the sauna. Most sauna adverse events are associated with alcohol consumption.

How to Get Rid of Stubborn Callus

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Calluses for Good

Calluses are patches of hard and dead skin usually noted at the surface of the toes. Ignoring them might lead to bigger problems like pain and irritation. If you want to remove and get rid of calluses for good then you're reading the right article. People develop calluses when they expose their feet to constant pressure and friction. Using tight footwear causes too much friction, while heavy footwear increases the pressure around the skin.

There are people who are more prone to have calluses because of their work or lifestyle. Calluses initially form that develops into corns with prolonged trauma to the skin. Luckily, there are proven effective remedies to cure them. People can choose from different methods to get rid of these stubborn corns or calluses. We do recommend starting with natural remedies first before considering extreme procedures.

source: freedigitalimages.net

Easy remedies to get rid of callus & corn:

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar or any kind of vinegar could also get rid of calluses because of its acidic content. Soak a cotton ball into the vinegar and apply it over the hard skin patches. Wrap it with gauze or a clean fabric and let it stay overnight. The following day, rub the corn away using a pumice stone.

There is also an alternative method if you’re not comfortable sleeping with vinegar on your toes. Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar and soap in a basin of hot water. Soak your feet for at least 15 minutes and file the callus or corn with pumice stone. This should remove the corn after 10 days of treatment.

2. Vitamin A or E

These vitamins rebuild the skin by removing dead skin cells and restoring skin health. Vitamin A is also used for the treatment of acne and other skin problems. Use vitamin A or E capsules for a sufficient and effective dose. Prick or cut the capsule to release the oil content. Before going to bed, rub the oil into the callus and cover with a cotton sock. Do this every night until the callus disappears.

3.Castor oil and plain pads

Castor oil is also a popular remedy to naturally get rid of and remove calluses. Dab a few drops of castor oil over the corn and place a pad around the callus. You will need an O-shaped corn pad to let the castor oil stay. If necessary, you can cover the pad with an adhesive tape to keep it from moving.

4. Lemon paste

Make a lemon paste and apply it over the corn as needed. Lemon also has an acidic content which can help soften hard patches of skin. Olive oil is used to moisturize the skin and enhance the effect of lemon. Baking soda is added to the paste for gentle skin exfoliation.

How to make a lemon paste:
Mix lemon juice with 2 teaspoon of olive oil. Gradually add baking soda until a paste is formed. Apply the paste over the corn and cover it with gauze or a thin fabric.

5. Salicylic acid medicated pads

Pads alone are great but using over the counter medication for callus is better. There are lots of medicated pads available in local stores that contain salicylic acid. The medication works by softening the patches of hard and dead skin.

Salicylic acid is recommended since it is inexpensive and easy to apply. It is also less painful that other methods. Medicated pads direct the salicylic acid to the corn. It reduces the risk of irritating healthy skin surrounding the callus.

How to prevent further callus formation

The things mentioned are the easy and natural ways on how to remove calluses. To maximize the treatment, use cotton socks and a proper fitting footwear. If you go to the gym, use footwear with enough cushions. The type of shoes will also depend on your activity. The footwear for basketball players is different from runners or hikers. Proper fitting shoes do not mean it has to be exact, it means giving enough space for the toes. Medical advice is recommended for persistent or repeated callus.

Reference:

· Salicylic Acid for Calluses and Corns. Web MD. [Online] Accessed 17 March 2015.
· Laliberte, M. 8 Reliable Home Remedies for Corns and Calluses. Reader’s Digest. [Online] Accessed 17 March 2015.

Why Women Love "One More Chance" and "A Second Chance"

The Reasons why Women Love the Popoy - Basha Tandem

The story of Popoy and Basha started in the movie One More Chance, which was released last 2007. Fans loved the first movie indeed because of the story and of course the 'hugot lines' that most of the audience could easily relate to.

The movie did not focus only on one story of love but it showed the different faces, kinds, and stories of love. This is the reason why most of the audience could relate with every line in the story. The One More Chance craze went on through some years and this movie sequel would certainly go through the same path. 

  

source: philstar.com

The Sequel - A Second Chance

Recently, the Popoy - Basha fans blazed upon knowing that there's an upcoming sequel to the famous movie. A Second Chance will be launched this November, 25th on all cinemas. Their love story continues as a married couple faced with the challenges of the so called 'married life'. With that alone, there are lots of new stuff to expect from the sequel. The kilig, the story, hugot lines, and the promise of forever gets women hooked with the movie. But if you're still wondering why lots of women go crazy with this love story, here it goes:

1. The promise of forever

As the trailer goes, 'Simula bukas, ang meron nalang ay tayo, tayo habang buhay'. Most women dream of their own fairytale, where they could love and experience love at the same time. A love that would last forever. 

People would have different views on love, on why it breaks, and on why it doesn't last. But nobody wants to grow old alone. Whatever our thoughts about love is, it all boils down to one common point that we long for, a love that would last forever. The movie gives a kilig vibe that true love does exist that it would make its way to forever.

2. The dream to be wed or to be a bride

Okay, now this one is a big deal especially for women in their late 20s and early 30s. It is a major life event that people go through or a 'life goal' for adults. Now in relation to the movie, it gives hope to women that, yes maybe they will be a bride someday. 

The audience know that the love story of Popoy and Basha went through a lot and their relationship still managed to reach the altar. Many women could probably relate with the situation like being in a relationship and hoping that one day they will eventually get there.

3. The realistic hugot lines

Another reason why many love the story is because it shows the real struggle that couples experience. There is no false hope shown - or at least few, not like other Filipino love stories that aren't so inspiring.

One More Chance and A Second Chance shows that yes love could hurt and love could get you high at the same time. It could be too hard one day then rewarding for other days. The movie was written in a realistic fashion and less fictional which made people relate with the character's experiences. That is also the reason why every hugot lines could cut through.

Those are the top three reasons why women love the movie One More Chance and A Second Chance. Thank you for viewing the article!

Top Buffet Restaurants in Baguio City 2016

Top 11 Buffet Restaurants in Baguio City

Planning for a trip to Baguio this coming weekend or planning for a stay during the Christmas season? Baguio City is one of the most loved tourist spots in the Philippines because of the cool weather, beautiful tress, friendly people, and the unique restaurants.

With the continuing modernization of the city came along the rise of many buffet restaurants. Tourists should definitely try the buffet restaurants in Baguio because they are more affordable compared to those in other cities. Here is a list of the top eight buffet restaurants in Baguio City.

List of buffet restaurants in Baguio 2016

There's few buffet restaurants in Baguio but are still worth the try. Listed below are the most visited.

1. Le Chef Buffet at the Manor Camp John Hay

Photo from Le Chef 

Le Chef is probably at the top of the most sophisticated and classy buffet restaurant in the city. It is very popular because of the five-star hotel ambiance, the tasty food, the the food variety included in their buffet. Daily breakfast buffet starts at 6:00 am - 10:30 am, Sunday Lunch Buffet starts at 12:00 - 2:30 pm

2. Elements buffet

Elements buffet is located in New Town Plaza square which is newly established. It is located near Botanical Park and Berkley School. It is one of the best buffet in town so far because they have lots of food options compared to other buffets. The place is spacious making it a great place to celebrate birthdays and other events. The dishes are tasty and certainly are worth the price. Another fun part of this buffet restaurant is that you get to see how they prepare the dishes.

Address: 42 Claro M Recto Street Corner Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City
Phone number: 423 0534
Buffet offers:
- Breakfast buffet for P380
- Asain Merienda buffet for P180 (except Sunday)
- Dinner buffet for P680 (Weekday), P880 (Weekend)

3. Le Monet Hotel Buffet

Le Monet Hotel also offers buffet meals. Their breakfast buffet is great since it includes bacon and many more. Their dishes are of great quality, customers would also love the elegant and modern design of the hotel.
Address: Technohub, Camp John Hay, Baguio City
Phone number: 09175267049

4. IhawJuan Eat All U Can

IhawJuan Eat Restaurant is a unique buffet restaurant in Baguio. As the name implies, their buffet features grilled dishes. Customers need to be ready because they will have to grill their own food.
Address: Ground Floor Blue Mountain Hotel, 16 Marcos Highway, Baguio City
Phone number: 09774035575

5. Heritage Mansion Buffet

Heritage Buffet is one of the most recent buffet restaurants in Baguio City which just opened this February 2016. Their buffet highlights a variety of local and international cuisine. The price is just right for delicious and good food! If ever, you're up for some modern, classy, and affordable buffet, then you should definitely try the Heritage Mansion Buffet.

6. City Lights Hotel Buffet

City Lights Hotel is one of the most popular buffet restaurants in town. It is located near Baguio City Cathedral. Their rates are more affordable that doesn't compromise taste and quality. They also offer Japanese buffet (not included in the picture) which is offered at P550 per plate.
Address: 245 General Luna Road, Baguio City.
Phone number: 246 3513

7. Korean Palace (Kung Jeon) Restaurant

Korean Palace is a great place for Korean food lovers or for those who would like to try a different kind of cuisine. Their buffet starts at 6 pm and is also one of the best in town. Their staff are friendly and they would help you cook your samgyeopsal. They have traditional Korean dress and costumes that the customers could try for free.
Address: South Drive, Baguio City
Buffet price: P350

8. Golden Restaurant Buffet

Golden Restaurant buffet is also a new buffet restaurant in Baguio. It also serves different dishes like the steamboat or shabu shabu which is offered for only P299 per person on weekdays and P399 on weekends. They also have merienda buffet for only P165 per person. It is also a great place to celebrate birthdays and other events
Address: Leonard Wood Road, PhilHealth Building, Baguio City

9. The Kitchen by Chef Cris

The Kitchen by Chef Chris is also a new buffet restaurant in town. They also offer grilled buffet for P249 per person.

Address: 80 Upper General Luna Road, Baguio City

Phone number: 424 4992

10. Kamayan Restaurant

11. O Mai Khan Mongolian Grill and Hotpot

The interior of this restaurant is great and they serve Mongolian Buffet which is recommended for vegetarians and those who would like to try a new dish. O Mai Khan buffet price starts at Php 159 and Php 189 if with drinks.

Those are the top buffet restaurants in Baguio City. Thank you for viewing the article!

How to Make Your Own Diet Plan

Lose Weight by the Calorie Restriction Diet Plan

People often have a hard time choosing a diet regimen to follow since there are lots of diet plans to choose from. So instead of going through the whole process, why not make your own diet plan instead? Making your own diet regimen will suite your lifestyle and personality so that it would probable work. In this article you will learn about the different principles used by diet plans so you can make your own. You will get surprised that most of them follow the same concept.

Plan your own diet regimen with these five steps:

1. Know your target weight and plan

This is the first and basic step, know your current weight and set a goal. Measure your waist circumference and compute for your body mass index (BMI). These two parameters will show you how much you have lost and how much you need to improve on. 

When you're trying to set a weight loss goal, don't be shy to aim for a high one. There is nothing wrong with wanting to lose 10 pounds in just one week. The higher your goal is, the better the result that you will get. Challenge yourself and don’t settle for less, remember that motivation and hard work is the key to success. 

Then plan for your target date, for example planning to lose 20 - 30 pounds in eight weeks. Rapid weight loss is known to be effective and motivating. Don’t let the numbers intimidate you because you’ll get more motivated once you see rapid and big results.

2. Decrease your daily calorie intake

In order to lose 1-1.5 kilos per week, you need to reduce 1,000 calories from your daily intake. If your goal is to lose 0.5 kilo per week, you’ll need to reduce 500 calories from your daily intake. Decreasing daily calorie intake is one thing diet programs have in common because fewer intake will ultimately lead to weight loss. These are true if you choose to go on a diet without exercise. The formula is suitable for people who don’t have enough time to enroll in an exercise program.

3. Cut of your carbohydrates and make the right choices

Complex carbohydrates provide more nutritional value than simple carbohydrates. If you try to notice most of the diet plans contain complex carbohydrates because they also contain fiber for improved digestion. Simple carbohydrates on the other hand are rapidly digested which can make you feel hungry even after intake.

Try this principle by choosing foods rich in complex carbohydrates like green vegetables, whole grains, beans, and peas. These are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. You have a wide variety to choose from which can satisfy your appetite. Avoid diet sodas since they contain sugar substitute that are not good for your health.

4. Know the difference between saturated and unsaturated fat

Removing unhealthy fat is another principle used by all diet plans. Saturated fats are unhealthy which directly increase blood cholesterol and LDL levels. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are healthy fat recommended by health professionals because they sweep off bad cholesterol and lipids.

Removing unhealthy fat and promoting the good fat are seen in Weight Watchers Diet, Mayo Clinic Diet, South Beach Diet, and Paleo Diet. You can also try this principle by choosing foods rich in healthy fats like corn oil, olive oil, soybean, safflower, canola oil, and fish. Nutritious fish to remember are HAMMS: Herring, Anchovies, Mackerel, Salmon, and Sardines. You can also snack on nuts and avocados; they’re rich in good fat too.

5. Add those principles and put them to action

After knowing which food to choose, we now put these principles into action. Diet programs have been claiming their superiority over the others when it comes to weight loss. A Canadian compilation of over 59 credible journals says that diet programs bring the same result. The weight loss difference between diet programs was minimal and not significant. The bottom line is to go on a diet and choose a program that best fit your lifestyle. You can eat the food that you like provided that it’s healthy.

By making your own diet plan, there are higher chances that you would really stick to it. That is why it would cause less failures. In this way, you learn and try to discipline yourself which is good for your health and for your future. 

Starbucks Features Their 2016 Planner

Starbucks Presents the Moleskine 2016 Planner

Photo by Keven Calugan

Every year Starbucks company produces a lovely and creative planner for the upcoming year. This November, Starbucks started to launch their limited edition Starbucks 2016 planners. The planner is a free gift for customers who are able to purchase 18 beverages from their cafe. As previous customers would know, 18 stickers in exchange for one planner. 

Lots of customers love the Starbucks planner because of its creative design that is not like any other in the market - thanks to their marketing staff who try to be innovative and creative every year. Plus, there's a lot of fun freebies included in the planner.

Basically, there are two kinds of customers who go to Starbucks. First type of customers are those who go to the coffee shop to socialize, hang out, relax, and be entertained. The other type of customers are those who just want to have a cup of joe or simply because they love the drinks. But this Christmas season, there's another type of customer who would go to Starbucks just to avail of the limited edition planner. It's a brilliant marketing strategy to keep their clients coming back for more.

What's new in the Starbucks 2016 planner:

Every year, Starbucks tries to be creative and fun when it comes to the design of their planner. Here are the modifications for the Starbucks 2016 planner.

• The Mini Planner Edition. As you can see in the photo above, the new planner comes with a mini version to suite the varying lifestyles of their customers. It is handy and ideal for people who love to carry light. Typically it has the same design and print as the original one. Sad to say that the customers still need to purchase 18 beverages to avail of the mini planner, same with the original version.
• Lighter and Thinner. The new planner is thinner and lighter compared with the previous ones with the thick covering. This time the cover of the Starbucks 2016 planner is made with a simple and humble touch. Because of this, the planner is now more convenient to bring anywhere you go! I guess they took suggestions from the old planners they launched.
• New Print Style. Of course, the print style changes every year. The inside of the planner looks like a notebook with more space to write on. Not to worry, it still comes with lots of fun freebies. 

Those are the new things you could find in the Starbucks 2016 planner. Thank you for reading through the article. Have a happy holidays!

Top Five Benefits of Being a Vegetarian

Top five fun benefits of being a vegetarian.

Source: freedigitalphotos.net

People are being curious why a lot of people including celebrities are going vegetarian. There are great advantages and fun benefits of being a vegetarian. There's basically more than just having a healthy weight and body. Eat healthy and enjoy these health benefits.

Benefits of being a vegetarian

1. Having a healthy and fit body weight.

Munch on fresh veggies and you’ll surely have a lower body weight. Grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, and other vegetarian food do not contain fat. In the other hand, meat products contain saturated fats, triglycerides and cholesterol. Several studies have shown that vegetarians lose weight and maintain a healthy body as they get older. Switching to vegetarianism can trim down body weight for as early as 10 days.

2. Vegies are energy boosters.

Whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, providing energy stores for a longer time. These foods are also rich in fibers that are able to detoxify the body and eliminate toxins. Vitamins and minerals are obtained from a nutritious food group that boosts energy throughout the day.

3. Vegetarians have better mood.

A study was made on 2012 where the participants were divided into three categories: all meat diet, fish only diet, and the vegetarian diet. Results show that people on the vegetarian diet have testified improvement in their mood.

4. Having lesser risks of developing diseases.

Meat contains saturated fats, triglycerides, and cholesterol which make people at risk of developing hypertension, cardiac problems, and stroke. There are also a lot of food-borne diseases that are acquired through meat intake. The vegetarian diet is rich in fiber that is why vegetarians are exempted from having gastric cancer.

5. Being able to enjoy more years.

This is the long term benefit of consuming vegetables and healthy food. This is because vegetables help fight diseases. Vegetarians also have a better quality of life because they have the lowest risk of developing diseases. Mood improvement is also experienced by a vegetarian that is why they can have a fun, healthy, and longer life.

Fortune Seafood Restaurant Baguio City

Fortune Seafood Restaurant

Fortune (Hong Kong) Seafood Restaurant is one of well-known fine dining restaurants here in Baguio City. They do serve delicate and tasty cuisines that you don't eat regularly. New customers would definitely enjoy the sophisticated, modern, and elegant design of the restaurant. 

The restaurant is located at Otek Street beside Good Taste Restaurant and Burnham Park and PRC Baguio branch. The place is great for family and friends. Its best if you go there in groups because the do serve a lot. They do cater to events such as debut, birthdays, and wedding reception. Here's a peak of the inside of the restaurant.

Fortune Seafood Restaurant Menu and Pricelist

They do serve lots of different dishes, so there's much to choose from. Although, they do offer dishes at a higher price range compared to other restaurants. Here's a picture of Fortune's Seafood Restaurant menu and pricelist.

Other Restaurant Info:
Address: 16 Otek Street, Baguio City
Phone number: 074- 442- 9773
Price range: $$$
Accepts Catering and Reservations: Yes

The Harmful Effects of Skipping Meals for Weight loss

The Effects of Skipping Meals

Most people choose to skip meals in order to lose weight. Meal alternatives are safe for as long as you put something in your stomach but never go on a day without even eating a single meal ever! Skipping meals involves the famous yo-yo diet where people don't eat meals in order to lose weight. There are various harmful effects noted when you skip meals and it does cause rebound weight gain. Know the harmful effects of skipping meals before you it's too late for your health.

Source: freedigitalphotos.net 

The harmful effects of Yo-Yo dieting illustrated

Malnutrition like overweight and obesity are part of the current issues faced by the society today. The world has set a standard that the being skinny is more accepted and more beautiful. That is the reason why many people are dieting just to lose weight. Advertisements and endorsements make the yo-yo diet look so effective and easy. What the audience fail to see are the risks that accompanies the yo-yo diet. I have tried the famous yo-yo diet before; it gave me peptic ulcer disease and more weight gain. Here are some friendly reminders to avoid being a victim of this fad diet.

1. Skipping meals can cause diseases

People who do the yo-yo diet are not eating in a healthy way. Frequent skipping of meals will lead to diseases like ulcer formation, anemia, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Inadequate intake of nutritious food will likewise cause the cells to starve rendering the body vulnerable to infection and disease.

2. Starving yourself will increase your food intake.

The body needs food so that it can function well. The brain is responsible for detecting low glucose levels in the body. This is a normal mechanism of the body to prevent hypoglycemia. When the body is starving, the brain will send a signal to the stomach to release high amounts of Ghrelin, a hormone which initiates meal and increases appetite. Food intake will consequently increase due to the effect of the hormone.

3. Yo-yo diet brings a rebound effect.

Starvation will cause the cells to shrink, which will get bigger after food intake. It becomes a cycle of shrinking and enlarging of fat cells within the body. Research has proved that starvation will not eliminate or destroy fat cells. The problem with yo-yo diet is that the body will demand for more calories to compensate for the meals that were skipped. This will make the person gain more weight compared to what was lost.



There's nothing wrong with wanting to have a normal and healthy weight. But be sure that the weight loss method you choose is one that is effective and safe for your overall health.