Yoga is increasing its popularity, especially to women who want to stay fit and healthy. Yoga does not only help in improving one’s physical outlook but it can also bring peace of mind. Here are some benefits that women can get from yoga:

Improves flexibility

Yoga workouts require you to do exercises in different positions. These positions can help you in exercising your body joints and doing so increases your flexibility. Different yoga positions also increase lubrication of your body’s tendons, joints and ligaments.

Tones the muscles

Our muscles can sometimes be weak and loose. Yoga is an effective tool in toning the muscles. It can also help in getting rid of excess flab and fats with regular workout.

Massages body organ

If you don’t’ think that this is possible, it is- with yoga. Yoga workouts can actually massage your body organ including your internal glands, and even the prostate.

Aides in detoxification

If you are in a detox diet and you want o flush out unwanted toxins and harmful substances in your body, yoga is a good way to complete you detoxification efforts. Yoga stretches your muscles and joints to ensure a good flow of blood in different parts of your body. As such, this can help in flushing out unwanted toxins in your body and improve nourishment.

Anti-aging

Because yoga can help in the detoxification process, it can also help in delaying the signs of ageing. It can also give you the energy and stamina to last you throughout the day.

If you think that yoga is your usual exercise regimen, think again. It has a number of health benefits that you can take advantage of. So if you want to tone up and be healthy, get into yoga today!

So you are a foodie looking to get into a more acceptable shape than ‘round’? Think dieting is your stumbling block on the way to weight loss? Hate the thought of depriving yourself of your favourite foods? Well then, you better keep reading, because we are going to tell you just how you can lose weight and still enjoy all your favourite foods!

• EXERCISE. Not only does exercise burn up stored fat and calories, it also revs up your metabolism so that the body burns fat at a faster rate throughout the day. Go for aerobics and cardiovascular exercises like swimming, running, jogging, cycling and power walking for fat loss.
• Strength training ensures that you tone your muscles, which again revs up metabolism and makes your body burn calories even at rest.
• Eat all of your favourite foods, but just reduce the amount that you eat. Use smaller spoons and plates.
• Share your favourite treats with friends for a win win situation: you make others happy, you get to eat your favourite snack, and you eat less of it without realizing it.
• Do not eat while watching TV, reading or simultaneously with any other activity. People do not realize what and how much they are shoving into their mouths when their minds are busy elsewhere. If you concentrate on the food, you will feel fuller faster without eating too much.
• Chew more and eat slowly. You will feel fuller with smaller portions.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

The majority of women who are trying to lose weight look for healthy, convenient, delicious and cheap diets. Unfortunately, most nutrition plans leave dieters feeling hungry, depressed and frustrated when they do not see immediate results. Thus, just like fashion and beauty, everyone wants to know what is the next “hot” thing in weight loss and health.

Sunset Health Products, Inc. is proud to introduce a variety of diet products that is not only effective in helping to shed pounds, but is healthy, safe and will leave women feeling satisfied throughout the day. Now, you can have that beautiful physique too!

The Hollywood Cookie Diet® offers dieters the chance to eat delicious cookies, while still maintaining a sensible diet and staying full longer. A woman on The Hollywood Cookie Diet®, simply eats a cookie (a variety of flavors are available) for breakfast, lunch and as two snacks throughout the day. The website offers sensible recipe choices for dinner. The beauty of this diet is it relieves hunger (each cookie contains approximately 150 calories and necessary nutrients for the day) while helping women lose weight. People can stay on the diet for as short or long as they choose—until they reach their weight loss goal. Cookie choices include chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and lemon or the variety pack for just $19.95 a box. With 12 cookies in each box, The Hollywood Cookie Diet® offers 3 days of meal-replacement, which is less than $2.00 per serving. Also, in these busy times, it is perfect for meals on the go—with life moving so fast these days, eating well has taken a back seat to other things. Over 3 million cookies have been eaten .

BUY IT : The Hollywood Cookie Diet are available at Walmart, Rite Aid and Walgreens. The Hollywood Cookie Diet® has appeared in publications such as InTouch Magazine, OK Magazine and on programs such as “The Early Show” and the NBC television program, “Lipstick Jungle.” For more information, you can visit http://hollywooddietstore.com

WIN IT : Thanks to Hollywood Diet Store, I’m giving away two boxes of The Hollywood Cookie Diet® each to two lucky readers. All you need to do is:

• One mandatory entry – Visit www.hollywooddietstore.com and “name three ingredients in The Hollywood Cookie Diet. Please  leave your answer in our comment section in this post.
• Two additional entries – If you tweet this giveaway (please leave your twitter id)
• Five additional entries – If you blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post (please leave your post url)
• Giveaway is open to US shipping addresses only and closes on 3rd September 2009.
• A winner will be picked using Random.org. Remember to subscribe so that you will be updated with the contest result.

Since more women than ever are being diagnosed with breast cancer, it makes  this story particularly important to be shared with every one of you today.

New York, NY (July 28, 2009) – According to the American Cancer Society a staggering 70 percent of women eligible for breast reconstruction forgo it simply because they are unaware of their options. This glaring oversight leaves the roughly 250,000 American women who each year battle breast cancer uninformed about what’s often considered the finishing touch of a treatment plan.

New York City board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Sterry says that even though women feel scared after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis and overwhelmed by the treatment that lies ahead, neglecting to discuss reconstruction options serves only to limit her.

“Nearly all the breast cancer patients I work with for reconstruction tell me they were concerned early on about how their treatment would impact their physical appearance, but that those concerns weren’t addressed,” says Dr. Sterry. “The trauma of her battle with breast cancer will be with her always and so will some of the scars, but there is great technology today that makes it possible for pretty much every patient to expect a pleasing aesthetic result after breast reconstruction and it’s important that every patient be educated about it.”

Breast Advice
There are many options for breast reconstruction. Because multiple factors – including the method of treatment, the style of mastectomy, and certain characteristics of each individual patient -determine which option is best, the most successful outcome results when a plastic surgeon is included on the treatment team from the beginning.

“Most breast cancer patients tell me they feel deformed by their treatment, sometimes even comparing themselves to Humpty Dumpty,” says Dr. Sterry, “They feel that after this traumatic ordeal they’re left in pieces and are relieved to learn how they can restore their body to a shape they associate with femininity and health.”

According to Dr. Sterry there are some basic terms associated with breast reconstruction that all patients should be aware of including expanders and autologous reconstruction. Dr. Sterry advises all women to also learn about up-and-coming procedures, including those that use tissue matrices and alternatives to mastectomies also known as oncoplastic surgery, which he believes will eventually dominate the field.

Not your mother’s breast reconstruction: One of the most common complaints about reconstructed breasts is that they more closely resemble “mounds” rather than natural breasts. It has long been accepted that reconstructed breasts are meant to allow women to better wear clothing, including bathing suits, after mastectomy but exciting advances have made it possible for plastic surgeons to more closely replicate a true breast.

• Tissue Matrices like AlloDerm and Strattice have proven vital in enabling surgeons to recreate the most natural looking breasts during reconstruction, says Dr. Sterry. “Essentially what they’ve done is provide patients with an additional layer of tissue, helping us overcome many challenges typically associated with breast reconstruction,” he explains, going on to say the use of tissue matrices grants the surgeon more control over the placement and shape of the breast. “With the assistance of a tissue matrix, which functions essentially as an ‘inner bra,’ the surgeon can better control and predict the long term position of the implant and the shape of the breast.”
• Alternatives to mastectomy comprise a burgeoning field known as oncoplastic surgery, which in some cases can preserve much of the original breast while also removing cancerous tissue. One example of oncoplastic surgery is the growing number of women Dr. Sterry has seen opting for a breast lift procedure instead of a mastectomy. “In the past it wasn’t uncommon for a woman to opt for a mastectomy out of fear, but thankfully we’ve benefited from some advances that allow us to successfully remove the cancer without necessarily eliminating the entire breast. Because of that, breast conservation surgery like lumpectomies and breast lift in place of a mastectomy are increasingly being used and seem to be just as effective,” Dr. Sterry explains. The trick, he says, is to discuss at length with your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon the pros and cons of traditional mastectomy versus oncoplastic surgery.

Oldies but goodies – breast reconstruction for the ages: The standards for breast reconstruction are autologous reconstruction (using tissue from another part of the patient’s body such as in TRAM flap or latissimus dorsi reconstruction), and tissue expansion, where a device resembling a water balloon is inserted under the skin and muscle in the area of the breast and inflated slowly over a few months. Eventually, the expander is removed and a permanent implant is put in its place.

Associated with each of these procedures are complications such as decreased function of the donor site when tissue from another part of the body is used and unnaturally shaped breasts due to the lack of tissue when an expander and implant are used. If the implant is fully shielded by muscle, high-riding, poorly defined breasts often result but when there’s only partial coverage, the risk for “bottoming out,” exposure of the implant, a “uni-boob” and visibility of the implant increases.

In the past women and their medical teams accepted these risks because there wasn’t much else to choose from. Today, Dr. Sterry believes these procedures can be dramatically improved upon by incorporating new technology such as tissue matrices and oncoplastic surgery.

While the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer steadily rises, the rate of death due to breast cancer is on the decline thanks to early detection and improved treatment options, making it more important than ever to consider “after cancer” plans before surgical treatment.

Did you know that every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer at some point during her life is about 1 in 8. This is why it is incredibly important for women to do what they can to maintain their breast health.

Here are some simple steps to help support your breast health:

• Conduct self-exams.
• If you’re over 40, it is advisable to get an annual mammogram.
• Eat a healthy diet comprising of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Don’t forget to include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
• Always remember to exercise. Most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week. Examples include walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming for recreation or bicycling. Stretching and weight training can also strengthen your body and improve your fitness level.

Now, here’s an opportunity for you to join the fight against breast cancer. Check out the TAKE A STAND widget below and join the virtual march, by creating a customizable character in honor of someone special. In addition, for each character created, One A Day will make a donation to a breast cancer cause selected by consumers. The organizations that will be included are: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Network of Strength. OneADay will donate $0.10 per character created and coupon redeemed with a combined maximum donation of $75,000. Why wait? Do your part for a good cause today.

Cultivating sculpted abs have always been a major area of concern and focus for die-hard enthusiasts of health and fitness. Acquiring the much coveted possession however, is a task which requires devotion which is much easier said than done. Washboard abs with well defined muscles are not only the owner’s pride but the envy of many a friend or colleague, and acquiring them requires dedication which not only includes a well-balanced diet, but regular sets of exercises executed competently and efficiently. Here are some time-proven tips on the exercises which can ultimately lead you to acquire those killer abs you have always wanted:

• Step one: Proper postures for exercise is an integral part of the ab routine, so start exercising by taking your arms over the head and holding onto a bench. With both legs in the air and with toes pointing upwards, hold this position with your knees slightly bent.
• Sitting with bent knees and holding your arms in front: Lean backwards till you make a forty five degree angle with the floor and straighten your legs, albeit they must be positioned lower to the ground. Now hold this position for half a minute at a time and repeat the exercise.
• Sit with bent knees and flat feet: Place each arm on the opposite shoulder, and lean backwards with your back as straight as possible. Twist from side to side using only your torso i.e. waist above only.
• Lie with bent knees: Make your legs perpendicular to the ground i.e. A 90-degree angle. Put your palms at the base of the head such that the fingers interlace. Now execute twisting motions from your waist, first by bringing your left elbow towards your right knee, and simultaneously extending your right left. All the while, your other elbow should remain flat with the floor.

Repetition of this set of exercises is an essential task, and begin the abs routine by starting at 2-3 sets of 20 crunches, and gradually increasing the tempo to 5-10 sets daily. Do remember, however, that acquiring the much desired abs also exacts a fair amount of attention to dietary details, as muscle work alone cannot lead to the goal. Although an Elle MacPherson like body might seem a distant and slightly difficult task, acquiring abs that support your body well is not exactly an impossible goal, and do check with your doctor before staring on the exercise regimen.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

TOKI is the first natural collagen drink clinically shown to reduce fine lines and age spots. Introduced to the United States by way of Japan in 2002, TOKI has become a leader in the field of natural beauty aids. TOKI was used in Japan to support the joints, thanks to its combination of potent active collagen and glucosamine but soon after it was introduced clients began reporting an overall improvement in the texture and appearance of their skin.

TOKI reintroduces a youthful look and feel to skin with an extraordinary ingredient base that includes the moisture-rich retention of Hyaluronic acid in a mucopolysaccharide complex. The mucopolysaccharide complex replenishes skin from within, and combines with Collagen Peptide and Vitamin C to restore a more youthful quality. When modified with HAI™ Amino Acid Extract from Hijiki seaweed for enhanced absorption, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be dramatically reduced. Your skin tone, moisture level and resiliency are revived. In as little as 45 days, skin texture starts to become smoother and tighter and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be diminished.

BUY IT : Price: $175 for a 30 day supply. To order, visit www.888ageless.com.

WIN IT : If TOKI sounds like an awesome product, here’s your chance to win it:

• Let me know why you want to win this product. One winning entry will be picked based on the best “want to win” reason.
• Giveaway is open to US and Canada shipping addresses only
• Giveaway closes on 21st March 2009.
• Remember to subscribe so that you will be updated with the contest result.

As you know I wrote a post awhile back about Heidi Klum being Diet Coke’s heart health ambassador for the Heart Truth campaign. Just thought some of you, fans and readers alike will be interested to see Heidi being interviewed for this webisode as part of her effort to spread the word about women’s heart health. Click Heidi Klum’s Webisode to view the interview.

I’m also taking this opportunity to include some healthy heart tips to share with you all:

• Go for whole grains. Eat at least three ounces daily of whole-grain foods such as whole-grain cereals, whole-wheat bread and pasta, and brown rice.
• Get hooked on fish. Eat omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, trout and herring at least twice a week.
• Load up on produce. Enjoy colorful fruits and vegetables — their fiber, vitamins and minerals are great for your heart and blood pressure.
• Go a little nuts. Choose modest portions of foods with unsaturated fats such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.
• Focus on fiber. The fiber in oatmeal, barley, fruits, vegetables and beans is good for your heart.
• Exercising is a must. Ensure you have proper outdoor clothing and shoes that are comfortable for the type of exercise activity that you chose.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Recently, the Açaí berry has become all the rage with celebrities and health experts alike. Thanks to endorsement from Oprah Winfrey,  it is now known as the number one superfood in the world.

Indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, the Açaí, despite the recent surge in demand, is still somewhat allusive to the every-man. The good news is, Agrolabs has recently launched Naturally Acai Xtra to bring the benefits of the Amazon directly to the consumer.

Agrolabs Naturally Acai Xtra is loaded with the natural properties of the Açaí berry to promote energy, healthy digestion, cholesterol management, a strong immune system, and even a healthy, youthful complexion.

BUY IT : Pick up a bottle today to receive all the benefits of this illustrious superfood. Naturally Açaí Xtra is available at Costco for $18.99 (16 oz) or $23.99 (32 oz), and AgroLabs recommends one ounce per day to better health.

WIN IT : Thanks to www.agrolabs.com, THREE lucky readers will win two 16oz Naturally Acai Xtra bottle each. Here’s how to enter this giveaway:

• Visit Agrolabs and tell me in the comment section below one benefit of this supplement
• Three entries – if you subscribe to this blog via email (button on sidebar)
• Three entries – if you stumble this post (please state your SU id)
• Giveaway closes on 30th January 2009. Winners will be selected using the Random.Org.

I’m sure many of you out there have included “losing weight” as one of your New Year Resolution Well, if you’re like me, you’ll agree that it is one of the hardest one to keep. That’s probably why we have it on our New Year goal year after year. LOL.

Well, I’ve just discovered a new visual weight loss tool called Weight View which may be useful to kick start your weight loss challenge. WeightView.com is a FREE digital weight loss tool that allows users to see what they would look like at their target weight. You upload a photo of yourself, specify how much weight you’d like to lose, and WeightView sends you back an image of yourself at your target weight. What I love about this is the fact that dieters can see themselves thinner, which can provide the motivation needed to sustain a weight-loss goal… oh the things we do for motivation. Users are printing out the images and hanging them on their refrigerators, downloading as screensavers, etc. I’ve included some images for you all to see:

WeightView has over 100,000 users and is currently the #1 Facebook application under “weight loss”. If you asked me, I’m definitely trying it out. Afterall, it’s FREE and may just be the motivational tool that I need!