Freezing Mangoes!

It's Summer Time and you should be stocking up on your fruits!

Here's a Tip if you have too much of one fruit that's ripened...

- In this case I had a good few mangoes that were over ripe and too soft to enjoy eating... so I cut as much of the mango off the seed and blended it with a little water.
Filled into ice-cube trays and freeze.

Now, you can make mango smoothie anytime you wish :)

You can go right ahead and make the smoothie if you have enough people to finish it, but mango drinks are something that do not last long in the 'fridge' so it's best to freeze the ice cubes and use as you need.

Enjoy :)

Rain and Thunder Healing Sounds for Deep Sleeping

Did you know that it has been proven that the rhythmic sound of the rain "drumming" appeals to your brain's pleasure center, which causes some sort of reaction when your neuron's fire, that triggers a sleep hormone in your brain?

Hence the reason when rain falls, we always want a blanket and a nap :)

The sound of rain and thunder, have a similar effect on grown ups as the effect of a shhhing sound comforting a baby...
Or sometimes it could just be the gloominess of the day that is somewhat depressing and tires us out.

Anyhow I have been going through a tiny case of insomnia lately...my mind just won't shut up when it's time to sleep!..but this music track on youtube has helped me to fall asleep within minutes!  Rain and Thunder Healing Sounds for Deep Sleeping
Wanted to share with yall... (ps: you can check http://keepvid.com/ to download it as a muisc file, copy it onto your phone or wherever and play it to sleep)

Love Candy
xoxo

Is Cooking with "Cooking Spray" Good for your Health?

Cooking sprays have made baking and cooking sticky meals so much easier!

No more greasing of pans manually and getting your fingers all gooey and greasy...

But is it really a health hazard in the kitchen that we are consuming and are we better off doing it the old fashioned way or just making our own?

Here are some reasons to toss the whole idea of purchasing a cooking spray!

- Ingredients in a cooking spray - soy lecithin, mono and diglycerides, dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethyl silicone, or artificial flavors

I never understood why a cooking spray doesn't just have oil in it?

- Did you know that your cooking spray has genetically modified ingredients?... This simply means that some or most of the ingredients come from seeds that have been genetically modified or altered so that more pesticides can be used to grow the plant faster without the plant dying.

- Your cooking spray contains SOY - A Harvard University study, reported that eating as little as one half serving of soy per day can result in problems such as infertility in males and increased breast cancer risk in females.

- What good is the empty can to our environment? The amount of unnecessary waste created by the packaging. While we could argue that they are recyclable, we still must keep in mind that the recycling process also requires a great deal of energy, in the form of heat, electricity etc.

So is there a solution to this problem?
Yes there is!

Use an ordinary small spray bottle or if you happen to have any hair oils that came in a spray bottle..even better..

A bottle that is made for spraying oil will work if you just fill it with oil only..

If you have to use an ordinary spray bottle use the following mixture: 

1/2 water

1/2 cooking oil (preferably coconut oil)

So, we can finally stop wasting money on the expensive and harmful non-stick sprays!! ...and make our own :)

Reference: examiner.com/

Lose weight faster! Cut down on Sugar!

Did you know a lot of us are sugar addicts but don’t even know it?

If you want to lose weight, you're not alone. Almost half of all humans or possibly even more are trying to lose weight at any given time.
While there are many things you can do to shed pounds, losing weight too quickly can be dangerous. Fad diets, diet pills, and fasting may help you reduce the number on the scale, but these methods can cause severe health complications, and only cause you to regain the weight after, even more rapidly than before.

A healthy overall lifestyle needs to be gradually introduced into your everyday living. We took how ever long to gain the extra weight, it's not going to disappear overnight.
Making healthier food choices, eating smaller portions, Eating more veggies and fruits, Drinking more water, Getting some form of daily exercise and cutting out certain things is all going to contribute to a healthier slimmer physique.

Giving up sugar or cutting down your consumption of it considerably will help you lose unwanted pounds or maintain the right weight.

Sugar that is not burned off is responsible for obesity and stubborn fats.

I figured that since I don’t drink alcohol or soda, it should be easy for me to cut my sugar consupmtion, as I just had to give up chocolate, tea and some of the snacks.

Then I realized a lot of things I ate are disguised as healthy but are loaded with sugar: MOSTLY ALL THE PROCESSED FOODS!
Sugary Cereal, certain brands of yogurt, salad dressings and sauces, canned corn, juices, canned fruits...and many many other things we buy!  Just turn it over and check the amount of grams of SUGAR!!

Wow, food without sugar can get really sickening and bland...but the greatest and best sugar alternative I have found is honey...a little goes a long way.

Watch this short yet informative video explaining how sugar makes us fat.

If you're trying to cut sugar out of your diet, the best way to go about this step, is by reading labels. If nutritional labels just said "sugar," the task of cutting sugar out would be easy, but they don't so it's not.

There are many more names for sugar out there and this handy little list reveals them all.

Hope this helps...I have tried to cut out most of my daily intake of sugar and I haven't died..lol
Always keep in mind, that the less sugar we consume the better :)

Have a great weekend.
Love Candice

Antiperspirants Leading to Breast Cancer?

Antiperspirant prevents the body from "purging toxins".  Most antiperspirants contain an active ingredient which is an aluminum based compound that plugs the sweat ducts and prevents you from perspiring.

In general, antiperspirants are coupled with a deodorant, which contains the pleasant scent that stops you from stinking. They may also contain a number of inactive ingredients.

These body toxins that were made to be excreted by the body, when we trap or block them from coming out, they find their way into the lymph nodes, where they concentrate and contribute to cellular changes that can lead to cancer or even diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Like many other people, you may now be wondering: Is the product I've been applying to my body every day for years really putting my health at risk?

Studies in recent years have theorized that aluminum-based antiperspirants may increase the risk for breast cancer. Yes, ANTIPERSPIRANT!!
Most of the stuff for under your arms out there is antiperspirants or deodorant combination containing the dreaded ingredient “ALUMINUM”!, so go home and check your ingredient labels."

According to the authors of these studies,

QUOTE:                “Most breast cancers develop in the upper outer part of the breast -- the area closest to the armpit, which is where antiperspirants are applied. The studies suggest that chemicals in antiperspirants, including aluminum, are absorbed into the skin, even more when the skin is nicked during shaving. These studies claim that those chemicals may then interact with DNA and lead to cancerous changes in cells, or interfere with the action of the female hormone estrogen, which is known to influence the growth of breast cancer cells. Also note that not only women get breast cancer!

Considering that one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime, the idea that antiperspirants might somehow contribute to the disease is a pretty alarming.”

Oh, obviously the experts would deny all of this, but people who care did the studies, and let it out.

As I said before, it’s a vicious cycle, the people who sell and make these aluminum deodorants, are also linked with the cancer doctors etc.

Because the market is flooded with these aluminum based antiperspirants, it will take a little more out of us, to look for a deodorant not containing these harmful ingredients.

You don't have to take this information seriously, but do you really want to chance it?

Why block waste from your body that is supposed to come out?  Doesn't make any sense does it?  That’s like a backed up sewer pipe…eventually it will spill over.

So, can I suggest any deodorants for you to use?  Yes I can :)

For those of you who shop online: you can find any natural deodorants here: iherb.com

Use this code for $5 of your first order under $40, 
OR  
For $10 off your First Order of $40 or more: SVK965

For those of you who live in Trinidad- Superpharm  has the “Naturally Fresh” Brand.  I have purchased it at the Marabella branch for $30TT and it’s AMAZING! No sweaty smells, No harmful ingredients, just simply amazing! 

So, what deodorant do you use?

Tip:  Remember it's the little changes that make the biggest difference later down in your life.

Love
Candy

6 Vegetables That Kill Belly Fat!!

So like any woman or man out there we all have a desire to have a flatter tummy...

Did you know that certain chemicals/toxins in your food supply and your environment, such as pesticides, herbicides, and certain petrochemicals from air and water pollution, household cleaners, plastics, cosmetics, etc can react with your hormones and make your body store excess abdominal fat.
Here is a little description on the following vegetables before we get into the good stuff as to how these vegetables can save us :)

What is Chinese cabbage??  Chinese cabbage can refer to two distinct varieties of Chinese leaf vegetables used often in Chinese cuisine. These vegetables are both related to the Western cabbage, and are of the same species as the common turnip.Wikipedia

What is Broccoli??  It is a plant in the cabbage family, whose large flower head is used as a vegetable. The word broccoli, from the Italian plural of broccolo, refers to "the flowering top of a cabbage". Wikipedia

What is Brussels sprout??  The Brussels sprout is a cultivar in the Gemmifera group of cabbages, grown for its edible buds. The leafy green vegetables are typically 2.5–4 cm in diameter and look like miniature cabbages. Wikipedia

What is Cabbage??  Cabbage is a leafy green biennial, grown as an annual vegetable for its dense-leaved heads. Closely related to other cole crops, such as broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts, it descends from B. oleracea var. oleracea, a wild field cabbage. Wikipedia

What is Cauliflower??  Cauliflower is one of several vegetables in the species Brassica oleracea, in the family Brassicaceae. It is an annual plant that reproduces by seed. Typically, only the head is eaten. Wikipedia

What is Kale??  Kale or borecole is a form of cabbage, with green or purple leaves, in which the central leaves do not form a head. It is considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most domesticated forms. Wikipedia

And the information you have been waiting for!
Live Lean TV shares how these SIX types of vegetables that can actually help you burn your belly fat.

Yes, veggies can kill your belly fat!

Gotta get me some veggies :)

Happy Thursday <3

Love Candy.

Gluten-Free Pancakes for a Flatter Stomach!

Happy Tuesday my dear readers :)

You asked, so here is the recipe for these simple delicious pancakes, that has no gluten in it, and tastes really good :D

Ingredients:

2 whole eggs

1 tablespoons brown rice flour

2 tablespoons coconut flour

A shake of stevia (optional)

1 teaspoon cinnamon powder (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)

Beat together with hand or mixer.

NB* If it is too thick, add one more egg.

Use coconut oil for frying

Serve with fruit, or honey drizzled on top. :)

NB: 'Coconut Oil is very good for burning body fat.  It is high in lauric acid and it is very good for helping your body absorb nutrients when you eat. So cooking with Coconut Oil is very good for you :)

My experience in purchasing Coconut Flour:

Please note that Coconut Flour is ridiculously expensive.  I purchased at Hilo, not aware of the price, only to check my bill when I reached home and realize that it was $80 for a 1pound bag!

If you can find at another Health food store please share. You can just use Brown Rice Flour and add a little more :)
Ps: I only used the coconut flour, eggs and vanilla essence (it was all I had at the time) and it tasted amazing :)

Feminine Washes? Good or Bad? - The Truth Behind These products

Hi ladies,

This is a really important topic that so many of us get dragged into, because of media and what our peers say.  While in class last Saturday, this topic came up, and the ladies who used it, became very defensive when I told them the truth behind it, saying things like ‘so then why did they make it?’ or ‘it makes me feel really clean’ or ‘well fine, that’s you.’

I was really shocked at how people who have absolutely no history or background to defend what they are saying, can be so defensive! 

Why haven't people yet realized that 95% of the media is simply just business, and does not really care about what happens when they sell you a product.  They sell you a product, you use it for a few years, then get ill, have to pay immensely high doctor bills, go to the pharmacy for medicine to fix the problem that they started, and then continue to use the same product, because you have no idea what caused it in the first place…. sigh, It’s just keeps going in a cycle, that keeps repeating itself…we have to do our own research before we are brainwashed.

This led me to seeing the importance of sharing this with you, my fellow ladies.

Our bodies on the whole were made to fight bacteria.  This explains why when a baby gets vaccinated; they are actually given the virus, so that their body can begin the process of learning to fight off viruses, bacteria, etc.

ccherb.com

The vagina is in itself a self-cleaning organ, containing good and bad bacteria.  Logically one may think that because of the functions of the vagina, it contains a ton of bad bacteria, which causes itching and odor. 

So, when we see a feminine wash on the market, and we read the label, we immediately think that this would solve all problems for keeping our nether regions feeling fresh and clean.

Feminine washes come pre-mixed, as a combination of vinegar, water, baking soda, and iodine, and their main and only intent is to kill bacteria that causes odor.  A feminine wash cannot determine the difference between the good and bad bacteria and just as often as you use it, it gets rid of all bacteria, whether good or bad. 

This is a major disadvantage because your body needs the good bacteria.

An adequate amount of good bacteria (normal vaginal flora) is needed to maintain the acidity of the vagina, which is what maintains your ability to fight and prevent infections in that region. 

The use of feminine washes or any wash or cream designed to kill vaginal bacteria-- can change the acidity of your vagina, and can make you more vulnerable to infections. 

So, although you may think that you are washing infection-causing bacteria out of the vagina, you are actually also getting rid of the good bacteria that keeps the area free from infections. 

The balance of good and bad bacteria maintains the acidity of the vagina and this balance prevents the overgrowth of the bad bacteria.

The vagina should be washed, preferably with a moisturizing unscented soap. (see how to make your own liquid soap here)

You may ask, why unscented?  Because added scents of any type are usually made of phthalates, which have been shown to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and an endocrine disruptor (interferes with your hormones).

I have heard that some women even use the douching process to clean their vaginal canal. Unknowingly to them, this can actually cause infections to spread. While cleaning or rinsing, the force of the water can sometimes move the bacteria further up the vaginal canal and into the uterus. The force of the water from douching can move bacteria into the uterus.

If you happen to have a bad vaginal odor, this most likely means one of two things; 

Either you are not washing regularly enough, or you have a yeast or bacterial infection.  

Vaginal infections must be handled by a gynecologist!  If you already have a vaginal infection, it is possible that using a feminine wash can cause the spread of the infection to other areas in the canal.

Please do not think that vaginal infections only come from sleeping around!  You can simply obtain a vaginal infection from not washing off with soap and water after sex, even if you have been having sex with one man since forever.

If you're simply looking to maintain everyday cleanliness and prevention of infections, and have no symptoms, your healthiest bet is simply mild soap and water. It's convenient, affordable, and safe enough to use everyday.

Hope you take this information seriously ladies. I didn't always know, until my gynecologist had a serious talk with me.  So instead of paying over $300 for a doctor visit, here is the information for FREE :)

Do have a great day.

Love Candy xoxo

© Candice-Marie Ballack

Heart-Healthy Cooking Oils

A dazzling array of cooking oils have diversified the market expanding our options into mildly confusing...so then, what factors help us to determine if a specific oil is healthy to cook with or not?
Among many others here are some of the major cooking oils on the supermarket shelves that are marketed as 'healthy'.

The first aspect to consider is:
Knowing the smoke point of an oil. Why? Because due to the chemical consistency of an oil, not all oils remain the same when heated to cook with. This is necessary to know, because when oil is heated beyond its smoke point (the temperature at which the oil gets hot/fries) it generates oxygen radicals, which are harmful cancer-causing agents producing toxic fumes into your food and becoming extremely unhealthy to consume.

Cooking oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean,corn, flax-seed, sesame and many other vegetable oils are not recommended for cooking because they are polyunsaturated oils and are very delicate in the presence of heat. Biochemically speaking, high heat, which comes from cooking and or baking, damages their chemical structures to the point that they become trans fats eventually.
Trans fats are harmful substances to ingest. Period!!!
A tip to remember:  
The more refined the oil is the higher its smoke point, or simply put, better for cooking; reason for this is because, refining removes the impurities that can cause the oil to smoke.

Most if not ALL vegetable oils also have a rather low smoke point (300° - 450°).  To some people, this may seem rather high, but not when it comes to using an oil for cooking!...because we cook/fry above those temperatures most of the time...

Another important thing to note is that any given oil's smoke point does not remain constant over time. The longer you expose an oil to heat, the lower its smoke point becomes. When you are frying food, little bits of batter or breading will drop off into the oil, and these particles accelerate the oil's breakdown, lowering its smoke point even more. So in general, fresher oil will have a higher smoke point than oil you've been cooking with for a while, or just simply in the habit of re-using oil.

Now for Olive Oil 
With all the 'health conscious' people out there, we have started purchasing Olive Oil for cooking...but Olive oil also has a rather low smoke point. Olive oil is a very healthy monounsaturated fat as long as it’s not heated above 300 degrees. Otherwise it becomes toxic just like all those other polyunsaturated oils we discussed above.

If olive oil becomes too hot, the fats change, break down and become carcinogenic!

To truly enjoy olive oil the way mother nature intended and to benefit nutritionally from this fat, it is strongly encouraged that you to use it only for salad dressings or as a dipping oil for your favorite foods.

Now you may be wondering, so then what oil is safe to cook with?

 - Coconut oil!!!

Yup, here are some of the amazing reasons why Organic Extra virgin Coconut oil is the best oil to cook with.

1. It's tthe Healthiest Oil
2. It is a Very Stable Fat
3. Suitable for All Types of Cooking
4. Has a High Melting Point
5. Helpful Oil For Anyone

The number one reason this oil is recommend is because it’s a healthy saturated fat.  All saturated fat is not bad and some are even very beneficial; Coconut oil is one of the best.

...And Best of all it is suitable for ALL Cooking Types!!!

Cooking with coconut oil that’s pure and natural is a very good decision because it is a perfect choice for any kind of food preparation that you do. Whether you want to use the stove top  bake, stir-fry, grill or fry food this oil is most beneficial. However, please do not microwave this oil. It will destroy all of its nutritive value!

Coconut oil is resistant to oxidative damage and it contains no cholesterol or trans fat. For all of you that are monitoring your cholesterol, get this...it helps support normal cholesterol levels as well as help with weight loss and heart health.

So there you have it....There are so much information regarding cooking oils of all different kinds.
Despite all the searches though, Coconut oil has proven to be the healthiest oil to cook and bake with.
All the other oils have some kind of issue with it, whereas Coconut oil has always remained the healthiest and best option . 
I really hope you make the choice to cook with this oil as often as possible and forget about those other unhealthy ones!

Here is a little video to re-enforce what you just read:

Healthiest Milk to consume!

Which Milk are you drinking?

Did you know that humans are the only mammals that continue to drink milk from another mammal even after being weaned?

Have you ever considered the health benefits behind the milk you consume daily?

There actually is a healthy option to all of the dairy choices out there...I did not think so until I came across this amazing video.  Nowadays, your health is at stake, because people are getting cancer, diabetes and other illnesses at a much younger age.  Take control of your health NOW!...
Watch the video!

Get Rid of your "Toxic" Home Cleaning products.

Hi friends, how is life?

I have been thinking about starting up a youtube channel, but things in my life are just so distorted at the moment. I will as soon as I get the chance, but in the mean time, I will continue blogging and sharing the interesting information I come across every day with you, my faithful audience :)

I wanted to write on a topic that many of us seem to overlook.

Nowadays the modern home is filled with toxic substances that are commercially designed to make our cleaning life easier. The cost of these chemically based products can be rather high, but they can eventually cause long term health concerns for your family.

Because of this…there is a growing number of ‘Natural’ ‘Non-toxic’ home cleaning products.

There are many inexpensive and easy ways that you can make your very own natural alternatives for cleaning your home, with ingredients that most of us already purchase.

Here is a list of these alternatives, and below is a little bonus recipe for your own simple natural Fabric Softener ;)

• Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.

• Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.

• Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.

• Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.

• White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.

• Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.

• Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)

• Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.

• Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)

According to the Allergy and Environmental Health Association, both liquid and dryer sheet fabric softeners are “the most toxic product produced for daily household use.” Most of the popular brands of fabric softeners contain many neurotoxins (substances that are toxic to the brain and nervous system) and other types of toxins.

So, if you are considering giving up that commercial expensive fabric softener but you still want soft clothes, then here is a simple solution to ensure you do.

1. Add a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water in your washing machine and let it dissolve prior to adding your clothes. This is my preferred method since the baking soda acts as a water softener and helps makes clothes super soft.

2. Adding a cup of white distilled vinegar to the wash water can also soften clothes but this method is not as effective as the baking soda technique.

3. Try to keep synthetic fabrics out of the dryer since they are the culprits when it comes to static. Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, hemp, and linen are best dried on their own.

4. And, of course there are still more natural fabric softeners available in most health stores. I must admit, though, that I don’t find them necessary. I try to purchase clothing made of natural fibers as much as possible and find my clothes are soft regardless whether they go through the dryer (free of fabric softeners) or are hung to dry.

As you can see, there are plenty of options when you want soft clothes and to be free of toxins.

Stay Healthy...

Check you doctor before taking supplements

It's true the healthier you are, the healthier your skin and hair will be. But consuming supplements without discussing them with your doctor can do more harm than good. Why? Because mixing certain vitamins and minerals can have the opposite effect of what you're hoping happens when you take supplements. Make sure you talk to your doc before taking any pills.

source: http://huff.to/NXWK4n

What Do The Plastic Recycling Numbers Mean?

So have you ever thought of turning over a plastic container to read the number on the bottom, the one surrounded by the little recycling symbol...or little 'triangle'?

Well recycling programs depend on these numbers to tell you which plastics you can and can’t re-use.

If you read my last post on how important it is for you to be drinking water, then you should also know what these numbers mean, mainly because these numbers tell you which plastics are considered safe and not? 

Sometime ago there was a big scare over BPA plastic leaching chemicals into water bottles and baby feeding bottles, after studies showed that BPA mimics estrogen and interferes with hormone levels.

Well I did some research on this, because if you're supposed to be drinking lots of water during the day...then most likely the only way to do so is to have a water bottle around you all day.  This being said we all need to be aware of which bottles we should and should not drink in.

So read on...
There are seven numbers you will find on plastic containers, reflecting seven different types of plastics available in the market. The number is a resin identification code associated with the type of plastic used in the container. Some plastics are healthier and more environmentally friendly, some less so. Some are easier to recycle or re-use as a drinking water bottle, some less.

Here’s your guide to what the numbers mean, whether they’re safe, and how easily recyclable they are:

<Note that Plastic# 1-7 are the numbers that are found under the plastic bottles>

Plastic #1: This is polyethylene terephtalate, also known as PETE or PET. Most disposable soda and water bottles are made of #1 plastic, and it’s usually clear. This plastic is considered generally safe. However, it is known to have a porous surface that allows bacteria and flavor to accumulate, so it is best not to keep reusing these bottles as makeshift containers. This plastic is picked up by most curbside recycling programs.

Plastic #2: This is high density polyethylene, or HDPE. Most milk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries bottles are made of this. It is usually opaque. This plastic is considered safe and has low risk of leaching. It is also picked up by most recycling programs.

Plastic #3: This is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. It is used to make food wrap, bottles for cooking oil, and plumbing pipes. PVC is a tough plastic but it is not considered safe to cook food near it. There are phthalates in this material–softening chemicals that interfere with hormonal development. You should minimize use of #3 plastic around food as much as possible. Never cook using food wrap, especially in a microwave oven. If the wrap is listed as microwave-safe then I would still not let it touch the food while using it in the microwave. #3 plastic is rarely accepted by recycling programs.

Plastic #4: This is low density polyethylene (LDPE). It is used to make grocery bags, some food wraps, squeezable bottles, and bread bags. This plastic is considered safe, but is unfortunately not often accepted by curbside recycling programs.

Plastic #5: this is polypropylene. Yogurt cups and similar wide-necked containers are often made from it, as well as water bottles with a cloudy finish. You’ll also find it in medicine bottles, ketchup and syrup bottles, and straws. This plastic is also considered safe, and is increasingly being accepted by curbside recycling programs.

Plastic #6: this is polystyrene, or Styrofoam, from which disposable containers and packaging are made. You’ll also find it in disposable plates and cups. Evidence is increasingly suggesting that this type of plastic leaches potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated. I suggest avoiding the use of #6 plastic as much as possible. It is difficult to recycle and most recycling programs won’t accept it.

Plastic #7: This number basically means “everything else.” It’s a mixed bag, composed of plastics which were invented after 1987. Polycarbonate falls into this category, including the dreaded BPA. So do modern plastics used in anything from iPods to computer cases. It also includes some baby bottles and food storage containers which resist staining. Use of #7 plastic is at your own risk, since you don’t know what could be in it. You should dispose of any food or drink related product, especially for children, that is known to contain BPA. I personally also view any other food or drink container made from #7 plastic with a good deal of suspicion. It is difficult to recycle #7 plastic and most curbside recycling programs won’t accept it.

So after reading all that information, You should have gathered that, plastics #2, #4 and #5 are generally considered safe. 

Plastic #1 is safe too but should not be re-used due to the risk of growing bacteria. Any other plastic should be used with extreme caution, especially around food or drink. The risk is even greater when heating food. For microwaving in particular, remember that microwave safe containers aren't necessarily healthy. They just won’t melt. In general, it’s better to avoid microwaving plastic entirely and stick to glass containers for the microwave and even for your water bottles if you think you can be careful enough.

source

Folic Acid...For hair GROWTH?!?!?!...

Hi lovelies,

My sincerest apologies for not posting as often...my time is quite limited lately, but I am trying :)

I was going through one of the awesome groups I am a part of on Facebook and I came across a mom asking about why her baby's hair was growing so slowly...and one particular comment just jumped right out at me...
Someone commented and said that "Folic Acid" aids in hair growth...and that mothers should be taking it before and during pregnancy etc etc... and that she used it and her hair grew some length...

I was sooo shocked -_-
I mean seriously?!?! The things that we do not know out here....I did my research and apparently it CAN grow your hair ...perhaps maybe even better than 'Hair, Skin and Nails' ...

So as of Sunday I started taking my 'Folic Acid' tablets...they are really tiny so no need to worry.  I got mine at a pharmacy (Superpharm)
Please note though that people refer to this tablet's strength by <mcg> and sometimes if we are unaware you may think that "Wow 1000 mcg is strong, I should take that.'  But in reality 1000mcg is actually only 1mg, so that's VERY weak.
I asked the pharmacist for something higher and she gave me 5mg.  I only took a 60 day supply, so I am monitoring my hair growth.
My hair is like 2" past my bust when I pull it out straight.

I am looking forward to some results in hair growth with this tablet :) I want my hair longggg :D

Remember if you decide to try this as well, you must be drinking lots of water and its only ONE tablet a day, preferably after a meal. (ps: try eating a bit healthier, it would help also)

----------------------------------------------------------
Here is a little insight to the research I did on Folic Acid.  The reason its really good for hair growth is because it renews your blood cells, which benefits you health in so many other ways.

Read on....

Like the rest of our body, hair also relies on adequate amounts of nutrients for maintaining their health and growth. And these nutrients reach the hair follicles from a healthy and well balanced diet. Whenever there is a discussion about necessary vitamins about hair growth, it is impossible to ignore the benefits of Folic acid, or vitamin B-9.

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin which is very important for healthy hair growth. However, folic acid does not promote new hair growth on its own; its benefits can be enjoyed along with the other forms of B vitamins to encourage health hair growth. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to change in hair color. Apart from helping in hair growth, folic acid also helps in the formation of red blood cells, maintaining the central nervous system, and for the overall normal growth and development of human body. 

Why Folic Acid is important for hair growth?

This B complex vitamin promotes hair growth. It plays a key run in turning the food we eat into energy and aids it in processing and using these nutrients. When nutrients reach our hair, it enjoys proper growth, extra glow and shine. Also the problem of hair fall can be solved. Another role of folic acid is that it helps in cell division, including the cells found in our hair follicles. Since hair growth depends on regular cell regeneration in the follicle, a steady supply of folic acid encourages healthy hair growth. Any kind of hair problem caused due to deficiency in folic acid can be corrected by eating more and more foods enriched with folic acid. 

Cures premature hair graying: 

It has been found that a deficiency of folic acid often causes premature hair graying. During this time red blood cells grow larger than normal, causing a condition known as megaloblastic anemia. With folic acid the formation of red blood cells will return to normal. So, when you notice premature hair graying, make sure your body is getting the required amount of folic acid. 

Promotes healthy hair growth: 

Folic acid helps to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and protein that are available in your body. So, when our body is getting the required folic acid on daily basis it helps in reducing symptoms of various hair disorders, including alopecia, male pattern baldness, hair shaft disorders and hirsutism, or excessive hair in the body of women where hair does not usually grow.

What happens with folic acid deficiency?

Folic acid is an important vitamin that our body needs for various functions. A deficiency of folic acid in the body can cause hair loss and even premature graying of hair. Also girls and women of childbearing age can protect and promote their reproductive health by taking adequate supply of folic acid as required by the body. 

Too much folic acid can be harmful:

It is important to keep a track on how much folic acid you are taking as both less and more than the required amount can be harmful. When you take folic acid more than the required amount it may affect the absorption capacity of the antibiotic tetracycline, reducing its effectiveness. Excess amount of folic acid may also cause hair fall and other health related problems. 
This vitamin can be taken as a supplement or naturally by including the various foods enriched with folic acid. Food products such as green, leafy vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and cereal products are good source of folic acid. But if you wish to take any supplement it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking one.

Recommended Dose of Folic Acid:

The recommended daily allowance of folic acid for adults over the age of 19 is 400 micrograms daily. It should be not more than 1,000 micrograms per day for both men and women. Those who are pregnant, planning to conceive, or lactating should include 600 to 800 micrograms of folic acid in their diet daily. 

Major Sources of Folic Acid:

There are many regular food items that are rich in folic acid. Some of such food items are cooked dried beans, peas, lentils, spinach, asparagus, romaine lettuce, beets, broccoli, corn, peas, tomato juice, vegetable juice cocktail, Brussels sprouts, orange juice, canned pineapple juice, cantaloupe, melon, hemp, soybean, honeydew, potato, canned grapefruit juice, bananas, raspberries, lean meat, grapefruit, strawberries, whole wheat flour, coffee beans, enriched grain pasta, whole grain breads, whole grain bread, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, milk, soya items and nut products especially walnuts. Including these food itmes in your diet will surely make your hair grow faster.

Folic Acid Supplements:


Taking folic acid supplements is definitely a good idea for proper hair growth. Rare allergic reactions to folic acid have been observed that include skin rashes, itching and difficulty breathing. So, it is always better to consult a physician before taking any new vitamin supplement including folic acid.
To conclude, it is true that folic acid helps in hair growth. But for hair growth, correct amount of folic acid must be consumed regularly otherwise it can have negative impacts. Along with folic acid one must also follows other important tips such as healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, less use of chemicals on hair, keeping the scalp clean, regular oil massaging and so on to make their hair grow faster.

some information sourced from howtomakeyourhairgrowfast.net

Are you eating healthy snacks?

Did I mention that I finally purchased a scale?

Yuppuz I did...and I weigh 120 pounds exact...That may be ok..but I wanna be like 110 and less.
Since my GM Diet my stomach has been much less of a burden feeling over stuffed...I try to eat a little better..but I have lost some of my appetite...after being on that diet..

I did some exercise this evening as well...I just walked and skipped...my boyfriend says that skipping would tone my entire body easily once I stick to it...soooo I wanna see :)

Also I cut out unhealthy snacks..well once in a while ..but very few and far between...

I have been loving this cereal as a snack lately...its delicious and wayy healthier than a snack.. I ran all out though :(

You all should really munch on this instead when you feel snack-ish...and not quite in the mood for a fruit...

It's not that expensive either...











I wanted to show you all this amazingly cool organizer...
I do not have my own bathroom, so I have to keep my hair products in my bedroom, and I was soo fed up of storing them in a drawer and having to rummage through them when I wanted to find something...

So I needed to find a solution, and this is what I bought...It is the coolest bathroom organizer ever and I really need to purchase another one for my conditioners etc

I could not believe how it just amazingly holds everything together and looks so great and the spacing is perfect for taller bottles...

I could not have made a better purchase :)
and it cost less than $100 ...

Well hope you all are having an awesome evening..
Goodnight <3

Soda (even diet soda) makes you fat???

Wow I was reading this article and I pinned it to pinterest.

Are you trying to lose some weight and wondering why it's not happening?
Read this article...

Click the picture...it takes you to pinterest...then click again

Source: nowloss.com via Candice-Marie on Pinterest

The GM Diet Plan : DAY SEVEN

Day Seven Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Ahhhh Sunday..my last day :)
Eating healthy really has to become a lifestyle thing...something you do a little of everyday!

Brown rice, vegetables, and fruit juices...I did not get any brown rice...

I just had vegetable soup for breakfast and lunch ...I also drank apple juice...no dinner..just water
My hunger pangs are not as much as before...and I am definitely more health conscious...
Would keep sharing my ideas for staying healthy daily :)

And well that's about it...My 7-day cleanse and crash diet...

About the pounds lost...as I said in the beginning I do not have a scale so I don't know for sure...but I can guarantee you I do feel much lighter, and smaller in my tummy especially...
Soo it's worth a try...if not it's certainly worth eating healthy and making healthier food choices...

I still have vegetable soup remaining..about 3 bowls... so I would still be having soup tomorrow..lol

Cheers to me for sticking to it and going the whole 7 days :)
Thanks for taking the time to share this with me ....xoxo

The GM Diet Plan : DAY SIX

Day Six Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your heart’s content.

Hi my lovelies...This diet is getting boring...lol.
But here goes another day..

So if you have been following my posts, you'd know that I made a vegetable soup yesterday.

eating healthy today actually tasted good...lol

Today is beef and vegetables day so For breakfast I had chicken and a bowl of vegetable soup.
Sticking to my diet was really hardest for me today out of the entire week so far...I had to meet up in the mall with a long time friend visiting from the states and also my little cousin birthday party :(

I tried to stick on the healthiest side even if I did have to cheat...So at the mall I ordered grilled chicken and vegetables...and for desert I had an oatmeal cookie.

At the birthday party I had peanuts and a very small slice of cake...no soft drinks just water :)

So all in all I tried my best..even though I cheated a bit I still stuck to the healthiest side of cheating...lol

Tomorrow is my last day...I can't wait for this to be over...lol
Till tomorrow :)

The GM Diet Plan : DAY FIVE

Day Five Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Yayyyyy I got to eat meat today :)

Wow by today I did not have that much hunger pangs... I did not purchase beef because instead of beef you can also have lean chicken or fish...
It is said that chicken breast is the leanest meat in the chicken.


So for breakfast and lunch and for the rest of the day until I reached home, I ate tuna and tomatoes...with a little shake of salt.  Do keep in mind when you're purchasing tuna in the tin, to make sure its in water and not oil.

After work I knew that I was gonna be hungry today and tomorrow.  On day 6 I am supposed to eat beef and veggies :(
So I decided that I should look for some chicken and ingredients to make the vegetable soup... so off to the grocery I went...

I got the ingredients and whooped up an amazingly delicious soup...*shock face* ...lol

I seriously did not expect to enjoy a vegetable soup..but I did :)
That's all I had for the evening...I seasoned and cooked one piece of boneless chicken breast with my soup since today is meat day...but I did not put the meat in the soup, cause I wanna have soup for day 7 also and I can't have meat on that day ...

All in all Today got better than yesterday...lol...I felt like I actually had a meal :)

Sooo here is what I did for the magic soup...

I used the food processor and chopped up everything small...You can cut differently if you want...that choice would just differ the length of time to cook.

I cut up:
1 Head of cabbage
2 Medium Onions
2 Celery sticks
2 Pimentos
1 Large sweet pepper
Approx. 5 tomatoes
2 Carrots
1 Clove garlic crushed
1 Leaf of Bandania leaf (seasoning leaf)

In a pan I put 2tsp of extra virgin olive oil and sauteed the onions, celery, garlic, carrots, pimentos, sweet peppers, and a tin of vegetables (just for extra..optional)
I let it simmer for 3 minutes until tender...stirring occasionally.
Note: Time would be differ if you cut up bigger pieces.

After I added the tomatoes, cabbage, baby corn (from the tin) and I filled the pot with water...
As for the water I cannot say exactly, you just got to work with it.  Look at the consistency...remember you want some liquid and not just veggies to eat...lol

For flavor you use salt and seasoning..either fresh seasoning, powdered, or bottled..Just ensure it does not have MSG in it!

Stir and cover and let cook for 20-30 minutes...turn off and finish to taste..

Cheers to a nice warm bowl of veggie soup :)
Do try it and let me know how it tasted :)

Your soup may look something like this: http://tinyurl.com/codge7n

The GM Diet Plan : DAY FOUR

Day Four Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

So I got back my computer so I can blog at the end of day 4 :)

Today was awesome!!! Really it was...I felt so energetic today! :)

I was sooo glad I get to drink some milk today...

For my meals today, I didn't quite wanna drink milk and eat banana separate...so I made a banana shake.

I blended 3 glasses of Liquid skim milk, 6 bananas and a teaspoon of vanilla essence.

For breakfast I had the rest of the milk from the pack which was like 1/4 of a cup, I warmed it and had that for breakfast.
Around 10am I started to feel hungry, so I drank half cup of the Banana shake...It was soooo yummy :)
For lunch I had half cup of shake again,
...and then again at around 2pm.

When I came home from work, surprisingly I was not feeling weak at all!! I drank a glass of water and relaxed a bit.
(ps: I have been drinking water as normal today also)

Then around 5:30pm I put on my exercising clothes and went for a jog.  I stretched a bit also, and did some bike.  I felt so good after.  I took a shower and had a whole glass of the Banana shake.

I don't think I should be having that shake too late cause it just might be too heavy on my stomach.  Again I wish I made that soup :( ...but anyway...I barely felt hungry today...and I had an extra boost of energy..It felt so so good !!

Here is a simple youtube video for the amazingly simple tasty healthy banana shake...lol
(Remember to use Skim Milk!!! ..and try to use bananas that are a little more on the 'too' ripe side for a sweeter taste)

Hope you really try this diet...even if you're not ready to do so yet...Try this Banana shake!!!
It's delicious! It's healthy, and com'on baby it has no sugar!!!... lol
Hugs and kisses xoxo