Most people have heard of yoga, but many aren’t aware of its great benefits. Yoga is a method of posing and deep breathing that can improve strength, flexibility, stamina, and relieve stress. If you’ve ever thought about trying yoga, now is a great time to start.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of yoga you want to try. This may seem simple, but there are 40 different types of yoga to choose from. Each one has its own benefits, strengths, and requirements. Which one is best for you will depend on your current physical fitness level, what you’re looking to accomplish in yoga, and your own personal preferences. If you plan to take classes, you should check to see what types are available in your area before you choose.
While you can find tapes and books that teach you various yoga poses and techniques, you will get the most benefit from attending a class. A qualified instructor will be able to tell you if you’re doing everything properly; doing the poses correctly will give you the biggest benefit. One thing you should be aware of that many people may be uncomfortable with, is touching. Your instructor may move you around if you’re posing incorrectly, or massage you for further relaxation. If this is a big problem for you, then you may want to learn through a different method.
When you go to a class, you should be prepared. Remember to wear loose clothing that you can move around in. If you’re unsure of what will go on in a class, look up your type of yoga online or ask someone who has been to a class before. When you show up, be sure to inform the instructor that you’re new so they can provide you with extra help, and don’t be afraid to ask questions during the class. If you find you like the techniques used in the class, you should make it a point to come regularly to experience the full benefit.
While you may want to try yoga as a physical fitness regime, you may also be interested in its other aspects. Yoga is more than just posing and deep breathing; it is a belief system that involves all aspects of life. If you find your classes beneficial, you should do more research into this fascinating subject.
Filed under Exercise by on Aug 16th, 2010. 
Mushroom Omelette
1 cup of trimmed and sliced mushrooms
8 large eggs
2 oz grated Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh parsley to garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Add one tablespoon butter to a non-stick frying pan and add the mushrooms. Sautee over low heat for approximately 5 minutes, remove mushrooms from pan and set aside. Add a little more butter to the pan and add one quarter of beaten egg mixture, lift the edges of the omelette so the egg can run under and set. Once the omelette is almost set add one quarter of the cooked mushrooms and sprinkle with a little bit of the cheese. Fold the omelette over and gently place on the serving plate. Repeat 3 more times with remaining ingredients.
Serves 4
*Low GI, Low Carb, Sommersize plan
Filed under Vegetarian by on Aug 18th, 2010.
You’ve probably heard a lot about antioxidants lately: in the newspaper, in magazines, and on T.V. While many supplements and nutrients have been talked about for as long as you can probably remember, antioxidants are a more recent topic. Don’t let this fool you into thinking they’re any less important. Antioxidants are a vital part of staying young and healthy. But why are they so important?
First of all, we need to know what an antioxidant is. During normal processes, molecules called free radicals are produced in the body. These are basically unstable atoms or molecules that desperately want to become stable. They do this by stealing electrons from healthy cells, making them unstable and less healthy. Antioxidants reverse this reaction, helping to keep the cells of our body healthy and functioning properly.
One of the most talked about effects of antioxidants is their anti aging properties. As we age, we constantly copy our cells to replace them when they die. Errors in copying occur and build up to form the aging process. Free radicals can also interfere and have been shown to promote wrinkles, memory problems, weakness of the immune system, and reduced elasticity of tissue; all of which are associated with the aging process. We can’t completely stop aging, but proper amounts of antioxidants can slow the process considerably.
Damage caused by these free radicals is also considered to be a cause of certain cancers. Getting more antioxidants can reduce our risk for certain types of cancer, including cancer of the: stomach, prostate, colon, breast, bladder esophagus, pancreas, and possibly many more. Besides cancer, antioxidants have been shown to help prevent other serious problems, such as: cardiovascular diseases, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and vision problems. It is likely that antioxidants can help prevent other diseases and disorders, but their full effects simply haven’t been studied yet.
Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol. When this type of cholesterol oxidizes, it can attach to the walls of blood vessels causing heart disease. This increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. Oxidized cholesterol also contributes to the hardening of blood vessel walls increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Antioxidants can help keep your heart and the rest of your circulatory system healthy.
Another great benefit of antioxidants is that they help boost the immune system. If you get sufficient levels of antioxidants, you’re not only less likely to get sick; it’s also easier for you to fight off diseases you may get. Along these lines, antioxidants can also help you heal faster when you have an injury; large or small.
So what are you waiting for? Today is the best day to start eating right or taking supplements to get more of these wonderfully healthy antioxidants.
Filed under Diet Supplements by on Aug 20th, 2010.