5 effective ways to burn fat

Eat dairy

A lot of people wrongly assume that in order to burn fat you ought to steer clear of foods that contain dairy. Yet a study that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating dairy helped to reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs.
Similarly, a study in Denmark found that those participants who ate a lot of calcium in their diet tended to excrete more fat in their feces. This means that people who eat foods high in calcium will absorb less fat.
Just before you go out and gorge on cheese though, we have to state that eating foods that are high in kilojoules, despite their calcium content, can still lead to obesity. Instead of eating calorific foods such as cheese, opt for yoghurt, sesame seeds or tofu. Interestingly it is thought that eating yoghurt daily can lead to a two-pound drop in weight per year. 

Lift weights

You may not want to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but lifting weights can help you to burn fat and lose weight, and just because you do the odd bench-press doesn’t mean you’ll get arms like Arnie. It is though that weight training is great for burning fat and losing weight because it helps you to build lean muscle and every pound of muscle you have burns around 27.5 kilojoules per hour.
In addition to burning more kilojoules, weight training will give your metabolism a boost for up to two hours after your weight training session, which again means you will burn more.

Exercise before breakfast

It can be hard for some people to find the motivation to get out of bed early and exercise, but hopefully a study conducted by the University of Northumbria will help give you the incentive to throw back the covers and get moving.
The researchers who directed the study found that the participants who worked out before they ate breakfast burnt twenty per cent more fat compared to those participants that worked out after their breakfast.
If you fancy doing an early morning workout before your breakfast you could go for a gentle jog, do an exercise DVD or go for a morning swim – you can’t get a much better start to your day.

Do some interval training

One of the best ways to burn fat and lose weight is to fit some interval sessions into your training plan. Interval sessions are great because they force the body to burn fat for fuel because training at a high intensity causes you to use up your carbohydrate stores and your body then burns fat for energy.  
If you want to burn fat by doing some interval training sessions you should aim to work at a high intensity, for example sprinting for a minimum of 10 seconds and a maximum of three minutes. Then you should take a rest period where, for example, if you had been running you would walk. You would repeat this run/walk scenario until the end of your session.

Eat regularly

Good news for us food lovers, if you want to burn fat you can eat more meals. It is thought that those who want to lose weight and who want to burn fat should eat three meals and three snacks throughout the day. This is because eating regularly maintains your blood sugar levels. If you did not eat regularly these levels would dip, resulting in your body burning valuable muscle tissue instead. Consequently, as a result of this lowered muscle mass you would have a lower metabolism and not be able to burn as much.
Although eating regularly seems to promote fat burn, the type of food you put into your body still matters. Try to eat some fiber and lean protein within each of your meals and snacks and steer clear of foods containing ‘empty kilojoules’ such as chocolate and cakes.

8 ways to get strong without the gym

1.Run There can be no better form of exercise or method of building stamina, than regularly running. Not only does running help you burn fat and calories, it also tones the muscles of your legs and butt. So, wake up an hour earlier than usual, and make running a part of your life

2.Swim Regular swimming and doing at least 40 laps in the pool can help build stamina, gain strength, flex muscles and also be blessed with a more streamlined body. The energetic and youthful feeling that you get along with it is a bonus!

3.Push-ups One of the most basic methods of strength training, push ups can be performed anywhere and anytime. You do not need any equipment for doing them. All you need is half hour of the day, preferably in the morning. With push ups, the muscles on your chest, shoulders and triceps get stronger.

4.Sit-ups To strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, sit ups are another basic strength training form of exercise. You must, however, be careful not to focus on the neck or back muscles while performing sit ups.

5.Take the stairs Is your office on the 8th floor? Take the stairs. Do you live on the first or second floor? Run on the stairs each time you need to go upstairs or downstairs. Not only does taking the stairs give you a stronger heart, it also enhances the heart rate and builds up the muscles, over a period of time.

6.Aerobics Aerobics are an excellent way of building bodily strength. Moreover, they are also beneficial in enhancing the strength of heart muscles and overall health. You could either join aerobic classes or get a video and do the exercises at home.

7.Lift dumbells Spend about 15 minutes of your morning lifting weights and experience the strengthening of your muscles over a period of time. Keep increasing the weight of the dumbbells as you feel your muscles growing stronger.

8.Yoga Yoga, as we all know, has a host of health benefits. What you perhaps did not know is that it also is a great way to build physical strength, if practiced regularly and diligently. Along with strength, it can also help you develop flexibility and balance. Practicing some or even one of the above methods of exercise is certain to help you enhance your bodily strength. However, learn to be patient and diligent as any form of exercise takes a certain period of time before the results begin to show.

10 ways to look and feel 10 years younger

tip 1: Get active more often 
Not only is exercise essential for good heart health and for keeping off the weight gain that many of us experience as we get older, staying active is also important for good posture and skin. Improving your core strength and your body’s flexibility through exercises such as yoga and Pilates can help to improve postural problems and correct spine curvature. Exercise also increases blood flow to the skin, which helps to nourish skin cells.
tip 2: Adopt the Mediterranean diet 
The Mediterranean diet has long been renowned as one of the healthiest diets in the world and, unlike with many faddy weight loss plans, the reported health benefits are more than just hype. This healthy diet is rich in oily fish; a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to prevent cardiovascular disease, wrinkles and joint pain and which are beneficial for your brain and eyesight. It is also packed with antioxidant-rich fruit, veg and olive oil, which can help to protect against age-related illnesses and keep your skin wrinkle-free. 
tip 3: Think positively 
If you want to look and feel 10 years younger, adopting a positive mindset can make all the difference. Not only does positive thinking cut stress (which can increase your risk of heart disease and speed up cellular ageing) but a ground-breaking experiment by psychologist Ellen Langer studied the effects of positive thinking and found that when elderly participants were treated as physically capable and encouraged to think of themselves in this way, their bodies actually followed suit. Tests showed that the men showed remarkable improvement in many areas, including dexterity, speed of movement, memory, arthritis and blood pressure, and they even had better hearing and eyesight.
tip 4: Pay special attention to problem areas 
Certain areas of our bodies – including our eyes, hands and neck – commonly begin to show signs of ageing before others, and these are often also the areas that are most neglected. To stay looking youthful whatever your age, make sure you pay special attention to these areas. Moisturise your neck every time you apply your face cream and apply a separate eye cream to the sensitive under-eye area. To look after your hands, try washing with a gentle hand wash and applying hand lotion after every wash. You can also give your hands an overnight treatment by slathering them with olive oil and putting on some softening gloves before you go to sleep.
tip 5: Reduce your sugar intake 
Not only will reducing your sugar consumption help to improve your appearance by keeping off any excess pounds, it can also help to reduce one of the most bothersome signs of ageing – wrinkles. When blood sugar levels are high, a process called glycation occurs which damages the collagen in your skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. This process also makes the skin more vulnerable to other ageing factors such as smoking and UV light.
 tip 6: Stop smoking 
Not only does smoking increase your risk of many serious illnesses, including cancer and heart disease, it is also a major factor behind many common signs of ageing. Smoking can irritate the skin and deprive it of oxygen and nutrients, leading to wrinkles and dull skin. It can also increase risk of many common eye conditions and, according to research by the Erasmus Medical School in Rotterdam, can double your risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
tip 7: Wear an SPF lotion every day 
One of the most visible signs of getting older is ageing skin. While this is often seen as an unavoidable part of getting older, there are many things you can do to help keep your skin looking youthful. While certain amounts of sunshine are beneficial for your health and skin, too much sun exposure is a major cause of ageing skin and wrinkles, so make sure you wear an SPF of at least factor 15 when exposed to the sun for over 15 minutes at a time. Switch to a higher SPF in hotter climates and when the sun is at its strongest.
tip 8: Makeover your makeup bag
If you’ve been choosing the same makeup products since you were a teenager, it may be time to invest in something new. While vibrant eyeshadows and setting powders may have looked great when you were younger, after a certain age heavy products can actually add on the years. To instantly look younger, make sure your skin is primed with a nourishing moisturiser, then apply a liquid foundation and blusher; steering clear of powder products which can settle into fine lines and wrinkles on the face, exaggerating their appearance. Opt for a sheer, plumping lipgloss and a volumising mascara for a wide awake, youthful look.
tip 9: Get more sleep 
Most of us lead busy lives, and this can mean that we cut back on our sleep. However, researchers believe that this could actually accelerate the speed with which we age. Researchers from the US Department of Medicine in Chicago found that the hormonal changes resulting from a lack of sleep trigger changes in the body similar to ageing, meaning that ongoing sleep deprivation could exacerbate or speed up the onset of many age-related conditions such as memory loss, obesity and diabetes. To look and feel younger, try to implement a regular bedtime routine and make sure that you are getting enough sleep
tip 10: Take up a hobby 
Research suggests that frequent participation in mentally stimulating actives can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, while separate studies show that the wider the range of relationships a person has, the less cognitive decline they will experience with ageing. To keep your brain young and healthy, try to take up a hobby that will both challenge your brain and ensure that you spend time with a wide range of people. Games such as chess or cards are good sociable activities that are beneficial for the brain, or you could consider doing some voluntary work or joining a book club, writing group, orchestra or language class to stay sociable and engage your brain.

5 Best Home Remedies to Cure Dark Circles

5 Best Home Remedies to Cure Dark Circles

Most of the cosmetic products designed to remove them are expensive and laced with chemicals that can be harmful to the delicate skin under your eyes. However, there are certain effective natural remedies that can help you greatly in getting rid of these awful marks around your eyes and will also prevent its occurrence in the future. Here are five natural remedies for treating dark circles around your eyes.

1.Tomato paste:

Tomato paste is one of the most effective remedies for dark circles. You can make it easily at home. Take one or two fresh tomatoes, one tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of gram flour and turmeric powder. Blend these ingredients nicely until they become a thick paste and apply it very gently around your eyes. Rinse it off gently with clean water after 10 or 20 minutes. Repeating this process twice or thrice every week will make your skin tone around your eyes lighter and will eventually make your dark circles go away completely.

2.Cucumber and Potato:

Putting slices of fresh cucumber or potato over your eyes can help reduce dark circles to a great extent. It also provides your eyes a soothing touch which further prevents the occurrence of dark marks around your eyes. Besides the slices, you can also apply fresh juices of cucumber or potato around your eyes with the help of a cotton ball. It will better to apply the juices for entire night for quicker and more effective results.

3.Almond oil:

Almond oil is another natural ingredient which is very beneficial for the delicate skin around your eyes. All you need to do is to apply a little almond oil over the dark circles before going to bed and wash it off with cold water the next morning. Repeating this for at least a month will make your dark circles disappear almost entirely.

4.Crushed mint leaves:

Applying crushed mint leaves over your eyes will not only soothe your eyes but will also help you in getting rid of dark circles. Apply freshly crushed mint leaves all around your eyes and leave it for 5 or 10 minutes. Then gently wipe it off with a clean and cold cloth. You will feel extremely relaxed and will also get rid of under eye circles gradually.

5.Orange juice and glycerin:

Regular application of orange juice mixed with glycerin is an effective way to get rid of dark circles. However, besides removing your dark circles it will also provide your overall skin with an inner glow and will make your skin around your eyes smoother and softer than before.

Steps to combat premature ageing

1. Diet

As age progresses, making healthy alterations to your diet is not only crucial for your internal health but also how you look externally. Eating a nutritious diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables like strawberries, blueberries, green leafy vegetables can help you combat premature aging problems.

2. Drink Water

The simplest yet extremely crucial point to be borne in your mind is consciously telling yourself to drink a lot of water. It is recommended that you drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water each day to keep the glow on your face alive regardless of your age.

3. Beauty Sleep 

Sleeping for a minimum six to eight hours a day plays a vital role in keeping you de-stressed and also keeps you away from wrinkles and aging skin.

4. Sun Protection

Sun exposure is a prime cause of aging, black spots and other grave diseases like skin cancer. In order to protect your skin from the intense rays of the sun, you must use a good sunscreen lotion. Also, try to avoid direct exposure especially during the peak afternoon hours.

5. Moisturizing

Following a strict skin care routine and moisturizing the skin every night before sleeping is important for the overall look of your skin. Choosing the right products for your skin can show best results for soft, clear skin.

6. Exercising 

A healthy body results in healthy glowing skin. Following a strict workout regime in any form can facilitate the cell renewal process and repair of your skin.

7. Controlling Smoking and Alcohol consumption

Anything consumed in excess quantities can be harmful for your skin and the overall health of your body. Smoking and drinking in an uncontrolled fashion can make your skin dry, patchy and full of wrinkles due to reduced supply of oxygen and essential nutrients. Neglecting skin problems at nascent stages can be a cause of unwanted stress related to premature aging. Follow these golden rules to have radiant, luminous skin no matter how old you are.

5 Best Homemade Face Masks for Acne

5 Best Homemade Face Masks for Acne

Although many people including both teenagers and adults suffer from acne problems all around the world, surprisingly only a handful know how exactly to deal with them. Applying homemade facial masks is one of the greatest ways to treat acne as they can be developed at home easily and are purely natural and harmless for your skin. So, here are some of the best homemade acne facial masks for successful acne treatment.

1.Salt mask

Salt mask is not only effective for treating acne but also can be developed very easily. All you need is a little sea salt/cooking salt and water. Mix salt in water and leave it for 20 minutes. Apply this salt mask to the acne spots and then wash it off with clean water after 10 to 20 minutes. Salt is an effective natural cleanser which reduces the oil in your skin to a considerable amount thereby leaving your skin oil as well as acne free.

2.Egg white mask

It is one of the most simple and frugal natural acne masks that you can develop at home. Take an egg and nicely separate the egg white from the yolk and then apply the egg whites all over your face and leave it for 20 minutes. But before applying this mask, make sure that your face is cleansed and always wash it off with lukewarm water. However, people allergic to eggs are not recommended to use this mask.

3.Baking soda mask

To make this mask, all you need is baking soda and water. Clean your face with a gentle cleanser and apply this mixture of baking soda and water all over your face and leave it for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. This homemade mask makes your skin clear and regular application will help you get rid of acne easily and rapidly.

4.Yogurt mask

Yogurt mask is another effective mask which works wonder for acne ridden skin. All you need is one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of yogurt and mix them until they become a paste. However, it is better advised to pre-heat the honey before mixing it with yogurt. Apply this paste to your face for 10 or 20 minutes before washing it off with a washcloth and you will notice immediate changes in your skin tone.

5.Oatmeal mask

Make a paste of oatmeal and water and apply it on your face and then leave for 20 or 30 minutes. After washing it off with lukewarm water, you will feel your skin smooth and soft.

Note:People suffering from acne forever remain in the quest for best acne treatment. If you also have to deal with acne ridden face every day then try these amazing homemade face masks to get rid of acne naturally and quickly.

Six shocking foods that are bad of your skin

Six shocking foods that are bad of your skin

1.Caffeine
Gulping down cups of coffee or cola might be something you enjoy doing. However, you must familiarize yourself with the damage it is causing to your skin. Experts state that excess caffeine dehydrates the skin and also expedites the process of ageing and result in damage to the overall appearance of the skin.

2.Fried Food

French fries, chips and dumplings are certainly a treat to the taste buds. These fried foods contain fractionated oils, which can injure the free radicals in your skin, which ultimately leads to premature aging. The fat also makes it difficult for the nutrients to be absorbed by the membranes that can lead to poor circulation in your skin and be the source of acne.

3.Salt
Salt is believed to bring about swelling and puffiness to your face. Also, eating salt in too much quantity can exacerbate the occurrence of acne. Canned, processed and ready-to eat packaged food contains a lot of salt and hence should be avoided to keep your skin away from increased sodium levels.

4.Sugar
Consuming too much sugar on a daily basis can result in your skin looking dull and with wrinkles. Sugar is known to destroy the collagen and elastin that make your skin look firm and radiant. This ultimately results in the skin to become listless and appear saggy.

5.Dairy Products

In the world where every product you consume is either adulterated or processed, even cows are not spared. In order to increase the production of milk they are given certain hormones which when you consume in the form or milk, curd, cottage cheese are transferred to you. Experts believe that these hormones can cause the occurrence of acne.

6.Processed meat
Processed meat like bacon, sausage, ham are certainly convenient to prepare and delicious to eat. However, it is important to note that the salt and preservatives that they contain end up making your skin look lackluster due the moisture absorbing property they have. Also, the nitrate they contain are known to cause cancer.