Before Going Under the Knife

There’s no way you can stop Father Time from knocking on your door.

While lines and wrinkles appear on your face, you panic and run to the nearest drugstore or beauty shop in the hopes that you may find a cure. If you want a quick fix, the best option for you would be plastic surgery. Yes, you do have to go under the knife, and yes, there may be some pain involved. It’s okay to feel reluctant about it. After all, how many horror stories have you heard? Instead of getting the chills and quaking in your boots, you should know that plastic surgery is actually a very safe procedure so long as you go to a legitimate and experienced surgeon. 

Before you make the decision to have some work done on your face or on any part of your body, there are a few things you can do to ease your frayed nerves. First, you need to consult with the expert. When you meet your doctor, you need to feel immediately at ease. Take this opportunity to ask all the questions brewing in your mind. If he is the professional that he says he is, he will answer all of them to your satisfaction. He may even require you to seek for a second opinion just so you know what your options are. Go ahead and talk to someone else. If their views coincide, then you know what needs to be done.

Then, look for flyers and packets available in the clinic.

These things will contain important information, and when you can compare them with one another, it’ll be much easier for you to weigh the pros and cons. On this piece of paper, you should see crucial information relating to your plastic surgeon, the office address and hours, and policies. You can look further to see if you have the list of facilities available. You should be able to research these things online and see the best technology is available. Read and understand everything written so you’ll know what to be watchful for. 

Your surgeon goes through a thorough examination before you check yourself in.

The goal is to find out about your history and to see if you’re allergic to any form of medication. You may be injected with anesthesia, and if you get any adverse reactions to it, you could risk a lot. Now, surgeons are also able to show you the before and after photos. This has proven to be a plus for most patients because the end-product always strengthens their decision to push through. Be open about suggestions because they definitely know more than you do. If you don’t agree with something, you can always discuss other options that you’re both comfortable with.

So, before you even go under the knife, you already know the results to what you’re getting into. Always check your facts and don’t hesitate to ask about your doctor’s background. Ask around for recommendation and be one of the many success stories.

Plastic surgery can be a rewarding experience so long as you’re always careful.
 

Tags:  GBG EnzoFX EnzoFX3 Enzogenol

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

Luminous Skin for Life

Applying sunscreen can be annoying, but you also need to protect your complexion.

If you go to the beach, you’ll see that lots of people have their heads buried in the sand. A lot of adults neglect to wear sunscreen, despite the abundance of information about how damaging the sun’s rays can be. To do your part in reducing the number of irresponsible people, you need to know the solutions to your gripes.

First, a lot of brands out there leave behind a white film on your skin.

You shouldn’t have to make yourself look like a vampire to enjoy a day at the beach. But no matter how hard you rub, it’s tough to get rid of that nasty white SPF residue. The mask effect is caused by physical (as opposed to chemical) blocks such as titanium dioxide, and to a much lesser extent, zinc oxide. These re ingredients that reflect light as they sit on the surface of the skin, creating a bluish cast. The simple solution would be to try a quick-absorbing block with chemical ingredients that sink into your skin instead of staying on it. Luckily, these mega protectors have now been approved. You can also avoid the Casper the friendly ghost look with a translucent stick or gel that will absorb instantly.

There are also brands that make your skin break out.

One major reason for religious sunscreen use is to maintain pristine complexion even as you age. But often the faithful get punished with a constellation of pimples, thanks to irritating, oil-encouraging chemical ingredients. To keep skin clear and protected, use a sunscreen formula that is free of oils and fragrances, is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic. And always be sure to wash your face before slathering anything on it. Look for very small amounts of zinc or titanium because they play nice with sensitive skin, and if they’re available in small doses, they won’t make you look like a corpse. Another way to battle blemishes is to stash a pack of pimple-fighting facial cleansing wipes in your bag. Periodically removing sweat from the skin helps decrease bacterial growth. Just don’t forget to reapply soon after that. When you get home, do your usual cleansing routine.

Then, there are also those that feel heavy under your makeup.

UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, causing damage that can take years to show up. These come in the form of wrinkles, brown spots, and worse, skin cancer. They’re seriously dangerous and they’re sneaky as well. Wearing SPF every single day should be SOP for you. Luckily, many makeup companies now make SPF-enhanced foundations and powders, but they don’t provide enough protection alone. The problem is that you have to use a really thick layer over your face, and that’s just not realistic, nor would it be attractive. To avoid this, put a moisturizer that contains a broad spectrum of sunscreen and one that’s at least 30.

If you’re favorite brand doesn’t qualify, mix your regular product with your foundation because this can already act as an extra layer of protection.
 

Tags:  GBG  EnzoFX EnzoFX3

 

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

Medical Breakthroughs

As you’ve passed your 30’s, you’ll notice that staying healthy may now pose new challenges.

This is the time to inhale and exhale properly. A breathing technique used in yoga can lower your blood pressure. When you practice alternate-nostril breathing for four rounds of seven and a half minutes, your systolic and diastolic blood pressure could drop significantly. This happens because each nostril holds nerves that reach different areas of the hypothalamus, and a part of the brain that regulates blood pressure. When the nerves are stimulated separately, this important area of your brain is activated.

To do this, hold your right nostril closed and inhale through the left. Then, close the left nostril and exhale through the right, then inhale through it. Close the right and exhale through the left. This makes one round. Do nine rounds for at least twice a day.

It’s also crucial that you take care of your bones.

Bone density may be determined in the gut. A group of researchers have made a study on mice. What they did was remove a serotonin-producing gene from their small intestines. After that, they discovered that bone mass actually decreased by about 40 percent. Known for its role in regulating mood and sleep, some serotonin is made in the gut and circulates in the blood. When it reaches the bone, it signals bone-forming cells to stop multiplying. Blocking a gene that controls its synthesis may help increase bone mass. The great news for those who are worried about the disease is that this finding is the start of new osteoporosis drugs that boost bone density.

Of course, along with the territory of the older generation is the amount of prescription drugs you may have to take.

Avoid medical mishaps at all cost by checking your prescriptions. Ask your doctor to provide you with your prescription’s name, dosage, and frequency. When you pick up your meds, compare the information that you have to the label. When you go to the hospital, make sure that you get help from a staff who isn’t too exhausted. When hospital employees work more than eight hours, patient infections are more likely. Before scheduling procedures, call the director of nursing and find out the hour limit per nurse. Never hesitate to ask questions, especially where your health is concerned. By developing a close bond with your doctor, you actually allow him to get deeper into the findings of your tests.

Plus, scientists have actually discovered that taking ibuprofen or aspirin for your headache may help protect you against breast cancer.

So, the next time you feel pain, take one of these. You could actually benefit a lot from them in the long run. Moreover, always make sure you update yourself with the most recent discoveries. Experts are constantly at work so that people can overcome health problems quickly and efficiently. When you know what the latest studies are, you can talk to your doctor more in detail.

That way, should you feel something, you have an idea of what to do.

Tags: GBG

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

Sexy Arms for the Older You

Many women give up their sleeveless and strapless tops when they get older because of the way their arms age with them.

Admittedly, dresses look sexier when your arms are bared. To avoid this problems and still enjoy every article of clothing you still own, there are moves that will banish upper body jiggle. Bring on the tank tops and feel good about your body once again. Tone your triceps and shape your shoulders with the perfect exercise. Complete at least two sets of each move twice a week so that come the next event, athletes won’t be the only ones with gorgeous arms.

The first move you can do is the standing V-raise.

This works on your shoulders. The first thing you can do is grab a five- to eight-pound dumbbell in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. With arms straight but not locked, raise the weights in a V shape until your arms are parallel to the floor. Hold the position for a second, then return to your starting position. Do 12 to 15 reps of this. If you arch your back or swing the dumbbells for momentum, use less weight.

The next move you can do is the shoulder press.

This works, as the name indicates, on your shoulders, upper back, and biceps. Grab a dumbbell in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart once again and knees slightly bent. Hold the dumbbells just above your shoulders, palms facing each other. Bring the weights up until your arms are straight over your head. Hold it up for only a second and then take three seconds to lower the dumbbells back to start. Do at least six to eight reps of this.

Lastly, you can do the renegade move.

This works on your core, shoulders, upper back, biceps, and triceps. Grab the dumbbells and get into the top of a pushup position with your hands on the weights and your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Bend your right arm and raise the dumbbell to chest level, pressing the left one onto the floor for better balance. Then, lower the weight to the floor, then repeat the move on the left side. That makes one rep and you can do six to eight more of this. Just make sure to brace your abs so your body doesn’t shift or twist during the row.

To make your exercise more effective, be careful with what you put in your mouth during mealtimes. Don’t depend on protein bars too much because there are healthier options for you. Whole foods like nuts and fruits are way better. Because they’re not processed, they have more nutrients in them and your body has to work harder to break them down. Thus, you feel more satisfied for a longer period of time. But in a pinch, a protein bar can tide you over until your next meal.

Just make sure these have no unhealthy hydrogenated oils, at least ten grams of protein, and less than ten grams of sugar.
 

Tags:  GBG

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

Regaining Your Youth Through Sleep

No, you’re not dreaming.

It really is possible to get moisturized skin, glossy hair, and fresh look while you snooze. People underestimate the importance of getting enough Zzz’s as they get too caught up with life. Well, take some time off and feel better with enough downtime.

Sleep gives you a chance to med stressed-out skin.

Sleep time is optimum for cellular repair because there are more hours for products to sink in and fewer environmental stressors to prevent absorption. If you have dry to normal skin, after cleansing, apply a dime-sized blob of petroleum jelly to slightly damp skin. Rub in it until it becomes less greasy. This should happen in less than 30 seconds. The petrolatum creates a seal, so moisture penetrates and plumps skin rather than evaporates. If you’re worried about making your oily skin worse, opt for a serum that’s non-comedogenic to keep from clogging pores. It’s better that you get a product that comes with skin strengthening peptides as well such as EnzoFX3 from LifeFX Global,

To deflate your puffy, tired eyes, there’s also something you can do.

To awaken looking rested, treat eyes before you hit between the sheets with a generous dose of caffeine-packed eye cream. There are tons of products to choose from, so you won’t have a problem buying one for yourself. Because the cream isn’t topped by eye makeup, it can easily seep into the skin to tighten and reduce bloating. Next, elevate your head with a couple of pillows before you fall asleep to prevent fluids from building up under the eyes.

If you’re puffiness is caused by allergies as opposed to lack of sleep, consult your doctor about taking an antihistamine because this could help drain the excess fluids that build up on your face. If you still have bags in the morning, do a facial massage around the eyes to stimulate blood flow and take down any swelling. In fact, you can exercise your entire face and stretch the muscles so that your skin looks firmer and suppler. These wonderful workout routines are available on the net, and all you need to do is download the instructions.

As for your hair, you can change drab into dazzling.

Use your downtime to get less frizzy hair with an ultra-conditioning mask. Look for products that say ‘overnight’ on the label. They are less messy than the ones that you put in the shower. Apply this to hair that’s been towel dried it will slide off if your strands are still wet. Then, help the mask penetrate your roots by covering it with a shower cap. The heat from your scalp will encourage oils to absorb into hair and it can be likened to getting a salon treatment for eight hours in a row. When you wake up, skip the shampoo and conditioner and simply rinse. This is taking the phrase ‘rise and shine’ to a whole new plane.

Try these little tricks and feel better about yourself in no time at all. After all, to look good, you need to work at it. But what you’ll get from it will surely make it worth the effort.

Tags:  Regaining Your Youth Through Sleep

 

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

The Medias Idea on Health

It seems as if the fight to stay slim gets harder when you get older.

This, however, comes as no surprise. After all, your metabolism is slowing down and you’re battling with different health issues along the way. But does that mean that you take everything sitting down? Are you suppose to accept the fact that you can’t be as fit as you were when you were in your teens and early twenties? If that’s how you view things, you may as well throw in the trowel and give up with you battle to stay slim, healthy, and beautiful.

Well, you’re definitely not helping when you constantly go on a crash diet.

Sadly, the media has been exploiting the vulnerability of older women. First and foremost, being somewhat on the heavy side doesn’t automatically mean that you lead an unhealthy life. If you’re happy with your body, then kudos to you. Right now, you need to worry more on how the scale tips. You need to see what’s inside and make sure that while you may not be ideally thin, you can still consider yourself to be a very healthy person. If you took a look at some cultures, curvy women are thought to be more attractive. Weight was a sign of fertility and strength, and while men flocked to these women like flies, westerners have a totally different belief system altogether.

The industry, particularly fashion, insists that being thin is the only way a woman is considered to be happy and beautiful. Ironically, this is in a society where obesity is one of the most common problems. These women are faced with discrimination and ridicule on an almost daily basis, and they immediately assume that just because they’re not of a certain size, they’re immediately unhealthy. While being overweight puts you more at risk of several diseases, you also have to consider bone structure and heredity before you jump to conclusions.

To feel truly beautiful, you need to work on the inside first.

Eat right, exercise regularly, and know that even as you age, you are still a woman of substance. When you really look at it, age is merely numbers, no more, no less. Your true age is in the way you live. Obviously, the more careful you are with your lifestyle, the better you’ll feel. Being fit is only a by-product of living well, and right now, you need to work on giving your body what it needs as you get older. Take a good liquid vitamin such as GBG Liquid Vitamin, and treat yourself to a lot of fruits, vegetables, and protein.

As long as you learn to listen to your body, you will be at your best at any age.

Don’t try to focus on what the media’s standards are. You need to have your own set of principles and go with what your body tells you is right. Therefore, this is a call to women all over to support and encourage each other. One who is fit and active will always more beautiful than the woman who’s thin and starving.

Tags:  The Medias Idea on Health
 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

A Better You Instantly

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

Right now, you need to take care of you.

You need some ‘me’ time so that life’s burdens don’t weigh you down. There are simply treats you can give yourself. For instance, you can always take a walk and spend some time outside. Don’t wait for weekends to get your fill of sunshine. If you spend time outside now, while the weather still cooperates, you’re more likely to stay out and about and livelier for the rest of the year. Eating breakfast or even working on your expenses in your backyard or a local park can be a nice treat. Come up with a list of responsibilities to tackle alfresco. Try it and feel your spirits lifted almost instantly.

Make sure that you know what’s important in your life.

Making time for what matters most can be tricky. To stay focused and true to yourself, try creating a personal metaphor, a sort of guiding image of what reflects your values the most. To do this, ask yourself what image you constantly see in your mind. These things can be inanimate. There are no rules here except that it’s constantly what you see. Ask yourself why you see such a thing and then decide how you can embody the image. Envision what would happen to you if you lived according to this guiding light. Would you step up to a new challenge? Do something on a whim in the middle of the week? Think of what you can do today so that your metaphor becomes a reality.

Then, display your vision at eye level. Post a prominent visual reminder of what you want yourself to become. You’ll be more likely to weave that message into your life and dare to reach new heights. This is the power of visualization and many can attest to the fact that it really does work to make the quality of your life so much better.

You can also work on your health to feel better about yourself.

Promise to go to the gym more often. If you’re not that inspired, create a playlist on your music player. Listening to great songs makes the workout so much better. If shopping is your thing, give yourself a reward every time you finish your session in the gym. Pretty soon, you’ll be raring to go and hit the treadmills. As you get stronger and leaner, you’ll see just how much your efforts have paid off.

To feel good, there is no greater act than to show kindness.

Volunteering for a foundation requires a bit of sacrifice, but many can attest to the fact that the feeling of gratitude you get from those people you’ve helped cannot be compared. It’s nice to know you’ve played a small role in making the world a more livable place. There’s nothing like charity, and everyone could use a kind act or two. So, the next time you feel as if you need more hope in you, try to help out. You’ll soon be grateful at the countless blessings you actually have in your life.

Plus, knowing that someone benefited from it is a reward in itself.

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

Tags:  A Better You Instantly

 

Chemical Peel and Dermabrasion

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

To look young, cosmetic surgery no longer has to be the only option.

Aside from the insanely long downtime, these procedures are just too expensive and riskier than the other options now available for you. You can go to your own dermatologist to find what you could actually do to keep your skin looking fresh, young, and healthy. Of course, diet plays a big role here. To make the procedures even more effective, you also have to take care of yourself better. You can’t go on and live your life irresponsibly. These procedures can only take you so far, and the rest will be up to you.

One route you can take is dermabrasion.

This procedure makes use of a wire brush that contains diamond particles. In some beauty centers, this is known as the diamond peel, and like its name suggests, it makes use of diamond particles that somehow sand the top layer of your skin. The whole process takes about an hour to an hour and a half to finish, depending on the damage on the skin and on how much of your body you want to treat. There is some pain involved here, and depending on the intensity, you can be given an anesthetic. After that, your skin is cleansed and dressing is applied. You may notice that your skin will be slightly flushed and swollen in the next few days, but there’s no need to worry here. Thee scabs fall off and you’ll start to see the beautiful skin that comes out of it. You’ll know how flawless skin should look like after a few days’ time.

Another choice for you would be a chemical peel.

What happens here is that the doctor removes the outer layer of your skin where all the harsh elements of nature can somehow be found. It doesn’t go further than the superficial layer so you need not worry about nerve destruction and any form of infection here. With this, a liquid chemical solution is slathered on your face. After a while, you may feel a slight tingling sensation in all the affected areas. That’s because the medicine slowly burns off a thin layer leaving what’s left exposed. While the whole thing sounds too harsh, there’s very little pain involved here. In fact, what you’ll feel is but a slight discomfort. With the new skin that is firmer now on the surface, your body stimulates itself to produce more of the younger looking skin. Just take note that your wrinkles won’t be removed here, but you’ll feel younger soon after.

A third solution is to use a product such as EnzoFX3 from LifeFX Global.

This product removes dead skin cells through nature’s natural enzymes such as Papaya, Papain and Pineapple, plus a proprietary blend of Antioxidants including Enzogenol.
 
These three procedures may not be as thorough all the other options available, but this is perfect for those who are too scared to go under the knife. Aside from that, you won’t be asked to shell out a lot of cash because these are all relatively cheaper than the others. If you want to look younger and feel better about yourself, you can simply look at these three and see which one you could actually go for.

Tags:  Chemical Peel and Dermabrasion

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

 

Undo Your Past Health Mistakes

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

Been careless with your health in the past?

You’ve all committed to your fair share of muck-ups in life. While poor choice in men and clothing is something you can chalk up to growing up experiences, health faux pas are an entirely different matter altogether. How you treated your body a few years ago can make all the difference to your health as you grow older. If your habits were reckless years back, odds are your past will come back to haunt you. From smoking because you thought it looked sexy, to spending long hours under the sun without sunscreen for a great tan, yesterday’s health vices could actually have an unfortunate effect on you. You can actually do some damage control as long as you do it right now.

For instance, did you have too much sun back then?

Sun damage is cumulative. So, even if you have stopped spending several hours in the sun like you did in the previous years, any new damage to your skin will keep adding to the old harm you’ve already collected. The scary bit: sun exposure is the number one cause of aging skin because it leads to cell death, causing wrinkles, age spots, and uneven skin tone.

Luckily, you can do something about fried skin. It’s never too late to undo some previous damage and skirt new harm entirely. Use anti-aging cream; avoid the sun between its peak hours of ten in the morning and one in the afternoon; and never leave home without slathering on some sunscreen. Since sunlight leads to the formation of free radicals, which cause premature cell death, stocking up on foods that contain fiver and antioxidants (like salads and nuts) is always a good idea.

You could also ask your doctor for oral antioxidants containing amino acids like alanine and lycopene, to neutralize free radicals. As long as you take these steps before you hit the age of 40, your skin should do okay. This is said to be the case because 40 is the age when your body’s hormonal changes might not let your skin’s repair mechanism work optimally.

The same care also goes to your diet.

Repeatedly losing then regaining the same five pounds affects your body’s metabolic rate and calorie-burning power. The first time you crash diet, you may lose ten pounds. The second time you do it, you may no longer lose as much. This is because of your body’s decreased capacity to burn calories quickly. This may also decrease your body’s long-term immune function.

In many cases, the damage done by yo-yo dieting is reversible. They key is to aim for permanent weight loss instead of bouncing back and forth with the pounds. First, figure out why your weight loss attempts failed in the past. Was intense stress making you binge? Were your friends not being supportive? Were you not committed or motivated enough to achieving your goal? Pinpointing where you went wrong in the past will help you avoid doing the same.

If you can see a nutritionist, then do so because they can put you on a sustainable diet.

Tags:  Undo Your Past Health Mistakes

 

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

 

Coping with Hunger Pangs

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

The older you get, the harder it is to keep weight off.

So, why do you find yourself reaching for that third slice of pizza when you’re already bursting out of your clothes? Knowing the signs of hunger, the cues for stress eating, and what triggers your cravings will help tame you when hunger strikes. With all the energy you devote to the struggle for weight control, you know remarkably little about the most obvious reasons diets fail: you feel the hunger deep within you. What’s going on when your body tells you insistently that you have to take that burger even though you’ve got more than enough room of fat stores to pull from? Why can some people go on without eating while others are weak within hours after their meal?

Researchers are constantly hard at work investigating the most of human impulses. The bad news is that the task is proving to be growingly difficult. Just when they think they’ve uncovered the key to appetite restraint, a new hormone or biological process emergencies. But what these people discovered is still pretty fascinating. Hopefully, knowing what some of these are might make those hunger pangs a little easier to control.

First of all, you need to consider your body clock.

You’ve been at work all morning, your mind is on your task, and you’re consistently thinking about that deadline. Suddenly, your tummy gurgles and you find yourself thinking about fries, burgers, and dessert. You’re hungry again, but why? The why part makes perfect revolutionary sense. For most of human history, food was in constant short supply, and if you didn’t eat when food was available, there was a very good chance that you’d suffer from starvation. If you didn’t eat, you’d die. This is a horrible survival strategy, and one that’s no longer applicable in today’s society. It’s important to note that the drive to eat as much as you could has spawned long before the modern times.

While the world has changed significantly, your basic bodily urges remain the same. Now that the hunting and gathering society is non-existent, you still live in the ancient era. It’s easy to eat because you know you have to. But it’s just as hard to stop, and that’s because back then, you weren’t even supposed to. Your DNA is your biggest enemy here, but it could also be your strongest ally. You simply have to know the science behind it so you can get a better grip at handling your hunger pangs.

You need to control your hormones now and know the difference between actual hunger and stomach contractions. You know that you can’t control your urges once the hunger hormones are in chaos. It’s a matter of adjusting your habits and adjusting your meals to smaller portions. Eat less but eat more often. Also, choose foods that are heavy on the stomach but are low in fat. The ones that fall low on the glycemic index are said to stave off hunger for longer periods of time.

Know what these are and win over your genetic urges.

Tags:  Coping with Hunger Pangs
 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

Dare to Look Younger and Healthier

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

This is it.

This time, you’ll stick to your get-your-body-in-shape-for-real promise. Don’t mind the studies that say that most resolutions are through even when they’re only half way done. That won’t happen to you simply because you won’t allow it to. It’s a matter of setting a goal with a detailed plan for accomplishing it. You need eight weeks of your six-month plan. Now, you ask yourself, why six months? Because during the first month of your new program, 80 percent of your strength gains are neuromuscular. This means that your brain is just getting used to moving these different types of muscles. So, stopping there is tantamount to pulling the curtain right before the big show.

After about two months, you’ll realize your potential for fat loss and muscle tone. After four months, you’ll be perceptibly stronger, and give it two more months, everyone will notice your age-defying hot body. The plan should progress as you do. This is a great time to notice just how much you’ve accomplished so that you avoid hitting the plateau.

To get started, you must figure out how fit you are.

All you need is a step, a stability ball, a water bottle, and a mat. Follow your eight-week plan and then test your progress. See if you’ve already got potential to push yourself further. It’s all about willpower here and knowing that you can stick to your plan even in the most difficult of situations. If you know that you’re in it until the very end, give yourself a pat on the back because you’ve just passed with flying colors. Also, keep challenging yourself by adding weights to strength moves or subtracting some rest time from your cardio routines. Count your heart rate. If you’ve passed the age of 40, it should go 125 beats per minute or higher.

Then, get the stability ball and perform pushups. The goal is to perform 10 of it with your arms shoulder-width apart and legs elevated on a 65-inch stability ball. The farther your torso is from the ball, the harder it’ll be for you to complete the set. To start, try to do them with the fronts of your ankles on the ball. If that’s impossible, try from your knees. If that’s still too tough, place the ball under your thighs and move the ball lower on your body as you progress.

Later, do the one-minute squat.

Stand in front of a 12-inch step with your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise your arms to shoulder height and hold them straight out in front of you. Drop your hips as though you’re sitting in a chair until your butt touches the step. Return to start and repeat as many times as you can in one minute, maintaining good form. Your goal for this move is to be able to do it 30 or more times within the allotted time.

These workouts were designed to keep your health on track. The basic goal here is to allow your body to burn the maximum amount of fat until you’ve reached your ideal weight.

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

Tags:  Dare to Look Younger and Healthier

 

 

Saying No to Junk

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

Ever noticed how crazy yoyo diets don’t really work long-term.

Even worse is when it takes its toll on your body as you age. The key to looking hot is age-old discipline and the word NO. It has so much power to it and these two letters could actually make your life so much better.

First, say no to a sedentary lifestyle. Cancel your date with the couch this weekend and work up a sweat instead. The truth is embarrassingly simple, and well, just plain embarrassing. You’re overweight because you eat too much and move too little. A little exercise and a little restraint on the dining table do make a world of difference. And, the kind of weights you should be carrying right now shouldn’t be the ones that come in bags. Instead, get the actual ones people use at the gym.

Of course, say no to the big bad S’s. Snacks, sweets, and seconds are your worst enemies.

Be friendlier with your figure by not eating in between meals, skipping the occasional chocolate bar, and sticking to one plate of food per meal. By cutting out these indulgences during the week, you cut out plenty, but nothing you can’t comfortably do without. Your plate should instead be filled with lots of healthy fruits and vegetables.

Lastly, say no to total denial.

Don’t deprive yourself by being on a diet all day, every day. Give yourself a break on weekends and special occasions. These are meant to be your diet salve. Many diets fail because they aren’t realistic enough and don’t give you room to be kind enough to yourself and your taste buds. If you tend to cheat on diets, then free days are there so you no longer have to feel any kind of guilt.

Try to enroll in a class in your nearest gym as well.

This improves your cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, agility, and most importantly, mind and muscle coordination. As an added bonus, you get to exercise your discipline and self-esteem as well. But, more than that, you become more graceful as you try to follow the instructor up front. In aerobic activities, there’s also interaction with your teacher so you won’t get bored in the long run. If you’re feeling angry with the way your body looks, you can let it all out as you sweat.

Group exercises are certainly more helpful because seeing the others will help you stay in the zone. These trainers and instructors have been educated with the correct way of movement, and you need not worry about injuring yourself. If they see you having difficulty, they just walk up to you and guide you in the execution. Plus, diet and exercise are best done with someone in tow. Having a friend with you in these challenging times will make you feel as if you have the right support as you try to get your body back into shape and looking good even when you get older.

Try it and see how much these tips can make the quality of your life so much better. 

Tags:  Saying No to Junk
 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

Feeling Beautiful Even in Old Age

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

It’s time to pick up some smart beauty tips that help you look and feel young.

Remember, beauty isn’t purely God-given. While it’s right to be grateful for your gorgeous genes, it’s time to realize that one can learn how to be beautiful. Recent studies have in fact proven that because of women’s current financial independence and the existing products available in the market, women are now able to achieve the beauty they aspire for. So, if you aren’t happy with your complexion or your hair, trust that you can now do something about it. Besides, it’s simple not healthy for looking or feeling ugly.

Moreover, you should never allow men to define what beauty is.

Since history wasn’t too friendly to all women, it’s only right that today’s modern woman revel in their newfound freedom and independence. Gone are the days of outright gender discrimination. Today, women enjoy the liberty of voicing out their valued opinions and being heard. Plus, you need to rely on your own strengths, instead of always depending on the opposite sex. You are all enjoying the rights that the heroines of your past fought hard to achieve, and this includes defining what is beautiful. So, don’t be boxed in merely what every regular Joe considers beautiful. Instead, you should have the audacity to flaunt your own unique beauty.

Being beautiful means being healthy at all times.

For many people, the ultimate gauge of beauty is good health and vice versa. In fact, they believe that to have and enjoy optimum health and good looks, a great physique and youthful appearance has to start with a person’s inner health. When there is optimum health, there is amazing beauty. Know that no amount of prettifying creams or procedures can make you feel instantly gorgeous. Instead, being in tip-top shape can allow you to radiate beauty from within. So, stick to the exercise regimen, eat right, and own your right to feel good about yourself. Then, supplement these lifestyle tweaks with a beauty routine that uses only the best products out in the market. Soon, you’ll radiate a glow that’s beyond compare. Never scrimp on your products and know what works best for your skin.

Lastly, it is vital to know that beauty multiplies if you know how to flaunt it.

You gain face when you look presentable. Experience has shown you that beauty’s power exponentially increases when it is external and being beautiful somehow gives you an edge over the rest. More likely, the opportunities available for the more beautiful add up significantly. This gives you one more power to attract, set yourself apart, and even enjoy more choices on your plate. Admit it, when beauty is external, this can facilitate in letting your inner beauty shine forth. Yes, looking your best not only gives you confidence, but it also allows you to open doors that lead to better experiences.

Therefore, try to put some effort into being your most beautiful, and you’re bound to be creating for yourself a more stellar life no matter what age you are.

Tags:  Feeling Beautiful Even in Old Age

 

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

Common Diet Traps

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

Walk into any big grocery store and you’re in for a sensory onslaught: a blinding array of packaged edibles, each one designed to send you into a food coma before you ingest a single calorie.

Emblazoned on nearly every box, bag, or bottle is a multitude of nutritional claims, essentially screaming out loud for you to buy them. The thing is, those claims aren’t exactly what they seem. They’re a marketing ploy, pure and simple. And as you get older, you should be more careful about the purchases that you make. Make sure that you get the ones that aren’t loaded with sugar or additives because you’re health could pay the big price.

You have to know the packaging tricks that make you think you’re buying the best foods for your health but instead lure you into spending on junk. Learn to decode the labels so you can sort out the bad from the good and save a bundle of cash in the process. Remember, numbers can be deceiving. Some products claim that they have less amount of fat per gram, and what you don’t consider is the word gram. This doesn’t amount to much, and to add flavor, the manufacturers may replace that one gram of fat with three grams of refined flour and sugar. This is hardly a trade-off.

Also remember that “healthy” logos are bought, not just earned.

There’s a proliferation of a variety of brands that come from other countries. There are some that wear the Heart Association seal like a badge of honor, yet they have more sugar than you think. If you read the fine print below the logo, it simply meets the food criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol. In other words, it could have a pound of sugar and still qualify. How is this possible, you ask? Companies pay for the sign to appear on the product. So, choose the unsweetened versions of what you want and just add cinnamon or honey for the taste.

Also, claims that it comes from a good source can be questionable.

Don’t be fooled by labels touting foods as “good” sources of vitamins and minerals: a serving needs just 10 percent of the recommended daily value of a specific nutrient to actually qualify. Sometimes, one piece doesn’t meet this. You may have to eat 10 servings (or the entire box and then some) to get the amount you need for the day. If you’re devouring boxes of cookies to get your daily requirement, a lack of calcium will the least of your problems. To get what your body needs, stick with nature’s multivitamins: fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean meats. Whereas with fortified cookies, your calcium comes with only sugar. When you take in the bone-builder of milk and cheese, you also get a healthy dose of fat-burning, muscle-making protein.

Always be careful because health benefits may just be exaggerated. Bottled green teas, for instance, may not be as packed with free-radical killers all the time. Too boost your catechin levels, brew your own tea and let it steep for at least five minutes.

Tags:  Common Diet Traps
 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

When Work Keeps You from Relaxing

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

Regardless of work schedules, stress is what’s eating up most of today’s working folk.

And the effects can be deadly. Nowadays, there are many who look older than their actual age. You’ll see fine lines and wrinkles on their faces, but when they tell you how old they really are, you get caught off-guard. Whether it’s making that quota, meeting that deadline, or making everything possible, stress is part and parcel of almost any job. One of the major predictors of a variety of diseases is stress and depression. While there is no direct link between work and your overall body health, if you see the hours that you work as a form of stress, then you can extrapolate that your working hours doubles your risk of getting sick. You think you have to adjust to the physical demands of long work schedules.

Likewise, exposure to tobacco and high caloric foods can cause hypertension.

Sadly, most of these conditions are without symptoms unless when already advanced. The best thing you can do is to see a doctor for preventive checkup. And if stress can’t be avoided, then learn to manage it. Begin by keeping Zen during high-stress situations. Before exploding in a fit of unproductive ranting, count to ten before taking on an office dilemma. This gives you time to re-focus and it also keeps you level-headed. Also, consciously adopt a healthy lifestyle. Remember, you aren’t invincible and neither are you Superman. It’ll be wise to take care of your health before it goes out of whack. Ensure that your eating habits are controlled. Then, exercise to target your ideal body weight. Let go of drinking too much alcohol and quit smoking. It takes a whole lot of discipline to survive the corporate grind, so don’t sacrifice your health for an impressive paycheck.

With the hours that you put in, the likelihood that your social life turns topsy-turvy is high.

Socially, you may lose a lot of quality time with friends and family. After all, people are also busy doing their own thing while you work. Nonetheless, it’s just a matter of managing your life carefully, balancing it between work and what happens after, and consciously making time for the people important to you. There’s no question about the fact that you need to set aside some time off your schedule for the people who matter most regardless how busy you are. The sacrifice will be worth it because you now have a way to vent out your frustrations and talk about the things that bother you the most. Having a sounding board does a world of difference for your health. You stress less and are therefore, a lot happier. You’ll soon see the glow back in your face if you make sure to see this plan through.

Lastly, be wary of what you eat. Fruit juices such as orange, pineapple, and mango are rich in vitamin C, which fights infection and contains antioxidants. Eat a lot of lean meat and make sure that you regularly take vitamin E.

These could save you in the end.
 

Tags:  When Work Keeps You from Relaxing

 

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

Beauty from Within

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

When it comes to youth and beauty, what’s on the inside is just as important as what’s on the outside.

New research shows that certain foods and beverages can literally improve your skin from within. You now have a way to slather, supplement, and snack your way to glowing, youthful skin.

First consider what people like to call super fruits. Look into pomegranate, acai, and goji berries. These are packed with antioxidants that blast free radicals, a major cause of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Of the choices, pomegranates have the most science behind them. Consuming its juice, extract, and oil effectively helps reverse skin aging caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. But a lack of lab work doesn’t necessarily mean that acai and goji berries are second-tier beauty tonics. Well, keep in mind the old conundrum: just because there’s no science out there doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Antioxidants have such beneficial effects and people have only scratched the surface when it comes to understanding them.

Just be careful not to eat or drink too much of a good thing in your quest for younger-looking skin.

Super fruits, especially when dried, are packed with sugar. And sugar gloms onto proteins, which breaks down collagen and promotes loss of elasticity in the skin. Add more pomegranate seeds to your salad or some acai juice to your water, and you ought to get the antioxidant effects. You can also slather these onto your skin. Topical creams seem to have a benefit if you can get them to penetrate. But labels don’t tell you if the super fruit molecules are small enough to slip through the pores, or if the pH balance of the product is optimal for penetration. Still, the bottom line is these probably do something good for your skin.

As for probiotics, some doctors love it.

These are beneficial bugs that live in our bodies and help fight off a myriad of diseases. They can’t seem to understand why some of their colleagues aren’t joining the gang. Everyone accepts the fact that the bacteria living in our gut are extremely important to us. So, there’s no need to resist the idea that perhaps bacteria living inside our skin is just as important. Probiotics, in fact, have been shown to help your body build a better barrier for the skin and gut, which in turn, decreases the production of antibodies that cause inflammation. In other words, these are great for acne or other inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. They can be taken as supplements in foods such as yogurt.

The question now is, are they just as effective in beauty products?

While there is no solid proof just yet, you still might consider using topical steps in assisting the culture of healthy bacteria we know exists on the surface of healthy skin. When ingesting and somehow, milk allergies are preventing you from getting your daily dose of probiotics, try vegan juice that doesn’t contain dairy, wheat, or soy. While most of the findings are still currently being researched, you need not fear its adverse side effects.

These come from Mother Nature and ought to be safe.

Tags:  Beauty from Within
 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

Unique Products for a Younger You

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

It turns out that the regenerative powers of milk baths aren’t just old wives’ tales.

All milk, including the hot, new beauty ingredient goat’s milk, contains proteins and lactic acids that can soothe and soften the skin for some people. There’s also a theory that milk’s biologically active growth factors can actually make skin cells act younger than they are. As you age, the cell-growth process ages as well, resulting in skin that’s flakier and takes longer to heal. There’s some speculation that the growth factors in milk communicate with the skin cells to help them grow more efficiently and youthfully.

Goat’s milk offers even more benefits than its bovine cousin.

Not only is it less allergenic than cow’s milk, but it has more minerals and vitamin A and B and is rich in shorter-chain fatty acids, which balance pH and increase absorption of milk fat. In addition, it’s believed that because the nutrients in goat’s milk have a smaller particle size than those of its counterpart, they can be more readily absorbed into the skin. Hence, choose products that contain goat’s milk and liven up your cream of mushroom soup with chunks of goat cheese. You will definitely notice the wonderful difference in no time at all. Plus, there are so many affordable products out in the market right now. Check out your nearest health store and groceries for this.

There are also those that prefer seaweed. Some even claim that this is the best of all inside-out skin foods because it’s the only substance on earth that has the same mineral ratio as human plasma. This characteristic makes seaweed easily absorbable through the skin, as long as it’s broken down into tiny, micronized particles. Several studies have revealed that the minerals and vitamins in seaweed extracts can slow down the signs of aging. When these are found in skin topical, you now have all the ingredients to give collagen and also give the skin proven plumping and firming actions that make irritating acids and exfoliants obsolete.

Seaweed can pull some toxins and heavy metals out of the body.

This is probably the reason why seaweed wraps have become so popular because the slim in them produces an emollient effect, adding moisture to skin and hair. When this is taken internally, this is a good source of skin-fortifying omega-3s and boost iodine levels, which may help prevent the thin, dry skin and hair loss associated with iodine-related hypothyroidism. As for your diet, you can simply sprinkle kelp and dulse flakes, spiked with garlic and onion powder, on any dish in place of salt.

There are so many products out in the market right now, but sometimes, you have to veer away from the conventional to find the best solutions to your anti-aging dilemma. These are products of Mother Nature herself, and you can be sure that these are safe. When it comes to skin care, numerous studies have proven that organic is still the best way to go.

Turn to what has been given to you naturally.

Tags:  Unique Products for a Younger You

 

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

Get on a Losing Streak

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

If going on a diet to stay healthy and maintain your youth were easy, then everybody would’ve been in their ideal weight by now.

People wouldn’t know about obesity because this is something that can be avoided with no problems. Well, aside from eating smaller meals and maintaining balance with the amount of proteins and carbohydrates you take in, there are more things you can do. All you need here is a whole lot of discipline and a ton of willpower.

The hard part is when you crave for the ice cream and potato chips, and you feel that there’s not much you can do about it. Get through this by further cutting down your meals to smaller but more frequent ones. It gets harder for women who are going through PMS. The best way to deal with this is to give your mind time to digest what’s in your tummy. When you chew slowly and avoid binging, you may realize that you’re actually satisfied. You don’t leave the table feeling as if you’re a glutton and that you ate more than what you can take.

Diets can really become frustrating, and sometimes, it gets even more so when your scale hasn’t budged despite your best efforts.

Instead of counting numbers, try wearing old clothes that were once tight for you. After about six weeks of steady exercise, you’ll notice that you have more muscle and less fat, which means that pants won’t feel as tight as before. A pound of muscle will look smaller and will take up less space in the body than a pound of fat. More muscle is a good thing, even though it can temporarily stall the needle of your scale. Muscle tissue weighs more than fat tissue because it’s 70 percent water, while fat is only 20 percent water.

But even though your weight might not be dropping, you’re still making progress because your new muscle is helping you burn even more fat. Muscle tissues, after all, use more calories than fat cells do to stay alive. So, the more muscle you possess, the more calories you burn even when you’re not working out. To curb the frustration you feel at this point in your diet, look for other ways to measure. Do your clothes feel more comfortable? Do you look and feel better? All those count for as much as, if not more than, what the scale says.

Then you’ll see yourself steadily lose weight.

Don’t stop at this point. If you get tired, skip gym for a week, and no more than that. And take heart in the fact that you’re not alone. Too much time at the gym can make your body too efficient because it figures out how to do the same moves burning fewer calories. Taking time off may be just what your body needs to jolt it back into gear. When you head back, try a different routine.

The change will jump-start your system and prep it for the next round of weight loss.

Tags:  Get on a Losing Streak
 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

 

A Serious Look At Alcoholism Symptoms

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

When looking at alcoholism symptoms, it can be difficult to see yourself in them.

The sad truth is, you may very well be an alcoholic. You may not want this for yourself, but denial won't help you out. It's time to get started looking at this honestly. Are you an alcoholic? Here are ten things you can look to. If you answer yes to any number of these, then you probably need to be seeking help.

Have you given up other activities because of alcohol?

Sometimes making sacrifices can be a good thing, but it depends on whether what you are making sacrifices for is truly more valuable than what you are giving up. Is your drinking really worth giving those other things up for?

Are you having legal problems that show up because of your alcoholism?

If this is a recurring theme, then you have to deal with this. They aren't just picking on you. You are really putting yourself and others in danger.

Are you having a problem sticking to just one or two drinks?

If you go into a situation hoping to limit yourself to just a couple of drinks, but are never able to keep yourself to that then it might be time to correct that.

Do you feel guilty or ashamed that you might have a problem or by what you are doing?

You need to get beyond this if you want to get your pride back. You need to be able to own your problem and face it head on. You don't need to be proud of your drinking problem, but you have to take pride in yourself and try to overcome it.

Do you continue to drink even though it is hurting other parts of your life?

You make choices every day based on what is more valuable to you. When you continue a destructive behavior in spite of the problems that behavior brings about, you are admitting that the behavior is far more important that what is hurt by it. If your family or job is negatively impacted by your drinking, but you continue to drink, then you are saying that drinking is more important.

Have you built up a tolerance for alcohol?

Think back to how much it used to take for you to get a buzz when you just started drinking? Compare that with how much it takes for you to have the same effect. If your body is getting more and more used to the intoxicating effects then you will be feeling more of the negative effects of drinking too much alcohol. It doesn't just get you drunk. Too much in your body will cause a multitude of other problems socially, physically, and mentally.

Have you hurt someone because of your drinking?

This could be mentally or physically. While both can have pretty negative consequences, the physical side of that can bring some serious long-term problems for you. Alcohol is many times thought of as liquid courage, but it could also be considered liquid stupid. You could find yourself in physical altercations with someone who might deserve a beating, but it could easily be that you could hurt someone who doesn't and worse, someone you care about.

Don't lie to yourself. Look closely in the mirror and see if you have a problem. Once you get to where you can see yourself, go get help.

This article is to be used for information purposes only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment or cure for alcoholism or any other physical, emotional or mental disorder.

You should always consult a health professional for proper diagnosis, treatment or cure for any physical, emotional or mental disorder.
 

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

 

Tags:  A Serious Look At Alcoholism Symptoms

 

 

 

Making Your Body Feel Young and Healthy

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.

You’re always searching for that extra edge; perhaps it’s trying a new move or a sweatier program, or maybe it’s finding the most wicked of abs classes or the cushiest running shoe.

Every advantage helps you work out smarter and make your bodies stronger despite your age. The time of day you work out is critical; it can help you avoid injuries, produce a peak performance, and enjoy, not dread, your workout. Tweak your schedule and match your workout to your body’s physiological patterns, and make the most of your body clock.

In the morning, aside from the heck-raising alarm clock, there are a few things you’ve got going on when you wake up. For one, your core temperature starts to rise. But because you’ve been sleeping, your muscles are stiffer than a Friday-night martini, and your heart rate has slowed down to about 60 to 80 beats per minute. To top it off, your joints are 20 percent less flexible than they are at the end of the day because you’ve been lying still at night. Let your muscles catch up because morning tightness makes you even more prone to injuries when you’re exercising. Take 10 minutes of easy movement first. Morning is actually the best time for aerobic endurance activities because your lower heart rate allows you to go longer, farther, and harder. The bonus is that your brain naturally underestimates time when your core temperature is cooler because it doesn’t process information as quickly.

By midday, your body temperature has risen, meaning that your circulation has improved to better deliver oxygen to your brain and muscles.

The higher oxygen level in your blood improves your reaction time, muscle strength, and hand-eye coordination. Although it hasn’t officially been proven, experts speculate that it’s because of your sleep cycle. You’re groggiest around 2 a.m., and the cycle probably repeats itself every 12 hours, starting again at around 2 p.m. Exercising now will also improve your late-day performance at work because the increased blood flow to your brain makes you mentally sharper. A 30-minute strength circuit with minimal rest between sets will get your blood gushing at maximum levels, which helps prevent post-lunch energy drops. Take advantage of your improved coordination with sports as well.

Later during the day, at around late afternoon or early evening, your core temperature should have risen faster than ever.

It’s as much as 3 degrees higher than it was in the morning, so your flexibility, muscle strength, and reaction time are peaking. Your higher body temp corresponds with increased tolerance for pain. Now’s the time to push your limits. For best results, don’t exercise too late because this can rearrange all your biological rhythms and affect the quality of your sleep. Your body releases human growth hormones when you snooze and this is responsible for repairing and maintaining muscle. Be explosive and bring your power levels at their highest. It’s time to go hard and sweaty.

Take advantage of your body temperature by doing 15 minutes of static stretches to loosen up and relax after.
 

Tags:  Making Your Body Feel Young and Healthy

 

Learn more about your Body, Mind and Spirit with Viva Vitality brought to you GBG Vitality.