Infused Water For Fat-Burning, Metabolism Boosters

Photo credit: yahoo images

I tried drinking infused water for a month before the holiday came. I must say, during the first few days, I find the infused water (with cucumber, lemon and  mint leaves) a bit odd until I got used to the taste. I miss it now so I will go back to drinking infused water again.

It is known that cucumber and lemon are great way to boost metabolism and blast those fats. It doesn't happen overnight.  While I was drinking infused water, I did notice a positive change in my physique. I was more energetic, had good sleep and my waist size went down a notch. Again, that was before I enjoyed the holiday celebration.

Cucumber and lemon are two of the metabolism boosting food around. Cucumbers are high in Vitamin C and A. It is a natural diuretics so you flush out excess water and toxins.

Lemon is another food rich in Vitamin C and great in burning fats as it assist in the cellular level. Vitamin C helps in transporting the fatty acids in the system by using up those energy to burn fats.

Next time you are tempted to drink soda or processed fruit juices, consider this option - infused water.

The Natural Energy Boosters

I sometime hope I am like that rabbit in the Duracell battery commercial where it keeps going and going and going. Just like any other mortals out there, I also conk out and when it happens, there is not much I can do but rest and take a nap.

There are actually natural foods out there that can help us energize. Some of these foods like apples, sesame seeds, avocado, lean meats from chicken and turkey, fish, tofu, eggs and plenty of water to hydrate yourself.

Studies show that food sources of quercetin (a plant-based phytochemical linked to athletic endurance) can boost your energy levels.

Foods rich in magnesium can turn the food that you eat as natural energy boosters that the body can utilize.

Also, complex carbs can be eaten as they are slowly digested and can prolong your energy level. Complex carbs are foods rich in fiber like beans, brown rice, whole-grain breads, brussels sprouts and other leafy vegetables.

So, the next time you feel weary and need a perk-me-up food, grab some fruits and snack on fresh vegetables for a quick energy boost.

Common Health Problems During Summer

Summer is here and we cannot deny that fact. Our activities will be limited mostly indoors but the heat does not stop some adventurous people to enjoy the season. So, if you are one of those people who cannot stay put then read on to avoid the risk of common health problems during the hot summer months.

Sunburns and skin cancer risk
The sun is one of the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer because of the harmful UV rays. Too much exposure to the harmful rays will make you susceptible to skin cancer risk. Exposure to the sun's heat will also give you premature wrinkles and dry skin.

Eye Damage
Not wearing eye protection like sunglasses can damage your eyes leading to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wearing dark shades can filter harmful UV rays.

Food Poisoning
Food-borne illnesses like food poisoning is common during summer time because some bacteria thrives in heat and spoils food quickly when left in the open. Keep food safe and fresh by putting them in the refrigerator or consuming them on time.

Bug bites
Summer time is a great time for some pesky bugs like mosquitoes, ants and bees. Their sting or bite can pose serious threat when carrying infectious diseases. Avoid buggy areas, remove standing water and spray insect repellants.

Heat stroke
This is a life-threatening condition that must not be taken lightly. The body experiences extreme core temperature rising, like a fever and can lead to permanent damage. Common signs of heat stroke are:

1. confusion
2. short, rapid breathing
3. sweating
4. a fast pulse

Dehydration
Summer time can make you perspire profusely. This will leave you dehyrdrated and not having enough water will inhibit your internal organs to function normally. Drink plenty of water and fruit juices to stay hydrated and if you are active, drink electrolyte water to replenish lost vital nutrients. Avoid fizzy drinks like sodas, alcohol and caffeine as they act as diuretics.

Don't Waste Water

It really irritates me when someone in the bathroom or restroom leaves the bathroom faucets open. I wonder what is so hard in trying to close the faucets when not in use to avoid spillage of precious water resource.

There was an incident in the office where I saw a lady left the water running while she applied mascara on her face. I really gave her a piece of my mind and sternly asked her if she was not using the water faucet to close it. She gave me a look but I gave her more than she could handle. I mean, it is common sense, right?

Mother Earth is not as she used to be, clean and pristine. The advent of industrialization sucked her dry and the resources around us will not be available to the future generation if we don't start conserving now.

Pimple Gone Amok

I posted an article about my daughter's skin condition just few days ago. Imagine a "pimple with a forehead." Got it? Yes, it is that bad considering her age. She is only 11 and yet her forehead seems to be having a community of pimples. Her puny pimples look like prickly heat on her forehead. Of all the place to manifest itselt, it has to be on her forehead!

I told her that drinking plenty of water, eating vegetables and having a good sleep is nature's best acne treatment.

Dancing Water Fountains

There is something about these dancing water fountains which leave me enthralled. I love the way the water moves with the rhythm of the music and the lights give a dramatic expression on what the water display is depicting. Its choreography is like a whimsical fantasy. I just don't get tired watching the beautiful dance in the form of water.

I haven't seen many dancing fountains in my life yet. Probably just 2, the famous dancing water fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas and recently, the one here in Dubai - at the Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar behind the world's tallest building - Burj Dubai.

Bellagio's famous dancing fountains are widely known but Dubai won't allow to be rated 2nd fiddle. So, whoever orchestrated the construction of this massive dancing water is a genius. The water shoots up really, really high compared to the one in Bellagio. The water forms various shapes depicting the Arab life like the famous Deira Clock Tower. It is fantastic although I must say that Bellagio's dancing fountains may have been the epitomy of what dancing fountains should be around the world. Well, this is my opinion. Like I said, I haven't seen much yet and I will make sure that I will see more.

The Colors of the World

I see the sky
And it's all blue,
Like the ocean with its azure hue.

I see the trees
And they are all green
With the verdant leaves on the brim.

I see the sun
And how it glows!
Like a golden ring on a distant slope.

I see a land
With the warm shades of brown,
Which echoes warmth all around.

And I see folks like you and me.
We are part of this mystery.
The colors are rich with variety
Of people, plants, animals and nature's elements in a mould.
For these are the colors of the world.


~oOo~

I have written this poem as tribute to our Mother Earth. Let's support all organizations and causes fighting for the protection of the world we live in.

Thanks.