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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Let's face it, in today's rush-rush world we are always trying to cram as much as possible into our 24-hour day. Sadly, many people are turning to energy drinks and pills to help get them through their long days, when in actuality there are plenty of natural energy boosters that you could rely on to help you stay energized.
Just try these simple strategies to make sure that you wake up feeling refreshed, stay motivated throughout the day and be able to wind down and get a relaxed night of sleep.
Consistent wake-up time- Many people would think that sleeping in would actually give them all-day energy, but it is more harmful than it is helpful. Instead, opt for the same wake-up time everyday and get yourself into some light, whether you get your sunlight by actually going outdoors or just by opening up the blinds.
Reduce your carbs, add in more protein- While carbohydrates will give you that quick burst of energy, eating too many carbohydrates will actually drain you. Opt for getting a healthy mix of carbs and protein to feel more energetic throughout the day.
Skip your morning cup of joe- Instead of downing your coffee first thing in the morning, opt for having an afternoon cup of coffee when tiredness typically sets in. This caffeine burst at an appropriate time will also help to keep your energy flowing throughout your afternoon.
Avoid grazing and eat your meals at consistent times- Believe it or not, your body runs on the food schedule that YOU set. When you skip meals your body suffers by going into shut down mode, like it does when it is time to sleep. Keep your meals consistent and at consistent times to avoid the daily drain. Grazing should be avoided, too, as it leads to overeating and over hunger.
Relieve stress through meditation- Because it may be hard to carve out set times to simply relax and meditate, try to do it when you have a few free minutes throughout your day. Even simply three minutes of mediation can reduce stress hormones that create body tension and constricted blood vessels. Find a quiet spot, practice your breathing techniques and take a few minutes to rejuvenate through relaxation.
Power walk instead of power nap- While it may seem like a short little cat nap will help you through that afternoon slump, a short little power walk will be more beneficial. Get out for a brisk walk if you are able to and your body will thank you for it. If you can't get outdoors, sit by a window and bask in the daylight for some quick light energy.
Exercise to music- Exercise may be the most obvious way to increase your energy levels throughout the day, yet many people still avoid it. If you are having trouble getting the motivation to work out, try listening to music before exercising. Studies show that people who listen to music prior to and while working out, feel like they have exerted themselves less than those who don't listen to music while working out.
Wind down before bed- Whether you choose to watch a little tv or read a good book, take the time to wind down before catching those zzz's.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza

It may be true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but there are plenty of foods out there that are beneficial to you in more ways than one : including speeding up your metabolism.
Foods can speed up your metabolism if it burns more calories to digest them than the food actually contains.
By eating more of these great foods that help to speed up your metabolism, you will begin to see how this will help you to lose weight.
Here are some of the best foods to help speed up your metabolism: grapefruit, oranges, lemons, apples, pears, chilies, potatoes, cabbage, celery, broccoli, green tea, soup, oatmeal and low-fat yogurt.
Many of these foods are high in complex carbohydrates or high in protein, both metabolism boosting ingredients.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Summer is the season when that tasty fruit, the watermelon, once again makes an appearance around the dinner table and the picnic area.
Besides being made up of nearly 90% water, watermelons are also a great source of significant vitamins and minerals.
So, what is watermelon made of? It is chock full of a considerable amount of vitamins A and C. It contains thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate and niacin in small amounts.
It is a great source of potassium, and also contains magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and iron in trace amounts.
It is also very low in calories, free of fats and cholesterol and is rich in carotenoids.
Because of these nutritional facts and their amazing taste, we should enjoy watermelons while they last!
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
We have all been there before : a long day at the beach or outdoors turns our skin into a pretty bad case of sunburn! Instead of dealing with the affects for a few days or even a week after the burn, we offer these natural ways to help your skin heal and to help you feel better in no time.
Of course, there are plenty of sunburn treatment lotions out on the market, but anything that contains a high amount of vitamin E or contains aloe vera will help to alleviate the pain of sunburn. The vitamin E and aloe vera add nutrients to the skin that UV rays have unbalanced. The aloe vera also cools your skin, helping to reduce the pain.
You may also find some good sunburn treatments right in your kitchen cabinet. Vinegar, mustard, yogurt, tomatoes and avocado all contain that extra vitamin E that will help to cool your skin.
It doesn't matter how you decide to treat your sunburn, what's important is treating it the day that it occurs. Waiting to treat your sunburn will only prolong the agony and pain that you are dealing with, so treat your burn as soon as you can after getting out of the sun.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
According to Men's Health Magazine, good old mom may have had it all wrong when she offered us a glass of warm milk to help aide our sleeping. The protein in milk could actually boost alertness rather than calm it.
Instead the magazine's experts offer the following snacks to induce “feel-good relaxation chemicals” thereby calming your nerves and slowing your brain down towards relaxation: nonfat popcorn, oatmeal with sliced bananas, one cup of plain yogurt with two tablespoons mixed nuts, sesame seeds, pretzels, 4-oz. glass of unsweetened cherry juice, and red bell peppers.
Not only is a good night's rest good for your overall well-being, but it is also helpful to keep a youthful appearance and will it will also help you to feel younger, too.
So, pass on the glass of warm milk tonight and opt for any of the above snacks for that peaceful night's sleep. Good night!
