Lower Your Stress

If you are like most Americans, then stress can sometimes overwhelm you. Whether you suffer from stress due to your job, school, parenting or relationship problems, stress can consume you and lead to health ailments and general unhappiness. There are dozens of ways to combat stress but here are some practical tips that can be helpful.


Prioritize and Organize.

Many times we stress out because we are unprepared, or we have spent too much time on inconsequential tasks that the important tasks have been overlooked or neglected. It is important to get organized and make sure your important tasks are completed first. Figure out what is important to accomplish everyday, week or month and do those tasks first and foremost

Take time to relax

Many times we are so busy doing menial tasks or running all over the place that we forge to relax and instead we burn ourselves out. Just as it is important to complete your most important tasks, your energy and lifestyle are as important as well. Make time to relax and recharge your batteries

Keep away from stimulants and Alcohol

We can sometimes turn to stimulants such as coffee or over the counter stimulants to keep awake when we need to complete important tasks. These stimulants might give you a boost in the short run but become troublesome in the long run. Nobody wants to be addicted to 5 cups of coffee a day.

The same thing with alcohol, while it may calm our nerves in the short run, why risk having a problem. The best advice is a healthy diet and exercise. So follow these practical tips for lowering your stress and in a short time you might find your self relaxed and stress free.

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Hypnosis to Stop Smoking

If you have been trying to quit smoking, than you know how difficult it is to stop. Many smokers have turned to an alternative remedy to stop their addiction to cigarettes- hypnosis.


Over the years hypnosis has made its way back to main stream medicine for truly helping people who suffer from addictions. Other addictions that hypnosis has been successful at treating are weight loss, alcohol, and drug addictions. However, it is extremely common to go to hypnotherapy to be treated for smoking. It usually only takes a few sessions and its cost is relatively inexpensive. Some hypnotherapist’s specialize is treating addictions and can teach you strategies besides the hypnosis that can help you in your day to day battle against smoking.

Hypnosis is not magic; it is just an altered state of consciousness which allows you to direct your focus on certain details. Under hypnosis, you can’t be made to do anything that you don’t want to do, so you shouldn’t worry about giving up control which is the number one misconception about hypnosis.

If you have tried several times to quit smoking and have not succeeded, consult a hypnotherapist, you will be surprised at the professionalism and the effectiveness of the treatments and with a little determination will hopefully be successful at quitting smoking.

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Four Reasons to Eat Mexican Food

It is cheap. Most meals start off with an endless basket of chips and salsa. Entrees are very inexpensive. At most restaurants, you can easily get a full meal for fewer than ten dollars. Some meals are big enough to share. Just ask for an extra plate, because there is no additional plate charge. If you fill up on chips, ask for a to go box for your entree leftovers. Take the chips, too.

It is fast. If time or hunger is an issue, Mexican food is prepared quite quickly. Therefore, if you are super hungry or in a major rush, you can eat immediately. By the time your return from washing your hands, your entree will be waiting for your enjoyment. Dig in! It is hot. Be careful not to burn your mouth or hands, because Mexican food is served very hot! The plates are even hotter. Especially on a cold, winter day, what better way to warm up? Escape to the Mexican Baja in moments!
It is tasty. The aroma of the combination of the flavors used in Mexican foods is absolutely delicious…a mixture of fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, frijoles and cheese. No matter what the combination of ingredients, just add a touch of sauce and side of rice and beans. Now you have the perfect meal!
Bonus: Since most Mexican restaurants are usually staffed with authentic natives, you can practice your Spanish! Enjoy the festive Latin music and only speak Spanish during your dining adventure. Viva Mexico!
Stevee Ashlock resides in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. She has been in the entertainment business for over twenty-five years and is the owner of Stoneybrook Productions, an entertainment production and multi-media marketing company. http://www.stoneybrookproductions.net
Ms. Ashlock is dedicated to her international charity involvement, focusing on women and children issues.
You may contact Ms. Ashlock at stoneybrookprods@prodigy.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stevee_Ashlock
http://EzineArticles.com/?Four-Reasons-to-Eat-Mexican-Food&id=662545

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Easy Tips for Healthy Cooking

We all know we should be eating healthier. But it's not just changing our eating habits in restaurants that needs to be done. We can also change how we cook our food at home. Healthy cooking at home doesn't need to be bland or boring! In fact, you may find some of these tips will add more flavor to your dishes!
The first thing to do is choose leaner cuts of meat. The obvious choices for low fat cooking are chicken and fish, but other meats can be lower in fat as well. When shopping for red meat, the words 'sirloin' and 'round' are cuts which are naturally lower in fat. Check the meat and choose the one with the least amount of marbling and trim off any excess fat before cooking. Look for ground beef that is 95% lean. Pork is also another great lean meat. The problem most people have with lean meats is that they will dry out easily when cooking. To avoid this, try a marinade. Marinades aren't just for flavor (although that is a great benefit!). Using acidic liquids will actually help break down the tougher connective tissue in the meat. Try one of the many low fat marinades available in your grocery store, or make up your own with ingredients such as balsamic or red wine vinegar, herbs and spices. Depending on the size of the meat portion, you can marinade from 20 minutes to several hours. A great marinade for chicken is yogurt. Mix fat free yogurt with some lemon juice, salt, pepper and any other spices you like and coat your chicken breasts. Yogurt marinades are best after 8 hours or overnight.
Tired of bland vegetables? Try sautéing your vegetables in a little chicken broth (or vegetable broth) instead of oil. Then sprinkle on herbs. Even just a sprinkling of chopped chives can add a zesty new taste to your vegetables. Another great option is roasting vegetables. This works wonderfully with root vegetables or other very firm ones such as cauliflower and squashes. Simply cut the vegetables into large chunks, spray with cooking spray and toss on seasoning. Curry powders, cajun blends or Italian seasonings are great. Roast in a 450 degree oven until the vegetables are tender. You can also place the vegetable pieces on a skewer and roast on your grill!
You don't have to give up dessert when eating healthily, either! Fruit makes a wonderful dessert, or even a side dish with your regular meal. Try a bowl of mixed berries topped with a low fat or fat free vanilla yogurt. Or sauté bananas in a non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle on cinnamon and a touch of vanilla extract. Serve with frozen yogurt. Even kids will think they are getting an indulgent treat!
Have a favorite recipe that isn't so healthy? You can try modifying it. Remove any skin from meats, use half the amount of oil asked for in cooking. For baked goods, substitute applesauce for oil - your cakes will still be moist and flavorful! In recipes asking for cream, try using evaporated skim milk. With these substitutions, many times you won't even notice the difference.
Healthy living is important and it is easy. Just a few quick changes and your home cooking will be better and healthier for your family!
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Cooking
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Easy-Tips-for-Healthy-Cooking&id=239685

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Tomato Recipes for Fresh Tomatoes

Tomato Recipes for Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh Tomatoes are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, especially lycopene. If you do not have a Salsa Garden, you need to consider planting one this summer, or find a good roadside stand that sells fresh tomatoes. These are original recipes for Italian Style tomatoes, a Summer Salad recipe that is so great and simple to make, this salad makes it's own salad dressing with such a fresh flavor, you will make this salad again and again. Also a great Salsa Recipe and a positively delicious Stewed Tomato dish.


Italian Style Tomatoes Recipe 4 large tomatoes cut in wedges
1/4 cup olive oil, drizzle over tomatoes
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Sprinkle with oregano to suit
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt
1 loaf Italian Bread
Mix all ingredients together, except bread. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Tear bread into small bites for dipping in sauce.
Summer Salad Recipe
This salad makes it's own salad dressing with such a fresh flavor, you will make this salad again and again.
1/2 head lettuce shredded with a knife, use a plastic lettuce knife if you can
1 small yellow onion diced
1 large ripe tomato chopped
1 or 2 heaping tablespoons of Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of water
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving, add a little more mayo or water to your liking.
Salsa Recipe
4 ripe large chopped tomatoes
1 small onion diced
1 Jalapeno pepper diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Mix all ingredients and refrigerate 2 hours before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.
Stewed Tomato Recipe 3 large tomatoes, peeled and quartered
1 medium green pepper chopped
1 small yellow onion chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 slices bread
In large pan, saute green peppers and onion in butter on medium heat, stirring frequently until tender. Add Tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a slight boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 25 minutes, or until tomatoes are tender. Remove the crust from the bread, tear bread into small strips and add to the stewed tomatoes, stir and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Janie Hotchkiss is the owner and webmaster for Up2Tempo Magazineestore, a Magazine Subscription Service that offers the lowest publisher authorized prices available. Janie has written and syndicated many articles on recipes, search engine marketing and email spam. Please visit http://www.magazineestore.com to purchase your magazine subscriptions for fantastic savings and the best customer service.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janie_Hotchkiss
http://EzineArticles.com/?Original-Salad-Recipe-and-More-Original-Recipes-For-Fresh-Tomatoes-&id=474680

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Shrimp Scampi Recipes

Many people have different ideas on how to prepare great shrimp scampi recipes as you will see below. Some of the ingredients are the same and usually it is served with pasta. The type of pasta that you serve with your dish is up to your own taste.

Here are two shrimp scampi recipes that do vary in style. For the first one you will need:

2 pounds of shrimp,
¾ pound of melted butter or margarine, 
3 chopped green onions, 
4 tablespoons of crushed garlic cloves, 
¼ cup of lemon juice, 
½ cup of dry bread crumbs, 
1 egg, 
1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, 
2 teaspoons of hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste. 

Be sure to clean and de-vein your shrimp. Preheat your broiler. Cut them into a butterfly style. Place them in a large pan. Now, combine the butter, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, bread crumbs, and egg, seasoning salt, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Now place this mixture by spoonfuls over the shrimp. Broil for around 5 minutes until done.
Other shrimp scampi vary also in the ingredients but are just as tasty as the one above. For this recipe you will need:

1 pound of thin spaghetti noodles, 
1/3 cup of olive oil or vegetable oil, 
2 pounds of shrimp, 
1 tablespoon of chopped garlic, 
¼ teaspoon of crushed peppers, 
¼ cup of chopped green onions, 
1 cup of diced mushrooms, 
¼ cup of white wine, 
¼ cup of butter, 
salt and pepper to taste. 

To prepare you need to cook the pasta until it is al dente, usually around 3 to 5 minutes, drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, (sprinkles of water will dance around the pan) sauté the shrimp for a few seconds. Now add the garlic, peppers, green onions and mushrooms. Cook for about one minute. Now add the wine and bring to a boil, cook until slightly thick. Remove from the heat and add the butter, stir until dissolved. Now, you can add the pasta and gently stir. This is a very wonderful and unique dish that everyone will love.
Finding the best shrimp scampi recipes are a matter of taste. You can try all different types of spices and other ingredients that you want to try to create your own recipes. Usually shrimp scampi is kind of spicy, so you can try other items such as salsa, for a new and unique flavor that no one else has thought of to add to the basic recipe.
Hans is author of Seafood Recipes at http://www.steaks-guide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hans_Dekker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Shrimp-Scampi-Recipes&id=36047

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Benefit of Physical Fitness

With all of the media attention about health, most people are very much aware of the overall benefit of physical fitness and being physically fit. However, knowing the overall benefit and understanding the details of how it affects your body are two totally different things. So the purpose of this article is to provide you with the specific benefits of how physical fitness affects your health, your body, and your life. And, one of the easiest ways to show you is by breaking down the benefits in terms of the 5 components of physical fitness. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, but it is definitely enough to help you see the tremendous benefit of physical fitness.
The benefits of cardiovascular fitness:
- Enables you to handle the seemingly endless daily activities required to get you through the day
- Strengthens the heart
- Conditions heart and lungs by increasing oxygen available to the body and enables heart to use oxygen more efficiently
- Helps to increase resistance to fatigue
- Gives extra energy
- Tones muscles
- Decreases tension
- Sleep better
- Decreases depression and anxiety
- More able to handle stress
- Reduces risk of coronary heart disease and some forms of cancer
- Strengthen bones
- Increases lung capacity
- Decreases blood pressure
- Decreases body fat percentage (lose weight)
Since these next two components are not the same but go together for most people, we will combine their benefits. The benefits of muscular endurance and muscular strength:
- Abdominal endurance helps prevent low back problems
- Improves body fat percentage
- Increases metabolism
- Helps to maintain your bone structure
- Decreases resting blood pressure
- Improves cholesterol levels
- Increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis
- Increases natural human growth hormone (HGH) which in itself is known to boost sexual potency, improve sleep, improve memory, and decrease wrinkles
- Increases testosterone
- Better looking physical appearance and improves self-image
- Increases self-esteem
- Reduces constant muscle loss (atrophy) as you age
- Increases athletic or sport performance
The benefits of flexibility fitness:
- Helps to better cope with daily activities.
- Essential to protecting joints and keeping them healthy
- Helps to strengthen your back to prevent low back pain
- Reduces the appearance and effects of arthritis
- Reduces muscle-tendon injuries
- Improves your posture
- Increases range of motion around joints
- Decreases the chance of muscle strains and pulls and ligaments tears
- Maintains body balance
- Helps to recover quicker from sport injury
- Get out of bed without being stiff and sore
- Decreases muscle soreness (from exercise or activities)
The benefit of body composition:
- Body composition is useful in determining health risks.
- Doing the right types of exercises will help you decrease fat and increase or maintain muscle
- Excessive body fat detracts from the other fitness components, reduces performance, detracts from appearance, negatively affects your health
- When the body fat ratio is high, you are considered over weight or even obese
- A high fat ratio is a sign of a greater chance of developing coronary heart disease, diabetes, joint and back pains, arthritis and higher risk of tendon-muscular accidents and injuries due to inactivity
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, it is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is a great start for your understanding. As a matter of fact, one of the biggest and most important benefits is what being healthy and physically fit can do for you mentally. A few things were mentioned above about the mental benefits but the impact is much greater.
When you’re physically fit, sure your body feels great and physically you look good, but the mental benefits are absolutely priceless. Imagine having the peace of mind to handle life, the everyday events, and just whatever comes your way without letting it wear you down. In addition, you feel sharper and think more clearly.
Getting started with fitness is easy, because you can start by doing something every day of the week or just once a week and work your way up to at least three days a week for just 20 minutes a day. It doesn’t matter, because the key is to start somewhere – anywhere. Just start! I promise you will never regret it.
One of the absolute best sources of information that I’ve found for completely understanding the benefit of physical fitness exercises is RIGHT HERE
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Holland
http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefit-of-Physical-Fitness&id=669960

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