ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, Responses from Tips

A toned body for the summer: a guide to calories, diet and working out. By Guest Blogger Diana S.

By Guest Blogger Diana S.

A toned body for the summer: a guide to calories, diet and working out.

tipsfromtia.com (6)
To get a toned body for the summer, fast weight loss will not be of much use. Losing a lot of weight quickly means losing not only fat, but water weight and even lean tissue. Your goal should be summer body, which is sculpted and firm. In other words, to tone your body for the summer, you need to start now.

Useful apps

Yoga lovers will love Pocket Yoga ($2.99) featuring 150 illustrated poses along with voice and visual instruction. Easy Abs (free) contains 27 exercises with an audio description and video demonstrations you can do with your own soundtrack. Runtastic Squats ($0.99), ideal for shaping legs and glutes counts your squats and records the results. Arm Workouts ($1.99) has 20 exercises for arms, an audio coach, workout reminders and incentive medals.

Photo provided by guest blogger, Diana S.
Photo provided by guest blogger, Diana S.

Butt Lift Workout HD (free) features workouts divided into three groups depending on difficulty as well as voice instruction and videos.

Start counting calories

Before you start counting calories, you need to know what your goal weight is. To find that out, calculate a BMI. A healthy BMI is within the range of 18.5 to 24.9. If you have a BMI of 25, or more, you need to pay more attention to calories and working out. If you are within the healthy range, you can also workout, but getting a toned body will be much easier for you.

image 4(1)
Photo provided by Guest Blogger, Diana S.

Four, or five exercise sessions a week together with calorie intake require a 1200 calories-a-day eating plan. A typical recommendation is a weight loss of 0.45 kg, or 1 kg a week. 0.45 kg of fat contains 3500 calories. To lose 0.45 kg of fat a week, you need to burn 500 more calories than you eat each day (3500/7 = 500).

Start preparing your own meals

Fresh assorted vegetables in boxes on farmer's market
Fresh assorted vegetables in boxes on farmer’s market

Firstly, you need to understand a difference between nutrient-dense and calorie-dense foods. Nutrient-dense foods contain nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, essential fatty acids and fibre, but they have few calories. All whole foods are nutrient-dense foods. They are subjected to little, or no processing and are eaten in a natural state. These are lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. On the other hand, calorie-dense foods, including any processed foods, such as chips, ice-cream, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, cakes, pastries and sweets contain a lot of unhealthy saturated fats, salt and sugar. They are devoid of nutrients. Preparing your own food includes counting how much calories every meal has and making sure you are having balanced meals containing unsaturated fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Working out

You will need another calculator, this time for calculating how many calories you burn doing different exercises. Combined with calorie intake, you now know which type of exercises you can do and for how long to do them in order to lose the abovementioned 3500 calories a week.

Generally speaking, you should aim at both cardio and weight lifting exercises. You can do cardio, including treadmill, cycling, running and swimming for 45 minutes/an hour once a week, or two times a week in 35-minute intervals. If you are an eco-conscious cyclist enthusiast, consider Eurocycles, a leading Australian retailer of electric bikes, e-bike parts as well as bike and e-bike accessories.

Weight lifting exercises

• Squat and shoulder press (butt, thighs and arms) – 8 to 12 reps
• Pull combo (butt, thighs and abs) – entire sequence 8 to 12 times
• Crossover lunge (calves, hamstrings and butt) – 8 to 12 reps
• Inchworm (abs, chest and arms) – 8 to 12 reps
• Standing lift (obliques, back and shoulders) – 8 to 12 reps
• Side plank (abs, obliques, butt, hips and thighs) – holding for 15 to 30 seconds
• Biceps curl (biceps, shoulders and back) – 12 to 15 reps
• Kickback (triceps and back) – 12 to 15 reps.

Photo Provided by Guest Blogger Diana S.
Photo Provided by Guest Blogger Diana S.

Keep a diary where you will write down calorie intake per day, an exercise program per day and how many calories you burn per day.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

FOR THE GUYS, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, Responses from Tips, SEX & LIFE

Worked Out With A Swiss Ball Yet? By Frank T.

Worked Out With A Swiss Ball Yet?

“Fit Woman In Gym Working Out With Dumbbells†by stockimages
“Fit Woman In Gym Working Out With Dumbbells†by stockimages

Are you bored of endless sit ups, press ups and treadmill runs as part of your cardio routines? I have a fun alternative solution, namely Swiss ball training. Swiss balls can train your entire body with innovative moves that can sprinkle a breath of fresh air through monotonous workout drills.

Often used in Pilates you may know them by alternatives names; yoga balls, balance balls, gym balls body balls or sports balls. But whatever name you call them they are as versatile as a Swiss army knife. They therefore can be used in lots of different ways to target muscles all over your body.

So how do they work?

A Swiss ball allows you to improve your stability and coordination due to the nature of the ball being unstable in the first place. It is aspherical in shape and therefore will move about in all directions forcing you to counteract its momentum so you don’t fall off.
This works your core, something that every workout publication and training program seems to be obsessed with. The core is so important as it is like the central hub that connects your entire body. A strong core will bullet proof your back and work wonders for your waistline and can also increase your agility.

How A Swiss Ball Enhances Muscle Development

As you use a Swiss ball consistency over a period of time, your muscles will start to develop rapidly to handle the stress of the new workload. This occurs as the individual core muscles gradually lengthen and become used to contracting on demand. It’s no wonder that the mammoth 350 pound plus contenders in the World’s Strongest Man contest attribute much of their success to having a strong core.

If you need to lift anything heavy the abdomen has to tighten like a belt to prevent a lower or upper back injury. A lot of the body’s strength also originates in the core, so whether you want to be super-sized or super skinny, core training is essential.
But traditional exercises like sit ups, planks and ab crunches don’t cut it anymore. They do not isolate your abdomen enough, and have a lot of assistance by the surrounding muscles. That’s where new accessories like balance balls come into play. They help you specifically target the parts of the body that have been previously difficult to hone in on.

Full Body Workouts

However, these balls can be used to target more than just the core muscles of the body, which include the abdominal muscles. The outlying muscles of the hips and shoulders can also be trained. An exercised called Swiss ball prone push-ups will engage these extra areas plus if it’s the first ever exercise you start out with, it will allow you to become acclimatized to the ball.

Here is one of many variations on how to perform this exercise.
To begin lie on top of the ball facing forwards (prone). Gently roll your weight forward so that your feet rest on the rear of the ball and your hands take the traditional push up position at the front. Just like a traditional push up, press your weight upwards from the floor.
Start of by doing 10 repetitions of the exercise and build up until you can do 20. If it is too easy for you work up to 5 sets of 20 reps and shorten the rest between sets down to 30 seconds.

You should feel the exercise in your shoulders, triceps and also your abs. For an increased stretch in your abdomen area tighten your abs on the way down. This will build up killer abs if you keep at it for a few months.

Here is a video of the exact exercise sequence.
Youtube Swiss Ball
Losing Balance

Like all things new, getting accustomed to a Swiss ball can be cumbersome, especially if you don’t have good balance to begin with. The trick is to make small movements when starting out and increase them gradually. Over time you will become more proficient. Once your muscles start to build up some strength and your mind to muscle connection is established the movements will get easier.
The next time you see one of those oversized balls in the corner of your gym, take one on.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

About The Author
Frank Turuso is a full time gym instructor. You can catch up with his favorite treadmill workouts here: treadmillreviewers.net

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Trigger Spring with Clean. Tips on Triggers:

By Tia Cristy

Tips on Triggers: Trigger Spring with Clean.
Young woman loaded with cleaning supplies --- Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis
Young woman loaded with cleaning supplies — Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

You’ve heard the term “Spring Cleaning”, well that is because it’s a great way to trigger the feeling of Spring. Deep cleaning your place is good to do twice a year, but most importantly around Spring time, to remove the dust and dirt that has piled up over the winter.

Open the blinds, wash the curtains and let that sun shine in even if it’s still a bit chilly out there. Wiping your place from top to bottom will make that stagnate air, fresh.

Don’t forget to clean the ceiling fans, you’ll be using them soon enough when the heat finally kicks in. It is so unsettling, when you turn on the fan and dust bunnies fly across the room. The easiest way to clean your ceiling fan is to take the dirty sock pile, put your hand in a sock, apply the dust cleaner and use your hand to wipe the blade. Pull off your hand inside out if the dust is really thick and get another sock for the other blades. When done, shake the socks out over the trash can while turning them right side in, and throw them in the wash. And wash your hands, of course.

Using steam to clean fabrics that are unable to go into the washer is a great wash to disinfect and deep clean.

Adding Spring colors as accent colors to a room will give a Spring time feel and lighting floral scented candles or getting air fresheners will give you the sense that Spring is in full bloom.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

 

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, Responses from Tips

What Is The Best Weight Loss Diet? By Amanda K.

What Is The Best Weight Loss Diet?

Provided by guest blogger.
Provided by guest blogger.

If you are overweight, losing weight is essential for a healthy lifestyle and an increased lifespan. This is medically proven and backed by many scientific studies. While we all know how important weight loss can be, sometimes finding the best diet to facilitate this feels frustrating and overwhelming. This article will help you to analyze some of the best programs out there, as well as key components that make up a healthy weight reduction plan.

Weight Watchers

One of the best diets for trimming down as evaluated by experts is Weight Watchers. This is a plan that has been around for years, and it is well developed and proven. The plan requires you to track your eating and exercise, as well as attend weekly meetings for weigh-ins and support. The key that makes this diet top the list of best diet plans for losing weight is that it combines the need for food modification, additional exercise and emotional support in order to successfully shed the pounds and keep them off.

Biggest Loser

In addition to Weight Watchers, the Biggest Loser Diet also rates high among weight loss plans. This plan focuses heavily on exercise and the way in which high levels of exercise help individuals to lose weight. If there is a con to this diet, it is only that the amount of exercise required may be more than some severely obese individuals are able to successfully undertake immediately. Still, this plan figures high when experts consider the best program for most individuals.
When evaluating these two plans, as well as others that have proven effective when one embarks on a weight loss journey, there are a few elements that they have in common. First, sensible eating is key to both of these plans, as well as many others that have proven track records. Sensible eating means eating three meals and two snacks a day, and it also means consuming healthy foods such as lean meats, fruits and vegetables and whole grains. It means reducing processed, sugar filled foods and watching portions carefully.

Physical Activity Essential

In addition, both of these plans and others that top the list of best weight loss diet plans also have an exercise element to them. Remember that physical activity at some level is key to losing weight. While weight loss can be achieved without it, scientific studies show that weight comes off at an increased speed when exercise is added, and individuals have an easier time sustaining a healthy weight. Moderate exercise of at least thirty minutes, three times a week, is key if you hope to lower your body mass in a healthy way and keep in shape.

When it comes to selecting the most suitable systemic approach to lowering your bodyweight you have many options. While some programs might be more individually suited to you than others, they all offer the opportunity for success if you follow them closely and maintain a level of support that promotes success. The most important thing to do is stay on track, and do so in a safe manner that doesn’t damage your health.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

About The Author
Amanda Kamdarha is an avid medical researcher and publisher of the latest treatments to counteract degenerative diseases. In her spare time she runs her personal blog named the Treadmill Reviewers and raises 5 beautiful kids.

BEAUTY, Responses from Tips

How to Choose the Most Flattering Swimsuit for your Body. By Guest Blogger, Diana S.

By Guest Blogger, Diana S.

How to Choose the Most Flattering Swimsuit for your Body
Straight 1No matter which side of the equator you live in, it never fails. When preparing to get that beach body ready, before you know it yet another summer has come a knocking too soon, and makes us wondering about our beach attire. It’s tough enough to throw away some ill-fitting ones, but there’s the rub, what to replace it with. Shopping for new swimsuit can be a true nuisance, but if you’re equipped with the right tips and tricks, the process can be astoundingly easy, and with satisfactory results. We present you this comprehensive guide to assist you in getting the best fit for your body.

Apple Shape 1Body type

You really can’t pass this step if you want your bikini to fit like a charm. Knowing your weight distribution is essential, so measure up carefully. Check it out to find your body structure:

Pears have noticeably wider hips compared to chest and waist

Apples shaped have hips narrower than their waistline, and a bust a tad wider

Hourglass type have equal width of hips and chest or shoulders, but a rather narrow waistline

Straight shaped are generally thinner at all spots, with even width of all three key points (bust, waist, hips)

 

creativecommons images
creativecommons images

Colours and patterns

The impact of perfect tint for your skin and shape is undeniable. It enhances your strengths and hides the less flattering spots. The key is knowing how to use it.

Popping hues or bold patterns can accentuate the desired feature, while solids will keep it low-profile.
Fair skinned women stand out in deeper tones such as maroon, navy or black. On the other hand, vibrant colours are a wonderful match for dark skin.

Voluminous effect can be achieved with ruffles and frills for the necessary areas (hips or bust). However, shirrs and ruchings create the opposite result, covering the weak spots.

Feel free to shop for separate tops and bottoms and mix and match the tactics. For example, to draw focus on the chest area and cover the hips, you’d buy flashy patterned top, but go for simple, matching solids for the bottom.

The ultimate cut

Curvy 1

The right form can truly make a world of difference for your beach look. It’s good to know what we should emphasize and what to refrain from:

1. To shift the attention from waist, opt for one piece kind, or a high waisted vintage model in darker neutrals, with shirrs in the stomach area.

2. Contrary to the above, tankini aids in waist highlighting, intelligently focusing the attention to this body part you may favour.

3. Bottoms with high cut can make your legs appear longer than ever, especially if your torso is elongated or your stature petite.

4. Triangle and halter tops make your bust look more pronounced. Another way to obtain the voluptuous impression is to go for front-tying model that basically pulls the breast closer, resulting in magnified form. All the women with the modest bust can benefit greatly from this model.

5. The ladies blessed with the bigger cleavage should look out for wide straps (for support and proportion) and straight front cut. The support underwire and thick band provide is going to help you avoid the droopy or saggy look. Also, it will make it entirely motion and jiggle proof.

Shop wisely

Hourglass Figure 1

If you’re one of the persistent ones with the nerves of steel, and the discomfort of changing rooms or crowds don’t trouble you, we’d love to know your secret (is it the same as Victoria’s?). For the rest of the ladies that struggle with the frantic shopping conditions and have no time to hit the physical stores, you may run into some really good swimwear sale if you roam around the interwebs a little bit. Once you find your favourites, you may order some extras to tide you over for the season.

The endless sunny days of the summer should be a joyous invitation, and not something scary to panic about. Use our tips and become a veritable beach babe.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Everyday Tips from Tia