Learn how to shed water naturally!

Natural Diuretics

Many people are turning to natural foods and herbs with diuretic properties instead of over-the-counter and/or prescription diuretic pills. Natural diuretics can aid in removal of excess fluids from the body and aid in treating sciatica, kidney stone, lymphatic swelling, PMS, liver disorders and high blood pressure. Moderation and caution should always be used for natural foods and herb diuretic. If taken indiscriminately, diuretics can lead to serious consequences such as dehydration and potassium deficiency.

Diuretics are prescribed for people suffering from-Edema-accumulation of fluids in the body tissues, high blood pressure and heart diseases. PMS symptoms such as bloating, women are often advised to take diuretics to rid the body of excess fluid retention and diuretics are taken to Lose Weight.

Foods that can cause water retention

Foods like salt and sugar may cause the body to retain considerable fluids that can lead to bloating and water retention. Also, inadequate protein in the diet can lead to fluid retention. When the body does not get enough amino acids or B-vitamins, it may accumulate excess fluids.

Natural diuretic

Natural diuretics are natural foods or herbs that will increase flow of urine and aid in the removal of fluids from the body. While using natural diuretics or synthetic to aid in removal of excess fluids from the body, it can also mean loss of very important vitamins and minerals too. It is essential that you supplement to prevent loss of vital electrolytes.

*Green tea is a natural diuretic food that has been in use for centuries in China.
* Cranberry juice can aid in removal of excess fluid retention.
*Apple cider vinegar exhibits natural diuretic properties and in addition maintains the potassium levels. It can be added to the salad dressing.
*Dandelion is often used as a natural diuretic.
*Nettle has natural diuretic properties that facilitate good cleansing.
*Dandelion leaf tea aids in detoxification and has a beneficial effect on those suffering from cystitis and urinary tract infections.
*Fennel has carminative and diuretic properties and is frequently used in seasoning food.

Diuretic food with high water content

watermelons and cucumbers help increase urination and flushing out of toxins. Cucumbers are rich in sulfur and silicon that stimulate the kidneys into better removal of uric acid. Watercress and artichokes are also natural diuretic foods.

*Asparagus contains asparigine - a chemical alkaloid that boosts kidney performance and improving waste removal from the body.

*Brussels Spouts help in stimulating the kidneys and pancreas. This helps in better cleansing of cells.

*Beets are natural diuretic foods that attack floating body fats and fatty deposits.

*Oats contain silica-a natural diuretic.

*Cabbage is known to aid breakage of fatty deposits, especially around the abdominal region.

*Carrots are a rich source of carotene that speeds the metabolic rate of the body and hastens removal of fat deposits and waste.

*Lettuce aids better metabolism and flushing of toxins.

*Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C that aids the metabolism and release of water from the kidney to flush out waste.

*Horseradish, raw onions and radish speed up your metabolism.

Remember, Moderation and Caution should always be used for any Diuretic. This information is for informational purpose only, and is not intended to replace the advice or care of your doctor.

~Victoria Abreo

Are you making these mistakes when you workout??

5 Gym Mistakes Everybody Makes (And How to Fix Them!)

  |   by Bari Lieberman

If you can effortlessly stay in a plank position for four minutes, chances are you probably aren't doing it correctly (and aren't reaping the move's major core sculpting benefits).
Since you're already putting in the time and are working out, you might as well make sure you maximize your efforts! Shaina Manning, Equinox Group Fitness Instructor and NASM certified personal trainer shares the top mistakes she spots at the gym... and how to fix them!

Mistake: Your hips sag during a plank

A plank (either on the elbows or hands), must always looks like a plank, not a hammock! Be careful not to drop your hips, because if the hips sag, the lower back starts to take over causing stress in the area Manning says.
Fix It: Effectiveness can only be maintained if the hips are in neutral, demonstrating that the deep abdominal muscles are doing the proper work. If you cannot maintain a straight line from shoulders to hips through the heels, drop to your knees. Work on holding 15-30 seconds and build up to one minute.

Mistake: You grip the handlebars on the elliptical

Don't rely on the support of the handles to brace your body weight. It makes it less effective because it reduces the work required of your legs, by decreasing the amount of weight you have to physically hold. Be careful not to shrug the shoulders up to the ears as it could irritate or strain the back, neck and shoulders.
Fix it: The handles (if stationary) should be held lightly, with palms facing down. You should be able to wiggle your fingers if you are holding on, and only relying on the support of the bars for balance. The handles, (if moving) are held with palms facing each other; create a pulling action with the arms. Using a lighter grip on the handle bars will force the abdominal to engage more in order to stabilize--whenever the body has to balance, core muscles are recruited! Mistake: You stretch before a workout

Save the stretching for when your body is nice and warm. Your muscles are like salt water taffy--if they are cold and you go to stretch them, they might (figuratively) snap! But if they are warm, they will stretch smoothly.
Fix It: Prepare the body for exercise by going through a slower warm up of walking or jogging slowly. End with static stretching, like you might do on a stretch mat or even with the assistance of stretch straps and foam rollers.

Mistake: You collapse to the floor when doing push-ups

When lowering to to floor, your body should resemble a stiff board, not a slithering snake. Women tend to make the same mistake in push-ups as they do in planks Manning says.
Fix it: Knees should be on the mat, creating a straight line from knees to shoulders (like a plank). Keeping abdominals engaged, lower the chest between the hands and push straight back up. Keep the head in line with the spine (look straight, not down), and the back of the neck long. Lower the body as one straight unit--don't let the hips collapse to the floor before the chest. Ready to up the intensity and sculpt a lean upper body?

Mistake: You watch TV while on the treadmill

When you're focusing on the TV, which is usually hung above your head at most gyms, your body's alignment is completely thrown off, Equinox trainer Matthew P. Pasqua, MA, CSCS says. (He also teaches a treadmill race training group fitness class.) Looking up can increase the pressure on the neck and upper back. It will lead to an unnatural tightness, and it can throw you off balance.
Fix It: Keep your focus on what's happening at the machine. Pick a treadmill that's in front of a mirror and concentrate on keeping your shoulders and hips squared, your face, shoulders and hands relaxed. To avoid bouncing like a gazelle, focus on shortening your stride and running at quicker cadences by have your foot strike under your center of gravity and by bending more at the knee by bringing your heel higher up at end of your stroke, Pasqua says. It is advised to run at 1% incline at all times to mimic flat outdoor running.

Healthly pizza? seriously?!!

If this doesn't tempt your tastebuds I don't know what will ;o)

Found this in Clean Eating Magazine. I haven't tried yet....however will very soon!

Sausage Pizza

Serves: 2
Hands-on time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

CATEGORY:
Under 45 Minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 organic hot Italian chicken sausage
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• Handful button mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup egg whites (or 8 egg whites)
• 1/8 tsp dry mustard
• Garlic powder, sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1-oz slice whole-wheat bread, crust removed and discarded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, optional
• 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. Remove casings from sausages and crumble filling into a large oven-safe nonstick pan on medium heat; cook, stirring occasionally. After about 5 to 7 minutes, when sausage is golden brown in color and almost cooked through, add bell pepper and mushrooms. Continue to sauté until mushrooms begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Reduce heat as low as possible (or remove from stove if using a gas range). In a medium bowl, beat egg whites with mustard, garlic powder, salt and black pepper using a whisk or handheld mixer. (Don't overdo it and make a meringue; simply incorporate flavors with eggs and lighten them up a bit.)
4. Distribute bread evenly over sausage-mushroom mixture, if desired. Then pour egg white mixture evenly over top. Increase heat to medium-low or medium (return pan to heat, if removed). Sprinkle cheese over top. Once egg whites start to set and turn opaque, transfer pan to oven.
5. Bake until cheese browns and bubbles, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a plate to slice and serve.