Brands of Tortillas

Tortillas are round and slender flatbreads common in Latin and South American cuisine. The term tortilla is Spanish for "little cake." Tortillas originated in Mexico, and are used in numerous foods, such as burritos, tacos, tortilla chips, enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas and flautas. Several different companies manufacture tortillas. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Mission Foods

Mission Foods Corp. in Irving, Texas, has been making tortillas and other products since 1977. The company manufactures flour and corn tortillas, as well taco shells, wraps, tortilla chips, tostadas, chicharrones, toppings, dips and salsas. Several health-oriented varieties of tortillas are available, including multi-grain, carb balance and "heart healthy" tortillas, which are 96 percent fat-free.

La Tortilla Factory

La Tortilla Factory is a health-conscious brand geared towards followers of the low carbohydrate Atkins Diet, with tortillas that are both low in fat and carbs. La Tortilla Factory was founded in 1977 in California's Sonoma County. The company's products include 100 calorie tortillas and natural and organic tortillas. Wraps and Mediterranean flatbreads also are available.

Albuquerque Tortilla

Albuquerque Tortilla is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque Tortilla makes tortillas and an extensive line of Mexican and Latin American food products including salsas, spices and prepared foods, such as green chile stew and spicy bean taquitos. The company sells whole wheat tortillas, burrito style tortillas and white, blue and yellow corn tortillas.

Tumaro's Gourmet Tortillas

Tumaro's Gourmet Tortillas, based in Providence, Rhode Island, is known for its flavored as well as traditional tortillas. For individuals focused on health, the "heart healthy" tortilla products use organic flour and are free of cholesterol and trans fat. The flavored tortillas include pepper and chipotle chili tortillas, vegetable and garden spinach tortillas, garlic and pesto tortillas, honey wheat tortillas and sun-dried tomato tortillas.

How to Follow a Healthy Diet Plan

In these days of stress related illness, virus', and being busier than ever; it is becoming more and more important that people follow a healthy diet plan. Nutrient dense foods and pure water are at the forefront to any healthy eating program, but with an active lifestyle aren't always easy to implement in to one's daily diet. Following these simple steps can make the difference between sticking to your diet or making poor dietary choices that may result in eventual cost to your health.

Instructions

1

Make a list and check it twice. Heard it before ? Probably. The reason why is because it's important. Going grocery shopping without a list is open season for buying over processed, nutrient poor quick foods that contribute to weight gain, mood changes, and other more serious health related issues.

Plan your healthy meals out in advance and then make your grocery list accordingly.

2

Shop after a meal, not before. Statistically, a hungry shopper is more likely to impulse buy items they don't need, and would not be likely to purchase otherwise, than if they are not hungry when they begin their shopping.

Shopping after a meal allows the buyer to be mindful of healthier dietary selections and not rush through without checking ingredients labels, or potential freshness of select products.

3

Wash all produce when you get it home from the store. Fill the sink basin with cold water and add either 10-20 drops of grapefruit seed extract or 2-3 cups of white vinegar to dissolve wax and pesticide residue. Soak for 30 minutes. Use a produce brush to lightly scrub fruits and vegetables and store appropriately for later use.

Washing in advance increases the likelihood of the produce actually getting eaten instead of spoiling and being thrown out.

4

Drink adequate water levels to maintain a healthy diet plan. For most people this is about a half ounce per one pound of body weight. IE: a 150 pound person should consume approximately 75 ounces of water per day.

Start the day with 1-2 eight ounce glasses of water and then follow through with at least 8 ounces in between each meal. Water not only hydrates the body, but will make you feel full as well. Oftentimes, the feeling of thirst is confused with hunger.

5

Lightly brush your teeth with mint flavored toothpaste or gel after each meal or snack. Doing so severely curbs any cravings you may have tempting you to indulge. Think of how you feel after a dental cleaning !

Healthy Greek Food

Greek cuisine has a long and rich history. Many of the Greeks' traditional foods had religious and philosophical meanings. Ancient Greeks never ate meat unless it was sacrificed to a god. They also believed that certain vegetables were either clean or dirty. Today, Greek food and culture has evolved into a very healthy and beneficial way to eat. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Greek Salad

The traditional Greek salad is loaded with heart-healthy leafy greens and tomatoes rich in antioxidants. It is topped with feta cheese, which is low in fat and easy to digest. The black olives and olive oil dressing are high in mono-saturated fat which raises HDL or good cholesterol levels and lowers the LDL or artery-clogging cholesterol.

Eggplants

Moussaka and melitzana salata (eggplant dip) are made with antioxidant-potent eggplants. Nasunin, found in the skin of the eggplant, protects the body from free radicals and also guards the fats in brain cell membranes. Eggplants also contain chlorogenic acid which helps lower cholesterol and contains anti-cancer properties. Eggplants are high in fiber, potassium, copper and vitamin B1.

Grape Leaves

Grape leaves are frequently used in Greek dishes as a wrapper for rice and meat. They are extremely low in calories and contain vitamin C, E, A, K, B6, niacin, iron, fiber, riboflavin, folate, calcium, magnesium, copper and manganese.

Spanakopita

Spanakopita is the tradition Greek spinach pie. Spinach is plentiful in Vitamins K, C, B2, B6, A, manganese, folate, manganese, folate, magnesium. iron, calcium, potassium, and fiber.

Garbanzo beans

Revithosoupa and other soups and many Greek stews are based upon the staple garbanzo beans (chickpeas). These beans are very high in fiber, and they are a good source of protein, manganese, folate, copper, phosphorus, and iron.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is eaten alone, with fruit, in a dip, or in some dishes. This yogurt improves intestinal health, helps build string bones, lowers blood pressure and may even help with weight loss.

Bentonite Clay Detox

Colon health is imperative because if waste becomes clogged in this organ it will back up into the body. This may overload the body with toxins and make you ill. The digestive system naturally cleans the area to keep it functioning properly. Unfortunately, which the availability of junk food full of preservatives in our fast-paced world, there is too much stress put on the body and colon. Trying a detoxification to help the colon eliminate excess waste is safe and effective if you drink ample water to keep yourself hydrated.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay can be used as an effective colon cleanser. Consuming clay will eliminate toxins and other indigestible matter built up in the colon over time. The clay sucks the toxins up like a sponge and then passes though the body. This method has been around for over thousands of years in some African, South American, and Australian cultures. These people found natural clay in the soils and ingested them to increase their health, because they realized it made them feel better.

Detox

Purchase liquid calcium bentonite clay which can be found online, or from an alternative medicine practitioner. Each morning, before you eat anything, orally consume 1 tbsp. of the clay mixed with applesauce. The applesauce makes it easier to go down. Use organic applesauce for increased health benefits. Drink at least 8 cups of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. After a week you can increase the dose to 2 tbsp. After two weeks, if combined with a healthy lifestyle, you should feel a marked improvement in your health and well-being. You may have more energy, sleep better, and your bowel movements should become regular.

More Benefits to Clay Detox

Bentonite clay is an alkaline substance. When ingested, the clay neutralizes the body's acidity, reducing heartburn and stomach ulcers. Clay will absorb and help the body expel internal parasites and metals in the bloodstream, in addition to toxins.

Bentonite clay can also be made into a paste with an adhesive substance. Try honey because it has additional skin benefits, and apply the paste over the entire body. The clay may work to absorb toxins through the pores of the epidermis. Try this paste after opening pores in a hot bath or sauna.

Celery Soup Diet

A celery soup diet is similar to a cabbage soup diet. It lasts for 7 or 10 days, depending on your preferences, and during that time, you limit yourself to eating celery soup along with a few limited foods. A celery soup diet is basically a detox diet. By limiting yourself to only healthy foods and consuming mostly liquids along with raw vegetables and fruits, you flush out the toxins that accumulate from eating processed and refined foods. Over the week, the body is cleansed and then you can slowly resume a fuller diet consisting of healthier food. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The Diet

The basic idea of the diet is that because the celery soup contains very few calories, you can eat as much of it as you like. You start out eating only that for the first few days and then you work up to including other foods. For example, on the first day, you might eat only celery soup and drink plenty of water. (Drinking water is always important, especially if you are on a restrictive diet.) Then on the following days, you might add eating fruits and then vegetables but no potatoes or bananas. On the third day, you could add skim milk back to your diet. Then you would gradually work back up to eating small amounts of meat, rice and juice on the following days.

The Soup

There are many recipes for celery soup, but you should avoid all of the cream-based ones. A clear broth made from celery is the best way to go for this detox diet. As always, homemade soup is always better than anything store-bought because you can control what goes into it. Follow the recipe you have, but don't worry about not getting it perfect. Soups are very forgiving.

Tips and Warnings

You should always consult your doctor before changing your diet and eating habits. In particular, detox diets such as this are usually not recommended as they can end up hurting your body more in the long run. A sudden change in your diet can cause side effects such as headaches, irritability and acne. Detox diets are not recommended for weight loss. Although you can lose a lot of weight by going on a celery soup diet for a week, the sudden change in diet can wreak havoc on your metabolism. The best method of weight loss is a healthy, balanced diet accompanied with regular exercise. You cannot rely on a quick fix for weight loss, as it is unhealthy in the long run. Instead, change your diet gradually with help from your doctor and work on increasing your activity levels.

Herbs for Spiritual Cleansing

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Shih Tzu Dog?

Known as the Tibetan holy dog, the Shih Tzu breed was introduced in the United States after World War II. A small companion dog, the Shih Tzu is highly intelligent and loving, a good choice for families or senior citizens.

Choosing a Breed

Life expectancy is important when choosing a breed of dog to own. The average for North American and European dogs is 12.8 years. Large dogs tend to live shorter lives than small dogs. Life expectancy has increased dramatically thanks to better food and medical care.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy for Shih Tzus is 10 to 14 years.

Individuals

The life expectancy of a particular dog depends upon the stresses in the dog's life, his diet, and the care he receives.

Health Issues

Shih Tzus are susceptible to health issues such as kidney disorders, anemia, luxating patella, thyroid problems, eye problems, and portosystemic liver shunt, a condition in which blood entering the liver for detoxification mingles with clean blood leaving the liver, causing a buildup of cell waste in the bloodstream. Many Shih Tzus are also allergic to red dye 40, a common pet food ingredient.

Choosing a Healthy Puppy

Parents of puppies should have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifications. The OFA screens dogs for hip/elbow dysplasia and other orthopedic problems. CERF screens for heritable eye disease. Puppies should also be screened for kidney function.

Christian Schools in Montreal

Montreal has a number of Christian schools that specialize in primary, secondary and post-secondary academics. Some Christian schools in Montreal are non-denominational, inter-denominational, Catholic and Presbyterian. All are accredited and supported by the Christian community. The chief purpose of Montreal's Christian schools is to give students a faith-based education, and to educate them with a curriculum that reflects the Christian theology.

Emmanuel Christian School

The Emmanuel Christian School, located just southeast of Montreal's Rivire des Prairies (the Back River), educates children from kindergarten and up through the school's bilingual elementary. Grades continue through sixth and up to high school.

The Emmanuel Christian School is an inter-denominational Christian school, meaning it does not align itself with just one Christian denomination but all of them. The school is accredited by the Quebec Ministry of Education. Children are required to wear a uniform and attend Bible courses several times a week.

Emmanuel Christian School
4698 Boulevard Saint Jean
Dollard des Ormeaux
Montreal QC H9H4S5, Canada
514-696-6430
emmanuelchristianschool.qc.ca

Sacred Heart School of Montreal

The Sacred Heart School of Montreal is located next to Montreal's National Soccer School. The Sacred Heart School of Montreal is an all-girls independent Catholic secondary school. The school prides itself on the ability to academically challenge students, while teaching a curriculum that reflects Christian values and philosophy.

The Sacred Heart School of Montreal admits students from all denominations and faiths, and invites family members to participate with the student in weekly mass. The school allows students to receive college-level credits with the school's enhanced learning college-level course program, which is offered in a variety of subjects.

The Sacred Heart School of Montreal
3635 Atwater Avenue
Montreal, QC H3H 1Y4 Canada
514-937-2845
sacredheart.qc.ca

Cedar Christian Academy

The Cedar Christian Academy is a nonprofit Christian elementary and secondary school, located on Montreal's West Island. The school shares its grounds with the Fairview Alliance Church, the Christian and Missionary Alliance congregation and the Persian Alliance Church of Montreal.

Opened in 1992, the Cedar Christian Academy teaches students a Christian-based self-paced curriculum that allow students to work up to their own individual potential.

Cedar Christian Academy
220, Rue Hyman Dollard-des-Ormeaux,
Montreal, QC H9B 1L8, Canada
514-684-2253
cedarchristianacademy.org

The Presbyterian College

The Presbyterian College is located at McGill University, between the United Theological College and the Montreal Diocesan Theological College (MDTC). The college is a Presbyterian post-secondary Christian college that offers students a number of divinity degrees. The college is in association with the Presbyterian Church in Canada and McGill University Faculty of Religious Studies, and is in cooperation with the University of Montreal Faculty of Theology. It is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Admissions are open to students that hold a bachelor's degree or higher and have a letter of recommendation from an attending Christian church.

The Presbyterian College
3495 University Street
Montreal, QC H3A 2A8, Canada
514-288-5256
presbyteriancollege.ca

Kola Nut Benefits

The kola nut comes from a plant indigenous to Africa that was once widely used as a source of caffeine in carbonated sodas. Coca-Cola Co. still uses kola nut as an ingredient in many of their beverages, according to HealthLine. The herb is now used primarily as a dietary supplement in weight loss and energy formulas. Take precaution to avoid ill effects from overuse, problems arising from combination with other medications, and preexisting medical conditions.

Bronchodilation and Energy

According to Livestrong, that kola nut contains the stimulants caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Theophylline relaxes smooth muscle and dilates bronchioles in the lungs to benefit sufferers of asthma and bronchitis, according to Drugs.com. Theobromine makes the heart beat faster, dilates blood vessels, and reduces blood pressure, as well as dilating bronchioles in the lungs, states phytochemicals.info. In addition to opening the blood vessels and lungs, the caffeine and other stimulants in kola nuts provide energy to those suffering from chronic fatigue and tiredness.

Weight Loss and Appetite Suppression

A Healthline article reported that the kola nut is a central nervous system stimulant that suppresses appetite, aids in digestion and weight loss, and has been used as a treatment for migraine headaches. A Slim Reviews article mentioned an animal study in the Journal of Applied Toxicology that demonstrated kola nut's weight-loss potential. Further, a Livestrong article said that kola nut increases metabolism, decreases appetite, and provides an extra boost of energy that can help with strenuous exercise as part of a general weight-loss regimen.

Digestive Aid and Diuretic

Kola nut is said to increase the production of gastric acid in the body, which is known to promote healthy digestion. A Holistic Online article noted that the kola nut may be used as a remedy for nervous diarrhea. Members of some Western African tribes are said to chew a piece of kola nut before every meal to aid in digestion, according to a Botanical article.

Rapid Weight Loss Soup Diets

Fad diets are classified as diets that cannot be sustained for a long period of time. Soup diets fit the mold. Typical soup diets claim to promote a weight loss of 10 lbs. or more in 2 weeks or less. While these claims may be true in some cases, the majority of the weight loss won't be from fat; it will be water weight. Diets such as these are unhealthy and not recommended; proceed at your own risk.

Cabbage Soup Diet

This diet is based on the idea that restricting yourself to portion sizes and calorie allowances only leads to cheating on your diet. The Cabbage Soup diet is intended to be followed as a 7-day plan. Each day on the diet is different: you will be indulging in different food groups each day, the one constant being that you can have unlimited cabbage soup. The diet claims to promote a weight loss of up to 10 lbs. in just 7 days. Of course, the weight loss claim is unsubstantiated, and losing such a drastic amount of weight in such a short period of time is dangerous. A side effect that should be expected just by taking a look at the main ingredient is incredible flatulence. If you embarrass easily or must work in public all day, this diet may not be right for you.

Sacred Heart Soup Diet

The Sacred Heart Soup diet claims to be affiliated with the Sacred Heart Hospital in Montreal Canada; however the hospital denies any affiliation with the diet. The diet claims to promote a weight loss of 10 to 17 lbs. in just 1 week. While there has been speculation about the hundreds of people who claim to have experienced extreme weight loss on this diet, such rapid results are reserved only for those who are morbidly obese; a person of average size cannot shed that amount of weight in such a short time. This diet works much like the Cabbage Soup diet in that you can only indulge in specific foods each day (e.g., unlimited fruits on Wednesday; eat as much beef and vegetables as you can handle on Saturday). If the Sacred Heart Soup diet and the Cabbage Soup diet were measured against each other, the Sacred Heart Soup diet would be the champion: flatulence is not a side effect, and the soup itself is more filling and tastier.

Amazing Soup Diet

The Amazing Soup Diet is unlike any other soup diet included on this list. Unlike the abovementioned soup diets, the Amazing Soup Diet isn't based on a fad or food groups. The Amazing Soup Diet claims to help its dieters lose up to 20 lbs. quickly, however no specific timeline is provided. The Amazing Soup Diet is based on the premise that a calorie-controlled diet leads to weight loss. The Amazing Soup Diet actually allows you to eat three hearty, calorie-controlled (400 calories) non-soup meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Any other time of the day you get hungry, you can fill up on limitless bowls of a 45-calorie soup. This diet is ideal for people who feel the need to "munch" all the time, because the low-cal soup satisfies the oral fixation.

Observing Hindu Calendar Traditions

The Hindu calendar corresponds to phases of the moon, with each month beginning with the new moon. Each year consists of 12 months with 29 1/2 days, totaling 354 days. Festival dates move back 11 days each year, so an extra leap month is added once every three years. The year is divided into six seasons and two halves. Throughout the year, Hindus consult the calendar to decide the dates that festivals will be celebrated on.

Full Moon

In Hinduism, Puranmashi, or Purnima, is the day of the full moon. This day is considered sacred, and Hindus traditionally spend the day fasting, giving to charities or undergoing a ritual bath. On the full-moon day during the Hindu month of Ashad (July to August), Hindus celebrate Guru Purnima. On this day, Hindus revere the gurus and spiritual teachers who have enlightened them. They travel to an ashram or monastery to visit their gurus and perform a formal ritual called the puja, during which they honor the gurus' feet. A celebratory procession follows.

The 13th Month

The 13th month that is added to the Hindu calendar every three years is known as the Adhika Masa. Hindus consider this month sacred and dedicate it to Lord Vishnu, the supreme god in Hinduism. During this month, Hindus awake between the hours of 4 and 6 a.m. and immediately bathe and pray to Vishnu. They typically stick to a Sattvic diet during this month, eating foods such as nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. Hindus also make an effort to visit Vishnu Temple or a temple of his incarnations during the month.

Chaturmasya

The Chaturmasya begins in the month of June and lasts through September. This four-month period takes place during the rainy season, and it is believed that the gods sleep during this time. Hindus take a vow to limit sense gratification for these months; they thus avoid eating for pleasure and omit foods like spinach, milk and yogurt from their diets.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is celebrated when the sun passes through winter solstice from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn in the Hindu month of Poush (mid-January), signifying that the harvest season has begun and the monsoon season has ended. Makar Sankranti is celebrated with fanfare in India, and each region of the country has its own way of observing the holiday. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, for instance, celebrants fly brightly colored kites, while in Punjab, the residents light bonfires and throw sweets and sugarcane onto the fire while celebrating with friends and relatives.

What Are the Health Benefits of Red Palm Oil?

Red palm oil supplies essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients essential for good health. Research suggests that a single teaspoon of red palm oil supplies the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of both fat and vitamin A for children.

Nutrient Profile

Red palm oil contains Linolinic acid, (Omega-6 fatty acid) and does not contain trans-fatty acids. It remains heat stable at medium and low temperature cooking. It also contains vitamin E and vitamin A in the form of carotene. In addition to vitamin A, red palm oil also contains more than 20 other carotenes (including lycopene), at least two forms of vitamin E and vitamin K, CoQ10, phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, glycolipids and squalene.

Health Benefits

Red palm oil reduces hardening of the arteries, blood serum cholesterol and blood clotting. It also increases vascular dilation. These effects may prevent heart attacks and strokes. It contains chemoprotective effects, especially in the incidence of breast cancer cells.

Red Palm Oil and Vitamin A in Developing Countries

Carotene (plant-sourced vitamin A) absorption is dependent on the amount of fat in the diet. Often, those in developing countries cannot absorb the vitamin A in their diet due to low dietary levels of fat. Vitamin A deficiency causes blindness, weak bones and immunological problems. Deficiency also decreases learning ability and mental cognitivity and causes other health complications.

Raw Red Palm Oil

Red palm oil used for deep frying or clarified palm oil using heating or filtering methods strips away the nutrients found naturally occurring in raw palm oil. Red palm oil gains its characteristic color from the high amounts of naturally occurring carotenes.

Red Palm Oil Controversy

While researchers suggest that red palm oil may assist in overcoming the worldwide food and nutrition crises, other research suggested by activist websites points to a growing controversy due to non-organic and fair-trade farming methods and deforestation for farmland. By 2009, smaller farms in impoverished nations started adopting organic and fair-trade farming methods.

Cardiologist Heart Diet

Heart disease is often monitored by a cardiologist. He recommends good eating habits to keep the three main causes of heart disease--obesity, high blood pressure and high bad cholesterol--at bay. The American Heart Association supplies information to patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals about maintaining good health. This organization does not recommend any single diet but instead makes several recommendations about what you can eat to make your diet heart-healthy.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain many minerals and vitamins, are low in calories and high in fiber. A diet rich in soluble fiber, like that in fruits and vegetables, can help reduce your cholesterol and lower your heart disease risk. Fruits and vegetables also contain substances that may help you avoid getting cardiovascular disease. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Whole Grains and Dietary Fiber

Whole grains are rich in dietary fiber. A fiber-rich diet may help lower the amount of a blood protein associated with an increased possibility of getting heart disease. Fiber-rich foods also lower cholesterol.

Besides fruits, vegetables and whole grains, foods rich in fiber include beans and nuts. Whole grain foods include 100 percent whole wheat, bulgur wheat, buckwheat, oatmeal, corn, spelt, brown rice and wild rice. You should eat between 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day depending on your size.

Protein

Some of your best sources of protein are legumes (beans, peas and lentils); fish, especially salmon, mackerel and herring because they are high in omega-3 fish oil; low-fat dairy products; and egg whites or egg substitutes. Lean meat and poultry are also good sources of protein. Eat 0.4 times your weight in protein a day.

Fats

Reduce saturated and trans fats in your diet. The best way to do this is to avoid eating solid fats such as shortening, margarine and butter. Try to consume low-fat substitutes whenever feasible for a heart-healthy diet.

Many snacks, including those labeled "reduced fat," may contain oils with trans fats. A tip-off that a food contains some trans fat is a mention of "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredients list.

Use fats that are monounsaturated such as olive oil or canola oil. Polyunsaturated fats--ingredients in seeds and nuts--also are great selections for a heart-healthy diet. All fats contain a lot of calories.Thirty percent of your total food intake should be healthy fat.

Carbohydrates

Simple, processed carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour often create a sharp increase in your blood sugar and insulin. This in turn increases the chances that calories from these foods will be changed into fat and cholesterol. In addition, processed carbohydrates can lower your good cholesterol.

Good-for-you complex carbohydrates are part of a heart-healthy diet. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables take longer to digest, and they do not result in the same rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin. A person needing 2000 caleries per day should eat about 250 grams of carbohydrates per day

Salt

Salt in the diet can cause an increase in blood pressure in some people. For this reason, restrict salt intake to moderate levels, no more than 2400 milligrams a day. It is particularly important to monitor salt intake if you have high blood pressure that is not easy to control.

Many foods, such as potato chips, salted peanuts, frozen dinners and canned soup, have a lot of salt. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2.3 grams of salt a day.

Sacred Heart Diet Plan

The Sacred Heart Diet can result in a weight loss of 10 lbs. or more in one week's time. The plan focuses on eating homemade vegetable soup and specific foods at mealtimes for seven days. The soup should be eaten every day of the diet, at any time and as many times as desired.

How to Make the Soup

The primary component of the Sacred Heart Diet is its vegetable soup. To make it, combine the following ingredients into a large stock pot:
2 cans of diced stewed tomatoes
1 large can of nonfat beef broth
3 large green onions, diced
1 bunch of chopped celery
2 cans of chopped green beans
2 pounds of chopped carrots
2 green peppers, diced

Add enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring to a high boil for about 10 minutes. Reduce heat, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about an hour and a half. Season the soup with salt, pepper and bouillon as desired.

What to Drink

Drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water throughout the day to flush out fat out toxins. Teas are allowed as long as a sweetener is not added. It's also good to drink cranberry juice to the kidneys and bladder strong and healthy. All juices, however, including cranberry must be nonsweetened. These can be found in the organic food section of the grocery store. The Sacred Heart Diet Plan also allows skim milk and coffee.

Specific 7-Day Eating Plan

On the first day of the diet, any fruit except bananas may be eaten in addition to the vegetable soup. No other foods are allowed.

Day 2 focuses on eating an unlimited quantity of raw, cooked or canned vegetables, except for peas, corn and dried beans, in combination with the vegetable soup. At dinnertime, eat a baked potato with butter. No fruits are allowed.

On Day 3, eat an unlimited amount of fruits and vegetables in combination with the vegetable soup. No other food is permitted.

Day 4 includes three bananas and unlimited skim milk. Eat as much soup as possible. No additional fruits or vegetables should be eaten on Day 4.

On Day 5, add beef and tomatoes to the soup. Eat 10 to 20 oz. of beef and up to six tomatoes.

Eat as much beef and as many vegetables as you wish on Day 6; however no fruit should be eaten. Enjoy at least one serving of the vegetable soup.

On the final day of the Sacred Heart diet, vegetables and brown rice should be eaten in combination with the soup.

What Is the Meaning of Taoism?

Taoism (pronounced DOW-ism) is a school of belief and philosophical thought with roots in Chinese culture. Tao is difficult to define, but is often translated as "The Path" or "The Way." In fact, there are many variations under the umbrella of Taoism. The general belief of Taoists is that existence is a fluid process, and that all things relate and depend on each other. As philosopher Lao Tzu put it, "Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river."

History

Historians believe that Taoism was founded by the philosopher Lao Tzu (also written as Lao Tse, Laotze and other variations). Lao Tzu lived around the time of Confucius: 604-531 B.C. Taoism began as a system of psychology and philosophy but was made an official religion in 440 B.C., when it was adopted as a state religion. State support for Taoism ended in 1911, and much of the Taoist heritage was subsequently destroyed. Today, Taoism has around 20 million followers, mostly in Taiwan. Around 30,000 Taoists are estimated to live in the United States, where Taoism influences alternative medicine, meditation and martial arts.

Essential Beliefs

The Tao signifies a force that flows through everything in the universe. The believer's goal is to harmonize himself with the Tao. This includes taking good care of one's body: Taoists believe that the five major organs correspond to the five parts of the sky (water, fire, wood, metal and earth). It is also important to be humble, kind and virtuous, and to allow things to take their natural course. Taoists believe that everything has always existed: there is no beginning or end of time and death does not have a particular significance.

Yin and Yang

Taoists believe that the forces of yin and yang move through everything, in harmonious opposition. Yin and yang are difficult to define, but yin has been described as the dark, shaded side of a mountain while yang is the brightly lit side of the same mountain. Based on this description, a list of opposing forces has been described: Yang is the illuminated, visible or evident, aggressive, warm and masculine. Yin is dark, hidden, passive or receptive, cool and feminine. When yin and yang are both present in equal amounts, the universe is in harmony. One cannot exist without the other, and each contains a little bit of the other inside itself. Taoists believe that humans often interfere with the natural balance of yin and yang, disrupting the flow of the Tao. This can lead to failed efforts and other problems.

Tai Chi

A man practicing Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is a series of motions that is believed to improve the flow of energy through one's body. Tai Chi is characterized by very slow movement, often practiced by groups in a natural setting such as a park. Taoists believe that each of us is endowed with "Ch'i", defined as air or "breath." Ch'i needs to be able to move through the body unimpeded; if it is blocked, illness and unhappiness can result. Tai Chi is a very gentle type of exercise that is specifically designed to use or stimulate every part of the body.

Deities, Feng Shui and the I Ching

Taoists do not believe in a single incarnation of god; there is only the Tao. Some Taoists believe in the existence of minor deities and spirits, which are everywhere in nature and are just as real as the visible world. The I Ching is a system of symbols representing combinations of elements. These symbols can be "cast" in order to predict auspiciousness or inauspiciousness, and to provide insight on situations. Feng shui, on the other hand, is the arrangement of physical elements to aid the flow of Ch'i. Feng shui has gained popularity in Western cultures: practitioners work to arrange their houses in such a way that Ch'i can flow freely, improving the health and the state of mind of its residents.

Heart-Healthy Meals for Two

Eating healthier is easier when you have someone to do it with. If you are at risk for heart disease, then you should try eating a heart-healthy diet to curb your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. And if you love your partner, you'll make sure that he or she eats healthily as well. Try delicious heart-healthy meals for two that will make you forget that what you're eating is good for you.

Breakfast

It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only is it your first nutrition for the day, but it sets the tone for eating until you go to bed that night. That's why it's not a good idea to start your day off with sausages or greasy bacon. Instead, opt for some heart-healthy oatmeal, served with blueberries, which have health-saving properties. You may also try an egg white omelet, which is full of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for a healthy heart. Choose meals that are easy to prepare in small quantities, such as a couple of bowls of oatmeal or a few eggs.

Lunch

Lunch for two should be easy, but too often you're presented with options that are quick but not always healthy. This is when you should stay away from the greasy hamburgers and try a pita wrap instead. You can stuff pitas full of heart-healthy ingredients like spinach and feta cheese with tomatoes, or lean turkey breast with fat-free mayo. Tuna salad is great for omega-3 fatty acids, and one can of flaked white tuna makes just enough for two people. Serve lunch with a selection of fruit, water to drink--and skip the chips with your sandwich.

Dinner

When you're used to making pizza, burgers and fried chicken for dinner, it can be hard for you to get out of that rut, especially since ordering in seems so much easier when you're cooking for just two. However, it is so much healthier to grill a couple pieces of chicken breast. Invest in a small grill that can hold two to four pieces of chicken, and then serve with fresh salsa on top to get that heart-healthy lycopene from the tomatoes. Instead of finishing with a sugary dessert, try a fruit salad topped with light whipped cream. Make sure that you center your meals on fruits and vegetables so that both of you can get the benefit of all of the added vitamins and nutrients.

The Antidiabetic Activity of Ficus

Extracts of banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis), fig leaf (Ficus carica) and other Ficus species have been used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. Typically, the bark or leaves are extracted in water or ethanol and the extract is given orally to the affected person. Ficus extract appears to be effective in lowering blood glucose levels in diabetes sufferers.

Background

Extracts of Ficus species have been used in folk medicine for centuries.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by an inability to control blood glucose levels. Excess blood glucose and insulin resistance lead to a variety of health problems, including reduced peripheral blood circulation, heart disease, kidney disease and more. In type 2 diabetes, the sufferer may produce insulin in response to increased blood glucose, but cells are resistant to the effects and do not absorb the glucose.

Considerations

Regular exercise and a careful diet reduce the consequences of diabetes.

Diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreatic cells that produce insulin or by cellular resistance to insulin--the insulin is produced but does not have the effect of allowing glucose to be absorbed by the body's cells and tissues. Several classes of drugs have been developed to help reduce blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics. Metformin (Glucophage) is commonly prescribed, and it works by lowering glucose production in the liver. Other drugs work by stimulating the cells of the pancreas to produce more insulin. For more severe cases, insulin therapy is required.

Research

Most Ficus extract research has been carried out on rabbits and rats.

Laboratory animals such as rats can be induced to have diabetes by dosing them with the drug alloxan. This provides a population of diabetic animals that can then be dosed with different extracts of Ficus to determine if the Ficus extracts can reverse the diabetic effects caused by alloxan. Animals are fed carefully controlled diets and blood glucose levels are monitored. Extracts of Ficus are administered orally, and the effect on reducing blood glucose levels is periodically monitored. Hypoglycemic effects (lowering blood glucose) indicate that the extract is effective in helping to control diabetes.

Effect of Ficus Extracts

Insulin injections are necessary to control severe diabetes.

Researchers have used hot water extracts as well as ethanol extracts of different parts of Ficus plants to investigate the effects of controlling blood glucose levels. Ficus extracts appear to lower blood glucose levels in laboratory animals that are pre-diabetic as well as diabetic. Ficus extracts appear to stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. In addition, Ficus extracts may stimulate the utilization of glucose by cells and peripheral tissues even in the absence of insulin. Ficus extract given to normal laboratory animals did not produce hypoglycemia.

Mechanisms

Naturally occurring glycosides in Ficus extracts may be the active components in helping control diabetes. Ethanol-soluble extracts may not be as effective in controlling severe diabetes as hot water extracts. This implies that the glycosides responsible for controlling severe diabetes are water soluble. The results for using Ficus extracts for controlling diabetes in laboratory animals is promising, but there are no substantial clinical studies to verify that Ficus extracts can control diabetes in humans. Nonetheless, Ficus extracts have been used in folk medicine for countless years. While few side effects of taking Ficus extracts have been reported, some people may be allergic and experience eye irritation, respiratory distress or even anaphylactic shock.

Menu for a Healthy Heart Diet

Eating healthy for your heart isn't something only people who have suffered from a heart attack should consider. Eating heart healthy leads to healthier living and an increased quality of life. Take care of your heart and live better. The heart healthy diet is really for everyone.

Eat Lean Protein

Limit your intake of unhealthy fats, most of which come from meat and dairy products. So eat lean meat: poultry (skinless is even better) and fish. Fish is particularly good, as certain fish are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are among the good, heart-healthy fats. Flaxseed and walnuts are other good sources for Omega 3 fatty acids.

For dairy, choose low-fat options and avoid high fat foods such as butter. For oils, choose olive oil or canola. For a heart healthy fat, eat avocados. And for additional sources of protein, eat legumes.

Eat Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Many also provide dietary fiber, which is important for the body's digestive system to function optimally. Soluble fiber also helps lower cholesterol and therefore reduces the risk of heart disease. To keep your fruits and vegetables a heart healthy choice, don't smother them in creamy, buttery or cheesy sauces. Likewise, don't prepare them battered and fried. Avoid choosing canned or frozen fruits with lots of added sugar. And if not eating fresh vegetables, choose those with the least added sodium.

Good Fat Versus Bad Fat

Saturated and trans fats are the bad fats. These solid fats, such as those found in butter, lard, margarine, shortening, etc., contribute to high cholesterol, a factor in developing coronary artery disease. High levels of cholesterol lead to plaque build-up, which increases the chances of a heart attack or stroke. Ideally, less than 7 percent of daily consumed calories would contain saturated fats. And less than 1 percent would contain trans fats. Try to switch from these bad fats to the good fats, to monounsaturated fats (such as olive oil and canola) and polyunsaturated fats (which are found in nuts and seeds).

Cardiovascular Diet Plan

Your cardiovascular diet plan will follow a heart healthy diet as promulgated by the American Heart Association. In order to start living a heart healthy lifestyle, learn what foods are heart beneficial and which foods have the opposite effect. Other areas to concern yourself with involve food preparation, food content and physical activity.

Heart Healthy Foods

Your cardiovascular diet plan needs to include foods that are both fiber- and antioxidant-rich, according to both the American Heart Association and the USDA. Known for increasing your "good" (HDL) and decreasing your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels, these foods improve functioning of the heart. Heart healthy foods include whole grains (brown rice, oats and barley), beans and lentils, healthy oils (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated varieties), nuts and seeds, plus a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Eat oatmeal. According to the Mayo Clinic, a 1 and 1/2 cup serving of oatmeal contains 6 g of soluble fiber. Add a sliced banana and you increase the fiber by 4 g, for a total of 10 g. The USDA recommends getting 10 g of soluble fiber daily as part of your cardiovascular diet plan.

Eat olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, contains cholesterol-lowering properties while being high in antioxidants. Use this in place of butter.

Eat plant sterols. Plant sterols, according to the American Dietetic Association and the USDA, contain antioxidants and cholesterol-lowering properties. Foods high in plant sterols include soy foods such as tempeh, soy milk, tofu, miso and soybeans. Other notable sources include walnuts, ground flax seeds, sunflower seeds and avocados.

Heart Harming Foods

Avoid, or limit, foods containing saturated and/or trans fats in your cardiovascular diet plan. These fats are known for increasing your "bad" cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association and the USDA, saturated fats are found in animal products such as red meats and organ meats, plus whole-fat dairy foods including butter and egg yolks. Saturated fats are also found in deep-fried foods, prepackaged foods, processed foods and meats plus many fast foods.

Trans fats are hardened fats such as shortening and partially hydrogenated oils. These fats are commonly found in commercially baked goods such as cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, energy bars and pastries.

Exercise

Get your exercise. According to the American Heart Association, increasing your physical activity results in many health benefits and needs to be included in your cardiovascular diet plan. Exercise lowers LDL and increases HDL levels. The exercise does not have to be strenuous in order to get heart healthy results. Alternate your activities to make it easier to stay with your program.

Other Considerations

Read labels. Know what you are eating and understand the contents. Look for fat content, broken down into saturated and trans varieties. Also, the first ingredient listed will be what is most prevalent in the product.

Use heart healthy cooking methods. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can hinder your cardiovascular diet plan and increase your LDL ("bad") cholesterol level by preparing your foods incorrectly. Steaming, poaching, grilling and baking (without excessive oils) are heart healthy ways to cook.

How to Do Bhakti Yoga

To Westerners, yoga usually means a series of stretching exercises that culminates with some sort of resting period or invitation to meditate. Yoga is actually a name for spiritual practices that come from India, and practicing yoga does not always mean physical exercise. Bhakti yoga is an exercise of the heart, soul and mind; it is unlikely that bhakti practice will resemble the familiar hatha yoga positions that are so popular in Western culture today. The steps below introduce the practice of bhakti yoga, which is a process defined by each individual, so part of the journey is to figure out what your route should be.

Instructions

1

Understand that bhakti yoga is a spiritual practice based on love of God and devotion to God. The word "bhakti" means "love of God."

2

Learn about the various ways in which you can become closer to God and experience the feeling of such devotion.

3

Understand that bhakti yoga focuses on remembering God in all incarnations and making efforts never to forget God.

4

Explore the idea of working with a guru. A guru can provide you with information, readings and guidance and can share his personal philosophy of God with you so that you can get closer to God. A guru can also help you determine if a mantra will help you during this process.

5

Serve God by paying your respects to sacred representations of God, whether they take the form of a temple, a picture, an altar or a small object of your choice.

6

Learn the traditional prayers of bhakti yoga and read them, memorize them and repeat them in honor of God.

Catholic Boarding Schools for Girls

Catholic boarding schools are considered as an option for many young girls. Families may choose a catholic boarding school for their daughters for a variety of reasons including smaller class sizes, a safer school environment, a more challenging academic program and having secular classes included in the curriculum, just to name a few.

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose in 1931. Today FSHA has a student body comprised of over 400 day and boarding students that travel various distances to enjoy the beautiful 41 acre campus. FSHA boasts many different programs that promote its young students to grow intellectually as well as spiritually.

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
440 Saint Katherine Drive
La Canada Flintridge, California 91011
626-685-8500
fsha.org

Incarnate Word High School

The Incarnate Word High School opened in 1881 as the Incarnate Word Academy and boasts a beautiful 283 acres of land for its students to enjoy. The core values of the Incarnate Word High School are academic excellence, integrity, service, community of faith, compassion and stewardship. IWHS provides a faith-based curriculum while also promoting participation in extra curricular activities such as athletics, fine arts and community service.

Incarnate Word High School
727 E. Hildebrand
San Antonio, Texas 78212
210-829-3118
incarnatewordhs.org

Schools of the Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau

The Schools of the Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau consists of two campuses. The Academy of the Sacred Heart is the girl's campus and the St. John Berchmans School is the campus for boys. The Academy of Sacred Heart accepted its first students in 1821 and is the only all girls school in the area. One thing that sets this school apart from others is the ESL program.

Academy of the Sacred Heart
1821 Academy Road
Grand Coteau, Louisiana 70541
337-662-5275
ashcoteau.org

Woodlands Academy

The Woodlands Academy campus was opened in 1904 but its origins date back to about 1858. Woodlands Academy is proud of its high standards and boasts programs to educate the child as a whole, not in just one area. Woodland's educational curriculum includes advanced placement and honors courses and also has extra curricular activities such as athletics and fine arts. They also offer an English as a Second Language program.

Woodlands Academy
760 E Westleigh Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
847-234-4300
woodlandsacademy.org

Cardiac Low-Sodium Diet

If you are a cardiac patient, your doctor may prescribe a low-sodium diet, in addition to medication and other therapies. A low-sodium diet lowers hypertension (high blood pressure) and may lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Since sodium causes the body to retain fluids, you may also be prescribed a low-sodium diet for congestive heart failure.

Low-Sodium Diet

On a low-sodium diet, your doctor will ask you to cut your sodium intake to between 1,500 mg to 2,300 mg of sodium per day. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lower number is a better goal for lowering blood pressure. Eat foods lower in sodium as part of a healthy diet and exercise to improve your overall cardiac health.

Start by making subtle changes in your diet. Banish the salt shaker from the table. Season your foods with herbal blends that do not contain salt, garlic, lemon juice and hot pepper sauce. Do not use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce because they are high in sodium.

Choose fresh and frozen vegetables instead of canned vegetables. Create your own fresh rice and pasta dishes instead of using box mixes for side dishes. Check the labels of processed foods for the amount of sodium per serving, and limit your portion size to the amount listed, or realize that you are increasing your sodium intake proportionately to your portion size. Avoid canned soups and make your own instead using fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat and low-sodium broth or bouillon.

Eat unsalted nuts or air-popped popcorn seasoned with herbs instead of salty chips or pretzels for a snack. Do not leave salt out of your baking recipes at home, because the salt interacts chemically with the other ingredients to produce the desired results. Instead, eat fruit sorbets or ice pops for dessert instead of baked goods.

Keep in mind that just because a food advertises that it has "no salt added," it does not mean it doesn't contain sodium. Sodium occurs in many foods naturally, so always read the sodium content on the label. Keep a food journal to help you keep track of your sodium intake.

Seven-Days Detox Soup Diet

The Seven-Days Detox Soup Diet is also called the Cabbage-Soup Diet. It consists of making large batches of a cabbage-based soup and eating as much of the soup as you want throughout the seven days, while eating specific amounts of certain other foods which have been predetermined and outlined in the diet guidelines. Dieters tend to lose quite a bit of water weight and usually have a jumpstart on further weight loss once they return to a normal diet. That's why the Cabbage-Soup Diet is considered to be a detoxification diet.

Soup Preparation Tips

The basis for the Cabbage-Soup Diet is to make a large pot of the soup at the beginning of the week. The idea behind the soup is that specific foods are eaten throughout the week and you can eat as much of the soup as necessary.

There are two ways to make the soup. The first method involves cooking it on the stove in a large pot and simmering it for a couple of hours. The second method is easier and involves simply putting all of the preferred ingredients into a crockpot and slow-cooking the soup throughout the day. Keep in mind that the soup will most likely need to be prepared several times throughout the week.

Try variations of the soup throughout the week, adding flavorings such as garlic, onion, Italian seasonings, salt, pepper and the like. Play around with it to determine the best taste that is right for you.

Does the Diet Really Work?

The diet works, but it should be used with caution. This diet is not meant to be used long-term. It's important that you follow the diet precisely, eating the additional fruits, vegetables and potatoes that are allowed throughout the week.

Most people take advantage of the weight loss and cleansing aspect of the diet by initiating an exercise routine in the hope that they will be conditioned and in shape for continuing to work out after the diet is complete.

Things to Remember Throughout the Diet

It is important to follow the diet exactly for the diet to work as intended. As with any diet, drink at least four 16 oz. glasses of water a day. This will ensure that you are getting the daily recommended amount of 64 oz. a day. The diet lasts only seven days and should not be followed longer. Some people go on the diet every three weeks, following the seven-day diet for a week, going off the diet for 2 weeks and then back on the diet again.

Tasty Soup Diet

Soup is the perfect diet food. This is because its energy density is low, which according to the Mayo Clinic, will provide a more filling meal with fewer calories. Soup generally contains a high percentage of water and fiber, and can be made low in fat. This increases feelings of satiety, making it less likely that youll be tempted to fill up on higher calorie fare.

Adding Soup to Your Diet

When you add soup to your diet for the purpose of losing weight, you can do it one of two ways. You can either substitute the soup for your regular meal altogether, or you can add a small bowl of soup to your meal and decrease the portion size. To lose weight at a healthy rate but not get tired of eating soup, try eating only soup for lunch. At dinnertime, add a serving of soup to a small dinner. Eat a healthy breakfast as you would on any diet.

If you take your lunch to work, youll find that soup can be as portable as a sandwich. Simply purchase a thermos and pour the hot soup in it in the morning before you leave. Alternatively, you can bring the soup to work in a glass container with a lid and heat it up in a microwave.

A tasty soup diet includes a variety of soups. You do not want to limit yourself to only one soup, as people often do. It is difficult to be successful on a soup diet when the soup isnt tasty, and is on the menu every single day.

Making Tasty Soup

There are many healthy, tasty soup recipes available. See the link in the resource section for a list of soups that you can alternate from day to day so that you do not become bored with your diet. Here is an easy, delicious recipe to get you started. This recipe is high in protein and fiber and does not contain any artificial ingredients. It is also low in sodium and fat content.

Put a chicken in a large stock pot or crockpot and cover with two quarts of water. Cook until the meat is falling off the bone. Debone the chicken and put the meat in the refrigerator. Strain the chicken broth to remove any bits of bone or skin. Put the chicken broth in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day, you will see a layer of fat on the chicken broth. Take a large spoon and remove the fat. Saute one chopped onion and two cloves of diced garlic in one tablespoon of olive oil in a stock pot. When the onions are translucent, add the chicken broth. Add one cup of sliced celery, five carrots cut into rounds and a can of roasted diced tomatoes. Add any other vegetables you like, such as squash, green beans or peas. Simmer until the vegetables are done. Note: The more vegetables you add, the healthier your soup will be. Just dont add too many starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn.

Add the chicken meat and cook for an additional five minutes. Add salt to taste. This recipe makes enough chicken vegetable soup for six to eight meals. It freezes well, so consider freezing single servings to heat up when needed.

How to Play Yahoo! Hearts

Hearts is a very popular, four-player card game that started in the mid-1700s in Spain. The object of the original game was to avoid taking any hearts during play. In the early 1900s, changes to Hearts made the game more challenging and popular. Players want to avoid taking hearts (one point per heart) and the queen of spades (13 points) to stay away from points.

Instructions

1

Find the Hearts game at Yahoo!! Games by going to the card game section and clicking the "view 20" words, expanding the number of games shown on the page (see Resources below). Scroll down and click the game name or the "Hearts" icon.

2

Create or enter your Yahoo! account id and password to go on to Yahoo! Hearts. Yahoo! keeps track of all of your Heart games and creates a rating for you.

3

Choose a game room to play Hearts in that closely matches your current level of play. Playing in intermediate and expert rooms, without a high rating, can make it difficult to find a table.

4

Pick the table you want to play at by clicking the "Join" button or create your own table by clicking the "Create Table" button on the left side of the window.

5

Start the game by clicking the "Start Game" button, and wait until all players have clicked into the game.

6

Look the cards over to find three cards to pass to your left (pass across, pass right and no pass on subsequent turns). The strategy of which cards to pass is up to each player, but keep in mind the object of the game is to avoid the hearts and the queen of spades during a hand (unless taking them all).

7

Play the two of clubs, if you have it, to start the hand.

8

Follow the suit of the cards being played on each turn. For example, the jack of spades is played first. If you have a spade in your hand, that must be played.

9

Dump hearts or the queen of spades when different players have won or will win the "trick" (four cards, one laid down by each player). You can play a heart or the queen of spades when you are out of the suit.

10

Continue playing hands until one of the four players gains 100 points.

11

Win Hearts at Yahoo! by having the lowest point total of the four players, when one player scores 100 or more points.

What Are the Health Benefits of Spiced Tea?

Spiced tea is another name for chai tea. This milky drink typically contains cardamom and other spices. Sometimes it can look like a brewed black tea. This type of tea is common in India, and has more recently grown in popularity in other parts of the world. When mixed, it should have the same color and texture as hot chocolate. Spiced tea can be consumed hot or cold. No matter how you drink it, you will reap the health benefits from each of these spices.

Cinnamon

The cinnamon in spiced tea helps increase circulation and breathing. This increases an awareness and vitality within your body. Cinnamon also reduces sleep and is an aphrodisiac.

Cardamom

This spice is well-known in India and China. It helps elevate your mood. When drinking spiced tea, you become more relaxed. The tea, or the cardamom, makes you feel good. It also benefits your lungs, heart and kidneys.

Clove

According to Chai-Tea.org, even though cloves are native to Indonesia, the Chinese used them in 300 BC and the Europeans used in them in the 4th and 5th century AD. Cloves are well known for their pain-relieving abilities.

Black Pepper

This common spice has many health benefits, including improving circulation, increasing metabolism and fighting the common cold. According to Chai-Tea.org, Attila the Hun demanded this spice as a ransom during the siege of Rome in 408.

Nutmeg

This nut helps ease sciatic to make it easier to digest heavy foods. This is why some people drink spiced tea late in the evening after a large meal. In the past, Arab doctors used nutmeg to treat kidney and lymph problems.

Chinese Star Anise

Traditional Asian herbalists believe this spice has a lot of health properties. They used it to treat breathing problems and coughing.

Ginger

This spice can improve the circulatory and immune system. Ginger is also used to treat impotence and motion sickness.

Fennel

Fennel was a prominent herb in the gardens of France and Germany. The plant is sometimes used to treat kidney problems, ocular (eye) problems and laryngitis.

Ancient Indian Herbal Recipe for Hair Growth

Indian women have gorgeous hair--so gorgeous, in fact, that India is the number one source of hair for hair extensions. Take advantage of India's exotic plants and berries and whip up a unique, ultra-nourishing hair mask to stimulate the scalp and encourage hair growth. You may have to do a little searching to find these all-natural ingredients, so don't panic if you can't find them all. Customize your hair mask, and use as many or as few as you like. Does this Spark an idea?

Base

The most exotic base you can use for your hair mask is coconut oil. Heat a small amount of this oil in the microwave, or run hot water over the jar, until it melts from a white solid into a clear liquid. Coconut oil is wonderful for your hair on its own; it penetrates easily and moisturizes the shaft from root to tip.

Other great ingredients to use as a base are olive oil, honey, and egg. Combine these ingredients using whatever ratio you like. Honey and olive oil are both moisturizing, while egg is a protein that strengthens the shaft and helps prevent breakage (very important for healthy hair growth). If you're using egg in your base, leave the mask on for 30 to 60 minutes. If not, you can leave it on overnight.

Oil Infusions

The night before you're planning to use your hair mask, prepare an oil infusion with exotic Indian herbs or berries. Make more than you need so that you won't have to repeat the process every time you do the treatment.

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, has long been used for promoting hair growth. Buy it in its powdered form online or at your health food store. Fenugreek, or Menthi in India, is another potent hair-growth herb. Look for fenugreek seeds in the herb section of most health food stores.

Use about two teaspoons of each plant for every cup of oil. Boil the mixture over low heat until it turns brown, and remove immediately from heat. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool. You can also let the plants infuse the oil naturally by soaking them in oil for a few weeks, if you're willing to take the time. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp every night before bed.

Color Enhancers

Increase the potency of your hair mask with two more Indian ingredients that enhance color while stimulating new growth. You can add these to the oil infusion above, or mix them into a whole new mask.

Curry leaves help prevent premature graying. When boiled in oil, they stimulate new hair growth and nourish the roots. Try adding an egg to this mixture for extra strengthening.

Hibiscus flowers are also great for fighting gray hair. Throw a few flowers into your boiling oil along with amla, fenugreek, or curry. You can also add the powder directly to your base (try adding aloe vera gel for additional moisture).

Easy Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is one of those easy-to-make, flexible, healthy and tasty dishes that come in handy for lots of reasons. Soup is a great way to use up odds and ends of vegetables in your fridge, and it is a filling, nutritious meal or side dish, especially when you are trying to save money or lose weight. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Ingredients

Frugal housewives have made variants on vegetable soup for generations. Basically, look in your refrigerator, take out all the leftover veggies, and add some canned, frozen or fresh ingredients, depending on your taste and what you have available. For instance, you might make soup from green beans, diced tomatoes, spinach and corn soup one week, and soup from potato, onion, green pepper and zucchini the next. If you don't have a large variety of ingredients, take what you do have and add a can of corn, a cup of rice or a chopped potato to bulk up the soup and make it more filling. You will also need 2 to 4 cups of vegetable, chicken or beef stock, depending on how many people you need to feed. Adding oil, herbs and spices also will boost the flavor of the soup. Stick to a basic formula of at least one starch, like corn, potato, pasta or rice, and several vegetables. Then use traditional soup herbs like dill, parsley, oregano, basil, thyme and garlic, or stick with one main stronger spice like cumin, rosemary or a pepper blend. See the Resources section for more ingredient combination ideas.

Approach

If your ingredients are all precooked or don't need much cooking, the soup is quick as well as easy. Just add the stock and veggies to a pot, throw in your favorite savory herbs and a tablespoon or two of cooking oil, and bring it to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes and you're done. Longer cooking will result in thicker soup as the water boils off, so if you want more of a stew consistency, let it cook longer. If you are cooking a starch along with the soup, like rice or potatoes, let the soup cook at least 20 minutes to soften and thoroughly cook the raw starches. Another approach is to saut heavier vegetables if they are raw, such as onion, mushroom, carrot, green pepper, eggplant or zucchini. Then puree them in a blender and use the vegetable puree as a base for your soup. When cooking with mostly frozen veggies, no problem; just expect the soup to take longer to heat up to a boil. With every soup, stir frequently to avoid sticking and uneven heating.

Tips

When you eat canned vegetables throughout the week, drain the packing liquid from around them into a plastic container or jar kept in the fridge for a soup stock. It has vegetable taste, usually salt added, and plenty of nutrients from the vegetables, so rather than pouring it down the drain, add it to your next vegetable soup. If you are making enough soup to freeze, leave out delicate ingredients like greens or eggs; they don't freeze well. Other than that, you can freeze most vegetable soups in small containers for an easy lunch or side dish. Another frugal tip: If you don't end up with enough leftover veggies in a week, freeze the bits you do have and take them out when you have enough for a soup.

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