Archive for May, 2008

Muscle vs. Fat and Your Energy Level

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

By Michael Bens Right now, the greatest results in raising our metabolism come from exercise and building our muscle mass, while reducing our body fat. Adding more muscle to the body, in turn causes us to burn more calories, and this helps to elevate our metabolic rate. What determines our metabolic rate, as far as our genetics? Generally, we tend to inherit the same tendencies for metabolic rates, body frames, and other related body functions from our parents. All of this metabolic process is related to our calorie intake, our vitamin and nutrition needs, our thyroid and endocrine production, and how well all of these processes come together The bodys metabolism is a unique process for each individual person. No two people metabolize food at the same rate therefore no two people have the metabolism. We all use our calories at different rates, with different results. Our metabolism, like our fingerprints is unique to each of us. But the need to understand and accommodate this metabolism is an issue that we all face. I said all of that, to say this, our metabolism affects our energy levels, and our muscle mass and body fat also affect our energy levels. When you bring the two together, you have the opportunity to create lots of energy, raise a persons self-esteem, and give them a new lease on life. But all of this isnt easy to attain. Some people have really high rates of metabolism. In other words, when they consume food, their bodies burn it up almost as fast as then consume it. Then there are those of use who use our food intake so slowly, as to not even notice that were burning calories. These people who burn quickly are often slim and trim, the people who burn more slowly are the people with a tendency toward obesity. The people with really high metabolic rates are generally the people who feel better and have the most energy. Their body is using the food intake to its maximum, and the body feels alive and full of vitality. The sluggish metabolism on the other hand, can have almost the opposite situation; low energy levels, with very little motivation to make lifestyle changes. The only recourse we have in trying to control our body weight, metabolic burn and health is through our thorough understanding of the role food plays in our calorie consumption versus our calorie need, and control how much of the calories we take in. Our metabolism functions also depend on how well we have taken care of our nutritional needs. The process of burning calories and creating energy is a delicate one, and one which must be carefully tended, or it can become imbalanced. It is often through these natural imbalances that we tend to inherit our metabolic rate, our body weight, and the lower energy levels. I believe through careful analysis, and attention to each persons unique needs, we could bring about a more natural balance of the metabolic burn vs. the calorie intake. To a level where optimal health and weight control are in equilibrium. For more great information visit Gabae Weight Loss the premiere resource for weight loss, diets, nutrition and living a great healthy life style! Also if you’re looking for more informative articles check out Gabae Weight Loss Articles. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bens http://EzineArticles.com/?Muscle-vs.-Fat-and-Your-Energy-Level&id=160019 johnny paycheck e-z payday loans in tucson cash advance in taylor michigan advance til payday

Be Careful How You Live — Ephesians 5:15-20

Monday, May 26th, 2008

By Jeremy Hoover There is a sharp contrast in Ephesians between the light and the dark (cf. 5:8). There is only one way to livenot as the Gentiles, in futility of mind (4:17), but in Christ, the goal and source of our maturity and spiritual growth (4:15-16). Those who live in the light are in Christ. They are alive (2:5). Gods action leads them (2:4ff). God raises up those in the light and seats them in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (2:6). There are immeasurable riches in the age to come for those in the light (2:7). Gods gift is given to them (2:8) and God has prepared things beforehand for them (2:10). The emphasis is on now and in Christ for those in the light (2:13); they are brought near into unity, oneness and peace (2:14). They are rooted in the truth (4:21), renewed in the spirit of their mind (4:23). They have put on the new self (4:24) and it is clear that they live in the light (5:8-15). This is in sharp contrast to those who are in darkness. They are dead through sin (2:1) and the emphasis is on the past (once; 2:2). They follow the spirit at work among the disobedient (2:2). They are the children of wrath (2:3). They are without Christ, aliens and strangers, and have no hope and are without God (2:12); they are far off (2:13). Among these people there is division and hostility (2:14). They experience a futility of mind in their thinking (4:17). They have a darkened understanding and are alienated from God with their hardness of heart and lack of sensitivity (4:18-19). They participate in every kind of impurity (4:19) and use empty words (5:6). They live in darkness and thus experience the wrath of God (5:6, 8-14). In view of this sharp contrast, Paul does not mince words in 5:15-20: The life of living in the light, in Christ, is not both/and but either/or. Either you live in the light or in the darkness. For the disciple of Jesus, who was once in darkness but now is in Christ, the path is always and only to follow Christ (2:12-13). Thus, we should be careful how we live (5:15). The darkness is very real, is very present, is out there trying to extinguish the light of those in Christ. Paul counsels caution, carefulness in view of darkness. We ought to walk carefully and avoid the darkness of sin. He offers three contrasts to help us discern the light from darkness in our lives. We should live not as unwise people but as wise people (5:15). Make the most of the time, being prepared and tuned in to the challenges that can gain the upper hand in our lives and prevent us from living in the light. Common challenges that we experience every day show us whether we stand in the light or the darkness. The days are evilwill we make the most of them by pursuing the light of Christ, or by stumbling around in the dark? Will we give up the pleasures of the darkness in favour of the clarity of the light? We should live not as foolish people but as understanding people (5:17). We should know and understand the will of the Lord. The will of God instructs in light-living, in spiritual growth in Christ. We learn the will of the Lord through prayer and meditation on scripture and in community with each other (5:15-16). The disciple of Jesus should be lead a disciplined life, not an undisciplined one characterized by pursuit of the momentary, wherever ones passions and desires lead at the time. Thus, we should live not as drunken people but as those filled with the Spirit of God (5:18). Drunkenness is debauchery; it characterizes a life led by passions and not by discipline. A disciplined life is focused on unity among believers and thankfulness and gratitude to God. The church promotes unity among itself when it sings psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs together, teaching each other the gospel in their worship and lives together. Such an act also promotes unity with God, as the believers lift their collective heart to God in an act of worship that focuses on thankfulness. Prayer and meditation, together with communal unity characterized by worshiping God in gratitude will help us discern the light from the darkness. So let us be careful how we live, pursuing the light of Christ at all times, and offering thanks to God for the immeasurable gift of Christ. Jeremy Hoover is a proofreader and book reviewer. He proofreads and reviews religion books, poetry, and most fiction. Contact him at jeremyhoover@gmail.com or Hoover Reviews for proofreading rates or to request a review. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Hoover http://EzineArticles.com/?Be-Careful-How-You-Live—-Ephesians-5:15-20&id=22712 no credit check direct tv apply online personal loan no doc cash loans pay day advance thornton co

Fall Planting - The Key to a Successful Spring Garden

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

By Jonathan Johnson So, you worked hard all week, changed the oil in the SUV, took the kids to practice and dance, and went tothe Friday night football game. Now the weekend is here and you still have a list, albeit a more leisurely one, ofthings to do. Well, double-check it and make sure that adding new plants to your garden is right up top. I know what you are thinking I planted everything back in the spring and Im done until next year. Thats what most people do, but an avid gardener like you should realize all of the benefits of planting in thefall. Let me explain: First, and most importantly, is the mild weather. We love this time of year - not too hot, not too cold. And guess what, your plants love it too, and for the very same reason! If you take the time to plant hardy perennials during these pleasant temperatures they can focus all of their energy on root growth. Dont be surprised when you dont see much happening to the plant. The real work is going on underground. Down there the plant is busy developingfeeder roots. Those are the roots that will be ready to bring water and nutrients up to the top of the plant in thespring and give your garden a big head start over the neighbors garden. Make sure you give your new additions achance to get good and cozy before winter comes. You should allow six to eight weeks for trees and shrubs, andfour to six weeks for perennials and ornamental grasses. A good rule of thumb is to plant by the end of August in the North and by the end of November in the South. The second important factor to remember about fall planting concerns watering. The cooler daytime temperatures and mild nights will reduce the amount of water your garden needs. This will be a blessing to your checkbook after trying to keep the grass green all summer. Immediately after planting, give the plant a good long drink. Add enough water so that it soaks all the way down below the depth of the plant. Then, keep an eye on it and water as needed to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Always be sure to plant in a well-drained area. Over watering or lack of drainage can cause as many problems as under watering. The third benefit involves fertilizing. You dont have to do it until spring! How easy is that? Fertilizing this late in the year could stimulate a flush of tender growth that may not have time to harden off before cold temperatures arrive and could be subjected to winter damage. Stop fertilizing all of your plants by September 1. This allows the plants plenty of time to comfortably harden off and enter a dormant state for winter. And the fourth benefit is cost. Most garden centers and nurseries will have many plants for sale at discounted prices this time of year. Be sure to look over the plants carefully for signs of pest or disease damage, and dont buy anythingthat looks unhealthy or improperly cared for. While youre there, buy some mulch to put around the plant. The mulch will help maintain even soil temperatures and resist root heaving that occurs after repetitive freezing and thawing of the ground. So, now that you know that fall planting is easy and inexpensive, postpone choppingwood until next week and plant some flowers instead. Youll feel better and your yard will look great! Cottage Farms Direct Check us out at http://www.cottagefarmsdirect.com Click here to determine your hardiness zone: http://www.cottagefarmsdirect.com/USDAHardyZone.aspx Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Johnson http://EzineArticles.com/?Fall-Planting—The-Key-to-a-Successful-Spring-Garden&id=299085 no fax payday loans faxless payday advance loan sharks online private money loans for home flipping

Wedding Favors - For 2007- Look Out Mom and Dad

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

By Jesse Miller Yes, look out, Mom and Dad! Your soon-to-be-married daughter is going to be looking at all the wonderful new options in wedding favors for 2007. It will be hard to choose for sure. Might be a good idea to sit down and discuss it and set some guidelines before even looking at what is available. The first thing to consider, of course, is budget. A good way to narrow down the choices would be to determine how much of the wedding budget can be used on wedding favors. This will actually be a small part of the budget but can still come to quite a bit if you don’t know ahead of time how much to spend per favor. Once you decide on the total amount to spend, divide that by the number of guests and don’t forget the wedding party. This will give you the amount per wedding favor to allow. With a price range as a guide, you will be less likely to over spend. Next, you can decide whether you want to follow a theme to match the wedding theme. Or match them to the location of the wedding or time of year. Focusing on a theme, location or time of year will help to narrow the choice a bit, too. Candles are a great option that fit any kind of wedding. There are so many different candle designs to choose from, it can be mind boggling. The choices range from casual and fun to elegantly romantic and about everything in between. Candles make an easy, much appreciated wedding favor. They are a can’t miss option. Specially designed wedding favor cameras are another great idea, though they do run a bit higher in price. But the guests can take candid wedding reception pictures that will be treasured by both the guests and the bride and groom. That makes this option worth paying a little extra for. One unique idea is bottle stoppers. There are some many different designs from flower topped to sterling silver. These can be personalized for an extra special touch. Bottle stoppers make a nice memento of the wedding. Candy, cookies or some other kind of treat are always popular wedding favors. And there are some many different ways to present them. Elegant gift boxes can be personalized with the couple names and the date of the wedding. Other containers such as miniature pails, baskets or even seashells are also great. Placecard holders can serve a double purpose if you have planned seating at the reception. Small picture frames work very well for this, so do chrome luggage tags. There are some very lovely holders designed just for weddings that made great wedding favors. You can find ones that are just right for your daughters wedding. There are so many different options that the list could go on nearly forever. Just like your daughter’s marriage. Make the time spent select wedding favors an enjoyable time spent with your daughter and it will add tremendously to the special memories of her wedding. You can find more ideals that will help you with relieving stress from your wedding day Go to Wedding Favors or she could go to Wedding Gifts To get some great ideals for your wedding like a flagon for the spruce or a Money clip with his name impressed on the front. If you ought ideals for your rare Groomsmen Gifts go to My marriage It is little things, such as this, that may aid you in your search. So, sit down and decide which avenue would be best for you to take. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Miller http://EzineArticles.com/?Wedding-Favors—For-2007–Look-Out-Mom-and-Dad&id=502572 online or in person mortgage loan get personal loan to consolidate bills bad credit san diego payday loans cash advance discover card

Enjoy the Beautiful Hobby of Origami

Friday, May 9th, 2008

By Mike Freemen The practice of origami, or paper folding, has long been one of the most popular of hobbies, and origami is certainly one of the oldest of all crafts. The exact origins of the art of origami are still shrouded in mystery. It is known, however, that paper was first developed in China during the first century A.D. By the sixth century A.D., Buddhist monks had brought this new invention to Japan. It is unclear, however, whether the art of folding paper we known today as origami originated in the Japanese or Chinese culture. It is widely recognized, however, that it was the Japanese who raised origami to a high art form. The very word origami is a Japanese word. The term oru translates to to fold, while the term kami translates to paper. Many schoolchildren use the art of origami to make gifts for family members and friends, and origami is one of the simplest, and least expensive, crafts for teachers to do with their students. In addition to those ever present paper airplanes (often made without the teachers approval), origami is often used in school to create elaborate birds, animals, boats and toys. Birds are a frequent subject of origami art, no doubt due to the special place birds hold in Oriental culture. In addition, there are a host of origami animals that can be created, and virtually any object can be created using the origami skills crafters have learned. As with any type of activity, the art of origami has its own unique language. As one becomes familiar with the art of origami, one will also learn such terms as mountain fold, valley fold, square base and bird base. The various bases and folds used in origami can be combined to make a wide variety of different objects using a limited number of basic techniques. This makes origami one of the most versatile of all craft forms. Origami is one of the least expensive of all crafts to pursue. After all, the only thing needed for origami is paper and some skill and imagination. For those in search of a more elaborate origami experience, craft stores, both on the internet and in the brick and mortar world, sell wonderful origami kits that contain everything needed to create some truly unique and wonderful origami creations. From special paper to full patterns and instructions, these origami kits are a great way for any new origami enthusiast to get off to a great start. For more information on origami, and where to get the best supplies, visit http://www.origamik.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Freemen http://EzineArticles.com/?Enjoy-the-Beautiful-Hobby-of-Origami&id=150248 pay day loans personal garentee loan debt consolidation unsecured loan idaho no credit check car dealers

Tropical Plants

Sunday, May 4th, 2008

By Ross Bainbridge Tropical plants grow in areas that have hot and humid climate. Such plants are used for decoration and adornment of the garden, patios, and also indoor. Tropical plants are very popular because of their large foliage and their outstanding presence. With just a few pots and creativity, it is possible to give a forest look, with the generous greenery of the tropical plants. Elephant ears, bananas, caladiums, and other foliage plants are all tropical plants that are very popular. Research seems to prove that they possess characteristics and genes that are unique. Unfortunately this genetic bank has not been exploited enough, to get the benefits of cultivation of tropical plant varieties that are available. It is seen that the loss of plant variety is brought about by, genetic erosion and reduction of the genetic basis of various species. Elephant ears a favorite tropical plant, is planted in many gardens. They are mostly from the Genus Alocasia, and have large heart-shaped leaves, and have originated from the Asian tropics. There are new varieties that have been recently developed, which have black leaf surfaces with white veins. The leaves are very broad and have a span of 30 inches or more. Bananas are of great importance in the tropics. They are used for various purposes as vegetables, fruits, and in the tropical region, their big leaves are used traditionally as plates. There are many varieties grown today for their ornamental value. The banana plants grown outdoors, as annuals attain a height of almost 9 feet in a season. There are also dwarf varieties that are specially cultivated. These plants however require frequent watering. They also need to be sheltered from heavy winds as the stems are not strong enough to withstand it. Tropical plants are of numerous types and possess varied qualities. They are known to grow best in tropical climes and in regions that has warm temperatures. However, these plants are also grown in green houses in places with colder climates. Plants provides detailed information on Plants, House Plants, Tropical Plants, Garden Plants and more. Plants is affiliated with Flower Seed. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge http://EzineArticles.com/?Tropical-Plants&id=278484 payday loans encinitas california hourly paycheck calculator can you receive federal loan money for college in your fith year loan money worldwide

The Restoration of the Black Family: The First Step In Healing the Wounds

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

By Suzette Hinton After months of fighting over who would get the house, the cars, and even the china, its over. A couple of questions, a strike of the gavel, a signing of the papers and the marriage is over. Wow, we expended more energy fighting over who got what and defending our rights than was ever invested in saving our marriage. What was entered into with such joyful anticipation making sure the church was decorated, every flower in place, groomsmen all at attention — was exited with anger, humiliation and wounds that may never heal. Though we blame our spouse, if we were to be completely honest, our problems trace back to a time or incidence long before we even laid eyes on each other. Over the years, our spouse may have bumped up against our wounds, but rarely is our partner the original cause. In peeling back the layers that have multiplied over the years, you might find that it was when Uncle Sticky Fingers hands kept going further and further up your legs when he was tickling you. Or maybe it was hearing angry shouts and things toppling over when mom and dad were behind closed doors. Merciless whippings inflicted on your young body by parents who said they were doing this for your own good. Or could it have been that no one was there to help you or to guide you and you had to raise yourself. Regardless of the reasons, you were deeply bruised. Clinical psychologists and historians theorize that our wounding goes back even further. In his book, LOVE PRESCRIPTION: HEALING THE WAR BETWEEN BLACK MEN AND WOMEN, Elena Oumano, Ph.D. suggests, Slavery made it nearly impossible for us to form lasting and healthy relationships in the past. The problem is that when it comes to getting together for the long-term these days, too many of us still act as if the slave master were standing over us with a whip. In fact, painstaking research reinforces the authors observations identifying symptoms concurrent with a condition recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV) called PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and are calling it Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder. Of course, this idea is getting conflicting reactions among people of color. Some argue that this is all a crock and we, as a people, just dont want to take responsibility for our actions. While others contemplate the merit of this condition given our very traumatic and dehumanizing past. When you consider that it wasnt until the 1960s that civil rights were actually brought to the forefront of this great society, it is not hard to see the ripple effects into our present thinking and behaviors. Tell me where it hurts, the doctor says to his patient. This is the first step to treatment. No longer can we avoid the wound. Its like watching a television sitcom where too much yeast was kneaded into dough and it expands to the point of bursting violently through the doors of the oven and spewing in globs all over the otherwise immaculately clean kitchen floor. I believe that our unsafe neighborhoods, emotionally impoverished homes and severely neglected children are the pus-filled, discolored, oozing stench of a deep wound not properly attended to. There are arguments that recant, insisting we stop licking our wounds and move on. Contemporary thinkers retort that we can no longer blame white people for our problems. We are masters of our own fate. Brothers and sisters of color are opting to build loving relationships with their white or exotic counterparts declaring their liberation from the oppression of the past. Though I agree that we cannot continue to blame others for our plight, we are still wounded. A wound does not discriminate based on who inflicted it. It hurts regardless. Hence, despite the achievements and economic strides of our race, our people are still suffering, not at the hand of the white man, the red man or the yellow man, but at the hand of our own people. Black folks are living better now than ever in our history alongside black folks who are still enslaved by poverty. Churchgoing children are sitting beside hand-clappin, foot-stompin parents, contemplating suicide or violent activity after worship is over. Young girls who live in two-parent homes are concealing being pushed, kicked, spit on or emotionally ripped apart by their boyfriends. Our boys are being targeted and humiliated by police within a block of their homes because of how they are dressed. Doesnt matter if you cant hear the sound, you can feel it. We can no longer close the windows to block out the noise; its reverberations are shaking our walls. Look up from your newspaper, turn off the Sports Channel, and stop speaking in tongues long enough to face your pain. Maybe, if we acknowledge our pain and stop inflicting it on each other, we can start the healing process. Suzette R. Hinton, SAC-I, Certified Life and Mentor Coach, Counselor and Mother. Graduate of CANA, Inc. (http://www.CoachingInstituteofNorthAmerica.com) and Founder of Purposeful Connections (http://www.purposefulconnections.com). Suzette believes that purpose is not only a destination but it is the energy that pushes us toward its fulfillment. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzette_Hinton http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Restoration-of-the-Black-Family:-The-First-Step-In-Healing-the-Wounds&id=327476 boat loans bad credit how to get a cell phone with bad credit poor credit remortgage company credit score interpretation