Japanese Food Menu - Wouldn't You Like To Know How to Make Anything on the Menu?

When you choose to go to a Japanese restaurant, you usually have the tendency to get overwhelmed because of the many choices being made available to you. It is not surprising though that the Japanese food menu is extensive because they have various cooking methods available. Add to the fact that they choose to be very experimental and flexible in the ingredients they use. While we usually just rely on pork, chicken and beef, they use various kinds of fishes and seafood such as various kinds of eel, shrimp and octopus.

Since most ingredients used for cooking the items in a Japanese food menu are sourced from Japan, plus, they are usually prepared by "imported" chefs, it would usually cost you more money when dining out. Hence, if you enjoy Japanese food but would want to avoid the high costs of specialty restaurant dining, you may probably want to just try making recipes you find on the menu.

One of the favorite Japanese foods is sushi. The good news is, it is easy to prepare as long as you have the ingredients namely sushi nori or seaweed (as wrapper for the rice); Japanese rice or sticky rice, crabsticks, avocado, cucumber, tuna or salmon, ginger (for filling); and, sushi-su, soy sauce, sesame seed and wasabi (for garnish). Ideally, you lay the ingredients on the seaweed, roll them and cut them.

Another easy and common Japanese food are those which use miso - mostly soups. A miso soup is very easy to make as well. Have your choice of vegetables prepared - maybe eggplant and zucchini (brush with a little sesame oil and cook in the oven). The miso broth is easily prepared with miso paste, little sake or water and/or mirin plus seasoning to taste. The vegetables and the broth are combined for the perfect soup.

Neon Genesis Evangelion - Shinji can beforehand (Fukkireta / Ochame Kinou)

Other characters have gotten their own version of Fukkireta, even Gendo, so Shinji of course must have his own! Puppy-kun thinks you should eat better... brb, (miso) soup. Original video: www.nicovideo.jp The artist's site is here: rakushoan.web.fc2.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0VC_jrgpQY&hl=en

Weight Loss: The Cheat Codes

We've all played at least a few action video games. At some point, we find ourselves in a corner we can't seem to escape and consult our list of cheat codes to get extra ammunition, a bigger gun, or restore our battered health. Suddenly we're invincible and everything falls into place.

Trying to lose weight often leads to the same kind of frustration. No matter what we try, we can't seem to move on to the next level. We hit a plateau and no matter which way we turn or what strategies we use, the scale refuses to budge. For those days that threaten our best laid plans, we need our own diet cheat codes.

Here are some samples:

1. Vegetable day.

Set aside a day or two when you will consume nothing but vegetables. Don't worry about which kind, even those with the highest carbohydrate and calorie counts will work as long as you eat them raw or steamed. The key is to eat nothing else: no butter, dressing, sauce, oil, dip, salt and no beverages other than black coffee, unsweetened tea or, best of all, plain water. Even the most unruly appetite will find it hard to eat more than a few hundred calories and your system will flush itself out for days.

2. Soup day.

Convince yourself that you've just had dental work and couldn't chew if your life depended on it. Give yourself a day or two with only soups that require no chewing. Ignore the expensive stew-like concoctions and aim for the cheaper varieties that are broth-based: consommé, vegetable, oxtail, celery, cabbage, French onion (no cheese), miso, or egg drop. Avoid anything that is creamed like the plague and stay away from accompaniments such as bread, crackers, and croutons.

3. Steamed or poached fish.

Any kind of fish, including shellfish, works wonders in nudging our body fat along and those omega-3 oils help everything. The easiest way to prepare any fish is to steam it or poach it in water or clam juice in the oven. Allow yourself a squeeze of lemon but shun butter, oil, sauce, and capers. Not only will you break through that plateau but you'll be healthier for it.

4. Hard-boiled eggs.

Skip this method if you have a dangerously high cholesterol condition but for most of us, a day or two on even a large number of eggs won't have any permanent effects on our cholesterol levels. Are you familiar with how filling just one or two hard-boiled eggs can be? Unless you're Cool Hand Luke, you'll find it hard to eat more than six eggs throughout the day. Use no condiments and drink huge quantities of water to quench the thirst they will surely generate.

5. Cottage cheese.

Years of weight watching have taught me to like, if never really love, cottage cheese. As a substitute for potatoes or rice, it definitely has its place. However, on its own, it quickly becomes downright boring, like eating creamed chalk. It does, however, contain good protein and rapidly raises the level of your blood sugar to alleviate headaches, light-headedness, and hunger pangs. Try it alone for a couple of days and by the second afternoon you'll not even be hungry and may choose to skip your evening portion.

6. Salads.

A huge bowl of salad greens can fill you up with barely a hint of calories. The secret is to avoid the non-salad enhancers we usually add for flavor and variety. No croutons, no fruit, no cheese, no beans, no seeds, no nuts, and absolutely no dressing. A squeeze of lemon or lime is acceptable but not even the lowest calorie dressing is allowed for this experimental period.

7. Green tea.

The merits of green tea have been trumpeted in the media for the past few years and it does seem to have some secret properties that help our bodies hum along more efficiently. Make it the centerpiece of your diet for a day or two, consuming as many pots as you can brew. If the liquid alone can't keep you going, combine with one of the other suggestions here.

8. Liquid protein.

Pure protein, without any carbohydrates or fats, is a miracle worker for weight loss when combined with a copious intake of liquids (a pure protein regimen generates almost constant thirst). There are canned protein drinks to sip through a straw and powders to be mixed into thin shakes. Easiest of all is to take a few spoonfuls of protein syrup throughout the day. Your hunger will stay in check, your scales will start to respond, and you'll free up a lot of time to spend doing something more important to the world than simply chowing down.

9. Fad diets.

Fad diets have a bad name because they are ineffective over the long haul. We're not looking at the long haul now - you already have your diet, whatever you chose. We are looking for a short term jolt to get our bodies back on the losing track. Pick whatever two or three day fad diet you like and stick to it religiously. It will do the trick of scaring your body into giving up some of its fat and then you can return to your long term "sensible" diet until the next plateau hits.

10. Fasting.

I am somewhat reluctant to mention this, despite its proved effectiveness over thousands of years, because we are looking at short term jumpstarts and the first three days of fasting can be difficult - after about the fourth day, your body stops craving food and the true benefits of fasting kick in. However, if you're really frustrated and willing to do anything to get your weight moving, a few days of eating nothing at all will work wonders. Educate yourself a little first, reading up on water and juice fasts, and don't pursue this for more than a few days unless you have considerable prior experience or know a fasting expert to turn to for advice.

Now you have ten cheat codes to help you through the rough patches. Whichever long range diet you have selected is rarely going to result in a steady losing curve. When the weight loss stops for two or three days, or a week, break out your cheat codes and give one of them a whirl before you throw up your hands in disgust and conclude "This diet isn't working for me."

10 Foods to Help Digestion

Many doctors who specialize in digestive disorders will tell you that 25 to 50 percent of all digestive problems can be prevented or made less severe by a good diet, exercise, natural medicines, and lifestyle changes. Here is a list of foods that have good nutritional value and help your digestive system to work better.

1. Yogurt - Yogurt contains lactobacteria, intestines-friendly bacterial cultures that keeps your colon healthy, and even lower the risk of colon cancer. Also, yogurt is a good source of calcium - a mineral that boosts colon health and decreases the risk of colon cancer.

2. Rice - Unrefined or brown rice is packed with fiber, easy on your gut and is a natural remedy for diarrhea, nausea, or sour stomach. Rice is even safe for your pets to use as cure for diarrhea. Drinking the water the rice was boiled is also good for curing diarrhea.

3. Tofu - Tofu is high in protein and vitamins and is thought to have a number of anticarcinogenic (prevent cancer) nutrients. Tofu really doesn't have a flavor of its own so it can be mixed in a variety of dishes and is easily digested.

4. Bitter greens - Bitter greens are bitter tasting green vegetables. Most people are probably most familiar with radicchio, arugula and collard greens. When we taste the bitter taste, it causes our digestive juices to increase and our body's ability to break down food is increased.

5. Sunflower seeds - Sunflower seeds have protein, as well as phosphorus, potassium, and omega-6 fatty acids. To get the maximum benefit purchase them from natural food stores where they are more likely to be fresh.

6. Pineapple -. Pineapple contains an ingredient called brome lain, which helps to break down proteins and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Its nutrients include calcium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. In addition it is low in fat and cholesterol.

7. Miso - Miso, usually found in Asian markets, includes powerful digestive agents such as lactic acid bacteria, fermentation molds, and enzymes, its action in the bowels also helps break down foods quickly and easily. Miso soup is frequently on the menu at Japanese restaurants and you can find prepared mixes at some grocery stores.

8. Flaxseed oil - Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil strengthen the immune system, regulate blood pressure and stabilize cholesterol. Flaxseed oil helps lubricate the intestines and increases the ease of bowel movements. You can sprinkle it on your cereal; take it in oil form or capsule.

9. Olive Oil - You usually hear about olive oil in terms of its healthy fats that support heart health. Olive also assists in digestion..Because olive oil is a monounsaturated fat it is easy to digest and it helps the body absorb the nutrients in food and digest other fats more easily.

10. Papaya - Papaya extract is sold at health-food stores as a digestive enzyme in the form of chewable tablets. If you often have a bloated or queasy feeling after eating a large meal eating some papaya or chewing a papaya enzyme tablet will relieve that feeling..

The Diet Vegetarian Protein Foods

When most people think of protein foods, they automatically think of chicken, beef, and of course, eggs; however, there are a number of protein foods that are not meat at all. There are a number of protein foods that are vegetarian, in fact, with some of them just as complete and nutritious as their meat counterparts. There are meat substitutes that can be high in protein but lower in calories and saturated fats than real meat, making them a better stand-in for the healthy diet. The diet vegetarian foods may give you the same nutritional boost and may be just as satisfying but is not necessarily going to cost the same calorie count as other choices. It is a matter of making sure that you are getting the right nutrition, including the right amount of protein every day for your optimal health.

The Myth that Will Not Die

There is a common myth that diet vegetarian foods do not have enough protein for the average person and that they will be lacking the vital nutrients that they need. The myth also suggests that the average person gets a greatly reduced amount of protein when they go vegetarian or vegan. The typical vegan diet is 10-12% protein while the average meat eating diet is 14-18% protein.

According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, most plant foods do have adequate but not excessive amounts of protein. Protein, while beneficial and very important to the body, should not be consumed in amounts that are too high. The American Heart Association suggests that the upper limit for protein intake be 35% of the daily calories.

In addition, it is often suggested that vegetarian diets lack other vital nutrients, too. While some new or inexperienced vegetarians might be lacking some vitamins or other nutrients, this can be the case with other diets as well.

What We Actually Need

The diet vegetarian protein foods that we need can be a major part of an overall healthy diet. What we need of each nutrient varies based on our gender, height, weight, and activity level. There are some nutrients that women need more than men while some that men might need more than women. Calcium, for instance, is needed in higher levels by women than men.

Women also need more twice the level of iron as a man when they are younger than fifty. Protein, even vegetarian protein, is needed in bigger amounts by men than women because they are bigger and tend to be more active, although that is not always the case. Basic protein needs can be roughly 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight; however, for those who are seriously active, that amount can increase to around 1 full gram per kilogram of body weight. A sedentary person's protein needs may be as low as 0.4 grams.

You can meet all of your dietary needs with diet vegetarian protein foods; however, there are some facts that you have to know about them. First, with the exception of soy protein, plant based proteins are incomplete, meaning that they do not have all of the essential amino acids that are needed by the body in them. Soy proteins are complete, however, and also have a number of serious benefits.

The Benefits of Soy Protein

Two daily servings of soy protein can lower blood cholesterol levels by as much as nine points and may also lower blood pressure as well. The two together may work to reduce the chance of heart attack. In addition, soy protein can also prevent a condition called hepatic steatosis or fatty liver. This condition is incurable and can possibly be fatal and may be an additional problem seen in diabetics. Soy protein may help to decrease the lipid accumulation in the liver and prevents a regulatory element from being over secreted. Soy also increases breakdown of fatty acids in the liver.

In addition, soy protein can help with the most serious symptoms of menopause, which affects 4000 women every year. Soy may help reduce hot flashes, decrease vaginal dryness, decrease bone loss, increase cholesterol profile, decrease cancer, decrease risk of diabetes, decrease kidney and gall stones, and better blood pressure control. Miso, a fermented soy bean paste may be one of the best diet vegetarian protein foods because it has been shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer in Japanese women as well as increasing bone density, another common problem of menopausal women. According to the Japanese National Cancer Center, eating three or more bowls of miso soup leads to a 40% decrease in breast cancer risk, and two bowls equaled a 26% decrease. Soy based phytoestrogens decreased hot flashes 45%.

The Right Diet Vegetarian Protein Foods

While the average steak has plenty of protein, it also has as much as 44 grams of fat, nearly all the fat you should have for the entire day in one meal. Most people do not only eat steak by itself, however, so a steak meal can be even worse. A cup of cooked lentils has 18 grams of protein with only one gram of fat. Beans, grains, and other vegetarian proteins are beneficial, not only because they are high in protein but because they have low calorie counts a number of serious health benefits.

Inner Ear Infection Treatment - Diet

Did you know that the function of your immune system is closely related to what you eat? The right diet is an effective inner ear infection treatment which will supercharge your immune system and get you over ear infections quickly.

In the initial acute stage of an infected ear when symptoms like fever, swollen glands, dizziness, vomiting and malaise are common, it is best to eat lightly. A liquid-only diet of vegetable juices, broths, soups, herb teas, lemon drinks and pure water is recommended. This will provide the body with adequate nutrition whilst resting the gastrointestinal tract so energy can be diverted into healing the body. Liquids you could try might include miso soup, chicken broth, potassium broth, freshly squeezed vegetable juices and herb teas like fenugreek, ginger, boneset and coltsfoot.

Inner ear infection treatment should include lots of the anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, garlic, turmeric, cayenne, fish oils and raw pineapple in your diet. These foods can quell the inflammation of the membranes in the ear and relieve the pressure on the ear nerves.

When your appetite returns you should be on an immune-boosting diet to continue your inner ear infection treatment plan. Your diet should include some good quality protein foods with each meal. These foods are essential for cell health and repair and to form a healthy immune system. Protein rich foods include chicken, fish, lean red meat, cheese, eggs and whey powder. If you're vegetarian, go for alternatives like legumes, tofu and tempeh. Breaking up your protein intake into 3 meals, ensures that your blood sugar levels remain stable and you maintain good energy throughout the day.

Every meal should also contain an abundance of fresh vegetables or fruit. These foods should make up the bulk of your diet - about 80% is ideal. Make an effort to add some essential fats like those found in nuts, seeds, avocados and natural, cold-pressed oils into your diet. These will help boost your immunity and keep your cell membranes functioning well.

Inner ear infection treatment should eliminate poor quality foods like fats, caffeine, aspirin, salt, sugar, and fried foods. There is a theory that high cholesterol levels contribute to circulatory problems that affect the inner ear, so it makes sense to lower cholesterol levels if they are elevated.

A history of cold sores or herpes has been implicated in some cases of chronic inner ear problems. If this is the case, it is important that your inner ear infection treatment includes natural anti viral herbs and supplements. The amino acid called lysine has been shown to fight cold sores and the herpes virus. Lysine is found naturally in protein foods like meats, milk, beans and eggs . Alternatively lysine can be taken as a supplement at 500 mg a day for maintenance and up to 1500 mg a day for when an outbreak occurs. It is also essential to limit the intake of arginine-rich foods which promote the growth of the virus. These include chocolate, grains, nuts and fish.

Following an immune-boosting diet is essential to strengthen your healing potential and help you in your inner ear infection treatment plan. Start today - your body will thank you for it!

Tips on Eating Healthy on a Budget

Drink More Water

One simple way to improve your health is to drink more water. By drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, you can help clean out your body and keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration can cause you to feel tired, achy and trigger headaches. By getting enough water every day, you will find that not only do you feel better; you may even start to lose weight.

Choose Your Foods Carefully

Cut out some of the junk food and sugary things that you eat on a daily basis. It may help to plan your meals. If you know you are having spaghetti on Monday and a stir-fry on Tuesday, you are less likely to splurge on a last minute stop at the local fast food joint. Look for some interesting recipes online to expand your menu. Preparing new recipes gets you excited to try new things.

Keep your pantry stocked with some staple items that are easy to prepare, like lentils, beans, rice, and pasta. Any of these staples could be made into a main dish, a side dish or a soup by combining them with meats, vegetables and seasonings. Keep frozen fruit and vegetables in the freezer to supplement the fresh versions you buy each week.

Think of meat as a side dish instead of the main dish. You can get a lot of flavor for your buck by adding the meat to a sauce rather than requiring an entire chicken for a main dish.

Explore new seasonings to make your food exciting. Miso adds a unique Japanese flavor to many dishes, while curry powder can bring you the flavor of India. Keep your cupboards stocked with your favorite herbs and spices so they are close at hand.

Saving Money

Make extra food when you cook so you can use leftovers for lunch or freeze them for a future dinner. It is simple to double recipes on the weekends so you can simply reheat on busy weeknights.

Buy in bulk if you can. The prices are almost always cheaper, and perishable items can be frozen in quantities that are easy to use.

Cheaper cuts of meat can be delicious when braised slowly or cooked in the crock pot. Add in vegetables and beans to stretch the meat and make your meal go further.

Don't be afraid to choose generic brands at the store. Compare the ingredients. In most cases, you'll find that they are almost identical to the brand you were going to buy. This will help you save money while you still use the ingredients you love.

Stock up on staple items when they are on sale. Canned broth, pasta and rice all keep for long periods of time.

Don't be afraid to be creative. Not only will you get to try new foods, but you can eat better on less money. Bargains are out there; you just have to look for them.

Popular Food Supplements For Weight Loss

Many people who would like to lose weight quickly and cannot stick to normal diets are turning to weight loss supplements to see results. Using this method of weight loss can show results in a matter of days and weeks rather than months.

A good thing is that most of these supplements come from totally natural sources, meaning they are not harmful to your body. They usually take the form of powders, tablets or drinks and contain these supplements.

Some of the ingredients have been known about and used for years but have only just recently been used to replace foods as part of a diet.

Apple cider vinegar.

You should have no problems finding this in your local health food shop or supermarket. Apple cider vinegar is known to help suppress a persons appetite. It has quickly become an easy way to help people who eat too much. Many diets use cider vinegar as a way of controlling how much people eat.

A small amount taken before meal times will help the person feel fuller quicker. As this liquid is an acid, you will need to be careful as it may have some side effects on your body. For this reason, some doctors do not recommend using apple cider vinegar to control weight.

Hoodia.

This is a popular herbal food supplement and can be used to suppress a persons appetite. Many have said that it is not very effective as the small number of clinical tests that have been carried out have not been conclusive on the results it delivers.

Hoodia also suffers from market saturation where many fake products are sold to consumers. It can be hard to tell which is the real product as companies often mount counter attacks on each other, saying that the other is not real. Stick to known brands if you are buying Hoodia from a shop or online.

Fucoxanthin

Commonly used in Miso soup, Focoxanthin is an edible brown seaweed. It is a very common food used as part of Japanese food and many of their recipes have this food included. It comes in two different types, Hijiki and wakame, each known for slightly different potencies and tastes.

If you are looking to buy this supplement, you can do so from any local Japanese food store or supermarket. It is also available online.

Chromium

Your body already uses chromium to help keep the levels of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in your body in check. The main purpose of chromium in the human body is to help get glucose around the body. Insulin controls the glucose release, so using chromium as a food supplement is good for those who suffer from diabetes.

There have not been many studies around the use of chromium as a weight loss aid. Some people who suffer from mental problems may find that chromium can trigger more severe symptoms.

Treatments of Eczema - Equipment for Successful Cure

If you are serious about eliminating your eczema by changing your life style and improving the quality and quantity of the foods that you eat, it is important that you obtain the right tools and equipment for your kitchen.

Remember the efforts you are making now will pay dividends in the long run.

The most costly items that you need to obtain may already be in your kitchen.

These are:

(1) a good blender or Vita-Mixer;

(2) a food processor;

(3) a juicer; and

(4) a dehydrator.

The blender is required to help you prepare nut milks, smoothies and blended soup. A food processor is required to help you prepare treats, desserts, and to chop vegetables. A juicer is required to help you prepare daily fruit and vegetables juices and finally, a dehydrator is essential to help you prepare krackers, burgers, and special breads.

These tools are very important to the success of your superior health plan.

Here is a more extensive list for you to consider:

Staple Foods: Almonds, Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts and cashew nuts.

Staple Fruit: Apples, Bananas, Pears, Avocados, Cucumbers, Lemons.

Staple Vegetables: Carrots, Celery, Romaine, Kale, Onion, Garlic, Baby Greens, Spinach.

For all your produce look for local farmers markets or organic farms. You will find that the price of produce will be a little cheaper and the quality will be far more superior than those found in the large supermarkets.

Equipment and Tools: A good blender, food processor, Excalibur dehydrator, Juicer, Lemon juicer, Serrated knives, Sharp French Knife, Vegetable peeler, sprout bags, sprouting jars, large cutting board, rubber spatula and mixing bowl.

Condiments: Celtic Sea Salt, Miso, Nama Shoyu, Dulse, Cayenne, Raw apple cider vinegar

So Full! Eps: 1 Rolled Cabbage

I'll post more detailed instructions & a recipe on my blog. SoFullKitchen.vox.com Thanks for watching! I just realized that I spelt 'resturant' wrong. Gahhh... Oh, & if you don't already know the second song is Dream by Fleetwood Mac & the last song is Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. I was just feeling those ladies while I was editing. I've nick-named this the "Chick-Rock" episode.. whatever THAT means.. aka the "I'm Actually A Lesbian" episode. Those are my little inside jokes to myself. okay.... Oh, & the very first song/clip is a Hawaiian song that was randomly playing on the radio. I'll credit it once I remember who it was. Aloha! Stay SoFull! Special thanks to Zen.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHwii4gVuy0&hl=en

How To Naturally Rejuvenate Your Body & Mind

By the time the new year rings in, most of us have a long list of sweeping resolutions: lose 20 pounds, take a step up in the career ladder, hit the gym 5 to 6 times a week. But don't feel terrible if your resolutions end up flatter than day-old champagne. According to ancient healing tradition, winter is not the time to start harsh new changes. Our body's natural rhythm wants to take it easy during the winter.

The cold winter months are the best time for our bodies to rejuvenate before spring. Winter is time to finish things, not start them. To help our body end the cycle and prepare for the new one, we need to remove the physical, emotional, and environmental junk we acquired over the past year. So instead of making dramatic changes, a gentle detox ties it up and readies us for the rebirth of spring.

Your Body

A detox is the perfect goal you can expect to meet instead of a deep cleanse which can wait for the warmer months. During detox you simply reduce your intake of toxins and support your body's natural detox systems. Doing this supports your anti-aging goals. On the outside, we take in polluted air and water and foods like sugar and alcohol. On the inside, the body reacts by making more free radicals which end up damaging our DNA and cells, contributing to diseases and aging.

To help your body get rid of toxins, try a detox that removes the excess mucous and acid that has accumulated. Elson Haas, MD and author of The New Detox Diet (Celestial Arts,2004), recommends taking a week off to eat only cooked vegetables, brown rice, seaweed, and miso broth while incorporating massage, steams, and saunas. Another choice is his three-week plan. He recommends you do not intake sweets, caffeine, wheat, dairy, and alcohol, and instead consume steamed vegetables and warm broths.

After your one or three week detox, build up strength by eating more proteins, starches, and seasonal foods including sweet potatoes, pumpkin, kale, and winter squash. Fresh, local foods have more nutrients. Nettle tea, broths, and small amounts of lean meats keep your body warm during the harshness of winter. Hearty, nutricious foods such as brown rice, garlic, seaweed, miso soup, potatoes, broccoli, kale, cabbage, chard, collard greens, cauliflower, and onions replenish your reserves.

An often over-looked part of maintaining optimal health during winter is hydration. Warm teas and broths will keep you in top condition. Chamomile tea strengthens your kidneys while rosehips tea strengthens the adrenals. Keeping the adrenals in top shape prevents or improves common health problems including allergies and asthma. If you suffer from bladder infections, uva ursi infusion or tea will likely cure it.

To keep your body looking great, go for yoga or t'ai chi. They promote deep breathing and soothing movements that won't exhaust your body.

Your Mind

Now is the perfect time to not only clean out the clutter in our closet and garage, but also the emotional baggage in our mind. Conflicts that gnaw at us in the back of our mind only lead to anxiety, anger, or depression. Unresolved feelings eventually take up too much of our energy which can be used for better thoughts and emotions. It's time to get rid of emotional toxins such as behaviours, patterns, and beliefs that interfere with having healthy relationships and living fully.

**Address your issues when you're ready to come to terms with your emotions. You will feel better for facing the truth.

**Surround yourself with a positive and loving environment -one that makes you feel relaxed.

**Learn to let go by creating your own ritual to release the emotional toxins you've identified.

**Make new choices which include not recreating the old problems you just let go of. It's too easy to relapse, so you must commit to creating an intention which honors your commitment. Go with specific, measurable, and realistic goals.

An emotional cleanse will allow you to feel more alive and rejuvenated. The energy you were using to suppress pain is now available for creative choices.

This rejuvenation is a process and by spring you will be more able to implement new goals in full force. Enjoy the gentleness of the detoxification and the peace it brings into your life. You will definitely be living an anti-aging lifestyle if you take care of your body and your mind this season.

How to Make Tonjiru (Japanese Pork & Vegetable Miso Soup)

Ingredients for Tonjiru (2 People) - Condiments - 600ml Dashi Soup (2 1/2 us cup) 2 tbsp Sake 2 tbsp Miso Pork Sesame Oil Konnyaku - Konjac Daikon Radish Carrot Gobo - Edible Burdock Shiitake Mushrooms Satoimo - Japanese Taro Negi - Welsh onion Shichimi - Seven Flavor Chili Pepper About Music Frédéric Chopin - Valse in D-flat major "Minute Waltz" - Op. 64 No. 1 Play by Muriel Nguyen Xuan, recording by Stéphane Magnenat creativecommons.org



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2zywBq15v4&hl=en

Top 5 Cheapest Restaurants in Japan

Don't have a lot of money in Japan, but you want to eat local Japanese food? If you have a tight budget and you want to eat good food, finding a restaurant to cheaply eat at in Japan is probably the hardest thing to do. The high cost of living and language barrier is going to make your life difficult if you have a tight budget. Here are the 5 cheapest restaurants in Japan.

Yoshinoya

This is the biggest and largest restaurant franchise in Japan. It sells very healthy but cheap food. They specialize in Gyudon which is savory beef on rice. They also serve katsu-don which is pork and rice. You can have curry and rice also and come very cheap. All meals can come in a set. For instance you can get a Gyudon, dumplings, soup and fresh hot or cold tea all under US$10. A very cheap place to eat.

Mos Burger

Mos Burger is basically a McDonalds but in a Japanese way. They're equivalent of a Big Mac is a Mos burger which is basically a shrimp burger instead of a beef burger. They also come in a set, which comes with French fries and soft drink for all under US$10.

GuruGuru Sushi

This place is the least expensive sushi place in Japan. They are everywhere, and are usually situated at any big subway station such as Shinjuku, Ueno or Ginza. One plate costs approximately US$1, so a good feed can cost up to US$11-12.

Ten'ya

This place specializes in tempura. Tempura is basically battered fish or vegetable which you can eat with miso soup or noodles. All dishes come with tea, so it makes a complete meal. All meals are under US$10.

Matsuya

If you want a quick bite to eat, and your favorite food is curry, Matsuya is the place. It is Japan's favorite curry restaurant, and is one of the biggest. All the foods are under US$10 and that includes ice or hot tea and soup.

Serving Soup at Your Wedding

When we think of wedding food, probably the first thing that comes to mind is "beef or chicken?" Happily, the trend these days is moving away from standard banquet hall fare into more appealing food for receptions. At the front of this trend is the comfort food movement, which brings us to soup. No matter season your wedding will be held in, serving soup at your reception is a great way to round out the menu.

Naturally, soup is most often associated with the cooler months of the year. However, don't rule out a tasty chilled soup for a summer wedding. It can make an unexpected addition to the menu that your guests will really enjoy. For an early spring wedding, a fresh spring pea soup served chilled would be lovely. A small cup of it would be a nice way to start a formal seated dinner, or it can be offered passed on trays in tall shot glasses during the cocktail hour. Little "shots" of soup are one of the most chic ways to serve an old favorite in a fresh new way.

In the summer, nothing beats a refreshing cold fruit soup. A chilled strawberry and cream soup would be tasty and sweet on a summer afternoon. Many other fruits can be pureed into soup, such as cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon. They can be offered during cocktails on a hot summer day or served as a palette cleanser between courses at dinner, much like a sorbet.

As summer turns to fall, it is time to think about serving a warm soup for your wedding. There are many from which to choose, so think about featuring a soup that either has a connection with your wedding or one that is a favorite from your cultural background. For instance, if you were having a rustic autumn wedding, and wearing a simple dress with handmade wedding jewelry, a spiced pumpkin or squash soup would suit the occasion perfectly. On the other hand, if your wedding is going to be upscale, complete with an ornate handmade wedding gown and sparkling crystal jewelry, a more luxurious soup such as a fresh lobster bisque would be an impeccable addition to the wedding dinner.

A fantastic way to include soup in your wedding is to select one from your heritage. A bride whose parents hail from India might choose a mulligatawny. A rich lamb stew would make a hearty main course for the wedding of an Irish-American couple, complete with fresh baked Irish soda bread. And of course, a simple miso soup would make a light and pleasant accompaniment to the reception of a bride or groom with Japanese heritage. A variation on this idea is to have your caterer recreate an old family recipe to share with your guests, such as Grandma's famous matzoh ball soup. Be sure to include a note in your menu to let everyone know the story behind any special dish that you are serving.

Presentation is everything for your wedding food, and soup is no exception. As mentioned before, a shot glass is one of the most hip ways to serve a small soup. Soup for a formal dinner belongs in a shallow bowl with a wide rim, and of course French onion should always be served in a crock. Whichever variety you choose, you can dress it up with appealing garnishes, such as a sprig of mint on a spring pea soup, a swirl of cream on a tomato bisque, or a crisp homemade crouton on almost any kind of warm soup. Hot or cold, earthy or elegant, your guests are sure to enjoy the surprise of a terrific fresh soup at your wedding reception.

AMV Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - Satisfaction

practicing cutting to music. and there was a lot of cutting in this one @o@ Anime: Sayounara Zetsubou Sensei Song: Benny Benassi - Satisfaction Editing: me!★



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ62-JRHabo&hl=en

La bonne sou-soupe

Préparation de la soupe miso



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAh3-6cgwkc&hl=en

Thank You NyQuil

I like being numb.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N89kz2UKjbs&hl=en

Arthritis Treatment - Six Arthritis Diets That Work

Arthritis treatment using diet is one of the most popular and successful types of arthritis treatment.

Here I describe 6 types of arthritis diets that are effective as arthritis treatment strategies.

1. The underlying causes of arthritis for many people is food sensitivities. If you are one of these people, finding out your exact food sensitivities and eliminating these problem foods from your diet can work miracles. The ALCAT blood test is one way to discover if you have any food sensitivities and if so, exactly what they are. Selectively eliminating any suspected problem foods from your diet for a week and then systematically reintroducing them, with at least 24 hours between each reintroduction, is another.

2. Specific foods have anti-inflammatory properties. Including the spices tumeric, ginger, and cumin in your diet, for instance, calm inflammation without the negative side effects of many prescription arthritis drugs.

3. Poor digestion is another underlying cause of arthritis. Healing the digestive tract can often heal arthritis. The types of bacteria that flourish in a health digestive system are called probiotics. Taking probiotic pills or eating foods rich in probiotics (such as miso, homemade sauerkraut, live culture yogurt and kefir, and kim chi) are one way to bring the digestive tract into a state of greater health. This is especially true if you have ever taken antibiotics, even years ago.

4. Cabbage and cabbage juice contain a type of protein called mucins that coat the stomach and allow it to heal. Gelatin also has stomach healing properties, for the same reason.

5. A good broth made wine or vinegar in the broth to extract the gelatin and other joint building components of cartilage (such as chondroitin and glucosamine) from soup bones, is one cheap and very healing arthritis treatment. Sliced pork trotters, beef feet, rib bones, chicken carcasses and feet, and whole fish are all good starting materials for making arthritis treatment broths. Simmer the bones slowly for 4-24 hours to extract the maximum amount of arthritis healing nutrients. These broths are much cheaper and tastier than buying the same thing in pill form.

6. Arthritis is a disease of acidity. The body become acidic when we eat too much protein and carbohydrate, especially refined carbohydrates like sugar and white flour. Eating 80% of the diet as vegetables is a healthy way to bring the body back into the correct pH range. Once it comes back into the correct range, arthritis will often disappear.

If you are highly acidic, it may take several months or even a year or longer on an alkalizing diet (one high in vegetables, low in protein and carbohydrates) to reestablish a stable, healthy pH balance.

Substitute alfalfa and other teas which are alkalizing, for coffee and soft drinks which contribute to acidity.

It takes a while to neutralize all the excess acidity stored in the body. This is why some people have arthritis treatment success by going on a largely vegetarian diet for a year or more and resuming a vegetarian diet for a while whenever they feel like the arthritis might be starting to come back.

You can test your pH by swallowing several times first thing in the morning before you have eaten anything or had anything to drink. Then spit onto a piece of litmus paper. Ideally the pH of your saliva should be around 7 to 7.2. You can purchase litmus paper for testing the pH of saliva and/or urine in most health food stores.

CONCLUSION

Even if you are going the conventional arthritis treatment route, incorporating these arthritis treatment diet strategies can make a big difference in how well you feel.

4 Foods To Eat To Prevent Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is caused by sudden growth and replication of a fungus called Candida Albicans. The spores of the Candida Albicans is prevalent and can be found at at places. Under suitable conditions such as warm and damp weather, wrong or excessive use of antibiotics et cetera, these would encourage the growth of the fungus. Generally, it is important for us to adopt a healthy diet that consists of foods that can prevent the infection. Here, I would like to share some foods to eat to prevent yeast infection.

Firstly, garlic is one of the commonly used household foods to combat the infection. Garlic has a very powerful anti fungal property. Eating 1-4 cloves of garlic a day can help to boost your immunity towards fungal infection. Garlic is so powerful that it is even used in traditional medicine to cure yeast infections. Traditionally, people crushed the garlic and apply it at the infected area.

Secondly, seaweed can also be used to fight yeast infection. Seaweed contains high iodine that is proven to be effective against fungal infection too. Seaweed can be eaten raw (after washed with water), or make into soup (miso soup perhaps).

Besides that, yoghurt is also one of the best foods to eat to prevent yeast infection. Yoghurt contains good bacterias that will "kill" the Candida Albicans fungus and spores. However, please remember that you should take the real, unsweetened yoghurt for the best result.

You might also be surprised that carrot can help to prevent yeast infection. Carrot, like garlic, has very good anti fungal property.

In conclusion, there are many foods that are very good in preventing the infection. Knowing what foods to eat to prevent yeast infection and include them in your daily meal will improve your health and immunity towards the painful fungus.

Favorite Immunity Boosters

With all the concern over the Swine Flu, I thought I'd post some of my favorite tips for staying well. You don't need to buy into the American pharmaceutical industry in order to benefit from some extra health precautions. I haven't gotten a cold or flu since 2004, despite working in close proximity with many people who've been very ill and coughed or sneezed all over me. Here are my top-twelve quick fixes whenever I feel a bit under the weather. As usual, I'm just sharing my own experiences and observations; nothing here constitutes medical advice:

1 ) Oil of Oregano. This stuff rocks! I bring some with me every time I travel by plane, because it's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic. A few drops in water (putting it on the tongue as instructed burns like crazy) helps me feel immune to any sneezing or coughing going straight into recirculated air.

*Note that in some women, Oil of Oregano seems to cause breast tenderness. If you already suffer from monthly breast pain, you might want to choose #3, Colloidal Silver, instead, or just use O of O in the event of direct exposure.

2 ) Yogi Tea Echinacea Immune Support. Full of a synergistic blend of herbs and spices. If my glands feel swollen, I drink a cup of this, and I usually feel fine by the time I've finished the mug. I also love pau d'arco tea for its fortifying and anti-fungal, anti-viral qualities.

3 ) Colloidal Silver Throat Spray. Not for continuous everyday use, I do find this valuable when that first throat tickle comes on. Like Oil of Oregano, Colloidal Silver also offers anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activity.

4 ) Probiotics (non-dairy based). I often use Garden of Life's Primal Defense. Keeping gut ecology healthy helps the body stay healthier all around.

5 ) Green Juice. Lots and lots of celery, parsley, spinach, kale and collards mixed with small amounts of fruit or veggies in juice form. Alkalizing the body automatically prevents most pathogens from thriving. Some people believe regular juice fasting keeps them more resistant to disease and common colds. In the wild, many animals will not eat when they feel sick. Giving the digestive system a break allows more energy to be directed towards healing.

6 ) Vitamin C. Common knowledge, but also effective! Whether you get it from camu camu powder, Trader Joe's freeze-dried strawberries, capsules or freshly squeezed orange juice, a little extra vitamin C gives the immune system a boost.

7 ) Medicinal Mushrooms. I don't use these all the time, but in a pinch, I like New Chapter Organics' tincture called Host Defense, featuring a synergistic combination of mushrooms designed to amp up immune activity. Some top players include: Reishi, Maitaki and Cordyceps.

8 ) Miso Soup. Miso doesn't always mean soy. You can find chick pea miso in some health food stores. A warm cup of miso does wonders for sore throats.

*NOTE: If you have Candida problems, skip the miso until you get that under control. Sometimes the koji culture in miso can aggravate Candida.

9 ) Omega-3 Oils. Supposedly, peasants who ate a lot of hemp and flax did not succomb as heavily to the plague. More recent research validates the importance of cold-pressed Omega-3 oils or whole foods containing these oils. They support both immune and hormonal function. If you do not regularly consume hemp and coconut oils together, a high quality vegetarian DHA oil can also help.

10 ) Essential Oils. Other Black Plague lore: supposedly perfumers, who spent their days and nights surrounded by essential oils, did not get sick. These oils not only smell good; they have medicinal effects. My favorites include lavender, jasmine, frankincense, and lemongrass, for their mood-lifting and anti-bacterial effects. Jasmine, in particular, creates a nice scent while also easing coughs. Eucalyptus - of Vick's Vapo-rub fame - also works well. Most essential oils offer some kind of healing benefit. For more information, you might enjoy this site.

11 ) Garlic, Onion and Ginger. Normally, I do not like too much garlic and onion, but if I feel a cold coming on, this combo stops it in its tracks. Juiced or added into Chinese or Indian dishes, the triple whammy of garlic, onion and ginger has never let me down.

12 ) Rest. Good, old-fashioned R & R, does wonders for the body, mind, soul and spirit. Since illness affects all these levels, it makes sense to cultivate good health in each area.

I drive myself hard, squeezing novel-writing in between busy, intense hours of coaching and intuitive sessions and a marriage. When I start feeling a little sluggish or ill, I know it's time to take a break. I may not want the break, but the warning signs of illness come as "permission" to slow down and recharge.

Finding your own, proactive version of R & R lets your body and soul know they don't need to manifest a full-blown illness in order to receive a full-blown break. Go ahead: take a walk; take a nap; watch a movie; read a book; get some Reiki; or ... do nothing at all! You deserve a break today.

Beef and Navy Bean Chili

Oh, yummy! Beef and navy bean chili. I and about everyone else I know loves a good bowl of chili. Chile doesn't have to be difficult to make, but it does take a while to cook, so start your chili ahead of time.

This chili recipe is extremely simple to make, but don't let the simplicity fool you. This chili is delicious and has a nice little kick to it...but not too much for those with tender mouths. If you want to add more heat to your bowl, just add more Tabasco Sauce to your bowl.

8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound navy beans, cleaned and washed

1 pound lean stew beef, trimmed of fat and cut into 1/4 inch pieces

2 medium white onions, diced to 1/2 inch

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon jarred, diced garlic

2 teaspoons chili powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

6 quarts water

Tabasco or other hot sauce to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place the above ingredients in a large heavy pot (or pressure cooker, if you are going to use one). Go easy on the Tabasco sauce...you can always add more later, but you can't take it out if you get your chili too hot..

2. Cover the pot and bring the ingredients to a boil, and then boil very gently for 2 hours or until the beans are tender and have no toughness to them.

If you are using a pressure cooker, just follow the cooker's instructions.

3. Add a little more Tabasco sauce to taste if you would like more heat. Just remember that others will be eating this too and everyone can make their own bowl as hot as they want by adding more Tabasco sauce.

If the chili is to dry, add water--if it is to loose, remove the lid and let it boil down a bit.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Softbank Commercial 705SH part1

Commercial of softbank 705SH(slimia) 15sec Part1 - Miso soup Part2 - Goro Noguchi Part3 - Hachiouji



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWVUDs9tk_U&hl=en

Tips on Dry Skin Therapy Lotions

In today's world dry skin therapy is very important. Don't you just hate it when you have dry skin? It itches and flakes and drives you crazy. The stores are full of products that claim to be remedies, but how can you know if they really work? Research points to several skin lotion ingredients found in the best lotions for dry skin. Read on to learn what to look for in skin lotions.

One natural oil that is very healing for dry, scaly skin is jojoba oil. This waxy substance is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, which grows wild in the southwestern part of the U.S. It has been used traditionally as dry skin therapy for the Native Americans for centuries. One thing that makes jojoba oil unique among remedies is that it's chemical structure closely resembles human sebum - the natural moisture in human skin.

Jojoba oil works as dry skin therapy in several ways. For one thing, it forms a non-oily protectant over the skin to prevent loss of what moisture there is in the skin. Second, it is easily absorbed into the skin to add moisture. Finally, it contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are important in skin lotions and creams because they counteract the damaging effect of environmental forces, such as sun, wind, and pollution.

Another natural substance that helps dry skin is a type of Japanese seaweed called wakame. This nutrient rich sea vegetable, often used in authentic miso soup recipes, is prized by the Japanese as one of the best remedies. The minerals found in wakame, including calcium, iron and potassium, help to keep skin firm and moist. It also includes B vitamins, which soothe dry skin and reduce any inflammation present.

Wakame works on the skin in another way as well. Youthful skin abounds in collagen and elastin. These substances are held together by another substance found in young skin, hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is broken down by an enzyme called hyaluronidase, and skin begins to age. Japanese wakame has healing properties that inhibit the action of this harmful enzyme, allowing the hyaluronic acid to keep the skin youthful looking and moist.

Another wonderful moisturizer for dry skin therapy is avocado oil, which has also been found to reduce the itching of eczema and psoriasis, as well as healing skin damaged by too much sun. Avocado oil, which quickly penetrates the skin, is rich in nutrients and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains plant steroids which moisturize and soften skin, making it prized among ancient dry skin remedies.

Here is a final consideration when choosing products for dry skin therapy. Does the product contain any ingredients that are toxic at all, or might cause any sort of reaction? For instance, did you know that the sun block ingredients included in many skin care products are synthetic and possibly damaging to health when used over a long period of time? For the healthiest skin, look for creams that contain only ingredients that are proven to be safe.

So there you have it. The ingredients in skin creams and lotions are incredibly important. Putting effective ingredients on your skin will rejuvenate your skin and renew it's youthful appearance. However, using dry skin therapy ingredients that are chemical based or maybe even petroleum based can actually speed up the aging process. Become informed about remedies. Doing so will lead you to skin creams that will provide the results you are looking for.

polymer adobe miso soup

elsielolz's webcam video July 09, 2010, 12:53 PM



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-EyGTEZE10&hl=en

Yeast Infection Diet - What to Eat and Not to Eat to Defeat Yeast Infections?

Yeast infection and diet are closely related. Although eating something can clear your infection up within days, it can also be used to help prevent it from coming back ever again. In this article, I'll describe to you some of the natural foods you can eat to combat your yeast infections and those that you should not eat.

Sugar

Sugar intake is closely linked to yeast infection. I realize that it might be hard to give up sugar completely but you should at least cut down a little if you want to keep those yeast infections away.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

This comes in a liquid form and a few drops of it can be mixed with water to make a douche that can clear up a yeast infection within days.

Yogurt

Look for "live" or "probiotic" yogurts. These contain healthy bacteria that your body has been lacking in order to prevent yeast overgrowth. Many women lose their healthy bacteria when they take antibiotics.

Garlic

Garlic helps greatly with fighting yeast infections. It can be used in two ways.

First of all it can be taken orally. You may prefer to use garlic capsules instead but they are not as effective as eating garlic. Concealing them in a salad or a sauce may make it easier.

Secondly, they can be used directly in the vagina to fight yeast infection. Wrap garlic in gauze and insert into the vagina.

Seaweed

Alkaline foods like seaweed are great for neutralizing a yeast infection. You don't need to eat raw seaweed, you can try miso soup or seaweed tea.

Personal Trainer Reveals the Best Meal Choices For Dining Out

One of the toughest parts of dieting is all of the great food we have here in the Bay Area. There is such a great mix of nationalities and cultures and with that comes a great variety of food. Choose any city and you are sure to find a great mix of Indian, Caribbean, Chinese, Thai, Ethiopian or American food - and let's not even get into the great fusion options. With the informative list below Hercules personal trainer Christian Aguirre helps guide us through the tempting and sometimes confusing menu choices.

American Foods: When we think about classic American cuisine items that come to mind are burgers, hot dogs, great barbeque, fried chicken. Also plenty of comfort foods like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. We also know there are a variety of salads on most American menus and these are great lower calorie options. As long as you avoid salads with ingredients described as crispy and crunchy, this usually means fried. Also pay attention to the amount of certain toppings such as cheeses, tortilla strips, wontons, nuts and dressing. Eliminate these items or ask for them on the side. A great feature on most menus at chain family style restaurants is the nutritional information or the lighter fair menu.

Mexican: Oh the cheese, crispy chips and guacamole are enough to make any dieter weak. Luckily there are some great options at most Mexican food restaurants. A great thing about this south of the border cuisine is that most meats are grilled and made fresh so you can ask for light or no oil. Order a single chicken or fish taco and choose whole pinto beans and a salad for your sides. Traditional tacos will have meat, onions and cilantro. Some come with two tortillas so take one off. Taco salads can also be a great choice as long as that towering crispy shell is left in the kitchen and never makes it to your plate. Opt for sliced avocado instead of guacamole and salsa fresca or pico de gallo instead of salsa especial. Any roasted or special salsa will often contain fats and oils that we don't need.

Japanese: This may be one of the easiest menus to navigate and a personal favorite. First off there is a bevy of healthy low fat or healthy fat sashimi. Feel free to dine on tuna, salmon or hamachi with seaweed salad or a green salad. Miso soup is also a lower calorie item though many varieties may have a high sodium content. Avoid crispy rolls and rolls with tempura. Ask your server if they offer brown rice or or low carb soy or cucumber wraps for your sushi. The grilled mackrel or saba shioyaki as it will appear on most menus is full of healthy fats and minerals but be sure to tell the chef to go easy on the oil and salt used to grill this dish.

Italian: Ah the tantalizing pasta dish can be very hard to resist. If you must have pasta remember your portion sizes, these restaurants are known for big family style dishes. Look for words like fresco (fresh), pomodoro (simple blend of tomatoes, onions, olive oil and basil) or primavera (this means spring but think fresh veggies). Italian restaurants usually have a few delicious fish or poultry choices as well.

There are many options and no excuses when eating out. It's okay to splurge every once in a while, personal trainer Christian Aguirre knows you deserve a treat here and there. But don't skip out on a new eatery or fun night with friends because of a diet. Be a smart diner with these tips.

Miso Soup with James Brown

Macrobiotic chef Jessica Porter teaches how to cook miso soup to her cooking assistant, James Brown (Sheila Jackson)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HjLdDDGbqM&hl=en

Alkaline Foods - What Are They & Which To Eat

A body which is higher in acid is like a magnet attracting all kinds of diseases. The human body maintains an ideal body ph of 7.3 which is more alkaline than acidic in nature. An alkaline ph helps the various body mechanisms to function well as well as the different vital organs to carry out their designated functions to an optimum level. Now what is needed it to maintain this ideal ph level by consuming various types of Alkaline foods. Acidic foods should be consumed minimally while most of our diet should consist of alkaline foods.

The various types of alkaline foods are mostly vegetables and fruits. Consuming these will help oxygenate the body system and so lead to rejuvenation of body cells. The various types of vegetables that fall in this category are garlic, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, mushrooms, sprouts, barely grass, wheat grass and many more. Apart from cranberries all other fruits also belong to this category. Apples, bananas, honeydew, melons, cherries, dates and all the rest are alkaline in nature. Even though lemons are acidic in essence but when consumed they have an alkalizing effect on the body as opposed to having an acidic effect. Even citrus fruits which are acidic before consumption have an alkalizing effect on the human body. These fruits should be consumed in abundance so as to maintain a normal ph. Melons is not good foods to combine with other eats so should be consumed separately.

This is not to say that only non protein foods come under this category. Eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, chicken breast, tofu, pumpkin seeds, squash seeds, millet, nuts,sunflower seeds are all proteins that are considered alkaline foods. They can safely be consumed and shall be beneficial to the body. Green tea and herbal teas are also foods that are alkaline in nature. Various fruit and vegetable juices are also classified as alkaline foods. Those with sweet tooth should take stevia which is a flower obtained sweetener and is the only alkaline sweetener. Miso is another food that is highly alkaline and taking miso soup can be very beneficial to the body.

Many spices such as cinnamon curry leaves mustard chillie pepper and sea salt are all alkaline foods. Sea salt containing iodine is highly recommended. Acidic foods like various meats and oils should not make up for more than 25% of our food intake. One the other hand 75% of our food should constitute alkaline food so as to keep a healthy body. If there is a constant feeling of fatigue or frequently reoccurring illnesses then a lot of such food should be consumed. All illnesses have their roots in the body ph getting acidic and a lot of care should be taken to keep the ph levels alkaline in nature. There fore a high consumption of foods that are alkaline is highly recommended in order to lead a healthy and long life.

Lose Weight and Reduce Fatigue Naturally

1. Boost the Energy of Your Spleen to Raise Metabolism

In summer, we tend to drink and eat cold foods. Yet, cold foods and drinks can suppress the energy of the spleen to create sluggish digestion and metabolism. Cold foods and drinks can also aggravate low energy and fatigue so that you feel less motivated to exercise.

In Asia, where obesity rates are lower than in the U.S., warm beverages and foods are used year round as digestive aids to warm the spleen, improve digestion, and increase metabolism.

Adding a bowl of miso soup or vegetable soup to meals can help counter the cooling effects of cold salads and other summer dishes. Soups are also a great addition to cold sandwiches. Stick to the low sodium and low fat varieties for optimum benefit.

Consider replacing iced beverages with warm tea to give further support to your spleen. Try a soothing cup of peppermint, spearmint, chrysanthemum (available in Asian supermarkets), or chamomile tea at room temperature or warmed. All of these teas:

Provide antioxidants to help detoxify the body (a necessary process to achieving successful and long lasting weight loss).

Energetically cool the body to help you acclimate to hotter external temperatures.

Cool the energy of the liver which can help improve sleep, avoid agitated states, and lower blood pressure naturally.

2. Use an Online Caloric/Fat/Carbohydrate Tracker

No more hunting for calorie counters. SparkPeople (http://www.sparkpeople.com) makes journaling food choices easy and empowering.

This free service allows you to input your current weight and height to determine a body mass index.

Next, you can set weight and dietary goals based on your BMI. The program will generate menu items and allow you to input your food choices for daily meals to determine calories, carbohydrates, fats and other nutritional qualities of each food listed.

You can also enter custom foods to create your own meals. The system has a database of over 10,000 food items to make tracking customized meals easy.

The website also has a handy fitness tracker that complements the nutrition tracker. Demonstrations of exercises are also given online.

Blogs, newsletters, health articles and community support are also helpful resources that empower you to reach your weight loss and fitness goals.

3. Move that Body with Qi Gong!

Yes, moving the body for 30 minutes or more a day will benefit you whether you hike, swim or run.

However, internal healing exercises such as qi gong not only raise your metabolism and increase cardiovascular fitness but also:

Improve core strength.

Improves the energy flow of internal organs.

Detoxify the body at a profound level.

Decrease fatigue and increase energy.

Increases meditative states to reduce stress.

Qi gong also greatly increases your body's capacity to absorb oxygen. Also, the European Journal of Cancer care published a report in 2005 that showed that qigong has a positive impact on a cellular level for cancer patients.

Qi gong movements are gentle and Tai-Chi-like which makes it easy for all people, young, old, healthy or recovering from illness to participate.