Ukulele & Cajon - Miso Soup

This is an original song by Nekomachi (cat town). Nekomachi are ; Sumakichan : Ukulele, Vocal kyoco : Cajon, Ukulele, Vocal



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-UZm-Ubifw&hl=en

Carbohydrates in Food

The carbohydrates in food have a massive impact on our ability to lose weight and there seems to be so much misinformation surrounding this macronutrient. When someone decides to lose weight whether it is for summer, an event or simply to improve their health, one of the first changes they consider making is to their eating habits. The carbohydrates in food is definitely an area that needs to be considered.

Once the decision to lose weight is made, the next step taken is to research their possible diet options. This may involve speaking with people, reading magazine articles or visiting their local book store to try and find the 'Holy Grail' of diets- the diet that is guaranteed to shed the fat off their body quickly and with little effort.

Of course a diet-only approach to fat loss is futile in itself but to make matters worse, dieters often become hopelessly confused about what to eat for the best results. Should they reduce their fat intake? Cut out all their carbohydrates? Only eat soup for a few days? Eat based on their blood type? Follow a de-tox diet? Liver cleansing? The options are endless.

The area that probably has dieters baffled the most is the issue of carbohydrates in food. Currently there are two dominant schools of thought when it comes to carbohydrate consumption.

On the one hand, we have dietitians and nutritionists telling us for the last 20 years that the carbohydrates in food don't make us fat. This view is clearly stated in their promotion of the USDA's Food Pyramid and in more recent times, The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

Both of these food guides recommend the majority of food intake come from refined carbohydrate sources, like bread, pasta, rice, cereals and other grain-based food products.

In fact, the USDA Food Pyramid recommends we eat 6-11 serves a day of these carbohydrate sources in order to have a healthy diet! The advocates of this style of eating are often heard to say things like, 'The carbohydrates in food doesn't make you fat, it is what you put on the food that makes you fat.' Examples include, sour cream on potatoes or butter on bread.

On the other hand, there are the advocates of low-carb diets. Popularised by Dr Robert Atkins in the 70's (even though their use has been documented for at least 150 years), low-carb eating appears to be experiencing a re-surgence. This is due mainly to the fact that many Hollywood celebrities have confessed to using them to achieve their movie-star bodies.

As a result, the market is being flooded with low-carb diet books and an amazing array of low-carb products, including meal replacement bars, cookies, muffin mixes, cereal products, pizza bases and many others. Often these diets allow an almost unlimited amount of food so long as carbohydrates are restricted.

These diametrically opposed views often leave people hopelessly confused about what to eat to achieve maximum weight loss. In this article I hope to clear up the confusion about carbohydrates in food so you can enjoy your food whilst at the same time lose all the body fat you want.

Insulin and glucagon
In considering the carbohydrates in food and its affect on our body fat stores, we must firstly understand the function of two hormones, insulin and glucagon.

Both of these hormones are produced by the pancreas (an organ that sits behind the stomach) and work in concert to regulate our blood glucose level. For example, when our blood glucose level rises (after a meal), insulin is the hormone responsible for storing the glucose and normalising the blood glucose level. When the blood glucose level falls, glucagon promotes the release of glucose from the liver, bringing the level back up again.

For fat loss to occur, insulin release must be minimised as much as possible because of the effects it has in the body, which include:

o Promotes the storage of nutrients in cells (positive effect- anabolic).
o Promotes the storage of fat in the adipocytes (fat cells).
o Promotes the uptakes of glucose into the adipocytes and their conversion into fat.
o Increases the activity of fat manufacturing and fat storing and enzymes (lipoprotein lipase - LPL and fatty acid synthase - FAS).
o Inhibits the release of fat from the adipocytes (it stops fat burning).

Insulin is released as a result of mainly two factors and the amount of insulin released is in direct proportion to these two factors.

o The size of a meal.
o The amount of glucose in the bloodstream.

Accordingly, eating smaller, more frequent meals may help to reduce the insulin response (i.e. eat 5 or 6 small meals a day).

Also, regulating the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream will help. This may be achieved by:

o Reducing the portion of carbohydrate in each meal.
o Emphasising low Glycaemic Index (GI) carbohydrates.
o Emphasising low-density carbohydrates.
o Ensuring each meal contains a portion of protein, fat and fibre as well as carbohydrate.

Reducing the portion of carbohydrate in each meal
Since insulin is released in response to an increase in blood glucose and fat loss will be maximised if insulin is low, people may be forgiven for thinking that a low-carb diet is the answer.

Whilst it is true that these diets do promote fat loss, I do not recommend them for the following reasons:

o They are too hard to sustain long-term.
o They may lead to deficiency diseases due to their avoidance of fruits and vegetables.
o They may negatively affect bodily functions due to a reduced fibre intake and possible high intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Despite the possible negative consequences of low-carb diets, the overall philosophy of reduced insulin response is sound. Therefore, people wanting to lose bodyfat should reduce (without eliminating) their portion sizes of carbohydrate in every meal.

Emphasising low Glycaemic Index (GI) carbohydrates
The GI is a score given to foods based on how rapidly the carbohydrates in food causes a rise in blood glucose after being consumed. A high GI means the food causes a rapid rise in blood glucose and a low GI means the food causes a more sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Since a rise in blood glucose promotes insulin release we should emphasise low GI carbohydrates in our diet.

Emphasising low-density carbohydrates
Carbohydrate density describes the amount of carbohydrate a food contains per serve. For example, pasta (high-density) contains 76.5 grams of carbohydrate per 100 grams whilst broccoli contains a minuscule 0.5 grams per 100 grams. Obviously the greater the carbohydrate density the greater the likelihood of the food causing a rapid rise in blood glucose, and in turn, insulin as well.

Ensuring each meal contains a portion of protein, fat and fibre
Not only does having protein, fat and fibre with the carbohydrates ensure a more 'nutritionally complete' meal but these nutrients also have the effect of slowing down the absorption rate of the carbohydrates, which allows a more sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream and therefore a reduced insulin response.

Quite often people will have a piece of fruit, a diet yoghurt or a low-fat muffin for their mid-morning or mid-afternoon meal in their quest to lose body fat.

Unfortunately, these foods alone don't provide an adequate amount of all the nutrients required by the body and may also cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, halting fat loss
in its tracks!

As a result, these foods should only be consumed with other foods to ensure a complete meal. For example, have a piece of fruit with some nuts, mix a small amount of cottage cheese with the yoghurt (it doesn't taste that bad- honest!) or have a low-fat muffin with a protein shake.

From this information it is safe to conclude that following a diet based on the Food Pyramid or the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating isn't the best way to assist your weight loss efforts. Furthermore, a big question to ask yourself is this:

'Since the Food Pyramid was designed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), do their interest lie in looking after your health or in supporting the economy?'

[NOTE: The base of the Food Pyramid recommends 6-11 serves a day of high density, mostly high GI, refined, grain-based carbohydrates.]

In summary, your weight loss efforts will be greatly improved by consuming carbohydrates in food in the following way:

o Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
o Reduce your portion size of carbohydrate without eliminating it.
o Ensure all meals contain portions of carbohydrate, protein, fat and fibre.
o Slow the passage of glucose into the bloodstream by emphasizing low-density and low GI carbohydrates.

If you make an effort to ensure these recommendations are followed every day with regards to carbohydrates in food, you can literally watch the fat melt off your body! Go for it!

Colon Cleanse

Our body needs to be maintained healthy by regular bowel movements. At least one bowel movement in a day will help prevent diseases. However, with the unhealthful diet of eating food made of white flour, antibiotics-filled meats, white flour and many others, our bodies become more prone to acquiring diseases and worse, colon cancer. One good way of removing all these toxins and congestion is through colon cleanse. It is beneficial not only for your health, but also for your well-being as a whole.

You may not be aware that there may be 5 lbs. up to 40 lbs. of fecal matter stuck in your colon. The main cause of this accumulation is that your colon may not be able to effectively process these junk foods. If this will not be flushed out through a colon cleanse and will be allowed to sit in longer, then this may become toxic to your body and may lead to chronic symptoms such as:

* Back Aches

* Bad Breath

* Bloating

* Body Odor

* Bowel / Colon Cancer

* Constipation

* Fatigue

* Depression

* Poor Appetite

* Weak Immune System

* Weight Loss / Weight Gain

There are many ways to reduce the risks of having a poor colon and avoid harboring serious diseases. The best colon cleanse to consider is the natural colon cleanse. Other methods may involve you taking supplements and chemicals, or even undergo medical procedures. Natural colon cleanse simply requires you to change your diet. Increase your quantity intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fiber-rich cereals and bran are also helpful in making sure that your colon functions correctly to flush out the compacted matter. Don't forget the most basic of all, drinking lots of water. Here are other simple things to remember when doing such natural cleanse:

* Avoid using dairy products.

* Cut in half the amount of meat you consume.

* Eat whole grain cereal with Soya milk for your breakfast.

* For snack, eat at least 2 hours before retiring. Eat light. You may have a non-creamed soup, fruit or vegetable salad with a non-fat dressing.

Having a homemade colon cleanse is another great way to stay healthy. You may choose from a wide variety of homemade recipes. Organic blended juices and herbal mixtures are the most popular. Take note of the following ingredients you should add in to make your homemade cleanse more effective:

* Fruit and Vegetable Juice or water fast - radishes, beets, celery, parsley, ginger, garlic, cayenne, kale, wheat grass, etc.

* Psyllium Husk Seeds or Flax Seeds or other herbs - flax seeds or flax seed oil, cayenne pepper, ginger, aloe leaf, senna, etc

* Bentonite Clay - As the name suggests - it's just clay that has been used by natives and Indians then as a detoxifier.

* Probiotics - yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, and some juices and soy drinks

If you want to try an affordable product to help treat waste build up in your colon, then Super Colon Cleanse is one good choice. Apart from providing a healthy balance in the intestines, it also helps you shed unwanted pounds. Furthermore, the product helps restore energy and vitality. The only downside is that this is not recommended for children and young adults because of Senna and Buckthorn Root. Also, there has been no approved therapeutic claim about the product since it serves as a mere supplement. Here are its main ingredients that makes it literally "super".

* Psyllium Husk Powder - It is a fiber that helps the food in your intestines be formed in a mass and be flushed out from the body.

* Senna - This is a plant that increases the regularity for stool.

* Fennel Seed - It is rich in vitamins and helps your body to digest well.

* Peppermint - This has many benefits. Any excess fats and waste are effectively broken down plus it also helps the stomach calm during constipation or any illness.

* Papaya - This fruit is a digestive aid that effectively breaks down the food that you intake.

* Rose Hips - This is another digestive aid that helps soothe the body.

* Buckthorn Bark - This supports the digestive system muscles to help them function properly.

* Celery - There are many necessary nutrients in celery that are good antioxidants.

* Milk-Free Acidophilus - This dairy-free product help replenish the good bacteria in your body.

In choosing the right colon cleanse product, it is best to look for and read over colon cleanse reviews to further compare the advantages and disadvantages of available products.

There are four criteria in making sure that the product of your choice is good:

1. Money Back Guarantee - There are many colon cleanse products that promise a money back guarantee. If a company lives up to its promises then it is likely that the product they produce does actually work.

2. The Product Cost - Quality and high cost does not necessarily go hand in hand. You can still find good colon cleanse products that are equally effective as those expensive ones without compromising your budget.

3. Customer Review - Feedbacks from consumers are great evidences of a quality product.

4. Effectiveness and Safety - There are many companies that label ingredients on the package of the colon cleanse product but include only a portion of the claimed amount. This then will compromise the colon cleanse benefits of the product.

There are many different colon cleanse products in the market to choose from. The easiest way is to do it online. However, finding an authentic and of high quality colon cleanse product may be a bit tricky. Here is a good site to visit - http://www.botanicliving.com.

Ration MRE japanese JSDF aggressive aliment 2/3 apricot steak

I like japanese cuisine JSDF TypeⅡ menu 鮭塩焼き SAKE-SIOYAKI ■salmon grilling fish with salt （salmon steak） ■Japanese rice（白米） ■Potato salad ■Aburaage Miso soup let's to eat



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIppyc3JPDM&hl=en

Eczema - Vegetables to Eat

We all know the importance of eating vegetables daily. But lack of this practice may invite some infections to take part in normal activities of the body. Eczema is one among those. So, everyone especially the victims of eczema should know the importance of the vegetables, the well wishers of health.

Vegetables should be highly preferred during lunch. This is because the body usually starts digestion at this time. So, for performing digestion it needs tremendous amount of energy from the body. So, vegetables are highly responsible for supplying these nutrients.

As a regular practice, one should stick to use fresh coconut oil for cooking. Vegetables should be either lightly steamed or raw. Sprouted grains with avocoda, tomato, cilantro, olives provide enhanced energy level to the body. Sweet potatoes are highly rich in nutrients. One can go for vegetable soups also if he/she prefers.

Vegetable salads with steamed green beans and boiled potatoes are highly advisable for curing eczema. These foods contribute to most of the calories that are necessary for the body metabolism. These vegetables contain Phytonutients which helps in healing the rashes formed due to eczema.

Miso soup and brown rice with steamed vegetables can also be taken to relieve soon. They help in cleaning the body by eliminating the toxins. It helps in fighting against the germs even at cellular level. Sauted mushrooms in coconut oil are also healthy enough to fight against bacterial infections. Coconut oil is usually prepared for frying all vegetables. This is because they are fat free.

Celery contains sodium content which will neutralize the acid in the body and helps in eliminating the carbon dioxide from the body. This gives a natural diuretic effect. Parsely, having high nutrient content cleans the body and gives high potential for all metabolic activities. The top part of the carrot possesses phytochemical which helps in healing. Cilantro can remove all the heavy metals from the body. Kale and cucumber also helps in enhancing the health which indirectly cures these kinds of bacterial infections.

Doujin Naruhina

holaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! soy kakashikha93 eliminaron mi antigua cuenta (kakashika93) espero qm sigan apoyando y vean mis videos!!! les agradesco a todos por el apoyo!!! cuidense!!! cancion: Miso soup:ikimono Gakari



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqyyCYbqd4c&hl=en

Making of Miso Soup 5/7

VIP - Making of Miso Soup Or should it be "Making Miso Soup"? Or "How to do Miso Soup with a Coffee Maker"? Camera: samyaol@youtube



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9jlJJA2nOg&hl=en

Vegetarian Japanese Cooking - Free Recipe Tips

Japanese food is one of the healthiest foods in the world, and it is due mostly to the fact that Japanese cuisine involves a lot of vegetable dishes. Many people simply love Japanese food, and vegetarians are a great fan of their cuisine. Yet most people hesitate to try vegetarian Japanese cooking, for fear that it is difficult to prepare, or the ingredients will be hard to come by. But vegetarian Japanese cooking is very simple and easy to prepare, and here are some recipes to help you get started:

Miso soup is one dish that is never missed in Japanese meals. Served before eating, miso soup is a healthy starter that will surely whet your appetite. Preparing miso soup is easy, once you have the right ingredients. It is very rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, so this is a healthy alternative to many appetizers that we have grown accustomed to. Also, because of its rich taste, it complements almost any type of Japanese dish.

To make miso soup, you will need three cups of dashi, one fourth cup of red or white miso, a slice of tofu that is one inch long and a half inch wide, and two teaspoons of chopped green onions. Place the dashi in a saucepan and wait for it to boil. The miso, in a small sieve, should be placed on top of the dashi, then stirred and slowly pushed out. Do this until the miso is completely mixed into the dashi. Dice the tofu into cubes and put it into the soup. Garnish with the green onions, and if you wish, you may also add some wakame seaweed. Most Japanese restaurants do this, as it adds flavour and texture to the soup.

Vegetarian Japanese cooking starts with the miso soup; enjoy this before eating a meal, or in the morning, when you wake up.

Top 10 Restaurants to Dine at When Visiting New York - Written by a New Yorker

Usually out of towners when they think of New York dining, they think of very lavish, expensive food with interior décor designed by well known star-chitects with even more well known celebrity chef's endorsing the restaurant name.  While those restaurants (Olive, Spice Market, or all the Jean Georges for that matter) are fantastic restaurants- they should be, because outrageous sums of money are dedicated to their marketing, and management team, where the taste, quality of food is just one of the important factor in the well oiled machine that is the culinary food experience.  However, I want to highlight some of my favorite restaurants that are all a bit under the radar, and should be on your list of restaurants to hit if you are visiting from out of town.

Incidentally, in case you're wondering, I have been living in New York for 7 years, and have tried lots of local cuisine from Asia to Africa, so I do have a palette that enjoys and recognizes ethnic foods. I should also mention that I eat out pretty regularly, about 5 times a week, but I am not in the restaurant biz, nor endorsing any particular restaurant.  Just my faves, since great food/ experiences are meant to be shared!

Below is the list of restaurants that I will actually leave my neighborhood on the UWS to dine at- and repeatedly dine at:

1.    Casa Mono- Tapas-

Incredibly small space- but they do have a sister wine bar next door called Bar Jamon that allows you to sip on excellent Riojas while you wait.  This is also a really smart business tactic, so they never really lose customers to long waits.  The food is really based on Catalan style tapas, and not the northern Pinxchos variety, and it is more "done up" than you're typical run of the mill tapas bar that serve tortillas (Spanish omelets loaded in butter and potatoes) and croquettes. They serve a mean razor clam dish, and braised short rib.  Although I'm not a fan of sweet bread (that would be brain...) it's pretty darn good from what I've heard.  Décor is simple, dark woods, and ambiance is dark and cozy.

2.    Sakagura- Japanese/ Sake Bar

A completely random location in the basement in midtown east, but if you're looking for the best braised pork belly, authentic yet exquisite Japanese street food and sake served the way it should be (not in a box, but iced in a traditional hollowed out glass server) this is where you should try.  It is in the basement of an office building, but if you go around late April, early May, it is filled with actual cherry blossoms attached to each column.  Sensational!  There is no sushi there- only prepared cooked food, and no, you won't find any chicken teriyaki there either.  The miso eggplant and green tea truffles are to die for.

3.    Bon Chon Chicken- Fried Chicken/ Korean-

More of a late night spot, this K-town bar/ restaurant is located on Fifth right off 32nd, and has a seedy looking entrance with a random red velvet rope to go upstairs.  Twice I have gone and it has smelled like baby powder, but if you can get past that disconcerting smell- once you taste the fried chicken, you will never have fried chicken anywhere else.  Deep fried in olive oil, there are two flavors- garlic and garlic.  Go with either one =)  And get the spicy ones.  They also have popcorn made with cayenne pepper and raisins- bizarre combination, but really tasty.  Beer is served by the pitcher.  Other Korean food available too- but if you're just looking for K-food- there's more options right around the corner.  Here's fried chicken at its best.  Incidentally, lots of non-Koreans frequent this spot as well.

4.    Bobo- Pan- American cuisine-

Bobo stands for bohemian bourgeoisie- it is hidden downstairs on the corner of 10th street and 7th Ave, and once you enter, you'll feel that you're in someone's townhouse that you secretly wished you lived in.  I really go there because the ambiance is so spectacular which almost discredits the excellent menu there, but the décor is to die for.  Bookshelves lined with vintage books- crusty chandeliers, and a staircase clad in plaid and wool.  Very chic yet intimate.  In the summer, the outdoor garden opens up and is a real treat to out outside (sans tents).  Get the Wagyu sirloin or the seared sea scallops.  Good date spot.

5.    Morimoto- Big Box Japanese

It's easy to dislike this meat-packing, cavernous, overly loud Japanese restaurant filled with wait staff trained on ex-banker expense accounts.  Owned by Iron Chef Morimoto- filled with beautiful people (on weekdays), it happens to be a cut above the other  "Nobu knock-off's" around the corner- Matsuri, Buddah bar, Buddahkan, Tao, or Asia de Cuba- really because Tadao Ando designed the interior.  Walking through the half semi circle door with massive flapping curtains makes you feel like you're entering into a time warp, but sensibly done.  The large bi-level open space is utilized well by frosted/ dotted glass partitions set on an angle to maximize user space, yet create semi-intimate dining areas.  The food is, well, spectacular.  Miso glazed cod, rock shrimp tempura are the staples.

6.    Fornino- Pizza

Trekking to Brooklyn for good pizza hardly seems worth it, though it seems that enough people do it for that other pizza place (Grimaldi's)- which is highly overrated owing to good PR and press.  Fornino's is located on Bedford Ave off 7th and they make the most killer truffle oil/ mushroom pizza.  For a closer slice (in Manhattan)- John's Pizzeria is pretty good and worth the hype, though on the wet side.  Another nod to good pizza is- Posto pizza in Murray Hill- though they recently kicked out Jimmy Fallon because he bad mouthed another establishment on Twitter with the same management- which is just really just bad for business. Every New Yorker loves Jimmy Fallon.

7.    Peter Lugar's Steakhouse- Steakhouse-

Anywhere where they mock you for asking for an espresso or cappuccino is legit in my book.  This place actually lives up to the hype, and isn't laden in butter like Ruth Chris or a hit/miss like Prime 112.  There are certainly lots of great places for a slab of juicy meat in the city, but I'm listing this place as a steak house because you come here only for steak, and really nothing else though there is fish on the menu.  In addition to their steak for share, they have the best key lime pie, and tomato salad (best when loaded with the Lugar steak sauce on top!)  It used to be only construction workers, and men in blue shirts that go, but nowadays if you can get a table, its worth making the trip to BK.  They only take cash, and yes, their own credit card- the Peter Lugar credit card. 

8.    Malatesta- Italian Trattoria

Located on the corner of Christopher and Washington, this small intimate Italian restaurant is completely no frills- and only takes cash.  The cool wait staff  all speak Italian, and they don't take reservations- partially because they know they'll fill their tables at any given night- and partially because they just really don't care about making anyone a priority no matter who you are.  (They once made Christy Turlington wait behind me- what?) Pasta is simple, home made, and the way it should be.  Get the Spinach Gorgonzola Gnocchi or the rack of baby lamb.

9.    Ippudo- Japanese Ramen, cooked food

In the heels of Momofuku Noodle Shop, and Sobaya, comes this new ramen hot spot, Ippudo in the East Village.  As much as I love David Chang's usage of Berkshire pork in everything- his soup bases are almost too salty, and "Anglo-saxon-afied" whereas Ippudo's house ramen gets it just right.  In addition, the pork buns are also a cut above their competitors.  Get the Shisito peppers, pork buns, and try the sake unfiltered if you've never had it that way before.  Plan in waiting about 90 minutes for a table, even on a Monday night.  There's a bar across the street to get your drink on first, but it's worth the wait.

10.    Peasant (downstairs)- Rustic Italian

If you've ever dined at Peasant upstairs, you'll realize just how much Italian you really don't know.  Obscure phrases such as "Polpi in Purgatorio" (is that octopus in purgatory?) make you wonder what you've been eating all along in those other Italians places.  Food is exquisite, but lets face it, it's easy to find stellar food at $25 per entrée, but how about the same quality food at half price just downstairs?  Peasant downstairs is literally right below the one upstairs.  You walk through these large wooden doors that are unmarked which feels like you're entering into a bomb shelter- but once you're inside, it's the completely unexpected warm exposed brick and beam construction, thick heavy curtains lining the walls, and flickering candle light on each long slab wooden table that makes you feel that you've just entered a dimly lit Michelangelo Antonioni movie in the 1970's.  Romantic, inviting, and the noise level at a good boisterous, but still low enough hear your friends talking.  The food is generally meant for sharing- simple salads, rustic pizzas, and a fierce charcuterie plate make this a low key, yet supremely rich dining experience.

Dinner with Emma :)

Emma is drinking miso soup. And.. what's under the table? Emma looked completely surprised at the end.. HAHAHAH..



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

how to accomplish miso soup

another day in marburg with kirk n mark



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axb46Hpp2wU&hl=en

10 Steps to a Strong Immune System

Being ill is dreadful, inconvenient and can cause real stress when it stops us from doing the things we need to get on with. Having a strong immune system is key to staying healthy. Our immune system is made up of cells, organs, proteins and tissue, and offers protection against illnesses and viruses. What can you do to ensure you have a strong immune system?

10 Steps to a STRONG Immune system

1. Hydration - There's a reason your doctor always advices to drink plenty of fluids. Water is the key to regulating your body's systems and temperature. It is especially important in aiding your body of eliminating toxins as well as keeping your mucous membranes moist and therefor able to fight the germs it encounters.

2. Vitamin C - This is one that most people are aware of as it tends to get a lot of publicity. Vitamin C is well researched as an effective vitamin for boosting the immune system. Recommendations on the amount vary widely from 250 - 1000 mg. Vitamin C can be found in foods such as oranges, kiwis, red peppers, guavas. You can also take Vitamin C in supplement form

3. Sleep - Lack of sleep impairs the immune system therefor making you more vulnerable to colds and flu's. It's important to get a good quality sleep. The average person needs between 6.5-8.5 hours.

4. Sugar - This is a big one. Refined sugar is known to suppress the immune system. Like anything be cautious and keep sugar to a minimum. Opt for natural sweeteners such as agave syrup that doesn't spike insulin levels.

5. Probiotics - These are good bacteria that help stimulate the body's immune cells. They help fight against harmful bacteria and fungal overgrowth. Probiotics can be taken in supplement form or found in foods such as bio-live yoghurts, miso and kefir

6. Fruits and Vegetables - This is probably one of the most important as fresh fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients known to help the body fight disease. Best had fresh and organic however research shows that high quality supplements such as Juice Plus have been proven to close the gap between what we should eat and what we actually eat each day.

7. Avoid Processed Foods - The chemicals, additives, preservatives, sugars and sodium in processed foods put strain on the body's systems. Eat as natural as possible. To make you're own fast foods simply make batches of soups and stews and freeze for busy times. Also try carrying fruits, nuts and seeds for snacks to avoid impulse buys.

8. Proteins - High quality protein is essential to building cells which support the immune system. Lean organic meats, fish, eggs, nuts and whey protein are excellent sources.

9. Essential Fatty Acids - Fish oils are believed to support the immune system due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Fish oils can be found in oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon as well in supplement form.

10. Exercise - There's nothing better than one more reason to get your exercise! Moderate exercise is known to boost the immune system by helping cells to circulate around the body quicker. Overtraining or excessive exercise however can have the opposite effect.

There you have 10 ways to keep yourself strong, healthy and happy!

organic aliment arcade trip

A trip to the healthfood store and what I got.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9wJ2dO_2as&hl=en

Typical Breakdown of Macrobiotic Diet - What You Can Eat

There are many varied diets and trends that you will find in your search for losing weight. One of these is the macrobiotic diet, a nutritional regimen that has been in existence for a very long period of time. The diet includes stiff restrictions and regulations. It has been improved by having been infused with the know-how of body health and nutritional needs, the product of which is a thrilling program that really works. It guarantees that your body will get a full range of healthy essential foods and nutrients.

Initially, the macrobiotic diet is considered as a specific variety of a vegetarian diet. It is going to center on only some specific food groups. You will not be allowed to eat meat or dairy products. There is success in the program because your meal will consist of healthy and nutritious whole grains. You will need to cut down your intake of junk food in your meals including white breads, processed foods because they will only be giving you little to no nutritional value. Whole grains are responsible for 50-60 percent of your total calorie intake.

Fresh vegetables should also be a part of your program. Vegetables should always be included in any health program. Cook the vegetables in such a way that they will not lose the nutrients. Boiling, steaming, or sauté with a small amount of oil are the best ways to cook vegetables. The vegetable you may eat includes beans and soy products. Include fish in your meal, as this is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.

A typical macrobiotic diet will consist of the following:

o Soup - 1-2 cups/day
o Beans - 5-10%
o Vegetables - 25-30%
o Whole grains - 50-60%
o Nuts, fish, fruits, miso soup - 5-20%

DEATH COOKBOOK 3 | The Cook-Off. Goth Cooking Show Battle, Hungry Ghost v. La Carmina, Iron Chef

A Goth Cooking Show duel, inspired by Iron Chef and Death Note! La Carmina travels to Tokyo to challenge the Hungry Ghost master. He cooks all-white foods, while hers are all-black. Will Carmina make it out of his lair alive? Thank goodness she has Kojin and the Death Cookbook! For more LA CARMINA, visit www.lacarmina.com (friend me and view my daily blog!) "Hello. I am Kojin, the Japanese Kitchen God. You can see me because you touched the Death Cookbook." HOW TO USE... Write down the name of a recipe and close the book. When you open the book, a recipe from the realm of the gods will appear. THERE ARE 3 CATCHES... One, only those who touch the cookbook can see Kojin and use the cookbook. Two, you can only make one entry in the cookbook every 24 hours. Three, once a recipe appears, you have 24 hours to gather the ingredients and successfully make it. If you don't, you will turn into a hungry ghost. HIJIKI TOFU MISO SOUP (recipe is Vegan!) 1 piece kombu (seaweed) 1 block soft organic tofu 1 cup hijiki (seaweed) 5 shiitake mushrooms 2 tbs tamari (Japanese soy sauce) 3 tbs miso paste If using dried hijiki, soak the hijiki for at least 10 minutes. Chop the tofu and mushrooms to bite-sized pieces. Sautee the mushrooms in 1 tbs oil until just cooked. Wipe the kombu and place in 1 medium saucepan filled with water. Heat until almost boiling, then remove the kombu and let boil. Add the mushrooms, hijiki, and tofu; simmer for 20 minutes. Add the miso and stir well. Serve warm ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr36TF2xeU8&hl=en

The Benefits of Beets

So I'm sitting here eating a beet salad and I thought: "what better thing to talk about in a health article than the beautiful beet"?

Beets are an amazing health food. They contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon cancer. They increase liver antioxidants that detoxify your body and promote a youthful body, inside and out. They have also been shown in studies to drop total cholesterol by 30%, drop triglyceride levels by 40%, and significantly raise HDL (beneficial cholesterol) levels.

Eating beets (a good source of betaine), especially when in conjunction with foods high in choline (egg yolk, soy beans), helps to significantly lower markers of chronic inflammation that have been linked to a wide range of conditions including heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and Alzheimer's and type-2 diabetes.

Beets are a wonderful source of numerous minerals, vitamins and fibre. Grate them raw onto a salad or sandwich or have them in a traditional borscht soup. You can even juice them along with other vegetables for an amazingly energizing drink (try Booster Juices' Red Sunrise - it is SO tasty and very good for you!). Even beet leaves are nutritious and can be used in your cooking.

There is yet another benefit to eating beets: you can see how long your "transit time" is for your food, to establish how well your colon is functioning. It should take 18-24 hours for the bright red of the beets to show up in the toilet, if your colon is functioning properly. (Please consult a holistic health practitioner if it's not!)

The beet is woefully overlooked, easy to grow, readily available in our climate and is one of the best nutrient powerhouses you will find, so embrace stained red fingers and eat up!

On The Brightside - NeverShoutNever! (Cover)

I absolutely love NeverShoutNever so I decided to do a cover of one of his songs. This is a really cute song that I just love to death, although I heard it first about 30 minutes before I recorded this video.....Haha. But anyways, I hope you likes it :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uL85fIiGjg&hl=en