DivaLove18

My thoughts

2012-01-15T23:15:00.001-05:00

Almost 2 years ago I decide to escape. Escape a life that wasn't for me. I decide stop being someone it wasn't me. I decide to stop trying to fit in.

I was living a joke. I hate my life, I hate what I became. I was in a relationship were I wasn't happy, with someone I didn't love anymore. I wasn't the best wife, the best mother.

I know that I hurt so many people with my decision. It wasn't my intention, but it was for the best.

I decide to go solo and discover life again. To see what's out there for me. To start a new life. It's not been easy at all. It have to break a lot of obstacles, but this make me stronger. Also, I discover my strength and my weakness. I discover how far I can go. But by doing all this, I lost the love of the person that I love. That person is my daughter. I hope that she one day can understand why I left, that she can understand that this have nothing to do with her. That she can understand how much I love her.

If you ask me now that if was worth it, I would tell you yes. I'm not happy, I'm not where I want to be, but at least I'm free. I'm free to say what I want to say and to do what I want to do.

There so many times that I felt like I failure, because I'm not on the level that I want to be. Sometimes I don't want to live anymore, because I'm not happy, because I'm lonely.

I don't have yet the career I want, but I'm working on it. I have to beak so many walls. But not all have been bad. I discover new talents on my and I have been gathering experience. Just living one day at a time.

You might ask, what about love? In that department I haven't have any luck either. Just my heartbroken so many times. Why is so hard to find love. Why is so hard to find someone that love you for who you are. Why people can't be honest. Why they have to come to your life making you believe something, when in the end was a lie.

You don't have any idea on how lonely I am. On how lonely I feel. You see me out smiling and be the center of attention, but at the end of the day I come home to an empty place. Underneath that happiness is a sad, lonely person. A person that is hungry to be love. A person that just want to be truly happy.

Sometime I feel disappointed, I feel like I'm stuck in the same place. That no matter what I'm still in the same place.

I don't know what the future is ahead, but I guess that I have to keep moving to see what's ahead.
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Quote of the Day

2012-01-04T20:17:00.000-05:00

Discipline is what you do when no one is looking.

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Word of wisdom

2011-10-06T20:27:00.001-04:00

In the place of sorrow appear joy, in the place of sickness appears health, in the place of lack appears plenty.

F. Scovill Shinn

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2011-10-06T20:23:00.001-04:00

It's amazing how the person I less expect were there when I most need it. One thing just came to my mind is that every time I feel sad or need to vent myself u never there.

U know what is amazing u don't know nothing. U really don't know whom am I. U never ask me how I feel, if something bother me, if am ok. That show me that u really don't love me, that u really don't care about me.

If u really care about someone u would know how that person is and how that person feel. Even if u r busy u can always find a minute to send a short message, but not u, of course.

All this show me that u r so selfish and that u r only thinking about yourself. Now I can see all clear.

Now is my time and I'm not going to waste my time dreaming on this. I deserve better. It's time to open my eyes and live the present. No more dreams, time to live on the reality.
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Life

2011-10-03T23:22:00.001-04:00

I'm really angry today. I'm always doing the right. Always going beyond. Always 100%. Always do the best I can do. But guess what? No one notice that or ever said anything. But I just made one mistake and it's a miracle. Everybody noticed that, everybody pointed that out.

It's not fair. Just one stupid error and now this. I can't make any other mistake because I would be out.

All the hard work that I been doing all this time being wash out for only one insignificant mistake.

Now what? Now I have to think a 1000 times every step I made, every word I said because if is not what the other is expecting or what it I would lose everything.

This is not fair at all. People should thing before they act. No because they made of a company they should take it over an employee that is trying to help and it's following the company policies.

And no because is not what you want to heard take over that person and put it in a position that person could lose their job.

Don't play with people income, specially when they are follow the rules and policies that they told them that need to follow. If you are mad at the company, think first before you make a big show at it and involve that employee and put it in a bad position and made that person to lose his/her job just because you are mad.

Think this: put yourself first on the position of that employee. Would like to that person to do what you just did to me and made me lose my job.

Don't be a b@#!? And think about it.
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Life

2011-09-25T15:12:00.000-04:00

Every time that I got a message from sound like you wrote for one of your motivational speech instead that for me.

I would like to know who are you in reality. Don't hide behind that brick wall. Let me see who are you.

We all come from hard time and in some cases from broken hearts. But you need to let others to see who are you in order to love you and accept you.

Don't be afraid. Come on.
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Mad love

2011-09-12T22:20:00.000-04:00

The things that we made in the name of love.

When we are in love everything look amazing. The days look brighter and the nights full of stars.

Love move mountains...

We all did stuff because we were in love. I always do. And the reason why is because I always follow my instincts, I always follow my heart. At the end not always go the way we want but we always have the memories of those times. And that will follow us for the rest of our life.

Think what u did for love and you will be surprise...
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2011-09-12T20:49:00.001-04:00

They are to die for. This pair of heel will make any outfit look amazing... The perfect finishing touch...
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From my heart (spanish version)

2011-09-11T22:28:00.001-04:00

Porque te quiero, porque cuando te miro a los ojos puedo ver tu alma.

Porque cuando me besas mi cuerpo se extremece.

Porque ahora que no te tengo cerca te anoro, te deseo, te pienso, te sueno, te necesito.

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Inspiration word of the day

2011-09-11T17:28:00.000-04:00

Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.

By: Henry David Thoreau

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Time

2011-09-11T17:02:00.001-04:00

It's so amazing how time fly. Already past 10 years of the disaster that change our country.

Let's take a time to remember all the people that lost their live on this day 10 years ago.

Time fly so fast, so take the time to tell your love ones how much you care and love them, you never know if tomorrow you are going to see them again.
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Love

2011-09-08T15:28:00.002-04:00

It's so hard to believe in your words because I heard them so many times before and in the end they were pure lies.

It's so hard to open your heart again when you been heartbroken so many times.

Sometimes make me think that love wasn't made for me. Because no matter how many times I try I always end up hurt.

I don't want to cry anymore. I don't want to be alone anymore. Please don't hurt me. If you don't love me, just walk away and leave me alone.
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Tip of the day

2011-09-03T21:33:00.001-04:00

You don't have to spend a million dollar to look like a million dollar. It's all about knowing your body and finding clothing that fit you well.
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Life

2011-09-03T21:28:00.001-04:00

Life is a blessing. You have to be grateful to be alive and to be healthy. As long you have life there is hope.

No one said that life is easy, but it's up to you how you choose to life your life.

Be happy... Be positive and you will see that everything will be fine.
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I love u

2011-09-02T22:19:00.001-04:00

I got to the conclusion that most people doesn't know what "I love you" really means. People just said that because they just looking for something else not because they really feel that way. Not because they really know the meaning of that word.

Don't said I love you if you don't feel that way. If you really love that person, actions speak louder than words. If you really love that person show it, not just said it. Show that you love and care about that person every time, every day.

DON'T SAID IT...SHOW IT!!!
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2011-09-01T22:10:00.001-04:00

My outfit for the Starz Award Dinner
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2011-09-01T22:10:00.000-04:00

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2011-09-01T22:09:00.001-04:00

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2011-09-01T22:09:00.000-04:00

Starz Award Dinner
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Starz Dinner Award

2011-09-01T22:08:00.001-04:00

It was a fun night. It was great to be there and expend a night with good people.

Congratulations to all the people that won an award. Well deserve it.
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2011-09-01T14:37:00.000-04:00

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2011-09-01T14:34:00.001-04:00

Almost time to get ready...
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Life

2011-09-01T14:16:00.004-04:00

Life is full of choices and is up to you what u want to choose. In my case, I decide to be happy and for that to take place mean that I have to be alone, then it's fine with me.

6 Surefire Ways to Stay Slim After 35

2010-04-28T20:56:00.001-04:00

6 Surefire Ways to Stay Slim After 35

The Dangers of Visceral Fat

2010-04-28T20:56:00.000-04:00

The Dangers of Visceral Fat

The Farmer's Market Diet

2010-04-28T20:55:00.001-04:00

The Farmer's Market Diet

http://www.lhj.com/health/fitness/one-minute-workouts/?sssdmh=dm17.443351&esrc=nwdt&email=1686979695

2010-04-28T20:55:00.000-04:00

http://www.lhj.com/health/fitness/one-minute-workouts/?sssdmh=dm17.443351&esrc=nwdt&email=1686979695

My Favorite Nail Color For April 2010: glamour.com

2010-04-27T21:22:00.001-04:00

My Favorite Nail Color For April 2010: glamour.com

Reader Tip: How to Make Your DIY Nail Polish Job Look Perfect: glamour.com

2010-04-27T21:22:00.000-04:00

Reader Tip: How to Make Your DIY Nail Polish Job Look Perfect: glamour.com

Alcohol and Weight Gain – The Effects of Alcohol on the Body – ELLE

2010-04-27T18:32:00.001-04:00

Alcohol and Weight Gain – The Effects of Alcohol on the Body – ELLE

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9 (Way Pretty) Date Makeup Ideas Beauty: glamour.com

2010-04-26T20:50:00.000-04:00

9 (Way Pretty) Date Makeup Ideas Beauty: glamour.com

12 New Evening Makeup Ideas Beauty: glamour.com

2010-04-23T20:18:00.000-04:00

12 New Evening Makeup Ideas Beauty: glamour.com

Journey - Open Arms (with Lyrics)

2010-04-22T22:42:00.000-04:00

Spring 2010 Makeup Trends | Beauty Blitz

2010-04-22T21:00:00.000-04:00

Spring 2010 Makeup Trends | Beauty Blitz

Spring 2010 Hair Trends | Beauty Blitz

2010-04-22T20:58:00.000-04:00

Spring 2010 Hair Trends | Beauty Blitz

Recipe of the Day!!!!

2010-04-22T20:53:00.003-04:00

Salsa, Black Bean, and Rice Salad Recipe

Quick Info:

Contains Dairy

Nutritional Info (Per serving):
Calories: 192, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 549mg, Dietary Fiber: 5g, Total Fat: 1g, Carbs: 42g, Cholesterol: 2mg, Protein: 9g
Exchanges: Vegetable: 2, Starch: 2
Carb Choices: 2.5

Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

* 2 cup(s) rice, long grain, cooked, chilled
* 1 can(s) beans, black, (15 ounces) rinsed and drained
* 2 cup(s) tomato(es), chopped
* 1 cup(s) pepper(s), red, bell, chopped
* 1 cup(s) corn, whole kernel frozen, thawed
* 2 scallion(s) (green onions), thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoon cilantro
* 1 cup(s) salsa
* 4 ounce(s) cheese, Monterey Pepper Jack, with jalapeno chile peppers, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
* lettuce leaves
* 1/2 cup(s) sour cream, light or fat-free

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, stir together chilled rice, black beans, tomatoes, sweet pepper, corn, green onions, and cilantro; add picante sauce or salsa. Toss to coat. If desired, stir in cheese.

2. To serve, line 6 salad bowls or plates with lettuce leaves. Top with rice mixture. Serve with sour cream.

FYI

2010-04-21T20:54:00.004-04:00

Solving the Problem of Ingrown Hairs

By Madeline Vann, MPH
Medically reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH

Hair normally grows out of a pore called a follicle. An ingrown hair occurs when the tip of the hair is caught in the follicle, but the hair continues to grow. This can cause inflammation, pain, irritation, and infection in some instances. A technical term you might hear your doctor use for one type of ingrown hair-related condition is pseudofolliculitis barbae, which affects some men in the beard area.

Ingrown hairs are commonly linked to “razor bumps” or “shaving bumps” — irritation that occurs after shaving. People with curly hair who shave often, such as African American men who shave their beard area, are particularly at risk for frequent ingrown hairs. Experts estimate that up to 60 percent of African American men who shave have experienced ingrown hairs. But anyone can have an ingrown hair almost anywhere on the body. Chins, legs, armpits, and bikini lines are all places where ingrown hairs frequently occur in women and men.

Ingrown Hair: How to Treat and Prevent

Treating ingrown hairs may be the only way to get some relief from the associated pain and aggravation, since most will not go away on their own. You may need to visit your family doctor or dermatologist to have the ingrown hair removed by releasing it from under the skin with a needle. Some aestheticians (beauty experts trained in services including facials and waxing) can do this too. If the ingrown hairs become infected, you might need an antibiotic cream or a prescription antibiotic as well.

Prescription remedies for ingrown hair include glycolic acid creams and cortisone creams, but laser hair removal is the best choice for treating and preventing ingrown hairs, says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, of the University of Miami Cosmetic Center.

Laser Hair Removal and Other Methods of Reducing Ingrown Hair

Laser hair removal helps reduce the number of hairs that can become ingrown. Laser hair removal does not permanently remove hair, but it can provide relief for months and, for some people, years.

The best way to avoid ingrown hairs is to let them grow. However, since not all men want a beard and many women dislike hair on their legs or under their arms, this might not be an option. Since shaving is linked to the development of ingrown hairs, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd advises, "If you have to shave, look for razors [such as electric razors] that are designed to prevent bumps."

When shaving, she says:

* Shave in the direction of hair growth (downward).
* Shave after a warm shower so that it's easier to remove hair from the follicles.
* “Avoid a very close shave. This makes the problem worse.”

Other approaches to managing ingrown hairs include:

* Shave less often.
* Do not tug or pull when you shave.
* Avoid shaving the same area repeatedly.
* Use a lubricating shaving gel or prescription shaving foam.
* Use an electric razor, as these are easier on the skin and don’t cut hair as close as a regular razor.
* Try depilatories, or creams that remove hair. Make sure to test on a small patch of skin to find out if you are sensitive to these chemical hair removal systems.

If you still find yourself struggling with ingrown hair, review your ingrown hair removal strategy with your health and beauty team (your family doctor, dermatologist, and/or your aesthetician) to see what further tweaks might be recommended for you.

Finding the Right Diet for You

2010-04-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

Finding the Right Diet for You

Perfect Fit: Bathing Suits for Every Body

2010-04-20T21:06:00.000-04:00

Perfect Fit: Bathing Suits for Every Body

RECIPE OF THE DAY

2010-04-20T21:03:00.001-04:00

Warm Red Cabbage Salad Recipe

Quick Info:

Servings

Contains NutsContains Nuts

Nutritional Info (Per serving):
Calories: 76, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 216mg, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Total Fat: 4g, Carbs: 10g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Protein: 2g
Carb Choices: 0.5

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

* 1 tablespoon oil, olive, extra virgin
* 4 cup(s) cabbage, red, thinly sliced
* 3/4 teaspoon caraway seeds
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 medium apple(s), sweet apple, such as Braeburn or Gala, cut into matchsticks
* 1 shallot(s), minced
* 1 tablespoon vinegar, red wine
* 1/2 teaspoon mustard, dijon-style
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper, black ground
* 2 tablespoon nuts, walnuts, chopped, toasted

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cabbage, caraway seeds and salt.
Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Remove from the heat. Add apple, shallot, vinegar, mustard and pepper and stir until combined. Serve sprinkled with toasted walnuts.

RECIPE OF THE DAY

2010-04-19T21:37:00.002-04:00

Walnut-Feta Yogurt Dip Recipe

Quick Info:

Servings
Contains NutsContains Nuts
Contains DairyContains Dairy
VegetarianVegetarian
Diabetes-FriendlyDiabetes-Friendly

Nutritional Info (Per serving):
Calories: 68, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 140mg, Dietary Fiber: 0g, Total Fat: 4g, Carbs: 5g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Protein: 4g
Exchanges: Dairy: 0.5, Fat: 0.5
Carb Choices: 0.5

Prep Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Ingredients

* 4 cup(s) yogurt, low-fat plain
* 1/2 cup(s) cheese, feta, crumbled
* 1/3 cup(s) nuts, walnuts
* 2 tablespoon tomato(es), sun-dried, snipped (not oil packed)
* 2 teaspoon oregano, fresh, or 1 teaspoon dried
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper, black
* nuts, walnuts, halves

Recipe Tip:
Chill 24 hours, plus 1 hour.

Preparation

1. For yogurt cheese, line a yogurt strainer, sieve, or small colander with 3 layers of 100%-cotton cheesecloth or a clean paper coffee filter. Suspend lined strainer over a bowl. Spoon yogurt into strainer. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours. Remove from refrigerator. Discard liquid in bowl.

2. Transfer yogurt cheese to a medium bowl. Stir in feta cheese, the chopped walnuts or pine nuts, dried tomatoes, oregano or marjoram, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up 24 hours. If desired, garnish with walnut half. Serve with assorted vegetable dippers.

Makes 2 cups

HEALTH

2010-04-19T21:33:00.000-04:00

Change Your Lifestyle, Lower Your Cholesterol

Therapeutic lifestyle changes, or TLC, can lower your cholesterol levels and put you on the road to good health.
By Lynn Yoffee

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Many people — 17 percent of Americans — have high cholesterol for a variety of reasons, most of which can be controlled. A healthy diet is one way to reduce the build-up of this fatty substance in your artery walls, which can often lead to heart disease.

If you have high cholesterol (200 mg/dL and higher) and have heart disease or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, created by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s National Cholesterol Education Program.

How to Lower Cholesterol: The TLC Diet

The TLC diet teaches you how to lower cholesterol levels. It revolves around an intensive lifestyle intervention to reduce your cholesterol and your chances for developing heart disease.

Here are the primary goals of the TLC diet:

* Reduce your sodium intake to 2,400 milligrams per day.
* Make sure saturated fats make up less than 7 percent of your daily calorie intake.
* Limit your fat calories to no more than 25 percent to 35 percent of your total calorie intake each day.
* Reduce your intake of dietary cholesterol, which is found in foods from animals, to less than 200 milligrams a day.
* Eat only enough calories each day to achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
* Limit your carbohydrate intake to 50 percent to 60 percent of your total daily calorie consumption, making sure it comes mostly from foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
* Make sure to consume about 15 percent of your daily calories in the form of protein.
How to Lower Cholesterol: Putting TLC to Work for You

The numbers that are explained above sound straightforward, but putting the TLC diet to work means you may need to find new ways to shop, eat, and cook. Here are a few tips to put you on the road to good health:

* To reduce sodium in your diet, pick low-sodium foods — such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low or nonfat dairy products — and eat moderate amounts of lean meat. Also, get rid of your salt shaker: Season with herbs and spices instead.
* Skip fatty cuts of meat, remove poultry skin, choose low-fat dairy products, and avoid foods that contain tropical oils, such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils.
* Changing your diet can be challenging. Your physician may send you to a registered dietitian (RD) for guidance on how to lower your cholesterol level. An RD will help create a TLC diet that will work for you, will keep tabs on your progress, and provide you with moral support.

Exercise to Lower Cholesterol

You don't have to become a marathon runner or mountain climber to get the benefits of regular exercise, but consistent physical activity will likely help you to:

* Lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol level
* Raise your HDL (good) cholesterol level
* Reduce your blood pressure
* Lower your level of triglycerides (chemical form of fat)
* Shed extra pounds
* Improve the overall fitness of your heart and lungs

Start with some simple activities, such as walking, taking the stairs, gardening, or dancing. Then, for more aggressive exercise, try brisk walking, swimming, tennis, or bicycling. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week.

As soon as you change your eating habits and add in some exercise, you're likely to see your cholesterol level and weight begin to drop as a direct result of your hard work.

13 New Things to Do to Your Nails Beauty: glamour.com

2010-04-08T14:15:00.000-04:00

13 New Things to Do to Your Nails Beauty: glamour.com

Save the Date Weddings: glamour.com

2010-04-08T14:14:00.000-04:00

Save the Date Weddings: glamour.com

Recipe of the Day

2010-03-23T20:53:00.002-04:00

Beef Soup With Root Vegetables Recipe

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 h 30 mins
Total Time: 2 h

8 Servings
Contains Wheat/GlutenContains Wheat/Gluten
Good for LeftoversGood for Leftovers
Contains Red MeatContains Red Meat
Diabetes-FriendlyDiabetes-Friendly
Nutritional Info (Per serving):
Calories: 224, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 664mg, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Total Fat: 7g, Carbs: 19g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Protein: 22g
Carb Choices: 1.5

Ingredients

* 1 1/2 pounds beef, boneless round steak
* 1 tablespoon oil, cooking
* 3 can(s) broth, beef, (14-ounce cans)
* 1 cup(s) water
* 2 stalk(s) celery, sliced
* 1 large onion(s), coarsely chopped
* 1 medium carrot(s), sliced
* 2 tablespoon thyme, snipped, or 2 teaspoons dried thyme, crushed
* 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 2 clove(s) garlic, minced, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper, black ground
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 medium potato(es), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
* 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
* 1 large potato(es), sweet, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
* crackers, flat

Recipe Tip:

Slow-Cooker Version: Brown meat, if desired. Omit water and use dried thyme option. In a 4 1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker combine celery, onion, carrot, garlic, potatoes, turnips and sweet potatoes. Add meat. Combine broth, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and bay leaf; pour atop beef. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 10 to 12 hours or on high heat setting for 5 to 6 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Preparation

1.Trim fat from steak. Cut steak into 3/4-inch cubes. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook meat, half at a time, in hot oil until brown.

2.Add broth, the water; celery; onion; carrot, dried thyme, if using; Worcestershire sauce; garlic; pepper; and bay leaf.

3. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 1 1/4 hours or until meat is nearly tender. Discard bay leaf. Stir in potatoes, turnips, and sweet potato. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes more or until meat and vegetables are tender. Stir in fresh thyme, if using. If desired, serve with crackers.

Health

2010-03-22T20:57:00.001-04:00

Warding Off Menopausal Weight Gain

Many women see the number on the scale creep up during menopause, but weight gain doesn't have to be inevitable.

Hot flashes and night sweats aren't the only unwelcome changes that can accompany menopause. Many women also notice that their clothes suddenly fit a little more snugly. It's fairly normal for a woman in her 40s or 50s, a period that coincides with menopause, to put on a few extra pounds, especially as abdominal, or belly, weight. Although the amount varies based on the individual and her activity level, it is not uncommon for a menopausal woman to see an increase of 2 to 10 pounds over a two-year period, says Rebecca Hulem, RN, a certified menopause clinician and author of the menopause book Feelin' Hot? The good news in this not-so-rosy scenario is that weight gain during menopause isn't predestined.

"We have much more control over weight gain than we would like to admit," says Hulem. "Although we would like to blame weight gain that arises around the menopause transition on menopause, it's not the only thing that's responsible."

A Menopause–Weight Gain Connection?

It's not clear why some women pack on the pounds around the time of menopause. It could be due to hormonal changes associated with menopause or perhaps other factors, such as natural aging and a slowed-down lifestyle. One study found that women transitioning through menopause gained about five pounds and increased their waist circumference by about an inch. These changes, however, weren't associated with their stage of menopause, suggesting that other culprits may be behind the additional weight.

"The metabolic rate slows with age. This means that a woman eating the exact same number of calories a day will maintain her weight at age 20 but will gain weight at age 50," says Nanette Santoro, MD, professor of ob-gyn at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. "Add menopause to this, and for some women, it's the perfect storm."
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Warding Off Menopausal Weight Gain
Many women see the number on the scale creep up during menopause, but weight gain doesn't have to be inevitable.
By Juhie Bhatia
Print Article Print E-mail Article Email

Fighting weight gain in menopause
Hot flashes and night sweats aren't the only unwelcome changes that can accompany menopause. Many women also notice that their clothes suddenly fit a little more snugly. It's fairly normal for a woman in her 40s or 50s, a period that coincides with menopause, to put on a few extra pounds, especially as abdominal, or belly, weight. Although the amount varies based on the individual and her activity level, it is not uncommon for a menopausal woman to see an increase of 2 to 10 pounds over a two-year period, says Rebecca Hulem, RN, a certified menopause clinician and author of the menopause book Feelin' Hot? The good news in this not-so-rosy scenario is that weight gain during menopause isn't predestined.

"We have much more control over weight gain than we would like to admit," says Hulem. "Although we would like to blame weight gain that arises around the menopause transition on menopause, it's not the only thing that's responsible."

A Menopause–Weight Gain Connection?

It's not clear why some women pack on the pounds around the time of menopause. It could be due to hormonal changes associated with menopause or perhaps other factors, such as natural aging and a slowed-down lifestyle. One study found that women transitioning through menopause gained about five pounds and increased their waist circumference by about an inch. These changes, however, weren't associated with their stage of menopause, suggesting that other culprits may be behind the additional weight.

"The metabolic rate slows with age. This means that a woman eating the exact same number of calories a day will maintain her weight at age 20 but will gain weight at age 50," says Nanette Santoro, MD, professor of ob-gyn at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. "Add menopause to this, and for some women, it's the perfect storm."
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Dr. Santoro notes that two other factors can also play a role. Insulin sensitivity decreases with age, and many women lose lean body mass (muscle) around the time of menopause. Both can facilitate weight gain.

Warding Off Menopausal Weight Gain

To add insult to injury, it's often harder to shed these new pounds than it was in previous years. "All weight is harder to lose with aging, because the metabolic rate is slower and, with aging, people tend to get less active or more injury prone," says Dr. Santoro.

Although there's no magic formula to avoid weight gain as you age, these strategies can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight:

* Be proactive. "Anticipate that weight gain is in the cards," says Cynthia A. Stuenkel, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego. Don't wait for the weight to add up before switching to a healthier lifestyle.
* Increase your physical activity. "Find an activity, preferably aerobic, that you enjoy, and do it regularly for at least 45 to 60 minutes, four to five days a week," says Hulem. Aerobic exercise, such as jogging and dancing, boosts your metabolism and helps burn fat.
* Do strength training. Exercises such as weight lifting can boost your metabolism, as well as increase muscle mass and strengthen bones. Building muscle mass is also more likely to protect against future weight gain, says Santoro.
* Watch your diet. "Take a good look at your diet, and see what you can do to improve it. Cut refined carbohydrates, and limit alcohol ingestion," says Dr. Stuenkel. Also be aware of portion sizes, and try to consume fewer calories each day, particularly fat calories. Women need about 200 fewer calories a day to maintain their weight as they enter their mid- to late 40s, according to the Mayo Clinic. One word of caution though: Because menopausal women are at increased risk of bone density loss, it's especially important to keep up with daily calcium requirements if you're simultaneously trying to lose weight.
* Rule out a thyroid problem. Hypothyroidism, which often develops in women at midlife, can also contribute to weight gain, so have a thorough checkup if you are rapidly gaining weight.

These lifestyle changes can have other benefits too, says Stuenkel, such as improving your state of mind and lowering your risk of serious health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more. "All that leads to enhanced self-esteem and what [world-renowned anthropologist] Margaret Mead called PMZ — postmenopausal zest."

Recipe of the Day

2010-03-22T20:50:00.004-04:00

Arugula and Chicken-Sausage Bread Pudding Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 h 5 mins
Rest Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 h 40 mins

6 Servings
Contains Wheat/GlutenContains Wheat/Gluten
Contains DairyContains Dairy
Contains EggContains Egg
Contains Red MeatContains Red Meat
GERD-FriendlyGERD-Friendly
Nutritional Info (Per serving):
Calories: 272, Saturated Fat: 4g, Sodium: 696mg, Dietary Fiber: 5g, Total Fat: 11g, Carbs: 24g, Cholesterol: 174mg, Protein: 20g
Carb Choices: 1.5

Ingredients

* 4 large egg white(s)
* 4 large egg(s)
* 1 cup(s) milk, fat-free
* 2 tablespoon mustard, Dijon
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper, black ground
* 1/2 cup(s) basil, fresh, sliced
* 4 cup(s) bread, whole-grain, crusts removed if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1/2 pound, 4-6 slices)
* 5 cup(s) lettuce, arugula, chopped, wilted
* 3/4 cup(s) artichoke hearts, frozen, thawed, or canned
* 1 cup(s) sausage, chicken, cooked, diced, (5 ounces)
* 3/4 cup(s) cheese, fontina, shredded

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an 11-by-7-inch glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray.

2. Whisk egg whites, eggs and milk in a medium bowl. Add mustard, salt, pepper and basil: whisk to combine.

3. Toss bread, arugula, artichokes and sausage in a large bowl. Add the custard and toss well to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and push down to compact. Cover with foil.

4. Bake until the custard has set, 40 to 45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until the pudding is puffed and golden on top, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.