Doesn't Hurt to be Beautiful: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

How often should you weigh yourself?

Many popular weight loss plans, such as Weight Watchers, do not recommend weighing yourself daily. Instead, they recommend stepping on the scales once per week or even less frequently.

Our weight fluctuates somewhat from day-to-day, and daily weighing can lead to discouragement and potential diet sabotage if you see a higher number on the scale than you saw the day before. Most diet experts believe that a once-weekly or even monthly weigh-in is a more accurate reflection of weight control progress.

But a group of doctors who studied obese and overweight adults who were trying to lose weight as well as overweight adults who were trying to prevent weight gain found that those who weighed themselves more often lost more weight and prevented more weight gain over two years than those who weighed themselves less frequently. Contrary to the advice given in many popular weight loss regimens, this study suggests that at least some people can benefit from the accountability brought on by daily weigh-ins. Potential advantages of daily weighing include recognition of slow patterns of weight gain that may not be immediately apparent and the chance to modify lifestyle habits before the total weight gain becomes extreme and difficult to control.

The personality of the individual dieter likely plays a role in deciding how often to weigh oneself. If you're easily discouraged, daily weighing might cause you to give up your attempts if you don't see rapid progress. On the other hand, if you crave control and feedback, daily weighing might satisfy more of your needs and fuel your motivation.

Whatever weigh-in frequency you choose, keep these tips in mind when stepping on the scale:

1. Weighing yourself first thing in the morning is usually best. Because of variations in food and fluid consumption, we often "gain" different amounts of weight throughout the day.

2. If you're weighing frequently, remember that daily fluctuations in weight are common. Just because you're heavier today than yesterday doesn't mean your weight control program isn't working. Don't become a slave to the numbers.
3. Monthly variations in weight are also common in menstruating women.

4. "Plateaus" in weight loss aren't necessarily bad. If you're exercising a lot, your weight may remain constant for a time even though you're still decreasing your body fat content and getting healthier.

5. Finally, cues other than the numbers on the scale are equally important. How do you feel? Are your clothes getting looser or tighter? Do you feel stronger, healthier, leaner? Your own perceptions can be the most valuable tools to help you track your weight control progress.

Source: MediceNet.com

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Friday, March 25, 2011

How to be Photogenic

Secret No. 1: Turn partially sideways to the camera, planting one foot in front of the other. Point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back foot.

Secret No. 2: Pull head forward slightly to minimize any appearance of a double chin.

Secret No. 3: Hold arms slightly away from your body. This keeps upper arm flab from flattening out and therefore appearing flabbier (much like thighs do when one sits on a couch).

Secret No. 4: Pull shoulders back, chest forward and gently suck stomach in. Be careful not to suck stomach so far in that your ribs show, thereby causing those who later see the photo to cluck to themselves in a bemused, sing-song voice, "She's sucking i-in."

Secret No. 5: If you can get away with it without looking like a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Girl wannabe, try the look away trick. To do this, look away from the camera, then turn towards it, breaking into a smile just before the camera clicks. Your smile will appear fresh, not frozen. This trick takes practice behind closed, locked doors.

Secret No. 6: When taking a photo it's also important the photographer does not snap the picture from below. This adds another 20-50 pounds to the 10 pounds automatically and annoying added by the camera. Ever have one of those photos where you are thinking, "Do I really look like that??" - chances are the photo was taken at a lower angle.

More tips on looking 10 pounds thinner in photos:

Use objects you are holding to your advantage by placing them in front of parts of you you'd prefer to hide. A purse or corsage in front of your belly. A jacket slung over the shoulder.

Check out Spanx hosiery. The very modern version of the corset, Spanx are famous for making women all over the world appear 10 pounds thinner. (Don't invest in the panty hose, like most hose, they tend to tear and these are pricey).

Fake tans will make you look and feel skinnier.

It's not just black that makes you look thinner. Wearing an entire outfit of just one color will do the trick as well, whether it be white, beige, brown, blue or red. One color tends to elongate your figure.

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

How many calories in Sushi??

We are all dying to know....

Based on eating a FULL ROLL

, here is the calorie & fat info:

Avocado Roll

Calories: 140
Fat: 5.7 g

California Roll

Calories: 255
Fat: 7.0g

Kappa Maki (cucumber roll)

Calories: 136
Fat: 0.0 g

Spicy Tuna Roll

Calories: 290
Fat: 11.0 g

Shrimp Tempura Roll

Calories: 508
Fat: 21.0 g

Salmon & Avocado Roll

Calories: 304
Fat: 8.7 g

Tuna (Maguro) Roll

Calories: 184
Fat: 2.0 g

Eel (Unagi) and Avocado Roll

Calories: 372
Fat: 17.0 g

Endame (1/2 cup)

Calories: 100
Fat: 3g

Miso Soup (no tofu)

Calories: 40
Fat: 1.3g

Seaweed Salad (2oz)

Calories: 70
Fat: 4.0 g

Wasabi

Calories: almost none, and no fat

Rice (1 cup)

Calories: 240
Fat: 0.4

Source: http://www.sushifaq.com/sushi-calories.htm

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Sunday, March 6, 2011

9 Ways to Wear a Scarf

If your outfit is lacking in style, just throw in a scarf. Scarves add flavor and flair to almost any lacking look. Many people shy away from wearing scarves simply because they do not know how to wear them.

Here's how:

1) The Bandana-like Scarf

Fold the scarf in half, corner to corner.
Lay the triangle on your chest with the point facing the floor.
Wrap the other ends around your neck and tie.

2) The Headband Scarf

Put your hair in a temporary ponytail, leaving a few pieces down on the sides of your head to go under the tie.
Take a square scarf, hold two opposite corners and roll the ends to form a long skinny hair tie.
Place the middle of this tie at the crown of your head (where you would normally place a plastic headband) and tie a tight knot at the back of your neck.
Then let your hair out of the ponytail and you are ready to go.

3) The Looped Scarf:

To create this looped effect, a long rectangular scarf must be used.
Lay the scarf across the back of your neck and let it hang, but leave one side slightly longer than the other.
Take the side that is longer and wrap it around your neck, moving it around your head in a counterclockwise motion.

4) The Shoulder Shrug

To achieve this look you will need a scarf that is quite wide as well as long, so that it can expand to cover the shoulders.
Loosely drape one end across your shoulder and wrap the material clockwise around your shoulders.
Remember to keep the shrug loose while you wrap, almost creating a wide boat-neck overthrow.

5) The Neckerchief

For a less casual look, try a scarf tied around your neck as a neckerchief.
Fold the square scarf diagonally, just as with the bandana.
Tightly roll the material to form a long, skinny tie.
Tie the scarf around your neck with one simple knot.

6) The Draped Scarf

Use a long rectangular scarf.
Lay the scarf across the neck with the center at the middle of the back of the neck.
This look is perfect for casual outfits, updating simple styles.

7) The Shawl

For the shawl, you will need a large scarf, almost comparable to a small blanket.
Place the middle of the scarf high on your neck and let it drape around to each shoulder.
It should be touching your frame all the way from your neck to just below the elbow on both sides.
The excess material should then cascade over your arms to the mid thigh.

8) The Scarf Belt

For this look, it is best to dress in basic solid colors and choose a bright bold scarf to act as your belt.
Fold an oblong scarf horizontally to the width of your choice, then tie the scarf in a knot or bow at the waist-line.
You can place the tie at the center of the waist, but rather slightly to the right or left side and let the ends hang.
Try loosening the belt and tying it in a knot just above the hips to elongate the waist.
Wearing it with a basic dress really makes a difference.

9) The Purse Tie

Tie your scarf to the base of the handle on your purse to add a little something.
This look is best, with over-the-shoulder purses.
You can carry the same purse all week without looking bland or boring or taking all the time and trouble to jostle all your lipstick, sunglasses, money and mascara from one purse to another. Just change up the scarf tied to your handbag, and you can have a new look each day without all the hassle.

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