Look in the mirror! Do you see those baggy dark spots under the eyes? Are you one who suffers from this problem on a regular basis, or do you have them now because of a severe lack of sleep or extremely stressful period? Whatever the reason for those dark circles under the eyes, if you have them, or have ever had them, maybe it is time for you to learn more about them and how to deal with them.

Eyes are the windows to the soul, and they are also where beauty resides. Every girl dreams of having a pair of shining eyes. Yet dreams are elusive. Eye bags can easily mar the beauty of eyes. What’s more, lack of sleep, bad make-up removal habits and age can all give rise to the appearance of eye bags, which can never be dealt with easily. Working ladies feel annoyed with eye bags. Don’t worry, help is on the way. With these small tips, eye bags are no more than a piece of cake.

Quick ways to weaken eye bags

Waking up in the morning to see eye bags under eyes is an experience familiar to most girls. How can we weaken these eye bags and show up looking great at the office? Basically, there are two ways: hot and cold packing. The former is best conducted at night before sleep and the latter in the morning.

*Hot packing*

Formula I

Formula II

Cut make-up cotton pads into the shape of eye masks and soak the masks in the salty water. Then wear the masks and keep them on for five to ten minutes.

*Cold packing*

Formula I

Freeze two iron spoons in the refrigerator and take them out ten minutes later. Press the spoons onto the eye bags.

Formula II

First prepare your eyes by applying some olive oil to them, then lay cooled used chamomile or green tea bags on the eye bags. It will take five to ten minutes for the tea bags to effect.

Formula III

Get around half a basin (1/4 meters in diameter) of water and add a drop of rosemary oil extract a one drop of rose extract to the water. Soak a towel in the water and then dry the towel and lay it on your eyes. Keep the towel there for 15 minutes.

Small habits to prevent eye bags

Girls had better not drink water half an hour before they go to bed. Water before sleep harms blood circulation around eyes. A little massage may help drain extra water that accumulates in daytime and is left around eyes. Lie flat on your bed and close your eyes. Use your forefingers to press the dents under the heads of your eyebrows. Such massage will also help relax the eyes.

Be tender to your eyes when you remove the make up around them. Try not to pull or pluck the eyelids. If you do so too often, your eyelids will grow lax and eye bags will show up. When you wear or remove contact lenses or draw the eye lines, do so gently. Also, use special eye make-up removal liquids and soft cotton pads to remove make-up around the eyes.

Bloated eye bags don’t indicate that you have too much water around the eyes. On the contrary, it means your eyes are too dry (due to lack of sebaceous glands, the skin around the eyes is normally drier than elsewhere). So if you have eye bags, opt for moisturizing eye creams.

Over the centuries, vinegar has been used for countless purposes: making pickles, killing weeds, cleaning coffee makers, polishing armor, and dressing salads.  It’s also an ancient folk remedy, touted to relieve just about any ailment you can think of.

In recent years, apple cider vinegar has been singled out as an especially helpful health tonic.  So it’s now sold in both the condiment and the health supplement aisles of your grocery store.  While many of the folk medicine uses of vinegar are unproven (or were disproved), a few do have a medical research backing them up.  Some small studies have hinted that apple cider vinegar could help with several conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.

So does consuming apple cider vinegar make sense for your health? Or is vinegar best used for cleaning stains and dyeing Easter eggs? Here’s a rundown of the facts.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Vinegar is a product of fermentation.  This is a process in which sugars in a food are broken down by bacteria and yeast.  In the first stage of fermentation, the sugars are turned into alcohol.  Then, if the alcohol ferments further, you get vinegar.  The word comes from the French, meaning “sour wine.” While vinegar can be made from all sorts of things — like many fruits, vegetables, and grains — apple cider vinegar comes from pulverized apples.

The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar, or any vinegar, is acetic acid.  However, vinegars also have other acids, vitamins, mineral salts, and amino acids.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Cure for Everything?

While long used as a folk remedy, apple cider vinegar became well known in the U.S. in the late 1950s, when it was promoted in the best-selling book Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health by D. C. Jarvis. During the alternative medicine boom of recent years, apple cider vinegar pills have become a popular dietary supplement.

Look on the back of a box of supplements — or on the Internet or in the pages of any one of the many books on vinegar and health — and you’ll find some amazing claims.  Apple cider vinegar is purported to treat numerous diseases, health conditions, and annoyances.  To name a few, it’s supposed to kill head lice, reverse aging, ease digestion, and wash “toxins” from the body.

Most of these claims have no evidence backing them up.  Some — like vinegar’s supposed ability to treat lice or warts — have actually been studied, and researchers turned up nothing to support their use.  Other claims have been backed up by studies, but with a catch: vinegar may work, but not as well as other treatments.  For instance, while vinegar is a disinfectant, it doesn’t kill as many germs as common cleaners.  And while vinegar does seem to help with jelly fish stings — an old folk remedy — hot water works better.

Scientific Evidence of Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits

But there are some medical uses of vinegar that do have promise, at least according to a few studies.  Here’s a rundown of some more recent ones.

• Diabetes.  The effect of vinegar on blood glucose levels is perhaps the best-researched and the most promising of apple cider vinegar’s possible health benefits.  Several studies have found that vinegar may help lower glucose levels. For instance, one 2007 study of 11 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning by 4%-6%.
• High cholesterol.  A 2006 study showed evidence that vinegar could lower cholesterol. However, the study was done in rats, so it’s too early to know how it might work in people.
  
• Blood pressure and heart health.  Another study in rats found that vinegar could lower high blood pressure.  A large epidemiological study also found that people who ate oil and vinegar dressing on salads five to six times a week had lower rates of heart disease than people who didn’t.  However, it’s far from clear that the vinegar was the reason.
• Cancer.  A few laboratory studies have found that vinegar may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.  Epidemiological studies of people have been confusing. One found that eating vinegar was associated with a decreased risk of esophageal cancer.  Another associated it with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
• Weight Loss.  For thousands of years, vinegar has been used for weight loss.  White vinegar (and perhaps other types) might help people feel full.  A 2005 study of 12 people found that those who ate a piece of bread along with small amounts of white vinegar felt fuller and more satisfied than those who just ate the bread.  

While the results of these studies are promising, they are all preliminary.  Many were done on animals or on cells in a lab. The human studies have been small.  Before we will truly know whether vinegar has any health benefits, much larger studies are needed.

How Should Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used?

Since apple cider vinegar is an unproven treatment, there are no official recommendations on how to use it.  Some people take two teaspoons a day (mixed in a cup of water or juice.) A tablet of 285 milligrams is another common dosage.

Apple cider vinegar is also sometimes applied to the skin or used in enemas.  The safety of these treatments is unknown.

What Are the Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar?

On the whole, the risks of taking occasional, small amounts of apple cider vinegar seem low. But using apple cider vinegar over the long term, or in larger amounts, could have risks.  Here are some things to keep in mind. 

• Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic.  The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. As the name suggests, it’s quite harsh.  Apple cider vinegar should always be diluted with water or juice before swallowed.  Pure apple cider vinegar could damage the tooth enamel and the tissues in your throat and mouth.  One study found a woman who got an apple cider vinegar supplement stuck in her throat.  She seemed to have suffered lasting damage to her esophagus.  Vinegar has been known to cause contact burns to the skin.
• Long-term use of apple cider vinegar could cause low potassium levels and lower bone density.  If you already have low potassium or osteoporosis, talk to your doctor before using apple cider vinegar.
• Apple cider vinegar could theoretically interact with diuretics, laxatives, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease.
• If you have diabetes, check with your doctor before using apple cider vinegar.  Vinegar contains chromium, which can alter your insulin levels
• Using apple cider vinegar supplements — instead of the liquid itself — adds another layer of risk.  You just can’t be sure what you’re really getting.  Unlike medicines, supplements are not regulated by the FDA.  They aren’t routinely tested for effectiveness or even basic safety.  A 2005 study looked at the ingredients of eight different brands of apple cider vinegar supplements.  The researchers found that:
  • The ingredients listed on the box did not reflect the actual ingredients.
  • The ingredients varied a great deal between different brands.
  • The recommended dosages varied a great deal between brands.

  Most disturbing, the chemical analysis of these samples led the researchers to doubt whether any of these brands actually contained any apple cider vinegar at all.

  Should I Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

  The answer depends on how you want to use apple cider vinegar.  As a salad dressing, you should be fine.  But taken as a daily medical treatment, it could be a little more risky.  Yes, some studies of applecider vinegar are intriguing.  But a lot more research needs to be done.  Right now, there is not enough evidence that apple cider vinegar — or any vinegar — has any health benefit for any condition.  Since the benefits are unknown, so are the risks.

  If you’re thinking about trying apple cider vinegar, talk to your doctor first.  It’s always worth getting an expert’s advice.  Your doctor can also make sure that the apple cider vinegar won’t affect other health conditions or the effectiveness of the medicines you take.  Trying to control a serious medical condition on your own with an unproven treatment is both unwise and dangerous.

Green Tea May Ward Off Weight Gain

But You’d Have to Drink a Lot of Tea to Match Preliminary Lab Tests in Mice

The benefits of green tea might include blocking fat and keeping extra pounds at bay, according to preliminary lab tests in mice.

Don’t skip over that word “preliminary.” There’s no proof yet that sipping green tea will do the same for people. Staying in shape continues to be a balancing act between calories and activity.

Here’s what those preliminary lab tests in mice show:

• Less weight and fat gain. Among mice with an obesity gene, those that ate chow laced with green tea extract gained less weight and less fat.
• Less fat in the liver. There was less sign of “fatty liver” disease in the mice with the obesity gene that ate chow laced with green tea extract.
• Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice with the obesity gene that ate the chow laced with green tea extract, compared to other mice with the same obesity gene.

A healthy liver isn’t fatty. But obesity — in mice or in people — can lead to fatty buildup in the liver and cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

As for that green tea extract, the study used it in doses equal to what a person would get from drinking at least seven cups of green tea a day.

The University of Connecticut’s Richard Bruno, PhD, RD, and colleagues report their findings in February’s edition of The Journal of Nutrition.

17 Best Foods for Dieters Recomended by Doctors:

Diet foods that taste great and can help you lose weight.

Dieting can be downright difficult, especially if your diet includes foods you don’t particularly enjoy. After all, how much cabbage soup can a person stand? The good news is that there are thousands of diet foods that are healthy, taste great, and can help you stick to your weight loss plan. Visit any grocery store to witness the explosion of lower-calorie, lower-fat, or portion-controlled options.

here are some best foods recomended by doctors for those who are on diet:

1. Calorie-Controlled Snacks.

Plenty of consumers are buying the 100-calorie (more or less) snack packs of everything from chips to cupcakes, but are they really the answer for weight loss?

Carolyn O’Neil, RD, author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous, likes calorie-controlled packages because they eliminate the chance for mindless overeating. “Foods packaged in 100-calorie packs do the work and calorie math for you so you can enjoy snacking on foods that need to be enjoyed in limited amounts,” she says.

Quaker Mini Delights (90 calories) and Hostess 100-calorie cupcakes are among the more addictive options.

But American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Lona Sandon, MEd, RD, says that though these snacks can satisfy a sweet tooth, “many of them won’t fill you up for very long, and can’t replace a more nutritious snack.”

Sandon suggests checking the ingredient list and nutrition facts on the package. “Look for products that offer some nutritious benefits, such as ones that contain less than 3 grams fat, less than 140 milligrams sodium, 15 grams or less sugar, and are made from whole grain with about 2 to 3 grams fiber and about 7 grams protein,” says Sandon, assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

2. Healthier Fast Food. Fast food restaurants don’t have to spell disaster for dieters. Try Quiznos’ Flatbread Sammies (all less than 250 calories) or a small Honey Bourbon Chicken sub (320 calories); Taco Bell’s Fresco-style items (less than 350 calories); McDonald’s Southwest salad with grilled chicken (320); or any of Subway’s subs with 6 grams of fat or less (230-370 calories).

3. Low-Fat and Fat-Free Dairy Products.

Milk, yogurt (solid, frozen, and drinkable), cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese are available in lower-fat varieties that offer both healthy nutrients and great taste. Laughing Cow light cheese has only 35 calories per individually wrapped wedge, and Yoplait Fiber One nonfat yogurt combines yogurt crunchy cereal for a fiber boost and only 80 calories per 4 oz. cup.

Fat-free half-and-half is a suitable substitute for heavy cream with a fraction of the calories. And lower-fat and fat-free cream cheese and sour cream can easily pitch-hit for their fattier counterparts, particularly in recipes.

“You can trim calories effortlessly if you use low-fat and lighter products and if the product is mixed in with other ingredients, no one will ever notice.

4. Rotisserie Chicken.

It’s no wonder that nearly every grocery store sells rotisserie chickens. You can serve one as is, shred it to use for tacos, pasta dishes, or casseroles, or chop it for an entree salad. You can even have it for dinner one night, then debone it and freeze the leftover meat for a quick meal later in the week.

5. Diet-Friendly Desserts.

Lower-calorie and portion-controlled sweets mean that desserts can be part of any weight loss diet. Dieters who crave ice cream love Skinny Cow ice cream cones (150 calories), Edy’s Slow-Churned ice cream bars (150 calories), and Fudgsicles (100 calories). Cookie lovers can enjoy Hershey’s 100-calorie wafer bars, Teddy Grahams, graham crackers, Fig Newtons, vanilla wafers, or gingersnaps. On the road, try chewing on a piece of sugarless gum or suck on a piece of hard candy to satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your diet. If a small piece won’t do it for you, try Nabisco 100-calorie candy bites.

6. Flavored Mustards and Vinegars add sizzle to foods, with few calories. Try honey, tarragon, ginger, garlic, wasabi, or Dijon mustards, or balsamic, wine, herb, cider, fruit-flavored or, sherry vinegars. Use them in place of oil, mayonnaise, or butter in recipes.

7. Light Salad Dressings:

Nearly half of the salad dressings you’ll see on your grocer’s shelves are reduced in calories and/or fat. Use Wish-Bone salad spritzers to lightly mist your salads, or try one of the many light or nonfat salad dressings. Another option is to make your own lower-calorie dressing, using more vinegar than oil, as well as a little water.

8. Cooking Liquids:

Dieters have discovered that wine adds wonderful, low-calorie flavor to soups, stews, casseroles, and finishing sauces. Beef, fish, vegetable or chicken stocks come in fat-free varieties and add lots of flavor with very few calories. A secret ingredient to add sweetness to dishes is apple, orange,or pineapple juice concentrate.

9. Frozen Entrees.

This is another grocery category that has grown tremendously, as consumers look for quick and easy meals. Sandon recommends the light varieties of frozen foods, such as Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice, or Kashi. Read the label, and look for entrees with about 300-400 calories, less than 600 milligrams of sodium, at least 4-5 grams of fiber, and less than 5 gram fat.

10. Beverages.

Good old-fashioned water still tops the list of healthy drinks, but when you want something more, try these virtually calorie-free options: flavored waters; powdered packets to mix into bottled water, like Crystal Light and Propel; green, herbal, or exotic teas; coffee; sparkling water; or diet soft drinks. Low-cal options include light beer (100 calories/12 oz.); wine spritzers (100 calories/5 oz.); Starbucks’ skinny latte or mocha (90 calories/12 oz.); and the new V8 juice with fiber (60 calories and 5 grams fiber/8 oz.).

11. Bars.

Whether you eat them as snacks, pre-workout, or as meal replacements, these bars are the ultimate in convenience. For staying power, look for bars with fiber and protein, such as Luna, Kashi, or Fiber One bars.

12. Dips.

Use these nutritious dips for your veggies, pretzels, or baked chips for only 5-50 calories per 2 tablespoons: hummus, salsas; fat-free black bean dip; mustards; and fat-free French onion dip.

13. Breakfast Cereals.

Research shows that people who eat breakfast control their weight better than those who skip the morning meal. Start your day the healthy way with a bowl of whole-grain cereal (top it with fruit and low-fat dairy for extra nutrition). Look for cereals with fiber and protein and not too much sugar, like oatmeal (166 calories, 6 grams protein and 4 grams fiber), Kashi Go Lean (110 calories, 8 grams fiber, 13 grams protein), or Shredded Wheat (170 calories, 6 grams fiber, 6 grams protein)

The Basics for Dieters

Convenience foods are great, but it’s hard to beat the nutritional goodness of whole, natural foods. “Eating more natural, less processed foods is usually a more nutritious option, but both can fit into a healthy weight loss diet plan,” says Sandon.

Here are the four types of food that are the foundation of any healthy diet:

14. Lean protein:

Lean protein is important for dieters because it helps you feel satisfied. Excellent sources of low-fat protein include eggs; skinless poultry, edamame or other beans; nuts; shrimp; crab; fish fillets; lean cuts of beef (like filet mignon); and pork tenderloin. When choosing meat, go for lean cuts, trim off all visible fat, and control your portions.

According to the Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board, you can safely take in 10%-35% of your total calories from protein. So someone on an 1,800-calorie diet could eat up to 157 grams of protein — the equivalent of 1 cup of skim milk, 1 cup cooked black beans, 2 ounces almonds, 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 2 eggs, 10 ounces of meat or fish, and 1 cup frozen yogurt.

15. Whole Grains.

Most whole grains are a good source of fiber, which helps you fill you up. Try the whole-grain pasta blends or Uncle Ben’s brown ready rice. Another dieter’s favorite is fat-free popcorn — crunchy, filling, and a whole grain!

16. Fruits.

They satisfy your sweet tooth and are loaded with disease-fighting nutrients, yet are low in calories. Keep a stock of fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruits on hand, to eat plain or toss into cereal, yogurt, waffles, or batters. Some convenient favorites include frozen berries, dried cranberries, and canned mandarin oranges. Whole fruits are best because of their fiber content, but if you prefer juice, be sure it’s 100% juice, and enjoy it in small portions.

17. Veggies.

Keep a supply of prewashed mixed greens, shredded carrots, steamed beets, and shredded broccoli slaw on hand for quick and nutritious salads. Roast sweet potatoes for a side dish that needs no topping other than a little salt and pepper. If fresh vegetables tend to become science experiments in your refrigerator, try Birdseye Steamfresh frozen vegetables. Canned vegetables are another option; just rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium. For your lunchbox or a snack, try the convenient packs of assorted veggie sticks with low-fat dip.

Dermatologists advice for keeping skin smooth and healthy……

Growing old gracefully isn’t a lost art — it’s just a forgotten one. For all those women who think the scalpel or the syringe is the only way to stay “young,” here’s a news flash: “About 80 percent of aging is caused by environmental factors, things you have control over,” says Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist and the director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Center, in Florida. Real Simple went to eight female dermatologists to find out their own at-home anti-aging routines. They all offer a sensible approach: Protect your skin, use the right skin-care ingredients, and get on with your life.

Twelve Ways to Delay Aging

.

Be conscious of repetitive movements. Between smiling, frowning, and talking, your face makes thousands of movements a day. Over time, these repetitive motions lead to deeper lines. It would be unrealistic (not to mention Stepford-like) to stop showing your emotions, but some habits can be curbed. “We’re not saying, ‘Don’t live; don’t move,’” says Debra Jaliman, a New York City dermatologist. “But if you’re constantly drinking through a straw, chewing gum, or smoking, you’re breaking down the collagen around your mouth. And the wrinkles will come earlier.”

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising. Summer is the time to shed layers of clothes, as well as some pounds. You could opt for a stringent diet regime, but what about simply enjoying all the wonderful foods the season brings? You’ll still slim down, and do wonders for your health.

It’s a natural trend to eat lighter during the summer, and you can easily do so without feeling deprived. If you follow the U.S. government’s 2005 dietary guidelines of four-and-a-half cups of fruits and vegetables and three servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy each day, you’ll be getting plenty of naturally low-cal foods that are high in fiber, calcium, and important nutrients.

“Fiber helps in weight control because it promotes a feeling of satisfaction or satiety,” explains Registered Dietitian Cheryl Orlansky, of the Computer Science Corporation. “High-fiber foods, eaten consistently, prevent that rebound effect of feeling full one minute and looking for something else to eat the next. It also helps modulate blood sugars by slowing down the digestion of sugars to prevent a quick surge into the bloodstream.”

Much of summer’s bounty has extra nutritional benefits you may not be aware of. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may slow aging, protect against cancer and stroke, improve blood pressure, and keep your heart healthy. And just about all are low-calorie, so your waistline stays in check, another big health benefit.

Ready to slim down with summer foods? Start your summer “diet” with these.

Tomatoes and Peppers for Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Lycopene

These powerhouses of nutrition are members of the fruit family, though thought of mostly as vegetables. Tomatoes and bell peppers of all colors deliver large amounts of vitamins A and C. A medium tomato, for example, is low in carbohydrates and has only has 35 calories but gives you 40% of the vitamin C and 20% of the vitamin A you need for the day.

Tomatoes have other benefits, too. “Consuming a diet rich in tomatoes has been shown to decrease the risk of prostate and other digestive tract cancer,” says Emily Abercrombie, RD, LD, a clinical nutritionist at Atlanta’s Emory Hospitals. This is because tomatoes and processed tomato products have high levels of a nutrient called lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives some fruits and vegetables their color.

Lycopene may prevent as well as treat several types of cancer. Research suggests it also may help prevent the LDL “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream from being converted to oxidized LDL that can form plaques in arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks.

Peppers have antioxidants too, such as beta carotene, which can help boost the immune system and prevent the cell damage that comes from free radicals, a natural byproduct of our bodies’ normal functioning. Studies show damaged cells can lead to a number of diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

Peppers also have plenty of vitamin C, even more than tomatoes. Just a half cup of the green, yellow, or red varieties have more than 230% of your daily vitamin C requirement. Keep some pepper strips on hand for a tasty calorie-controlled snack. A half cup of fresh peppers has only 20 calories

Nothing says summer like the colorful array of berries that start showing up in your produce section at the grocery store. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries satisfy your sweet tooth and are rich in nutritional bonuses, such as vitamin C. Strawberries have the most vitamin C of any member of the berry family.

Andrea Dunn, RD, LD, of The Cleveland Clinic, says, “Berries are rich in a substance called ellagic acid, which acts as an antioxidant, helps the body deactivate specific carcinogens, and slows the reproduction of cancer cells. Berries may also help prevent urinary tract infections.”

Abercrombie adds, “Berries are a good source of fiber, which in turn help in lowering cholesterol.” She also notes that studies with blueberries show they can help improve memory.

Berries in general are convenient to eat, tasty, and easily eaten by themselves or mixed with yogurt for smoothies. Their per-serving calorie count can be as low as 45 calories. You can cook them, too, though that tends to break down the antioxidants. A “cool” way to preserve them? Pop them into the freezer, and eat them frozen for a refreshing snack.

Yogurt for Calcium and Protein

Not so long ago, yogurt was considered something only health food junkies ate. Now, it is a dietary staple for many who enjoy the taste, convenience, low calories, and, yes, health benefits.

Yogurt can even help you slim down, according to recent studies showing a low-calorie diet that includes three servings of dairy a day can help promote weight loss. Orlansky says yogurt is very appealing to those wanting to lose weight because of the protein/carbohydrate combination it offers.

“These nutrient combinations can help stave off hunger,” she explains, adding that, “Yogurt contains about 30% of the recommended daily value in calcium and should be added to the diet since most American adults are not drinking milk.”

Yogurt is made by curdling milk with purified cultures. That means that in addition to protein and calcium, it is high in live active organisms called probiotics. These can boost your immunity, prevent yeast infections, and keep your gastrointestinal tract healthy.

Flavored, plain, or low fat, you can eat yogurt as a snack or as the protein source at a meal. Yogurts make a great dip for fruits and vegetables and a delicious dessert topping instead of ice cream. For the best of smart and tasty eating, combine low-fat yogurt and fresh berries for a summer smoothie.

Protein- and Fiber-Packed Beans

The benefits of beans or legumes are as wide as the varieties available. Peas, lentils, black beans, butter beans, lima beans, garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas) — and that’s a very short list. All are nutrient-rich and great sources of fiber, iron, and protein.

These small, tasty treasures can help you feel full longer, while curbing your appetite for foods that are high in fat. They have little or no fat themselves and are usually inexpensive as well. Most are good raw and can be easily mixed with other foods to add flavor, substance, and color.

“Substituting beans for animal protein in a meal can lower calories, saturated fat, and provide zero cholesterol,” says Orlansky. She adds they are “particularly high in soluble fiber, which helps blood cholesterol levels.”

Cleveland Clinic dietitian Andrea Dunn also notes that most beans are an excellent source of folate. Adequate amounts of folate may help keep the heart strong and are important for expectant moms, since studies show folate helps reduce certain birth defects in a growing baby.

The calorie count for a 4-ounce serving of beans ranges from about 65 calories for frozen peas to 115 for boiled black-eyed peas. The highest count, with just 160 calories, goes to Borlotti beans.

Time to tango with the mango,” Dunn says of this not-well-known summer treat. Mangoes have been a staple of people’s diets in Southeast Asia and India for more than 4,000 years.

Mangoes have some big advantages over other fruits. They contain more fiber than most, which helps you curb your appetite. They are low in calories (about 95 for a medium fruit), fat, and sodium, contain no cholesterol, and have more beta carotene than any other fruit.

“Not only a source of one-fourth your vitamin A for the day, the mango is also a great source of vitamin C,” Dunn explains, adding that it provides about 76% of your daily vitamin C needs in just one cup and is a nice alternative to oranges.

Mangoes are also high in carotenoids (like beta carotene) and bioflavanoids. These powerful antioxidants are good for a healthy immune system and help repair the cell damage that can lead to disease, such as cancer.

Potassium is another benefit of eating mangoes, which are loaded with this important mineral. Your body needs potassium to help regulate blood pressure and heartbeat, but many people don’t get enough.

Last but Not Least, Wonderful Water

Probably the most important “food” of any diet is water. In fact, it’s essential. It may have no nutritional value, but it is a catalyst for a majority of bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, and cell function.

Water is also key for helping those trying to lose weight. It curbs hunger pains, especially when it’s included in foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits.

“Research has shown that water-containing foods like fruits and vegetables and soups are encouraged for weight control because of the water,” Orlansky says. “The water increases the volume of the food and lowers the amount of calories.” Another reason water helps with weight loss is that if you don’t get enough water, your body will try to hold on to what it has so it can continue to operate. This will leave you bloated and the only way to get rid of the excess water is to take in more water.

The adult human body is 60% water and on average, loses about one cup or 8 ounces per day from normal activity. On the upside, a typical daily diet includes about four cups of water in the food you digest. Still, nutritionists advise drinking eight glasses of water daily to keep your body functioning like a well-oiled, or hydrated, machine.

Skin behaves differently from season to season, and as a result, skin care routines should adjust with the weather.

1. Skin tends to become more oily in the summer. In most climates, humidity climbs during the hot season. As humidity rises, so does moisture content in the skin. As a result, skin becomes less dry and requires lighter moisturizers. Look for hyaluronic acid based products for lightweight hydration.

2. Use a mask. Masks help to absorb excess oil and clean pores. Frequent use of these products will help keep skin looking more clear and a little less shiny.

3. Carry an oil absorber with you for late afternoon touch-ups. Skin-Logic’s Liquid Oil Absorber can be applied over makeup any time you need to mop up a little shine.

4. Cleansers and toners may also need a little boosting. Something with salicylic acid will help control blackheads as well as keep skin smooth and soft. Check out the Cellex-C Betaplex Gentle Foaming Cleanser or the Skin-Logic Salicylic Face & Body Wash.

5. Vitamin A products can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. During the summer months, it would be smart to switch to a Vitamin C based product. You will still get the anti-wrinkle benefits, but vitamin C will help protect against UV rays as well.

6. Acne patients may want to find alternatives to Accutane, Retin-A, and Benzoyl Peroxide if they plan on spending time in the sun. All three acne treatments make skin more sensitive to the sun, making skin more vulnerable to sunburn. Switch to an AHA or Salicylic Acid routine for the summer. Alpha hydroxy acids do not increase the skin’s burning potential nearly as much as the aforementioned products. Products to try are Glytone Overnight Facial Fluid 1, NuCelle Mandelic Serum 10%, or the C2S Skin Balancing Serum (which combines Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid).

Always wear a sunblock, even on cloudy days.

Natural Masks

• Break two large bananas, toss into a blender along with half of the peel and one tablespoon of raw honey. Blend to liquefy, pat on, let dry for 20 minutes.
• Mix equal proportions of honey, fresh cream, or oats and almond paste. Pat on, let dry for 20 minutes.
• Peel and pit an avocado, liquefy in the blender with one tablespoon of raw honey. Pat on, let dry for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

Oily Skin Masks

• Wash and core two crisp apples, but do not peel, liquefy the whole thing into the blender. Pat on, let dry for 20 minutes. Splash on with cool water.

• Wash a big, ripe tomato and liquefy the whole thing in the blender. Pat on, let dry for 20 minutes, splash off with cool water.

Two nourishing masks for all skin types:

• Blend two egg yolks, two tablespoons of honey, three drops of almond oil. Pat on, let dry for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

• Grind half a cup of yellow mustard seeds, adding 2 litres of water in it. Also grind in a few rose petals. Apply on skin. Let dry for 20 minutes. Rinse well.

One Clarifying facial mask, good for all skins (to be used occassionally):

This does with gentle natural enzymes what skin-slouching creams, peelers and exfoliating lotions do with chemical – it removes dead, dry skin cells on the surface to expose fresh clear skin.

• Peel a ripe banana and puree in the blender. Pat on the fruit, let dry for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

Two cleansing and bleaching masks (for faded, end of summer tans as well as winter-drab or season-change sallow skin)

• Add the juice of two lemons to one cup of buttermilk. blend, pat on, let dry for 20 minutes. Splash off with cool water.
• Liquefy one whole lemon (washed, not peeled) and half an orange (washed, not peeled) in the blender, add one cup of plain yoghurt. blend, pat on, let dry for 20 minutes. Rnse off with cool water.
•  
  

  Here are a few more any-time masks

• For a glowing skin, cucumber mixed with fresh coconut water gives remarkable results.
• use mashed bananas and strawberries as a pack to freshen up the complexion.
• For curing pimples, apply a mixture of haldi (turmeric) and sandalwood on the face.
• 
  Pimples can also be cured with a light massage of rose and sevti flowers extract. The extract is easily prepared by distilling a number of flowers in a distilling apparatus. The extract should be applied on the pimples three times a day

Tips for Smooth Skin

Home beauty recipes and remedies have been around for centuries. Remarkable remedies were discovered purely out of necessity. Over a period of time, many home remedies have proven to be effective and natural, therefore healthy! Making your own beauty products costs a fraction of what you pay for over-the-counter preparations. 

Keep in mind any allergies or sensitivity you may have to some ingredients; such as glycerin, lemons, strawberries, eggs, etc. Check with your doctor or dermatologist if you are not sure you can use certain ingredients. 

Pamper your skin with these face packs:

1. This is an excellent remedy to get rid of those ugly acne scars. Blend the sandalwood paste and rose water and apply on the scars. Keep it overnight and then wash it off with cold water the next day. This does wonders to your skin! 2. Lemons also have exfoliating properties: rub half a lemon on your face with a hint of sugar granules to remove dead cells and lighten a tan. You can also rub on hyper-pigmented areas like elbows to lighten them. Mix with a little cucumber juice to make a natural astringent. Condition your hair with the juice of one lemon mixed with a glass of lukewarm water or get rid of dandruff by rubbing your scalp with hot oil and lemon juice. 

Ways to achieve a Smooth Skin 

1. Mash the bananas along with milk and then apply on your face. Wash it off after 20 minutes. This makes the skin smooth and supple. 

2. Blend the egg white and honey well and then apply on the face. This makes your skin smooth and helps to reduce wrinkles. 

3. Blend turmeric powder with milk and apply on the face. It removes the tan and helps to reduce the facial hair. Scrub it off with a good face scrub and then wash with cold water. You can also keep it overnight. 

4. Mix oatmeal along with curds and tomato juice and apply on the face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. It helps to remove the tan and lightens the skin. 

5. Apply raw sliced potato on the face. Reduces blemishes and other scars. 

6. Cucumber juice is an excellent astringent. Applying cucumber juice on the face tightens the pores. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

7. Applying turmeric powder along with limejuice removes the tan. Limejuice is a natural bleach. 

8. Dried orange peels mixed with curds help reduce blemishes and scars. Wash it off after 15 minutes with cold water. 

9. Honey makes the skin glow. It makes the skin soft and smooth. Helps reduce wrinkles. 

10. Citrus face packs and sandalwood face packs are excellent for oily skin. 

11. Rubbing ice cubes on the face tightens the pores and increases blood circulation

Skin Care for SummersThis summer promise yourself that you will look fresh and gorgeous. Even if you are barefaced without a trace of make-up. All you’ve to do is be a true water baby. And by that we don’t mean just splashing in the surf during your holiday by the sea. Water can be your beauty Aid No 1, whenever, whenever you are – holidaying, sweating it out at your office or unwinding on a leisurely Sunday at home. Decide that you can’t do without water on your dressing table.

Aqua Skin

Moisturisation is the most important part of daily skin care, since skin needs more moisture (water) than it does color sheen or gloss. You may be surprised that your summer skin, which looked radiant throughout winter, suddenly looks dull, blemished and oily. “This is because, in winter your skin’s natural oils solidifies, whereas in summer it flows freely,” explains Kristina McHugh, South African beauty specialist. Because of this, most people need a lighter moisturizer in hot weather.”Although you must, as a rule, buy a water-based moisturizer, work out your skin’s needs. Maybe just plain water works for you. Herbal beautician Shahnaz Husain says that flower-based lotions like rose water can be sprayed on the face to tone and refresh it. “A rose-based skin tonic or cucumber water (made by diluting cucumber juice with water) can be used to spray the face,” she says. “Keep them cool in the fridge before use. Honey water helps dry skins more, because honey is a humecant. It dehydrates the skin. 

Besides this, make a habit of splashing your face gently with water for instant freshness (try and use mineral water). You can splash as many as 20 times as long as you don’t use very hot or cold water on your skin (which can cause fine vein to appear on your face). Steam face regularly to release dirt (five minutes for dry skin and 10 minutes if it is oily). Pat dry with tissue and moisturize. Moisturizers should be used damp on the skin. This seals in the water and helps skin to hold the moisture better.

Soak Suds

Feet need TLC at the best of times, let alone in summer. And as they, unmanicured, peeling hands are a beauty sin! Blistering heat makes feet swell and sweat and sexy summer footwear means it’s all on show. So, keeping both hands and feet clean with a liberal use of soap and water (followed by a moisturizer) is a grooming must. “There’s nothing more off-putting than looking at cracked, dirty heels,” insists Christina Fritzgerald of Sydney salon Smyth and Fitzgerald.So there you are again, water is your only escape route out of unkempt hair and legs. Soaking feet and hands helps to get rid of fatigue, more so if you add a pinch of salt to the water you use. This softens the dry, dead skin around the your soles, easing its removal. Soak feet for 15-20 minutes. Shahnaz recommends hot and cold contrast soaks for the feet to help boost circulation. Soak your feet first in hot water and then in cold water for two minutes each. Do this for about 15 minutes, once a week.

Bye Bye odor

Have you thought how a small bottle with nothing but clean water in it can rid you of your nightmares? You can use herbal flower water too, to spray your armpits with. Add a few drops of cologne to the water, if you like, in the spray bottle. Earlier in the day, use a spray deo immediately after a bath on semi-damp skin. Water makes a better spray than strong cologne because some cosmetics block the natural and necessary process of perspiration. Spray twice or thrice a day.

The drink of life

Add more water to your life:

• You know you should, but do you do it? Drink at least 15 glasses of water a day
• Mix the fruit juice of your choice with mineral water for a healthy soda.
• Is there a waterfall you can get under, or a brook to swim in? Don’t pass up the opportunity. Great for blood circulation.
• Sinking into a bathtub has a tranquilizing effect on the mind. Throw in mineral salts if you can.
• Use water as mouth freshener along with a sprig of mint, honey and lime.
• Make a compress for dry, flaky, irritated skin using water. Use gauze dipped in tolerably cold water. Apply on affected area and leave on for 10 minutes. Instant relief. 
• Sebastian Keipp, who wrote My Water Cure, recommends using water as a healing power to cure disease. “Walk barefoot on grass or immerse your legs in cold water up to the knees. This increases resistance to illness.”
• With water, remember, more is always better.

Absolute hair highlight

The question that hair specialist Colleen Khan was asked most often at the 1999 Cosmo Show in Delhi was how often hair should be washed. “It is a total myth that you can’t wash hair everyday,” says Colleen. “Clean hair is the best hair highlight. It is overshampooing that should be avoided.”Shahnaz Husain agrees. “In the summer months, hair collects more dirt and washing it regularly is necessary. Especially in cities where chemical and pollutants to cling to the scalp. In summer, hair should be washed three times a week or more, if needed. But use a small quantity of shampoo and choose a mild, herbal one.”

Give your hair a cold rinse prior to turning off the shower-it closes follicles so locks in shine.