ArtashNikki

Sure, getting enough sleep is the biggest way to beat the 4:00 yawning session (I swear, there is something about this time–weirdly, I could fall asleep at 4 p.m. everyday!), but did you know that several other surprising things could be making you sleepy? Here are some unlikely yawn-inducers…

WebMD recently ran a piece about the most common reasons for feeling tired. Here are some:

1. A hidden UTI: In some cases, fatigue may be the only sign of a urinary tract infection, reports WebMD. If you suspect something’s up (and you have pain and burning when you pee) talk to your doc. A urine test can quickly confirm a UTI.

2. Your diet: If you’re not eating enough, you will be tired. Calories = energy, my friends. (I feel like I sounded just like John McCain when I wrote that.)

3. Food allergies you didn’t know you had: Some doctors believe that exhaustion could be a sign of hidden food allergies.

4. Caffeine overload: You probably reach for more coffee when you’re tired, but experts say that too much caffeine can sometimes backfire, causing you to feel more fatigued. Maybe skip the triple-venti today.

5. Undetected thyroid problems: Fatigue is one symptom of a thyroid condition called hypothyroidism. Fortunately, this is such a treatable thing (I have it, and just pop a pill each day–no biggie). Most health experts concur that every woman should have her thyroid levels tested every few years (just a simple blood test) to rule out any such conditions (they’re common in women).

P.S. I’d add a sixth: your snoring man. My husband snores, and it makes it so hard for me to get to sleep most nights. I told you about a new product called Brez that he was going to try. Well, he tried it! The verdict: While it didn’t stop his snoring completely, it has helped. Somehow the snoring has gotten softer and less intense. Hey, I’ll settle for any improvement!

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/yawning-6-surprising-reasons-why-youre-exhausted-509810/

The 12 Power Foods

1.       Almonds and other nuts (not smoked or salted) – these build muscle and fight cravings; they contain protein vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, folate (peanuts), magnesium and phosphorus; and fight against heart disease, wrinkles, high blood pressure, cancer, muscle loss, and obesity.

2.       Legumes and Beans (not refried or baked beans) – these help burn fat, regulate digestion, and build muscle; they contain protein, folate, iron, and fiber; and fight against colon cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.

3.       Green Vegetables (not fried or smothered in cheese) – these neutralize free radicals that accelerate the process of aging; they contain vitamins A,C, and K, calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, and fiber; and fight against osteoporosis, stroke, heart disease, cancer, and obesity.

4.       Fat-Free Dairy Products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese – these build strong bones and fire up weight loss; they contain vitamins A and B12, phosphorus, riboflavin, calcium, and potassium; fight against cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and obesity.

5.       Instant Oatmeal without sweeteners and flavors – this boosts sex drive and energy, maintains levels of blood sugar, and reduces cholesterol; this contains fiber and complex carbohydrates; and fights against diabetes, heart disease, colon cancer and obesity.

6.       Eggs – burns fat and builds muscle ; contains vitamins A and B12 and protein; and fights against obesity.

7.       Lean Meats, such as turkey, fish, etc. – these improve the immune system and build muscle; they contain protein, zinc, iron, creatine (beef), vitamins B6 and B12, omega-3, potassium, and phosphorus; and fight against various diseases and obesity.

8.       All- Natural Peanut Butter without sugar – this builds muscle , boosts testosterone, and burns fat; it contains protein, vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, magnesium, and niacin; and fights against muscle loss, cardiovascular disease, wrinkles, and obesity.

9.       Olive Oil (not margarine or any vegetable oils) – this boosts the body’s immune system and lowers cholesterol; it contains vitamin E and monounsaturated fat; and fights against heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity.

10.   Whole-Grain Cereals and Breads – these prevent the storing of fat; they contain protein, fiber, riboflavin, thiamin, pyridoxine, niacin, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, iron, potassium, and calcium; and fights against cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity.

11.   Whey Powder (not soy protein) – this burns fat and builds muscle; contains protein, glutathione, and cysteine; and fights against obesity.

12.   Berries (not jellies) – these enhance eyesight, protect your heart, prevents cravings, and improves coordination, short-term memory, and balance; they contain vitamin C, fiber, tannins (cranberries), and antioxidants ; and fight against cancer, heart disease, and obesity.

There are some basic guidelines that are included with the Abs Diet Plan for Women to keep you on the path to successful weight loss and abs toning .

• Eat six meals everyday.  Science supports the fact that eating more meals everyday will work for you in losing and maintaining a healthy weight
•  Make the 12 Power foods the staples of your daily diet.  All of the foods in this diet are good for you and actually exchange the fat for a lean, toned body
• Drink smoothies on a regular basis.  These don’t require a lot of time, they satisfy your craving for sweet foods, and they take up a lot of room in your stomach
• Don’t count your calorie intake, because this can make you lose motivation and focus
• Make nutrients, aids in digestion, and keeps your metabolism going sure you drink plenty of water , as this flushes out the waste products in your body, transports
• Cheat on one meal each week, but make sure that you plan it so that you stay in control