Top 5 Flat-Belly Foods

Top 5 Foods for a Flat Belly

Dreaming of a flat stomach without hitting the gym? The good news is your dream may not be too far away. Whether you’re hoping to blitz away a muffin top or are battling with bloating, your diet is integral to shaping up this problem area. Start eating your way to a trimmer waistline with these top 5 foods for a flat stomach.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds (often referred to as linseeds) are nutritious seeds packed with monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) - which are actually a lot more diet-friendly than they sound. Monounsaturated fats, unlike saturated fats (the "bad" fats found in junk food), not only lower cholesterol levels but they can also help to reduce body fat. Liz Vaccariello, author of The Flat Belly Diet, advocates these healthy fats for those wanting to specifically target belly fat.

Not only will these super seeds tackle love handles, but they are great for those suffering from bloating. Flax seeds provide high levels of fibre and can help to keep the digestive system running smoothly, helping to banish bloating, constipation and other digestive problems. Try adding a tablespoon of freshly ground flax seeds to your morning cereal, lunchtime salad, or homemade smoothie to start enjoying their belly-flattening benefits.

Berries

Blackberries, blueberries, acai berries... what do these fruits have in common? They could all help you to squeeze back into your skinny jeans. Studies have suggested that those wanting to lose their belly fat should opt for fruit that is blue or red in colour (such as cherries, red grapes and many types of berries). In fact, it is the chemicals that are responsible for giving these fruits their colour (anthocyanins) that, according to recent research, also burn abdominal fat.

Yoghurt

Not only is yoghurt low in fat and calories, so good as a weight loss food, but many yoghurts also contain active cultures (probiotics) which promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and help with digestion, excess gas and bloating. Yoghurt is luckily easy to fit into any diet plan as part of a meal or a snack between meals. You could also try combining natural yoghurt, berries and flax seeds in a morning smoothie or bowl of cereal, getting you off to a great tummy-trimming start before you even leave the house.

Whole grains

Whole grains are great for weight management and shedding those excess pounds. Not only are they a low-fat source of slow-release energy but, due to their high levels of fibre, they will help to regulate the digestive system and also keep you feeling fuller for longer. Eating whole grains also helps to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and insulin in the body, both of which encourage fat to be stored around the belly.

Many people, however, instinctively opt for wheat as their primary source of whole grains, which is often not the best choice. Not only is wheat difficult to digest - which can cause bloating in some - but it is better to eat grains in their natural form rather than as a processed flour. Good alternatives to try are brown rice, oats, buckwheat and spelt. Quinoa - although technically a seed - is also a nutritious alternative that can be used in the place of grains such as pasta and couscous.

Water

While it's not technically a food, a lack of water in your diet could be the one thing still standing in your way of a flat stomach. Bloating is something that affects many women and the problem is often worsened - or even instigated - by a lack of fluids in the system. Drinking water will help to flush toxins out of the system, curb hunger, improve the digestive system and reduce fluid retention, all of which will leave your stomach looking flatter.

If you are aiming for a flat belly, it is important to drink a minimum of eight glasses of liquids a day. Although this does not have to be water, it is best to go for liquids that are still (fizzy drinks can cause bloating) and low in calories. If you don't fancy plain water, a good alternative is green tea - which is also rumoured to have fat burning benefits - or fennel, dandelion or peppermint teas, all of which can combat bloating.

The worrying trend of 'sexting'

Sexting: You Can Do Something About It

A growing trend among youngsters to take and share indecent photos through mobile phones is a matter of grave concern. 

Two major surveys involving more than 3,000 children suggest that four out of ten have received or seen an indecent image via a mobile, reports the Daily Mail .

As if you weren’t concerned enough about your child’s online life, the topic of sexting is another important facet to our modern day e-world. Sexting encompasses any electronic exchange that contains sexual talk and or pictures. In mild cases it can look like flirting, while in severe cases it can be considered a crime. Take, for example, a just barely 18 year-old 12th grade boy who is texting an almost 15 year old freshman. He asks her “how far she has gone,” which then leads to other graphic questions. In the end he asks her if she’d send him a suggestive picture of herself. She obliges, and suddenly you have a very serious offense. 

A serving police officer seconded to the survey, Alan Earl, has given talks in scores of secondary schools about the dangers of children swapping explicit photographs of themselves. "Boys ask girls to take pictures of themselves naked, and the girls do it to please them. Not all girls, but those who have boyfriends: they think their pictures are not going to be shown." 



 "After my talk, at almost every school, a teacher will approach me and confide that they've already had to deal with an incident like those I've described," Earl added. 

More typically, the naked images sent around phones are static poses, usually of girls standing up or lying down. 

"It is girlfriend/boyfriend stuff, but then the relationship breaks down and the boy sends the pictures on," said Alan Earl. 

A photograph of a young girl in the wrong hands is the beginning of a nightmare.  Because teens can “hide” behind their screens, sexting, allows them to learn about sexual behaviors without the face-to-face embarrassment. Even “good” girls and boys may be tempted to sext.

When should you talk to your teen about sexting?  And what should you say? The answer is to talk opening about cell phone use and sexting before it happens. 

• Tell your child/teen that YOU have the ability to monitor their texts.  Let him or her know that if sexual talk, body pictures or other crude information is exchanged, you will suspend cellular use. 
• Enforce a NO BODY PICTURES rule.  No excuses.
• Monitor their texts! If this feels violating, then monitor the time texts are sent (aka 2 am) and to whom they are sent.
• Children under the age of 16 do not REALLY need smart phones with high resolution picture capabilities, etc.  This only facilitates sexting.
• Talk to girls about the dangers of having text conversations about sexual experiences – past and potential future. Boys will quickly become more bold and eager to text more and ask more graphic questions. Girls sometimes do not know how to stop unsolicited questions or requests for pictures of themselves.
• Talk to boys about the trouble that can result from blatant sexual solicitations. Girls will often-times NOT tell them they are uncomfortable, or can turn around and claim “sexual harassment” when none was intended (this should be judged by a case-to-case basis obviously.)

With the prevalence of cell phones, sexting is on the rise. Parents need to be aware of the threats and talk to their children about the dangers to prevent the potentially devestating, and long-lasting effects of sexting.

5 Most Common Sex Mistakes That Men Make

The Most Common Sex Mistakes That Men Make

When it comes to sex, a lot of men are left to their own devices to figure out what their partner wants, which lead to some basic errors. Men make these mistakes due to the perceptions they have about what they think their partner wants or needs based on their previous experiences. Most have only adult movies to guide them, which are absolutely not based on reality and are misleading.Guys tend to forget that these movies are just an act and that it would be foolish to model their sexual behaviour on the basis  on these films.

Her is a list of few of the most common mistakes that men men make during sex:

1. Men presume that they know what a women wants in bed: Relationships are complicated and a lot of men assume that they know what their current partner wants in bed based on previous relationships that they have had(men that is). This is a major error as every women is a different individual with her own set of sensibilities when it comes to sex. Men need to understand and adjust to their partner’s needs and comfort level about sex. As what worked for their previous partner may not do so with their current one.

2. Women’s Orgasm: A lot of men feel inadequate or feel that there is something wrong with their partner if she does not achieve orgasm during sexual intercourse. This is plain foolish as a lot of women if not most need extra stimulation besides intercourse to have an orgasm. Oral sex and adult toys can help their partner reach an orgasm and there is absolutely no need to feel inadequacy if that is what it takes to satisfy their partner.

3. Sex has the same meaning or feel for both men and women: This is another very common error that men make. Sex has a very different meaning for women than it does for men. While for most men sex is more of a physical act; for women emotional reasons play an important role in the build up to and the actual act of sex. To make sure that their partner is going to enjoy sex, men need to make sure that they are emotionally connected with their partner and spend more time in foreplay and other forms of intimacy like kissing and fondling, rather than just indulging in  intercourse straight away.

4. Know when their partner is turned on: A common misconception that men have is that the wetter the women is, the more turned on she is. How much natural lubrication a women has changes form individual to individual and is also dependent on which phase of menstrual cycle she is in. Don’t worry if you feel your partner is not wet enough, just use a good lubricant if you need to. This will ensure that sex is not painful or uncomfortable for both you and your partner.

5. There is no need to talk during sex: Silence is not golden in this case. you need to communicate with your partner during sex to know what is working for you both. Guiding each other during sex will ensure that both partners are satisfied and enjoy their lovemaking. There is no need to be shy and you should encourage your partner to do the same. Be receptive to her suggestions and gently persuade her to yours. Remember not to be critical or rude as nothing can ruin intimacy more than that.

The key here for men is to change their mindset and preconceived notions about sex. Doing so will certainly improve the relationship with your partner in general and your sex life in particular.

Top 10 Power Foods

The Top 10 Power Foods 

The top power foods around us might look humble, ordinary and nothing special, but they are packed with abundant nutritional value. These power foods contain high doses of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, among other nutrients. They help prevent illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, and they also help boost the immune system, improve memory and concentration; all this while slowing down the ageing process. So let's get to know these power foods...

Almonds

Almonds contain a very large number of antioxidants that help fight skin wrinkles, aging, cancer, heart disease and stroke. A cup of almonds contains more potassium than a whole banana and more calcium than milk. They also contain magnesium and phosphorus to build healthy bones. Almonds are good sources of vitamin E, zinc, proteins and fiber for healthy skin and a strong immune system.

Beans

Beans such as kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils are low in fat and rich sources of iron, manganese, antioxidants, B-complex vitamins and protein. The high level of fiber in beans also helps to reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Cabbage

Cabbage contains large amounts of glutamine, an amino acid that has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial to the heart and circulatory system as well as for treating stomach, skin and intestinal ulcers. The purple cabbage gets its bright color from the antioxidant lycopene, which reduces the risk of prostate problems in men and helps to repair aged and sun-damaged skin.

Garlic

Garlic is rich in phytochemicals called allylic sulphides that decrease the risk of certain cancers in the body. It also has natural antibiotic and antioxidant effects in the body; this fights colds and flus. Along with this, garlic has heart-healthy benefits such as decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and preventing blood clots in the arteries.

Oats

Oats contain abundant vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. They are rich in silica, a mineral that is important for bone, muscle and joint health. Oats also contain complex carbohydrates, fats and iron, and are an excellent source of long lasting energy.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are packed with carotenoids, a potent antioxidant that gives them their bright color and helps to protect the body's cells. Pumpkin is also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health and reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, a serious eye disease that can cause blindness.

Berries

Berries, including blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and red currants, are especially rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Eat a handful of berries every day. You can include them in cereals and salads, eat berries instead of calorie-heavy desserts and use them to make smoothies for breakfast or a snack.

Spinach

Spinach contains abundant calcium, iron, fiber and the vitamins A, C, E and K. it also contains five times more beta-carotene than broccoli and also has natural cancer-fighting phytochemicals called indoles and sulphoraphane.

Whole grains

Whole grains such as wheat and barley contains significant amounts of the soluble fiber beta-glucan that helps to lower cholesterol and balance blood glucose level. This prevents the risk of heart disease and adult onset diabetes.

Top 10 Best New Sex Tips for 2012

Top 10 Best New Sex Tips for 2012

Some sex research has a tendency to state the obvious. None of these studies did. We rounded up the surprising (#10), the fascinating (#3), and the plain weird (#9) to bring you the best sex and relationship stories of 2012. (What better things do you have to do on New Year’s Day? Once your hangover is gone, that is.)

You’re welcome.

1. A couple that cuddles together stays together.

Tough guys, listen up: A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that men value cuddling more than women do. In fact, the researchers say that the notion that women like to cuddle more than guys is just a stereotype—and that men may have a greater need for nonsexual contact in the long tern. Still, feel free to sidle up to her. Snuggling was related to sexual satisfaction.

2. Don’t cheat, ever.

Cheating on a woman not only fractures your relationship with her—it can also fracture your penis. A new study in the journal Sexual Medicine found that men who have extramarital affairs are more likely to suffer penis fractures than guys who don’t stray. (Normally, broken penises wouldn’t rank this high on our list of the best research of last year, but this study is definitely an exception.) The reason? A lot of these same men end up having affairs in weird locations, like cars, elevators, and bathroom stalls. And if you’re having sex in a physically awkward location, you’re more likely to crush yourself.

3. Deep voices turn women on.

There could be another reason why Barry White was such a ladies man: He had a legendary baritone. And according to a new study in the journal Memory & Cognition, women prefer listening to men with deep voices, compared to their more highly-pitched counterparts. The reason could be evolutionary, say the scientists, who note that deep voices indicate genetic superiority in males. The good news? You can fake it. The bad news? You might also sound like a creep.

4. Choose a wider variety of porn.

No one wants to watch the same movie over and over again—even if that “movie” happens to be porn. That’s because watching the same erotic film repeatedly can blunt women’s arousal. In a new Dutch study, women who viewed 18 similar clips experienced a dip in vaginal responses; men’s arousal, on the other hand, remained constant. Later, while watching new content, both sexes’ arousal spiked. The takeaway: Novelty helps excite her—choose your films accordingly.

5. Or, on second though, maybe you should just cut back on the porn…

If you prefer the ladies online to the ones in real-life, you could be setting yourself up for future libido problems. A new report on an Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine survey found that men who started watching porn in their mid-teens—and still continue to watch it daily—tend to have more trouble getting an erection. The Internet allows for immediate access to porn, which wires the brain for constant visual stimuli, say the scientists. New or novel porn jacks up the release of dopamine but can eventually leads to an inability to masturbate without it, he says.

6. It’s not always your fault that she’s faking her orgasms.

If you suspect that your girlfriend is faking it, she might have suspicious of her own: Women who think their partner is going to cheat on them are more likely to fake an orgasm than ladies who feel secure in their relationship, reports a recent study in Archives and Sexual Behavior. But she doesn’t just put on a show to keep you from bolting. Research points to a few more reasons why she imitates the “big O.”

Read the full story: The Strange Reason Why She’s Faking It

7. Don’t reach for the condom right away.

Using protection doesn’t have to kill the mood—just wait until the end of a foreplay session before you put it on. Men who initiate condom use too early—especially without asking her first—seem to presume sex and may come off like they’re overly afraid of contracting an STD, say the researchers. Your best move is to wait for her to initiate it, but if she’s not budging just say, “I want you so bad. Do you mind if we grab a condom?”

8. Everyone needs a good rebound.

Yep, you read that right. And here’s why: Being in a long-term relationship changes your concept of your identity, according to a study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. Over time, your friends, possessions, and even goals become less about “you” and more about “us.” And so much of that post-breakup anguish is actually about the fracture of a person’s identity. Hence, the rebound. Developing a new relationship could help fill that hole—but the best way to go about doing it is to find someone who shares an interest that you’re also passionate about. You can start rebuilding your identity from there.

9. Your hand size is linked to your penis size.

We dare you to not look at your hand after reading this: Guys with shorter index fingers than ring fingers tend to have bigger penises than guys with the opposite digit scenario, finds a new study in the Asian Journal of Andrology. The connection: The testosterone men get exposed to while they’re still fetuses controls both penis and finger length, the researchers explain.

10. Pillow talk should come before sex—not after.

Before you get to the foreplay, leave a little room for the sweet nothings. When researchers surveyed women about their post-coital activities, women rated intimate talk as “significantly more important” before sex than after. She may want to talk to you before sex to access your level of commitment, say the researchers. Note: That doesn’t give you an excuse to just roll over afterwards. And no scientist should have to tell you that.

5 Health Benefits of Masturbation

5 Health Benefits of Masturbation

A new survey from adult product peddler AdamandEve.com reveals that 27 percent of Americans admit to masturbating once or twice a week. That number seems suspiciously low to us, especially since science has shown that being master of your domain can provide additional feel-great benefits. (Also because the people surveyed were browsing an adult toy website.) “Masturbation is part of a healthy sex life,” says Gloria Brame, Ph.D., a clinical sexologist. “It’s totally safe and harmless. It’s healthier than brushing your teeth every day.”

Given our busy schedules, perhaps the time has come to enjoy solo sex. Remember, 94% men and 89% women still masturbate on a regular basis. Masturbation doesn't cause any harm to your body until and unless you over do it. And just as brushing your teeth should be a regular occurrence, so too should be cleaning your pipes. Here are 5 reasons to take matters into your own hands right now. (You’re welcome.)

It prevents cancer. A 2003 Australian study found that men who ejaculated more than five times a week were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer. Disease-causing toxins build up in your urogenital tract and when you rub one out, you flush the bad guys out of your system, says Brame.

It makes you harder. As you age, you naturally lose muscle tone … even down there. Regular sex or masturbation works out your pelvic floor muscles to prevent erectile dysfunction and incontinence. “It keeps the angle of your dangle perky,” says Brame. Aim to (ahem) arrive 3 to 5 times a week for rock-solid results.

It helps you last longer. Taking yourself to palm prom may help you stretch your sack sessions. “[Masturbating] an hour before a date will give you more control,” says Brame. Train yourself by timing how long it takes you to orgasm, suggests Ava Cadell, Ph.D., founder of loveologyuniversity.com. If it usually takes two minutes solo, try for three next time. Or count how many strokes you need to get to your happy place. If you’re spurting after 50, shoot for 60. “Most men can double the number of strokes and the time within one month,” Cadell says. Practice makes perfect, right?

It ups your immunity. Ejaculation increases levels of the hormone cortisol, says Jennifer Landa, M.D., a specialist in hormone therapy. Cortisol, which usually gets a bad rap as a havoc-wrecking stress hormone, actually helps regulate and maintain your immunity in the small doses. “Masturbation can product the right environment for a strengthened immune system,” she says.

It boosts your mood. Masturbating releases a slew of feel-good neurochemicals like dopamine and oxytocin that lift your spirits, boost your satisfaction, and activate the reward circuits in your brain. “An orgasm is the biggest non-drug blast of dopamine available,” says Brame. “A brain scan of someone having an orgasm looks like a heroin addict’s.”