Protein Supplements Essential For Muscle Tone
March 30, 2008
People head to the gym with some purpose. Some want to lose weight; others want a well-toned body while some go to the gym to hangout with friends.
The serious gym-goers set goals and follow a strict regime. They are consciously working for that perfect muscle tone. Muscle development requires protein. As one continues to workout, there comes a point where the muscles get tired and torn. It is only protein that can repair this damage.
Most of the time, our diet does not provide that high level of protein most needed for muscle development. Protein supplements play a vital role here. Whey protein can be added to milkshakes which instantly replenishes the protein inadequacies. Regular weight training enthusiasts should always remember that protein is essential to build muscle mass. They should consume roughly a gram and a half of it for every two kilos of their body weight daily. If you find that your diet doesn’t provide it then switch to protein supplements.
Milk protein also helps in bodybuilding but they burn at a slower rate. Protein supplements are available in most health and fitness outlets. Read the labels and find out which product is well suited to your body type and lifestyle.
Don’t deter from the goals that you have set for yourself. Be informed about all the health options and make your own decision.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
March 28, 2008
Is everyone happy with the way they look? Not all, but most of us lose weight, change our hairstyle, get into new wardrobe and get some TLC from our loved ones and we are good to go. But some people are so affected by media, models, fashion divas and celebrities that they have this nagging urge to keep refining their looks. They will go to any extremes, do whatever is necessary to fix their flaws. Such people suffer from body dysmorphic disorder.
Patients suffering from body dysmorphic disorder are obsessed about their looks and this dissatisfaction affects their daily living. This constant preoccupation disrupts their social and occupational skills. Body dysmorphic disorder branches out to another extreme health hazard known as muscle dysmoprhoia. This is commonly found in men. The characteristic sign of muscle dysmoprhoia is that the person perceives himself to be grossly out of shape and involves in extreme workouts. He takes excess of protein supplements, vitamins and steroids in the hope of that desired shape. Read Dangers Of Extreme Workout.
Common Obsessions Of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Skin Problems:
They fuss about acne marks, scars, blemishes, pigmentation and skin color. Some want their skin tanned while others want to look fairer.
Skin Problems: They fuss about acne marks, scars, blemishes, pigmentation and skin color. Some want their skin tanned while others want to look fairer.
Hair Problems: Women want the perfect wave or perfect bounce in their hair. They will try hair bonding, perm and every treatment necessary for that celebrity look. Jennifer Aniston’s haircut is one classic style which women emulate worldwide. Men are not far behind as they tend to bald. They too go to any length to get a thick hair growth. Laser hair removal is widely used by both men and women to get rid of unwanted hair in every section of the body.
Problem With Facial Features: The nose is the most common concern followed by flaws of the forehead, jaw line, teeth and ears. Face lift and cosmetic surgeries are done often as they are never satisfied with their self-image.
Problem With Body Image: Women want bigger breasts, slimmer thighs, arms, shapely buttocks and hips. Men too go under the knife to enhance various body parts.
People suffering from body dysmorphic disorder are very anxious and self-conscious. They have a very low opinion of themselves and lack self esteem. They stunt their emotional and physical growth with starvation, going on various fad diets, taking fat dissolving pills, laxatives and hunger suppressants. They severely harm their metabolic rate, menstrual cycle and natural growth.
Over a period of time many such sufferers may fall into depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobia. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) from trained psychologists and therapists is a must. They will know how to be patient with them, encourage them and monitor their behaviour.
Body dysmorphic disorder is commonly found but not recognised by many. Its causes are yet to be clinically defined but it is how people perceive and compare themselves with airbrushed models and celebrities in magazines and billboards. It is time we look within ourselves and wonder are we a victim too.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dull, Frizzy Hair Solutions
March 26, 2008
Hair can make or break our look. Hair care is vital especially when one has dull and frizzy hair. There are many reasons for dry and dull hair. It could be because of poor diet, weather conditions, unsuitable styling products and so on.
5 Solutions To Manage Dull, Frizzy Hair
1) For smooth and nourished hair, diet should be rich in Vitamin B. Wheat gram, green vegetables and fresh fruits have these essential vitamins needed for smooth and manageable hair.
2) Shampoo and conditioner should be chosen wisely. Dry hair requires moisture so select a moisturizing and balancing shampoo. There are special conditioners specially formulated for frizzy hair. Leave-in conditioners which come in the form of serum can also be used.
3) Styling aids like hot irons, curling rods and blow drying should be cut down to the minimum as they can really make hair dull and frizzy. They also lead to split ends especially in women who have long hair.
4) Use soft brushes and combs. Brushing should be done gently.
5) Hair should be washed with tepid water and not very hot. Extreme hot water tends to strip the hair of its essential natural oil.
Hair is delicate and should be treated with utmost care. Well-nourished and groomed hair reflects on your personality. Neglecting hair leads to dandruff, lice and hair fall.
Hair loss slowly leads to baldness. This is affecting a lot of people of both sexes across continents. Learn how to cope up with hair loss and baldness from our previous post.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
