Monday, 12 August 2013

Why We Gains Weight During Ramadan Instead Of Losing It?

By Karima Burns

Fast [the month of Ramadan] so that to heal your bodies from diseases," says a Hadith, or saying of the Prophet Mohammad (saas).

Weight gain could be seen as one of these diseases. However, to lose weight during Ramadan fasting must be done in a very careful manner. There are many ahadith that give us advice on how to eat healthy while fasting during Ramadan. However, people often forget these healthy eating habits during Ramadan. Ironically, as well, there are more "eating traps" during Ramadan than any other month. So, as we struggle to be good Muslims and fast, we may inadvertently be straying from the path of the Prophet by breaking all rules of good health. The most common "Ramadan pitfalls" are: Eating a large iftar (meal at breaking of fast) right after the Maghrib azaan (sunset call to prayer), eating unusual or new foods, too many salty foods, too many sweet foods, increasing consumption of tea or coffee, not sleeping enough, skipping meals, eating too much bread or other foods, changing lifestyle habits, and reducing exercise.

Eating a large iftar right after the azaan is not recommended in the Hadith. The large influx of food consumed after a day of fasting can cause the digestive system to "clog". For this reason it is recommended that Muslims break their fast on dates and water or a simple soup, perform the Maghrib prayer and then eat a moderate iftar. Ideally, another small meal should then be eaten after the Tarawih (evening prayers during Ramadan) prayers.

Eating a large iftar can also be a problem because it can involve "trigger foods". Trigger foods are foods that cause people to desire more and more of the same food. Sugar is one popular trigger food. The opposite of "trigger foods" are "ideal foods". You can find out your trigger foods by observation or by visiting a naturopath. Everyone should know what foods they are allergic to, what foods are their "trigger" foods and what foods are their "ideal foods".

Eating too much is an obvious pitfall to weight loss during Ramadan. The Qur'an says, "Eat of the good things we have provided for your sustenance but commit no excess therein" (20:81). Many people do not realize that they are eating more because they try not to. However, keep in mind that the rest of the year people usually eat a small breakfast, rush off to work or school and then eat a small lunch and a larger dinner. Then they sleep. In some cultures they eat a larger lunch and then a smaller dinner. In Ramadan, however, iftar tends to be quite large and eating can continue into the night with numerous visits to family and friends. The morning suhur (pre-fast meal) is often quite large as well. It helps during this time to keep an eating diary for a "reality check". I am sorry to say that most people in my practice that say they are not eating too much find out otherwise when they write it down.

Eating new or unusual foods is also a problem for weight loss during Ramadan. In fact, making any lifestyle changes can be stressful and contribute to weight gain. Stress can cause weight gain in people that are susceptible to stress. If you are the type of person who does not like change and prefers that "everything has its place and everything is in its place" or you are happiest at home then you are probably a person who does not deal with the stress of change very well. Vitamin B complex vitamins can help people deal with stress. There are also many herbs that can help with stress.

Eating new foods also increases the chance you may be allergic to something you are eating. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said, "The stomach is the pool of the body and the veins lead to it. When the stomach is healthy, the veins convey health from it: When the stomach is ill, the veins convey illness." Foods you are allergic to can make your stomach ill, resulting in asthma attacks, hives and weight gain. There is now scientific proof that allergies or food sensitivities can cause weight gain. Many people have lost enormous amounts of weight by discovering their allergies and eliminating those foods from their diets. Common allergens are eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, soy and many others.

The types of food you chose to eat during Ramadan can also defeat your efforts to lose weight. If you eat too many salty foods your body will retain water and cause you to feel bloated. At the same time, a lack of water in the body causes the body to retain fat and other toxins more readily, as it does not have enough fluid to "flush" toxins out of the body.

The Qu'an clearly states, "Ye people eat of what is on earth, lawful and wholesome" (2:168). If you eat too many un-wholesome foods, such as processed breads and sweets, you will gain weight. These processed and sugary foods are "trigger foods". These foods also leach nutrients from your body and thus cause your body to crave more food in general because it feels very unsatisfied.

Eating too many breads and starches can also cause weight gain. Ramadan is often the time when women like to display and share their cooking abilities. Breads are usually considered the mark of a good cook and the way to display an inviting table to your guests. However, not everyone considers bread to be the height of good cooking. The books The Zone Diet by Barry Sears and the McDougall Plan by Dr. McDougall explains in great detail how starches and grains contribute to weight gain. The book Your Health...Your Choice by Ted Morter, MD goes into even more detail about bread, including how most grains and legumes, along with milk and meat, contribute to the acid environment in our body which promotes overall bad health.

The best way to solve the problem of eating too many starches is to make sure you eat the right proportions from the various food groups to ensure weight loss. Imagine that you are preparing your plate with only vegetables and you are only allowed to use meat, milk, and grains as the condiments. Limit yourself to one cup of any given grain per meal and use meat and milk products as condiments. Start thinking of celery as something to spread peanut butter on instead of bread, think of carrot sticks with hummus instead of pita bread, and try a lettuce leaf instead of tortilla shells. Don't give up eating breads and meat, just de-emphasize them and save them for special dishes only. Your goal should be to consume about 70% vegetables (and fruits, but less of them) and 30% grains, beans, milk products and meat.

There is also an entire category of foods that contribute to weight loss because they are "bitters" or contain a high percentage of water. As a rule any herb or food that is bitter helps move fats through the system faster and more efficiently. You must still eat these foods in moderation and correct proportion. They are not foods you can eat unlimited amounts of. Bitter and watery foods include: amaranth, quinoa, oats, corn, rye, adzuki beans, cucumber, zucchini, summer squash, sweet potatoes, celery, asparagus, kale, brussel spouts, cabbage, and other sprouts. You can also cook with spices that help speed your metabolism. These spices include: cardamom, cayenne, cinnamon, ginger.

Discontinuing exercise can also cause weight gain during Ramadan. Most people reduce their workloads in some way stating "It's Ramadan so I should rest." For most people, this is untrue. If you have an unstable health condition the stress of fasting may mean that you should be careful. However, if you are so unhealthy that you cannot lead a normal life during Ramadan then you should not be fasting anyway. We need to exercise to pump blood and lymph through our bodies. The heart pumps blood but the feet and legs pump the lymph; and the lymph glands are what help us process and get rid of excess fats and toxins in the system. To really get the lymph flowing you need to have a good twenty minutes of NON-stop brisk walking. However, remember that exercise alone may not help some people lose weight so don't get discouraged if it does not help you. Keep in mind that you should not overwork and that moderate exercise will at least help you keep up your motivation to do the other therapies!

The increase of social coffee and tea drinking also contributes to weight gain during Ramadan. Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate and even decaffeinated teas and coffees) can cause weight gain in people. This is because carbonated beverages and caffeine leach calcium from your system, which means that you will feel less full all the time and tend to eat the wrong or more things.

Using some herbal teas instead of coffee and tea can also assist in weight loss. I recommend using "single" mixtures or weight loss mixtures that have been tested for hundreds of years and are still in use. Many herbal weight loss formulas on the market have been tested thoroughly, but only for short periods of time. There is a growing pressure to create new formulas all the time, so as a result many weight loss formulas on the market now have not been tested for long-term effects to organ systems; many contain shocking mixtures of various herbs that do not combine well. Secondly, each person is unique depending on their physiological type as well as their lifestyle and their unique allergies or health conditions. A tea which may help one person lose weight may cause another to gain weight. A professional herbalist, when creating a program for you will consider the herbs of oat straw, dandelion, alfalfa, fennel, fenugreek, milk thistle, and other herbs that cleanse the liver or lymphatic system. The herbalist may also recommend using some essential oils in a bath or massage such as juniper, bergamot, citrus oil, rosemary, or sage oil.

Surprisingly, lack of sleep can also cause weight gain in people. And it is common in Ramadan for people to not get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can put excess stress on the body, which can trigger weight gain.

Not eating enough can also be a surprising cause of weight gain. Not eating Suhur triggers a starvation response in your body, which actually slows down your metabolism for the rest of the day. This is like putting all that food you are eating on "slow motion" instead of "fast". If you skip breakfast your food will metabolize sluggishly in your system and contribute to your weight gain.

Taking vitamins during Ramadan may also cause weight gain. Vitamin D supplements or Multi-vitamins contribute to weight gain. Many people think that since they are not eating the foods they are used to during Ramadan that they should take a vitamin "just in case". Vitamins should never be taken for that reason and should always be recommended by a health care professional. Vitamins can cause damage to organs, malnutrition or other health problems when taken inappropriately.

Last, but not least, remember that Ramadan does not have to be the time of year to lose weight. Don't focus on losing weight this Ramadan. Focus on the meaning of Ramadan, follow the tenants of good health recommended by our Prophet and you will find the weight will come off.
 
Karima Burns, MH, ND has a Doctorate in Naturopathy and a Masters in Herbal Healing. She has studied natural healing for 12 years, published a natural healing newsletter for 4 years, and writes extensively on natural healing and herbs. Sister Karima became interested in natural healing after ending her personal lifelong struggle with asthma, allergies, chronic ear infections, depression, hypoglycemia, fatigue and panic attacks with herbs and natural therapies.

Friday, 2 August 2013

Intervals ~ Fashionista





Stylish Khaleeji Abayas for Arab Women 2103


Stylish Khaleeji Abayas for Arab Women 2103



Carbs: The Truth

Never before the world ( I'm exaggerating a bit) seen such a ridiculous diet trend as the "low-carb" phenomenon. Every restaurant, grocery store, and fast food chain caters to this utters nonsense. Even soda and beer companies have spent millions developing and marketing low-carb drinks. Everyone has jumped on the bandwagon, hoping to capitalize on the trend, weather it is healthy or not. Not.

Carbohydrates are compounds made up of carbon and oxygen, and they are vital for providing energy for our bodies and brains. without them, we would be comatose zombies. When we eat food, our bodies turn  the carbohydrates into glucose for immediate energy and the rest is stored as glycogen for reserves.

Yet all carbs are not created equal. They are two types: simple and complete. Simple carb suck and are as nutritionally beneficial as toilet paper. They are mostly made up of sugar, which releases too quickly, almost violently, into our bodies causing "sugar highs" and then "crashes". This tends to leave us feeling hungry, so we eat more. On the other hand, complex carbohydrates are compromised of starch and fiber and releases gradually, providing a steady source of energy.

...TBC... Iftar first (3:16am)

Perfect Body Luscious

I still love curvy women. When I say skinny, I don't mean the anorexia skinny type :p

monica bellucci photo: Monica Bellucci bellucci_16.jpg


Monica Belluci.



Katherine McPhee.

Marian Rivera

Marian Rivera.

Jessica Gomes

Jessica Gomez.

Where Beauty Begins ~ Chanel

But what you notice?

For CHANEL, beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself. When you choose to believe in yourself. With the conviction that you are unique. Beauty begins with self-confidence.

CHANEL. Where beauty begins.

But look at the model? She is skinny!
Yes of course, you are beautiful by being yourself. But being overweight  and being yourselves doesn't rhyme.




Well. You decide. If you want to be just the way you are, which shape you want to be.


Well...in my vocab... not as skinny as skin and bones only



Yeah yeah, of course, I understand that lots and lots of stuff matters when it comes to ‘falling’ for someone else and for ‘wanting’ to be with them, first on a date or two, and then ultimately, through the hell or high water of a long-term relationship. However, the cosmos has always and probably will always dictate to us this universal truth: that first spark between two humans is almost always a physical one.

We’d all probably like to pretend that in a perfect world each of us would be desirable to others based on the merits of our mind, our ability to think intelligently and swiftly, our wonderful sense of humor, and the bright promise of our ability to nurture and love twinkling in our eyes, but that ain’t how it really works: we both know that.

Some will agreed with me. Another sect will detest my preference. 

Ciao. Let's dance to our own music!

No Pain No Gain ~ Give It Up!

Okay. Use your head. You need to get healthy if you want to get skinny. Healthy = skinny. Unhealthy = fat. The first thing you need to do is give up your gross vices. Don't act surprised! You cannot keep eating the same shit and expect to get skinny. Or smoke. So don't even try some pathetic excuse like. "But if I quit smoking, I'll gain weight." No wants to hear it. Cigarettes are for losers. They are so 1989 and totally uncool. Not only do they screw up whole body chemistry, but they also kill your taste buds. It's no wonder you eat shit and garbage. smoking's out. GIVE IT UP.

Of course it's easier to socialize after you've had a few drinks. But being a fat pig will hinder you, sober or drunk. And habitual drinking equals fat-pig syndrome. Beer is for frat boys, not skinny bitches. It makes you fat, bloated and farty. Why do you think when kids go away to college they gain the "freshmen fifteen"? Beer, duh. Alcohol isn't any better. It raises the level of hydrochloric acid in your stomach, wrecking havoc on on the digestive process. If your suffer from poor digestion, then your food will not pass through your body properly. Hence, bloated fat-pig syndrome. To make matters worse, some alcohol (and non-organic wines) still contains urethane, a cancer-causing chemical. To boot, both beer  and alcohol jack up your blood sugar levels, which is bad for your bod. and don't kid yourself : when you have a hangover, you're bound to eat shit all day long. 

Brace yourselves girl. Soda is liquid satan. It's the devil. It is garbage. There is nothing in soda that should be put into your body. For starters, soda's high levels of phosphorous can increase calcium loss from the body, as can it's sodium and caffeine. You know what this means - bone loss, which may lead to osteoporosis. and the last time we checked, sugar, found in soda by the boatload, does not make you skinny! Now don't go patting yourself on the back if you drink diet soda. That stuff is even worse. Aspartame (an ingredient commonly found in diet sodas and other sugar-free foods) has been blamed for a slew of scary maladies, like arthritis, birth defects, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's, lupus, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.

....continued later...

Determine To Be Skinny (Not Necesarily Bitchy)

Are you sick and tired of being fat? Good. If you can;t take one more day of self loathing, you're ready to get skinny. You don't need a degree in biology to get skinny. You don;t need to starve yourself to get skinny nor spend all day at the gym. You just need to smarten up and use your head. Really. It is  that simple. we have been so brainwashed by fad diets, magazine articles, and advertising that we have forgotten how to think for ourselves.

Skinny Bitch deliers the truth about food. So that you can make intelligent and educated decisions for yourself. This knowledge will empower you to become skinny bitch too.

This is not diet. This is way of life. a way to enjoy food. A way to feel healthy, clean, energized and pure. It's time to reclaim your mind and body. It's time to strut your skinny ass down the street like you're in an episode  of Charlie's Angels with some really cool song playing in the background. It's time to prance around in a thong like you rule the world. It's time to get skinny.

Are you ready?

Wait for my next Skinny Bitch tips.

Stop Being A Moron And Start Getting Skinny!

Well, no need to introduce myself. I'm not skinny though! been in a long love-hate relationship with my plumpy body since I dont remembered when. So dont get insulted reading my vulgar blog. I write for myself. Mostly. 



Okay. That's it. No need for me to elaborate about me. Most of you who read this maybe know who I am, and how voluptuous I am with those extra bulging love handles. Wahahahaha.

So now, if you can't take one more day of self loathing, you're ready to hear the truth: You cannot keep shoveling the same crap into your mouth every day and expect to lose weight.

So in this blog,  I want to share some tips that will guide you on making intelligent decisions about food. Maybe sometimes I do sound like bitches, but hey! it will make you skinny bitches hookkaayyyy.

Olalalala... I need some inspirations to be skinny.