Skin Facts

Dear Athena: I just cannot diet. I need to have bread and pasta. Is there
a diet that can help me lose weight in spite of this? Love Pasta, Brockton

Dear Love Pasta: The experts say when a person craves carbohydrates they may
have too much insulin in their bloodstream which can cause one to crave
starchy and sweet foods, and this can add up to a heavy person.
My advice is to make an appointment with your doctor and have the necessary
tests to determine your insulin level, along with other important readings
that may be in need of medical attention.
Caution: Please see your doctor before going on this or any other diet.
CARBOHYDRATE DIET
. This diet allows you to eat high carbohydrate food, as a reward, once a
day. The diet is created to control the underlying cravings that sabotage
most diets.
. For the first two weeks, breakfast and lunch are strictly lean protein and
vegetables. Fruit is not even allowed, as it is considered too high in
carbohydrates.
. For dinner, you can eat as much as you want of any high-carbohydrate food,
even high-fat desserts, such as cake and ice cream - as long as you eat an
equal amount of protein and vegetables.
. Snacking is not allowed.
. You may have alcohol ONLY during your high-carbohydrate meal.
. After the first two weeks, depending on how much weight you have lost, you
then select from four different plans, which vary from adding a snack (for
those who are losing too quickly) to adding a salad and eliminating a
non-reward meal (for those who are losing weight too slowly).
Conclusion: You can lose weight on this diet, if you are simply a bread and
pasta person. The reason is because it is low in calories.
Those who have succeeded in losing weight with this diet say, it becomes a
change in lifestyle. It is restrictive and must be followed carefully.
My serious concern with diets goes beyond food content.
Each person is designed uniquely. We have our differences in mind and body.
No matter what appears on the exterior, the workings and various differences
in the body are unbelievable.
My suggestion to anyone who is experiencing strong indications of altered
body functions when eating and digesting foods, should most certainly see a
doctor or a qualified specialist who can determine if all systems are normal
and if there are indications that changes are in order. Then, by all means
do so immediately.
We offer diets that have been successful through the years. The tried and
true diets have passed the test of time, still - I need to remind you, each
one of us is different and when different foods are eaten in new patterns, be
sure your doctor has approved your new eating habits.

MOTHER'S DAY

Dear Readers: Mother's Day means different things to each of us.
Jane is a mother of three young adults. Two boys and one girl. They have
successful careers and two are happily married.
How did she manage to raise these children as a young widow and have them
turn out well?
It was not easy, but she resolved that was her job as a mother and she made
it her number one priority.
All three children were different and required a bit of planning when it came
time to motivate them. Getting lazy with excuses was never an option. Her
determination never waivered.
She knew she had to have a plan to get the results she envisioned for each
child.
When they were five, six and seven years of age, she took the 11pm - 7am
shift at a local hospital. Her mother helped her by sleeping over four
nights a week. She had a routine and stayed on it as they got older.
There was one standing rule that was kept, no matter what, at least four
nights a week. Supper was around 5 pm, then each one put away their toys and
cleanup followed.
The routine was funtime with bubble baths and games of who was going to be
the first to be finished as they loved the meditation hour just before going
to bed.
She planned this carefully with the idea of making this "special" and very
important to each child.
The setting was exciting to the children as they would sit on the floor, in a
circle, in the living room. All the lights would be out except for a huge
candle set in a large glass bowl set in the center of the circle.
Their flannel pjs, fleece robes with fuzzy slippers all worked to create a
mood of mystery and charm which made the children squeal with delight as they
got ready for their "quiet time".
Jane was a part-time theatrical student while going to nursing school. It
gave her a release which she found necessary in the seerious business of
medicine.
There was where she discovered the art of working with people a joy, if one
applied some; thought to how you addressed a person and what to say to them,
without annoying demands.
Her meditation was also a time for her to let go of the stress that collected
during a hectic day.
During the meditation with her children, she would tell stories. She made
sure before-hand, there were elements which would apply to each child. She
took them to places that would excite and stimulate their imagination into
action that would help them grow and develop into great possibilities.
What she did was mind-training.
As they got older, these sessions were reduced to once a week and were of
shorter duration. Still, they loved what transpired in the soft-lighting and
quiet setting of peace and quiet. It was soothing, relaxing and a marvelous
way to usher in sleep.
Today, the memory of those times are talked about with love and thankfulness
to a mother who instinctively knew how to get around giving a lecture or
making demands on her kids which worked better when done in a subtle and
effortless fashion.
That is what Mother's Day is all about.

RECHARGE

Dear Athena: This has been the worst winter season in my memory. I am
stressed out. I would love to go to a holistic place where they help people
regain their balance. Unfortunately, my budget is zero for that. Any other
ideas to help my issue? Need Recharge, Easton.

Dear Need Recharge: The weather has been draining for many, but we
occasionally need to be alone to sort things out in our lives.The ideal way of course, is to go to a retreat that features total relaxation, mentally, physically and emotionally.
You can go for a week, three days, or a minimum of two days.
Or, you can go to a small, quaint and comfortable hotel or motel to do this
your way,very inexpensively. You are going to remove your present surroundings that can contribute to a person's tension.
You need to pack the necessary things for this therapeutic visit. Clothes
are limited, but the other tools are going to require a couple of small bags.
PREPARATIONS
. Take several books you have not had the chance to read.
. Two comfortable items to slip into if you wish to go out or go to the
dining room for a bite to eat. Walking shoes, a must. A sweater for those
chilly times.
. You will live in a thick, fluffy robe to wrap it around you in the privacy
of your room. A pair of thick comfortable socks or slippers.
. Don't forget to pick up a bunch of fresh flowers. This is the time you
are going to awaken all your senses. A large scented candle is a must.
. A tape player. The right music is a big part of setting the mood for
total relaxation while on your escape. This music is going to be the bridge
to serenity, the place your are seeking, peace and quiet as you release your
inner tension. A meditation audio tape works well.
. Take along new sounds that are not familiar to you. Research this very
important part of your time alone. Nature sounds are delightful or string
music quietly playing in the background is soothing. Music of another time
that spelled good feelings are suggested for these moments.
. Most places have a small fridge with coffee/tea pots available in each
room. This is the time to drink plenty of fluids, not soft drinks.
. Take a box of green tea bags. A couple of fresh lemons sliced thinly will
offer that bit of tang to the tea.
. Spring water in small and large bottles. The small ones are handy to keep
in a carry-all to sip without a glass. Fluids are recommended as a great way
to flush the bacteria from your system and detox your body as you lean to drink
more fluids, less heavy meals.
. Prepare a baggie with fresh cut-up vegetables. Munch on these when you
feel hungry. They will keep in the fridge.
. About six small containers of plain, organic yogurt are perfect. Good to
have instead of snacks. Plain yogurt contains lacidophilus which quiets and
soothes the digestive system.
. A large bunch of red grapes, 3 apples and 4 bananas.
. Don't forget your basic skin care products with a simple finish of
moisture, blush and lipstick. No need to look dreary. A little pick-up does
much for one's confidence.
. A leotard when doing some form of yoga with an instructional video tape
Take a major step to free your mind and body of stress before it collects.
. This is your escape. A time to let go mentally and physically. Take your
time when packing your goodies and don't forget to bring along the
expectation to enjoy this time to the fullest. The rest and relaxation you
need is available to you, if you truly want it.
. Of course, if you can manage to go to a sumptious hotel that provides
those amenities, you can just pack your toothbrush and have a grand time!

DETOX

Dear Athena: A couple of years ago you wrote about cleaning out our
system at least once a year. This is a good way to stay healthy. Could you
please give us the outline to follow? Thanks, C.S., Taunton.

Dear C.S.: We clean our homes and gardens each spring, but we seldom
think our bodies could use a good cleaning. It is therapeutic.
The best benefit of this detox diet is you will lose the bloat. We
moan and groan about how tight our clothing fits. Actually, you will shed
the excess water weight that appears to be fat on your body. Start
with the determination you need this for good health. You will eat
only wholesome foods and give your body a break from sugar, caffeine,
and refined flour. Some detox diets are very strict which turn many
people off. This one includes a varied diet of vegetables, fruits and
whole grains. It is healthy, but get your doctor's permission before
going on this or any other diet.
We wrote about this program before. It is quite detailed but I will go over
the major outline of the diet if you wish to do a weekend version to let go
of the bloat.

RULES
. You must plan to sit down for each meal. No munching on the run.
Eating in this fashion tends to make you feel fuller on fewer calories.

. Your diet is restricted to: 1. Whole grains. 2. Drink water with
lemon. 3. Drink plenty of herbal tea. 4. Fruits. 5. Vegetables.
6. Vitamins.

. Upon rising, drink your lemon/water drink. Squeeze
half a lemon into a large glass of spring water. The lemon stimulates
your digestive juices. You must drink at least six large glasses of
water with lemon a day. I suggest you set a tray with six glassses to
be used for one day. After using one, put in sink. This way you are sure of the count.

. Next, have a piece of fruit like a banana, pear, or apple.

.Wait a full half-hour, then eat 1 - 2 cups of cooked whole grains. Avoid
barley, corn, oats, rye or wheat Many people experience congestion,
poor digestion and discomfort when they eat these grains. Brown rice,
amaranth, buckwheat, millet seem to be more acceptable.

. Steamed or raw vegetables are the main meal. You may have a
teaspoon of olive oil mixed with butter per serving. Make a large amount ahead of
time. Combine 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil and 1/2 stick of butter
(room temperature). Stir, then keep in fridge. Use a maximum of 3
teaspoons a day. The fats in this mix keep your tissues healthy as
you watch your food intake. Butyric acid, a compound in butter helps heal and protect cells in your stomach and intestines.

. Take a multivitamin, plus supplements (400 - 1000 units) of Vitamin E and
(100 - 200 mg) of selenium. These anti-oxidants fight the free radicals
your body produces as you detox. Take immediately after eating, as it can
prevent the nausea you may suffer if you consume them on an empty
stomach. Watch for caffeine in your other supplements, if you are
taking them. Remember, no caffeine!

A three-day diet is a good idea as it has elements most of us need to give our body a vacation, a break from too much of the wrong foods.

TUMMY

Dear Athena: Would you please give us the directions for that easy exercise
that helps reduce the size of the tummy? I believe it was over a year or so
when you wrote about it. I missed it, but heard it was great. I need it right
about now. B.R., Brockton.

Dear B.R.: That was quite an interesting way to exercise those lazy muscles.
For one thing, it is an exercise you can do anywhere, anytime with very
little effort and it works!
All you need is determination to stick with it. Too often we expect fast
results. We get impatient and give up the effort. We seem to forget the older
we get, the more we need to focus on the ability of our body to move
effortlessly.
PUSH IN EXERCISE FOR TUMMY
. This is a simple exercise that can be done while waiting in line at the
supermarket, waiting for a red light to change while sitting in your car, or
standing as you wait for an elevator.
. The idea is to push in your tummy as far as it will go - hold for ten
seconds - and let it out. You must keep breathing normally. Do not hold your
breath. This is not an isometric exercise. It is a natural pulling in and
holding motion.
. Additionally, you can taper your rib cage area, by adding this extra step
in this simple routine.
RIB CAGE PUSH-OUT
. Sit comfortably and pull in your tummy and hold it. At the same time,
tighten your buttocks while breathing naturally.
. Place your fingers under your rib cage, the boney part of your anatomy,
just below your chest and above your waist line. As you touch your rib cage,
push it out - way out - push it out and hold to a count of five. Again,
breathing normally.
. When you push the rib cage out, your tummy will automatically push in even
further and your buttocks will tighten at the same time. This gives you a
good firming action of all those muscles of the torso.
. If you are standing at the sink or a desk - pull in your tummy as tight as
you can. At the same time, tighten your seat. Place your fingers under your
rib cage and push out - and hold for a count of five.
. Once you get the hang of it, and this is done by being patient and
allowing your body to learn the different movements, you will be amazed how quickly the body will respond.
. Stand tall, your shoulders back, raise your neck out of the body, lifting
it slightly with arms pulled back. A totally improved posture will be in the
making. Men can do this, as well. Improve your posture and change your
appearance. People will want to know if you have lost weight, or may comment how good you look.

WORK MAGIC

Dear Readers: This has been a busy week.
Each time I go out to offer a course to medical or dental personnel, the
teacher learns more than the student.
The challenge is spine-tingling: matching wits is certainly energizing.
The thought occured to me that you could use some of the material twenty
people tangled with last Monday in Boston. These suggestions can apply to
everyone.
In order to be relaxed and productive in any job or profession. One has to
be in charge of their life. When a person feels out of control, or they do not
have the situation in hand, anxiety and stress creep in full-blast.
The average person does not experience the stress of these professions, but
they certainly feel pressure when they are uncomfortable with issues in their
own lives.
No matter what you do or what your life is like, if you begin to use your
mind to control your thoughts, life will run more smoothly for you.
Here are points to consider:
AN UNPLEASANT THOUGHT
. Think of something that has upset you or caused you mental or emotional
pain of any kind.
. Close your eyes and envision this event or occasion vividly.
. Make the picture brighter in your mind - brighter still.
. Notice how unbearable it has become.
. Reduce the size immediately, make it dimmer, smaller and smaller.
. Look at it and you can barely see it in your mind's eye, it has become
just a dot on your mental screen. It has been reduced in size, shape, and depth.
It is a faded blur.
. You can let your brain run your life or you can run it your way.
. A picture or scene can appear on your mental screen. You then can adjust
it to your liking.
. Nobody says you need to keep the thought running over and over on your
mental screen, fade it away from your mental vision.
. You take the joys of your life and review them whenever you want to, or if
a negative or unpleasant thought keeps flashing on your mental screen, you
have the ability to take it off.
. Practice the process of clearing your thoughts and replacing them with
cheerful ones whenever you need to make yourself comfortable.
. When you believe your brain can run your life and it has become difficult
to deal with, you need to work on the process of eliminating unpleasant
thoughts. This process then becomes second nature to you.
. If you have the desire, you can work magic with your mind.

WIN BY LOSING

Dear Readers: Are you thinking about losing some weight?
Bill Thompson did. He has lost 18 pounds and has gone from a 38 inch waist
to a 34 inch waist in exactly 2 months.
He has done it painlessly from the first week of April to the last week in
May, this year.
One Monday night last April, I had just finished giving a workshop in Boston
and was looking forward to picking up a Greek salad at Christo's, heading home
and relaxing.
My old friend, Bill was at his station, as usual, and his presence is always
a comfort as it has been for the past 38 years.
For many years, when my late husband, Charlie and I would meet our friends
there for dinner, Bill was the consummate professional ready to serve his
clientle with a distinctive air of assuredness.
Out of the blue, Bill asked, "Do you have a diet for me? I just got back
from Florida and I need to lose some weight."
I dug into my bag and pulled out the "7 Famous Diets" booklet. I handed it
to him and told him to look up the 'XYZ Diet'. He said he would get on it
starting the next day.
Last week when I saw Bill, his pants were literally hanging from his waist.
Nancy and George, a couple of steady customers who know him well, were kidding
him about buying a new pair of pants as those were too large for him now.
They were asking him how he managed to lose that much weight in 6 - 8 weeks
and still look good?
"I follow the 'XYZ Diet', do my walking everyday and sometimes I do the
'Amazing Banana Diet' for a day or so, it seems to quiet my insides real good. I
can't explain it, but between the two I feel full, but I also feel comfortable.
There is no question about it, when you watch what you eat, do some walking
to move the body, no matter how old a person is you just feel better for it,"
he said.
"The selection of foods are based on their fat-content in the 'XYZ Diet'.
Eating certain foods at certain times of the day makes all the difference in the
world. We tend to eat foods during the time we are less active and preparing
to go to sleep, then we wonder why we store the fat on our body," he added.
If you remember I spoke about Ellen who works at The Enterprise, she lost 22
pounds and felt like a new person. Then there was this school official who
lost 20 pounds on the same diet.
They all rave about the ease with which they lost the weight and still felt
good as they maintained their weight loss.
I, personally feel good about the success these people have experienced with
these diets.
The fact that Bill goes on the 'Amazing Banana Diet' from the John Hopkins
Hospitial to give the body a few days of easy digesting, is just great.
We all need to give our system a break from digesting all kinds of foods.
Our lifestyle today is laced with stress. We need to quiet our insides to make
us calm and relaxed.
I say congratulations to these and other people who are enjoying the benefits
of our "7 Famous Diets" booklet, you can have your food, enjoy it and still
control your weight.

RELAX CORRECTLY

Dear Athena: Can you give me an idea how we can relax in these uncertain
times? Everyone around us seems charged up like they are ready to spring on
anyone who looks at them sideways. Frankly, I am not able to feel quiet and
peaceful with this craziness. L.W., Bridgewater

Dear L.W.: We have countless ways to relax physically but that is not the
center of becoming totally relaxed.
Each generation has spoken of uncertain times. The answer is to live
successfully by rising above our own tensions and those around us.
We need to practice the art of relaxation.
There are six areas or points to complete relaxation. They are not simple or
easy to grasp, but once a person has worked on perfecting each point, the
rewards are tremendous.
The effort has proven to be the answer for countless people.
In order for any human being to become the person they "think" they want to
be requires planning. There is no magic here, wishing does not make it so.
The time devoted to oneself will yield results never thought possible.
You see, our mind can become quiet, relaxed and at peace when we master the
issues that trigger upheaval in our lives.
Not everyone is ideally relaxed of mind and body. There are dedicated people
who have tasted the fruits of peace and quiet within who continue to work on
their goal, no matter what circumstances arise in their lives.
Once a person has set a goal to become peaceful, in spite of living in a
chaotic setting, and have experienced this peace, they wonder how they survived in
the past.
Chronic frustration is a way of life for many. They never heard about being
peaceful. They see life as an emotional setting of emotional turbulence.
This is an ambitious goal.
I want to show you how to master the ability to relax the inner and outer
self, in times of frantic living.
We are going to cover the six areas of inner peace in the following columns.
I suggest you cut out each one, put them in a folder and refer to them when
moments of discord strike. Allow them to sink down into the deepest part of
you, where it all begins.
This uncertain, frantic feeling often becomes a way of life for those who are
unaware that habits have a way of forming your personality.
Isn't it time to truly relax and enjoy each day?

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