2013-06-20T02:36:00-04:00 Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/author/index.php?author=arti-patel Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Arti Patel Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-06-18T16:50:31-04:00 2013-06-18T16:50:34-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
"Being outside, we need to be aware of dehydration, skin sensitivities and vitamin and mineral deficiencies that may happen to our bodies during the peak of summer," says Rosanna Lee, a nutrition educator and community health promoter based in Toronto.

On top of drinking water, fresh juices and smoothies, eating fruit can also help your body stay energized and hydrated.

"These summer fruits not only taste great, but they also provide your body with water and a combination of nutrition, keeping your body healthy and happy."

Lee says dehydration is a common health risk during hotter months, and for some, it's due to the lack of a proper diet. Particularly children, older adults and endurance athletes are more likely to lose body fluids quicker, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It's also important to note that when the air outside is humid, our sweat can't evaporate and cool us down like it normally does, which can make us feel hotter and thirstier.

The solution? Eat up. If you're looking for a new way to get hydrated, check out 11 of the healthiest fruits available this season.


Watermelon
If you're thirsty, watermelon works wonders in replenishing lost fluids for the body, says Rosanna Lee, a nutrition educator and community health promoter based in Toronto. "Watermelon will keep you cool, hydrated, satiated and healthy. Melons contain lycopene that protects your skin against sun damage, and they're a good source of vitamin A and C."

Berries
Not only are these little gems delicious and sweet, but they are also packed with flavonoids that provide antioxidant benefits. "They can also promote increased blood flow to your skin and decrease your sensitivity to light to improve your skin’s appearance, structure and texture," Lee says.

Pineapple
When we think of summer, we also think of the tropical vacations and exotic fruits. Pineapples provide a good mix of vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes like bromelain that can protect your body against inflammation.

Mango
Mangos (fresh or frozen) in yogurt, smoothies, salads, or on their own, add a nice topical kick to your summer fare. These fruits are packed with vitamin A and C, and have cancer-preventing beta-carotene.

Kiwi
Did you know green and yellow kiwi are packed with more vitamin C than oranges? "These are definitely a great choice when it comes to one of the summer fruits that offer excellent nutrition. Kiwis are giant berries that are packed with vitamin C and E, potassium, and fibre," Lee says.

Papaya
Some people use papaya juice to tenderize meat or as a natural exfoliating ingredient for healthy and glowing skin. But there are also nutritional benefits to eating papaya on its own. "Papaya contains a healthy dose of vitamin C to help you fight against colds. Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene also help to reduce inflammation within the body."

Oranges
Squeeze! Nothing says summer like the smell of fresh citrus fruits. Oranges are rich in potassium and an essential nutrient and have enough potassium that can prevent against muscle cramps during workouts. On top of this, oranges also contain 80 per cent water so they will also keep you hydrated on the go.

Guava
Another one on the tropical list, guava is often found in beverages. But this fruit also contains a high concentration of antioxidant properties that can help fight against prostate cancer. "One cup of guava also contains more potassium than a serving of banana," says Lee.

Passion Fruit
Native to South America, passion fruit contains tons of vitamin A and fibre to help improve our vision and lower cholesterol. One serving of this fruit will give you two times more potassium than a banana — who knew?

Peaches
Not only are these fruits juicy and tasty during the summer, but peaches also come with a healthy dose of vitamin C and A. If you're still worried about that beach body, peaches are low in calories and can help you manage your weight.

Starfruit
North Americans call this the starfruit, but in Asia it is known as carambola. Starfruits are low in calories and high in vitamin C and a good source of antioxidants. These fruits are usually in season from July through September. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-06-12T11:40:17-04:00 2013-06-12T23:21:56-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
"Because of the cheap ingredients used in fast foods, the price of a head of kale at the grocery store is the same price as a whole meal at a burger chain,"says personal trainer and holistic nutrition coach Ange Peters of Hol-Fit.com, based in London, Ont. "What's important to realize is you will always pay the price for cheap food through the cost of expensive health care and reduced quality of life down the road.

If you're worried about putting a dent in your pocket, Peters says even through superfoods are pricier, Goji berries and chia seeds don't necessarily have to be everyday foods.

"Those [superfoods] are just nice to have foods and not necessary for living a healthy lifestyle," she says. "There are wonderful options that are definitely super foods that nature has provided us such as avocados, sweet potatoes, bananas and eggs."

We challenged Peters to come up with a healthy lunch swap list readers can make for under $10. In the gallery below, Peters list common lunches like Cesar salad and soups and offers healthier alternatives.

"An effective meal plan would need to be in place that would have you making meals in batches and utilizing leftovers for efficiency in the kitchen and no waste."

LOOK — 6 easy healthy lunch swaps:


THE LUNCH: Salads
Skip the Caesar salad salad topped with Parmesan cheese and white bread or croutons.

THE LUNCH: Salads
Instead, try replacing lettuce with arugula or kale mixed with avocado, veggies and dressing with olive oil and lemon juice, salt and pepper, says personal trainer and holistic nutrition coach Ange Peters of Hol-Fit.com, based in London, Ont.

THE LUNCH: Sushi
Sushi isn't as "unhealthy" as most fried fast foods, but you may want to avoid eating white rice on a regular basis if you're looking for something healthy.

THE LUNCH: Sushi
If you're a sushi lover, try sushi with brown rice or a nori wrap minus the rice, Peters says.

THE LUNCH: Soups
Still relying on packaged noodles for lunch? It's time to move on.

THE LUNCH: Soups
Try puree soups that aren't cream based or opt for a homemade soup instead of packaged or canned ones.

THE LUNCH: Sandwich/Sub
Submarines and sandwiches can hold a lot of hidden sodium and calories. The large veggie delux sub from Quiznos, for example, has over 1,000 calories and 54 grams of fat. Yikes!

THE LUNCH: Sandwich/Sub
Go for flat bread instead, Peters says. "Or put the sub ingredients on top of a bed of greens".

THE LUNCH: Rice Dishes
If you love Indian or Chinese food during lunch, you may want to reconsider your rice option.

THE LUNCH: Rice Dishes
You may not be able to find this replacement at most fast food joints, but if you're bringing lunch from home, try replacing your white rice with quinoa.

THE LUNCH: Burrito
Burritos are an easy go-to lunch because their simple, packed and easy to carry around.

THE LUNCH: Burrito
But if you're looking for a healthier alternative, try having your burrito as a bowl, over a salad or on a plate without any sauces. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-06-11T15:01:33-04:00 2013-06-11T15:01:33-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/ really needs to look over the guest lists these days. If T-Rex crashing a wedding wasn't enough, one photography studio has come up with the next best thing.

Cue giant 'Star Wars' AT-AT walkers (hulking assault vehicles) chasing down your wedding party.

"The inspiration came from the dinosaur picture, and we were all big 'Star Wars' fans. We thought let's do something fun, quirky and different," says photographer Danielle Lombardo, of Little Blue Lemon Photography.

Dainelle and her husband Tony, photographers and owners of the Toronto-based studio, stopped traffic on a portion of Eglinton Avenue right outside the couples' wedding venue at the Eglinton Grand on May 31.

"It took one take and we only had two minutes to do it. We told the wedding party to run like hell with big faces," she says.

LOOK — full size photo here:


The couple, Paul Kingston and Leslie Seiler, comedians in Toronto have been friends with the Lombardos for some time.

"The bride is notoriously known for randomly whipping out 'Star Wars' facts and before the wedding, one of our photographers sent us the dinosaur photo and said it would be funny to do," Tony says.

And not surprisingly, their photo-shopped creation quickly became a hit. The Lombardos say after posting the photo on their site, they had several requests for similar wedding photos with everything from zombies to dragons.

"We don't want to tire it out. We'd rather push the envelope — the beauty of wedding photography is that there is no restriction on creativity," Danielle says.

Would you want a photoshopped "crasher" on your wedding day? Let us know in the comments below:

LOOK — some of our favourite shots from this epic photo:
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-06-06T15:53:19-04:00 2013-06-06T15:53:22-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
"Our diet plays an important role in our lives from birth, through the lifespan and into aging," says Rosanna Lee, a nutrition educator and community health promoter based in Toronto. "As we get older, we may have reduced appetites, chronic diseases, and physical symptoms that make it challenging to eat healthy."

Last time we rounded up the best exercises you can do for the rest of your life, and this week we've tracked down some of the healthiest foods and drinks that everyone should eat at least once a day.

"Choose foods with minimal fat, sugar or salt added. More emphasis should be made on these foods during meals and snacks," Lee says. "As we get older, we may not be able to eat as much or as frequently as we used to so it is important to select foods with higher amounts of energy and nutrition."

Eating a well-balanced diet also increases our quality of life. Unsurprisingly, studies have even shown people with poor eating habits or who are overweight have a higher chance of developing deadly diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Lee says if you're getting tired of the same old palette, adding new spices to your meals also works. She recommends a combination of the Mediterranean diet, the Japanese diet, and the French diet — cuisines that are low in fat and high in nutrients.

LOOK — 10 foods you should add to your plate for the rest of your life:


Leafy Greens
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, spinach and kale provide our bodies with folate, calcium, and other nutrients that support proper bone health, promote cognitive function, and prevent age-related eye problems, says Rosanna Lee, professional nutrition educator and community health promoter based in Toronto.

Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and blackberries are packed with antioxidants that promote cell health and protect us against disease. "Look for darker berries like blueberries or blackberries as they provide the best anti-aging benefits due to higher concentration of antioxidants," Lee says.

Beans
"Beans like kidney beans and soy are an excellent source of low-fat protein with a good amount of fibre, antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin B and potassium." Research has also found that beans also protect against breast and prostate cancers.

Whole Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, barley and bulgur are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that have protective effects for your body. "Choose breads, pastas, salads and cereals with whole grains to lower your risk for age-related illnesses like cardiovascular diseases and cancer," Lee says.

Olive Oil
An essential ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats (the good kind of fat). Use olive oil in your cooking and meal planning to lower your risk for cardiovascular diseases, cancer and age-related cognitive decline.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes contains rich amounts of lycopene (an antioxidant) that helps maintain skin texture and reduce your risk for prostate, lung and stomach cancers, as well as heart disease, Lee says. "It is better to eat tomatoes cooked, rather than raw. Studies have found that cooking tomatoes for 30 minutes for about 88 degrees Celsius increases lycopene concentration by 35 per cent."

Nuts
Almonds and walnuts are packed with nutrients. These nuts contain healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and protein that can benefit your cardiovascular and brain health, she adds. Nuts have been found to also reduce inflammation in the body.

Fish
Oily fish like salmon, sardines, arctic char, black cod, rainbow trout, albacore tuna, pacific halibut and Atlantic mackerel (yes, you have a lot to work with), provide abundant amounts of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help prevent inflammation in the body.

Green And White Tea
White and green teas contain epigallocatechin gallate, which is one of the most powerful forms of antioxidants. Many studies have found drinking green and white tea may lower one’s risk for heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. And believe it or not, tea also keeps body hydrated. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-06-06T09:51:34-04:00 2013-06-06T15:59:19-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/ really thinks of Indian food, he'd tell you it tastes better when you eat it with others.

The celebrated chef, who co-owns two award-winning Indian restaurants Vij’s and Rangoli with his wife and fellow chef Meeru Dhalwala, says he's all about getting families to cook and eat together — while experimenting with local ingredients and India's finest spices.

That family touch has earned Vij's praise from around the world. New York Times columnist Mark Bittman once gushed about the cooking duo, and Vij's is still considered one of the best restaurants in Canada.

A familiar face to Canadian cuisine, Vij has been featured on "Top Chef Canada" and Anthony Bourdain’s "No Reservations," and when he's not co-writing cookbooks with his wife, he also teaches.

Vij will be hosting an online cooking show at the University of British Columbia on Thursday, and talked to The Huffington Post Canada about some of his favourite greasy snacks, his love for all-things Canadian and the time he put chicken feet in his classmate's pockets.

What does 'Canadian' food mean to you?
Canadian food means to me a great democracy of different cultures and cuisines.

What is one of the first things you crave to eat when you return to your hometown?
I love a nice bottle of B.C. wine and some homemade chicken curry.

What’s your favorite food to make for yourself at home after a boozy night out?
I love some great sausages and a nice cup of coffee.

What's your favourite poison?
Everything in life is poison if consumed in large quantities, hence, I have no poison because I do not consume anything in excess.

If you could prepare only one last meal, what would it be?
My bone-in goat meat curry with some chapati (Indian flatbread).

What would be in your emergency "survival pantry"?
A bottle of scotch and my own homemade curries.

What is the wildest thing you’ve done in a kitchen, culinary or otherwise?
I did do one thing and got suspended for it. I was butchering a chicken and I took the feet of the chicken and put it in the pockets of some girls who were cooking with me. When they put their hands in the pockets, they freaked out and I got suspended from the class.

What would you be doing if you couldn't be a chef?
I would be a Bollywood actor.

What is your favourite cheap food thrill?
A bag of Indian snacks that are greasy and tasty.

What is the most memorable food city in the world?
Vancouver.

Which Canadian restaurants have you been to and would recommend?
Each and every chef in this country has done a great job of representing the cuisine and culture. I recommend to go out and explore the love and passion of the chefs. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-05-24T11:31:19-04:00 2013-05-28T14:49:46-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/ growing up in the Royal Family isn't your average childhood. You're surrounded by nobility, watched by the world and showered with the world's finest things.

Now imagine being the eyes and ears of those royal children and sometimes, their closest friend. When it comes to keeping secrets and raising kids, royal nannies know best.

"Regardless of the specific point in history, one thing that ties together the expectation of nannies, and especially one to a Royal Family, is that absolute discretion is a non-negotiable part of the contract," says Rosemary Albone, an expert on royal nannies at caregiver services site Care.com. "Nannies see, hear, experience and become involved within families, and that privileged access is expected to be kept within the family group."

But from Queen Elizabeth II's childhood to the more recent era of Prince William and Prince Harry, the role of both the nanny and the Royal Family's involvement has changed. For example, Clara Knight, one of the Queen's well-known nannies, played a huge role in making sure Her Royal Highness stuck to her daily duties and routine.

Fast forwarding to Princess Diana and Prince Charles's time, both parents played a larger role in raising Prince William and Prince Harry, Albone adds.

And with a new royal baby on the way (on July 13 as some reports predict), Albone says both Kate Middleton and Prince William will have to consider traditional Royal Family upbringing and blending it with their own modern touch.

LOOK — Here's a short history of the role of nannies in the Royal Family, and what Will and Kate can learn from it:




ERA: Queen Elizabeth II: The First Nanny
As a child, Queen Elizabeth II’s nanny, Clara Knight (also called Alah), would have dedicated her time being with children and overseeing their strict daily routine, says Rosemary Albone of caregiver services site Care.com. "Later, Marion Crawford joined the royal household as governess, a role that incorporated private tutoring, some of the duties of a nanny and as a companion."

ERA: Queen Elizabeth II: Put Lives On Hold
Like most nannies during the Queen’s time, many were expected to put their lives on hold and dedicate themselves to a family that was not their own, Albone says. "Although the majority of royal nannies remained single, they were always addressed as ‘Mrs.’ to acknowledge their position and to show respect."

ERA: Queen Elizabeth II: Follow The Rules
Royal nannies also had rules to follow. "An obsession with rigid routines, believed at the time to be essential for every child, would have included rest and sleep, exercise and fresh air, food and drink intake and output," Albone says. On top of this, there was also a lot of emphasis put on potty training and healthy bowels.

ERA: Prince Charles II And Siblings: Mabel Anderson
Mabel Anderson (pictured here with Prince Charles) worked as royal Nanny to the Prince of Wales and his siblings. "She has been attributed as providing a critical emotional support in their early childhood years and beyond," Albone says.

ERA: Prince Charles II And Siblings: Role Of The Nanny
"The role of the royal nanny was quite restrictive when it came to having a private life. Potential suitors were discouraged, time off was not always forthcoming and their living conditions, by today's nanny standards, would have fallen well short," Albone adds. To be closer to the child, nannies would also reside in the nurseries.

ERA: Prince Charles II And Siblings: Interaction With Others
"Contact with people beyond the royal confines would have been limited to other nannies of aristocratic families, and on rare occasions when the royal children mixed with other children," Albone says. This made it hard for nannies to interact with peers or have leisure time.

ERA: Prince Charles II And Siblings: Messy Eaters And Mud Diggers
This era was also about presentation. Clean uniforms would have been expected at all times — which only made it difficult for nannies dealing with messy eaters and mud diggers.

ERA: Prince William And Prince Harry: Parents Getting Involved
"It’s been well documented that the childhoods of both Princess Diana and Prince Charles had a profound effect on their beliefs about what was going to be important to them and their children when they became parents," Albone says. This was a drastic shift for nannies from previous years. For the first time, parents played a huge role in the child's upbringing.

ERA: Prince William And Prince Harry: Flexibility
Princess Diana and Prince Charles were much more involved on a daily basis wherever possible, Albone says. "The nanny would have needed to have been very flexible, encouraging a high level of parental involvement in everyday life, much of it spontaneous and unplanned."

ERA: Prince William And Prince Harry: How To Behave
But the boys' nannies did have a specific role, especially when it came to manners and behaviour. "The nanny would have taught William and Harry how to behave — for example how to bow to the Queen and the Queen Mother," Albone says. Nannies would also have to balance helping the boys and letting them develop their personalities.

ERA: Prince William And Prince Harry: Olga Powell
Olga Powell, nanny to both William and Harry, was described as loving but strict, and stayed with the Royal Family for 15 years. "Her firm but caring presence supported Princes William and Harry throughout their formative years and she made sure that their feet remained firmly on the ground," Albone says. Prince William also attended Powell's funeral in October 2012.

ERA: The New Royal Baby: Parents' Preferences
In anticipation for a new royal baby, Albone says many roles for both the nanny and parents will change. "What’s important is that whoever is charged to look after the little one will know the child and the parents’ preferences very well."

ERA: The New Royal Baby: Following Parents' Footsteps
Following their parents' footsteps, the Duke and Duchess will take their child with them on longer trips and tours with the caregiver accompanying them.

ERA: The New Royal Baby: More Time With Daddy
This time around we may potentially see the child with only Prince William on occasion. "Something very rare in royal circles where the traditional gender divide in terms of childcare appears to be very much thriving," Albone says. Both sets of grandparents will also have a role taking care of the child, she adds.

ERA: The New Royal Baby: More New Baby
We may see more of the new baby as well. "The role of the parents has changed over the years, as nannies would watch the children while their parents toured countries for extended periods. However, the role later evolved as the nanny and child would tour with the parents. This evolution provides a more parent facing role for the modern royal nanny and a life of travel with the family themselves," Albone says.
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-05-22T16:09:48-04:00 2013-05-22T16:09:48-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
Celebrity trainer and author of The Body Reset Diet, Harley Pasternak, says we don't have to wait for New Year's to make a fresh start.

"Reset your metabolism, your appetite, your palette, your digestion and learn how to make simple quick meals," he tells The Huffington Post Canada.

Yes, warmer weather often calls for indulgent barbecues and "refreshing" desserts, but summer also offers plenty of healthy seasonal foods like peaches, cherries, green beans and raspberries.

Pasternak's book focuses on a 15-day weight loss regime that includes a diet of smoothies and eating high-fibre foods. He notes that people tend to go overboard with "beating the bulge" and rely on fad diets too often.

"We're desperate for something that will work. We want results and we want them now. Many mainstream diets work for a short while…but most set you up for rapid weight gain shortly after," he says.

Instead, stick with the basics: combine healthy eating with exercise and go at a pace comfortable for you. And yes, don't be afraid to sneak in an ice cream cone every once in a while.

Do you change your diet and fitness routine in the summer? Let us know in the comments below:

LOOK — Harley Pasternak's celebrity workout secrets: ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-05-17T11:28:22-04:00 2013-05-17T11:28:25-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
We all know certain foods (especially sugary ones) lead to cavities, but they can also cause pain to people with sensitive teeth. According to a recent study by Sensodyne, one in three Canadians regularly experience tooth pain due to sensitivity and 44 per cent of them aren't always aware of possible long-term effects such as gum disease and tooth decay.

"Often, Canadians will look for ways to manage their sensitivity pain, such as chewing food on one side of the mouth (not good for your jaw muscles) and avoiding the foods that cause pain," says Dr. Uche Odiatu, doctor of dental medicine, based in Toronto. Odiatu says factors such as brushing too hard, teeth grinding and receding gums can also lead to sensitivity.

So how do you reduce sensitivity and get keep your chompers clean? Brush and floss at least two times a day of course, but also look at the type of foods you add to your plate. Certain acidic and sugary foods cause more wear and tear in the long run says Odiatu, who is also a nutrition and wellness consultant.

If you have a tooth sensitivity, certain foods like raw vegetables, hard boiled eggs and pumpkin seeds are all safe for your teeth, thanks to the their low acid and sugar levels, notes the Canadian Dental Association.

Here are some of the worst foods for your teeth, especially for people with tooth sensitivity. While some of these aren't necessarily bad for your health, they may be doing more harm than good if you're not diligent about brushing and flossing afterwards.

LOOK: Odiatu lists 11 of the WORST foods for your chiclets:


Dried Fruit:
This one might be surprising for some of you. "Dried fruits are very sticky and high in sugar. The sugar gets stuck between teeth and stays there for hours, feeding the bacteria in the mouth, which can cause dental erosion," says Odiatu..

Pickles:
The acid in vinegar, which is essential to the pickling process, wears away at the enamel of your teeth and causes staining.

Sugar:
Sugar creates an acidic environment in your mouth, and over time, that can wear away at your tooth’s enamel.

Wine:
Red and white wines contain erosive acid, which can soften valuable enamel within five minutes of exposure. The tannins (compounds found in red wine) also dry out the mouth and can stain teeth.

Pop:
Drinking pop full of sugar often leads to cavities, but it can also lead to tooth erosion. Surprisingly, so does diet pop. "Sugar-free diet sodas also contain citric and phosphoric acid and can erode the enamel when consumed often," he says.

Hard Candies:
Hard candies take a while to dissolve in your mouth and during this time, sugar sticks to your teeth and can cause damage to your enamel. Hard candies that dissolve slowly in your mouth allow bacteria more time to produce acid, which can also damage your chompers.

Chewy Candies:
Chewy candies stick to your teeth for a long time and allow bacteria to feed off the sugars. "Bacteria forms acid with the sugar, which attacks the protective layer of tooth enamel," Odiatu says.

Citrus Fruits:
"Citrus fruit are fine as part of a balanced diet. But you would be surprised to hear how many Canadians have a maladaptive habit of sucking on limes or lemons throughout the day," he says. Citric acid in fruit wears away the tooth enamel which leaves teeth susceptible to cavities.

Fruit Juices:
Acidic fruit juices raise the level of acid in your mouth and over time, this can also eat away at your tooth enamel. Fruit juices, like lime or cranberry, can be just as acidic as vinegar and can wear down the tooth enamel over time, leading to cavities, and sensitive teeth, Odiatu says.

Coffee And Tea:
The darker the beverage, the darker the stain. You may think tea is gentler on your teeth than coffee, but that’s not always the case. "Some black tea may stain your teeth more than coffee. Like red wine, black teas have high tannin content which causes staining."

Crackers:
Refined carbohydrates come in many forms. "There are a growing number of articles in the dental health literature that have related the high consumption of refined carbohydrates to inflammation in the body." Odiatu says. Inflammation is a key player in a number of chronic diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis (inflammation around tissues that support your teeth). ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-05-13T11:54:57-04:00 2013-05-14T16:30:04-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/ pregnancy symptoms that men go through when their partners are expecting, such as morning sickness, cramps and mood swings.

But weight gain is by far the most understandable side effect that soon-to-be dads have to deal with (which is still getting off relatively easy).

One U.K. study found that on average fathers gained 14 pounds during their partner's pregnancy, according to the Daily Mail.

As the study notes, there are many reasons why men put on "baby weight." Blame snacking sympathy with extra treats around the house, bigger meals and more dining out before the baby is born. However, after the baby arrives, many of those guys who used to exercise regularly have different priorities.

"The number one reason is excitement. Dads are unbelievably excited to have a child and don't want to miss a beat of growth," says Shaun Thompson (Shaun T), fitness trainer and founder of Insanity workouts. "Parents work all day and when they come home they want to spend as much time with the baby as possible — the gym and working out get put on the back burner."

Thompson says new dads are also mostly packing on the extra pounds in their mid-sections and lower back. "Men have natural muscular definition in legs, chest and arms that can stay around longer, even if a workout regiment gets put on the back burner," he says, adding that men tend to workout these areas through their everyday activities.

Most parents have a hard time keeping up with their healthy eating and fitness regimes after their first child, says Thompson. To make things easier, he recommends that spouses try to work out together to reach their goals.

Are you a father who gained weight with your partner? Let us know in your comments below:

LOOK: 10 exercises for dads (and moms) to work off that baby weight:


Level 1 Drills:
This is a test to evaluate your current fitness strength and how you can improve. Start with this sequence and see how many you can do in one minute: do four push-ups, eight counts of mountain climbers, jump up so your knees touch the palms of your hands, stand up straight, and bring arms up together over your head. Then drop back down to a plank position again and repeat. As you progress with these exercises, you will be able to do more, says Thompson, fitness trainer and founder of Insanity workouts.

Power Knee:
Start by planting your feet a little wider than your hips. Extend your arms to your right side and put your hands together. Next, lift your left knee up and bring your hands to the lifted knee. Extend your arms back up to full extension and your left knee down to its original position. Your right foot should stay put and your core should be tight. Repeat this series on the opposite side and alternate.

High Knee Abs:
Start with your feet hip-width apart. Lift one knee to your hip and alternate your legs. At the same time, your arms should be bent at your elbows with your forearms facing the floor. When you lift your knee, bring your bent arms to the same side of your body as the lifted knee. Keep your core engaged and alternate sides quickly.

Suicide Drills:
You will need some space for this one. Shuffle to one side and drop into a wide squat and touch the floor with the opposite hand. If you are shuffling right, after you squat, you will touch the floor with your left hand. Repeat and switch sides.

Moving Push-Ups:
Do a push-up with your feet spread out a little wider than your hips. Move to one side, staying in the plank position and bring your hands and feet together. Continue to move in the same direction bringing your feet back out to hip-width and your hands to your sides for another push-up. Repeat until you have no more room and then move in the other direction.

Ski-Abs:
Start in a good plank position, keeping your feet together. Start by bringing your knees towards your left hand so that your knees are almost touching your left elbow. Take your feet back into the starting position and extend your legs outwards. Repeat and alternate.

Power Squats:
Like a jumping jack, you will spread your legs slightly wider than shoulder-width while bending at the knees and going into a squat position. Push from the heels to jump back up into the starting straight position. Make sure your knees don't pass your toes when you do this move.

Plank Punches:
Start in a plank position and bring one arm extended with a closed fist. Alternate your hands in a punching motion by first bringing your right arm up and extending it straight out in front of you in line with your body. Lower that hand back down under your shoulders and switch hands.

Low Plank Oblique:
Start in a plank position and raise the right leg.. Using your obliques and core, bring that right knee towards your right elbow and make contact if you can. Return that right leg to the starting position and follow up with the left leg. Repeat.

Hop Squats Part One:
You want to begin in an athletic stance (think basketball defensive position — but feet parallel). Keep your core tight, chest up and back straight. As you bend your knees,lower your glutes to get into the squat position.

Hop Squats Part Two:
Immediately return to the upright athletic position pushing through your heels. In a continuous bouncing motion, alternate between the squat and athletic stance as if you were bouncing up and down. This will work your glutes, quads, and hamstrings while elevating your heart rate.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-05-03T09:34:23-04:00 2013-05-03T09:57:26-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
Pas nécessairement besoin de poids et haltères, il y a plusieurs autres moyens de raffermir nos biceps et nos triceps.
Pratiquez ces exercices quelques fois par semaine et variez les exercices d'une fois à l'autre.

N'ayez pas peur, le but n'est pas d'avoir des bras comme Madonna, mais plutôt d'avoir des muscles bien définis et découpés pour faire disparaître ce petit mou de bras qu'on redoute tant.



]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-05-01T14:36:53-04:00 2013-05-02T10:03:25-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
"Even if you may need time for you and your partner to discuss the details, you shouldn't leave the children out," says Dr. Debbie Stoewen, care and empathy officer of Pets Plus Us in Oakville, Ont. "Children, depending on their age, will have different levels of understanding death and you have to be ready to communicate."

Being open and honest is key, but it's also important to know not all children react the same way.

"When children are young, the grief reaction can be different from adults. Children have short outbursts and it quickly moves away," she says.

If your child keep asking about his or her pet, don't ignore this. Honouring your pet, by making drawings or writing stories about the pet, is one way to help your kids heal and make memories, according to The Today Show.

And if you seem to have trouble explaining the concept of death, Stoewen recommends to avoid using terms like "death" or "dying" and replace them with analogies or phrases like "never waking up." Her business, for example, also offers counselling services specifically for families dealing with the loss of a pet.

LOOK: Here are Stoewen's six tips on coping with pet deaths:


Be Open And Honest
"When you do know something is happening, that's the time to bring them into it," Stoewen says.The key to talking to your kids about pet deaths is being open and honest about it yourself.

Adapt To Their Language
You might not want to use words like "death" or "died" right away, Stoewen says. Using this type of direct language can leave your children emotionally charged and quite often, upset. Stick with phrases like "passing away" or "he or she is not waking up."

Grieving Is Normal
Grieving Is Normal If you're worried about upsetting your children, don't be. "Grieving is normal and it can even bring families together," Stoewen says. A pet death can also be a crucial time for young children, especially under five years old, to understand loss.

Just Don't Replace Them Right Away
Buying a new fish a few weeks after the old one died is one thing, but you should never replace your family pet right away. "You don't want to give the message the pet is replaceable." Stoewen adds that children might not fully grasp the concept of death or how permanent it can be, and replacing your pets quickly may lead to confusion.

Keep Sentimental Reminders
"Adults handle deaths in two ways: they will either keep everything as is to cope or they cope better without the reminder of the pet," Stoewen says. Most children, she adds, will grieve better if they keep collars, toys or photos.

Rituals And Memorials Can Help
Setting up a funeral for smaller pets, burying ashes, or making a photo collage with pictures and poems may be easier for kids to cope. "Remember to tell them how you feel...it will help them create memories," she says. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-04-25T08:10:49-04:00 2013-04-25T10:03:17-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
The 37-year-old, dubbed "The Quiet Terminator," practices a hands-on approach to healthy cooking and bringing back easy and tasty recipes to families' dinner tables. Stone, who lives in Los Angeles, is also a believer in eating fresh, local, seasonal foods along with the luxurious tidbits the world's cuisines have to offer.

Stone spoke to The Huffington Post Canada about his new book What's For Dinner at the Chatelaine Kitchen in Toronto, along with his favourite poison, his ultimate hangover foods and that one time he ate a slug.

What does Canadian food mean to you?
Of course the first thing I think of when I think Canadian food is poutine. On the West Coast you have incredible raw seafood and I think Canada is a real melting pot. You come to a city like Toronto and it's full of different cultures and attitudes — it reminds me of the food at home in Melbourne. You're a young country, and there's a lot of different cuisines and cultures mixed together, and I think that's the beautiful thing about Canadian food.

What is one of the first things you crave to eat when you return home from abroad?
There's no where that makes burgers like America. There's something I crave about everywhere. When I think of Toronto, I think of those bacon sandwiches from St. Lawrence Market. If I'm in Vancouver I think of the best Indian food I've ever eaten. There's always something to think of when you miss home.

What’s your favorite food to make at home after a boozy night?
If I've got mates coming around — and that's usually when the boozy nights happen for me — if we're watching a game or hanging out together, I'll make pulled-pork sandwiches or ribs. Guys like to eat with their hands and be quite animalistic. I make a pretty mean rack of spare ribs, burgers, that sort of stuff.

What's your favourite poison or guilty food pleasure?
I eat a lot of tacos. We don't get them in Australia like you get them in North America. In California, you are so close to the border that Mexican food is off the charts. I'm like a regular at those dirty little taco stands.

If you could prepare only one last meal, what would it be?
Ooh, if I had to make my last meal, God, I would be so sad that it would have to be my last one. I'd be so depressed. I would eat something disgusting like a lot of foie gras or truffles. I would be really gross. I would even eat caviar that's on the extinct list because I want it to be a gluttonous last meal, I'd go out with a bang.

What would be in your emergency survival pantry?
If I was going on an island, I'd take some truffles with me. It's just that little bit of luxury, even on a deserted island.

What is the wildest thing you’ve ever eaten?
I was with some Aboriginal guys in the middle of the outback in Australia and they were talking about stuff you can find on the land and eat. We found this dead, old log, that had fallen over in a swamp. They chopped it open and there was this huge slug inside — 12 inches long. And this guy put it in his mouth and kept his lips really tightly pressed together, as he sucked the slug into his mouth and all of the dead wood these slugs feed on fell out of the other end. Without doubt, it was the most disgusting thing I've ever seen in life but because we spent the last three hours looking for these slugs and hearing how good it is for you, I felt compelled to give it a shot. I ate this slug and it was really horrible. Bizarrely it tasted like an oyster, when it's spoiling and watery. Like a muddy oyster.

What is the best restaurant that no one’s ever heard of?
What I love about America is going into these little towns and finding the best barbecue spots. There's a place in Kansas City called Oklahoma Joe's, which is actually at a gas stations, and it's the best barbecue I've ever eaten.

What would you be doing if you couldn't be a chef?
God knows. I thought about this before, I'm not sure. Maybe something in the entertainment business or service. Maybe run bars.

What is the most memorable food city in the world?
Tokyo is pretty wild. I was in Tokyo for the first time and when you think about the types of food that fall under their cuisine, there's all these categories of food. When you compare it to another cuisine like Italian for instance, and they've got pasta and wood fire ovens and antipasti, but nowhere near the depth that they have in Japan.

Do you have any regrets professionally?
I wouldn't call it regrets. I quite often wonder what would've happened if I've taken a bit of a different path. I am very fortunate and I love what I do. At one point I was one of those young guns working really hard at restaurants, I was 25 when we got our first Michelin star (at Mirabelle in London). I wonder what would've happened if I just kept going down that road and stayed away from the media and all this other stuff. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-04-22T14:08:05-04:00 2013-04-22T14:08:13-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
If you've been slacking off with your workouts, don't blame your age. It's time to hit your body's restart button.

"There is really no age that a person should stop doing activities. Sure they may need to slow down or not go as hard at it, but to stop is not necessary," says Barry Duncan, owner and operator of Momentum Fitness located in Kitsilano, B.C. "I have a 90-year-old client that trains with me twice a week and still plays tennis and golfs regularly."

It's no surprise that regular exercise has long-term benefits. Last year, one study showed people who performed regular activity were more likely to live longer than people who were inactive. The study also found that black women benefited from regular exercise the most.

As you age, you may not be able to run marathons like you used to, but Duncan says some exercises are more efficient than others.

"This involves doing multiple muscle group exercises, like a squat and press, in a sequential order and repeating for four or five repetitions," he says.

And yes, we get it, trying to a do a crunch or a pull-up at age 90 can be daunting, but Duncan says that as we age, slowing down and understanding what our bodies can and can't do anymore is key to fitting in some type of activity every day.

Here are 10 exercises you should be doing for the rest of your life:


Squat To Shoulder Press:
Start with your feet hip-width apart and hold your weights at shoulder height with your arms bent and hands close to the body, says Barry Duncan, owner and operator of Momentum Fitness, located in Kitsilano, B.C. Next, lower yourself into a seated position keeping your knees over your feet and chest high (pictured here). As you exhale, contract your glutes, push through and stand and press your weights above your head. Breathe in and lower your weights and move back into your squat. Repeat.

Three Way Plank:
Start in a middle plank position by holding your body off the floor, resting on your elbows and toes and keeping your hands apart. Next, hold this plank for 30 to 45 seconds and then rotate up onto your right elbow and right side of the foot keeping your hips off the floor and your body perpendicular to the floor.
Hold this position for the same amount of time and then return to the middle plank. Repeat on your left side, and remember to breathe throughout this routine. You can also modify this exercise by going on your knees or working off a bench.

Bent Over Rows:
Bending at the hip to about a 45 degree angle, keep your weights over the middle of the foot and back straight. Start with your arms straight out and then breathe out as pull your elbow back towards your hips. Inhale as you lower back into your starting position and repeat until fatigued. Again, you can modify this exercise by switching to a one-arm row by placing your free hand on a bench, or you can lie down on an incline bench once you can no longer hold yourself in a bent-over position.

Uneven Push-Ups:
"I like to use a medicine ball that I can then roll from one hand to the other but you can also use a yoga block or low step," Duncan says. Place one hand on the elevated object and the other flat on the floor and keep your hands wider than shoulder-width and your arms straight. As you breathe in, slowly lower your chest to the floor moving your hips in unison and remember not to keep your butt in the air. You can always modify this position at the knees.

Reverse Lunge With BOSU:
Start with your right foot in the middle of a BOSU ball (a training device shown in the photo). Next, raise your left arm and bend your elbow to a 90-degree angle, keeping your right arm at your side at 90 degrees as well. Breathe out as you stand on the right foot and switch your arm positions into a lunge. Stepping back down, lower your left knee as close to the floor as possible (without touching the ground) and switch arm positions again. Modify this move by not using a BOSU or not raising the knee.

Russian Twist:
"Again I would use a BOSU in my younger years to add that instability that makes the exercise harder," Duncan says. Seated on the top of the BOSU ball (or floor), lean back to a 45-degree angle and lift your feet off the ground. Hold the medicine ball out from your body and rotate your shoulders to your right. As you twist your body, lower the medicine ball down towards the floor. Return to starting position and rotate to the left, do as many as you can and breathe during the entire movement.

Stability Ball Hamstring Curls:
Lie on a mat with your feet on the ball, keeping your legs in a straight position and a small bend at the knees. Lift your hips in the air forming a straight line from your shoulder through the hip joint to the ankle joint. Breathe out and pull your feet towards your bum. You can modify this move by using a larger ball or supporting your hips with your hands.

Three Way Abdominal Crunch:
Start with a middle crunch and add a crunch on the left and right side. Breathe out with each crunch, and remember, this is not a race. Slowing down will build more strength. To modify this exercise, you can take breaks in between crunches.

Pull-Ups Or Chin-Ups:
"For pull-ups you have three main grips and each changes the difficulty and the amount of work for the muscles involved," Duncan says. "For our purposes we will start with a wide grip pull-up which is also the harder of the three main grips." Start by griping your bar with your hands spread out like you are making the letter Y. Keeping your knees bent, breathe out and lift your chest towards the bar. To modify this move, switch the grip to an underhand grip, hook your knee in a thick band, or have a friend assist you.

Hip Hinge:
"The hip hinge is a fundamental exercise for proper squats, deadlifts, kettle bell exercise and any lifting technique," Duncan says. For the deadlift, using a barbell, start with the bar over top of the center of your foot, this may require two stable platforms for the bar to rest on. Next, flexing at the hip by bending forward and keeping the back straight, keep a small bend in the knee and reach down to grip the bar. Breathe out and lift from your hips by contracting your glutes and make sure the bar is around mid-thigh before you start to lower. To modify, switch to dumbbells or no weights at all.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-04-19T08:29:24-04:00 2013-04-22T12:06:32-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
Mais en bout de ligne, nous mangeons souvent beaucoup plus qu'il n'en faut pour fournir à notre corps les calories nécessaires pour fonctionner.

Une tonne de personnes en viennent à essayer des régimes pour perdre les kilos gagnés à trop manger, mais nous savons aujourd'hui que les régimes draconiens ne servent à rien.

Comprendre les raisons qui nous poussent à trop manger est une des meilleures façons de modifier nos comportements et de manger de façon plus responsable et modérée.


VOYEZ les 7 raisons les plus fréquentes pour lesquelles nous mangeons plus qu'il n'en faut


]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-04-18T09:28:02-04:00 2013-04-18T10:30:28-04:00

Arti Patel http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arti-patel/
«Vous devez avoir un bon apport de protéines pour faire pousser vos cheveux», explqiue le Dr. Alan Bauman, du Bauman Medical Group en Floride.

Même s'il existe différents types de cheveux selon la personne, la capacité de notre corps à produire du sébum est une des choses que nous avons en commun. Le sébum est une sorte de matière huileuse ou cireuse qui est secrété par vos glandes sébacées.

Aussi, si vous avez des cheveux en santé, votre cuir chevelu le sera également.

Évidemment, l'âge est un facteur important. À partir de 50 ans, les femmes peuvent perdre des cheveux à cause de la chute des hormones. Mais le Dr. Bauman a déjà vu des jeunes femmes perdre leurs cheveux. En effet, un changement de diète brutal est un risque indéniable.

Une bonne diète pour des cheveux en santé est donc importante, et elle se se doit d'être constante, car elle peut prendre jusqu'à six semaines pour agir.

Voyez le top 10 des aliments qui peuvent régler vos problèmes de chevelure et vous faire une crinière de rêve!


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