Postpartum emotions for new moms

Mаnу men whо аrе expectant fathers experience a series оf transitions аѕ thеу prepare fоr аnd grееt a nеw member оf thеir family. Sometimes, dads саn't wait tо gеt thrоugh pregnancy аnd thе rush оf emotions аnd physical challenges аѕѕосiаtеd with it. But in mаnу cases, thе emotions аѕѕосiаtеd with pregnancy, аѕ diffеrеnt аѕ thеу саn bе fоr аn expectant mother, аrе nоthing compared with thе feelings аnd moods thаt соmе within thе fеw weeks аftеr thе baby iѕ born.

Medical аnd mental health professionals hаvе a lot tо ѕау аbоut thiѕ emotional phenomenon.

It iѕ оftеn called thе "baby blues" оr postpartum depression. And whilе wе hаvе a nаmе fоr it, thеѕе postpartum emotions аrе nо lеѕѕ rеаl оr personal tо a nеw mother.

It'ѕ important fоr a nеw father tо realize thаt ѕоmе level оf postpartum emotional challenges exists fоr аbоut 80 оf nеw moms. Sо expect tо deal with thеѕе emotions; knowing thаt thеу аrе likеlу аnd bеing prepared tо handle thеm iѕ аn important "life skill" fоr a nеw dad.

Mоѕt professionals categorize thеѕе postpartum emotional events intо fivе general categories, ranging frоm thе vеrу common "baby blues" tо full-blown psychosis.

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Thе Baby Blues

Research suggests thаt mоѕt nеw mothers experience thiѕ fоrm оf anxiety within a week оr twо аftеr birth, uѕuаllу lasting аbоut 3 weeks оr so. With thе baby blues, mom will feel sad, bе a littlе weepy аnd hаvе fairly wide mood swings. Hеr hormones аrе fullу involved, аnd ѕhе will likеlу nоt knоw suitе whаt iѕ happening tо her. Thе baby blues will аlѕо оftеn include feelings аѕѕосiаtеd with соming оff thе high оf labor аnd birthing tо thе nеw realities оf a demanding littlе creature, lеѕѕ sleep, bеing anxious аbоut thiѕ nеw responsibility аnd соnсеrn аbоut spousal support (or thе lack thereof).

Aѕ thе dad, уоu mау еvеn feel likе thе target оf hеr frustration, dеѕрitе аll уоu mау bе dоing tо help.
It iѕ important tо knоw thаt thеѕе аrе rеаllу natural feelings, аnd thаt in mоѕt cases, thеу will nоt lаѕt mоrе thаn a fеw weeks. Lots оf communication, tenderness, patience, аnd responsiveness аrе helpful attitudes fоr a dad during thiѕ important time.

Postpartum Depression

Thiѕ iѕ thе nеxt level оf postpartum mood challenges, аnd affects аbоut 15 percent оf nеw moms. Thе bеѕt wау I саn dеѕсribе thiѕ iѕ thе baby blues оn steroids. Thе depressed postpartum mother will hаvе persistent sad moods, finds hеrѕеlf vеrу irritable аnd short-tempered аnd mау feel hopeless. Sleep problems аrе amplified аnd ѕhе will feel ѕеriоuѕlу fatigued. Often, ѕhе begins tо feel ѕоmе detachment frоm thе baby. Shе mау ѕау things like, "Things wеrе ѕо muсh bеttеr bеfоrе thе baby came." Shе mау feel isolated оr wаnt tо withdraw intо hеr оwn room оr home. Shе mау аlѕо ѕее hеr weight сhаngе dramatically (either gaining оr losing).

If thiѕ iѕ a ѕесоnd оr subsequent pregnancy, аnd уоur partner wаѕ subject tо postpartum depression before, thеrе iѕ a раrtiсulаrlу high likelihood thаt it will hарреn again.

About Chocolate Addiction and chocolate covered cashews

Chocolate craving is very common, but can we actually be addicted to it? Can these powerful urges to eat truly be classed as an addiction?

Chocolate is the most frequently craved food in women, and many women describe themselves as ‘chocoholics.’ Chocoholics insist that it is habit-forming, that it produces an instant feeling of well-being, and even that abstinence leads to withdrawal symptoms.

Let's talk about the chocolate covered cashews

Here we have a bowl of dark chocolate chips and roasted cashews to make Your chocolate covered cashews, Here are some ready made chocolate cashews by chocoaddicts you may like

Bring a pan of water to simmer put the chocolates in a heat proof bowl and put it above the pan of water. People will say you all sorts of things about melting chocolates, that you have to stir it constantly and stuff. But as far as I am concerned you keep the temperature low and melt the chocolate very slowly and don't let the water touch the chocolate pan at the ground. After 2 minutes the chocolate gets completely melted its thick and smooth.

Bring the molten chocolate down from heat and pour all the cashews into the chocolate bowl give it a stir until they are all coated with chocolate. Then take a spoonful of this mixture and keep it in a plate and let it stay in the freezer for an hour before you eat them.

Daily Gluten Free Food Choices

Today I will tell you about my gluten free daily food routine and what to do if you are dining out. Let’s talk about the first thing dining out. Now if you are gluten free you must be feeling that you cannot eat out, that's not true because now a day’s more and more restaurants are coming out with gluten-free menus. A lot of them have their own gluten free menus for customers with gluten intolerance. One tip that I want to give you if you intend to eat out. Call the restaurant and do your research, talk to the manager or chef about their menus what you can eat.  Another option is to check online most of the restaurants have their online menus that you can check and decide on the restaurant.

Now let me tell you about what I eat in a day on a gluten free diet.  For breakfast I am having coconut chia granola it's organic and it fills your stomach for the morning. For lunch we have tuna sandwiches, some grapes and celery with peanut butter. For snacks I am having today some of my glutino crackers with spreadable cheese. For dinner I am having some chicken with 100 % corn pasta and some salad. For another snack you can have an orange.

Let me give you another alternative for your breakfast or dinner, Gluten free jasmine rice. Here is how you can make your jasmine rice its long grain rice which is well known for its beautiful fragrance. You may be thinking Is jasmine rice gluten free , well to know that check out the article by Glutenfreeproject



Now to prepare this you need one cup and half of water, 1 cup of jasmine rice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil you may also use canola oil, and salt to taste. Now at your oven top add the water with the oil and salt and bring it to boil. Use a tight fitting lead to cover your saucepan. As the water starts boiling add the jasmine rice give it a stir with your fork bring it to boil again as it starts boiling cover it with the lead. Reduce the heat of the burner let it boil for another 15 minutes and your lovely and beautiful jasmine rice is ready to serve.

Eat Well and Stay Healthy on the Gluten-Free Diet

It isn’t always easy to adjust to the gluten-free life. But there are commonsense ways to make it much simpler. These tips will help you love gluten-free living.

1. Be patient.

Almost everyone is overwhelmed by the challenge of eating gluten free. Initially it might seem like the diet eliminates all the food you love to eat. Or you might feel surrounded by gluten and unsure if it’s safe to eat anything. It could take up to six months to begin to feel comfortable with the diet and confident about your food choices. So don’t expect to get it all straight overnight.

You may experience grief over having to give up foods you have eaten all your life. Don’t worry, it’s normal. You will almost certainly make mistakes at first and eat food that contains gluten. This is also normal. And a few mistakes won’t kill you. Time is on your side and the lifestyle will get easier as you learn more and gain confidence in your choices.

2. Be positive

Concentrate on what you can eat, not on what you can’t eat. Remember that most of the nutritious foods you are supposed to eat to stay healthy are gluten free. This includes plain meat, fish, poultry, beans, eggs, vegetables, fruits, rice, nuts and legumes, not to mention rice, corn and soy. Plain spices and herbs are also gluten free as are plain fruit juices, milk, coffee, tea, wine and distilled alcoholic beverages. Later, when the insecurity fades away, you can go beyond plain. On the other hand, just because something is gluten free, does not mean it is good for you. Cool Whip, for example, is gluten free. Junk food is still junk food whether it’s gluten free or not.

3. Don’t cheat

Now is the time to decide you are not going to cheat. You will be tempted. At some point you might start thinking the diet just isn’t worth it, especially if you weren’t very sick when you were diagnosed. You might decide there is simply too much gluten around to avoid, so you might as well go ahead and eat it. You might not want to stand out or make a fuss when you are eating with others.

Source : www.glutenfreeliving.com/gluten-free-foods/diet/25-ways-to-eat-well-and-stay-healthy-on-the-gluten-free-diet/

Gluten-Free Substitutes

Many items that usually contain gluten have gluten-free alternatives that are widely available in most grocery stores, and make living gluten-free much easier. Keep in mind, however, that minimally processed fresh foods are a crucial part of a healthy gluten-free diet. It is very important to base your diet around fruits, vegetables, meats, and other healthy food groups listed above.

Many commercially available products are labeled “gluten-free,” but there will be some that are not; this is why proper label reading is important. It is also important to remember that “wheat-free” does not necessarily mean “gluten-free.” Be wary, as many products may appear to be gluten-free, but are not (see Sources of Gluten).

As a rule, traditional wheat products such as pastas, breads, crackers, and other baked goods are not gluten-free. However, there are many gluten-free options available that use alternative flours and grains. Health food stores have a wide variety of options, but commercial grocery stores are also beginning to carry a sizeable number of gluten-free products. Often, gluten-free bread can be found in the freezer section. Additionally, there are gluten-free flours and flour blends available, allowing you to bake your own bread.

Source : celiac.org/live-gluten-free/glutenfreediet/food-options/99

Living healthy After 40

In the warmer, longer, lazier days of summer, the living may not be easy, but your life probably feels less chaotic. Even adults tend to adopt a "school's out!" attitude in summer. That's why this is a perfect time to improve your health in a fashion so seasonally laid back you'll barely notice the effort.

To get you started, WebMD went to eight health experts in fields such as diet, fitness, stress, vision, and oral health. We asked them this: If you could only suggest one simple change this season to boost personal health, what would it be? Here are their top eight tips.

1. Give Your Diet a Berry Boost

If you do one thing this summer to improve your diet, have a cup of mixed fresh berries -- blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries -- every day. They'll help you load up on antioxidants, which may help prevent damage to tissues and reduce the risks of age-related illnesses. Blueberries and blackberries are especially antioxidant-rich.

A big bonus: Berries are also tops in fiber, which helps keep cholesterol low and may even help prevent some cancers.

2. Get Dirty -- and Stress Less

To improve your stress level, plant a small garden, cultivate a flower box, or if space is really limited, plant a few flower pots -- indoors or out.

Just putting your hands in soil is "grounding." And when life feels like you're moving so fast your feet are barely touching the stuff, being mentally grounded can help relieve physical and mental stress.

3. Floss Daily

You know you need to, now it's time to start: floss every single day. Do it at the beach (in a secluded spot), while reading on your patio, or when watching TV -- and the task will breeze by.

Flossing reduces oral bacteria, which improves overall body health, and if oral bacteria is low, your body has more resources to fight bacteria elsewhere. Floss daily and you're doing better than at least 85% of people.

http://www.webmd.com/women/features/8-summer-steps-for-healthy-living

Here are a few nutrition and fitness tips to keep you healthier this summer:

Don't Eat When You're Thirsty


We often mistake thirst for hunger, especially during the warm months. Don't eat when what you really want is to drink. Always ask yourself if you are really hungry.

Watch What You Drink


High-calorie beverages like soda, whole milk, juices, alcohol and sugared iced tea can add unwanted and under-appreciated calories. Drink water with lemon or mint, or try seltzer or unsweetened iced tea. Tea is loaded health benefits. Read more about tea here.

Bike Instead of Drive


Save gas, and get some exercise. A 155-pound person riding at a leisurely 10 to 12 mph can burn 423 calories in just one hour or about seven calories per minute. For more info, visit DietDetective.com.

Go Hiking

Explore Similar Activities


Trimbleoutdoors.com offers thousands of day hikes, while Localhikes.com lists local hikes around the United States. Recreation.gov is the U.S. government's outdoors guide to everything from hiking, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing and rock climbing to wildlife observation and caving.

Source : www.active.com/nutrition/articles/the-diet-detective-13-tips-to-stay-healthy-and-fit-this-summer

Unless you're one of the lucky few to hit it big in the genetic lottery, staying fit ain't easy. And if it's this difficult now, imagine what it's going to be like in 10, 20, 30 years. But before you begin planning your future as a wobbly, overweight hunchback, understand that getting in the shape of your life for the rest of your life doesn't have to be daunting.

In fact, if you find your fitness workout groove now, you'll set yourself up for success in the future. Studies show that working out may lower a woman's risk of breast cancer by 37 percent, osteoporosis by 45 percent, and heart disease by 14 percent. So we tapped dozens of doctors and fitness experts to find out exactly what you should do to add years to your life.

The bottom line: Whether you're fresh out of college or funding Junior's tuition, the moment to launch your lifetime fitness plan is now. Then simply adjust your total-body workouts throughout the years to give your muscles, bones, and heart what they need to keep working well enough to keep up with you.

Source : www.womenshealthmag.com/health/health-in-your-40s

Tips to Live Healthy in Summer

In the warmer, longer, lazier days of summer, the living may not be easy, but your life probably feels less chaotic. Even adults tend to adopt a "school's out!" attitude in summer. That's why this is a perfect time to improve your health in a fashion so seasonally laid back you'll barely notice the effort.

To get you started, WebMD went to eight health experts in fields such as diet, fitness, stress, vision, and oral health. We asked them this: If you could only suggest one simple change this season to boost personal health, what would it be? Here are their top eight tips.

1. Give Your Diet a Berry Boost

If you do one thing this summer to improve your diet, have a cup of mixed fresh berries -- blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries -- every day. They'll help you load up on antioxidants, which may help prevent damage to tissues and reduce the risks of age-related illnesses. Blueberries and blackberries are especially antioxidant-rich.

A big bonus: Berries are also tops in fiber, which helps keep cholesterol low and may even help prevent some cancers.

2. Get Dirty -- and Stress Less

To improve your stress level, plant a small garden, cultivate a flower box, or if space is really limited, plant a few flower pots -- indoors or out.

Just putting your hands in soil is "grounding." And when life feels like you're moving so fast your feet are barely touching the stuff, being mentally grounded can help relieve physical and mental stress.
3. Floss Daily

You know you need to, now it's time to start: floss every single day. Do it at the beach (in a secluded spot), while reading on your patio, or when watching TV -- and the task will breeze by.

Flossing reduces oral bacteria, which improves overall body health, and if oral bacteria is low, your body has more resources to fight bacteria elsewhere. Floss daily and you're doing better than at least 85% of people.

Source : www.webmd.com/women/features/8-summer-steps-for-healthy-living

Here are a few nutrition and fitness tips to keep you healthier this summer:

Don't Eat When You're Thirsty

We often mistake thirst for hunger, especially during the warm months. Don't eat when what you really want is to drink. Always ask yourself if you are really hungry.

Watch What You Drink

High-calorie beverages like soda, whole milk, juices, alcohol and sugared iced tea can add unwanted and under-appreciated calories. Drink water with lemon or mint, or try seltzer or unsweetened iced tea. Tea is loaded health benefits. Read more about tea here.

Bike Instead of Drive

Save gas, and get some exercise. A 155-pound person riding at a leisurely 10 to 12 mph can burn 423 calories in just one hour or about seven calories per minute. For more info, visit DietDetective.com.

Go Hiking

Explore Similar Activities

Trimbleoutdoors.com offers thousands of day hikes, while Localhikes.com lists local hikes around the United States. Recreation.gov is the U.S. government's outdoors guide to everything from hiking, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing and rock climbing to wildlife observation and caving.

Source : active.com/nutrition/articles/the-diet-detective-13-tips-to-stay-healthy-and-fit-this-summer

Symptoms Of Chocolate Addiction

There are 8 symptoms that are typical for food addicts (or having an “unhealthy relationship with food” if you prefer that).

Last week I ran a survey and asked about each of them.

An e-mail went out to a total of 17.094 individuals and 875 of them answered.

Here is a description of each symptom, along with the results from the survey.
1. Cravings Despite Being Full

It is not uncommon to get cravings, even after eating a fulfilling, nutritious meal.

Source : authoritynutrition.com/8-symptoms-of-food-addiction/

Anyone who has a chocolate addiction knows just how difficult it is to keep away from what was known by the Aztecs as the ‘food of the gods’. Those who scoff at such notions, quoting inconclusive scientific studies to bolster their argument that chocolate is not addictive, have obviously never been through the craving that plagues the chocolate addict. They should learn about some of the compounds that make chocolate such a delicious but oh so addictive treat!

Made from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, chocolate is the food that is most craved for globally. It contains several chemical compounds that are associated with moods and emotions, a fact borne out by the many people who like to eat chocolate when they are depressed or stressed.

Four of these chemical compounds are known to trigger the release of mood enhancing chemicals and neurotransmitters within the brain. They are phenylethylamine, theobromine, anandamine and tryptophan.

Phenylethylamine is believed by scientists to cause the release mesolimbic dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain, a process similar to what happens during an orgasm. This is probably the reason why so many women claim to find chocolate to be better than sex! However, before all you men start blaming chocolates for the lack of sex in your life, you should know that very little phenylethylamine actually reaches the brain.

The obromine has a stimulating effect that is similar to caffeine, but of a much lesser intensity. While withdrawal from theobromine can cause migraines, it is unlikely that this compound by itself can cause cravings for chocolate.
For example… you’ve just downed a nice meal with steak, potatoes and veggies… then find yourself craving some ice cream for dessert.

You see, cravings and hunger aren’t the same thing. You don’t feel “hungry” … because you just finished a healthy and nutritious meal, but yet there is an urge somewhere in your brain to eat something else.

This is pretty common and doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a problem. Most people get cravings.

But if this happens often and you have real problems controlling yourself, then it may be an indicator of something unnatural going on.

Source : home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/1797/wellness/a-delicious-addiction.html