Don’t Worry, Be Inspired and Get Back Up

It’s funny how people deal with their daily problems. Some people get mad; some doesn’t bother to think about it, some are just “easy go lucky” while some put the blame in God. I pity the latter ones. It’s not because they do not worship God but merely because they do not know how to accept God’s pure love to their lives and be inspired by Him.

Problems may come and go. As the days pass by, worries and difficulties may come your way. Though you think you had the worst day of your life, just take ample of your time to watch this very inspirational video of Nick Vujicic, an Australian guy who was born without limbs. See how he chooses to live life to the fullest without paying much attention to his incapability. He chooses to live life the normal way, without regrets, without any hesitations. In short, he chooses to be happy.

I was touched and inspired with his incredible story. I even admired him so much that I even wanted to see him personally. Imagine how he shares his story and inspire other people without asking anything in return but just a warm hug. I’d love to share this to all to give hope especially for those who are so down. Imagine how Nick struggled so much but still chooses to stay happy.

I will never forget these inspirational lines which I learned from him, “If you fail again and again, will you give up? It’s not the end. It doesn’t matter if you tried a hundred times or more. It matters how you are going to finish. Are you going to finish strong? Then, you will find that strength to get back up.”

Just like what he did to get himself back up when he fell down; I hope his inspirational story would also touch the heart of those who are in deep trouble. It’s so great to see a person with so much positive outlook in life and a very courageous yet so admirable lifestyle.

Obesity Tax as People’s Reward?

The video here shows how each of us is affected by the sudden change in our diet that affects our health which is a mere cause of obesity nowadays. This obesity issue caught the attention of American Dietetic Association in 2008. The graphical survey shows that the big difference of drinking milk versus soda with sugar starting 1970 up to 2005 provide massive effect on obesity of most children. This issue continues to rise up that makes dieticians and health doctors worry a lot.

Before things get worse, New York Governor Paterson come up with what he thinks is the most effective way to prevent the rising up of obesity patients especially among children. This is none other than implementing the obesity tax. Together with State Health Commissioner Richard Daines, they want to support this tax in order to improve the overall health of an individual and eventually avoid the cause of obesity. The Governor even stated that this tax would help raise $400 million. This is because people can lower their purchase and intake of soda that contains mostly of sugar which is the number one source of fat that in the end causes obesity.

One more thing about this campaign is the advice of drinking milk rather than sugar-laden drinks especially for children. Huge difference on the average rate of kids drinking milk starting 1970-2005 has also became evident. The average rate has declined due to the effect of soda to children. That’s why adding tax to these kinds of drinks can be the best solution for New York Governor Paterson. However, some people may oppose this massive crusade against obesity. Just like what Assemblyman Ron Canestrari has stated, there are better ways to fight obesity and better ways to raise money for the cash strapped state.

America's Top 20 Worst Foods

I recently posted this topic, “Who offers less food calories, is it restaurant or fast food?” I want to share this info that I found in MensHealth.com. It’s all about the 20 worst foods in America .

20. Worst Fast-Food Chicken Meal

McDonald’s Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips with creamy ranch sauce

830 calories
55g fat
(4.5g trans fat)
48 g carbs

Add soda and large fries this meal is equal to 1,710 calories.

19. Worst Drink

30 fl oz Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo'd Power Smoothie

900 calories
10 g fat
183 g carbs
(166 g sugars)

18. Worst Supermarket Meal

Whole pie of Pepperidge Farm Roasted Chicken Pot Pie

1,020 calories
64 g fat
86 g carbs

For a better pie you might buy Swanson's pot pie with 400 calories only.

17. Worst "Healthy" Burger

Ruby Tuesday Bella Turkey Burger

1,145 calories
71 g fat
56 g carbs

16. Worst Mexican Entrée

Chipotle Mexican Grilled Chicken Burrito

1,179 calories
47 g fat
125 g carbs
2,656 mg sodium

15. Worst Kids' Meal

Macaroni Grill Double Macaroni 'n' Cheese

1,210 calories
62 g fat
3,450 mg sodium

14. Worst Sandwich

Large Quizno’s Classic Italian

1,510 calories
82 g fat
3,750 mg sodium
106 g carbs

This sandwich is big, either buy a small one or cut it in half and save the half for later.

13. Worst Salad

On the Border Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef

1,450 calories
102 g fat
78 g carbs
2,410 mg sodium

12. Worst Burger

Carl's Jr. Double Six Dollar Burger

1,520 calories
111 g fat

11. Worst Steak

Lonestar 20 oz T-bone

1,540 calories
124 g fat

If you add a Lonestar's Signature Lettuce Wedge plus baked potato you’ll get a 2,700 calorie with this.

10. Worst Breakfast

Bob Evans Caramel Banana Pecan Cream Stacked and Stuffed Hotcakes

1,540 calories
77 g fat
(9 g trans fat)
198 g carbs
(109 g sugars)


9. Worst Dessert

Chili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

1,600 calories
78 g fat
215 g carbs


8. Worst Chinese Entrée

P.F. Chang's Pork Lo Mein

1,820 calories
127 g fat
95 g carbs

This dish provides more than 1,100 calories fat content alone.

7. Worst Chicken Entrée

Chili's Honey Chipotle Crispers with Chipotle Sauce

2,040 calories
99 g fat
240 g carbs

6. Worst Fish Entrée

On the Border Dos XX Fish Tacos with Rice and Beans

2,100 calories
130 g fat
169 g carbs
4,750 mg sodium


5. Worst Pizza

Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza

2,310 calories
162 g fat
123 g carbs
4,470 mg sodium


4. Worst Pasta

Macaroni Grill Spaghetti and Meatballs with Meat Sauce

2,430 calories
128 g fat
207 g carbs
5,290 mg sodium

The requirements calorie for an entire day satisfies this meal.

3. Worst Nachos

On the Border Stacked Border Nachos

2,740 calories
166 g fat
191 g carbs
5,280 mg sodium

2. Worst Starter

Chili's Awesome Blossom

2,710 calories
203 g fat
194 g carbs
6,360 mg sodium

1. The Worst Food in America

Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing

2,900 calories
182 g fat
240 g carbs

Which offers less food calories: Restaurants or Fast Food?

Comparing the energy content of meals being served from a fast food and restaurant has now become the subject of a recent study. When you compare the foods you usually order in some fast food chains or your favorite restaurant to those that you are preparing at your own home, the latter are smaller and have less calories.

The result of this study was based from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. This organization assessed a large sample of information regarding nutritional intake to produce such result.

And as a result, fast food meals were found to be more energy dense than a sumptuous meal from a table service restaurant. However, fast food meals are offered in a smaller amount as well. Therefore, as compared to any other average meal from a restaurant, the typical fast food meal offers lesser calories.

But then, the long believed issue was changed when restaurants probably reduced their food consumption throughout the end of the day. And this is maybe because of the difference in energy density. In the end, the result may be fast foods offer more calories on the food they serve than those we usually eat in a fancy restaurant.

But in a healthier point of view, both the fast food and restaurant meals though won’t prevent you from eliminating potential toxins from your food. It’s just that you need to control your serving size.

Fact Or Myth: Males Are Becoming More Female?

At first, my attention was caught when I saw this article. From the title itself, my curiosity was touched. Also, I was interested to read the entire article because I somewhat believe that it is really happening nowadays. Although I also would like to know if it’s true since the symptoms are really rampant. Maybe, once you’ll know the result of the studies, you will definitely say, “Yeah, I think it’s true.”

Well, I think this is not a simple issue. I simply believe that because many of us are now being aware of our environment, we are also conscious that this is really happening. What I’m talking about here is the recent study that resulted in finding that males of all species are now becoming more female. Choosing between a fact or a myth, don’t you think that this issue is really a fact? Well in my own point of view, whether I am not a scientist at all, I believe that it is indeed, a fact.

The major question about this environmental concern is that, what causes such changes to happen? According to various studies, being exposed to the unregulated chemicals in the environment causes male species to acquire more feminine characteristics. And since humans have similar sex hormone receptors to those of the animals, the indication and transformation pattern is also the same.

The type of chemicals that were found to have such unusual effects to the animal and human genders is also known as the “gender-benders”. This include substances like Phthalates, chemical found in vinyl flooring, detergents, automotive plastics, soap, shampoo, deodorants, fragrances, hair spray, nail polish, plastic bags, food packaging, garden hoses, inflatable toys, blood-storage bags, and intravenous medical tubing. Another one is the Bisphenol A, a common ingredient in many plastics. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which is a chemical found in grease- and water-resistant coatings like Teflon. An insecticide and a fungicide found to Methoxychlor and Vinclozin. Also, Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) which is known to be potent endocrine disrupters. The Bovine growth hormones which are commonly added to commercial dairy that make premature adolescence. Soy products may also affect as well as the MSG which is a food additive and last but not the least is the fluoride.

More information has been released for us to be aware of this wide range of health hazards. And if these studies can impose strange changes within our male population, I think we must do something to avoid the worst scenario. Since male infertility is on the rise and fewer boys have been born, world population is at risk. Besides, can you imagine that we’ll soon be living in a world with only female population?

Symptoms and Types of Depression

Have you ever felt so sad sometimes without knowing what the real cause is? Do you happen to experience such a mood disorder of someone close to you? Whether we admit it or not, depression not only affects our behavior but our relationships as well. This unusual state of sadness may be experienced not only by an adult but also by teenagers and children, a man or a woman.

Depression which is a kind of mental state that is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, apathy, fatigue, and pessimism actually has different types. Along with this, persons who were identified as having depression usually have several symptoms.

There are actually five types of depression which are most common. This includes major depression which is a combination of symptoms that hinder the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and perform enjoyable activities. Dysthymic disorder, a less severe depression that happens for 2 years or more but can prevent a person from functioning normally or can prevent him from feeling good. Another type is the psychotic depression which happens when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions. If a new mother develops a major depression within one month after delivery, then it’s another type which is known as postpartum depression. Lastly, there is also what we call as SAD or seasonal affective disorder. This type of depression is characterized by the beginning of a depressive illness. This usually happens when there is less natural sunlight or during the winter months.

But how can we really detect when a person is suffering from depression? By identifying some symptoms, you will know that a person is in the state of depression. A person is depressed when he is usually sad, anxious, or has an "empty" mood. Always feel hopeless or worried or the feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities once enjoyable, including sex; having difficulty to concentrate or in making decisions, or remembering; trouble sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping; decreased energy; fatigue; feeling "slowed down" and also the changes in appetite or weight or both. And worst, depressed person can possibly have thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts; or may feel restlessness or irritability and the relentless physical symptoms, like headaches, chronic pain and digestive disorders that do not respond to scheduled treatments.

So if you’re looking for the best depression treatment, it is best to consult your primary care provider. Go and see your psychiatrist. You may also have some talk therapy with a psychologist who can also help treat your sadness. Although there are lots of alternative and natural treatments to depression like exercise, relaxation or meditation, it is still best to see a psychiatrist.