Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss Plastic Surgery Procedure

Some are able to lose their excess weight by simply exercising, dieting, cardios and such other stuffs that you know. But some have to go through the hard way, i.e Weight Loss Surgery (WLS). A procedure called Gastric Bypass surgery is quite commonly used nowadays. Of course, the physical transformation after any bariatric surgery can be quite exhilarating. But at the same time, with such massive weight loss, skin doesn't shrink well. So the patients often seek body contouring. After a major weight loss, tissue elasticity decreases and due to loss of fat excess skin gets expanded and lefts out. This excess skin generally develops around the face area, neck region, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks and thighs. You may find it difficult to do physical activities as the loose skin may restrict your movements. You may not find it comfortable to wear t-shirts and more revealing outfits. In addition, it makes you look unattractive.

Body contouring can help you deal with the excess hanging skin and make you look good even after losing weight. The body contouring after major weight loss is influenced by your age, size and shape of the skin fold, the area of excess skin to be treated. Some may leave long-lasting noticeable scars too.

Here are the major body contouring procedures that you may require after a major weight loss.

Body Lift
It's an extremely effective procedure and depending on the location where it is to be done, patients choose to undergo upper or mid or lower body lift.

A. Total Body Lift Surgery
When the patients have lost their skin elasticity all over their body, then a total body lift surgery is needed. A total body lift procedure addresses to every part of your body that accumulates fat and excess skin: arms, breasts, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, giving you a new lifted appearance.

Though the surgery gives a nice and smooth figure to your body, you'll need some rest for the recovery after such a complex surgery. Generally 5-6 weeks is needed for the recovery. Follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon.
B. Upper Body Lift Surgery
Upper Body Lift Surgery is needed if you have loose excess skin on arms and breasts.
I. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Overweight people generally have heavy arms. So to balance the increased volume of your arm, skin gets stretched and tightens up. But after a major weight loss, the skin gets failed to shrink up with the arm and hangs loosely. Arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is needed to remove this excess skin fold.
Cost
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average fee charged by the surgeon nationally in 2007 for an upper arm lift was $3,574.

II. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast ptosis (drooping or sagging) can be due to several factors such as Aging, Pregnancy, and after massive weight loss.

Graphical illustration of Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, also known as, "Mastopexy" is required to lift up the sagging breast. Breast lift, or mastopexy, lifts and tightens up your breasts giving it a more youthful look. Depending upon the degree of the lift that is desired, breast lift can be of three types,
i. The Full Anchor Lift or "The Crescent" mastopexy
It's the most common and most traditional breast lift. It creates an "anchor-shaped" or "inverted-T shaped" incision around the outer border of the areola (the more darkly pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) and extending them to the inframammary crease medially and laterally. It can lift up the nipple 8 cm or more. ii. The Vertical Lift or "Lollipop" Lift
It creates a "lollipop-shaped" incision around the outer border of the areola and extends downward toward the inframammary crease. It can lift up the nipple upto 6 cms. This method is for moderate degree of ptosis (drooping or sagging).

iii. The Concentric Lift or "Donut" Lift or "Benelli" Lift
It removes a small circular skin fold from the areola region. After removing it, the remaining skin is attached to the areola again, resulting in a tight and slightly lifted breast.

The Concentric Mastopexy is only used when the degree of lifting is small. It can raise the nipple 2-4 centimeters. Breast lift is often enhanced by Breast Implants.

C. Mid Body Lift Surgery (Torsoplasty)
It includes the treatment for abdominal region, often called torsoplasty. This surgical operation also known as a "tummy tuck" or "stomach lift" or "abdominoplasty", is performed to tighten the loose or flabby skin of the stomach area. A tummy tuck procedure also reduces the stretch marks on the stomach, if any, and reduce amount of sagging or hanging skin, giving you a new and younger profile.
Cost
Generally a mid-body lift can cost you around $8000.

D. Lower Body Lift Surgery (Belt Lipectomy)
Lower Body Lift Surgery is done to remove the excess folds of skin that appears on lower parts of your body such as, buttocks and thigh.

I. Butt lift Surgery (Gluetoplasty)
A buttock lift or butt lift is a type of plastic surgery that will lift your rear end higher. A buttock lift may also use fat injections, often reffered to as a Brazillian butt lift or it may use cosmetic implants for butt augmentation. From what I've heard, Jlo (Jennifer Lopez) has done the Brazillian butt lift for the rear end and Pamela Anderson has done it for her front end.

No wonder how they got those bootilycious bodies.

II. Thigh lift (Thighplasty)
A thigh lift will give you slim and taut thigh that will look good in mini-skirts and skinny jeans. Thigh lift surgery is generally aimed to create slim thighs which are proportionate with the butt, abs, legs, the whole body.
Cost
According to 2008 statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the national average for plastic surgeon fees for a thigh lift is $4,589. The cost may vary upto $8000 depending upon how much excess skin do you have on your thighs?

You want satisfaction?
Always choose a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon. The surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You may also consider seeing some of the before-and-after photos of the patients that were treated by your surgeon.

Related Posts :
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty

Weight Loss Before and After

Hey guys, here's a collection of before after photos of people that I googled in the internet. The pictures are really inspiring with weight loss motivational quotes below every picture.

"You may delay, but time will not." ~ Benjamin Franklin

You see things; and you say "Why?" But I dream things that never were; and I say "Why not?" ~ George Bernard Shaw

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

"You have to stay in shape. My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is." ~ Ellen Degeneres

"You must begin to think of yourself as becoming the person you want to be." ~ David Viscott

"Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality." ~ Ralph Marston

"You're never beaten until you admit it." ~ George S. Patton

"You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it badly enough I can have it. It's called perseverance." ~ Lee Iacocca

"You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there." ~ Unknown Author
"You don't realize how strong a person really is until you see them at their weakest moment" ~ Unknown Author
"Never, never, never quit." ~ Winston Churchill

"If you wish to grow thinner, diminish your dinner" ~ Henry Sambrooke Leigh
"When you nourish your body with pure energy, you transform from the inside out."
~ Bill Phillips
"Never eat more than you can lift." ~ Miss Piggy
"One should eat to live, not live to eat." ~ Moliere
"Eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Click here to see more before after pictures of weight loss.

Here is a list of before after pictures of some celebrities.

1. Beyonce Knowles

2. Nicole Richie

3. Kirstie Alley

4. Star Jones

The Top 3 Fat Burning Foods - Surprising Hidden Gems

In all of my years as a professional Nutrition Specialist, I've noticed that most people are shocked to hear some of my picks for the top fat burning foods that are best for weight loss and good health.

I won't bore you with all of the typical "healthy foods" that you hear about all of the time such as fruits and veggies... everybody knows those. Instead, I'm going to show you some shockers that most people don't realize are super healthy foods for fat loss.

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3 Tips to Eat a Healthier Diet to Lose Weight Faster

If you want to lose weight, we all know that eating a healthy diet should be your first priority. Sure, exercise is important, but diet is king when it comes to lifelong weight management. I hope this article gives you some simple, yet effective ways for you to make healthy changes in the way you eat on a daily basis.

1. Make sure to eat at least some healthy fats in most of your meals. Eating enough healthy fats is very important for maintaining proper fat burning and muscle building hormone levels in your body. Adequate healthy fats in your diet also helps in keeping your appetite under control.

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3 Important Tips to Build Muscle Faster - Get Lean and Ripped

Let's face it... building muscle is not the easiest thing to accomplish even despite regular hard workout schedules and trying every type of workout and supplement.

I struggled for years to gain any significant muscle mass, but over the years in my personal training business and with my own experimentation have found some important things that have helped make significant muscle gains possible even for hardgainers.

So, I'm going to give 3 important tips here so you can start building lean muscle mass faster and easier.

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My 5 Minute Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe - Yes It's Healthy

As a Certified Nutrition Specialist, I like to find ways to prepare delicious foods that most people can't believe are actually healthy for you. If you have a sweet tooth like me, I'm sure you've tried to find ways to still enjoy sweet treats, but also try to make them healthier than typical junk food desserts.

The major problem with most so-called "healthy" desserts is that most companies attempt to make them healthier by reducing the fat content and thereby increasing the sugar content or artificial sweeteners... there's nothing healthy about either of those!

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The 2 Worst Foods That Make You Fat - One May Shock You

The 2 fattening foods that I'm going to talk about in this article may actually shock you... most people falsely believe these 2 foods are "healthy". In all of my years working as a Certified Nutrition Specialist, this usually surprises people when I mention they should consider eliminating these foods from their diet.

Everybody these days knows how bad trans fats and high fructose corn syrup are for you, so I figured I'd spare you yet another lecture on those... Instead, read on to see a couple foods that may shock you that they may be packing on the blubber.

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3 Veggies That Help to Burn Stomach Fat

Specific vegetables that actually help to stimulate the burning of stomach fat? Sounds crazy right?

Well, check this out below and you'll see why it's not so far fetched.

First, one fact that you may have not realized is that there are certain chemicals in our food supply and in our environment, such as pesticides, herbicides, and petrochemicals that have an estrogenic effect inside our bodies. This problem can increase belly fat on both men and women, so pay attention.

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A Type of Trans Fat That Burns Belly Fat?

As a Certified Nutrition Specialist, I usually shock people with this fact... it's true that there is a type of healthy natural trans fat that actually helps you to burn off abdominal fat.

Sounds far fetched, but it's true.

First of all, as I'm sure you've heard a million times by now, artificial trans fats in our food supply from hydrogenated oils are one of the most unhealthy foods (if you can actually call it suitable to eat) you can put in your body. Artificial trans fats cause everything from obesity to various cancers to heart disease, and more. They are pure evil, and everyone knows by now that this is a fact.

Read More

Breakfast Huevos Rancheros

(makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. ground cumin
  
  


• 1 can (15 oz) no-salt-added pink beans, rinsed and drained
  
  


• 4 scallions, sliced
  
  


• 1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
  
  


• ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  
  


• 2 minced cloves garlic
  
  


• 4 eggs
  
  


• 1 cup sliced avocado
  
  


• 4 Tbsp. fat-free Greek yogurt
  
  


• 4 Tbsp. salsa
  
  


• 8 corn tortillas (6-inch diameter), toasted
  
  


• dash of hot-pepper sauce (optional)
  
  

Preparation:

• Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add cumin and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add beans, scallions, bell pepper, chicken broth and garlic. Bring to a boil then reduce heat so the mixture simmers. Cook until the vegetables are tender and most of the broth is evaporated, 8 minutes. Smash beans with back of a large spoon until lumpy.
  
  


• Use back of spoon to make 4 indentations in beans mixture. Working one at a time, break each egg into custard cup and pour in each indentation. Cover and until the eggs are cooked to the desired doneness (about 8 minutes).
  
  


• Scoop each portion of egg-topped bean mixture onto plate. Scatter avocado slices over and around beans. Top each serving with 1 Tbsp. of yogurt and 1 Tbsp. of salsa. Serve with tortillas and hot-pepper sauce, if desired.
  
  

Make 4 Servings:

Weight loss recipes Amount Per Serving : 331 Calories, 16 g Protein, 42 g Carbohydrates, 10 g Dietary Fiber, 12 g Fat, 3 g Saturated Fat, 245 mg Sodium

Breakfast Huevos Rancheros

(makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. ground cumin
  
  


• 1 can (15 oz) no-salt-added pink beans, rinsed and drained
  
  


• 4 scallions, sliced
  
  


• 1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
  
  


• ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  
  


• 2 minced cloves garlic
  
  


• 4 eggs
  
  


• 1 cup sliced avocado
  
  


• 4 Tbsp. fat-free Greek yogurt
  
  


• 4 Tbsp. salsa
  
  


• 8 corn tortillas (6-inch diameter), toasted
  
  


• dash of hot-pepper sauce (optional)
  
  

Preparation:

• Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add cumin and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add beans, scallions, bell pepper, chicken broth and garlic. Bring to a boil then reduce heat so the mixture simmers. Cook until the vegetables are tender and most of the broth is evaporated, 8 minutes. Smash beans with back of a large spoon until lumpy.
  
  


• Use back of spoon to make 4 indentations in beans mixture. Working one at a time, break each egg into custard cup and pour in each indentation. Cover and until the eggs are cooked to the desired doneness (about 8 minutes).
  
  


• Scoop each portion of egg-topped bean mixture onto plate. Scatter avocado slices over and around beans. Top each serving with 1 Tbsp. of yogurt and 1 Tbsp. of salsa. Serve with tortillas and hot-pepper sauce, if desired.
  
  

Make 4 Servings:

Weight loss recipes Amount Per Serving : 331 Calories, 16 g Protein, 42 g Carbohydrates, 10 g Dietary Fiber, 12 g Fat, 3 g Saturated Fat, 245 mg Sodium

Juice Fast, Spirulina & Chia Seeds

Please forgive my shoddy video quality. I decided last minute to vlog and I failed at making sure the background was right and that the lighting was pointing in the right direction OUT OF VIEW. If can you can ignore the obvious, I have some great links to look at! :)

Another Thought-Provoking Documentary

My cousin has been recommending these wonderful gems on NetFlix and I thought I'd share with you too! :) 

The information coorelates with my studies in Holistic Nutrition.  I like how they presented and explained nutrients and how they need to be the focus with disease, not medicine.  It's true, our society doesn't support this sort of thinking because, after all, there is no money to be made with health.

I've actually heard Charlotte Gerson speak before. She's amazing and so youthful, an excellent example of healthy living.  I'm always inspired after hearing her wisdom.

For me, I think the most difficult thing for me to work through is getting enough fruits and veggies on days where we aren't home.  I feel a differece when I am getting them, yet they aren't the easiest to grab when on the go.  (And apples wrapped in celophane at the golden arches isn't going to cut it.)

Official Site

Cranberry Pecan Scones

(makes 8 servings)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
  
  


• 1 cup chopped pecans
  
  


• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  
  


• ½ teaspoon baking soda
  
  


• ½ teaspoon salt
  
  


• 1¼ cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
  
  


• 2 Tablespoon canola oil
  
  


• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
  
  


• ⅔ cup dried sweetened cranberries
  
  


• Low-fat cooking spray
  
  

Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9-inch round baking pan with cooking spray.
  
  


• In large-size bowl, whisk flour, pecans, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  
  


• In small-size bowl, whisk yogurt, oil and orange zest.
  
  


• Make a well in center of flour mixture. Add yogurt mixture and cranberries. Stir until blended.
  
  


• Press into prepared pan. Score dough with knife to form 8 triangles. Bake until lightly browned and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (about 20-25 minutes).
  
  

Make 8 Servings:

Weight loss recipes Amount Per Serving : 308 Calories, 6 g Protein, 38 g Carbohydrates, 5 g Dietary Fiber, 15 g Fat, 1.5 g Saturated Fat, 350 mg Sodium

Cranberry Pecan Scones

(makes 8 servings)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
  
  


• 1 cup chopped pecans
  
  


• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  
  


• ½ teaspoon baking soda
  
  


• ½ teaspoon salt
  
  


• 1¼ cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
  
  


• 2 Tablespoon canola oil
  
  


• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
  
  


• ⅔ cup dried sweetened cranberries
  
  


• Low-fat cooking spray
  
  

Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9-inch round baking pan with cooking spray.
  
  


• In large-size bowl, whisk flour, pecans, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  
  


• In small-size bowl, whisk yogurt, oil and orange zest.
  
  


• Make a well in center of flour mixture. Add yogurt mixture and cranberries. Stir until blended.
  
  


• Press into prepared pan. Score dough with knife to form 8 triangles. Bake until lightly browned and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (about 20-25 minutes).
  
  

Make 8 Servings:

Weight loss recipes Amount Per Serving : 308 Calories, 6 g Protein, 38 g Carbohydrates, 5 g Dietary Fiber, 15 g Fat, 1.5 g Saturated Fat, 350 mg Sodium

Raspberry Yogurt Parfait

(makes 1 servings)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raspberries
  
  


• 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
  
  


• 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  
  

Preparation:

• Toss raspberries and lemon juice in bowl. Alternate layers of yogurt and raspberries in parfait dish.
  
  

Make 1 Servings:

Weight loss recipes Amount Per Serving : 230 Calories, 12 g Protein, 39 g Carbohydrates, 4 g Dietary Fiber, 3 g Fat, 2 g Saturated Fat, 150 mg Sodium

Raspberry Yogurt Parfait

(makes 1 servings)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raspberries
  
  


• 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
  
  


• 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  
  

Preparation:

• Toss raspberries and lemon juice in bowl. Alternate layers of yogurt and raspberries in parfait dish.
  
  

Make 1 Servings:

Weight loss recipes Amount Per Serving : 230 Calories, 12 g Protein, 39 g Carbohydrates, 4 g Dietary Fiber, 3 g Fat, 2 g Saturated Fat, 150 mg Sodium

Nature at Its Finest: Organic Teas (Part 2)

Here is the continuation (Part 2) of the post
entitled Nature at its Finest: Organic Teas (Part 1)

So organic teas are more expensive than non- organic teas. Why?

In order to live up to the high quality standard of the product, producers have to ensure that the strictest measures would be done to ensure this is always so. They have to spend more to be organically certified by agencies, although some are offered incentives for having to choose organic over non-organic. Other factors are the meticulous growth of these crops. Extra attention needs to be given to them, because pesticides and other chemicals are not used to drive away pests and other harmful elements that can ruin the plant. So labor costs are also expensive. And other factors, such as high demands for it, can therefore also increase its cost.

What are some tea varieties that are organic?

With the developing demands for organic products, most products of teas also do have it in organic forms. Such examples are: black teas, oolong teas, white teas and even other herbal teas.

But a word of advice. Do not expect it to be readily available everywhere. It may be hard to find for you to find a specific tea type or flavor that is organic. Because not every store or supermarkets and tea shops have teas in their organic forms. Not everyone is organic conscious as they say although statistics imply that more and more customers are preferring organic from non organic.

What are some of the health benefits of organic tea?

Organic teas are very renowned and known for their anti-oxidants. These antioxidants are the main players for helping the body be cleansed and get rid of all the free-radicals and toxins that are detrimental to our health.

Not only that, organic teas are also main fighters of certain diseases such as heart disease (stroke, heart attack atherosclerosis, blood clots), cancers and other related ailments.

It also prevents tooth decay and bad breath. It also helps us improve our immune functions. Therefore, it helps the body prevent and combat unwanted illnesses.

How is organic tea prepared?

Organic teas are prepared just like other regular teas. First, you boil water enough for one cup (if only one cup is desired). Before it reaches to its boiling point (do not use too hot water!!!), then you are ready to pour it in the cup. Then steep the tea. Allow it to infuse for a few minutes. Add spices or sweeteners to taste. Indulge and take a sip.

How often should I drink it?

There is no exact number. For it depends on the person. But ideally, drinking tea should not exceed more than ten cups per day.

Why choose organic?

Just think about it. Everything is better if it is natural and organic. It would look better, smell better and taste better. It is like you are drinking tea as it should be. No alteration. No other chemicals or artificial substances along with the tea itself. After all, you are drinking tea. Not tea (plus pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers). You want to live longer and healthier. You are not on a suicide mission.

In addition, think of the possible harmful and ill effects these chemicals will be to your body and to your health. Chemical pesticides are known to cause several types of cancers, blood diseases and nerve and neurological disorders. Not only is it obviously a poison, it also extra harmful effects to the infants and pregnant women.

Is it Worth It?

Only you can answer this question. For it is a matter of your own choice. Some say there is no significant different as to the flavor of organic teas to non-organic ones. And also others say that the significant ill effects of chemicals and pesticides as a result of drinking tea is not really heard of. And then the price is more costly in organic teas. But if you think about it, even the smallest difference between the two is enough to make the switch. We only live once. So why not choose the better, despite it being "slightly" less good. At least with organic products you get your money's worth. You are assured that no harmful chemicals are used. And no matter how little the chance is, at least you are 100 percent sure it would not happen and affect you. And let us not forget the environment. It is a gift given to us. So we should make it a point to try and preserve and maintain its beauty. This is not only for us but also for the future generation as well.

The bottom line...

Organic is always better than artificial. It looks better, smells better and it even tastes better. Not only is it more pleasurable to consume organic to non-organic but it also offers more health benefits. It is also very safe for no artificial chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides were used. So no worrying of the possible ill effects these chemicals can do. The land and soil is preserved and pollution is also lessened. Although it is a bit expensive compared to the non-organic teas, still the high quality and health benefits is assured and guaranteed. So every cent is well spent. You get your money's worth. And a very plus factor is that you also help save the environment. So not only are you starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and prolonging your life, you are also helping and protecting the environment as well.

Nature at Its Finest: Organic Teas (Part 1)

Nature is God's greatest gift to mankind. It is meant not only to sustain us, but to be enjoyed and appreciated for all its beauty and splendor. Nature is not merely a place. It is a living force, welcoming us, beckoning us to be one with it and embrace the magnificence of all the things it is readily offering to us.

But nowadays, it is very hard to find products that are "natural"- untouched and unblemished by artificial chemicals and methods that tamper to the very essence of its natural components. In this fast-paced and ever changing world, nothing is spared. From technology, to infrastructures and even food itself is filled with "unnaturalness". And one may even come to a point to be exasperated and just shout; "Where has nature gone?"

And so every day is an unending quest to find a certain balance. We try as much as we can to create a healthy lifestyle. And the only way to do that is to find food that is natural or something closest to it.

And there is still hope. For despite the modernization, there are still products that have still maintained a sense of naturalness.

For instance, Organic produce. They can be found everywhere. We can still purchase organic fruits and vegetables. And also there are also organic beverages that are slowly becoming a hit and a trend globally. And what is great about it is we can also enjoy these beverages at any moment in any day at the comforts of our homes. This is no other than organic teas.

What is it anyway?

Organic Tea

As the name suggests, organic teas are those products that are produced naturally. By naturally, we mean the products, or the ingredients used in the tea are grown and cultivated without the use of any artificial chemicals or products such as synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, growth regulators or chemical food additives.

How do they make organic teas? What do they do to achieve this?

Besides avoiding the use of artificial chemicals to the plant themselves, the environment to which the crop will grow is also taken care of.

The soil is also natural. Also, a layer of mulch also makes sure that moisture is preserved as well as giving extra nutrients to the tea plant. The land used for cultivating these plants is without the aid of chemicals for at least 3 years before it is used. It should be labeled environmental free zone. It is also enriched only with natural compost. Composting is the process used to make the plants not only grow well but be healthy as well. Another ways they do is with the use of crop rotation. This is done to minimize the pests and diseases. Other processes are also done in accordance to certain standards they have to abide. Like inspection and certifications of certain agencies covering this. These processes not only protects mother nature's natural resources by preventing pollution and the land from being compromised.

What countries do organic teas come from?

Most of the major tea producers like China, Taiwan and Japan have preferred using organic teas for making their renowned teas.

What makes organic teas special?

Despite being more meticulous than the non-organic types (for it is more labor-extensive), still the superior quality of the tea is maintained. This is the reason why such teas produced by these countries remain at the top. For it is only the natural aroma, taste and color that people can taste out of these teas.

Moreover, not only does the natural aroma and flavor maintained, these kinds of teas also offer and promote more health benefits from the others. They are higher in terms of having catechins and polypherols - nature's potent anti-oxidant. It is also noteworthy that these two compounds are the main players as to why tea is very popular not only to health buffs but to other ordinary people as well.

On a side note, cultivating organic teas is also more beneficial to tea farmers. For tea plants have a life span of 100 years. And with the use of only organic farming methods, these plants can live longer and prolong in this life span. If this was the case, then these tea farmers only spend lesser than those others.

How can we be so sure the tea we are buying is organic?

There is one thing for sure. There are many government and non-government agencies that make it their jobs to ensure and certify whether or not a certain product is organic. Some of them include the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (or IFOAM) and also the United States Department of Agriculture (or USDA).These agencies have developed programs for certification that scrutinizes specific practices of a certain tea plantation and gives out certificates to those who have met and passed the requirements.

But it should not end there. There is a sure possibility that other tea vendors will, go to the extent of just placing "organic" in the tea packages despite it being otherwise. How do we really know for sure then?

Reading the word "organic" to the package is not enough. Be more observant and cautious in choosing and buying certain products. One way is to inspect the packages whenever you purchase an organic tea. And look for the seal of those organizations mentioned above. For it there is a seal, and then you can be sure it has passed the standards. Just make sure those seals are not faked or tampered with.

Another thing you should consider is the price. Organic teas are usually more expensive than the non-organic ones. So if a certain organic tea is sold at a very low price range than the other brands, you should be suspicious about its authenticity. This is the price to pay for having only the best quality drink. And if its otherwise, then you will not get the best the teas have to offer.

Last, but not the least. Try it for yourself. Trust in your taste buds. They do not lie. For it is by actually tasting it that you can know for sure. If it smells and tastes natural- then it must be organic!

Happy girl!

I'm in a crazy, happy mood tonight. I'm not completely sure why, I just know I feel...well...happy!

I just got back from an evening bike ride...

Rule #1 of biking
Don't stop and get off your bike when going up a steep hill. Even if your heart rate is at 161 and you're positive you're seconds away from a massive coronary, DO NOT STOP! Especially if there are people walking on your trail. They will watch you struggle to get going back up that steep hill. Sure, they're laughing "with you" as you fall off, over and over again!

Rule #2
Beware of little kids on bikes with training wheels. They do not know what they're doing or where they're going. As far as they're concerned, they own the road and you're in their way. I almost crash twice tonight because kids decided to switch sides and ride on the wrong side when I was about ten feet from them. Crazy kids!

I can't believe it's Thursday and I haven't posted since Saturday. Especially when things are going really well for a change.

A recap of my week:

1. I'm joining another gym! I still belong to the Bally's close to my house, and now I'm joining a gym that's about five minutes from my work for my lunch hour workouts a few times a week.

That's what I did when I started Weight Watchers 3 1/2 years ago and it really helped. The people that work there are super friendly and it's only $19/month, with no contract. Cancel anytime. It's a smaller gym, but they have plenty of equipment and weights, and it's not crowded.

They gave me a two-week pass to try it, with no pressure to join. Plus two training sessions. I had my first one yesterday, and he tried to kill me. I forgot how a trainer can really hurt you. I could barely walk this morning from lunges and squats. Rule #1 of working out with a personal trainer, never tell them the exercises you hate the most because that's the ones they'll make you do over and over. He's a super sweet, young man, with a very hot body. He competes in body building contests, so he knows his stuff. He's also a nutritionist, and I'm going to schedule an appointment with to talk about what I should really be eating to lose weight and gain muscle.

2. I'm down from 199 to 191 this morning. Thank God! I was scaring the crap out of myself that I was soon going to be right back at 240. Gagan, the trainer, gave me a tip that's really helping with my cravings. He told me to stick with my protein shakes after my morning workout (with fruit, protein powder and spinach), and try to stop eating fruit around 3pm. I can't believe the difference it's made this week. I also cut out the Weight Watcher ice cream bars and Dreyer's frozen fruit bars. Apparently, if you eat sugar at night, including fructose, it causes cravings. I had no idea!

3. Body Media - I love this thing! I got it a couple days ago, but  I didn't set it up until tonight. It's pretty cool, and kept an excellent record of my biking. It said I had 30 minutes of moderate exercise and 44 minutes of vigorous. I noticed my heart was higher than usual tonight. I still wear my heart rate monitor and often it was in the 158-161 range. Which is really high for me. Remember I'm old, almost 56 and my resting heart rate is 52. Old people have a slower heart rate.

It's after 11pm so I have to go to bed. I'm exhausted! I hope I wake up as happy in the morning as I feel right now. I sort of doubt. I'm never a happy morning person.