How Much Water do we Need to Drink?

Our bodies are estimated to be about 60 to 70% water. Blood is mostly water, and our muscles, lungs, and brain all contain a lot of water. We need to drink water because water is needed to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all our organs. Water also transports oxygen to our cells, removes waste, and protects our joints and organs.

A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day. If you exercise you should drink another 8 ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink coffee or alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water. When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink 8 ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane. If you live in an arid climate, you should add another 2 servings per day. As you can see, your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot.

The best source of water is plain, pure drinking water. Sodas have a lot of sugar in them and aren't a good source, so if you drink them, they don't count towards your daily amount. Herbal teas that aren't diuretic are fine. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and may be beneficial, just look out for added sugar and calories that you don't need.

The Celebration of Lenten Season

Lenten season or Holy Week season is a time for reflection. It's the holiest of holidays - a time to rest, reflect, and pray. Churches all over had crowds that eagerly participated in the religious activities like processions, lenten retreats and recollections. My neighbors, to their credit, were abnormally quiet. Frolicking and playing in the neighborhood were at peace during Holy Week season, especially on Good Friday.

I remember when i was a child, elders don't allow us kids to went out of the house to play with the neighborhood kids. We were not even allowed to play outside during the Lenten holidays.

Holy Week in the Philippines is also a time to go back to one's roots and spend the holiday with loved ones whom they don't see everyday. I used to (working in Manila now) go home to IloIlo City to spend quality time with my family during Holy Week. IloIlo city is a beautiful place to visit - well known of it's historical tourist attractions and beaches - not to mention of it's neighboring City of Boracay.

Some people use the holiday to frolic at the beach or in a mountain getaway which is good for local tourism. Some just stayed home with their families, others said they went to go to Boracay to get a tan and a piñacoloda or abroad and make new friends.

Wherever and whatever we do, we should always remember that it is the death of our Lord and his triumphant resurrection.

The Health Benefits of Whole Wheat Bread

Making a commitment to eat whole-grains is an advanced healthy diet technique that has a lot in common with eating only organic produce. This commitment will add quality to your diet. Wheat bread is a good source of fiber, which can lower cholesterol and help keep you regular. Whole wheat bread is often recommended as a healthier alternative to white bread. However, do you know what the difference is?

Both white and whole wheat bread are made from wheat flour. Wheat berries used to make flour have three parts: the bran, the germ and the endosperm. White flour uses only the endosperm, while whole-wheat flour uses all the three parts, each of which contains nutrients essential for your health.

Whole wheat bread is much higher in fiber than white bread. Fiber aids digestion and most people are aware of this. However, fiber's benefits go beyond healthy digestion. Fiber helps you feel full and makes it easier for you to control your weight. Moreover, it has many health benefits. For example, fiber reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How can you tell if bread is whole wheat or not? Read labels. Look for "Whole Grain" or "Whole Wheat". If bread is labeled “Wheat Bread”, this does not mean that you get more nutrients. Bread can be made with a combination of white and whole-wheat flour. You do need to read the label. Always consider that "good wheat bread" has a minimum of 3 grams of fiber,60 to 90 calories per slice, 100 percent whole grain (or wheat), and don't have caramel coloring in the ingredients.

HOW ABOUT THIS?

this is a forwarded email, long read but worth it i guess :)


ONE DAY, WHEN A SEAMSTRESS WAS SEWING WHILE SITTING CLOSE TO A RIVER, HER THIMBLE FELL INTO THE RIVER. WHEN SHE CRIED OUT, THE LORD APPEARED AND ASKED, "MY DEAR CHILD, WHY ARE YOU CRYING?" THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED THAT HER THIMBLE HAD FALLEN INTO THE WATER AND THAT SHE NEEDED IT TO HELP HER HUSBAND IN MAKING A LIVING FOR THEIR FAMILY.

THE LORD DIPPED HIS HAND INTO THE WATER AND PULLED UP A GOLDEN THIMBLE SET WITH PEARLS. "IS THIS YOUR THIMBLE?" THE LORD ASKED. THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED, "NO."

THE LORD AGAIN DIPPED INTO THE RIVER. HE HELD OUT A SILVER THIMBLE RINGED WITH SAPPHIRES. "IS THIS YOUR THIMBLE?" THE LORD ASKED. AGAIN, THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED, "NO."

THE LORD REACHED DOWN AGAIN AND CAME UP WITH A LEATHER THIMBLE. "IS THIS YOUR THIMBLE?" THE LORD ASKED. THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED, "YES."

THE LORD WAS PLEASED WITH THE WOMAN'S HONESTY AND GAVE HER ALL THREE THIMBLES TO KEEP, AND THE SEAMSTRESS WENT HOME HAPPY. SOME YEARS LATER, THE SEAMSTRESS WAS WALKING WITH HER HUSBAND ALONG THE RIVERBANK, AND HER HUSBAND FELL INTO THE RIVER AND DISAPPEARED UNDER THE WATER. WHEN SHE CRIED OUT, THE LORD AGAIN APPEARED AND ASKED HER, "WHY ARE YOU CRYING?"

"OH LORD, MY HUSBAND HAS FALLEN INTO THE RIVER!" THE LORD WENT DOWN INTO THE WATER AND CAME UP WITH RICHARD GERE. "IS THIS YOUR HUSBAND?" THE LORD ASKED.

"YES," CRIED THE SEAMSTRESS.

THE LORD WAS FURIOUS. "YOU LIED! THAT IS AN UNTRUTH!"

THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED, "OH, FORGIVE ME, MY LORD. IT IS A MISUNDERSTANDING. YOU SEE, IF I HAD SAID 'NO' TO RICHARD GERE, YOU WOULD HAVE COME UP WITH MEL GIBSON. THEN IF I SAID 'NO' TO HIM, YOU WOULD HAVE COME UP WITH MY HUSBAND. HAD I THEN SAID 'YES,' YOU WOULD HAVE GIVEN ME ALL THREE. LORD, I'M NOT IN THE BEST OF HEALTH AND WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THREE HUSBANDS, SO THAT'S WHY I SAID 'YES' TO RICHARD GERE."

THE MORAL OF THIS STORY IS: - WHENEVER A WOMAN LIES,IT'S FOR A GOOD AND HONORABLE REASON, AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OTHERS. THAT'S OUR STORY, AND WE'RE STICKING TO IT.

Yiipeeeeeee, I can do this for a long time....promise...

Are you Ready for the Summer Fun?

I'm sure most if not all of you are planning a holiday this summer. Summer is a great time to throw a party. It's time to hit the beach, catch some sun and strut your stuff. The sweltering heat setting the mood for some outdoor excitement. The season is festive and the people are unbashed and there's something about being by the water, whether it's a pool or a full blown ocean.

The Philippines is rich in natural resources. There are several destinations, like the underwater caves of Palawan, the Hundred Islands and the Banawe Rice Terraces,and of course the vacation capitals Quezon, Batangas, Mindoro, Boracay, Pangasinan, Ilocos etc.. which are so mesmerizing you wonÂ’t want to return to the real world once you visit them.

To everyone who loves food and summmer, this special season is for you! So go on, throw your party and be merry all season long. Don't forget your SPF or sunblock lotions, sexy swim wear, colorful sarongs and have fun under the sun!

Back to my blog world!

Well, well, it's been awhile *again* since i've updated my blog. I'm just so busy at school and work and everything! ...so far nothing has change ( as if someone can update my blog for me *lol*).

Christmas in the Philippines

The Philippines is the only Asian country where Christians predominate. Majority of its people are Roman Catholic. Christmas, therefore, is an extremely important and revered holiday for most Filipinos. It is a time for family, for sharing, for giving, and a time for food, fun, and friendship.

Church bells resound to call the faithful to Simbang Gabi. The alarm clock is buzzing just as you have drifted merrily to sleep, the clock is telling you to get up as you have to start your day. But its 3 in the morning, and the sweet allure of your bed and the enchanting feel of your pillows are simply hard to resist. But then your senses start drumming up fast and the main reason why you had to wake up early had also started ringing in your mind: Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo. While trying at best to stay awake amid the cool breeze and trying to listen to the Mass itself as it unfolds at so early in the morning, Simbang Gabi has become so much a part of our lives as it has been part of the Christian Family tradition.

In some provinces, brass bands play traditional Christmas music and parish priests would go as far as knocking on the doors of every home. After the nine-day Simbang Gabi, follows the Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster). This is held midnight of December 24 to welcome the birth of the Savior. In some churches, the panunuluyan, depicting Mary and Joseph's efforts to find a suitable birthplace, is reenacted and the baby Jesus first makes his appearance in the manger of the Belen, the Nativity Scene.

Ofcourse simbang gabi is not complete without the unmistakable flavor of Christmas pinoy-style - Puto Bumbong and Bibingka are two native holiday treats that are bound to the pre-drawn mass. Even well-dressed matrons buy them dripping with melted butter and sprinkled with niyog (coconut) to get them going for the nine dawn Masses. The number of street stalls serving these delicacies has dwindled through the years, as has the number of church-goers during the Simbang Gabi.

It's the "ber" season

The "ber" season has begun and the past months are now memories. The promising Yule season is even more anticipated (only i was wondering if people can still celebrate that much due to the tragic events from the past months which are still haunting some of us).

In the Philippines, christmas is said to be one of the longest celebrations ever. It starts as soon as the month of BER begins, which is September. Why September? Well, September ends with "BER" just like December therefore the countdown to Christmas starts as soon as the month of BER begins. Radio stations begin to fill the air with Christmas songs. Anywhere you go, the famous "parol" is being lit. Streets, business establishments and houses all over the country is decorated with colorful lights. Everyone will start to linger on the thought of how fast days passed by and before you notice, here it is, Christmas just around the corner.

Long Time, No Blog

My, my... it's been a while since i have posted here in my blog. So many things to do for the past few months but now here i am blogging again. I don't know what to write in here, feels like i have just started again but well, the important thing is, i'm here and ready to blog the networld again. :-)

For $10,000, Woman Tattoos Ad on Forehead

A friend just forwarded this quiet interesting and bizzarre link to me and i thought of sharing it with you guys (that is if you haven't heard of this yet). If you were to offer your body parts for an ad, what part could it be?

"For $10,000, Kari Smith has gone ahead and had her forehead tattooed with the Web address of a gambling site."

I love blogexplosion!

Today i just love surfing in the members area of blogexplosion because i keep on winning credits! Unlike those previous days, i could't even get 10 creds for a day! Blogexplosion is hot! Luv's it! (uh-oh do i sound like those simple life gals?)

Because it's Friday

I am empty headed today... ah maybe because it's friday. All my strength and senses are used up after a long days of work. How i wish it's sunday so i can sleep for long hours and free from work and bosses!

Coconut - The Tree of Life

As the tall coconut tree sways, many of us expect to see these graceful palms or look forward to an authentic pina colada. Some of us took pictures and mail the coconuts to their snowbound relatives elsewhere. In reality, however, the coconut tree, cocos nucifera, doesn't thrive in Hawaii like it does on islands closer to the equator. The tree symbolizes life itself. Niu, as the palm was called in the Polynesian language, probably originated in prehistoric times in the Indo-Malaysia-Melanesia triangle.

The tree is considered the most useful tree in the tropics because it provides everything needed to sustain life. Besides drink, food and shade, coconuts "niu" offers the possibilities of housing, thatching, hats, baskets, furniture, mats, cordage, clothing, charcoal, brooms, fans, ornaments, musical instruments, shampoo, containers, implements and oil for fuel, light, ointments, margarine, soap and more.

Coconut trees are grown in tropical countries mainly for the high oil content of the endosperm (copra), which is widely used in both food and non-food industries. Large production areas, in particular, are found along the coastal regions in the wet tropical areas of Asia in the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. In these countries millions of people make a living from the coconut palm and its many products.

Note: Keep posted for my next feature about "Virgin Coconut Oil and it's Wonders"

and the verdict is... NOT GUILTY! (choke)

It has been three days since i have posted here in my blog, and with that a lot of juicy things happened that i don't know how to start with (as if you haven't heard of it) *lol*. For so many months of court trials,mixed emotions speculations(ramblings too!). I can't believe Michael Jackson pleaded NOT GUILTY!? -- "A verdict of not guilty on all counts was read in a Santa Maria, Calif. courtroom. Michael Jackson is a free man and has been acquitted of all charges in the child molestation trial."
... oh well that's how the cookie crumbles...

Thank God it's Friday! (TGIF)

At last another week has passed. It's Friday again though i have still halfday Saturday(darn!)work. Here come's my long week-end(no work on monday - phil. independence day offset from june 12). Woohoo! No monday blues at work! Can't wait to watch Mr. & Mrs Smith this week-end!. Does anyone of you guys watch it yet? So what's the verdict? Share me your reviews about it so i can still backout if it wasn't that good. ;-)

Anywayzzz, see ya'll when i'm not too lazy to open my computer and write something here! Have a great week-end beautiful ones! Be good ok?! Enjoy!

Rain, rain is here to stay, from june till november ( i think)

It's rainy season again... just this morning i was late for work because of the heavy rains. It's not that i am complaining but...umm... oh yes I am! Eventhough i experience this weather since birth i'm still not so happy about it because soon enough there will be floods, landslides, accidents, diseases, strong storms etc.. that no one could imagine how disastrous it will bring. I just hope this year, there will be no more untoward happenings that could hurt anyone or claim lives, but then again it is humans bahavior anyway why nature is destructing itself. This illegal loggers in the mountains, quarrying in the rivers, dumping of garbage where they are not supposed to be etc., etc.,- why can't just people compromise with nature and enjoy the beauty it offers and not destroying them? This way, everybody will be happy.:)

What's the story behind June Bride??

It's June obviously, but the fact that i can see lot of stuff in the magazines everywhere about wedding gowns, places to held the ceremonies, the best look for for the season etc. etc... i was curious about why women say it's good to be wed in the month of June. Enlighten me people? anyone?!

Antioxidant Activity of Black Tea vs. Green Tea

While thingking of what particular topic to post next in here, an idea came out when i read one comment (yes, i read your comments and i appreciate it, thank you!), she mentioned about black tea. Well folks, here i am again sharing with you, what i've learned about two of our favorite teas - mr. green tea and mr. black tea(i hope you don't mind their gender?).

Black Tea turns out to be just as healthful as Green Tea. Theaflavins in Black Tea and Catechins in Green Tea possess equally the same effective antioxidant potency. Hence it is also stated that one cup of black or green tea has more antioxidant power than a serving of broccoli, carrots, or spinach.

So friends, whether it is green or black tea, one thing is for sure, YoU are leading to a good and healthy life.

Your Green Tea for Good Health

For the love of green tea a lot ofl beverage brands today has their own version of green tea flavored products. To my curiousity I did some researching on the net as to why and what is this Green Tea phenomena all about. Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? Thrilled of what i've learned about green tea and it's benefits, I thought of sharing it here with you guys.

Widely recognized that the Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression, green tea has much more to offer.

I've learned from one among the many distributor(resensa) of this product that Green tea contains caffeine which has a strong stimulating effect. It has an advantage over coffee because green tea caffeine combines with catechin to produce a milder, more natural energizing effect.The catechins in green tea impede the action of angiotensin, a chemical in the blood, which are known to cause high blood pressure. Green tea mildly lowers total cholesterol levels by decreasing LDL "bad" cholesterol and increasing HDL "good" cholesterol. Green tea is rich in catechins which have been proven effective in reducing cancer risks.

Green tea also causes carbohydrates to be released slowly, preventing sharp increases in blood - insulin levels. This promotes the burning of fats. Green tea has the ability to kill certain bacteria. For instance, its strong sterilizing effect on bacteria is used in the treatment of diarrhea.
Daily consumption of green tea in sufficient amounts help prolong life. Experts believe that the powerful anti-oxidizing agents of green tea restrain aging.

To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.