The Worst stall to pick in a public washroom

The one in the middle is the worst. According to unpublished data , the center stall has more bacteria than those on either end.

Stand on the Balls of your feet -to seem more confident

Simply shifting your weight to the balls of your feet will help you feel more grounded - whether you are having a tough conversation or giving a presentation at work or a speech in front of an audience.

Other Tricks - Pause to collect yourself before you start speaking, The wait will actually make you seem more sure of yourself.

Keep your pace even as you build to your point.

Maintain eye contact and if that feels uncomfortable, look at an earring or a sideburn- the effect is the same.

Power up your walk

This will help strengthen your core.

You can easily slip in a little core conditioning while you are walking.

Take a deep inhalation, then, with a strong exhalation, pull in your navel toward your spine, hold for a count of 5 and release. Do this ten times while you are walking, take a short rest, and do two more sets. Remember though to keep your shoulders back and relaxed down when you pull in your navel and try to also keep your lower back relaxed and released down and long.

Stand Up for a Bigger Calorie Burn

Researchers discovered that inactivity ( 4 hours or more) causes a near shutdown of an enzyme that controls fat and cholesterol metabolism, so you store more fat, rather than using it for energy.

To keep this enzyme active and increase your fat burning, break up long periods of downtime by standing up -for example, while talking on the phone.

Eat an Apple before lunch

New research found that people who did eat an apple before lunch, consumed fewer calories at the meal than those who had taken in the same calories in the form of apple sauce or apple juice.

A whole apple feels like more. It has more fiber and nutrients, and makes you feel full longer.

The people in the study ate the apple about 15 minutes before their meal.

If you want to burn fat - spice things up

Forget bland condiments. If you want to burn fat spice things up.

Australian researchers found that following a spicy meal, levels of insulin - the hormone that triggers body fat storage -were lowered by as much as 32%.

Apparently you are more likely to burn fat following a meal spiked with chile peppers than after one that isn't packing heat.

Walnuts instead of chips

Instead of snacking on some chips, open up a bag of nuts.

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may keep you feeling fuller longer.

In a study for weight loss, researchers discovered that those who ate 8-10 walnuts a day lost more weight and body fat.

Sprinkle Cinnamon

Sprinkle cinnamon to improve your memory
Just smelling this heady spice can boost your brainpower and improve memory. In a study, participants who chewed cinnamon flavoured gum scored higher in tests of memory and visual-motor response speed.
So did the participants who simply smelled cinnamon before the tests.

Quick spicy fixes: sprinkle cinnamon on apple slices or use a cinnamon stick in your morning coffee

I used to have cinnamon on my morning toast when I was young - perhaps there was a reason for it.

Also apparently sweetening your oatmeal or frothy coffee drinks with this spice instead or sugar, can save a couple of hundred calories a week. You will also be doing your heart a favour as cinnamon can lower heart-damaging cholesterol.

Brighten Your Smile

Brushing with a paste made of baking soda and water a few times a month removes superficial staining and whitens teeth by a shade or two.

The graininess neutralizes stains and polishes teeth but isn't abrasive enough to wear down your enamel

(Prevention magazine - Nov '2008)

Soothe Skin

Another use for milk- soak a clean washcloth in cold mild and place it over your face for 10 minutes.

"Milk contains proteins, fat, amino acids, and vitamin A- all of which reduce redness and calm irritated skin"

The lactic acid in milk exfoliates , so skin looks soft and glowing

Keep Your Bag Off the Floor

Whether it was at a restaurant or in a bathroom stall, you probably plopped your purse or bag on the floor for just a moment today. But that is all it takes to put your health at risk.

Floors and countertops are often contaminated with germs that cause colds, stomach problems, and eye infections. Those germs get on your hands so when you touch your eyes or mouth, they can invade your body, increasing your chances for illness.

To minimize your exposure, hang your purse on a door latch or hook when you are in a bathroom stall, and place it on your lap when you can. Wipe down your bag once a week with a disinfecting cloth.

(Shape magazine - Nov-2008)

The Best Snack For Allergy Sufferers

A cup of yogurt a day may keep a stuffy nose at bay.

A new study found that when people with allergies to grass, pollen and ragweed drank a beverage containing probiotics ( the good bacteria found in yogurt), they experienced lower levels of the antibodies that trigger reactions.

To build your reserves, try mixing yogurt with fruit and cereal.

(Shape magazine Nov-2008)