vitamins

You asked, and I delivered! smallworld beauty health & weight loss supplements coming soon! Yay!

July 24, 2009 fitness, Health, Other, smallworld beauty supplements 2 Comments

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Hi Everyone!

Smallworld beauty has been on the web for almost a year now and it has attracted way more visitors and fans than I have ever imagined.

I started this blog in hopes to help a few people with their health and weight loss efforts, and ended up doing a little more than that.

I am truly touched and appreciate every email and person that I have met through this site and I look forward to meeting many more.

Throughout this last year, I have also done extensive research on health, fitness and nutrition. I have invested even more time into seeking out the best health and weight loss products to help boost one’s efforts.

After months of working with a highly credible group of chemists, I am pleased to announce that I will be launching Smallworld Beauty’s first line of health and weight loss products: Sweet & Simple Supplements


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Losing weight or just breaking the bad eating habits can be very difficult, especially when you’re schedule is hectic and time management seems so difficult.

Yes, you can achieve weight loss the all natural way through diet and exercise alone, but there’s nothing wrong with using a little help to accelerate your efforts. Even I need a little push sometimes.

Smallworld Beauty’s “sweet & simple” supplement line will feature natural products that will boost your weight loss efforts and get you started on your way to feeling better about yourself and body.

You deserve to love your life, so why not invest in it through optimizing your health.

Here is a sneak peak to what’s coming soon!

Superior Whey Protein Isolate:

This superior whey protein isolate with DMG synergistically provides immune support, detoxification, improved muscular response and anti-oxidant activity. Only 98 calories per serving and packed with 20 g of protein. This is a perfect mini meal, snack or even pre & post workout fuel. No artificial sweeteners*

Natural Appetite Suppressant with Caffeine:

Natural & Gentle Colon Cleanse:

Advanced formula for optimum gastro intestinal health designed to help heal the gut, sooth the digestive tract lining, promote regularity, microbial balance & support proper immune function. This is a unique blend that’s unlike any other. It’s the first to combine the potent ingredients to deliver the best*

Carb Blocker:

This unique vegetarian supplement is infused with Phase 2 TM brand starch neutralizer. This combination has been shown to inhibit carbohydrate absorption. Other ingredients have been added to support appetite control and glucose metabolism*

Natural Appetite suppressant and metabolism booster:

A unique formula that is designed to target the factors that contribute to weight gain such as energy leve, hormone balance, fat burning and stress*. Key ingredients include natural plant extracts like Hoodia, L-Theanine, EGCG and other thermogenic factors to help manage hunger, control cravings, maintain blood sugar and support proper fat metabolism*

Detoxifying Greens powder:

Cinnamon, apple-flavored greens powder is a dietary supplement to support detoxification functions. It’s packed with nutrient rich vegetables, fruits, herbs, herbal extracts, chlorella, soy lecithin, royal jelly, bee pollen, enzymes, and probiotic cultures designed to support your body’s ability to cleanse, detoxify and rejuvenate*

I look forward to you trying the products!

Email me if you have any more questions regarding Smallworld Beauty products.

Thanks again for all your support!

Love, Ghada

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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honey: nature’s natural energy booster. pre & post workout fuel

October 17, 2008 Diet, Health, Other, The Love Your Life Program 12 Comments

honeybee

 

 Everyone has their preferred pre workout snack, and mine was a simple protein shake. But a few weeks ago, my protein shake did not sit so well with me. I guess it felt too heavy right after waking up, so I was forced to try something else.

 

I looked around the kitchen to find a simple carb that will supply enough energy to sustain me through an intense workout.

 

I noticed there was some organic honey on the counter and decided to go for it since I was running out of time. So, I mixed a tablespoon with some cinnamon and creatine and headed off to the gym. Surprisingly, my stomach felt calm and my body was enjoying it, so I continued with the same concoction for the rest of the week.

 

The conclusion was that honey was my perfect pre-workout supplement. 

I couldn’t wait to look it up and see if there was any validity to what I was experiencing. And there was!

 

 

honey1 Dr. Richard Kreider of the University of Memphis Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory, conducted various studies that revealed honey’s amazing fitness benefits.

 

One of the studies compared honey’s effects to other carbohydrate gels. Honey showed to be just as good or better than those industry sport gels!

 

As a pre-workout snack, honey can increase power, speed and endurance. Honey acted as a time-released carb source that did not create a sugar spike and crash. It’s low glycemic index, sustained blood sugar for up to 2 hours after a workout.

 

As a post-workout supplement, honey mixed with protein was shown to be great and effective for refueling and recovering the muscles.

 

According to a study conducted by the University of California, honey contains as many antioxidants as spinach, apples, oranges and strawberries. WOW. 

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Another study showed that eating 1-2 tbsp before bedtime can improve sleep.

 

Here are just a few more of honey’s nutritional benefits:

  • Infused with vitamins & minerals
  • Contains Amino Acids
  • Speeds wound healing
  • Contains Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Acts as a hydratng skin treatment
  • Contains Enzymes and friendly bacteria to aid in digestion
  • Tastes Yummy!

 

If you’re looking for a natural energy booster full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, or just looking for better zzzz’s tonight, then why not give honey a try. 

goodsleep

 

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

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Yerbe Mate. More nutritious than green tea.

October 5, 2008 Diet, Health, Other, The Love Your Life Program 5 Comments

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Traveling is a very spiritual experience for me. Not only do I get to meet new people, but I am continuously being exposed to new cultures, religions and lifestyles. Throughout my journey, I have come to the realization that I love all humanity’s differences. I love the different art, music, dance and food. Every religion brings something beautiful to the table and I am more than happy to participate in all the holidays of the world.

 

I am currently on business in Orlando, Florida and I had an urge to share my finding with you. I am working with two other people on this trip and they are both from Argentina, a South American country that I hope to set foot in soon. Joe and Norma, two fire crackers that exude the Latin flavor have exposed me to more information than I asked for, but I love it.

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Similar to my Middle Eastern heritage, the Latin culture loves to indulge in food. After a long day of work, the three of us always head to a well-reviewed restaurant to experience new cuisine. Whole in the wall eateries are preferred because we love home-made recipes.

 

Joe loves to eat! After every meal, he complains about why he ate so much and mentions that he has to go back to his room to drink his “tea”.

 

“What is this tea?” I asked.

 

Joe rubs his belly and smiles “ah, it’s this amazing tea that we drink in Argentina. Yerba Mate; it’s so good for you! I’ll bring you some next time”.

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Keeping his word, Joe surprised me with my first Yerba Mate kit. The kit came with 500g bag of this special tea, a weird coconut looking cup and a funky straw.

 

 

Hmmm… I had to ask “What do I need this crazy cup for Joe? Can’t I just brew it like tea?”

 

He laughed and grabbed the crazy cup to show me “This is a special cup. Let me show you”. He breaks open my Yerba Mate bag and pours the tea-looking flakes in to the cup while the straw remains put. He explains that I should fill it half way up. The funky straw has a strainer device on the bottom to prevent any flakes from flying into my mouth. Yeah, I don’t want that. Using the coffee machine in his hotel room, we brewed some water to pour in to the cup. Joe warns not to use boiling water, just hot.

 

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So he pours the water in the cup, takes a taste to check the temperature of the water then passes it over for me to taste. He also warns that it will not taste comforting like other teas.  Ok! Trusting my friend, I took my first sip of the South American Yerba Mate.

 

 

 

“What the $#@! Joe! This tastes horrible!”. The tea tasted so bitter and smokey. Hmmm… almost like bacon.

 

yerbamateplantBut that didn’t stop me from finishing the cup. I stuck it out and just kept thinking about the benefits of this tea that I knew nothing about. I thanked Joe, and went back to my room to do some research on Yerba Mate.

 

What I learned and found about this tea, showed to be very impressive:

 

Yerba Mate comes from a wild plant grown in the forests of South American countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay. This loose tea has been clinically tested to have more nutritional benefits than Green Tea.

 

 

Yerba Mate’s benefits include:

  • Amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
  • A natural energy booster without toxic side effects
  • A great detox and cleanse for the blood
  • Helps with balancing the nervous system
  • Promotes healthy shiny hair
  • Combats free radicals to slow down aging
  • Suppresses the appetite
  • Relieves stress
  • Aids in sleep

 

After researching Yerba Mate, I have decided to give this nasty tea a shot.  I’m sure it will take more than a day to notice the benefits, so I’ll comply to drinking it for 30 days. I’ll keep you posted.

 

I can say that I had the best sleep ever last night. I was knocked out and woke up refreshed and ready to workout. But, it’s just the first day so I won’t jump to conclusions already.

 

If you’re Yerba Mate drinker, I would love to hear your story and why you continue to drink it.

 

Love,

Ghada

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Delicious snack options that will satisfy any belly

October 4, 2008 Diet, Health, Other, The Love Your Life Program 4 Comments

People always ask me “aren’t you bored eating the same thing everyday?” My answer is no, because there are endless options of delicious foods and snacks to choose from.

Here are just a few of my favorite snacks! (Notice how my snacks are well balanced, filled with protein, carbs & fat).

1. FAGE Total 0% Greek Yogurt & frozen blue berries. This is my dessert! Zero fat and packed with protein, FAGE Yogurt is unbelievably thick and creamy. Mix it with a cup of frozen blue berries and never crave ice cream again.

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2.  Blue Diamond 100 Calories per bag & an apple. Packed with fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, protein and other beneficial nutrients, almonds are always a great snack. These pre-packed 100 calorie bags are great for portion control. Almonds and other nuts are great, but moderation is key since they are high in fat. Compliment this pack with a red delicious.

3.  Hummus & Sweet pepper slices:sweetpepper hummus

Growing up in a Middle Eastern culture, hummus was a staple in my family’s diet. My mom would soak the chickpeas overnight, bring them to a boil and then toss in her special ingredients to create the creamiest hummus ever! Full of fiber packed chick peas, 2 tablespoons of hummus is a great low carb snack and a tasty dip with Vitamin A & C infused sweet peppers.

NCI5_POTATO peanut

4. Sweet potato & peanut butter. You may be thinking “Ewwww Ghada! Sweet potato & peanut butter?” Yes! Please try this combo and you’ll thank me later. Sweet potatoes are delicious complex carbs, rich in beta carotene, anti-oxidants, other vitamins and minerals. Top this with with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and watch it melt. Just pure yummy. Peanut butter is very satisfying because it contains fiber, protein and other micro-nutrients. You’ll be full until dinner time.

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5. Breakstone 2 % cottage cheese & 1 tbsp honey. Breakstone cottage cheese has to be the best tasting out there. Try Friendship brand too. Cottage cheese is low in fat and carbs, yet high in protein. Grab a snack pack and get your calcium and Vitamin D in for the day. Drizzle some honey on top, and dream about heaven. Honey is nature’s natural energy booster. Try a tablespoon an hour before a workout for better boost and endurance.

6. Rice cake & Turkey slices. A whole grain rice cake is low in fat and is only 35 calories a piece, so why not go for two! Top your rice cakes with white turkey meat slices and give your body a shot of amino acids, protein, folic acid, vitamin B’s and more.

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7. Chocolate protein shake & a banana. I always carry ready-to-drink protein shakes or protein powder in my bag. Protein shakes are great satisfying drinks that can leave you full for hours. If you’re using them for a snack, go for a lower carb and moderate protein count. The combination of protein and carbs are very beneficial in aiding the repair of your tissues and building of your muscles. Have a potassium & fiber rich banana along with it. Banana’s natural sugars give you an energy boost too. Banana’s are the # 1 fruits among athletes.

stringcheesecucumber8. String cheese & cucumber slices. Who doesn’t like low fat string cheese? Here’s another calcium rich snack that is low in carbs and fat. Slice up some chilled cucumbers and enjoy. Cucumbers are high in water and fiber so they’ll surely fill you up.

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9. Boiled egg & Whole grain bread. Do I need to say anymore about eggs? If you haven’t read my article on eggs, click here and read about how you can drop the weight by adding them to your daily menu. Enjoy a hard boiled egg with a slice of whole grain bread. Try Ezekiel sprouted bread full of flax seed, barley and other nutritious whole grains.

blackbeansbrown rice10. Brown rice & 1/2 cup of black beans. I found this rice at the grocery store about a month ago. I love brown rice, but I’m so impatient in preparing it. Not to mention, I always burn the bottom and spend days soaking the pan to get the rice off. Minute Ready to Serve Brown Rice contains a little bit of safflower oil (healthy fat) and tastes amazing. I really have issues, because I think that I am truly addicted to it. I look forward to eating it everyday. With only 170 calories, this whole grain rice is a great snack or addition to my lunch. Add 1/2 a cup of black beans on top or mix it in.  Eat slow and savor the flavor.

What are some of your favorite snacks? If you do try some of mine, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Click here to read about the “Love Your Life Program” and learn more about healthy eating and living.

I love you Smallworld Beauties!

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Pick up an egg, drop the weight: how eggs for breakfast will speed up your weight loss

September 26, 2008 Diet, Health, Other, The Love Your Life Program 4 Comments

hulk-hogan My dad was a Hulk Hogan fanatic!

We had Vhs tapes piled up to the ceiling with recorded WWF matches (now WWE). Wrestling was a must watch TV program and Hogan was our family idol. My dad would encourage “Eat your eggs so you can be like Hogan”.

 

Eggs were a staple in our family breakfasts. I loved them sunny side up with a dash of salt and pepper. Delicious! I used my bread to scoop as much of the runny yolk as I could and never wasted a drop. I also liked my eggs scramble, poached or in a crazy veggie filled omelette.

Eggs were one of my favorite foods until health advocates began making statements against them. Supposedly they were bad because they elevated cholesterol, caused heart attacks and weight gain.scrambled

Many jumped on these statements including myself and reduced the amount of eggs in their diet. I turned to High Fructose Corn Cereals and milk instead. Great move Ghada! More horrible choices were also added to my menu.

But never fear, because eggs are finally here to stay! Forget those old claims, because recent studies prove different.

The amazing egg contains all 9 essential amino acids making it a perfect protein. Not only is the egg delicious and satisfying, but also very nutritious.

Eggs are rich in protein (about 6g), and full of vitamins and minerals that your body needs. They are full of Zinc, Iron, Vitamins A, D, E & B12, cartenoids, lutein, choline and much more.

 

weight-loss-woman So Smallworld Beauties, start downing a few eggs every morning and watch your weight drop. According to a recent study from Rochester Center of Obesity of American, eating 2 eggs for breakfast aided women in weight loss. The protein in the eggs created a full feeling and the women were less hungry for lunch leading to a smaller lunch portion than usual. The women in the study also ended up cutting an average of 417 calories from their daily intake.

Another study from the Harvard School of Public Health states that there was no significant link between eggs and heart attacks. In fact, they found that eggs may help prevent blood clots, strokes and heart attacks. Another study showed that eggs did not have a negative impact on cholesterol, and it actually improved it. Eggs also help aid in the development of healthy teeth, bones hair and nails.

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If eggs are part of your breakfast menu, then you get a brownie point from me. If eggs are not, then you should definitely give it a try! Start with eating one hard boiled egg in the morning with whole grain English muffins, or try a healthy veggie omelette. Pay attention to your satiety and energy levels through out the day. Combine egg whites with your egg to increase your protein intake without adding fat.

What are your thoughts on eggs?

I am always looking for great recipes, so feel free to send them over!

Here is one of my favorites:

EAT BREAKFAST LIKE A QUEEN and have The Italian omelette which contains spinach, onions, mushrooms, eggplant & roasted red peppers. Top this with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese and you’ve got an unbelievable concoction. You may also enjoy a complex carb on the side (sweet potato, whole grain toast or oatmeal). omelette

Yummy!

Click on  the Love Your Life Program in the categories section and read about an easy weight loss plan. So easy, you can do it for life.

Check out some of the nutritional benefits of eggs:

 

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A

Essential for vision in dim light; necessary for maintenance of mucous membranes; skin and growth.

Vitamin D

Promotes calcium and phosphate absorption from food and is thus essential for bones and teeth.

Vitamin E

Protects cell membranes from damage by oxidation.

Water Soluble Vitamins

Thiamin (B1)

Involved in the release of energy from carbohydrate. It is important for the brain and nerves, which use glucose for their energy needs.

Riboflavin (B2)

Involved in energy release, especially from fat and protein.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Involved in the metabolism of protein.

B12

Is necessary for the proper formation of blood cells and nerve fibres.

Folate

Involved in the formation of blood cells.Reduces the risk of Neural tube defects in babies.

Calcium

Calcium is the main constituent of hydroxyapatite, the principal mineral in bones and teeth. An adequate calcium intake is vital to health, particularly in times of growth, e.g. childhood, adolescence, pregnancy, and also during lactation.

Phosphorus

80% of the phosphorus in the body is present as calcium salts in the skeleton.

Iron

Iron is required for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body.

Iodine

Iodine is used to make thyroid hormones, which control many metabolic activities.

Selenium

As an antioxidant it protects cell membranes against oxidation.

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