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Study Reveals Senate Republicans Need a Nap to Fix Healthcare

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Republicans in both the House and Senate have had 7-years to create their replacement for Obamacare. From the moment, the Affordable Care Act was passed and forced upon the American people, Republicans have been saying they wanted to repeal and replace it with a better plan, but evidently, no one worked on that better plan until after last November’s election. House Republicans have voted at least half a dozen times to repeal Obamacare, over the past 6 years, but their actions were in vain as there was no way Barack Obama would ever sign a bill that repealed his flagship legislation and Republicans never had enough votes to override Obama’s appeal. Their gesture to repeal was nothing more than a gesture for their constituents and nothing more.

Yet through it all, they never worked on a replacement program. The actions of congressional Republicans remind me of millions of school kids who wait until the night before a paper is due to start writing it. The end result of those last-minute papers are about the same as the apparent results of the Republican plans (House and Senate) that have been seen so far.

Senate Democrats have offered to work with Senate Republicans to come up with a workable and acceptable replacement, but Republican leaders say all Democrats want to do is to delete what they don’t like and insert their plans, which are different than what Republicans want.

Because the current Senate version was so hastily and poorly constructed, there is not enough support, even among Republicans, to pass the measure, so a vote has been postponed until after the July 4th holiday recess. It just seems that Republicans aren’t able to concentrate and think properly.

Perhaps what they need to do is take a short nap every day to help them come up with a workable and acceptable healthcare plan?

According to a recent study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder, taking a 15-to-20-minute nap increases learning, memory, awareness and also helps a person think more clearly. All of these are desperately needed by congressional Republicans.

A report on the study reads in part:

Studies have shown that short naps can improve awareness and productivity. You don’t need much; just 15 to 20 minutes can make a world of difference.

“According to a study from the University of Colorado Boulder discovered that children who didn’t take their afternoon nap didn’t display much joy and interest, had a higher level of anxiety, and lower problem solving skills compared to other children who napped regularly. The same goes for adults as well. Researchers with Berkeley found that adults who regularly take advantage of an afternoon nap have a better learning ability and improved memory function. Why is napping so essential? Because it gives your brain a reboot, where the short-term memory is cleared out and our brain becomes refreshed with new defragged space.”

“How long should you nap?”

“According to experts, 10 to 20 minutes is quite enough to refresh your mind and increase your energy and alertness. The sleep isn’t as deep as longer naps and you’re able to get right back at your day immediately after waking up. If you nap for 30 minutes you may deal with a 30-minute grogginess period because you wake up just as your body started entering a deeper stage of sleep. The same can be said if you sleep for an hour, but on the other hand, these 60-minute naps provide an excellent memory boost. The longest naps— lasting about 90 minutes—are recommended for those people who just don’t get enough sleep at night. Since it’s a complete sleep cycle, it can improve emotional memory and creativity.”

If only American employers would realize the significance of an afternoon power nap.

Could the solution be so simple that all Senate Republicans need is to take a 15-20-minute nap at least once a day to help them develop their replacement for Obamacare?

A Killer Arm Workout You Can Do At Home

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“Your arms are one of the first muscles to show toning results after starting a weight training routine,” says Adam Kant, owner of Intrepid Gym in Hoboken, New Jersey. “You don’t have to be lifting heavy to tone up (although it tends to show results faster if you do!)—doing lightweight movements with higher reps will help firm everything up ASAP.” Here’s how to sculpt your arms without stepping foot in the gym:

What you’ll need:
A yoga mat or towel to stand on
Two dumbbells (5-10 pounds)
A kettlebell (15-20 pounds)

The routine: Perform 3 rounds, 12 reps per move, 2-3 times per week. Pair with a cardio workout for optimal results. And try not to rest in between moves or rounds, to keep up your heart rate and those calories burning! (Keep up the good work with a fitness plan made for your crazy schedule; in just 10 minutes a day, you can transform your body with Prevention’s Fit In 10 DVD!)

1. Push-Ups

“Push-ups are a classic move that really get the job done!” says Kant. Start out parallel to the floor in a plank position then lower your body, bending your elbows until your chest touches the floor. Return to starting position and repeat. “If this is too challenging for you, rest your knees on the floor for an assisted push-up.”

2. Kettlebell Swings

“Kettlebell swings are an amazing full body exercise,” says Kant. “They work your core more than you realize, while also toning your arms at the same time.” Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding the kettlebell with both hands in front of your body, arms loose. Bend your knees slightly, keeping your weight in your heels. Slightly swing the kettlebell through your legs toward your rear then explode with your hips forward sending the kettlebell up toward the ceiling, overhead or at least chest-height. Be sure to keep your arms straight and extended throughout the entire exercise. Bring the kettlebell back to the start position between your legs and repeat, using the momentum you’ve built up! “Remember to keep your weight in your heels and your core tight the whole time,” says Kant.

3. Triceps Kickbacks

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your side. Bend your upper body at your waist slightly to make a 45-degree angle. Push the dumbbells back until they are parallel with your lower back. Return them to the start position, bending your elbows, bringing the dumbbells in line with your chest.

4. Dumbbell Shoulder Presses

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, bring the dumbbells (one in each hand) up to your shoulders. With a slight bend in your knees, thrust the dumbbells up overhead to meet at the top. Return to the starting position with dumbbells at your shoulders and repeat.

5. Floor Bench Presses

Lie on the floor, knees bent with a flat back. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, press them toward the ceiling then lower the weights until your triceps touch the floor. Repeat.

6. Plank Rows

Start in a plank position, holding a dumbbell in each hand on the floor. Row one dumbbell up until it reaches your waist. Return to floor and repeat on other side. “To up the intensity, complete a push-up between the rows,” suggests Kant. “It’s called a ‘man maker.’ ”

Source: prevention.com

Foods That Will Help You Get A Flat Stomach

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Curejoy Expert Dipti Mothay Explains:

Stomach fat can be due to an array of factors. Lack of exercise, over sleeping the afternoons, as well as an unhealthy diet and lifestyle may collectively lead to this particular state. Here are the surprising foods for quickly shrinking your tummy, which will help you shed inches and pounds and also to banish the bloat.

Foods for a Flat Stomach

Salmon: Salmon is an excellent source of Vitamin D. Insufficient blood levels of Vitamin D have been linked to obesity, including abdominal obesity. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and other fatty fish can also help flatten your belly.

Eggs: If you want to lose some fat around the middle, eggs are a great way to start your day. Eggs provide Vitamin D and choline known for playing a role in fat metabolism.

Cucumbers: Cucumbers are loaded with water and naturally low in calories to help with hydration and weight management. One whole cucumber has just 45 calories and eating them can also help you fight belly bloat.

Fennel Seeds: Dried fennel seeds are very nutritious, containing fiber, magnesium, calcium and iron, and they have long been used as a digestive aid. Fennel helps to relax the gastrointestinal muscles, which helps trapped gas pass to alleviate bloating.

Greek Yogurt: Yogurt is a good source of calcium, a mineral that slows production of the hormone cortisol, which encourages belly fat.

Olive Oil: Healthful monounsaturated fats found in olive oil could potentially switch on genes related to the burning and storage of fat.

Whole Grains: Whole grains including quinoa, popcorn, oats and wheat — can help flatten your tummy. The USDA recommends healthy adults consume about six ounces of total grains per day, and that at least half of those grains should be whole grains.

Water: Drinking enough water is helpful to flatten your tummy. Water is essential for moving fiber through the GI system and preventing constipation.

Source: curejoy.com

The Best Breakfast For Your Daily Activities

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What you eat after rolling out of bed has the power to banish cravings, turbo-charge energy, and keep your waistline in check.

Breakfast munchers eat 12 percent healthier throughout the day, according to data from the app Eatery (by Massive Health), which tracks users’ daily chow-down habits. “Skipping breakfast makes you more likely to overindulge at your next meal or eat mid-morning snacks that are high in calories and sugar to ward off hunger until lunch,” says Amari Cheffer, R.D., owner of Eat Chic Chicago.

And if the a.m. is your time to exercise, you especially need to nosh. When you wake up, blood sugar levels and carb stores are way down, explains sports dietitian Michele Macedonio, R.D. Breakfast provides what your brain needs to feel alert and what your muscles need to perform at their best—so you feel zippy on the treadmill instead of fatigued and, well, just blah.

Don’t reach for just any cereal or oatmeal, though. Different morning routines call for different morning meals. Whether you’re trying to drop 10 pounds or rip through an a.m. BodyPump class, one of these eight yummy, satisfying breakfasts will start your day on a high note.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IF YOU…
STRENGTH TRAIN IN THE A.M.

Make muscle-building protein a priority, Macedonio says. Combine 1/4 cup each granola, rolled oats, chopped almonds, raisins or dried cranberries with low-fat milk. (Feel free to eat half and save the rest for tomorrow, depending on your calorie needs.)

After you leave the gym, aim for another 20 grams of protein, as studies show this is ideal for kick-starting the muscle-repair process. Try 6 ounces of fat-free or low-fat ricotta cheese, a cup of fat-free or low-fat Greek yogurt, or 3 ounces of sliced roast beef or roasted chicken.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IF YOU…ARE TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT

Repeat after us: A grande skinny caramel macchiato is not a breakfast. For the same wake-you-up buzz of caffeine and healthful antioxidants and no calories, have green tea. Then make one or two eggs—the whole thing, not just the whites since more than half of the fill-you-up protein is in the yolk—with a piece of fruit such as an apple or a cup of raspberries. This all clocks in between 135 to 240 calories and has 7 to 14 grams of protein and 4.5 to 8 grams of fiber to provide staying power until lunch, Cheffer says.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IF YOU…STILL FEEL FULL FROM DINNER

First things first: Eat! “That will keep your metabolism going,” Cheffer says. Nibble on something light within an hour of waking up such as a piece of fruit. And next time push back dinnertime. Eating two to three hours before going to sleep—including snacks—will give your body ample time to digest everything before the a.m.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IF YOU…DO CARDIO IN THE A.M.

Your muscles run on carbs as their main source of fuel when your heart’s pumping while you run, spin, or sweat on an elliptical, so eat an hour before your exercise to boost energy and allow your body time to break down your meal. Swirl fat-free or low-fat yogurt into oatmeal and top with fresh fruit or raisins. (if you have less time, a fruit and milk or yogurt smoothie wins points for easy digestibility.)

Post-workout, enjoy a mix of carbs to replenish glycogen stores and protein to maximize muscle repair, ideally within 30 minutes of your cooldown—this is the prime time when muscles are like a sponge, absorbing all those powerhouse nutrients. A 100-calorie whole-wheat sandwich, spread with a thin layer of peanut butter and topped with a bit of honey or jelly is an easy choice, Macedonio says.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IF YOU…WILL HAVE A LATE LUNCH

Slow-digesting fiber and protein are your best friends when you want to quash stomach rumblings. Shoot for 7 to 10 grams of fiber and 15 to 20 grams of protein, which can deliciously be reached with a pseudo-parfait of a cup of fat-free or low-fat Greek yogurt, a serving of high-fiber cereal (look for those that pack at least five grams per serving), and fresh or frozen blueberries.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IF YOU…CAN’T STOMACH A LOT OF FOOD

The last thing you want is something that sits like a rock in your gut, so an easy-to-digest smoothie is the way to go. Keep it healthy by blending frozen fruit and milk or a non-dairy alternative. Or buy a bottled one that contains less than 30 grams of sugar per serving and protein to slow the rate at which your body absorbs that sugar and keep you fuller longer, Cheffer says. Either way, sip slowly through the morning for a dose of important vitamins and minerals.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IF YOU…ARE ON THE GO

On Sunday, prep Macedonio’s favorite eat-on-the-run option for the week: Mix a whole-grain, high-fiber, low-sugar cereal (she likes Mini Shredded Wheat, Cheerios, or Chex); nuts (soy nuts, peanuts, or almonds); and dried fruit (raisins or cranberries), and portion out one-cup servings into sandwich bags. On your way out the door in the morning, grab a bag and a single-serve carton of low-fat milk. Or bake up a half-dozen fiber-rich breakfast muffins and freeze. Take one out the night before to thaw, or defrost it in the toaster oven when you wake up. Both options offer that perfect combo of carbs and protein that helps kick your brain into gear and satisfies your hunger.

THE BEST BREAKFAST IF YOU…PRACTICE YOGA IN THE A.M.

Breakfast isn’t one-size-fits-all for yogis. Intense, athletic-style classes call for any of the options listed previously for cardio or strength workouts. Since milder versions of yoga typically don’t burn as many calories, Macedonio recommends a piece of fruit or container of applesauce before heading to the studio to pump up energy without weighing you down during an inversion.

Following any type of downward dog session, chopped fruit stirred into a container of fat-free or low-fat plain yogurt is a good bet, as it delivers (say it with us) carbs and protein to recharge your body.

Source: eatthis.com

Surprising High-Protein Foods For Weight Loss

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You know you need protein for a flat belly diet: It’s a crucial building block for lean muscle, which in turn burns fat. But you probably don’t realize how many different foods will give you a serious amount, including fruits and veggies. In fact, a number of unsung and surprising foods pack almost as much — or even more — protein than an egg. (For reference, that’s 6 grams.)

1. GREEN PEAS

Amount of Protein: 8 g per cup (14% DV)

It’s enough to make Popeye do a spit take: Despite their wimpy reputation, a cup of green peas contains eight times the protein of a cup of spinach. And with almost 100% of your daily value of Vitamin C in a single cup, they’ll help keep your immune system up to snuff.

How to Enjoy Them: Layer them into a mason jar salad or add them to an omelet to boost eggs’ satiating power.

2. GUAVA

Amount of Protein: 4.2 g per cup (8% DV)

The highest-protein fruit, guava packs more than 4 grams per cup, along with 9 grams of fiber and only 112 calories. With 600% of your DV of Vitamin C per cup — the equivalent of more than seven medium oranges! — the tropical fruit should merengue its way into your shopping cart ASAP.

How to Enjoy Them: The fairly complicated preparation process involves slicing and eating. You can also toss them into just about any type of salad, slip slices into a detox water, or make homemade popsicles with a fraction of the sugar of storebought.

3. Hemp Seeds

Amount of Protein: 6 g per tablespoon (11% DV)

Similar in taste to sunflower seeds, these nuts are derived from hemp seeds, which are also used to grow cannabis. (We know what you’re thinking. The answer is no.) By weight, hemp seed nuts provide more high-quality protein than even beef or fish. Each nut is also packed with heart-healthy alphalinoleic acid. Find them in your local health-food store or in the natural-products section of your grocery store.

How to Enjoy Them: Eat them straight from the bag, or sprinkle a handful on salads or in your morning oatmeal.

4. LENTILS

Amount of Protein: 18 g per cup (36% DV)

Here are some pretty amazing proportions: One cup of lentils has the protein of three eggs, with less than one gram of fat! Their high fiber content makes them extremely satiating, and studies have shown that they speed fat loss: Spanish researchers found that people whose diets included four weekly servings of legumes lost more weight and improved their cholesterol more than people who didn’t.

How to Enjoy Them: Eat them on their own as a side or simmer them into a number of all-season soups.

5. KAMUT

Amount of Protein: 11 g per cup, cooked (20% DV)

This ancient grain, which you can use in place of quinoa, has 3 more grams of protein per cup than its trendy cousin. It’s high in magnesium, potassium and iron, with 21 g of fiber per cup. Bonus: A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating kamut reduces cholesterol, blood sugar and cytokines, which cause inflammation throughout the body.

How to Enjoy It: Toss it into salads or eat it as a side dish on its own. And if you’re looking for a quick way to turbocharge your own weight-loss, sip your way thin with The 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Diet and Cleanse. Test panelists lost up to 10 pounds in just one week!

6. TRITICALE

Amount of Protein: 12 g in 1/2 cup (24% DV)

You may not have heard about this wheat-rye hybrid, but it just might become your favorite. An able stand-in for rice or quinoa, triticale packs twice as much protein as an egg in one 1/2 cup serving! It’s also rich in brain-boosting iron, muscle-mending potassium and magnesium, and heart-healthy fiber.

How to Enjoy It: Use triticale in place of rice and mix it with soy sauce, fresh ginger, cloves, shiitake mushrooms and edamame to make a healthy, Asian-inspired dish. You can also use triticale flour in place of traditional flour in your baking.

7. GOAT CHEESE

Amount of Protein: 5 g per 1 oz serving (9% DV)

Dairy products are famously protein rich, but this versatile cheese (dare we say the most versatile?) is truly impressive: You can get nearly 10% of your daily protein from a 1 oz, 76-calorie serving.

How to Enjoy It: Crumble goat cheese over a colorful salad and top it with ourZero Belly Vinaigrette dressing; use a watermelon or chickpea base to ratchet up the fat-burning benefits. Or combine feta with other flat-belly ingredients to make a creative healthy homemade pizza, like the arugula-and-cherry number above.

8. PUMPKIN SEEDS

Amount of Protein: 8 g per 1/2 cup (14% DV)

When it comes to healthy snack foods, almonds and walnuts are always on the A-list, but pumpkin seeds, a.k.a. pepitas, are an underrated winner. One half-cup serving has 20% more protein than an egg, and is high in iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and immune-system-boosting zinc.

How to Enjoy Them: Add pumpkin seeds to salads, oats and yogurt, or grab a handful as a snack.

9. SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Amount of Protein: 6 g per cup (12% DV)

Tomatoes are packed with the antioxidant lycopene, which studies show can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Just one cup of the sun-dried version will lend you 7 grams of fiber, ¾ of your RDA of potassium—which is essential for heart health and tissue repair—and 50% of your RDA of vitamin C, the superstar antioxidant that prevents DNA damage. They’re also rich in vitamins A and K.

How to Enjoy Them: Use them as a pizza topping, a tangy addition to salads, or snack on them right out of the bag.

10. SPROUTED WHOLE-GRAIN BREADS

Amount of Protein: 8-12 g in two slices (14-21% DV)

Not all breads are carb bombs waiting to shatter your weight loss goals. This nutrient-dense bread is loaded with folate-filled lentils and good-for-you grains and seeds like barley and millet.

How to Enjoy It: Make a protein-packed veggie sandwich overflowing with wholesome nutrients. On two slices of sprouted whole-grain bread combine tahini-free hummus, avocado slices, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, onions, spinach and tomatoes.

11. CHICKPEAS

Amount of Protein: 11 g in one cup (20% DV)

You might not think of the little beige bullets as a superfood, but it’s time to start. High in nutrients and soluble fiber, chickpeas are a prime weight-loss weapon, increasing feelings of satiety by releasing an appetite-suppressing hormone called cholecystokinin.

How to Enjoy Them: Use chickpeas as a base for a salad incorporating tomatoes and feta, blend them into homemade hummus with lemon and olive oil, or roast them (above) for a superhealthy alternative to chips. You can also substitute chickpea flour for a portion of the regular flour you use in baking; it contains almost twice as much protein as the standard white stuff.

12. GRUYÈRE CHEESE

Amount of Protein: 8 g per 1 oz slice (14% DV)

Here’s an excuse for a wine-and-cheese hour: The schmancy Swiss cheese (don’t forget the accented ‘e’) contains 30% more protein than an egg in one slice, plus one-third of your RDA of vitamin A.

How to Enjoy It: If you’re looking to indulge, keep your serving to the size of four dice, and moderate your vino to one glass for women, two glasses for men, to get the bad-cholesterol-lowering benefits of the antioxidant resveratrol. Also, slim down fast by offsetting all these empty calories with these 8 Best-Ever Superfoods for a Flat Stomach!

13. ARTICHOKES

Amount of Protein: 4.2 g in 1 medium artichoke (7.5% DV)

Ghrelin is your body’s “I’m hungry” hormone, which is suppressed when your stomach is full, so eating satiating high-fiber and high-protein foods is a no-brainer. The humble artichoke is a winner on both counts: It has almost twice as much fiber as kale (10.3 g per medium artichoke, or 40% of the daily fiber the average woman needs) and one of the highest protein counts among vegetables.

How to Enjoy It: Boil and eat the whole shebang as a self-contained salad (why not add a little goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes?), toss the leaves with your favorite greens and dressing, or peel and pop the hearts onto healthy pizzas and flatbreads.

14. TEFF

Amount of Protein: 13 g in 1/2 cup (23% DV)

Dubbed the next big thing in grains, teff has some calling it “the new quinoa,” and Lisa Moskovitz, RD, says that label is well deserved. “It’s a more complete amino acid-packed protein than quinoa itself,” she says. “That makes it great for anyone who wants to keep calories low and protein high.” Moskovitz says the health benefits don’t stop there. Teff is “also a good source of fiber, in addition to containing 30 percent of your daily value of blood-pumping iron.” All that fiber and protein add up to one key element in your slim-down efforts: appetite control.

How to Enjoy It: Cook teff as a simple side dish with some Parmesan, onions, fresh garlic and tomatoes, or use it as a base for breakfast porridge. Add honey, fruit, and unsweetened coconut flakes for some additional flavor and crunch.

15. BLACKBERRIES

Amount of Protein: 2 g per cup (3.5% DV)

The fruit with the second-highest amount of protein (behind guava), blackberries’ benefits are strictly front-of-the-pack. They boast phytonutrients that help blood clot and keep bones healthy, as well as the antioxidant lutein, which supports eye health. Plus, with 8 grams of fiber per cup (almost as much as soybeans), blackberries are one of the 11 Best High-Fiber Foods for Weight Loss.

How to Enjoy Them: Scarf them by the handful, add them to whole-wheat pancakes, or sprinkle them into plain Greek yogurt for a high-protein breakfast without excess sugar.

16. CHIA SEEDS

Amount of Protein: 5 g per 1 oz serving (9% DV)

One of the hallmarks of a balanced diet is to have a good ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s. A 4:1 ratio would be ideal, but the modern American diet is more like 20:1. That leads to inflammation, which can trigger weight gain. But while eating a serving of salmon every day isn’t exactly convenient, sprinkling chia seeds—among the most highly concentrated sources of omega-3s in the food world—into smoothies, salads, cereals, pancakes or even desserts is as easy a diet upgrade as you can get.

How to Enjoy It: Bring a chia-based snack to work that you can reach for (guilt free!). Try making chia pudding with 1/2 cup chia seeds, 2 cups unsweetened almond milk and vanilla extract to taste. In a rush? Stock up on Chia Pods for a quick grab-and-go snack.

17. AMARANTH

Amount of Protein: 14 g per 100 g serving (25% DV)

Like quinoa, this nutrient-packed seed is native to the Americas and was a staple of the Incan diet. The grain-like seeds have a mild, nutty taste. Gram for gram, few grains can compete with amaranth’s nutritional portfolio. It’s higher in fiber and protein than wheat and brown rice, it’s loaded with vitamins, and it’s been shown in studies to help lower blood pressure and harmful LDL cholesterol.

How to Enjoy It: Amaranth cooks up just like rice, but it’s even more versatile. Toss it with grilled vegetables as a bed for chicken or steak, or with apples, almonds, and goat cheese for a serious salad.

18. GOLDENBERRIES

Amount of Protein: 5 g per serving (9% DV)

These tangy, dark yellow berries are native to South America, where they’re sold fresh or made into preserves. In the United States, you’re more likely to find the fruit dried and bagged.
One serving of dried goldenberries contains 4 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. They’re also a great source of vitamin A and disease-fighting antioxidants. You can find them at Whole Foods.

How to Enjoy Them: Snack on the dried berries alone like you would raisins, or toss a handful on a salad or your breakfast cereal.

19. MUNG BEANS

Amount of Protein: 24 g per 1/2-cup serving (43% DV)

Commonly eaten in China and India, these beans have a tender texture and a sweet, nutty flavor. They’re high in potassium, iron, and fiber, but they’re also 24 percent protein. What’s more, unlike many other legumes, mung beans retain most of their high levels of vitamin C even after they’re boiled.

Source: eatthis.com

CBO Report on GOPcare Nothing but Liberal Propaganda

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Once Senate Republicans unveiled their Obamacare replacement plan, they have come under a great deal of criticism. It didn’t help when the Congressional Budget Office came out with their appraisal of the Senate GOP plan, especially when they stated that 22 million Americans would lose their health coverage with the next 10 years. Notice that the liberal mainstream media is not adding the qualifier of the ‘next 10 years- when they report on the CBO analysis. All we hear from the media is that 22 million will lose their health care.

Of the 22 million reported by the CBO, about 15 million are those currently receiving coverage under Medicaid. Medicaid was created to help low-income people, children, disabled, elderly in nursing homes and pregnant women.

However, what the CBO report is NOT saying is that Obamacare greatly expanded Medicaid coverage so that millions more would qualify. Additionally, what they are NOT saying is that when Obama expanded Medicaid, the federal government would pay the states 50% of the cost, but over the past several years, many states have complained that they have not been receiving their full 50% federal reimbursement. Most states cannot afford to pick up the additional cost of the expanded Medicaid under Obamacare.

But how trustworthy is the CBO report?

According to one source, who is generally very liberal and Obama supportive:

“When the law originally passed in 2010, it estimated 21 million would gain coverage through them in 2016. Three years later, just before the exchanges opened, the agency upped the figure to 22 million.”

“That didn’t happen. About 10.4 million were actually enrolled last year, according to the Department of Health & Human Services data.”

Not only did the CBO report drastically over-estimate Obamacare coverage, but since Obamacare went into effect, millions more Americans have lost their healthcare coverage.

Obamacare created a series of taxpayer-funded state CO-OPs, designed to help with lower cost healthcare coverage. The Democratic-controlled Congress voted to fund $6 billion of taxpayer money to fund the CO-OPs. By April of 2016 12 of the 23 CO-OPs in 14 states had failed, leaving 740,000 people without coverage.

Then consider how many major healthcare insurance providers have dropped handling Obamacare exchange policies because they were losing millions of dollars on those policies. In September 2016, UnitedHealth Group cut back on their policies, costing nearly 150,000 people their coverage. In 2015, 367,000 people in Texas lost their healthcare coverage as direct result of Obamacare. Another report in 2015 reported that 10 million people were losing their employer provided healthcare, also due to Obamacare regulations.

So just how accurate and reliable is the current CBO report on the latest Senate GOPcare? If it’s anywhere near as accurate as their reports on Obamacare, you can take their report and chuck it in the trash because that’s all it is, liberal propaganda trash and nothing more.

Women Share What Does and Doesn’t Work for Thinning Hair

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How many of you ladies have noticed that your hair started thinning by the time your reached 40 or 50 years of age? Be honest. Don’t hide the truth as most do. Did you know that some experts in the field claim that up to 50% of women suffer some form or degree of hair loss by the time they turn 50?

Hair loss in women is rarely spoken of in public or with others. It’s just too embarrassing for most women to admit that their hair is thinning as they get older. Hair loss is a male thing, isn’t it? NO! It’s not!

One of the problems many experts and researchers have in dealing with the issue of age related hair loss in women is that so many of them won’t talk about it. It’s one of those silent and private things one just doesn’t discuss or share.

Fortunately, a handful of ladies did talk about it and shared some of the tips they have used to deal with their thinning hair.

One New Jersey woman said she noticed her hair thinning all at once back in 2011. She tried doing everything that anyone told her, including changing shampoos, trimming her hair more often, not brushing her hair as frequently, extra conditioner and even the shampoos that are supposed to add volume to your hair, but nothing worked. She turned to home remedies including avocado and oatmeal soaks, but again nothing. Finally, she confided in her doctor who diagnosed her as having Hashimoto’s disease. It’s a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland which usually causes chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, also known as hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid gland. An underactive or low thyroid can result in thinning hair and most generally affects middle-aged women, but can affect men and younger and older women as well. Once diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, her doctor put her on thyroid medication and in about a year, most of her hair grew back.

One 51-year-old woman from Australia said she started noticing her hair thinning shortly after she turned 40. She went to the doctor who tested her for thyroid function and vitamin deficiencies, but everything came back normal. She was then sent to a dermatologist who recommend she take zinc supplements and use a minoxidil-based topical treatment. However, the zinc was hard on her system and blood work showed her zinc levels were normal, so she stopped taking it. After using a 2% minoxidil solution, she found the odor unbearable and felt like it stayed with her all day at work. It also left her hair looking greasy and dirty, so she stopped that. Next, she turned to vitamin B12 and biotin, but they didn’t restore any of the thinning hair. So far, nothing has helped her.

One Colombian woman said she has had alopecia since she was 19. She visited several dermatologists, a general practitioner, a Chinese herbal doctor and a hair loss specialist. She tried herbal remedies, 7 different shampoos, specialized diets cold laser treatment, vitamins, biotin, hair oil, teas, prescription meds and even changed her birth control, but like the woman from Australia, nothing worked. She got the best results from a special brand of shampoo and condition, but said they were so expensive, she couldn’t afford to keep using them.

A Texas woman said she always had thin hair, but when she was pregnant, she lost about 25% of her hair and then after giving birth she experienced the postpartum shed. Doctors just dismissed her concern over her thinner hair after running blood work and finding everything normal. She then ended up at an endocrinologist who prescribed spironolactone. After using it, she lost even more hair. She turned to Rogaine, using it twice a day for 6-months, but saw no positive results, but her hair follicles seemed to continue to get smaller, leaving her with what she described as hair that looked like cotton candy. She turned to wearing toppers and wigs. She said her faux hair made her look and feel normal, but when she took them off at night, she came back down to earth, looking older, more tired and even heavier.

A Virginia woman related that she felt that stress was a contributing factor to her hair loss. She tried a number of volumizing shampoos and they made her hair appear thicker, it never really helped stop or reverse her hair loss. She has been using Rogaine faithfully for two years and said that it seemed to stop any further hair loss, but has not helped regrow any of her lost hair. She believes that if she stops using the Rogaine, she’ll lose more hair.

Lastly, another Virginia woman, this one is 66 years young, said that early on Rogaine made her dizzy and gave her heart palpitations. It’s since been improved, but now her skin reacts to it. She is seeing a specialist who is using a new therapy called Acell + PRP Injection Therapy. The doctor injects her own blood into her scalp to help stimulate hair growth. He warned that at her age, it may not work, but so far, it seems that it has helped stop any further hair loss. She also recommends washing hair in warm water, rinsing in cold, only coloring the roots and no more and she uses Biotage hydrating shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo and conditioner do help make her hair look thicker, which helps to cover some of the hair loss.

Sometimes it can be something as simple as low thyroid and many other times, nothing may work. However, don’t hide be silent about your hair loss. Do talk to a doctor as it may be something treatable, but don’t get too disappointed if it isn’t easily treated. There are many products that claim to regrow hair, but it seems from these ladies that few if any really work. Perhaps a wig, topper and some kind of hair piece may be the only solution for many of you.

The Perfect Post-Workout Meals

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Eating quality food post-workout is crucial…you know, if you expect to make gains and stuff. The science on recovery is a little War-and-Peace-y in its complexity but you can boil it down to a few nutritional musts: in order to optimize your results, you need to replace the amino acids and glycogen lost during your workout.

Starting the muscle building process by increasing protein synthesis and nitrogen retention requires a quick dose of the right protein and carbohydrates. But we can’t (and shouldn’t) always rely on plain protein shakes, chicken and rice. It’s boring and an absolute affront to your flavor-deprived palate. Besides, your body prefers a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods. Try these six post-workout muscle-building meals that taste great and get results.

MEAL 1: PROTEIN PANCAKES

 

How To: Mix four egg whites, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup cottage cheese, 1/8 teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Cook on a preheated griddle on medium to low heat, until it bubbles then flip and cool another 30-60 seconds. Top with fresh berries or banana slices.

The Perks: These pancakes pack a mean protein punch without a ton of carbs, perfect for those looking to retain muscle tissue when trying to lean up. The medium- and slow-digesting proteins help keep a steady stream of amino acids to stay more anabolic.

Calories: 421 | Protein: 51 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 39 g

 

MEAL 2: BEEF AND SQUASH WITH MARINARA

How To: For those looking to satisfy that deep, aching post-workout hunger, this one is for you. Cook up eight ounces of lean grass-fed beef with salt and pepper to taste. Cook one whole butternut squash for 30-45 minutes until soft. Mix them together in the pan when done and add four ounces of your favorite marinara sauce.

The Perks: If you are training hard and with more volume than usual, chances are your appetite is up as well. The creatine replenishes your explosive energy stores and extra fat from the beef helps keep you satisfied and full of calories. The starchiness of the squash digests slowly and helps keep hunger at bay.

Calories: 628           | Protein: 70 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 38 grams

 

MEAL 3: TUNA AND CRACKERS

How To: Take a can of yellow fin tuna and add a handful (1/2 cup) of crushed up whole grain crackers. For flavor, add pepper, a dab of extra virgin olive oil, mustard, and chopped up pickles.

The Perks: This one is perfect to utilize on-the-go for those working out on their lunch break at work, or those who have to endure an epic commute home from the gym. It is also simple and cost effective. The crackers add some needed carbs, helping to spike your insulin levels to drive nutrients into your muscles.

Calories: 379 | Protein: 41 g | Fat: 13 g | Carbs: 24 g

 

MEAL 4: HIGH-PROTEIN OATS ON-THE-GO

How To: Add ½ cup of rolled oats, 1-2 scoops of your favorite whey protein powder (we suggest vanilla), ½ cup of frozen or dried fruit, and slivered almonds. Add ½ cup of water or skim milk and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Add cinnamon or stevia to add more flavors.

The Perks: Another great convenience food, this dish is best for morning trainers. Oats and whey have been a bodybuilding staple forever, but often times are bland and burnt out. By adding some fruit, natural sweetener and almonds, you gain a whole new appreciation for oatmeal. The balance of carbs and protein make it great for those looking to build mass and those watching the leanness scale.

Calories: 422           | Protein: 31 g | Fat: 12.5 g | Carbs: 48 g

 

MEAL 5: EGG SCRAMBLE

How To: Scramble four whole eggs with two added egg whites. Add one cup of chopped mixed veggies. Spinach, onions, mushrooms and red bell peppers are good additions. For more protein, add ¼ cup of diced lean ham or bacon. If you need (or want) more carbs, add a piece of fresh fruit on the side.

The Perks: Breakfast for dinner? Uhhh…yes. Plain egg whites just get too boring, forcing you to ditch your high-protein meal for a Krispy Kreme when you are burned out on traditional bodybuilding foods. Keep the yolks for the extra omega-3 fats, vitamins and minerals. Make them taste good with some bacon (turkey bacon is a great, lower-fat option) and increase nutrient density and texture with the veggies. Nothing says post-workout breakfast like eggs. This post-

 

MEAL 6: CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO HASH

How To: Grab a large chicken breast (about 8 ounces) that is already cooked and dice it up and throw it in a pan with olive oil. Add ½ cup of diced sweet potato, 1/2 cup of diced apples and add cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste. You can make an even bigger batch to store in the fridge to use through the week.

The Perks: Chicken and sweet potatoes, gourmet recovery style. Sweet potatoes are the perfect bodybuilder carb that slowly digest to keep your energy levels high and insulin spike just enough to feed the muscles but not the fat stores.

Calories: 300 | Protein: 51 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 30 g

Source: muscleandfitness.com

 

 

6 Moves for Stronger Knees

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If you suffer from knees that feel like they have been bludgeoned with a scalding hot tire iron, you are not alone. One study from Gallup-Healthways found that 26% of the adult population in the US suffers from knee pain.

 Causation can be varied. Over use, under use, mobility restrictions and muscular imbalances are some of the big factors than can factor in to knee pain.  Whatever the reason, you don’t have to live with it. Try adding these exercises and stretches to your daily warm-up routine.
Follow these techniques to strengthen your knees for optimal weightlifting performance.

1) ANKLE BAND DISTRACTIONS

One of the main functions of the ankle is to hinge, enabling the knee and hip to synergistically work together in creating movement. Stiff, rigid ankles are common, which can lead to injury and discomfort. Band distractions serve to “floss” stubborn joints. They can enhance range of motion, get nutrients into cartilage and alleviate pain.

 

How To Do It:

Loop one end of a band around a sturdy base and the other around your ankle. Drop into staggered stance, with the banded leg in front of the non banded leg. Inch out until you feel tension and then drive the knee forward as far as you comfortably can. Keep the banded foot firmly on the ground (not up on your tippy toes) Feel free to rotate the ankle side to side as you drive the knee back and forth. Repeat on both sides for 45 seconds each.

2) ROLL OUT YOUR SHINS

Foam rolling is a tremendous tool for soft tissue work. Fitness enthusiasts use it for their hips, lower back and other trouble zones that can get irritated with frequent use. But there is an area that I rarely see being attacked in my day to day gym-goings- The shins. Perhaps it’s because it’s a tougher group to really hit, or just an oversight because it typically doesn’t feel horrendous. But don’t simply blindly chase pain. Even if that area doesn’t hurt, it could be a big factor contributing to knee issues. In my experience (not 100% mind you) people who suffer from some degree of anterior knee pain feel a great deal of discomfort while trying this movement.

How To Do It

Get into a pushup position with a roller at the base of your ankles. Turn your toe in towards the midline of your body in order to expose the muscles of the shin and address them. Press your shins firmly down on the roller and gradually inch up towards your knee. You completely control the pressure in this movement. For more intensity really lay your body weight into the foam, for less ease back on the throttle. I like trying to move my foot up and down during the rolling and search for hot spots. 45 seconds to a minute on each leg should suffice and free up those important lower leg muscles.

3) WALL QUAD STRETCH

The wall based quad stretch is a tremendous bang for your buck move that can be done just about anywhere. Got a wall? Good you can do this exercise.  The beauty in this stretch is that it hits the front of the foot, ankles, shins, quads and knees.

How To Do It

Get up against the wall (facing away from the wall) in the bottom of a lunge position. Flip your back foot up against the wall with your toes on the actual surface of the wall. Your back knee is the axis point and really determines how much of a stretch you will get during this exercise. The closer the back knee is to the wall the more of a stretch there will be through the foot, ankle and quads. If you are looking to get a little adventurous and want to stretch the hip flexors out, focus on pushing the hips forward.

4) HAMSTRING FLOSSING

The muscles in the hamstring group (semitendinous, bicep femoris and semi membranosus) all cross the knee joint. Issues in any of these muscles can cause knee pain in the posterior (rear) portion of the knee and leg.

How To Do It

Get a hold of a tennis or lacrosse ball and a sturdy box or ledge of about mid thigh height. Sit on the box and place the ball underneath the leg, firmly on the hamstrings. Extend and bend the knee while applying pressure to the muscle. Let the ball go up and down the back of the leg while you continue flexing and straightening the leg. One minute on each leg should have your hamstrings and knees feeling like gold.

5) BAND TKE

A classic rehab exercise, the Terminal Knee Extension serves as a great low impact quad activator. It can get blood flowing to the knee and quad to prepare your lower body for training.

 

How To Do It

Take an exercise band and loop it around a sturdy base. Step into the band with one leg and place it just above the top of the knee. Walk out and get some tension in the band. From there bend and extend the knee, really focusing on straightening the knee completely and contracting the quad as hard as you can. Perform for 25 reps on each side and get ready to feel a ton of blood rush to that area.

6) TFL DISTRACTION

The TFL (Tensor Fasciae Latae) is a small muscle located at the side of your hip just below the crest of your pelvis. When tight and bound up this nasty little bugger can affect the knee by pulling through the IT band and causing pain on the outside of the knee.

How To Do It

Again, we will make use of the versatile exercise band. Loop one end to a stationary object and loop the other end right underneath your butt. Get into a kneeling position with the banded leg in the back and the other leg in front of you (envision a kneeling lunge). Keep your torso tall and turn the banded leg out (internally rotating the hip). When you rotate the leg out you are really able to appropriately address the TFL as it’s a difficult area to stretch.  Squeeze the glute on the banded leg side to really stretch the heck out of the TFL.

Knee pain is no laughing matter and can rob the fun out of rewarding physical activities. Getting a thorough examination from a doctor or physical therapist is always recommended. But, if time or financial issues are a consideration then hopefully these exercises and stretches can serve as a way to alleviate some of the pain and get you squatting and lunging like a pro.

Source: muscleandfitness.com

Best Ways to Lose Water Weight Now

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You’ve been working hard, killing your ab workouts, and sticking to your meal plan to reduce that pesky body fat. You’ve even skipped those late night food runs with your buddies, but your abs still aren’t showing. What gives? It could be that your body is holding water. That’s right, subcutaneous fluid stored in your cells, causing your skin to have a puffy, inflated look, and ultimately covering any muscle definition you may have earned.

There are a number of factors that cause water retention – too much sodium, supplements, and even dehydration – to name a few. There is good news though, you can naturally help your body get rid of that extra water so that you can reveal those hard-earned abs. Note: flushing excess water to reveal muscle definition will only work if you have a low body fat percentage. If you don’t fall into that category just yet, work on getting there before you blame water weight for hindering your reveal. Check out these tips to help you showcase that six-pack.

 

1. REDUCE SODIUM

An almost guaranteed way to store extra water is by having a diet high in sodium. The more sodium you intake, the more water your body will hold. Be sure to read nutrition labels and avoid foods that are high in sodium such as processed foods like soups, canned foods, frozen meals, seasonings, and condiments.

 

2 DRINK MORE WATER

It may be counterintuitive, but you can avoid water retention by increasing the amount of water you drink. The body needs water to flush out our cells, and if the body isn’t getting enough, it will store water until it gets enough. Providing your body with a sufficient amount of water will allow it to perform optimally.

 

3. SWEAT IT OUT

As we know, sweat is simply water that’s stored in the body. If you have excess water weight, working out hard and sweating will help shed it. Keep in mind that the weight will come back as soon as you rehydrate. With that being said, it’s a good method to use if you have an event coming up and need to shed a little weight.

 

4. WATCH YOUR SUPPS

Creatine is a common supplement for those that want to add size to their frame — and it’s great for that. Creatine pulls water into the muscle, which increases protein synthesis. While taking creatine, you can expect water weight gain from two to four pounds. If you want to look shredded, you might want to stop taking it at least a week prior.

 

5. LOSE THE LIQUOR

Alcohol is dehydrating — that may sound like a good thing. However, if your body is dehydrated due to alcohol consumption, it’s more prone to hold onto water from any other source to try and compensate for fluid loss. It’s best to avoid alcohol of any sort if you want well-defined muscles, especially if you’re prepping for an event. You’re better off to save the alcohol consumption for after the event.

 

6. EAT ASPARAGUS

Little known fact is that asparagus are a natural diuretic. They’re also a great source of fiber as well as vitamins A, C, E and K. When preparing these, make sure you skip adding salt or salted butter.

7. DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE

Cranberry juice is a natural diuretic that will not only flush excess water from your body, but toxins as well. Try to opt for cranberry juice concentrate versus cranberry juice cocktail to avoid unnecessary added sugar.

8. TAKE A MULTIVITAMIN

Lack of certain micronutrients such as vitamin B1 and B6 can lead to unwanted water weight. Be sure to take a multi-vitamin to ensure you’re getting all necessary nutrients to help your body work optimally.

9. TRY DANDELION ROOT

Dandelion is an herb that has properties that can increase urine production, which makes it a natural diuretic. It also helps remove excess toxins from your blood and supports liver function.

Source: muscleandfitness.com

 

 

 

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