It's Allergy Season

When I think of allergies, I think red eyes, runny nose and a box of Kleenex everywhere I go. Fall can be the worst season especially for those individuals with allergies.

To differentiate between the common cold and allergies, note that allergies usually have itchy symptoms; itchy eyes, itchy nose and sneezing. I didn’t know this for so long, I always treated it as a cold.

Some ways of avoiding allergies are;

• Keeping doors and windows shut.
• Dusting often; vacuum and use microfiber dust mops to clean
• Change your air-conditioner filter, at least once a month.
• Staying away from fields with corn, grains or places where ragweed loves to grow.
• Be proactive, lower indoor humidity during summer. Pollen take advantage of a high-humidity summer for their autumn explosion.
• It is almost impossible to detect and avoid pollen areas so keep your medicine with you at all times.

There are several over the counter medicines that you can get to treat allergies, they can be decongestants or antihistamines that open up the airway. However, before taking any medication for your symptoms, please consult your doctor.

Stressing out?

  Have you ever had a nervous breakdown? I’ve had so many this weekend I think I’m losing it; From tight schedules and deadlines, to belligerent people on my case.  I am already sick and exhausted preparing for upcoming tests, completing applications and to top it off, organizing a birthday party. I’m stressed out.

So, what is stress? 

Stress is the response to demand that is placed upon you. It can be positive or negative. Stress can be a good motivator of creativity or performance, however when it becomes a problem over a long period of time, it can cause mental and physical exhaustion, leading to illness.  Among some of the  most common illnesses related to stress include; heart attacks, high blood pressure, migraines, obesity  just to name a few.

  

Tips for relieving stress

Don’t let small things affect you.

Whether it’s a friend, boss or whoever,   don’t let it get to you. Learn how to pick your battles, If you can’t help it, laugh it off and tell yourself, it’s not a big deal.

Pace yourself.

If you have a lot of workload or deadlines to accomplish, start them early or make a list and most importantly, prioritize.

Eat healthy.

A lot of people including myself crave for feel good foods when stressed. Instead of picking up a cookie or chocolate bar, pick out a healthy snack that will fill you. Some of my favorites are granola bars, pretzels and raisins.

Lastly, do something that makes you relax.

 This can be anything you see, hear or feel that will make you feel relaxed and peaceful. I personally love to watch Golden girls, Everybody loves Raymond or  Two and a Half Men. Maybe you have one that you love. Spend at least 30min watching it. I bet it will make you forget what you were stressed about.

Laughter is always the best medicine.

Seasons Best

My agenda this morning was to make a shopping list for the week, and as I was writing I figured I'd blog on some of the fruits and vegetables in season since fall is right around the corner.
I love fall, its colorful, the weather is great and best of all I get to eat lots of pumpkin pie. Yummy!

This season is no exception, lots of colorful fruits and veggies like acorn squash, butter squash, cauliflower, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, pomegranate, apples, figs, grapes and pears.  These colorful fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients that help improve our immune system.
As you cruise through the isles, look for fresh produce with the right colors, check for blemishes, bruising or yellowing. Slow down and smell the roses, so to speak.
A little secret when finding the best sweet potatoes is going to an oriental store. They may be on the expensive side, but they taste sweeter and also have a better texture than the domestic kind.
Its about time I hit the neighborhood grocery......

Tasty, really tasty

Am really not as interested about my health in general, but I like reading stuff related to health. I hate working out, but being on the treadmill keeps my conscious mind happy.
This blog is about healthy recipes, picking out good food, experimenting in the kitchen as well as out and staying on top of any health related topics.

A healthy body yeilds a healthy mind, lets see if i can keep this going.