~*SleepinG position and it's Meaning*~

Scientists believe the position in which a person goes to sleep provides an important clue about the kind of person they are.

As seen on the picture :

# The Foetus: Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax.

This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.

# Log (15%): Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.

# The yearner (13%): People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.

# Soldier (8%): Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.

# Freefall (7%): Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don't like criticism, or extreme situations.

# Starfish (5%): Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don't like to be the centre of attention.

****the freefall position was good for digestion, while the starfish and soldier positions were more likely to lead to snoring and a bad night's sleep*****

Have a nighty''' nighty'''

*Source:BBC news

~*Aphrodisiac*~ for 'elle & Lui ''*~

“For women the best aphrodisiacs are words. The G-spot is in the ears. He who looks for it below there is wasting his time.”

Isabelle Allende

However,throughout history,many foods,drinks,and behaviors have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable for men and women.

It's quite interesting to know that these foods weren't randomly picked up and labeled as aphrodisiacs however food's unavailability,in Ancient times caused undernourishment that creates a loss of libido as well as reduces fertility rates.

They were identified by the likes of ancient Greeks during the first century AD and later by Paul of Aegina from the seventh century.

Other foods deemed to have these aphrodisiac qualities were derived from mythology.In fact, Aphrodisiac hold it's name from the goddess of sensuality Aphrodite.

Aphrodisiacs may be classified in two principal groups:

(1) psycho-physiological (visual, tactile, olfactory, aural)
(2) internal (stemming from food, alcoholic drinks, drugs, love potions, medical preparations).

Here's a list of Foods and Drink thought to be Aphrodisiacs for "elle & Lui '' :

~*Aniseed*~
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans,who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases your desire.

~*Asparagus*~
Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect".

~*Almond*~
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.

~*Arugula*~
Arugula or "rocket" seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.

~*Asafetida*~
Any Indian dried,powedere herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicy flavor.

~*Avocado*~
The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl" which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles.This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

~*Bananas*~
The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.

~*Basil (sweet basil)*~
Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.


~*Chocolate*~
The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods".Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine.Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine.The secret for passion is to combine the two.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
---Try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat !!! ----

~*Carrots*~
Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?

~*Coffee*~
Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember,too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".

~*Coriander*~
The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander.That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.

~*Fennel*~
In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".


~*Figs*~
An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
----Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!------

~*Garlic*~
The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
-----Enjoy a pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce and it can lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later!-----

~*Ginger*~
Ginger root raw,cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
----Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later!----

~*Honey*~
Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead,a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to s "sweeten" the marriage.

~*Liquorice*~
The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times.The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan, glycrrhizin, is 50 time sweeter than sugar.Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to woman.

~*Mustard*~
Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire.

~*Nutmeg*~
Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac.In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect.


~*Oysters*~
Oysters were documented as an aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal.He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters".An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.

~*Pine Nuts*~
Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
----Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert----

~*Pineapple*~
Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence.


~*Raspberries and Strawberries*~
Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover."Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples".Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

~*Truffles*~
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

~*Vanilla*~
The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust.

~*Wine*~
A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be a tantalizing experience!



Enjoy '' ~*My Aphrodisiacs*~

by Dietitian Nicole Maftoum

~*Facts About Kissing*~

**The world's longest kiss took place on January 28, 2002.
A couple of New Jersey kissed for a record 30 hours,59 minutes and 27 seconds on a segment of "Ricki Lake".

**Our brains have special neurons that help us locate each others lips in the dark.

**The first kiss ever shown in a movie was in 1896. The movie,was called The Kiss.

~~You burn 26 calories in a 1 minute kiss~~

This is the part that concerns Nutrition hints and tips the most !
Enjoy the info ''

by Dietitian Nicole Maftoum

~*What's Life without Food*~

We can all be very different in our traditions, lifestyles and ages; but we all have a common fear, the fear of death.

In fact,every living cell has to die and the law of immortality belongs to the only legendary fields of dreams.

Hence,every single living creature looks forward to increasing its chances of survival on the so called,planet earth.

Within the development of science and technology,the life span of human beings has drastically changed.In reality,that wasn’t only due to the role of vaccines,drugs and surgeries that have cured many diseases but also to the role of an extremely important science;the science of Nutrition.

Nutrition defined as the necessary material to support life and to prevent death is highly correlated to the food intake.It had been uncovered a long time ago; back to the era B.C , Hippocrates,considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine declared : “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food”.

Since ancient times life revolves around eating and various religious groups included food as a vital part of their faith.Various countries used food in different ways to help celebrate special occasions ;unite, strenghten community bonds and maintain a common identity among a group of people.

As a result,the famous quote "You are What You eat" has enough credits to stand on its own and Dietitians have been more than accredited to help "You" in your daily food choices in order for "You" to squeeze the most out of life!

I will be more than happy to answer all of your questions related to Nutrition and to embark you with me on a healthy journey where you will learn how to eat in a balanced way in order to have a better quality and quantity of life .


Healthy Regards ,

by Dietitian Nicole Maftoum

~Food's Haute COWture invites you to Milk Your Diet~

Once upon a time,there was only three types of non alcoholic drinks ;the first one was crucial to human's survival and was a key component to other drinks and foods, its name was water.
The second one was derived from an animal and was a key component to a myriad types of foods, its name was milk .
The third one was herbal, derived from all types of edible plants, it only had to be boiled in water and preferably drank hot, its name was herb tea and coffee.

By the end of the 1700s a new baby born drink was for sale, its name was Carbonated water.
Scientists searched for the mysterious cause of these bubbles, and then, determining carbon dioxide to be the answer, sought a way to infuse plain water with this gas.

The urge to flavor this sparkling water came quickly. And the ability to add flavors was keeping pace.

By 1833, carbonated lemonade was for sale in England.

1886 is a key year for soft drink history : Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, and Moxie were all introduced to the pharmacy-going public.

In 1903 , Pepsi Cola went into business .

Today,the number of existing carbonated soft drinks and other drinks in the world is innumerable.

Today,humanity doesn't stand on the same basics and doesn't hold the same values

Today,marketers only want to sell . . .

Today,consumers only buy and drink whenever they feel thirsty , disregarding the harm that all those carbonated drinks will cause them and most importantly the way within time they enlarge their stomach,pushing them to eat more !

Today,there's only one thing that haven't changed :human beings are still looking for the key to immortality ..

In fact,scientists haven't found the magic pill yet however studies and researches have shown that the best way to prolong your journey in life is to follow a healthy diet ..

Today,a healthy diet doesn't only mean eating in a balanced way and exercising however it also means to add a new dimension to a healthy lifestyle by increasing the intake of Milk per day !

Walk more and Milk your diet are two small changes that could make a big difference…for your weight and your health.

Studies suggest the nutrients in three glasses of low fat or fat free Milk a day help maintain a healthy weight.
Research indicates that people with higher intakes of milk tend to be leaner and are less likely to gain excess weight compared to those who drink little or not milk .

Milk supplies calcium, to keep bones strong and protein that along with exercise can help build lean muscle which are especially important when cutting calories.

Milk,was,is and will always be the most natural,nutritious and cheap drink that you will ever find in the market wherever you will be in the world !

Milky Yours,

by Dietitian Nicole Maftoum

~**In my Bedtime Blues**~~

In my sleepless nights I have witnessed a blurry vision . . .
I had lost my concentration,suffered from an extreme fatigue,lost control on my food intake.I had been buzzed by negative vibes ..
… and then one day I woke up to find out that I wasn’t sleeping properly.I woke up to the importance of sleeping in my daily life as mentioned in this Irish proverb : “ A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book” ..

Why do you sleep? Is it only to experience dreams,nightmares? or Is it just to escape from the reality of life underneath your blanket?
Have you ever thought about the benefits of sleeping to your overall health and well-being?
Have you ever thought about the risks that could occur when you get less than 6 or 7 hours of sleep each night?

I have thought about it .. for me .. for you and for whoever wishes to cherish his sleeping hours. Enjoy reading the facts and spread the knowledge around you !


***~Sleeping~***



1. Keeps Your Heart Healthy
----------------------------
Lack of sleep has been associated with worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol, all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Your heart will be healthier if you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.


2. May Prevent Cancer
---------------------
People working the late shift have a higher risk for breast and colon cancer. Researchers believe this link is caused by differing levels of melatonin in people who are exposed to light at night. Light exposure reduces the level of melatonin, a hormone that both makes us sleepy and is thought to protect against cancer. Melatonin appears to suppress the growth of tumors. Be sure that your bedroom is dark to help your body produce the melatonin it needs.

3. Reduces Stress
-----------------
When your body is sleep deficient, it goes into a state of stress. The body's functions are put on high alert which causes an increase in blood pressure and a production of stress hormones. Higher blood pressure increases your risk for heart attacks and strokes. The stress hormones also, unfortunately, make it harder for you to sleep

4. Reduces Inflammation
-----------------------
The increase in stress hormones raises the level of inflammation in your body, also creating more risk for heart-related conditions, as well as cancer and diabetes. Inflammation is thought to be one of the causes of the deterioration of your body as you age.


5. Makes You More Alert
----------------------
Of course, a good night's sleep makes you feel energized and alert the next day. Most importantly it puts you in a positive mood . Did you know that the laughter therapy which consists of laughing out loud as soon as you get up from bed boosts your immune system and make you feel at ease and positive all day long!


6. Bolsters Your Memory
-----------------------
Researchers do not fully understand why we sleep and dream, but a process called memory consolidation occurs during sleep. While your body may be resting, your brain is busy processing your day, making connections between events, sensory input, feelings and memories. Your dreams and deep sleep are an important time for your brain to make memories and links. Getting more quality sleep will help you remember and process things better.



***********************************************************************

7. May Help You Lose Weight
--------------------------
Researchers have also found that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to be overweight or obese. It is thought that the lack of sleep impacts the balance of hormones in the body that affect appetite. The hormones ghrelin and leptin, important for the regulation of appetite, have been found to be disrupted by lack of sleep. So if you are interested in controlling or losing weight, don't forget to pay attention to getting a good night's sleep.

***********************************************************************


8. Naps Make You Smarter
-------------------------
Napping during the day is not only an effective and refreshing alternative to caffeine, it can also protect your health and make you more productive. A study of 24,000 Greek adults showed that people who napped several times a week had a lower risk for dying from heart disease. People who nap at work have much lower levels of stress. Napping also improves memory, cognitive function and mood.


9. Reduce Your Risk for Depression
--------------------------------
Sleep impacts many of the chemicals in your body, including serotonin. People with a deficiency in serotonin are more likely to suffer from depression. You can help to prevent depression by making sure you are getting the right amount of sleep, between 7 and 9 hours each night.


10. Helps the Body Make Repairs
------------------------------
Sleep is a time for your body to repair damage caused by stress, ultraviolet rays and other harmful exposures. Your cells produce more protein while you are sleeping. These protein molecules form the building blocks for cells, allowing them to repair damage.


Have a Good Night & Sweet Dreams ''

by Dietitian Nicole Maftoum

~Because you are melting down from stress~

You feel squeezed up,tied up just like a slice of cheese in a club sandwich ?

You feel so tired but you can’t sleep ?

You feel like time is your number one enemy ?

You feel like you’re gaining weight ?

If yes,then congrats .. You are another victim of a threatening virus that is killing you softly . . .


8h00 pm in Tokyo … Kushman is rushing down to catch up the sub in order to get on time to Zizukku restaurant where his fiancée is waiting for him .. He can’t be late since she warned him that if he makes her wait one more time she will end up her relationship with him … At this exact minute all he is experiencing is stress ..


7h00 am in Washington D.C … Lisa is getting dressed to go to work although the fact that she’s late she still doesn’t know what to wear.. In fact it’s not that she doesn’t know but it’s that nothing can fit in her body anymore since she has just realized that she gained weight .. At this exact minute all she is experiencing is stress ..


5h00 pm in Kazakhstan .. Gulfiya is still cleaning the house and didn’t start preparing the dinner yet …Her husband will be back home in less than 30 minutes.. He won’t only get angry about the delay but will beat her up … at this exact minute all she is experiencing is stress ..


1h00 pm in Beirut .. The elections of the president of a new political party are taking place .. All the candidates running for the elections are present…At this exact minute all they are experiencing is stress…

We can all be very different in our traditions, lifestyles and ages … We can be living in different regions of the world segregated by oceans and deserts … However we all share the same biological reactions whenever we face the least significant change around us .. Whether it’s a three additional minutes snooze in the morning that will lead us to get stuck in a 30 minutes traffic jam on the road or additional pounds that will lead us to limit our wardrobe choices or a few votes that would mark a huge change in our goals … Stress is in the air .. Everywhere we look around .. Every minute and every second ..

The funniest thing about Being stressed is its acknowledgement . . .We always tend to shout it out loud and to use it as an alibi whenever we have our tasks unaccomplished . Despite that,we tend to overlook it’s symptoms and it’s side effects thus making it a superhero that kills us softly day after day . . .

Stress is at the root of a great many illnesses;common medical opinion suggests that 96% of all illness is either a direct result of stress,or greatly aggravated by it.

When you encounter perceived threats your hypothalamus,a tiny region at the base of your brain, sets off an alarm system in your body.

Through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts your adrenal glands, located atop your kidneys,to release a surge of hormones, including Adrenaline and Cortisol.

* Adrenaline increases your heart rate,elevates your blood pressure and boosts energy supplies.

* Cortisol, the primary stress hormone causes :
-Fat stores and excess circulating fat to be relocated and deposited deep in the abdomen
-Hyperlipidemia which means elevated lipids levels in the blood
-Hyperglycemia which means elevated glucose levels in the blood

This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including:

1-Heart disease
2-Digestive problems
3-Depression
4-Memory impairment
5-Worsening of skin conditions, such as eczema


6-Obesity
---------------
*Stress =increased production of Cortisol

*Increased production of Cortisol = Increased fat deposits on the abdomen = Increased lipid levels in the bloodstream = Increased glucose levels in the bloodstream


7-Sleep problems
------------------------
*Stress = increased production of Cortisol
*Increased production of Cortisol = Insomnia

→ In a study,researchers compared patients with insomnia to those without sleep disturbances. They found that "insomniacs with the highest degree of sleep disturbance secreted the highest amount of Cortisol , particularly in the evening and night time hours," suggesting that chronic insomnia is a disorder of sustained hyper arousal of the body's stress response system.


All those who believe in Life after death , can still dream about a stress free environment somewhere, sometime .. However those who believe in death after Life should start taking action by squeezing the most out of their lives in a stress free environment . . .


Lively' Yours ,

by Dietitian Nicole Maftoum

~*My Summer Wine*~

“I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these let you savor a bad mood.”
Bill Watterson

Have you ever thought about Food as a way to Brimulate your Stain ?
Have you ever thought about Food as way to Stimulate your Brain ?

After reading this article,you won't think twice about the types of Food that will definitely alter your Mood during the~* Sparkling ~*Summerish ~*summertime !!

Here are five healthy,and perfectly legal,foods that promote relaxation,well-being and low stress levels.

~~*Popcorn*~~: Carbohydrates, especially when eaten alone, boost levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is associated with positive mood states. When you feel your spirits drooping, try 3/4 cup of Popcorn preferably without butter, cheese and co.

~~*Cashews*~~: Cashews are high in magnesium,which has an interesting circular relationship with stress. "Stress actually causes magnesium to be flushed from the body, and some research suggests that magnesium helps reduce stress," says Elizabeth Somer, R.D., author of Food and Mood. Other good magnesium sources are almonds, beans and whole grains. Stay away from candied or heavily salted nuts, and opt for raw nuts.
Eating a handful(30 g) of nuts on a daily basis is like eating a pharmacy !! You can easily go Nutty from now on ;)

Snacking on nuts does not lead to weight gain. In fact, it may help people stick to their weight loss programs for a longer time, according to a study conducted at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts (USA) under the direction of Kathy McManus, director of nutrition. She placed subjects in a weight loss program on two plans, one a low fat diet and the other a moderate fat diet. In the moderate fat diet, the subjects could snack on the nuts of their choice. The subjects on both plans lost about 4.5 kilograms. However, those on the low fat diet began to gain a small amount of weight back after one year. In contrast, the group on the moderate fat diet did not put back any weight. More subjects on the moderate fat diet remained with the programme for the full 18 months.

~~*Blueberries*~~: One of nature's genuine superfoods, blueberries not only elevate mood with their natural sugars, but according to research performed by the neuroscience laboratory at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they also enhance memory and cognition because of their many antioxidants. Blueberries even improve such brain skills as balance and coordination.

~~*Tuna*~~: The so-called chicken of the sea is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to elevate mood and reduce stress. Make sure your tuna is water-packed and not soaking in high-fat oil.

~~*Wine*~~: "strawberries , cherries and an angel's kiss in spring My summer wine is really made from all these things" this famous song by Nancy Sinatra uncovers the seduction by the pleasure of drinking wine. It helps you relax and puts you in a good mood. Wine definitely promotes gracious living since la joie de vivre for most people comes via the table (through social eating and drinking). Plus, there's the pleasure of looking at the color in the glass, smelling the wine, sipping it, and enjoying its wonderful aftertaste.

Among many benefits that it promotes i will name: Longevity

The Evidence: Wine drinkers have a 34 percent lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers.
The Source: a Finnish study of 2,468 men over a 29-year period, published in the Journals of Gerontology, 2007.

The key to this enjoyment is moderation, but what's the right amount for you? The best rule is not to consume more than a glass or two a day,

Enjoy ' ~*My Summer Wine*~

by Dietitian Nicole Maftoum