How to be a parent with time

(Photo:cheap bridesmaid dresses uk) Spending quality time with your children is crucial for their development and happiness. But whether it's the demands of a new job, a baby in the family, or we just need to spring clean the house, parents always seem to be wishing they had more time for their offspring. Does that mean we don't love them? Of course it doesn't.
But most kids long to spend more time with their parents. So here's how to make the most of the time that you have with them.
Hugs
Even the busiest of parents should be able to find time for a three-second hug, whether it's first thing in the morning, straight after work or a longer cuddle before they settle down for bed. Sometimes, affection can be the fail-safe way to stop bad behaviour. It can lift spirits and change attitudes for both parents and their children and it's been proven that kids feed off affection from their parents.
They will carry that special feeling around with them for a long time afterwards — especially when you're at work.
Family meetings
You only need to set aside around half an hour each week to see the benefits of these get-togethers. Kids feel more loved when they are listened to and taken seriously. They are also more likely to follow the rules if they feel they've been involved in creating them.
Ask for help
After a busy day at the office, the list of jobs to do when you come home can seem never-ending and setting aside time for kids seems an impossible task. So, try getting them involved in household chores, especially toddlers, who like to help with the dusting or setting the table. Ask little ones to pair up clean socks.
Set a date
Kids feel special when they know time with them is just as important to you as the appointments in your diary. Very young children need 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time with you every day and after the age of six, 30 minutes to an hour. You shouldn't feel guilty at other times when you're too busy or too tired. Wake them 15 minutes earlier so you can do something together.
Try to persuade teenagers to go out with you once a month — but don't be disheartened if they shun you for their mates!
Share
When tucking your child into bed at night, take a few minutes to ask them about the happiest and saddest parts of their day. Don't try to find solutions, just listen. Then share yours. You may be surprised to hear the things they say.
Love letters
"Roses are red, violets are blue, every day I think about you..." Write short notes and slip them into a child's lunchbox, or leave one under their pillow. It will remind them that you're never far away and they're always in your thoughts.
Take them for a ride
You get home, the kids are bursting to see you, but you quickly realise there isn't a slice of bread or a drop of milk in the house. Take the kids along with you, just so you can spend as much time as possible together. During these trips, be a closed listener (don't ask questions). Let them know you're glad to have a few moments with them.
It's good to talk
When spending time with your child, try talking to them instead of playing. Ask about their day and talk about yours, too. They'll appreciate you taking interest in their day. Just avoid moaning about a boss or colleague — it could be awkward if they ever visit your house!
Table manners
Try to have a family dinner every day where everyone interacts. Be prepared to pay attention to your child's way of speaking, especially if he or she is a teenager. They don't tend to speak often so make the most of it when they do.
Unplug
The computer is probably the biggest time-waster for adults (and kids) in the evening. During and after dinner, get off the Net, turn off the TV and switch off your mobile. Get back to basics with a family game night. Emails can wait until the morning.
Story time
Younger kids love listening to their mum or dad read to them and studies have shown that reading with children will help them to read, too. It only takes a few minutes to read a book or two. And once they've fallen asleep, you could snooze too.
Get organised
Find ways to become more efficient and leave work on time. You will be less stressed and arrive home happy and prepared to spend time with the kids. Work and home life can be one big juggling act and mums and dads need to recharge their batteries now and then. Pick a time to do something enjoyable and don't feel guilty about it. Happy parents create happy children, exhausted and frazzled ones don't.For more information:SheinDress short prom dresses

Sprint up the ladder at work

(Photo:evening dresses uk online) You meet the deadlines, clock in at 10 am sharp and never complain about overtime. Yet, it's your lackadaisical colleagues who end up on the boss' good side and get ahead in the line when it comes to promotions. What are you doing wrong? Working hard is last season. If you want to get ahead in your career, you need to start working smart. Here are eight tips to help you do it right:
Set up your own site
Shell out some moolah and get professional help for this. You don't want potential future employers to search the Net for you and land up at a juvenile blogsite. Your website should clearly reflect your professional goals (long and short term) and the various projects you have already worked on, without spilling any company secrets. Blog. Run it on the same site and use this space to talk about your ideas and experiences. It may not draw tons of traffic but colleagues and employers will be able to assess your work. Update it regularly and ensure that the grammar and spellings are in order. Remember: if things are a little laidback at work, invest in a project of your own. It could be a theorem that Einstein wasn't able to crack or a new product, but do some research and don't forget to mention it in passing on your website. Those who matter will notice.
Follow your gurus
Is there someone in the industry you particularly want to work with? Interact with them on social media platforms. Send them a Tweet once in a while. Don't make it personal (good mornings are a no), but you could congratulate them on a recent achievement or award. Or you could simply comment on their posts. It won't get you a job, but it will make them notice you. Just don't gush.
Study the culture
Everyone has written that 100-word paragraph on why they are a perfect fit for the company. But now that you are in, it's time to show. This means getting it right from the word go.
Ask friends or people who may know about the firm, what your colleagues wear and what is acceptable. Arriving at work in a suit or a sari on the first day, while everyone is wearing jeans or skirts will only leave you feeling awkward.
More than clothes, study the company's goals. If it's a creatively occupied firm, what is the voice of the firm? Align yourself accordingly.
Get an education
Do your colleagues listen to music or watch movies? Well duuuh, obviously right? It won't, then, do just to know what the latest Bollywood chartbuster is. Brush up on what's popular across the world and build a taste. Who, what do you like? Why?
Build an interest in other areas — art, books, classical music (western and Indian). It increases the number of things your colleagues are able to speak to you about.
Travel. Whether you are in a corporate job or at an ad agency, you will need to be creative and nothing boosts creativity like experiencing other cultures and meeting travellers from other countries.
Build your skill set
Don't let your acquisition of skills end with the offer letter. Start with learning how to code in a programme — even it's a basic html one. A little knowledge in this tech obsessed world is always a good thing. And while you are at it, keep yourself updated on the latest software and software updates in the industry.
Carry the same personality
Soon, you are going to run into colleagues (and sometimes even your boss) at the supermarket, at a pub (where you might be a bit sloshed) or even at a distant relative's wedding. There's no running away.
The best way to handle this meeting between your personal and professional lives is to start being the same person both at work and outside. For instance, if you are an extrovert at work, being shy around your colleague's friends will throw them off.
Be part of the it crowd
Whether you are a lawyer or a musician, you would have noticed that your industry has its own set of cool people. Make it a point to hang out with them — at least a couple of times a month, if not every weekend. Become the person they invite to their parties. These men and women are the ones who know the right people and have their finger on the pulse of the industry. You will need access to their contacts.
Don't be shy
Everyone likes a guy/girl who can grab the eyeballs at a party and yet make everyone feel a part of it too. Everyone wants to get to know and be seen with this person.
Learn to be that someone. If it takes a glass of beer to get you comfortable in a crowd head to the bar first and get introduced later. Just beware of looking tipsy.For more information:prom dresses 2014

Junk food before falling pregnant raises premature birth risk

(Image:evening dresses uk) A junk food diet high in fat, sugar and takeaway foods before conceiving a child is linked to a 50 increased risk of giving birth prematurely, a study has found for the first time.
Women were warned that they need to change unhealthy habits before they get pregnant in order to give their child the best start.
Ladies who are planning a pregnancy are told to take folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and to give up or cut down on alcohol.
It is known that a poor diet in pregnancy leads to poorer outcomes for the mother and baby but researchers in Australia have now found that diet before conception plays a part too.
A team at University of Adelaide research found a diet high in sugar, fat and takeaways was linked with a 50 per cent increase risk of giving birth before 37 weeks gestation when compared with a diet high in meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.
Researchers at Robinson Research Institute investigated the dietary patterns of more than 300 South Australian in the 12 months before they conceived.
The results were published in The Journal of Nutrition.
Dr Jessica Grieger, Posdoctoral Research Fellow with the Robinson Research Institute, based at the Lyell McEwin Hospital, and lead author said: "Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant disease and death and occurs in approximately one in 10 pregnancies globally.
"Anything we can do to better understand the conditions that lead to preterm birth will be important in helping to improve survival and long-term health outcomes for children.
"In our study, women who ate protein-rich foods including lean meats, fish and chicken, as well as fruit, whole grains and vegetables, had significantly lower risk of preterm birth.
"On the other hand, women who consumed mainly discretionary foods, such as takeaway, potato chips, cakes, biscuits, and other foods high in saturated fat and sugar were more likely to have babies born preterm.
"It is important to consume a healthy diet before as well as during pregnancy to support the best outcomes for the mum and baby.
"Diet is an important risk factor that can be modified. It is never too late to make a positive change. We hope our work will help promote a healthy diet before and during pregnancy. This will help to reduce the number of neonatal deaths and improve the overall health of children."
Babies born prematurely are at greater risk of cerebral palsy, breathing difficultites, deafness and blindess, however most of these problems are associated with severely prematurity of less than 30 weeks gestation.
So-called late premature babies, born 32 to 38 weeks gestation are still at risk of needing antibiotics, having breathing problems, suffering low blood sugar and may require admission to intensive care, other studies have found.
Late pre-term babies are more likely to develop asthma later in childhood than babies born at full-term.
Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said the research proves the importance of giving women and girls health information when even they are not pregnant.
"It is important that we get these messages out to schools and colleges and women at every opportunity in anticipation of pregnancy.
"The Royal College of Midwives along with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have long talked about the need for pre-conception health services but the is a problem with resources. If we can invest in these preventive measures and prevent preterm labour then there will be huge cost savings later on."

Dr Grieger will present her research findings at the upcoming SA Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian Society for Medical Research during ASMR Medical Research Week on Wednesday.For more information:uk prom dresses

Everything you need to know about staying safe in the sun

(Image:evening gowns uk) But if you’re going to make the most of the warm weather then it is vital to protect your skin.
A report revealed that rates of malignant melanoma caused by sun exposure have increased rapidly in the UK with 13,000 new cases emerging annually.
And continued exposure to the sun’s rays is also the primary cause of premature ageing, causing dry skin, sagging and pigmentation marks.
Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe in the sun.
Does an SPF30 give double the protection of an SPF15?
It might seem logical to assume that SPF30 gives twice the protection of an SPF15 but it is not the case.
An SPF15 product blocks about 94 per cent of UVB rays while an SPF30 one blocks 97 per cent and an SPF45 around 98 per cent.
The most important thing to remember is to apply the cream regularly, ideally at least once every two hours.
How much should I apply?
You should coat all exposed skin.
A rough guide is around two tablespoons for your chest and back, two for your arms and legs plus one teaspoon for your face.
Apply 15 minutes before you go outside and don’t forget your lips and ears.
Get in the habit of applying sunscreen from your hairline down, covering your ears, the back and front of your neck and finishing with your décolletage.
Choose a lip product that offers UVA/UVB protection and reapply every hour that you’re out in the sun.
Most brands have a shelf life of about two to three years but once opened they begin to degrade.
A bottle shouldn’t last longer than the summer if you are applying it correctly in any case.
Check the back of the bottle for the expiry date.
Other ways to tell if the lotion has gone off is if it smells funny or the colour has changed.
My advice is to start afresh, get a new bottle and always remember expensive doesn’t necessarily mean best – supermarkets sell some great budget sunscreens.
Would an SPF15 give enough protection if you already have a base tan?
Everyone should wear a minimum of SPF30.
Keep in mind that SPF only refers to protection from UVB rays, which cause sunburn.
When buying sun protection pick a broad spectrum formula.
This means it also protects against UVA rays which cause ageing and can damage deeper layers of the skin.
Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
I always use SPF50 on my face and SPF30 on my body.
If I use waterproof sunscreen do I still need to re-apply after swimming?
There is no such thing as an SPF that is fully waterproof or sweat proof.
If the sunscreen offers water resistance you will see a time indicator on the bottle, usually 40 or 80 minutes.
This tells you how long skin can be wet or sweaty for before you need to re-apply.
To stay safe dry off and top up straightaway.
I always use a serum and a moisturiser followed by a foundation with an SPF. Is that enough protection?
Don’t be fooled into thinking that a foundation with an SPF will be enough on its own.
You won’t be using enough to give you the level of coverage your skin needs.
Layering products with an SPF can strengthen your complexion’s protection but you still need to finish with a high factor sun block.
Apply serum followed by a moisturiser or BB cream, then eye cream and finally sun protection.
You could look for a moisturiser or BB cream with an SPF30 or opt for a tinted product.
Ultrasun’s Tinted Face 30, £28.52 (qvcuk.com) can be used in place of your normal day cream and has a hint of colour so can replace foundation.
If you are using a moisturiser with no SPF you should apply sun protection afterwards.
Wait at least 10 minutes before applying make-up.
If you hate wearing foundation on top of cream try mineral powder make-up.
Are sunscreens for hair necessary?
Yes if you don’t want crispy, dried-out locks.
Hair protection is essential, especially if you have coloured or permed tresses.
I like Charles Worthington Sunshine Protector Leave In Spray, £1.99 (boots. com).
It smells gorgeous and will prevent your colour from fading too.
Sunscreen irritates my skin and I get prickly heat. What can I do to combat this?
Try taking an antihistamine tablet once a day, then use a sunscreen for sensitive skin or one which is oil free.
Switching to a mineral-based cream containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can often provide protection without irritation.Read more here:vintage prom dresses uk

Simple tips to combat seasonal ailments

(Image:prom dresses) Imagine a day in the life of an average Mumbaikar — you leave the air-conditioned confines of your home and make the long commute in blazing heat and crowded public transport to reach your freezing office, only to repeat the process in reverse in the evening. And with the summer in full swing, it’s hard to escape seasonal afflictions such as colds, cough, flu and stomach ailments.
We ask experts to share tips on battling them.
Going viral
“Viral infections, especially upper-respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis, are common during this season. Also, skin diseases such as fungal infections are common, especially around skin folds and the groin area,” says Dr Sharat Kolke, consultant general physician, Kohinoor Hospital, Mumbai.
His opinion is seconded by Dr Amrapali Patil, weight management expert and founder of Trim n Tone, a weight management and wellness clinic in Powai. “Conditions such as cough, cold, fever, joint pains and allergies are common just when the season is changing and the rains are about to start. According to Ayurveda, this is due to the pre-seasonal imbalance of the tridoshas such as vata, pitta and kapha or the three bio-humours of the body,” she says.
Travelling in packed local trains and buses, and working in confined, air-conditioned office spaces aid the spread of diseases. No wonder you find most of your fellow commuters and co-workers sneezing and coughing at the same time. “The sudden transition between the hot outdoors and the freezing office leads to health problems,” says Patil.
The summer also brings with it heat exhaustion, food poisoning and other ailments. “Food that decays in four hours in the winter will take one hour to deteriorate in the summer or pre-monsoon season,” says Dr Sunit Shukla, consultant in gastroentero-logy, SevenHills Hospital, Mumbai. “Symptoms of food poisoning include upper-abdominal or chest uneasiness, nausea and vomiting, and sudden onset of diarrhoea shortly after eating the offending food,” he adds.
Stay bug-free
While general precautions such as sneezing or coughing into a handkerchief, and increasing your intake of fluids may help stem the spread of such viruses, there are other steps you can take to stay healthy. “Keep yourself well-hydrated. Bottled water, coconut water and electrolyte solutions are the best options,” says Kolke. He also suggests washing your hands frequently with an antiseptic solution, keeping distance from visibly sick colleagues, and avoiding crowded areas as much as possible.
Before you pop that pill, you can also raid your kitchen for a simple solution. “Home remedies can allay such situations. Herbs such as basil, ginger, rosemary, mint and turmeric, which are commonly available at home, can be used in different concoctions,” says Patil. Small changes to your daily routine will also help you avoid catching a cold. “Avoid sudden change of temperature. Wait for a few minutes before entering and after exiting air-conditioned spaces. Also avoid direct exposure to cold air from air conditioners,” says Dr Amit Kasliwal, MD, consultant physician, SevenHills Hospital.

Allergies can be avoided with a good dose of spring cleaning. “AC areas have carpets and curtains, which are rarely washed or cleaned. Even furniture is rarely moved to clean the corners. This can lead to accumulation of dust, and bacterial and fungal spores,” says Shukla. Make sure you use a wet cloth or mop to wipe surfaces that are regularly used, including your office workstation.Read more here:vintage prom dresses

Maintain your personal spa at home

(Image:black prom dresses) There's nothing more romantic than an aroma bath or a relaxing massage with (or ahem, by) your partner.
But who says that you need to dole out huge amounts of money or visit an expensive spa to relax your soul? Get together a hot tub, aromatherapy scent, wine, candles, flower petals and some romantic music and you are set to treat your body to a home spa. To add that zing, don't forget a nice towel and a sexy bath robe.
If you have a partner, then a hot tub can be the most inviting place to add on to your romance as there's nothing cozier than giving him/her an ultimate home spa experience. To add to the feel, play some romantic and soulful music and revive the flame of romance.
But if you are alone, then worry not. Make your home sparkle with the brilliance of cozy dim lights of candles. Once your bath is ready, play some jazz, or Sufi or any soft music and create the ultimate altar for relaxation.
For a home spa, essential oils play a very important role in soothing you. This season, oils like jasmine, rose, neroli, ylang ylang, sandalwood, patchouli and vetiver are the 'hot' favourites. Mukesh Gupta, owner of a spa, says, "This is the spring summer time and the time for vetivar. While you soak in a milk and honey bath, burn chandan and rose, and get a cooling effect that will act as a fuel for your tired body. There's nothing better than beating the heat with something cool." Anurag Kedia, director of another spa, votes for alo vera gel, lime, melon and mint.
So this summer, just place a basket of towels near you, prepare a hot tub, soak your tired body into it and get ready to pamper yourself, within the snugness of your home.For more information:prom dresses 2013 uk

Chic fashion on the cheap

(Image:formal dresses belfast) The fact that La Vallee Village in Paris is just a hop and a skip away from Disneyland is not lost on anyone.
“We’re like Disneyland for adults,” quips Amelie Fourcadier, marketing manager of La Vallee Village. She’s not exaggerating. As I found out on a whirlwind trip to La Vallee in Paris, Las Rozas in Madrid and Fidenza in Milan, whether you’re a certified shopaholic or just a passionate bargain-hunter, the Chic Outlet Shopping villages do feel like the happiest places on earth.
THE PERFECT MIX
First of all, the brands in the villages encompass both fabled fashion houses such as Celine, Givenchy and Burberry, as well as edgy, niche contemporary labels unique to each country — Maje and Sandro from France, Hoss Intropia from Spain and Pollini from Italy. And there’s nothing more the modern consumer loves than the chance to name-check unique items they got straight from the source (“Oh, this old thing? Only Parisians would recognise the label”).
The products in-store aren’t rejects; instead, brands are encouraged to offer pieces from just a season ago. And if you think you’d never be able to find classic pieces from each brand there, you’d be misled once again.
Imagine my shock when I stepped into the Celine store to see timeless Cabas totes in a rainbow of colours and variety of sizes, as well as off-the-runway clothing pieces such as the now-iconic scarf-print fabric in the form of pants with a sheer overlay, and a pleated skirt. If you think these items sound like they came right out of a Spring/Summer 2014 trend report, you’re right.
All the architecture and interiors are designed and laid out by the brands, to ensure your shopping experience is similar to, say, if you were strolling along Champs-Elysees or down Rue Saint Honore; and as I meandered through the shops, I espied countless pieces that are bang on-trend, so you don’t have to bust the bank keeping up with whatever the fashion deities are feeling — and feeding the masses — this season.
We saw fringe in the form of a lurex coat at Marni, a leopard-print skirt at Kenzo and a dress at Adolfo Dominguez; as well as pleats on dresses at Bimba & Lola. Metallics were interpreted as an iridescent clutch and silver cone heels at Emporio Armani. And there’s another genre of wardrobe-fillers you can get your hands on in the villages: The future classics. That entails booties — in every form, from slouchy to structured to exotic skin — at Zadig & Voltaire; leather in the form of playsuits at Maje and shirtdresses at Carolina Herrera; and bomber jackets at Sandro and Comptoir des Cotonniers.Read more here:bridesmaid dresses uk

13 tips to reduce, reuse and recycle your food

(Image:graduation dresses uk) The basics of green living – reduce, reuse, recycle – can help you spend less on groceries while still eating healthfully and well. Here's how to apply these principles to real life.
1. Buy less, waste less. The simplest way to stretch your grocery dollar is by buying less. This means limiting your purchases to items you will actually use. (That bargain 10-pound box of peaches is not such a deal if half of them end up going bad.) Track your waste: What products do you and your family gobble eagerly and what ends up in semi-permanent residency on the back shelf of your fridge?
2. Use more. Often Americans are too quick to dispose of usable food. We’re not advocating the use of questionable meat or fish – here, the rule “when in doubt, throw it out” is the safest course of action. However, produce that’s slightly past its prime can often be revived with a quick soak in ice water. If it’s seriously wilted, it can be used in a long-simmered dish like a soup or stew. On another note, food parts you normally discard – chicken necks or celery leaves, perhaps – can become the basis forhomemade stock.
3. Take inventory to record what you have bought, frozen, dried or canned. This will allow you to regularly rotate your stock to avoid stale or freezer-burned items.
4. Reduce the number of shopping trips necessary. Before planning meals, shop your pantry and use the ingredient search feature on popular recipe sites for inspiration. Keep a file of recipes specifically designed for fridge cleaning days (frittata, anyone?).
5. Use Mom’s tried and true advice about making up menus in advance and not going to the grocery store when you are hungry.
6. Write a list of what you need – just be flexible enough to accommodate some particularly tempting fresh halibut, for instance. Better yet, store shopping lists on your computer or iPad, for both every day and special occasions like holidays and birthdays. This will help remind you of what you need and how much.
7. Try shopping at just one supermarket. Often you'll save money in the long run, regardless of small differences in prices offered by the competition. Not only will you use less of your precious time – and gasoline – on shopping trips, you can breeze through the familiar layout, picking up only what you need (and avoiding the temptation of the candy aisle).
8. Store leftovers safely to keep them appetizing and safe to eat. Use quick cooling methods to bring down the temperature of cooked foods before refrigeration.
9. Use the trick of purposeful repurposing (aka: planned leftovers) to prepare for several meals at once. For example, you might serve rotisserie chicken "as is" one night and cut up for a hearty chicken salad the next. In general, when you have the basics for simple, quick-to-prepare meals already on hand, you are likely to spend less on take-out.
10. Experiment when you have a small amount of leftovers which won’t suffice for another meal. You might want to try mixing a tiny portion of leftover fried rice into tomorrow night’s meatloaf. Or you can even add a few spoonfuls of leftover yogurt to your homemade cheesecake.
11. Freeze leftover single ingredients. Egg whites are the classic example: they keep well frozen for up to 12 months. You can collect odds and ends of good quality bread in the freezer to eventually thaw and buzz in your blender or food processor for the tastiest breadcrumbs imaginable.
12. Repurpose tasty foods for their flavor. For instance, Parmesan rinds are known to impart a special richness to soups. Citrus skins will give extra zest to iced tea or other beverages.
13. Turn vegetable matter, eggshells and moreinto compost. Then use the result to enrich yourgarden soil and grow a crop of delicious organic fruits and veggies – almost free!Read more here:prom dresses 2013

Australians are including fewer healthy food options in their diets

(Photo:black prom dresses) Australians are eating less fruit and vegetables than ever before, with teenagers leading the charge in unhealthy eating dominated by fast food, new data from the Bureau of Statistics shows.
Health experts say governments have failed to tackle Australia's ''tsunami'' of chronic disease and soaring rates of obesity, fearing the problem will only get worse unless the the healthy food star rating system is reinstated and junk food promotion is restricted.
In the first profile of Australia's eating habits available in 15 years, the Australian Health Survey of 12,000 people found we are eating 30 per cent less fruit and vegetables than 15 years ago, with one in four adults eating no vegetables on an average day and only 7 per cent eating the daily recommended five servings.
Professor of health policy at Curtin University Mike Daube said ''incredibly low'' vegetable consumption reveals that fast food has eclipsed vegetables as a dietary staple.
''It is a major concern,'' he said. ''Unless governments take the way we eat seriously then there will be dire implications for health budgets and the cost of diabetes will blow out. The results are a triumph for the mass marketing of junk food."
Australians eat about three kilograms of food and drink each day, with just over one-third of daily energy from foods high in saturated fat and sugar such as cake, biscuits, alcohol, soft drink and chips.
Professor Daube said most people would be ''horrified'' to realise much of their energy intake is from food that is essentially useless.
But the survey results also show that despite Australians weighing about four kilograms more than 20 years ago, overall we are eating less.
Men are consuming about 9600 kilojules each day – 1400 kJ less than 15 years ago – and women's average energy intake has dropped 1 per cent to 7400 kJ each day. The survey also shows people are eating about 226 grams of carbohydrates daily, the equivalent of about four pieces of bread, which is about 12 per cent less than 15 years ago.
National spokeswoman for the Heart Foundation Kellie-Ann Jolly said the ''dismal'' daily intake of vegetables combined with fatty food diets means many people are ''unaware'' of what they are eating.
''We are seeing a drop in physical activity combined with eating far too much saturated fat,'' she said. ''Food like pastries and cake, which were once occasional, have become daily.''
Jane Martin, executive manager of the Obesity Policy Coalition, said the survey results highlight how pervasive unhealthy eating has become.
''It's really important we have a healthy food star rating system,'' she said. ''Foods that look largely the same can have very different nutritional profiles. It would encourage companies to reformulate and let consumers know which food is the healthiest.''
Ms Martin said the ''huge amounts'' of highly processed foods eaten each day show the ''marketing success of McDonalds, Hungry Jacks and KFC, which are targeted to teenagers''.
The results also reveal that more than 2.3 million adults reported being on a diet, almost one in three people aged over 19 drank alcohol on an average day and almost 30 per cent take at least one dietary supplement such as vitamins, minerals and herbs daily.
Almost 4 million people reported avoiding a food type due to allergy, with cow's milk and gluten the most common intolerances.
But Professor Daube said many Australians ''still don't have a good understanding'' of what amounts to healthy nutrition.
''There is an increasing responsibility of supermarket chains to promote healthy food. The onus isn't on teenagers – it's with governments, parents and retail food outlets.''Also read more:princess prom dresses

Make your own heating pad

(Image:evening dresses uk online) The trusty hot water bag comes to the rescue when muscle relief sprays and ointments let you down. But for those of you who cringe at the thought of getting up to boil water, here are easier heating devices that'll ease your pain.
The sock method
Fill a woollen sock with rice, or any other hard pulse or grain, and seal the opening by tying a knot at the end. Insert this sock, knot first, into the other sock and tie another final knot. Place it in the microwave for a minute or so and your heating pad is ready.
The towel method
Fold a small hand towel or rectangular piece of cotton fabric in half and sew a hem on to the two open sides, creating a small pouch. Fill the pouch with grains or pulses of your choice and hem the third side. Place this in the microwave to be heated up.
Tip
Make sure that the grains or pulses you use are completely dry. Also, keep your heating pad away from any kind of moisture.Read more here:princess prom dresses uk

Caring for your feet this season

(Image:red carpet dresses) The heat not only tans your face and hands but your feet as well. Here's how to protect them from the scorching rays of the sun
Tanning of the feet is very common during summers. To take care of them, all you need to do is try out these simple home remedies that will remove the tan in just a few days and will also keep your feet glowing and fair.
How to do it
Take a large tub of lukewarm water and dip your feet in it. Add two tablespoons of Epsom salt and a few drops of essential oils (preferably lavender, rose or lemon for this season). Take a pumice stone and put some drops of shampoo on it and scrub it on your feet. After you're done with this, dip your feet in fresh cold water and keep it soaked for a while. Take your feet out and dry it completely before you apply the following masks.
Yoghurt pack
Take fresh yoghurt in a bowl and add rose water or mogra water to it. Apply it evenly throughout your feet and keep this pack for at least an hour. Wash it off and apply a soothing moisturiser.
Lemon pack
A natural tan remover, squeeze half a lemon in a bowl and add a few drops of rose water in it. You can also add besan to make a thick paste. Keep the paste on for approximately half an hour and then wash it off.
Tomato paste
If you do not want to apply a thick tomato paste, don't worry. Cut half a tomato and apply it on your feet. Keep it on for a while and wash it off. Tomato is a natural tan remover and also acts as bleach.Read more here:evening dresses

Kathy Smart provides tips on eating gluten-free food at expo in Toronto

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TORONTO - Kathy Smart was always ill as a little girl until she was diagnosed with celiac disease at age 12 and began relearning what she could eat to alleviate her symptoms.
As an adult she has become a nutritionist and chef and uses the experience gleaned from living with the disease and her education to teach others about gluten intolerance with a cookbook, television appearances and a website.
"At the time — I'm going to be 36 — it really wasn't heard of a lot. Celiac disease was not a common term. Gluten-free, glue-what? People didn't know what that was," she said in an interview ahead of the Gluten Free Expo taking place Sunday in Toronto.
"At the age of 12 when I changed what I ate, by eating healthy whole foods I made this connection that if you change what you eat, you can change your life. At that young age I started reading everything I could. I started recipe developing with my mom in the kitchen."
Gluten is a kind of protein found in wheat and its relatives, such as spelt, farro, emmer, Kamut, barley, rye and triticale. Those with celiac disease have a genetic autoimmune condition that damages the gastrointestinal tract and hinders the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Sufferers react badly to gluten, the protein component that gives elasticity to dough. Others have an intolerance and find it difficult to digest.
"You become malnourished so you'll have low iron which will give you fatigue, you'll have low (vitamin) B-12 which will give you fatigue and inability to concentrate," said Smart, an Ottawa resident.
Some people manifest it through really itchy skin rashes while others develop depression or anxiety "because they're not absorbing their nutrients so they're not able to thrive. For gluten intolerance, there's a huge list of symptoms, but the top five symptoms, I would say, are fatigue, a lot of bloating, a lot of stomach pain, joint pain and a lot of autoimmune issues."
Her passion is to help people who follow gluten-free eating "do it right and healthy because food is really your medicine so you need to give your body the healthiest ingredients possible. Just eat real food, so fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seeds, nuts, legumes. Those are all naturally gluten-free foods and good for you."
She points out the trend toward people cutting carbohydrates from their diet in an effort to lose weight isn't healthy.
"Carbs are very healthy and very good for you and your brain needs them to function properly. So someone cutting out carbs and saying, 'I'm going to go gluten-free,' that is not a healthy balanced diet. If you're going to go gluten-free you want to always make sure you always have a healthy protein, healthy fat and healthy complex carbohydrates from gluten-free foods. It's all about balance."
Smart is a proponent of gluten-free grains or cereal grasses. Here are her top five nutrient-dense picks. They can be found in health-food stores or the health-food section of grocery stores.
— Teff. This tiny grain is often used in Ethiopian cooking to make the flatbread known as injera. "It's extremely high in minerals and it's extremely high in iron too and a lot of gluten-intolerant individuals or celiacs are particularly low in iron and they really need to make sure they're having high-quality minerals. So teff is an excellent way to really use food as medicine."
Teff can be ground into flour. "It's delicious with chocolate. Teff flour and chocolate go together like peanut butter and honey. It's just delicious. The teff flour really brings out the chocolate undertones and you can use teff flour to thicken soups or stews, to make gravy."
Smart cooks it in her rice cooker with almond milk, adds nuts, cinnamon and cardamom for a nutritious breakfast porridge.
— Black rice has a nutty robust flavour. Smart likes to add a handful when she's cooking brown rice. She also puts it in salads, noting it's extremely high in antioxidants.
— Quinoa is very high in protein and has an amino acid in it that helps fight cold sores, Smart said. Use it in side dishes and salads.
— Sorghum is high in minerals. Made into flour, it's her No. 1 choice for any type of gluten-free baking.
— Cavena Nuda is a recent addition to the gluten-free repertoire and is nicknamed "the rice of the Prairies."
"It almost tastes buttery. It's very high in fibre and iron, two elements that you want to look for in any type of gluten-free eating."Read more here:prom dresses 2013 uk