This couple was able to transform themselves in just four months of strict diet and regular exercise

We all want to look our best.

Having a beautiful face to match a perfect body is what most people dream about in their lives. But with many fast food chains and restaurants popping up, it is truly hard to go on a diet. However sometimes, we just need that one person who can serve as our partner and inspiration in improving ourselves physically and mentally.

Couple Song Jin Yoo and Sjin Ji Hoo shows their before and after pictures on Twitter

In South Korea, which has a booming plastic surgery industry, a common high-school-graduation gift is an operation. “Surgery tourists” from abroad make up about a third of the business in South Korea. It is a fact that some people merely go for surgery instead of maintaining a well-balanced diet or regular exercise. But this couple believes that ‘dieting’ is the best plastic surgery—and are now the epitome of that belief.

Song Jin Yoo and Sjin Ji Hoo came up with their own workout plan which included weight-lifting (1 and ½ hours for 2 times a week) and aerobics (3 hours a day). They had a strict diet which consisted of eggs, sweet potatoes, chicken breast, tomatoes, and lots of fruits & vegetables. After 4 months of this simple regimen, they were able to achieve bodies of models!

Do you want this kind of body? All you need is discipline.

Read more »

Variety in your New Vegetarian Diet

You’ve weighed your options carefully, studied the pros and the cons, and decided that the vegetarian lifestyle is right for you. But where do you start making the changes? Do you go ‘cold turkey?’ Do you adopt a more gradual approach to transitioning to vegetarianism? However you choose to make the change, you can begin to achieve the health benefits of vegetarianism by significantly cutting down on the amount of meats consumed, and making vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains the focus of your meals.

Choose whole-grain products like whole wheat bread and flour, instead of refined or white grains.  Eat a wide variety of foods, and don’t be afraid to try vegetables, fruits, grains, breads, nuts, or seeds that you’ve never tried before. Experiment and explore! You may discover a new favorite or two, and learn fresh new ways to liven up more traditional vegetarian dishes. Many vegetarian foods can be found in any grocery store. Specialty food stores may carry some of the more uncommon items, as well as many vegetarian convenience foods. When shopping for food, plan ahead, shop with a list and read food labels. And if you decide to eat dairy products, choose non-fat or low-fat varieties, and limit your egg intake to 3-4 yolks per week.

Becoming a vegetarian can be as easy as you choose to make it. Whether you enjoy preparing delectable, delicious meals or choose quick and easy ones, vegetarian meals can be very satisfying. If you get in the habit of keeping the following on hand, meal preparation time will become a snap:

-Ready-to-eat, whole-grain breakfast cereals, and quick-cooking whole-grain cereals such as oatmeal, whole-grain breads and crackers, such as rye, whole wheat, and mixed grain and other grains such as barley and bulgur wheat
-Canned beans, such as pinto, black beans, and garbanzo beans
-Rice (including brown, wild, etc.) and pasta (now available in whole wheat, spinach, and other flavors) with tomato sauce and canned beans and/or chopped veggies
-Vegetarian soups like lentil, navy bean, or minestrone
-A wide variety of plain frozen vegetables, and canned and frozen fruit
-Fortified soymilks and soy cheeses, should you choose to not eat dairy
-A wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, which should be the core of any diet

As you learn to experiment with foods and learn that a meatless diet doesn’t have to lack variety, you’ll find your decision for vegetarianism was not only wise, but easy and fun come mealtime.

Read more »

Flipping the Switch to Vegetarianism

If you’ve made the commitment to becoming vegetarian yet finding it difficult to make the transition in your diet and your lifestyle, here’s some suggestions on how to make the switch a smoother ride.

Start out with committing to be a vegetarian for three days per week for the first couple of weeks.  Start substituting ingredients in your favorite dishes to make them truly meatless.  Throw in mushrooms to that marinara sauce to take the place of meatballs, or try some textured vegetable protein (TVP) in that lasagna recipe.  Making simple replacements in your tried and true recipes can inspire you to stay on the vegetarian track once you see how delicious they can be.

Next, commit to five days per week for the next two weeks.  Study the natural foods aisle at your local grocer, or make it a point to introduce yourself to the local health foods store.  Treat yourself to a few new vegetarian products and try them in your next meal. The internet can be a great source of vegetarian recipes.  And don’t limit yourself to being vegetarian only at home; most all restaurants offer delicious vegetarian entrees, so be sure to try them.  You may even find inspiration for your home cooking by doing so.

Now all that’s left to do is add two more days on your week, and you’ll be a converted vegetarian all week long! After all, you’ve been doing it for a month now; you’ve become a seasoned rookie in the game. Take pride in your accomplishments, because not only have you made positive changes in your lifestyle and eating habits, but for the environment and animals as well. Remember it’s not about being perfect; every animal-positive change you make it your diet has a great effect. By rewarding yourself for each vegetarian choice you make, and you’ll be motivated to continue in the right direction.

Read more »