Each Picture Is Just Like The Other, 200 Calories Each

Here's a beautiful picture of 200 calories.  Yep each of these is just like the other; they each represent 200 calories.  Being that I've lost 57 pounds over the last 7-8 months, I never followed the recommended 2000-2500 daily caloric intake.  Are you kidding me? I probably would have never lost weight, but others seem to have a different opinion on that. 

Click on the picture to see an even bigger picture.

Some foods have significantly more Calories than others but what does the difference actually look like. Each of the photographs below represents 200 Calories of the particular type of food; the images are sorted from low to high calorie density. When you consider that an entire plate of broccoli contains the same number of Calories as a small spoonful of peanut butter, you might think twice the next time you decide what to eat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average adult needs to consume about 2000 - 2500 Calories to maintain their weight. In other words, you have a fixed amount of Calories to "spend" each day; based on the following pictures, which would you eat? - wiseGeek

Every Cigarette You Don't Smoke Is Doing You Good

So what happens if you stop smoking today? Let's just say, you'll notice the effects within a matter of minutes.

I wasn't an addicted smoker, but "more-so" a social smoker or habitual smoker.  If I had a drink I wanted one, or if I was outside relaxing I'd smoke one, but I never got to the point where I had a desire to smoke or lose my mind if I didn't have one.  I won't lie, there were times when I would go out clubbing with friends on a weekend and smoke 2 packs in one night, just because I socialized and drank the night away.  Quitting cold turkey was never a problem for me.  I can't remember when was the last time I had a cigarette, but I will say this... I feel so much better not doing it.

The benefits are remarkable!  I found this website that uses a timetable to educate you on the benefits of smoking cessation, check it out here.  Find out what happens after 48 hrs.

20 minutes	Your blood pressure, pulse rate, and the temperature of your hands and feet will all return to normal.
8 hours	Remaining nicotine in your bloodstream will have fallen to 6.25% of normal peak daily levels, a 93.25% reduction.
12 hours	Your blood oxygen level will have increased to normal and carbon monoxide levels will have dropped to normal.
24 hours	Anxieties peak in intensity and within two weeks should return to near pre-cessation levels.
48 hours	Damaged nerve endings have started to regrow and your sense of smell and taste are beginning to return to normal. Cessation anger and irritability peaks.