Living Life Inside-Out

By George David Williams

It is nothing short of amazing observing an entire generation of young autistic teens transitioning to adulthood. For the past twenty years we have advocated acceptance and inclusion for all people, particularly those with autism and other disabilities. We have witnessed a transformation in society as attitudes have shifted towards greater tolerance and support of people with autism. There are now opportunities available in education, housing, and health care that did not exist as recently as five years ago. Although employment numbers for autistic adults are still lagging, there is optimism things will continue to trend in a positive direction. Admittedly, we have all heard about the push to assimilate autistic adults into broader social circles and the world around us. However, we seldom hear how those with autism are coping with the expectations of others as they seek to find their place in the world.

Success always begins on the inside and manifests itself outward. People with autism would do well to work at developing self confidence and a positive self image as they embark into a world of uncertainty. Meeting the expectations of others has been the primary focal point of growing up with autism. Conformity, even when uncomfortable, was not only expected for autistic children, but generously rewarded. Now on the portal of adulthood, these same young people seem to lack an identity of their own. In spite of the strides made regarding autism awareness and inclusion, there is still an element of paternalism associated with autism. The prevailing thought in many circles is autistic individuals need someone to care for them and make decisions on their behalf. While this may hold true for some people on the spectrum, this is clearly not the case in every situation. For many autistic adults capable of living independently, the very thought of abdicating their freedom of choice is considered a personal affront.

Forging an identity requires a definitive plan of action that spotlights achievement and positive images. The media, all formats, seems to have an obsession with "feel good" stories about autistic children - yet provides minimal coverage related to autistic adults. Creating awareness is extremely important for both autistic children as well as adults on the spectrum. Having positive images of autistic adults in educational and employment settings is valuable for all members of society in order to eradicate some of the limiting beliefs which persist. Further, we need to hear from adults on the high functioning end of the spectrum who live productive lives and are integral parts of communities around the world. Society in general needs to know there are professionals with autism who work as educators, research scientists, business executives, and accountants. Additionally, a more vocal presence from those with autism will go a long way in educating employers as to the tremendous amount of talent earnestly awaiting an opportunity. Finally, there has to be more self advocacy on the part of autistic adults to help galvanize an identity worthy of respect and dignity. The autism community is a growing and vital part of our world that has so much to offer. It's up to all of us to push for expanded access and opportunities to make life better for all citizens.

George D. Williams is an author whose focus is shining light on the challenges confronting the growing autistic adult population. He recently launched Centurion Publishing Services, which provides editing, book cover designs, and ghost writing for self-published authors. http://adultautism2.com http://yourwritepublisher.com

No Space for Pain

By Pranjali Malhotra

A child's mind cannot comprehend the basic difference between 'so called' right and wrong values. We at the tender age of five or six years cannot differentiate between the thoughts and the reality. On growing up when our psychological and philosophical selves are shaped up, we develop a better insight into our lives.

Being a small girl, I like any other child was not aware about my body and how to protect it. I was not aware about the mindsets of people and kids out there. We've watched movies and heard of some stuff which starts from the word PHYSICAL. Rapes, sexual assaults and harassment faced by women... Not only by women but also by little girls, are getting frequent today. But what if someone throws a light to the fact that even 10 or say 12 years back they quietly existed.

And the saddest part is that those little, small girls today have grown up and realized that they've been through that phase. Worse than being in that sore place is the fact that many of these girls are either quietly living with those events embedded in their skin, without anyone being aware of it or have ended their lives.

Physical abuse does not only link itself to the word 'Rape', it can be a simple touch or a contact which the victim does not feel comfortable about. I had quite a similar phase in my life 10 to 12 years back. At that age, I was not at all aware of what happened with me but today I am and therefore I decide to put an end to that pain myself.

Such events are not limited just to girls. Even boys become the victims of such physically and mentally painful acts. But today each one of us has to face the fact that one mere episode of life cannot destroy our dreams. Some or the other day, we all need to get up make an end to that pain and sourness.

Speak up for yourself and let people know what their limits are. Behold yourself with all your strength.

Whether you yourself have been in this place or know someone with such an experience. Please, empower and motivate them to talk about it. Stop such acts before it gets worse. We are not supposed to feel haunted with those nightmares.

Dare to dream even when life makes you 'weak at the knees', for everyday gives us a new chance. Live it.

Do not let the pain ruin your entire life. No matter how life has been so far, it is still the most beautiful asset of yours. Protect and nurture it to fulfill your dreams.
Physical abuse is in another sense a kind of mental abuse. But you cannot let it destroy you.
Instead you need to destroy it and the terror it generates.

5 Common Sense Gun Policies Which Responsible Gun Owners Should Welcome

By Richard Brody

For generations, issues related to gun ownership, sensible gun control legislation, etc, have been, some of the most divisive, controversial, political debates, in this nation. Some gun owners have stated, their right to own a gun, is a guaranteed, constitutional right/ protection, and use the Second Amendment, as their proof of this right, to bear arms. Others claim, logical measures, are needed, and necessary, to protect the population, and use, the gun violence, incidents, to punctuate, their point! Although many debate the actual meaning of the 2nd Amendment, this article will avoid that discussion, and rather, focus, on 5 common sense, gun policies, that responsible owners, should not object to, because they would balance the perceived right to own a gun, with safety, and protecting our population.

1. Licensing: We need to register our automobiles, boats, etc, as well as needing, to pass a driver's test, if we wish to use these cars. In order to practice certain professions, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, real estate, etc, one must pass an examination, and pay a licensing fee. This is done, to protect the public, and make sure, those practicing, are prepared, and qualified. Wouldn't it make sense, to require, both, safety, and proficiency requirements, to own, and operate a gun, and to demand, there is the right combination of health, mental health, and understanding of the safety issues, etc?

2. Skill/ training: With all the potential ramifications, when the wrong person uses a gun, shouldn't we look more deeply, into the needed skills, and ensure, people are medically and mentally fit, as well as equipped, to own a gun? Wouldn't it make sense, to require safety and proficiency testing, initially, as well as time - related, re - testing, to be certain, they should still enjoy the privilege?

3. Background check: Shouldn't everyone have to undergo, both an initial, as well as monitored (on a regular timetable), background check, to check their criminal records, mental, physical, etc, health, and qualifications? Shouldn't safety be a basic requirement, for having this right?

4. Restricted areas: Even in the Wild West's, Dodge City, etc, Wyatt Earp prohibited wearing one's guns, in the city limits, and, especially, in saloons, bars, etc. Since alcohol may alter one's judgment, shouldn't guns be prohibited in certain areas? Shouldn't this also, apply, to certain locales, such as sporting venues, entertainment facilities, etc?

5. No need for military grade weapons: Proponents of gun rights, often, state, they need, their guns, for safety, as well as hunting and recreational purposes. However, how can anyone justify, the need, for military grade weapons, automatic, and/ or semi - automatic guns, for these purposes?

Those who should own guns, should have no qualms about certain, sane gun safety controls, and laws. Rather than making this a political issue, shouldn't we seek, to balance the rights of gun ownership, with the populations, expectations, of being safe?

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense politics: http://facebook.com/commonsense4all

Time For A Reality Belly Fat Check

By Sammi C

Can Your Weight Be Affecting Your Sex Life?

Putting on some extra pounds is something that occurs to most married couples-and for a justifiable reason! You are more joyful, more agreeable and at a point in your life when you need to concentrate on different things than your physical appearance.

So you must ask yourself, can your weight put a damper on your sexual relationship?

I recently found an exceptional article in The Huffington Post entitled, "My Weight Ruined My Sex Life" by Kimanzi Constable in which he writes about the effects his weight gain (due to excessive junk food cravings along with a few other actors) wound up costing him sexual stimulation, pleasure, and his self-confidence, and eventually his marriage.

Uncontrolled weight gain is not only undesirable, it can have a strong influence on your self-consciousness.

It's important, nevertheless, that you keep in mind that it's not your weight nor how you look that determine who you are or your values - that is an ideal you must work on regardless of your weight or appearance.

On the off-chance that you can identify with this, or you're wanting to have a more clear perception into the mindset of your "better half", Kimanzi Constable's "My Weight Ruined My Sex Life" will be a wonderful read for you.

In The Meantime...

Peel back the layers by taking a long and hard look at yourself... Do you like what you see? Are you in your best shape ever or are you just playin' down the fact that you've put on a few extra pounds - let's be real here... too many extra pounds, particularly around the belly area? You are the keeper of your destiny so what better time than now to start rethinking what it is that's holding you back from achieving your goals in life.

Shaking off those extra pounds and trimming inches off your belly is certain to require an extraordinary deal of effort on your part. You can't sit on the couch watching TV munching on junk food and dream of being able to run a marathon.

Get the tips you need to get your health, fitness, and energy levels back on track, you can make it happen a lot sooner than you may think possible.

Refuse to approach one more day battling with your weight, when you can shed those ghastly pounds and slash inches off your belly.

Don't let procrastination be the pitfall of your endeavor to reclaim your health and waistline.

Avoid Eating Junk Food...

You know that there are no benefits to indulging in junk foods, they're only bad for you... that's why they're referred to as "junk".

So why not avoid junk food binge?

Although you do feel a quick rush of energy and craving satisfaction come from nibbling on sweets and chips, and drinking energy drinks, sodas, or coffee, they merely offer a short-lived stimulation boost of alertness and energy. You will find that as you consume these "junk foods" you will crave them more and more, which will only increase the frequency of your body crashing, and feeling restless and tired.

For a healthier lifestyle, both physical and mental, and longer lasting healthy energy, you should consider snacking on foods high in protein and fiber instead. Not to mention that avoiding these (and other) junk foods will help keep those excess pounds off -- And get you back into those stashed away jeans!

Here's another quick tip to help you answer the crucial question, "Do I Want To Improve My Relationship With Myself?"

Endeavor to Uncover the True Motivations Behind Your Thoughts and Actions

Are you accustomed to doing things because you "have to" or to going along with others to satisfy the masses, even to the detriment of being deceitful with yourself concerning what you believe you really need to do? If so, you may find it hard to separate from your own particular motives for acting and those that are essentially forced on you by others.

To recapture your ability to get authentic with yourself, pinpoint your actual plan for completing an action - say, joining a dance class or going to a company party. Is your driving force a direct view of what others anticipate you will have, or does your plan seem to be valid to whom you truly are?

It's crucial that you make every attempt to ensure that you recognize the truthfulness behind your thoughts and behavior and move forward towards adjusting your actions in accordance with YOUR values and principles. This truthfulness is the only thing standing between you and your capacity to free yourself from the ties of duplicity encouraged by the need of satisfying others at the cost of sacrificing your own values and principles. It's this weakness that prevents you from achieving your goals, be they financial, losing weight... or even finding the perfect partner.

Check out this short 2-minute video for a Simple Japanese Technique and Lose Belly Fat Fast! >>   https://sammicor.com/best-fitness-plans/

Lose Weight Quickly, and Successfully

By Smiti Munwani

Whether you are a few pounds overweight or would like to drop a few sizes, you do want quick results. After all, you are going on a diet which means that you have to change your eating habits, perhaps drastically. And without results you will not have the incentive to go on.

Why do you need to lose weight?

It is essential to lose weight not only to look more attractive and get rid of unsightly bulges, but more importantly for health. That is because obesity has a major role to play in
• Reduced mobility
• Sleep disturbances
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Depression
• Hypertension
• Joint disorders
• Cancer
• Breathing problems

All or any of these can further fuel the weight gain, making losing weight an even more uphill task.

How to lose weight fast?

When you are embarking on a weight loss diet or plan, you need to have goals set out and these should be achievable goals. If you wonder how to lose 10 pounds and you have a time frame for it, then it becomes a goal that you set for yourself and can have the joy of achievement once you have reached the figure.

The first thing you have to do is to make an eating plan or follow a diet. The plan that you follow should be one that suits you and takes into account your eating habits, your daily routine, your work and other variables that are unique to you.

When you have a plan or diet set out, it becomes easier to follow and leaves less room for errors. Popular diets include:
Paleo Diet - When you follow the Paleo diet you eat more whole grains and unprocessed foods, more fruits and vegetables and more of lean meats. This was the diet followed by the hunter- gatherers at a time when food was natural. Since you eat healthy and natural foods with unrefined and natural fats, you will lose weight without counting calories.
Mediterranean Diet - Unlike the Paleo diet, this does not restrict dairy or legumes. You can eat more fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices and unprocessed grains along with wine. As this diet encompasses a wide variety of foods, it may be easier to follow.
Whole30 - A 30 day plan, this aims to reset your system. The diet is highly restrictive because it cuts out dairy, legumes and beans including soy and its derivatives, sugar and sugar substitutes. There is a wide range of prohibited food items in this diet and so you are bound to lose weight.
Raw food Diet - Since you eat only raw foods on this diet, it is relatively simple to follow as no cooking is involved. However, it does involve juicing, blending and even sprouting as an alternative to cooking.

What about exercising for losing weight?

Many people think that exercising is not effective for weight loss. You can be sweating for hours without any appreciable results. That is because many activities do not actually burn a lot of calories. To give you an example running or swimming for an hour will burn between 300-400 calories.

However, exercise does have an important role to play in weight loss. For one thing, even smaller numbers calories burnt do add up, so just by swimming an hour a day, you could lose a pound in 10 days. Exercise also helps in building muscle and keeping you fit, so you are healthier.

More significantly, exercise boosts your metabolism. When your metabolism is stoked, you burn calories faster for up to 24 hours after exercise. Of course this means regular and sustained exercise for the results to show.

When exercise is combined with a weight loss diet, you will get the best results as you will burn fat and reduce weight. With the right kind of exercise, whether rumba, dancing, strength training, crunches or whatever, you can achieve the kind of figure you want. You can improve muscle tone, get rid of unattractive bulges, get a flatter belly and a more toned butt.

How important is sleep for losing weight?

Getting enough sleep is very important in losing weight. What is the connection between weight loss and sleep? The fact is that if you don't wake up feeling fresh and fine, if you are groggy, you will find it difficult to get going. You may feel lethargic and tired and then not exercise.

At the same time, when you are fatigued, you are more likely to reach for high fact, high sugar and high calorie foods because of the comfort factor. If you cannot follow your diet or exercise plain, your metabolism slows down and you can actually end up putting on more weight.

What you should not do to lose weight?

You may follow a strict diet in an effort to lose weight fast, but it is important to keep some facts in mind.

You should certainly not be fasting to lose weight. While fasting gives quick results it has a rebound effect. As your body does not get the required food to maintain itself, it slows down the metabolism to conserve calorie burning. This results in your actually gaining weight when you start eating, even if you eat smaller amounts of food.

Even when you restrict your meal intake in an effort to lose weight, it is important that you should eat very little or no salt and sugar. You should also limit your starch intake, whether this is in the form of grain start or high carbohydrates foods. You should be eating the right kinds of food that have more nutritional value but fewer calories.

So then how do you actually succeed in losing weight?

You should have the determination to stick to your goals, follow the kind of diet that is right for your lifestyle and eating habits, while eating healthy foods. You should also get in the correct amount of physical activity and sleep that will help you lose weight and maintain fitness. Once you have lost the desired amount of weight, it is best to stick to your diet with some modifications so that you maintain your weight loss. There is no shortcut to lose weight - it comes off surely and certainly if you follow a diet and fitness regime.

Smiti Munwani has been writing for a very long time. She is a journalist, book author, content writer and dietitian. She has had two books published, The Snack-Time Cookbook and Count Your Calories to Slim and Stay Slim. She also has two books ready to be published, one on party menus and another on cooking for a healthy heart. She can be contacted via email:  smitimunwani@gmail.com if anybody is interested in re-publishing the books (she has the copyright) or requires any articles. She has written extensively for the print media and done web content writing.

A versatile writer, Smiti writes on a wide range of topics - please contact her via email for web content work. She writes on health, medical, alternative remedies, family, relationships, diet, business, travel, beauty and other topics of general interest or niche interests.

The PABSTAD Event Planning Checklist

By Richard Brody

After more than four decades of involvement in all areas of leadership, including identifying, qualifying, training and consulting over a thousand, actual, and/ or potential leaders, and having planned hundreds of events, for groups from 10 to over a thousand, I have come to believe, one of the primary reasons, an event often fails to accomplish its objective, is those in positions of leadership, often, do not, effectively, plan, in a thorough, priorities - oriented manner! Therefore, I feel, if leaders used a properly organized, focused, event planning checklist, the results would be far better. This list, which is referred to, as the PABSTAD Event Planning Checklist, is a simple - to - follow, step - by - step, approach, to the leading the efforts, to put together, the best possible approach. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means.

1. Purpose: Although it may/ should seem obvious, all - too - often, events are planned, without focusing, on what one hopes, or needs, to achieve. Therefore, the first step, should be, to thoroughly consider the purpose, or purposes, of holding this, might be. Is it for social reasons, training, fund - raising, etc, and/ or some combination of these?

2. Attendees: Who are the attendees, you believe, you will be appealing to, and why? Why should they decide to attend this event, when there is often, so much competition for their attention, and dollars? What methods will you do, to specifically appeal, to your target, niche, and, will you do, all you can, to be certain, they find attending, worthwhile, and appealing?

3. Budget: Rather than planning, first, and, then considering, costs, etc, wise leaders and event planners, focus on where the revenues, might come from, and what the costs, might be! Will there be any subsidies, or sponsors, to help deter, some of the anticipated expenses? Will you be charging attendees, a sufficient amount, to make the function, affordable, to the group, without making it too high, to keep them from attending? Often, it's a delicate, balancing act!

4. Strategy (strategic plan): Resist the temptation, to begin, too soon, but, rather, perceive and conceive of, create, develop, and implement, a relevant, logical, strategic plan! One must have a strategy, in order to achieve the necessary objectives!

5. Timeline: Often, the lack of quality planning, creates an excessive degree of unnecessary pressure, which is easily, readily, avoidable, if one begins, with a clear - cut, timeline, before, during, and after, the event!

6. Action plan: Once you've determine your objectives, strategy, and timeline, as well as your roster of volunteers, etc, you'll need, a professionally designed, realistic, action plan, which includes, your priority, preferred approach, as well as preparing for back - ups/ contingencies!

7. Day of event: Far too often, I have witnessed well - planned, event, which suffer, because the planners, pay insufficient attention, to how the actual day, will be handled, and/ or performed. If you want to attract attendees, to return, to future programs, etc, they must leave, feeling their time, and money, was well - spent!

Use this PABSTAD Event Planning Checklist, fully, and properly, and your results will become exponentially better! Will you be willing to pay attention to all the necessary details, etc?

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead

Content Marketing is a Surefire Way to Boost Your Business

By Sathish Solomon Pinagapani

Have you started a new business or are you a business owner? If so, getting customers can be the #1 priority in your business. The customers can be generally everywhere. However, finding the right customers can be an arduous task as a new business owner, it requires practice and depth in techniques to appeal to an audience. Analyzing these situations, we find that businesses lack opportunities to sell their products to their customers. If this is the case, is there a secret sauce in boosting your business with more clients and projects under your belt. Let's take this discussion further in this article in the direction of content marketing and how it can be of use to boost your business.

Take the message to the audience

Content is the perfect platform to reach out to your target audience. Since, long year's people trust in the written word, such a system hasn't changed yet. People rely on journalistic standards of portraying the word to the audience about any incident. Content has the power to take the right message to your audience. You can use it to build your business now. Whatever you want to express about your product can be packaged neatly and rolled to the customer. Customer although has the power to read through an article and decide on what he wants to do. The word that has been written will accomplish its purpose and return back with more business activity that you desire.

Calibrate the features of your product

Along with the article, you can briefly calibrate the features of your product. A bunch of advertisement philosophy happens here. This is the place to market your product and tell your customer what is the benefit of having your product? and how it solves their problem. This is the time to coerce the list of features your product provides to create a winning appeal to the audience and attracting them to have it. The writer and the business owners can sit together to derive at a strategy about how they would like to appeal to the audience with their content marketing efforts.

Content is King

Content is king. And it's rightly said. People make a buying decision after reading a review, comparison report, reading a how to blog etc. The way the content is written also plays a crucial role. Content has to be written in a conversational and explanatory tone to inform the reader about the highlights of the product and how it will be of use to them. Persuasive content also appeals well to the audience to buy a product. The ultimate point is content is crucial and it can help you to make a sale if you get it right.

Businesses rebound with opportunities

The result? Businesses boom with work opportunities. Clients rise in number and the number of projects increase dramatically. That's the result of good content marketing strategy. With good content, your business can never go wrong. You will see your business rebound with opportunities. Make the best use of content marketing to boost your business in terms of clients and volume of projects. http://www.Kaaviyamcontent.com provides world class content to help business reach their ultimate potential in acquiring new clients and projects. Our writers are graduates with good exposure to the English language to provide classy content that will win business. Thank you for your time to go through this article and we believe it would have provided sharp insights about content marketing.

The DOSPERT Approach To Strategic And Action Planning

By Richard Brody

Although, nearly every leadership planning program, discusses the need for strategic and action plans, few of these, spend, the time, and/ or effort, to explain, methods, etc, to perceive and conceive of these, create, develop and implement them, in a professional, focussed manner! After more than four decades of involvement in nearly every aspect of leadership, from identifying, and qualifying, to training, development, and personal service (as a leader), I have become a strong proponent, in the benefits of being certain, potential leaders, develop the combination of skills, abilities, and positive attitude, to use the best possible plans, to benefit the organization, they serve and represent. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly address, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, the DOSPERT Approach to Strategic and Action Planning.

1. Delve deeply: Avoid the overly, simplistic approach, and temptation, to take some short - cut, towards these approaches! Rather, begin, by delving deeply, into all relevant aspects of the specific group, including its history/ heritage, goals, priorities, mission, vision, and specific niche. This is an absolute necessity, if you are to create something, meaningful!

2. Obstacles: What are the obstacles, standing in the way, of the group, achieving its mission and/ or vision, to the best of its potential? Is it one, specific item, or some combination of entities, which need to be addressed, and overcome, in a relevant, sustainable way?

3. Strengths and weaknesses: Every group has certain strengths, as well as apparent weaknesses. Identify these clearly, and objectively, and move forward, decisively, to effectively use the areas of strength, while addressing the best approach, to overcome any weakness!

4. Priorities, goals and needs: You must prioritize your efforts, effectively, by focusing clearly on the actual goals and needs, of your specific group, and act accordingly. Too often, groups seem to try to be all things, to all people, rather than becoming extraordinary/ exceptional, in the right direction!

5. Empathy: If you hope to become a quality leader, you must listen, far more than you speak, and learn from every conversation, and experience! When one proceeds with genuine empathy, he becomes far better, at relating to his constituents, and attracting followers, to become more involved and committed!

6. Relevant; reliable; responsive: One must have a well - considered, strategy, and use it, in a relevant way, to create the best possible, action plan, for the particular group! Others must perceive your message and approach, as being, both, reliable, and responsive!

7. Timely: A strategic plan must be a positive approach, rather than resorting to blaming and complaining, etc! Only when one's mindset is focused, does he proceed, in a timely, well - considered manner, and introduces an action plan, which inspires and motivates others, and serves the group, effectively, efficiently, and in a relevant manner!

Use this DOSPERT approach, and become a better strategic and action planner! Will you have the discipline, and commitment, to do so?

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead

Is Rice Really Bad For You When You Are On A Diet?

By Smiti Munwani

(Most people avoid rice because it is considered a bad carbohydrate which makes you put on weight - is that true?)

Most carbohydrates like wheat, rice, and other cereal like corn and millets contain a similar amount of carbohydrates and calories when compared by weight. Why, then, is rice considered to be bad for health when you are on a diet?

Rice in different cultures

Most rice growing countries depend on rice as their primary source of carbohydrates. Thailand, China, the Indian subcontinent, many parts of Europe and the Americas grown and eat rice. In fact many countries south east and Far East Asia start their morning with rice. Even traditional British households may include kedgeree in their breakfast menu.

The rice may be long grained, short-grained, round rice or gelatinous rice, depending on the country's climate and so influences their regional dietary preferences. In Italy, for instance, the risotto is made of Arborio rice, which requires a great deal of cooking and when done has a sticky texture.

Why is rice bad for you?

Rice, in its natural state, has vitamins, minerals and proteins. However, the white rice which is used for cooking has been stripped of a lot of its nutritional value, leaving only carbohydrates behind. It goes through a laborious processing process including dehusking and polishing.

As a refined food, rice is not good for health. It lacks fiber and other nutrients. Too much of refined foods result in an overload of simple carbohydrates which are not good for digestion.

Another reason rice is bad for you

Since rice is difficult to portion, you can easily end up eating a lot more than you intended. It is not easy to estimate how much you would normally eat, unlike say bread or chapattis.

As rice is easily digested, you may eat what you think is a sufficient quantity and feel hungry shortly after. Then you will eat more food, thus increasing your calorie count.

How to eat rice the proper way

Avoid eating refined and polished rice. If you eat brown rice, it is much better for health because it ha more nutritional value and more fiber. Brown rice is as healthy as whole wheat.

Have steamed or boiled rice, whose water has not been discarded, instead of rice which is heavy in fats. You can also overload your rice with lots of vegetables which not only add color but also nutritional value. Colored vegetables are a good source of phytonutrients and antioxidants. You can also add white shredded meat to your rice to make a complete meal.

Rice is also easier to digest and is one of the first foods given to infants. It can also be cooked in a variety of ways since it has a relatively neutral taste and is a major source of carbohydrates. Cultures world-wide cook and eat different kinds of rice and in many countries and regions it is a staple food.

So rice is not really bad for you when you are on a diet as long as you don't over-indulge and exercise portion control.

Smiti Munwani has been writing for a very long time. She is a journalist, book author, content writer and dietitian. She has had two books published, The Snack-Time Cookbook and Count Your Calories to Slim and Stay Slim. She also has two books ready to be published, one on party menus and another on cooking for a healthy heart. She can be contacted via email:  smitimunwani@gmail.com if anybody is interested in re-publishing the books (she has the copyright) or requires any articles. She has written extensively for the print media and done web content writing.

A versatile writer, Smiti writes on a wide range of topics - please contact her via email for web content work.

Sliders: We're Talking Serious Hamburgers Here

By Dale Phillip

A slider is an American term for a small sandwich, measuring about 2 inches across, made with a bun. The term usually refers to small hamburgers but can encompass any small sandwich made with a mini-roll. What was once exclusively sold at their place of origin, fast-food pioneer White Castle, they are popping up all over, especially on menus of family restaurants, sports bars and cocktail parties nationwide. Convenient finger-food, they come with a variety of fillings and ingredients and can be quite pricey, depending on where you eat them and what's in them. If you just have to have some, White Castle also sells them in the frozen food section nationwide and has recently rolled out a new vegetarian version to mixed reviews (available in their restaurants only).

Some credit their nickname to the Navy where mess hall greasy burgers would literally slide around on your plate. Burger purists insist that a true slider is only made at White Castle and that anything else is merely a mini-hamburger. Well, not according to their legendary creator, Billy Ingram, the founder of White Castle who dubbed his small, square hamburgers so easy to eat, they were sliders (get it?).

In 1921, a tiny restaurant resembling a castle began selling a five-cent hamburger. Recently, Time� Magazine pronounced the Original Slider� as the most influential burger of all time. And purists will argue that the humble, all-beef patty includes onions and pickle, maybe American cheese, and is the only "authentic" version, which are steamed on a bed of onion bits, not fried. Any version can be enjoyed as an hors d'oeuvre, a snack or an entr�e (but make sure you get several--don't forget, they're small).

Sold by the sack full at their place of origin, you can also find them at other restaurants frequently served three or four to a platter, one variety or a combo. Here are the most popular versions and price ranges:

Sports Bars: Tri tip beef, around $3.25, especially during football season;
Micro-breweries, different versions (they go great with beer);
Arby's roast beef slider $1.00;
Various family restaurants: meatball, sloppy joe, chicken, or beef, average $1.50 to $3.50 a piece;
BJ's Restaurants: 4 for $10.75 (cheese extra);

And the top varieties nationwide:

Barbecue Brisket Sliders
Club Burger Sliders with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Pimiento Cheese Sliders
Nacho Mini-size Burgers
Chicken Delight Sliders
Buffalo Thigh Sliders.(make sure they're boneless)
Mini Beef-and-Sage Sliders with Gorgonzola
7-Layer Sliders (for diners with big mouths only)
Philly cheesesteak
BLT
Club burger with ranch dressing

And last but not least the most pricey, available to order online only:

Omaha Steaks: $3.75/ea for 8 filet mignon sliders ($29.99 + shipping);

Neiman-Marcus catalog: 18 mini-cheeseburgers, all-beef patty topped with cheddar cheese and bacon on a sesame seed bun; $45.00 (plus $12.50 shipping);

Available through Amazon: Lobster Slider filling (18 oz. fresh) 12 Brioche Buns (frozen) a mere $119.00;

And new to the burger scene is a franchise quietly exploding (is that possible?) across Southern California and points East, Burgerim's currently has 103 domestic locations including Texas, Tennessee, Florida and Las Vegas, with their eye on huge national expansion. They feature 2.8 ounce patties served in combos, with a choice of 10 types of patties (including salmon, lamb, sausage, veggie), 3 types of buns, 5 sauces, and 9 toppings; a unique and popular concept, proving to be successful.

So call them mini-sandwiches, little burgers, kid-size, bite-size, just remember. They all come from Big Daddy--the one and only, the original White Castle slider. Pure and simple. Are you craving some yet?

When author Dale Phillip was growing up, White Castle was the only game in town, so
she knows her sliders (with cheese, of course). As her tastes expanded, she enjoyed hamburgers in many versions, but those memories never fade. As a Southern California resident, she looks forward to exploring the new franchise Burgerim's, especially their salmon and veggie varieties. She invites you to view her many articles in the Food and Drink category, and her blog: http://myfriendlyu.blogspot.com/