The Top 5 Nude Beaches In The World

The very thought of heading for a nude beach gives many people the shakes. For others, its a natural occurrence and a natural consideration. If youre comfortable in your own skin, they argue, why not head out in just that skin?

There are a variety of things to consider when choosing a nude beach. Many experts say location is one factor as you probably want some measure of privacy (and most nude beaches offer this). Other factors to consider are the age range of people who visit the beach (youll likely want to be with a group around your own age) and other factors that really have to do more with your own comfort level.

If you are considering heading to a nude beach, why not head for the best? Heres a list of the top 5 nude beaches, as chosen by the Travel Channel.

1. Montalivet, France. This area is called the international birthplace of the naturalist movement. At this beach resort, you can camp (most popular) or stay in one of the 172 bungalows. This is a family resort, so if its in your comfort level to include the kids, you wont be the only ones. This resort features a wide variety of classes that range from soccer to yoga and everything includes the whole family. This gives new meaning to the term au natural!

2. Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Famous for its many beach resorts, this area of Jamaica also includes the Couples Resort, which is an excellent start for the new nudists. The resort itself it not a nudist resort, but theres a beach just offshore thats for nudists. Featuring a pristine beach, private cozy nooks all around and a cabana bar, this island is private and safe, making newbies feel comfortable in their newly exposed skin.

3. Wreck Island, British Columbia. This four-mile stretch of beach is so named because a huge wrecked sea vessel once inhabited the sand. At this friendly beach, you can enjoy the nesting area of the bald eagles, and know civilization is just a few steps away (the University of British Columbia is just a few hundred steps above the beach). One of the most lively parts of this beach is Vendors Row, where you can shop (in the nude) for souvenirs, handmade items and other goodies (including sunscreen, which youll need in abundance).

4. Samurai Beach, Australia. Located in Port Stephens, this beach backs up to the clothing-optional Bardots resort. At the beach, you can enjoy nude volleyball, Frisbee, and tug of war. This is the spot of the famous Nude Olympics, which are held each year. Events include Nude Surfing, Nude Beach Girl and Guy Competition and Nude Torch Relay.

5. Hedonism II, Jamaica. Yes, laid-back Jamaica can claim two of the top five nude beaches. At this clothing optional resort, expect a good party. Theres nude swimming, sunbathing and volleyball, as well as what the resort calls a lush garden of playful passion. Designed for playful couples and singles, the resort features a big party scene, lots of lush and delicious food and a nude good time all around.

Liz Boudreau is a nudist with a passion for travel. She has traveled to and reviewed some of the best beaches in the world. See her latest review of topless beaches: http://www.beaches-guide.com/topless-beaches.htm.

Protein and Weight Loss

Welcome to the new craze! It seems Proteins connection to weight loss is sweeping the nation. In case you havent yet heard, this sensation will soon be everywhere - talk shows, magazine covers and commercials. I am sure we can expect hundreds of new books on this new breakthrough.

Protein isnt the magic bullet millions of Americans have been waiting for, but then again nothing is

- because there is no magic bullet.

If you take a moment and look past the hype and catchy diet names you will find that protein is an important and powerful weight loss tool that can significantly help you reach your goal weight. However, it doesnt come without a warning. Here are the basics.

Protein is Tough - Which is Good:
This is helpful because it is harder for your body to metabolize. Some recent studies have determined that it takes 25% more energy to digest and metabolize a gram of protein when compared to a carbohydrate. In other words, eating 75 calories of protein is like eating 100 calories of carbs.

Protein Fills You Up:
Because protein is harder to breakdown it takes longer to digest. This helps weight loss because you get full faster and generally wont eat as much.

Protein Helps Build Lean Muscle:
If your goal is long term health and maintaining a reasonable weight, then few things are more important than building lean muscle. Why? Well, as you build lean muscle your metabolism increases and your body requires more calories to meet its daily functions, thus making it easier to maintain your weight. Also if you have a fit body with healthy, toned muscles you will have more energy and will be more likely to be active than if you have an unhealthy level of body fat.

Protein Stabilizes Insulin Levels:
Stable insulin levels provide you with a consistent stream of energy instead of the spike and drop you receive from eating refined carbohydrates. The steady insulin supply also contributes to reduced cravings and the ability to stay full longer.

How Much is Too Much?
Like all things moderation is key. In fact many high protein diets simply take aim at our obsession with simple carbohydrates. The goal is to replace eating large amounts of refined sugars with wholesome chicken, salmon, and soy.

Experience tells us that balance is important. Many, many Americans (especially females) arent getting enough protein in their diet. A diet with between 30 50% of calories coming from protein will aid in weight loss and more importantly lead to long term health.

And Now - The Catch...
Now for the warning: Dont over do it. Excessive protein consumption can be dangerous and lead to severe health problems specifically bone loss, osteoporosis, and kidney failure. Additionally, not all proteins are the same. Some foods that contain large amounts of protein also have more than their share of saturated fat, which should be minimized.

The recommended daily intake of protein is about 0.4 grams per pound of body weight. Though active adults should strive for between .5 and 1 gram per pound of body fat. It also may be a good idea to take a calcium supplement if you are eating more than the recommended daily intake of protein. As always, consult your doctor before beginning taking a supplement or beginning a new diet or exercise program.

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A little over over two years ago Dustin woke up and found himself 40 pounds overweight. He started reading and studying nutrition articles, exercises, and diet plans. 3 months later the idea of fitnovo was formed.

Dustin quickly lost 40 pounds and now spends his free time helping others lose weight and live a healthy life.

Presenting - The Beaches Library - A Centre of Learning and Community Interaction

Right in the heart of the Beach, just a few steps from the intersection of Queen Street and Lee Avenue is the Beaches Library, a stunning building designed by architect Eden Smith in the 17th Century English Collegiate Grammar School Style. A $50,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York City to the Toronto Public Library facilitated the construction. The current building replaced a storefront library and was opened in December of 1916.

Two other nearly identical libraries (the Wychwood and High Park Branch) were opened around the same time, and George Locke, the chief librarian wanted the three buildings to bring to the minds of the people of the outlying districts some recollection of the Scottish and English village type architecture. The design was actually considered to be a decided revolt from the Classical styling of other Carnegie libraries.

The building is impressive and features a soaring hammer-beamed ceiling, a plain stone fireplace, lead-glass casement windows, and a minstrel gallery. In 2004, the western section of the Library was renovated and restored and reopened to the public in January of 2005. The new two-level wing represents a harmonious architectural addition to the existing building that integrates extremely well into the design. Since 1979 the Toronto Beaches Library has been included in the Inventory of Toronto Heritage Properties.

I had had several opportunities to visit the Beaches Library: as a meeting place for historic tours with Gene Domagala, when Barbara Weissmann, the Branch Head of the library, provided me with historical background information about the Beach, and as a special stop in my Beach tour with Sandra Bussin, who considers the Beaches Library her favourite building in the Beach.

One evening I dropped by and talked to Eniko Szabo, the childrens librarian, and she informed me about the various programs that are being offered to children and adults at the Beaches Library. Eniko herself is also a puppeteer who puts on a variety of animated shows for children throughout the year.

Both Barbara and Eniko directed me to a variety of special places in the building: the main floor multi-purpose room with the fireplace, the comfortable sitting areas on both levels of the west wing which according to Eniko provide some of the best sunset views in Toronto; a majestic view from the gallery over the Reading Hall; a historic tapestry that was created as a community project, and the original water fountain that has been preserved throughout the years.

The Beaches Library primarily features English print material, fiction and non-fiction for adults, teens and children as well as videos, DVDs and CDs. In addition, it also has an extensive local history collection as well as a wide selection of audio books, a career information collection, English as a Second Language materials, language learning kits, a large print collection and French language collections for both adults and children. The Beaches Library is one of the most active libraries in the Toronto Public Library system, one of the largest and busiest library systems in the world. Public usage has increased dramatically since the 2005 reopening after the renovation, attesting to the popularity of this library branch.

A variety of special events are also held at the Beaches Library, including a weekly Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies featuring classic and contemporary feature films every Wednesday at 2 pm. Beaches Book Lovers is a monthly drop-in for book discussions. The Teen Programs at the Beaches Library include Anime Films for March Break and a Knitting Circle that teaches basic stitches and how to knit a funky scarf. The Knitting Circle is also offered for children ages 7 and up. The popular Storytimes programs are offered for children of different ages including Babytime, Toddler Time and Preschool Storytime.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences & interesting life journeys, interviews with travelers and travel experts, cross-cultural issues, and many other features.

Susanne has recently published a series of FREE travel ebooks about destinations such as Spain, Cuba, Mexico, Sicily, New York City, Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, Nova Scotia and many more. Visit Travel and Transitions - FREE ebooks (www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html)"Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons".