JB asked:


We have an ant problem in our house (mostly kitchen) and I haven’t had any luck getting rid of them. They are the small ants and they seem to get into our recycle bin the most (especially if something sweet like discarded soda can). I can’t seem to find an entry point so I can’t target a specific area. I have put white vinegar in a couple bowls and that seems to help somewhat but I would like to get rid of them permanently. Has anyone had any luck with a household product? We have no kids or pets, so that is no issue.

How to do.

Adrian Jenkinson asked:


It is a well documented fact that diets do not work, this is because dieters do not know how lose weight the right way. Over 90% of dieters fail to lose weight permanently. You do want to keep the weight off permanently, right?

The restrictions that accompany all diets are too much of a burden for you to follow long term, and for those few who manage to adhere to them long term and lose weight, what happens when they finally come off the diet? The weight comes back, slowly but surely. So if you want to lose weight permanently, you must make permanent changes to your lifestyle, so that when the weight does come off, it stays off.

So what changes can be made? You should be looking for multiple small changes to your diet, changes that are easy to make and and easy to keep to. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you will be able to handle the change for the rest of your life. If you answer “no” to this question then it’s probably better not to take on the change in the first place, because you will probably soon pile the pounds back on after discarding the change.

Try using skimmed milk, sugar substitutes, low-cal soda, in fact there are low-calorie alternatives for most of today’s popular foods. Drink more water, eat more fresh fruit and veg. You know this stuff, it’s not rocket science, but it does need you to commit. Maybe today will be the day?

No weight loss program can be successful without exercise. Even the fad diets all proclaim that they will be ineffective without exercise. The “E” word can be pretty scary for many people, because it drums up images of leotards, gymnasiums and sweaty bodies. Exercise doesn’t need to be like this, there is only one rule when it comes to exercise; whatever it is, do it EVERY day without fail, (or at least five days a week). So it could be something as simple as walking or cycling.

In the long run, fifteen minutes’ walk each day is more effective than a two-hour gym workout. For most of us the gym workouts will stop some time in the future – let’s face it, most of us don’t need much of an excuse to skip the gym today, do we? By contrast, a walk is something that we can do every day, without the need to give it up.

The equation for weight loss is as simple as it ever was: burn more energy than you eat. This can be done through reduction of energy intake or an increase in energy burn – preferably both. In short, eat less and move more. The top ten tips to lose weight are based on these principles. If you want to lose weight fast, this list is probably not for you.

Yes, it is possible to lose weight fast, but it is also highly probable that you will put it all back on as quickly as you lost it. This is a long term plan, it will take six to 12 months to have significant effect. This can be quite a demoralizing thought, but remember; a pound lost using this system is a pound lost permanently.

1. Forget fad diets they don’t work

2. Make a decision to exercise each day. Start tomorrow. Walk, cycle, swim – anything is fine.

3. Explore the possibilities of small changes you can make to your daily energy consumption.

4. Stop eating fried food. Broil, steam, bake, roast, boil, microwave but DON’T fry!

5. Set a time in the evening – say 6 0′ clock. Make a rule NEVER to eat after that time.

6. Get at least 8 hours’ sleep each night. If you are tired out during each day you will resort to high energy candy bars, cakes and cookies to boost your flagging body.

7. Eat breakfast. Yes, you’ve heard it before – don’t ask the reasons why, the statistical fact is that almost all people who lose weight permanently also eat breakfast. So just DO IT!

8. DON’T cut out carbohydrates. Your body and brain need carbs (NOT from sugar!) so eat them, preferably with fiber, eg wholemeal bread and pasta, potatoes with the skin on.

9. Eliminate fat. This is the most important change you can make. Fat has a massive calorific value, so do your best to find alternatives. Yes, your body needs fat, but don’t worry, no matter how hard you try to eliminate it, thanks to today’s processed food environment you will always eat some of fat no matter how hard you try not to.

10. Don’t be impatient, you want to lose weight permanently, not lose weight fast. This is a long term deal.

How to do

James Wong asked:


If you are not a fan of public gyms with sweaty strangers and obnoxious show-offs, you are in luck. There are other ways to exercise without going to a gym. Actually, there are 5 specific ways to lose weight without going to the gym. It’s really very simple.

Your weight loss program and weight loss diet can go hand in hand without the extra cost of a gym membership. If you’re wondering how that’s possible, don’t worry; it is truly simple, just stick to these top 5 ways to lose weight:

1. Plan Your Weight Loss Program Successfully

When you first decide to make the effort to lose weight, you will want to set up a general and flexible plan to follow. Make sure that you set goals for yourself in regular increments, for example, every week, every month, etc.

These goals should be realistic and achievable and include both nutrition and exercise goals. If you set goals too high for you, the disappointment in possibly coming up short can sometimes be too much to overcome. But you do want to consistently push yourself to your limits; it’s the only way to improve.

2. When You Want to Lose Weight, Be Flexible

Once you start on your weight loss program, be cool and understand that you may have to adjust your weight loss program from time to time. Be sure that you are ready to change your previous lifestyle. Proper, healthy nutrition does not include junk food and soda.

You may be able to sneak a few junk food items here and there but make sure to keep it occasional, otherwise your weight loss efforts will be in vain. Also, you should set aside time for exercise, which can be tough to get used to but it is an important change to be flexible with.

3. Keep Your Weight Loss Goals Front and Center

Whenever you feel like you will surrender to junk food, remember your weight loss goals. Keep motivated even if you are losing weight a bit slower than planned. But weight loss is not all about losing weight and nothing else.

Actually, your weight loss program should also include ways to treat yourself when you have achieved your goals. Eyeing those awesome shoes? Craving a shopping trip? For a success weight loss goal achieved, you deserve to treat yourself!

4. Weight Loss Does Not Mean Starve

Even while you are on a weight loss diet, you should always eat every meal. Skipping breakfast may sound like a good idea but actually it causes you to gain weight. Do not skip any of your regular meals. You can change it to more small meals throughout the day but make sure to eat healthy, wholesome foods to ensure you will lose weight.

5. How to Lose Weight While Pampering Your Body

A successful weight loss program includes both nutrition and exercise. Be sure to include simple exercises for you to do outside of the gym. This added part will help you lose weight safely and in a healthy manner. Your focus should be on burning fat (because you will want to lose fat along with the weight) and building muscle.

Make sure to get plenty of rest too each night; the rest will allow your body to do its fat burning job. While you’re working hard to lose weight, make sure to find time to relax your body and mind. This can heighten your energy and efforts for losing weight.

Follow these top 5 ways to lose weight and you’ll see results in no time! Gear up for summer weight loss by staying out of the gym and using outdoor activities to help burn fat!

How to do