Page 463

15 Self-acceptance Quotes to Boost Your Self Love

January 14, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Self-acceptance and self-love are easier to achieve than you may initially realize. Loving and accepting yourself require accepting life now and forgiving yourself for your mistakes. To achieve these things also requires staying true to yourself all of the time.

If you can always acknowledge your self-worth, then accepting yourself will come naturally. It requires that you don’t conform to those around you. Plus, it requires that you don’t let others’ opinions affect the way you view yourself.

These Fifteen Self-Acceptance Quotes May Boost Your Self-love

These quotes on self-acceptance will help you get there, and they will serve as a reminder later on. Follow the advice and listen to the wisdom found in these quotes. Then, you will experience more self-love than ever before.

1. “True self-esteem is realizing that you are valuable because you were born. No matter where you came from, what color your skin is, what people say about your family or what mean things people may have done to you because you were born, you are important and you matter.” – Oprah Winfrey

No matter what, you are worthy and valuable. Love everything about yourself, and don’t let what others say affect the way you view yourself. When you can remember this and live your life like you always mater, you will love yourself much more.

2. “Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball

Things will work out when you truly love yourself. You won’t be able to accomplish all of your dreams otherwise. Self-love and self-acceptance are necessary to get things done properly.

3. “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” – Dalai Lama

If you want to live a peaceful life and have peace around you, you first have to accept yourself. You won’t find peace anywhere else if you don’t have it within.

4. “Love yourself… enough to take the actions required for your happiness… enough to cut yourself loose from the drama-filled past… enough to set a high standard for relationships… enough to feed your mind and body in a healthy manner… enough to forgive yourself… enough to move on.” – Steve Maraboli

You must do what it takes to be happy. This means cut the people out of your life that cause drama and let go of the situations caused by that drama. Expect your relationships to be fulfilling and joyful.

You have to be willing to live a healthy life, both emotionally and physically. Forgive yourself for things that you’ve done wrong, and move on from the past. As Maraboli explains, these steps are necessary to accept and love yourself fully.

5. “Bring acceptance and compassionate self-talk. Say nice things to yourself – you’re the only one listening. Tell yourself, I am doing the best I can.” – Gabby Bernstein

Focus on stopping any negative self-thoughts or self-talk. Think and say positive things about yourself, and always remind yourself that you are doing your best. After all, you are the only one listening and the only one who can make you love yourself.

6. “You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.” – Diane Von Furstenberg

Since you spend more time with yourself than you do with anyone else, make it enjoyable. Learn to love who you are to enjoy your time and do meaningful things with it.

7. “I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.” – Rita Mae Brown

When you conform to those around you, you won’t love yourself. You can’t love yourself when you are faking it to fit in. Ensure you stay true to who you are, no matter where you are or who you are with.

8. “Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.” – Anna Taylor

Boundaries are necessary for life if you want to experience self-love. Everything about you is precious, and this includes your time and energy.

Use your time and energy for things that make you happy. Don’t let anyone mistreat you and, if they try, make it clear that you won’t accept that behavior.

9. “Your life will be transformed when you make peace with your shadow. The caterpillar will become a breathtakingly beautiful butterfly. You will no longer have to pretend to be someone you’re not. You will no longer have to prove you’re good enough. When you embrace your shadow, you will no longer have to live in fear. Find the gifts of your shadow, and you will finally revel in all the glory of your true self. Then you will have the freedom to create the life you have always desired.” – Debbie Ford

Don’t hate yourself or think negatively about yourself because of what has happened in the past. Be yourself and make peace with anything that is interfering with your happiness. When you do this, you will stop living as if you have to change for others.

Don’t live in fear, as Ford explains, but instead find the good parts of life and remember you are worthy. When you can do this, you’ll live a life free to do what you want and need to do.

10. “When you stop living your life based on what others think of you, real life begins. At that moment, you will finally see the door of self-acceptance opened.” – Shannon L. Alder

Living your life, how someone else wants you to, will never make you happy. You can’t love yourself and live your life if you always base your decisions on others’ thoughts. When you stop living that way, you will see that self-acceptance is easier than ever.

11. “Lighten up on yourself. No one in this world is perfect. Gently accept your humanness.” – Deborah Day

When things go wrong, or you make a mistake, give yourself some grace. No one is perfect, and that includes you.

Remember this when you mess up, accept yourself despite your mistakes, and recognize that you are human. When you go easy on yourself, you’ll be able to experience self-love.

12. “One of the best guides to how to be self-loving is to give ourselves the love we are often dreaming about receiving from others.” – Bell Hooks

Think of the way you dream of someone else loving you. Then, love yourself in the way you dreamed of.
When you do this, you’ll be giving yourself all the love you need. Plus, when the right person comes along, they will treat you well because you love yourself.

13. “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice, to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” – Brene Brown

You have to decide to be yourself in every moment of every day. This will help you accept who you are and love yourself always. You won’t have regrets or negative thoughts if you are always true to yourself, making self-love even easier.

14. “Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.” – Lao Tzu

If you love and accept yourself, you won’t need the validation of others. You will be free to live your life without worrying about what anyone else thinks. When you do this, you will find the world becomes accepting of you because that is the precedent you have set.

15. “Accepting yourself only as long as you look a certain way is not self-acceptance, it is self-destruction.” – Laci Green

While it does feel good to look your best, it isn’t what determines your worth level. You have to accept yourself even when you don’t look the way you like to. If you base your worth on your current appearance, you will be making it harder to love yourself.

Final Thoughts on Self-acceptance Quotes to Boost Your Self Love

Self-acceptance is the only way to truly experience self-love. It would help if you accepted who you are and always be true to yourself. Then, you will be able to fully love yourself the way you deserve to be loved.

Through self-love and self-acceptance, you will be able to set boundaries to determine how others treat you. If you show them that you are worthy and love yourself, they will treat you that way. Plus, it forces them to see that you won’t accept any treatment other than kindness and love.

Use these self-acceptance quotes to boost your self-love, and you’ll be sure to find happiness in life. You will be more content, and your life will seem to get better, too.

Woman Makes Stunning Transformation, Calls it “Fat to Fit”

January 14, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

When one woman finally got fed up with living an unhealthy lifestyle, she decided to undergo a “fat to fit” transformation. Here is Tina Veneros’ inspiring weight loss story.

When she first started out, she says she found it challenging to keep up the lifestyle. Losing weight doesn’t come easily for anyone, but having the right knowledge can make a huge difference.

“I never felt happy in my own skin,” Tina says. “I always found it difficult to lose weight, and I just gave up because it was too hard. But, it was too hard because I wasn’t doing it the right way. I just didn’t know how.”

However, she eventually learned through trial and error how to exercise and eat healthy for her body type.

Tina’s starts her journey from fat to fit

“So it wasn’t until about 2014 that I knew I had to make a change. My starting weight was 260 pounds. I was overwhelmed; I didn’t know what to do, so I decided to join Weight Watchers, and that changed my life.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tina (@from_fat_to_fit_tina)

Through that, Tina learned all about proper portions and how to appreciate food more. It also encouraged her because she realized she could still eat foods she enjoyed and lose weight. After getting her diet on track, she then focused on her exercise goals.

“So, I decided to join a gym. I had all these goals in my mind, I only had me to back me up, but that’s all I needed,” Tina says. “So, I went to the gym and it was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

When she began her workouts, she had a goal of losing body fat to reduce excess skin around her stomach. After accomplishing this, she felt like she had a brand new lease on life.

“It was the best thing I’ve ever done,” Tina says. “I felt like a new woman, like the person that I should’ve been all those years ago, and I wish I’d done it earlier.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tina (@from_fat_to_fit_tina)

Tina’s advice to anyone who also wants to go from “fat to fit”

“Don’t be scared, don’t feel overwhelmed – you need to take it day by day,” Tina said. “You need to change your habits. When you figure it out, it just becomes a lot easier. If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Over the course of 5 years, Tina has lost around 50kg, or around 110 pounds! She says that it’s a lifestyle change, so you need to take things slowly. Give your body time to adjust, and don’t rush the process.

If you train too hard or cut calories by too much, your body will only retaliate. After you get off the diet or reduce your exercise, you’ll just end up gaining the weight back. So, make sure you focus on making the days count rather than trying to speed toward the goal. It’s all about consistency and determination, because the little steps you take will add up in the end.

Tina sums it up perfectly in one of her Instagram posts:

“6 years ago I thought I was going to die. I decided to then make a change. But how? I did it all before for years and failed over and over. So I decided to join ww and that taught me that you can eat what you like and lose weight.

Since then I joined a gym and decided to teach myself how to eat and macro count. Point of my story is I guess when I decided to lose weight it was going to be a lifestyle and it would take me years and years and that was ok. I’ve never been deprived and while it may take me longer to get there, the ride is enjoyable.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tina (@from_fat_to_fit_tina)

However, no matter where you are now, remember that you are enough as you are at this moment. Don’t beat yourself up for how you look just because you don’t have your “dream body” yet. Since Tina lost so much weight, she now relates to both the skinny and heavier versions of herself. And, she advocates for both.

Tina shares the hard truth

She says on her Instagram page:

“Today I was casually talking to some work people who didn’t know I used to be a lot bigger. They were making fun of people who were bigger saying they all wear leggings that come up to their calves with a large tshirt to hide the hail damage from behind as the leggings are usually see-through and that doesn’t need to be seen. I pulled out this pic of myself which is the one on the left and said ‘do you mean like this picture here?’

“They were very embarrassed to say the least. I remember how hard it was to find clothes that fit me and and that were actually comfortable that prevented my legs from rubbing… yes I’ve changed since then but it still upsets me how people can say such cruel things about people.

Point of my story is you shouldn’t judge people on their appearance. Everyone has their flaws.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tina (@from_fat_to_fit_tina)

Remember, if you want to go on your own “fat to fit” journey, do it at your own pace. Find exercises you enjoy that you can keep up with for weeks at a time. Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone, either. Maybe you’d love that Zumba class at the gym you’ve been hesitating to join. Or, maybe yoga or pilates is more your thing. No matter what you do, just move your body in a way that feels good to you!

Final thoughts: going from fat to fit takes time, but you’ll appreciate how far you’ve come

Everyone knows you can’t lose weight overnight; it takes consistent effort and changing your habits to make a dent. Just like it takes a while to gain weight, losing it doesn’t come easily either. This may sound depressing, but your body needs time to adjust to a new caloric intake and workout regimen. Love your body as it is now, and work daily to reach the goals you have in mind. You can do it!

20 Short Motivational Quotes About Life and Love

January 13, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Living a happy life and feeling love are two of the most important things for humans. Things get hard sometimes, but they can always get better, as you will be reminded in these short motivational quotes.

It is normal to feel unmotivated sometimes, especially when things weren’t going well. It would help if you kept pushing forward, though, and working hard to get what you want.

To be happy, you have to strive for all that you have dreamed of. When you stay motivated and work toward your dreams, you will experience the life and love you were after. Let these short motivational quotes remind you of that, and remember them when you need motivation later on.

Twenty Short Motivational Quotes About Life and Love

1. “If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, but never the goal.” – Unknown

Don’t give up if your first plan doesn’t work. This doesn’t mean your goal won’t work. It simply means you need a new plan. Learn from what went wrong the time before, and then try again.

If your second plan doesn’t work, try a third time. Don’t give up until you achieve your goal. It is always possible.

2. “Don’t tell people your plans. Show them your results.” – Unknown

Telling people what you plan to do won’t mean anything because what matters is getting things done. Once you have succeeded, they will know what your plan was anyway. Make them wait for the reveal rather than telling them about it before you have started.

3. “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” – George Bernard Shaw

Make your life meaningful and useful by taking risks and moving forward. Mistakes always happen, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying.

4. “The man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.” – James Crook

You can’t follow everyone else and expect to get what you want. Instead, turn your back on what everyone else is doing and work on your goals and dreams. To be a leader and become successful, you have to stand apart.

5. “Nothing lasts forever. Not even your troubles.” – Arnold H. Glasgow

When things seem hard, remember that you can get through anything. As time goes on, your troubles will fade away. Keep fighting through and working toward brighter days ahead.

6. “Take the risk or lose the chance.” – Unknown

If you never try, you will never achieve anything. You have to put yourself out there and take chances. When you want something, go for it. Otherwise, you may never get the chance again.

Don’t just sit idly by and watch the world pass you by. Take risks, even when they make you uncomfortable. You’ll get much farther this way than by playing it safe and missing out.

7. “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou

Things don’t always work out the way you wanted them to, and you have to accept that. With acceptance comes figuring out what to do next and moving forward. It should never stop you from getting what you want in life.

8. “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” – Earl Nightingale

Time passes, no matter what you choose to do. You might as well spend the time doing something meaningful, even if it takes a while.

9. “Being strong means rejoicing in who you are, complete with imperfections.” – Margaret Woodhouse

Accept and love yourself always, and you will be strong. You can do anything, and even your flaws can’t stop you from getting everything you want in life. Work hard and keep trying, and you will see that your strength gets you through.

10. “If it matters to you, you’ll find a way.” – Charlie Gilkey

The key to all things in life is to figure out what matters in life. When you focus on what matters, you will find a way to see it through. If you can’t bring yourself to try harder, then you must consider if your goal truly matters to you.

11. “Just decide; what’s it’s gonna be, who you’re gonna be and how your gonna do it, and then from that point, the universe will get out of your way.” – Will Smith

Those who know what they want and how they are going to get it are the ones who usually succeed. You have to know what you want out of life and decide the kind of person you want to be. Then, figure out how to get it done.

If you can do this and stay certain along the way, everything else will seemingly fall into place. Figure it all out and then get started because nothing can stop you now.

12. “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Wishing is not enough; we must do.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Knowing but not acting on that knowledge will not get you anywhere. Wishing won’t get you anywhere, either, if you don’t do something to achieve it. Use your knowledge and dreams to do something great that you have always wished for.

13. “If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Roberts

Put yourself out there, even when it makes you uncomfortable. This is the only way to reach your goals and get what you want.

14. “Life is a question and how we live it is our answer.” – Gary Keller

Think about how you want to respond to life. Every bit of your life is a question just waiting for you to answer it through your actions. Give an answer you will be proud of, and one that will get you one step closer to what you want.

Keep in mind that questions aren’t always easy to answer. They sometimes take thought and consideration before the right answer comes to mind. Don’t get frustrated. Just keep working on giving the answer that will make you happy.

15. “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” – Unknown

While you may be comfortable with playing it safe, you won’t get anywhere by doing that. You can’t grow, learn, and change your life by staying in the same safe place.

Get out there and work for what you want. You can make all of your dreams come true if you step outside of your comfort zone.

16. “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” – Conrad Hilton

If you want to be successful in life, then keep working for it, as Hilton explains. Even when things get hard, or you have made a mistake, keep moving forward. Never give up on life or love, and you’ll be sure to succeed.

17. “The only place you find success before work is in the dictionary.” – Unknown

All things in life take hard work and determination, and you won’t succeed without putting in work first. If you want a successful relationship, you must work for it. Likewise, if you want to reach your career goals, you have to work hard for that, too.

18. “Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice.” – Henry Ford

When you want to get anything done, you should do it yourself. Doing it yourself will benefit you twice, as Ford explains.

Working to get what you want will leave you feeling fulfilled, accomplished, and proud of yourself. Plus, you will have learned along the way, grown stronger, and will be even more capable next time. Don’t cheat yourself by relying on others for what you desire.

19. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

Talking about what you want won’t get you anywhere. Instead, start working on it. Do the necessary things to accomplish what you want in life.

20. “The grass is greener where you water it.” – Neil Barringham

Don’t compare your life to someone else’s just because it looks better on the surface. Instead, pour your time and energy into what matters to you so that yours will shine, too.

By tending to what is important, you will make your life fulfilling and joyful. Keep in mind that if you tend to the negative parts of your life, those are the parts that will flourish. Make sure to focus on the meaningful, positive parts.

Final Thoughts on Short Motivational Quotes About Life and Love

Don’t miss out on love and happiness in life by being unmotivated to move forward. Nothing should hold you back from going after your dreams, and you can do anything you set your mind to. If you set your mind to it and work hard, you can be successful, as these short motivational quotes explain.

Keep moving forward no matter what happens, and step outside of your comfort zone whenever you can. You will find that your life improves, and you grow each time you do it.

Remember these short motivational quotes the next time you need some motivation. You have to keep moving to accomplish the things you dream of.

15 Ways to Make Snow Peas (Skyrocket Your Vitamin C)

January 13, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Snow peas are a versatile pea pod that goes with many dishes and skyrockets your Vitamin C intake. The entire pod is edible and has tiny peas inside, making the pod flat. This crunchy, tasty legume can be served raw or cooked, and it cooks quickly, making it even easier to incorporate.

If you have never used snow peas before, you may not know what to do with them. Since they are versatile, you will have many options for them, and they are easy to work with. You will quickly learn some favorite ways to make them, plus you can add them to dishes you already love.

These pea pods aren’t only a delicious and crunchy addition to your food, either. Being rich in vitamin C isn’t the only nutritional benefit you’ll experience from consuming the pods. The other benefits include the following:

Rich in Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and K
Contain dietary fiber and folate
Contain potassium, calcium, and iron

If you aren’t yet convinced that these pea pods are the way to go, you will be soon. The ways to make the pea pods will convince you because they are all so delicious and easy to make.

Fifteen Delicious Ways to Make Snow Peas

Before making the pea pods, there are a few tips you should know. You shouldn’t boil them for more than one minute if your recipe calls for boiling. If you boil them any longer, the pods will lose their crunch, one of the best parts.

Another tip is to remove the string from the peas before cooking them. The strings are edible, but they are tough and not very enjoyable. Removing them make the pea pods easier to eat, and you won’t end up removing them while eating your meal.

1. Sautéed with Peppers

This is one of the easiest ways to make the peas. You will put a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat, and then add one teaspoon of oil. Coat the entire skillet and then add the pea pods to the pan along with sliced bell peppers.

Sauté the pods with the peppers for only four minutes, which should make it all tender but crisp. Remove the pan from the heat and drizzle one more teaspoon of cooking oil over the top. Then, sprinkle it with salt and pepper and mix it all.

2. In a Stir Fry

Stir fry can be cooked in many ways, and adding these pea pods makes it even better. Use your favorite stir fry recipe, and cook the chicken, beef, or pork as your recipe says to do. Then, remove the meat from the pan and add one tablespoon of oil before turning the heat to high.

Once the pan is heated up, add ginger and sauté for one minute. Then, add garlic and the bottoms from scallions before sautéing for 30 seconds.

Once that is done, add pea pods and bell pepper and sauté for about 3 minutes. Finally, add the meat and other ingredients back to the pan and follow your recipe’s remaining steps.

3. As a Side

These pea pods are a simple but delicious side dish for many types of meals. You can prepare them as a side to go with shrimp, fish, chicken, beef, or pasta. Since they cook quickly, it can be a last-minute side dish.

4. Five-Minute Snow Peas

You can make this dish in only five minutes and with only a few ingredients. To begin, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add half a teaspoon of oil. Once the pan is heated, add the pea pods and mix them to cover them in the oil.

Let the peas cook for a minute, and then stir them. Wait for another minute, and then stir again. Repeat this a few times until the pods are done cooking. Then, add some soy sauce and drizzle cooking oil over the top before mixing them one last time.

Line a plate with a paper towel and place the pea pods on the plate. Let it all sit on the plate for a couple of minutes before serving them in a bowl.

5. With Shrimp and Ginger

This delicious way to make pea pods will become one of your favorites if you like shrimp. Prepare shrimp in your favorite way.

Then, sauté some ginger for about a minute, add your peas, and sauté for another three minutes. You can serve it on top of shrimp or simply as a side dish.

6. With Bacon

You will need only a few bacon slices for a pound of pea pods with the strings removed. Cook the bacon until it is just beginning to get crispy, and then add the pods. Sprinkle on a little salt and pepper and cook it all until the peas are tender with a crunch.

You can add water to stop potential burning, a few tablespoons at a time. When they are done, you can serve them with French fried onion pieces on top. Remember, bacon contains fats and salt, but a little flavor goes a long way!

7. Lemon and Butter Snow Peas

Boil two quarts of water and two teaspoons of salt and add the peas, bringing it back to a boil. Try to boil them for only 45 seconds and then drain them and leave them out of the pan. Add two tablespoons of butter and when it begins to sizzle, add the peas back in.

Sauté the peas and butter for no more than one minute, and then add zest from one lemon. You can add toasted almonds at this step, as well—Cook for one more minute, and then season the peas with salt and pepper.

8. Steamed

This is an easy and quick way to make snow peas. Boil some salted water and cover it with a steamer basket.

Add the pea pods to the basket and steam until they are crispy but tender. For serving, drizzle with soy sauce for additional flavor.

9. With Garlic

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of cooking oil. Once it heats up, add your peas and cook for one minute before adding three minced garlic cloves. Continue cooking, occasionally stirring, until the pods are bright green and crispy.

10. Pickled

Rinse the peas and pack them into a canning jar, and add two cloves of garlic cut in half. Then spoon in one spoonful of peppercorns.

Use a saucepan and add half a cup of water and half a cup of vinegar. Add one heaping tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of honey.

Heat this until the honey has dissolved, but don’t let it come to a boil. Once the honey is gone, pour the liquid in the jar over top of the pea pods.

Use something to poke any air bubbles if you can see any in the jar, then wipe the rip of the jar clean. Don’t put the lid on. Instead, let the jars sit in hot water for 15 minutes. Please remove it from the water and let it come to room temperature before serving or putting the lid on for refrigerator storage.

11. With Toasted Almonds

Begin by melting one tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a medium-sized pan. Once melted, add a quarter cup of almonds and cook (stirring occasionally) until butter begins to brown, about a minute and a half. Then, add half a pound of pea pods and two teaspoons of finely chopped shallot.

Sauté the pea pods until they are crispy but still tender, which will take no more than two minutes. Once done, remove from heat, add some lemon juice, and season with salt.

12. In an Instant Pot

This simple recipe will take no time at all, making them the perfect snack or side dish. Add half a pound of pea pods and one cup of water to an instant pot. Close the lid, seal the valve, and press the “pressure cook” button.

Set the time to zero minutes on high pressure. Since the pea pods cook quickly, they will cook while the instant pot is heating up and coming to pressure. Once it’s done, do a quick release, drain the peas, and add salt and pepper if you want.

13. With Butter

Heat one tablespoon of butter on a skillet and then add about three cups of peas. Sauté while continually stirring for about five minutes, until the pods are tender but crispy.

Add salt and pepper and serve the pods. If you’d like them to be a little sweet, add some sugar in with the butter at the beginning.

14. In a Salad

These pea pods can be added to any salad you like. Simply wash them, remove the strings, and then add them to your salad whole or cut in half.

15. Glazed

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add one cup of pea pods, one bunch of chopped scallions, a sprinkle of sugar, and a quarter cup of water. Then, cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.

Uncover the skillet and let the water boil until it is completely gone. This should take about two minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with a little salt.

Final Thoughts on How to Make Snow Peas (Skyrocket Your Vitamin C)

Snow peas are a great addition to your favorite meals, and they make the perfect side dish. Once you have figure out ways to make them, they will quickly become a favorite.

Try out some of these methods of making snow peas and see which ones you like best. Remember, they aren’t only delicious, but they are packed full of nutrients.

Doctors Explain 10 Things That Make You Gain Weight Without Realizing It

January 13, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Suppose you gain weight and can’t figure out why. It likely has something to do with your normal habits. Many habits can cause you to gain weight, but you can work to change them. These habits include lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise, among many others.

Habits are hard to break, but with knowledge and consistent effort, you can make a change. To avoid additional weight gain, you have to take control and decide what is most important. If your health and weight are more important than your current lifestyle, you’ll be driven to make a positive change.

Sometimes, you may know that a change needs to be made, but you’re unsure what it is. Luckily, doctors have explained many of the habits that make people gain weight. Their insight can help you understand where the problems are and help you to reverse them.

Habits that Cause You to Gain Weight Without Realizing It

1. An Unhealthy Diet

Your diet is the most significant factor in determining why you are experiencing weight gain. You have to consume healthy foods and drinks if you want to maintain or lose weight. So, if you continue to gain weight, you should seriously think about what you consume daily.

Too Many Processed Foods Cause You to Gain Weight

Highly processed foods include sugary cereals, fast food, and microwave dinners. These foods contain added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats in high amounts, all of which are incredibly unhealthy. Doctors and researchers have found a direct link between processed foods, weight gain, and obesity.

While processed foods have many calories, they have no other nutrients, including protein and fiber. Because of this, they don’t make you feel full for very long, and you end up eating your next meal sooner.

If you want to kick this habit, you should begin incorporating more whole foods into your diet. The key is always to have whole foods nearby to be tempted to reach your usual processed foods.

Keep your favorite fruits and vegetables nearby for snacks because quick snacks are often processed on the go. It would be best if you also tried to keep beans and eggs on hand for quick but healthy meals. Other healthy options include nuts and seeds of any kind.

2. Caving to Your Sweet Tooth

Consuming too much sugar is a sure way to gain weight. When you give in to your sweet tooth too often, you’ll notice that this habit is one to be broken.

You will find high amounts of sugar in some of your favorite drinks, including soda, coffee creamer, sweetened coffee drinks, and sports drinks. Plus, you will, of course, find sugar in candy, cake, and ice cream.

Weight gain is often enough of a reason to cut back on sugar, but if it isn’t, sugar causes other health issues. Studies show it also increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

You must find other favorite snacks and drinks to stop this habit. Regarding drinks, switch to warm tea instead of coffee and sparkling water instead of sports drinks or soda. For snacks, keep your favorite fruits on hand for your sugar cravings.

3. Living a Sedentary Lifestyle

Not getting enough movement is a big cause of weight gain. When you spend more of your day sitting than you do being active, you live a sedentary lifestyle.

Sometimes, this might seem out of your control. If you work at a desk or your career involves lots of driving, you may be unable to change those parts of your day.

Then, lifestyle choices include watching too much TV or playing on your computer or phone too much. Studies show that too much screen time is one of the leading causes of a sedentary lifestyle.

Try incorporating more exercise in your day or finding opportunities to stand more. Just one additional hour of standing daily can make a massive difference in weight gain.

Make it a habit to take a walk after dinner instead of playing on your phone. Or, take a walk during your lunch break at work instead of sitting in the lunchroom. Finding small blocks of time to get some exercise will be life-changing, and you will quickly notice the results.

4. Going to Bed Late Makes You Gain Weight

For a healthy body, you have to get enough rest. While there are many adverse effects of a lack of sleep, weight gain is a huge one. Research shows that you must get at least six hours of sleep each night to prevent the weight gain associated with too little sleep.

If you can’t sleep at night, you can do a few things to try and improve your sleep quality. Make sure to stop having caffeine after a certain time each day. Determine what time would be best for you, based on how long the effects of caffeine affect you.

You should also limit screen time at night. The light from the screen stimulates your brain rather than allowing it to relax. This means that once you finally turn it off and try to lay down, your brain is overstimulated.

5. High-Stress Lifestyle

If you are often stressed out, studies show it could make you gain weight. When you are stressed, cortisol levels increase in your body, making you hungrier and craving unhealthy foods.

To combat this issue, try practicing new stress management techniques. Or, work to change parts of your life that are overly stressful so you can relax a little more. One idea is to try breathing techniques when you feel stressed and can’t leave the situation.

Other ideas include trying yoga, going outside, or meditating. These options can all offer long-term benefits to your stress levels if you do them regularly.

6. Staying Indoors Can Make You Gain Weight

If you prefer to stay inside and out of the sunlight, that habit can make you gain weight. Fat cells respond to sunlight, getting smaller with exposure. On the other hand, you increase your ability to store fat by not getting sun exposure.

So, if you are guilty of staying indoors or out of the sunlight, make a change. Slather on some sunscreen with SPF and head outside whenever the sun shines. No matter the time of year, utilize whatever sunlight you can.

7. Lack of Exercise

Exercise is essential to living a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t exercise, you are sure to gain weight because of it.

This doesn’t mean you must become a bodybuilder or fitness fanatic. It simply means that you should get moving in some way for about 30 minutes each day.

If you dislike working out in a gym, you can do plenty of exercise at home. Yoga is great because it can be done anywhere, and there are plenty of options for beginners. Go for a walk if you can, and try to find someone to go with you to make it more enjoyable.

You could also find an active sport you could participate in. Tennis and golf are both enjoyable and offer plenty of movement and exercise.

8. Keeping Your Home Cool

Some people enjoy a cool home, but this could have adverse effects no matter the time of year. If your body constantly has to work to raise its temperature, it will begin storing fat. Plus, it will make you hungrier for unhealthy foods.

If this is a problem for you, start keeping your home a little warmer. Keep the air conditioner at a higher temperature or turn the heat up, depending on the time of year.

If you don’t want to (or can’t) change your home’s temperature, consider wearing warmer clothes. When your body temperature is appropriately regulated, you won’t store as much fat or eat as often.

9. Not Planning Meals or Snacks

Planning what you will eat is essential to keeping your weight gain to a minimum. You’ll likely grab whatever you can find when you get hungry and have no plan. These options tend to be processed, full of sugar and lack nutritional benefits.

Instead of relying on unhealthy options, be prepared. Have snacks handy wherever you go, and plan meals ahead of time. This goes for your lunch, as well, so that you don’t end up in a fast-food line when the time comes.

10. Regular Alcohol Consumption

While an occasional alcoholic beverage won’t cause weight gain, it will become a regular habit. Regularly consuming these beverages can skyrocket your calorie intake, quickly causing you to gain weight. Please pay attention to this and remind yourself that it isn’t worth the excess weight.

Final Thoughts on Doctors Explain the Habits That Make People Gain Weight

As you can see, many habits make people gain weight. Once you know these habits, you can work to change them. You will quickly see the results if you consistently break your unhealthy habits.

From lack of sleep to how you eat, many parts of your lifestyle could contribute to your weight gain. Take control of your life and use the tips provided here to become healthier.

Science Explains the Impact of Chronic Stress

January 13, 2021 by Power of Positivity

It’s an understatement to say that the world you live in is stressful. With each day come new and sometimes mentally challenging adventures. However, what does chronic stress do to you and your body when the pressure doesn’t seem to lessen?

When you look up the word stress in the dictionary, one meaning is to put pressure or pull on something beyond its limits of comfort. It’s the same meaning medically, but it also includes your body’s automatic protection system.

How do you describe your feelings when you are stressed? Many people say that they feel anxious and their heart races. You may find it difficult to breathe, and you may experience headaches, body pain, and maybe even panic attacks. With panic comes irrational thoughts and other emotional issues.

You’ve probably read countless books about simplifying your life and reducing stress. People can minimize their life’s tension, but nobody can eliminate it. You need a certain amount of stress to live, grow, and learn.

Stress in the Prehistoric World

One of the most primordial responses that evolved in the brain is the stress response. According to an article published by the American Psychological Association, this response is based on the central nervous system. It automatically supplies stress hormones to your body in case of real or perceived danger.

It’s also known as the fight, flight, freeze, or faint response. The prehistoric earth was a volatile and dangerous place for early ancestors. Finding shelter and foraging for food was a grueling task, and the landscape had many hazards.

Plus, they often encountered threatening prehistoric animals that were either man-eaters or poisonous. Even after humans discovered the benefits and protection of fire, nighttime was especially precarious. Ferocious animals lingered in the shadows, and the fears and superstitions of the people were intensified.

If it weren’t for the stress response hard-wired in their brains, people would have become extinct millions of years ago.

Understanding How the Stress Response Works

The same automatic response that you have hasn’t changed from the one in your primitive ancestors’ heads. Only the stressors around you have changed. You may not have the threats of a dinosaur chasing you, but you still have modern pressures that invoke your automatic stress response.

An article published by the American Institute of Stress explains how your emergency response works. It’s what your brain uses to signal your body to prepare to fight, run, freeze, or faint. In a life-or-death situation, mere seconds are crucial.

The article says that when your brain perceives a threat to your safety, you instantly have physical symptoms. You may have one or all of them, depending on the stressor. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience:

Physical Signs of the Stress Response

•Rapid heartbeat and hyperventilation (rapid breathing)

•Goosebumps, pale, or flushing skin

•Trembling

•Pupil Dilation

In the case of an acute (sudden) threat, shares the article, your central nervous system revs up, and your brain signals your endocrine system to dump powerful stress hormones into your bloodstream. The two major hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol, provide your body with a boost of strength for fighting against an enemy or running to safety.

However, your automatic response may be to freeze in place or even faint. Whatever your body needs to do to be safe, you’ll be primed and ready. Again, this response is only meant for emergencies and doesn’t represent your normal strength and capacity.

Have you ever read incredible but true stories of women lifting entire cars to free people trapped underneath? Maybe you recall experiences where you had extra stamina in a time of crisis. It’s these life-saving hormones that give you the strength, agility, and clarity when you need it the most.

Chronic Stress: False Alarms

Since your stress response is automatic, there’s no way you can turn it on and off at will. It’s hard-wired into your brain, and it will activate it acutely. However, undue stress can put your defenses on autopilot and wreak havoc on your body, mind, and spirit.

Let’s go back to the case of primitive ancestors’ response to danger. When they encountered a hungry flesh-eating dinosaur or an angry wooly mammoth, their stress response made them fight, run, freeze, or faint. The same response keeps you safe when you’re in danger.

Unfortunately, your brain doesn’t differentiate between the threat of a lion roaring towards you or being late for work. Your brain takes any stress, real or perceived, as a threat to your life and will respond immediately.

When you have too much stress, your brain keeps detecting threats and pumps the stress hormones into your body. These hormones are only meant for emergencies and were never intended as a permanent fixture in your bloodstream. What happens when you don’t alleviate chronic stress?

How Chronic Stress Affects You Physically

One of the reasons you may have undue strain is that persistent problems keep the stress response running, unlike acute dangers in your life. According to an article published by the National Institute of Mental Health, high-stress hormone levels are a risk to your wellbeing.

At first, many people may experience headaches, body pains, insomnia, and emotional problems. Every system can be affected, including cardiovascular, immune, digestive, reproductive, and sleep. These systemic problems can contribute to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular illness, and certain cancers in the long run.

How Stress Affects You Mentally

After an acute stress reaction, your body will normalize itself when the threat passes. Although, when you have chronic stress, the fight-flight response becomes your body’s new “normal.” Not only can it affect you physically, but it can also be devastating to your mental health.

When you’re feeling chronic stress, your emotions may be out of sorts, explains an article published by the Office of Women’s Health. You may experience a lack of concentration and the feeling that your life is out of control. It’s also common to have forgetfulness and other mental issues, the article explains.

Chronic stress can also cause anxiety and depression or make the symptoms worse. When you worry about your symptoms’ intensity, you stress more, and it becomes a downward spiral. As your mental health is affected, you may also notice consequences in your personal and professional relationships.

It’s also common for people who are overly stressed to fall into substance abuse, like alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and illicit behavior. These substances may dull the stressful symptoms temporarily, but the problems are still there. Furthermore, substance abuse can intensify your stress levels.

How to Cope with Chronic Stress

While you can’t eradicate stress from your life, there are things you can do to keep chronic stress to a minimum. It’s not easy to strike a balance between family, work, and other social responsibilities. Learning how to manage your stress efficiently can make a big difference in your daily living.

Do you feel tired and overwhelmed? Have you often wished that there were more hours in the day? If you notice any of the signs and symptoms of chronic stress, you can do something about it.

An article published by the American Institute of Stress offers helpful suggestions, like getting enough sleep, eating right, and mindful breathing. These are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Here are some other stress management tools to consider:

1. Practice Meditation

Meditation won’t resolve all your problems, but it can offer you more clarity to find solutions. All you need is a quiet place to sit or lie down and bring your mind into focus. Close your eyes and become aware of your breathing.

It may seem silly at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. When intrusive thoughts come to you, acknowledge them, and release them with peace and compassion. Even if you practice 15-20 minutes a day, you will feel calm and less stressed.

2. Keep a Journal

Journaling is an ideal way of recording your thoughts, concerns, and dreams. It’s also an essential tool that can help you cope with chronic stress. Sometimes, writing down your feelings can give you a fresh perspective.

3. Find a Mental Diversion

There may be stressors in your life that are unavoidable. However, you can find ways of diverting your attention from them. Consider taking up an exciting hobby or learn a new skill. Maybe you could learn a second language, play a musical instrument, or do some artwork.

You can also find personal satisfaction and stress reduction by becoming a mentor or teaching somebody else your skills. Keeping your mind involved in positive activities can make you less prone to stress and ruminating about your problems. The key is taking a little break from it all.

Final Thoughts on Minimizing Chronic Stress on the Body

Medical science has already demonstrated the possible consequences of undue stress on your well-being. When you recognize the signs and learn coping skills, you’ll notice a difference. Your life will be less stressful, and you’ll have more time to do the things you love.

10 Things Successful People Do To Earn Respect

January 13, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever wondered why you can’t “give” respect? It’s because this vital element of human nature must be earned. This is a life-long process that includes honesty, integrity, and offering mutual admiration.

How do you feel when other people disrespect you? It makes you upset, angry, and maybe a little bitter. We all value respect, but we must pay the price to earn it. Respect isn’t automatic, and it doesn’t come quickly.

If you want any personal or professional relationship, you need mutual regard. Without it, the association is doomed to fail. Successful people understand this, so they work hard to earn the trust and respect of their mate, family, friends, and co-workers.

Leaders can’t go anywhere without the admiration of those they lead. You receive authority as a leader, but you work to earn trust and esteem. After you’ve earned respect, then you take it a step further to gain influence.

Ten Ways Successful People Earn Respect

Do you want to be a person that others admire and hold in high regard? It takes dedication, character, genuineness, and hard work. Here are ten ways that you can earn respect from those around you.

1. They’re Honest

According to an article published by the Hoover Institution, honesty has played an essential role in human society throughout recorded history. If you want to gain the respect of others, you must be honest with them. Honesty builds trust, and trust builds solid relationships, both personal and professional.

Of all the intolerable characteristics and habits, people almost certainly hate lying and cheating the most. How could you respect someone who lies every time they open their mouth? If someone would cheat a grocery clerk who gave them a couple of dollars in change instead of one, who else would they cheat?

The old saying that honesty is the best policy is accurate. When a friend, co-worker, or loved one can trust you in the small things, they will trust you with more significant situations. Being truthful and honest paves the way to earn respect from others.

2. They Are Passionate in Their Work

Have you ever seen people who display true joy when they are working? No matter if they’re doing a menial task like sweeping and mopping floors, their positive attitude makes them seem like the CEO of the company. When you have a passion for what you’re doing, people will respect you for it.

Do you have ideas or plans that you want to share with your co-workers or supervisors? They will only believe in you and your work if you show them passion. Employers respect employees who are loyal, dedicated, and passionate about their tasks.

Such a positive attitude can garner the respect you need to be promoted or get a raise. It’s also the best way to encourage investments in your projects or ideas. Be passionate about what you’re doing, no matter if it’s at home or in the office.

3. They Get the Job Done

There’s an old saying that states, “if you want something done, then give it to the busiest person you know.” That adage is often true because respectable people value hard work and efficiency. You will earn esteem from others when you finish your tasks as needed.

While people who procrastinate may be honest and great folks, they lose respect when they’re not doing their job. Unfortunately, some people can’t focus enough to bring a task to completion. As you work diligently and finish what you commit to, people won’t hesitate to trust you for other things.

4. They Show Gratitude

In a study published by Psychiatry Edgmont, the writers state that being grateful has a positive effect on your well-being. When others do nice things for you, they like to be appreciated. It only takes a few seconds to sincerely thank someone for a gift or an act of kindness.

Do you have an attitude of gratitude? You earn respect from others when you are grateful to them and for the blessings that surround you. It’s almost impossible to look up to someone who is always grouchy and full of negativity.

When you are grateful, you create an atmosphere of gratitude and positivity around you. Friends and family recognize your zest for life and appreciation for what you’ve been given. It’s an attitude that they will respect and want to replicate in their lives.

5. They Inspire the Best in Others

Who are the heroes in your life? What are the things you respect and make you want to be like them? Perhaps it’s your parents, other family members, or other reliable mentors you’ve had. These respected people bring out the best in you.

On the flip side, who are the people in your circle of influence? Your most significant challenges are gathered around your dinner table. Parents are usually their children’s role models, and it’s up to you to earn their respect and emulation.

Are you a source of inspiration at work and in your community? Others show you deference when you sincerely encourage them. They will see you as a friend, mentor, and respectable leader.

IKEA’s Bully a Plant project proves the power of positivity can alter your outcome.

6. They’re Humble

It’s challenging to be around an arrogant person who is continually bragging. No matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been, they’ve done it better. Those who lack humility only earn them your ire, not your respect.

Being humble doesn’t mean you’re higher or lower than anybody else. It merely means that you are on equal footing. People respect you when you are down-to-earth and aren’t trying to be something you’re not. They also show you esteem when you aren’t displaying fake humility.

7. They’re Open-Minded

Have you known people who say it’s either their way or the highway? Opinionated and stubborn folks often create toxic relationships in their personal and professional lives. Everyone has different views and opinions, but it’s essential to respect other people’s viewpoints.

Respected people are open-minded and are willing to listen to what others have to say. This skill is honed by being an active listener. Instead of just hearing what the other person is saying, you listen without interrupting, mirror their emotions, and ask for clarification.

To earn respect, you must show respect to others. Family, friends, and co-workers need to see that their opinions and feelings matter to you. Staying open-minded builds on that mutual trust and respect.

After you have a conversation with your family, friends, or co-workers, take what they say to heart. Maybe they do have a better way of doing something or thinking about a situation. If you’re still of the same opinion, you can agree to disagree and keep mutual respect.

8. They Stand Up for Others

Have you ever encountered a bully, perhaps on the school playground? Bullying is not a new problem, shares an article published by ASIS International. In the earliest civilizations, people were harassed and bullied in just about every civil, family, military, and religious group.

Such abusive personalities use fear and intimidation to demand respect from others. It’s not a phenomenon of school-age children. The article mentions bullying in the workplace as a serious problem. Pushing others around and stomping on them will only produce fear and hate, never respect.

People who are respected challenge the bully’s motives and stand up for others. They have the courage to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. Also, respected people refuse to allow others to disrespect and intimidate them.

9. They Keep Their Word

Remember that your reputation is only as good as your word. Years ago, a handshake and your word of honor were as good as a contract. When you tell people that you will do something, please do it. Those who keep their word earn respect in personal and professional relationships.

10. They Aren’t Afraid To Apologize

There’s no such thing as a perfect person, and it’s futile to try. No matter who you’re, you’re bound to make mistakes and have shortcomings every day. When you’ve messed up, you may feel like nobody will respect you again.

It’s a respectable person who can confess to mistakes and shortcomings. If you’ve offended someone, don’t be too proud to go to them and sincerely apologize. Sometimes, more significant offenses take time for healing and forgiveness, and it may never happen.

You’ve done your part when you’ve apologized, so it’s up to the other person to forgive. At least you’ve done the honorable thing and apologized and tried to make amends. In many situations, the other person will respect your honesty, accept your apology, and offer forgiveness.

Final Thoughts on the Ways Successful People Earn Respect

Everyone wants to be admired and respected for who they are. If you’ve accomplished this, you have something that money can’t buy. Remember that to be respected, and you must be as considerate of other people’s thoughts and feelings as they are of yours.

Man Becomes a Bodybuilder And Loses 100 Pounds

January 13, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

When people lose a lot of weight, it sometimes motivates them to take it a step further and become a bodybuilder. When Quantel Thomas lost 100 pounds, he ended up doing exactly that as he saw all his hard work pay off. Now, he considers fitness his passion and posts on social media to encourage others to improve their health. Quantel thinks of bodybuilding as both an art and a way to get healthier.

“When you think about bodybuilding, you’re trying to edge out like a sculpture, so for me, I’m sculpting my body by exercise.”

Quantel got started on this journey around three years ago when he weighed just around 300 pounds. He never imagined he would look at how he does today when he first stepped foot in the gym. He actually struggled for most of his life with his weight before becoming a bodybuilder.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Flex God (@flex_god187)

“My whole childhood, I was overweight, I was always obese. Definitely out of shape, and that was the main reason why I got injured,” Quantel said. “I’d been pushing myself way too hard to a boundary I’d never been in. That’s how everybody starts. That’s when the weight starts packing on.”

Start slow–you won’t become a bodybuilder overnight.

When you first begin a weight loss journey, you should start slowly (even if you feel very motivated). Many people make the mistake of pushing themselves too hard when their bodies aren’t ready, leading to injuries.

Good exercises for beginners include:

– walking
– strength training with 5 or 10 lb weights
– stretching
– yoga
– stationary bike
– bodyweight exercises such as squats, pushups, and lunges

After a few weeks of working out, you’ll start to notice some benefits. Exercise improves your health physically, emotionally, and mentally and lowers the risk of many diseases.

The major benefits of working out include:

– improved cognitive function
– reduced anxiety
– eases depression symptoms
– helps you sleep better
– weight loss (or gain, depending on your body type)
– reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease
– improves bone health
– builds strong muscles
– increases longevity
– improves circulation
– increases confidence

In fact, when Quantel started working out regularly, he noticed a huge difference in his self-image. When you look good and take care of your health, you’ll feel good from the inside out as well.

“Because of my weight, that brought so much low self-esteem – I definitely had no confidence.”

When Quantel became a bodybuilder, however, his confidence skyrocketed. He hadn’t worked out much before then but discovered he really loved lifting weights.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Flex God (@flex_god187)

“Until I went to freshman year, during that summer, I would start weightlifting,” Quantel said. “There were subtle hints that I actually like to work out because the weightlifting part is the only time I actually loved it. I started looking forward to exercising and lifting weights, doing a bench press, and all of these other exercises.”

For his diet, he just kept things simple and followed basic nutrition advice. With so many diets out there, learning the right way to eat can seem overwhelming and confusing. However, you should always listen to your body and eat foods that make you feel energized and healthy. Try to incorporate a mostly whole foods diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and grains.

“When it comes down to the diet side of things, what matters is how much you eat, and how much you work – calories in, calories out,” Quantel says. “Learn how to put the fork down, and learn when to stop eating. As long as you eat less fast food, it already makes a big difference right there.”

With the right diet and exercise plan, you can easily get in the best shape of your life. You may even become passionate about fitness like Quantel and want to become a bodybuilder yourself.

Quantel’s future plans as a bodybuilder

“I worked hard to get here, and this is only just the beginning. I really love bodybuilding, I want to compete and finally change my mindset, and try to be more confident. In 2020, I definitely learned a lot – I learned to appreciate where I’m at in life. Always know there’s going to be some light at the end of the tunnel. I know I’m on a path to greatness, I know I’ve got a lot of potential, so why waste it?”

If you want to become a bodybuilder like Quantel, you should start slow and gradually increase your weight.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Flex God (@flex_god187)

Here are some helpful tips from a fitness enthusiast:

– Stick to free weights
– Do compound movements
– Follow a strict routine and know what exercises you need to do during your session
– Do 3 or 4 workouts per week, using the other days to recover
– Train each muscle group each week, sticking to one muscle group per workout (ex. lower body or upper body).
– Learn the correct form using low weights before advancing
– Gradually increase your weights
– Use a safety belt to protect your back as you get to heavier weights
– Eat plenty of protein (1 gram per pound of body weight)
– Eat a caloric surplus to build muscles
– Aim for 3-4 meals per day
– Don’t eat junk food (or at least limit it)
– Eat plenty of fruits and veggies
– Make sure to take time to recover and get enough sleep
– Avoid drinking, smoking, or other lifestyle habits that may hinder your progress

Final thoughts: becoming a bodybuilder takes extreme discipline and willpower

Bodybuilding isn’t for everyone, but if you’re interested in the sport, you’ll have to train rigorously. You will also have to eat plenty of calories to build muscle and make sure you get an abundance of protein. If this sounds too strict for you, just doing vigorous cardio and weightlifting a few times a week will improve your health. It’s never too late to change your life, and you’re only one decision away from reaching your highest potential.

Remember: the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so take that leap! The only thing stopping you is you.

15 Things Never to Wash with Dish Soap

January 13, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

You might be tempted to use dish soap on everything since it’s something you always have on hand. It seems to work well, and it’s less expensive than other cleaners. You may even think that it’s safe since you use it on dishes.

Surprisingly, however, there are many things you should never wash with dish soap. You might accidentally ruin things if you clean them this way, or you’ll make them even harder to clean. Even worse, when misused, it could cause physical problems for you and your pets.

While dishwashing soap is still a must-have in any kitchen, you’ll think twice about using it on certain things in the future.

Fifteen Things Never to Wash with Dish Soap

Knowing what not to wash with dish soap will protect your family, your belongings, and even the flavor of your food.

1. Coffeemaker

There are a couple of reasons you shouldn’t wash your coffeemaker with dish soap. The first reason is that it can leave a residue that is hard to rinse off. Even when you think you have got it all off, there will likely still be a soap flavor in your next couple of pots.

The other reason depends on your coffeemaker. Many coffeemakers have a coating that makes your coffee taste better and prevents burning from the sides of the pot. Washing with dishwashing soap will remove this coating over time.

2. Your Pet

You shouldn’t wash your pets with this kind of soap, but it is especially harmful to dogs. A dog’s skin will become dry and irritated, causing your dog to become itchy all over. Plus, it can damage their fur, leaving their skin exposed in areas.

You might think dish soap is pet-safe because of the video you see of rescuers bathing sea life in the blue Dawn soap after oil spills. Vets seem to agree that it’s okay for this emergency application. However, you should find a shampoo created specifically for pets. The dish soap can cause dry skin, flaky patches, and irritation if you use it regularly.

An article published by Washington State University states the following on the matter:

“While dish soap or your favorite shampoo might strip away the dirt, and more importantly the odor, from your pet’s coat, it will also strip natural oils from their fur and may irritate their skin.”

3. Windows or Mirrors

While this soap will remove build-up from the windows and mirrors, it still won’t look good. Since it isn’t designed to clean glass, it will cause streaks that are hard to wash off. Instead, save yourself some time and hassle and opt for the glass cleaner in the beginning.

4. Food

While you may think that washing your fruits and vegetables with this soap will be beneficial, it isn’t. Fruits and vegetables have pores that the soap can easily get inside. This will be impossible to rinse off, leaving you to consume the soap completely.

Not only will this taste bad, but it could have physical effects, as well. It could cause gastrointestinal problems or nausea.

5. Your Dishwasher

Soap cannot be used in place of dishwashing detergent. The soap is much sudsier, and it will produce too many bubbles for the dishwasher. The way the dishwasher rinses the dishes will not effectively remove all of the soap suds, either.

It is also important to note that using soap in the dishwasher can damage it. All of the soap build-up and the expanding suds can cause your machine to stop working properly.

6. Your Face

It is important to wash your face, but it is also important to use the right cleanser. Dish soap is not the answer you are looking for. It removes your skin’s natural oil, leaving your skin exposed and vulnerable.

7. A Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets have a seasoned layer of oil on the surface. This layer is removed when soap is used on it, causing it to heat unevenly and changing the taste of the food.

8. Plants

Many people believe soap is safe to use on plants in place of an insecticide, but that isn’t true. The soap is harsh and can kill the plants, and it doesn’t seem to keep pests away, either. As you can see, there truly is no benefit to using soap on your plants.

9. Your Car

Since you spend quite a bit of time in your car, you want it to look good on the outside and the inside. In a pinch, the dish soap may seem like an easy option for washing it. It would help if you avoid this, however, because it isn’t good for the car.

First, the soap is too harsh and can damage the paint job. Plus, it can ruin protective wax that you may have on your car, as well. However, that isn’t it, as the soap can also leave spots on your car that are seemingly impossible to get off. Using a Clay Bar effectively has many benefits for your car.

10. Washing Machine

The reasoning behind this is similar to why you can’t use soap in your dishwasher. Your washing machine isn’t designed to have so many suds in it, and the expanded suds can cause it to burst. Plus, the soap won’t even get your clothes clean because it isn’t harsh enough.

11. Hard Wood Floors

You wouldn’t want to ruin beautiful hardwood floors, so make sure you don’t use soap on them. It will leave the floors with scratches, dings, and an unsightly film on the surface if you do. This is the same for wood trim or architecture, as well.

It is okay to use this soap on other types of flooring, however. It seems to be safe to use on tile, linoleum, and vinyl flooring. You may also consider using hybrid flooring if you need long-lasting flooring using high-quality materials.

12. Your Body

Dishwashing soap is too harsh to use regularly on your body. It will dry out your skin and could cause rashes.

While using it one time likely won’t hurt, you shouldn’t make it a habit. Not only would it be uncomfortable, but it could lead to other conditions like eczema or dermatitis.

13. Your Hair

Similar to many other things mentioned before, dishwashing soap is too harsh to use on your hair. It will strip the natural oils from your hair and leave it dry and brittle. Plus, it can cause your scalp to become flaky, itchy, and irritated, too.

14. Silk

Silk is a delicate material that should be treated as such. This means using a harsh dishwashing soap on your silk clothing should never happen. It will ruin the fabric and cause it to fall apart much more quickly.

15. Leather

Like silk, leather needs to be treated gently. The chemicals found in dish soap will quickly destroy the leather by drying it out. Cracks will appear when the natural oil of leather is gone, ruining the look entirely.

Surprising Things You Can Use Dish Soap For

While there are many things that you should never wash with dishwashing soap, don’t throw it out just yet. Many surprising uses for it will make your life easier and your home cleaner.

As a De-Icer

If you are preparing for a slippery sidewalk or stairs, you can use dishwashing soap as a remedy. Mix a little dishwashing soap with a little rubbing alcohol and half a gallon of warm water.

Stir it all together and then pour it onto sidewalks and stairways. You must do this before the ground gets cold and wet, so it wouldn’t work if you didn’t plan.

Capture Fruit Flies

If you notice a couple of fruit flies in your kitchen, you know there will be many more in a short timeframe. To get ahead of this problem, fill a bowl with white vinegar and add a couple of drops of dishwashing soap.

Leave it on the counter for a full day. You will catch the fruit flies because they are attracted to the vinegar but get stuck to the soap. If you do this as soon as you notice fruit flies, they won’t even have a chance to multiply.

To Kill Weeds

As explained before, dishwashing soap can kill plants. So, it only makes sense that it can also kill weeds. Mix half a gallon of white vinegar with a cut of salt and a little soap. Then, pour the mixture over top of your weeds, and they’ll die quickly.

To Kill Fleas and Ticks

While you shouldn’t regularly wash your pet with this soap, it does help get rid of fleas and ticks. Fleas can’t stand up to the dishwashing soap, and your pet will be able to get some relief.

Unclog a Toilet

If you don’t have a plunger or just don’t want to use one, you can use dishwashing soap instead. To do this, you will dump one cup of soap into the toilet and let it sit for around 30 minutes.

Then, get a bucket of hot water and hold it waist-high. Dump it into the toilet, keeping it at waist-level, which will force it to flush.

Final Thoughts on Things Never to Wash with Dish Soap (and why)

While dish soap is handy for cleaning grease out of pans, it shouldn’t go much beyond that. It is too harsh for skin or fur, and it is much different from laundry and dish detergent. Avoid ruining your things or causing skin rashes by using the soap wisely.

Remember these tips the next time you want to use dish soap for something other than dishes. If you would be upset that it was ruined or cleaning a human or pet, avoid the dishwashing soap. Stick to cleaners made specifically for those things so that you don’t risk a bad situation.

Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!