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10 Ketogenic Diet Recipes with Kale

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A ketogenic diet is one that requires you to consume an extremely low amount of carbohydrates in order for you to use your body’s fat as the main source of energy. When done properly, this diet is highly effective in burning body fat and helping you to lose weight. Kale (or greens) is a great ingredient for this diet, and there are many ketogenic diet recipes with this vegetable that are delicious, filling, and satisfying.

The ketogenic diet is well-known, but not well-understood. This is because most ketogenic newbies are heading to the internet to research a keto diet, and there is so much information that it is overwhelming. When this happens, those who were originally interested begin the diet with a confusion explanation of what the diet really is, and others just give up entirely and don’t follow through with the diet.

Understanding a keto diet doesn’t have to be so confusing or overwhelming, however. Before getting into keto diet recipes with greens, you’re going to first read a quick run-down of what a ketogenic diet is (and what the rules are) so that you can be sure to understand enough to do the diet the right way. The things you must know are as follows:

  • You should not have more than 25 grams of carbs each day.
  • The majority of your calories should come from a fat source.
  • Protein should make up 15% – 25% of your calories.
  • Drink lots of water!
  • Make sure you’re getting enough of all nutrients, and supplement when necessary.
  • Cheating won’t get you anywhere. It’ll actually undo all the hard work you already accomplished.
  • Weigh yourself the first day, then 3 weeks later. Don’t step on a scale in-between.
  • Plan your meals.

The Benefits of Kale

The benefits of this vegetable in a ketogenic diet are plentiful, making it a popular ingredient for those who are doing a keto diet. The benefits of the vegetable in this diet are:

  • It is packed full of nutrients.

A single cup contains huge amounts (more than your required amount! of Vitamins A, K, and C. It also contains Vitamin B6, Manganese, Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Magnesium, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Iron, and Phosphorus.

  • It’s low in calories and carbs.
  • This vegetable is high in antioxidants, including ones that help with eye health and fight cancer.
  • It can lower your cholesterol.
  • It contains protein and fiber.

Ketogenic Diet Recipes with Kale

kale

1. Keto Mexican Frittatas

For this recipe, you will need 1/2 pound of chorizo, 7 ounces of greens, 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, 1 yellow onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and pepper, and 12 eggs. You could also add avocado, tomatoes, peppers, or sour cream to top it off after it’s been served.

Begin by greasing a large casserole dish with the avocado oil. Next, you will wash the greens, removed the stems, and tear the leaves into small pieces. Then, in a frying pan, sautee the onion for around 5 minutes before adding the garlic and cooking for 1 more minute.

Finally, you will crumble the chorizo into the pan and cook it all together for 5 minutes before adding the vegetable and stirring it all together. Once it is combined, cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-low heat.

While you’re waiting, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You will then crack the eggs into a large bowl, add salt and pepper, and beat the eggs until they’re all combined.

When the chorizo mixture is finished, pour it into the casserole dish and spread it evenly before pouring the eggs over top. Add only half of the cheese, stir it all together, and then top with the remaining cheese before putting it into the oven for 15 minutes.

2. Keto Crust-less Cheddar Quiche

For this recipe, you will need 3 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 small diced onion, 1 diced sweet pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups torn greens, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, 10 eggs, 1/4 cup cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and pepper.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×9 baking dish or a pie pan with avocado oil. Add more avocado oil to a pan and sautee the onion for about 5 minutes before adding the peppers and garlic for another 3 minutes. Add the greens to the pan and stir.

Next, pour the vegetable mixture into the pan and spread it evenly, then sprinkle the cheese over top. Once that is ready, use a small bowl to mix the eggs, cream, and seasonings together and pour that over top of the vegetables and cheese. Bake the dish for 35 to 40 minutes.

3. Low Carb Sausage Soup

The ingredients needed for this recipe include 1 pound ground Italian sausage, 6 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup cream or milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt and red pepper flakes, 2 small bags of frozen cauliflower, and 4 cups of leafy greens.

To make this in an instant pot, you will begin by sauteeing the sausage on the sautee setting and draining the grease when it’s finished. Put all remaining ingredients in the instant pot with the sausage, put the lid on it, set the instant pot to pressure cook, and cook for 5 minutes. Allow the instant pot to vent for around 10 minutes before serving.

4. Salad With Lemon Dressing

For the salad portion, you will need 2 full bunches of washed greens, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 1/2 cup each of pistachios (chopped), raisins, and parmesan cheese. The lemon dressing requires 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon honey, salt and pepper to taste, and 1/4 cup each of apple cider vinegar and olive oil.

In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients before combining all of the dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Put the lid on the jar, shake it up, and let it sit until it all mixes together. Pour the dressing over the salad before tossing and serving.

5. Keto Coleslaw

For this recipe, combine 2 and 1/4 cups of coleslaw mix with 1 cup of kale, 1/4 cup red cabbage (chopped), 1/2 tablespoon salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar alcohol. Once combined, allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing it really well with cold water.

While the vegetable mixture sits, you will be making the dressing by combining 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon each of sugar alcohol and apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tablespoon of dried parsley, and pepper to taste. Once the dressing is made and the vegetables have been rinsed, combine all of it together.

6. Chips

Remove the stem from the leaves of one bunch of greens, and then tear the leaves into small pieces before coating them lightly with olive oil. You’ll then sprinkle them with salt and put them in an air fryer set at 370 degrees for about 7 minutes.

7. Keto Beef Skillet

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot and saute 1/2 cup each of red onion and red bell pepper (both diced), 2 tablespoons diced tomatoes, and 1 minced garlic clove for 3 minutes. Add 1/2 pound of ground beef, 1.5 teaspoons each of salt, oregano and cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and cook until browned. Wash and chop 2 bunches of greens and, leaving them wet, add them to the pot with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Cover the pot, lower the temperature to medium-low, and cook until the greens begin to wilt. Then, remove the cover, raise the temperature back to medium, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the liquid is evaporated. Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and turn the heat off. Wait 2 minutes before serving.

8. Sauteed Kale

Slice 2 large shallots into rings and saute them in 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and cook for one minute, stirring continuously. Wash and chop 1 full bunch of greens, 1/2 cup vegetable stock, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Cover and cook for 5 minutes, mixing once or twice. Uncover and cook until the broth has evaporated.

9. Quick Creamy Kale

Put 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and add 1 pound of chopped greens. Allow this to cook while you mix together 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and lemon juice, 1 tablespoon nut butter, 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Pour the mixture over top the greens and stir together before cooking for 1 minute.

10. Ground Beef Casserole

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet and add 2 pounds ground beef, cooking on medium-high until brown. After lowering the temperature to medium, add 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and oregano, and 2 teaspoons of garlic and onion powders.

Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce, mix together and add 3 cups of greens in small amounts. Immediately turn the heat off and add 1/2 cup cheese. Pour all of it into the baking dish, top with 1/2 cup of cheese, and bake for about 10-15 minutes.

Final Thoughts on Ketogenic Diet Recipes with Kale

In a ketogenic diet, kale is like a superfood packed full of nutrients and other benefits. It also makes a low-carb meal delicious and satisfying. In a diet that requires strict rule-following, you’ll always know that this leafy green vegetable is a safe option.

You can make many different types of low-carb recipes using this vegetable, and the variety is endless. From snacks to breakfast foods to filling dinners, there are options for everything.

10 Behaviors That Reveal A Child May Be Autistic

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Understanding what is happening to your child may be a little tricky when they show behaviors you don’t fully comprehend. Unfortunately, if the problem is autism, an explanation of those behaviors may also be confusing. Learning more about the disorder (aka the autism spectrum) or understanding the symptoms of it may enable your child to get a diagnosis and professional help for the autistic child sooner.

Statistics reveal that the frequency of autism cases is on the rise. According to Autismspeaks.org, 1 in every 59 children will be born with the disorder. This is twice as many as were born in 2004. Boys are four times more likely to have it than girls, with a ratio of 1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls. Autism occurs among all racial and socioeconomic groups.

Although genetics is believed to be the cause of autism, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is now studying possible environmental causes to determine its impact on the child in the womb. Several environmental factors may play a part in the development of the spectrum. The mother’s health is known to affect the health and development of the fetus.

Diagnosing Autism

Autism is not difficult to diagnose. Although there is no medical test for it, children as young as two can accurately get a correct diagnosis. A common factor is that a little more than half of the children with the disorder will have a low IQ, but about 44 percent of them will be average or even above average – which is greater than 85.

Getting a correct diagnosis will involve a team of specialists. Brain development is also noticeably different in terms of structures and connections, and it can be observed in infants as young as six months. Symptoms often arise before a child is two years old. However,  most doctors won’t issue a diagnosis until after a child is four years old.

The Range of Autism

Although there are some core symptoms in autism spectrum disorders, those symptoms may not be revealed in the same way in two children. Their abilities will vary, and so will their behavior.

10 Autistic Behaviors to Watch for

1. Impaired Social Interaction

Children with autism cannot interact with other children or even with people in general. It is the key symptom of the autism spectrum. One of the first things that may be noticed is that they will not respond when their name is called, and they will avoid eye contact. They do not understand changes in the tone of another person’s voice or the meaning of facial cues. This is partly caused by the fact that they never look at other peoples’ faces to catch those facial cues, says the National Human Genome Research Institute.

2. Limited Speech Capabilities

Spoken language is an area in which a child with autism will likely be delayed. They have difficulty with communication when they do start talking and will often be awkward in their responses. In some cases, they may have a vast vocabulary, but may not answer a question with an expected answer – and it may not even be related at all to the topic. The National Institutes of Health say that an average child should be babbling by the time they reach their first year. They should also be speaking words before that time, but if they are not using any words by 16 months or two-word phrases by their second year, you need to seek an expert for diagnosis.

They may also repeat phrases, or speak in a monotone voice like a robot or have a sing-song voice. It is also possible that after they learn some new language and communication skills that these become lost later.

3. Reduced Ability to Make Friends

Because of their limited ability to carry on a conversation or have proper social interaction, they have very little ability to make friends among their peers. Their often odd behavior will tend to push other children away, and they are usually not bothered by it (until they are mocked or bullied). They are quite happy playing alone. They also have a hard time interacting with teachers in the classroom.

One study conducted by PLOS discovered that when autistic children are raised with animals that their social skills improve. The animals helped the children even to develop the ability to smile and laugh, have some facial expressions, as well as decreasing behaviors that are less acceptable. In the study, it was also observed that the children even expressed care for the animals, which included cuddling, hugging, comforting, and nuzzling. Having an animal in public was also found to create social interactions.

4. Sensory Sensitivity

Children with autism may tend to overreact or underreact to various stimuli of their senses. While they may completely ignore some sounds, such as people speaking to them, other sounds may obviously disturb them. This can lead to them covering their ears or making various noises to attempt to drown out the sound. Their sense of touch may also be extra sensitive, causing them to pull away at the touch of a particular type of fabric or a pat on the back. This same effect may also occur when other types of sudden or unusual sensory input are received. This can include smells, lights, textures, tastes, and even colors.

5. Unusual Body Movementsautistic child

An autistic child will have abnormal body movements that will be readily noticeable. They repeat the motion over and over. These can involve the flapping of their hands, spinning around, and rocking. They will also tend to be continually moving.

6. Struggle to Understand or Express Emotions

Some children who are autistic may have a hard time understanding how another child or person feels. They also have difficulty being able to express their feelings. Research conducted by Scientific American says that this idea is wrong – they can show empathy. Where this idea comes from is that some children with autism (about 50 percent) have another disorder called alexithymia, and this disorder causes a lack of feelings.

7. Repeats Words or Phrases

Some children with this disorder fixate on a word or phrase and repeat it over and over again. This is called echolalia. This can be a word or phrase they heard from others, from adults, or even from a TV program. Their use of the word or phrase does not indicate that they know its meaning.

8. Detail Oriented

Autistic children are often very detail-oriented. They will take toys and other objects and carefully line them up. This may be more important to them than playing with the toy, and it will be to the point of being excessive.

9. Focused on Parts of Objects

They will also become focused on specific objects or parts of objects, such as a moving part on a toy. Their focus will be abnormal and intense, and it may cause them to preclude playing with other children. It may also extend to various topics.

10. Need a Routine to Survive

People that have autism need to have a regular daily routine. This provides them with a degree of security. If you break their regular routine, even in simple matters, they often become angry, distressed, and frustrated. It will often leave them unable to function when facing interruptions in a regularly scheduled routine. Their desired routine may even extend to meals when they want the same foods day after day.

Other Behaviors

Autistic children may also be self-injurious. The injuries may be rather minor, such as banging their head against a wall or may actually cause physical harm, such as cutting. In one study that used 149 people with autism aged 4 to 39, it was discovered that 50 percent of the people in the study had used some sort of self-injury within the past 30 days, which included, self-biting, self-hitting, and self-scratching.

May Have Epilepsy

Seizures may also be present with autism, even if it is not there at the start. Twenty-five percent of children with autism will develop seizures.

Girls May Have Different Symptoms

In an article by Scientific American, researchers have discovered that many girls with autism spectrum have likely been overlooked. This is because the original test models were all boys. Doctors now believe that girls have some different symptoms. Unfortunately, it still needs to be determined on how to diagnose a girl with them. Girls know how to mask some of their symptoms better.

In other situations, girls tend to display different interests. Boys, for example, may not care at all whether they have any kind of social interaction. They often are happily playing by themselves in their little world. Girls, however, express a stronger interest in friendships and acceptance. This can lead them to want to learn how to be socially acceptable, and they may work harder at it, causing parents and others not to notice.

advice for parents bonus tip

Final Thoughts: Medical Treatment of Autistic People

Treatment for autism can include a wide range of methods, depending on the severity and age of the individual. Children with autism can often become more controlling of their symptoms, and they may become less noticeable. At present, there is no cure for it, and current medicines do not treat the primary symptoms. Doctors may order medications to help with some of the more severe symptoms. Those can treat depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treatments can make a difference in the lives of people who are autistic – children and adults. By seeking an accurate diagnosis when unusual behavior is first noticed, it can improve the quality of their lives, as well as that of their parents and others who interact with them.

Weight Watchers: An Objective Look At The Weight Loss Program

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Few companies worldwide are more recognizable than Weight Watchers for diet success. Over 40 years of experience in helping people live healthier lives and reach their weight loss goals testifies to their excellence.

Other companies might be considered too difficult or restrictive. However, weight-watchers gives you the freedom to choose food combinations that appeal to you. Thus, the flexibility makes it less likely that you will succumb to unhealthy snacking during the day.

A balanced approach to weight loss

Weight Watchers promotes a balanced approach to weight loss with a healthy nutrition plan and plenty of choices that are suitable for the pickiest eater. There are no restrictive meals or pre-packaged, processed foods. In fact, the goal of the program is to empower you to make good choices as part of creating a new and healthier lifestyle.

Food and points

Weight Watchers assigns every food you can imagine a points value. The plan determines points using scientific algorithms that calculate how long it takes for a body to work off the calories in each food. If you are able to stick within your daily points limit, you can generally choose the foods you enjoy and like to eat. For most, it does not feel overly restrictive.

Getting started with Weight Watchers

When you are first starting out on the program, the online resources allow you to gain access to several helpful tools that make healthy lifestyle creation much easier. The website alone has a database of over 40,000 foods that make it simple to track your food choices and keep track of daily points. In addition to food calculations, you’ll find hundreds of recipes, a meal planner, and tips for eating out and on the go. With all of the resources at your fingertips, there are no more excuses for weight loss failure.

Exercise while on the plan

Weight Watchers encourages exercise while on the food plan. Points values are even assigned to activities like walking, running, swimming, and cardio. Points are deducted from your daily allotment of food, which allows you to splurge every now and then on a special treat.

They encourage adding healthier food choices

The system encourages the consumption of fresh, whole, unprocessed foods, fruits, vegetables, and quality proteins, although no foods are considered completely off limits. A points value of zero is assigned to over 200 healthy foods, making snack time a treat when choosing from this extensive list. Suggested foods include:

  • Lean proteins such as skinless chicken, eggs, tofu, shellfish, and non-fat yogurt
  • Vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, asparagus, greens, cauliflower, apples, and peppers
  • Fresh, frozen, and unsweetened canned fruit
  • Healthy carbs like sweet potatoes, brown rice, oatmeal, beans, and whole grains products
  • Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and nuts

Restricted foods

While most foods have a points value, the consumption of processed and unhealthy foods is advised against. The suggestion of program developers is to consume high amounts of quality proteins and fewer starchy and sugary foods. Foods that are discouraged are:

  • Sugary drinks, alcohol, beverages with empty calories
  • Potato chips, French fries, fried foods
  • Processed meats
  • Candy
  • Cakes, cookies, and other sweets

The occasional treat won’t derail your progress, but looking long term, you’ll want to develop healthier habits that you can stick with in the future to maintain lasting results.

No time to track points? Try the frozen line

If you are short on time and need someone else to do the pointwork for you, Weight Watchers has a line of frozen prepared meals products that can be found at most grocery stores. Featuring everything from breakfast items to international cuisine to desserts, they have done everything possible to make maintaining and losing weight easy, simple, and delicious.

Weight tracking made easy

The Weight Watchers online app offers comprehensive tracking of food intake and activity levels, giving you a complete view of your success step by step. A mobile app that works across many operating systems gives you a complete look at your progress, no matter where you are. You are able to make informed decisions while on the go and even when dining out, making weight loss achievable by almost anyone.

Support and accountability systems

Taking your weight loss even further is easy with a number of online forums and even meet up groups for those who need a little extra accountability. Simply input your zip code into the “meetings finder” option and see a list of available meeting dates and times in your area.

Having a personal coach for other programs seems a little unattainable, but with weight-watchers online plus, you can be assigned a personal accountability coach to walk you through your customized program step by step. A unique aspect of this program is the fact that each accountability coach has personally enrolled in the program at one point with the goal of losing weight and has succeeded. They use their personal experience and the enthusiasm of their goal achievement to help fuel your passion for pursuing your own health and fitness goals.

Access to customized coaching

Need extra help? Access a personal coach.
You and your coach design a fully customized program. Then, begin communicating via phone or email for the length of your program. If you are too busy to attend regular in-person meetings, your coach will provide you with education and inspirational material that can assist you with your weight loss journey. A customizable homepage on their app helps you reach achievable milestones and tracks progress.

Superior customer service

With a comprehensive FAQS page on their website and staff that are committed to answering questions via email and phone within 24 hours of receipt, it is easy to see why this plan is one of the best and most consistent for lasting weight loss results. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons that users have reported after using the system for a time:

Pros of Weight Watchers:

1. There is no “junk science” or “magic cure” that promises to fix your body unrealistically.

The plan uses real food and realistic goals for lasting results. That might be why it has been successful for over 40 years.

2. Social aspects of the program can help a person stay on track.

Weekly meetings and face to face time with your accountability coach ensure that you stay on track and meet your goals, one marker at a time. Lasting friendships developed during the program encourage mindful eating and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle after goals have been reached. Thus, some people cite new friendships as additional benefits of joining.

3. The program focuses on flexibility rather than restriction.

Participants find an array of choices for food options and clear plans for weight loss. Thus, this plan works for the majority of people who don’t like restrictive options of other diets.

Cons of Weight-Watchers:

1. Lack of specific choices may not work for everyone.

People that are not good at balancing their food choices may not be able to make wise choices that lead to lasting weight loss. Some plan followers rely exclusively on the frozen menu options, which is not a plan for sustainable weight loss. It’s better for many to adopt a whole foods, plant-based lifestyle. That’s because you’ll have an easier time with meal planning in the long run.

2. Weight regain is a risk.

With any diet plan, the failure to adopt new lifestyles and make healthier choices will inevitably result in weight regain. And that can be frustrating and disheartening. Making small, sustainable choices that you can stick with will, over time, ensure that you walk the straight and narrow.  Maintaining your new, slimmer self will stay with you only as a result of new habits.

3. Coaches, not nutritional professionals and doctors, facilitate the plan.

If what you want is solid medical and nutritional advice from qualified professionals, this plan may not be for you. All program coaches have gone through the program themselves and experienced a measure of success in the program. Indeed, they share their real-life experience with weight loss to help you reach your goals. Plus, they may fuel your passion for creating a healthier lifestyle. They also know how to plan protocols and tips for success that can help anyone stay on track. You must decide what level of accountability and assistance you need in reaching your goals.
food journal

Final Thoughts on Giving Weight Watchers a Try

The evidence is in the long-standing success of the program. And, with over 40 years of satisfied clients and lasting weight loss results, this program seems relatively easy to follow. The combination of food variety with technology, accountability and community connections help almost anyone to feel that they can reach their goals successfully.
If you are looking for lasting weight loss and better health, consider giving Weight Watchers a try.  Here’s to your best health!

Colonoscopy: The Test That Could Save Your Life

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Of all medical procedures, the colonoscopy is perhaps the one that gives people the most pause. While the test may be an uncomfortable concept, it could very well save your life.

Colon cancer is a relatively treatable disease when you and your doctor catch it early! And, this procedure is the best way to find early-stage colorectal cancer. Those whose colon cancer was diagnosed through colonoscopy have better results and a much lower death rate.

Taking the time to understand this important procedure and its possible role in extending your life is a worthwhile endeavor.

What is a colonoscopy?

This outpatient procedure is an examination of the inside of the large intestine. A long, flexible camera called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum, allowing doctors to see inside and check on the health of the intestine. The entire procedure generally lasts between 30-60 minutes. The procedure will usually be performed by a gastroenterologist who has received special training in colonoscopy.

Before the procedure begins, you’re usually given medications to relieve pain and make you drowsy. This sedation makes the procedure easier to endure for many patients. For those who wish, it may be possible to undergo deeper sedation or even anesthesia. If the procedure makes you extremely anxious and sedation medications aren’t enough, it may be worth considering and discussing with your doctor.

The medications given before the procedure may prevent you from feeling much at all, but some do experience mild cramping. A great way to combat this discomfort is to practice some deep breathing exercises.

If the test reveals something abnormal, the doctor may perform a biopsy. This is where the doctor removes small amounts of tissue so it can be analyzed. When abnormal growths or polyps, are found, the doctor may remove them. This saves you from having a second procedure at a later date.

Preparing for a colonoscopy

As with any medical procedure, it’s always important to tell your doctor about any health conditions you have. Your doctor should especially know about the following:

  • you’re pregnant
  • you have diabetes
  • if you have a heart or lung condition
  • you’re allergic to any medications
  • you have a blood clotting disorder
  • which medications you are currently taking

In some cases, your doctor may want you to take a course of antibiotics before the procedure.

It’s also important to communicate with your doctor about how you are feeling about the procedure, especially if you have any anxiety. Talking through your worries with your doctor may well help to minimize your fear and discomfort.

Restricting the intake of certain foods and fluids before the procedure may be necessary. You may be asked to limit or eliminate solid foods altogether a few days beforehand.

A key point of preparation for this test is the clearing out of the bowel. In order for doctors to clearly see the inside of your colon to check for abnormalities, it must be empty. To accomplish this, you may be asked to take laxatives or drink a special preparation to help clear you out. You may have heard that this process is quite uncomfortable but it’s really not quite as bad as many make it out to be. It might be smart to undergo a colon cleanse before this. You will also receive enemas before the procedure to further clean out of the inside of the intestine.

Mental preparations

Preparing physically for the procedure is only one part of successful preparation. You also need to prepare mentally. Taking time to calm your anxiety about the procedure can result in a better overall experience. You might try to some breathing techniques, aromatherapy using essential oils, meditation, or other techniques for reducing stress. Going into the procedure with less stress and anxiety will help. Being tense may make it more difficult so it’s wise to try to relax as much as you can.

What happens after a colonoscopy

After the procedure, you shouldn’t feel pain but you might experience a gassy feeling or feel a bit of cramping.

Because of the sedatives, you will need to arrange to have somebody drive you home afterward. You may feel a bit out of it for much of the day and it’s not safe for you to operate a motor vehicle.

If the doctor has removed any polyps or taken any biopsies, there may be a temporary adjustment to your medications. You can generally resume your typical diet right away after the procedure.

Complications

Complications are rare, but as with any procedure, they are possible. Possible complications include bleeding and even puncture of the colon. It’s very important to contact your doctor if you experience:

  • prolonged or excessive bleeding from the rectum
  • severe stomach pain
  • fever or chills

Why colonoscopies are important

Catching colon cancer early is very important. Early-stage colorectal cancer has a much lower mortality rate and a better overall prognosis. There are symptoms of colon cancer, especially at later stages, but the best way to catch it early on is a colonoscopy. If you do notice any symptoms of this cancer, it’s always good to mention them to your doctor. This might lead to having the procedure sooner than planned to see if the symptoms are caused by colorectal cancer or another condition.

A study of 25,000 patients in the VA system found that colonoscopies were associated with a 61 percent reduction in colorectal cancer mortality. That statistic is too significant to ignore. Colonoscopies save lives.

According to the CDC, colorectal cancer’s overall 5-year survival rate is 64 percent. That said, the survival rate when the cancer is caught early is 90 percent. Colonoscopies are the best way to catch the cancer early so they ultimately make it more likely that you’ll survive this form of cancer.

Removing polyps during the procedure also has a significant impact on survival. A study from the New England Journal of Medicine found that removing cancerous polyps during the examination of the intestine reduced the chance of death by 53 percent

Colorectal cancer is quite common and it does run in families. When you have a family history of this type of cancer, your risk doubles. Family history also impacts when you should be tested. When a first-degree relative experienced colorectal cancer, you should begin undergoing annual colonoscopies once you are 10 years younger than they were upon diagnosis. For most, the recommended age for the first time to have this test is 50 but those with a family history will often need to undergo the test at a younger age.

Other things to consider

Colonoscopies can save your life by helping to catch colorectal cancer at an earlier stage. The procedure may also alert you to precancerous growths or signs or other intestinal problems that are not cancer. The procedure may show evidence of other health conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, or parasites.

Preventing colorectal cancer

Catching colorectal cancer early results in a better prognosis. But there are also steps you can take to help prevent getting the cancer in the first place. If you have a family history or other risk factors, it may be especially important to take positives steps toward prevention.

There is now significant evidence that diet plays a role in cancer. Studies show that around 5% of cancer cases directly arise from unhealthy diets. This number is small enough to show that eating a healthy diet isn’t a sure bet that will fully prevent cancer. However, it suggests that eating well definitely helps.

In addition to making sure you are eating well, ensure you consume a well-rounded variety of vegetables and whole grains. This includes getting enough exercise and taking care of your mental health.

All of these positive steps may help prevent cancer. This along with undergoing regular screening including getting annual colonoscopies will lead to a better prognosis and likely a longer life.

Final thoughts on colonoscopy

Nobody is excited about this lifesaving procedure but it is one of the most important medical tests you can have. Undergoing colonoscopies each year is the best way to catch colorectal cancer early on. Catching this cancer early gives you a much better chance of surviving it.

In addition to improving cancer prognosis and survivorship by helping catch it early, colonoscopies can also help diagnose other conditions. This will usually lead to an improved quality of life by giving you treatment options including lifestyle changes and medication.

There is no reason to feel embarrassed about this procedure. It may help to think about it as something everybody has to undergo. It’s something your doctor does with great regularity and they certainly won’t be judging you. A colonoscopy is relatively painless and it offers an extraordinary value in being a potentially life-saving diagnostic tool.

Scientists Reveal the Best Intermittent Fasting Plans

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Ever considered intermittent fasting to help you reach your health goals?
When you find yourself unable to lose weight, feeling like you’ve hit a plateau, or are just a few pounds away from your goal weight, intermittent fasting may be the plan you need to implement.

There are a handful of different intermittent fasting plans. Therefore, you will have to figure out which one is best for you and your lifestyle.

Since there are so many different fasting plans, you are sure to find one that works well for you and that you are comfortable with. You may even be able to combine a couple of different methods and create your own plan that fits well.

Fasting of any kind requires that you go for a period of time without eating. Thus, you will lower your calorie intake and burn body fat. Not only that, but it also has other benefits for your body. Indeed, you will increase your strength and return your body to its optimal state. Over time it’ll become easier for you and your body will be used to the new eating plan. Therefore, you’ll make it less likely that you’ll give in to cravings on a fasting day or binge on an eating day.

Of course, before you jump into a fasting plan, you likely want to know a few more details about this type of fasting first. So, before heading into the plans, you will read what intermittent fasting is, the history of it, and whether or not it’s safe (it is, by the way). Then, you will read about what scientists reveal are the best fasting plans.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is when you go a short period of time (about 12-14 hours) without eating in order to allow your body to use some stored energy (body fat). Some may confuse fasting with starvation, but that is definitely not the case. The two are quite different, as this type of fasting is controlled, timed, deliberate, and done for health purposes rather than to deplete your health.

Fasting is done by those who have enough body fat (they aren’t underweight), and should never cause any kind of suffering. It occurs at any time when you aren’t eating. This could mean the time after dinner until breakfast the next morning, as long as you aren’t having snacks between those times.

Is Fasting For Nutrition Purposes a New Concept?

This type of fasting only lasts for short periods of time (unlike when fasting occurs for religious purposes) and has been a known but uncommon practice for centuries. The term “breakfast” even shows just how old this concept is because, when separated, the term is actually “break-fast”, as in “break the fast”.

Is Intermittent Fasting Safe?

Since it is only done for short amounts of time (14-24 hours) each day, intermittent fasting is safe if you are in good health, are not under-weight, pregnant, or breastfeeding, and you are still getting all of your necessary nutrients.

On the contrary, when this type of fasting is done correctly, it is actually beneficial to your health. This is because in order to restore your bodies balance or to lose weight, you have to go for a period of time each day without eating in order to burn food energy.

It is important to note that if you choose to fast for longer than 24 hours, you should receive medical guidance and monitoring throughout the process.
intermittent fasting

The Best Intermittent Fasting Plans

1. Eat Stop Eat

This fasting plan requires that you fast for 24 hours once or twice a week, on non-consecutive days. The other 5 days you will consume, as usual, keeping within your calorie and nutrient goals.

Now, this doesn’t mean to not eat at all for a full day. Instead, it actually means not eating from dinner one night until dinner the next night. You will still eat on both of the days. However, you will allow 24 hours to pass in between meals. This could be done from lunch to lunch or breakfast to breakfast, as well.

If you struggle to do a full 24-hours right away, begin smaller with a 14 or 16 hour fast instead. Then, work your way up to the 24-hours. The biggest benefit, however, is that during your eating periods, you can literally eat whatever you want. You have no restrictions.

2. The 5:2 Method

This diet is similar to the Eat Stop Eat method because you consume as usual 5 days of the week, and you only fast for two days. The difference between the two methods, however, is that with the 5:2 Method, you don’t cut out all calories on the 2 days of fasting. Instead, you will cut your calorie consumption back to about 500 or 600 calories on those two days.

On the two fasting days, you could eat one healthy meal, or you could do two very small meals to make up your 500 calories. Many experienced fasters recommend making your two fasting days your busiest days of the week, as it will help you stay busy and avoid thinking about food.

3. The Warrior Diet

Ori Hofmekler, a fitness expert, raved about it and popularized it. It requires that you eat a small number of raw fruits and vegetables throughout the day to get you by, and then one large meal for dinner. To break it down a little more, you will fast all day (but you are allowed fruits and veggies), and then you consume the rest of the calories and nutrients you need during a 4-hour window in the evening or at night.

4. Alternate-Day Fasting

As the name of this method implies, the goal is to fast every other day, either by not consuming any calories at all or by consuming no more than 500 calories on the fasting days. Alternate-day fasting is rather tough to do, as fasting every other day is going to take intense will-power. It is popular amongst those who are familiar and experienced with other fasts, although it is safe for beginnings to try.

5. Fat Loss Forever

This method combines three different methods together; the Eat Stop Eat method, the Warrior Diet, and the 16/8 (or Leangains) methods. The best part is, you get one cheat day every week to eat whatever and whenever you want. The hardest part is that the cheat day is followed by a full 36-hour fast.

6. 16/8 Method (also known as Leangains)

This method requires that you fast for 14-16 hours and eat only during an 8 or 10 hour time period. Many who choose lean grains skip breakfast and eat from lunchtime until dinnertime. This could be 11am-7pm, 12-8pm, or 1-9pm; whenever your lunch period begins.

Another option would be to skip dinner, choosing instead to eat breakfast and lunch only. Some experts recommend no more than 14 or 15-hour fasts for women. This is because the female metabolism is different from a man’s. However, science provides no concrete evidence to back this theory up.

7. Spontaneous Meal Skipping

This method may be the easiest fasting plan, as you basically just skip meals when it’s not convenient for you to eat. This could mean that you don’t have time or aren’t hungry at mealtime, so you opt to skip it. Many times, this would be lunch for those who are busy during the day, or breakfast for those who are rushing around in the morning.

Tips To Help With Intermittent Fasting

  • Drink lots of water.
  • You can have coffee, you just can’t add cream or sugar.
  • Unsweetened tea is fine to drink.
  • Don’t eat a ton of food right after breaking your fast.
  • If your goal is weight loss, eat as usual during your eating periods. Do not eat any less or any more than you normally would.
  • Make some of your fastings during the time you will be sleeping.

intermittent fasting

Final Thoughts On the Best Intermittent Fasting Plans

Intermittent fasting is completely safe when done properly. Furthermore, it can aid in weight loss and return your body to a better state. Food is not necessary at all times. So, going without for up to 24 hours will not have any negative effect on your body. That is, as long as you are making sure to get your required amount of nutrients each day.

No matter which fasting plan you choose to try, it is important to remember to not over-indulge during your eating times. You still have to stick to a set number of calories throughout the day, or the fasting will not be effective.

Whether you need a final big push to lose the last couple of pounds before your goal or you are making a long-term lifestyle change, fasting will help you along the way. You will find that it gets easier the longer you stick to a plan, as your body will get used to the change over time.

Positive Affirmations From The Baby Boomers Era That May Change Your Life

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It was during the generation of the Baby Boomers that technology made its explosion into society. In fact, most baby boomers will tell you that they were born in the absolute most challenging generation in which to acclimate to being tech-savvy. This is because baby boomers had to learn technology as an adult.

How does this apply to the topic of using positive affirmations, you ask? This applies to this topic because using affirmations to program your brain is very much like programming computers! Coding languages such as Pascal, Fortran, Java and more form the entire foundation and the structure that tells the computer what it is supposed to do.

If there is poor coding or the computer cannot understand what is known as software, the entire program runs amok. Liken this system to the human brain and psyche. Shabby or poor language into the brain, poor results come out.

In other words, garbage in = garbage out.

The Food Analogy

We already know if we eat a lot of junk food, our health will suffer, our weight will be over or under, and our brains will not function properly. If computers and the human body require appropriate and positive input, would it not be obvious that our minds and psyche demand positive input in order to be productive, healthy, and long-lived? Words are food for self-actualization.

If there is any part of this article that you, dear reader, should retain and digest, it is this analogy! Should you find yourself programming your mind with unhealthy or negative “nutrition,” stop for a moment and ask yourself if you would expect a positive outcome if you consume an ongoing diet of junk food.

Examples of Baby Boomers’ Top Positive and Healthy Affirmations

According to Mindvalley.com, successful affirmations must follow a specific formula in order to follow the language of the brain. The internet is obviously full of what many professionals claim to be positive affirmations; however, Mindvalley.com refutes them if they do not follow this pattern:
  • Successful positive affirmations must be in the present tense;
  • Successful affirmations must use only positive words. The brain must work extra hard to get past negative terms;
  • Affirmations must contain facts of accuracy and truth. For example, For example, affirmations should be attainable.

According to MindValley.com, your brain never stops looking for clues to filter your environment and guide your actions; therefore, it will pick up on any available influence.

Certainly all of us have heard other people say things like, “I’m just horrible with remembering names!” or “I never win anything!” Hopefully, this article will put the brakes on this practice in your world.

Critical Thinking Basis for Using Positive Thoughts and Programming

When a judge makes a decision, he or she must base or prove that their decision can be backed by statute law. Statute law is law that has been put into place by a legislative body.

Hence, attorneys quote case studies and statute law when they are arguing their case. their arguments. The main premise here is that both paradigms are based on decisions or legislation that has happened before and has set a precedent.

Why do we visit such a premise when talking about positive affirmations? It is used to demonstrate the energy and power of precedence.

Once you train your brain to make positivism your “statute law,” you are setting your own precedent for success.

Scientific Research for Training Our Minds to Be Positive

According to inspiring teacher and author John KeHoe, training our minds is integral to success in life. This baby boomer’s rules for daily affirmations are threefold and simple:

  • Always make your affirmations in a positive direction. For example, state, “I can do a wonderful job on this project” instead of “I hope my project does not fail;”
  • Make your affirmations short and simple so that you can repeat them easily and from memory;
  • John KeHoe is mildly at odds with other researchers with his third tenet. He does not think you have to believe it to say it. KeHoe believes that simply repeating it over and over again will produce a positive effect.

Examples of Positive Affirmations To Use Today

Now that you understand the tenets that are required to effectively implement these life-altering mantras, let’s implement some of those objectives.

1) “I am important to this company” is in the present tense, it uses positive terms, and it is true. If you were not important to your employer, you would no longer be employed by them.

2) “I am capable of winning this game” is in the present tense, it uses positive terms, and it is possible. The caveat here is the third part might not come true. Let’s say you don’t win the game. Your positive affirmation was still an integral part of you playing your best game, but on this day the other team was stronger. And that will happen. The key is to continue your optimistic affirmations because they truly will only make you stronger, healthier, and more productive. Coaches always begin their games with positive encouragement to their teams. Some games are won, some are lost.

3) “I am an amazing husband/wife!” When you say this to your brain, you are automatically setting up your brain to be an amazing spouse. If you veer “off course,” the positive mantra will put your conscience into gear or provide a feeling of conviction.

Don’t Forget To Love Yourself!

If you have not been taught that it is absolutely imperative to love yourself in order to be loved, then please learn that right now! Would you attempt to teach another person how to read if you did not know how to read? Of course not. Hence, how can you learn to love if you do not love yourself? If this concept is a struggle for you, here is a great place to start in a positive direction:

Here are 21 Positive Affirmations To Repeat If You Don’t Love Yourself!

Associated with the same website, you might check out these Positive Affirmations That Will Change Your Life.

Examples of people who successfully use daily positive affirmations:

  • Business owners and entrepreneurs use them to help them close business deals;
  • Athletes use them, especially before intense competitions, to enhance their physical performance in the competition;
  • Artists use them to stimulate creative and innovative ideas;
  • Politicians use them to boost their interpersonal skills, thereby improving their popularity with the masses.

Empirically Proving the Benefit of Positive Thinking

PositiveAffirmations.com lists six examples of empirical evidence that provide proof that positive thinking can benefit your health, your productivity, and ultimately your self-esteem. They are as follows:

  • 1) Self-affirmations have been shown to decrease health-deteriorating stress (Sherman et al., 2009; Critcher & Dunning, 2015);
  • 2) Self-affirmations have been used effectively in interventions that led people to increase their physical behavior (Cooke et al., 2014);
  • 3) They may help us to perceive otherwise “threatening” messages with less resistance, including interventions (Logel & Cohen, 2012);
  • 4) They can make us less likely to dismiss harmful health messages, responding instead with the intention to change for the better (Harris et al., 2007) and to eat more fruit and vegetables (Epton & Harris, 2008);
  • 5) They correspond positively to academic achievement by mitigating GPA decline in students who feel left out at college (Layous et al., 2017);
  • 6) They link positively to academic achievement by mitigating GPA decline in students who feel left out at college (Layous et al., 2017);

Other Habits To Reinforce Your New Way of Thinking

There is a great read called “25 Positivity Quotes About Being Happy for Baby Boomers.” Although the title states it is for Baby Boomers, these quotes from famous people are applicable to all ages. This article can be found here. Audrey Hepburn says it well in #13 when she says, ““The word ‘impossible’ tells us everything we need to know: “I’m possible!”

positive affirmations

A Baby Boomer Positive Aficionado

Although author Louise Hay preceded the Baby Boomer generation with her birth on October 8, 1926, she devoted a long lifetime to implementing a positive attitude and affirmations into all of her works. She passed on August 30, 2017. Did this aura of optimism help create a lifespan of almost 91 years? Her mantra was: “In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole, and complete”

If a person who lived during the era of the Great Depression can “keep her chin up” during those hard times, and succeed in passing on her optimism to a generation of Baby Boomers that followed, we can also assume that the notion of “positivism” is not simply a “New Age” fad or trend, but it is a lifestyle that each generation seeks to pass on to each subsequent generation.

Here’s our challenge to Baby Boomers. Why not start your optimistic mantra and pass on your positive lifestyle today?

Doctors Recommend 10 Proven Ways to Deal With Anxiety

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Anxiety is one of the leading mental health issues, causing negative interference with their performance at a job or school and with relationships. Everyone experiences anxious feelings sometimes, but it is when it becomes a common occurrence that only gets worse over time that you know there is a problem. Luckily, there are ways to deal with the anxiety that are all-natural and supported by doctors.

If the anxious feelings are occurring most days over a 6 month period (or longer), you may have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms of anxiety can be similar to that of depression, but there are some differences that you will notice. The symptoms may include:

  • Restlessness
  • Feeling like you’re on-edge
  • Become exhausted easily
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Irritability for no reason or for a minor reason
  • Tension in your muscles often
  • Constant worrying, even when you shouldn’t be worried
  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, even when you’re tired

While some experience it much worse and more often than others, nearly 70% of adults in the United States suffer from anxious feelings on some level. This drastically high number could be significantly reduced by changing some important areas of your life. These proven ways to deal with anxious feelings have been backed by doctors and have shown an overall reduction in stress and anxious feelings.

It is important to note that while doctors have backed these methods and support them, anyone suffering from frequent anxious feelings should see their doctor and discuss the issue with a professional. Your doctor will likely agree that you should try these methods first, but most doctors will want to monitor the progress to ensure that there is an improvement.

10 Proven Ways to Deal With Anxiety

1. Exercise regularly.

Regular exercise can lead to a long-term and major reduction in anxiety. When you begin to exercise on a regular basis, you will notice a quick change in your well-being because it lowers your stress levels and releases endorphins that boost your mood. Exercise also improves your sleep, raises your confidence, and makes you feel more competent; all benefits that help relieve anxious feelings.

There are many different forms of exercise, and all types will help with anxious feelings. Running, walking, riding a bicycle and swimming are some of the best ways to deal with it, however, because the physical exertion required during these exercises is greater and can offer greater benefits.

2. Use essential oils to reduce anxiety.

Essential oils can be found in candles, lotions, bubble baths, and many other scented products. You could also apply some essential oils topically or diffuse them. Some of the essential oils that help deal with anxiety include:

  • Bergamot
  • Lavender
  • Vetiver
  • Chamomile
  • Ylang ylang
  • Frankincense
  • Rose
  • Sandalwood
  • Orange

3. Cut back on caffeine.

This stimulant is found in coffee, soda, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. While it may seem harmless, it is actually a leading contributor to anxious feelings. Doctors do say that, in moderation, caffeine is safe, but it is difficult to determine just how much is too much.

Each person has a different tolerance level so, in order to figure out when you should cut yourself off, keep track of the amount you consume each day. Write down how many cups of coffee, tea, or soda you had, and write down anything else you consumed that contained caffeine. You should also write down how you felt afterward.

If you ever find yourself feeling anxious, make a note to stop consuming caffeine before you get to that point next time. Over time, you’ll know your tolerance and be able to prevent overbearing anxious feelings in that way.

4. Laughter is an anxiety-buster

Laughing can help you deal with anxious feelings in a number of ways including relieving stress and tension. Luckily, it can be easy to find a humorous source. You can look at friends or family members who can make you laugh, watching a comedy on TV, or listening to a funny podcast. Try to find the humor in everyday life, as well, as laughing throughout the day will only further increase your mood.

5. Say ‘no’… and don’t feel bad about it.

How often do you already feel overwhelmed but then still agree to take on something else? This happens all too often and it can quickly lead to burn out anxious feelings, and extreme stress. In order to help your mental health, learn to say ‘no’ and don’t let anyone guilt-trip you into changing your mind.

While the school could use more volunteers, or your boss could use someone to work an extra shift, you also need to think about yourself and your own well-being. Even something as simple as giving a ride to a friend, babysitting someone’s child, or baking cookies for a bake sale, you have to put yourself first sometimes. Self-care is extremely important for your mental health.

6. Stop procrastinating.

When you procrastinate, you cause yourself stress, difficulty sleeping, and lower sleep quality, all of which are a direct link to feeling anxious. This is likely because you cause yourself to have to scramble to catch up, rather than working ahead of time and making healthy progress toward a goal.

One easy way to quit procrastinating is to create a to-do list with the most important tasks at the top. Then, create deadlines that are possible and not overwhelming. Finally, work your way down the list. You should also schedule chunks of time each day to work on the to-do list, as interruptions can cause stress, too. By doing this, you are ensuring you get the important tasks done, which will make you feel less stressed and anxious at the end of the day.

7. Listen to calming music.

Music can have a calming effect on your mind and body, leading to less anxious feelings and less stress. Fast-paced or sad music doesn’t do the trick, rather you should listen to music that is calming, such as classical or instrumental music. It has been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate, two direct links to anxious feelings.

8. Take up yoga.

This exercise is extremely effective in reducing stress levels and anxious feelings. The goal of yoga is to join your body and mind by bringing attention to your body and breathing.

yoga for anxiety

Some doctors have said that regular yoga exercise can be just as effective (or more so) than medication for regular anxious feelings. While it is not fully understood yet, many believe that this is due to the lower cortisol (a stress hormone) levels, more regular blood pressure and heart rate, and an increase in mood-boosting natural chemicals in the body.

9. Implement breathing techniques.

By taking deep breaths, you are activating relaxation responses in your body. When you are anxious, the opposite happens and you begin breathing quicker.

By forcing yourself to take slow, deep breaths during an anxious moment, you are allowing your body to have that relaxing response. There are specific breathing techniques you can learn that are proven to help with anxious feelings including:

  • abdominal breathing
  • belly breathing
  • paced respiration

During all of these breathing techniques, you will want to breathe in through your nose until your stomach fully rises. You can take a class to learn how to properly do breathing techniques, or you can do a quick internet search to read about or watch a video about breathing techniques for anxious feelings.

10. Spend time with loved ones.

Whether you spend time with your family, friends, or your pet, spending time with those you love can greatly reduce the amount of anxiety you feel. Doing so will give you a sense of belonging, remind you of what you are worth, and can help with the release of oxytocin in your bloodstream. Oxytocin is a natural chemical in your body that helps reduce stress and anxious feelings.

Spending time with your pet helps in all of those ways, plus it can help you by giving you a purpose in life, keeps you active when you play with your pet or walk it, and gives you someone to spend time with all the time.

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Final Thoughts on Doctor Recommended Ways to Deal With Anxiety

Anxious feelings plague an enormous number of people and many people believe that prescription medication is the only way to deal with it. Luckily, doctors recommend other ways to deal with the anxiety that are all-natural and have no negative side effects.

Whether you deal with an common and frequent anxious feelings or just have anxious feelings sometimes, these techniques may help you deal with it. Through exercise, music, bonding with loved ones, and many other pleasurable activities, you can combat those anxious feelings in a healthy way.

Don’t get discouraged if you try one of these methods and it doesn’t fully work for you. Each person is different and what works for one person may not work for another. Just continue trying different methods until you find a few that work for you.

10 Signs of a True Friendship That Lasts Forever

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We live in an era where we can make friends quite easily online. It just takes a little searching to find groups where we might fit in, and we can choose from thousands of people to chat with. However, online friends can never take the place of real life friendship.

Studies show that even if people have thousands of Facebook friends, they usually only have one or two close friends in real life. We need face-to-face interaction with people in order to survive, and unfortunately, rates of loneliness are increasing across the globe.

In fact, according to study published in the American Sociological Review, most people in the U.S. have only one close friend. 25% have no friends at all. This is dangerous to our health; loneliness has been associated with the same risks as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

 If you have even one good friend in your life, however, you should consider yourself lucky. Not everyone has someone they can count on, unfortunately. On the other side of things, if you ever notice someone who seems lonely, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. After all, a friendship begins as two people who are strangers, anyway.

With that said, we will go over some signs that your friendship will last forever.

“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” – Thomas Aquinas

Here are 10 signs of a friendship that will last forever:

1 – They accept you, flaws and all.

 Both of you can let your guards down and be your complete selves, and it feels so good! True friendship means taking off the mask you constantly wear for society and showing what’s underneath. A real friend never judges you for your opinions, perceptions, thoughts, or weird jokes no one else laughs at.

You don’t have to put on a front or try to be something you’re not. A friendship that will last forever offers a breath of fresh air, because you can leave the world behind and just enjoy each other’s company.

There’s truly nothing better than a friend who just gets and accepts you.

 

2 – They don’t leave when times get hard. friendship

 This one probably one of the most distinguishing factors between a fake and real friend. In the darkest times, true friendship lights the way. A fair-weather friend leaves you in the dust when the slightest problem arises, but a tried and true friend stands by you. Real friends offer to help you in any way they can because they don’t want you to suffer.

True friends encourage and support you no matter what. If you have a friend like this, hold on to them and cherish them.

3 – A true friendship that lasts forever puts jealousy aside.

 Fake friends get jealous when you’ve achieved something or found a relationship that makes you happy. However, a true friendship celebrates your wins with you. It doesn’t need to compete or stomp on someone’s happiness to survive. If you have a friend like this in your life, you have truly struck gold.

Many people have friends who would rather see them unhappy and struggling than succeeding. Notice who stays with you when you get a promotion or marry the love of your life. Those are the people worth keeping.

4 – You can share your deepest, darkest secrets with them.

A true friendship gets deep down to the core of who you are. It doesn’t just swim on the surface and discuss fashion, gossip, and other superficial ideas. You can feel comfortable sharing your childhood trauma, best memories, dreams, fears, doubts, pain, and insecurities. You don’t have to feel ashamed or embarrassed about certain aspects of yourself.

True friendship that lasts forever is freedom, because you can finally share what makes you, you. You don’t have to fear judgement or ridicule from a true friend because they love you for you.

5 – A true friendship puts in mutual effort.

With other friends, you might feel like you have to chase them or constantly reach out to keep them in your life. However, with a true friend, they put in the effort also. You don’t always have to be the one calling or texting in order to keep their friendship.

They might not talk to you every day, but when they do reach out, they ask about your life. They care about you and want to catch up as much as possible because you’re worth the effort to them.

Plenty of people make excuses as to why they can’t hang out. However, it’s about priorities. If someone’s important to you, you will take the time to see them.

6 – They make you forget about the real world for a while.

 After seeing them, you feel more excited and inspired about life. Authentic friendships offer a perfect exchange of energy between two people. There are plenty of energy vampires out there who feed off a happy person’s aura. However, a true friendship is an even amount of give and take.

Plus, you can laugh and put your worries aside for a while. Of course, there will be days when you both need to vent about things, but for the most part, you have a great time in their company.

7 – They tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

 They don’t just sugarcoat things to avoid hurting your feelings. They lay everything on the table and let you decide what to do with that information. People like this might seem blunt and rude, but they do have your best interest at heart. They would rather cut to the chase than beat around the bush, because you won’t grow from niceties. People make changes because someone points out a behavior or habit that is hindering rather than helping them.

A true friendship isn’t built on withholding the truth for the other person’s sake. It’s built on honesty and truly caring about the other person’s well-being.

8 – They forgive you when you make a mistake.

Maybe you said something hurtful when you were upset after a long day at work. Instead of blowing it out of proportion, however, they accept your apology and don’t hold a grudge about it. Friends have fights sometimes; that’s just a part of life. A true friendship has a solid foundation, though, and doesn’t fall apart after one argument or disagreement.

9 – A true friend says what they need to say to your face, not behind your back.

 Real friends never spread gossip about you behind your back. If they have something to say to you, they confront you directly, even if it’s uncomfortable. Many people hate confrontation and would rather run to someone else than the person they need to address. This is cowardly and childish.

A true friendship has respect and courtesy to talk things out between one another. A real friend would never dream of hurting you by spreading rumors and tarnishing your reputation. They would rather smooth things over with you than let everything escalate out of control.

10 – They don’t get jealous if you choose to hang out with other friends.

 Sometimes friends can get controlling and want you all to themselves. This is a sign of deep insecurity and abandonment issues, so watch out if this sounds like your friend. However, a real friendship recognizes that even the best of friends need a break from each other from time to time.

Your friend honors your need to connect with others and doesn’t feel jealous if he or she can’t attend every gathering with you.

Bonus: A real friendship gives you the space to talk and listens attentively.

  • They don’t just talk about themselves.

 A real friend allows you to vent or talk as much as you need to. They don’t try to cut you off or interject; they simply listen and respond when you’re through talking.

  • They respect you by giving you their full attention.

A real friend doesn’t play on their phone or avoid eye contact when you’re talking. They put their phone away, look at you when you speak, and turn their body toward you. They let you know that what you have to say is important and they’re totally focused on the conversation.

  • They’re always there when you need them.

 Whenever you need them, you can call and not feel like you’re intruding or bothering them in the least bit. They know they can do the same with you, too. A true friendship that lasts forever allows an even exchange of talking and listening. True friends also allow you to be completely vulnerable and open without judgment or criticism.

friendship

Final thoughts about a true friendship that lasts forever

A real friendship is rare, but you’ll know when you find it. Cherish and love the friends in your life who check up on you, lift you up when you’re down, and celebrate your wins with you. Friendship is one of the greatest gifts in the world, and everyone deserves to have it. Remember, if you ever see someone who seems like they could use a friend, offer this gift. It might seem like something small, but it could mean the world to them.

 

12 Things to Never Tell Your Parents

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Just what is the role of parental piety? Do we ‘owe’ it to our parents to tell them everything?

Most certainly, there are things that children ‘should’ and ‘shouldn’t tell their parents. Problems with physical or mental health, being the victim of bullying, and difficulties in the classroom all fall into the former.

But are we obliged to tell them everything that we think “should” know? What about the things we don’t want to tell them that we think “should” know? Are there things we should never tell them?

There is plenty of subjectivity at play here. In short, no good answer applies to every person or situation. But perhaps we’re approaching this sensitive topic from the wrong angle.

“Should I tell my parents?” and “Why didn’t my child tell me?” are questions that are often asked in hindsight. For instance, when one’s child has done something unexpected, even harmful. In such circumstances, parental attentiveness can make all the difference. We’ll delve a bit further into this faculty later on.

In short, making a habit of asking such questions is akin to treating illness while ignoring means of prevention. Underlying attitudes, beliefs, and deficits contribute to the complex situation.

In this article, we will discuss things never to tell your parents. We’ll follow up this section by offering a rudimentary discourse on parenting in the age of distraction.

12 Things to Never Tell Your Parents

1 – “I hate you.”

Yeah, this one hurts. While your Mother or Father no doubt realizes this is just an utterance out of frustration, it’s nonetheless hurtful. And anyway, it’s not your Mom or Dad that you (or your child) hate; it’s what they did that’s hated.

Instead of uttering these ghastly words, consider containing your emotions long enough to have a constructive dialogue. If this is not possible, simply walk away.

2 – “Shut up.”

Telling someone to “shut up,” unless a jab arises from good humor, is never a good idea. These two words are also a catalyst; giving rise to and perpetuating feelings of anger. In the wrong situation, things can escalate quickly and get out of hand.

These words can also be hurtful. Few words are as isolating and lonely as “shut up.” So desist.

3 – “Leave me alone.”

Listen, we all want to be left alone at times. In many circumstances with certain people, there’s nothing wrong with a sharp “Leave me alone.”

But we’re talking about your parents. The protocol is a bit different.

Explain your need for personal space with candor but with respect. If they’ve done something to insult or hurt you, say so. If they continue on, remove yourself from the situation and let the reason for such be known.

4 – “Guess what the ‘S.O’ did again…”

Though ridiculous and sophomoric, some “grown” adults think gossiping about their spouse is okay. Barring the commission of some serious offense, talk that disparages your partner or spouse should be off-limits.

Direct this conversation towards where it rightly belongs. The attention of your significant other.

5 – “It’s all your fault.”

Consider this rather pitiful family conversation between two elders. An aunt blamed her mother – the former in her 50s, the latter in her 80s – of making her fat. Some variation of “It’s all your fault…” was used at one point.

Now, we’re not here to debate the relationship between childhood eating habits and adult obesity. But blaming a parent for something that’s within one’s control is a stretch.

6 – “I just found out (this)…you’re a bad parent.”

All parents make mistakes. It’s a tough job. It’s not uncommon for the child to learn something and use it as a talking point against their parents.

The truth is that we know much more about child health and psychology than we did in the past. Moreover, parenting is a responsibility that has evolved over time.

Using acquired knowledge to bash the rearing skills of one’s parents is immature and hurtful.

7 – “You were a bad example.”

Maybe they were a bad example growing up. But you’re grown up now. What’s the use of bringing up parenting mistakes?

Accusatory statements do nothing but hinder a good relationship. If something took place in your childhood that you need to address, say so. Have a discussion and allow them to explain their side of things.

8 – “You love him/her more than me.”

Highly unlikely. And there’s a big difference between being closer to a particular child and loving that child more. This has everything to do with resonance – not love or affection.

Some parents do show preferential treatment, however. Witnessing this as a child – and even as an adult – can be very painful. The only way that you’ll feel some semblance of inner peace is by opening up a dialogue. Drama solves nothing.

9 – “I wish you weren’t my parents.”

This is a favorite of young kids and teenagers. If you’re an adult, then your Mother or Father must have done something wretched. Even then, what’s the point of this?

Again, drama solves nothing. Let’s calm down and gather yourselves so as not to say something we’ll regret.

10 – “I’m sick of this family/I’m sick of you.”

If there’s a common theme throughout this article, it’s this: theatricality doesn’t belong in a mature parent-child relationship. Statements like these are both pointless and potentially damaging.

Such words do not solve relationship problems. Maybe you are sick of your family. But, for better or worse, this is still your family – and it’s the only one you’ve got.

Find another avenue of approach.

11 – “I need money.”

Though we may not see them, thousands of parents nod their heads in agreement.

Most youngsters should try and understand a couple for things. (A) Their parents work hard to provide for you, and (B) they don’t yet fully understand the concept of money.

One thing must be a prerequisite. Any request for money must follow an honest, rational explanation.

12 – “I don’t have time.”

We’re not talking with a work buddy or some random stranger here. While we very well may not have the time for something, some respect is in order.

Take a minute to explain yourself.

Parenting and the Age of Distraction

“Nowhere is the impact of popular culture and technology on children’s relationships more noticeable than in families. Both influences have contributed to a growing divide between the traditional roles that children and their parents play.”  ~ Jim Taylor, Ph.D. 

As mentioned, many things we say to our parents are reactionary. Poor communication – and the lack thereof – is often the impetus. For these reasons, we must look at technology as a common culprit of communication and relationship difficulties.

The reason?

Healthy communication between parent and child remains vital throughout early childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. To this end, there is little doubt that the proliferation of technologies – especially mobile technology – has adversely affected these communications.

Let’s take a gander at some of the surprising statistics.

  • 96 percent of Americans own a cell phone.
  • 81 percent own a smartphone.
  • 75 percent own a desktop or laptop.
  • 50 percent own a tablet.

Perhaps most troubling are the trends of teenagers. Here are some more stats:

  • 95 percent of teens have a smartphone access to one.
  • 45 percent say that they’re online on a “near-constant” basis.

Of course, we can not leave out social media.

  • 52 percent of teens use Instagram; 51%, Facebook; 41%, Snapchat.

Socioeconomics and Technology Use

The Pew Research Center cites the following statistics regarding teenage Facebook use by annual household income:

  • Less than $30,000: 70 percent
  • $30,000 – $74,999: 56 percent
  • $75,000 or more: 36 percent

Why is this important? Multiple studies find a direct association between conditions of poverty and low childhood socioeconomic status and mental health. In other words, excessive technology use is a hallmark of poor mental functioning.

We needn’t be experts on the human condition to read between the lines. But just in case:

  • Millions of kids are sorely lacking life-enhancing resources.
  • There are millions of kids lacking positive guidance and direction.
  • Finally, millions of kids are at risk of developing life-altering mental health disorders.

These shocking numbers demonstrate a failure of (a) societal values, (b) guardianship, or (c) both a and b.

parents

Final Thoughts: Reflective Parenting

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” ~ James Baldwin

Let’s try to summarize the gist of this article into three points:

  1. There is a growing disconnect between parents and children.
  2. A lack of communication is the impetus of this disconnect.
  3. The proliferation of technology and its overuse by parents and children is a contributing factor to both 1 and 2.

We need to take a good, honest look at the situation in which find ourselves. Doing so requires that we engage in some reflection. There’s actually a scientific term for this: reflective parenting.

According to a 2012 paper presented at a fostering parenting conference, reflective parenting involves understanding the mental states of parent and child. These mental states include the parent’s and child’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs, needs, and desires about the relationship.

That’s a good start.

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