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9 Healthy Meal Recipes That Help You Lose Belly Fat

July 31, 2019 by Power of Positivity

It is never too late to get in shape and lose weight, regardless of what your schedule looks like. Between work, activity schedules, and your own desire to just relax at the end of a busy day, how on earth are you going to do the healthy meals planning that you need to commit to without succumbing to the summons of the neighborhood food truck?

We have taken some of the guesswork out of meal planning for you with the following healthy meals. Decadent, delicious, and none of them over 700 calories, they are sure to fill your mouth with flavor to savor without filling out your waistband. Easy to prepare, you’ll soon be tucking these golden nuggets in your recipe file as you make plans to do some clothes shopping for smaller sizes. Get ready to enjoy delicious food and drop a few sizes with these healthy meals:

Healthy meals

1. Coconut-lime marinated shrimp with “noodles”

Pasta is a thing of the past—get yourself a veggie spiralizer and see how delicious faux pasta can be with the right combination of foods and sauces. Enjoy this delicious, tropical-inspired dinner that is fancy enough to serve to guests:

Ingredients:

1 lb pre-cooked shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic
1-inch piece of ginger
a red chile
1 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
2 sliced scallions
1 large thick carrot
2 zucchinis
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
3 limes
3/4 cup coconut milk
1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce

Directions:

Grate the zest of one lime into a small bowl, then juice all three limes and whisk in coconut milk and soy sauce. Grate in garlic, ginger, and 1/2 red chile. Finely chop 1/2 of the cilantro and scallion; add to the bowl. Thinly sliced the remainder of the red chile and set aside.

Using your spiralizer, spiraling the carrot and zucchini noodles; toss the noodles in the coconut milk mixture and let marinate for about ten minutes. Fold in red pepper, shrimp and cilantro, coat all ingredients well. Sprinkle with scallions and the rest of the cilantro, serve immediately.

2. Grilled watermelon and steak salad

Nothing says summer deliciousness like healthy meals off the grill; the refreshing combination of sweet and savory will fill you up without weighing you down.

Ingredients:

1 lb sirloin (about 1 inch thick)
kosher salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp honey
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 lb halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 small seedless watermelon
a handful of fresh mint leaves, torn
1 cup fresh flat parsley leaves
1 small bunch of arugula, thick stems discarded

Directions:

Heat grill to medium-high heat; season both sides of steak with salt and pepper. Grill to desired doneness on both sides and transfer to a plate to let it rest before slicing.

Whisk together lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper to taste. Fold in onions and tomatoes.

Cut watermelon into 1/2 inch thick triangles minus the rinds. Brush lightly with olive oil, then set on the grill to char for 1-2 minutes on each side. Divide among four plates.

Fold herbs into tomato mixture, then toss with arugula. Spoon on top of the watermelon and serve with sliced steak on top.

3. Grilled chicken and smoky corn salad

Summer flavors of barbecued chicken and corn on the cob blend perfectly to create a delightful meal. Surprising tangy flavors like lime, manchego cheese and olives round out one of our most memorable healthy meals.

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, deboned and halved
salt and pepper to taste
2 limes, halved
4 ears shucked corn
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 Tbsp chopped green olives
1 oz Manchego cheese, grated
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
tsp smoked paprika

Directions:

Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper; grill 5-6 minutes on each side or till juices run clear and centers are no longer pink. Grill limes alongside the chicken, flesh side down, about 6-8 minutes. Cut corn from each cob and toss in a bowl with the juice of two lime halves, chopped cilantro, chopped green olives, cheese, salt, and pepper; toss to combine. Serve chicken with corn mixture and lime halves; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika.

4. White bean and tuna salad with basil vinaigrette

This refreshing salad with its refreshing flavors is power-packed with goodness, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Use for a filling lunch or light dinner; your whole body will thank you for all of the delicious nutrition it contains.

Ingredients:

Kosher salt and pepper
12 oz green beans, trimmed and halved
1 small chopped shallot
1 cup lightly packed basil leaves
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
4 cups torn lettuce of choice
1 15 oz can white beans, rinsed
2 5 oz cans white flesh tuna, drained
4 soft boiled eggs, halved

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to boil; add green beans. Cook till tender, about 5 minutes, then flash cool to stop cooking in cold water.

In a blender or food processor, puree shallot, basil, oil, vinegar, and 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper until smooth.

Transfer half the dressing to a bowl and toss with the green beans. Fold in lettuce, white beans and tuna. Serve with remaining dressing and egg halves.

5. Chicago style chicken dogs

While we may crave hotdogs in the summertime, they are not always the healthiest option for us. Using chicken sausage is a great way to keep the feel of a hotdog, without the fat or additives. Top with various veggies and light sauces for a flavorful treat.

Ingredients:

2 pepperoni peppers, sliced thinly, with brine
tsp of honey
1 tsp yellow mustard, plus additional mustard for serving
tsp poppy seeds
1/4 small onion, thinly sliced
4 fully cooked chicken sausages
4 hot dog buns
2 small plum tomatoes, halved
4 dill pickle spears
1 small romaine heart, chopped

Directions:

Heat grill to medium. Whisk together pepperoni brine, honey, and mustard; stir in poppy seeds. Add pepperoncini peppers and onions and toss to coat.

Grill sausages, turning occasionally, till fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes. If desired, grill the buns as well.

Place sausages into buns along with tomato and pickle. Toss poppy seeds and onions with romaine and spoon on top of the sausages. Serve with romaine mixture and extra mustard, if desired.

6. Cheesy Tex Mex stuffed chicken

Delicious, filling and nutritious, this is one of our favorite healthy meals to whip up when we don’t want to feel like we’re watching our caloric intake. Perfect for a summer evening at home or when entertaining friends, it will satisfy your craving for a substantially satisfying fare.

Ingredients:

2 thinly sliced scallions
2 thinly sliced seeded jalapenos
1 1/4 cups cilantro
1 tsp lime zest
4 oz grated Monterrey Jack cheese
4 small boneless chicken breasts
3 Tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp lime juice
2 thinly sliced bell peppers
1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
5 cups torn romaine lettuce

Directions:

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Combine scallions, jalapeños, Monterrey Jack cheese, cilantro and lime zest in a bowl; set aside.

Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. Stuff each breast with the cheese mixture.

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet; season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or till golden brown and juices run clear. Finish roasting in the oven, about 15 minutes more.

Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add bell peppers and onions and let marinate for 10 minutes. Toss with romaine and chopped cilantro; serve with roasted chicken.

Healthy Vegetarian Fare

1. Smashed pea and ricotta pappardelle

Can decadent pasta and ricotta cheese actually be part of a healthful eating plan? You bet, with this lighter version of one of our favorite healthy meals.

Ingredients:

12 oz pappardelle
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
kosher salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped chives

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain while reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Return pasta to the pot. While pasta is cooking, pulse 1 cup thawed peas in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add lemon zest and ricotta and pulse till combined, season with salt and pepper. Toss pasta with ricotta and pea mixture, top with remaining peas and chopped chives. Serve immediately.

2. Veggie Potsticker stir fry

Who doesn’t love a good bit of Chinese from time to time? Many of us think that Chinese food will foil our weight loss plans, but with this delicious alternative, that is not the case. Chinese food can be part of your healthy meals repertoire with this finger-licking fare.

Ingredients:

1 pkg veggie potstickers or pierogies, thawed
2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp water
Tbsp oil
1 thinly sliced red pepper
1 thinly sliced yellow pepper
Tbsp finely chopped ginger
1 thinly sliced red onion
8 oz snow peas, halved diagonally

Directions:

Pan fry potstickers or pirogues in a large skillet according to package directions; transfer to a plate. Whisk together hoisin sauce, fresh lime juice, and water.

Add oil to skillet and heat on medium. Then drop in the peppers and ginger and cook about five minutes. Add red onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes more. Finally, add the snow peas and cook till veggies are tender about 4 minutes. Toss vegetables with sauce and serve with potstickers.

3. Black bean chili stuffed sweet potatoes

Who needs meat when we have a meal this hearty? Perfect for an evening in or when serving guests, you’ll need to make a little extra, as you’ll have people clamoring for seconds.

Ingredients:

4 medium sweet potatoes
tsp olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 diced red bell pepper
2 minced garlic cloves
1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
15 oz can black beans (do not drain)
3/4 cup tomato sauce
salt and pepper to taste
shredded cheddar, sour cream, and cilantro for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Poke holes in sweet potatoes, place on a foil lined baking sheet and roast for 50 minutes, or till you can insert a knife through the potato with ease.

Prepare your chili while potatoes are roasting. Heat olive oil in a skillet or large saucepan; add onion, garlic and red bell pepper; cook till tender. Add spices and stir till well combined; add beans and tomato sauce and heat through. Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes till potatoes are done.

When potatoes are done, split them open. Spoon chili on top and garnish with cheddar, sour cream, and cilantro. Delicious!

Final thoughts on healthy eating

With this delicious array of healthy meals, it is highly unlikely that you are going to feel deprived of bright, beautiful flavors. Celebrate each meal with the knowledge that you are doing something healthy and delicious while working toward your weight loss and fitness goals.

Scientists Explain How Everyone is Connected

July 30, 2019 by Power of Positivity

We live in a state of perpetual duality and relativity. Separate things seem to be happening all of the time.

What is duality?

In simple terms, duality means the innate, seemingly indisputable belief that we are separate from one another. Meanwhile, “All things are relative” is the individualistic notion that perception is reality.

Most of us unquestioningly accept that we are not affected by the presence or experiences of other human beings, animals, or other living organisms. “Out of sight, out of mind,” in other words.

Duality is also where science dwells. With the scientific method as its core tenet, every branch of science – biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and so on – relies entirely on empirical evidence — things you can observe and verify.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with having a materialistic viewpoint of existence. Holding the view that we’re here because of a random series of increasingly unlikely events is fine, even if incorrect.

It’s the outright disregard of subjective and often verifiable experience– that’s the problem.

Weird Science

But still, there are times when we break the mold. There are times when the more significant we experience things that defy rational thought, and science tries to explain them away. These rare happenings garner so much attention that science is compelled or commanded to investigate.

Some of these things are eventually explained away by science – and rightfully and gratefully so. But some of these things aren’t – and may never be.

Unsurprisingly, many topics science studies regarding extraordinary phenomena revolve around connections between human beings.

Here are some examples of some of those topics:

Petite mothers who are somehow able to lift a multi-ton car off of a small child

Parents who are somehow able to know when their child is in danger innately
An individual who can see objects and people at a distance with no information but the latitude and longitude (“Remote viewing”)
The extraordinary psychic who can provide law enforcement with a missing clue that puts a murderer behind bars
An innate knowing that a loved one who has been absent is about to call right before the phone rings

All of these things have been reported, verified, and subsequently dismissed by scientists as irrelevant, illogical happenstance.

So, it is rare when science gets behind phenomena that can be interpreted as spiritual or mystical. This case is true even if they would never utter such words.

The truth so apparent to us who don’t don a white lab coat is that people are somehow connected in a way that science can’t explain. Well, at least not yet.

In this spirit, we discuss one of the most recent phenomena scientists are studying regarding human connection.

‘Co-regulation’

“There’s an obvious contagious effect with our emotional and cognitive experiences; we’re constantly affected by others and their emotional states.” ~ Anna Lembke, professor of behavioral sciences and psychiatry at Stanford University

Modern psychology’s definition of co-regulation is:

“A continuous unfolding of individual action that is susceptible to being continuously modified by the continuously changing actions of the partner.”

Let’s deconstruct this psychobabble.

Basically, two people can pick up on and respond to the emotions, thoughts, physical interactions, and unconscious ‘energy’ of one another with astounding accuracy. In some cases, the behaviors of one person (or little person, as discussed below) defy logical explanation.

Take, for example, a mother who is near her six-month-old. One minute, the mother is playful and joyous around her child; she interacts with the baby and shows genuine love and affection.

Consider that mother who withdraws the affection and looks at her child without expression (“stone-faced”). That child will display behaviors considered to be well beyond the standard capabilities of someone in their age range. And all of that is an attempt to regain her mother’s attention.

For example, the baby may throw up their arms in apparent but controlled exasperation – or point somewhere off in the distance deliberately to get the mother to change their stone-faced look. In other words, the child interprets what’s happening and acts in a deliberate, intelligent, mature manner in an attempt to change the situation.

That’s highly unusual.

Other examples:

But what about these “normal” scenarios that play out in daily life?

Like when someone else within your earshot is angry, your flight-or-flight system kicks in, signaling your adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

Or when you get home from work stressed out and, without uttering a word, your loved ones and pets give you your space?

How about when you pick up the phone and immediately feel the distress of your loved one?

Or when dogs rush to the aid of a stranger crying while ignoring everyone else in their path, including their owners?

Are any of these occurrences any less phenomenal? Or have we become so fixated on the “normalcy” of it all that we don’t realize how remarkable these things are?

An Honest Scientist Explains

Dr. Ron Manley, a registered clinical psychologist based in Vancouver, Canada, posits that co-regulation therapy “can serve as a platform for a grounded … spiritual life.” Indeed, Manley sees it as an indispensable model of treatment that promotes holistic healing and overlaps with “spirituality … mindfulness … and nondual realization.”

In Manley’s view, many psychological phenomena remain unexplained because science is looking in the wrong place. Like many spiritual teachers and ‘enlightened’ beings in history, this clinical psychologist places much of the blame at the feet of Rene Descartes, the French philosopher who famously – and in Manley’s opinion – mistakenly said: “I think. Therefore, I am.”

Five words that have effectively “separated body and mind … resulting in a Cartesian dualism that has persisted to the current day,” writes Manley.

Final Thoughts: The Effects of Dualistic Thinking

“The greater the scientist, the more he is impressed with his ignorance of reality, and the more that he realizes that his laws and labels, descriptions and definitions, are the products of his own thought.” ~ Alan Watts

Scientists are brilliant people who have made and continue to make life-changing discoveries for society’s betterment. The problem isn’t with scientists themselves. Instead, the scientific establishment takes a materialist approach to solve every problem.

Never mind that this is the same approach that created the problem in the first place.

And there was a time – as stated by the brilliant Alan Watts in the above quote– when scientists were both extraordinarily brilliant and humble about what they didn’t know.

What’s changed?

Because in the world that Ron Manley lives in, he’s a rare breed. There’s no room for the subjective. Don’t even think about muttering “spirituality” or “nondualism” in Science’s house. Science is God, according to many, if not most, materialist skeptics.

Because it’s not like the establishment still perpetuates myths like:

Water conducting electricity
Humans losing ten percent of their brains
Neanderthals being ancestors to modern humans
The Earth is the only planet with water
Goldfish have three-second memories
Lightning never strikes in the same place twice
Sugar that makes children hyper

Oh, wait, yes, they are.

But who’s keeping score? The establishment was also excruciatingly wrong about:

Creating a space vehicle (never mind landing on the moon. Preposterous!)
Intelligence being fixed (nope!)
Sugar not making us fat or causing illness
Computers one day being portable
Electricity being widely adopted

And on. And on.

Even the most materialistic scientist, if they dropped their guard and the need to “explain” everything, would admit being privy to “I dunno” moments at one time or another.

Okay, we’ll keep it objective. We’ll present just the facts – however inconvenient from here on out. Here are two:

#1 We’re now witnessing the consequences of extreme dualistic thinking.

#2 When we fail to recognize the apparent laws of cause-and-effect (in Buddhism, karma), human beings:

Dump millions of tons of industrial waste, radioactive waste, and sludge into our oceans every year.
Deny the fundamental right of healthcare to millions of impoverished women and children.
Invade sovereign nations and kill hundreds of thousands of innocents, who are then inhumanely referred to as “collateral damage.”
Commit religious acts of terror, such as the synagogue shooting in Poway, California.
Separate and indefinitely holding migrants – including young children – without cause.

How are we able to commit such atrocious acts?

Because those who unconsciously devise, enable, and participate in these atrocities have a hands-off, look-the-other-way attitude of apathy about it all. They don’t think it affects them.

“Out of sight, out of mind.”

We shouldn’t require a mind-bending thesis of co-regulation or nondualism to acknowledge that (a) humans are connected and (b) our actions, large and small, affect the world we live in.

15 Best Weight Loss Foods to Put on Your Grocery List

July 29, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Behold the battle of the bulge! It’s estimated that nearly half of all Americans are trying to lose weight. With such a significant part of the population trying to eat healthily, it’s only wise to start by filling the cabinet with wholesome weight loss foods.

If you are confused about what’s healthy and what’s not, then join the crowd. One group says that eating high fat and no carbs are the way to go, while others say that a well-balanced diet is the key. No one ever got fat by eating too many fruits and vegetables. Before you make your next grocery run, here are fifteen things that you want to include.

1. Apples

You know the old saying that eating just one juicy apple will keep the doctor away, and it appears there is some truth behind that adage. First, they have a high fiber content that helps to keep you full, but did you know that they also are packed with vitamins and can prevent cancer? They have no fat or sodium, and an average-sized apple is about 80 calories, which makes them one of the best weight loss foods.

2. Cauliflower

What once was an unnoticed vegetable has certainly got a great deal of attention. Cauliflower is one of the most versatile veggies on the market. You can use it to make low-carb dishes or enjoy them raw. The options are endless. The health benefits of cauliflower are impressive. This white vegetable is full of sulfurous compounds that are known to help detoxify the body. It’s also full of antioxidants that help to protect the cells. Best of all, no matter what diet plan you choose, cauliflower can be easily incorporated.

3. Salmon

Salmon is chocked full of Omega 3s and fatty acids that your body needs. Most people don’t eat nearly enough fish, and they are missing out on the health benefits. Salmon is very low in calories, high in Vitamin B, potassium, and an excellent source of protein.

Make sure to buy the fresh varieties and not canned. They add preservatives and tons of salt to help make it shelf-stable, which is things you don’t need while dieting.

4. Swiss Chard

As one of the leafy greens, you can add to a plethora of dishes, Swiss chard only has about 19 calories for an average serving. While it’s no joke that these leaves are full of vitamins and oxidants you need, they also have magnesium.

Magnesium is essential for the brain, and it’s one of the best ways to get a healthy serving of this vital mineral without taking a supplement. Fighting anxiety and brain fog during a diet can be helped by consuming these weight loss foods at least once a day.

5. Grapes

Grapes are a sweet treat that can help you fight food cravings. They also can be frozen if you crave an icy dessert. While they are higher in sugar than some fruits, they also have plenty to boost in the nutrient department.

Eating grapes can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. They are full of things like resveratrol and flavonoids, and they can even improve your eye health. Their calorie count is modes, making them an excellent, filling snack.

6. Bananas

Bananas sometimes get a bad rap from critics because they are higher in sugar. However, the benefits of these fruits seriously counteract their sugar content. They can give you an energy punch that doesn’t end in a sugar crash.

Also, bananas are full of tryptophan, which can help keep moods balanced and depression at bay. When the body is flushing fat, it requires frequent urination. Bananas can replace the calcium lost during this time.

Remember, you must eat these in moderation as they do have a high sugar content and they can put your carbohydrate intake over the limit. However, they are one of the best weight loss foods out there.

7. Broccoli

No weight loss shopping list would be complete without broccoli. The reason you need to eat this vegetable can be summed up in three words, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s an excellent defense against cancer as it’s a cruciferous vegetable.

The soluble fiber of this vegetable helps with inflammation and cholesterol. It’s rich in potassium and Vitamins A and K. It’s one of the best options for low calorie eating as it’s versatile and tastes delicious.

8. Strawberries

Strawberries are a delicious fruit that can help to calm cravings for sweets. They are full of anti-inflammation properties that can help prevent cancer, but they also help to prevent bad cholesterol with their antioxidant and flavonoid content.

In Asian countries, they are considered a power food because of their many health benefits. They are the perfect addition to shakes, smoothies, salads, but they can be consumed as a low-calorie treat alone.

One entire cup of the red wonders is only 49 calories. It’s a great way to have something sweet and not take away too many calories from the daily budget.

9. Almonds

Many experts believe that almonds are one of the best things to add to any diet regimen. They are full of fiber, so just a handful can help to fill you up and keep you satisfied till the next meal. They are a great addition for those who want to maintain a healthy weight.

Almonds are loaded with magnesium, which is responsible for mental health and regulating blood sugar. Since they don’t go rancid like walnuts and hazelnuts, they have a longer shelf life too. It’s easy to see why almonds are one of the best weight loss foods out there.

10. All Natural Peanut Butter

Who doesn’t love peanut butter? When you buy the natural variety, it has a low sugar and carbohydrate content. Plus, two tablespoons are quite filling and can easily be incorporated into any day.

Why is peanut butter so good for you? Well, it’s full of healthy monounsaturated fat, which can help you in your weight loss journey. Plus, those monounsaturated fats will also help to prevent heart disease.

Experts say those that eat peanut butter regularly have a lower chance of developing diabetes. Additionally, it can boost your energy levels and fight things like fatigue, muscle cramps, and headaches.

11. Oats

Oats are a versatile grain that should be used by those who want to lose weight and feel full. They have magnesium, antioxidants, fiber, and minerals. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin B.

Oats can suppress your appetite to make you feel fuller longer, and they are heart-healthy, keep your colon in check, and will help you keep your metabolism in check. Best of all, they are very inexpensive and can fit into anyone’s budget, which is why they are one of the best weight loss foods.

12. Blueberries

Blueberries pack a lot of goodness into a tiny space. They are full of fiber as well as Vitamin K, and Vitamin C. Some experts say they protect you from cancer and aging, but that’s only the beginning of their superpowers.

Blueberries are low in calories so that you can have a cup full without worry. Studies show they are the richest sources of proanthocyanidins available, and if you need a nutritional punch, then you should add these blue wonders to your shopping list.

13. Avocado

When considering weight loss foods, Avocado should be high on the list. While it’s not a low-calorie food, it’s nutrition outweighs the calories. Consuming one of these fruits has 322 calories.

Avocados can help you to fight obesity, keep diabetes at bay, protect your heart from disease, and help to provide overall good health. They will increase your energy, improve your skin and hair, and fill you up with their excellent fiber content. Additionally, they are a great source of vitamins B, C, and E.

14. Sweet Potatoes

If you love potatoes, you don’t have to give them up entirely. Sweet potatoes are an excellent option for those trying to eat healthily. They have vitamins like B6 and minerals like potassium and iron.

Sweet potatoes are known to help fight heart disease, and their high fiber content can make them a meal by themselves. While you need to eat these in moderation, they are a sweet treat that is worth the indulgence.

15. Chicken

Chicken is the “holy grail” of weight loss foods. It’s full of protein, which can help keep you full for longer periods, and it’s low in calories and fat. The options for cooking this bird are endless.

Chicken is an excellent option for those who don’t want to eat red meat, and these lean cuts can be used in any casserole, sandwich, or salad you can think of. It’s an inexpensive and versatile protein that you need to add to your shopping list.

Final Thoughts: Making a List of Weight Loss Foods and Checking It Twice

It’s always best to make a grocery list before heading to the store. This will help you to prevent overspending and make sure you are getting the best weight loss foods around.

When armed with a list of weight loss foods, you will be less likely to indulge on impulse buys. Weight loss is a journey and not a destination. Even if you reach your goal weight, you will need to monitor what goes into your mouth to prevent you from gaining back those pounds.

11 Traits Sisters Have That Most People Don’t Understand

July 29, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Sisters may annoy one another more than they’d like to admit, but at the end of the day, they have each others’ backs more than anyone else. Blood runs thicker than water, as they say, and sisters have one of the closest bonds among anyone. Even if they fight over the smallest things, they won’t hesitate to provide a shoulder to cry on or go on an ice cream run to help each other through a break up the very next second.

Even if they haven’t talked in a while, sisters can call each other up and pick up where they left off without worrying about awkward silences or holding grudges. Life gets busy, and we don’t always have time for our family. However, sisters understand this and won’t ever turn away when they need each other the most.

In other words, sisters aren’t going anywhere. No matter what happens or who else in their lives might desert them, they’re there to stay through thick and thin. Not to mention, another benefit to having a sister is that they make you a better person, according to research. Skills like communication, compromise, and negotiation are learned through resolving conflicts and trying to understand each other.

Sisterhood: Promoting good mental health

“A sister is someone who loves you from the heart. No matter how much you argue you cannot be drawn apart. She is a joy that cannot be taken away. Once she enters your life, she is there to stay.” – Shiva Sharma

Plus, another study published in 2010 in the Journal of Family Psychology found that having a sister can boost your mental health and self-esteem. Sisters provide moral support when the other one is going through a hard time. Researchers from Brigham Young University found sisters help one another from “feeling lonely, unloved, guilty, self-conscious and fearful.”

This makes sense because only children have no one to confide in or lean on for support, so having a sister is like having a guaranteed support system.

It teaches you to be ambitious and have greater independence

A 2009 survey performed by British psychologists discovered that people who grew up with at least one sister had more independence and determination than those who only had brothers. Study co-author Tony Cassidy of the University of Ulster said in an interview with the Daily Mail, “It is about that intrinsic desire to want to do better every time, to strive towards goals. It certainly seems there is something about the family situation with the number of girls in it that leads to more encouragement to achieve and be independent.”

Now that you know about some of the benefits of having a sister, we will go over some traits that sisters exhibit.

11 Benefits of Having a Sister

Here are 11 common traits sisters have that most people don’t know about:

1 – An inner knowing when something is wrong

Sisters don’t have to say when there’s something amiss. They can read each other like the back of their hand and nothing gets past them. Even if they don’t live together, their senses go off when the other one is going through a hard time. Some might call that a sixth sense or intuition, and it’s even stronger between siblings.

2 – You can share the most embarrassing facts and stories with each other

No matter what happens in your life, you know you can always confide in your sister. The things you would hesitate to tell someone else, you know you can count on your sister to not judge you for, even if she laughs hysterically or makes fun of you at first.

Having a sister is like having a free therapist; you can speak freely without fear of judgment or criticism. Being able to open up and share your innermost fears, desires, and stories with someone is important, and sisters are always there to listen.

3 – A hidden language

Whether that means talking in funny accents, coming up with your own code words, or having a secret handshake, sisters speak in ways others would never understand. They’ve been through it all together, and after years of spending time together, they’ve developed their own special way of communicating.

4 – Looking up to one another

Even if they might call each other names and argue at times, sisters admire one another for the traits they’re lacking. Of course, some sisters have a lot in common, but even so, they are their own people. They might not admit it to each other, but one of the traits sisters have is simply admiring one another for the people they are.

5 – She’ll tell it like it is

Sisters don’t sugarcoat anything. They are honest with each other about everything, even if it seems harsh or inconsiderate. They want the best for each other and will not hesitate to lay it all on the table.

6 – Talking the same way

If you observe sisters, you will probably notice that some speech patterns are similar, such as:

the tone of voice
rate of speech
laughing the same way
even using the same phrases

Because they’ve been around each other so long, many sisters find themselves speaking in similar manners. They aren’t trying to copy each other, but they’ve just picked up on one another’s speech patterns. Next time you’re around sisters, see if you notice this about them!

7 – Annoying each other for no reason

Plenty of sisters like to get under each other’s skin just because, and this is just part of what it means to be siblings. It could be due to sibling rivalry or maybe repressed anger if the younger one got more attention at some point. If you have a sister, you know exactly what we mean – from the name calling to hair pulling to clothes stealing, sisters will do whatever it takes to push each other’s buttons.

8 – Only the big sister can pick on the little sister

It’s fine for the older one to call the younger one names or tease them, but if anyone else tries to do the same, the big sister will always stick up for her little sis. This goes the other way, too; no matter how small she is, little sister will stand up to anyone who tries to bully her big sister.

9 – Being able to talk about personal things

Since the older sister goes through a lot of life experiences first, she can be there when the younger sister inevitably has questions. Whether it’s about puberty, boys, weird things happening with her body, or anything in between, sisters can always count on each other to answer the sometimes uncomfortable or embarrassing questions.

10 – Knowing each other to the core

No one knows you as your sister does. She’s seen you at your worst and doesn’t judge you for it. During your darkest moments and toughest battles, she’s been at your side supporting you through it. Living with someone really shows you who they are, and unless you’ve been married for many years, no one has lived with you as long as your family.

Sisters have such a deep understanding of one another and have seen each other’s darkness many times. No matter what demons they might face, sisters tackle them together.

11 – Complaining about your parents together

As you get older, you probably get more annoyed with your parents. You still love them, of course, but they’ve gotten a little more grouchy and set in their ways, and you both have noticed. Whenever they aren’t around, this is a common topic of discussion between you.

Whether you’re talking about your mom’s obsession with cleaning the house or your dad’s loud chewing at mealtimes, there’s always something to talk about when it comes to your parents’ strange, sometimes irritating habits. Sorry mom and dad, we promise we love you!

Final thoughts about traits sisters have that most people don’t understand

Having a sister is one of the greatest blessings in life. It might not always be sunshine and rainbows, but when everyone else deserts you, you can always count on your sister to stand by your side. Sisters have such a deep understanding of one another because of everything they’ve been through together, so they can easily accept each other’s flaws and look past them.

Sisterhood is more than just a blood relation; it’s having a best friend you can always count on. Friends can leave at any moment, but family is forever. The older you get, the more you realize just how important your family is, because they’ve seen you at your worst moments and still love you anyway.

If you have a sister, make sure to reach out to her and let her know just how much you value her in your life. She will always give good advice and have your best interest at heart.

“The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend.” – Cali Rae Turner

50 Dream Meanings to Never Ignore

July 29, 2019 by Power of Positivity

What we dream about every night can say a lot about our lives, believe it or not. Dreams have been a topic of interest for thousands of years, and there’s actually a whole scientific study of the topic called oneirology. According to the American Sleep Association, dreams occur mostly during the REM stage of sleep when brain activity is highest. During this phase of sleep, the brain is in an almost awake state.

Dreams can occur in other stages of sleep, but they tend to be less memorable and intense. Most last for between 20 and 30 minutes, and if you wake up during a REM phase, you will be more likely to remember your dream. If you never remember your dreams, that might be a good thing since you probably sleep through the whole night.

“Dreams are excursions into the limbo of things, a semi-deliverance from the human prison.” – Henri Amiel

History of Dreams

About 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia, people recorded some of their dreams on clay tablets. In the times of the Romans and Greeks, it was believed these messages were sent from either deities or deceased relatives and that these could predict the future. Other cultures believed they could influence their visions and fulfill prophecies through them; this was called dream incubation.

In the early 1900s, Sigmund Freud wrote about and interpreted dreams quite extensively. He believed they are our deepest hidden fears and desires, and that they often stem from repressed childhood memories. He also believed, arguably, that every message represents a release of sexual tension, no matter what it’s about.

50 Dream Meanings to Pay Close Attention To

People dream about many different things, and whether our dreams are signs of repressed memories, subconscious thoughts or just random, we can learn a lot about ourselves by investigating our dreams. Below, we will go over 50 common dream meanings to never ignore.

You can’t find a bathroom

This may feel like an embarrassing dream to have, but many women report having this dream at least once in their lives. It could mean that you have a lot on your plate and you can’t just let go and free yourself from the stress. So, if you are dealing with many stressors in your life, try to figure out how to manage your stress more effectively.

You’re losing teeth

One study aimed to figure out why so many people have this disturbing dream. They came up with two hypotheses: 1) that the dream could be triggered by actual teeth grinding, which could explain why people dream of their teeth falling out, or 2) it’s more about psychological stress in the dreamer’s life. The authors found that psychological distress was related to teeth tension, but not to teeth grinding.

You’re lost in a house or building

This indicates not having a clear direction in your life and feeling aimless.

You’re totally naked

Usually, this indicates a feeling of vulnerability, but it can also symbolize new beginnings and freedom.

You’re in the house where you grew up

The meaning of this has a lot to do with the emotions behind the dream. If you feel anger or sadness, it could be a sign of repressed memories.

You’re running from something

Either you don’t want to face something in your life, or you’re genuinely afraid of it and run on instinct. Many times, this dream indicates that you don’t want to feel vulnerable or face a difficult challenge.

You’re late or miss an appointment

This might mean you feel worried about how an event will go, or if you have to wake up at a certain time, you might think you’ll sleep in and miss an important meeting.

Your car breaks down

Our cars symbolize movement, and dreams about them can indicate where you’re headed in life. If your car breaks down in your dream, it could mean that your life is changing direction.

You’re dreaming about falling

Falling visions can either happen in a lucid dream where you become aware that you’re dreaming, or in a normal dream, which can indicate that you feel out of control and insecure in your life.

A dream about someone who hurt you

This could be a sign of PTSD, as survivors of trauma often have nightmares about a person who abused them mentally, physically, or emotionally.

You’re taking a test and didn’t study

This symbolizes a lack of preparedness for something in your life – perhaps an interview or a meeting.

Your dream consists of rapidly changing places and people

This might mean you feel disorganized and out of control of your life.

You can fly

This is one of the most positive visions you can have, as it indicates feeling like you have no limits and the world is open to possibilities.

You dream of dying

Dreaming of death don’t usually mean actual death – they normally indicate an ending of something and the beginning of something else.

Dreaming of someone dying

This might be a premonition, but usually, it’s a sign that the person needs your help.

You have no shoes on

Feeling that you’re shoeless could mean that you don’t have direction in your life and feel unprepared.

A storm such as a tornado or a hurricane

Women have these dreams more often than men do, and they indicate that you’re worried or stressed about aspects of your life.

You’re pregnant

This could either be positive or negative depending on your relationship status.

Your car is out of control

If you’re driving and can’t control your car, this message means you need to pay attention to things in your life that you feel are out of your control.

Dreams about travel

Nighttime thoughts about traveling? This means you need some type of direction and movement in your life. You feel stagnant and unsatisfied with your life right now.

Dreams about an ex

If you dream about your ex, it might just mean you miss the good times spent with them.

Fights with an ex

This may mean that you have unresolved issues with a former lover and wish to make amends.

You’re meeting a celebrity

The person you meet symbolizes something on your subconscious mind, whether that’s song lyrics or a line from your favorite movie.

Dreams about intimacy

This could either mean you feel lonely or it could just be a dream about a fantasy.

Nightmares

Dream meanings about bad dreams are that you are trying to process painful events in your life, or you have a deep-seated fear about something.

You’re being cheated on

You might not fully trust your partner, especially if they have cheated on you in the past. However, if they never have, this dream could simply indicate that you feel neglected or insecure about your relationship.

Dreams about water

If water is a common theme in your sleep, it could mean that you’re going through a lot of emotions or changes in your life.

You’ve slept with someone you shouldn’t have

Whether it’s your boss or a friend’s boyfriend, dreams like this have a lot of symbolism in them. Look at the qualities of the person you were intimate with – these are traits that you could use more of in your life.

You have a secret

This means you’re probably hiding something about yourself that you don’t want others to see.

You cheated on your partner

If you have dreams about you cheating, this could mean that you feel like you don’t put enough time or effort into your relationship.

You come across a hidden room

This may indicate that you’ve tapped into parts of your personality that have been dormant.

You have been abducted by aliens

Many people have this dream. It often means that you have a fear of being rejected or alienated. If you travel to outer space, it could mean you’re tapping into new opportunities or perspectives.

There are people breaking into your house

While this dream can be frightening, you shouldn’t take it literally. Examine your life for signs of intrusion, such as obligations or new people that have made a negative impact on your life.

Your child has gotten separated from you

New parents might have this dream, which is understandable since a young child needs a lot of protection. However, it could also mean that you need to pay attention to your inner child who is crying out for love.

Dreams about bugs

If you have a dreaded nightmare about roaches or ants crawling all over you in your sleep, this means you need to examine what might be “bugging” you in your daily life.

Roads

Dreaming about one road means that you need to simplify your life. It can also mean that you know what you want in life and are being guided down the right path.

You’re in a plane crash

A lot of times, dreams like these indicate insecurity about your goals. Maybe you feel like your vision isn’t panning out, or that you aren’t ready to undertake such an endeavor yet.

Dreaming about vacation

You might be needing some time away to recharge and refresh yourself, or it could have a deeper meaning. Maybe there’s something in your life you feel like you’re running away from.

Money

If you win the lottery, it could symbolize good fortune coming into your life. However, if your dreams are about losing money, it could mean that you have a fear of loss.

Dreams about fire

Fire can symbolize a few different things: a deep desire you might have, repressed anger, or impending danger.

You can’t speak or move

This can indicate a feeling of stagnancy in your life, or that you have no say in a certain matter.

The end of the world

As is the case with many of the messages on this list, nightmares about an apocalypse could indicate hidden anger or other negative emotions.

You feel trapped or crushed

Feeling like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders or that you are trapped might indicate a high level of stress.

Dreams about drowning

Drowning dreams can be metaphorical for anything that seems like it’s pulling you down in life. Whether that’s stress from work, relationships, or even internal pressures you put on yourself, where can you release some weight so you can keep your head above water?

You’re wearing a mask

Not surprisingly, having a disguise on usually means you’re trying to cover up some aspect of your personality.

You’re back in high school

Maybe you miss the carefree days where you didn’t have to worry about bills, a career, grocery shopping, and other not-so-fun adult responsibilities.

Dreams about spiders

Many people have visions of spiders crawling all over them in the night. This could mean you’re being manipulated by someone because spiders can easily draw their prey into their web.

Dreams about snakes

This could either mean you feel tempted by something, or there’s a presence of evil in your life.

Food

Maybe you’re actually hungry, but more than likely, you crave nourishment and energy in other ways in life.

Houses

The different rooms in a house represent your mind. For example, the basement symbolizes things you hide from others or parts of yourself you neglect, while the bedroom may indicate your deepest desires and feelings.

Read what happens when you get too much sleep.

Final thoughts about dream meanings to never ignore

All of the dreams listed above have dream meanings you should pay close attention to. If you find yourself receiving any of the messages listed above, make sure to examine your life and emotions so you can uncover the deeper meaning to your dream. Many psychologists believe that our dreams aren’t random and that they are directly related to events in our lives.

Keep a journal by your bed so you can jot down your dreams when you wake up. Of course, you may not always remember them. But if you do, you can easily refer to them. Happy dreaming!

30 Habits That Make You Unstoppable

July 28, 2019 by Power of Positivity

You are unstoppable and that is the truth. Develop good habits, and you’ll prove it to yourself.

Here are thirty things you ought to do to make it so:

1) Know and act.

Do not just think. Deep down, you know what to do and how to do it. This is the pinnacle of high self-esteem, so hold your head up high–make it a habit!

2) Always be prepared.

“If you fail to plan, plan to fail,” said Benjamin Franklin. When you have the knowledge inside you, you can instinctively act upon it. Soak up all that information that is out there!

3) Let your motivation be internal.

If your motivation is outside your living being, then you are lost. Keep going because it is the right thing to do, even if it hurts. Things come and go but let your drive and ambition be constant.

4) Never be satisfied.

Always being hungry for more does not make you ungrateful, it means that you are pushing yourself as far as you can go, putting your limits to the test.

5) Stay in control.

Unlike most, who require coping mechanisms, you are the immovable object, the man-mountain or woman extraordinaire. This goes for all your habits–everything that you do, say, eat, drink, feel, and think.

6) Always be true to yourself.

If you compromise your integrity in any way, it may be impossible to get it back. However, if you do not like something, you have the guts to tell yourself and others just that and change accordingly. Remember to season to taste!

7) Keep the pressure on.

Most can handle small amounts of pressure, but you do not let yourself go so easily. Deadlines are strict, the tools have seen better days, and you are exhausted. Nothing can deter you because of your pure determination.

8) No fear of failure consequences.

Of course, failure hurts, yet it is necessary for success. It was Robert Kiyosaki who said: “Those who avoid failure also avoid success.” Remember that we only see successful people’s successes, never their failures. Some famous failures include Virgin Cola, Cosmopolitan Yoghurt, Life Savers fizzy drinks, Coors Rocky Mountain Spring Water, Bic women’s underwear. Did these companies go out of business?

9) Other people compete with you, not vice versa.

Competing with others is nigh on lunacy to you. The external does not really matter, the internal pressures do and you focus on what you do and how you do it. Other people try to copy the success of others but you remember that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”.

10) Always strive for learning.

You are the curious sort, always wanting to be a sponge for information and not letting it go under any circumstances. Learning new skills and honing current ones, improving your weaknesses, being the eternal student in the university of life are all admirable habits to fall into.

11) Success is not enough.

It only increases the pressure to do more and more. That restless relentlessness makes you a cut above the rest, and not just in Oktoberfest. You achieved on goal, but you are immediately thinking about the next challenge.

12) You can handle success.

Many people are not able to, but you are not many people. They procrastinate or demonstrate a rate of self-destruction, mate. However, that is their fate. You, on the other hand, take it in your stride and you keep going.

13) No external blame game.

When things do not go to plan and the result was not the desired one, you are the first one to say: “I am the one to blame.” Remember, when you point at someone using your index finger, the remaining three point back at you.

14) Let your work do the talking.

You walk your talk, not talk your walk. People can easily distinguish “good work” from “bad work”. If there is someone who tries to bring you down, you only smile and finish your task. Leo Messi, the Argentine soccer player, does exactly this and is considered as the best of his generation (although Cristiano Ronaldo may beg to differ).

15) Improve your mental strength.

You take to pressure like water off a duck’s back and it can take you further than most because of this fact. Working in this area of life makes you persistent and insistent on success. Like attracts like, after all.

16) Confidence is the key.

You have this quality in spades. This is exactly what Aristotle meant when he taught young Alexander the Great: “Fortune favours the brave.” He went on to found the Greek Empire stretching from Greece to modern-day Pakistan.

17) Surrounding yourself with people who remind you of a great future.

If you surround yourself with people who remind you of the past, especially a bad one, how can you possibly be unstoppable? You move on from what you are unable to change and you find people who become the wind beneath your wings. These people are worth their weight in gold because your success becomes theirs also.

18) Let things go, but do not forget.

On the plane of life, you intend to travel as light as possible without any baggage. Naturally, bad things are going to happen to you but you cannot allow them to define you. However, you are such a student of life that you learn from these things.

19) Have clear goals.

Not having goals in life is like having a car with no steering wheel. You obviously have direction in your life, you know how to get to where you want to go, and you do not stop until you arrive at your desired destination. Make goal setting a habit that will guide you forward.

20) Answer instantly with no hesitation.

Um, it’s like, er, you have like, um, no confidence in, like, what you’re saying. That is not your style. You are concise, direct, and to the point in making your decisions.

21) Choose simplicity over complicated.

Complication leads to difficulty, whereas simplicity makes life easier. As you are always putting yourself under pressure, you have no time for complicated. How many times have you heard something is genius because it is simple?

22) Be happy for someone else with their achievements.

Being jealous of others’ achievements is competing with others and we have already stated that you do not compete with others. You are not on the same path as anyone else, and vice versa. You are happy for them because you have your own fish to fry.

23) Go for it!

Do you remember the Nike slogan “Just Do It”? It is exactly what you do. You take the shot. If you fail, there is always next time. Many are fearful of failure, but you move past it and you deal with what comes later. As the subheading says: Go for it!

24) Never rest on your laurels.

Riding the coattails of past success is one of the worst habits to fall into. Your past glories are no longer here and you cannot keep trading on them. A new project is winking at you like a man does with a woman he likes on a night out on the town. You always remember what brought you to this moment: your impeccable work.

25) Think and act 10X.

“When 10X is your measuring stick, you immediately see how you can bypass what everyone else is doing,” said Dan Sullivan, the founder of Strategic Coach. Not that you care about everyone else but it is almost as if your decisions and actions are on steroids, and they are doing so much in your favor. Do more, think more, be more!

26) Set goals far exceeding your current limitations.

If you set reachable goals now, you will not be forced to create luck. These goals are meant to challenge you to become more, to become better than you are currently, to grow personally and, to a lesser extent, professionally. Norman Vincent Peale said: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you fail, you will land among the stars.”

27) You know when to rest.

When you are on work time, you give it all you have. When you are off the clock, make sure you are OFF. Completely! Can boxers train 24/7? No. Can Warren Buffett invest 24/7? No. Can a pizza chef make pizzas 24/7? No. Then there is this: How can you achieve your greatness if you do things in a half-hearted manner?

28) You start BEFORE you are ready.

Are you ready to do it? The unstoppable always reply no, making it perfect timing. You learn on the journey, not before it. This is why experience is so sought after in the job market because it is not a commodity. You started before you had your customers and your jealous competitors. If you have not yet started, start now!

29) Needing permission to do something is a big red flag.

Why do you need to ask if it is something YOU want to do? Where is the passion when you have to ask someone else whether you should do it? You, my dear friend, take a leaf out of Nike’s book and get out into the world. If you want to invest in gold, check out first this secret irs loophole guide here and then go ahead and do it!

30) Make no exceptions.

If your daily routine starts by waking up at 4 am, you keep it that way no matter what. Even if your body is aching and you feel too tired to go on, that willpower is on auto-pilot and you continue. Take this quote from Muhammed Ali on board: “I hated every minute of training. But I said: ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ ”

If all else fails, we suggest reading the poem called “If” by Rudyard Kipling. How about that for a Brucie bonus?

Adopt These Habits to Find Out Just How Unstoppable You Are!

Want to prove to the world, and more importantly to yourself, how unstoppable you really are? Adopt these habits. In time, you will begin to see changes in how you experience a shift in attitude that tells the world the truth. You are a force to be reckoned with!

References:
Hardy B P., “Do These 30 Things If You Want To Be Unstoppable”
Success Magazine: http://www.success.com/blog/do-these-30-things-if-you-want-to-be-unstoppable

Psychology Explains How Narcissists Use Projection To Manipulate

July 28, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Narcissists have no real self-awareness to speak of. Indeed, their very sense of value is derived from how others perceive them. As a rule, narcissists cannot recognize their shortcomings and failures, instead choosing to cast the blame – no matter the merits of such – onto someone else. It’s called projection – a default defense mechanism of the narcissist.

In this article, we’re going to define narcissism, projection, and how those with narcissistic tendencies use projection to achieve their aims. As you will read, narcissists are experts at manipulation. To this end, we’ll discuss how you can spot the narcissist, along with proactive things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of narcissistic manipulation.

What is Projection?

In psychology, projection – or psychological projection – is the denial of subconscious impulses by the human ego. For instance, someone accusing their partner of cheating when they’re the one engaging in the scandalous act is projecting. A jealous co-worker who accuses everyone else in the office of being jealous is projecting; secretly, they’re jealous of just about everyone with a modicum of success. And so on.

While common among narcissistic, projecting is something that we all do to varying degrees. We usually project onto others when we have uncomfortable, sometimes disturbing, emotions and thoughts about ourselves. The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, believed that we project things onto others when we don’t want to burden ourselves with our perceived flaws or feelings of inferiority.

In other words, we want others to be the vehicles for our insecurities. We don’t want to deal with them anymore.

The thing is: while we all project, we don’t make a habit out of it. Most of us wouldn’t use projection to make someone feel inferior. We certainly wouldn’t employ projection as a means of coercion. Because, well, you’re not a narcissist (we don’t think.)

Speaking of which, let’s discuss narcissistic personality disorder in a tad more detail.

The Story of Narcissus (the OG Narcissist)

The ancient Greeks and Romans promulgated a myth about a young lad too obsessed with his image. The story goes that Narcissus was a handsome guy who rejected all female comers. In fact, Narcissus rejected all of those who loved him, leading some of those he loved to take their own lives as a last effort to show Narcissus their devotion and love.

A young nymph named Echo, shortly after being cursed by the wife of Zeus (a philanderer, that one) to only being able to repeat what others say, wandered out to the forest convinced that her life was over. Upon laying her eyes on Narcissus, she was hopeful that she could live a normal life – if she could get his attention. But Narcissus being, well, Narcissus, rudely rejected the young lady’s innocent advances.

However, none of this moved the vain young man, which led the Goddess Nemesis to punish Narcissus for his callousness. The story ends with Narcissus getting a glimpse of himself in a lake, which reflects back an image showing him in the prime of his beauty. Narcissus fell in love with his image, eventually realizing that nothing could love him as much as he could love himself. Nemesis takes his own life shortly after this realization.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

In the late 1800s, psychologists decided that the vain Narcissus was an apt representation of some of their clients. A sexologist named Havelock Ellis coined the term “narcissus-like” to describe his patients engaging in excessive masturbation.

In 1911, an Austrian psychiatrist named Otto Rank published the first academic paper proposing narcissism as a potential psychological disorder. Rank described narcissism in the context of excessive self-admiration and vanity. Three years later, Freud published the paper On Narcissism: An Introduction.

It wasn’t until 1968 that the term “narcissistic personality disorder” was coined by psychologist Heinz Kohut. Narcissistic personality disorder (or ‘NPD’) is defined as:

“…a personality disorder with a long-term pattern of abnormal behavior characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance, excessive need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.”

Clinical treatment of NPD is not well-studied but is thought to be difficult – as those with NPD cannot see their condition as a problem. NPD occurs more often in males, affects roughly one percent of the population, and is far more common in younger people than older.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) – the diagnostic literature published by the American Psychological Association (APA) – lists ten recognized symptoms of NPD:

A sense of grandiosity
Expecting superior treatment from others
Exploiting others for personal gain without feelings of guilt
An inability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others
Strong feelings of envy towards others
Constantly engaging in the bullying, belittling, and demeaning of others
A sense of entitlement and the need to be treated special
The need to be perceived as superior and unique
Obsession over desired traits such as attractiveness, intelligence, power, and success
The need to be constant admiration from other people

Narcissists + Projection = Manipulation

“When the [narcissistic] individual is in the superior position, defending against shame, the grandiose self aligns with the inner critic and devalues others through projection.” – Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT

Here’s how narcissists use projection to manipulate you (and what to do about it):

1. They “Call You Out”

Perhaps the most straightforward way to project is to call someone out. When a narcissist calls you out, you can bet they’re doing so for two reasons: (a) to get you to do something, (b) to attack you or both. Guilt-tripping is among the most common methods narcissists use. They may get frustrated and verbally attack you if that doesn’t work.

What to do: In any case, don’t take the bait. Recognize the behavior for what it is: a shameless, insulting attempt to manipulate your thoughts and feelings. You have something they want – don’t give it to them!

2. They Mimic

While narcissists have the emotional depth of a puddle, they’re smart enough (many are highly intelligent) to know that emotionality matters to people. For this reason, narcissists will often mimic the emotional behaviors they see elsewhere to convince someone of their genuine nature.

For the narcissist, the problem with this tactic is that mimicry goes against the grain of innate human behavior. Assuming they’re not some CIA-trained spy, the entire façade will become apparent sooner or later.

What to do: Be observant. Someone’s core personality will always make itself known. You have to keep your eyes and ears open.

3. They Use Character Assassination

If you’ve been the victim of character assassination, you may know the far-reaching effects. Targeting someone’s character is the ultimate “go for the jugular” act. When a narcissist engages in character assassination, it’s often out of vengeance or to win people over for some reason.

What to do: The most important thing here is not to panic. Most have pretty good sense when getting a feel for someone’s character. For this reason, we’re naturally cautious when someone verbally attacks another’s person. If these things occur in a work environment, you may need to speak with your manager, human resources, or the legal department.

4. They Play the Victim

Narcissists love to play the victim. At first, anyway. Why? Because they realize that most of us have some sensitive core. We don’t like to see other people suffer. We want to help alleviate that suffering. Narcissists are all too eager to take advantage of this near-universal human trait. For this reason, the narcissist will also project a “Woe is me” demeanor.

Some less-intelligent narcissists make the critical error of playing the victim to one person. If this is the case, it’s much easier to see through the charade.

What to do: Remember to remain observant and keep your ear to the ground. If you’re particularly sensitive (e.g., an empath), ensure that you’re offering your assistance only to people you know well.

3. They Shape Shift

When a narcissist feels that they’ve got the victim where they want, they’ll quickly drop the act. They do so because they’re confident that the victim will offer little if any resistance. Indeed, this is often the last opportunity that the potential – or, by this point, possibly real – the victim will have to minimize the damage.

If you catch onto the shape-shifting, don’t expect the narcissist to go quietly into the night. Remember, narcissists are experts in the art of manipulation – and they may still be able to flummox you just enough that you’ll keep them around.

Final Bit of Advice on Dealing with Narcissists

At this juncture, it is critical that you not hesitate to “end it.” Unless that person has some undiagnosed mental health disorder, there’s just no rational explanation for displaying extremes along the personality spectrum. Particularly if you’re being hurt in the interim.

Scientists Explain The Best Sleep Postures to Reduce Back Pain

July 28, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Back pain ranges from mild discomfort to excruciating to anything in between. In fact it is incredibly common.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, back pain is the leading cause of disability in the world. In the United States alone, nearly 80 million working adults experience back pain yearly, resulting in more than 264 million days of work missed.

Here are some other back pain facts:

80% of people will experience back pain sometime in their lives.
Back pain is the 3^rd most common reason for doctor visits. (Skin disorders and osteoarthritis/joint problems are first and second, respectively.)
Lower back pain costs Americans up to $100 billion yearly, resulting in lower productivity and lost wages.
Most back pain cases are not attributable to medical conditions but sudden mechanical alterations to the back’s structure (e.g., a slipped disk or degenerative disk.)
The number of disabled people due to lower back pain rose 54% between 1990 and 2015.
While most people with lower back pain recover, reoccurring lower back pain problems often reoccur. For an unfortunate minority, lower back pain progresses into a chronic and potentially disabling condition.
As you’ll read, posture plays a critical role in our back health. Of course, this includes how our body is positioned for sleep.

This article focuses on the best sleep positions for certain types of back pain. By implementing some of the sleep positions mentioned, we hope that you will experience a better, deeper, more satisfying night’s sleep.

Other topics of discussion: the causes of back pain and other steps that you can take to reduce the risk of back pain.

What Causes Back Pain? Evolution.

“Bad backs, dangerous childbirths, sore feet and wisdom teeth pains are among the many ailments humans face from evolution…” ~Charles Q. Choi (source)

The back is a very fickle part of the body. (Raise your hand if you ever threw your back out of place, reaching for the shampoo. Oh, that’s just me? Okay then!

All joking aside, the back is a complex piece of human machinery with numerous moving parts – bones, joints, muscles, disks, and vertebrae. Even the slightest movement can inexplicably throw one of these components – and most of the surrounding area – out of whack.

First Sign of Back Pain

The first sign something’s gone wrong? Pain. Often of the excruciating variety.

Other situations or health conditions that may instigate or worsen back pain include arthritis, poor posture (including while sleeping), lifting heavy objects, obesity or being overweight, and psychological stress.

In effect, the process of biological evolution is to blame for most of the back problems we face. Of all evolutionary adaptations, the fact that we are erect bipods puts us at a particular disadvantage when maintaining skeletal health.

Scientists say that our upright posture places more pressure from gravity onto the spine. According to Bruce Latimer, an anatomist and anthropologist at Case Western Reserve University, humans are the only species of animal that spontaneously shatter vertebrae.

Lucky us.

Latimer illustrates the flawed design of the human spine by likening its components to cups and saucers. 24 cups represent the separate vertebra of the spinal column, and the saucers represent the disks in between each vertebra. “Then take a [heavy book] and put it on top. This is the head. If you are really careful you can balance it – otherwise there’s a lot of porcelain on the ground.” In other words, our back and spine are fragile.

Another trait that may exacerbate back troubles: how we walk, with one foot in front while swinging the opposite arm. Latimer says that this repetitious swinging-while-walking motion, over time, can cause the vertebra to break down. The result: herniated disks, chronic back pain, disability, or all of the above.

Let’s now break down the five best sleep postures for back pain.

5 Sleep Postures for Back Pain

Here are five sleep postures for various types of back pain.

Side Sleeping With a Pillow Between Your Legs

Instructions:

(1) Rotate your body onto its side. The entire side of your body – except your head if using a pillow – should make contact with the mattress.

(2) Rest a small pillow between your knees. Adjust how the pillow sits if in any way uncomfortable.

(3) If there is any space between your waist and the mattress, use a small cushion or pillow for support.

How it helps: Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees aligns the hips, pelvis, and spine. All three parts of the body can irritate any present back pain, particularly in the lower back. If sleeping on your back is uncomfortable, this position may help.

It is important to remember to switch sides occasionally to avoid any possible spinal imbalances, misalignments, and worsening pain.

Side Sleeping in the Fetal Position

Instructions:

(1) First, lie on your back and slowly roll onto your side.

(2) Fold your knees toward your chest while lowering your torso toward the knees.

(3) Switch sides occasionally to avoid any misalignments and when discomfort arises proactively.

How it helps: Side sleeping in the fetal position is often preferred among those with a foraminal hernia, a hernia condition wherein the enlargement of joint in the spinal canal causes the disc space to narrow. The fetal position extends this narrowed space, resulting in less pressure on the nerve root.

On Your Stomach With a Pillow Under The Abdomen

Instructions:

(1) Get on all fours and place a comfortable pillow underneath your abdominal region.

(2) Slowly lower yourself down into your sleeping position.

How it helps: Individuals with a degenerative disc condition or paracentral disc herniation may find that this position offers the most relief. The reason is that raising your abdomen while at rest eases the tension between the disc and affected vertebra.

Something to be mindful of is that sleeping on your stomach may place more stress on your neck, possibly increasing the risk of back problems. As such, this position should be reserved for those with or at risk of developing paracentral disc herniation.

On your back with a pillow under the knees

Instructions:

(1) Lie flat on your back.

(2) Position a pillow underneath your knees to keep your spine in place. You may find the shape of the pillow makes all the difference. If you feel in any way uncomfortable, try another pillow.

(3) If your lower back is uncomfortable, try situating a rolled-up towel underneath the small of the back for added support.

How it helps: Sleeping on your back helps to redistribute your weight, and the pillow expands the spaces between the affected disks in the lower back. The back is the widest part of your body, and spreading the weight across it takes some of the strain off your pressure points. Finally, your spinal column is in a more natural alignment than other sleeping positions.

Lean back and sleep

Instructions: This last sleep posture requires either an adjustable bed or recliner. Sleeping in a reclined position, though not usually considered an ideal sleeping arrangement, may be helpful for easing the pain inherent in a small number of back conditions, including isthmic spondylolisthesis.

How it helps: Resting in recline forms a natural angle between the thighs and torso, reducing the pressure on the spine. Note that you may need to adjust this angle before finding a fixed position that lets you sleep through the night.

Final Thoughts: Aligning Yourself to Thwart Back Pain

Here is a final tip that may help ease some of your pain:

Be mindful of the alignment between your ears, shoulders, and hips. All three should form as close to a 180-degree line as possible. This “rule” applies to every sleeping position and back problem. Keeping this area aligned helps stabilize the entire body, vital to reducing back pain.

Scientists Explain The 12 Best Foods For Your Brain

July 27, 2019 by Power of Positivity

The food that we ingest has a significant impact on how the brain functions. Just as we avoid junk food due to adverse effects on the body, we should do so for the brain.

For example, it’s a scientific fact that individuals who eat junk food, including fast food, are more than 50 percent more likely to suffer from depression. Depression is both the cause and effect of increased junk food consumption, says Dr. David Katz.

“Higher intake of fast food may very well increase risks of depression by causing poor health in general. But depression may also increase fast food intake,” Katz states.

In this article, we’re going to discuss the dangers of unwholesome food on your brain, including what specific foods that you should minimize or avoid. We’ll also list what scientists say are the 12 best foods for your brain and why.

Your Brain on Junk Food

“Nearly everything on McDonald’s menu contains some sugar, from the drinks to the ketchup to the hamburger buns and fries. McDonald’s knows that most people are going to shell out the extra dollar for a soft drink because sugar is addictive.” ~ Joshua Gowin, Ph.D. (source)

Fast food establishments such as McDonald’s and Wendy’s are the worst offenders. You can’t even trust their so-called “healthy” menu items.

Only the former could make a ‘fruit and yogurt’ item that contains 22 grams of sugar (the maximum recommended intake is 24 grams.) Only the latter would advertise a “healthy” apple pecan chicken salad that includes 40 grams of added sugar.

But fast-food chains far from the only culprits. Manufacturers of most processed foods – nearly all grocery items that comprise the aisles and freezers – saturate their products with not only added sugar, but a ton of salt, additives, and preservatives as well.

The research into fast food

The studies that implicate the food manufacturing and fast food industries for borderline irresponsible practices are plenty. But one of the most eye-opening was released by researchers at the Scripps Research (previously the ‘Scripps Research Institute,’ or TSRI).

Per the research, foods like hamburgers, potato chips, baked goods, and fatty meats (e.g., sausages) hijack the brain’s pleasure and reward center in ways that are strikingly similar to that of illicit drugs such as heroin. Dr. Paul Kenny, a neuroscientist who overlooked the research, adds, “You lose control [over eating]. It’s the hallmark of addiction.”

Kenny goes so far as to say that treatments traditionally reserved for curing drug dependency may be useful for treating obesity, which he attributes as a potential “form of compulsive eating.”

Besides increasing the risk of obesity, junk food also contributes to numerous other physical and mental conditions, including:

– Brain damage

– Cancer

– Cognitive disorders, e.g., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia

– Learning and memory dysfunctions

The 12 Best Foods For Your Brain

All of the foods mentioned thus far only serve to damage your body and brain. In this section, we’ll list off the 12 food items that scientists say are among the best for promoting brain health.

Here we go!

Blueberries

Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of “brain berries” is their rich concentration of antioxidants – substances that inhibit cell deterioration and death through oxidation.

In a study published in the journal Applied Physiology, participants who were given the equivalent of 230 grams of blueberries showed “significant increases in brain activity” as well as “[improved] brain blood flow, brain activation … and … working memory.”

Antioxidants play a critical role in the prevention of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia, and degenerative eye disease.

Recommended serving: 1 cup per day.

Oily Fish

Oily fish such as mackerel or, better still, salmon, contain high amounts of the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA.

Multiple studies demonstrate that DHA plays critical roles in the brain, such as neurogenesis (cellular birth), neurotransmission (cell signaling), and controlling neuroinflammation (inflammation in the brain.) DHA consumption is linked to tangible cognitive benefits as well, such as those on advanced cognitive functioning.

Recommended serving: two servings of 3.5 ounces per week.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are rich in two critical nutrients for cognitive function – magnesium and zinc. The former promotes learning, reasoning, and thinking skills. The latter helps transmit nerve signals throughout the body, including to and from the brain.

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin E. They are also a good plant-based source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Recommended serving: variable – eat as a snack

Eggs

Egg yolks contain the vitamin-like substance choline, which is a necessary element for neurogenesis. Choline is also used for the production of acetylcholine, which is vital for cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Eggs also contain various B-vitamins, including B12 which promotes proper cognition.

A study published in 2009 shows that acetylcholine supplementation enhances “persistent spiking” in neurons associated with the storage of new (short-term) information.

Recommended serving: 1-2 whole eggs per day

Seaweed

Seaweed contains a plethora of brain-boosting minerals, including iodine. Iodine both helps to maintain nervous system health and support cognitive function.

Research shows that iodine deficiency is the leading cause of worldwide mental impairment. Other sources of iodine include seafood and fortified bread.

Recommended serving (RDI, iodine): 150 mcg per day

Dark Chocolate

Yes, dark chocolate is legit brain food. Cacao, the raw version of cocoa, is high in potent antioxidants called flavanols. In a 2018 study, individuals who ate 48 grams of dark chocolate – the equivalent of a full-size bar – showed increased brain activity across the cortex areas related to cognition and memory.

Recommended serving: One 48-gram bar with 70% cacao once per week.

Avocados

Avocados are nearly as effective as blueberries in promoting brain health. The reason? ‘Cados are rich in healthy monosaturated fat, which encourages healthy blood flow, including to the brain.

A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University found that eating one whole avocado per day improves both brain and eye function in older adults.

Recommended serving: ½ to 1 avocado daily for cognitive benefits.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are known for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by promoting healthy blood flow. One particularly healthy type is wheat germ, which contains rich amounts of omega-3s and vitamin E.

Recommended serving: 3 to 5 servings daily

Beans

Beans are a great source of fuel for the brain, proving a steady, lengthy energy supply. Additionally, beans are also good for stabilizing blood sugar levels, which help to prevent the dreaded mid-afternoon energy crash.

Lentils, in particular, including black beans, might be the best option for realizing max benefits.

Recommended serving: 1 ½ cup per day.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants which, as we’ve covered, are essential for proper brain functioning. “Probably no part of the body is more sensitive to the damage from free radicals as the brain,” states neurologist David Perlmutter.

Recommended serving: 2 ounces/daily diluted with water

Fresh Tea

While coffee will probably never be supplanted as the world’s most popular beverage, freshly-brewed tea may be worth checking out if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Tea contains both antioxidants called catechins, which studies show helps promote cerebral blood flow. Tea also contains a moderate dose of caffeine, which can be beneficial by enhancing focus, memory, and mood.

Recommended serving: 1 8-ounce serving per day

Walnuts

Walnuts are probably the best type of nuts for promoting raw brainpower because of their extra dose of omega-3s. These nuts are also rich in other brain-boosting nutrients, including healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E.

Recommended serving: 1 4-ounce serving per day

Final Thoughts: What’s Monaco doing right?

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, registering a whole .85 square miles (2.2 km). Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is home to about 39,000 citizens.

A statistic that isn’t minuscule is Monaco’s average life expectancy (ALE) of 89.5 years.

To illustrate just how exorbitantly high this number is, consider the runners up. The second-closest nation is super-healthy Japan, whose citizens’ ALE still trails the Monacans by a staggering four to five years, depending on which dataset you’re looking at.

First, we must consider the fact that the country is rather well off. This is critical as most research demonstrates a strong correlation between income and life expectancy. About one-third of its citizens are millionaires, and the average household income is approximately $168,000.

Could the large pockets of the average Monacan explain this ALE gap? This appears unlikely. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Americans with an income of $256,000 live an average of just over 85 years.

So, it’s not income. Nor is it a small population.

The Mediterranean Connection

The nation’s otherworldly ALE numbers may just be because of where Monaco is situated – right on the Mediterranean Sea. As such, the inhabitant’s diet largely consists of a healthier version of what we call the ‘Mediterranean Diet.’ The overarching feature of the Mediterranean diet is its large intake of plant-based foods.

Meat from the Mediterranean Diet is sparse and mostly consists of fish and seafood. Other foods items include vegetables, olive oil, legumes, herbs, spices, and whole grains.

The research appears to back up this hypothesis. Per Harvard University, a study of 26,000 women found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet were 25 percent less likely to develop heart disease over 12 years.

In another study, participants who followed a Mediterranean-type eating plan were nearly 50 percent more likely to age healthfully. A proper Mediterranean diet may also reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., dementia, as well as depression.

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

Healthy meals

1. Coconut-lime marinated shrimp with “noodles”

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2. Grilled watermelon and steak salad

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3. Grilled chicken and smoky corn salad

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4. White bean and tuna salad with basil vinaigrette

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5. Chicago style chicken dogs

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6. Cheesy Tex Mex stuffed chicken

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Healthy Vegetarian Fare

1. Smashed pea and ricotta pappardelle

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2. Veggie Potsticker stir fry

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3. Black bean chili stuffed sweet potatoes

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Final thoughts on healthy eating

Weird Science

Here are some examples of some of those topics:

‘Co-regulation’

Other examples:

An Honest Scientist Explains

Final Thoughts: The Effects of Dualistic Thinking

Oh, wait, yes, they are.

1. Apples

2. Cauliflower

3. Salmon

4. Swiss Chard

5. Grapes

6. Bananas

7. Broccoli

8. Strawberries

9. Almonds

10. All Natural Peanut Butter

11. Oats

12. Blueberries

13. Avocado

14. Sweet Potatoes

15. Chicken

Final Thoughts: Making a List of Weight Loss Foods and Checking It Twice

Sisterhood: Promoting good mental health

11 Benefits of Having a Sister

1 – An inner knowing when something is wrong

2 – You can share the most embarrassing facts and stories with each other

3 – A hidden language

4 – Looking up to one another

5 – She’ll tell it like it is

6 – Talking the same way

7 – Annoying each other for no reason

8 – Only the big sister can pick on the little sister

9 – Being able to talk about personal things

10 – Knowing each other to the core

11 – Complaining about your parents together

Final thoughts about traits sisters have that most people don’t understand

History of Dreams

50 Dream Meanings to Pay Close Attention To

You can’t find a bathroom

You’re losing teeth

You’re lost in a house or building

You’re totally naked

You’re in the house where you grew up

You’re running from something

You’re late or miss an appointment

Your car breaks down

You’re dreaming about falling

A dream about someone who hurt you