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31 Easy Ways To Save Money Fast

July 7, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Looking to save money? Luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to go about this task! Whether you do a no-spend day, week, or month, or simply walk instead of driving from time to time, there are many great ways to keep money in your pocket!

The prospect of saving extra money each money can be daunting for some, but it really doesn’t have to be. We’ve brought together 31 great ways for you to save more of your hard-earned dough. Continue reading to learn what you need to do to save money fast:

Ways To Save Money Fast

1. Pay Off Credit Cards In Full

Make sure you are paying your credit cards in full each month. No amount of points or air-miles will make up for interest payments you end up needing to make on outstanding balances!

2. Set A Goal To Reduce Your Credit Card Debt By $1,000

Set a goal to reduce your credit card debt by a meaningful amount and then act on it! By lowering your debt by even just $1,000, you’ll likely save more than $200 from interest alone!

3. Use Only Your Bank’s ATMs

Avoid ATM fees by only using ATM machines at your credit union or bank of choice. You might not think much of an ATM fee here and there, but over time these can really add up!

4. Check Your Credit Report For Free Each Year

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to check your credit report for free each year with each of the three credit reporting bureaus. Take the time to scan through and seek out any inaccuracies that might be there. By fixing these, you can raise your credit score, which is used by landlords, loan providers like Sunny loans UK, and others in order to decide on whether you are a safe bet. Having a low credit score can end up costing you in the long run when you are charged higher interest rates on loans.

5. Set All Of Your Bills To Auto-pay

Make sure you pay your bills on time. A great way to avoid forgetting to pay is to simply set them to auto-pay. This way, each month your bill is paid on time, and in full.

6. Take Advantage Of Free Debt Counseling

Take advantage of any free debt counseling that may be available to you. A counseling session may be just the thing you need in order to get your budget on track and can help you negotiate better rates with creditors as well as help you set up a debt repayment plan.

7. Freeze Your Credit Card

It may seem weird, but sometimes you just have to make credit card use inconvenient in order to rein in bad habits. Consider dropping your credit card in a cup of water and then freezing it. Having to thaw out your credit card before you can use it will be a great deterrent if you find it hard to moderate your credit card spending.

8. Use Your Library

If you’re a big reader and spend a pretty penny on books each month, consider taking advantage of your local library instead. Libraries nowadays offer not just books, but also e-books and audiobooks, free of charge! It’s not uncommon for libraries to offer other free services as well, such as tool loaning and help with research.

9. Seek Out Unadvertised Ticket Discounts

If you enjoy hitting up the theater regularly, consider giving your local favorite a call, tweet, or email prior to visiting in order to inquire about any potential unadvertised discounts they may have on offer. It’s quite common for theaters to offer students, seniors, and younger adults extra discounts such as pay-what-you-can or pay-your-age discounts! Some also offer impromptu rush discounts in order to fill unsold seats right before showtime.

10. Volunteer At Local Events

Local events and festivals will usually offer free admission to those that volunteer their time at the events. If you have your eyes set on a future festival or event, consider reaching out to the organizers to see about volunteering, and be sure to ask about any benefits such as free admission while you’re at it!

11. Opt For Gift Spending Limits

If your family is operating on a tight budget, consider bringing up the topic of spending limits on gifts this year. Whether it be a limit on the dollar amount spent, or limiting gift buying to 1 per person, this can be a great way to relieve the stress of gift buying.

12. Do Your Gift Shopping Months Ahead

Consider doing your gift buying months ahead of schedule! Thinking about what you’re going to buy early gives you time to be thoughtful with your gifts and also opens up the opportunity to take advantage of any sales that might come about.

13. Save Money For College Immediately

You can never save money soon enough when it comes to college. If you’ve got a baby on the way, consider saving for their education immediately!

14. Buy Quality Clothing

While buying cheap clothes can be tempting, sometimes it is better to seek out quality products first. While it can make sense for children, when they end up growing out of clothes within a year, for older individuals who are going to be wearing the clothes for potentially many years to come, quality products that last should be sought out.

15. Take Part In A Neighborhood Swap Meet

This can be a great way to get rid of some of your unused items, in exchange for something you’ll likely find useful. Get the people in your area together and have everyone bring their unused books, clothing, toys, and school supplies. For each item that someone brings, they can get a ticket which entitles them to an item at the meet. From there, people can pick out items they like and whatever is left at the end can be donated.

16. Do A “No Spend Day” Each Week

Consider setting aside one day each week and making it a no spend day. Cook your food at home on this day and instead of paying to go out and do something fun at home that doesn’t cost a cent!

17. Bring Your Lunch

Going out for lunch every day really adds up! Consider making your lunch at home and bringing it into work each day. You’ll find that the savings really start to rack up once you do this for a couple of weeks!

18. Reduce Your Restaurant Outings

By cutting down on the frequency of restaurant meals, you’ll end up saving a nice chunk of change. Even reducing the number of times you go out by one time a month is enough to save money, which adds up over the course of a year.

19. Meal Plan

Plan your meals for the week and then go out shopping and buy everything you’ll need in 1 go. This is a great way to save money by only buying what you need for your meals, as you’ll not have the opportunity to impulse buy things you didn’t plan on eating.

20. Keep Your Eye On Unit Prices

It’s common for one to only look at the price of an item when deciding if it’s a good deal or not but this can be deceptive! Unit price is a much better indication of whether or not something is a good deal.

21. Drink Water

Opt for water instead of alcohol or soda! Not only will your health benefit, but you’ll save money over the course of a month!

22. Double Your Recipes

When making that next casserole, soup, or stew, consider doubling the recipe! By doing this, you’ll be expending a similar amount of effort but you’ll end up with lots of tasty leftovers you can eat over the following days. If you can’t finish it all, simply portion it out and freeze it for quick and easy meals on days you don’t feel like cooking.

23. Don’t Skip Out On Preventative Care

Healthcare can be expensive, and so it’s not uncommon for people to just avoid it unless absolutely necessary. It’s better to get preventative care done before there is an issue, instead of having to shell out big bucks to remedy a medical situation once something gets bad.

24. Choose Generic

If you’re currently getting name-brand medication, consider asking your doctor if there are any generic options available. These are often much cheaper and are effectively the same drug.

25. Shop Around For Prescription Drugs

Most people think that medicines cost the same regardless of which drugstore you choose, but they are unfortunately incorrect! Shop around at your local drug stores for the medications you use regularly and you’ll be surprised to find that some pharmacies are significantly cheaper than others!

26. Opt For Store Brand Medications

For common medicines such as cough syrup, pain relievers, and the like, consider opting for the store brand. These are usually no different from name-brand medications but are usually significantly cheaper, which will help you save money fast!

27. Shop Around For Homeowner’s Insurance

Next time you’re up for renewing your homeowner’s insurance, consider looking around for better deals with other companies.

28. Seek Out Loan Refinancing

If you have the ability to refinance your mortgage for a lower rate, consider doing so immediately! Even as little as a half a percent reduction in interest rate can end up saving you thousands over the lifetime of your loan. A reliable raleigh mortage broker can help guide you through the process and find the best refinancing options tailored to your needs, ensuring you get the most value out of your mortgage.

29. Conduct A Home Energy Audit

Check and see if your utility companies offer free or cheap energy audits. If they do, take advantage of these to find easy ways for you to reduce your monthly spending on cooling, heating, and other utilities!

Love saving money? Here are more ideas.

30. Utilize Weatherproofing in Your Home

Weatherproofing your home is a great way to lower your energy costs when it comes to heating and cooling your home.

31. Block Out The Sun

When it is hot outside, consider keeping the curtains closed. It may seem counter-intuitive, but blocking out the sun will actually keep your home cooler on those hot days!

FINAL THOUGHTS TO SAVE MONEY

There are many ways for you to save money fast each month. After beginning to practice the above, you should be well on your way to saving a decent chunk of change this year!

12 Reasons Women Are Attracted More To Introverts

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

It’s not a bad thing to be an introvert. If you’re a man reading that, chances are that women prefer you over extroverted men. The reasons for this are many. In general, introverts are observant, self-aware, deep thinkers, focused, low maintenance, trustworthy, appreciate genuine relationships, spend time with fewer people, make good listeners and more.

It’s no surprise women find these traits highly attractive, but let’s explore why women love these traits in men. If you’re an extrovert, don’t feel bad. However, you might want to try to develop these traits as well. It’s not about “getting the woman.” Rather, it’s about self-growth and offering something of quality to have an amazing relationship with an equally amazing woman.

12 Reasons Women Are Attracted More To Introverts

1. Safety

Introverts are less likely to be risky because they’re not so concerned with showing off for others. Extroverts feed off of interaction and attention. This means they’re constantly doing something to stand out and get a reaction while in the company of others. Safety is important for many people. Many women want a man who can be safe because this ensures that he doesn’t get hurt or die, and it keeps a woman from injury and fatality as well. If you want to have a quality life, safety needs to be at the forefront of anything you do.

2. Honesty

An introverted man has several qualities that make him more likely to be honest. Being self-aware, understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, not needing to impress others, appreciating quality relationships and other qualities make introverts honest. They’re honest about what they do, what they think about, how they feel, and they give honest feedback. For a mature woman, it’s important to receive honest feedback. A boyfriend or husband isn’t just about romance. A woman needs a best friend too. Best friends should be able to be honest with each other because it’s one of the most loving things they could do for each other.

3. Good Listening Skills

It’s a sad reality that there are several partners who fail to truly listen. It can happen for many reasons: self-absorption, not valuing what their partner is going through, boredom or not taking their partner serious enough. Whatever the reason, it’s a huge problem for relationships. Introverts tend to be better listeners. They don’t just listen to what’s being said, they think about what’s being said and lend valuable responses in return. They paraphrase what’s being said so that the person talking feels listened to and understood. It’s fruitless to enter a relationship that won’t last. Poor listening skills will kill a relationship quickly.

4. Seriousness

While you want to be able to laugh with your partner, you also need one who can be serious to an extent. Introverts tend to think more seriously about life in regards to responsibilities, achieving goals and building a family. This quality spills over into many other things women might like in a man, such as stability, financial security, being a good father, handling tough situations and being reliable. Many women need a partner they can build a life with. It’s difficult to make progress with someone who is not serious about life.

5. Communication

We touched on good listening skills, which is an aspect of communication. However, it’s important to be able to express oneself clearly. Extroverts are generally afraid of what others think while introverts are less concerned with this. An introvert may care what their loved ones think, but they feel more confident in expressing themselves honestly, and they tend to communicate something of value. Because extroverts feel the need to play for the crowd, they’re less likely to be honest about what they want to express, and they may just talk to pass the time. Introverts appreciate quality, and they’re less likely to say something unless it’s beneficial in some way. Many women appreciate this trait in men because communication is an important factor in successful relationships.

6. Self-Awareness

Introverts tend to be more self-aware. This is because they spend a long time thinking about things. They consider how they feel about things, how to make things better, how to achieve their goals, how they self-sabotage and more. This gives them a pretty accurate view of their strengths and weaknesses. This allows them to be in-tune with themselves and their partners. Many women appreciate this quality because they know where they stand with an introvert. Extroverts are usually not very aware of why they do what they do and can give shallow answers at times, which can lead to frustration when a problem arises.

7. Observant

Many women appreciate a man who’s observant. It’s not just about noticing a new hairdo, but many women want a man who truly delights in them. An introvert is more likely to notice the way his girlfriend or wife’s nose crinkles when she notices something odd. He’s more likely to notice when she’s uncomfortable with something without her saying so. He’s more likely to know how she takes her coffee. He’s more likely to notice the little things about his wife or girlfriend, and many women love this. Because an introvert is more likely to be observant, he’s also more likely to see and appreciate the love his girlfriend or wife has to offer.

8. Quality Relationships

Introverts tend to appreciate quality relationships, which means they are less likely to enter a relationship they don’t value to a high degree. Many women want to be in a relationship with someone who genuinely wants to be there. It’s a waste of time for everyone to be with someone without really wanting to be with them. There are safety, security, and loyalty in a relationship with someone who genuinely wants to be there. Extroverts are less interested in the quality of their relationships and more interested in the number of their relationships. Women generally don’t like this because it pulls their partners away from them, emotionally and physically. It’s good to have your own space every now and then, which is important to an introvert. However, an introvert won’t constantly be unavailable from spending time with others.

Tips on growing intimacy.

9. Easy to Please

An introvert tends to be easy to please. They don’t need a lot of excesses to make them happy. For this reason, anything you do for them tends to make them happy. Extroverts can be hard to please. For the woman who tries to be a people-pleaser, she could run herself ragged trying to make an extrovert happy. The same relationship will most likely run into a dead end quickly for the woman who knows it’s impossible to “make” someone happy. As long as you’re caring, loving and considerate, the simplest gesture will make an introvert happy. This takes a lot of stress off the relationship, and both partners feel happy.

10. Trustworthiness

An introverted man is generally more trustworthy than an extroverted one. An introvert knows the importance of keeping things secret. Extroverts tend to say everything to everyone. An introvert notices this about people and decides not to be like this. An introvert wouldn’t want their personal life shared with others. As such, they keep everything to themselves. Many women appreciate this quality because they want things between themselves and their partners to stay within the relationship.

11. He Genuinely Wants the Relationship

Extroverts generally enter relationships because they get bored or figure that they need to enter the next part of their lives. They generally don’t enter a relationship wholeheartedly. This means that they see how a relationship can benefit them instead of thinking about what they have that could benefit someone else. An introvert is content in being alone. When they start thinking about being in a relationship, it’s not because they don’t feel fulfilled. They consider what they have to give a woman. These types of relationships are less stressful because there aren’t any unrealistic expectations placed on the other partner.

12. Challenges Their Partner to Be a Better Person

Women, along with men, want someone who won’t try to change them, but an introverted man can encourage a woman to become a better version of themselves. This is important for a relationship. You don’t want someone putting pressure on you to be different, but you want someone who will bring out the best in you too. You want someone who will tell you, “Good job,” but you want someone who will also say, “You can do anything,” and, “I think you should go for your dreams.” You don’t want someone who will stand by and never encourage your growth. An introvert generally cares deeply for the welfare of his partner and encourages her growth.

If you’re a man and have some or most of these qualities, that’s awesome. Be sure that you find a woman who will contribute to your relationship. You can’t be the only one pulling the weight in a relationship. If you’re a woman reading this, consider what you have to contribute to your relationship as well. It’s important to note that any person may have both introverted and extroverted qualities. To really love anyone, it’s not about what you get. It’s about what you give. Take the extra time to develop quality traits before you enter any relationship. It’s well worth your time, and it’s definitely worth your partner’s time.

10 Positive Affirmations That Will Change Your Life

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Positive affirmations help us rewire our brains. Though the world can be draining, creating a habit of saying these affirmations and truly believing them will allow us to accomplish anything we want in life.

Ten Powerful Positive Affirmations

Wherever you may be in your journey to accomplish your goals, don’t lose sight of them. Use the following 10 affirmations to help you stay inspired as you go throughout your life.

Positive Affirmations to Live By

1. I am capable of greatness.

Whether you believe this statement initially or not, repeating this affirmation over and over will shift your mindset.

We are all capable of achieving every dream that we have.

The first step in achieving these dreams is believing that you can. The only way to push yourself towards this greatness is to stir the flames of the belief that you can do it.

Regardless of whatever resources you begin with, telling yourself that you are capable of anything you set your mind to will completely change the way that you pursue your goals.

2. I love myself and accept myself for everything that I am.

Loving one’s self is a lifelong journey.

That being said, oftentimes we want to withhold this self-love until we become the best version of ourselves.

This isn’t beneficial to your growth as you should love yourself wherever you are in life.

We are all works in progress and will spend the rest our lives growing.

Find out who you are in this moment and love that person. Whatever you may like or dislike about yourself should never change the love that you have for yourself.

Everything about you is deserving of love.

3. My mind is sharp, my soul is peaceful, and my body is strong.

These types of positive affirmations speak to your mind, body, and soul.

Every part of your life must be in balance for you to truly be at peace with who you are.

You are in control of how you feel and you should be intentional about this through the positive affirmations you tell yourself.

Regardless of what is going on in your life, you can take control of your situation by speaking truth to them.

Telling yourself that your mind is sharp, your soul is peaceful, and your body is strong (even if you don’t feel that way at the moment), will allow you transition into feeling like this.

By speaking this into your life, you’ll eventually find these statements to be true.

4. I can do anything.

A lot of times, most of us feel that we can accomplish certain things in our lives, if only we had more of something.

Whether it’s more money, more education, more professional experience, or anything similar, most people end up holding themselves back from moving forward in life because they believe they need to wait before they can begin.

The best way to start going after a goal is to do it. It doesn’t matter what resources you have—you can do anything just as you are with what you have now.

These positive affirmations encourage you to use the energy, strength, mental stamina, and resources you have right now to get started.

5. Everything that happens to me is for the greater good.

Positive affirmations like this one show you that everything in life is working together for your greatest good.

Certainly, good things and bad things can happen in life, but that’s life.

We must accept both the good and the bad as we work to become stronger people. It’s important not to victimize yourself when bad things happen.

Say this affirmation to yourself and apply it to your life, regardless of what happens. Everything that you go thought serves to make you a stronger person.

Positive affirmations like this one teach you that everything happens for a reason.

6. I choose what I want to happen for myself.

You are the creator of your life.

You are in control of what happens in your life: you choose what friends you have, what work you do, how you spend your time, and what long-term goals to work towards.

Starting the day with this type of affirmation allows you to set the tone for the day. Everything that you do throughout the day will work to further create the life you are building.

If you don’t like the direction your life is heading, it is your responsibility to change it. As you are the architect of your life, you can choose to change your life any time you see fit.

7. I am letting go of the hurt I’ve felt in my past.

Things that have hurt you in the past should stay in the past.

Certainly, healing takes time, but if you are still burdened by past events, it’s time to start letting go.

There’s a reason the old saying explains that holding on to past hurt is akin to taking poison hoping the other person gets sick. The only person that is being hurt from this anger and unforgiveness is you.

Holding onto the pain you’ve felt in the past will only keep you in the past.

Replaying these events in your head will prevent you from growing into the best version of yourself.

Once you’ve made the choice to forgive, release the hurt you feel and decide to use this experience as a lesson as you move forward in life.

Use these following tips to help you let go of past hurt:

1. Choose to let go.

Making the decision is the first step in letting things go. Though you may still feel hurt, make a conscious effort to let go.

This means avoiding replaying these things in your head and choosing to let the past become the past.

2. Express your pain.

Expressing what you feel is part of the process. If you feel pain, experience it.

Feel the hurt—cry about it, write out your feelings, or talk to a friend. However, you choose to express these feelings, getting out all of these emotions is essential to moving past your pain.

3. Don’t victimize yourself.

Part of moving on from the past is choosing to avoid being a victim. At the heart of the situation, you may have been wronged, but it’s time to stop holding onto those feelings.

You are no longer a victim—you’re a survivor.

You came out of this stronger and are going to carry that strength with you for the rest of your life.

Now that you’ve let go, these events, this trauma, and the victimizer has no power over you anymore. You’re in control again.

8. I can conquer any challenges that come before me.

Your abilities are limitless.

Sure, life will throw curveballs your way, but you are capable of handling all of them.

The only limits in your life are the ones that you put there yourself.

Believe it, then achieve it.

Whatever you want in life is achievable and you have the power inside yourself to handle whatever it takes to get there.

Are you afraid of the potential outcome? You have greatness inside of you and you shouldn’t be afraid of anything.

Repeat this affirmation every day and remind yourself of how strong you are.

9. You are deserving of love, one of the most powerful positive affirmations.

There are times when we feel like no one might want or love us.

Regardless of how unlovable we may think we are, the truth is that we are all deserving of love.

Whoever you are, wherever you are in life—you are loved.

No one is perfect and no one should expect you to be. The right people in your life will love you for who you are, exactly as you are.

If you find that someone can’t love you without trying to change you, they aren’t the right person for you.

The first place you should find unconditional love is in yourself. Anyone else’s love should be an additional benefit to the love you already have for yourself.

10. My future is bright. Greater things lie ahead than what I’ve left behind.

Use this affirmation to remind yourself that the best is yet to come.

Things are going to keep getting better for you from here on out. Whatever has happened in the past has brought you to where you are now.

Use all of these life lessons to keep motivating you to pursue the greatest that life has to offer.

Your future is brighter than you can imagine and your dreams are closer than you think. Keep going!

Final Thoughts on Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations let you take a few moments each day to reset your mind and transform your outlook on yourself and your life. This life is the only one you’ll get, so it’s time to start living as you mean it.

Use these affirmations to get started on your mindfulness journey. As you spend more time meditating on what you’d like out of life, create some affirmations of your own that will refuel your lust for life.

Researchers Reveal How Being Grateful Makes You Live Longer and Be Happier

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

As a child, you were probably taught that you should be grateful for what you have and for what people do for you. It is not an unfamiliar idea, but it is sometimes difficult to always show gratitude. Even when you don’t act ungrateful, just feeling that way can be a problem.

What you may not realize is that feeling ungrateful can actually be detrimental to your well-being. One aspect of showing gratitude that you may not have been taught is that it improves your life in many ways. Before discussing how being grateful improves your life, however, it is important to understand what it really means to feel gratitude.

What It Means to Be Grateful

It is difficult to definitively explain what gratitude is. Gratitude has been described as many things including “an emotion, an attitude, a moral virtue, a habit, a personality trait, or a coping response.” Professionals have not been able to agree upon a single definition for it, so it can sometimes be tricky to understand.

When it comes to being grateful, it isn’t just something that you feel or show when you receive a gift or when someone does something nice for you. It is a feeling you can have over even minor parts of your day, such as being grateful you have a warm sweater to put on when you get cold.

Instead of focusing on the negative parts of your life, when you are grateful, you will focus more on all the positive parts. When bad things do happen, you will still find the good in your life.

How Being Grateful Can Improve Your Life

Feeling and showing gratitude can improve your life in more ways than you think. It isn’t as simple as feeling happy at that moment. Gratitude can increase your overall well-being, improve your mindset, and even make you healthier.

Studies have actually shown that people who show gratitude more frequently tend to live longer than those who do not. Those who are happier and show their appreciation more often live up to 10 years longer. They also have a much lower chance of developing heart disease.

Some of the more specific ways that showing gratitude can improve your life include:

Feeling more positive emotions
Feeling more energetic and lively
Sleeping easier and more peacefully
Strengthening and/or repairing relationships
You may get sick less often
You may be more kind
Appreciating and loving yourself more
Feeling happier
Being more patient

Showing that you are grateful for someone can repair or strengthen your relationship.

Even if it is just by spending time with another person, showing gratitude for them can benefit your relationship immensely. It will allow that person to see they are a meaningful part of your life.

Having strong, healthy relationships generally leads to being happier, so this is a great way to improve your life and show your gratitude at the same time. It may also help you cope with stress in a better way.

By showing gratitude to your spouse or children, you are strengthening your bond with them. Studies have shown that showing appreciation for your spouse can lead to longer marriages than for those who do not show gratitude. Additionally, when you show gratitude to your children, they are learning how much you truly appreciate and love them.

You learn to appreciate yourself more.

When you begin to realize how thankful you are for the things and people around you, you will also begin to notice your own great qualities more. You may begin to love things about yourself that you used to hate, and you’ll begin to feel more confident and comfortable with yourself.

You will feel happier.

Studies have shown that feeling grateful leads to less depression and stress. When you think about the positive things in your life instead of focusing on the bad, the bad parts aren’t so difficult to handle anymore. When things start to seem overwhelming, think of something that went well for you today.

You will be more patient.

When you spend your time being thankful for the little things in life, you will generally be calmer and able to make more sound decisions. One article shares that those who show gratitude are often more composed, as well.

How You Can Teach Yourself to Have More Gratitude

Grateful people aren’t perfect. They still have bad days and moments when they could have shown more gratitude for how a situation played out. The difference is that they do not make it a habit to focus on the negative.

In order to change your mindset and become the type of person who doesn’t have a habit of thinking negatively, you have to continuously work at it. Instead of focusing on what went wrong in your day, try to form habits that help you feel appreciative of the little things in your life.

Some of the ways you can teach yourself how to have more gratitude include:

1. Say “thank you” for even small favors.

When someone does something for you, even just a small gesture, you should show your appreciation by thanking them. By making a conscious effort to do so, you will be reminding yourself that the other person was thinking about you. In turn, you will remember to feel gratitude for that situation.

2. Think about the things in your life that you are the most thankful for.

If you are ever having trouble feeling gratitude, make a mental (or even physical) list of all the things in your life that you are thankful for. It could be simple things like shoes to wear, to larger things such as a roof over your head. You could even think about things outside such as flowers blooming or the snow falling from the sky.

Going further than that, you can think of the meaningful things in your life that you are thankful for. This could be a smile from your child, a hug from a loved one, or even an old letter from someone who is now gone.

3. Remind yourself that there is always something to be thankful for.

As mentioned before, you can be appreciative of the smaller parts of life as well as the big parts. When something goes wrong, allow yourself to think about all the good that you still have in your life. By shifting your mindset to something more positive, you may be able to start feeling gratitude again quickly.

4. Write in a journal.

It isn’t necessary to write in a journal every day, but you should do it a couple of times a week. Spend 10-15 minutes (or longer if you want) writing about the things in your life that bring you joy or contentment.

While it is useful to mentally think about these things each day, it is equally important to write them down regularly. Studies have found that writing it down can lead to even more feelings of gratitude.

5. Do something nice for someone else.

It is easy to show gratitude when you receive an unexpected gift or favor. Being thankful for being the recipient of a gift or favor can fade quickly, however, and soon be forgotten. When you are the one giving the gift or favor, though, the feeling of happiness and gratitude will last much longer.

Gratitude leads to happiness.

One way to make a habit of this is to return the favor to someone else every time something nice is done for you. Send flowers to your mom, compliment the cashier at your local grocery store, or hold the door open for someone. All of these things will help you appreciate life a little more, as well. This is because making other people happy has a way of boosting your emotions.

6. Volunteer for a worthy cause.

When you have empathy for a cause, you can offer to help out in some way. By using your talents to help others, you will feel more peaceful and reflective, which leads to feeling more gratitude for your own life and well-being.

7. Make it fun.

You can make it a fun activity to show gratitude, making it an even more positive part of your life. Derrick Carpenter from Happify Daily mentions an activity that could help you feel more gratitude for small moments throughout the day. When something good happens or someone does something nice for you, write it down on a slip of paper and put it into a “gratitude jar.”

This makes those smaller moments more recognizable, further benefiting your sense of well-being.

Final Thoughts on How Being Grateful Improves Your Life

Now that you know how feeling and showing gratitude improves your life and how to teach yourself to be grateful, make sure you try it out. Take a moment to think of something that might seem small that you are actually extremely thankful for right now. Something as simple as the sun shining or that someone held the door open for you this morning could be an opportunity to show gratitude.

After you take a moment to just focus on feeling the gratitude, pay attention to how you feel. You might feel just a little less stressed, or you might have a more positive outlook on your long week. This simple change can completely transform your mindset and lead to you being naturally happier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyQihyQ66hg

Diabetes Friendly Diet : 7 Foods That Lower Blood Sugar Levels Immediately

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

It is always important to be careful with your diet, but if you have diabetes, or are at risk of developing it, you have to watch what you eat even closer. Diabetes is a disease where your body has issues with the hormone insulin.

The results of this disease can range from difficulty processing carbohydrates to increased levels of glucose in your blood and urine. Long-term effects from this disease can range from the amputation of limbs or even blindness. A consultation with your physician can determine if you have diabetes.

If you test positive for diabetes, your physician will run other tests to determine if any damage has been done to your body due to this disease. This disease, if allowed to get out of control, can cause blindness, loss of limbs or several other frightening health problems.

That is why it is so important to listen to your doctor and follow their advice. You will also want to avoid foods that will spike your insulin level. Foods that contain a lot of starch, or are high in carbohydrates, should be avoided. Read all food labels so you can avoid foods with hidden sugar, glucose or other ingredients that could spike your blood sugar.

Here are some foods you can safely eat, and they offer many wonderful benefits in addition to blood sugar control.

7 Foods That Lower Blood Sugar Levels Instantly

Greens

Greens are amazing vegetables you should add to your daily diet. Spinach, kale, and arugula are very healthy types of greens. Romaine lettuce is great as well, but you should try to eat mostly dark greens. These types of greens are filled with much more nutrition than the lighter lettuce varieties.

Avocado

Avocado is a fantastic fruit. It has been said to be a super food, as it contributes to many health benefits to its consumers. Among these benefits is the ability to increase insulin sensitivity. Low insulin sensitivity means your chance of developing a metabolic disease such as diabetes increases, so keeping that sensitivity level higher should be a goal of healthy eating.

Fish

Fish is a lean protein that is easy to come by. With types of fish on the market such as tuna, salmon, tilapia or halibut and the many ways to prepare them, you can have fish every day. The protein from fish will not spike your blood sugar levels. Another perk from eating fish is since it is filling, it should help keep you away from more unhealthy foods.

Berries

Berries are a delicious way of satisfying your sweet tooth without raising your insulin levels much. Dark berries such as blueberries or blackberries are great for combating low insulin sensitivity. Raspberries are also excellent choices.

Strawberries are good, but they tend to be a little sweeter than other berry types. However, eating them every once in a while is fine.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are especially good foods to incorporate in your diet. Some of them have a higher carbohydrate count than others. Cashews, peanuts or pistachios can be enjoyed occasionally. Almonds, pecans or macadamia nuts have a lower carb count and can be eaten more often. It is very easy to overeat these tasty natural morsels, so make sure you measure your serving size.

Eggs

Eggs are considered to be one of the best dietary foods. They are high in protein and will leave you feeling fuller longer. Boiled eggs are amazing for snacks or chopped on top of a salad. Adding eggs to your diet can help keep the cravings for sugary carbohydrates away. Best of all, eggs will not kill your grocery budget.

Cacao

Cacao is another delicious way to stabilize your insulin levels. Keep in mind, the cacao mentioned here is not what you may be used to. It is not a confection blended with nut butter and sugar to make a spread for your morning toast. Cacao is the raw form of these delectable treats before they are refined and processed. It contains a flavanol known as epicatechin. This helps to regulate the creation of glucose by activating special proteins. This is how it helps regular blood sugar levels.

Know the factors that impact your diabetes.

Incorporating the foods mentioned above in your daily diet will not create an instant miracle, but it will help you learn to control your blood sugar long-term. If you experience diabetes symptoms like extreme thirst, unexplained weight loss or gain or blurry vision, you may need to see your doctor. Other diabetes symptoms to watch out for are dry mouth, fatigue or persistent headaches. Together with your doctor you can prevent or control metabolic diseases. Be disciplined in your exercise regime. Stay on track with your diet and live life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-G9_LOkLA

15 Facts You Might Not know About Asthma

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

When a person has asthma, their breathing is affected. It can interfere with their daily life and, sometimes, it can even lead to death.

With air pollution on the rise, the disease is becoming increasingly more prevalent in both children and adults. Statistics show that one in 12 adults suffer from asthma, and nine adults die each day.

Asthma is also one of the most common diseases in children, with 9% of children diagnosed with it in the United States. Even though it is a common disease, there are many facts that you may not know.

Things You Might Not Know About Asthma

1. Lack of ventilation can make it worse.

In areas with little or no ventilation, symptoms can flare up. One unexpected source of this is in solar-powered homes and buildings. With solar power, there tends to be less ventilation. There must be other ventilation options available in order to prevent issues.

2. Being exposed to germs during childhood can be beneficial in the long run.

Studies have shown that when children were exposed to dirt, bacteria, and other germs, they are less likely to develop the disease later on. Children who were kept overly clean and not exposed to many germs had higher instances of asthmatic diagnoses and attacks. Likewise, when the environment a child is usually in is overly clean, that child is being stripped of the chance to build a strong immune system. The lack of immunity can lead directly to asthmatic issues.

3. Aerosol sprays and household cleaners can cause an attack.

Popular sunscreen sprays commonly lead to serious attacks because of the aerosol included in the ingredients. While parents think they are protecting their children by spraying sunscreen on them, it can actually be worse for the child in other ways. Even just spraying these aerosol cans near an asthmatic child can lead to an attack.

The same goes for all other aerosol sprays. These sprays are always unhealthy but, for an asthmatic person, they could be life-threatening.

Common household cleaning products can also trigger an attack. The cleaners are full of toxic chemicals and should be avoided.

4. There is a link between asthma, allergies, and eczema.

These three issues tend to go hand in hand. If a child is diagnosed with one, their chances of being diagnosed with the other two are high.

Experts are still unsure of the exact reasoning behind the link, and it is still being studied so more information can be gathered.

5. Symptoms can be sporadic.

Sometimes it is a difficult disease to diagnose because the asthma symptoms can come and go. The symptoms may be present one day and then gone for a month. Symptoms can be present every day for a week, go away for a few days, and then come back. It is so unpredictable.

6. Wheezing doesn’t always occur.

Commonly, wheezing is known as one of the more frequent asthma symptoms. This is true but it may not always occur. Sometimes the wheezing is present but just too quiet for the human ear to hear. Other times, there may be no wheezing at all. It cannot be used as a sure way to diagnose the disease.

7. It is highly treatable, but it cannot be cured.

A cure hasn’t been found yet, but the asthma symptoms can be treated. The available treatment options will allow the person to live a full, productive, and enjoyable life.

There is more than one treatment option available, as well. Some treatments may not work as well for one person as they do for another, so it may take some trial and error to get it right.

Once the correct treatment option is in place, the disease shouldn’t flare up as often as before. With treatment and the avoidance of triggers, it shouldn’t interfere with everyday life anymore.

8. Physical activity is still an option.

It is true that those with this disease have to be more careful than others, but that doesn’t mean they cannot participate in physical activity at all. With the right medication, asthmatic sufferers can live a normal life, including being active. Moderation is also important but, as long as the asthmatic person is aware of their limits, it isn’t an issue.

The asthmatic person will be able to participate in all the sports they love, and exercise just as often as a person who does not have the disease.

9. Triggers may be different for each person.

It isn’t likely that two people will have all of the exact same triggers. Usually, specific triggers will be different for each person.

Some common triggers include:

Cigarette smoke
Perfume or cologne
Allergens (dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, cockroaches)
Respiratory illness (cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia)
Physical activity
Cold air
Strong emotions
Stress
Certain medications
Crying or laughing
Thunderstorms
Open fires
Other air pollutants

10. It can be inherited.

Children who have at least one parent with the disease have a greater risk of developing the disease. With this being the case, it is important for the parents and children to watch for asthma symptoms throughout the child’s life.

However, it is important to point out that a child won’t be sure to develop the disease just because their parent has it.

11. Children who have frequent respiratory illnesses are more likely to develop the disease than others.

Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia cause the airways to narrow. If a child has many of these illnesses, their airways may not function normally, and they may develop the disease.

Additionally, a child who often becomes ill with bronchitis and pneumonia may get these illnesses because of their susceptibility to asthmatic issues in the cold weather.

12. Children may be able to outgrow the disease or some of the triggers.

Children who have been diagnosed may be able to outgrow the disease. This isn’t always the case, but it is possible. Unfortunately, the disease can return when they are an adult or when serious triggers are involved.

In most cases, however, it is not outgrown. There is always a chance that it will happen, but it cannot be counted on.

It is possible to outgrow some of the triggers, as well. Certain things that used to trigger an asthmatic attack may not be a problem anymore.

13. Some foods can reduce symptoms.

Believe it or not, eating certain foods can improve the functioning of your lungs and airways. With each food, there is a different reason why it helps. The foods that improve the function of lungs include:

Pumpkin

Pumpkin contains beta-carotene which turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A has been proven to improve lung health.

Sweet potato

Just like pumpkin, sweet potatoes have beta-carotene.

Orange or other sources of vitamin C

Vitamin A has been linked to healthy lung function. Since oranges have high vitamin C content, they are a good source.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens, more specifically dark leafy greens, have high folate content. Folate has been linked to the prevention of asthmatic symptoms.

Dark chocolate or other sources of antioxidants

Sometimes asthmatic episodes can cause oxidation of cells. Antioxidants reverse the oxidation damage.

14. It can unknowingly cause anxiety.

Experts still do not know the reason for this, but it appears that asthma can cause anxiety. Shortness of breath and the feeling that the airways are restricted commonly lead to anxiety and panic attacks.

Asthma makes people struggle to catch their breath.

In turn, since stress can make it worse, the anxiety may make the asthmatic episode even worse. It can be a vicious cycle if not controlled.

15. Environmental factors can be a cause.

When you think of environmental factors you may instantly think about pollution and smog but, while that is correct, there are other environmental factors that you never realized could cause the disease. Traffic pollution and overall poor air quality are huge factors, but things like chlorine in a pool can be an issue as well.

Asthma Symptoms

There are many symptoms, but a person with the disease will probably not experience every single symptom. Sometimes only a couple of symptoms are present, making it difficult to diagnose without testing. Some symptoms are more severe than others.

Dry cough
Wheezing
Whistling noise while inhaling or exhaling
Tightening in the test
Shortness of breath
Trouble finishing sentences
Confusion or agitation
Drowsiness
Allergies
Difficulty sleeping
Anxiety

Final Thoughts on Things You Might Not Know About Asthma

While asthma is a common disease, there are many facts that are not well known, even to those who suffer from it. It is important to know the facts, however, so the disease can be more successfully controlled and treated. The disease differs for each person, so the symptoms and triggers will change from person to person.

Being knowledgeable about asthma is the best way to understand the disease, the risks, and all other aspects of it. It will help you when asking your doctor questions, and when you are trying to explain your problems to others.

20 Amazing Benefits Of Okra For Your Skin, Hair And Body

July 6, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Okra is one of the most overlooked vegetable powerhouses out there. The vegetable is sometimes called ladies’ fingers. This unique vegetable is a flowering plant that belongs to the mallow family, and it is highly valued for its seeds. Most people don’t know what to do with it as it has become less and less of a common dish, but it can be quite versatile and delicious if you know how to use it. Best of all, it is a nutritional goldmine. Read on for 20 amazing health benefits of this unique vegetable.

1. High fiber content

It has a high fiber content, which serves several important functions in the body. For one, it helps keep you fuller for longer. In addition, fiber is a crucial component in your digestive system’s health. For better digestive health (and all of the health benefits that come with a healthy gut) it is a worthy addition to your fridge. Its ability to help you feel full can also keep you from eating excess snacks later on in the day.

2. It aids in digestion

Once again, this vegetable’s fiber content is really the rockstar here. Having a healthy digestion is really a major key to your health. More than ever, doctors are realizing the crucial role your gut health plays in your overall health. The state of your gut and everything related to it plays a major role in your mental health and is intrinsically linked to your brain function. Having a healthy gut also keeps your immune system functioning well. Gut health is one of the most overlooked and powerful okra benefits.

3. It is low-calorie

Any food that is low in calories but high in nutrition is a major win. Most veggies fit that description, and this one is no exception. If you’ve been counting calories and macronutrients but eating any sort of food you want, you may want to re-think your approach. Eating a diet that consists of nutrient-dense whole foods will naturally help you eat the right amount of calories for your body. Calorie counting can be restricting and tiresome; instead of trying to restrict the number of calories you eat, try to focus on adding in nutrient-dense whole foods to your diet.

4. It is a neutral diuretic

While too many diuretics at the same time can be a bit of an issue, they are necessary and useful for your body. Diuretics can help you shed excess water weight and help you go. If you’ve ever been bloated after a big meal, you know how powerful diuretics can be in de-bloating your body and removing that constricting puffy feeling. For a natural diuretic that doesn’t come in pill form, add this vegetable to your next meal.

5. It can help regulate cholesterol levels.

Your cardiac function is crucial to your health, and this vegetable contains nutritional compounds that can help lower LDL cholesterol, which will ultimately improve cardiac function over time. Okra contains phytosterols (which are found in most vegetables) which can help lower cholesterol. They also contain almost no cholesterol or fat themselves. These compounds can compete with cholesterol molecules for absorption into the body during your body’s digestive process.

6. It has Cancer-fighting properties

Like many vegetables, it contains important antioxidant properties that help to fight off cancerous cells. While many people opt to take antioxidants in the form of pills, some studies suggest that antioxidants are better absorbed and utilized in the body in whole food form. If that is the case, eating foods that are high in antioxidant properties like okra are a vital piece in your overall health strategy. Its cancer-fighting properties are one of the most desirable okra benefits.

7. Okra benefits your gut health

Prebiotics are a source of food for probiotics or the addition of good bacteria in your body. Your body’s ability to function properly depends on its gut health, which is ultimately fueled by the healthy presence of good bacteria in the body. Fiber-rich foods can act as a prebiotic and help to encourage the presence of good bacteria in the gut.

8. Okra benefits fertility and pregnancy

It contains potent amounts of floats which are important in the pre-conception stay. It can also decrease the occurrence of neural tube defects in babies when eaten along with a healthy diet. Folates are beneficial overall for pregnant mothers and their children. Fertility is an often forgotten but very important benefit of this vegetable. If you want to ensure a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies, consider adding it to your diet.

9. It can stabilize blood sugar levels

Like many fibrous vegetables, adding this vegetable to your diet can slow down your body’s absorption of sugar into the digestive tract. Eating high amounts of sugar can spike your body’s insulin levels, causing a whole cocktail of undesirable effects. Making sure to eat plenty of fibrous vegetables can help to reduce these effects and keep your insulin levels in check.

10. It can help prevent diabetes

Because of its ability to lower insulin levels, it has the potential to help fight off diabetes as a part of a nutritious and fiber-rich diet full of foods that contain high levels of antioxidants. Be sure to include nutrient-dense foods if you want to ward off diabetes, as well as consuming a normal amount of sugars from plant-based foods.

11. It can reduce asthma symptoms

It contains plenty of vitamin C, which has been shown to be able to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms. Vitamin C is a powerful addition to your diet overall; like antioxidants, it is best absorbed in whole food form and not in supplements. The unique combination of compounds and nutrients present in whole foods makes them uniquely able to be bioavailable.

12. It can help prevent kidney disease

Some research suggests that consuming okra benefits your kidney health and can reduce the severity and likelihood of kidney damage over time. Your kidneys are vital in detoxifying your body and making sure that it is clean and healthy.

13. It can help with hair health

If you boil this vegetable with lemon juice, it can be applied to your hair as a leave-in conditioner. Adding this to your hair can give it a shiny finish and bouncy consistency.

Read to learn natural hair regrowth remedies.

14. It can help with brain health

Okra benefits your brain health is considered by some to be one of the best foods for brain function and is often eaten by students (especially in Eastern countries) as a supplement to help with schoolwork.

15. It has anti-inflammatory properties

Because of its antioxidant properties, okra benefits your body by helping to reduce the level of inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is one of the primary causes of illness in the body; reducing inflammation by exercise, proper diet, and good gut health can do wonders for your overall health. Because of its fiber and antioxidant-rich properties, it can help be an important part of the puzzle in this regard.

16. It can help with eye health

Vitamins C and A can help with eye health, both of which are present and abundant in the okra plant. There are more veggies than just carrots that can help with eyesight.

17. It can help with bone health

Because of the folates we already discussed, along with its high vitamin K content, it can help to support healthy and strong bones and prevent diseases like osteoporosis.

18. It is high in collagen

Collagen is hugely important for your skin and hair health. While you can mix it with lemon juice or coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner, you can also just eat it to gain the powerful benefits of collagen. It contains plenty of vitamin C as well, which is important for the skin.

19. It is a decent source of vegetable protein

It contains 2 grams of protein per cup, which is not much when compared to other vegetable sources of protein like seeds or nuts. However, its micronutrient content like folates and collagen will serve to improve your body’s overall strength and energy levels much more than its protein will.

20. It can help to heal ulcers

It actually coats the digestive tract when it is consumed, which helps to speed the healing of peptic ulcers. As we have previously discussed, your body’s gut health and gastrointestinal tract are crucial in your overall health.

Luckily, you don’t have to remember all the great benefits of including nutrient-dense plant foods into your diet; you can simply focus on including a wide variety of whole foods that you enjoy and are practical for you to make. However, it is worth including new and novel foods so that you can make sure your body is getting a diverse blend of nutrients. There are tons of surprising okra benefits that you can discover by adding it as a part of your regular diet. As with anything, be sure to find ways of cooking this vegetable that allow you to enjoy it.

15 DIY Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Beauty Treatments

July 5, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Coconut oil is wildly popular for many reasons. One of which includes the fact that this oil can be used for just about anything. This all-natural oil doubles as an antiseptic, antibacterial cure-all that has powerful healing abilities. If you’re looking for a great skincare routine, this oil should be your new go-to.

Using Coconut Oil for Beauty Treatments

With over a hundred uses, this oil can be used in place of many of your everyday beauty products. If you’re ready to take your DIY beauty projects to the next level, keep reading for 15 great ideas.

1. Makeup Remover

Don’t have any makeup removing wipes on hand? Before you resort to drastic measures, take a second to use this oil to remove your makeup.

Use a cotton pad or paper towel to wipe away the likes of foundation, setting powder, mascara, and any other eye makeup. Even the most waterproof makeup can’t withstand the power of this oil.

Once the makeup is gone, the oil itself will work to hydrate your skin and give your face a healthy glow.

Want a quick hack for making your own makeup removing wipes?

Soak some cotton pads in melted coconut oil overnight. Then, store them in a plastic bag or a spill-safe container and you have your own homemade makeup removing wipes!

2. Coconut Oil Breath Freshener

Coconut oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. Gargle for up to 20 seconds using a spoonful of this oil.

This method is also known as “oil pulling” and helps to clear germs from the mouth, improve the health of your gums, freshen breath, and whiten teeth.

3. Lice Remedy

Need an all-natural treatment for lice?

Alongside apple cider vinegar, you can make an effective lice remedy with this oil.

Start off by using the ACV as a rinse on your hair. Once the vinegar dries, apply the this oil to your head and wait for a period of 12 – 24 hours.

Then, brush through your hair using a fine tooth comb and finish the treatment by shampooing your hair.

4. Body Moisturizer

Have dry skin? Make a DIY moisturizer out of this oil to make your skin as hydrated as possible.

This oil absorbs quickly and will leave your skin looking glowy and fresh.

This oil hack is key to making your skin look radiant and soft.

To make your own coconut oil for beauty and moisturizing purposes, use the following ingredients:

1 cup of unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil
½ teaspoon of vitamin E oil
1 – 3 drops of lavender essential oil

5. Deep Conditioner for Hair

All the wear and tear of our daily styling products can dull the natural shine and silkiness of our hair.

To keep your hair healthy and hydrated, you need deep condition it every now and then.

While you can pay for expensive hair masks and hydration systems, you can also DIY this hair care yourself and use this oil to make a hot oil treatment.

To make the most of hot oil treatment, leave the oil on your hair as you sit under a hooded dryer or use a blow dryer on your hair. Make sure your hair is covered with either a shower cap or plastic bag to ensure that no moisture or oil escapes.

You can keep this treatment in for a few hours or overnight.

Once you rinse out the oil, be sure to shampoo to get rid of all the grease. Condition as you usually would during a wash and then style your hair accordingly.

After using this oil, your hair should feel extremely hydrated and much softer.

6. Exfoliating Body Scrub and Lotion

What can help you exfoliate and keep your skin moisturized? Coconut oil for beauty treatments!

Add in some brown sugar with this oil to create an amazing new body scrub.

The sugar will help to rough up your dead skin and allow you to thoroughly exfoliate your body. The coconut oil for beauty treatments will ensure that the new skin cells underneath are properly moisturized.

Once you’re done with this treatment, you’ll see that your skin is soft to the touch, smooth, and silky.

7. Substitute for Shaving Cream

Shaving without having shaving cream handy can result in cuts and bruises.

If you’ve run out of shaving cream or are looking for an alternative, this oil is an excellent option.

Using this oil to shave with will help you avoid chemical-heavy products while moisturizing your skin. Once you finished with your shower and shave, you’ll find that your skin is smooth and shiny.

Use this oil as you would regular shaving cream.

8. Deodorant Alternative

While most people never think to use shaving cream as a deodorant, its antifungal properties make it an ideal alternative.

Regular deodorant is often filled with chemicals and isn’t the healthiest choice for you regular hygiene routine.

Use the following ingredients to create an easy deodorant:

3 tablespoons of coconut oil
3 tablespoons of baking soda
2 tablespoons of shea butter

9. Heal Chapped Lips

In the winter or drier weather, it is easy to have chapped lips.

If you find that chapstick isn’t enough to heal your lips, it’s time for a more restorative method.

As this oil is often used for cooking and is all-natural, it is totally safe to use on your lips.

Supplementing your chapstick with this oil will ensure that they always have a healthy glow and are free of cracks. This oil will work to heal your skin and help to prevent future cracks from developing as well.

10. Fix Cracked Cuticles with Coconut Oil

Tired of having cracked cuticles but can’t go get a manicure every week?

The answer to perfectly glossy and healthy nails and cuticles is this oil.

Get a small amount of this oil and start massaging it onto your fingertips and cuticles. Making this a daily practice will help soften the skin all over your hands while preventing hangnails.

11. Dandruff Treatment

Just as this oil can be used for dry skin, if you have a flaky or itchy scalp due to dandruff, this oil is an excellent alternative to dandruff shampoo.

Love natural beauty? Learn how to eliminate dandruff naturally.

Using this oil on your scalp will moisturize your roots by hydrating them. Making a nightly habit of massaging your scalp with this oil will help to heal your hair and stimulate new growth.

12. Frizz Tamer

The great thing about this oil is that it has so many uses. While you may be afraid to put oil in your hair outside of the shower, using this oil lightly as a styling product will help to keep your hair smooth and free of flyaways.

With a dime-size amount of this oil, spread it out evenly along your hairline from the middle of the shaft to your ends. Since you are using such a tiny amount, your hair won’t be greasy or stringy. This small dab of this oil will allow you to rid your hair of frizz once and for all.

13. Treatments for Cold Sores

Cold sores aren’t always easy to treat. Though most people just wait for their cold sores to disappear, this isn’t the only method for handling them.

This oil works to quickly stop any itching and pain that typically accompanies cold sores. The antibacterial properties help to prevent the virus causing the cold sores from reproducing any further.

Using this oil as soon as you experience a break out will help to target and eliminate the initial cold sore, rather than allowing it to spread to other parts of your lips.

14. Homemade Mascara

Ever wonder what products are really used in mascara? Want a healthier option?

Make your own mascara using this oil as a key ingredient.

With your DIY mascara, you’ll feel a lot safer than you would with the store bought options.

To create your mascara, use the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons of coconut oil
4 tablespoons of aloe Vera gel
1 teaspoon of beeswax pellet
1 – 2 capsules of cocoa powder or activated charcoal
An empty and clean mascara container

If your new makeup needs more of a “hold”, add in more beeswax.

15. Healthy Toothpaste Using Coconut Oil

Just as people use this oil for “oil pulling”, making toothpaste out of this oil is a safe and healthy way to clean your teeth.

This fluoride-free toothpaste alternative only requires five ingredients:

½ a cup of coconut oil
2 or 3 tablespoons baking soda
2 packets of stevia sweetener
20 drops of cinnamon or peppermint essential oil
10 drops of myrrh extract

Final Thoughts on Coconut Oil Beauty Tips

This oil is one of the most versatile products on earth. As it is all-natural, whatever you do decide to use this oil for, you can guarantee that it will leave you feeling healthier than ever.

Keep these ideas in mind for your next DIY project. The more uses you find for this oil, the more products you can replace with your own all-natural, homemade alternatives.

21 Healthy & Quick Meal Prep Lunch Ideas for the Office

July 5, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Having to prepare your lunch every evening or morning can be an exhausting routine. Therefore, it’s ideal to do these meal prep ideas in advance, during the weekend. Then, don’t have to struggle with the meal making process on the weekdays. The problem is, not all meals can be prepared this early.

You need to prepare meals that you can keep chilled or frozen in the refrigerator for at least a week. You can keep them in five mason jars, one for each day of the week. Then you can easily carry your serving to work and warm it during the lunch hour.

As you prepare your meal in advance, you need to make a meal that will be tasty as well as nutritious. Some features of a healthy lunch include low carbohydrates, minimal saturated fats, rich proteins, plenty of vitamins, a lot of healthy monounsaturated fats, and a lot of antioxidants. Here are 21 healthy and quick meal prep ideas for your lunch at work.

Healthy & Quick Lunch Ideas for the Office

1. Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This classic pasta salad has more veggies than pasta, thus it is rich in antioxidants. The main ingredients of the salad are crumbled feta, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and red onion. The diet will work to maintain your weight and protect your heart.

The dish is delicious and easy to prepare in advance for your busy week. It is one of the top meal prep ideas.

2. Chickpea Pita and Tuna Sandwiches

Instead of hefty mayo, this pita sandwich uses Greek yogurt, which is low in fat. In addition to the low-calorie content, the yogurt will improve the flavor of the chickpeas and tuna. Canned tuna is an affordable and lean source of protein that has healthy fats such as omega-3s.

The intake of these essential fats has been linked to minimal levels of inflammation that result from weight gain.

3. Farro, Chickpea & Greens Salad

The delicious salad is a basic mix of mixed greens and protein-rich farro. The garnishes include chickpeas, pepitas, feta, and kalamata olives, which offer amazing taste and essential nutrients. The meal is free from meats, but it has high levels of iron.

A single serving of the salad offers 30 percent of the daily iron requirement.

4. Hummus & Grilled Chicken Open-Face Sandwich

Sandwich wraps consist of a significant quantity of your calories from a sandwich meal. Hence, eliminating them can reduce the number of calories consumed and aid in weight management. Put a layer of hummus on a slice of whole grain bread before layering on some cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta.

Top it with grilled chicken breast slices. You can also use chickpeas in place of the chicken.

5. Spinach Artichoke Quiche Cup

A majority of quiches are loaded with heavy cream and crust that has trans-fats. However, this one is free from all that. These quiches don’t have unnecessary crust and dairy.

They get their rich taste from aromatic onion, spinach, and artichokes that are full of antioxidants. The meal takes minutes to make, and you can freeze the rest for future lunches.

6. Baked Tofu Sushi Bowl

Sushi can be enjoyed without the high amounts of calories present in the extra rice. This meal offers an ideal balance of protein, fiber, and carbs. The tofu used here is an ideal substitute for raw fish and has a lot of proteins.

When consuming tofu, ensure it is organic and non-GMO. This is because GMO tofu may have some pesticides that can interfere with your gut composition. This can lead to weight gain and even depression.

7. Asian Noodle Salad

A spicy noodle salad is another one of the best meal prep ideas. It has red peppers that are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that fights stress hormones that trigger storage of belly fat. It also has edamame beans that offer a vegan protein source. Its fiber will stabilize blood sugar and trigger slow digestion.

This is a perfect salad for your weekly lineup.

8. Avocado, Chicken & Red Pepper Pizza

This dish is a bridge between Italian and Asian flavors. The red pepper pizza offers the ideal quantity of indulgence while providing sufficient healthy, monounsaturated fats to prevent you from feeling hungry so that you can focus on work.

The chicken offers you about 33 grams of protein.

9. Grilled Chicken Melt, Sun-Dried Tomato, & Pesto

This chicken pesto meal is among the best meal prep ideas. It replaces Russian dressing and mayo (that are full of calories) with basil pesto and sun-dried tomato. It is rich in healthy fats from some mozzarella cheese and chicken breasts’ slow-digesting protein.

The healthy fats will assist in speeding nutrients through the gut and maintain blood glucose levels.

10. Caprese Pasta Pesto Salad

In this recipe, you will use leftover pasta from the Asian noodles in the place of orecchiette. The meal is supplemented with creamy mozzarella balls and ripe grape tomatoes.

Mozzarella is a great low-calorie snack since it is filled with satiating fats and calcium, a mineral that has been linked to improving the ability of the body to synthesize fat more efficiently.

11. Carnitas Bowls

If you can make your own burrito bowl, there is no need for Chipotle. This meal will offer you sufficient amount to distribute throughout the week. Serve some blogger’s carnitas and garnish with rice, corn, satiating beans, and crispy lettuce.

This is among the best high-protein meal prep ideas.

12. Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes have complex carbohydrates, which means they are digested slowly to keep you full and energized for longer. Additionally, sweet potatoes have nutrients called carotenoids that assist in fat-burning.

These antioxidants assist in stabilizing blood sugar levels and minimizing insulin resistance that prevents the conversion of calories into fats. You will also benefit from plenty of vitamin B6.

13. Carnitas Lettuce Tacos

Finger foods are delicious, except that they are full of calories from the carbs. But you can replace the carbs with iceberg or romaine lettuce. To increase the staying power of the food, top of the tacos with avocado, filled with healthy monounsaturated fats.

14. Carnitas Stuffed Peppers

Consuming these tasty peppers will get you closer to your weight-loss goals. Pick a high-vitamin poblano pepper and serve carnitas, onion corn, and rice inside before topping off with cheese and broiling in the oven.

Combining the carnitas with muscle-building protein and slow-digesting healthy fats will keep you full at work.

15. Pulled Pork Posole

If you are too tired to cook, just put all you pork ingredients in a pot and allow it to simmer. You can include all the leftovers in the recipe.

16. Ground Turkey Skillet

Get one pound of ground turkey and convert it into five great lunches. The turkey is inspired by Thai flavors and will make your taste buds explode. It is served while wrapped in lettuce together with a side of brown rice.

Consuming lean ground turkey minimizes your fat and calorie content to provide more nutrients when you are on a calorie-restricted diet. It is one of the tastiest meal prep ideas.

17. Turkey Meatball Gyros

You can always buy a pre-made Tzatziki sauce. However, this recipe makes it easy to make the sauce at home, which also saves you from high levels of sodium often present in the store-bought sauce.

Use Greek yogurt as the base and include some parsley and dill. The resulting meal will be creamy and high in proteins.

18. Greek Zucchini Fritters with Meatballs

Zucchini is a very versatile food. The vegetable is rich in healthy carotenoids for you. The zucchini is shredded and mixed with eggs, herbs, and feta cheese to make some tasty fritters.

Serve the fritters with some meatballs and tzatziki sauce to have a delicious meal that has less than 400 calories.

19. Veggie Quinoa Salad

Preparing this meal will offer you a meal that you can have all five days of the week if you like, making it among the best meal prep ideas. Minimize the quantity of quinoa to a serving of a third of a cup and add a dressing of avocado and sesame oil.

Quinoa is ideal for a high-fiber diet and plenty of plant-based proteins. You will have stable energy and a full stomach throughout the day.

20. Chicken Satay Salad

Ingredients include warm water, rice vinegar, Sriracha, quinoa, and chicken. You will end up with a restaurant-style appetizer. The tasty chicken will last the whole week to offer you lean protein for fueling the muscles and keeping the stomach full for longer.

You can pair it with a tasty peanut sauce that acts as a dipping sauce and salad dressing.

21. Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

Ingredients include quinoa, veggies, peanut butter sauce, and whole grain spaghetti. Contrary to weight loss misconceptions, pasta is not an enemy. Whole wheat spaghetti is a carbohydrate that is low-glycemic, meaning that your gut will digest it slowly to prevent your blood sugar from spiking and your hunger from striking.

It is even better when paired with veggies that are rich in fiber and peanut sauce that has healthy fats. It is one of the healthiest meal prep ideas.

Conclusion

The secret to these meal prep ideas is to use leftovers as the ingredients for some of your meals. This will save you time and maintain the consistency of a healthy diet while preventing waste and saving on cost.

These 21 meal prep ideas are healthy, delicious, and filling. They are great for a weight loss routine.

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