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

This Is What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Lemon Water Every Morning

A friend recommended that I drink a glass of lemon water every morning at breakfast. She claimed that the benefits of lemon water were awesome. I was intrigued and decided to try it for a month. Each morning, I drank eight ounces of water with the juice of half a fresh lemon squeezed into it. The results were fascinating.

Lemon water contains powerful antioxidants in the form of Vitamin C. Just one lemon contains 51% of your daily value of Vitamin C. Citric acid, the active compound in lemon juice, has rejuvenating and freshening qualities for the entire body, from the breath to the skin. Read on to what happens when your body receives the benefits of lemon water impacted my health and well-being.

Here are the benefits of lemon water:

1. My Digestion Was Improved

I was impressed at how quickly the benefits of lemon water helped my digestion. It had especially potent effects when I used warm water. I felt lighter and healthier. I sometimes have problems with constipation, and this amazing water helped to remedy my problem.

2. I Lost Weight

This might be difficult to believe, but simply adding a glass of lemon juice water in the morning helped me lose weight. I didn’t do anything else differently for the month when I drank the water each day. Reportedly, this water increases your metabolic rate and helps you make better use of calories.

3. My Skin was Clearer

This was one of the most impressive benefits. When I was drinking the water, I noticed that my skin was clearer and less oily. As soon as I stopped drinking it daily, my skin returned to its original state, so I really think it had to do with the water.

4. No More Bad Breath

Drinking the water in the morning helped to freshen my breath and kill bacteria in my mouth. I talked to my dentist about the benefits of lemon water, and she warned me that drinking too many acidic liquids would be bad for my tooth enamel. I agreed to brush my teeth after drinking the water.

5. My Liver Worked More Effectively

While I don’t have any examples of how this water helped my liver, I know that it helps to detoxify the body so the liver works better. One month is probably too brief to see measurable impacts on my liver, but I felt better overall.

6. I Felt Better When I Had a Cold

One of the best-known natural health benefits is that this water helps to bolster your immune system. It also helps to reduce inflammation. I came down with a cold when I was drinking the water each day, and I think it made me feel better faster. I mixed the juice with warm water when I wasn’t feeling well and added a little raw honey. This mixture helped my throat feel better and lessened my coughing. The addition of honey doubles the health impact.

essential oils

7. It Helped my Hangover

I hate to admit it, but I had a little too much fun one night while I was on my lemon juice water regimen. I was in rough shape when I got up that morning. I found that the water helped me feel better faster. I discovered that lemon juice water is a source of potassium, which is beneficial to the body when recovering from a hangover because it helps to regulate hydration in the body.

Final Thoughts

While it isn’t a magic bullet, I feel that the benefits of lemon water really helped my overall health. If you want to give it a try, make sure you use fresh-cut lemons and not just concentrated lemon juice. This will give you the added benefits of consuming the whole fruit and the lemon oil from the peel. Taking lemon juice water in the morning can’t hurt, and it’s worth trying when it has so many amazing health benefits. Add it to your morning routine and see the benefits for yourself.

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Bloated Stomach : 10 Proven Ways To Beat Bloating

Do you have “fat days” when suddenly you can barely button your pants? Excess gas in the intestines, or bloating, can make you puffy and swollen. It’s a fairly common problem affecting between about 16 to 30 percent of us. It’s especially common in women.

Being bloated often can be caused by a serious medical problem, but health experts say most of the time a bloated stomach is caused by certain foods, bad eating habits, or hormones. Numerous medications can cause excess gas. Prescription and over-the-counter meds to watch out for include antidepressants, iron pills, antihistamines, and calcium supplements with bicarbonate or carbonate.

If you’ve ruled out meds as the culprit, consider these 10 proven ways to get rid of a bloated stomach:

1. Rule Out Food Allergies

Food allergies are relatively common and can cause intolerance to certain foods. These foods can cause excess gas production, resulting in a bloated stomach and other symptoms. Common foods people have an intolerance to include lactose, fructose, eggs, wheat, and gluten. Use a process of elimination to determine if you may have a food allergy. Work along with your doctor to resolve the issue.

2. Eat Smaller Meals

Do you tend to eat a lot at one meal and feel stuffed? People who have a tendency to bloat feel over-full on smaller amounts of food than others. Try eating smaller meals more often. This may require adding an extra meal to your day.

3. Avoid Swallowing Air

Swallowing too much air when eating is a big cause of a bloated stomach. Try eating more slowly and chewing more thoroughly. This cuts down on the amount of air you swallow. Watch out for snacking on the go and eating fast. Other culprits of swallowing air include talking while eating, drinking through a straw, chewing gum, and drinking lots of carbonated beverages.

4. Avoid Gassy Foods

Some foods are known to be a problem, especially high-fiber foods like beans and some whole grains. Fatty foods can also cause problems for some people since they slow down digestion and the emptying of the stomach. Foods that make you feel bloated vary from one person to another. Keep a food diary to find your own triggers.

5. Watch Out for Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols are in sugar-free foods and chewing gums. Some consider them safe alternatives to sugar, but in high amounts, they may cause digestive problems. Sugar alcohols are digested in the large intestine and produce gas. They are a type of carbohydrates known as FODMAPs and can cause create gas, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome.

6. Try Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Look for over-the-counter products to help with a bloated stomach. They contain supplemental enzymes that can help break down indigestible carbohydrates. Some to try include Lactase and Beano. Lactase breaks down lactose, and Beano contains alpha-galactosidase, an enzyme that helps break down hard-to-digest carbs.

7. Take Probiotics

Many different bacteria live in the intestines, but they vary from person to person. Studies support the theory that they can cause gas. Probiotic supplements have been shown to control gas and a bloated stomach. Some probiotics may reduce gas, but you can still feel bloated. The key is to find the right probiotic for you and give it time to work.

8. Natural Remedies

No research exists to show the effectiveness of natural products to reduce intestinal gas. Peppermint capsules may help by relaxing stomach muscles. Charcoal capsules absorb gas to help relieve bloating.

9. Increase Fiber

Adequate fiber helps prevent constipation which in turn exacerbates a bloated stomach. Bulk in the intestines helps food move through quicker. Most people don’t get enough fiber in their diet. Try adding a bran cereal to your breakfast and snack on fresh fruit throughout the day. Go slowly when adding fiber to your diet. Too much too fast can actually cause more gas.

bloated stomach

10. Stay hydrated and exercise

Drinking enough water makes everything in your body work better. This includes digestion. Water flushes out waste and helps you avoid constipation, which can cause gas.

Add at least a 10 minute walk to your day. Exercise helps pass gas through the intestines quickly, giving you immediate relief.

Don’t forget that being bloated often can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Pay attention to your symptoms. If making these changes to your diet doesn’t work, it’s important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor.

7 Secrets To Attract Money And Wealth Using The Law Of Attraction

How would you feel if you were told what every young child dreams of — that you have a superpower that can bring to you anything you wish for. Turns out that this dream might not be so far off from reality as one might think. In fact, this whole new concept has to do with the exact way in which reality operates. It is called the Law of Attraction.

According to this law of attraction, you can have anything you wish for, as long as you are able to first create it in your mind and emotional state of being. People mainly use the law of attraction for money, and many people have successfully improved their financial state in this seemingly illogical way. Here are the 7 secrets to using this law of attraction for money.

7 Secrets To Using The Law Of Attraction

give you strength

Achieve Clarity

It is important to take some time in realizing exactly what it is that you want. You have to be clear in your intentions in order for this to work faster. You set your intentions on how much money you want to receive.

Use Visualization Techniques

Visualization is one of the most powerful ways of invoking motivation and change in your mental and emotional state. According to physics, any energy you put out has to come back to you. When you visualize the thing you want to receive, you attract it into your everyday reality. Let’s say you want to have large amounts of money and financial freedom. You should envision yourself in this new state of being — how would you feel if you had all the money that you needed and more? Imagine holding the money, going into your new home, driving your dream car, or traveling to a foreign destination. The more you utilize your senses, the faster the result will be. You can even use the technique of smelling the money to get a sense of the way it feels when you have it.

Uproot Limiting Beliefs

Most people have a negative set of values when it comes to money. Because money has been a big struggle for humanity, it has become a topic of great negative scriptures. You cannot attract something that you judge or harbor negative stereotypes towards. It is true that you will experience difficulties at first, but notice the beliefs you have towards money. Do you respond negatively to rich people and have negative expectations of money? You can use visualization techniques to clear out the old patterns and allow abundance to flow into your life.

Focus on Abundance

The more you focus on a topic, the more prevalent it becomes in your life. Make it a daily routine to focus on the abundance you already have. Express appreciation for the money you already have, your home, your car, and all the other comforts you use in your daily life. Feel that you are abundant and are growing richer with each passing day.

Overpower The Inner Critic

Our beliefs are the ones that make us sabotage ourselves when things are really not as hard as they seem. Every time you try to attract abundance into your life, the inner voice may tell you that you can’t or don’t deserve it. This negative talk does not come from you — it is a reflection of your parents and the conditioning that society has received on the topic of money. Every time the inner critic contradicts a happy thought on money, you can use visualization techniques like a “stop” road sign or a big X, or you can simply state in yourself a phrase that is opposite to the criticism. This phrase could be “Making money is easy and everyone deserves to be abundant.”

Tend To Your Feelings

Being rich and abundant should make you feel a certain way. How would you feel if you had everything that you ever wanted? Try to keep this state of emotions as much as possible throughout the day. Many people want to be rich and then be happy. It works the opposite way, however. Like it was taught by most religious teachings of the world, faith precedes reality. Be kind to yourself, and tend to your emotional state of being as much as you can – the better you feel, the better you will perform in all aspects of your life.

Law of attraction

Let Go and Stop Overthinking

The one thing that can really sabotage law of attraction (at least for a while) is overthinking what you want. This can lead to feelings of tension and resistance. It is more important to tend to your emotional state and know that what you want is already coming your way. Let go, and let God — the Universe has your back.

Final Thoughts

You can use the law of attraction for absolutely everything. Just remember that the journey should be a pleasant one and does not require hardship. In fact, the easier you are about it, the faster and more efficient the law of attraction will be for you.

10 Foods That Lower Cholesterol

You may have heard that eating certain foods is bad for your health since they raise the fat content in your body and increase your chances of getting a heart attack, for example, fast foods. The same also holds for meals that are good for you, for example, eating foods that lower cholesterol helps you to maintain low density lipo-protein (LDL) levels and reduce weight.

Below are examples of top 10 foods that lower cholesterol fast.

1. Soya Foods

Eating as little as 15 g of soya meals per day can help you reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 6%. Examples include soy beans, soy milk, and tofu. Other health benefits of soya foods include being a source of Omega-3, fiber, and proteins.

2. Oats

Foods that lower cholesterol are not limited to main meals alone, they can also include breakfast. Oats are a healthy way to start your day. One bowl of oats gives you 2 grams of fiber and lowers your LDL levels. To spice up the combination, you can add some fruits to the oatmeal and increase the fiber levels by at least 1 gram.

3. Foods Fortified with Plant Sterols and Stanols

Plant sterols or stanols are generally found in vegetable oils, whole grains, seeds, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. There are also prescription drugs for plant sterols and stanols since some people cannot get sufficient nutrients from natural sources. Normally, consuming 1.5 to 2.5 g of plant sterols or stanols lowers cholesterol by between 7 and 10%.

4. Beans and Peas

Beans and peas are rich in fiber and take longer to be digested. As a result, you end up feeling full for extended periods. This effect makes beans the perfect meal for people trying to lose weight because it prevents them from eating all the time. A plate of cooked beans and peas reduce the LDL levels by up to 5%.

5. Fruits and Vegetables

Foods that lower cholesterol also include fruits and vegetables. Any fruit or vegetable that you eat has a small saturated fat content, which helps keep your LDL levels at the prescribed minimum. Additionally, fruits and vegetables contain fiber that stops the digestive tract from absorbing cholesterol.

6. Apples, Citrus Fruits, Strawberries, and Grapes

When talking about foods that lower cholesterol, there’s a special group of fruits that include apples, citrus fruits, grapes, and strawberries. These fruits contain pectin, which is a special type of water soluble fiber that holds together cholesterol in the stomach and prevents it from getting into the blood stream and clogging the arteries.

7. Nuts

Eating almonds, peanuts, and walnuts contain high levels of unsaturated fat, fiber, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, vegetable protein, and natural sterols, which help keep your heart healthy. In addition, taking 2 ounces of nuts reduces LDL levels by 5%.

8. Eggplant and Okra

Eggplant and Okra contain large amounts of soluble fiber which prevents the body from absorbing LDL. Research has shown that regular intake of eggplants can help reduce bad cholesterol levels by as much as 30%. Eggplant and Okra is also used by people with diabetes to lower their blood sugar levels.

9. Fatty Fish

There are two ways that fish lowers LDL levels: first, it gets rid of the LDL-boosting saturated fats, and produces omega-3 fats which is a source of healthy cholesterol. Omega-3 also reduces triglycerides in the blood and improves the heart’s health.

10. Avocado

Avocado is a good source of mono-saturated fats which helps to increase High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels. HDL is a form of cholesterol that transports bad cholesterol away from the arteries and towards the liver, where it undergoes chemical decomposition and is released from the body.

foods that lower cholesterol

Conclusion

A low cholesterol diet needs you to be flexible, you don’t have to eat all the above foods at once or stick to one meal for the rest of your life. Try to mix the different foods and work with them on a daily basis.

The preferred low cholesterol diet contains high levels of fruits and vegetables and the occasional fish. In addition, remember to stick with the diet if you want it to be effective.

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Workout Motivation : Here Are 7 Simple Ways To Motivate Yourself For Workout Daily

If you want to lead a healthy and happy life, exercise is a necessary part of your daily routine. Exercise will bring numerous benefits, most notably an expanded lifespan, better energy levels, stronger physical health, improved mental health, and a reduced risk of heart disease or diabetes. Exercise can also lead to weight loss, better skin health, and a higher self-image, which helps to build self-esteem.

While there are plenty of reasons to exercise, not all of us have the energy or the motivation to do so. Sometimes poor mental health can zap a person’s motivation to perform everyday tasks like exercise. Finding motivation can be hard, especially if it is for something that you don’t want to do. It’s even harder if you lead a busy lifestyle and don’t have much time to fit a robust fitness routine into your schedule. However, a workout routine doesn’t need to take up most of your day; a good 20 to 60 minutes should do the trick. Really, all it takes to perform a decent workout is to break down those mental barriers of yours.

How to Boost Workout Motivation

exercise recovery

1. Do Some Research into Exercise

To find workout motivation, you should start by learning about what you are getting into. There are thousands of fitness routines out there that will shape your body in a specific way. The best way to workout is to find an activity that you genuinely enjoy, but at the same time, you must find a workout that will deliver the results you want to achieve. The more you know about what kind of workout you want to do, the easier it will be to take on.

2. Prepare By Finding the Right Things

Once you’ve figured out what kind of workout you will be performing, the next step is preparation. Purchase any clothing or supplies needed for the workout. For example, buy a jump rope and weights if you plan on incorporating jump rope and weightlifting into the routine. Preparation will help to boost workout motivation.

3. Plan Out the Exercises

Visualization can also help in preparation. Plan out a variety of exercises to get your mind interested. Try to aim the workout so that it brings out your endorphins. These feel-good hormones will sustain your workout motivation throughout the session. As mentioned before, incorporate exercises that you genuinely enjoy. For example, if you like dancing, try to find a fun dance workout.

4. Make Sure You Are Eating Right

It’s difficult to keep up workout motivation if you aren’t sustaining your body with fuel. Don’t make the mistake of skipping meals before a workout. Also, don’t make the mistake of loading up on high-sugar carbs before a workout, or you’ll be left feeling too fatigued. Be sure to eat plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables before a workout.

5. Make Sure You Are Hydrated

Food isn’t the only fuel needed before a workout. Water will be needed to keep you going, especially when your body starts to sweat and run out of its own hydration. Health experts recommend that you drink before, during, and after a workout session.

workout motivation

6. Use Workout Motivation Quotes

Some good workout motivation quotes could make the difference between giving up or powering through. Here are some popular motivational quotes to go by:

  • “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan
  • “A little progress each day adds up to big results.” – Satya Nani
  • “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth
  • “Either you run the day or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn

7. Make Yourself Accountable

Find ways to really commit yourself to the workout cause. Maybe join a gym, a class, or a workout group. Find someone who has the same fitness goals and partner up with that person. Start a competition with friends. Track the results of your workout to see the progress you have made. All of these activities ensure some form of accountability.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Inner Workout Motivation

Bottom line: figure out what motivates you the most. Why are you working out in the first place? Keep your goal in mind and never deviate from that goal.

Researchers Explain The Best Ways To Lose Weight (And Keep It Off)

If you are looking for the best ways to lose weight fast and get into shape, the internet is probably one of the most diverse places that you can look for information about something like this. A simple search normally yields thousands of results that claim to have the best ways to lose weight. There are no shortage of foods, drinks, medications, exercise routines, gear, and clothing that all claim to be the next best thing that will help you achieve the body that you want, but the reality of these products is far from what they actually are.

A lot of times people don’t realize that the few things that can actually help you lose weight fast are some of the simplest and most common practices that people have been talking about for ages.

When trying to find a good approach to help you keep the pounds off, there is nothing better than looking for scientific backing for the claims that companies make. Very few weight loss programs and techniques actually have science to back up the claims they make.

To find the best ways to lose weight, looking at these intricacies is one of the only ways to ensure that you take the best approach towards this goal.

Here are some of the best ways to lose weight:

Getting The Right Amount Of Nutrition

Getting the right nutrition makes up a huge part of a weight loss plan and is something that should be paid close attention to. A lot of people don’t realize that nutrition can play an even bigger role than exercise when it comes to losing weight. The kind of food that you eat has a direct impact on your overall bodily constitution and can affect the overall strength of your body as well.

One of the key things is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Nutritionists generally recommend eating a healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber. In addition, getting the adequate dose of vitamins and minerals through fruits and veggies is also considered one of the best ways to lose weight. Eliminating junk food and excess sugar from one’s diet is also something that can have a big impact on the overall functioning of one’s metabolism, thereby contributing to a healthier and fitter body.

Indulging In Regular Exercise

A lot of the reasons why people tend to be unfit is because of a lack of exercise. We are taught as kids the importance of daily exercise, but not all of us incorporate this into our daily lives. Moreover, finding the time to squeeze in exercise in our routines can sometimes be challenging, but it is nevertheless something that one must make time for.

Finding a good exercise routine that you enjoy is a great way to ensure that you get your daily dose of exercise. Different people tend to prefer different routines, and sometimes, doing things that are fun is the best way to lose weight. If you are someone who prefers a more relaxed workout session, something like yoga or Pilates is generally a great way to exercise. If you want something that is more upbeat and fun, there are several dance workout options that can be incredibly beneficial.

For those who like being in a motivating environment, the gym is the best place to hit for a good and intensive workout. For those who like the outdoors, a simple run can be incredibly beneficial and refreshing. There are several workouts that one can incorporate, and all it takes is finding the one that you enjoy, and won’t skip out on.

Switching To A Healthier Lifestyle

One of the most significant factors that impact our overall fitness is the kind of lifestyle that we lead. With technology playing such a significant role in our lives, a lot of us spend hours indoors, working on our computers. For anyone who wants to lose weight quickly, making improvements to your lifestyle is one of the best places to start.

best ways to lose weight

Lifestyle improvements are the best way to lose weight since it enables you to make several healthy changes that can help you achieve a fitter you. Switching to healthy snacks and watching your portions are great steps to implement if you want to lose weight quick and get into shape. Adding more vegetables and fruits in your diet over junk is one of the best things to try out.

Sleep is also an important aspect if you want to lose weight fast since it enables your body to properly carry out its metabolizing processes that improve your overall functioning. Remaining hydrated throughout the day is also something that contributes to better weight loss.

Final Thoughts

There are many approaches to losing weight, and these three components form the basis of most weight loss techniques that people try to implement. No matter how you approach weight loss, it is important to stay healthy and only go for things that you know are beneficial for your body.

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

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15 Foods With The Most Potassium

Potassium is a very important mineral for the human body and is essential for cellular and electrical functions. Along with sodium and chloride, it is a vital electrolyte, which means it carries an electric charge. This might explain why potassium is critical for brain health as well as for nervous system functions.

Other functions of this important electrolyte are as follows:

  • Build proteins
  • Break down and use carbohydrates
  • Build muscle
  • Maintain normal body development
  • Control the electrical activity of the heart
  • Control the acid-base balance

Electrolyte balance is important for proper functioning of the body; however, in today’s world, most people eat far too much sodium and not enough potassium, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other ailments. With that said, we want to go over foods with the highest levels of potassium to ensure your health and well-being. We are positive that you can use this information to better your lifestyle or even start your health journey.

Here are 15 foods that are high in potassium:

Note: The following foods are ranked by milligrams of potassium per standard amount, courtesy of health.gov.

1. Sweet potato

One baked sweet potato, or 146g, contains a whopping 694mg of potassium. Since the recommendation is 4,700mg per day for the standard adult, sweet potatoes are an excellent choice as they are high in nutrients.

2. Tomato paste

1/4 cup of tomato paste contains 664mg of potassium and only 54 calories. If you have leftover canned tomato paste that you don’t know what to do with, try using it in chili, stew, or on a homemade pizza.

3. Beet greens

Beet greens are the leaves that top beets, and they taste similar to kale. You could boil it and have it alongside meats, or saute it with olive oil, salt, and garlic to have with an Italian meal. 1/2 cup of cooked beet greens has 655mg of potassium.

4. Potato

One baked potato with the flesh on weighing 156g contains 610mg of potassium. As you can see, if you don’t have any sweet potatoes handy, a regular potato will do just fine.

5. White beans

1/2 cup of canned white beans has 595mg of potassium.

6. Yogurt

An 8oz container of plain, non-fat yogurt has 579mg of potassium, while an 8 oz container of plain, low-fat yogurt comes in at 531mg.

7. Tomato puree

This is made by cooking and straining tomatoes and is different from tomato sauce because it has a thicker consistency and richer flavor. 1/2 cup contains 549mg of potassium.

8. Clams

A 3oz can contains 534mg of potassium.

9. Prune juice

3/4 cup has 530mg. Make sure to look for juices without added sugar or other unhealthy ingredients, or just make your own juice at home!

10. Carrot juice

3/4 cup has 517mg of potassium.

11. Blackstrap molasses

1 tbsp = 498mg of potassium. You’re probably thinking: “what am I supposed to do with plain molasses?” Never fear, friends; we would never ask you to eat molasses by itself! Try using it in a sauce for glazed ham, or incorporate it into your favorite pancake recipe for added sweetness. While it does have a fair amount of sugar, molasses also has important vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and selenium.

12. Halibut

3oz of cooked halibut contains 490 mg of potassium.

13. Soybeans

1/2 cup of green, cooked soybeans contains 485mg. Healthy vegetarian soybean recipes include soybean and cabbage casserole, barbecued soybeans, and spaghetti and beanballs using soybeans instead of meat.

potassium deficiency

14. Tuna

3oz of cooked yellowfin tuna has 484mg, just shy of the mighty soybeans’ potassium value.

15. Lima beans

Finally, 1/2 cup of cooked lima beans has the same amount of potassium as a serving of tuna. Also known as butter beans, you can use lima beans in a plethora of recipes such as in stews, soups, and even in vegetarian burger recipes.

Final thoughts

You now have plenty of foods that are high in potassium to choose from in order to reach your health goals and keep your heart and nervous system working properly. It is such an important mineral for the human body, but it often gets overlooked due to the prevalence of packaged foods in the marketplace today. As long as you eat a primarily whole foods diet, you should have no problem getting enough of it in your daily food intake. Along with positive thinking, diet and exercise will keep you happy, healthy, and full of life.

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3 Photos That Show How People Are Getting Abs in Two Weeks

As you might know from your own fitness journey, it takes a lot of work to get abs (for most people). Just doing a few crunches or doing exercise a couple days a week won’t cut it if you want a sculpted tummy. One 25-year-old mom took things to the next level to get abs in just two weeks! Read more about Iulia Danilova’s tips and tricks below. She posted before and after photos two weeks apart so you can follow her health journey.

3 Photos That Show How People Are Getting Abs in Two Weeks

As you can see from her before picture, she started out with a pretty high level of fitness already, but her transformation shows that we can always improve and keep striving for more. She simply cut down on carbs and did cardio to lose a little extra belly fat.

Danilova’s normal workout routine before her “cut” included lifting weights for 45 minutes to an hour up to six mornings a week, making sure to rotate between body parts throughout the week. She didn’t do cardio but tracked her macros closely, eating things such as rice, pasta and potatoes, plenty of protein from red meat, eggs, and chicken, and ample fats from healthy sources like avocado and olive oil. To gain muscle definition in her abs and increase her health, she made sure to eat around 15% more calories than her body needed.

During the two weeks between photos, she added four cardio sessions to her weekly routine to get sculpted abs. She’d either hike or spend 40 minutes on cardio machines at the gym such as the Stairmaster, bike, or treadmill.

However, don’t think that just because she lost belly fat, she had to starve herself to do so. She openly admits that crash diets don’t work; they only leave you feeling lethargic and lead to binges later on. She simply ate about 10% less than her body needed, increasing her protein intake while cutting back on carbs that can lead to water retention and bloating. She ate all the same foods as she did before, just less or more of them.

lower abs workout

Danilova works out for nothing more than her health; however, she wants to continue her cut for a few more months. “I’m documenting my journey to show that anything is possible,” she says of her fitness journey.

Final thoughts

Remember that if you want to reach your weight loss or health goals, it will not happen overnight. In order to get abs, it takes months of consistent exercise, because it all comes down to fat loss. The more you stick to a healthy lifestyle, the more fat you will lose, and your abs will begin to show. Also, keep in mind that positive thinking will help you reach your goals much faster, and plus, a positive mindset never hurt anyone!

https://youtu.be/yG-G9_LOkLA

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When A Woman Needed A Mental Health Day Off of Work, Her Boss’ Response Shocked Everyone

In today’s fast-paced environment, mental health can easily take a backseat to all the other demands society places on us. Work is easily the number one stressor people have, and that stress can quickly turn into a mental health crisis. It takes so much mental and physical energy to work, and when you pile mental illness on top of that, employees can start feeling helpless and burnt out.

While wonderful bosses exist, the majority of companies work their employees to death just so they can increase their bottom line. However, when one woman needed a few days off work to focus on her mental health, she was reminded just how great her company and bosses are.

Madalyn Parker, a web developer who works for live chat software engineering company Olark, wrote a powerful essay in 2015 about her ongoing battle with mental health problems and how they impact her career. She believes every company should be supportive of employees with mental health issues and is open about her own personal struggles. In the corporate world, the emphasis is often on productivity rather than the health and well-being of employees, and while both are important, the former cannot exist without the latter.

After sharing the email thread with her boss, Olark CEO Ben Congleton, the exchange quickly went viral and Congleton became a hero in the corporate culture. Over 9.5 thousand retweets and 32 thousand likes later, Parker showed the world that compassion is essential to getting the job done. See what Congleton said in the emails below, and let us know how your boss would react in this situation!

Here’s why all companies should offer employees mental health days:

This is Madalyn Parker, a web developer from Michigan who works for Olark

When she needed a few days off work, she emailed her team immediately

Her boss’ response was the highlight of the story, though

Madalyn quickly shared the email on Twitter to let the world know how awesome her boss is

People started sharing their experiences with asking their bosses for a mental health day

Madalyn’s tweet started a positive discussion about what type of leave mental health should fall under

mental health quote

The last tweet really sums up this whole article. Without looking after your mental health, your ability to perform at work or anything else in life will plummet. Perhaps this email exchange will spark a much bigger discussion about how workplaces can provide better accommodations to employees dealing with stress, burnout, and mental health issues. As most of us know, positive thinking alone cannot eliminate mental illness, so compassion is critical to providing support.

Maybe more companies will start seeing the importance of having healthy, happy employees instead of only caring about profits. Without people, there would be no profit, so hopefully the work culture will start changing so that the health of employees and health of the business will be one in the same.

Do you think employees should get mental health days off work? Let us know in the comments!

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