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Up Your Wellness Game With 10 Super Healthy Avocado Recipes

August 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

What fruit is not sweet and is:
-high in fat,
-high in fiber,
-low in carbs, and
-a significant source of bioavailable protein?

It’s difficult to imagine a fruit that meets these criteria, but the one that does is the avocado. This superfood gem carries generous amounts of almost 20 vitamins and minerals, plus countless phytonutrients. An average-sized one has over twice the potassium as a banana as well as a dense load of brain-nourishing and cancer-fighting attributes.

The avocado is truly in a class of its own with its ability to curb the appetite due to its fat content. This is the good stuff — monounsaturated fat — that helps regulate cholesterol. Its insoluble fiber helps maintain colon health and blood sugar levels. A versatile food that does all this could be eaten every day. In fact, here are over 20 reasons to include it in your diet as often as you can.

Discover a variety of ways to enjoy its wonders with these easy avocado recipes.

1. Salad Dressing

This salad dressing is a cinch to make with only five ingredients. It works wonderfully as a veggie dip, too. Try it with baked potato fries!

2. Citrus Salad with Mint

Our nutrition power player pairs tastefully well with citrus fruits grapefruit and clementine for a refreshing snack or appetizer. The citric acid slows down browning, so this dish maintains its bright appeal to the eye and the palate.

3. Avocado and Pea Salad

Fresh avocado and green peas make an amazing combo of healthy, tasty bliss. Fresh peas would be awesome, but thawed frozen ones will yield great flavor as well. This quick salad pairs well on top of toast or a bed of lettuce.

4. Pesto Linguine

The bold flavor of freshly made pesto shines in this simple recipe, just slightly toned down by the lusciously smooth addition. The pesto is loaded with fresh ingredients that come together quickly. Introduce your pasta to a new favorite sauce.

5. Vegan Sushi

This fuss-free sushi nigiri recipe makes it easy to bring Oriental cuisine to your table. Slices of avocado make a perfectly textured topping that melts in your mouth and satisfies you with abundant healthy fats.

6. Brownies

As long as you thoroughly blend your ingredients, no one will catch on to your secret ingredient. Even if there are a few green chunks, though, the taste will be just as mouth-watering. Bake these decadent, fudgy squares in a 9 ½ x 7 ½ baking dish. Feel free to use coconut palm sugar, stevia, or your favorite granulated natural sweetener instead of raw sugar, or try different flours or meals. Your sweet tooth will thank you.

7. Kourtney Kardashian’s Pudding

Who would think that a superstar’s treat could be so simple? One of the simplest of avocado recipes, this calls for only three all-natural ingredients. Kourtney calls this trio “a power meal in a cup”.

8. Raw Ice Cream Sandwiches

Our high-fat fruit rocks in this raw vegan frozen dessert. Whatever your food preference, you will absolutely love this totally healthy treat that is pretty easy to assemble. You won’t even need an ice cream maker or have to freeze the “ice cream” ahead of time.

9. Hummus

Boost the health benefits and flavor of hummus with this creamy indulgence. Our green friend shares the spotlight with chickpeas to make a delightfully easy spread or dip. The lemon juice retards browning, so as long as you store this in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, the color should be fine for a few days (if the hummus lasts that long). Peel the chickpeas for a smoother finish.

10. Avocado & Strawberry Smoothie

This perfect smoothie ingredient adds a whole new level of creaminess along with vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fat, and more. Try this and other variations of avocado recipes for a quick breakfast or post-workout treat. Your taste buds will not believe that this flavor-packed smoothie is so low in calories.

Avocado is a beautiful garnish on virtually any dish. Place it on toast for breakfast and in salads and veggie bowls for lunch or dinner. They are also delicious solo with a little salt, pepper and olive oil. Whether you are going for sweet or savory, the avocado is your go-to for nutrition-packed, satiating goodness.

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

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Yes, You Can Lose Weight By Eating Sweet Potato – Here’s How

August 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Are you looking for a new, nutritious way to amp up your weight loss? You may believe that sweet potatoes are nothing but a carbohydrate-loaded treat, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’re trying to lose weight, the nutritious sweet potato can help you slim down. There are many ways to enjoy this delicious vegetable so you won’t get bored.

Sweet potatoes can be an important part of your nutritional toolbox. The vegetable has exciting potential to increase weight loss and control blood sugar. Read on to discover how you can use sweet potatoes in a healthy diet and watch the pounds melt away.

How to Lose Weight With the Help of the Sweet Potato

Studies Confirm Their Benefits

Chinese scientists recently published a study in the Journal of Food Science that details the weight loss effects of sweet potato. This study showed a decrease in the body weight of mice who were fed a high-fat diet after they began eating 30% sweet potatoes. While human studies have not yet been published, eating sweet potato for weight loss is promising.

Sweet Potatoes Help to Control Blood Sugar

Sweet potato may be high in starch, but it has a surprisingly low glycemic index. Compared to the standard white potato with a glycemic index of 78, sweet potatoes come in at 63.

Glycemic index measures the rate at which starchy foods break down into sugars. This affects the body’s blood sugar levels and can help with insulin regulation. While many diabetics are discouraged from eating white potatoes, sweet potatoes are recommended.

Since sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index, they make a smart substitution for the white potato. Just be careful to avoid topping them with sugar.

Sweet Potatoes Are Vitamin and Mineral Rich

Eating sweet potato for weight loss is a smart move. These vegetables not only promote healthy blood sugar levels, they also contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals.

At only 103 calories, a medium sweet potato contains 438% of the recommended daily value for Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for proper growth and development in the body. It affects the hair, bones, and teeth as well as the reproductive system. The benefits of vitamin A for vision are well-known. Beta carotenoids, the form of Vitamin A found in sweet potatoes, are also powerful antioxidants which protect against cell damage.

Sweet potatoes also contain 37% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant which helps the immune system fight off disease. It has a beneficial effect on the skin, discouraging wrinkling and sun damage. The vitamin can also help prevent prenatal problems.

Other vitamins and minerals found in sweet potatoes include manganese, (28% DV), Vitamin B6, (16% DV) and potassium. (15% DV)

Sweet Potatoes are Packed With Dietary Fiber

With 3.8 grams of dietary fiber, the sweet potato gives your digestive system a boost. Fiber makes you feel full, leading you to eat less overall. Fiber also promotes healthy digestion and overall health. High-fiber diets are associated with lower body weight and better blood sugar control.

Ways to Get More Sweet Potatoes in your Diet

Take advantage of the awesome effects of sweet potatoes by working them into your healthy diet plan. Use them to replace white potatoes. You can boil and mash them, slice them into tasty oven fries, and add them to soups and stews. You can even try putting a boiled or steamed sweet potato in a delicious smoothie. It’s easy to find ways to enjoy sweet potatoes as part of your weight loss plan.

Final Thoughts

Sweet potatoes may help people lose weight. Since they have a low glycemic index, they help to control blood sugar. They are loaded with carotenoids, which the body uses to make Vitamin A. They are high in other vitamins and minerals as well, including Vitamin C and manganese. They are packed with fiber, which makes people feel full and satisfied. Fiber also promotes healthy digestion.

Substitute the less healthy carbs in your diet with sweet potatoes, and you will notice that you are healthier and happier. Eating sweet potatoes will help you reach your weight loss goals.

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

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Ultimate List Of Tips To Make Keto Diet Work For You

August 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

The Keto diet has become extremely popular in recent years simply because, when used correctly, it is an efficient way to shed pounds and get your body into shape. When you understand the nature of this diet, you will realize why more and more people continue to flock to it. It is all based on how the Keto diet interacts with your body.

The Building Blocks Of The Keto Diet For Weight Loss

First of all, it is crucial to understand the building blocks of any diet, and the Ketosis diet is no different. There are a lot of questions you should ask. How does the Keto diet react with your metabolism? That is the central question. You see, normally your metabolism does not burn fat; in most cases, it burns sugar. In a nutshell, this is one of the things that leads to weight gain. Thus, your strongest desire should be to have a metabolism that burns fat. This is the Keto diet’s main goal, leading us to our next point.

Keeping Your Body “In Ketosis.”

Simply put, you need to understand the main goals of a Ketogenic diet. The key to this diet will be to understand that it is not so much a diet but a “lifestyle” change. After that idea sinks in, you should bear in mind that the Keto diet has one overarching goal: keeping your body “in ketosis” as they call it.

However, keeping your body in ketosis isn’t this big, terribly intimidating thing. Using the Keto diet for weight loss can even allow you to eat many of the foods you have been accustomed to. The key to retaining your food choices is to ask yourself this question: does this food favorite come in a low-carb version? This is because the key to a keto diet is either avoiding carbs at the outset or introducing them gradually as you go along. Of course, that’s the bad news. However, there IS some good news. You might be surprised at the plethora of low carb versions of foods that are available today. Chances are you could find a version of a food you prefer, even brownies or pizza! This is just one of the many advantages of this diet for weight loss.

What Is the Keto Diet Flu or Carb Flu?

With that in mind, you also need to be aware of a phenomenon known as “carb flu.” this illness can occur when the body tries to compensate for the sudden loss of carbohydrates. To avoid this nausea and tiredness, experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water per day and exercising. Some exercises you can do include walking, Pilates or yoga. Walking is a great way to help you burn off fat. Pilates or yoga would also help you reduce stress. If neither of these fit your preference, there are a number of exercise videos which will get your heart rate up.

The Magic of Triglyerides And Your Options

This diet makes it easy to lose weight, especially due to a fat reserve called medium-chain triglycerides. This fat compound can be rapidly absorbed and taken into the liver, which will either be used for ketones or converted into energy.

Okay, now that we got some of the great information about this diet, you’re probably wondering, but what are my options? What can I have and not have on this diet? Well, there are several things you should do to make this diet successful for you. Here are some tips:

Coconut Oil

First of all, include coconut oil in your diet. This is one compound that contains the medium-chain triglycerides noted above. It also contains lauric acid, a good way to get your body into ketosis because it is metabolized more gradually than other compounds.

Using Caffeine

Secondly, there are some surprisingly good ways to ingest caffeine on this diet. Look at recipes that include a limited amount of cream (although the best way to encourage Ketosis would be taking it black). Moreover, you should be aware of some other keto-friendly foods, such as fatty meats, including chicken thighs, beef, pork, tuna, and salmon; cheese, eggs, chicken or beef broth; and nuts in between meals for snacking. You should also avoid foods such as bread, rice, or pasta and sugar-rich foods, such as cakes, pies, and candy.

Final Thoughts on the Keto Diet Program

The easiest thing to remember about this diet is that it is all about keeping carbohydrates as possible. The beauty is how many grocery stores and restaurants now offer delicious low-carb options of their favorite foods. This diet can be accomplished with a little bit of persistence and study.

10 Easy Ways To Add Sprouts To Your Meals

August 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

We all know that eating foods that are good for us improves our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, but, there are some health foods that are even better than others. Sprouts are super easy to grow and provide the body with a wide variety of nutrients. Did you know that the quality of protein in beans, nuts, seeds, and grains is absorbed more efficiently by the body after being sprouted? The same applies to the fiber found in those foods.

Whether you’re looking for new sprouts recipes, haven’t tried them before, or don’t know how to incorporate them into your meals in general – this is for you! We’ve compiled a list of 10 ways to add sprouts to your meals so you can start reaping the benefits of having them in your diet. But first, why eat sprouted foods? What can they do for your body that other vegetables can’t?

The Benefits of Consuming Sprouts

There are about 100 times more enzymes found in sprouted foods than other uncooked fruits and vegetables. This makes it much easier for your body to assimilate the nutrients it needs from the foods you are eating, leading to an increase in the overall function of the body.
Essential fatty acid content increases during the sprouting process. Eating fat to lose fat may sound counter-intuitive; however, essential fatty acids are more easily utilized by the body and can boost your metabolism.
The calcium, magnesium, and other alkaline minerals found in sprouts help to balance the body’s hormone production.
They are inexpensive – not exactly a health benefit, we know. But saving money makes us feel good too, right?!
They help to lessen mucus production in the body. Eating them in soups when you’re sick can give you a huge boost in energy and help rid yourself of the illness more quickly.

These nutrient-dense powerhouses are easy to find, consume, and even grow yourself at home, and with all the health benefits they have to offer you, it’s a great idea that you start incorporating them into your meals on a regular basis.

Here are 10 ways to add sprouts to your meals:

There are plenty of ways to add sprouted foods into your meals. This list is a mix of both recipes and suggestions for when you just want to throw sprouts on top of what you’re already eating.

1. Egg-White Omelet

2 egg whites
handful of sprouts
a few mushrooms and sliced peppers
a sprinkle of low-fat cheese

2. Sprouted Juice

handful of sprouted alfalfa
1 bunch watercress
6 sprigs fresh parsley
3 kale leaves
3 broccoli florets
1 Fuji apple

3. Sprouted Salad

• 2 cups of sprouted moong beans
• 1 small or medium sized onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium-sized tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chili (optional), finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice or as required
• 1 boiled potato or sweet potato (optional)
• salt to taste

4. Green Smoothie

• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 banana fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup berries of your choice, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup sprouted veggie of choice
• 1 teaspoon green powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup ice unless using frozen fruit

5. Snacks

Radish or mungbean are the best for snacking. You can add a little soy sauce, peanut sauce, sea salt, or any other topping you enjoy to add more flavor.

6. Stir-Fry

• 1 cup sprouted moong bean
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• A few drops of sesame oil

7. Club Sandwich

assorted veggies such as cucumbers, red onions, lettuce, carrots, and radishes
a ripe but firm avocado, halved, pitted, and peeled
whole grain bread
handful sprouted alfalfa
slice of goat cheese
salt and olive oil to taste

8. Use Sprouted Beans in Dips and Spreads

Barely sprouted beans can be used as a substitute for cooked beans in almost any bean dip/spread recipe. Your body will digest the sprouted beans more efficiently than the cooked beans.9. Sprouted Chili

• 2 cups dry pinto beans
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 pound grass-fed ground beef
• 1 can tomato paste
• 4 cups homemade stock or water + additional as desired for consistency
• 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon sea salt, plus additional to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional to taste
• 1-1/2 to 2 tablespoons cumin, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon paprika, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme

10. Sprouted Bean Flour

Go through the sprouting process with your beans of choice, dehydrate, and use as a substitute for any recipe calling for bean flour.

Sprouted foods will provide your body with many health benefits. Try any of these recipes to find your favorite way of eating them. Don’t be afraid to get creative with mixing up the recipes- if one flavor doesn’t work for you, trying something else could change the entire dish for the better!

10 Reasons Avocado Is One Of The Healthiest Foods On The Planet

August 26, 2018 by Power of Positivity

There doesn’t seem to be an apparent end to the health benefits avocado can give you. This makes this fatty fruit one of the best on the planet. From its value in numerous avocado recipes to its delicious and creamy taste, everyone stands to benefit from increasing their intake of this fruit. In fact, here is what would happen if you ate an avocado every day.

The term avocado originates from the Nahuatl language which was spoken by the Aztecs, and it means testicle. There’s a reason for that, which we shall discuss below.

If you are not sold yet, here are the top ten reasons why avocado is among the healthiest foods on the planet:

1. It Functions as an Aphrodisiac

As we mentioned above, the name of this fatty fruit means testicle. The reason for this is that the Aztecs believed that it was a strong aphrodisiac. Well, even though these fruits are not true aphrodisiacs, the Aztecs were on to something. Avocados are packed full of unsaturated fats, which are essential in testosterone synthesis. A spike in testosterone in the male body translates into an enhanced libido. As such, the fruit can indeed help with bedroom matters.

2. Relieving Pain from Arthritis

Chronic rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are debilitating diseases that cause extreme pain and discomfort to the patient. And even though over-the-counter medication can provide temporary relief, they do not help in the long-term. Avocados, however, can help offer relief from the inflammation and pain. Studies reveal that there is a compound in these fruits that assists in reducing pain and stiffness while improving joint mobility.

3. Helps in Diabetes Treatment

Controlling diabetes is a tough endeavor, and there are not many foods that can help with this task. People often will try and find better carbohydrate sources, but that is not usually enough. Avocados are not only carbohydrate heavy, but they also contain a lot of good fats which slow down the rate of sugar absorption into the blood. And for those who have type 2 diabetes, slowing down the speed of this absorption is essential as it allows the insulin more time to work on the carbs.

4. Promoting Skin Health

If you are looking to get better skin, an avocado helps improve skin health. These fruits are packed with skin-healthy fats in addition to antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Additionally vitamin C is actively involved in the production of collagen, which is responsible for skin elasticity. This ensures that your skin stays healthy and supple for many years.

5. Helps in Weight Loss

This might come as a surprise considering that avocados are fatty fruits. However, avocados contain unsaturated fats which are good fats that aid in hormone production and regulation, as well as other processes. An avocado assists in weight loss by suppressing your appetite which reduces your overall caloric intake. We gain weight by eating more calories than our bodies need; therefore, by consuming less, the body turns to the stored fat for energy production which results in weight loss.

6. Rich in Fiber

Most people are not getting enough fiber from their diets today. This could be attributed to either overindulging in processed foods or not eating enough whole foods. It also doesn’t help that a lot of people do not like vegetables. By consuming avocados, however, you will get your daily share of essential fiber, which plays a critical role in the digestion process.

7. Boosting Brain Health

Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats. Research revealed that eating monounsaturated fats helps with boosting brain function and memory. A South African University study found out that the fruit’s leaf has an anticonvulsant effect on seizures by improving neurotransmission in the brain.

8. Reducing Metabolic Syndrome Risk

Another study revealed that people who consumed avocados regularly halved their chances of getting metabolic syndrome, the risk factors for type-2 diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease.

9. Improving Eye Health

While avocados help boost nutrient absorption, they are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are the eyes’ preferred antioxidants. These antioxidants help inhibit the development of cataracts, as well as slow down the muscle and nerve degeneration of the eyes.

10. Promoting Liver Function

Although our livers are self-regenerating, it does not mean that you shouldn’t help take care of this vital organ. The best way of supporting this hard-working organ is by helping it function optimally. Avocados are essential in mitigating fatty liver disease symptoms which are caused by elevated levels of blood triglycerides and cholesterol. Additionally, these fruits help boost the synthesis of glutathione – the body’s most potent antioxidant – which safeguards you from free radicals.

It is no secret that consuming avocados is good for your health. However, if you needed reasons to start consuming this sweet fruit regularly, we have given them to you. Additionally, you can consume avocados as they are, or you can try out these creative avocado recipes. The takeaway, however, is that by increasing your uptake of avocados, you will be doing your body a lot of good.

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

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

How To Use Oranges To Get Long, Lustrous Hair

August 26, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Oranges are a little-known secret in the natural beauty toolkit. Since oranges are loaded with healthy vitamin C and folic acid, it’s no surprise that they contribute to your overall health. When you are searching for natural ways to enhance the beauty of your hair, you may be surprised to find that this delicious fruit can make your hair long and lustrous.

Oranges for hair can help to alleviate an oily scalp as well as lessen dandruff. They also promote the strength of hair and lessen hair loss. Sweet orange essential oil can be used along with the juice and ground peels of the orange fruit. Discover how many ways you can enhance the growth and appearance of your hair by using this miracle fruit.

How to use Oranges to get Long, Lustrous Hair

Eating the fruit enhances your overall health, which leads to the beauty of your skin and hair. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which fights against cancer, sun damage, and the hardening of the arteries. It is necessary for healthy cell functions throughout the body. It also promotes blood flow to the scalp, which makes hair grow and flourish. Along with encouraging hair growth, vitamin C also strengthens the hair and makes it less prone to breakage and hair loss.

Different parts of the fruit can be used for different applications. Here are some of the many ways to use
oranges for hair.

To Promote Shine and Natural Glow

Combine the juice of one orange with one teaspoon of honey and a little water. Apply this conditioner to your freshly washed hair. Allow the conditioner to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. When you rinse it out, you will be impressed by how soft and shiny it is.

To Alleviate Dandruff

Dandruff, or a flaky, dry scalp, is an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing condition. When you are searching for a remedy, consider using oranges.

Dry orange peels in the sun. When they are dry, put them in a blender to make a powder. Use this powder and water to make a paste. Apply this paste to your scalp and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. When you are finished, rinse with lukewarm water. You should find that your dandruff has been lessened. Your scalp will be soothed by the power of orange peels and you will not experience as much flakiness.

To Promote Shine and Health

This easy hair mask will encourage your hair to grow while lessening breakage. Chop up a whole orange, peel and all, and puree it in the blender. Apply this mask to your hair once a week and you’ll be impressed by its strength and shine. To maximize the benefits of this mask, wrap your hair in a warm, damp towel while it sits on your hair. This will encourage the mask to penetrate to the scalp.

Control an Oily Scalp

Fresh oranges are not the only ingredient for soft and shiny hair. You can also use sweet orange essential oil to control greasy hair and an oily scalp. To take advantage of the power of sweet orange essential oil, mix vinegar or lemon juice with a few drops of oil. This combination of powerful ingredients will make your hair soft and shiny and lessen the oil on your scalp. Leave the mixture on your hair for a few minutes to fully experience the benefits.

Brighten Hair

Orange juice can brighten hair naturally, much like lemon juice. Since orange juice is not as acidic, the effect is more subtle. Comb orange juice into your hair and sit in the sun. You will find a gradual highlighting effect that will look more natural than if you used lemon juice.

Final Thoughts

Using the power of oranges to enhance your hair is easy. Make fun and simple hair conditioners and masks using fresh orange, dried orange peel, and essential oils. Whichever method you choose, your hair will be soft, strong, and less oily. You will notice that dandruff has been lessened. You will also be less prone to hair loss and breakage. Share your fresh, new beauty secret with your friends.

7 Evening Habits That Will Make Tomorrow Morning Better

August 26, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Developing positive evening habits is vital to your success in life and at work. It will help you gain the energy and motivation to face the challenges of the next day. We all know the importance of starting your day with positive thinking and a positive attitude, but know that it’s equally important to end the day with good evening habits so your next morning will be better.

Remember that your evening preparation will be the reason for your success the following day. Have you wondered why evening habits make tomorrow better? That’s because a great evening relaxes you, helps you unwind, and also recharges you so that when tomorrow comes you’re in the best physical, mental, and emotional state.

Here Are 7 Evening Habits That Will Make Tomorrow Morning Better

“Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen.” – Wayne Huizenga

1. Plan out what your next day should be like.

Before bedtime, make a list of things you have to do tomorrow. If possible, set the times for these activities so that you’ll have a clearer idea of your schedule in your head. Planning your day gives you a brief visual concept of what to expect the next day. It will also steer you from distractions that can hamper your productivity.

Listing down your goals the night before allows your subconscious to continuously work and generate ideas. A study from the Dominican University of California revealed that people who wrote down their goals daily were 43 percent more likely to accomplish them. People become their thoughts and if you train your mind to think of your goals even when you’re sleeping, you are maximizing your capacity to become a success.

2. Prepare your things for tomorrow.

What can quickly mess up your day? Ever notice that when you’re rushing and cramming in the morning, you feel more stressed and out of sync with yourself? You likely also tend to waste time making more mistakes than you need to.

To avoid this and save precious time, always prepare what you need for tomorrow. Set out the clothes you’ll wear, including your accessories or socks, or clean up and organize the contents of your purse. If you’re in the habit of packing lunch to work, prepare what you need in the kitchen too, so that it will be easier to cook in the morning.

If you make these small adjustments, you avoid struggling every morning. Instead, you can channel your energy to other things that will make your day more productive.

3. Make your family a priority.

There’s nothing like winding down the day with your loved ones. Despite your busy day, you must keep and honor family rituals after dinnertime. (In other words, you set the work aside.) It’s emotionally beneficial to take advantage of this bonding time because, in a few short years, your kids will be out of your house. You can always have work to fall back on, but you can never bring back the time you should have spent with family.

So, read to your younger kids before tucking them to bed. For older kids, a private and personal time with mom or dad can strengthen the bonds of trust and togetherness.

4. Unplug when you’re winding down your day.

It’s easy to get stuck with screen time if you’re used to sleeping with a television in the bedroom or with gadgets by your bedside table. Apart from other negative health effects, habits of being addicted to devices promotes “randomness” that messes with your sleep.

Motivational speaker and trainer Brendon Burchard said that when you do random things when you should be winding down at night, your brain remains activated. You’re still using and draining energy that should have been reserved for rest. It might be challenging to keep electronics off in your bedroom, but realize that you do need a rest from these both mentally and physically.

5. Shift your mood to positive.

When you lie in bed at night, don’t think about what you’re supposed to do the next day, the deadlines you need to accomplish, or bills you have to pay. When your mind starts racing, it could be impossible to turn off and you’re likely not going to get a good sleep as a result.

A study from researchers at the Binghamton University in New York found links between poor quality sleep and nagging, repetitive thoughts. So, force yourself to think positive thoughts and shut down the negative ideas, at least when it’s time to rest.

You won’t be able to act on a problem at work anyway if it’s midnight and the rest of your co-workers are likely already snoozing. So, deal with the problem in the morning and at the proper place – at work. In the bedroom, welcome positive thoughts and moods.

6. End your day with gratitude.

Establish a routine where you end your day by expressing gratitude before you go to sleep. It might be for the most mundane things, such as having new bed sheets, or a meaningful event that took place earlier, such as getting recognized during a board meeting.

A study revealed that if you put more attention on the positive things that have happened to you, you’re likely to increase your life satisfaction, energy, and emotional health. It might be even better to share this gratitude with your family too. So, why not create habits of encouraging each other to discuss the best parts of your day during dinner?

7. Do mental exercises in the dark.

When the lights are off, close your eyes and create stories in your head as you try to fall asleep. Use your imagination to daydream. If possible, heighten your senses with some instrumental music that’s great for bedtime.

Imagine visiting places and people you’d like to see. You can let your thoughts run wild, in this case, as imagination has no limitations. Olympians apparently use mental stimulation and visualization to prepare themselves for competition the next day.

Final Thoughts

When you follow a good bedtime routine, you’ll also have a splendid morning routine. Developing these habits will alleviate the unnecessary stress of a busy morning. You also avoid draining your physical energy or getting into tough encounters with people that could be otherwise avoided.

Scientists Explain What Makes Men and Women Parent Differently (And Why They’re Both Important)

August 26, 2018 by Power of Positivity

“The best kind of parent you can be is to lead by example.” – Drew Barrymore

Parenting is a difficult job, and a lot of times it’s something that you learn as you go. Ultimately, different sets of parents always have different goals for what they want their children to achieve, which leads to significant differences in parenting worldwide. And after all, every child is different also and no mold fits everyone. However, is it true that there are differences between mothers and fathers as parents, too?

Science Explains How Men and Women Parent Differently

A number of studies conducted over the years suggest that mothers and fathers approach parenthood differently. According to a 2007 article by Glenys Conrade and Robert Ho, men normally see their fathers as the authoritative parent and mothers as the more permissive parent, whereas with women it was the other way around. Other research demonstrated that, even when it comes to raising adolescents, mothers and fathers definitely have very distinct parenting styles.

Another study by the UK’s Parenting Research Center showed that dads can spend a lot less time discussing real-life issues such as relationships, growing up, and schoolwork. This can make them seem isolated and detached from their children. The study also demonstrated that fathers are less likely to be confrontational with their children.

The way a couple deals with their children can be affected by many factors. Research has shown that if a partner feels that their significant other is critical of or non-responsive to their parenting efforts, they may not perform that well as a parent. This was a common response seen in fathers in particular. Researchers adamantly conveyed that their findings show how the role of the mother is more or less still dominant in society when it comes to raising children.

The Role of A Mother and A Father in A Society

The study by the Parenting Research Center seemed to confirm this suspicion – in 84% of the cases, the household rules were set by the mother. This makes them more confident in their interactions with children, but also more likely to suffer from depression, feelings of unfulfillment, and anxiety about their family’s future.

Conditions such as postpartum depression play a significant factor in this as well. Over 70% of women will experience postpartum depression – or “baby blues” – to at least some degree after giving birth. According to the study, this can be directly linked to the fact that mothers are expected to take on the brunt of parenting immediately after the birth of the child.

Such studies do not imply that one parent is doing more work than the other, or one parent is more concerned than the other in situations of parenting. Every family operates on its own set of rules. Every couple works out between themselves just how important every duty is and separates those duties accordingly. Despite the pronounced differences in parenting styles between moms and dads, they both have something different and valuable to bring to the table of their children’s lives.

The Father

Dads, on the one hand, are the ones who are normally tasked with bringing in the family income. This task is particularly emphasized right after the child is born – as maternity leave in most cases only extends to the one parent. In a nuclear family, fathers then project an image of stability. As the child grows, it is only natural that the father would be the more lenient parent. As a result, they may not be as close to their son or daughter as the mother. This easygoing nature establishes the father not just as an authoritative, bread-winner figure, but also as a friend. Fathers should want to be a parent children can always turn to.

The Mother

On the other hand, mothers’ authoritative style of parenting is also very important. In our modern world, women still struggle to receive equal pay and equal rights to men. For this reason, every child should be taught to respect women and treat them equally. An ingrained respect for one’s mother is a great way to ensure this. Additionally, when a mother establishes herself as the home runner and the more authoritative parent, it will teach children positive thinking as well as the discipline they need to move forward successfully in life.

Final thoughts

Young parents can often struggle with parenting, especially when it comes to their first child. If you are in that situation, stay positive! Different things work best for different families. Above all, you and your partner should act as a team in your child’s eyes. Make sure that you do not encourage splitting behavior, which can be very damaging long-term. Also, think about your personal experiences with your own parents. Are there any pages you want to take out of the book of parenting? Any mistakes you want to avoid repeating? Finally, there is no guide on how to be a good parent. The good news is that we can learn as time goes on.

https://youtu.be/k99uas87S-M

10 Exceptional Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Glowing Skin

August 26, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Apple cider vinegar is made from a mixture of sugar, yeast, and apples. Primarily, it is extracted from apples by crushing the apples. Crushing squeezes out the juice present in apples. To come up with apple cider vinegar, yeast and bacteria are added to the squeezed juice to allow it to ferment.

The sugars present in the juice are converted into alcohol. This alcohol is afterward turned into vinegar by the acetobacter. Most people know apple cider vinegar for its popularity in making salads and chutneys and for food preservation.

However, research shows that apple cider vinegar displays tremendous results when used for beauty purposes.

Apple cider vinegar for skin can do the following:

Balance the skin’s PH

The skin has a naturally regulated PH balance. However, due to the frequent use of different beauty products, the skin’s natural PH balance is offset.

Measure a half cup of apple cider vinegar and dilute it with a half cup of water. Use the resulting solution to cleanse your skin using a clean cotton cloth. Leave the mixture on your skin for about 15 to 30 minutes.

Repeat the procedure for some days, and it will help you restore your skin’s natural PH balance.

Remedy aging skin

Apple cider vinegar for skin can eliminate dead skin cells causing aging. Bathing in apple vinegar for a couple of weeks can immensely help in getting rid of aging spots. Today, it is interesting that even the old grannies are moving mountains to look younger. No need for plastic surgeries anymore. Your remedy is cider vinegar.

Heal bruises and soothe sunburns

How many times have you visited your dermatologist asking for hydrocortisone cream (sunburn creams)? You can heal injuries and soothe sunburns using cider vinegar by following this procedure.

Take a certain amount of cider vinegar and mix it with an equal amount of water.
Use the solution to rinse the affected skin parts.

Remarkably, bruises and sunburns will be completely healed and soothed.

Detoxify your face

Our skins are usually exposed to numerous toxins which, if not removed, cause acne. However, apple vinegar has an acidic content which detoxes the skin. For it to work, dip a clean cloth in diluted apple vinegar, then wipe your face with it.

The acidity present in the vinegar helps to detoxify the skin. Also, beta-carotene present helps in preventing future skin damage.

Postpone wrinkles

The beta-carotene ensures that skin cells are protected and healthy, hence delaying the occurrence of lines. Also, the apple vinegar for skin detoxes the skin, thus keeping it healthy.

Most importantly, it leaves the surface with a radiant glow, making it look younger.

Prevent pimples and acne from appearing

Apple cider vinegar cleanses and heals the skin, thus restoring its normal PH levels.

This procedure will guide you.

Make a mixture of one part of apple vinegar with two portions filtered H2O.
Apply the concoction to your skin using cotton balls.
Use warm water and a mild cleanser to wash it off after 10 minutes.
Repeat this 3 to 4 times daily.

Tone the skin

Oily skins are not the best. Apple cider vinegar helps you get rid of oily skin by doing the following.

Mix half a cup of cider vinegar with filtered water.
Use cotton to apply the solution on your skin.
Use cool H2O to wash it off after 5-10 minutes.
For best results, repeat the procedure twice daily.

For sensitive skin, increase the amount of water to dilute the apple vinegar.

Diminish aging spots

Apple cider vinegar for skin gets rid of aging spots by you dabbing it directly onto the tender spots. The alcohol present acts as an antibacterial which fights off bacteria and other germs.

Also, it washes away the dead skin cells which appear on the skin as aging spots. Once washed away, the skin is left young, healthy and radiant.

If you experience irritation, dilute the cider vinegar with water before using it.

Soothe blade bumps

Painful red bumps caused by shaving can be healed using cider vinegar.

Apply a layer of honey on the bumps for softening.
After 10 minutes, wash it off and apply apple cider vinegar using a cotton cloth.
Leave the clumps to dry.

Remove cellulite

Cellulite is the mass of subcutaneous fat occurring slightly below the skin. Apple cider vinegar for skin contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals stimulate the elimination and circulation of excess body fluids.

It removes cellulite by;

Make a mixture of a part of cider vinegar with two parts of water.
Add honey to the mix. Dab the resulting solution onto the affected area and leave it for about 30 minutes. Afterward, rinse off with warm H2O.
Repeat twice daily till you get the desired outcome.

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

Apple cider vinegar for skin can do the following:

Balance the skin’s PH

Remedy aging skin

Heal bruises and soothe sunburns

Detoxify your face

Postpone wrinkles

Prevent pimples and acne from appearing

Tone the skin

Diminish aging spots

Soothe blade bumps

Remove cellulite

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!