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

10 Ways To Use Long Pepper To Lose Weight Faster

Ever heard of long pepper? This pepper comes from the same family as black and white pepper, and the best part about using this fruit is how it comes with a variety of great benefits. Because we ingest oil junk foods like French fries and oil-slicked fried foods, it can eventually give you liver problems. However, this pepper purports to have benefits for overworked livers, and it can eliminate the toxins that build up inside of the liver because of the metabolism with foods.

Not a Silver Bullet

Before you go into the long pepper for weight loss, you should first understand how this isn’t a panacea for the problem, but it can help to burn the fatty acids of the body. The advantages mean you don’t have to deal with the side effects, and you have a far healthier alternative to clinical or synthesized weight loss. It works by mobilizing the stagnant body fat and eliminating some of the toxins that get released through the fat pockets.

Perhaps one of the most debilitating diseases that a person can suffer from, diabetes can strike anyone of any age, and it will wreak mayhem on the entire system of the body. You have over 62 million diabetics in India, and they have the cases with some of the most with this disease. Long pepper has been seen as largely beneficial because of how it regulates the glucose, and it releases it within the body. In addition, insulin levels get boosted because the glucose releases itself into the bloodstream. The regular consumption of it can help diabetics to take control of their glucose levels.

Long Pepper Benefits

1. Consume It with every Meal

In a 2014 study, researchers learned how the people who consumed long pepper with every meal had increasing feelings of fullness, and they experienced fewer cravings as a result. The study suggests how adding capsaicin to your diet can help to suppress your appetites so that you lose weight.

2. Add It to a Smoothie or Protein Shake

You can choose to buy long pepper and add it to a protein shake or a smoothie. It takes about 28 grams of long pepper for weight loss benefits.

3. Do the Master Cleanse Diet

This diet lasts you anywhere from three to 10 days, and while you do the diet, you drink maple syrup, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and water. This detoxifies your body.

4. Used with Exercise and Diet

While you can use long pepper for weight loss, you can’t forget to use it in close conjunction with healthy eating as well as exercise. These will prove the most effective tools over the long term.

5. Using a Positive Outlook

This ingredient alone won’t cause a drastic loss of weight, and we have to understand its place. You have to make sure that you drink enough water because hydration keeps your body from getting accustomed to the pepper.

6. Add Other Herbs

You may want to add extra herbs to the diet to help you. Some research suggests that the combination of green tea and red pepper can lower the effects of hunger and increase your feelings of being full.

7. Plant-Based Diet with It

You have to set fitness goals with this plant-based diet. You want the pepper to assist you in achieving your goals, and you will use this with a healthy plant-based diet to get better results.

vegan diet

8. Throw Out Your Black Pepper

When you throw out the black pepper, you eliminate the possibilities of using it in foods, which means that you have to use the long pepper. You can also use this ingredient as an exotic dry rub for your meats.

9. Add it to Your Curry

Considering this ingredient comes from India, this becomes a great ingredient to spice up some Indian curry. If you want a healthy curry, however, you should drop the ghee and use olive oil instead.

10. Experiment

You can add this to many different foods, but the important thing is to experiment with this ingredient to figure out what you like to use it with for weight loss. This is the best way to proceed to figure out how to sustain yourself.

These are some of the ways that people have used this ingredient for losing weight. The ingredient has also become known as pippali, and if you ever hear it said this way, that’s what it is. This is a close relative to Piper Nigrum, but it has a more complex taste. The flavor is fruitier with a hint of cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. This means that cooking with it will give you more creativity than if you cooked with regular round pepper.

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

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15 Natural Ways To Control Blood Sugar With Home Remedies

When your body has difficulty transporting sugar in the blood to your cells, your blood sugar levels rise. If you have high blood sugar and don’t see a doctor, diabetes may occur. As it turns out, 50% of all adults in the United States have either diabetes or pre-diabetes. If you fall into one of these categories, you may be looking for ways to control blood sugar naturally.

Without further a due, here are 15 effective ways you can control blood sugar by using home remedies.

1. Get Regular Exercise

Regular exercise will help to maintain the overall health of your body and it will also help to control blood sugar by increasing your sensitivity to insulin. This means that your body will be able to more effectively use the sugar that is present in your bloodstream. Try weight lifting, walking, running, dancing, or even something crazy you’ve always wanted to try like surfing or mountain biking!

2. Watch Your Carb Intake

One of the easiest ways to control blood sugar naturally is by watching the number of carbohydrates you are taking in on a daily basis. Your body turns carbohydrates into sugars, and then insulin is responsible for transporting the sugars into cells. Eating too many carbohydrates can disrupt this process and cause your blood sugar to spike.

3. Consume More Fiber

Make sure you are getting your daily amount of fiber, as it slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and allows for sugar to be better utilized by the body. This will help you to control blood sugar because it will produce a more gradual rise instead of a spike.

4. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated will help keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. In addition to making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients, drinking water will also help your kidneys to flush out excess blood sugar through urine. Studies show that those who drink enough water have a lower risk of developing high blood sugar.

5. Portion Control

When you control your portions, you control blood sugar. Portion control helps you maintain a healthy weight, which keeps blood sugar levels at bay.

service dog

Meet a service dog who can respond to the owner’s blood sugar level.

6. Eat Foods with a Low Glycemic Index

Foods with a low glycemic index include lean meats and seafood, eggs, beans and legumes, and non-starchy vegetables. These foods will regulate your blood sugar levels.

7. Manage Your Stress

Stress can affect many things in your body, including your blood sugar levels. Make sure you are managing your stress levels by partaking in activities that relax you and give you peace of mind such as reading, exercising, going to places in nature you enjoy, or whatever else floats your boat!

8. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels

One of the easiest ways to control your blood sugar is by monitoring it. By checking it regularly, you can figure out what causes your blood sugar levels to spike and avoid those things.

9. Sleep!

If you’re skimping on sleep, your insulin sensitivity will decrease and your blood sugar levels can rise as a result. It also decreases the release of growth hormones and increases cortisol levels which contribute to blood sugar levels.

10. Get Plenty of Chromium and Magnesium

Chromium is involved in helping the body metabolize fat and carbohydrates. A lack of chromium can create a carb intolerance in the body, leading to higher blood sugar.

A magnesium deficiency can be a contributing factor in the development of diabetes. One study found that people with a healthy intake of magnesium had almost a 50% lower risk of becoming diabetic. It’s best to get these nutrients from your food; however, if you are seriously deficient, a supplement may be best for you.

11. Give Apple Cider Vinegar a Try

Try taking a shot of apple cider vinegar to lower your blood sugar levels. Vinegar influences your body’s response to sugars and improves your insulin sensitivity. You can also add it to your salads, teas, and smoothies.

control blood sugar

12. Cinnamon

Cinnamon decreases insulin resistance at a cellular level and can reduce blood sugar levels by up to 30%. Try ingesting 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon each day for the best results.

13. Berberine

Berberine is the active component of an herb used by the Chinese to treat diabetes. It can enhance the breakdown of carbohydrates in order to better utilize them for energy.

14. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are full of soluble fiber which helps to lower blood sugar. Try putting them into your salads or smoothies on a regular basis to ensure you’re getting enough fiber.

 

Blood sugar level

15. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to achieve healthy blood sugar levels. All of the tips found in this article will help to promote weight loss and aid in preventing future health problems.

Try any or all of these methods to control blood sugar from your home!

This Is How Intermittent Fasting Has Transformed My Life In A Good Way

Intermittent fasting for weight loss has become a diet that many people embrace. This type of fasting is defined as having established hours when you eat and when you fast. Weight loss is just one of the benefits fasting provides.

Intermittent fasting has been the one and only diet that has worked for me long-term. As a female with little time left in my day for hours of exercise each week, this simple diet has been a blessing.

Part of the reason fasting has worked for me is because it fits into my busy lifestyle so easily. I’ve never been much of a breakfast person, so it was not a big deal to skip breakfast for the 16/8 fasting method I chose.

When you think about the term “fasting,” you imagine going days without food and suffering terribly. Thank goodness that is not the way you have to fast. There are a number of options to consider.

I reviewed all of them before deciding what would work best for me, based on my schedule and preferences. There is an intermittent fasting method that will work for almost anybody who truly wants to lose weight.

Here’s how intermittent fasting can transform your life:

intermittent fasting

Different Fasting Options Available

Healthline defines the three most popular intermittent fasting options as the 16/8 method, Eat-Stop-Eat and the 5:2 Diet. The 16/8 method is the easiest for me personally. This fasting plan involves skipping breakfast and choosing the eight-hour period of time you want to eat. A popular choice is eating between noon and 8pm.

Eat-Stop-Eat is another fasting schedule worth considering. You incorporate two 24-hour fasts into your week. It may sound difficult, but when you consider that you sleep through eight hours of that time, it is not that hard. Many dieters decide to go from dinner one day and fast until dinner the next day to get their two 24-hour fasting days worked into their week.

The 5:2 Diet is more of a calorie restriction fasting method. The way it works is that you eat a restricted diet of 500 to 600 calories on two days of the week. The other five days of the week you eat your regular number of calories.

Fasting as a Weight Loss Diet Strategy

Harvard reports that a review of 40 studies showed intermittent fasting to be a successful weight loss strategy. Dieters who actively participate in this form of fasting can expect to lose from seven to eleven pounds in about 10 weeks.

One of the most exciting discoveries related to intermittent fasting is that it appears to increase the body’s ability to utilize insulin. This is excellent news for people who worry about developing diabetes.

Scientific American published promising data found in a study conducted at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies where mice ate fatty foods for eight hours a day, then fasted the rest of the day without gaining weight or becoming obese as a result. Their insulin levels remained stable.

The Many Health Advantages of Fasting

While intermittent fasting for weight loss provides an excellent reason to give this diet a try, there are other health benefits associated with fasting. As a pre-diabetic person with an undeniable family history of diabetes, I have worried about developing diabetes. My fasting diet has improved my insulin levels to the point where I am no longer considered pre-diabetic.

intermittent fasting

As if that is not enough good news, studies have also linked intermittent fasting with living a longer life and staying healthy longer. Fasting is believed to decrease incidences of cancer, Alzheimer’s and inflammation. This lifestyle is also touted as a way to improve blood pressure and heart rate.

Conclusion

If you’re like me, you have tried many diets and failed. The disappointment of a failed diet impacts you both mentally and physically. Fasting has provided me with a lifestyle change that has improved my life dramatically.

When you finally lose the weight without worrying about regaining it, you will feel much better. I love to shop for clothes now knowing I will not be growing out of them in the future. Plus, I know this lifestyle shift has improved my health in every way possible. Nothing feels as good as doing something for yourself that is good for your health and your self-esteem.

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

7 Body Odors to Never Ignore

As with every other living creature, human beings are capable of producing less-than-pleasant body odors. Usually, these odors are quite harmless, provided you are not standing right next to someone – and you intend to take a shower ASAP.

However, some smells are more than just unpleasant in that they could signal an underlying health problem.

Here are seven body odors to never ignore:

  1. Fruity breath

While “fruity breath” may sound kinda nice, it may actually be a sign of something serious. The condition diabetic ketoacidosis (KDA) causes a lack of insulin and a spike in blood sugar levels. KDA forces the body to burn primarily fatty acids for energy, causing a buildup of acidic ketones. One such ketone, called acetone, produces a “fruity” smell that may indicate a severe (potentially life-threatening) health problem. If the symptom is accompanied by vomiting, frequent urination, and or abdominal pain, you should visit the emergency room.

  1. Funky shoes

Anyone who has used a pair of athletic shoes for an extended period will attest to their smelly nature. It is when this smell resembles that of your feet that you should pay close attention. Chronic foot (and shoe) odor is often a symptom of a bacterial and fungal infection, which can erode the webbing of your skin.

To counteract this nastiness, first, use an over-the-counter antifungal spray. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of a doctor or specialist (a podiatrist), who may recommend more aggressive treatment.

  1. Strong smelling poop

Okay, let’s try to make this one quick, shall we? When your small intestines do not produce enough lactase, a digestive enzyme, it cannot properly digest lactose – a sugar found in most dairy products. As a result, lactose is fed directly into the colon as opposed to the gut (which is where it’s supposed to go.) This digestion detour is what causes the foul-smelling stool and gas – and not to mention the dreaded bloat that often come with these body odors.

It is wise to check things out with your doctor, who can determine if any intestinal complications are to blame. If not, taking an over-the-counter lactose enzyme (like Lactaid) can help.

  1. Pungent urine

It is normal for the smell of urine to change from time to time (eat asparagus and see what happens). Dehydration, for example, causes a higher concentration of minerals to pass with less liquid. Provided one adequately hydrates, the smell will usually become a non-issue.

But when bacteria infiltrate the urinary tract, our pee can smell especially bad. Foul-smelling urine that is also cloudy or bloody may be a sign of urinary tract infection, or UTI. Infections of the urinary tract are usually treated with antibiotics. Staying hydrated, getting vitamin C, and taking probiotics may help prevent the condition.

  1. Inexplicably bad breath

If you brush your teeth, floss, use mouthwash – all of that – and still can’t seem to get rid of bad breath, you could be dealing with sleep apnea or some other sleeping disorder. Sleep apnea forces the person to breathe heavily through their mouth throughout the night; this produces excessively dry mouth, which is the leading cause of complications with bad breath. Sleep apnea – and poor sleep quality in general – has been linked to severe conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Medical treatments and devices are available that will open the airways and provide a more restful sleep, which should help improve the body odors as well. You should still see a doctor to rule out any of the conditions mentioned above.

flush toxins fat cells

  1. Smellier sweat

Sweat doesn’t smell lovely, but it shouldn’t smell like road kill either. While it is normal for certain areas of the body – the armpits, for example – to emit a stronger scent than other parts of your body, nothing should smell out of the ordinary. By “out of the ordinary,” doctors mean when the stronger scent from certain areas as mentioned earlier spreads to other parts of the body.

Fortunately, the cause is usually not serious. Typically, some kink in your digestion system is to blame. Simple dietary changes, e.g., adding more fiber, can help. If digestive issues continue, schedule an appointment to discuss these body odors with your primary care physician.

  1. Sour smell around the vagina

It is entirely normal for the vagina to emit a slightly acidic odor; a smell that isn’t usually detectable. However, if the odor around the vaginal area is very sour (“fishy”) or stale, it could signal a conditional called bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is inflammation of the vagina, caused by the overgrowth of the natural bacteria gardnerella.

BV is very common, affecting nearly 30 percent of women in the United States. A simple bacterial imbalance, BV can usually be treated with prescription antibiotics or topical gels.

12 Health Benefits Of Long Pepper (You’ve Never Heard Of)

For centuries the long pepper has been used as one of the spices in cooking. Long pepper contains various nutrients such as fats, proteins, sugars, carbohydrates, calcium, vitamins C and A, dietary fiber and sodium ions. Long Pepper has a strong spicy taste that adds taste to food. The spice grows as a fragrant plant containing hairy branches. All its parts are used for various benefits for human consumption and health wise. Pepper fruits are small with alkaloid piperine.

Here are 12 health benefits of long pepper:

1. Cold treatment

Long Pepper is used to treat a variety of cold symptoms such as headache, mucus, fever and cough. It is best provided as a homemade cold treatment as a remedy of the mentioned cold symptoms.

2. Prevention of Diabetes

Diabetes is a phenomenon especially for people who have difficulties in blood sugar regulation. Pepper regulates the amount of glucose that is released into the blood. Unregulated blood sugars can cause diabetes. Therefore, prevention of diabetes is one of the Long Pepper benefits in the human body. Regular consumption of this food spice also boosts the rate of insulin production in the body. It can prevent all types of diabetes that affect human.

3. Relieve allergies

Regular consumption of pepper can control allergies such as asthma. The piperine element in this plant helps in relieving multiple allergies. Presence of Pepper elements in the body causes the decongestant effect that helps to treat allergies that cause respiratory disorders in the body. Additionally, the spice effects the reduction of frequency and intensity of asthma attacks.

4. Digestive related discomforts

Most of the health problems originate from the foods that people eat. Having a weak digestive system can cause imbalanced nutrients levels in the body. Amoeba is one of the common parasites that reduces the functionality of the body’s digestive system. Pepper spice treats digestive disorders such as heartburn and nausea. The element also increases the rate of digestive metabolism causing smooth digestion of food. It achieves this through enhancement of digestive enzymes secretion. Moreover, pepper helps the digestive system to avoid chemicals that endanger the body by producing carcinogenic products.

5. Reducing cancer risks

Cancer is among the deadliest diseases around the globe. It has claimed the lives of many heroes and heroines in different parts of the world. Researchers have spent sleepless nights to look for ways to combat this enemy of life. Research shows that pepper contains Piperingomerine that act as an anti-cancer. The element slows down the growth rate of cancer cells by cutting off the energy supply to the cancer cells hence making them experience self-destruction. However, the ability of the Pepper to prevent cancer is subject to more research.

6. Reproductive system boosting

A considerate number of men and women suffer from various disorders of the reproductive system. It is painful for a couple to live childless keeping it in mind the kind of joy that a baby brings to the family. Pepper is among the known aphrodisiacs that are responsible for boosting the functionality of the human reproductive system. It also stimulates sexual capability in both males and females.

7. Weight loss

Overweight is one of the disorders that are common in the world today. People use various approaches and medication methods to reduce. An overweight person is prone to different health difficulties that can be minimized through treating obesity. Losing weight is among the Long Pepper benefits. The spice is combined with honey to treat victims of overweight. The piperine in the plant causes increases in thermogenesis in the human body. Increased thermogenesis boosts the rate of heat production through oxidation hence reduction of body fats. In addition to that, Pepper helps to improve the bioavailability of nutrients in the body such as amino acids, pyroxide B6, beta-carotene, glucose and curcumin selenium. These nutritive elements help in boosting the metabolism in the body.

long pepper

8. Treatment of insomnia

Insomnia is the strange lack of sleep. People who have insomnia can get help by regular consumption of Pepper. Treating health disorders of lacking enough sleep is one of the best Long Pepper benefits. In most cases, people have insomnia as a result of stress. Pepper reduces the stress that causes insomnia conditions.

9. Nervous system

Another Long Pepper benefit is its ability to strengthen the body’s nervous system. According to some research studies, the fruit of this plant produces piperine that helps in improving the brain’s memory power. Consequently, the working of the nervous system that originates from the brain is optimized. When you have an enhanced nervous system, the risks of getting neuro illnesses such as Alzheimer is minimized.

10. Treatment of liver

Pepper helps in treating an overworked liver by eliminating the toxins that could be in the organ. By doing so, the liver works lightly, and the risks of developing liver disorders such as Hepatitis is significantly reduced.

Long Pepper has a list of health benefits in the body. Consider adding it to the list of your food spices and consume it regularly for better results.

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

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

12 Coping Tips For Girls Dealing With A Manipulative Boyfriend

manipulative partner uses several techniques to confuse, persuade and change the perception of their mate. They can employ charming tactics, abuse or deception to control your thoughts. It is a form of social influence used to make you conform and accept behavior that goes against your personal belief system.

Manipulators take advantage of your weaknesses and exploit kindness. They are experts at emotional abuse and are only concerned with having their needs met. Besides playing mind games, manipulators can physically harm victims to get what they want.

Here are 12 coping tips for girls dealing with a manipulative boyfriend:

1. Avoid Blaming Yourself

Do not take responsibility or feel down about your boyfriend’s behavior. He knows his actions are harming you, and he is trying to make you inadequate on purpose. Take control over your feelings and read self-help books on how to handle the situation. Recognize your place in the relationship and take responsibility if you are enabling the manipulation.

2. Place the Focus on Them

When your mate asks you to do something disagreeable, ask him questions. Find out why he wants you to follow his demands.

3. Say No

Just saying no firmly gets your point across and allows you to stand up for yourself. It also lets him know that you are not happy with what he is asking you. Even though it is difficult, you must be assertive without guilt when dealing with a manipulator.

4. Tips on Saying No

• Say no quickly with a brief explanation and refrain from going on and on.
• Trust your intuition, remind yourself of the opportunity of the cost and provide an alternative.
• Tell your partner that you are not comfortable with what he is asking.

5. Create Boundaries

At the beginning of the relationship, inform your partner of what is expected of him and explain your needs. Do not wait until you are already midway to alert him of unacceptable behavior. Tell your mate that you are not getting what you need from him on a physical, emotional, mental or spiritual level when necessary.

5. Recognize Mental Illness

Manipulators typically have much deeper emotional issues, and you may be unaware of a hidden psychological issue. If you believe your mate has mental issues, suggest that he gets treatment.

6. Do Not Excuse His Behavior

When your boyfriend engages in manipulative behavior, do not ignore how it makes you feel. Act as soon as it happens and confront him. Deal with it and do not wait until later. Holding off will give him the chance to play with your emotions later.

7. Evaluate the Relationship

Use the seven dimensions to evaluate the relationship and determine if it is worth pursuing. This test consists of seven questions for couples to answer on a scale of 0 to 4. A high score symbolizes a growing relationship. A lower score means there are problems and work needs to be done.

8. Be Assertive

When your partner is being manipulative, identify his behavior immediately and mentally prepare yourself to confront him without emotion. You should also evaluate the situation, state your question and get your point across without yelling.

9. Talk to Your Partner

If you want to continue the relationship with your boyfriend, talk to him about your concerns. Tell him how you feel about his manipulative behavior and ask if he is willing to change.

10. Build Self Esteem

Low self esteem can cause feelings of hopelessness, hating yourself and worrying. A manipulative boyfriend will only make you feel worse. Work on building your confidence by avoiding negative self-talk, becoming assertive and focusing on your positive assets.

manipulation

11. Love Yourself

Besides changing your outlook out on life, learning to love yourself can disarm your manipulator. Take steps to develop self-love. Begin to face your inner obstacles, work on healing your past and forgive old hurts, which can help immensely.

12. Talk to Friends

Discuss your situation with your friends and ask them their opinions. Sometimes getting another point of view can help with identifying manipulative behavior.

Your boyfriend may also have a psychological condition. Manipulators can suffer from borderline personality disorder, a mental illness that inhibits a person’s capacity to handle his emotions. They tend to have negative personalities and impulsive behaviors. Their emotional outbursts can be violent and lead to physical abuse.

Narcissism is another mental illness to consider when dealing with a manipulative partner. A narcissist feels entitled to take advantage of your feelings without regard. They are oversensitive and are prone to outbursts of anger and irritability as well.

Since being in a relationship is difficult, the time may come when you need to leave. There is no reason for you to be emotionally and physically abused by a manipulator.

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

3 Signs Your Best Years Are Still Ahead Of You

At a certain point, you will (if you haven’t already) inevitably ponder questions like, “Is this all there is to life?” and, “What is the meaning of life?” or, “What is my life’s purpose?” There are good reasons for asking such questions. We realize – at least, subconsciously – that life on this Earth is finite. It is human nature to contemplate the “fullness” of our existence and whether the state of our life reflects its potential. We can only hope to not beat ourselves up too much over the process of doing so. We need to maintain a positive attitude even while asking such deep life questions, choosing to be confident that our best years are still ahead.

Life is full of upheaval and turbulence. Our fallible human nature often times doesn’t do so well with either one. Many of us constantly question, seek clarity, and dig for answers – only to find that fulfillment and happiness, besides being elusive, cannot be acquired through anything external. Despite this fact, so many of us are focused exclusively outward in search of fulfillment: a good job, lots of money, nice cars, fat bank accounts, the latest clothes, the finest jewelry, and so forth. It’s no wonder there are countless millions of people who, despite appearing “successful” to observers, are in fact quite miserable.

While we may get a bit more clarity as we reach adulthood, the “meaning and purpose thing” may still prove elusive – and that’s okay. Given the unpredictable nature that is life, there is no way to know for sure whether your best years are still ahead.

But there very well may be signs.

Here are three signs your best years are still ahead of you.

1. You are devoted to personal evolution

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Every single person who lives a purpose-driven life is committed to self-improvement and personal growth. If you make the commitment to improve every day, your best years may still be ahead of you.  No one who commits to personal evolution – growth, discovery, and adventure – can possibly fail. When you grow from the inside, you assuredly make an impact on the outside. This is the law of cause-and-effect at work. If you’re growing, you are working to perfect your character, and both you and those around you benefit.

This may sound contradictory – but personal evolution can feel stifling. There are plenty of reasons for this, but the predominant one seems to be the external pressures of society. When you do anything considered outside the realm of what’s “normal” – y’know, the “college, marriage, house, kids, retire” thing – you may very well be hit with labels, few of which are flattering.

Eventually, you have to put the middle finger up and get on with being you. That’s personal evolution, and that’s progress. It’s believing that your best years are still ahead.

best years

2. You are not (too) afraid of failure.

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” ~ Confucius

Each and every one of us has failed – and will continue to fail. The reason is quite simple: human beings are fallible creatures. We aren’t gods. Heck, most of us don’t even know what we really want. (That’s okay, too, by the way!)

When you think about it, failure isn’t even bad. Does it suck? Sure – at the time. But at the very least, failure can build character, and it provides an awesome learning opportunity. There’s value to be found in failure. Think of it: if you hate failure, what does that say about you? Instead, expect progress. Failure translates into value and growth! If you can answer “Yes!” to the question, “Am I learning and growing from my failures?” then you have nothing for which to be ashamed! Indeed, the best years of your life are still ahead of you!

3. You have a clear vision for your life.

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger.” ~ Muhammad Ali

A clear vision gives you something for which to aim, and it gives you the sort of drive necessary to see that dream through. Anyone who has ever achieved something great in life started out with a clear vision. Every. Single. One. The people we hear about on the regular, from Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk to Oprah Winfrey and Justin Trudeau, all have a vision about their life. They share an unshakeable belief in their destiny that brought them to where they are today.

A clear vision is one in which you can engage all five senses. It’s an Academy-award-worthy motion picture that resides between your ears, one you play repeatedly (meditation is fantastic for this, by the way). A clear vision opens your mind to the endless possibilities of the universe. Then, it sets your intentions and channels the energy necessary to see that vision through.

At some point, your clear vision becomes powerful to the point that nothing is able to deny you what’s yours. Your will is indomitable. Your spirit, unshakeable.

https://youtu.be/apVYj7spM1I

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
Sources:
http://www.cpmpublications.com/best-years-life-still-ahead/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettarends/2014/06/04/why-your-best-days-may-still-be-ahead-of-you/#3635cdbe634f
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/11-signs-youre-going-to-be-even-more-successful-than-you-think-a8045916.html

10 Things You Can Do Alone When You Feel Lonely

There are so many things you can do alone, simply because alone doesn’t have to be lonely. Everybody feels alone sometimes, and normally that is not a problem. However, when feeling alone sometimes turns into feeling lonely most of the time, it can create bigger problems in your life. Depression, anxiety, physical problems, and even alcoholism happen at a greater rate when people feel lonely often or all the time. It is difficult to pull ourselves out of that feeling of loneliness, because we tend to rely on others especially when we are not feeling well emotionally. But it is possible, and there are ways you can improve your feelings. Take a look at some things you can do alone when you feel lonely.

“Loneliness is proof that your innate search for connection is intact.” – Martha Beck

Here Are 10 Things You Can Do Alone When You Feel Lonely

1. You can adopt a dog.

Not only is getting a dog good for you in general, it helps you in a myriad of other ways as well. When you have a companion to take care of, you’ll find it easier to get out of the house (three times a day at least). You’ll need to provide food for your furry companion, so you need to go to the supermarket. And perhaps the best thing is that when you walk a dog, social contact is so much easier. People will stop and talk to you about your dog. If you have a dog park nearby, you will get to know the other dogs and their owners through daily contact with them. Sure, it might be superficial contact at first, but it is a step in the right direction. Most of all, you’ll have the companionship of a loving pet.

2. If you can, reach out to family.

If you have family that you generally get along with but have not seen in a while, it can be a good idea to reach out to them. Get together for a cup of coffee or invite them over to your house for dinner. Once you establish contact again, it is easier for them to invite you as well for things to do. This is NOT a good idea if you have family that is toxic or leaves you feeling worse or exhausted after seeing them.

3. You could go get a cup of coffee alone.

It is tempting to just stay alone inside. However, when you feel lonely it can help to go to a place where you are surrounded by other people but do not feel left out. Coffee places are great for that because you can be alone and sit and drink your coffee, but nobody looks at you weird. As an added benefit, drinking a warm beverage like coffee or tea makes you feel comfortable. You can take a book with you, or spend some time people-watching, or simply sit and be peaceful in that setting.

4. You can go for a long walk.

Not only is being outside good for you, it is a great time to disconnect from everything electronic. Putting on some shoes and going outside, with no specific destination in mind, just wandering around your neighborhood, is relaxing and soothing for any anxiety you might have. Maybe you even come across a dog or two who you can pet and chat about with their owner.

5. You could sing along with your favorite artist.

It is nearly impossible to feel lonely when you are singing. It is not real company but singing along with the TV sort of does feel like it. Make sure to pick upbeat songs and sing as loud as you can because alone doesn’t have to be lonely!

6. You can go see any movie you like.

There is no upside to feeling lonely, but there are good things about being alone. You can pick the movie you want, the time you want to see it, what you want to bring along for snacks, etc. And even when you are seeing a movie with someone else, you still sit alone in the dark and don’t interact. It is not that much different when you are alone. Also, you will be surrounded by people, so if you choose to interact with someone, you will have something to talk about.

7. You can try out a new hobby.

There are literally thousands of things you can do alone when you feel lonely, like a new hobby, for instance. When you feel lonely it often helps if you take your mind off that emotion. You could do this by starting a new hobby. Even if you do not feel like going out and joining a club, there are plenty of activities and hobbies that you can participate in alone. It will help to keep your mind occupied and not dwell on the feeling of getting lonely. As an added benefit, eventually, you could connect with other people who have the same hobby, either online or in real life.

8. You can start a new book.

The thing about reading is that it transports you into a whole different world where you can simply be someone else for a while. You can do what they do, feel what they feel, and experience what they experience. I do not recommend reading as a full-time activity when you are lonely because it does not solve anything; it can also leaving you feeling worse about your own life. However, as a temporary solution to an urgent situation of feeling lonely, it works great. An added benefit is that you can join communities such as Goodreads – an online reading community where you can talk about what you are reading and get new recommendations.

9. Find your tribe online.

Although online interaction is no substitute for real-life interaction with people, it is something at least. Especially if you manage to find places where people chat who have the same interests as you do. You can create meaningful relationships even if they are only virtual. The best places are forums specialized in something you enjoy – a hobby or movies, etc.

10. You can find something to do.

With the amount of information available online, you can usually find some local or online events going on that week, and you can join in. Websites such as meetup.com, InterNations and even Facebook events all have ways to find something that is of interest to you, and open to new people. It can be scary to join something new but it is worth it, even if you decide it is not for you in the long run.

things you can do alone

Final thoughts

Feeling lonely is not a great emotion. It does not matter if you are alone or with company when you feel that way. However, there are things you can do alone to try to alleviate that feeling either temporarily or for the long term. Be positive, because with the help of positive thinking you will soon realize that being alone doesn’t have to be lonely. Hopefully, this list of things you can do alone helps you find something you can do and somewhere you can reach out to alleviate your loneliness.

https://youtu.be/eltx2WGABkw

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
References:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200307/the-dangers-loneliness
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/turning-straw-gold/201612/10-things-try-when-you-re-feeling-lonely
https://au.reachout.com/articles/10-things-to-do-if-youre-feeling-lonely

25 High Protein Foods That Make You Lose Weight Faster

Protein is known to be a weight loss catalyst, but do you think you’re eating enough to enjoy this benefit?

In a 1,824-person study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, women who reported “eating more protein” to prevent weight gain lost more weight than women who did not.

The above study is hardly surprising, as protein brings many health benefits. A building block of muscles, protein is shown to both reduce hunger and boost metabolism. Combined with a practical and consistent workout plan, protein can most certainly help with even the most demanding weight loss goals.

Which brings us to the topic of today: 25 high-protein foods that can accelerate a program to improve your chances to lose weight. Here they are!

25 Foods that Help You Lose Weight

high protein foods

Avocados

Delicious avocados are a legit superfood. An anomaly among fruits, avocados are packed with healthy fats and protein and low in sugars. Add some sliced avocado to a salad for a real weight loss boon.

Apricots

Dried apricots contain the highest amount of protein of any fruit with 3.5 grams per serving. Excellent sources of fiber as well, apricots must be dried to reap weight loss benefits.

Beans and Legumes

Certain beans and legumes – including black beans, kidney beans, and lentils – are high in both fiber and protein. Foods dense in both nutrients are known to increase satiety, or feelings of fullness.

Boiled Potatoes

Despite getting a bad rap for their high carbohydrate content, boiled ‘taters are a very nutrient-rich food. A small potato is good for enabling you to lose weight over the long term due to its satiety properties. Add a respectable two grams of protein, and you’ve got a good weight loss food.

Broccoli

Broccoli is nutrient-dense and very low in calories. Just one stalk of broccoli contains over four grams of protein. Its high reserves of healthy fiber will fill you up, too.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower have a unique combination of low energy density, high fiber, and decent protein.

Chili Pepper

While containing just one gram of protein per, chili peppers are excellent compliments to a protein-heavy meal. Per a study published in the journal Physiology Behavior, researchers found that consuming capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers leads to “…decreased body weight, total body fat percentage, and abdominal fat (loss).”

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are another powerful superfood. They register nearly 16.5 grams of protein per 100 grams. Containing high amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and fiber as well, chia seeds effectively stimulate fat burning and stave off hunger!

Coconut

Besides containing a decent amount of protein, one medium-sized coconut includes a whopping 36 grams of dietary fiber!

Cranberries

Cranberries contain a substance called ursolic acid. In a 2012 study published in the journal PLoS One, researchers report that ursolic acid “decreases diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, and fatty liver disease.”

Cottage Cheese

While more research is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that foods that are high in calcium may help to burn fat. Low-fat cottage cheese contains relatively modest calories and around 25 grams of protein in only one cup.

Cucumber

While we don’t mention water here, proper hydration is absolutely critical to a healthy weight. Cucumbers are flush with H2O, low in calories, good fiber, and a bit of protein.

Eggs

The “incredible, edible” egg is finally beginning to dissipate the once-widespread misinformation of being unhealthy. Multiple studies show that eggs are nutritious, promote satiety, and may help with weight loss. Of course, they are rich in protein at about six grams per large egg.

high protein foods

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel) are excellent for enabling you to lose weight. They are rich in omega-3s and jam-packed with quality protein. What you get is a muscle-building powerhouse that also keeps you full.

Fruit

Really, any fruit will aid your weight loss efforts. Getting into the habit of eating fruit is a smart move; because, eventually, you will begin reaching for the natural sugars found in fruit instead of some manufactured garbage. Raisins, guava, dates, and prunes all contain two-three grams of protein per serving.

Grapefruit

In a landmark 2004 study published by the Scripps Clinic in San Diego, California, consuming grapefruit was found to help an individual lose weight without significant changes to diet and exercise. One cup of grapefruit also includes around three grams of protein.

Grape nuts

Grape nuts are a very healthy cereal option. They are loaded with fiber, whole grains, minerals, and a decent amount of protein at over 3.5 grams per cup.

Leafy Green Veggies

Leafy greens like collards, kale, and spinach are loaded with fiber and protein, which will help keep you full for a long time. Very low in calories, dark green veggies are also packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

Lean Beef

While some may not appreciate the inclusion of lean beef on this list, it is nonetheless merited. Lean (non-processed) red meat is an excellent source of protein and nutrients. There is no link between non-processed red meat and an increased risk of disease and death, according to a 20-study meta-analysis.

Mushrooms

A surprising addition to this list, mushrooms may assist in helping you lose weight by balancing hormones while regulating blood sugar levels. While not “loaded” with protein, one cup of whole mushrooms registers a respectable three grams.

Nuts

When eaten in moderation, nuts can be an excellent addition to any weight-loss program. Not only do nuts contain a good dose of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, they also promote metabolic health.

Oatmeal

Similar to lentils, oatmeal also takes a while to digest while helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. One cup of cooked oatmeal contains around six grams of protein. Oats also contain a viscous gel that is formed by the submersion of soluble fibers, which helps promote digestion, increase satiety, and lower cholesterol.

lose weight

Quinoa

Quinoa is truly a unique whole grain. Whereas most plant foods are not considered “complete proteins,” quinoa not only contains a whopping 14 grams per serving but it also provides all the essential amino acids for added weight loss benefits. It is a must for a vegan or vegetarian who aims to lose weight.

Seaweed

It does no good to load up on protein if your metabolism is out of whack. Iodine deficiency, which affects nearly two billion people worldwide, is the leading cause of thyroid disorders. While most cases are found in developing countries, the U.S. is seeing an increasing trend. Thyroid disorders can cause weight gain, and seaweed is perhaps the best dietary means of prevention.

Yogurt

While all yogurt is a pretty good source of protein (around three to four grams per cup), Greek yogurt takes the crown at a whopping 17 grams per cup! Yogurt also contains probiotics, which help promote healthy digestion and gut health!

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