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10 Easy Ways to Heal Sunburn Naturally

July 20, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Okay, so among the worst ideas of all time has to be sunburn art. Never heard of it? Well, it’s like a tattoo with one small difference: instead of ink, the “artist” uses the sun. Just google #sunburntart for some spectacularly dimwitted examples. Perhaps these folks are just ignorant of the fact that millions of people are diagnosed with – and tens of thousands people die from – skin cancer every year. While this recent trend may be extreme, the sad truth is that too many people don’t pay enough attention to their skin health.

Today, we’re going to talk a little bit about the skin. We’ll focus primarily on the effects of sunburn, and how to heal and treat sunburn. We’ll wrap up by listing some preventative measures that you can use to guard your skin health.

Facts about the Skin

“Sunburns cause DNA damage to the skin, accelerate skin aging, and increase your lifetime cancer risk.” – Time Magazine

Here are a few facts about the skin and skin health:

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, accounting for about 15 percent of your total body weight.
One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer before age 70.
A precancerous form of melanoma (Actinic keratosis) affects nearly 60 million Americans adults.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun accounts for around 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancer cases.
UV radiation accounts for about 86 percent of all melanoma skin cancer cases.
Applying SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher reduces the risk of developing skin cancer by 50 percent.

10 Natural Sunburn Remedies

Without further delay, here are ten easy ways to heal sunburn naturally:

1. Try essential oils.

There are a few essential oils that may help treat sunburn. Small amounts of lavender, witch hazel, or chamomile essential oil can help relieve some of the pain and irritation caused by the burn. You may also choose to add these oils to a cool draw of water for some relief.

2. Use aloe vera.

Aloe vera is one of the best things for your skin, period. When it comes to natural cures for sunburn, aloe may just be number one. It soothes, moisturizes, and provides decent pain relief as well. Some aloe vera products include lidocaine, which – while not a “natural” cure – can work wonders for pain relief.

3. Apply some brewed tea.

Applying some cool, brewed tea helps naturally restore the skin’s pH levels. Black tea mixed with a bit of mint may be the best option as a natural remedy, tea-wise.

4. Slice some cucumbers.

Cucumbers are great as a natural remedy for sunburn because they contain a bunch of water, something that the skin desperately needs after being burned. They’re also brimming with antioxidants, and have pretty good pain-relieving benefits too.

5. Peel some ‘taters.

The starch in white potatoes is thought to help absorb some of the heat from the sunburned skin, providing pain relief. It’s best to mash and cool the potatoes and apply it as a dressing.

6. Divvy up some dairy.

Besides having a nice, cooling effect, the protein in dairy products creates a film that can ease discomfort. Cooled (not cold) milk and yogurt are two excellent natural remedies.

7. Try Vitamin E extract.

As a potent antioxidant, vitamin E can lower inflammation caused by sunburn. Apply a small amount of E oil or take as a supplement until the skin heals. Vitamin E is also gentle enough to be rubbed onto peeling skin.

8. Pour yourself a homemade skin cure.

There are plenty of natural ingredients that you can add to the bathtub that will heal sunburn. Apple cider vinegar can rebalance the skin’s pH level. Baking soda eases the itchiness and irritation. Oatmeal smooths and soothes the skin’s surface.

Texas Mom Reveals How to Relieve Sunburn in 30 Minutes

9. Take a cool shower.

Water is an absolute must for sunburned skin. Hydrated skin is healthy skin; this is why we’ve including bathing and showing with cool water on this list. No sunburn remedy or natural cure would be complete without water.

10. Drink some H²O.

Yep, water again. This time, you’ll pour yourself a nice, cold glass of fresh water and drink it (a lot of it) until your skin heals. Your skin will feel better, look better, and recover faster. Say it with us: “Water is my friend.” It is simply the best sunburn remedy of them all.

Sunburn Prevention

Prevention is always the best medicine. The same applies when we’re talking about sunburn. Here are a few tips to safeguard your precious skin:

Before heading out the door, check for U.V. warnings.
Cover up every exposed area of the skin, especially if you are often outdoors.
Use SPF 30 or higher.
Avoid the use of tanning beds.
Should you get sunburned, avoid sun exposure until the burn begins to heal.
Hydrate with plenty of water.
Keep your home cool with an air conditioner or cooling fans.

https://youtu.be/yG-G9_LOkLA

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

Sources:
http://time.com/3944708/sunburn-art/
https://www.medicinenet.com/natural_home_remedies_for_sunburn_treatment/article.htm#care_for_blisters_and_peeling_skin_from_a_severe_sunburn_picture
https://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/green-science/dangers_of_the_sun
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/treat-sunburns/

25 Ancient Medical Cures (Most People Have Forgotten)

July 20, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Advances in modern medicine have forever changed the shape of cures for disease, human health and well-being. Consider that less than a century ago, the average person in a developed country usually didn’t live to see their 60^th birthday. Now, it’s common for people to live longer than 80 years old.

But we’re facing a big problem: the over-prescribing of possibly dangerous and addictive medications. Additionally, the United States healthcare system encourages doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies to order more tests (e.g., CAT scans, blood count tests, etc.). For this reason, many people undergo procedures that they often do not need.

It wasn’t always this way. In many places around the world, it is still an unacceptable practice. Today, we’re going to discuss 25 ancient medical cures that most people have forgotten, including procedures and also herbs/spices. You may find it surprising that people still use many of these cures today, especially those in the “herbs and spices” section of this article.

Here are 25 ancient medical cures that most people have forgotten!

Procedures

Acupuncture:

Modern research is starting to – albeit reluctantly – attest to the effectiveness of acupuncture. The ancient science of acupuncture has roots in China, beginning as far back as 6000 BCE!

Fecal Transplant:

“The Chinese were the first to recognize that changing the bacterial flora of the colon could be a beneficial treatment,” says Dr. Bret Lasner, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Gross? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

Leech Therapy:

Records show that leech therapy dates back over 3,500 years to the ancient Egyptians. Today, leeches serve as an anticoagulant (blood thinner). They also boost blood circulation.

Maggot Therapy:

The use of maggots to heal wounds has been around for centuries. Military surgeons during the Civil War observed that soldiers treated with maggots for injuries sustained in combat had a lower mortality rate. Today, the therapy primarily treats soft tissue and skin trauma.

Trepanation:

Certainly, this one’s a bit freaky. Back in the days o’ yore, “doctors” drilled a hole in the skull with the purpose of … get this … releasing evil spirits. Well, thankfully, trepanation now involves state-of-the-art surgical tools – and only to relieve pressure in the skull.

Catheterization:

Catheterization involves a tube inserted into the urethra, traditionally done to allow an immobile person to urinate. Back in medieval times, catheterization was used much more often due to the widespread occurrence of bladder and kidney stones, syphilis, and other diseases. And they used metal! Uh, no thanks!

Cesarian Section:

The oft-practiced Cesarian section (or “C-section”) originated way back in around 320 B.C. Of course, the procedure has evolved – and for the better. Today, nearly one-third of all babies are delivered via c-section. The mortality rate of the delivering mother has also plummeted.

Herbs and Spices Used as Medical Cures

Many of the herbs and spices you will find on this list were first used by Native Americans and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Many of these natural remedies have since been proven by medical research as effective alternative treatments. One example? This little-known cure, aspirin, which is contained within walnut crust!

Alfalfa:

Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, alfalfa helps reduce symptoms of asthma, arthritis, bleeding disorders, high cholesterol, and an upset stomach.

Aloe Vera:

Among the oldest medicinal plants in recorded history, Aloe Vera contains a myriad of amino acids, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. It aids and promotes digestion, nutrient absorption, and skin health.

Bee pollen:

Packed with just about every healthy mineral in existence, pollen serves as a potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. It can also help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and protect cellular bodies.

Blackberry:

Oft-used as an ingredient to make tea, blackberries aid in the treatment of diarrhea and inflammation.

Chamomile:

Some tea drinkers swear by it, and for a good reason. Chamomile does a bit of everything, including treat the common cold, reduce stress, and fight the aging process.

Curcumin:

More and more research points to curcumin (found in turmeric) as an effective treatment for gut-related disorders. Curcumin also demonstrates BDNF growth properties, which researchers say may help delay or prevent the onset of dementia.

Echinacea:

Another tea ingredient, Native Americans first discovered the benefits of echinacea. Some evidence suggests that it may be elemental in strengthening the immune system.

Elderberry:

Now manufactured mostly as a tincture, elderberry chiefly helps to treat respiratory illnesses. Studies show that the chemicals within elderberry effectively relieve nasal congestion. They also have potent antioxidant properties, which serve to protect our trillions of cells.

Ginger:

Besides making for one killer cup of tea, ginger has some Grade-A benefits. It contains anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It also sharpens cognition and boosts metabolism!

Gingko:

Gingko is probably the oldest item on this list, dating all the way back to when dinosaurs (yes, dinosaurs!) roamed the earth. A star in Chinese medicine, gingko biloba promotes healthy blood circulation. Additionally, it is touted for its brain benefits.

Ginseng:

Another favorite tea ingredient, its proponents believe ginseng boosts energy, reduces blood sugar, lowers cholesterol levels, fights stress, enhances brain function, and even treats erectile dysfunction.

Gotu Kola:

Used for thousands of years in China, India, and Indonesia, Gotu kola is often paired with gingko biloba to sharpen mental clarity. Legend has it that a Chinese herbalist who took this combo on the regular lived for more than 200 years! (Uhm…)

Honeysuckle:

Because of its use in various digestive and respiratory disorders, you can think of honeysuckle as a jack-of-all-trades. Additionally, it’s even used as an aromatherapy agent.

Mint:

First of all, mint is fantastic as a reliever of intestinal discomfort. It also serves a double role in the gut by promoting digestion. Recent research suggest that mint may also have a positive impact on brain health and function.

Mullein:

Mullein was a plant that found extensive use in Native American culture. The natives primarily used it to treat respiratory disorders and inflammation.

Rosemary:

A favorite of aromatherapists, rosemary supposedly boosts metabolism, improves circulation, and also treats inflammation.

Sage:

Besides acting as a natural insect repellent, sage also purportedly treats digestive disorders. Many also use it in the prevention and treatment of respiratory illnesses, including the common cold.

Valerian:

Valerian root is known for its ability to help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. Aside from its positive effects on the nerves, Valerian may help alleviate muscle pain.

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

Sources:
http://breaking-story.com/health/valuable-secrets-of-native-americans-the-long-forgotten-medical-cures-of-ancient-tribes/
http://www.monarchlabs.com/mdt
https://advancedtissue.com/2014/09/maggot-therapy/
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/slideshows/6-ancient-treatments-doctors-still-use?slide=6
https://www.foodmatters.com/article/10-ancient-medicinal-herbal-remedies-that-actually-work
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mint-benefits
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/role-of-curcumin-in-treatment-of-alzheimer-disease-2376-0281-1000274.php?aid=90248

11 Quotes on Life That Will Completely Change The Way You Think

July 20, 2018 by Power of Positivity

When you are looking for a little bit of inspiration in the middle of a long day, reach for these quotes on life. Inspirational quotes about life will help you get through the difficult moments and uplift you when you need it. These quotes on life come from many different types of writers, from philosophers to poets. They also contain simple, direct sentiments to which anyone can relate.

When things are difficult, look at our quotes on life and lift your spirits. These inspirational quotes about life contain many kinds of heartwarming insight. No matter what situation you find yourself in, these quotes on life will resonate with you and make your day brighter.

11 Quotes on Life That Will Change The Way You Think

1. “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
Thich Nhat Hanh

2. “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

3. “Happiness is like jam. You can’t spread even a little without getting some on yourself.”
Anonymous

4. “Be fearless. Have the courage to take risks. Go where there are no guarantees. Get out of your comfort zone even if it means being uncomfortable. The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades, bumps, and uncharted terrain. But it is on that road where your character is truly tested. Have the courage to accept that you’re not perfect, nothing is and no one is — and that’s OK.”
Katie Couric

5. “Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself you tasted as many as you could.”
Louise Erdrich

6. “I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.
Delicious Ambiguity.”
Gilda Radner

7. “I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going. And I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight. And as we fly, we still may not know where we are going to. But the miracle is in the unfolding of the wings. You may not know where you’re going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.”
C. JoyBell C.

8. “I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience possible in my life. And I am horribly limited.”
Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath

9. “Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not, and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

10. “If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”
E.B. White

11. “These woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

Final Thoughts

These thoughtful quotes on life will give you perspective on your own difficulties. When we read inspirational quotes about life, we are able to take a step back from our problems and approach them in a different manner. Use these quotes to bring you peace and happiness as you travel through your life.

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

It’s Time We All Remember These Amazing Quotes About Happiness

July 20, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Life can be challenging sometimes. When we are having a difficult time, it’s wonderful to be able to turn to quotes about happiness to change our perspective. Happiness quotes refresh the mind and spirit and remind us of what is truly important. Searching for quotes about happiness will put your mind in a brighter place. When you find the best quotes about happiness, you’ll be able to relate to their uplifting words.

These happiness quotes come from a wide variety of sources, from literary and historical figures to current celebrities. Each of these people has shared a bit of wisdom in the form of quotes about happiness. The best happiness quotes are those that resonate with our situation. Find your happy thoughts here in these quotes.

17 Inspiring Quotes About Happiness That Will Bring You Joy

1. “Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive.”
Elbert Hubbard

2. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
Ludwig Jacobowski

3. “There is more to life than increasing its speed.”
Mahatma Gandhi

4. “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
Marthe Troly-Curtin

5. “There’s nothing like deep breaths after laughing that hard. Nothing in the world like a sore stomach for the right reasons.”
Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

6. “You can’t be happy unless you’re unhappy sometimes.”
Lauren Oliver, Delirium

7. “I’d far rather be happy than right any day.”
Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

8. “I felt once more how simple and frugal a thing is happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, a wretched little brazier, the sound of the sea. Nothing else.”
Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek

9. “I do not miss childhood, but I miss the way I took pleasure in small things, even as greater things crumbled. I could not control the world I was in, could not walk away from things or people or moments that hurt, but I took joy in the things that made me happy.”
Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane

10. “A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbor — such is my idea of happiness.”
Leo Tolstoy, Family Happiness

11. “The more you feed your mind with positive thoughts, the more you can attract great things into your life.”
Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

12. “Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”
Martin Luther King Jr.

13. “I’m choosing happiness over suffering, I know I am. I’m making space for the unknown future to fill up my life with yet-to-come surprises.”
Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

14. “You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Laugh in the face of adversity, and leap before you look. Dance as though EVERYBODY is watching. March to the beat of your own drummer. And stubbornly refuse to fit in.”
Mandy Hale, The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass

15. “I think happiness is what makes you pretty. Period. Happy people are beautiful. They become like a mirror and they reflect that happiness.”
Drew Barrymore

16. “I heard a definition once: Happiness is health and a short memory! I wish I’d invented it because it is very true.”
Audrey Hepburn

17. “I am very happy
Because I have conquered myself
And not the world.
I am very happy
Because I have loved the world
And not myself.”
Sri Chinmoy

Final Thoughts

These 17 quotes about happiness will uplift you and give you a reason to push forward when life seems difficult. The best happiness quotes give us hope when we need it most. Enjoy turning to these happiness quotes when you are in need. Share them with your friends if they need a pick-me-up.

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

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

How To Forgive Someone : 5 Practices To Let Go Of Anger

July 20, 2018 by Power of Positivity

A famous quote from the English poet says that “to err is human, to forgive divine.” Everyone makes mistakes, but few people possess the emotional maturity to not people’s mistakes against them. It can often be easier to hold onto grudges than to forgive.

However, holding onto anger just lets us become even more consumed by it. No reasonable person would say that they want to be angry, but so many are happy to let negative feelings grow inside them.

If you want to learn how to forgive someone, this guide will help you out.

1. Consider the size of their offense

Not all wrongdoings are made alike. Some acts are so heinous they might be all but impossible to forgive. However, most are small enough that they can and should be forgiven. It might not be an immediate forgiveness, but that doesn’t mean they have to live inside you forever. Even if something seems like a huge offense to you, it’s very likely that it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

When someone has caused you harm, take a moment to think about what it really means. What has their offense deprived you of? Is it something that you can never get back? Did they hurt you or did your interpretation of their action cause you the most harm? Is this problem still affecting you, or are you just letting it affect it?

2. Ask yourself if you want to be angry

When learning how to forgive someone, you need to look inward. Consider your anger and think about all the pain it’s causing you. Take a moment to consider if this is something you want. It’s possible that you’ve become so used to anger that you’re afraid of letting go of it. However, that doesn’t mean it’s actually doing you any good.

As your rage courses through you, take a moment to step back and think about if it has any worth to you. There’s nothing wrong with feeling angry when someone hurts you, but when the moment has long passed, it only becomes a burden that makes you feel worse without any sort of personal growth.

3. Meditation

Anger can cause us to fear our thoughts and believe that we have no control over them. In a way, we don’t. Our thoughts and feelings can come up without warning and cause us tremendous pain. We can reduce their power through the awareness that meditation allows us.

When you meditate, you don’t try to push your problems away. Doing so would only be counterintuitive. It involves observing your thoughts as you would observe a passing car. As you breathe and out, you can remember that your thoughts and feelings do not define you. Should your anger be triggered, you can distance it from your essence instead of letting it consume you.

4. Accept your anger

Anger doesn’t always start and end with the triggering situation. What often happens is that we get angry at someone for hurting us. Then, we get angry at ourselves for being angry. This leads to further frustration as we don’t know how to stop our anger from getting bigger and bigger.

An easy solution is to just accept that you are angry. You won’t be angry forever (hopefully), but you are angry at the moment. Emotions are temporary and you can reduce their power by letting them be in the moment. You can let anger pass like water through a drain by accepting it.

5. Talk to the other person

You might want to do anything but talk to the person who hurt you, but if you want to learn how to forgive someone, you need to have the maturity to face them. Forgiveness through avoidance can be much more difficult to achieve.

When you let yourself see the other person, you remember that they are a human. They might have caused you harm, but they are capable of empathy just like anyone else. You should let them know exactly how you feel about what they did. They might not realize how much harm they caused to you and feel genuine remorse. Remember to accept their apology and move on. Research suggests that forgiveness is good for us.

Pride can keep us from knowing how to forgive someone, even if we understand how it would benefit us. When we make the decision to forgive someone, we free ourselves of a tremendous burden. We no longer have to go through life with the curse of unhelpful anger looming over us.

If you want to learn how to forgive someone, you just need to remember what your values are. Do you want to be someone who is mature and understanding or someone who lets their mind be poisoned by the actions of others. We think we know the answer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU9pRXd22ng

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

8 Ways to Lose Weight That Don’t Require Diet Or Exercise

July 19, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Doctors always emphasize that diet and exercise are the most effective natural methods to lose weight. Experts say that if you want to improve your health, then you’ve got to work hard at it with a good workout and meal plan.

These methods, however, require months and years of discipline and commitment. But how do you lose weight fast without diet or exercise? Is this even possible?

Yes, you can lose weight without dieting. You can lose weight without exercise. You can lose weight without going to the gym. Sounds too good to be true?

If you’re having a challenging time with exercise and tough diet plans, then here are some tips that will help you lose weight without dieting or exercising.

“Weight loss can change your whole character. That always amazed me: Shedding pounds does change your personality. It changes your philosophy of life because you recognize that you are capable of using your mind to change your body.” – Jean Nidetch

Here’s How to Lose Weight Fast Without Diet or Exercise

1. Chew and eat slowly

Apparently, how fast or slow you eat affects your weight. Experts from Japan found out in a study that fast eaters were likely to gain pounds faster compared to slow eaters. Their findings proved what dieting advocates have pointed out for years that if you chew and eat your food slowly, you’ll feel fuller. You’ll decrease snacking in between meals as well. Probably the easiest way to lose way without dieting!

2. Portion your foods on a smaller plate

If you want to lose weight without exercise, change your plate. Use a smaller plate to portion your meals. This trick applies the concept of the Delbeouf Illusion that controls your brain’s perception. In one study published in the International Journal of Obesity, experts learned that following the Delbeouf Illusion elicited positive effects on people trying to lose weight.

The idea behind this concept is this: if you portion less food on a large plate, your brain might perceive that you won’t be full. So, you would tend to add more servings (and more calories) to your meals. But if you use a smaller plate, you can trick your brain into thinking that you’re eating larger portions. In this way, you prevent overindulging in unhealthy meals.

3. Increase your water intake

If you want to know how to lose weight fast, remember that drinking more glasses of water before your meals can reduce hunger pangs. In a study published in the journal Obesity, a group of middle-aged and older adults, who drank at least 17 oz of water 30 minutes before a meal, lost weight more effectively compared to those who did not change their water intake. Water helps cut down your calorie intake as well, especially if you avoid drinking soda or juice.

4. Repaint the walls in your dining room

Wall colors with yellow and red undertones can influence your appetite and trigger your brain to eat faster. It’s no wonder why fast food chains, such as McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Burger King, have yellow or red colors for their brand.

It’s a deliberate attempt to make their customers eat more. So, why not repaint your dining room with blue undertones? A person’s appetite apparently responds less to this color. This is why weight loss experts also suggest using blue plates to eat on.

5. Change the lighting in your dining room

While you’re already making changes by repainting your dining room, why not consider changing the lighting fixture to something brighter? A study from the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab showed that people who ate in dimly-lit dining areas or restaurants were more likely to have 39 percent more calories in their meals.

They also went for less healthy foods, more fried dishes and lots of desserts. Those who ate in well-lit places, on the other hand, were prompted to choose vegetables, and grilled or baked food. The experts said that bright lights keep people alert, so they can make healthier choices on what to eat, making it an excellent way to lose weight without going to the gym!

6. Keep a food journal

Writing down what you’ve eaten in a food journal could aid in weight loss, as it will help you pay attention to what you’re eating, according to experts at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. In a study, women who consistently kept a food journal to jot down what they ate (and the portions) successfully lost six more pounds than those who did not keep a journal.

7. Always get a good night’s sleep

When you’re not getting the right amount of sleep or experiencing constant sleep disturbances, the hormones that regulate your appetite (called the ghrelin and leptin) could be disrupted as well. A lack of sleep also raises your cortisol levels, which elevates body stress.

These two factors trigger food cravings and an increase in appetite. You’re likely to eat more high-calorie food when you’re feeling sleepy too, because your brain thinks you need more energy. What you really need is a good rest, so be sure to get six to eight hours of sleep at night.

8. Keep unhealthy foods out of sight

Maybe you got a box of chocolates as a gift or bought a more high-calorie snack than you intended to indulge on. Not to worry; you’re not supposed to consume those right away. But if these foods are visible and accessible, then you’re likely going to have more unplanned snacks.

So, experts suggest storing these snacky foods in places where you won’t be able to see it constantly – like on the higher shelves of the cupboards. Instead, keep healthy snacks like apples on your dining table or kitchen counter so that this is what you’ll reach for when you have the cravings to snack.

Final thoughts

Losing weight is never easy, but be positive. If you start making a few simple changes now, you’ll notice how quickly it will affect your quest to better health. While it’s not easy, it’s not impossible to lose weight without dieting and exercise.

So now if someone asks you how to lose weight fast, you can share these tips with them and start a chain reaction! Remember, with positive thinking you can achieve your weight loss goals!

How to Bring The Power Of Positivity Back In Your Life

July 19, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Change your thoughts and change the world”.–Norman Vincent Peale

Peale had the right idea with this quote. People don’t realize that more often than not, what they think and how they behave is what shapes their world. That is why it is very important to bring positivity into our life. Positivity is a way of life, not just an idea or a feeling. It is something that must resonate within us and radiate from us. But how can a person resonate with positivity, especially during life’s hard times?

The key to resonating with positivity is to take things one step at a time rather than all in one chunk. This means to start with small actions in your life. These small, positive actions will accumulate into something bigger and before you know it, you will be radiating positivity in life without having to try hard.

Here are a few small steps that you can start doing in order to become more positive.

Make a habit of smiling more.

Research has shown that when we (humans) are free to express our emotions, we simply feel those emotions more intensely. Smiling is an expression of happiness and happiness is a positive emotion. You can actively seek out things to smile about–things you know will make you happy. Go window shopping. Go to the park and watch birds. Go to a comedy show and laugh. Tickle a baby. Constantly do things that make you smile and you will constantly be flooded with happiness. Before you know it, this happiness will turn into positive energy.

Read motivational and positive information.

Reasearch has shown that reading can actually help our brains to simulate experiences through someone else’s shoes. Because of this, reading motivational books can help us experience the author’s positive experiences. Reading positivity quotes on a regular basis is a great way to reinforce positive thinking. It is also a good idea to try to read positive news and to try to avoid the negative news.

Change bad habits.

Bad habits can be anything from eating all the wrong things to constantly being late for work. Bad habits have bad consequences and these bad consequences can make us feel negatively. Try replacing bad habits with small, good actions that will eventually develop into an upgradable habit. For example, if you are always late to work, try waking up fifteen minutes earlier than you normally do. Once that becomes a habit, start waking up another fifteen minutes early until that too becomes a habit. It takes about 66 days to develop a habit, so start slowly but consistently and eventually those bad habits will be good habits which will lead to good consequences, which will subsequently lead to positivity in life.

Look for the silver lining.

Don’t be a “glass half empty” type of person. This means that you always see the negative in the situation. Be more optimistic (glass half full). Sometimes when situations blow up in our face, it is much easier to focus on the bad parts. This is what brings you into that negative space. Instead, try to see the silver lining in the situation. If you focus on the silver lining, you can keep the positive energy flowing even in rough situations.

Put yourself first.

Taking care of ourselves is essential to being positive. When we take care of ourselves, we are helping to prevent any health problems. Having constant health problems can be a real downer, and constantly being sick and in a bad mood can make it hard to be positive. This is why, even if we don’t feel like it, we should always take care of ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Even rewarding ourselves for accomplishing small goals is a form of taking care of ourselves.

In Conclusion

Positivity is something that comes from inside of us, so it is no surprise that it is linked to our emotions. When you feel bad, its harder for you to think positively. If this goes on for a long period of time, the bad feelings and negativity become a habit. Stop negativity in its tracks with positivity quotes, smiling, and more tips from above. You will become a more positive person one step at the time.

https://youtu.be/qWkzCo0h0Ok

4 Exercises That Melt Underarm Fat

July 19, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Everyone wants to find the best exercises to lose weight, especially underarm fat. But is it easy to lose weight and burn fat in a targeted way that can melt underarm fat? Underarm fat is common even among the most beautiful people in the world. Do you know that celebrities and models have their excess arm fat, also known as back bulge, digitally edited from magazine covers?

Unlike belly fat, the extra flab on the underarms isn’t linked to severe diseases like diabetes or heart problems, so there are no health risks. However, back bulge might lead to body image problems or cause discomfort for people who hope to lose weight, so their clothes fit better. So, four recommended exercises should help burn fat around the underarm and back area.

“You have to make the decision to lose weight in your head, not your stomach.” – Jean Nidetch

What Causes Fat Cells to Accumulate in the Arms?

Fat cells, also known as adipocytes, can accumulate in different body parts, including the arms. Several factors cause the accumulation of fat cells in the arms. One of the main factors is an unhealthy diet that includes high amounts of calories, saturated and trans fats, and sugar. When the body consumes more calories than it burns, the excess energy is stored in fat cells. Over time, fat cells can accumulate in different body parts, including the arms.

Another factor that can contribute to the accumulation of fat cells in the arms is a sedentary lifestyle. The excess energy is stored as fat cells when the body is inactive and does not burn enough calories. This can happen in different parts of the body, including the arms. Sitting for long periods, not engaging in regular exercise, and not moving the arms enough can all contribute to the accumulation of fat cells in this area.

Finally, genetics can also play a role in the accumulation of fat cells in the arms. Some people are genetically predisposed to store more fat cells in certain parts of their bodies, including the arms. Even with a healthy diet and exercise routine, they may still have more fat cells in their arms than others. However, with a healthy lifestyle, it is still possible to reduce the overall amount of fat cells in the body, including the arms.

How to Lose Weight Under the Arms With These Four Fat Melting Exercises

Try these moves to start sculpting your entire body–add arm strengthening for further definition.

1. Start by doing cardio exercises.

According to nutritionist and trainer Lauren Simmons via Women’s Health magazine, losing underarm fat doesn’t come with natural, simple solutions. To burn the flab in this part of your body, you must lose weight first. Hence she recommends that you start by doing calorie-burning exercises.

Cardio workouts, however, can be a complicated process because the results vary with every person. Age, gender, genetics, and current weight could impact the results. So, while others burn fat and lose weight faster with cardio, you may take a little longer before seeing any significant results.

However, don’t lose hope; keep a positive mindset. If you keep doing cardio workouts at least three times a week, you’re on the right track to losing that flabby underarm fat. With regular cardio exercises, you’re building up your core to withstand more intense cardio programs when the right time comes.

Aside from the workouts, you might want also to add swimming, biking, and running in your routines. These cardio activities not only help you lose weight but are also fun to do with a group of friends.

2. Move on to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises.

If your body is used to cardio exercises, you can move on to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This consists of a series of short but really intense cardio movements that last from 10 seconds to four minutes per routine. These involve a lot of bodyweight work – such as push-ups – and could subsequently involve weights. A typical workout can be over within thirty minutes, but its intensity depends on a person’s fitness level.

One study indicated that HIIT exercises are more effective than regular or basic cardio exercises. Celebrity trainer Rob Sulaver also told Self magazine that all exercise and physical activities burn calories, but HIIT routines burn fat more effectively.

HIIT, however, puts more pressure and stress on the body hence it’s not advisable to do this every time you do cardio. It’s best to pace yourself and let your body rest as well. Only increase the intensity of your workouts to the level you’re comfortable. The most important thing to consider with HIIT is to give your body time to recover.

3. Do muscle-building exercises.

You can move on to muscle-building exercises, from simple cardio moves to HIIT. These routines are also called strength training exercises and complement cardio exercises. You must tone your muscles to keep leaner if you’re successfully burning fat and losing weight with cardio. Muscle toning is how you lose arm fat in the best way possible.

As the name implies, strength training also strengthens your body’s endurance since you’re building muscles. Your metabolism also improves because it takes more calories to build and tone the muscles than to burn fat. According to the National Council on Strength and Fitness, gaining a pound of muscle burns at least 30 to 50 calories.

Most strength training routines target your back and upper arms, but ideally, you must tone every muscle group to build up overall strength. Switch up your routines every few weeks and do take breaks as needed. Some of the muscle-building exercises you can do include:

Curls
Push-ups
Dips, on the bench or the machine
Squats and lunges using weights, dumbbells, and kettlebells
Step ups, with or without weights
Deadlifts
Chest press and rows, with a dumbbell or a barbell

4. Continue with weight management exercises.

Now that you’re slowly shaping your body muscles and losing that underarm fat, focus on maintaining a good weight management routine. This way, you avoid developing excess fat that goes directly to your underarms and back.

Some practical weight management exercises include walking, Zumba, jump ropes, kickboxing, and power yoga. Supplement these exercises with a good diet and healthy lifestyle to maintain overall wellness.

Final thoughts on Trying These Exercises to Make You Fitter

As you age, you raise the risks of developing underarm fat, back bulge, and saggy arms. This is because older people begin to lose muscle cells more quickly than when they’re younger. Geriatrician Jonathan Wanagat told NPR that stem cells don’t respond the same way in older people compared to their younger years, hence muscles can quickly turn to fat. For this reason, he recommends regular exercises and muscle-building routines like weight-lifting for older people. While positive thinking is a start to lose weight, if you’re looking for answers about how to lose arm fat, these exercises will help!

References:
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19974927/armpit-fat/
https://www.ncsf.org/enew/articles/articles-poundofmuscle.aspx
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123887823

Science Explains 5 Things That Happen to Your Body On A Vegan Diet

July 19, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Do you want to know what a vegan diet does to your body? Well, you are in the right place!

First, if you are a vegan or vegetarian, you are probably a conscientious observer of the world around you. Not only are you health-conscious, but you also hold a heartfelt concern for the treatment and lives of animals. For this, you are to be thanked. You truly do make the world a better place for us all.

Second, a vegan diet is very healthy! Sometimes alternatively referred to as a plant-based diet, veganism prioritizes the consumption of fresh, wholesome, and organically-sourced foods. Fruits, vegetables, and plants are considered by many to be “nature’s medicine.” Additionally, history shows that the cultures who put Earth-grown foods at the top of their list enjoy some of the best health. They also live the longest.

As with any dietary lifestyle, vegans must also strike the right balance, indulging in foods with an intelligent and flexible mindset. Vanda Sheth, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says about a vegan diet, “Make sure it’s a well-balanced diet that has a wide variety of foods. Anything you eat can be unhealthy depending on how you make it.”

Here’s what may happen to your body when you go on a vegan diet:

“Being vegan is not always easy and accessible. But it’s a way of life and makes me as a person feel really good and physically look better.” – Olivia Wilde, actress

1. You may feel hungrier more frequently.

Vegetables are a vegan’s best friend, hence their namesake. While their heavy reliance on vegetables is mostly a good thing, vegans – just like everyone else – also require a certain number of calories. Per the National Health Service in the U.K., a male requires around 2,500 calories, and a woman, 2,000, to maintain their current weight. Losing one pound per week requires the latter demographic to consume around 1,500 calories.

Now, consider that a cup of raw, cooked vegetables contains just around 25 calories. Again, these are calories that the body and brain require to function. So, if you’re on a vegan diet, it may be wise to implement a diet that mixes in higher-calorie foods as well. Chia seeds, flax seeds, quinoa, raisins, coconut oil, and almond butter are all excellent choices!

2. You may have higher – and healthier – energy levels.

With the right amount of calories and a healthy mix of vitamins and nutrients, you will probably have more energy!

Per a 620-person study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, vegans tend to eat lighter foods that contain less fat and sugar. As a result, vegans tend to have higher energy levels, and less stress and anxiety! Vegans beat out their vegetarian counterparts, with both groups handily outperforming the meat-eating group.

3. You could lower your disease risk.

Vegans tend to eat a lot of plant-based foods, which happen to be awesome for preventing all kinds of diseases that plague humans. Scientists believe that vegans’ consumption of phytonutrients – nutrients that protect the plant from things like bacteria, bugs, fungi, and toxins – also safeguard a person from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other life-threatening ailments!

In a study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers concluded that vegans might also have a lower risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, and neurological disorders.

Foods with high levels of phytonutrients include carrots, citrus, berries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, bok choy, broccoli, kale, garlic, onions, romaine lettuce, and spinach!

4. You could have nutrient deficiencies.

Of course, we care about your health, so we have to mention what is perhaps the biggest issue with vegan diets: not getting enough key nutrients. First, it is important to understand the two main reasons for this trend.

(1) The body doesn’t absorb certain nutrients (e.g., calcium, vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D, and zinc) from plant-based foods very well.

(2) Over-consumption of dark-green leafy vegetables, legumes, and seeds can further hinder nutrient absorption.

Low iron levels are something to be particularly careful about. Iron is critical for blood cell production and transportation, and for healthy development and maintenance of muscle cells. Prolonged iron deficiency can result lead to anemia, which is tied to cancer, kidney disease, and liver damage.

Using a high-quality organic supplement can safeguard vegans against these risks!

5. You may have healthier bones.

Let’s end this on a good note, shall we? After all, there are plenty more health benefits of vegan diets than drawbacks!

Swiss scientists, following an extensive review of various sources, conclude that vegans may have healthier bones than non-vegans. Researchers attribute these results to the relatively higher number of fruits and vegetables vegans consume. Nearly all fruits and vegetables have a low-acid count. This directly links to more stable mineral levels (including all-important calcium) within the bones.

https://youtu.be/yG-G9_LOkLA

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4073139/
https://www.rd.com/health/healthy-eating/vegan-diet-health-benefits/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/phytonutrients-faq

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