Health & Wellness The Benefits of Standing for Your Health 5:00 PM Sitting around is something we’re all getting plenty of in the 21st century, with our computers being the main culprit. Desk bound jobs with a computer make up a huge part of our sedentary time. Unbeknownst to many of us, this constant sitting increases diabetes and heart disease and promises to send us to an early grave. Add to that the burning of fewer calories and we’re seeing more desk bound office workers battling with weight gain and obesity. The Benefits of Standing for Your Health Putting more Standing Time into Your Day Fortunately there are many ways to survive a sedentary job, and one of these is to look at investing in a standing desk. The idea isn’t to go into a full standing mode, as this can be perilous in itself, especially for people suffering with heart related diseases. This is because standing puts greater strain on the circulatory system. Prolonged standing also increases the risks of varicose veins. Here are some of the health benefits of standing more on the job and giving your body the chance of more movement throughout the day: Studies show that after a meal, blood sugar levels return to normal faster when standing compared to sitting. Long hours of sitting are linked to cardiovascular disease, certain cancers such as breast and colon cancer, diabetes and obesity. Your risk of weight gain is lowered when you stand more. However the dangers of sitting all day go beyond just obesity. Sitting hour after hour is associated with a range of mental- and physical health problems. Desk risers and Standing desks can reduce back pain, and participants in one study show that there is a 32% reduction in back pain after several weeks of using a standing desk. Standing more has a positive influence on mood and well being. Health experts tell us that standing up every 20 minutes, even if it is only for a minute or two, can significantly reduce our risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. As people become more aware of ways they can improve their health, there has been quite a bit of hype over standing desks. Alternate Between Sitting and Standing The issue isn’t really about sitting or standing, but rather how much flexibility and comfort you have with either. Research has been done on groups – those seated throughout the day – and those who using a combination of sit/stand opportunities. The sit-stand group could raise or lower their desks as needed and they could sit or stand at their workstations. The study revealed that those who could stand from time to time were 46% more productive than the sit-only group. Those using standing desks report less stress and fatigue than those who remain seated throughout the work day. Findings like this also link a sedentary lifestyle to an increase in stress and depression. Standing More isn’t Just the Latest Health Fad Research of the benefits of standing aren’t just originating from manufacturers of standing desks, but from studies conducted by endocrinologists. They confirm over and over again that a sedentary lifestyle is seriously detrimental in the long-term. Besides just standing, try to incorporate some exercise into your workplace to further boost the health benefits. Try these stationary yoga moves for example at work to improve your posture and improve blood circulation. A Gradual but Steady Start of Standing More Failing to stand more and introduce more activities into your day can be linked to obesity and other diseases. The key to reducing the risk of obesity isn’t to go from a sitting lifestyle into a full-time standing lifestyle, but to rather introduce moderate levels of standing and movement throughout the day. Reference: 1. Shmerling. R. Harvard Health Publishing. The truth behind standing desks. Available at https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-truth-behind-standing-desks-2016092310264 2. Banar, M. Livestrong.com. How to Lose Weight While Standing. Available at https://www.livestrong.com/article/371881-how-to-lose-weight-while-standing/ 3. CUErgo. Sitting and Standing at Work. Available at http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/cuesitstand.html 4. J Muller. Ergonomictrends.com. 10 Beginner Friendly Yoga Poses to Relieve Back Pain and Strengthen Your Back. Available at http://ergonomictrends.com/beginner-yoga-poses-relieve-back-pain-strengthen-back/
Food 4 Reasons to Consider a Low-Carb Diet 9:25 AM 4 Reasons to Consider a Low-Carb Diet With all the diet trends and hacks, it's a jungle out there in the fitness universe! Calorie-counting, fat-slashing, carb-cutting - you name it. But let's keep things straightforward and wholesome. How about giving the low-carb diet a shot? It's got some pretty nifty benefits for your weight and health. Why not peek at what the low-carb life has in store for you? It might just be the ticket! Here are four reasons to consider a low-carb diet. 1. Banish unhealthy sugars. Some of the most obvious offenders that would be eliminated for a low-carb diet are processed foods high in refined sugars. Refined sugars and refined carbs often appear in products like bread, pastries, snack foods, and sodas. Consuming too much sugar, as most Americans do, is hazardous to your heart health. It increases blood pressure and chronic inflammation and is directly related to weight gain. A low-carb diet requires you to avoid foods that are high in sugar. You'll focus instead on proteins and fats. 2. Lose weight comfortably. Many dieters associate weight loss with deprivation and restriction. While a low-carb diet limits some food choices, participants tend to report fewer adverse effects and less hunger than those on low-fat diets.Low-carb diets are also more effective than calorie-restricted diets for losing weight and body fat. LifeSum can help you find delicious picks for a low-carb diet. You can enjoy a juicy steak with a heaping side of broccoli, choose nutrient-packed eggs, or dine on tasty salmon with Brussels sprouts or cauliflower. You won't feel like you're suffering while trying to lose weight with these picks. 3. Alleviate chronic conditions. If you're struggling with or at high risk for chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, a low-carb diet is an excellent choice for your health. This diet can help manage blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. (Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet plan). Low-carb diets target deep visceral fat. This is the layer of fat in the abdominal area that's most heavily associated with heart disease and diabetes. Your food choices in this diet increase HDL, or "good" cholesterol, levels. Decreasing the refined carbs in your diet will also lower triglyceride levels in your blood. Achieving a healthy ratio of HDL cholesterol to triglycerides will reduce your risk for heart disease, increase insulin resistance, and help you battle metabolic syndrome. 4. Gain lean muscle mass. If you're interested in building and supporting muscle, you'll need a diet high in protein and low in carbs. A low-fat diet simply won't work. You must continue consuming healthy fats and adequate calories to help you develop and sustain lean, fit muscles. If you want to focus on extreme muscle mass, choose low-carb meals and do not restrict your variety too much. Even while limiting carbs, don't go overboard. Just try incorporating protein-rich healthy carbs, such as whole grains, beans, legumes, and nuts.What is considered a low-carb diet? If you want to consider the low-carb diet, here's a list of options for you:Low-carb diet suggestions for omnivores:Lean Meats: Chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef and pork.Fish: Salmon, tuna, and sardines, which are also rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.Eggs: A great source of protein.Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, to name a few.Low-Carb Vegetables: Think spinach, kale, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli.Avocados: They're not just low-carb but also packed with healthy fats.Cheese: High in calcium and protein.Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are relatively low in sugar compared to other fruits.Plain Greek Yogurt: High in protein and probiotics for gut health.Healthy Fats: Like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados.Olives: A good source of vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants.Dark Chocolate: Choose the kind that's at least 70% cocoa Vegan-friendly low-carb foods:Tofu and Tempeh: High in protein and versatile in many recipes.Leafy Greens: Such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard.Non-Starchy Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and broccoli.Avocados: Packed with healthy fats and fiber.Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts.Berries: Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are lower in carbs than other fruits.Mushrooms: Low in carbs and a great meat substitute in many dishes.Cauliflower: A versatile low-carb vegetable often used as a rice or potato substitute.Seitan: A high-protein meat substitute made from wheat gluten.Coconut and Almond Yogurt: Dairy-free yogurt alternatives.Healthy Fats: Like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados.Dark Chocolate: Look for dairy-free versions of at least 70% cocoa for a low-carb treat.Learn more about low-carb diet plans for vegetarians and vegans from Healthline.Low-carb diets offer a satisfying way to lose weight, prevent chronic health conditions, and fuel muscle growth for a healthier, trimmer body. These are great reasons to consider shifting to this simple diet plan, isn't it?
Reflections Reflection: My Happily Ever After 1:00 AM In all the years that I've lived, I've realized that my happily ever after lies entirely to me. Whether I'd live conveniently or miserably is up to how I've saved all the money I earned. Whether I'd end up with a jerk or stay single and at peace, or find someone who is perfectly imperfect for me depends on who I give myself to. My love story with the Lord depends on how loyal and faithful I am to Him. The strength of my relationship with God depends on whether I work on it every day or lazily let it weaken. God will not force me to love Him. He won't send lightning to strike me when I don't pray. He will not stop loving, forgiving, and protecting me. Whether I give Him back the praise or not will not change His being God or lessen His majesty. He is God and will always be God whether I worship Him or not. I need to worship Him to remind myself how blessed I am to be under His wings. To remind myself that I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me. And isn't it a wonderful feeling knowing that Somebody so important loves you so much that He's willing to give up even His life for you? So my happily ever after depends on whether I accept that love or reject it. My happily ever after depends on whether I walk with Him or away from Him. My prize--my happily ever after---is waiting for me at the end of the race. It's right there with my name printed on it, waiting for me to claim it. But the question is, am I willing to run the race until the very end to accept it? I'd be crazy not to. What's your happily ever after story? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Love and Relationship From Happy Single To Engaged And Ecstatic 9:25 PM This year is my best one yet; my best and longest birthday celebration so far. My craziest and most amazing journey and transformation---from happy single to engaged and ecstatic. Yes, it finally happened (Sumome newsletter subscribers already knew as I told them about it before posting. I encourage you to subscribe in the pop up so I can keep you updated and send you soul foods). Just when I thought I'd be single forever and was so ready for it, God gave me this most wonderful surprise. For those who are asking, I've been single for 5 years and I'm in my mid-30's now. Indeed when God works, He works in ways that will leave us in awe. As Hudson Taylor said, "There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done." From Happy Single To Engaged And Ecstatic Impossible It felt like finding my OTL (One True Love) was impossible. I've dated a few and although I tried to make each one work, it just didn't. When I thought or maybe made myself believe that I've found my prince, he turned out to be just another frog. I've had an ex (or two) who cheated on me. An ex who loved to point out what's wrong with me; my appearance, what's lacking in my life, my mistakes and imperfections. An ex who never pays attention when I talk. An ex who just couldn't keep the promise anymore and chose the easy way out; he walked away---when I needed him the most. Exes who borrowed money and never paid, lied to my face, and those who felt entitled to anything. (Did it sound like I have many exes? Well, most of these characters are found in just one person. Or two). I've met people who discouraged me and gave me second thoughts about true love's existence. Or happy endings. Maybe love is just found in movies or books made up by people desperate to find it? It seems impossible to find it in the real world. Difficult Yet no matter how wrong the men I dated were and no matter how badly I was treated, I always find myself believing that someday I will find someone who will honor me, cherish me, and show me how it is to be truly loved. That love exists and I will one day experience and share it with the one destined to be mine. That God is still writing my love story and He's perfecting it. So I waited. And oh, how long and difficult it was. I endured the insults. I had to remind myself that if someone thinks there's something wrong with me for choosing this path, there is something terribly wrong with them. I had to be patient---very patient, and wait for God to deliver His promise. There were times when I am so at peace with myself I go to bed heaving a sigh of relief that I can do whatever I want when I want to without complications or anyone to consider. I can remember going home and relishing my alone time in the apartment like any introvert. And going to bed with a smile on my face knowing I can sleep anytime, wake up at whatever time I wish to, and decide whether to stay in bed, go out and meet friends or just stay home and order pizza (something I especially miss). I was enjoying my single life while it lasts knowing in my heart that someday soon, everything will change and I would wish I can go back to the time I am free from commitment. But then... There were many cold lonely nights too, so to speak. There were times when I go to bed with a heavy heart, with such yearning for someone to share how my day went. There were moments I wake up in the middle of the night, longing for a comforting body beside me, assuring me that I am loved and boosting my spirit when I had a long tiring day. Moments when I wish I have someone to share my joys and trials with. There are days when I have to run errands or do chores and wish there's someone there I can rely on to do the heavy, difficult tasks. I will always have to check if the service includes free pick-up and delivery because it's quite challenging for my small frame and back problem. Or look for someone I can pay to do stuff for me. Done When finally I've learned to embrace my single life and all its imperfections, when I finally accepted the fact that it is a possibility that I might end up alone and be totally okay with it, when I finally became at peace with myself and dealt with loneliness like an old frenemy, when I could finally ignore the criticisms knowing that they know nothing about what God has planned for me...that's when God proved that my story isn't over yet. That's when I realized I was ready for more. I was ready for a big change. God has been preparing me for a big surprise---a wonderful bonus to my already great life. It wasn't easy getting to where I am right now from where I was five years ago. I was hurt, betrayed, used, and broken. But then God has proven that my life isn't over with me planning my time alone; securing my future in case there's no one to take care of me. God obviously thinks it is so much better for me to share this life with another---someone He has specially prepared, honed, crafted, formed into the best partner for His stubborn daughter. Someone perfectly imperfect for the imperfect me. How did it happen? Sometimes I have to pause and reflect. Sometimes I have to check the photos and messages on my phone, and the ring on my finger just to be sure I'm not dreaming. Because it seems everything's happening so fast and everything feels so unreal. Wasn't it only yesterday I was single and happy? Now I'm actually engaged! I have to stop and just revel at how amazing God is. I finally met someone willing to spend the rest of his life with me. Someone who liked it enough to put a ring on it. (Thank you, Beyonce.) Like anyone who believes in the power of visualization and asking God for specifics, I wrote down the things I want in my future spouse. My heart rejoices knowing that he ticked off all my list. He is everything I prayed for...and more. Truly God delivers, and when He does you'll be blown away. He will---as always---exceed your expectations. God will give you more than you think you deserve for He loves you more than your human understanding can ever fathom. When I think about my plans that have so abruptly changed this year, I feel like God must be so amused when I was presenting to Him my needs and my goals. They're too small compared to His big plans for me. He knows my needs more than I do. I thank God for his perfect timing. It's all happening when I am not influenced by any strong emotions; fear, desperation, despondency, or anger. I have clarity and so I know I am not being unreasonable or illogical. I'm in no rush. No one is forcing me to do anything. This is me deciding with a clear mind and a ready heart. This is me trusting my gut feeling knowing that this nudge is from God. It all happened when I am not lonely anymore, nor am I afraid to be alone. With God's will, everything falls into place. It's like the universe syncs and moves with you. You are shown favor after favor after favor. So just keep the faith, keep praying, and never ever stop believing in love. Maybe one day you'll find someone to share that love with. Maybe God will send you to a mission where you'll find a different kind of love. Maybe God will give you a heart so big and generous to love a whole community which you can call family. Whatever it is, keep trusting God. He knows best. After all, He invented love. He is love.
Fashion & Style The Benefits of Insoles for Your Shoes 5:00 PM Did you know that a considerable percentage of the populations could enjoy their lives better and avoid excessive foot pain with the correct insoles? It is a fact accepted by the medical community that over 70% of the population suffers from over pronation. Furthermore, plantar fasciitis is also a condition that 10% of Americans will endure at some point in their lives. Both of these conditions can be addressed with proper insoles. The Benefits of Insoles for Your Shoes The foot is a very important instrument for moving about and absorbs the weight of the body and contact with the floor by spreading shocks and impact through a specially designed system of bones, tendons and muscles. Reducing the friction between these important structural elements can make for a more comfortable walking experience, but there are some degenerative conditions that can adversely affect the foot. These include: --Plantar fasciitis --Heel spurs --Stress fractures --High foot arches --Sesamoiditis --Flat feet --Calluses and foot corns Overpronation and supination Most people will prefer the comfort that comes from the improved support from orthotic insoles. These insoles are designed for the specific needs of the user. They are the best solution to providing bespoke support as needed that can keep weight and strain properly distributed throughout the back, legs hips and joints. The application of orthotic foot gears as needed can aid the proper walking mechanisms of the body and avoid some of the discomfort that is natural when recovering from ankles, toes and knees that may have been damaged or injured. How to Choose the Right Orthotic Insoles for Your Feet Orthotic soles guide the foot to proper walking positioning be restricting movement. This is an especially important benefit to those who are suffering from conditions of the foot like a high arch or a flat foot. Conditions like this can develop over time or be genetically inherited from parents. The specialized support from an orthotic insole ensure the correct positioning of the foot and therefore keeps the feet and joints from further damage. With the properly designed insole for the conditions of the foot any natural support that is lacking can be substituted until the correction is properly corrected. This is especially important for those carrying extra weight or hoping to participate in athletic events. Orthotic insoles such as these from Orthotic Shop can help to relieve the discomfort and pain associated with various foot conditions especially when the biodynamics are skewed or bodyweight is not properly supported by the frame. Sometimes a regular insole will be more than enough support to correct the issue, but for more specific conditions, a professional design can offer superior performance. A visit to a podiatrist or a special sports therapist can provide a professional perspective on the gait and positioning of the body to reveal any muscular or skeletal incongruities that should be adjusted. Once the nature of the disbalance has been fully-understood, the proper insole can be created and the performance of the body greatly improved. It may be possible to address many of these conditions with a focused effort to adjust the positioning of the body. Nevertheless, this can be a slow and very difficult process without a consistent professional perspective critique the very particular adjustments needed. With proper orthotics the movement and balance of the body are adjusted naturally without having to commit to walking or running exercise program. Foot orthotics are designed with the specific needs of the individual foot in mind, so it is essential to have your specific conditions examined by a professional. If you are simply looking for better comfort in your walking gear, you will do just fine with a gel-padded insole. It is always preferred to purchase top-quality brand for this as they are less likely to cause foot problems after extended use. This post may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
How-To How To Get The Best Sound Experience In Your Car 4:00 AM Who doesn’t like music? Music is an instant vacation. With the right kind of song, you are transported from where you are to a different kind of world.Whether you’re just staying in and having some R&R or going for a long drive with your best buds, you can bring music everywhere. How to get the best sound experience in your car? You need a car stereo. And thanks to today’s technology and some skillful hands, you can get your car sound certified, too. There’s a lot involved when it comes to understanding how to upgrade the sound system in your car.Here’s a good example of a car stereo site that goes into detail especially for do-it-yourself types. How to Get the Best Sound Experience in Your Car 1. Create your driving playlist Search Spotify for the best driving playlists out there. Can't find a playlist you like? Make your own road trip music in your favorite music apps. Nowadays, with a simple search and click, you can be your own DJ. 2. Upgrade your speakers Here's the thing. No matter how good your playlist is, it will be rendered useless if you don’t have a good speaker to play them with. Buy a speaker that can give justice to the beats and rhythms of your favorite song. Choose quality and choose wisely. After all, the goal is to bring music everywhere. Most vehicles have low-quality speakers installed from the factory so upgrading them can make a big difference! 3. Connec music with Bluetooth. It’s amazing how listening to music evolved from carrying around a boom box to Walkman and portable CD players to playing music right from our mobile phones. But the speaker on our phones would not be enough to bring the party to the car. Connect your mobile device via a direct connection using Bluetooth. No more looking for and misplacing your wires or having your phones plugged just to play the music you love. You can still navigate with your phone’s GPS. Or your friend from the back seat in charge of the music can still update her status on Facebook while playing music through Bluetooth. 4. Get an equalizer The sound playing from a speaker of a mini Cooper will be different when played in a truck. It’s because the sound production varies from vehicle to vehicle and speaker to speaker. If you’re playing music from a streaming app like Spotify, it has an equalizer function built-in. With this, you can tailor the sound to your liking. You can boost or cut the level of treble or bass until you're satisfied. 5. Amp the sound up. An amplifier is simply a device to amplify – or increase – the power delivered to speakers. Your vehicle probably has a low-cost, low-power one in its stereo. A more powerful amplifier allows more volume without distortion when playing your favorite music with the volume up. If you shop wisely they’re affordable, but it does take additional money for installation accessories and time and labor to do the job. 6. Get a subwoofer Most vehicles come with small speakers installed.A subwoofer is a larger speaker designed only to produce bass and they handle much more power than small speakers. However, as they’re large speakers they require an amplifier to drive them to get good sound. Some are sold as a “powered subwoofer” like the kenwood subwoofers, which means both the speaker, amplifier, and speaker enclosure are built together. That’s a great option for many people. Conclusion Do you feel bad? Play some cool, feel-good music. Do you need to work out? Play your jam to get your adrenaline and good vibes flowing. If you have no idea about how to install a speaker in the car or how to choose the best products and accessories to use, don't fret.There are experts who can help you. Visit their websites’ how-to posts for more details about car audio projects you can do yourself and get the best sound experience in your car.
For Moms Tips for the Prenatal Period: Your Child’s Health is in Your Hands 5:00 PM Prenatal or the pregnancy period is a unique experience for every couple. This is naturally one of the most important phases of one’s life. So, it should be filled with lots of excitement and fun, not nervousness and tension. If you are well prepared for welcoming your child into the beautiful world the journey won’t feel like a roller coaster ride. We thought of sharing some tips to make your prenatal journey a smooth journey and to ensure the well-being of the coming child as well as the would-be mother. Tips for the Prenatal Period Include exercise in your routine This may sound a very generic advice as we all are recommended to do some exercise. But, when you are expecting a baby you are doubly responsible for your as well as the baby’s health. So, you cannot afford to take this advice lightly like any other individual. The pregnancy comes with many health complications like back pain, body stiffness, swellings etc. And, if you miss your exercise routine you’ll feel these complications in an aggravated form. In the first trimester, you can do the simple back and pelvic exercises. As you enter your second trimester you’ll need to upgrade to some advanced exercises. But, don’t do any exercise without the recommendation of your doctor. Take care of your nutrition After the exercise, your main focus should be to give nutrition to your body. Giving nutrition to your body does not translate to eating as much as you can. Eating without thinking will only gain you extra weight that you’ll struggle to shed off after the delivery. So, instead of eating double your dose look what nutrition are you gaining from your diet? Your body needs the right amount of iron, calcium, folic acid, vitamins, and protein. In addition to the healthy diet, you would need some nutrition supplements like vitamin tablets and protein drinks. You can read the prenatal vitamin reviews and choose the one for you. Don’t let your hunger pangs enslave you It is natural to feel always hungry when a new life is forming inside you. Not only hungry but you’ll also feel greedy for food items loved by your taste buds. But, don’t let your hunger pangs decide your eating habit. Before putting your hands on any of the junk foods remember that you are going to feed that junk to your child. As a mother, you will never want your baby to grow on junks. So, whenever you feel hungry eat healthy items like fruits and salads. Don’t let your body get dehydrated We all need to drink enough water to keep our body metabolism functioning well. But, as a pregnant woman, you need to drink more than enough water as dehydration is common during pregnancy. If you don’t keep your body well-hydrated you can easily develop urinary tract infection. If plain water is not the thing you enjoy drinking you can take other fluids such as coconut water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because they too are the culprit who can dehydrate your body. Don’t make anybody your advisor Pregnancy is the time when you are bombarded with suggestions and advice from all sides. And, it is a fact that you too starve for getting any advice you can get about this phase of your life. But, please don’t follow any advice blindly. Whatever you read or listen to the pregnancy advice please re-confirm the same with your doctor. Being active is recommended for all the pregnant women but in some of the cases doctor advice complete bed rest due to some complications. This means what is right for others may be wrong for you. So, take suggestions of the doctor handling your case because she is only who knows all your physical condition. Join a prenatal class You need to be well prepared to welcome your baby’s arrival on the Earth. Joining a prenatal class means you are always in the contact with an expert. Learning everything about your baby’s arrival and the caring tips in-group becomes more fun. In the prenatal class, you will meet other to-be-moms and share each other’s experiences. Don’t forget to enroll your better half in the class too because he will also need to learn the art of taking care of the newborn baby and the mother as well. You two began the journey together so you should live together throughout the journey of being a parent and raising a socially responsible healthy kid. Don’t let any fear take over your loving experience of being a parent. Follow a well-managed routine and stay happy. This article was submitted by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
