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Nicole

The Strange Ways Nutrition Can Impact Your Body

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Everyone knows that proper nutrition is vital for health. What you eat plays a bigger role in how healthy you feel than almost anything else. 

However, food can have some strange and unexpected impacts on you. So what’s going on? 

That’s the topic of this post. We explore some of the weird and wacky ways nutrition can affect you and what it might mean. 

Changes In Mood

According to research, more than 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. And that matters when it comes to your mood. If you’re not getting enough of this compound, it can affect how you feel (and not always in a good way!)

Evidence suggests, however, that when people eat a better diet, it improves the gut-brain axis. The better your stomach feels, the better your mind also feels. 

Worsened Skin Health

Another way food can affect the gut is in the realm of skin health. The better the diet, the better the skin appears to look. 

Glycation can occur when people eat large quantities of sugar. It happens when proteins in the body fuse with glucose, affecting how they appear on the surface. Glycation is damaging because it can affect skin cells, causing them to look old before their time.

Furthermore, there’s growing evidence that dairy products cause acne. So if you want to avoid zits, reduce milk consumption!

Decreased Hearing

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There’s also a striking link between nutrition and hearing loss. The two appear to go hand in hand. 

Audiologists will often talk about the value of avoiding loud noises and reducing exposure to headphone music. But the main culprit is often the diet. Nutrition lacking whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, can be extra harmful to the system, causing the delicate machinery in the ears to degrade. 

Worsened Sleep Quality

Some diets can also decrease sleep quality. For example, high-sugar meals, like sugary snacks before bed, can hype up the body and prevent it from entering a restful state. The sudden influx of energy makes it want to engage in activity. 

Furthermore, diets poor in certain nutrients that support sleep can also be damaging. That’s why eating plenty of spinach, nuts, and seeds to regulate hormones, like melatonin, is so beneficial. These foods make it easier to get some shut-eye at night. 

Decreased Bone Health

Strangely, bones are also affected by what you eat. And some foods are worse than others. 

For example, if you’re a fan of sodas containing phosphoric acid, that can eat away at the calcium in the bones, causing them to become more brittle over time (increasing the risk of osteoporosis). 

Furthermore, if you don’t eat enough vitamin K2 in fermented foods like natto, you can also weaken your bones. The body needs it to add strength and increase muscle. 

Worsened Immune System

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Finally, failing to get enough zinc from food can make even mild infections dangerous. Zinc mainly comes from beef, oysters, and pumpkin seeds. However, some diets don’t have much of it, leading to problems with fighting off disease. 

Friends, has nutrition impacted your body in strange and unpredictable ways? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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4 Steps To Living A Healthier Lifestyle

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If you want to feel your best, you must take good care of yourself. Even if you are busy, you must put self-care at the top of your to-do list.

Gladly, there are actions you can start taking today to help you change your situation around for the better. You must pay close attention to your habits and be willing to change your way of life to be, and stay, well. Here you can review four steps to living a healthier lifestyle. 

Visit Your Doctors

    You want to make sure you remain in good health throughout the year. This will entail scheduling appointments to see your doctors, dentist, and audiologist. Review some tips for choosing a hearing specialist that will be most suitable for you. These appointments are a chance to ask any questions you have and address health concerns. If there is an issue that arises you can work with your providers to come up with a treatment plan so you can get back on track to having better health. 

    Nurture Your Mental Health

      You want to make sure you have a clear mind daily. Therefore, you should make it a point to nurture your mental health. Get in better touch with your thoughts and feelings by keeping a journal you can write in. You may also want to use your journal to practice gratitude and write down what you are most thankful for in your life. You can nurture your mental health by trying meditation or taking up yoga. It may also be helpful to unplug from technology more often and instead use your free time to be in nature. 

      Cook at Home

        Eating out all the time can be costly and cause you to consume too many calories. Instead, choose to cook for yourself at home more often. Cooking can be a very mindful activity that you may find you enjoy. You can use your free time on the weekends to grocery shop and do some food prep for the week. You may want to freeze some healthy meals that you can pull out when you are busy during the week. Consider having a garden and growing your food that you can cook with these ingredients. You’ll have more control over what foods you are eating and portion sizes when you make it a point to cook meals for yourself. 

        Exercise Daily

          Another step to living a healthier lifestyle is to exercise daily. It’s an effective way to reduce and manage your stress. When you get into better shape your clothes will fit better and you’ll gain a boost in your confidence levels. Set fitness goals for yourself so you know what you are working toward. You may want to join a gym where you can do some weightlifting and participate in group exercise classes. There are also many activities you can do outdoors to get your heart rate up such as running, biking, or swimming.

          Friends, now I want to ask, how do you live a healthier lifestyle at home? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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          Planning Your Financial Future Will Make You Feel Better

          Planning out your finances is a massive help to many people. You know what direction you’re headed in, you can give yourself a goal, and you can generally not panic about the amount of money that you have or need. Once you know what your plan for your financial future is, it’s like a weight is lifted off of your shoulders, and a whole load of stress can dissipate. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at how you can do this, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

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          Being Eco-Friendly Helps You Save Money

          First, being eco-friendly can help you to save money. It will save you money on your electric bill, it can save you money on your food bill, and you can even look into sustainable end-of-life options that are also cheaper than the traditional options a lot of the time. The state of the planet is a big concern right now, so being more eco-friendly is something that you should already be looking into anyway if you have not already done so. But, if you needed a little bit more of an incentive, then this is certainly a great one.

          Saving Where You Can Gives You Security

          Saving as much money as you can will give you a sense of security that you do not have otherwise. Experts recommend that you try to save enough for two months of bills and payments that you need to make so that you are not completely in the lurch if something goes wrong. For example, if you lost your job for whatever reason, then you need to still be able to live in the meantime while you are looking for more work. 

          If you have these savings, it gives you the security that you need to know you are not going to struggle when things get tough. You always have that to fall back on, and that’s important.

          Budgeting Properly Allows You Peace Of Mind

          Finally, if you budget properly, then you have peace of mind that everything is paid, and that you’re not going to go into debt. Going into debt is one of the worst things that you can do to yourself, and should never be done if there is any alternative option. Having said that, we do understand that there are times when you cannot avoid it. But, if you budget to the best of your ability and keep within your means, this is the best way to give yourself peace of mind now and in the future.

          At the end of the day, the more of a plan that you have in place, the better you are going to feel. We understand that some people don’t like to plan their lives out and that they struggle when it comes to things like this, but it is for the best. The more that you plan and the more solid the plan you come up with, the better you are going to feel. At the very least, you know everything is taken care of financially, and you don’t have to worry about it.

          Friends, how are you planning for your financial future? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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          How To Improve Your Life & Feel Happier

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          There are times when you may experience setbacks or find yourself in a slump. This is normal but you also don’t want to get stuck in one place for too long.

          The good news is that there are steps you can take so you can turn your situation around for the better. It’s all about being more mindful about the choices you make and how you want to live your life. It’s important to take good care of yourself and put your needs first. Here you can learn how to improve your life and feel happier. 

          Exercise & Move More

          If you want to improve your life and feel happier then get regular exercise. There are many benefits it offers for your mental and physical health. Working out often is also an effective way to reduce and manage stress. You must move more if you have a sedentary job or lifestyle currently. It may help to get a fitness tracker so you can monitor the amount of steps you’re getting daily. You may also want to join a gym where you can weight lift and take group exercise classes. Create a playlist of your favorite songs and invest in comfortable activewear to help keep you motivated to exercise. 

          Find A Home & Neighborhood You Like

          Where you live can impact how happy you feel. You want to find a home and neighborhood that you like and where you feel at ease. You may discover that now is the perfect time to pack up and move. In this case, consider using a quitclaim deed to transfer your old home to your kids so you know your previous home will be in good hands. Then you can work on finding a new place to live that will be more suitable for you and your family members. Once you’re moved in you can work on personalizing and updating your spaces to your liking. 

          Eat Nourishing Food

          If you eat out all the time you may be spending more money than you prefer and consuming more calories overall. Eating nourishing food can improve your life and health. There are even foods that can increase or decrease anxiety levels. It will be helpful to get in the habit of cooking for yourself at home. This will give you more control over the ingredients you are using and portion sizes. You may come to find that cooking is a very rewarding and enjoyable activity. If you’re having trouble sticking to your diet then you may want to consider keeping a food journal. This way you can quickly identify problem areas and make changes to your eating habits.

          Practice Meditation & Mindfulness

          It’s also important that you nurture your mental health if you want to improve your life and feel happier. Work on slowing down and practicing mindfulness. This entails living in the present moment and not worrying too much about the past or future. You may also want to start engaging in a regular meditation practice. There are apps you can download on your phone so that you can listen to guided meditations whenever you please. Meditation can help you slow racing thoughts and get in better touch with your feelings and emotions. Be patient with yourself because meditating can be tricky when you are first getting started. However, stick with it and it won’t be long before you notice you feel better and have more natural energy. 

          Secure A Job You Enjoy

          Working takes up a lot of your time and energy. You don’t want to be stuck in a dead-end job that doesn’t challenge you. Now is a good time to revisit what you are most passionate about and brush up on your skills. Focus on securing a job that you love and enjoy and makes you feel good about yourself. You may even be motivated to want to work for yourself and start your own company. Working for yourself can be quite rewarding and will offer you greater flexibility in your schedule. It may take some time before you land your dream job so be patient with yourself during your job search. 

          Get Enough Sleep

          You want to avoid feeling sluggish and having to drag yourself through the day. Therefore, you will want to make sure you’re getting plenty of good sleep. This way you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to seize each new day. It will help if you set up a bedroom retreat that helps you feel calm the minute you step foot in the space. Invest in a comfortable mattress and bedding and have plenty of storage solutions in place so you can keep the room clean and tidy. Engage in a relaxing bedtime routine such as reading a book or taking a warm bath. Playing on your devices or electronics will stimulate your mind and body before bedtime so try to avoid this if you can. Do your best to get on a regular sleep schedule where you’re going to bed and waking up around the same time each day.

          Maintain Healthy Relationships

          Another way to improve your life and feel happier is to maintain healthy relationships. Make it a point to surround yourself with positive people. You want individuals in your life who are encouraging and uplifting. Now is a good opportunity to re-evaluate your inner circle of friends and make some changes if necessary. It will be nice to have people in your life who you can lean on when you are facing problems or struggles. You’ll also enjoy having more of a social life and going out and having some fun with the people who you care about the most.

          Conclusion

          You now know what it will take to improve your life and feel happier. All it will require is you to make some adjustments to how you are living currently. Be willing to put in the hard work so that you can feel your best and keep a smile on your face. These are some great ideas to get you started down a more rewarding path in your life. 

          Friends, in what ways are you ensuring your happiness this season at home? Please leave your thoughts in the comment below.

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          From Injury to Wellness: A Guide to Recovering from an Accident

          An experience that changes your life is getting an accident on the job or anywhere else. Healing is a long journey, often involving more than just the physical aspect. Having a grasp of what needs to be done and where some support is is crucial for rehab which will get you through it more smoothly, quickly, and fully, this guide offers a 360º framework to get you from injured to well.

          1. Immediate Medical Advice Sought

          Immediately following any accident, the most important step is to receive immediate medical treatment. Even if you think that your injuries are minor, it is important to seek a professional opinion. Not all injuries are obvious right off the bat that you may have sustained but over time they can cause to develop later if left untreated. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, and go for regular monitoring visits. The earlier that you seek help, the faster those injuries will heal, and less damage will be done.

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          2. Create a Rehabilitation Plan

          A rehabilitation plan is essential for a proper recovery from an injury and needs to be well-organized. A similar plan should be designed to meet your specific injuries and overall health instead. This may be followed by physical therapy to restore movement and strength, as well as occupational therapy to help you gradually return to your daily activities. 

          With the help of your healthcare team, you can establish goals that are both obtainable as well as a timeline to achieve them. Sticking to your rehabilitation plan is key to attaining the optimal result.

          3. Mental and Emotional Health

          But getting over a crash isn’t just about the physical healing, emotional and mental health take an equal stage. You can expect to be left with all kinds of emotional issues, from trauma and anxiety to depression after an accident. Reaching out to a mental health professional can allow you access to coping methods and emotional support. 

          Being part of a support group with other parents who have gone through or are still going through something similar can provide comfort and compassion for you. Feel free to reach out for more emotional support from friends and family.

          4. Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

          Others may require or benefit from Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery as part of their recovery. These surgeries may in turn offer injury victims a renewed sense of purpose and tools to restore both the form, function as well as confidence required with providing overall quality of life improvements. 

          Have a detailed conversation with the expert surgeon to learn your alternatives as well as possible results. The key to making an informed decision that complements your recovery goals is weighing the pros and cons.

          5. Return to Normalcy Gradually

          It would be a gradual journey back to your routine and physical activities. If you try to push yourself too hard, it can do the opposite and set you back even longer in your recovery. Ease into light activities and gradually advance the volume of work as your strength and stamina increase. 

          In conclusion, resilience in the aftermath of any accident is a complex path and one that demands healing on every level, physical as well as emotional. The following is a tried and tested strategy for dealing with both physical recovery — sought after by tips of compensation, aesthetic work, or reconstructive surgery considered one most devastating burns survivors ever want to undertake would always involve this kind of operation at some stage post-burns injury. The key to success after a hernia repair operation is patience and persistence, as each step you make brings you nearer the complete healing.

          Friends, what steps do you take to overcome injuries at home? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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          The Educational Value Of Board Games

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          Board games have been a source of entertainment for centuries, engaging players of all ages in various challenges. Beyond their entertainment value, board games also offer significant educational benefits. They foster cognitive development, enhance critical thinking, and promote social skills. Among these games, chess stands out as a potent educational tool.

          Cognitive Development

          Board games are excellent for cognitive development, especially in children. They often require players to memorize rules, recall past moves, and plan future strategies, all of which engage and strengthen the brain. Games like “Memory” and “Scrabble” are designed to boost memory and language skills. Memory games improve a player’s ability to recognize patterns and recall details, while word games expand vocabulary and spelling abilities.

          Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

          Many board games are built around the concept of strategy, requiring players to think critically and solve problems. Games such as “Risk” and “Catan” challenge players to think several steps ahead, weighing the potential outcomes of different actions. This kind of strategic thinking is invaluable in real-world situations, where planning and foresight are essential.

          Chess, one of the oldest and most revered board games, is a prime example of a game that fosters critical thinking. Each move in chess must be carefully considered, as it affects not only the current state of the game but also future possibilities. Players must anticipate their opponent’s moves and develop a flexible strategy to adapt to the changing board. This level of deep thinking and analysis can significantly enhance cognitive abilities and improve decision-making skills.

          Social Skills and Teamwork

          Board games are inherently social activities that often require players to interact, communicate, and collaborate. Games like “Pandemic” and “Ticket to Ride” require players to work together toward a common goal, promoting teamwork and cooperation. These interactions help players develop important social skills such as communication, negotiation, and empathy.

          Playing board games also teaches players how to handle winning and losing gracefully. The competitive nature of these games often leads to a range of emotions, and players learn to manage these feelings healthily. This emotional regulation is a crucial skill that extends far beyond the gaming table.

          Educational Benefits of Chess

          Chess, in particular, has been extensively studied for its educational benefits. It is not just a game of kings and queens but also a powerful tool for developing a range of cognitive and social skills. Schools around the world have integrated chess into their curricula, recognizing its potential to enhance student learning.

          1. Improving Concentration and Focus: Chess requires intense concentration and focus. Players must pay attention to every move and anticipate their opponent’s strategies. This sustained focus can translate to better concentration in academic settings, improving students’ ability to stay on task and absorb information.
          2. Enhancing Memory: Chess players must remember a vast array of moves, strategies, and counter-strategies. This constant exercise of memory can lead to improved recall and retention of information, benefiting students in subjects that require memorization, such as history and science.
          3. Developing Critical Thinking: Chess is often referred to as the “game of kings” because it involves strategic thinking, planning, and foresight. Players learn to think multiple steps ahead, evaluate different scenarios, and make decisions based on logic and reasoning. These skills are directly applicable to problem-solving in academic and real-world situations.
          4. Encouraging Patience and Discipline: Chess is a game of patience and discipline. Players must wait for the right moment to execute their strategies and avoid impulsive moves. This patience and discipline can help students approach their studies and other tasks with a more measured and thoughtful mindset.
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          Lifelong Learning and Enjoyment

          Board games are not just for children; they offer educational benefits for adults as well. Games that involve complex strategies and deep thinking can help keep the adult brain sharp and engaged. Additionally, the social aspect of board games provides a fun and interactive way for adults to connect with others and develop their social skills.

          For families, playing board games together can create bonding opportunities and promote a love of learning. Parents can use games as a tool to teach valuable life skills, from basic math and reading to more complex strategic thinking.

          There You Go

          Board games are more than just a source of entertainment. They are powerful educational tools that can enhance cognitive development, critical thinking, and social skills. Chess, in particular, stands out for its ability to improve concentration, memory, and strategic thinking. Whether played by children or adults, board games offer a unique and enjoyable way to learn and grow, making them an invaluable addition to any educational toolkit.

          Friends, what are your favorite games to play? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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          Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart Book Review & Giveaway


          Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

          In times of political, social, and environmental uncertainty, words of serenity can help to calm the mind, secure sleep, and rest even the most tired of spirits. Leading many people, including a fair number of women weery from around the world. Always looking for positivity in a troubled world, worlds of encouragement can bring hope to many in need of a clear mind and peaceful heart. As is the message of the new devotional publication, from Christian author Lysa TerKeurst, “Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart.”

          Featuring simple-to-understand daily devotional messages of faith and futility, author Lysa TerKeurst shares with readers methods to avoid uncertainty, how to unpack personal frailty and feelings of fear, as well as devotions to help readers fall safely asleep with a clear mind and a peaceful heart in her latest work from Thomas Nelson Publishing, “Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart.”

          Guided meditations showcasing God’s juxtapositioning, simultaneously holding the meaning of life, alongside details of your journeys, in his faithful hands is what New York Times best-selling author Lysa TerKeurst, and her friends at Proverbs 31 Ministries, share in these fifty encouraging devotions and guided prayers written by women, for women, like you. Remebering that the Lord not only has the whole world in His hands; He’s holding the details of your life in His faithful hands, too. Learn more at www.ClearMindPeacefulHeart.com.

          Helping to release the pressures of everyday life and the hard situations we all endure. Helping readers to wake up daily, refreshed and prepared for the challenges ahead of them each day. Days filled with intersection and faith methods to help us all feel hopeful in our days, with nights filled with peaceful, restful sleep. This is the devotion to consider as you start your spiritual life this fall.

          Sleep meditation and exerts directly from scripture, including: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV), aids readers in identifying, “What lies heaviest on your heart as you lay your head on your pillow? Are paralyzing fear and anxiety stealing tomorrow’s peace?” Allowing readers to experience rest, not full of unfilled escapism and uncertainty, but rest for the weariest of souls. Sharing that everything negative in our lives may not be fixed today, we can fix our thoughts on His word.

          Readers are also given contextualization from ministry insights perfect for colder days ahead. Learn more about these teachings for your days, and nights ahead at ClearMindPeacefulHeart.com. Helping readers to experience the kind of rest escapism won’t provide. The hope of sound sleep, the sleep we can all claim, with the ease of knowing God is working on our behalves.

          Through the pages of “Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart,” Lysa TerKeurst, you will be equipped to quiet riotous, anxious thoughts depriving sound sleep and to find relief from the stress of obligations and social pressures through fifty inspired and relatable devotions and guided prayers written, again, for and by, women, like you.

          The publication, “Clean Mind, Peaceful Heart,” in its hardcover, east-to-store binding is now available for $24.99 from Thomas Nelson Publishings. Order your copy of “Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart” today!

          Plus, our good friends at Momentum Publishing are giving away a $5.00 Starbucks gift card to one Theladyprefers2save.com reader. To enter, please visit www.ClearMindPeacefulHeart.com. Then, return to this post and share what piece of life-affirming knowledge makes you most excited to read this publication this season at home; prizes will be mailed directly from Momentum Publishers to this site’s winner. Please also note, that entries are verified; entrants winning on multiple platforms will be disqualified. This giveaway will end on August 1, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. CST. Good luck!

          Friends, why are you most excited to read, “Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart“, by Lysa TerKeurst, from Thomas Nelson Publications this season? I look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments below.

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