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Steer Clear of Energy Drinks: 5 Best Foods for a Natural Boost

June 26, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

It’s tempting to grab an energy drink from the fridge when you hit that afternoon slump. Although energy drinks wake you up, they contain a lot of things that just aren’t good for you. Get energy the natural way by eating these five foods instead.

Fresh Fruit

Image via Flickr by Theo Crazzolara

Starting your morning with fresh fruit is a great way to have sustainable energy throughout the day. For example, the fructose in an apple beats out the caffeine in a cup of coffee to give you energy for the whole morning. While coffee fights drowsiness, it doesn’t actually supply your body with energy. The fructose, fiber, and Vitamin C in apples provide energy to the body. Other fresh fruits that promote energy include peaches, apricots, guava, dates, lemons, and limes. Start your day with a bowl of fresh fruit and track it in an app like Lifesum to kick-start your morning with a healthy habit.

Maca

Maca root is indigenous to Peru but is quickly growing as a top superfood in the United States. It has a lot of benefits, such as hormone balancing and mood elevating, but it also provides a natural energy boost. You won’t get the highs and lows you get with caffeine. Many people use Maca before or after the gym because it also has muscle-building properties. A little goes a long way to get the energy you need with this superfood.

Quinoa

Quinoa, a South American superfood, also boasts the ability to give you a natural boost. This grain is considered a complete source of protein because it’s so rich in amino acids. Quinoa also is high in magnesium, folate, lysine, and phosphorus. Eat it after your workout to help build muscle and fight fatigue. Quinoa is also perfect to replace simple carbs like rice and pasta. You may find quinoa tastes better, and you won’t get the sugar spike and crash you get from simple carbs and white flour.

Spinach

There’s a good reason Popeye always ate spinach. It’s high in magnesium, iron, and potassium, which help to fight fatigue and can also give you more energy. It’s also light and low in calories, so it won’t make you feel bogged down. Throw some spinach in your morning smoothie, make a spinach salad for lunch, or steam it on the side for dinner. You’ll have more energy, and you’ll enjoy the many other benefits spinach provides.

Eggs

Eggs are a great way to start your day because they’re high in protein. They also are full of Vitamin B, which converts food to energy. Many people use egg whites as a protein source in their post-workout shake, which is good since egg whites also have a lot of Vitamin D, which helps to maintain strong bones. Eggs are somewhat calorie dense, but don’t ditch the yolk. You’ll lose out on a lot of nutrients that way. Instead, make an omelet with one whole egg and a few egg whites to get the full effect without all the calories.

Energy drinks boost you up high and then drop you down low. You’ll inevitably crash from the rush of sugar and caffeine. Skip the energy drink and try getting energy from your food instead.

How to Choose a Vinyl Cutter for Crafting

June 6, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored guest post.

If you are eager to buy a vinyl cutter for crafting for the first time, or you want to replace your old one, this article is for you. Don’t just breeze into the market and pick any brand without checking it out. If you get a good machine that will serve your purposes, there are certain things you must check in any brand you see. Don’t feel down now thinking it’s such a hard task. I am going to aide your search with the important details that are necessary for a good choice.

Let’s go!

How to Choose a Vinyl Cutter for Crafting

The first thing you have to do is to determine the types of cutters we have, the purpose of purchasing a vinyl cutter and the features you must see on a good brand.

Types of vinyl cutters

Many cutters are available in the market today, and each of them has unique features. Sometimes, many crafters prefer to buy Cricut or Silhouette machine, but there are other types too. Let’s check them briefly.

1. Silhouette machine

These types of are suitable for those people who love to manipulate few things in their projects. It makes use of a design studio software which you can manipulate a little to accommodate your project needs. Another unique feature of this type of vinyl cutter is tracing capacity. You can use this machine to trace and then cut the images in your computer.

2. Cricut machines

These machines are easy to use and also operates quietly. The software it uses is simple whereby you can cut the font size which you have on your computer and can replicate projects from any file you purchase. The design software is easy when you want to learn it but doesn’t allow for many manipulations when you are working on a personal project.

3. Brother ScanNCut

This type of vinyl cutter has a built-in scanner, and with it, you can scan images and cut without connecting it to the computer. As a result, you can cut shapes and edit very easily too.

4. Sizzix eclips2 machine

These types of cutters are easy to use, and you can use their software without issues. This machine cuts cardstock, paper, and vellum perfectly but has some limitations when you want to manipulate it.

Now that you have seen the various types of cutters available, the next thing you will do is to determine your reason or need for the cutter. Are you going to use it for commercial purposes or is it for your personal use? Let’s do a little differentiation

1. Commercial cutters

If you want to buy a machine that you will use for your commercial purposes, that means it must be able to cut intricate designs and handle large jobs. These cutters can cut large designs that you have in many materials and not just vinyl only. They are usually large physically and more expensive, but they can handle complex and multiple jobs at the same time.

2. Individual craft cutting

For your crafting projects, you will get a vinyl cutter that will fit snugly on your desktop. These machines are easy to use and also affordable. They can only handle small projects easily but will take it one at a time.

When you have determined the category of vinyl cutter you need, then look out for the following features in any machine.

1. Cutting Width

Vinyl cutters come in different cutting size capabilities. Some are 6-inch cutters while there are larger ones that can cut up to 64-inches. If you are cutting vinyl as a hobby, you can pick the machine that can cut from 9-12 inches. This size will surely serve your needs.

If on the other hand, you are someone who engages in full-scale marketing of crafts it T-shirts, you will need a sizeable vinyl cutter. Also, if you are into a full-time signage business, you will need something that will match the demands of your business.

However, there are two things I want you to bear in mind. The first one is that the quality of a machine is not based on how large it is and, media size and cutting size are not the same things.

For instance, if you are aiming for precision, you will not go for a machine that can cut larger papers and think it will give you what you want. Don’t forget that these types of machines do not make use of digital servo but uses a stepper motor which makes them wrong for you.

Also, when you see a machine that is Cutter YXZ 24 inches, don’t think they are telling you about the maximum cutting size. That number represents the number of sheets you can feed into the machine at a time.

2. Price

This feature is another thing you have to look out for when buying a vinyl cutter for crafting. If you want the best quality in a cutting machine, go for the expensive ones. When it comes to these machines, what you pay for is what you get.

If you are aiming at those machines that can handle complex and intricate designs, be ready to add some extra dollars to your budget. They will give you a clean and precise cut on any material with their standard blades.

Hey! Don’t forget that small machines are for home use while larger ones are for commercial purposes. Those small and affordable machines may not handle “large,” but they can do “small” perfectly.

3. The software

As a hobbyist or a commercial vinyl expert, you need software to design easily right? Before you pick any machine, check the design software to see if it is something you can manipulate as you wish or if it will serve your design needs.

Most vinyl cutter comes with software that is not so useful, but many people go for Adobe Illustrator. Although there are others like VinylMaster Cut, Cricut Design Space, and Sure Cuts A Lot, Adobe is still a great one to use.

4. Wireless Capability

Do you know that some of the vinyl cutting machines can now work with Bluetooth? Imagine that you can relax in your bedroom and design with your iPad then send to your craft cutter in the sitting room. What an ideal situation. You can enjoy it if that’s what you want. Just check some of the machines that are Bluetooth enabled.

5. Automatic Settings.

Another feature that is present in the cutters of today is automatic settings that allow them to adjust their settings to fit any material you want to cut. Amazing right? Lookout for machines like that if you so wish. They are available too.

For running a vinyl cutting business, you will need some other crafting tools, heat press machines and craft papers. So when you are actually planning for a complete vinyl business plan, get all of them. Before buying and getting into the suitable heat press machine, go throught this article from Tshirt Professional Website.

Conclusion

I am sure that you can now go to your local store and pick a vinyl cutting machine with ease. Since you have known the types and can determine what you want the machine for, you can go and check out other features for a successful purchase.

Always bear in mind that the main thing that will influence your choice of the machine to use is your purpose. Being a commercial or personal use will determine other features you have to consider when you want to be sure on how to choose a vinyl cutter for crafting.

Author Bio:

Name: Alex John

Website: https://tshirtprofessional.com/

Bio: Alex John is a prominent blogger in crafting and DIY industries. He has built his personal blog https://tshirtprofessional.com/ where he shares tips, techniques and case studies of running successful home based small businesses.

Five Financial Moves to Make Dad Proud

June 5, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored guest post.

Whether teaching us how to change a tire or negotiate a raise at work, fathers impart a lot of wisdom to our lives. For many of us, that includes learning a thing or two about money. This Father’s Day is a great time to revisit those lessons — and maybe pick up some new ones along the way.

Here are five smart financial moves to make Dad proud:

1. Live within your means. Spending less money than you make is key to strengthening your finances. While you might need to sacrifice driving a newer car or eating out frequently, you’ll reap the reward of less stress and more breathing room. Mobile banking apps make it easy to set and monitor your spending limits. Axiom Bank’s new app, AxiomGO, features a built-in budgeting tool, My $ Manager, which does exactly that.

2. Master your credit score. Your score affects more areas of your financial life than you may realize – like your ability to buy a home or car, get a credit card, rent an apartment, or even get a job. A free service like Credit Sesame can come in handy for staying on top of your numbers. This tool shows your balance on any unpaid bills, credit cards or loans and offers personalized tips on raising your credit score.

3. Boost your financial literacy. When you understand how money works, you can build an effective budget, pay off debt, retire comfortably and afford (most of) the things you want. Even if the subject feels intimidating, just get started – you may find the basics are simpler than you think. Two free resources: Kiplinger’s Starting Out column and Basics collection.

4. Do your homework. Does carrying a balance on your credit card help your credit? Should you pay down your largest debts first? Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Just make sure to find a knowledgeable adviser who puts your interests first.

5. Take a long-term view. Amid the financial needs of the moment, retirement can seem far off. But compound interest is a powerful force that can multiply even a small amount of savings. Whether it’s taking advantage of a workplace 401(k) plan or starting a Roth IRA, take steps to secure your financial future. Explore Axiom Bank’s QuickLearn Library and Financial Calculators to learn more.

Axiom Bank, N.A., a nationally chartered community bank headquartered in Central Florida, provides retail banking services, including checking, savings, money market and CD accounts, as well as commercial banking, treasury management services and commercial loans for both real estate and business purposes.

5 Ways to Improve Your Sleep Quality With Your Smartphone

May 31, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Travel Advice: Top 8 Ideas on Low-Budget Travelling

January 23, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This is a partnered post.

Well, if you are a seasoned budget globetrotter then the word ‘cheap’ in the traditional sense doesn’t signify you. Rather, it can be said that you are great at stretching every precious dollar of yours. It makes quite a real sense that spending your bucks unnecessarily on food, hotel or whatever while you are traveling is absolutely absurd!

Instead, you ought to save those dollars and spend the same for doing some unique and fun activities or visiting the extraordinary places. So, here are 8 top secrets that every budget traveler should keep in mind while exploring the world!

1. Walk More

Don’t let yourself to remain limited to an idea of using public transport all the time. Instead, you can just pack a good pair of shoes which is comfortable enough for you and amble to cover the distance that is practically walkable.

It will certainly save a lot of your bucks and thus you would be able to carry on yourself in a much more economical way. One smart trick that you can follow to accomplish such an objective is that you can go for a central accommodation rather than the one in the outskirts.

Wondering about the high price tags of such dwelling facilities? Well, it will be definitely a lesser expensive option as the whole episode would not necessitate cab rides or train tickets always.

2. Don’t pack too heavy

If you can literally pack everything that you need for a trip in a mere carry-on bag, then just do it without any doubt! And, if you can’t then you must reevaluate that whether you really need all such things that you think are necessary.

It’s because expert travelers who love budget-caravans believe that one can save huge while skipping the checked-bag fees which usually adds up very quickly to even the basic itineraries. So, pack light and be frugal on your next vacation!

3. Rent a vacation home, Not a hotel

Some of the potential studies have indicated that you can save up to 30%-40% when booking a vacation apartment rather than a premium hotel. It’s because of doing so you can pay just the upfront price. Also, you can find the best hotel booking deals on Couponsmonk.com.

You can even save some extra while making your breakfasts and dinners by yourself, shopping at local grocery stores and so on. Just you have to bear one thing in mind and that is you need to negotiate smartly the price, length of stay, arrival and departure dates etc. with the owner of the house or villa.

4. Do your own research

When you are finally done with the process of finding the right place to visit then to do a thorough research on where to eat cheaply, where to shop, which days you can get discounted entry fees to museums or national parks is quite essential.

It might be somewhat a tedious work to do but thoroughly researching about your destination before paying a visit is one of ‘The Most Important Thing’ that you should remember as a budget travel.

5. Avoid flying on weekends

No doubt, everyone wants to travel during the weekends to relax after a long tiring week! But, do you know how cheap can it be to travel during the weekdays?

Especially, if it is a Tuesday or Wednesday then the rate seems to fall significantly. So, before booking your flight tickets just make sure that you are checking out the calendar beforehand. It would certainly let you save heftily!!

6. Plan your trip and stick to it

One fine day, don’t just start packing your bag for Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius or wherever you are interested in! Instead, you should plan before what you would do on each particular day, where you would visit and so on.

It’s because if you know all these very well and stick to your plan then there won’t be any chance for you to end up having any sudden unexpected huge expense.

7. Do some food savings!

When you are traveling then food costs can be one of the major facets that become quite hard to control. It’s because when you are on a trip then there is a greater chance that you would be eating out more. So, what’s the solution?

Well, nothing but just a bit of creativity! Just look for the cheap eateries and takeaways, track down the exciting coupons and brainstorm the frugal and simple meals. You can even pack some biscuits, nuts, and other packaged foods to avoid huge food-costs while traveling.

8. Opt for layaway programs

Well, K-Mart is not all about Layaway now! There’s much more places to look for the same. If you just browse through the website of Get Away Today then you can book your vacation while spending as little as just $ 125. You could even choose the frequency of payments as well as the number of payments while booking through such a website.

So, what are you waiting for? Just opt for these practical tips while you go for your next holiday and thus you would able to complete your trip without breaking your banks.

Author Bio:

Clara Decker is an expert small business consultant, free time writer and full-time internet surfer. She likes to work on making in-home life better in society. She lives like an entrepreneur to support her husband at the month ends.

Animal Crafts for Preschoolers: How to Make Paper Animals

November 14, 2017 by Momstart 1 Comment

Guest Post By Allison McGuire

Family crafting time provides a valuable opportunity to learn (and bond) together. Try one of these four craft ideas based on beloved storybook characters.

Photo Credit: : Pexels

When you spend time reading or making crafts with your children, you’re doing more than just keeping them busy. You’re engaging their young minds and laying a foundation that will help them improve their motor skills, communicate their feelings, and become independent thinkers. Crafting also provides an opportunity to build memories as you enjoy quality time together.

If you’re looking for crafting ideas, why not take inspiration from a classic children’s book? Here are a few of our favorite paper animal crafts that tie into popular stories and films:

1. Colorful Caterpillars

Try this fun, multi-colored craft after readingThe Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Your child will enjoy recreating the main character in the book as well as learning basic shapes and colors.

Draw eight circles — one in each color of the rainbow and another one in white for the head. Allow your child to cut out the circles with child-friendly scissors.
Help your child glue the circles together, overlapping each end while asking them to name the different colors.
Let the child draw a face on the head and glue it to the caterpillar.
Add pipe cleaner antennae and legs.
Surround your caterpillar with colorful butterflieslike these to show what he’ll become one day!

2. Roaring Lions

This is a perfect project for all those little ones who love Disney’sThe Lion King! Kids will get the chance to practice their fine motor skills, counting, and comparing sizes and colors.

Cut out one large circle for the face and four medium circles — two for the ears and two for the snout — out of light brown construction paper.
Cut out one medium circle for the nose and two small circles for the eyes out of black construction paper.
Trace and cut a medium circle out of white construction paper for the mouth.
Glue the ears to the top of the face.
Glue the nose to the bottom center of the face, then glue the eyes onto the face as well.
Glue the snout circles on top of the nose so that it has a crescent appearance.
Glue the mouth on top of the snout.
Use darker colored puff balls or feather puffs for the mane. Simply glue them around the back of the face, and you’ve got a fun, ferocious lion!

3. Bunny Ears

Bunny ears are an easy and fun craft to tie in with Beatrix Potter’sThe Tale of Peter Rabbit. Try this project around Easter, so your child can don the ears for Easter Egg hunting!

Cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around your child’s head. You may need to staple a couple of pieces together for a good fit.
Allow your child to decorate the strip with crayons, markers, or fun embellishments likewashi tape.
Cut two large ovals for the ears in white and two smaller ovals in pink for the inner ears.
Glue or tape them all together, and your little one can hop their way into a fun afternoon!

4. Elephant Puppet

Jean De Brunhoff’sBabar series is a classic story that’s withstood the test of time. For a contemporary craft, all you need is a paper lunch sack and some gray construction paper.

Using atemplate, cut out two large floppy ears and a long trunk from gray construction paper.
Glue the ears to the sides of a paper lunch sack.
Glue the trunk to the flap of the sack, which will serve as the elephant’s “mouth.”
Attach a couple of googly eyes, and allow your child to color or decorate the bag as they like.
Show the child how to insert their hand into the bag and make the elephant speak.
Make two or three of these puppets and act out scenes from the Babar books. Or make a whole lunch bag puppet zoo and invite the neighborhood kids over to put on a play!

About Allison McGuire:

Allison McGuire has an accomplished history of building online marketing and ecommerce programs. As the Director of Marketing at Paper Mart, she has launched a variety of new marketing channels which have propelled the 96-year old business to the next level. Under her leadership, the company has gained national exposure on the Today Show, become a corporate sponsor for the Boys & Girls Club, partnered with Make-A-Wish LA, and received a 2017 Stevie Award for Sales & Customer Service Excellence.

How To Make A Ribbon Wand For Kids

November 13, 2017 by Momstart 1 Comment

By Allison McGuire:

Turn a boring afternoon into a magical adventure with this spellbinding ribbon wand!

Just made a quick and simple ribbon wand with some of my left over ribbons, For my little lady when I pick her up from her school taster morning today #ribbon #ribbonwand #rainbow #hearts #wand #magicwand #fairy #fairywand #formydaughter #handmade #madewithlove @bows_and_bits ⭐️

A post shared by Gemma (@bows_and_bits) on Jul 17, 2017 at 2:27am PDT

We could all use a little bit of magic in our lives. With a few colorful ribbons, a wooden dowel, and a sprinkle of fairy dust (read: glitter) you can make a DIY magic wand sure to enchant.

For any child who loves a good fairy tale or is just discovering Harry Potter, a magic wand is a must. Take a look at our tutorial for tips on how to make your own ribbon wand for kids.

What You’ll Need:

● Wooden dowel

● Screw eye hook

● Paint/glitter craft paint

● Jingle bells

● Assorted ribbons

Step 1:

Many craft stores now sell shorter dowels in their woodworking departments, but if you can only find long ones, you’ll need to trim them. Be sure to sand the edges with fine-grain sandpaper so there are no sharp edges.

Step 2:

Once you have a dowel of the desired length, screw a hook into one end.

Step 3:

Paint the dowel with your favorite color of matte or glitter paint. You can use a solid black or brown to mimic real wood, or pick a magical pastel color for a more fanciful look.

Step 4:

While the paint is drying, cut your ribbons into equal lengths of about 13 inches — or go for a variety of lengths to add fullness and dimension. Useorange grosgrain ribbon to mimic fiery spells coming from the wand, or, if you prefer, choose ribbon colors that match your child’s favorite Hogwarts house:

● Gryffindor: scarlet and gold

● Ravenclaw: blue and bronze

● Slytherin: green and silver

● Hufflepuff: yellow and black

Step 5:

Once the paint is dry, it’s time to tie the ribbons and bells (if desired) onto the hook. For extra security, hot glue the knots of the ribbons in place so that they don’t come untied. To attach the bells, either hot glue them to the end of the dowel or tie them to the ends of the ribbon for an added jingle.

Now that your ribbon wand is finished, send your child outside and watch them enjoy a rather extraordinary afternoon. All that’s left to do is unlock your imagination – Alohomora!

About Allison McGuire:

A Quick And Easy Style Guide for Busy Moms

July 26, 2017 by Momstart Leave a Comment

A Quick And Easy Style Guide for Busy Moms

A sneak peek into a mom’s routine, and you will find everything but the luxury of time. They sprint through life juggling house chores, kids, office work, and all that comes their way. If you are a mom, you must be familiar with the load. A hectic lifestyle slowly takes a toll on your image and style, and you may end up stressed out and overwhelmed.

If you already find yourself cranky and gloomy with your looks, these are signs you should start caring about yourself. To feel better you should look good to yourself, and here are a few quick and easy style tips to help busy moms like you revisit your fashionable college days.

1. Pick Comfier Versions of Dress Clothes

With kids around, you’d love something that’s quick to slip into and easy to move in. You can ditch those skinny cigarette pants for breezy culottes while a `pleated peasant blouse could be a chic substitute to that constricting button-down.

2. Bag Fuss-free Single-piece Outfits

Instead of fretting over which top teams up with which pant, keep your wardrobe ready with some fuss-free single-piece outfits such as jumpsuits or swing dresses. They will be your stylish saviors on seriously busy days.

3. Solids, Neutrals Are Versatile

Ensembles in solid, neutral colors such as beige, white, brown, navy and black easily gel with accessories and can be sported in multiple ways so that you don’t have to worry too much before repeating them. Spruce up your wardrobe with fashionable basics, such as white large shirt, medium knit, slim pants, denim jeans, leggings, booties and team them up with what you already have.

4. Gear Up With Some Athleisure

For a trendy look on those casual outings, get a pair of sneakers, leggings and sweats. You can put them on in a flash and ace a sporty look without breaking a sweat.

5. A Nice Loose, Tousled Hairdo

You may not have the time to primp and pin every strand of your hair, and you don’t always need that. A loose, tousled updo will work for all kinds of buns, ponytails or braids. You may want to get a dry shampoo, which will be really handy if you are running far behind your schedule.

6. Go Light On Makeup

You can easily cut down on facial makeup steps. Apply a light blush and contrast it with black mascara to get a sharp look in no time. For a more fresh and glowing skin, you can layer it up with tinted moisturizer to look great and feel great.

7. Go Bold With an Accessory

Simply jazz up an outfit with a bold accessory when you are hard pressed for time. For example, you can wrap a scarf around but be careful it isn’t overwhelming to your ensemble. For that matter, a straw hat and a pair of cool sunglasses with a tee could be a modish way to look hot in summer.

8. Bag a Right Mix of Footwear

Tottering on high heels may not be a practical idea for busy moms. Instead, go for black and nude pumps that easily pair up with almost anything in your wardrobe. On casual outings, you can step out in ballerinas and flats for a simple and stylish look.

Moms are always divas, and these style success tips just bring out the best of them. So, don’t let the madness of everyday life weigh on your personality, image and style. Try these tips, hit the streets and see if the heads turn. If they do, savor the moments of your comeback and keep having fun!

Author Bio:
Experiencing fatherhood changed Ankit’s life for the better and he realized how one’s life starts revolving around the baby; everything in life changes after becoming a parent, especially the lifestyle. He noticed a great change in the wardrobe on his lovely wife, which inspired him to pen down his first-hand experience of how his wife managed to look stylish even after all the extra work and stress.

Ankit is the managing head at ExportersIndia.com, and to read more of his creative and unique write-ups you can follow him on his Google+, LinkedIn and Twitter handles.experience of how his wife managed to look stylish even after all the extra work and stress. Ankit is the managing head at ExportersIndia.com, and to read more of his creative and unique write-ups you can follow him on his Google+, LinkedIn and Twitter handles.

10 Foods That Cleanse The Liver

July 24, 2017 by Momstart 1 Comment

The modernity of our lives has spared us so much pleasure and fun, why not? With so much pleasure, we unconsciously have cultured habits that could be detrimental in any aspect of our life, the liver. Since it is a primary need for survival, with the emerging fads in food and drinks, we indulge in them that unknowingly contain lots of toxins in our body. Tolerance, that’s what it is and just because our tongue felt savory while feeling ecstatic to try new tastes, we thought that’s cool. Blame it to our taste buds, then! We consume so much that we fail to look deeper into our food and drink intake. Below we will share 10 Foods That cleanse the liver.

Worst case scenario, we’ve gotten some common and a little bit serious health problems you can imagine. First attack goes to our digestive system, namely- diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea and vomiting, etc. If further tolerated, worst may extend to become worse! Over time, minor becomes major.

Our body is such a wonder creation because it has countless ways to fend away those agents of diseases. We have our own immune system which does most of the job, but little do we know that other organ in our body can actually also help fight through cleansing or detoxifying toxic chemicals that we intake daily through our food and drinks.

This one is not just a whole systematically working, but just one organ, multitasking, but still makes a very well-done job in cleaning chemicals just unnecessary for our body, like cleanse the liver. Being renowned as the largest gland and among the four organs that excrete wastes such as the kidneys, intestines, and skin, the liver has multiple roles in sustaining the body’s overall wellness like synthesis and storage. Setting them aside, one of liver’s main functions is detoxifying.

How does it detoxify? First, when intestines finish digesting our food and as products flow through the blood, blood rushes to the liver then takes over in filtering that blood out. It takes 4 liters of blood every minute for the detox which eventually goes to the heart to be distributed every part of our body.

How Does the Liver Detoxify?

Whatever we eat contains chemicals that are either helpful or harmful to our body. The liver does the aftercare for cleansing out harmful chemicals, especially from food additives, food coloring, preservatives, flavor enhancers, sweeteners, agricultural chemicals in the foods we purchase in the markets, alcohol and medications. Surprisingly, it also detoxifies fumes, air pollution, drugs and many other factors.

All the sources of toxins mentioned can only be dissolved with fats, the liver then converts them into something easily dissolved with water to be easily excreted out of the body. There are two phases in detoxification. Phase 1 neutralizes toxins for phase 2. Phase 2 converts it into less toxic materials. During these two phases, antioxidants like glutathione, and substances like cysteine, glycine or sulfur help counteract toxins to be harmless. Consequently, they become water-soluble then become incorporated to the bile (which makes the color of the feces) or urine.

There are a hundred other antioxidants and chemicals that help neutralize these toxins. Now that we know how toxins are washed away by these friendly chemicals, let’s look at the top 10 high sources of detoxifiers.

10 Foods That Cleanse The Liver

1. Garlic

Garlic is rich in allusion and selenium- the two richest sources of nutrients for the liver, which activate enzymes that cleanse the blood during detoxification. Ellison can drive off invaders of the immune system that lighten up its load. Not just that, garlic can also help lower cholesterol and triglycerides that, like the heart, it destructed with such faults may impede normal functioning.

Use garlic cloves in your dishes if possible, preferably raw and not processed.

2. Beets and Carrots

Both are fully-loaded with beta-carotene and plant flavonoids that boost liver function at full blast! Carrots are rich in glutathione, which is helpful in detoxifier as mentioned while beets are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and more which are blood purifier from toxins.

Make a salad that includes these two as you mix it with olive or coconut oil and lemon juice.

3. Apple

It is high in pectin, known to wash away toxins in the digestive tract, making liver worry less when it purifies blood. It also contains malic acid, which is good at removing carcinogens and other toxins out of the blood. Simply munching on apples is already a good way to indulge in its nutrients and taste. However, make sure that they are organic otherwise they might have come from commercialized farms. Thus, they use harmful pesticides.

4. Avocados

Not only are good source of healthy oils, but they also contain high levels of glutathione, which as discussed, is a neutralizer of toxins for the proper functioning and for a lesser damage to the liver.

Eating 1-2 avocados a week may help reduce liver damage.

5. Lemon and Limes

Lemons are widely known to be rich in Vitamin C and that is true! In fact, its role in liver-cleansing is to boost mineral absorption by the liver. They are also rich in antioxidants such ass D-Limonene. Moreover, despite its acidity, it can also neutralize toxins or wastes as a head start for the whole digestion.

Simple lemonade can be your daily detoxifier by adding 1 lemon to a liter of water. Chopped lemon and/or honey can be added.

6. Leafy Green

Leafy and green veggies like spinach, lettuce, arugula, chicory, mustard greens, kale, and etc. possess chlorophylls that give a hand to the liver in neutralizing toxic chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals. Including them in your diet will increase bile production- the substance that aid removing waste from organs to blood.

Just add any of these veggies in your salad or meal. Also make sure that they are organic or, if any chance, produced from your own backyard because market sources could be at risk from chemicals.

7. Turmeric

The spice is known to have various health benefits including the liver through producing more bile. It also detoxifies by activating enzymes that continually eliminate carcinogens we might intake in our diet.

There is powdered turmeric available in the market. Mixing it with hot water added with honey is already good to enjoy your cup.

8. Healthy Fats

Healthy fat sources like avocados, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds along with Chia seeds, flax seeds, olives and coconut are great for enlarging bile production. Prevent moist oils as they can make your liver function less. Cold-pressed organic oils like the olive and flax seeds are good lipid bases that anchor absorption of toxins.

The mentioned nuts can just be eaten raw or along with a salad as well as olive or coconut oils.

9. Green Tea

They are rich in antioxidants called catechins that improve liver function. Catechins also help in breaking down lipids in the liver and especially crucial for those with the accumulation of fats in their liver. Lastly, green tea is also a good purifier for alcohol.

Drinking 2-3 cups a day is satisfying enough. Honey can be added if desired.

10. Alternative Grains

If your diet is gluten-rich grains such as wheat or rye, it actually escalates your liver’s detox workload and enzyme production. It is better to make his job a little bit less hard, isn’t it? Other alternative grains like quinoa, millet and buckwheat sure make his job a little bit easier.

A gradual switch to these kinds of grains like eating them once or twice a week while surrendering or lessening intake of wheat and the likes would give a difference in your liver health.

There you have it! There is a handful other food sources which could be just a hand-reach to you. Generally speaking, for your overall health, it is just wise to take more care of your liver. Consuming foods that are rich in fiber, antioxidants, glutathione, and healthy oils are what gives joy to your liver. It’s also good to remember to choose wisely of these kinds of food, for instance, that they should be organic. Loving liver is a lifer.

Jennifer Moran

Jennifer Moran is the author and the social media manager at HealthandFitnessVitality.com. She has been working and passionate with writing for over four years. When she isn’t glued to a laptop screen, she spends time playing tennis, practicing yoga, and trying very hard not to sleep in the meditation. You can reach her at jennifer (at) healthandfitnessvitality (dot) com. HealthandFitnessVitality.

5 Hidden Benefits of Playing Board Games

May 17, 2017 by Momstart 2 Comments

5 Hidden Benefits of Playing Board Games

Weekends are perfect occasions to pull out your favorite board games and get the entire family to join the table for a great game night. The cherry moments of playing together can be a wonderful learning experience for everyone – be them kids or adults or senior citizens. The magical power of board games benefits you in several ways even without your knowledge.

Aren’t you interested to know the hidden benefits of playing board games?

1. Keeps Your Mind Sharp

Don’t sit relaxed thinking you’re keeping yourself active by physical exercise. Your brain too needs exercise to be active, especially in old age, to reduce chances of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. No, no, you don’t need to go back to school or tuition to boost your brain power. Reminisce old board games, which you would love to play in childhood. It’s time to start with them again to let your brain practice important skills. If you think it’s kiddish, let me explain this to you.

Old, retired people often run through depression because they suddenly find themselves to be too free and cannot cope with the situation and feel miserable. Board games drive away their feeling of insecurity by taking them in a joyful play ride where they can spend unlimited hours with co-players interacting. It aids them to continually brush up their STEM, social, intellectual, and creative skills that start fading away in old age.

2. Brings Different Generations Together

The best way to spend time with children is to join them in play. You can burn all your stress spending some happy hours of playing board games with them. Kids always seek for company to play. Old family members also wonder how to pass the time.

How about a board game table and three generations, grand parents, parents, and kids, sitting together to spend some amazing moments together? If kids get the opportunity to interact with grand parents through board games, they will learn great values. From other aspect what can be the better way to develop a feeling of existential security among elders?

3. Aids in Child Development

Board games have immense contribution in overall child development. These games not only build educational skills in them but also inculcate valuable life lessons for their good mental health. Children continually practice logical and reasoning skills, negotiation skills, STEM Skills even without their know in the enjoyable, playful experience. They get to taste the flavor of losing and realize the meaning of true sportsmanship and team play. Moreover, the space of their strategical thinking broadens through this board game.

Children always feel warm and safe in the company of parents. You can quite easily zeal with kids in a board game table. These fun-loving hours in your company excite kids and they never feel ignored or not being loved.

4. Teaches Us to Be Calm and Patient

Usually, we all sit in a circle in a board game table and wait for our turn to come. This turn taking and waiting sometimes become difficult even for adults. This is a great lesson for everybody how to be patient. Board games also involve being interactive and strategic. It teaches us to observe initially, then judge, and finally act. Also, we get to practice good listening habit, which guides us all through our life.

5. Benefits Your Health in Several Ways

Board games carry a great therapeutic effect to cure us from several health problems. It helps our immune system to function in a much better way. You must be wondering how? The happy hours of playing board games evoke positivity in us and release stress, hence boost our immune system to function strongly. The wonderful moments of playing together make us laugh driving away any possibility of depression. Board games make us laugh, and laughter releases endorphins, which aid our muscle to relax and blood to circulate well. Proper blood circulation maintains balance in our blood pressure level.

This New, Unique Game Is Great

Do you know about the new squirrel game that is going to be launched in a few days? This tabletop game ‘It’s A Squirrel’s Life’ is going popular day by day because of its fresh theme. It will take you on a journey to a tree squirrel’s world. The unique part is that Randy Hecht’s animal loving nature inspired him to invent this game. He even intends to donate a certain percentage of proceed to local animal charities. The fund-raising campaign of this game is currently going on Kickstarter.

This educational game is for all generations to enjoy together. This game will not only grow STEM, negotiation, social, and creative skills in kids, but also will contribute in overall child development. Isn’t this a good idea to be a help to the creators of this board game? After all they’re giving back to the community in a positive way.

A Final Takeaway

You often face hardships in managing multiple responsibilities of a domestic life. Think how it will be if you don’t need to worry that much about kids and elders. Your task will be almost half.

As discussed, board games can truly contribute in shaping the personality of children and in giving positive motivation to elders. So, when are you planning to start playing?