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31 Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Both Tasty and Healthy

December 12, 2018 by Power of Positivity

When it comes to healthy, hearty food, it doesn’t get much better than sweet potatoes. Not only are they full of antioxidants, but they’re also excellent sources of fiber, potassium and beta-carotene (1).

But what if you don’t like a plain old sweet potato? Or what if you have picky kids who need the healthy stuff hidden in a bigger dish?

Here are just a few fun and creative ways to bring sweet potatoes into your kitchen.

1. Casserole

This is probably the first thing that popped in your head when you heard the phrase “sweet potato recipes.” Casseroles are a classic way to prepare them, and there’s a good reason for that: You’ll never run out of ideas. There are probably more casserole recipes out there than there are sweet potatoes!

2. Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Loaded sweet potatoes are cooked and stuffed like baked potatoes. The toppings, however, are up to you. Here are a few suggestions:

– Cheese
– Salsa
– Chili powder
– Tomatoes
– Sour cream
– Nutmeg

3. Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potatoes

Typically made with butter and brown sugar, marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes are a great way to enjoy a little sweetness during a hearty meal. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon to enjoy its many health benefits (2).

4. Mediterranean Sweet Potatoes

Topped with things like bright red tomatoes and crunchy lettuce leaves, Mediterranean sweet potatoes bring lightness and freshness to what’s usually considered a somewhat “heavy” ingredient. They’ll look amazing on your plate, too!

5. Waffles

Thickened with sweet potatoes rather than large amounts of flour, these waffles can be enjoyed at any time of day. You don’t have to limit them to breakfast. They can also be fun snacks at brunch or easy-nibble desserts after dinner. For additional sweetness, create a sugary topping or dipping syrup.

6. Chips

Sweet potato chips are a healthy alternative to the greasy, salty chips that you usually throw in the bowl. This is especially true if you bake them rather than fry them. If you’re looking for something nicer to snack on during Game Day, this is one of the best sweet potato recipes to try.

7. Lemon Alfredo

Wake up your taste buds with a lemon Alfredo dish that also utilizes sweet potatoes. For an even bolder flavor, you can also experiment with garlic powder or Cajun seasoning. The trick is not being afraid of a little zest; if you don’t add enough, it won’t make a difference to your dish at all.

8. Quiche

You don’t have to slave over a hot stove all day to create a delicious quiche. In fact, when you use sweet potatoes as one of the main ingredients, it can turn into a relatively simple and healthy dish for all occasions.

9. Knot Rolls

Knot rolls are an easy way to add sophistication to your dinner table. They aren’t plain, boring rolls; they’re knots! When you make them with sweet potatoes, they can also become a lot healthier than their cousins. You can cut your calories in half by using sweet potatoes rather than traditional dough.

10. Tart

The best sweet potato recipes are ones that expand your horizons. You’ve probably never considered something like a feta-and-sweet-potato tart, but why not give it a try? If you can pull it off, it’ll be absolutely delicious!

11. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Did you know that you can lose weight with sweet potato recipes? The trick is to cook something like roasted sweet potatoes. Without all of the oils, batters and glazes of other potato dishes, you’ll create a dish with a lot less sodium and fat.

12. Ginger Pie

Filled with cinnamon, sugar and an assortment of spices, a ginger sweet potato pie is sure to disappear quickly when you pass it around the table. It’ll be especially popular if you top it with freshly-whipped cream.

13. Quesadillas

Try something a little different with sweet potato quesadillas. They can be baked, fried or grilled depending on your preferences, and they can also be stuffed with all kinds of tasty ingredients like cheese, spinach and red peppers. It’s entirely up to you.

14. Muffins

Perfect for busy mornings, muffins can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. You can even use mini-muffin trays to create bite-sized snacks for the kids. Toss them some tiny breakfast treats as they run outside to catch the bus!

15. Wedges

Potato wedges are quick and easy to make, and they’re even better when they’re sweet. Use them as an alternative to fries when you need a snack during movie night, or drizzle them with mustard, rosemary and garlic to turn them into sticky, tasty appetizers.

16. Salad

You can make a salad with just about anything, and this includes sweet potatoes. Mix together your choice of corn, cheese, avocado, beans, peppers and vinaigrette toppings. Leave out the meat if you’re a vegetarian, or throw in some chicken or shrimp if you want the protein.

17. Spoon Bread

Spoon bread is a half-sweet, half-savory dish that’s sure to delight your friends and family. There are many different recipes for the kind that involves sweet potatoes, so it’ll be up to you to figure out which flavors tickle your fancy!

18. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Offering a twist on the classic dish, mashed sweet potatoes are a great thing to whip up when you’re in a hurry. They don’t take long to prepare and they don’t require an excessive list of ingredients. They can be made with nothing more than milk, butter, salt and a bundle of sweet potatoes.

19. Quinoa Salad

One of the advantages of eating a lot of sweet potato is that it can be easily incorporated into both vegan and vegetarian diets. Quinoa salad is a fine example of this versatility: It’s simple, delicious and completely free of animal products.

20. Hash

Sweet potato hash can be made with all kinds of meats and veggies. Here are a few ideas for your own skillet:

– Breakfast hash with eggs and sausage crumbles
– Vegetarian hash with peppers, onions and celery chunks
– Cheesy hash with mozzarella and Monterey Jack

21. Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting

This is another dish that combines sweet potatoes and marshmallows, but they’re such a heavenly combination that it’s hard to resist! They work especially well as cupcakes with finger-licking frosting.

22. Chicken Nachos

Who doesn’t love nachos? Whether you’re making them for a party, sports event or just a casual evening with friends, your guests will love a well-stacked nacho dish that includes olives, chicken chunks and sweet potatoes.

23. Gnocchi

There are a million ways to prepare gnocchi, but if you’ve never tried it with sweet potatoes, you’re missing out! Sear it with garlic, parsley and other herbs and spices for an amazing dumpling dish. You can also throw in some broccoli if you want to tick off another section of the food pyramid.

24. Soup

You’ll find a lot of sweet potato recipes that contain or create soup. It’s just so easy to make that it’s a popular and enduring dish, especially when you consider all of the health benefits that you can reap from things like carrot and ginger (3).

25. Autumn Cobbler

An autumn cobbler uses the ingredients of the season. Whether it’s apples, pumpkin spices or sweet potatoes, it should make you feel like fall with every bite. Take a stroll through the leaves for inspiration!

26. Potato Skins

A sweet potato is naturally high in potassium. In fact, it’s one of the most potassium-rich foods that you can consume. Think about that when you’re preparing something like potato skins: If you opt for sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, it’ll be good for your body and your taste buds alike!

27. Dip

You might be surprised to learn that you can use sweet potatoes for dip, but they’ll be just as flavorful as your usual cheesy or onion-y concoctions. They’ll also be a lot better for your waistline.

28. Stew

Stew is one of the best meals for a cold day. Sweet potatoes are just the beginning; you can also add carrots, onions, peas, peppers and chunks of beef or lamb.

29. Frittata

The great thing about a frittata is that it can be served for any meal. If you’re trying to get rid of those leftover sweet potatoes that weren’t eaten during Thanksgiving, consider whipping up some frittatas.

30. Three-Bean Chili

Made with black beans, pinto beans and soybeans, this dish will really stick to your ribs on a chilly winter’s night. It’ll also warm you up quite nicely with its cumin and chili powder.

31. Pudding

Last but certainly not least, you can’t forget dessert! A sweet potato pudding is the perfect way to end your meal, especially when it’s shared among loved ones.

Final Thoughts on Sweet Potato Dishes

There are many ways to use sweet potatoes in everyday cooking. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion. Sweet potatoes might be a staple of the holidays, but you can also dish them up in all kinds of breakfasts, lunches, brunches, dinners, snacks and desserts.

Don’t be afraid of sweet potatoes. Experiment with different meals until you find your family’s new favorite!

25 Instant Pot Recipes That Take Less Than 30 Minutes

December 11, 2018 by Power of Positivity

During Prime Day 2018, which is a 36-hour flash sale for Amazon Prime members, Amazon sold over 300,000 Instant Pots. CNBC published that Instant Pot has sold over 5 million products in just three years.

With so many people owning these time-reducing cooking devices, being armed with the right recipes can help make your life even easier. Whether you are interested in a main dish or dessert, these Instant Pot recipes can make nearly anything you can imagine in far less time.

To save even more time, all parts of the Instant Pot, except the outside base, are able to be put in the dishwasher. Between reducing cook times and simplifying cleanup, it is easy to see the reason so many people have purchased one.

Here are 25 mouthwatering Instant Pot recipes:

Plant Based

Skip the meat and save the planet and your health. According to The Times, it takes roughly 4,000 gallons of water to produce 2.2 pounds of beef, whereas it only takes 2.5 gallons to grow one potato plant. The more plant-based dishes you make, the better it is for the planet and your health.

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are an easy and affordable option for parties and meal prepping. Instant Pot recipe tips for baked potatoes include using one cup of water for three pounds of potatoes. Be sure to place the potatoes on the steam rack.

Braised Cabbage

A filling and flavorful sweet and spicy braised cabbage can be prepared in roughly 10 minutes. You will need to prepare the meal in two steps. The cabbage will be cooked in the pressure cooker. The sauce will be prepared in the pot once the cabbage wedges are removed.

Vegetable Lo Mein

You can actually cook both the noodles and the vegetables together. Place the noodles on the bottom with the veggies on top. Cover everything with the sauce and cooking liquid and you are done. The pressure cooker will take care of the rest.

Black Bean Burrito

Be sure to use a recipe that incorporates flavor for this meatless Instant Pot dish. Use beans and corn and add jalapeno, spices and broth to ensure the rice is packed with flavor. Serve in a wrap or in a bowl.

Pasta Puttanesca

You can change pasta puttanesca Instant Pot recipes to suit your preferences. Use either store-bought or homemade marinara sauce and use whichever type of olives you prefer. Cook the pasta and other ingredients together at the same time.

Lean Protein

If you are going to eat meat, lean protein is essential. According to the American Heart Association, red meat is full of saturated fat that leads to heart disease and high blood pressure. These lean protein Instant Pot recipes can help to keep your heart in top shape.

Rotisserie Chicken

The key to a moist rotisserie Instant Pot chicken is to add enough moisture. To be able to cook the entire chicken within 30 minutes, the chicken must be four pounds or less. You can make any type of chicken from jerk chicken to lemon and rosemary.

Pork Carnitas

The keys to sensational pork carnitas are the seasoning and the caramelized liquid at the end. You can even use fresh or frozen pork to make your carnitas. The tip is that you will have to add 10 minutes of cook time for every pound of frozen pork you use.

Thai Chicken Noodle Bowl

You no longer have to spend an hour to develop the complex flavors of Thai food. Now, you simply have to sear your chicken and add the other ingredients. You can even cook the noodles at the same time as the entire dish is prepared in six minutes.

Turkey Bolognese

You can have a spaghetti sauce ready in 10 minutes that tastes as though it was cooking all day. Be sure to brown the turkey and saute the onion before you add the other ingredients. Once all the ingredients are in the pot, use the pressure cooker setting to maximize flavor in minutes.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian food can be a time-consuming mess to prepare; however, these Instant Pot recipe tips allow you to eliminate dirty dishes and save time. You will only require five steps in one pot which include sauteeing, deglazing, pressure cooking, and finishing with cream.

Sides

You can have fast, hot sides and a hands-free experience with these instant pot recipe tips. Sides are an excellent way to incorporate more vitamins and nutrients into your meals, and you can make a large batch as meal prep for the week.

Apple Sauce

Save money and improve your health with Instant Pot applesauce. You can use a wide range of apple varieties. If you are looking for a healthier version to feed your loved ones, be sure to look for Instant Pot recipes that are sugar-free.

Rice

Instant Pot recipe tips exist for nearly every type of rice. If you have never been able to cook rice properly, Instant Pot eliminates the guesswork. Simply follow the rice-to-water ratio based on the type of rice you are preparing, place the lid, set your timer and you are ready to go.

Vegetable Medley

Place any vegetable combination that you prefer into the pot, including potatoes if you like. Cover with water or vegetable broth and pressurize for five minutes. Remember that seasonal vegetables are always better.

Hummus

Take dry chickpeas and make them tender and juicy in less than 30 minutes with your Instant Pot. This quick soak and pressurized cooking method allows you to make velvety smooth hummus in minutes rather than a day.

Baked Beans

Some Instant Pot baked bean recipes take over an hour; however, others take only 30 minutes. To reduce cooking time, use canned beans. To make a healthier version, use a recipe that makes bbq sauce from scratch.

Baked Goods

You no longer have to wait hours for fresh and delicious baked goods to show your loved ones just how much you care. You can make everything in an Instant Pot from bread to breakfast.

Cornbread

Cornbread is always a good idea. With the help of Instant Pot recipes, you can cut down the bake and prep time. The results will be best if you use a seven-inch springform pan covered with cooking spray. Be sure to use the pressure cooker setting.

Cinnamon Rolls

You can make cinnamon rolls within 30 minutes for a special treat. Cinnamon rolls do take some work; however, the end results are priceless. And, you can freeze them so that you have them for breakfast or brunch at any time.

Pancakes

You can easily make giant pancakes inside the pot. Be sure to grease the sides of the cooker with cooking spray before you begin, and use a spatula to loosen and remove the pancake as it can stick.

Frittata

If you have a seven-inch round pan and aluminum foil, you can make a frittata inside your Instant Pot. This simple baked good is as easy as eggs and vegetables. You can add any other ingredients you like from bacon and cheese to ham and asparagus.

Dinner Rolls

Instant Pot recipes for dinner rolls can be no knead so that you can complete the bake time in 15 to 20 minutes. Dinner rolls have never been so easy to prepare at home for a healthier and less expensive option.

Sweet Treats

Even if you do not consider yourself a well-versed baker, these Instant Pot recipe tips will allow you to make scrumptious desserts in minutes. These recipes are perfect for dinner parties and holidays.

Japanese Cheesecake

A Japanese cheesecake is lighter and fluffier than the more dense US version. To accomplish the delicate texture of this type of cheesecake, an Instant Pot is the perfect cooking device. In 17 minutes, you can have a silky smooth and sinfully delicious dessert.

Chocolate Lava Cake

Timing is essential when it comes to chocolate lava cake. If you live in a higher altitude, it may take a minute or two longer to cook than many recipes suggest. It is also important to note that you cannot allow the pressure to release too slow or it will overcook.

Banana Cake

If you have a bundt pan, you can make this delicious banana cake. If you do not have buttermilk, mix milk and vinegar as an easy kitchen hack. The riper the banana, the stronger the banana flavor will be throughout the cake.

Apple Crisp

You can have a rustic dessert ready in less than 10 minutes. When apples are in season, it is time to make apple crisp. Instant Pot recipes for apple crisps will use the pressure cooker feature to ensure the apples are tender.

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

You will require the Instant Pot muffin cups to make these rich and soft dessert bites. The zucchini adds a touch of health, and if you use dark chocolate, you can make it even healthier. Be sure to let the muffins rest before you eat them for the best results.

Final Thoughts on Instant Pot

Instant Pot recipes are nearly endless. You can make all types of meals to satisfy any and all dietary preferences. Save precious money and time by preparing your food in an Instant Pot. From breakfast to dessert, you no longer have to spend hours in the kitchen.

Researchers Reveal Losing A Dog Can Be As Hard As Losing A Loved One

December 10, 2018 by Power of Positivity

If you’ve loved and lost a dog before, you know that it’s a harrowing experience. After all, a pet isn’t just an animal you own. Instead, this is someone you consider a member of your family. You share a special bond with them, and they become your best friend and companion. Losing a dog can bring deep sadness.

Many times, dog owners need time to grieve and process the loss of their beloved pets before being able to move on. Those around them who have not experienced this pain may not understand. They might tell a grieving “pet parent” to just get over it since it’s “only a dog.” However, this only serves to worsen the pain.

Now, science has proven that mourning the loss of a much-loved dog is not unusual and is, in fact, a real and valid experience. In fact, this research suggests that overcoming the death of a passed pet may be harder than healing from the passing of a human. Here’s what we’ve learned from this study on why it can be so hard to overcome losing a dog.

5 Reasons Why Losing A Dog Is As Hard As Losing A Loved One

“Sometimes losing a pet is more painful than losing a human because, in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it.” – Amy Sedaris

1. Bonding

According to the Official Journal of the Human Behavior and Evolution Study, we forge bonds with our pups that are very comparable to the bonds we form with people. Our brains interpret these bonding activities in the same way. In other words, our bodies produce the same hormones when we bond with dogs and people.

This is why your pups begin to feel just like family to you The same chemical processes are taking place that would if you were speaking to a family member! When losing a dog, you must let go of a creature you have deeply bonded with.

2. Grieving

So, we’ve established that you bond with dogs and humans the same way. But when a canine companion dies, you can’t mourn for them like you do for people. When a human you’re close to passes away, you can seek therapy or counseling, have the support of friends, family, and loved ones, and hold or attend a funeral.

But when a dog dies, you must move on as quickly as possible because this is what others deem acceptable. You can’t turn down social events or have a slower performance at work because, according to Telegraph, others don’t see the loss of a pet as something worth grieving over.

Additionally, attending therapy for such a thing might result in negative social repercussions. This can make it challenging to reconcile a pet’s passing and find closure so you can move on.

3. Love and Comfort

When your pet dies, you aren’t just losing a dog. You’re losing the feelings you got around them. You’re losing their love, the comfort their presence gave, and the companionship they provided. That’s a lot to lose in one go, making you feel very empty.

Plus, dogs give their human moms and dads the kind of unconditional love that you can’t find in people. It’s a love that hurts to lose.

4. Memories and Routines

If you had a dog, they likely lived with you; you spent most of your time at home with them around. When they pass away, your home becomes different.

Gone are the routines you got so used to – feeding your pup or taking them out on walks.
You no longer hear them running through the house, or feel them when they jump up on your lap for a cuddle.
This can make you feel lost, especially if you’re one of the many pet owners whose daily schedule has always involved their pets.

You might continue automatically performing tasks or actions that would only apply if your dog was still around. This makes it all the more difficult to move on.

5. Guilt

Sometimes, a decision about your dog’s life is placed in your hands. If they were suffering, you might have had to decide that it was time to put them to sleep. Although you made the best choice for your pup, you may still feel guilty about what happened.

Carrying around that guilt with you can make the goodbye even more difficult. You might feel like you should have done more – even when there was nothing else you could do.

So, What Does This All Mean?

Losing a dog – or any pet – is going to be heartbreaking. Remember that your feelings are valid and that it is okay to need to grieve them. And if other people don’t understand, tell them your feelings are backed by science!

Scientists Explain How This South American Tribal Diet Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

December 9, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Here are a few important (and alarming) statistics about heart disease, according to the American Heart Association:

Heart Disease (including Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension, and Stroke) is the number one killer in the U.S.
Coronary heart disease is responsible for 1 in 7 deaths in the U.S., killing over 366,800 people a year.
The overall prevalence for heart attacks in the US is about 7.9 million, or 3 percent, in US adults.
In 2015, heart attacks killed 114,023 people in the U.S.
In the U.S., there are 720,000 instances of new heart attacks and 335,000 recurrent attacks each year. The average age of the first heart attack is 65.6 years for males and 72.0 years for females.
Every 40 seconds, an American has a heart attack.
From 2005 to 2015, the annual death rate associated with coronary heart disease decreased 34.4 percent and the number of deaths declined 17.7% – but the risk factors and burden on the healthcare system remain high.
The estimated yearly direct and indirect cost of heart disease in 2013 and 2014 was $204.8 billion.
Heart attacks ($12.1 billion) and Coronary Heart Disease ($9.0 billion) accounted for 2 of the 10 most expensive conditions treated in US hospitals in 2013.
Between 2013 and 2030, the cost of treating coronary heart disease is expected to increase by around 100 percent.

These are pretty depressing statistics, but what can we learn from them? Why is the westernized world so susceptible to these diseases, while those who live largely off the land have virtually no risk factors for heart-related conditions? In this article, we’ll discuss a tribe in South America who can teach us a thing or two about healthy living.

Introducing the Tsimane

When it comes to heart disease, an indigenous tribe in the Amazon basin of Bolivia, The Tsimane, has the lowest rates ever recorded among a human population. Researchers from the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) found that the Tsimane tribe has low instances of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes as well. However, their overall body mass index (BMI) is not necessarily on the smaller side, proving that a higher-than-average BMI does not pose a greater risk for heart disease.

According to Hillard Kaplan, lead author of the study and professor of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico, people of the Tsimane tribe often live into old age with little to no risk of coronary atherosclerosis, the primary cause of heart attacks. In fact, people in the U.S. are five times as likely as members of the Tsimane tribe to suffer from heart disease.

Michael Gurven, co-director of the UCSB Tsimane Health and Life History Project and another author of the study, along with other researchers, conducted 2,500 interviews with Tsimane people in 78 communities about their diet. The researchers found that their diet consists of a high intake of carbohydrates (376-423 grams/day) and protein (119-139 g/d) and low consumption of fats (40-46 g/d). They kept caloric intake between 2,422 and 2,736 kcal, 64% of which came from complex carbohydrates.

In the U.S., calorie recommendations are between 1,600 to 2,400 kcal/day for adult women and 2,000 to 3,000 kcal/day for men, but Tsimane people are far more active and need the extra energy from food.

Factors that lower risk of heart disease in Tsimane people

What makes the indigenous people of Bolivia so healthy is not all that different from what the American Heart Association recommends.

Here are seven tips to help lower your risk of heart disease:

Stay active. The Tsimane spend a large portion of their day staying physically active; in fact, they only spend 10% of their waking hours sedentary. Men spend an average of 6-7 hours of their day hunting, fishing, and farming and women spend 4-6 hours gathering food. To put this in perspective, people in urban areas are sedentary for more than half their waking hours.
Control cholesterol. The Tsimane do this by eating a diet strictly from the Earth, consuming things like plantain, manioc, rice, and corn.
Eat a healthy diet. To elaborate on the point above, the indigenous people of Bolivia eat a high-carbohydrate diet and keep fats and protein low. They do eat some wild game and fish, but the bulk of their calories comes from unprocessed fiber-rich carbs.
Manage blood pressure. Again, the Tsimane do this by staying active, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight and spending a lot of time outdoors.
Watch your weight. Staying active for the majority of the day makes this much easier to accomplish.
Lower blood sugar. Because the Tsimane don’t eat processed sugar, they are able to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Refrain from smoking. Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.

According to the study published in the medical journal The Lancet, the tips above could greatly benefit those living in industrial populations. However, due to working and living conditions in the Western world, duplicating the Tsimanes’ way of life is almost impossible. We would have to make drastic changes to our lifestyle, so the best course of action for now is to incorporate as many of these factors into your daily life as you can.

A Few Starting Tips

Add more movement into your day by biking or walking to work, if possible.
Even walking to do your errands instead of driving will benefit your health.
Quitting smoking and eating mostly whole foods will also lower your risk factor for heart disease.

Pressure from the Outside World

Despite being healthier than people living in urban areas, the Tsimane are facing a great deal of pressure from modern society. Because of better roads and access to motorized boats, the Tsimane can now travel to other areas in Bolivia. Consequently, researchers found that total energy and carbohydrate intake increased over the five-year data collection period, especially in villages near towns with markets. Sadly, the team also found that the Tsimane, on average, consumed 15.8 more grams of sugar per day and 4.9 mL more oil in 2015 than in 2010.

The study was strictly observational. Researchers analyzed CT scans of the heart and measured weight, age, heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and inflammation. Therefore, it can’t conclude which part of the Tsimane lifestyle protects from heart disease and vascular aging the most. However, researchers believe that lifestyle plays a larger role than genetics. They have observed increases in cholesterol levels due to consumption of more processed foods with additives.

The Study

Researchers did a cross-sectional study on the Tsimane population over 40 years of age. Coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring done with CT scans. The study analysed the difference in heart disease risk between the Tsimane and 6,814 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). CAC scores higher than 100 indicated significant atherosclerotic disease.

Findings

Between July 2, 2014, and Sept 10, 2015, 705 Tsimane individuals were included in the study. While 596 (85%) of Tsimane had no CAC, 89 (13%) had CAC scores between 1–100. Only just 20 (3%) had CAC scores higher than 100. For those over 75 years of age, 31 (65%) Tsimane presented with a CAC score of 0. Only four (8%) had CAC scores of 100 or more, which is five times lower than industrialized populations. Obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and regular cigarette smoking were not common.

In regard to the MESA population, only 14% had no CAC and more than 50% had CAC scores over 100. Compared to the MESA group, it would take 28 years before the Tsimane reach a CAC score of at least 100. Researchers also estimate that an 80-year-old from the Tsimane people had a vascular age equivalent to an American in their mid-fifties.

Final Thoughts on Lowering Your Risk of Heart Disease

It’s easy to see why the indigenous tribe of Bolivia can remain healthy despite changes being made in their villages. The Tsimane diet and active lifestyle play a huge role in the Tsimane’s ability to keep healthy. Low instances of smoking and obesity also help to ward off heart disease and other preventable diseases such as diabetes.

The Tsimane eat largely from the land and keep trans fats, saturated fats, and oils out of their diet. Therefore, their bodies are not subject to as much inflammation as people in modern societies. The Tsimane diet can be compared to the Okinawa diet, which also incorporates rice, fresh vegetables, and little meat.

It seems that since we have moved away from nature as a culture, our health has rapidly deteriorated. Of course, many of us can’t just up and leave to live in nature. We can, however, take a few pointers from those who do. While many of us can’t replicate the Tsimanes’ lifestyle perfectly, we can learn from their way of living. We can also choose to incorporate some positive aspects into our lives. In general, staying active as much as possible will help ensure your well-being. Additionally, keeping stress low, utilizing positive thinking, eating healthy, and refraining from smoking will support your overall health levels and stave off the symptoms of heart disease.

Relationship Experts Explain Why It Is Ok To Be A Hopeless Romantic

December 8, 2018 by Power of Positivity

The image of a hopeless romantic has been portrayed on the big screen and in books as a starry-eyed idealist, either romanticized or painted as a fool. Goalcast published the results of a study from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships related to romanticism and how it impacts relationships. A study of 270 young couples found that those with higher expectations were more likely to view their partners as a good match.

Hopeless romantic tips from this type of person would include never giving up on true love. Finding “the one” is what they want. They won’t settle for less.

Below are some reasons why being a hopeless romantic is a good thing.

1. People who fall in this category are positive and resilient.

Everybody knows people who fall to pieces when a love affair goes wrong, swearing off relationships forever. This is the opposite of what you can expect from a romantic. While they still feel the terrible pain that coincides with a breakup, they do not give up.

What is so amazing about a romantic is that they continue on their quest for love with as much optimism as before the breakup. There is nothing more important to them than fulfilling this most basic need. If ever there was a glass-is-half-full type of person, hopeless romantics fit the bill.

2. They are not superficial friends or lovers.

Romantic people are willing to “fight the good fight” and stand by your side as a helpful and understanding companion. They really listen to what you have to say and give good advice from a healthy and positive place. As problem-solvers by nature, they are a good person to rely on when you need to talk.

Since they truly care for people, they will consider your concerns as important as their own. They are loyal people to have in your corner.

3. Romantics are able to look past superficial distractions to find meaningful love.

While too many people get wrapped up in the image of a person they date, a hopeless romantic wants so much more. They can be honest about the type of person they want inside and out with a focus on character, personality and values. They aren’t into meaningless flings. One-night stands and hookups are not on their agenda.

4. A romantic will make you a better person if you let them into your life.

True love means believing in the best in another person. A hopeless romantic will expect the best from their partner. They will never give up on them. They see all their partner’s potential and will be encouraging and understanding through the ups and downs of life like no other partner.

5. Romantics are not hard to please.

While a romantic has high standards and knows exactly what they want, once they get it, they are easy to please. The little things mean a lot. These people don’t need to be impressed. Hopeless romantic tips about how to win them over have little to do with money and big gestures designed for seduction purposes.

They know true love can’t be purchased. Noticing that she is wearing a new perfume will be appreciated. Noticing that he’s been working out will be appreciated, too. That’s why romantics are so easy to please.

6. Hopeless romantics are very honest about their feelings.

People who play games make for a frustrating and emotional roller coaster. A hopeless romantic is honest about their feelings and is happy to tell you how much they care. You will always know where you stand with your romantic partner. Anyone who has ever been manipulated or taken for granted can rest assured that this is not something they have to worry about with a romantic partner.

7. Hopeless romantics believe commitment is very romantic.

Romantics are in it for the long haul. When they see an old couple walking hand in hand, they see success. That’s what they want. When a true romantic falls in love with you, they want it to last. They believe in forever in a world where few people really believe in love that lasts ’til death do us part.

Old-fashioned romantics believe in honor. They want nothing more than to relax in the knowing that they are in a “forever” relationship. They plan their life with the person they love.

Conclusion

A hopeless romantic has a lot to offer a partner. In a world where true love has been reduced to sex on demand via a number of apps, a romantic will have your back. They will fulfill all your wildest dreams with a commitment that can leave a person feverish with the strength of their undying devotion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=vJc5VeId_Lc

11 Ways To Deal With A Loved One Suffering From OCD

December 8, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is categorized as a mental health condition. It triggers feelings of distress and anxiety when someone has obsessive and intrusive thoughts or impulses. Usually, the individual attempts to pacify the anxiety with compulsive behaviors.

Everyone has obsessions and compulsions. For instance, you might be worried about a loved one getting sick and wonder if the illness will end in a tragedy. Now, someone without OCD may easily move on from this. But someone with OCD would grow more anxious and let his thoughts or feelings consume his focus and disrupt his day-to-day activities. This is the difference between OCD tendencies and a full-blown disorder, according to the Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders.

An OCD diagnosis may be determined after a series of medical exams and psychological tests. The condition can, fortunately, be treated with medication and behavioral therapy. In this article, we will discuss some ways to deal with a loved one suffering from OCD.

Here Are 11 Ways To Deal With A Loved One Suffering From OCD

“It’s like having two brains – a rational brain and an irrational brain. And they’re constantly fighting.” – Emilie Ford

1. Be attentive to the signals and symptoms of OCD

Sometimes, people suffering from OCD will manifest behaviors that they’re not aware are obsessions and compulsions. The people around them might also dismiss these behaviors as part of their quirks and general personality.

It’s common for the changes in their action and attitude to be gradual until it becomes disorderly and truly upsetting. Some of the signs you need to pay attention to might include:

Having trouble sleeping
Staying up late to get something done
Difficulty in coping with daily activities
Taking longer to finish a simple task
Exhibiting unusual tardiness
Needing to do things again and again
Preferring to spend time alone
Becoming more irritable and indecisive
Overreacting on the smallest things
Growing extremely concerned or worried about minor nuances in life

When confronted, blamed or criticized for their behavior, a person with OCD may also demonstrate high anxiety. Growing aware of these things can help you better understand and accept a person with this mental health disorder.

2. Be very supportive

Showing a positive emotional support to a loved one with OCD is important. It will help him or her feel accepted and loved despite the disorder. Let your loved one know that they can count on you if they need to unload their feelings and frustrations. Let them feel that they can open up to you. Give assurance that you can be trusted with the details of their worst fears or anxieties.

Communicate your support with kind and positive words. At the same time, you don’t have to necessarily validate the behaviors linked to OCD. You can also help your loved one learn to evaluate just how intrusive and disruptive those thoughts and feelings are, so they will be able to better manage.

3. Muster patience and adjust your expectations

You have to adjust your expectations and extend patience when dealing with a loved one with OCD. Understand that those who suffer from this condition may be resistant and difficult to change. Any sudden changes to their life and routines can trigger OCD behaviors, as per a study in the University of Iowa Iowa Research Online.

If you get easily frustrated, you won’t be able to show adequate support.
Remind yourself when the going gets tough that managing and treating OCD is a gradual process.
As far as the expectations go, avoid making day-to-day comparisons of your loved one’s progress. It won’t add any value to how you deal with an OCD person.

As much as possible, put more focus on the small but positive improvements he or she makes instead of the setbacks and failures.

4. Have a reasonable space from each other

You don’t have to remain physically at the side of your loved with OCD all the time. Sometimes, time apart will be good for both of you as your world shouldn’t be consumed by the condition.

Remember, this disorder is not the only connection you have with each other. Don’t feel guilty when you cannot be with your loved one every single minute. The distance and separation will also enable you to recharge and recover so you can continue to be supportive and understanding of your loved one.

5. Understand the difference between supporting and enabling

It’s easy to blur the lines between supporting and enabling when your only intention is to help your loved one. But you enable someone with OCD if your support is actually reinforcing the compulsive behaviors.

For instance, your loved one’s compulsion is to break the bread he eats with his meals every single time. Otherwise, it will make him upset and trigger other reactions that will make the rest of his day harder to deal with. So, you try to avoid upsetting him by preparing food with the bread already separated into pieces.

Realize that performing such actions will only reinforce your loved ones’ compulsion. When you’re enabling him, what you’re really saying is that his irrational feelings and actions are justified so he can continue with the compulsive behaviors. Are these scenarios familiar to you?

Your family no longer eats out at restaurants because your loved one may find the place dirty and trigger compulsive behavior.
You stock up on cleaning products just in case your loved one has the urge to obsessively tidy up something in your home.
You don’t let your loved one do chores around the house because he or she takes longer to finish it.

It’s not healthy to let your loved one avoid feelings or things that may upset or frustrate him. He needs to develop coping skills and still be a functional individual because setbacks are a part of life.

6. Don’t modify your own routines to accommodate your loved one’s OCD

Accommodating your loved one’s OCD symptoms will be counter-productive. It won’t also be healthy for the whole family to change their routines and activities just to avoid upsetting the person with OCD, according to the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry.

For instance, you don’t want to start your meal as a family until your loved one with OCD is done with her rituals. But if she takes 10 minutes to wash her hands before eating because she has a particular approach, it’s also not fair to make everyone else wait for her.

According to Anxiety Canada, giving in to the compulsion is being a hostage to the condition. In fact, these rituals can be changed, delayed, or avoided altogether in due time. It might be upsetting at first, especially for the one with OCD, but you might be surprised it’s easier to tolerate and deal with than accommodate and let the behavior persist.

7. Encourage them to get professional help

It’s not going to be easy to deal with the OCD without the help of a professional. But people with this condition will not easily be open to the idea of getting help from doctors. This is likely because of the stigma and judgment that comes with having mental health disorders.

But you can slowly encourage the idea of seeking help by bringing home various kinds of literature on OCD treatments. You can find this literature from OCD support groups or a doctor’s clinic.

If your loved one does not want to seek professional help, suggest he or she join a support group.
Calmly discuss the advantages and the disadvantages; don’t expect one discussion to bring positive results right away.
The important thing is to emphasize that OCD can be treated and managed.
Make it clear as well that you are not forcing your loved one to get into therapy.
Reading up on the condition and treatment options will shed light on understanding and options.

8. Set a contract

It might also help to have a written agreement between you and your loved one with OCD. This is like a contract that will serve as a roadmap or guideline on how you can work together to prevent the disorder from affecting your lives.

The contact must include specifics, such as small and big goals, the timeline, and a step-by-step approach to potential problems. Clarity would be vital in this situation to enforce the improvements you want to achieve. It should encourage order and harmony in the household even if your everyday situations prove challenging.

It’s very important for everyone in the family to be consulted about the contract. They need to agree and understand its purpose. If possible, have your loved one’s OCD therapist on board as well (if he or she is already seeking treatment).

9. Join your loved one when visiting the doctor

This is one of those cases where you really need to be physically present with your loved one if he or she has signed on for a treatment program. In many instances, the family should be actively involved with the therapy so that it will bear more positive results, as per a study in Behavior Therapy.

It can help facilitate proper communication between family members and clear out any resentments or anger. Your participation in the doctor visits and therapy sessions will also be helpful for keeping track of your loved one’s OCD manifestations and progress tracking.

10. Make sure your loved one is following the prescribed medication

Medications, especially for mental health disorders, have side effects that can also impact a change in behavior. Make sure your loved one is following what has properly been prescribed.

It might be tempting to undermine what the doctor has prescribed, especially if you want the medications to take effect right away.
Don’t make any changes to the dosage and frequency without explicit instructions from the doctor because this can compromise the treatment process.
Don’t hesitate to ask the doctor about the side effects as well so that you can report them on a subsequent visit.

11. Move on with your life if your loved one does not want professional help, but continue to educate yourself

If your loved one still won’t seek professional help, know that it is not the end of the world. However, you need to move on with your life. Accept that you’ve done all you can for your loved one. This time, you might need to focus on self-care and get back to enriching your life.

You don’t have to stop learning about the condition, however; continue to read up on OCD. The more you learn, the easier it will be for you to understand what people with this disorder are really going through.

Final Thoughts On Ways To Deal With A Loved One Suffering From OCD

Your life with a loved with OCD must never be centered on the disorder. Tolerance and understanding are vital but keep your daily lives normal. Even with treatment and medications, OCD sufferers will continue to have triggers and stressors.

The most effective way for you to truly help a loved one with OCD is to let them learn, cope, and tolerate the uncertainties of life. It’s not always going to be okay but you can weather through the challenges of this condition if you remain supportive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWMSYeRHWU4