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12 Body Language Signs That Show She Is Falling For You

September 10, 2016 by Power of Positivity

When it comes to attraction, men and women are quite different. This is particularly true for (a) what we’re attracted to, and (b) how we demonstrate attraction. This article focuses on the female side of (b). That said, attraction is exhibited in ways that are subtle or obvious. However, a little bit of knowledge and attention to body language may just make it easier to for our male reader.

Here are 12 body language signs that she may be falling for you:

“I believe very strongly that when it comes to desire, when it comes to attraction, that things are never black and white, things are very much shades of grey.” – Brian Molko

1. She’s fidgeting (one of the most prominent body language cues)

Attraction can be nerve-wracking for both men and women. The reason: we’re attempting to determine whether or not the attraction we have is mutual; often evoking feelings of uncertainty and nervousness. As a result, a woman will often become fidgety or fiddle with their jewelry, drink, phone or something else.

2. She makes prolonged eye contact

Eye contact is a universal sign of human attraction. Ever notice how infants fix their gaze on people or objects that interest them? Same concept. This trait is most noticeable during initial conversation – a woman will stare intently into a man’s eyes while he speaks, and not allow her eyes to wander.

3. She’s smiling at you

Not much explanation needed here. Women tend to smile at men they’re attracted to more often than others. Smiling is a sweet and simple gesture, and a wildly-attractive one at that. Ask any man or woman in love, and they’ll reiterate the exact same thing.

4. She talks about you

Most women will safeguard revealing information, whether it be from a friend or stranger. Of course, unless, they don’t intend for the information to be safeguarded. What do they do? Most often, they’ll use their friend as a “courier,” who shares these juicy tidbits with the man-of-interest. Or, more simply, a man just gets feedback from others that she mentions him a lot.

5. She shares her story

Women are very apprehensive in sharing details of their lives with men, and rightfully so. However, a woman may reveal details of more significance with a person they’re attracted to. Interestingly, men have a tendency to do the same thing! So, if a woman (or man) shares a little intimacy with you early-on – it may just mean something significant.

6. She blushes (involuntary body language cues)

Ah, yes…the blush. One of the few potentially-obvious signs of attraction…why? Blushing is entirely involuntary – an autonomic response. If a woman blushes in front of a man it is usually for one of two reasons: embarrassment or attraction.

7. She exhibits “open” body language

Women that are attracted to a man often minimize the number of things (e.g. phone, purse, distance) separating them. One example that comes to mind: when a woman rests her arms on the table (e.g. at a restaurant or bar) in front of the man and plays with her smartphone. This is an obvious sign of disinterest; whereas quick checking her phone before quickly putting it in her purse may be another story. Also, the closeness (or distance) she maintains while walking together is often a good indicator.

8. Her voice pitch

According to a study published in The Journal of Nonverbal Communication, a person will change the tone and pitch of their voice when speaking to someone they’re attracted to. Specifically, women tend to lower their vocal tone when around attractive people.

9. She “mimics”

Most of us have done this since we were infants, a phenomenon known as “interactional symmetry.” We have an innate tendency to display similar mannerisms and nuances of people that interest us – coworkers, friends, relatives – even potential mates. Yes, even a woman that sarcastically “copies” a man to provoke laughter may be interested.

10. She goes out of her way

Going out of her way is kind of difficult to explain, easy to misinterpret, and is often displayed subtly. However, it may be a sign if a woman should “evade” other people in the room while loitering around a man. If she should bring the man something, as in a coffee or snack, it may be a sign. Put simply, if a woman seems to alter her behavior to accommodate, it may just be a signal.

11. She shifts or touches her neck or hair (or other flirtatious body language)

A woman will play with or stroke her hair for a number of reasons; mainly because it displays femininity and it is (very) attractive. Conversely, “hair twirling” or slight pulling can signify boredom and a need for stimulation (i.e. “step up your game!”). The neck is another sensitive area for a woman that is attractive to a man. So, revealing her collarbone or rubbing her neck may signify attraction.

12. She giggles often

Spontaneous giggling in itself doesn’t necessarily signal attraction. However, women will subconsciously display frequent giggling episodes to exhibit a sense of youthfulness and fertility. Also, women will often giggle to portray a connection with your sense of humor. Women that possess a pure interest in a man also tend to make extended eye contact during while giggling at you.

(Note: these will not always signify attraction, nor are they universal in nature. A woman’s personality and mood – along with other innate traits – also plays a role. Attraction can be quite individualistic and enigmatic.)

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

5 Ways To Get Out of A Bad Mood In Less Than 5 Minutes

September 9, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Biting someone’s head off when they ask you a simple question is one sign that you’re in a bad mood, and it can ruin your day and that of the people around you.

When you’re in a negative or ‘bad’ mood, there are simple things you can do to quickly change your perspective and help you feel much more positive about your day.

Let’s look at five things you can do in just five minutes to help improve your mood.

5 Ways To Get Out of A Bad Mood In Less Than Five Minutes

Fake it ’till you make it is one way that people suggest getting out of a bad mood, and by that, they mean to put a smile on, even if you don’t feel the corresponding happy emotion that goes with it. It’s possible that faking a smile will actually help boost your mood, and we do recommend trying it because there’s virtually no downside to it.

Here are five other quick ways to turn a bad mood into a good one: smile or no.

1. Tapping

Tapping can get you out of a bad mood in less than five minutes. The act of tapping acupressure points on your body can help you eliminate negative thoughts that may be causing your bad mood. Read about how to tap your body to remove feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety in our article.

You can do several rounds of tapping therapy on yourself to get out of a bad mood in less than five minutes.

2. Eat something (preferably healthy)

Hunger is a possible reason you’re in a bad mood, especially if you’re stressed out and too busy to find time to eat. A healthy source of vegetarian protein can help change your mood quickly. Something as simple as a glass of almond milk can immediately make you feel better. Foods high in magnesium can help lift your mood and satisfy your hunger. But skip the chocolate to boost your mood.

Although when you aren’t feeling great, you might think to reach for the comfort of a craving food like chocolate, it won’t help as much as a good, vegetarian protein or organic fruit source.

Researchers studying whether or not eating chocolate helped improve mood found that people had higher depression scores if they ate chocolate than if they had not eaten any.

3. Aromatherapy can decrease your bad mood

Just the scent of lavender or orange can improve your mood and decrease anxiety. Researchers at the University Clinic of Neurology at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, studied the effects of aromatherapy in a place associated with high levels of stress: the dentist’s office.

The researchers had two hundred patients in a waiting room assigned to either waiting rooms with lavender or orange aromatherapy, music, or a control group with none of these.

They found that ambient odors of orange and lavender reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients waiting for dental treatments. Experiment with some essential oils and find one that will work best for you.

4. Take a quick walk outside

Researchers at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom looked at the benefits of walking outside in nature compared to other therapies for improving mood. They say ‘exercise has also been compared to other established treatment options, such as antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs.

Initial findings imply that exercise is equally as effective as both antidepressants and CBT, as no significant differences were reported between the interventions.’ They say that ‘green exercise’ as in a walk in the country or in a park is particularly effective at helping you get out of a bad mood in just a few minutes.

5. Give yourself a pep talk

Positive self-talk can help improve your mood when you are feeling down. Often, there is a negative voice in our heads that is telling us to feel guilty, ashamed, or that replays the setbacks of the day. Maybe you are feeling lonely or rejected. We must counter that negativity with serious self-love to get out of a bad mood.

Here are a few positive self-talk phrases you can use to get out of a bad mood in less than 5 minutes:

‘I know I can do this because I’ve succeeded at tasks like this before.’
‘I am intelligent and believe in my ability to get all my work done today.’
‘Today I’m going to be amazing, and I won’t let setbacks slow me down.’
‘I learn from my mistakes, and I am going to do so much better the next time.’

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

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Lower Stress and Improve Your Mood

September 9, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a technique that psychologists use to help change your mood and reduce stress. Furthermore, the technique helps people recover from depression and anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is not new. However, the information about this treatment continuously grows. And, the uses for the treatment have increased since its development in the 1980s. Before CBT, treatments focused either on thoughts or the cognitive processes of the mind. Plus, behavioral therapy focused on changing the behavior of the individual.

Here’s How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Change Your Mood And Reduce Stress

One research team says ‘CBT works by changing people’s attitudes and their behavior by focusing on the thoughts, images, beliefs, and attitudes that are held (a person’s cognitive processes) and how these processes relate to the way a person behaves, as a way of dealing with emotional problems.’

CBT combines thoughts, behavior, and emotions or feelings into a single therapy. It helps individuals to reframe thoughts about emotional states and influence behavior as a result of mindset changes.

The mind-body connection and cognitive-behavioral therapy

When researchers looked at using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat physical pain in the body, they found the technique useful in connection with meditation and light exercise or movement therapy. This use is unique. That’s because most therapy techniques focus on the mind only. Indeed, they fail to see that by changing the mind, we can improve our experience of pain in the body.

A research team at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, found ‘a mind-body approach (cognitive-behavioral therapy) successful in treating chronic back pain patients. They determined it improved function, decreased perceived pain, and improved mood state for fibromyalgia patients.’ The results were surprising, and they show that CBT can help patients to think differently about their physical pain, which leads to less reported pain at the end of the treatment.

Research review of cognitive-behavioral therapy for mood and stress disorders

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Drexel University looked at 325 studies on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and reviewed the results. They found that CBT was better than antidepressant pharmaceutical drug treatment for depression in adult patients seeking treatment for their depression. They also found that CBT as therapy was equally effective as behavioral therapy alone in the treatment of adult depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The researchers concluded that CBT is useful for many ailments.

“We also aimed to provide answers regarding the degree to which the effects of CT persist following the termination of treatment. The meta-analyses reviewed strongly suggest that across many disorders, the effects of CT are maintained for substantial periods beyond the cessation of treatment. More specifically, significant evidence for long-term effectiveness was found for depression, generalized anxiety, panic, social phobia, OCD, sexual offending, schizophrenia, and childhood internalizing disorders.”

In the cases of depression and panic, there appears to be a robust and convergent meta-analytic. Indeed, evidence suggests that CT produces vastly superior long-term persistence of effects. Moreover, patients experience relapse rates half those of pharmacotherapy. Besides, CT appears to show more significant long-term effects in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder as compared to applied relaxation.

In the review of the research, CBT has also been used in the treatment of substance abuse, anger, marital problems, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and anorexia nervosa. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be as effective as drug therapies for these psychological disorders as well, but this study did not evaluate treatment for these conditions.

How cognitive behavior therapy works to change your mood

We sometimes think false, distorted, or negative ideas about ourselves. However, CBT first helps us to identify these incorrect thoughts.

For example, imagine that you accidentally spilled your coffee this morning. You immediately thought, ‘There I go again, being clumsy.’

This negative thought about yourself can put you in a bad mood. If you choose to believe that you are clumsy, you may be more likely to do it again. The first step of CBT is to identify these incorrect statements and thoughts in your mind.

The second step is to question the thoughts.

With CBT, you learn to stop the poor thinking.

Instead, you might say ‘Why do I believe that I am clumsy?’ or ‘Haven’t I had more days of not spilling my coffee than days that I did spill it?’

The third step is replacing negative thoughts with a positive ones.

For example, you might say ‘Even though I spilled my coffee, it was just an accident. I am normally very careful’ or ‘That was a one-time mistake that is not likely to happen again.’

Give yourself some positive self-talk and reject the negative.

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

5 Things The Most Likeable People Do Differently

September 9, 2016 by Power of Positivity

There are people that are so likeable and charming that people will do just about anything for them. How is it that these people can naturally get others to bend over backwards for them?

Well, they do some things differently than the rest of us.

Napolean Hill, author of “Think and Grow Rich,” wrote an essay called Develop a Pleasing Personality, where he explored what set these very likeable people apart and allowed them to achieve incredible success. He found that these five things set those exceptional people apart from the rest of us regular folks.

5 Things The Most Likeable People Do Differently

1. Be Positive and Let Others Feel Your Positive Attitude

Not only are extremely likable people positive in their attitude, but they let others feel that attitude through their words and actions. Be aware of negative thoughts when they surface. Acknowledge those negative thoughts for what they are. Negative thoughts keep you in shackles and hold you back from achieving your full potential.

People can pick up on these negative thoughts through voice intonation, body language, and the content of your words. If you see yourself or your endeavors in a negative light, then so will others. If you maintain a positive attitude about yourself and your work, then it will show through and others will see you in a positive light and be more willing to help you.

2. Speak in a Disciplined but Friendly Tone

Your tone of voice can win people over or push them away. By moderating your voice and speaking in a friendly tone, you will let your positive attitude and outlook influence the moods and outlooks of others. If you project friendly vibes, then those vibes will be reflected back towards you. People will naturally tend to mirror those around them.

If you are positive, then the group of people you surround yourself with will rise to your level of positivity. If you are negative, it can bring down the mood of the group you are speaking to. Also, don’t let the enthusiasm of the moment and the energy of the group you are talking to lead you into outbursts of emotion. Maintain your friendly tone and don’t let yourself get carried away in the moment.

3. Maintain Your Composure

There used to be a deodorant commercial whose tag line was “Never let them see you sweat.” It is easy being friendly with people who are already friendly to you. It is much harder to present a friendly face to people who are hostile towards you or your goals. No matter how hostile or rude the person is that you are talking to, always maintain your composure; never lose your cool.

Savvy negotiators will try to get under your skin, because when you are emotionally upset, you make mistakes. Your judgment is clouded when you lose your cool. When everyone around you is losing their minds, you should maintain your composure no matter what. Be the calm eye of the storm.

4. Pay Close Attention When Others are Saying

Instead of just waiting to reply to something that the person you are speaking with is saying, pay attention to exactly what they are saying and how they are saying it. Sometimes body language will give away information about a person’s state of mind or their unspoken desires. Body language can indicate interest in what you are discussing, or boredom and disinterest. If you are paying attention, you can see when they’re saying they’re interested in a topic, but their body language says they are not.

People generally like others who are interested in the same things they are interested in. So, if you are showing a genuine interest in what they are saying, they will more likely to be friendly towards you and more receptive to what you have to say in return. We attract like-minded individuals by how we relate to them.

5. Praise Others

Everyone likes to be told how wonderful they are. But, people can tell when someone is blowing smoke up their rear end. Learning how to praise others without overdoing it is a key skill if you want others to like you and find you genuine. No one likes a glory hound. People who steal other people’s recognition, as well as arrogant and boastful people, are widely despised.

Honestly praising someone for their genuine accomplishments can engender a powerfully positive opinion of you. If you overdo it, though, people will think of you as a spineless sycophant. By praising others in a genuine fashion, you put them at ease and make them more receptive to your proposals and ideas.

How to Be More Likeable

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes.

If you’re a perfectionist, being easier on yourself could help expand your friendship circle. Studies show that people rate others as more likable when they make everyday blunders. That doesn’t mean you should go out of your way to make mistakes, of course. However, the research found that when people make errors in front of others, it humanizes them. In other words, it makes you more relatable if you don’t try so hard to be perfect.

Perhaps we can all learn a lesson from this study in our overly stressed world. Mistakes will inevitably happen, but we shouldn’t allow them to lower our self-esteem. If we can laugh it off when we mess up, this easygoing attitude will make us more likeable.

2. Compliment Others and Make Them Feel Good.

People naturally gravitate toward others that lift them up rather than tear them down. No one likes feeling judged or criticized or being around people with overly negative attitudes. So, if you want to become more likeable, try giving out genuine compliments to others.

For example, complimenting your friend on their stylish haircut or congratulating someone for landing a job will boost their spirits. We get much farther in life by spreading positivity and adopting an optimistic mindset, so try it out. We guarantee that others will find you likable if you treat them compassionately.

You may even help them perform better on everyday tasks by offering praise, according to one study. Researchers found that feeling valued activates the same areas of the brain as being offered money. The 2012 study also discovered that giving people praise boosted their motivation to perform a task.

So, not only does dishing out compliments make others feel good – it could actually change their life.

3. Practice Active Listening To Become Likeable.

Studies show that people who practice active listening are more attractive and likable to their peers. Most people only listen to reply, but those who slow down and attempt to understand gain more approval.

This makes sense, because when someone seems disinterested in a conversation, we immediately feel rejected. It creates distance between us and the other person, giving us the impression that they don’t care.

If you want to become more likeable, truly pay attention when you converse with someone. Allow them to speak their mind before offering your opinion, and ask questions for clarity. When you show others empathy by listening to their stories, it opens the doors for connection.

In our fast-paced world, we have largely forgotten the art of listening and being present. Our conversations have become short, tense and superficial, but we can change this by opening our hearts once again.

4. Be Curious and Ask More Questions.

If you want to become more likeable, make a point to ask others questions during conversations. Inquiring about people’s lives out of genuine curiosity may help you form deeper friendships, studies show. For example, one study found that “curiosity is associated with greater positive emotions and greater closeness when socializing with an unacquainted stranger.”

Whether you’re talking with strangers, close friends or loved ones, curiosity fosters better relationships. Plus, being inquisitive may spark thought-provoking, stimulating conversations that give you a new perspective. We all have something to share and learn from one another, if we keep an open mind.

5. Describe Others In a Positive Light.

Research shows that if you want to be likeable, avoid talking badly about others behind their backs. Instead, paint a positive picture of other people, because that’s how the listener will remember you. A study performed by Purdue University discovered that people’s perception of you can change based on how you describe others.

For instance, if you call someone else fake and narcissistic, the person you’re conversing with will associate you with these negative traits. However, if you describe another person as trustworthy and kind, the listener will recall you this way later on. Basically, since they can’t see the person you’re talking about, they ascribe the traits to you, the speaker.

So, if you want to impress others, make sure to lift people up with kindness and avoid gossip. Not only will you have a clear conscience, you probably will have more friends, too.

6. Show More Empathy to Be Likeable.

Becoming more likable doesn’t have to feel like rocket science. In general, simply showing your fellow humans love and compassion will make them more likely to reciprocate. If you put others first and give them your undivided attention, they will always have your back. Living in the spirit of service to others rather than being self-centered generates an abundance of positive energy.

When you send that powerful intention into the world, others will gravitate to you easily. Plus, empathy is contagious, so when they see you performing acts of kindness, they will like to mimic your behavior.

7. Connect To Others With A Similar Personality.

Whether consciously or unconsciously, we tend to seek out connections with people like us. Studies show that being well-liked isn’t just about having a charismatic personality – it’s about how others perceive you. For instance, the research found that “individuals with similar personality patterns liked each other more than individuals with dissimilar patterns.” So, if someone feels naturally drawn to you, they probably see a familiar aspect of themselves in you.

Final Thoughts on the Traits of Likeable People

Being more likable boils down to following the Golden Rule, in general – treat others as you’d like to be treated. If you show empathy, practice active listening, and compliment others, you will easily win people over. Also, asking questions and being curious about people’s lives can help build trust and comradery.

Finally, treating yourself with love and compassion will actually make you more likable as well. After all, life isn’t just reacting to us; it’s responding to us. Therefore, whatever we believe about ourselves will manifest in the outer world through our relationships with people. So, love yourself as you love others, and your whole life will overflow with peace and happiness.

The Best Foods to Eat (And Avoid) to Lose Weight

September 9, 2016 by Power of Positivity

What you eat plays a role in your journey when you want to lose weight. Many foods can help fuel your weight loss efforts, but others can hinder your progress. Learning the best foods to eat and which to avoid can make all the difference.

The easiest and quickest food to obtain tends to lack nutrients. However, it’s hard to lose weight when you opt for the first easy option you see. If you want to work toward a healthier lifestyle, it helps to gain information about your options.

When you learn the best foods, you’ll be surprised to know how easy some of them are for a quick snack or meal. You’ll gain new favorite foods, helping you escape your old habits. As you form new eating habits, you’ll find it easier to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Fourteen Foods to Eat for Weight Loss

1 – Nuts and Seeds

If you need an on-the-go snack, nuts and seeds are an easy option that helps your weight loss efforts. They contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and other beneficial plant compounds.

Nuts improve metabolic health, helping you lose weight. They also make you feel full longer, and you don’t have to eat much to experience the effect. Studies show that people who eat nuts tend to manage a healthier weight than others.

Seeds contain lots of fiber that expands in your stomach, making you feel full for much longer. Eat a small handful and wait about twenty minutes to see if you still feel hungry. If you do, only eat a little more, and you will feel satisfied.

Remember that nuts and seeds are high in healthy fats, so you must be mindful of your intake. Focus on portion sizes so you don’t sabotage your weight loss efforts.

2 – Leafy Greens for Weight Loss

Leafy green vegetables are low in calories but contain fiber and nutrients. The fiber content makes you feel full but doesn’t add calories, making these vegetables perfect for weight loss. Some of the leafy greens you can choose from include kale, spinach, collard greens, and Swiss chard, although there are others.

Research shows that leafy greens contain thylakoids, plant compounds that promote better appetite management and make you feel satisfied. Leafy greens also reduce cravings for unhealthy foods, making it easier to lose weight.

Leafy greens don’t only keep you feeling full, but they also help you stay hydrated. When you’re hydrated, your body can function fully, allowing you to lose more weight.

3 – Whole Greek Yogurt

Full-fat whole Greek yogurt is an excellent dairy product for losing weight. It has more protein than regular yogurt, and studies show it is effective for weight management.

Greek yogurt also contains probiotics, improving the functioning of your gut. When your gut functions well, it protects you from inflammation and leptin resistance. Leptin resistance leads to obesity, so resisting it is essential to lose weight.

4 – Cottage Cheese

Dairy products are high in protein, helping you build and maintain muscle during weight loss. Cottage cheese will leave you satisfied until your next meal and boosts your calcium intake. Studies show a link between calcium intake and healthy weight, although more research is needed before definitive results are released.

5 – Avocados – a Healthy Fat for Weight Loss

Avocados are high in carbs, but they’re also full of healthy fats and potassium. They contain monounsaturated oleic acid, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Even though they contain so much fat, they also have lots of water and fiber, making them more filling.

When you add avocados to your salads, it adds the fat content that many salads lack. It also increases the number of antioxidants your body absorbs from the vegetables in your salad. Avocados also help you absorb other fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K.

You must be mindful of portion sizes when eating avocados, as they are energy-dense. If you eat too many of them, it’ll hinder your efforts to lose weight instead of helping them. Focus on your hunger and fullness cues, and eat slowly so that your mind and body can process.

6 – Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain protein. These vegetables also make you feel full without adding calories to your diet.

7 – Beans and Legumes

As a rich source of protein and fiber, beans and legumes are highly beneficial to your weight loss efforts. They keep you full, and the protein content helps you burn fat. You can choose from lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and many other types.

8 – Salmon

Salmon is a fatty fish that is nutritious and filling. It contains many quality proteins, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. This nutritious food also contains iodine, a nutrient for thyroid function and metabolism.

Salmon also contains omega-3 fatty acids, helping reduce inflammation. Because inflammation plays a role in metabolic disease and obesity, it’s essential to keep it under control.

9 – Whole Grains

Studies show that whole grains are loaded with fiber and protein, allowing them to support weight loss efforts. They also promote your metabolic health, making them an essential addition to a healthy diet.

Choose from oats, brown rice, and quinoa to fulfill your whole grain need. Oats are beneficial because they contain beta-glucans, soluble fibers that make you feel full and improve metabolic health.

10 – Chili Peppers

Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which is the substance that makes them spicy. Studies show this substance improves your metabolic function, making your body burn fat quicker. It also makes you feel full, supporting your weight loss effort.

11 – Tuna

You’ll feel full longer when you eat tuna, helping you avoid cravings and taking in too many calories. Tuna also contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, and will increase your protein intake, too.

12 – Soup

Adding more water to your diet helps you stay hydrated and feel full, helping you consume fewer calories. Soup is the perfect way to add more water while increasing your vegetables and whole grains intake.

Soup also takes longer than other foods because you must wait for it to cool before eating. Once it cools, it takes longer to eat because you have to eat it on a spoon, slurping rather than taking bites. It helps you eat mindfully, avoiding overeating and missing fullness cues.

Avoid soups that are cream-based or made with processed meats. These options won’t provide the same nutrients and may cause weight gain. Try blending in avocado instead of cream to make a rich soup.

13 – Fruit

Fruit contains lots of sugar but still has low energy density. They contain fiber, making your body digest them slower and release the sugar slowly. Sugar from fruit is released slowly to allow your blood sugar to stay steady while still giving essential nutrients.

Studies show that those who consume fruit tend to be healthier than those who don’t eat any. They contain essential vitamins and nutrients that allow you to maintain a healthy weight.

14 – Eggs (the Protein Supports Your Weight Loss)

Whole eggs are nutrient-dense foods containing protein, vitamin D, choline, and other healthy compounds. Eggs help you feel full, preventing snacking on healthy foods before lunch. Studies show that eating eggs for breakfast prevents hunger more than cereal, milk, or orange juice.

Eight Foods to Avoid for Weight Loss

1 – Potato Chips and Fries Hinder Weight Loss

While potatoes are rich in nutrients, they also contain starch. Since starch easily converts into sugar, overindulging can lead to high blood sugar and less nutrition. When you eat potatoes in the form of chips or fries, the lack of vitamins is even worse.

Potato chips and fries are soaked in unhealthy oils and fried during cooking. The cooking process and ingredients are high in calories and easy to overindulge. Studies show that eating these snacks has a direct link to weight gain.

2 – Ice Cream

Ice cream is incredibly unhealthy because it’s high in calories and loaded with sugar. While eating ice cream sometimes isn’t a problem, it’s easy to overconsume once you start. If you choose to eat it, serve yourself a small portion, and don’t go back for more.

3 – Sugary Drinks and Specialty Coffees

Soda and other sugary beverages interfere with your ability to lose weight. Choose another drink like milk, water, or unsweetened tea to decrease your calorie intake. Soda is directly related to weight gain, so you must remove it from your diet.

Specialty coffee drinks are a problem because they often contain unhealthy ingredients like sugar and artificial cream. They have lots of calories with little to no nutrients.

4 – White Bread

White bread contains little nutrients but lots of added sugar. It can lead to blood sugar spikes and weight gain. Studies show that it is linked to obesity, making it a problem if you want to lose weight.

5 – Fruit Juice – A Sneaky Sugar That Slows Down Weight Loss

Most juice gets marketed as a healthy beverage, but that’s not usually true. Fruit juice contains lots of sugar and few nutrients.

It also doesn’t make you feel full as it doesn’t require chewing or contains fiber. You’ll consume unnecessary calories and take in the same food.

6 – Baked Goods Slow Down Weight Loss

Pastries, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods contain added sugars and refined flour. They also contain trans fats, a compound linked to weight gain. Baked goods aren’t satisfying, and you’ll become hungry soon after consuming them.

7 – Alcohol

Alcohol, especially beer, contains many calories and few nutrients. Drinking alcohol in moderation is okay, but heavy drinking leads to weight gain.

8 – Pizza Slows Your Weight Loss

While it’s easy and quick to grab pizza for lunch or dinner, it could stand in the way of your weight loss efforts. It’s high in calories and doesn’t usually contain healthy ingredients. The dough often contains refined flour, and the meat is processed.

If you want to enjoy pizza, try making it at home instead. When you make it at home, you can use healthier ingredients, ensuring you don’t hinder your ability to lose weight.

Final Thoughts on Foods to Help You Lose Weight

To lose weight, you must pay attention to the foods you consume. Some foods are beneficial for weight loss, while others hinder the process. Consider swapping unhealthy foods for healthier options, but be mindful of serving sizes. These food options will help you lose weight and feel better as you swap unhealthy favorites.

11 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Beer

September 9, 2016 by Sarah Barkley

Scientists now agree that drinking a beer at the end of a long day can have a calming effect. Helping you relax isn’t the only benefit, though, as the health benefits of beer extend far beyond that.

When you drink beer in moderation, it can boost your health and make you feel better overall. Dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explain that moderate consumption is one drink each day for women and two for men.

While over-indulging is detrimental to your health, limiting yourself to the suggested guidelines allows you to take advantage of the many benefits of beer. From replenishing vitamins to improving heart and bone health, beer can help with many aspects of your health. One to two beers a day can also promote positive mental health.

If you don’t like to drink beer, you can reap the benefits by cooking with it instead. Knowing all of the health benefits of drinking beer everyday will help you appreciate the liquid a little more. It’ll also serve as a reminder to limit yourself when you enjoy a couple.

Beer Nutrition Facts

Beer is made from water, hops, barley, and yeast. It is mainly made of water, and water from different regions results in different tasting beer. Barley is the main ingredient in beer, though, and it is rich in starch.

Hops contain essential oils that offer a distinct beer flavor and are consider the spice of beer. Yeast is responsible for fermentation and the production of flavor compounds. All of these ingredients work together and result in many health benefits of beer.

But is beer good for you?

According to the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, beer contains plenty of antioxidants, protein, and vitamin B. Additionally, in twelve ounces of standard beer, you can also find the following:

iron
calcium
phosphates
fiber
niacin
riboflavin
choline
folate
magnesium
phosphorus
selenium
potassium
thiamine
zinc

Nine Health Benefits of Beer

1. Beer Contributes To Our Daily Nutrient Intake

Charlie Bamforth, a professor of brewing sciences, explains that beer contains prebiotics, potentially promoting the growth of good gut bacteria. Additionally, it contains comparable nutrients to healthy snacks, with significant amounts of protein and fiber.

Typically, wine is more well-known for its healthy properties, but new studies show beer contains more protein and vitamin B than wine. Plus, both drinks contain equal amounts of antioxidants, although the specific types of antioxidants differ in each.

If you replace one unhealthy, processed snack with a glass of beer, you could boost your nutrient intake. As long as you don’t go overboard with the beer, you can get a punch of nutrients you can’t get from other snacks.

2. Beer May Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

Studies show that people who drink one serving of beer three to four times a week have a lower risk of developing diabetes. The study went on to show that men who had between one and six beers each week lowered their risk by more than 20%.

Moderate alcohol intake can also help regulate blood sugar levels and reduces insulin resistance. Since both of those factors can affect your risk of diabetes, keeping them under control is essential.

Heavy drinking counteracts these benefits, however, and increases the risk of diabetes. Stick to the recommended one to two drinks each day, and you can reap the benefits without going too far.

3. Beer May Improve Your Cardiovascular Health

The American Heart Association presented a study that indicates moderate drinkers maintained high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is good because it decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, studies show that moderate beer intake helps your body remove “bad” cholesterol. Since cholesterol can block your arteries, removing it can improve your heart health by allowing better circulation. Research shows that men who drank beer moderately are around 42% less likely to die from heart disease.

With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, finding ways to improve your heart can save your life. With studies showing that moderate beer intake drastically reduces your risk, it could be a beneficial step.

Remember that with the health benefits of beer, you must stay at a moderate level of consumption. Anything more than that has the opposite effect and can lead to heart disease and stroke.

4. Beer May Strengthen Your Bones

A study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology shows that moderate beer intake increases bone density. Each serving of beer contains silicon, which is an essential mineral for bone formation. This mineral is hard to find in food sources, so beer benefits your healthy lifestyle.

Dietary silicon is essential for bone and connective tissue growth and development. People that drink moderately are nearly 38% less likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Likewise, they are less likely to break or fracture bones too.

5. Beer May Improve Your Brain Health

Beer can help protect your brain from things that cause cognitive disease. Researchers found that people who moderately drink beer are less likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, since beer increases good cholesterol, it improves blood flow to the brain, too.

Studies show that people who drink a beer or two can solve puzzles and answer questions faster than others. They are also more likely to find unexpected solutions. Additionally, moderate consumption of beer can boost your creativity.

Moderately drinking beer can also reduce tension and stress while boosting feelings of overall wellbeing. With this being the case, it helps you think clearer rather than focusing on the negative aspects of your life. As you develop a more positive mindset, your brain health significantly increases.

Another reason that beer can improve your brain health is that it contains Xanthohumol. Xanthohumol is a flavonoid known for slowing the degradation process of your memory and protecting brain cells from oxidative damage.

6. Beer Cleans Your Teeth

Researchers found that beer can keep bacteria from growing and forming on your teeth. Some bacteria form a biofilm, which promotes tooth decay and gum disease. Moderately drinking beer can stop the bacteria from developing that biofilm.

Biofilm is a slimy coating you feel on your teeth when it is time to brush them. It sometimes appears yellow and can quickly lead to troubling oral health concerns. Since beer eliminates biofilm formation, it polishes and strengthens your teeth, further protecting your gums from periodontal disease.

Beer that contains higher amounts of hops also contains tannins. Tannins serve as antioxidants, stopping the growth of bacteria and killing what already exists. Additionally, beer contains calcium and silicon, which both fortify teeth and make them stronger.

7. Beer May Reduce Inflammation

Scientists found an interesting connection between beer and inflammation.

Studies show that hops have anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, beer can help fight inflammation, decreasing your risk of developing many diseases. Chronic inflammation can cause heart disease, stroke, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Reducing inflammation helps prevent those conditions and alleviate the symptoms if you already have an inflammatory-related disease. Additionally, hops contain humulone, a bitter acid that prevents and treats inflammation caused by viral respiratory infections.

8. Beer Helps Fight Cancer

The antioxidant Xanthohumol inhibits cancer-causing enzymes in men. It blocks extra testosterone, which is what causes prostate cancer. Because the excess hormone gets clogged, your risk of developing cancer decreases.

Additionally, research shows that the humulones and lupulones found in hops have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation eventually leads to DNA damage, which can then cause cancer. This link between cancer and inflammation is why people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

9. Beer May Help You Live Longer

A psychologist at the University of Texas discovered that people who moderately drink beer live longer than people that don’t drink at all. Since beer improves cholesterol levels, strengthens your heart, and decreases your risk of life-threatening diseases, it can add years to your life.

Other research compared people who drank moderately a few days a week and people that never drank. The results show that people who never drank alcohol were more likely to die at a younger age.

Additionally, studies show that people that never drink alcohol are more likely to develop heart disease. Remember, anything more than moderate drinking will have the opposite effect, and your risk of dying sooner increase drastically.

Final Thoughts on Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Beer

One or two 12-ounce glasses of beer each day can improve your life in many ways—the health benefits of beer range from promoting physical health to improving mental health.

If you want to live longer and feel better, consider drinking moderately and embrace the health benefits of beer. Remember not to over-indulge, or you put yourself at greater risk of the health issues you’re trying to avoid.

Don’t feel pressured to drink only to embrace the health benefits of beer, though. If you aren’t interested in drinking beer, you can receive the same benefits from a nutrient-rich diet.

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