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15 Healthy Snacks for Kids Never to Overlook

July 9, 2020 by Power of Positivity

It’s an ongoing battle to get your kids to eat healthily. No matter how hard you try to keep junk food and processed varieties away from them, it seems they always find a way to come creeping in. Keeping healthy snacks for kids on hand can help you win that battle.

Sit down and watch a cartoon on television with your children. During that show, you will see commercials for cereal, fruit snacks, toys, and all sorts of things to allure them. The advertising agencies know what they’re doing because they know that little Johnny or Susie will drive you crazy to buy whatever they see on TV.

Healthy Snacks for Kids Who Are Picky Eaters

Why do your children prefer to get a hamburger at a fast food place rather than eat the ones you make at home? The difference is sugar. These restaurants spend tens of thousands of dollars taste testing their products to make them irresistible. Adding sugar to hamburger, spaghetti, and just about anything else, makes it takes excellent.

How do you get a child to sit down and eat broccoli and carrots when they would rather have a hamburger and French fries from the local drive-thru? It’s a difficult feat, but there are ways that you can make healthy snacks seem more appealing to picky eaters.

Here are 15 healthy snacks for kids that you mustn’t overlook.

1. Popcorn

Popcorn is a nutritious and filling food if you know how to make it properly. Forget loading on the butter and salt; you can make this healthy by using less. There are many different powders that you can add to your popcorn to make it taste great, and it’s better than butter.

Children love popcorn, and they will eat it without all the extras if you never expose them to those goodies. Pop it in coconut oil and use sea salt and spices for a tasty treat.

2. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese contains plenty of vitamins that your little one needs. The best thing about this dairy product is that it’s so versatile. You can add fruits like peaches or vegetables like tomatoes to this side.

If your kids love cheese, then this is another one that is sure to please. Dress it up and show them how fantastic this side dish can be.

3. Fruit Smoothies

You can give your smoothies a powerful punch when you add fresh fruits and pure honey. There’s no reason to put sugary substances in these frozen goodies as nature has all the sweetness you need.

A fruit smoothie is just as good as a milkshake on a hot day, and the calories are significantly less too. Just think of all the vitamins and minerals that you’re packing into your kids. The best part is they won’t even question these drinks as something healthy because they are delicious.

4. Sweet Potato Fries

While regular French fries are often loaded with grease and high carbohydrates, sweet potato fries are a healthy option. Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index, which means they won’t spike sugar levels.

They’re also loaded with fiber and vitamins like B6 and C, as well as being a high potassium and magnesium source. Play with some seasonings to appease your picky palettes.

5. Pickles

Pickles are a fermented food, which everyone knows now is right for you. They are just cucumbers in brine, but kids seem to love them. Get the large dill varieties, and they can eat them like a popsicle. The beneficial bacteria in these spears can help them to fight off infections and illnesses.

6. Apples and Peanut Butter

Apples are a great fruit because they are full of soluble fiber and antioxidants. Pair them with peanut butter or another nutty spread, and it’s a sweet treat they won’t care to eat.

Remember the old saying that eating an apple a day would keep the doctor away, so why not give these delicious fruits to your children? Healthy snacks for kids should include apples in red, yellow, green, or pink varieties.

7. Trail Mix

Trail mix is a crunchy snack that can replace unhealthy potato chips. It has healthy fats, fiber, and the antioxidants that you need. Though it tends to be a bit higher in calories, it has plenty of heart-healthy fats.

The beautiful thing about this snack is that you can customize it however you want. You can add coconut flakes, dark chocolate, and nuts of your choice. You can even throw in a few pretzels too.

8. Guacamole

Avocados are a superfood. Guacamole tastes excellent and can be put on toast, tortilla chips, or used as a dip. As a healthy snack for kids, they will enjoy the taste, but you will like the plant-based fats they receive.

The monounsaturated fats will boost your little one’s brain function and help lower their risk for heart attacks and strokes as they age. Start them on avocados when they are young so that it can help then when they’re older.

9. Carrots and Humus

Carrots are loaded with beta carotene and fiber, and it’s one of the best healthy snacks for kids. You can pair it with hummus, which is packed with vitamins and minerals. The impressive health benefits of this Middle Eastern dip do not go unrecognized.

It can help to fight inflammation and improve digestive health, and people of all ages need those benefits.

Get great hummus recipes.

10. Cheese

The calcium levels in cheese make it one of the best healthy snacks for kids. There are so many varieties to choose from that you can really experiment with the selections. Try to get cheese made from 100 percent grass-fed cows to get the highest nutritional levels.

11. Oatmeal

Did you know that oats are one of the healthiest grains on the planet? You can serve oatmeal for breakfast, but did you know that you can do so many things with oats? It can make healthy cookies, be put into a trail mix, be ground into a nutritious flour, and make granola.

Since oats can keep your heart healthy by lowering blood sugar and is full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it’s one of the most superior healthy snacks for kids.

12. Celery and Peanut Butter

Celery has high levels of potassium and folate, plus it’s low on the glycemic index. It keeps blood sugars regulated and tastes delicious with peanut butter or cream cheese on it.

The vitamins and minerals found in these green stalks give it the status of superfood. Did you know that it’s a member of the carrot family too?

13. Nuts and Seeds

While nut allergies are abundant these days, they’re still among the best healthy snacks for kids. Rather than reaching for those chocolate bars, nuts can fill that crunchy craving and give your children some good protein with potassium and magnesium.

There are more than 11 types of nuts for you to explore as healthy snacks for kids. Though the most popular are pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and cashews, don’t forget about Brazil or macadamia nuts.

14. Fruit

While some on the Keto diet may say that fruits are bad for you, anything plant-based that comes from nature should be enjoyed. While apples, bananas, oranges, and watermelon are excellent choices, why not delve into rare varieties like dragon or star fruits?

The fiber and vitamins that fruits provide only enhance your little one’s nutrition. Just make sure to introduce new things to younger kids slowly to see if they develop any allergens.

15. Yogurt

Yogurt is one of those things where you really need to read the labels. There are all sorts of colorful designs, and ones with cartoon characters meant to attract your children. However, these are sneaky tricks to market unhealthy varieties.

Some yogurts have as much sugar as a candy bar. You need to get a brand with less sugar and add sweet extras like strawberries or bananas on top. Plain yogurt can be used in a variety of dips and other recipes, and it’s quite healthy.

Final Thoughts on Serving Up These Healthy Snacks for Kids

It’s hard to find the best healthy snacks for kids, especially when you have one child that tends to be a bit picky. Snacking is commonplace when watching a movie or to tide the little ones over till the next meal. It’s important to teach healthy snacking options while they’re young, as bad habits will follow them through life.

Raising healthy children in an unhealthy world is essential. Healthy eating sustains them when viruses and other illnesses are going around, but it will give them the foundation for a healthy adulthood. Nature provides everything that you and your family need to be healthy.

One of the biggest hurdles parents face is children eating what you offer them. If they don’t like it the first time, try it again later. Introducing healthy eating isn’t always popular, but it’s worth the effort.

10 Signs Anxiety Requires the Help of a Psychiatrist

July 9, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Mental health pros estimate that more than 18 percent of the population suffers from some sort of anxiety disorder. Sadly, only about 36 percent of those individuals will seek treatment. Many try to get help from their primary care physicians, but these professionals have a general knowledge of mental health and don’t specialize like a psychiatrist.

Many folks suffer from a constant anxious state, but they don’t know what’s going on with them. They may fear that they have a medical condition or are losing their mind. Anxiety is a natural part of life. When you’re faced with danger, the body has three responses, fight, flight, or freeze.

The same can be said when someone has a panic attack. They can fight it by using breathing exercises and other techniques, they can run and try to escape the panic, or they can freeze in a state of terror. Have you ever heard of someone being so scared that they were “frozen in fear?”

These are all-natural things that occur when you’re in protection mode. In the face of adversity, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. It’s what gives you the strength to fight off the danger that faces you.

Have you ever heard of someone being able to lift a car off another person? It’s these hormones that give them the boost they need to save a life.

The problem is that when someone suffers from an anxious condition, they are unable to determine what is a viable threat from one that is no threat at all. For instance, it’s normal for your heart to race, your palms to get sweaty, and you feel like you’re going to pass out once you’ve been in a car accident.

A brush with death is undoubtedly a cause for alarm. However, when a person has an anxiety disorder, they may have those feelings of getting behind the wheel, fearing that they will be in an accident. Their mind uses irrational fears to rule their life. These fears are genuine to the person having panic, though there is little to no merit to them.

A few anxious spells on occasion can be considered normal and nothing to be alarmed about. However, what do you do if you have several attacks each week, and it’s starting to affect your ability to function?

Ten Signs that You Need the Intervention of a Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a licensed doctor that can treat a variety of mental illnesses. They have extensive training in handling these types of cases, as this is the focus of their practice. A psychologist is there to talk and counsel you, but a psychiatrist is there to prescribe medications.

Here are some classic signs that it might be time to see this professional about your ongoing battle with anxiety.

1. You Have Thoughts of Self-Harm

Self-harming behaviors don’t necessarily mean that you want to kill yourself. Did you know that many cutters do so to help get rid of the tremendous amount of nervousness that they feel?

Often, the strain from the constant pressure and angst in your life is overwhelming and hurting people use cutting as a method to release tension. If you have ever considered cutting or any other self-harm act to make yourself feel better, then you need to see a doctor.

While a cutter doesn’t have to be suicidal, they can quickly turn suicidal when discovering that the marks on their skin no longer take away the pain. Any thought of this nature, no matter how small, must be taken care of immediately.

Here is what teens who self-harm are really trying to say.

2. You Avoid Going in Public for Fear of Another Attack

Panic attacks often occur when a person is anxious continuously. Panic makes you feel as if there is impending doom or that you are going to die due to a medical condition. Though the attacks only last just a few minutes, those minutes can seem like a lifetime.

If you notice that you’re afraid to go to a grocery store because you had one attack in there and fear another one, then you may be developing agoraphobia. It’s time to see a psychiatrist if your panic is restricting where you can go.

3. Your Relationships are Suffering

When someone is in a panic and always feels angst, then the relationships of the people around them may suffer. A spouse may be frustrated when they can’t take their partner on a date because of all their irrational fears. They may be very real to the person suffering, especially in times like today, however, if you feel so isolated that you cannot do anything.

You may be unable to attend small family gatherings and large ones like family reunions .go to a house of worship on Sundays or have family celebrations anymore. Being in a constant state of angst can ruin your entire life, but this condition can be easily treated.

4. Anxiety is Changing Your Personality

Do you notice that your personality is starting to change? You may feel irritable, and aggressive, and your moods are off. Continuous pressure and strain from the cares of life can change your personality.

Additionally, it’s also a sign that there may be another mental illness coming into play in this situation. A psychiatrist can get to the bottom of the case and help you feel more like you again.

5. Typical counseling isn’t Helping

Counseling has become commonplace for those that suffer from constant anxieties. However, after going through months of sessions, you may need more than what a psychologist can provide.

It’s possible that talk therapy needs to be combined with herbal or other methods. There are numerous types of treatment, and you may need to change things up a bit. For many people, counseling alone won’t work.

6. Your Medications Aren’t Helping

If you went to your general practitioner for help with your anxiety and those medications are no longer working, then you need help from a medical professional in this field.

A family doctor will try you on antidepressants to try to combat the pain you feel with your angst and tensions, but these medications don’t work for everyone. Some people won’t respond to them at all. A mental health professional is not afraid to use drug combinations and other therapies to get you to a better place.

Severe anxiety requires treatment.

7. You’re Unable to Keep Up with Your Job/House

If you’re an anxious person, then it’s possible that you also cross over and have some depression too. It seems that these two mental health conditions often run together. When you have depression or a constant state of angst, you may find things like getting out of bed seems impossible.

Keeping up with your daily routines, such as your job or household duties, may seem too much. You may notice that your home is untidy, the laundry is piling up, and you’ve called off work so much that you’ve exhausted all your sick days.

8. You’re Isolating

Isolation is quite reasonable when a person is under constant tension and strain. The very nature of this illness makes you want to run and hide. The overactive hormones cause you to do things that are out of character for you.

However, isolating can be a big problem. If you find that you would instead lock yourself away in your bedroom than watch television with your family or go to the movies, then it may be a sign you have a severe issue that needs medical intervention.

9. Your Moods Are Unstable

We’ve already touched on the fact that you can become angry and irritable when you’re in a state of angst. However, you may notice that you have a hard time regulating your moods altogether. You may be crying one minute and laughing the next.

People may begin to walk on eggshells around you because they never know how you will react. If you feel mad enough to bite a nail in half and no one has done anything to you, then it could be a sign that your hormones are out of whack.

10. The Anxiety is Getting Worse, Not Better

Anyone can experience some panic when changes are occurring in their life. For instance, if you’ve just moved to a new town, you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a medical condition, or you have financial worries, then it’s understandable that your nerves would be on edge.

However, if your constant state of panic is beginning to take a toll on you and those around you, then you need help. While you should never consider medications lately, especially given the side effects that come with them, you should know that you don’t have to live this way. A psychiatrist can help you.

Final Thoughts on Ending the Stigma of Seeing a Psychiatrist

Many people won’t go to a psychiatrist because they fear that they will find something wrong with them, and they don’t want to face mental health issues. There is no shame in having an anxious condition, as you are not alone, and you’re not going crazy.

More than 40 million people in this country alone fight the pangs of an anxious nature each day. Sadly, many turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. You don’t have to live this way when there is a board-certified psychiatrist that knows what to do to help you.

15 Responses When Your Crush Rejects You by Text

July 9, 2020 by Power of Positivity

When texting came around in 1992, the way society communicated changed. Forget telephones that make conversations long and often dull, texting allows you to say what you need to say and move on. When you need to tell someone how you feel about them, then what better way than through a text message? Conversely, the same thing now happens when someone rejects you.

Texting allows you to say things to a person that you could never say face-to-face. When it comes to love and matters of the heart, things are always complicated. Texting is a great way to put all your feelings out there and hope for the best, but you can save face should things not go the way you want.

Handling Rejection with Dignity

However, what if your crush rejects you? What if the very things that you long to hear never come? What if they shoot you down and crush your ego in the process?

First, it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of guys and gals out there who want to be with someone as beautiful as you. Second, you don’t have to let them have the final word.

Here are 15 comebacks when your crush rejects you and says that they want to stay in the “friend zone.”

1. You don’t know what you’re missing.

The best way to be unaffected by rejection is to turn it back on them. Remind them of all the things they will be missing out on with you. You have many unique gifts and talents, and no one will treat them the way you will.

2. If you think you can get rid of me that easy, then dream on.

If you intend to pursue this person for more than a friendship, then be open and honest about it. Persistence sometimes pays off royally. Just because they reject you today, doesn’t mean that they will feel the same in a month or two.

3. Are you trying to be funny, cause that sounded like you were joking?

If your ego is hurting badly, then play it off as a joke. You can ask if they were joking or were too scared to say how they feel. You want to make sure that you don’t think they got one over on you or the upper hand. Using humor will allow you to keep some sense of pride.

4. I was just kidding, anyway!

If the situation goes south, then you can blame it on you playing around. You can say you were tired, had too much to drink, or aren’t thinking clearly. Humor is an excellent way to break the awkwardness that is now between you.

5. Do you have a twin that has lower standards?

When someone rejects you, it’s hard to find the right words to say. Another attempt at humor will be to ask them if they have a twin who has lower standards. If they act like you are beneath them, then this phrase will bring them back down to reality.

6. I want you to be mine, and I won’t take no for an answer!

Okay, so desperate times call for extreme measures. If you want to be with this person, then you need to tell them. Tell them that their response doesn’t matter as you have your agenda.

You have every intention of trying to win their heart, no matter how long that takes. Now, they may think it’s sweet that you want to be with them, or they might feel that you’re crazy. However, you’ve got to play all your cards.

7. It’s a good thing I’m not sensitive.

If you’re hurt and want to play it off, then you can throw off a flippant comment like, “At least I’m not sensitive.” This will let them know that they’ve hurt you deeply, but you don’t have to come right out and say it. Hold your head high and don’t let them know how much it hurts as you need to save face.

8. Is there someone else in your heart?

One of the first things that you might be thinking is that they are in love with someone else. When a person rejects you, it may be because they are involved with another individual.

It’s a fair question to ask if they’ve already given their heart away. This question will let you know if they don’t like you or they’re already involved. If they don’t say no, then you can altogether rule out a relationship. There still may be hope for the future.

9. What’s wrong with me?

Asking what’s wrong with you is a loaded question. Are you sure you want to know the exact reasons why they rejected you? Most people will try to be kind and brush over a few basic things, but you must be cautious of those who will just tell you exactly how they feel. It could be a real bust to your self-esteem.

10. I would rather have you as my friend than nothing at all.

When all else fails, you don’t want to lose them from your life. When someone rejects having anything more than friendship with you, then being friends is all you have left.

You must ask yourself if you can face them time and again and know that your heart wants theirs and can’t have it. Still, it’s scary to think of losing the person you love even as your friend.

11. I don’t know about a future friendship, as I need to process this rejection.

If you don’t see how you can ever go back to being just friends, then you need to say so. Tell him or her that it’s going to take you some time to process this mess, and you need some time apart.

When you both run in similar circles, then it makes it even more challenging to spend time apart to think. You may decide that your life is better off without them, especially if they don’t feel the same way. Each time you see them would be a reminder of what could have been.

Here are tips for moving out of the “friend zone” and into a relationship.

12. I can’t be just friends when my heart wants so much more.

Tell them that no matter what they say, it isn’t going to change how your heart feels. You can’t turn off love or a serious crush like the flip of a switch. You didn’t develop feelings for them overnight, and you aren’t going to get over them overnight either.

13. When I become rich and famous, you will remember this conversation.

It’s your chance to get a little dig in as you remind them what they will be missing when they reject you. If you are in college or have a successful career, it doesn’t hurt to remind them of the life they could be giving up.

While you don’t expect this to change their minds, it can give you the upper hand and make you look less desperate. If you have your head on straight and want to make something of your life, then they could have been by your side reaping the rewards of your labor.

14. What will it take for you to change your mind?

Perhaps this person has specific reasons why they can’t be with you. It might not have a thing to do with your looks, attitude, or status in life. Maybe they are worried about finances, social circles, or spiritual affiliations.

If they at least engage with you on this question, then you can work through the things that your crush doubts. There may still be some glimmer of hope.

15. Why can’t you see us as anything more than friends, I do?

If all else fails, then you can grovel a little bit. Tell them again how much they mean to you. Ask them for specific reasons and things that maybe you can change. Take another opportunity to tell them why they are so beautiful.

Many people won’t admit that they like someone, even if they do. They may want to give you more time and see if things develop any further. There is absolutely no reason to give up on someone who starts telling you somethings that bother them but is up for discussion. It means they’ve already been thinking about a relationship with you.

Final Thoughts: When Your Love Rejects You, Perhaps It Wasn’t Meant to Be

If he or she rejects the idea of being with you, then it may be time to move on. It’s hard to realize that some things aren’t meant to be, and you must find the courage and strength to get over this situation.

When someone rejects you, it hurts badly. You may need to steer clear of this person for a short period, or just until your heart heals. They always say that the best way to get over one person is to find another one.

So, get back out there in the dating world and find someone else to capture your heart. Who knows, maybe next time, it won’t be a case of unrequited love.

Reports Explain the Reality of Food Insecurity in America Today

July 9, 2020 by Deborah Tayloe

Food insecurity is the interruption of food intake or eating patterns because of inadequate money and other necessary resources. However, nutritional insecurity is not a cause of hunger. Indeed it is but one part of an incredibly complex problem.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) further divides food insecurity into two categories. The first one is a low food-deficit it reports about the reduced quality, variety, or desirability of a diet with a slight or no sign of reduced food intake.

The second is a shallow food shortage that accounts for several indications of irregular eating patterns and limited food consumption.

Moreover, food insecurity may be long-term or short-term depending on salary, employment, race, and disability. Of course, the risk of deficiencies increases when there is inadequate money to buy food.

Who Does Food Deficit Affect?

Food insecurity has a comprehensive social consequence for children, adults, and senior adults—scarcity impacts not only those who are at risk but the entire nation as well.

Here are some of the people that are most affected by food insufficiency. The significant population affected by hunger are the following:

Rural communities
Children
Senior citizens
African Americans
Latinos

We will examine the primary causes of food shortages in each of these groups.

1 – Children Feel the Impact of Food Insecurity in Reduced Academic Performance And Social Skills

Food shortage correlates with different economic conditions within the United States. And, food insecurity has a direct impact on our children.

Furthermore, food insecurity among children between the ages of 6-12 brings poor mathematics grades, grade repetition, absenteeism, tardiness anxiety, and many more. On the other hand, children among 15-18-year-old adolescents food insufficiency are related to depressing issues as well as suicidal symptoms after the regulatory for pay and other factors.

Poverty may make great parents and excellent students feel sad about life. That is okay. No situation lasts forever, because the power within you is stronger than the task ahead of you.

Additionally, cross-sectional studies suggest that there are possible links between food shortage and overweight children. Also, it indicates that a poor diet has consequences for academic performance, social skills, and weight in children.

2 – Seniors Face Chronic Diseases Due to Shortages

Food insecurity is a predictor of several chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, and many more. It also contributes to worsening psychological health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Although there are several government programs and services established, for this reason, some people are unable to afford them due to the increasing scarceness rate. Because of the growing food dearth cases, older adults are more vulnerable, and they already have higher health care costs.

They tend to take a stronger medication compared to the rest of the population. These economic realities jam the low income older adults worsening their physical and mental health. That situation plays out all too often. That’s because those seniors who face poverty rely on the cheapest, packaged foods, in many cases.

Seniors do not have to feel this way. We can do something to show our empathy and compassion by being supportive as a society because everyone gets old.

3 – African Americans: Ethnic Differences Underscored by Food Scarcity

The national average household food scarcity is at 26% for African Americans and 14% for Hispanic households. The relationship between races and food deficit is multifaceted and tangled with other recognized causes of nutrient insecurity, including physical disabilities.

The concentration on social and economic disadvantage among different people of diverse colors over the life course dominates as the driver of higher rates of food unsafeness.

Many community leaders express fear that there is always going to be a risk of food shortage even when economic and social issues are removed. This concern stems from the prevalence of poverty among African American communities.

For the African-American community, food insecurity is a genuine concern.

4 – Latinos: Food Deficit Leads to Acculturation and Social Networks in Puerto Rican Families

Latino homes are widely known to be to house entire families in one household. These types of houses are at the highest risk of food shortage because of children.

Additionally, the monthly or daily income, when estimated, is not enough to adequately cater to every single person, especially families headed by single mothers. Despite being an extended family in a small household, Latinos also face a variety of health problems and decreasing academic performance among the children.

On the other hand, due to the congestion in several homes, they tend to practice acculturation that ends up increasing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes among the aging family members.

5 – Rural Communities: Affects Food Patterns Rural Areas

People who live in rural communities are at a higher risk of food deficit. Rural areas are different from other places such as metropolitan, because they are not overly crowded. Thus, finding a job opportunity in such areas is very hard, and levels of dearth are rising.

Therefore, this means that most rural areas are limited to accessing necessities like a full meal. Additionally, several rural areas are faced with a shortage of food retailers because supermarkets are aware that they have a minimum chance of making a substantial profit.

Thus individuals in these areas are forced to rely on the same food patterns week after week.

6 – Low-Level Education Communities: Results of Accessing Limited Food Knowledge

Food insufficiency has a significant effect on education and health in general. During the early years of a child’s development, weak cognitive growth, and low educational achievement may extend to later life.

It is important to note that food education has a direct and broad return to individuals and immediate family members and the society at large. Moreover, education is the critical determinant of social flexibility that comes in handy by moving people and households out of scarcity and ensuring that people have a little food security.

Categories of Food Security

Four primary ranges describe the dynamics of food security. The core objective of each of the levels is to help define the different abilities to contrast households in accessing adequate healthy food.

Based on the standards of access, households that can get unlimited access to the availability of high marginal and high food security belong to the Food Secure category. This range massively differs from the Food insecure type, which is fundamentally characterized by shallow access to food security. Below are additional facts.

Fifteen signs of a parasitic infection.

1 – High Food Security

The nutritional standards of each family member depend on the type of household that they currently occupy. Those that belong to one of the safest ranges in the world belong to the High Food Security Range.

In this range, no household ever suffers the worry or anxiety of failing to have constant access to healthy food. Throughout the year, these families, communities, regions, and even countries enjoy access to unlimited food.

In this household, for every member to benefit equally, the available food has to be shared based on personal preferences, and they enjoy a variety of nutritious foods, as well. Also, quality and safety matter the most.

2 – Marginal Food Security

Households that have access to maximized sources of food can rarely go hungry. Such households belong to the category of Marginal Food Security.

Under normal circumstances, Marginal Food Security communities have access to healthy and quality food most of the time. However, due to unforeseen events like global pandemics, this household begins expiring diminished sources of food. Thus, the quality goes down.

The same applies to their variety of food that is available to this household.

3 – Low Food Security

The third range of food security is Low Food Security. This household has a generally reduced quality and variety of food access.

In most cases, individual family members are forced to go hungry due to the strained economic propensity of this household. This eventually disrupts the eating habits and overall living standards of the communities within this range.

Other traits here include the lack of stable and legal employment opportunities. The income is low, and most people here prefer living alone. Additionally, most households live in rented homes.

4 – Very Low Food Security

The last range of households is Very Low Food Security. The major characteristic that these households share is completely missing food. A good number of communities in this grouping often worry that food will run out soon or are currently going without nourishment.

Communities in this range get worried that even with the available food, it will not be adequate to last long. Additionally, families here cannot afford the comfort of food variety. They, in turn, resort to an unbalanced diet for survival.

Some of them could be hungry but prefer not to eat to cut the budget or give the food to someone that needs it more. Most communities here constantly lose weight.

How to Combat The Implications of Food Scarcity in The World

Now that we know about the problem… What to do?

Through Transforming The Meaning of Surplus Food

The first practical solution to achieving food security in the United States and the world as well is by globally embracing the culture of sharing what we do not need. The service industry has taken philanthropy to the next level by pulling hotels and restaurants together in cooperatively providing surplus food to help less fortunate members inside communities.

Create More Agricultural Careers

Investing in agriculture is yet another relatable, simple, and achievable projects. Societies, governments, and the whole system have to support young women and men who desire to save the world by bringing positive change to the agricultural world.

Read how the tiny cricket could help end world hunger in the future.

Final Thoughts on Food Insecurity

The idea is to take care of the environment to maximize its productivity. However, if we, as a society, continue with the current trend, global warming will not be the only global environmental threat we face in the next decade.

Each of us can make a positive food impact in the world by the little that we have with less fortunate communities in the world and help solve food insecurity.

Finally, if you know someone facing food insecurity, reach out. Help them locate resources and become an advocate.

11 Behaviors That Reveal A Control Freak

July 8, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you a control freak? Chances are that if you have controlling ways, you don’t even realize the way you act. You probably believe that you are offering advice or constructive criticism to others that is necessary, but you don’t see your methods as dictating.

Do you tend to take over projects because you feel like no one else will do them right or as good as you? Controlling people have inner fears that they don’t know how to process, and they’re plagued with irrational thoughts.

The need to control comes from internal problems. These people feel weak, inferior, or not needed, so they must manage every aspect of their life. Do you or someone you love have issues with being controlling? Here are some signs that can help you to relate.

1. They Must Have the Last Word

A person with a controlling nature tends to be a know it all. Though they don’t say it, they believe that they are more intelligent and educated than everyone around them. They will never let you win an argument because they can’t be wrong.

These are the people that must always have the last word, and if they don’t get the final word in a conversation, then they will feel that the situation is unresolved. When trouble arises, they want to be the one who comes up with the solution. Being superior in everyone’s eyes is essential for their ego.

2. Their Schedule is the Only One That Matters

Do you get angry when there is the slightest change in your plans? One of the main signs that someone has a control issue is that they want everything done according to their schedule’s needs. Other prominent symptoms include having everything in place at home, and things must be done their way or the highway.

3. Correcting People is Essential

Errors are not allowed in a controlling person’s life. If a blunder should happen around this person, they will feel compelled to point out the error. Mistakes and things going wrong makes them feel extremely anxious, angry, and frustrated.

Whenever you’re in the presence of a control freak, they will use this as an opportunity to correct you or point out your wrongs. They won’t hesitate to let you know about anything you do that is incorrect, even sending misspelled words on a text. They won’t mind embarrassing you in public if it means making themselves look superior to you.

If they should find something you do as an error, you will never hear the end of it. Sadly, they don’t want to see you improve your life, so their advice isn’t coming from the right place. Rather, they want to show how they are exceptional in all ways, as they’re always right.

4. They Don’t Delegate

Controlling every situation is hard work, but these people aren’t good at delegation. They feel compelled to do everything themselves as they think no one else is qualified. These behaviors stem from trust issues.

If they should delegate a task, then they feel that it won’t be done with the same expertise that they can do it. Even if they should ask for help, they will probably show you how to do it and end up doing it all anyway. Or, they can also delegate a task and then pick apart the work you do.

A control freak will go over something time and again looking for errors. You may hear them make remarks like, “Am I the only person who can get things done right around here?”

5. They Want to Change Others

A control freak believes that they know the best way for everyone, and they tend to be a bit narcissistic. They want everything done their way, and they are not against using manipulation tactics to accomplish their goal. They are superior at micromanaging others as they have a strict set of expectations.

Sometimes this person comes off as forceful when things aren’t done their way. They use passive-aggressive tactics to discourage you from doing things that they don’t approve of. Their words of advice come off as they care about you when they only want you to conform to their methods.

6. They’re Not Team Players

Working as a team player can be hard when you are controlling. Individuals working as a group doesn’t allow the control freak to assert their authority. These people are usually the leaders in any group, and they will dictate how others in the unit should behave.

7. They’re Moody

You may notice mood fluctuations if you or someone you love is a control freak. The mood swings come from being on edge and stressed out about frustrations in life. Remember, these people have underlying insecurities that cause them to feel chronic failures. Their desire for perfection can take them to the breaking point.

8. They’re Judgement and Critical

You will find that control freaks are judgmental and critical. There’s almost nothing they don’t have an opinion about. They don’t view their thoughts as thoughts, but they are fact.

Anyone who doesn’t agree with the person who must control every situation is wrong. No one can ever live up to their high expectations, and even if they try, they will find a reason to criticize it. People may view this person as hypocritical.

In defense of the controlling person, they have no control over their demeaning methods. It’s an instinct, and they don’t know any other way. Many people will see them as negative, so having a relationship with them seems to be impossible.

9. They Will Never Admit They’re Wrong

One of the most annoying traits of a controlling problem is that they will never admit that they are wrong. Even if they have been caught, getting them to realize it is next to impossible. Rather, this person will shift the blame onto others to make themselves look good.

While they won’t hesitate to call you out on your wrongdoings, when the shoe is on the other foot, they can’t take criticism. Their bruised and frail ego must be protected, so admitting they’ve done wrong will never happen. They worry about how others perceive them, so they will never admit a mistake even if they’re caught.

10. They Micromanage Others

Do you need to know what everyone is always doing around you? If so, then you are probably a controlling person. As a manager, this individual needs to be copied on every email and take the time to read each one. They are often demanding and will stop at nothing to have their expectations met.

11. They’re Perfectionists

Controlling every situation often makes these folks a perfectionist. They fear what others think about them, so the quest for perfection is driven by the desire to be superior. They must achieve flawlessness in their eyes so that others also see them that way.

The only way they can accomplish this goal is by controlling every aspect of their life. Their lawn must be the most manicured and greenest on the block, and they will only drive the latest and greatest automobiles. It’s all about keeping other’s perceptions in superior lighting.

Final Thoughts on Dealing with the Control Freak in Your Life

It’s easy to be resentful of people who are controlling. Someone who is controlling is fighting inner demons that you cannot see. Do you see some of these characteristics in your life?

The need to control almost always comes from previous traumas that have left a person vulnerable. They may have been abused as a child and have developed coping mechanisms to get through adulthood. How others view them is extremely important to these folks because they felt inferior and substandard somewhere in their lives.

If someone you love is displaying these manipulative behaviors, then you need to talk to them. The longer these behaviors continue, the more resentment you will build towards this individual. If you find that you have these cunning ways, then you should explore the reasons why.

Belittling people and exerting control over others are signs that a fundamental issue must be handled. Thankfully, a controlling person can tackle the problems that bother them and learn to let go of the need for perfection.

Life is not perfect, nor will it ever be. There are always going to be things that are beyond your control. However, you can learn coping skills to handle these situations in a positive manner. You don’t want to hurt or belittle people as it only cuts down their self-worth.

When things feel like they are out of control, it’s okay to ask for help. It’s also okay to admit when you think that you’re in over your head or that you don’t know how to do something. People don’t look at others as inferior when they need assistance; rather, they look at them as human beings.

20 Things To Avoid Saying To Someone With Anxiety

July 8, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Anxiety and anxiety disorders are increasingly prevalent around the world. Those who experience anxiety deal with a lot of emotional pressure and mental distress, and it can be difficult for those around them to empathize or understand what they’re going through.

If someone you’re in contact with experiences anxiety, you probably want to be able to comfort them. Sadly, well-intentioned statements can have the opposite effect, so you have to be careful with how you choose to soothe anxious individuals. Here are 20 things to avoid saying to someone who suffers from anxiety.

Never Say These 20 Phrases to Someone with Anxiety

1. “Stop Being Stressed Out.”

This fact shouldn’t come as a surprise, but stress is very different from anxiety. In reality, anxiety is a mental illness – no amount of positive thinking will help during an attack.

Here are a few things you can do instead:

Don’t tell them to forget their stress.
Validate their experiences and emotions
Offer support and care.
Listen and empathize with their situation.
Remember that anxiety and stress are not the same thing

2. “You’re Overanalyzing”

It’s common for people with anxiety to find themselves overanalyzing a situation or an event. In truth, it’s likely that the sufferer already knows they’re overthinking a situation.

Instead, bear these things in mind when interacting with a loved one who has anxiety:

Don’t paint their experience as an overreaction
Avoid implying that their issue can resolve itself instantly somehow
Avoid invalidating their experiences and their anxiety

3. “You’re Making Your Own Problems.”

From the outside, it may seem like this is simply a truthful observation. In reality, however, this statement can be incredibly hurtful and invalidating. Instead, try the following:

Schedule time together to do activities together
Don’t invalidate their feelings
Do your best to be a supportive person
Offer a hug or comforting words
Offer help where you can

4. “You Just Need A Drink.”

A drink only sounds good on paper when you’re anxious. In actuality, turning to alcohol confers no positive benefits – even if you think it’s helping, it can turn into a dependency problem in the long run. Instead, try the following advice:

Encourage your loved one to seek therapy and counseling
Offer them a listening ear that’s free of judgment
Learn how they would like to be supported and cared for

5. “Just Breathe.”

This advice isn’t necessarily a bad idea in and of itself, especially if you know that the person already uses breathing techniques to control their anxiety routinely. The problem arises when this suggestion is brought up at the wrong time or presented in a way that isn’t truly helpful.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re trying to help someone through an anxiety attack:

Breathing exercises work best when they’ve been practiced beforehand, during calmer times.
Shifting one’s breathing pattern can be incredibly tricky, especially when your mind is already struggling to stay grounded.
Modeling deep breathing for your loved one is always much more useful than a simple reminder.
Talk to your loved one in advance, so that you better understand how to help them.

6. “Move On Already”

Positive thinking isn’t always the solution – especially when there’s a mental illness that’s involved. Instead, consider keeping these points in mind when trying to help your loved one with anxiety:

Ensure that you’re offering kindness and support
Be willing to admit that you won’t always have the answer
Be available for your loved one as much as possible
Offer tangible help, such as assisting them in seeking a professional, or with their daily chores

7. “People Have It Worse Than You”

Bringing in new perspectives into a situation is, under ordinary circumstances, a solid idea. Trying to induce new perspectives with this statement, however, isn’t the way to go. Instead, it causes the following things:

It creates an unhealthy comparison with one’s experiences.
It disregards the actual person’s problems.
It makes the person more self-conscious about their issues.
It erases the sufferer’s experience.

8. “Why Are You Anxious Now?”

Occasionally, a sufferer can identify the cause and trigger of their anxiety at that very exact moment.

Most of the time, however, panic and anxiety attacks often show up for no rhyme or reason – which means trying to find out the source only serves to add more distress during an attack. Instead, here are some things you should do instead:

Listen and be there for your loved one during an attack
Remind yourself that you don’t need to speak or say anything
Avoid trying to reason out and rationalize the cause of your loved one’s anxiety attack
Avoid offering advice in the middle of an attack

9. “I Don’t Get Why You’re Anxious.”

Only by not being them, it may be impossible ever to understand why your loved one feels the way they do. Instead, try doing the following:

Offer validation and hopeful comments
Sit with them and listen to them
Offer respect and sympathy, even if you are unable to empathize

10. “Have You Tried (Remedy)?”

While lifestyle choices and specific homeopathy treatments may soothe or relieve some people of their anxiety, this isn’t necessarily a cure-all. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re trying to offer suggestions:

Remember that most anxiety sufferers are already intimately familiar with what is and aren’t helpful for them
Ask your loved ones during calm and quiet moments about their techniques and methods
Learn to ask them about what they need first

11. “There’s Nothing To Worry About”

Just about every anxiety sufferer knows their worries are irrational and blown out of proportion. Here are a few ways you can do to help your loved ones out :

Remember that different people have different limits when it comes to handling issues and circumstances
Understand that saying such a statement invalidates your loved one’s feelings, and can be hurtful
Be a positive source of support

12. “I Know How You Feel”

Medical anxiety is incredibly different from ordinary anxious feelings – and that is an incredibly important distinction that must be kept in mind. Instead, keep these things in mind when you’re trying to be a supportive friend or partner:

Anxiety often ends up crippling the sufferer, to the debilitating degree
Trying to share your experiences with anxiety during your loved one’s panic attack will often make things worse
Don’t try to make it into a competition by comparing your experiences with anxiety with your loved one’s experiences

13. “It’s Not A Big Deal”

This advice could be a well-intentioned attempt at offering your loved one a reality check, but in reality, it comes across as hurtful and uncaring. Instead, try doing the following:

Avoid minimizing or downplaying their distress
Learn how to validate their feelings
Be a source of empathy and support

14. “Quit Sweating The Small Stuff.”

Anxiety disorder, unfortunately, is a medical illness – to the sufferer, there is no such thing as small stuff. This ends up making such a statement come across as insensitive and uncaring.

Instead, try the following:

Avoid offering cliches
Offer acceptance and understanding
Remind them that the anxiety will eventually pass

15. “You’re Weird”

For people with anxiety, the disorder feels like an overwhelming and scary thing. This often causes sufferers to act out in what seems like strange and odd ways. Calling them out on it, however, doesn’t help anyone.

Here are some other things to bear in mind instead:

Understand that these behaviors will not necessarily make sense to you
Try not to make your loved one feel ostracized
Do your best to be supportive and understanding

16. “Calm Down”

You may mean well, but this statement is often more distressing than calming or soothing. Here are a few reasons as to why that is the case:

It isn’t empathetic
It implies that the sufferer is somehow choosing to have an anxiety attack and disorder
It ignores the reality of how crippling an attack can be

17. “Stop Thinking So Much”

Anxiety as a disorder naturally puts its victims on constant high alert. This is not something they can control, and often brings them an incredible amount of stress. When helping your loved one, keep these things in mind:

Racing thoughts and worries cropping up are part and parcel of the illness
If your loved one can stop or avoid such thoughts, they would
They’ll often develop anxious behaviors as a result of the disorder

18. “Man Up”

Research has shown that men who are already struggling with mental health issues, having such a comment thrown at them can be both hurtful and invalidating. Here are a few examples:

It ignores the fact that men can also develop anxiety
It implies that their anxiety is caused by their immaturity
It deprives them of the support and cares that they need

19. “It’s In Your Head”

This statement is often a well-meaning attempt to calm down your loved one’s anxiety. Anxiety, however, is something that comes across as very real to its victims – so such a statement only serves to invalidate and minimize their feelings.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind when trying to help a loved one with anxiety:

Anxiety distorts the thinking patterns of its victims and by extension their reality
Thoughts and worries induced by the disorder can be incredibly overwhelming to your loved ones
It’s best to discuss with your loved one in advance over how they would like to be calmed down

20. “Just Push Through It!”

Although this statement is often meant as a form of encouragement, it can actually come across as heartless. Here are a few reasons why:

Anxiety sufferers can’t choose to overcome their fears and magically feel better.
Forcing them to face their fears can make things worse.
At the end of the day, it is a disorder and a mental illness that cannot be magically cured

Final Thoughts On Some Things To Avoid Saying To Someone Suffering From Anxiety

If you’re trying to help someone with anxiety, you shouldn’t be saying the aforementioned 20 things.

However, remember that it is never your responsibility to aid an anxious person, and if you feel out of your depth or emotionally drained, you don’t need to push yourself to be there for them. If you can, show them resources for therapy, counseling, or similar options that they can make use of!

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