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12 Things to Never Forget About Aquarius

February 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Aquarius is a very interesting zodiac sign. Their emotions run as deep as the ocean, and yet they remain detached until you earn their trust. They are as unpredictable as water, so flexibility is key to them.

“Lots of people like rainbows…but the Aquarian is ahead of everybody. He lives on one. What’s more, he’s taken it apart and examined it, piece by piece, color by color, and still believes in it.”-Linda Goodman

12 Things to Never Forget About Aquarians

1. Aquarians need simultaneous commitment and freedom

The Aquarius is not likely to stray from commitments. However, two things that they hate are strict routine and conformity. Spontaneity is key to them.

However, the Aquarian feels an increased desire for stability and security. Uranus has moved into Taurus, so now is the time for a quiet time. It is not about following others’ rules as much as it’s about preserving the Aquarians’ health and well-being.

As a result, they have a very strong dislike for clinginess and prize independence.

2. It is a very creative zodiac sign

Aquarians are often very ahead of their time in their ideas. Even if it seems overwhelming, it is important always to give them a lot of encouragement. Many have faced persecution in the past. The scientist Galileo is one of the most famous.

Among other things, Galileo was among the first to figure out that the earth moves around the sun. At the time, the leaders promoted the opposite idea. Galileo was accused of heresy and placed under house arrest for the rest of his life.

While they are not likely to end up like Galileo, Aquarians are often accused of being know-it-alls. As a result, they tend to build their trust gradually.

3. Aquarians make ideal friends and lovers

Aquarius is a zodiac sign that is all about the heart. Because they take time to trust, they are very loyal to those they care about. Aquarians tend to be social butterflies and love meeting new people.

They very rarely move through people. They prize respect and take time to ensure compatibility. If you get too attached too fast, they will likely withdraw.

Aquarians tend to build their relationships on value similarity and shared interests. They also make excellent employees for companies that are flexible and represent their passions.

4. They will only open up if they trust you

Aquarians love to listen and give advice. They are the least likely to divulge confidence. As a result, many of them make natural counselors, life coaches, and teachers.

They rarely blow a gasket or end a relationship over small things. When they do blow a gasket, they often assign blame instead of using “I” statements. More often than not, however, they tend to pull the silent treatment.

Aquarians always support those they care about and expect you to return the favor. If they see that you’re angry or annoyed, they get nervous. Working out solutions in a cordial manner is key.

5. They prize communication and knowledge of expectations

Aquarians are the least likely to judge. However, they get nervous if they don’t know about your plans or expectations. Don’t hesitate to let them in on your thoughts and plans.

They love to do everything they can to bring a smile on your face. They’re generally very accepting of other people as they are. However, they hate pettiness and lying and are not easily forgiving of hurts.

With Aquarians, you are perfectly safe to show them the best and worst parts of yourself. However, it is important to be subtle about it when you first meet them. Otherwise, you may inadvertently turn them off.

6. They prefer to hang out in groups

Since they are one of the most innovative and social signs, Aquarians tend to prefer hanging out in groups. They tend to be attracted to people who are loud and vibrant. They tend to be extroverted themselves, so groups give them the stimulation that they crave.

If you want to make your Aquarius happy, come up with ways to keep things new and fresh. Group outings are ideal. They are even more ideal if it’s of mutual interest.

If you are in a relationship with one, keeping the spark ignited is key. If you have a crazy idea for your love life, let them know. They just might want to go through with it!

7. They are very non-conventional

If there is one thing that Aquarians tend to hate, it’s being tied down to mainstream expectations. They are natural rebels but usually with a good cause.

As a result, they also tend to have their own unique timelines. It is not unusual for many to even be late to work. When they find something that they like, they will not stop until they see it all the way through.

If time is an issue, the best thing you can do is cordially work it out with them. However, they will likely need practice and patience.

They also tend not to speak up when they are pleased. This sounds ironic, but this is because most Aquarians don’t express themselves deeply. As a result, if they’re not giving you the silent treatment, chances are, you’re probably good.

8. Their intervals of contact can be very back-and-forth

Again, it is very rare for Aquarians to just jump from one person to another. However, they may be hard to get ahold of at times. It is not usually because they’re turned off by you, it’s because they’re completely immersed in something else.

Their poor sense of time management is why they do best in flexible environments. In fact, it’s one reason that entrepreneurship is ideal for them. They tend to do best when they can choose their own hours.

They do appreciate it when you schedule some time with them. That way, they can make spending time with you a priority. It also makes them feel appreciated.

9. They hate confrontation and will avoid it if at all possible

If there is one thing that most Aquarians hate, it’s altercations. In fact, they will communicate by other means if they feel a trigger coming on. Again, more often than not, they will pull the silent treatment.

If they pull the silent treatment on you, it’s best to give them time first. After they’ve had a chance to cool down, then you can try to work things out. However, it is usually best to let them initiate it.

They hate being criticized with a passion. As a result, you should give them even constructive criticism very carefully. Remember that they do not like to be controlled and will withdraw if they feel unsafe.

10. They love to travel

Traveling keeps things fresh. Most Aquarians get bored very fast with one environment. That is why most of them are not homebodies.

Aside from meeting new people, most Aquarians also love to explore new cultures. Traveling abroad tends to be one of their favorite things to do. As a result, they are easily put off by people who don’t like to travel.

Aquarians love adventure. Don’t be surprised if you see at least a few in the extreme sports. You may also run across at least one who travels for much of the year, whether for business or pleasure.

11. Always respect their privacy

Most Aquarians need space and time to do what they need and/or want to do. As a result, they appreciate someone who can make their own schedule outside of their lives. They suffocate if they are with the same people and in the same place every time.

Most people get offended if they feel that their space has been invaded. That tends to go tenfold for the Aquarius. That is one of the only times that they may end a relationship altogether.

As social as they are, Aquarians very highly value their “me time.” If they’re in their zone, it’s best to give them space for both your and their health and well-being. They tend to know how to work the work/life balance best.

12. They value authenticity above all

Aquarians value genuineness over even their independence. They stay far away from anything that’s superficial and gaudy. As a result, things like commercialism and rewards for their own sake make them miserable.

For gifts, Aquarians tend to prefer something self-made over something bought. They love anything that you put your own thoughts into. They also love that you care about them enough to do so.

The last thing that you should ever be around them is petty. Greed and avarice are two of their main turn-offs. Anyone who has a tendency to value money above everything else is not likely to be friends with an Aquarius.

Read how your zodiac sign impacts your personality and relationships.

Final Thoughts On What Not To Forget About Aquarians

Again, Aquarius is a unique sign. Above all, they are non-conventional, authentic, and innovative. They do best in a flexible environment and one in which they can schedule their own times.

Anytime you’re not sure how to help your Aquarius, you can always check their daily horoscope. Here’s one fun fact your Aquarian might appreciate-in India, they still use the old-fashioned horoscope methods in medicine.

Woman Reunites With Missing Dog After Seeing Picture On Beer Can

February 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

It is a miracle! A Minnesota woman reunited with her missing dog after she saw the canine’s on a beer can from a Florida brewery. Monica Mathis of St. Paul, Minnesota, finally found her dog, Hazel, after she went missing three years ago. She owes thanks to Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton, Florida.

In March 2019, Manatee County Animal Services took in a stray pit bull mix. The staff could tell that the dog once had a home, but they couldn’t locate the former owner. They also couldn’t understand how long the dog had been missing. The dog had a microchip, so they were able to identify the owner’s name, but all the contact info they tried was no longer valid.

The shelter named the dog Day Day, and she quickly became the staff favorite. However, she kept getting passed up for adoption despite being friendly and playful. Of course, that wouldn’t be the end of Day Day’s story.

The Missing Dog Beer Can Campaign

The shelter had 150 dogs and 100 cats at any given time, which meant Day Day needed some help to stand out. So, they nominated her as the spokesdog for a campaign between the shelter and Motorworks Brewing. Motorworks released the Adoptable Dog Cruiser on January 19 of this year. The beer cans featured photos of four dogs from Manatee County Animal Services that needed a home, with all proceeds going toward a new facility at the shelter.

The story went viral, and kind people adopted two of the dogs on the beer cans. But sadly, or maybe by a stroke of fate, they passed up selecting Day Day. However, one day Monica turned on the news and saw the story about the dogs and immediately knew Day Day was hers after seeing her smiling face on one of the beer cans. She called the shelter, and after they were able to verify through paperwork and photos that Hazel was hers, they began working on the way to get Hazel from Florida back home to Minnesota.

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A post shared by Manatee County Animal Services (@manateecountyanimalservices) on Feb 1, 2020 at 11:40am PST

The Story of How Hazel Became a Missing Dog

Mathis said she was living in Iowa when Hazel initially disappeared back in 2017. She was on a leash outside, and when Mathis went to get her, she discovered she had run away. Mathis called local shelters and searched the area but was never able to find her. She says she has no idea how Hazel got to Florida.

She got a new job in Minnesota, and several years passed. One day, she saw the news story on TV about the beer can campaign. Mathis said she cried and became “an emotional wreck” because she had no idea what had happened to Hazel.

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A post shared by Motorworks Brewing (@motorworksbrewing) on Jan 24, 2020 at 12:53pm PST

A hard-learned lesson

Mathis forgot to update her microchip registry contact info. Thus, she said that her experience was a valuable lesson that others could learn from. She stressed the importance of keeping track of the company you use for microchipping your pet and making sure your contact info stays up to date, especially if your pet goes missing.

Hans Wohlgefahrt of Manatee County Animal Services said they saw the photos and vet records, which provided proof Hazel belonged to Mathis.

Mathis had kept extensive photos and vet records of Hazel’s, which proved how much she meant to her, Hans Wohlgefahrt of Manatee County Animal Services said. That was the only way they could trace Hazel back to her owner, but luckily, it all worked out for the greater good.

The nonprofit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services announced they would cover the cost of transporting Hazel to Minnesota, which Mathis says will be just in time to celebrate Hazel’s 7th birthday.

If you enjoyed this heartwarming story, please share it with your family and friends! If you have a lost pet, please don’t give up hope. Call your local shelters and organize a search party as soon as possible. As this story proved, miracles can happen when you least expect them!

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

Dietitian Shares 13 Health Benefits of Eating Plums

February 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Plums, Latin Prunus domestica, are a superfood, and they pack a lot of taste. Recently a dietitian shared the 14 health benefits of these delicious, compact superfoods.

Vitamin Rich Plums

Like most fruits, plums are loaded with vitamins. It’s important to note what vitamins are found in them because the minerals activate them.

Research conducted on the nutritional aspect of the Prunus domestica shows that it contains the following vitamins: A, C, K, and B

Although Vitamin B is found in small amounts, it’s important to note that each plum has some. The B vitamins are helpful for energy, sleep, and they are also ideal for brain function.

“When you walk into a grocery store, you are walking into a pharmacy, and the power of those foods, is as powerful as medication.” Dr. Oz

Health Benefits from the Vitamins You’ll Find in Plums

Vitamin A

This vitamin is known for supporting better health by consuming plums for the following reasons:

Preventing eye disease related to night blindness
Supports a stronger immune system overall
Improves the overall condition of your skin
Supports the health of your bones and marrow
Promotes healthy, stable growth
Encourages a healthy reproductive system

It’s essential to get your vitamin A from your diet when possible. Unless otherwise directed by a doctor, the intake of more vitamin A may not be suitable for your health.

Vitamin K

One of the most critical vitamins found in this tasty, purple superfood, is vitamin K. Although it is not often the first to talk about on the list of vitamins, it’s an essential vitamin for the blood.

Vitamin K includes fat-soluble vitamins that are ideal for the following:

Aids in better blood clotting
Regulating blood calcium levels

What About Vitamin C?

What about the benefits of vitamin C found in these fruits?

Strong profile as an antioxidant
Reduces blood pressure
Fights heart disease in many ways, but primarily acts as a preventive
May prevent the build-up of uric acid, thus decreasing gout

It seems that in regards to essential vitamins, these purple, tasty fruits have all that you need.

Along with vitamins, minerals are the next most crucial thing to help fuel your body with good stuff for good health.

“The foods we eat impact our well-being, not just on a cellular level, but on a whole life level how we feel, how much energy we have, how strong we are, how capable we can be.” Dr. Axe

These 15 foods can boost your Vitamin C intake.

Minerals Help Activate the Vitamins in Your Fruit

Did you know that vitamins are unable to work without minerals? Indeed, minerals aid in activating vitamins, and potassium link to significant health benefits. And plums deliver several essential minerals to your body, along with those vitamins.

“I don’t understand why asking people to eat a well-balanced vegetarian diet is considered drastic, while it is medically conservative to cut people open or put them on powerful cholesterol-lowering drugs the rest of their lives.” – Dean Ornish

Potassium

Potassium is vital for the following reasons:

Aids in regulating the proper amount of fluid in the body
Aids in minimizing muscle contractions
Can benefit adequate firing for nerve signals
Reduces blood pressure to healthy levels
Can aid in stroke prevention
May be effective in preventing osteoporosis
May be effective in preventing kidney stones

While potassium famously comes in the form of bananas, plums are also another great choice.

“Health is much more dependent on our habits and nutrition than on medicine.” John Lubbock

Health Benefits Promoted in Prune Form

Once plums dry, they become prunes. This distinction is key because copper is higher in its dehydrated, prune state.

According to the today’s guidelines, three servings of prunes will offer 3% of the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake).

Copper offers the following health benefits:

Strengthens the immune system
Works cooperatively with iron to create healthy blood cells
Reduce the risk of anemia

Manganese is also found in this fruit, but it’s important to note that the body only needs trace amounts of it. It is important to note that manganese is vital for bodily functions, and is ideal for reducing inflammation.

What are the overall health benefits of eating prunes domestica?

“Our food should be our medicine, and our medicine should be our food.” – Hippocrates

1. Great for relieving constipation.

Although this is most effective in the dried prune state, these are great for relieving constipation. They can be eaten, or drinking prune juice is sufficient.

“Let’s build wellness, rather than treating disease.” – Dr. Bruce Daggy

2. Rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidants are vital for good health, and they can aid in slowing down the aging process. Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals that speed up aging and may trigger certain cancers.

“Eating healthy, clean, and nutrient-rich foods fills your body with energy, nutrients, and antioxidants.” -Unknown

3. Balance blood sugar.

Plums may have some sweetness to them, but they are undoubtedly beneficial for reducing and balancing blood sugar. This info is vital for those who are either diabetic or those who receive a diagnosis of pre-diabetes by their physician.

“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” – Thomas Edison

4. Healthy bones

The prune form is excellent for bone formation and growth. Your calcium may be vital to bone density, but minerals like potassium and copper are ideal for bone growth, as well as for bone strength.

As the body ages, women are more prone to a condition known as osteoporosis. This reason is why the body must get a significant amount of vitamin K.

Manganese found in foods you eat promotes bone density, reducing the occurrence of brittle bones.

“If the truth be known, coronary artery disease is a toothless paper tiger thet need never ever exist, and if it does exist it need never ever progress.” – Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D.

5. A healthier heart

Both forms of this fruit (plums or prunes) are great for heart health. The heart is vital for life itself! The heart pumps your blood and fills over and over, keeping you alive and coursing through your body to deliver nutrients to your blood and tissues.

The saying, “The life is in the blood” is correct. You cannot live without it, so it’s important to add foods to your diet that will keep your blood healthy.

This superfood contributes to overall heart health, but it also helps the complete functionality of your heart.

“It’s a really bad day when you find out that everything you were doing wasn’t making people healthy, it was actually perpetuating them being sick.” -Kerry Graff M.D.

6. Aids in absorbing iron from the body.

Iron is good for the body, but not in excess. It’s vital that you only get what your body needs, otherwise it can cause health problems.

The same is also right about not getting enough iron. Plums have a way of balancing your iron levels naturally.

Food is a miracle of nature in this way. Consider food as fuel, and as a pharmacy for your health. The more good food that you put into your body, the fewer health problems you are likely to encounter.

7. Prunes Improve the overall health of the central nervous system.

The B complex, also found in this superfood, aids in the proper transmission of nerve signals.

This also means that mood is also impacted. The better someone’s spirit, the better their chances of having better days in everyday life.

Tryptophan, known as an amino acid, also occurs in this fruit. There are many benefits of tryptophan, but the primary benefit for the nervous system is that it helps produce serotonin.

This may also improve sleep. Sleep problems are known for impacting health tremendously. Tryptophan can also trigger a healthy appetite and aids in normal concentration.

8. Promotes a robust immune system.

Your immune system is vital to a productive life. Don’t underestimate foods that can promote a healthier immune system.

When your immune system is healthy, you are less likely to get colds or flu.

9. Helps control your cholesterol

Plums keep your cholesterol in check. The human body has good and bad cholesterol. The magic of this superfood is that it regulates it for you.

It may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about controlling your cholesterol with diet before you try a prescription medication, if possible. Talk to your doctor first.

10. Improves overall skin health.

Antioxidants are beneficial for skin health, but there are so many helpful nutrients for overall skin health. Plums contain vitamin A which is excellent for your skin and give it a healthy glow.

11. Tasty in your cooking.

This amazing superfood can work into your diet with rustic tarts and even used to created reductions for flavor.

12. May prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis may occur later in life, but this tasty superfood contains many nutrients that may prevent osteoporosis from occurring.

13. Reduce blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a common health problem in the United States.

This colorful superfood may regulate blood pressure and promote better circulation, too, thanks to the potassium we discussed earlier.

Here’s a list of 25 things every woman should know about her wellness.

Final Thoughts: Add Some Plums to Your Grocery List

These fruits contain amazing nutrients that we often overlook. Make it a point to add the Prunus domestica to your grocery list this week.

6 Morning Energy Drinks That Wake You Up Better Than Coffee

February 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Most people wake up to a warm cup of joe in the morning to give them a much-needed energy boost. For others, coffee serves as a source of comfort and routine practice. However, some studies have found that large amounts of caffeine can harm our bodies and minds. After all, caffeine is still a drug, and with the current popularity of energy drinks, one of the most widely consumed of them all.

What the FDA says about coffee and caffeinated energy drinks

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),

“In the U.S., 80 percent of adults consume caffeine every day – the average adult has an intake of 200 mg per day, the amount in two 5-ounce cups of coffee or four sodas. A study of 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students in Ohio found that students took in an average of 53 mg of caffeine per day, but almost one in five students took in more than 100mg of caffeine each day.”

The FDA states that a 5 oz (small) cup of coffee contains 60-150 mg of caffeine, depending on the darkness of the roast.

Small amounts of coffee have negligible side effects, but it still raises cortisol and adrenaline, which activates the fight-or-flight response. Many people report feeling calmer and less restless without caffeine in any form. In our on-the-go society, most of us resort to caffeine to help us get through the day, but perhaps we should ask ourselves why we feel the need to keep such a busy schedule in the first place. Instead of needing more caffeine to power through the day, we could carve out more time for ourselves to rest. However, I digress, back to talking about coffee.

FDA calls caffeine a widely-used drug

Caffeine is classified as a drug as well as an additive, according to the FDA. Plus, it is still one of the most widely consumed sources of caffeine in the world. Even though it’s a drug, it does not seem to cause harm in most cases, so the government does not regulate it.

However, just like other drugs, caffeine can cause withdrawal symptoms and fall under a substance abuse disorder, according to the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version 5. Using large amounts of caffeine to the point where the user feels physical and mental symptoms classifies it as a substance abuse disorder.

Benefits of trading coffee in for natural energy drinks

If you’ve been looking to give up coffee, here are some reported findings of benefits you might notice after just seven days:

– Reduced headaches after an initial withdrawal period

– Reduced muscle tension and tightness

– Better concentration

– Feeling more alert in the morning without restlessness

– More regular and healthy bowel movements

– Return to regular sleep cycles

– Better awareness of hunger and fewer junk food cravings

– More balanced, healthy response to stress

Enjoy improved cognition when you try these natural energy drinks and give up the java

According to the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, caffeine from coffee can affect sleep, alter mood and blood flow in the brain, your metabolism and genes, and the neurotransmitters in the brain that affect memory processing and cognitive performance. Their research found that ‘Peak plasma caffeine concentration is reached between 15 and 120 min after oral ingestion in humans.’ Also, keep in mind that caffeine takes about six hours to leave the body altogether, so if you have an afternoon cup, it may still be in your system when you go to sleep. This might be contributing to the insomnia epidemic sweeping the globe, in combination with other factors such as stress and using technology at night.

While many people believe that caffeine helps them function better, studies have shown that it doesn’t help in all cases. The above-cited research found that ‘An increase in arousal improves the performance of tasks where relatively few sources of information have to be monitored, particularly under conditions when the need for selective attention is stressed by time pressure. When, on the other hand, multiple sources of information or working memory have to be used, an increase in arousal and attention selectivity has no apparent beneficial effect on performance, which may consequently even decrease.’

One of the metabolites of caffeine in the body is paraxanthine. Paraxanthine blocks the body’s adenosine receptors, which then raises epinephrine levels in the blood and diastolic blood pressure. So, in other words, when you drink coffee, your body responds as if there is a threat and activates the fight-or-flight response. This explains how so many people get through their days on caffeine because they’re running on pure adrenaline.

So, now that we’ve gone over the potential dangers of coffee and how it can affect the mind and body, what are some alternatives? We will go over six natural energy drinks you can make in the morning that will give you just the boost you’re looking for!

THESE SIX HEALTHY, NATURAL ENERGY DRINKS CAN IMPROVE YOUR MOOD AND BOOST YOUR ENERGY LEVELS

1 – APPLE-BANANA SMOOTHIE

Both bananas and apples provide a ton of vitamins and minerals, and the natural sugars will give you a huge boost of energy in the morning! Bananas have a ton of potassium and B vitamins to help boost brain health and increase stamina. Apples contain a lot of potassium as well, and also Vitamin C.

Ingredients:

1-2 peeled apples
Two bananas
¼ cup cold, non-fat milk or dairy-free alternative
½ cup crushed ice

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth and serve the energy drink chilled.

2 – KOMBUCHA TEA

Kombucha – a type of fermented green tea – contains probiotics, vitamin K-2, vitamin B-12, and fatty acids. The last two ingredients are very beneficial for a healthy brain. Keep in mind that making it yourself can be dangerous if you don’t follow the recipe exactly, or use ceramic wares to make it. Lead from these containers can seep into your kombucha, so avoid ceramic at all costs. Also, be sure to clean all other containers you use prior to making the tea, so harmful mold doesn’t form in the mixture.

Ingredients:

1 gallon of water
Four black tea bags
¾ cup of organic sugar or organic artificial sweetener

3 – SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Yeast and Bacteria)

Directions: First, place the SCOBY in a glass jar and set aside. Bring your water to a simmer and mix in the tea. Add the organic sugar (or sugar substitute) and boil for about 15 minutes over low heat. Allow the mix to cool before pouring it into a glass container. Place a rubber band over a paper towel or coffee filter and put it on top of the jar. This will allow the mixture to breathe and ferment. The culture will develop in seven to ten days.

4 – LEMON WATER

Lemon water aids in digestion and detoxification, adds a healthy glow to the skin, promotes weight loss, boosts energy and mood, enhances immunity, and helps to prevent kidney stones. Lemons also provide 187% of your daily Vitamin C and a good serving of potassium, magnesium, and copper.

Ingredients:

Three lemons
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
One liter of water
1 tsp of cayenne pepper

Directions: Mix thoroughly and enjoy!

5 – COCONUT-MATCHA ENERGY DRINK

Matcha is touted around the world due to a natural calming agent called l-theanine. When consumed, it provides a calm, focused, and happy energy. While it still contains caffeine, matcha doesn’t cause jitters and other unpleasant side effects like coffee does. Coconut contains a fatty acid called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs provide a quick burst of energy while also promoting brain health and lowering cholesterol.

Read more about the benefits of coconut.

Ingredients:

1 cup of coconut water
Two teaspoons matcha powder
Orange slice for garnish (optional)
A few ice cubes (optional)

Directions: Mix matcha powder with coconut water and mix thoroughly. If desired, garnish with an orange slice and serve over ice cubes.

6 – MINT TEA

Along with some refreshing mint, vitamin-C-packed lemon juice will become a go-to energy drink!

Ingredients:

1 cup of cold-brew green, white, or mint tea (decaf)
1 cup of cold water
A glass full of ice
One whole freshly squeezed lemon
A few sprigs of fresh mint

Directions: First, combine all ingredients in a shaker bottle of some sort. Then, pour into a water bottle and enjoy!

Final thoughts about drinks that can replace coffee for energy

While it might seem daunting to give up coffee, you’ll get used to it quickly when you notice the cleaner energy boost you receive from the drinks listed above. You can even try one per day so that you have a nice variety throughout the workweek! We don’t want to demonize coffee, as it has been proven to have health benefits, but some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others.

Many people report having more energy without the jitters and anxiety when giving up coffee. While it does do its job in awakening the world, it also comes at a price. Once you get used to life without coffee, we guarantee you’ll have a new kind of addiction to a life with free-flowing, calm energy in the mornings!

10 Tempeh Cooking Hacks That Every Vegan Should Try

February 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Interest in eating plant-based diets is at an all-time high. Eating a plant-based diet is healthy for you and the planet. However, people raised on meat and potatoes often struggle to adapt to a completely different type of diet and cooking.

Tempeh is a healthy, high-protein addition to a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian diet. Admittedly, it looks and tastes quite unappetizing straight out of the package; however, if cooked correctly, it is delicious. Here are some tips about how to prepare delicious dishes with this high-protein food.

What is tempeh?

First, let’s talk about what this product is and how it is made. Like tofu, it is made out of soybeans. However, unlike tofu, the entire soybean is incorporated into the final product. The soybeans are soaked in water and then partially cooked. Then, they are mixed with spores from a mold, Rhizopus oligosporus, or Rhizopus oryzae. A mild acid like vinegar is added to prevent the growth of other organisms during the fermentation process. The beans are then incubated at 86 degrees F for 48 hours. The mold grows into the soybeans and binds them together into a solid, creamy block.

The final product is perishable and can only be kept in the refrigerator for two or three days. However, it freezes well and can be kept frozen for up to six months.

This substance is very nutritious. Each 100 gram (3.5 ounces) serving provides:

192 kcal
20.29 g of protein
10.80 g of fat
7.64 g of carbohydrates
3.5 g of fiber

It is a rich source of B vitamins and contains important minerals such as manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc. Unlike most plant-based protein sources, the protein in this fermented product is considered to be complete since it contains sufficient quantities of all of the essential amino acids.

How to cook tempeh

Hack #1: Steam it to get rid of the bitterness

Many people dislike the bitter flavor of the raw product. Before doing anything else with it, you can remove the bitterness by steaming. Steam the entire block for about 10 minutes, flipping it over at the five-minute timepoint.

Alternatively, try soaking it in brine or vinegar for about half an hour.

Hack #2: Make tempeh tacos

Cut your block into small cubes and then crumble it up until it has the texture of ground beef; it can also be crumbled using a cheese grater or a food processor. When used in strongly flavored dishes that traditionally contain ground beef, it can fool people into thinking it is ground beef, since it has a very similar texture. Go ahead and use your crumbles in red pasta sauces or vegetarian chili, or add traditional taco spices and serve it in tacos. You need to use it in strongly flavored dishes to mask its strong, natural flavor.

One delicious recipe is to season the crumbles, so they taste like Italian sausage and then add them to a red sauce along with onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. This can be served over pasta or zucchini noodles.

This makes for one pound:

One tablespoon red wine vinegar
Italian sausage seasoning to taste
One teaspoon salt
A teaspoon black pepper
One teaspoon garlic powder
One teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground fennel seed
tiny pinch of oregano
tiny pinch of thyme

Hack #3: Marinate before cooking

This fermented product absorbs marinades well. Cut it into small cubes and place it in your marinade of choice. Leave it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to overnight. Then, it can be fried, sauteed, or baked along with the rest of your ingredients. These flavored cubes can be used in place of tofu or chicken in any dish. They make a nutritious addition to most Chinese stir-fry dishes and are outstanding when served in rice noodle dishes or used in place of chicken in chicken-fried rice.

One delicious recipe is to marinate it in Thai peanut sauce and then bake it at 375 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes. It will carmelize and turn a golden-brown. This can be added to stir-fries and spring rolls, used as a salad topper or served with rice noodles and sauteed vegetables.

Hack #4: Mix it with whole grains and beans

For an incredible nutritious punch, try cubing it into small pieces and sauteeing it with onions and any seasonings of your choice for about 15 minutes. Then, add it to bean-based or whole-grain based dishes. One excellent, easy dish is to mix it with quinoa, corn, and black beans. Season the dish with lime juice, cumin, and hot red pepper. Garnish with avocados, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes, and enjoy.

Hack #5: Fry it up

One of the most common ways to serve this soybean product in countries where it is a staple food is to fry it. In Indonesia, it is often cut into blocks that are seasoned with garlic, coriander, and salt, and then deep-fried, preferably in coconut oil. Some cooks like to batter it before frying. Then, they serve the fried blocks over noodles or salads or enjoy it as a small meal. Think of this variation as a substitution for chicken nuggets. You can experiment with the seasonings and with the battering to see what you prefer. It can also be marinated before deep-frying.

You can also make it into fries, a great way to boost your protein intake and cut down on carbohydrates. Cut it into fry-sized and shaped pieces. Season with soy sauce and, if desired, hot pepper and garlic, or really, any dry rub seasoning blend you enjoy. Let it sit in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the seasonings to permeate deeply. Deep-fry it and enjoy your fries with any dip you enjoy fries with, like vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, spicy mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Hack #6: Swap for tempeh instead of sausage or bacon

For a great vegan breakfast, turn it into sausage or bacon. For sausage, the night before, crumble it up and add the seasonings of your choice; you can look up home-made sausage recipes for your favorite type of sausage and substitute this soybean product for the meat. With your hands, mix the seasonings in well and then leave it in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, shape the mixture into patties or links and fry it like you’d fry sausage. Serve it with fresh fruit for a delicious, healthy start to the day.

For convenience, freeze the patties of links after you form them. Then, you will have ready-made breakfast ready to pull out of the freezer as needed.

To make it into “bacon,” mix maple syrup, olive oil, soy sauce, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cut the tempeh into thin strips about the size of a piece of bacon and marinate in the sauce for at least two hours. Then, bake it at 400 degrees F for about half an hour, until crisp. This can be eaten as is, but it also makes a delicious high-protein addition to any sandwich.

Hack #7: Churn tempeh butter

Process it in a food processor until smooth. Then mix it with mayonnaise and a little mustard; if desired, finely chopped pickles, celery, or scallions can also be mixed in. You can also fold in some pureed avocado. Use this mixture as a high-protein, tasty sandwich spread. For extra protein, try frying a battered, seasoned slab of tempeh. Spread the sandwich spread on a toasted bun, then add the fried slab of tempeh, lettuce, and tomato, and now you have a very healthy non-meat “chicken” burger. If you want to be fancy, you can add some “bacon,” see Hack #6.

Hack #8: Grill some kabobs

That’s right. You can also grill tempeh, too. If you have a favorite kabob recipe, substitute chunks of it for the meat you’d normally use. Marinate it and then thread it onto the kabobs along with your favorite kabob vegetables. Then, grill away until you cook the veggies to a pleasing texture.

Hack #9: Make your tempeh in an Instant Pot

Can’t find any of this substance in any of your local stores? No problem, you can make your own at home. Buy some peeled, split dried soybeans. Rinse them and pressure cook them in the Instant pot for 40 minutes. Then, remove as much of the water as possible by letting the partially cooked beans sit on paper towels for about 20 minutes.

Next, toss the soybeans with a tablespoon of vinegar and the tempeh starter. You will probably have to order your starter online and have it delivered because if your local grocery stores don’t sell the finished product, it’s pretty unlikely that they sell its starter.

Pack the beans tightly together in freezer bags. Then, use the Instant pot on Yogurt Mode to ferment the beans. Pour a cup of water into the liner, add the steamer, and place the bagged beans on the steamer such that they aren’t touching the water. Let the Instant pot do its yogurt thing for 16 hours, then turn it off and leave the beans to incubate for a total of 40 hours. When the beans have turned into white loaves, transfer them to the refrigerator or freezer.

Check out 25 healthy Instant Pot recipes.

Hack #10: Use chickpeas, if you’re intolerant to soy products

People who are allergic to or intolerant of soybeans, or are concerned about their phytoestrogen content, can make their tempeh out of chickpeas by simply substituting chickpeas for soybeans in the recipe given in Hack #9.

Final thoughts on adding tempeh to your vegan lifestyle

Tempeh is an extremely versatile food. Until you learn these cooking hacks, you will undoubtedly pass up tempeh, due to its raw appearance and taste. However, once you learn to deal with it properly, you will incorporate it into many different recipes. Furthermore, it adds a very nutritious, delicious touch to the dish. Vegans and vegetarians should incorporate this fermented soybean product into their diets, and meat-eaters trying to reduce their meat consumption could also benefit from eating one or two meals based on it per week.

8 Effective Ways To Stop A Noisy Mind

February 10, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you ever have moments where your brain is reeling and will not calm down? A noisy mind, often jokingly referred to as a “monkey brain,” can be quite frustrating to deal with every single day. If yours never entirely goes silent, it can be tough to get through everyday life in one piece.

Luckily, a noisy mind doesn’t have to remain noisy. In fact, there are ways that you can teach it to become quiet and peaceful if needed.

Here Are 8 Ways To Stop A Noisy Mind

1. Create Counter-Thoughts

When you think of negative or noisy, unwanted thoughts, counter them with newer, more positive thoughts. It sounds simple, but it’s a handy tool that is even commonly used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by professional psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.

Humans often automatically respond to situations with negativity – it’s just part of how our minds work. As such, learning to shift your thoughts from the bad to the good can be a very crucial skill for everyday living. Here’s how to start turning your bad ideas to foolproof positive thinking:

· Test Your Reality

When you’re stuck in negativity, all you can think about is that, and it can make you feel like the world is ending when it isn’t. Take a step back and think to yourself for a moment – where’s the evidence to support your bad thoughts? Are you leaping to incorrect conclusions? What is the evidence saying?

· Consider Your Goals First

Are your negative thoughts serving any purpose? Are they propelling you towards your goals? Chances are, they’re in your way. Don’t let them be.

· Seek Out The Positive

What’s the bright side of the situation? Many times, when you focus on the bad, you accidentally block out the good things that could be seen. Look for the silver lining – even if it’s just the lesson, you will learn from the bad situation.

2. Keep A Journal

Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts in order. But you have to keep the journal in the right manner if you want it to work in quieting your mind truly. Here are some tips to make it work:

· Journal Time Is Noisy Time

Every day, tell yourself this – whenever your brain gets noisy, you must silence it and save it for your journaling time, which can range from 10 to 30 minutes. This designated time means your noisy mind will be forced to wait for its window before it can run wild, allowing you to get rid of impulsive thoughts and only have real concerns left once you get to journal time.

· It Must Be Daily

Don’t let a day go by without your journaling time. If it seems to take up too much time in a day, then reduce the number of minutes spent daily. What’s important is that you’re committed; the length of time can always be adjusted.

· Let Yourself Write Freely

While you’re in your journaling time, write about absolutely anything that your noisy brain comes up with, whether it’s fears, worries, thoughts, emotions, or anything else. Letting it all out can boost positive thinking.

· Once It’s Over, Stop

Time yourself. Once your allocated journal time is up, stop immediately and push the journal aside. You must wait for your next session tomorrow to think noisy thoughts again.

· Have A Mini-Journal For Grounding

Bring along a small notebook around with you wherever you go, and when you feel the loud thoughts begin to blow, take your small tablet and write down the stimuli around you to distract yourself. What can you see? Hear? Smell? Who are you with? What are you doing? What’s the time? Not only will this help you figure out your triggers, it will also help ground you.

3. The Connection Between a Noisy Mind and Breathing

Breathing is natural and automatic, but conscious breathing isn’t. When your thoughts are noisy, you can focus on breathing well in order to bring it all to a halt. A lot of the time, when you experience anxiety, you will take quick and brief breaths. Instead, switch your focus to long, slow breathing.

There are a few easy techniques for breathing you can try. The most basic method is not so much a technique, but an awareness:

Place your hand on your stomach.
Focus on feeling your stomach rise when you inhale and fall as you exhale.
Breathe slowly and deeply for about six breaths per minute or one breath per ten seconds.

You can also practice a better version of mindful breathing like so:

Step 1: Close your eyes and relax your gaze.
Step 2: Focus entirely on your breathing. As you inhale and exhale, experience with full clarity, the breath entering and leaving you – how it passes through your nose, mouth, and lungs.
Step 3: At this point, your mind may start to wander. When this happens, it’s your queue to exhale.
Step 4: As you exhale, re-focus again back to the inhale.

There is one final technique you can use. It’s called Piko-Piko breathing, an ancient practice of Hawaiian Huna belief. The word “piko” literally means “center” or “navel.” Here’s how to do the technique:

Step 1: Inhale deeply. Shift your focus to your head’s crown.
Step 2: Exhale. Now, focus on your navel.
Step 3: Continue to breathe in and out, with your focus moving between the two spots.
Step 4: Do this until you feel calmer.

Regardless of what technique you choose, remember one thing: meditation has positive effects on stress, anxiety, and mood.

4. Laugh

In the moment of a noisy mind, it can be difficult to find humor in the world. But laughing is highly effective. It releases positive hormones and clears your mind, sharpening it and giving you heightened concentration. Laughing immediately helps to sharpen your focus and allows you the space to breathe, think, and evaluate your choices and what could come of them.

It’s also a good idea to work on your sense of humor in general when you’re working on improving your noisy mind. Start working on finding the comedy in everyday life. Tell jokes, watch stand-up or comedic movies and shows, hang out with funny people who love to laugh, and don’t be afraid to find the humor in a situation.

5. Release Expectations

Often, piled up expectations are behind a noisy mind. When you cling to what you want to happen or thought would happen, life can have other plans, leaving you blindsided by what comes.

There’s nothing wrong with having hopes, but don’t allow them to transform into all-consuming, all-powerful desires that don’t let you prepare for the unexpected. You need to be ready for the possibility that things won’t go as you planned without fixating anxiously on that chance.

All anyone can indeed do is live each day one step at a time. If you find yourself in doubt, consider other times that things didn’t go to plan, but you still came out unscathed and even happy.

6. Distract Your Mind

When you engage a noisy mind in something else, you can distract it from its noise and chaos. Think about it – when is your mind most often still? It’s when you’re very engrossed in some other task! Engaging your mind can help you to quiet it down. You can do so by:

Watching a show or movie
Reading a book
Writing
Playing a musical instrument
Playing a video game
Drawing
Doing yoga
Blasting music and dancing or singing along

It is essential that your task occupies your mind entirely and not only partially. If it isn’t occupying you wholly, it will be difficult for your mind not to use its extra bandwidth to continue with all its noise!

7. Stay Curious

People often say that curiosity killed the cat, but rarely do they finish the full phrase: “…but satisfaction brought it back”. What does this mean? Curiosity can benefit you in many ways if you choose good things to be curious about!

Seek to enter new situations and conversations, aiming to learn from your experiences, even if it is uncomfortable or ends up going less smoothly than you had hoped. As you become accustomed to being curious and trying new things, your drive for knowledge and new situations will slowly overpower your loud head.

As humans, we are all gifted with “Beginner” minds. This concept essentially means that our brains are easily capable of learning new things and are eager to pick up on traits, skills, and other tidbits of knowledge. When you keep an open mind, it will happily and regularly seek new things instead of becoming overcrowded with fear and worries.

8. Use Positive Affirmations and Mantras

Positive affirmations are a great way to redivert your thinking patterns in a more effective and productive direction. You’ve probably heard that if you insult yourself too much, you will eventually thoroughly believe in and embody those insults. The same goes the other way around. Repeating mantras to yourself every day, especially in the mirror, can internalize them.

A calming mantra can also help you to gather your scattered and noisy thoughts, focusing them over the repeated phrase to promote positive thinking. Here are some examples of useful mantras to use when you are experiencing a noisy mind:

I am calm.
I am in charge of my life.
I’m falling in love with myself.
I am in control.
I accept myself.
I’ve done my best.

More specific and more extended affirmations are also possible, though these are best for routine repetition, and not as emergency calming methods! Examples include:

I am in control of all of my thoughts.
I attract positivity and reject negativity.
I’m content with my current circumstances.
I am prepared for unexpected circumstances.
I am resistant to negativity.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Stop A Noisy Mind

Your mind is capable of many things – and, thus, it is capable of processing way too much information at a time. A noisy mind can be quite a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be one of your problems forever. By taking systematic steps to stop these loud thoughts in their tracks, you can learn to circumvent negativity and focus on positive thinking instead.

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