Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/hive-120586/@marianomariano/i-m-going-to-the
Thursday, December 31, 2020
I'm going to the rescue - Yes, it's me, an ordinary pickled cucumber -
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/hive-120586/@marianomariano/i-m-going-to-the
My September to December Weight Loss Progress
Happy New Year, everybody, Antoni here and I am really ecstatic to show you all how far I have come when I did this -ber month weight loss project. In September, I began at 14 stone 1.76 lbs (197.76 lbs or 89.7 kg). Now, I am down to 12 stone 8.38 lbs (176.38 lbs or 80 kg), thus achieving my one-and-a-half-stone (21-pound or 9.525-kilogram) weight loss. Sure, I weighed lesser than that a few days ago, and I did go through moments of weakness. However, I have always reminded myself that any weight lost is much better than any weight regained, which is progress in of itself. I am glad that I am opening the new year with a new me, as the fringe benefits have been on show. The collared shirt that I have at the fourth picture fits me so much better than when I first wore it five to six years ago. That was given to me by my flatmate's sister in Toronto when I visited their place on Christmas Eve six years ago. It was initially a challenge to get that shirt on because the bulges were still conspicuous. Now that I am on my way to a healthier weight, i.e. 11 stone 3 lbs (157 lbs or 71.4 kg), the shirt fits me really well to the point where there is still some space left and I am so proud of myself for being below the obesity mark. Sure, I am still clinically overweight, but I am not going to stop until all the weight melts off me for good. I also have to keep reminding myself that my weight loss is not just about looking and feeling better about myself. It is also about my personal health and how much I need to be fit for myself and for my friends and family. I need to continue to set an example for my nieces and nephews that they do not have to end up looking as big as I was, but they need to eat healthily and lead an actively productive lifestyle. Gluing the health and appearance aspects of my weight loss is the confidence aspect. Losing all this excess weight has also given me the greatest boosts in confidence I have ever had and I feel better about myself knowing that I do not need to overeat to feel better about myself. I have kicked my comfort eating habits to the curb. I have bade farewell to my mindless snacking. I have even told all fears and insecurities to vamoose and never come back. Therefore, I am never going back to my old ways and I can see a healthier, brighter, and greater future with more independence and mobility thanks to the stones and pounds or kilos being all shed away for good and for all. The old adage of being a new year and a new me does keep repeating. Nonetheless, it continues to ring true, as I continue to make sure that all of the excess pounds melt right off from me and say hello to a brand new me. Losing weight has made me feel better about myself, gain a whole lot more vitality to boost my health, and made me blessed to know that self love and self care should be my greatest priorities in every aspect of my life. I hope you all enjoyed this, I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year, and I will see you in the next submission. Take care, stay safe, and Happy New Year, everybody.
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/weightloss/@antonireviews/my-september-to-december-weight-loss-progress
Goodbye 2020... Hello 2021
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Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/hive-120078/@raj808/goodbye-2020-hello-2021
Did You Know That Drinking Cocoa Is Good For Your Health?
Want a drink that'll keep you warm, tastes good, easy to make and is good for your heart? Well read on to find-out what it is, and how you can experience the benefits of this age old drink! ### Nectar Of The Gods! Just when you thought that staying healthy was getting to be too complicated, something to help simplify that problem, could be just a sip away! It's cocoa! https://images.pexels.com/photos/1839882/pexels-photo-1839882.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500 [source](https://images.pexels.com/photos/1839882/pexels-photo-1839882.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500) Polyphenols found in cocoa called, flavanols, increases the body's ability to use nitric oxide, which has beneficial effects on blood pressure, blood flow and heart health. This isn't just wishful thinking. ### American Association for the Advancement of Science A study presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston. 37,000 Boston men were surveyed about their chocolate intake and how much they ate, on a regular basis. Those who consumed the most chocolate per week, had a 17 percent less likely chance of having a stroke, than those who ate less or no chocolate per week . Of course chocolate is made from...you guessed it...cocoa! The study found that high blood pressure was rarely found in, the indigenous people of the island of Kuna, in Central America, who drink about 5 cups of cocoa a day, as part of their daily lifestyle and many of their recipes. They eat a high salt diet, but have normal blood pressure But here's the interesting part. When the island Kuna moved to the mainland and adopted the mainland lifestyle, their risk of high blood pressure increased in line with the higher risk seen in the mainland population. ### University of California at Davis A study at the University of California at Davis comparing cocoa, chocolate and aspirin, showed that, like aspirin, cocoa and chocolate promote healthy blood flow. A similar comparison was made between low-dose aspirin and a flavanol-rich cocoa beverage, showed that both had similar effects on preventing blood platelets from sticking together. This may be related to their beneficial effects on the release of nitric oxide. In a study by different researchers, 4,260 men were surveyed who had previously experienced a stroke. This time those who consumed the most chocolate, had a19 percent lower risk of stroke, than those eating less or no chocolate. The study also found that just consuming a quarter cup of chocolate or cocoa a week, was associated with a14 percent lower risk of stroke. Most studies showing the benefits of eating chocolate use dark chocolate but, the men in these studies were said to be consuming milk chocolate. Milk chocolate isn't the cocoa powerhouse that dark chocolate is...but that doesn't seem to affect its beneficial effect, on the health of those who eat it. ### Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, showed that drinking cocoa flavanols, reversed damage cause by atherosclerosis, on healthy blood vessel functioning. Male smokers were given cocoa drinks containing various amount of of flavanols, ranging from 28 to 918 milligrams. A 50 per cent improvement in blood vessel functioning was observed, when179 milligrams of flavanols were consumed. The greatest improvement was seen when, 918 milligrams was consumed, and was the same as someone, with no cardiovascular risk factors. Amazing! Drink Up! https://images.pexels.com/photos/4791261/pexels-photo-4791261.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500 [source](https://images.pexels.com/photos/4791261/pexels-photo-4791261.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500) Other studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate lower insulin resistance and boost HDL cholesterol, the so-called good cholesterol. Lastly, recent lab test tubes studies, showed that cocoa reduced the growth rate of colon cancer cells.These result were said to be promising. Studies need to be done on people to see if this effect, hold up in real life disease processes. So whether it's light or dark chocolate or just plain ole cocoa. Drink up! What do you have to lose! How much easier can it be, to positively affect your health, than having a nice cup of hot or iced cocoa! And, you may lower your blood pressure and benefit your heart in the process. **References** - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11126527_The_effects_of_flavanol-rich_cocoa_and_aspirin_on_ex_vivo_platelet_function - https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2002/02/18/Cocoa-link-to-cardiovascular-health - https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/02/14/cocoa-may-ease-walking-pain-from-peripheral-artery-disease - https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-02/apc-prs021102.php Posted with [STEMGeeks](https://stemgeeks.net)
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/hive-163521/@ruari/did-you-know-that-drinking-cocoa-is-good-for-your-health
Should you do resistance training with "cardio" or endurance?
Answer depends on yout goals, but if your goals are hypertrophy, there are few key points to keep an eye on.
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/fitness/@psyceratopsb/should-you-do-resistance-training-with-cardio-or-endurance
Maintaining a Good Sleep Routine
The key to maintaining a good sleep routine is to be consistent. The importance of sleep cannot be overestimated. Getting enough sleep improves concentration and symptoms of depression or other conditions which a person may be experiencing. Also it may also improve judgment and job satisfaction. In order to maintain a good sleep routine follow a good routine during the day. For instance, eat around the same times each day. If you usually eat breakfast at 7am, lunch at 12pm and dinner at 6pm, then stick to this schedule as closely as you can everyday. Doing so will make it become second nature. Also wake up and go to bed at the same time each night. This may be hard to do, especially if you have children, or a work schedule which changes often. But sticking to a good schedule will help you transmit good sleep habits to your children and also make you more productive at work. https://images.pexels.com/photos/935777/pexels-photo-935777.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500 [source](https://images.pexels.com/photos/935777/pexels-photo-935777.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500) Eat well during the day. This means eating a healthy diet including energy-giving foods like oatmeal, whole grain oats, almonds, yogurt, dried fruits and salmon. Even pasta is good for a quick energy boost. Athletes eat spaghetti in order to give them energy before a game. Reduce your stress during the day and at night. Especially at night it is good to watch some light TV, not something very violent or troubling in order to get a good rest. Also, try to reduce the amount of stress that you have during the day by avoiding stressful situations when you can, or dealing with them in a better manner when you do have to deal with them. For instance, if there is a difficult work assignment which you have to complete for work, breaking up the job into smaller pieces or delegating out parts of it, may help make the job more manageable and therefore less stressful. If you work under constant deadlines, then setting aside a set amount of time to work on an assignment or project for work and then giving yourself a break may help to manage the stress. Not only will you be allowing yourself time to relax and return to your work refreshed but you are allowing your body to destress and this helps it to destress later in the day when it is time for bed. Take an hour or close to an hour for lunch and take at least 10 minutes to wind down right before going to bed. Again, this helps to give your body some down time which reduces stress and lets it know that it is time to rest. Doing these activities on a regular basis can help you maintain good sleep routine and improve your life. **References**: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20070302/sleep-deprivation-blurs-moral-judgment http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20060721/poor-sleep-hurts-job-satisfaction http://www.qualityhealth.com/eating-nutrition-articles/10-foods-give-you-energy http://www.umm.edu/sleep/sleep_hyg.htm Posted with [STEMGeeks](https://stemgeeks.net)
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/hive-163521/@veramen/maintaining-a-good-sleep-routine
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
PLAGUE OF FEAR 2020 - Part 7 - THE NAIL IN COVID'S COFFIN
Steve Falconer wrote on the last day of 2020:
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/worldnews/@francesleader/plague-of-fear-2020-part-7-the-nail-in-covid-s-coffin
Veganuary 2021 {A Month Full of Plants!}
Looking back through my posts, I somehow missed any mention of Veganuary for the last two new years! Three years ago I put out some information to help encourage anyone embarking on a meat-dairy-fish-egg-free January, but I dropped the ball on continuing the trend the last few years. Well, not this year my friends. I'm here to support and encourage anyone wanting to sign up officially or unofficially for the January initiative to try to go vegan for the month.
For those who this is the first time even hearing the phrase, Veganuary was started back in 2014 as a way to encourage people to go vegan for the first month of the year. A play on the words "vegan" and "January." It's been going strong since then, gaining traction every year. Up to this point over one million people have signed up to give it a go. There are tons of great resources on the website with recipe ideas, shopping guides, health information and so many ways to connect and learn. As with any lifestyle change, having a great community to join and be a part of definitely helps make it more fun and sustainable.
What does "vegan" mean?
Because it is also worth mentioning, veganism is not just a dietary choice but a way of life. On the food end of things, no dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt), meat or seafood of any kind, eggs or anything else coming from an animal is consumed. That extends to other choices in consumption from clothing and shoes to housewares and beyond. The ultimate goal (IMHO) is to do as little harm as possible to any creature on our planet. Perfection is not realistic, again, in my own opinion, but I truly believe we can all continue to make better choices wherever we are in life to be more conscious of how such choices impact not just us, but everyone and everything.
However, that being said, there is no wrong way to do Veganuary! Many people focus on the food side first and then go from there. As I have made mention of multiple times before, that's how my own journey began. I focused on health and nutrition, then the ethical and environmental aspects started popping up more to influence my now almost 8 year journey. If you are interested in dipping your toes in the water, any attempt is great. Setting a goal for one month is an excellent way to give it a shot!
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Just a few of my plant-based cookbooks
How to "do" Veganuary?
The post that I wrote back in 2018 still has some great tips I share and use myself even today. The first thing once deciding to commit to a big change for the month ahead is to figure out your "why". It might be for the animals, maybe you want to reduce your impact on the environment, perhaps you want to take control of your health and just eat more plants. Shoot, you might just want to start 2021 completely differently than 2020. Whatever your reasoning is, write it down and put it somewhere you can see it. That way when you fall off the wagon for a meal or get frustrated you remember what it is you wanted to accomplish by trying out a vegan month.
Take some time to do some meal planning. Even in the last year, the vegan choices in stores and restaurants have exploded with variety (that carrot cake in my cover image is totally vegan), but it still helps to have an idea of what you are going to eat for meals. That can be especially helpful if vegan cooking is completely new to you. Find some blogs you enjoy, follow some vegan cooks on social media or maybe even take a plant-based cooking class if you are really interested in keeping up some meatless meals for the long haul. Planning always helps you keep on track to make healthy choices along the way.
One day at a time. Day one will probably be easy, but the other 30 or so days after that might trip you up on occasion. You might forget that your favorite salad dressing has anchovies or that manufacturers put dairy in literally everything. If you slip up, just keep moving forward. That holds true even if you are just trying to start eating better for the new year, vegan or not. ;)
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Vegan definitely isn't boring OR limiting!
Get Excited!
If you are trying out a vegan January, I would hope you are doing it because you truly are excited to give a meatless lifestyle a try. Approach it as an opportunity to try new things. I mean, there are more plant foods out there than one person could ever try in a lifetime--how amazing is that? Even if you don't plan on going vegan long term, you will definitely add some great vegetable side dishes to your meal plan rotation or easily be able to feed any of your vegan/vegetarian friends. Look out for new beans or lentils. Scour the farmers market for some vegetables you've never used. Fruit is always an easy snack if you're feeling stumped.
Keep things simple if you are new to cooking overall. Not every meal has to be fancy or elaborate. Sometimes all I have the energy for is a baked potato with black beans, salsa and avocado or a quick veggie stir fry over lentil pasta. However if you do already love to cook, oh boy will you find anything and everything in vegan form! Nothing is out of the realm of possibility from pizza to burgers or ice cream or....
I will always encourage healthy choices, especially to kick off the new year. Not because I want you to shoot for unrealistic new year's resolutions, but because I always want people to feel good and take care of themselves. Take advantage of the vegan convenience foods when you really need to or enjoy a decadent vegan treat on occasion, but as always, cooking and preparing whole, real food at home is your best bet to feel some positive changes during your vegan month.
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If all else fails, there's always pasta...
All that's left to say for now is good luck and happy eating! I will do my best not to leave you hanging this year. If I can get my act together I will do some more cookbook reviews since I have added more to my collection recently and love perusing them for cooking inspiration. The farmers market will be back in action on the 9th after the holiday hiatus, so you know I will be back to gushing over the fresh goodies on here soon. If any other fun inspiration for the month comes to mind, of course I'll get that shared, too. And I'm here any time for questions or encouragement! Well, maybe not ANY time, but you know what I mean.
Happy Veganuary and New Year!
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Posted from my blog with Exxp : https://plantstoplanks.com/veganuary-2021-a-month-full-of-plants/
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/hive-120078/@plantstoplanks/veganuary2021amonthfullofplants-hnvsel3y224lojjykg3j
Unusual and easy to prepare foods for New Year's Eve!
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/food/@neolife/unusual-and-easy-to-prepare-foods-for-new-year-s-eve
Challenge Winners December: And Happy New Year to All!
Whooooaaah - it's now the end of December. In Australia, it's midday on the 30th, and I've officially closed the December challenge through our Discord channel. This is for a number of reasons - one, I have a lot on over the next week, and two, we just didn't get as many entries as we would have liked this month. That's okay - that's Christmas on the blockchain for you! People are busy wrapping up work, preparing for Christmas, and enjoying a break.
Earn Instantly For Writing Natural Health Content
**Earn LOTUS and HIVE rewards for sharing your natural health content on [www.naturalmedicine.io](https://www.naturalmedicine.io/@naturalmedicine). If you don't already have a HIVE account, you can sign up for `FREE` [here](https://hiveonboard.com?ref=naturalmedicine). We support writers sharing about herbalism, TCM, yoga, meditation, vegan and other healthy diets, as well as earth centred practices such as foraging, permaculture and biodynamics - read more about us on our [Welcome Page](https://www.naturalmedicine.io/welcome)!**Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/meditation/@naturalmedicine/challenge-winners-december-and-happy-new-year-to-all
Morning run
I just finished a 2.065km running that lasted about 0hh:15mm:1ss !
Originally posted here: https://hive.blog/hive-176853/@subhari/xhst-activity-1609337437