Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

Family Road Trip Packing Essentials

Road trips can be great fun for the whole family, but only if done right, meaning that you have to be well prepared. Your trip will definitely be less enjoyable if you leave home without some of the essential things for you and, even worse, your kids. So, here are some things you should pack and prepare for your road trip in order to make the best of it.

Your car

OK, your car isn’t really something you pack inside a suitcase or a box, but it’s definitely the first thing you have to prepare before even thinking of going anywhere. Your family’s safety always comes first, so you have to make sure your car is in perfect condition and comfortable enough to drive you to wherever you’re going and back. Take it to a garage to have it checked by a mechanic, clean it properly before your trip, make sure you have the best tow bar installed for your camper if you are traveling with it, and don’t forget to get good car insurance. In case you own an older or a smaller car or if something is malfunctioning in it, renting a car could be the best option for you. In most cases, rental cars are newer, well maintained and very comfortable, meaning that your trip could go much more smoothly than if you took the trip with your own car.

Proper clothes

Before packing your clothes, check the weather forecast for the area you’re visiting and pack accordingly. However, be ready for unexpected weather changes, since those are known to happen and can ruin your trip if you’re unprepared. No matter how hot they say it will be, bring some warm socks, a sweater or a jacket for each of you and don’t forget umbrellas or raincoats in case of rain. If you know you’ll do some walking, bring two pairs of shoes each. One should be comfortable women’s sneakers and the other a quality pair of waterproof shoes for longer periods of hiking. Finally, have a change of clothes for your kids at hand, in case something gets spilled while on the road.

Technology and useful gadgets

Photo by Cynthia del Río on Unsplash

If you know you’ll spend a significant amount of time in your car, you should make sure your kids have something to do.

Some old-fashioned travel games will probably be enough for a while, but you should also have the option of a fully charged tablet computer for them to watch their favorite cartoon or two. Bring some board games that you will enjoy and maximize the travel hedonism! A good DnD game can spark your imagination and, let’s all admit it – it’s more than fun. If you are a DnD lover, D20 Collective is the site to keep an eye on!

As for the adults, the driver will probably need a good GPS system and maps for navigation, which you can all download on your phone. You should also bring a car charger or several of them, along with a power bank and a few other smart gadgets, such as a foldable hairdryer, or things like kids’ travel pillows and earplugs for when the driver wants to rest for a while and the children refuse to be quiet.

Snacks and drinks

Depending on how long your trip will last, you should start with finding an appropriate cooler for storing your food and drinks adequately. A smaller, soft one will do for one or two days, while for longer trips you should invest in a hard-shell one. Packing enough provisions is essential to avoid your kids becoming hungry and nervous. Slice or chop some fruit and vegetables into bite-sized pieces and pack them in plastic containers or bags. Similarly, prepare enough nuts, pretzels, crackers and granola bars to last at least a few days, so that you don’t have to turn to unhealthy food from gas stations and diners along the road. You can even pack some sandwiches for the first day, but don’t forget that they’re highly perishable. Finally, as far as drinks are concerned, nothing beats water, so bring a reusable bottle for each of you and a gallon of water to refill them.

Emergency items

If you’ve traveled with your family before, you know that you never go on a trip without bringing some of the basic medicines and toiletries. Start with some ibuprofen, cortisone in case of bug bites, some bandages and plenty of hand sanitizer, and in case any member of your family suffers from motion sickness, get something for that, too. Furthermore, a first-aid kit you have in your car should be brand new, so that you have everything you need in case something happens, while you can also expect that each of you will require some paper products such as napkins, toilet paper, tissues, and even wet wipes at some point during your trip, so load up on those as well. To top it off, bring a thermometer, just to stay on the safe side.

So, once you pack wisely and get your family in that car, you can fully relax and the fun can start.

Spread the Word Easily—How to Promote Your Brand during Popular Events

The biggest question for business owners is how to gain more customers and boost your business and profit. Well, one way to reach new buyers and gain better following is to promote your brand and improve exposure. While you can pay for ads and improve your social media presence, you can also use big events to build momentum and reach a large audience. Events like festivals, fairs, sporting occasions, and various other gatherings and conferences can help boost traffic to your business and promote your brand. So how can you effectively take part in these events and gain exposure? Here are a few effective ideas to try out.

Choose the right event

Study government and travel websites to find events, analyze them and see which ones attract your target audience. If you sell foods or craft products, you’ll attract plenty of attention at any festival and fair. Sports gear sellers could make big bucks by attending races, stunt shows or matches. But if you cater to a specific niche, make sure to be smarter about your event choice. What does your audience like to do in their free time? How do they get ready for the event and what they do after? These are all the questions you need to ask yourself.

Become a sponsor

Sponsoring an event will cost you some extra money, but it’s a great way to put the name of your brand out there and reach a lot of people. Make sure to consult with the organizers and ask for details of each sponsorship package. The more money you spend, the more your brand will appear to attendees. For instance, top sponsors get ads in event programs, various venue signs, best booth spots, and radio call-outs. In order to ensure you get the level of exposure you’re paying for, insist on signing a formal contract.

Hand out freebies

When you visit any fair or festival, see where the biggest crowd is and be sure you’ll leave the booth with a nice little freebie in your hand. People just can’t resist free things, so if you surprise the attendees with some treats, expect to attract a big audience. And make sure to offer promo items that are useful not only for the event. For instance, useful promotional lanyards are a perfect solution since they can be used long after the event is over. Put your logo and name on the lanyards and you’ll get a free ad every time someone decides to wear them.

Organize a contest

Hold a fun little contest during the event and award the winner with a gift card, a package of your products or some free services. Make sure to ensure the contest is fun so that it attracts a large number of competitors and spectators.

Collect information

In order to gain insights into how your customers interact with your brand (which can help you market your business better) make sure to encourage people to leave their information. For instance, ask event attendees to leave a business card when grabbing a free sample or fill out a contact form in exchange for some freebies. Use the data you’ve collected to contact people and reach out to potential prospects.

Sell your products

The best thing you can do at events is going beyond giveaways and actually making money by selling your services. You can promote your restaurant by selling food at fairs and festivals and throw in a special offer with every meal. For example, every person that grabs food from your stall can get a coupon for discounts or earn a buy-one-get-one-free deal. Encourage people who love your product to sign up for promotional e-mails and you might gain regular customers.

Select the right workers

This might not be a promotional strategy, but having a good team will definitely help you attract more people and reach your target audience. While introverts can help at the event, it’s best to assign them a behind-the-scenes position like stocking and setting up. Put fun, communicative and attractive people forward and make them interact with event attendees.

If you’re smart about taking part in events, you can gain a lot of exposure, reach new people and leave a great impression on all attendees. Expect to notice great results and your business might even go viral!

Look Adorable Beside the Pool – Latest Swimsuit Trends

One of the favorite ways to enjoy the sun, good company, and even fashion, are pool parties. Surely, all of us attend at least one during the summer. This time, we are bringing some of the trendiest bathing suits for pool parties that you can wear next season.

The elegant one-piece swimsuit

One of the best choices for a pool party, especially if it involves food and a more elegant atmosphere is a one-piece. One suggestion we have for you is a one-piece swimsuit that has some interesting details on it. Little bows on the shoulders, straps, or even off-the-shoulder ruffles are pretty trendy this season, and we have no doubt they will still be cute for summer 2020. Soft, pastel colors or bolder tones like red, yellow, and green will look chic, or you can get a more elegant option and choose black or white. This kind of one-piece will look good on everybody and you can have fun with the design and choose the ones with open back or deeper V neck, which is another trend we all love. Even brands like Victoria Secret have gotten on the body positivity train and hired models that wear these pieces so fashionably, so they can be your inspiration as well.

Chic, classic bikini tops

Choosing the right top is one great way to look chic, pool ready, and still appropriate for a party. You have heard about triangle bikini comeback we are sure. They are easy to style and wear with any bottom, they are comfortable, they dry easily, and are very trendy, especially for a pool party. Just throw some see-through cover-up and you will be ready to go. Animal print, florals, and bright colors will surely make it the centerpiece of your outfit. Your pool party outfit should be practical, and since we doubt you will go wearing just a bikini, here is how you can combine the two styles. A cropped swim top will look like a regular crop top you wear with shorts and skirts, so it can double as both a bikini and a cute shirt. If you wear some airy, summer shorts, you will get a casual, trendy look, that looks good on any body size and shape, and what is best, you will be ready to take a dip at any time.

Universal high waisted bottoms

Not that long ago, curvy girls felt like they had to cover their bodies, especially for pool and beach parties where everybody is wearing a bikini. Well, thankfully the fashion community and brands have started making lines that make everyone feel comfortable and sexy. One such piece is definitely a high waisted bottom. It hides all the imperfections you want to hide and it accentuates your waist. The designs are endless, and we would recommend some of the bright colors like blue, pink, or red. Or you can play with colors and patterns and choose florals, stripes, or polka dots for a retro vibe.

Chic wrap bikinis

Another style that fits skinny, muscular, plus size, and curvy girls is a wrap bikini. Again, it helps you emphasize just the parts you want because it is normally made of thicker fabric that acts like a body shaper, plus it looks super interesting and chic. Since it has details, we recommend a simpler design for a pool party like an all-white or black bikini that you can style with big sunglasses or a hat to make it stand out even more. You can choose thin or thick straps that go all around your body or just below your breasts because every style is trendy, so you won’t go wrong.

Pool parties mostly require outfits that can double as a bathing suit and your regular pool-hanging outfit. That is why we have tried to take the trendiest swimwear for the next season and show you how to wear them regardless of your body size and shape.

Designing the Perfect Outdoor Reading Nook

Being an avid reader is one thing, but being a real fan of literature is something completely different. These are the people who take reading seriously and do it every single day. Their homes are full of books and reading nooks where they can enjoy their free time. And for some of them, reading is an activity best done in the open, surrounded by trees, grass, and birds. If you’re one of them and would like to design a new outdoor reading nook, here are a few things to consider.

Find the right spot at the porch

Depending on the size of your outdoor space, you could position your reading nook in different spots. Most people prefer sticking to simple solutions like decks, patios, and porches, while others don’t mind sitting on the ground. Picking the first idea might be easier because porches and other outdoor structures are perfect for reading. Keep in mind that even the tiniest porches are quite enough for a comfortable chair or two where you can spend a few hours. Of course, you shouldn’t forget a small coffee table as well, because this is where you can put your books and your coffee, your tea, or your cold drink.

Maximize your patio

Houses that don’t have a porch sometimes have a patio, and this is a cool solution for all reading fans as well. Again, a cozy chair is going to be quite enough, but you can also take things to a new level and add a small sofa or even a lounge. This way, you’ll be able to spend hours and hours on the patio, especially during warm summer days. However, you shouldn’t stay in the sun for too long, particularly if you live in a hot region. If that’s the case, consider protecting your reading nook and installing those quality shade sails that will give you lots of shade regardless of the temperature. This way, you’ll have a chance to spend even more time outside and read more books than you ever.

Sit on the grass

If your home doesn’t have a porch, a deck or a patio, you won’t have a choice and will have to sit on the grass. This may sound like an unusual solution at first, but you’ll soon realize this idea isn’t crazy at all. All you have to do is put a thick blanket on the grass, and simply sit there while enjoying your favorite book. Again, you shouldn’t forget a coffee table for your drink. If you have kids, you could encourage them to spend time here as well and put up a small tent. Your kids will love this and enjoy the adventure, but they’ll also fall in love with reading, which is amazing.

Spice up your garden shed

If you love being in the open but are afraid of rain, turn your garden shed into a tiny reading nook. Spicing up this space doesn’t have to be too hard at all, especially if you know what you’re doing. Creating a small hideaway could take just a couple of days, and you’ll have an amazing new place for your reading sessions. What’s even better is that you’ll be able to fit a small library into your shed, and stay there for as long as you want.

Reading is a great hobby and being in the open is a wonderful way to pass your time, so creating an outdoor reading nook is the perfect way to combine these two passions into one. Now all you have to do is find the ideas you love and start turning them into reality as soon as possible.

Organize Your Attic, Save Space!

Do you feel like you need a whole separate house just for storing your clothing, hobby items and seasonal decoration and tools? Well, unless you’re a huge movie star, you can’t simply buy a house next door for your storage needs, but what you can do is remodel your attic and free up a whole new world of storage space! If that sounds like something you can do, here are a few practical ideas that will help you organize your attic and save a ton of space around your home.

Boost insulation

First things first, you want your things to be safe while you store them in your attic. While they tend to be less moist than basements, you still need to do some work in order to keep your possessions dry and protected from the elements. Summers tend to be boiling and winters freezing in the attic without insulation, so if you want to store some more expensive things, you’ll need to keep this in mind. Luckily, you can always call a professional to insulate your attic and ensure the safety and coziness of your things. And if you decide to remodel the space in the future and turn it into a bedroom or home office, you’ll have much less work to do.

Install hooks and rods

Once you’ve protected your items, it’s time to start organizing your possessions. If you want to use your vertical space and those tricky nooks and crannies, you can choose to install various hangers and hooks. These are perfect for storing off-season clothing. If you grab some garment bags for protection, you can basically use your attic as an extension of your closet! Install these rods long the trusses or slant of your ceiling and you’re ready to store all your clothing. Most clothing rods come with brackets and screws, so all you need to do is mount it to the wall and make it level.

Add shelves

While you can just ditch various boxes inside and call it a day, it’s best to make the most out of your attic by installing something to keep your space well-organized. Install some practical storage solutions like shelves and fill them with various boxes and containers. These shelves keep your things visible and organized and you can use all your vertical space by allowing you to stack everything. This way you can grab something from the bottom without having to unstack boxes and boxes of stuff. These shelves are suitable for holding shelf bins for smaller items as well, so you can use them in your garage, art studio or home office.

Invest in plastic containers

Once you have your shelves, you’ll need some sturdy plastic containers with lids to keep your items safe and cozy. These containers are great investments because they have so many uses and they last practically forever. They can also protect your things from moisture, bugs, mice, dust and temperature differences. Just make sure to keep your containers well-labeled. You can either grab stickers and write what’s inside the container or color-code your boxes (red for holiday decoration, white for clothing, green for garden tools and so on). If you choose the color system, you’ll need to do some memorizing, but after a while, you’ll know where to look instantly and save a lot of time.

Make it accessible

The harder it is to access your attic, the fewer things you’ll store there—that’s a fact. If you have horrible stairs and dark passages to your attic, you’ll only want to store things you use twice a year. If you want to make the best use of your attic, you won’t do that if you create any barriers towards accessing your space. You’ll need the energy to pick up things and especially to return them in their place. In order to remove some of the barriers, make sure to install sturdy stairs and provide them with practical handrails. Plenty of lighting will also help, both for accessibility and locating your stuff. This way, you’ll be able to pick up and return things easily and avoid leaving clutter in your house. If this is something that requires a team effort, it’s best to hire professionals for removals to pickup storage belongings from your attic. This is to ensure not only your items’ safety but also yours. After all, you don’t want to be taken out by a broken back from too much heavy lifting, do you?

Once you fully secure, organize and equip your attic, you’ll free up so much space in your home that you won’t ever think about moving or renting expensive external spaces!

Make Your Own She Shed

We all know what man caves are—peaceful spots where guys can gather, relax, enjoy action movies, play video games and grab a few beers away from kids and wives. We will not tackle the problematic nature of man caves, but just ask this one question: “Who allowed men to monopolize that”? Most women would love some alone-time or girl time with friends to relax, recuperate and spend time on their hobbies. So, women, forget about man caves and get on board with she sheds! Want to know more about this new thing just for girls? Here’s how you can design your own she shed and make your man super jealous.

Dedicate a spot to your shed

While man caves usually take over the basement or car garage, she sheds are all about the natural environment. If you have a large garden, you won’t have any trouble finding a nice secluded spot for your shed—just look for a spot that’s surrounded with trees, grassy plants and vines. The greenery will give you a gorgeous view and allow you to enjoy your space both when you’re inside and outside. You can also bring nature inside, with your decoration, but if you find a good spot surrounded by plants, you’ll achieve that coveted fairy tale vibe!

Make a list of priorities

Before you even start thinking about your shed and the décor, you need to make a list of priorities. If you’re planning to spend your time in the she shed reading, watching movies with your girlfriends of DIY, you’ll definitely need electricity. If you want to use it for morning yoga and evening meditation, you’ll need good noise insulation and plenty of natural light. Think about how you’re planning to use your space and make a good list of things your shed must contain. This way, you’ll get to choose the right size and shape for your shed.

Build your shed

You can renovate your unused garage or do some work on a utility shed. Remember that your space doesn’t have to be super huge, especially if you want to use it for relaxation and solo you-time. If you don’t have a space to claim, you can check the internet to find a perfect shed for you and your needs. Today you can find all sorts of sizes and styles of sheds, so find something that will give you enough space for your activities and provide you with comfort. Most new sheds are very easy to erect and customize, so you’ll not have any problems with this step.

Start decorating

Once you have the space ready, you can start the fun part, decorating! This step allows you to be as creative as you want and add touches of coziness, practicality and personality. Start with repainting the space and giving it that homey feel that will inspires you to work and motivates you to relax and unwind. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on new furniture and decoration, you can hit yard sales and thrift shops and find amazing items with plenty of character.

Boost comfort

She sheds are all about comfort, so consider this: get an L-shaped sofa and cover it with fluffy soft pillows and make space for a bean bag or two to accommodate your all friends. If your space is tiny, you can go very tropical and choose to install a hammock. Cozy blankets and warm rugs are a must, especially if you’re aiming for a very chic, Boho vibe. Put a small central table near, so you can always have your cocktails and remote at arm’s length. How does Netflix and nap sound to you?

Give it personality

Your she shed needs to reflect your personality, so give it some style. If you’re outdoorsy, build a little patio and some outdoor furniture for catching the sun. If you love gardening, fill the space with your fave plants and flora-inspired decoration. No matter what you choose, you’ll certainly find some accessories that will complement that space.

Don’t neglect safety

Finish off with a few safety features. Add a smoke detector, ensure your wiring is safe and your roof is in top shape. After all, your she shed should be a place of relaxation and comfort—you don’t want to find yourself worrying about the security of your things and your visitors.

Once you’re done with design and decoration, it’s time to enjoy your private piece of heaven. Who says men should have all the fun? You deserve to relax and unwind from time to time, no matter if you’re an aspiring businesswoman or a stay-at-home mom.

Everything You Need to Know When Choosing Your Dancewear

There are different types of dancing, and for each of them, there is a different set of clothes and equipment that you need to have. Of course, some of those might be the same garments, but they should differ in some way. In ballroom dancing, for example, wearing compression shorts is not acceptable, as you should have a dress that will go nicely with the types of dances you perform. On the other hand, if you are practicing jazz ballet, compression shorts might be a good idea. Be as it may, you can never buy dancewear easily. You have to think about many different factors, and if this is your first time buying clothes for dancing, take a look at the most important tips:

Do you need a leotard?

Also depending on the type of dance, you are practicing, you might need a leotard. This is a very popular piece of clothing for dancers, and not only for the dancing lessons, as it can be used and matched outside as well. However, before you opt for buying one, it would be best to check with your instructor what kind of leotard you need. Some dances will require you to have completely different dancing clothes.

Dancing shoes are important

The most important thing you need to pay attention to, however, are the dancing shoes. Just like in any other sport, the comfort of your feet is your number 1 concern. When trying them on, it is important to have exactly the same type of socks you would wear during your lessons or competitions. This is how you will make sure that they fit perfectly. Opt for high-quality dance shoes that will make your feet comfortable and not give you any problems. Do not play around with this and try to save money on your dancing shoes as you might end up with blisters and injuries which can affect your future as a dancer.

Dresses, pants or tights?

What is the piece of clothing that you wear for your dancing classes? As already mentioned, there are different ways in which you can approach your lesson and different dances and clothes that you can wear. If you opt for ballroom dancing, or you prefer to be a girly girl while dancing, you can opt for dresses that will give you the ability to move freely. Other options include dancing pants or even better tights. The latter is also a great way to have freedom of movement, and it will also give you the ability to see your movements in the mirror in front of you. A great way to evaluate your movements and fix what needs to be fixed.

T-shirts and shorts

Of course, you can also opt for tees and shorts if they are something that will make you more comfortable while working out. After all, your comfort is the first thing you need to worry about. If you do not want to use any other activewear and see the movements clearly, you can work out in your tees and shorts. Compression shorts would be best in this case as not only will they give you a better perspective of your range of movements, but they will also prevent injuries.

Leg warmers

Apart from the regular pieces of clothing that every dancer should have in his or her wardrobe, there are others, let’s say, accessories that can also prove themselves very useful. For example, leg warmers add just a dash of fun and color to the whole look. Yes, they might be helpful as they will keep your legs, feet and your joints warmed up and thus you will be able to easily make certain moves without warming up every once in a while. In the same way, there are also hand warmers that you can also use, but these are not that important for a dancer.

It is never easy to buy equipment and clothes for the sport that you are training or learning. First of all, all this equipment can be expensive, so many turns to cheaper options, which is a huge mistake. The price might not always be justified, but it definitely means something, and you should always look for high-quality pieces, not only because they will last longer but because they can be helpful to your safety.

Evergreen Accessories That Are Always Trendy

Fashionistas know that the key to looking elevated and elegant lies in accessories. A nice addition to your basic outfit can make it look truly unique and extraordinary. While statement pieces make a huge impression and attract the right kind of attention, not everything you own needs to be over-the-top. Some timeless pieces can make an even better impression than those flamboyant additions! But what are some of those evergreen accessories that never go out of style? Here’s what every woman needs to have in her accessory palette.

Cat-eye sunglasses

While the trends in the world of sunglasses are always changing, there are a few eternally trendy pieces perfect for every face shape and season. For instance, cat-eye sunglasses are super popular now, but they actually never left the scene. They have a very feminine look thanks to which they kept their relevance through decades. No matter if you like tiny specs or prefer large exaggerated frames, you’ll find your perfect pair of cat-eye sunglasses to follow you through life. Aviators are also timeless. They are cool, sporty and edgy and complement everything from highly casual to highly fancy outfits.

A quality belt

Even the most average pair of jeans can be made attractive and unique with the right belt. A belt will sinch your waist and boost the sophistication of every garment no matter if you’re wearing a dress, pants, long shirt or a coat. High waisted pants look great with a delicate skinny belt while a loose shirt or dress requires something wider. No matter what color or material you choose, a classic belt will crank up your style, so it’s a great accessory to invest in.

Stackable rings

If you love to wear rings, you can grab a few delicate ones for a highly personalized look. With dainty rings, you can choose a statement look by stacking them on one or few fingers or you can choose a more minimalist approach and wear only one or two. All in all, you’ll wear your delicate rings no matter what fashion mood you’re in.

A timeless watch

Everyone from motivated university students to mighty businesswomen and busy mothers know the power of an elegant watch. Sure, chunky and smartwatches can be cute and cool, but elegant silhouettes have that timeless appeal that will look good with every outfit. Classy watches for everyday situations will be your best companions through life thanks to their neutral color, durable materials, and elegant shapes. Plus, you can get a matching piece for your significant other so you can both look sleek and professional wherever you go.

Cute stud earrings

The reason why stud earrings are so popular and universally beloved is the fact they look amazing with any face shape, style, and occasion. They never get outdated, especially if you pair them with a tailored blazer and slacks or something as timeless as a little black dress. If you ever find yourself in doubt about what earrings to choose, a pair of studs will never fail you.

A chic scarf

Another way to spice up your plain outfit is to throw on a classy and quality scarf. You can sport it with everything from tees and jeans to midi skirts and sweaters. Scarves are especially great for adding a touch of color to a neutral winter coat, so make sure to always have one in your closet.

A statement bag

A classic handbag is a must accessory for every woman, but those more attractive and bold pieces are also necessary. Choose a shape and size that’s practical yet unique, so you can add a twist to every outfit and make it look innovative. Concentrate on unique shapes more than color, so you can match it with everything in your wardrobe. If you spend a pretty penny on your bag, you’ll want to wear it all the time.

Nude sandals

Nude sandals are a must as soon as the weather gets warmer. Strappy models are simple, but a little more attractive than a flip-flop or other beachwear. You can choose from barely-visible straps to bolder lace-ups and pair them everywhere from afternoon strolls and nights out to chill summer weddings!

If you invest in these classic and timeless accessories, you’ll always have everything you need to spice up your outfit right at hand. Investing in evergreen pieces is cost-effective, fashion-forward and sustainable, so it’s a triple-win situation.

Find the Best Healthy Food That Fits Your Metabolism

We have all been in a situation where we hear how someone has a certain kind of metabolism that is different from ours. And it is true. There are different types of metabolisms connected to our cravings and body type. If you want to boost your metabolism and lose some weight, you need to know how to eat for your type, and what foods serve as boosters. So, here is a little guide on the basic things you need to know.

Eating for your metabolism type

Foods you should be eating for your metabolism type according to the cravings you have.

Sugar cravings

Some people naturally crave sweets more than any other type of food. This may mean that your body actually needs carbohydrates, but you are giving it sugar through the cake, ice cream, and chocolate instead. Some of the common signs that point to this type of metabolism are fluctuating weight, coffee dependency, and weak appetite in general. Since this type of metabolism craves carbohydrates, that is what you should fuel your body with. However, you should eat fruits, whole grains like barley, brown rice, and whole-grain bread, as well as lots of protein and fiber-based vegetables.

Salty food cravings

Another common craving is salty foods. These people often reach for snacks like potato chips and fatty foods. You will recognize this metabolism type by experiencing frequent anxiety, high blood pressure, and increased appetite. If you do have some of these symptoms, a safe choice for you is a diet rich in protein from dark meat like beef, dark turkey, or even salmon, and fish. Full fats from dairy products and eggs are also good for you since it is not the same type of fat you find in salty snacks. Of course, whole grain bread, and brown rice, instead of carbs is one more thing to add to your diet.

Metabolism boosters from around the world

Regardless of your metabolism type, you should stick to a healthy diet and certain foods that will boost your metabolism anyway. Different countries have their own recipes and foods that can boost your metabolism, so if you want to step out of the traditional frames, and eat something delicious and new, you should try some of these.

In China, a cold watermelon soup with ginger helps detoxify the body, has multiple benefits for the kidneys, and it boosts metabolism. Another secret of theirs is sweet corn, which lowers cholesterol, and helps with proper bowel movement, which leads to a healthy gut, and a faster metabolism.

From New Zealand, we have the sweetest, most delicious thing that has a variety of health benefits as well. Their best suggestion is to buy Manuka honey specifically from Comvita, which improves your metabolism by helping your digestive tract. It also helps with oral health, sore throats, and has wound healing properties.

Again, from the Asian culture, specifically from Japan, we have the well-known Macha green tea. This powdered tea is beneficial aside from being delicious in boosting your metabolism before and after exercise, for example, which makes it a great companion for all of you who are into fitness.

Healthy foods for any metabolism type

Now we are going to mention some of the everyday foods you may not have known were good for your metabolism.

First of all, foods rich in protein are a must, because your body uses more energy to digest them. Chili peppers, although a bit odd, help you burn more calories and with that boost your metabolism. Garlic is another common food that will help you lose more fat during the day. Citrus fruits are also good because they have low levels of sugar, and high levels of Vitamin C, which helps metabolize fat faster. Other foods you can try are lentils, coconut oil, nuts, berries, beans, oats, coffee, and green leafy vegetables. Some spices like ginger powder and cinnamon can be mixed with water, which is another simple yet very effective booster, especially if you drink it with cold water, right after you wake up.

Having a healthy, balanced metabolism is important not only for weight loss and control but also for increasing your energy and boosting your mood. You can change your diet to fit the metabolic type you have, but regardless of it, do try these foods for amazing results.

Keep it Graceful: 3 Ways to Improve Your Elderly Parents’ Lifestyle

Dignity holds a special place in human nature – people would rather part with anything but dignity. If you have elderly parents, you know that engaging with them and trying to improve their lifestyle is like walking a tightrope with their self-esteem in your hands.

There’s only so much you can do, and you have to meet them half-way. If you have a hard time finding ways to improve your elderly parents’ lifestyle, here are three major tips on how to keep it graceful.

Clean out the household together

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A majority of retired individuals prefer to age in a familiar environment – namely, their home. One of the hallmarks of a functional home, especially if elderly people live there, is orderliness.

While the luxury of chaos could have been allowed up until a point, this is a time when it would be wise to help your parents clear out their stuff. This might be one of the foundational factors in improving their lifestyle, but it will probably take a lot of time.

The key aspect of the endeavor is to involve your parents as much as you can and negotiate with them about what to keep and what to donate or recycle. We know how the baby boomer generation was enamored with collectibles, but they represent nothing but hazardous clutter.

By cleaning out all of this stuff, you will create a pleasing home full of breathing room. Since you’ve involved your parents in the cleaning, they’ll pretty much remember where everything is now and, let’s be honest, the entire household, including the yard, simply looks better.

Just remember – to keep it graceful, discuss every group of items with your parents so they’ll know that their decision counts. This is important even if you’ve pretty much decided about certain things.

Encourage their walks with friends

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Physical activity and socialization are the cornerstones of health and longevity. They are also major contributors to the cognitive performance of elderly people. This is why you should encourage your parents to venture out into the neighborhood and visit their friends.

You can suggest that they go on walks with their friends and enjoy a breezy afternoon in a local park that offers ample seating opportunities. By doing this, you will kill two birds with one stone: your parents will spend more time with their peers as well as get some quality exercise.

The walks are particularly important. If they have not ventured out of the house or the backyard for the day, and they generally dislike physical exercise, it might be a good strategy to invite them for a walk with you, and use this opportunity for a heart-to-heart.

The more they are engaged in a conversation, the more likely they are to forget that they are walking before the tiredness settles in. Naturally, you have to familiarize yourself with their limits first and avoid pushing them beyond that.

Even if the constant, everyday nagging that they should walk more and socialize might become tiring for you, just remember that you are investing in the future. It is a long-term strategy to keep your parents as healthy and happy as possible for as long as possible.

Keep the family together

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At the end of the day, carefully cultivated family relationships are our most valuable testament. The most cherished contribution to your parents’ dignified lifestyle is an effort to surround them with as many family members as possible.

However, you’ll notice that this turns out to be a balancing act as well since your parents might require some relaxing alone time now and then. Make sure to discuss the family visits with them before coordinating anything. They’ll likely hope to spend more time with their grandchildren than anyone else.

In addition to family gatherings, by organizing a reliable in-home caregiver, you’re practically guaranteeing that your parents never feel abandoned, or consider themselves a burden on the family.

Conclusion

Thankfully, we live in an age when eldercare is developing rapidly, and new methods of aiding our parents with dignity are cropping up all around. Still, one motif never changes no matter the time and place – and that is the aspiration of the retirees to age with dignity, grace, and surrounded by the love of their family.

This is why, no matter what technology, medicine, and eldercare devise, it will always come down to what you can bring to the table as a responsible adult.