Category: Natural Living

Ways to Tackle Common Household Allergens

Nowadays, our homes are filled with a lot of allergens makes our lives miserable. A home should be a place you feel safe and relaxed, but these allergens can prevent that. However, you can tackle the common allergens in your home in various ways. 

Be smart when dusting

Mold, pollen, and dust particles are the most common allergens in our homes. During dusting, make sure that you start cleaning from the top toward the bottom. This helps in avoiding the dust from spreading to cleaned areas. Remember also that you will need more than a cloth or feather duster to remove dust. You can use damp microfiber cloths, as they will hold the dust. Clean blinds, curtains, and ceiling fans. 

Remember the filters

Ensure that your filters are clean and in good shape. These include filters in the air conditioning units and air conditioning and heating system. 

If you don’t have filters in your home, consider adding them. You can get an air filter with HEPA if you have a single room. You can turn your air conditioning and heating system into a filter system that serves the entire home. 

Cover and wash your pillows

Pillows tend to host dust mites. You need washable pillow covers. You should wash them every three weeks. Some pillows can also be dry cleaned or washed every four months. 

Clean your home often

Consider vacuuming your home with a HEPA filter every week. This will eliminate indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites. When cleaning around the books section, use an electronic or microfiber cloth. This will trap the dust and not just move them around. Remember to use a filter mask when cleaning since dust will fill the air. 

As much as possible, avoid placing your carpet such that it extends wall to wall. Hardwood floors can be easier to clean because dust can be seen during cleaning. You can also clean with washable area rugs. 

Having a clean home is crucial, but most people are always busy, which makes it impossible to clean their homes. That’s why it is wise to get Bennetts services to get your home sparkling clean and remove all allergens.

Avoid pet’s dander

Pets spend most of their time indoors during winter as we do. Pet allergens can be found in dog’s or cat’s dander and in the saliva. You can reduce the danger that they shed by bathing your pets every week.

Avoidance is crucial when it comes to animal allergies. However, you can wash your hands with water and soap after petting a dog or cat. Keep your pets out of the bedroom and vacuum carpet regularly to avoid allergens, the best vacuums for pet hair are much better for this than regular vacuums.

Check humidity levels

Since air is dry during winter, most people use a humidifier to add some moisture. If you use humidifiers to avoid dryness, remember to check the humidity levels. Failing to do so will be creating a perfect environment that dust mites and mold can grow in number. You need a humidity meter to keep the moisture level in check. The recommended humidity level is 50%. You can use a dehumidifier when required and a vent fan for you to eliminate moisture in the kitchen and bathrooms. 

Reduce the pollen entering your home

You can keep pollen away from your home by ensuring that the windows remain closed. Avoid entering your home with shoes on or at least have a doormat to wipe your shoes before entering. You can also prevent humidity by ensuring that the temperatures are cool. Dust mites do well with high humidity. 

Clean vents

Allergens can be found anywhere in your home. This includes vents. Cleaning the dryer vent helps in reducing the allergens. Clean the air ducts every year as dust mites, pet hair, and others can build up there. You will be sure that you are inhaling clean air when you switch on the heating and air conditioning system. 

Get Mold Services

If you find that there are molds in your home, the chances are that it will bring allergies to your family. This will affect their health. When you can see visible signs that the mold is affecting your health, consider getting a mold removal service. The company will test your home and offer you the best action plan.

Use medications

The best step you can apply to tackle household allergens is to be aware of your allergy’s triggers. This will help in taking preventative measures. Medications usually eliminate allergy symptoms and make you enjoy staying at home. Consult your doctor on the right options you can take. 

Conclusion

Allergens can make our home unbearable to stay in, but with the right steps on how to tackle them, you can make it much more comfortable. Apply the tips above to reduce allergens and keep your family healthy.

Importance Of A Portable Water Filter Among People

Most people are unable to understand the importance of any machine which is easy to be transported to another location. There are water filters that are prepared using the mechanism of moving it along with all the added machines within it, as explained by Bonfilt. This helps maintain its function and also facilitates the process of getting the water filter to a new location. Portability has helped many people who actually need it for their basic requirements and such an important product which is also a part of the general lifestyle of the people should be handy in such a way. Therefore people need to follow a proper method in which they transport the filter. The water filters should be able to be transported without causing any damage to its internal parts.

Portable Water Filters And Is Huge Benefits

Maintaining a product like a water filter is a tough choice when it comes to keeping the filter at its perfect state. The water dispensed by it is basically used in the general life processes and hence it should be pure enough so that the people drinking it can refrain from facing problems like disorders and fever due to water-caused infections. There should actually be a chance that these water filters help people get the best quality water that they can use to serve all the basic purposes.

Technology which is used in the preparation of the filter is considered important at that moment. People tend to try getting all the help they can from the filters, which is why they need to work on getting the best technology they already have in their hands. The portable water filter has helped countless people because it is effective against different sources of water. There are so many sources of water all around the world and that should not be wasted since such technology can help people get the pure water removing all possible problems in it like that of heavy metals and impurity in the form of microorganisms.

There are some added benefits of the water filters being portable and that is why people are using the technology for moving it forward. There are actually some better choices made when it comes to getting the filters in the RO purifier set in the right manner giving out proper functions. The benefits surpass all the processes and that is why getting the benefits to come as an added facility in case of using the technology because purifiers have become a part of the lives of people. This is why choosing the best facility is towards making sure that there might be a chance of getting the filters in the best possible state.

  • Starting from the benefits of using the portable water purifier all those people who are having a transferable job would be getting all the help they can, during the process of transfer from one place to the next people are going to get all the things they require. People can actually carry the RO purifier with them and hence people would get pure water even after they move to the new location. This is why getting such a water purifier is actually a good investment which can help the common folks in the long run. This is where the importance of pure water remains being fully perfect.
  • Significance of the choices related to filter which can be all separated during the time of moving it to a different location is considered important. The parts which are separated can be placed again with perfection as there is the need for filtration of all the water. Supply of water should be constant which is why people should follow the simple choices they have when it comes to changing the place and getting a supplementary source of water. This new source would help get the purified water after the filtration is completed.
  • Common people who need to make proper investments and maintain a healthy lifestyle tend to choose something that keeps up its function at all stages. This is why when there is the chance of getting a water purifier service with RO technology, they would definitely use it. This helps them a great deal because if they intend to get a new place they would not have to spend more on having the same technology installed in their personal space.
  • Portable water purifiers are also easy to maintain as the parts can be separated easily. This is why the filters can work properly and clear out all the impurities present within it because of which people eventually get the idea of filtration. Proper filtration helps the people get the clear water that they are looking for and hence their lifestyle would finally be better.

All these processes are associated with water purification and many people are there who want the portable water purifier at their home. It makes installation simple and it can be removed and relocated that simply. Thus by properly using it, the machine will actually keep working for a really long time. This actually means the similar approach of clearing the water will be there considering the fact that pure water is made available and dispensed. This is why such a technology is being used so that people start understanding the reason because of which they can properly get hold of water they can use at every point.

Conclusion

Things like portable water purifiers are now possible because people have mastered the technology of reverse osmosis and the ways in which the filters are prepared. There are some impurities that are really difficult to tackle causing serious health concerns. All of it can be solved using the same method of getting potable water and that is readily available. This is why people need to carry out that level of purification where only water remains. The water purifier should actually be that good considering the importance of it in getting the necessary water for all the basic life processes.

How to Treat Nail Fungus Naturally During Pregnancy

As a mom-to-be, you know all the joys and wonders of expecting a baby to enrich your life, so you cherish the nine months of that blissful process. Yet, pregnancy sometimes comes with different discomforts that make self-care a bit more difficult. From swelling, backaches, hormonal changes that affect your skin and hair, all the way to various bacterial and fungal infections, your body is changing all around, and treatment often needs to differ from what you’d do without a bun in the oven.

One particularly unpleasant scenario no future mom wants to even think about, let alone plan for, includes treating fungal nail infections. Of course, ideally, let’s hope you never have to go down that path. Just in case you do, there are various natural ways you can help your toes heal without the use of excessive medication and antibiotics that could otherwise cause health issues for you or your baby. Here are a few to keep in mind.

Focus on prevention 

Let’s start off with a few simple, easily applicable tips and behavioral changes that can reduce your chances to get a fungal infection in the first place, which is especially risky during pregnancy when your immune system might be weaker, or you’re experiencing feet swelling. Of course, summer heat can’t help, hence the need for taking extra precautions!

  • Dry feet are healthy feet, so if you work out or sweat a lot due to the weather, make sure to wash your feet with mild soap and water regularly, and keep your feet dry.
  • Regular trimming is essential, and keep your grooming tools clean and disinfected. 
  • Choose breathable shoes and bamboo socks, which are naturally moisture-wicking and keep your nails and skin healthy.
  • You can even wear special anti-fungal, copper-infused socks that help kill the bacteria and fungus that could cause an infection. 

Feat soaks that heal your toes

If you’ve already contracted an infection, you should do your best to heal it in its earliest stages, and preferably before it spreads to other toes. In case you can pinpoint the shoes and socks you’ve worn when you’ve noticed the infection begin, get them properly cleaned and disinfected. 

Some natural soaks are great for treating infections. For instance, adding baking soda paired with vinegar in your warm water soak can be very effective when applies several times per day. Alternatively, some oils such as tea tree oil, oregano oil, and orange oil are extremely helpful with fungal infections. An old natural remedy might not be your favorite, but you can try it nonetheless: rub some garlic over your infected toes, as its natural antibacterial properties can be very powerful against milder infections. 

Laser therapy

Before your mind instantly leaps to hot and painful laser treatments, this option is far more comfortable and actually more effective in treating fungal infections. The key difference is that cold laser treatment for nail fungus uses low-intensity blue light for targeting the actual fungus, and red light for improving your overall immune system. This combination means that you’re using light against the infection without causing any harm to your toenails or skin around them.

One of the greatest perks of this treatment is that your body cannot really develop any form of resilience to it, which is often the case with repetitive use of antibiotics and topical treatments. The duration and number of laser treatments will depend on the severity of the infection, so your doctor will help you determine what you need to do to speed up the process.

Tweak your diet

When you’re relying on Mother Nature to do the healing, you also need to make sure you’re doing everything in your power to help your body heal. For instance, what you eat makes all the difference, especially during pregnancy, in terms of fortifying your immune system and helping you fight off an infection, and prevent one in the future. 

For starters, garlic has antimicrobial properties perfect for the situation, so add some freshly crushed garlic over your tomato salad, or add it to your kefir drink. While we’re at it, dairy products rich in probiotics such as kefir and yogurt are an excellent choice, too. Finally, prebiotic-packed foods such as fruits and veggies are a must, since they are loaded with all of those essential micronutrients that your immune system needs.

As beautiful as this time of your life may be, you need to pay special attention to the kind of decisions you make with regard to your health. If you find yourself battling a fungal infection on your nails, try these natural solutions that will kick the infection to the curb, and of course, always talk to your doctor about the best way to move forward. 

Why Stainless Steel Water Bottle Is Good For Travel

People often wonder how safe and clean is the water that they drink when traveling or out of their usual homes. One of the ways to ensure that everyone gets to drink healthy water is by carrying an adequate supply with them where ever they intend to travel. In water containers, the steel water bottle could be one of the most useful options to use. Compared to the alternative solutions available to carry water around, it makes perfect sense to use steel carry bottles most of the time. 

It is not that people are not offered options to carry around water to drink. But the advantages of using a steel carry bottle like the Fill2Pure ones are to be noted as below. 

Reusable in construction

With most water bottles made of plastic and other disposable materials, the bottles are mostly single-use most of the time. This adds to the extra burden of having to dispose of the bottles after their use. Plastics are some of the hardest materials to degrade in the environment and hence the ecological cost of using single-use plastic bottles is only to be noted. 

It would be found that having a reusable disposition, the steel water bottles are more eco-friendly than ever before. In fact for the factor of reusability of water bottles a large part of the plastic types have been redesigned to act as multi-use bottles as well. Steel is the ideal multi-use water bottle material of choice at the moment. 

Hot and cold use

Few materials can hold hot and cold liquids with equal ability as steel can when made out into water bottles.  An added insulation not only keeps the temperature of the fluids from deteriorating and at the same time makes it rather easy to carry around. The good property of steel to withstand boiling temperatures without defect and this is one of the reasons why steel is the preferred material for use as water bottles. 

Lack of taste or odor

With other alternatives to steel water bottles, it is key to understand that they impart some kind of odor or taste to the water in them.  This factor is particularly acute when carrying the water for extended periods of time. Steel water bottles tend to keep the natural taste of water to a larger extent than possible plastic or PET alternatives. 

This ability to retain the taste is key when hot fluids are carried in the water bottles. The plastic types do not tolerate heat to any extent and even the slightest of warmth helps in odorizing the water in them.  

Extra abilities

Steel water bottles on one hand can be made to act in so many different ways. One of the most notable methods of using steel water bottles is as a portable water purifier.  By having additional add-on facilities on the water bottles, it is possible to be able to filter out and purify the water that is stored in the bottles. This is achieved in a number of ways and has been found to be rather effective too. 

Machine washable

There would not be a home that does not have a dishwasher or a similar facility to keep clean the vessels and containers that handle food materials. The steel water bottle is to be noted for its characteristic that it can be put in the dishwasher for cleaning up after use.  Few other alternative materials can offer this scope of action as borne out by the water bottle. 

Variations in presentation

When compared to the alternative solution to carrying of water, it is possible to have a wider variety of presentations in the case of the steel water bottles. It is possible to color the bottles in many ways, add designs to the exterior of the bottles and so on. Plastic or mud water bottles do not offer this type of variations in presentations. 

Hard and tough

The steel water bottle is one of the hardiest of materials to be had around to carry water.  Most drops on the floor would not damage the bottle quite unlike the plastic materials in popular use. It is for this reason that steel bottles are used by adventure enthusiasts and athletes most of the time. The hard exterior of the steel flask often tends to present one of the toughest of materials. 

Conclusion

No doubt, water is a precious commodity that few people can do without. Carrying water around for use is made all the more pleasant if the right kind of materials is hard for their use. Steel bottles and flasks have been around for some time and despite the onslaught of newer materials tend to be in high demand for the sheer good experience that comes with using them. 

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.

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.

Health and Beauty – Make-Up To Avoid

Health and beauty practice is often linked with make-up, and there are literally thousands of products out there that range in both price and quality. Quality and value are two of the most important factors when it comes to choosing make-up, but there’s also another important factor that many people overlook when it comes to their make-up and toiletry products, and that is the chemicals used.

Due to the often international nature of make-up products, a competitive marketplace and sometimes a lack of clear regulations, some common makeup products in your home could be far more dangerous to your long-term health than you realize. We have created a shortlist of some of the dangerous chemicals you will commonly find in a supermarket near you. Check out your make-up cabinet for any of these names and choose products that use safer alternatives.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

This common chemical is often found in shaving creams, shampoos and conditioners as it is a synthetic foaming agent. Recent studies have linked this chemical with skin irritation, eye irritation, and most alarmingly cancer. On top of this, this chemical has been found to contain other contaminants also linked to cancer, such as 1,4 Dioxane.

Phthalates

This is often found in perfume products and nail polish products, and unfortunately, due to legal reasons related to company formulas, you may not even see this toxic chemical on the label (often it will be hidden simply under the term fragrance). It’s linked to birth defects, thyroid problems and problems involving sperm count and genital development in men.

While this product is banned in Europe, it’s still commonly available, and it is worth researching your make-up, health and beauty products to make sure it doesn’t contain this chemical.

Parabens

Parabens are commonly found in deodorants and products with high water content. They often have the prefix methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, and they have been found to create problems with hormone function in the body. This can lead to cancer, tumors and a suspected range of other problems. Look for products branded paraben-free when you next shop for health and beauty products.

Diazolidinyl and Imidazolidinyl Urea

These chemicals, along with a host of others, are linked to the formaldehyde family, which are known to be carcinogenic and can cause a range of irritations and allergic reactions. They can be found in everything from shampoo to sunscreen, and the use of these chemicals is banned in Europe. Mascara, make-up remover and nail polish also have been known to feature these chemicals. Source: https://wordmaze.net/

Amine Family – Triethanolamine (TEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Amonoethanolamine (MEA)

These are foaming agents are found in a range of different make-up and beauty products. From hairspray to facial powders and much more, this chemical is currently under review in the USA, UK, and Europe. This chemical has been linked to cancer and when mixed with other common chemicals have been known to produce carcinogenic results.

This is just a small list of the common chemicals you will find in everyday products. For more comprehensive information, you can search one of the leading cosmetics databases at cosmeticsdatabase.com.

The Health Benefits of Green Tea

If you haven’t been hiding under a rock, then you’ve probably read or heard about the benefits of drinking green tea for your diet and overall health. Green tea has been used for centuries as a healing herb that can protect your digestion, prevent cancer, and calm anxiety. Mostly used by the Chinese as a healing drink, green teas come in all different varieties nowadays.

Tea, in general, is used to soothe us when we’re sick, keep us warm in the winter, and can even protect against certain viruses, accelerate digestion, and aid menstrual cramps. Green tea, however, has special properties that make it even more of a healthy addition to your diet.

Many researchers and enthusiasts would say that green tea is by far the healthiest beverage you can drink. Most of this is owing to the high number of antioxidants, and the natural ways in which drinking a cup a day can improve several aspects of your health and body. You won’t want to go back after you see how green tea can help you stay on the right health track.

Which compounds make up green tea?

The reason that green tea is so good for you is that it naturally contains certain compounds that stimulate parts of the body and digestive system in very positive ways. For example, one of these nutrients is called polyphenols. These specifically act to reduce inflammation in the body and can even work toward preventing cancer. If you have a history of cancer in your family, or if you suffer from chronic pain or any other ailment that includes inflammatory side effects, think about implementing green teas into your diet.

Other healing properties in green tea include catechins. These protect free radicals from spreading in the body. They also have a whole range of positives. Catechins act to protect the cells from damage by eliminating free radicals that could potentially hurt existing cells. Free radicals are responsible for any adverse side effects in the aging process and the spread of diseases.

Green tea can improve your brain functioning!

Some more good news about green tea? It doesn’t just help your body in staying healthy. It also helps your brain! Green tea does contain caffeine, which allows the body to stay alert (and doesn’t have as much as caffeine, which can have negative effects on the brain).

Beyond caffeine, green tea also has an amino acid called L-theanine, which acts in crossing the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine increases the flow and activity of neurotransmitter GABA, which also works to calm anxiety. It also increases dopamine! You can be so joyful while sipping your tea.

L-theanine appears in several different products besides teas, like Zach Attack Supplements, which also helps the digestive system for the better.

Make green tea your newest obsession.

Just like “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” a cup of green tea a day can drastically improve brain and body functioning. If you don’t believe us, try it yourself! You don’t have to worry about staining your teeth through frequent tea consumption as you can always get teeth polishing by the cosmetic dentist in Alhambra.

Latest Celebrity Workout Trends

The good news is that the world as a whole is becoming increasingly aware of how healthy our lifestyles have become. This means that we are taking our health into our own hands and trying to do something about it, starting with a much cleaner diet and exercise regime. And different celebrities are paving the way for us by sharing on social media all different kinds of exercise regimes that have been gaining in popularity over the past few years. So, if you want to train like a celebrity, here’s how to do it.

Step up to the barre

One specific kind of exercise has been sweeping the fitness world for the past year, and that is ballet exercise. It actually has nothing to do with dancing, but a lot to do with the shape of the body. Dancers’ bodies are not only very strong and flexible, but they are also shaped beautifully, and that comes from a lot of small, repetitive movements that they do in every warmup and every class. If you think you will do a few plies and call it a day, you have another thing coming, so make sure you bring a towel to wipe the sweat off your face after the first few minutes. You might notice that you are activating some groups of muscles that have never been used before, like in your feet and ankles, which is perfect for models who have to keep their balance in very high heels.

Private and tailored

It’s no secret that all of our bodies are different. And not only in shape and looks, but the way they react to different forms of exercise as well. Add on top of that the fact we’re all living different lives and have different needs and you’ve got a clear solution. Nearly every celebrity has a private trainer (or team of trainers) who creates a custom workout plan for them to suit their needs and their bodies. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to do that – just ask around in your local gym and see if there are any coaches that would like to take on a new client. These routines are usually a mix of strength and cardio, but it can also be dance classes, boxing or anything else. On the other hand, if you don’t have time for this kind of training, you should try waist trimmers.

Have a machine do it for you

Technology has been a part of our exercise routines for a long time now, but the newest innovations are machines who either help increase the work you’re doing or even do it completely for you. Take for example this amazing whole-body vibration machine which helps warm up all of your muscles and joints and simulates a stronger gravity field below you, making all of your usual exercises that much more effective. For most people, it’s something that you’d use in your gym if your gym had one, but you can also buy it for your home if you are serious about your exercise.

Get the stress out

Many celebrities, like Gigi and Bella Hadid, have said that their favorite way to blow off steam and to get their exercise in is boxing. It’s a great mix of cardio and strength, as you need to be very quick on your feet and keep moving around, as well as hit hard. Just make sure that you are working with a coach, especially when you’re starting out, to make sure you are doing everything correctly because you might literally break your hand if you do not know how to position it properly.

Yoga

Of course, save the best for last. There is rarely a celebrity who doesn’t indulge in some yoga, either every morning or a few times per week. From Ashley Graham to Felicity Jones, these celebs say that yoga is a way to build up strength, without building too much muscle mass. It’s similar to what we said about ballet, how it shapes the body in a much different way than lifting weights would. And you don’t need to have access to a personal trainer and in-house studio. There are free yoga classes all around you, you just need to find them.

This is how the celebs like to stay fit, but once again, you’re much more likely to have great results if you find what works best for you and makes you feel good, rather than copying someone else.

Healthy Habits – 5 Simple Steps to Improve Your Overall Health

It’s very simple. The way you treat your body will determine how well it will function as you grow older. Most of us are aware of this and also of what exactly we should do to keep our body and mind healthy well into our golden years. So, why aren’t we all doing what we should? Mostly because it’s much easier to reach for fast food than to cook a proper meal, it’s faster to get somewhere by car than on foot, and sitting in front of the TV with a huge bag of chips is often more convenient than going jogging. Plus, when you think of all the things you should change about your lifestyle, you can get overwhelmed. The key is to do it gradually, one small but firm step at a time. Here are five steps towards better overall health and improved quality of life.

Keep your drinks sugar-free

When it comes to hydration, it’s very important for your wellbeing. However, not everything you drink is good for you. The best choice is, obviously, plain water, and about eight glasses of it per day. If the taste of water bores you and you want something different, you can always infuse it with some fresh fruit. Squeeze a lemon or a grapefruit, or even some pomegranate for that refreshing flavor. Another option is to boil some tea, especially green tea. Whatever you choose, just don’t let it be sugary drinks, such as soda or fruit juice. Those are loaded with sugar which can lead to obesity and some even more serious health issues, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Even those drinks which are advertised as healthy and with antioxidant properties usually contain too much sugar to actually benefit you in any way, so try staying away from them.

Commit yourself to a physical activity

Regular physical activity keeps you fitter and improves your immune function, and that can lower your chances of getting hypertension, stroke or heart disease down the road. Also, it enhances your strength, flexibility, and stamina, allowing you to perform your everyday tasks with more ease. Exercise is also beneficial to your mental health, as it boosts your mood and your self-esteem. Therefore, if you’ve been living a sedentary life and haven’t been active for a long time, start with short walks and then keep adding distance and speed to them as you gain back your strength. Also, there are many types of workout which you could find joyful. If gym exercises aren’t your cup of tea, try yoga, dancing, or get a bike and ride it instead of driving your car whenever possible. Once you get a hang of it, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to start.

Reconsider your choice of protein sources

When you mention protein, most people’s minds instantly wander towards meat. However, there are some great options which don’t originate from animals. In fact, there are multiple vegan protein sources you can rely on for proper nutrient intake, and it’s a common misconception that vegans don’t get enough protein. For instance, soy products, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and beans are loaded with protein. If those don’t interest you, how about potatoes, spinach or broccoli? So, instead of gorging yourself on steaks and deep-fried chicken, try switching to these plant-based foods, which will most likely make you feel light and energetic.

Get enough rest

Sleeping enough is another requirement for good long-term health, but one that we often don’t pay enough attention to. This is something you should work on. Getting your eight hours of sleep is crucial for your body, and especially your brain to work normally. When you’re sleep deprived, you could easily become nervous, irritated and have trouble concentrating on anything, which then decreases your productivity. This can even lead to stress and anxiety. It’s up to you to create a routine which will have you in bed and out of it at the same time every day, including weekends, and one which won’t include you staring at your computer, phone or TV until the moment you close your eyes. The lights from those screens send your brain the signal that it’s not time to sleep yet, which can make it difficult to fall asleep. Instead, have a cup of chamomile tea and get some uninterrupted and restful sleep every night.

Choose fresh over-processed foods

Processed foods can be very tasty. Actually, that’s how they’re made. The companies who sell them want you to buy their products, so they make them so desirable to your taste buds, that you simply can’t resist them. However, these foods are usually full of sugar, or even worse, high fructose corn syrup, salt, bad fats, and various artificial ingredients. More often than not, they contain a high count of empty calories, meaning that they don’t contain the nutrients you need to stay healthy. They are the primary cause of obesity and they can damage your metabolism greatly. This is why it’s always a good idea to choose real food over the processed, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, avoid eating junk food during the day and visiting restaurants that serve it. Rather make your own meals at home, from scratch. Nowadays, there are so many quick and simple recipes for healthy meals online, that you really don’t have an excuse to keep eating something which could harm you and eventually make you sick.

Nothing’s as precious as health, so invest your time and effort in yourself by following these five steps. You’ll be glad you did once you’re older.