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Relaxed woman sitting on the bank of river

11 Steps to a Calm, Relaxed Mind

Learning how to relax your mind is an essential life skill to have, especially in this day and age where stress is so abundant. Not only will this help to mentally rebalance you, but calming your mind will also give your brain a bit of a boost, resulting in higher creativity and productivity.

  1. Listen to Some Music

Music can have quite the impact on your mind, with different genres of music having their own unique effects.

For those who need to reduce stress, studies have found that instrumental music can be extremely effective at relaxing the mind, especially Native American, Celtic and Indian tunes. Light jazz and classical music can also have this same effect, as can sounds of nature, such as rain and thunder.

If you need some help getting to sleep at night, try spending 45 minutes before bed in a relaxed, comfortable position, while listening to some calming music.

Alternatively, if you need some help lifting your mood, go for something lively and upbeat, as this can really help you to feel more positive.

Of course, singing along to music is also a great way to release tension while boosting your mood at the same time.

  1. Snack on Some Calming Foods

Feeling anxious or worried can often lead to stress eating, which is the term used when someone eats to make themselves feel emotionally better, rather than eating because they are hungry.

When this happens, the foods that are eaten are often high in salt, sugar and other unhealthy ingredients that only end up making the stress feel so much worse.

In order to keep your mind feeling relaxed, try opting for one of these calming snacks instead:

  • Walnuts – helps to regulate cortisol in the body, which is the stress hormone, as well as adrenaline
  • Asparagus contains enough folic acid to quickly boost the mood
  • Oranges, Berries and Other Vitamin C-Rich Fruits studies have shown that vitamin C can lower cortisol levels, while also lowering blood pressure
  • Chamomile Tea calms nerves and reduces symptoms of anxiety
  • Dark Chocolate maintains calmness in the body while lowering blood pressure
  • Oatmeal stimulates the brain to produce serotonin, which is a chemical that immediately lifts the mood
  1. Give Meditation a Try

If you have been looking into different ways to relax your mind for a while now, then you will likely have already stumbled upon the recommendation of meditation

So, have you given it a try yet?

Meditation is something that so many people do not fully believe in, dismissing it as something that would never work. However, science has now backed up some of the many calming benefits that meditation can bring.

To begin with, studies have found that meditation can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression in the same way that antidepressants can, and to the same extent as well. It can also trigger changes in the way in which the brain thinks about the self, which can really make such a difference to anxiety.

If you are not feeling anxious, but simply have trouble controlling your distracted mind, then meditation can help with this too. Research has shown that meditation can decrease the activity in the part of the brain that is responsible for your wandering mind, keeping you focused on the task at hand.

  1. Write it Down

When your mind is racing with what seems like a million thoughts, writing it all down can really help.

How?

Firstly, the act of writing in itself is enough to engage the mind enough to slow it down a bit, while putting your thoughts down on paper helps to organize them, preventing everything from seeming so chaotic.

woman writing in a notebook

Want to give this a try?

Use a notebook if you prefer writing by hand, or create a special document on your computer if you prefer to type. Then, spend 15 minutes or so jotting down everything that happens to be in your mind.

This does not need to be in any particular order, so long as you are able to get all of your thoughts down.

Once you are done, put this aside for now. You can then return to it a bit later and really give everything your attention, once things are not so frenzied.

You will likely find that writing it all down makes you feel so much more in control of things, and helps to ease some of the stress taking place in your mind.

  1. Get Moving

It has been proven countless times now that exercise is an extremely effective way to improve well-being, especially when done on a regular basis. 

Wondering how it does this?

Firstly, exercise triggers changes in the brain’s neurotransmitters, the ones that are responsible for your mood. What makes this even better is that these changes are quite long-lasting, meaning that they will still be in effect hours after you are done exercising.

For those who are feeling a bit down about things, a 2006 study found that exercise can actually have similar effects to antidepressants in the way that it promotes the growth of new neurons in the brain, therefore alleviating depression and anxiety.

To make it even better, exercise that features repetitive motions, such as running, is actually classed as a meditative activity, and, for those who have a tough time calming their mind enough to fall asleep at night, exercise can help with this too, making it much easier to sleep each night.

  1. Spend Some Time in Nature

Another easy way to quickly calm your mind is to simply step outside and head somewhere where there is plenty of natural beauty.

This is something that has been proven quite a few times, and there is a very interesting reason behind it…

Plants and trees release special chemicals that help to slow down the rate at which they decay, and these same chemicals can help to slow your mind down as well.

Studies have found that just a short walk in the woods, or anywhere else where there is plenty of nature, can significantly lower cortisol levels in the body, helping you to feel less anxious, while also boosting your memory at the same time. 

  1. Play a Game

Playing certain types of games, such as puzzles, can really help some people to relax their mind and lower stress levels.

How?

Well, due to the hectic nature of modern day life, many people end up feeling bored when they try to relax, as they have become accustomed to always having a certain level of stimuli in their life. Puzzle-type games can help with this, as they do still provide a mental challenge, but not too much, meaning that they are able to still pull people into a state of mindfulness.

Puzzle games also trigger the brain to produce more dopamine. This is a neurotransmitter that helps to improve the mood and balance out brain chemistry, keeping you in a state of relaxation.

Wondering which games you should be playing?

Give one of these a try:

    • Sudoku
    • Crossword puzzles
    • Wordsearches
    • Brain-teasers and riddles
    • Electronic puzzle games, such as Bejeweled
    • Jigsaw puzzles

woman playing sudoku

  1. Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for your well-being, and this not only refers to the number of hours that you sleep for, but also the quality of sleep that you generally have.

Wondering how much sleep you need each night?

Eight hours is what the average person needs, but many people do not end up getting this amount, often due to an over-active and stressed out mind.

If you can relate to this, then there are a few steps that you can take to help your mind and body to unwind before bed, so that you fall asleep quickly and easily:

    • Spend an hour before bed relaxing your mind, keeping away from your TV, computer, phone, or any other electronic devices
    • Develop a pre-bedtime routine that promotes relaxation. This can include a warm bath, a good book and some calming music
    • Drink a cup of chamomile tea before bed, as this helps to induce sleep
    • Make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothes
    • Try a breathing exercise while lying in bed
    • Develop a regular sleep schedule that you stick to on weekends as well as weekdays
  1. Stop Multi-Tasking

While it may often feel as though you are getting more things done by multi-tasking, this may sometimes not be the case. By having so many different distractions, your mind will end up scattered, and you will actually not be very productive in the end.

One key to keeping your mind relaxed, calm and focussed is to only concentrate on a single task at a time.

Do you find it difficult to do this?

Try making a list at the beginning of each day, writing down all of the tasks that you need to accomplish that day. Then, prioritize the tasks, and tackle them one by one, starting with the most important and working your way down.

In addition to only working on one task at a time, you should also try to stop multi-tasking in other ways. For example, you are likely to be regularly checking your phone, or your emails, while you are doing something else. Try to put a stop to this, so that you really are completely present in the task that you are currently doing.

  1. De-Clutter Your Environment

While having some clutter in your home or at work may not seem like that big of a deal, research has shown that clutter can actually have quite the impact on the way in which your brain processes information.

In the same way that multi-tasking can impair your ability to properly concentrate, having too much clutter will end up overloading your senses, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and drained of mental energy.

The brain actually finds organization much easier to deal with, meaning that when you enter a de-cluttered space, your brain will not have to work so hard, which will have you feeling far calmer. 

You’re probably thinking…

“That all sounds great, but how do I actually get started with de-cluttering?”

Begin with a small part of your home, even if this is just a single drawer in your dresser.

Take all of your belongings out and then sort them into the following piles:

  • Keep – these are the items that you often use
  • Sell items that you do not use, but could be worth some money
  • Give Away items that you can donate to charity
  • Trash or Recycle items that would be of no use to anyone

Once you have organized a small part of your home, move on to the next, allocating yourself an area of your home to de-clutter each evening, or even each week.

woman decluttering her environment

Before you know it, your home will be de-cluttered. You can then take this principle and apply it to other areas of your life that need de-cluttering, such as your office or your car.

  1. Ensure That You Are Having Enough Social Contact

Social contact is such an important part of keeping the mind and spirit relaxed and happy, but, as a person becomes older and more stressed, this is an area of life that often ends up being neglected.

Having friends that you can talk to can really help to keep you calm, in a number of ways:

    • Talking to a friend about a problem can lower cortisol levels in the body
    • Having close friends tends to make people healthier in terms of diet and exercise, both of which will help keep your mind calm
    • Laughing on a regular basis can reduce stress and improve your mood

If you know that you have been neglecting the social side of your life a bit lately, then this is something that needs to change. Try setting aside a chunk of time each week that you dedicate to spending with friends, even if this may just be a quick drink after work.

Red sneakers

Best Shoes For Everyday Use

When choosing an everyday wardrobe, practicality, comfort and style are all key issues, especially when it comes to footwear.  Your feet are an important part of your mobility, and wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes can really ruin your day, and in some cases, even lead to long term damage. But what should you be looking for in a shoe, and which styles and brands are recommended? Read on to find out.

“The main things you want to look for in an everyday walking shoe are responsive cushioning, breathability and lightweight construction”, says Riley Jones, a writer specializing in sneakers and style. He goes on to recommend several brands of lightweight, supportive athletic sneakers. These include the SpeedForm Appollo model from Under Armour, one of the first ‘sock-like shoes’ that feature an anatomical outsole designed to cater to the movement and structure of your foot. Also making the cut is the Adidas Ultra Boost with its Boost cushioning and primeknit upper, and the Nike Flyknit Racer, one of the most lightweight sneakers around.

If you’re looking for options outside of the athletic sneaker category, look at alternatives such as the Crocs Women’s Alice Mary Jean Flat which provides enhanced support and a non slip sole. They are good quality and odor resistant. If you are looking for a stylish sandal, try out the Ecco European Strap Dress Sandals. They have a thicker cushion sole that offers extra support and cushioning as well as being very lightweight.

Those searching for everyday styles for men can look at the Ecco Men’s Chander Classic Sandal which features a criss-cross upper ankle strap for extra support and comfort. They also offer a cushioned sole with excellent durability. Men looking for a slightly dressier look might consider the Clarks Men’s Armada Spanish Loafer. The shoes are made of leather with a man-made sole, mesh linings and a removal footbed. They also offer shock absorbing support which provides traction and durability.

At the same time, you should stay away from shoes where the heel is higher than the toe. While high heeled dress shoes are an obvious no-no, there are also athletic shoes which encourage the wearer to land on the heel of the shoe when walking and running. This alters the natural step and posture and can result in long term damage to joints in the feet, knees and hips.

To this end, look at shoes like the New Balance Minimus. These offer a minimal cushion and support with no positive heel so the wearer gets the effects of being barefoot. A more everyday option might be Toms brand shoes. While not ideal for working out, the shoes also do not have a positive heel. They offer a minimal cushion while being stylish and comfortable. Also making the list Earth Runners. These shoes are made by hand according to your foot trace to get a perfect fit. They also offer a non-cushioned, minimal sole and added copper grounding elements.

Woman with credit card in front of laptop

Resveralife Reports: Consumer Research a Threat to Retailers?

We live in an age of instantaneous information, connection and satisfaction. We get what we want, when we want it. As consumers, it has always been important to be informed when it comes to our purchases. We want to know what we are buying, what benefits the item or service might have, any disadvantages that the item may have and what performance we can expect from the thing we are spending our hard earned money on. Whether it is a silk camisole or a washing machine, we like to be savvy shoppers. But does our increased availability of information and our knowledge of products threaten retailers?

Recently, Google partnered with Ipsos MediaCT and Sterling Brands to see what impact technology has on consumption and shopping habits. Included in this study was the question of whether or not consumer research is damaging to retailers. The common belief among brick and mortar retailers is that the primary reason we go into stores is simply to conduct a transaction. Retailers assume that we have already completed our research and as such, that we are fully informed about their product. They assume we are there only to pay for our items. However, the research suggests that the retailers who believe all we want is a sales transaction are doing damage to themselves.

The data gathered by Google, Ipsos MediaCT and Sterling Brands, suggests that as consumers, we expect more than ever from our retailers. We still visit stores, and online shops, to compare and to stimulate interest in items. The research suggests that while we are more informed than ever, we still look to retailers to be an authority on their products and to provide use with a shopping experience. Google, Ipsos MediaCT and Sterling Brands found that just because we perform searches and gather information does not mean that we are turning our backs on retailers. We simply want more out of them. We visit our favorite stores not only because we like the merchandise that is sold there, but also because we enjoy and savor the shopping experience in these stores.

Retailers would do well to take heed of this information. The majority of us visit stores to get an idea of what we want to buy prior to conducting research. Once we have seen the item, then we go into detective mode and try to learn as much as possible about what we intend to buy. Our research doesn’t necessarily hurt retailers, though it does affect what we want from them. Because we can pull together so much information on a product, we expect our retailers to be able to still tell us more. Why buy something when the retailer seems less knowledgeable about the product than we are? We expect retailers to be experts in their products and services. We also anticipate that retailers will provide us with a personalized shopping experience.

Being an informed consumer is important, and some of the burden certainly does rest on us. However, retailers also need to remember that customers want more than just information and details on products. We want to feel valued and important. When it comes to shopping we want more than product specifications, we want to have an enitre experience when it comes to shopping.

Shopping and looking at herself in the mirror

Resveralife Live Well: Shopping and Self-Esteem

We have all heard of people indulging in a little “retail therapy.” This common maxim is used to describe shopping as a means of increasing our current moods or ridding ourselves of some stress. As it turns out, the idea of shopping being related to our psychology and self-esteem is not quite as far-fetched as we may have originally thought. As a culture we practice what is known sociologically as conspicuous consumption. Essentially, conspicuous consumption is spending money on goods that are intended to demonstrate our social status. Often, conspicuous consumption refers to the purchase of expensive or luxury items, which are recognized as prestigious status symbols. Studies conducted recently indicate that “retail therapy” is not just a term thrown around when we want to feel better about ourselves by buying. In fact, it seems that our spending habits, particularly of luxury items, are directly related to our self-esteem.

Researchers Niro Sivanathan, assistant professor at the London Business School, and Nathan Pettit, of Cornell University, conducted clinical studies in a lab that were intended to delve into the psyche of what our spending really says about our self-esteem. The results of these studies confirm that we are far more inclined to spend, especially on higher priced items, when we are experiencing periods of low-self-esteem. Why are we buying particularly when we are feeling down? One of the reasons indicated by the studies suggests that we buy in order to create an impressive exterior sense that we are well off. The second reason truly is retail therapy: we shop when we want to soothe internal pain regarding how we perceive ourselves.

Quite simply, psychological forces impact our decision to shop. We all face a great number of challenges daily, and the blows to our egos can be tough to take. It is in these moments that, according to researchers Sivanathan and Pettit, we desire to increase our conspicuous consumption. Additionally, it is interesting to note that the research conducted also indicated that not only do we spend more, but we do so paying mostly with credit cards when our self-esteem is low. The general hypothesis is that using credit cards as a means to purchase high-end goods helps us decrease any guilt we associate with spending large amounts of money.

When we say we are indulging in retail therapy, it really is a truth. Our self-esteem and attitudes towards ourselves influence our shopping habits. We turn to shopping as a means to alleviate stress and as an attempt to improve our perceptions of who we are. Self-esteem can of course be improved by means other than shopping, and it is advisable to learn other habits of coping with stress and low self-esteem. While shopping definitely does bolster our self-esteem, in the long-run it is not a permanent fix. Grabbing some friends and heading to the mall for a day of retail therapy is totally fine. However, it is important to remember that material possessions do not define who we are as people.

Bottle of Chainti with glass of it poured out and grapes

Resveralife Live Well: Health Benefits of Chianti Wine

Authentic Chianti wine is wine that has been produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. Chianti wine has a rich and interesting history that dates back to as early as the thirteenth century. The first reference to the Chianti region of wine dates back to 1716 and referred to the area around the villages of Gaiole, Castellina and Radda. Most people associate Chianti wine as a red, though it was not always so. Some of the initial mentions of Chianti wine, in 1398, reported that Chianti was a locally produced white wine. In the 1970s, the percentage of white grapes used in the production of Chianti wine dropped significantly.

Currently, there are seven Chianti zones: Chianti Classico, Chianti Montalbano, Chianti Collo Fiorentini, Chianti Rufini, Colli Sensei, Colli Pisne and Colli Aretini. Chianti wine has flavors and notes of cherry, strawberry, plum, almonds, vanilla, spice, tobacco and coffee. Made from primarily Sangiovese grapes, Chianti wine is a decadent delight. The benefits of Chianti do not stop with it’s taste. Keep reading to learn some of the interesting health and beauty benefits of Chianti wine.

Body

Red wines, such as Chianti, contain polyphenol. Polyphenol helps to strengthen your gums and teeth as you sip your glass of wine. Additionally, reservatrol is an ingredient found in red wine that is currently being studied for it’s long-term health benefits. Reservatrol is thought to reduce cancer growth and to aid the body by stimulating the release of insulin.

Skin

Red wines such as Chianti contain a number of ingredients that have skincare benefits. The reservatrol found in Chianti wine helps slow the growth of bacteria. Alpha hydroxy acids are also found in red wines, like Chianti, and these are very beneficial to your skin. AHAs are both a natural antiseptic and and anti-inflammatory. Some enthusiasts of Chianti and red wine suggest applying a bit to the face as a mask to help fight acne, clean out pores and help prevent future breakouts. Antioxidants in red wines, such as flavanoids and tannins, fight free radicals in the atmosphere. These antioxidants help stimulate the production of collagen, which gives a boost to sagging skin as it smooths out fine lines. Also found in red wines are an abundance of amino acids. Amino acids benefit your skin by forming a barrier to the skin that helps to reduce the damage done to your skin by harmful UV rays.

Hair

Once again reservatrol is responsible for a health and beauty benefit of Chianti wine, this time it it is your tresses that reap the rewards. Reservatrol fights inflammation and cell death, which means that hair loss is reduced. Drinking Chitanti wine stimulates circulation, which strengthens the blood vessels of the scalp and reduces dandruff and flakiness of the scalp.

Chianti is a complex, luxurious tasting wine hailing from the Chianti region Italy. Consumed in moderation, it produces a number of health and beauty benefits that range from slowing the growth of cancer cells to keeping your hair on your head. Most experts agree that ½ to 1 glass of red wine daily is sufficient to provide health benefits without being damaging to your body.

Man eating a healthy salad

Live Well: Gentleman's Guide to a Healthy Diet

Throughout time, diet has been an important role in terms of development and growth. Now more than ever, it is essential to choose and opt for healthy meals and meal ingredients as most of the pre-packaged and pre-made foods that are readily available in supermarkets worldwide have become laden with chemicals and unhealthy, toxic ingredients. Resveralife would like to help our male readers understand how they can make better, healthier food choices, and feel their best by doing so. With these easy to do tips, the hardest part will be developing the willpower to make these changes – for life.

Opt for Fresh & Raw

Choosing fresh, raw ingredients when you are at the grocery store is the best thing you can do for your body. As a general rule, sticking to the aisles on the outer edges of the grocery store is your best bet. If you think about it, all you really need and all you should be eating is located along the outer walls of the store. Produce, dairy, and meats line these walls, and should be eaten more than anything else in your diet. Diets rich in fresh, lean proteins, such as lean turkey breast, chicken breast, fish, and raw vegetables and fruits will help you to feel fuller longer, become healthier, and even lose weight – guaranteed. Proteins also play a large role in the development of muscle mass when working out – so be sure to get plenty of it on a daily basis.

Eliminate Refined Sugar and Added Salt

Refined sugars can be found in those cakes you love so much, and many versions of breads and other carbohydrate laden foods. Rather than toss extra salt over your meal, try to do without it. If you use a small amount of salt to cook your food, that’s fine – but keep it to a minimum. By doing this, you may be able to lower your risk of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and other health concerns. Refined sugars also lead to excess weight gain – and it can be difficult to lose the pounds accumulated. You will feel far less bloated when you eliminate unnecessary salt and sugar from your diet. You should do your best to try to eat natural sources of these compounds, such as fruit (fruit pectin within the fruit is a natural sugar) and olives or certain types of fish, such as Cod, which are salty by nature.

Eat Organic when Possible

Eating organic fruits and vegetables is always a safe bet. Not only will you eliminate excess toxins from your system this way, you will have more control over the food you eat and will enable yourself to gain the true health benefits of the fruits and vegetables you consume. Produce which is grown in an organically friendly environment are generally better in quality and taste, therefore you would be doing your body and your taste buds a favor. Always opt for organic when possible.

Eliminate Junk Food

This is a no brainer. Junk food packs on unnecessary pounds. To lose the pounds and keep them off, eliminate junk food such as chips, cookies, cakes, and candy from your diet as much as possible. Once in a great while, a small portion of one of these foods are fine – but not unless it’s a rare occasion. You will be amazed how great your body feels once it rids itself of the toxins these terrible foods have left behind.

Don’t Eat at Night

Eating after 7 PM is discouraged by many doctors, because as the night winds down, and you lay down to go to bed, the food you consume at night is left to sit. Your metabolism slows down at night, and all but comes to a screeching halt as you sleep. Do you really want to wake up with yesterday’s dinner still sitting where it was when you went to bed? We didn’t think so. Opt for eating earlier in the evening if possible, and allow your stomach at least four hours for the food to break down before bed.

By following the above guidelines, you can’t go wrong. Resveratrol wants to see every man live his healthiest and his best this year, and making small changes will add up quickly. Here’s to a healthier, happier you!

 

 

An assortment of detox smoothies

Resveralife Eat Well: Fabulous Smoothie Detoxes to Jump Start Your New Year

A new year has finally arrived, and if you’re like most people, you want to get rid of last year’s excess weight gain. Perhaps you put it on over the Holiday season, or sort of snuck up on you throughout the year. It makes no difference what the reason you want to lose the weight is – the only thing that matters is losing it. Resveralife has looked into a few healthy weight loss options that will not only help you lose weight, but detoxify your body as well! This article focuses on fabulous smoothies which will detoxify your body, and help you jump start your new year the right way with healthy weight loss.

Below, you will find a few of our favorite smoothie detox combos – any or all of these can be implemented into your daily diet. They would be great for breakfast or lunch, and will help you to feel healthy and good about your body.

Berry Good Morning

1 C Fresh or Frozen Raspberries ( Could use Strawberries instead)
3/4 C Skim, Coconut, or Almond Milk
1 1/2 TBSP honey OR Agave Nectar
2 TSP fresh ginger, finely grated
1 tsp flax, ground fine
1 TBSP Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

Combine all of the above ingredients into a blender and add ½ C of ice if not using frozen berries. Puree until smooth. Drink up this refreshing goodness within 10 minutes for freshness.

NOTE:

The ginger in this amazing flavorful concoction help the metabolism to be stimulated, while the enzymes from the berries are purely detoxifying and are filled with anti-oxidants, which are special little cancer fighters in their own regard. Drink to your health’s delight!

Drink Your Greens! Smoothie

1¼ C Kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
1¼ C Frozen mango or Papaya
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 C freshly squeezed orange juice
¼ C Parsley, fresh, chopped fine (should opt for flat leaf)
¼ C Fresh mint sprigs, chopped finely

Add all ingredients into your blender and puree. Serve in a chilled glass with some extra sprigs of mint for garnish, or forgo the extra mint and just dive right in!

This superfood smoothie has amazing detoxifying capabilities, and helps rid your body from those nasty toxins that can make you sick, keep you sick, and will provide you with ample energy for the day. You will also get a heaping helping of your daily recommended veggies and fruits with this wonder smoothie! These ingredients – all of them, might I add – are fantastic for cleansing and detoxifying, and will allow you to safely lose weight and feel great.

Leafy Green Fruit Smoothie

2 C Organic Spinach
2 Whole Peaches, pits removed, diced
1 C Fresh squeezed Orange Juice
½ C Filtered Water

Blend well, serve over ice or in a frosty glass. This is one smoothie that tastes great and allows you plenty of fruits and vegetables to help with your daily recommendation.

This smoothie rids the body of excess toxins, and stimulates the metabolism for overall body health.

Resveralife understands losing weight and starting off the New Year can be a bit difficult when your short on time, and that’s why we love these smoothies. They’re healthy, quick, and pack a powerful punch to the gut and body and help you get healthy and get in shape. Give one (or all!) of these amazing recipes a try, and we’re sure you’ll agree – healthy never tasted so good!

Family eating breakfast

Resveralife Eat Well: Simple & Beautiful Holiday Breakfasts to Make With Family

Making holiday food doesn’t need to consist of big, magnificent dinners and fancy baked goods. Sometimes, waking up in the morning and crafting a beautiful, healthy breakfast that is both filling and visually appealing to the eye. Including the entire family in on the breakfast ordeal is a fun way for everyone to play a part and get the job done. Children love to spend time learning in the kitchen and having a role in cooking with you, so give it a shot. Chances are, it will be a time remembered for many years to come. Resveralife has found some simple, easy and healthy breakfast recipes that we would like to share with you. Have fun cooking and getting creative!

Oatmeal and Fruit – Feeds 3
Ingredients:

  • 1 C quick cooking oats
  • 2 C water
  • Assorted berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, acai berries, or raspberries – vary per your taste
  • Banana slices
  • Apples – various colors, diced
  • Raisins, optional

Directions:

  1. Boil water in a pot on the stove. Add oats. Stir, turn pan down to simmer
  2. Allow oats to cook for approximately five minutes, stirring every so often to ensure even cooking and non-sticking.
  3. Remove pot from stove. Dish oatmeal into separate bowls and add fruit toppings. If desired, can be drizzled with honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. Add a touch of cream if desired.

Omelet – Feeds 3-4
Ingredients:

  • 6 eggs, beaten
  • Various fillings, such as chopped vegetables, chopped meats, cheese – Veggies should be pre-sautéed to ensure doneness
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Other condiments such as hot sauce, ketchup, and et cetera (to be applied after cooking)

Directions:

  1. Add eggs to heated non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray; ensure heat is on medium or at least 5.
  2. Turn pan down to about 3, let eggs cook almost through without stirring or flipping.
  3. Add meats, veggies, and cheeses at this time.
  4. As soon as the cheese has melted, gently flip one half of the egg mixture from one side of the pan to the other, essentially folding the eggs in half with a spatula.
  5. Remove to a plate; serve with salsa and extra cheese on top or plain as is.

Yogurt, Fruit, and Granola Parfaits – Feeds 3-4
Ingredients:

  • 4 C Fruit Flavored Greek Yogurt
  • Assorted fruits such as berries, bananas, mango, papaya, or pineapple – ¼ cup for each dish, more if desired
  • ¼ C granola – any kind for each dish
  • Light whipped topping if desired

Directions:

  1. Add ¼ cup yogurt to the bottom of a dessert bowl, followed by a tablespoon of the fruit filling, and a tablespoon of the granola on top of that. Repeat layers until about ¾ of the way full.
  2. Add whipped topping to top of dish if desired.

Cooking with family makes the meal more worthwhile and gratifying. Getting the kids involved in crafting healthy, good-for-you foods will help them to grow to love healthy foods that they will likely opt for later on in life as adults. Be sure to sit and eat with your children; even teens. No child is too old to have a meal with their parents.

young female holding fresh salad

Resveralife Live Well: 5 Amazing Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

5 Amazing Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

It’s important to get time for oneself these days. The problems are many when it comes to taking care of ourselves – there is too little time for us if we are one of those who work. Whether it is the office that we go to or the business that we handle, there are so many things that we need to take care of.

We have all heard that amazing speech which tells us the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle but never really stopped to practice them in our own lives. Good health can improve the quality of your life regardless of your age, sex or physical abilities. Know more about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and try it today.

food

Controls Weight

Healthy lifestyles where you eat the right kind of foods and exercise regularly helps you to stay in shape, shed of those extra calories and maintain your ideal weight for years to come. There are simple ways in which one can exercise without having to take out time for the same. Simply walk to your destination instead of driving to it or take the stairs instead of the elevator regularly. Eating a low-fat diet too can also help manage weight. It is recommended to make your breakfast the heaviest meal of the day and dinner the lightest. 5 portions of fruits and vegetables must be eaten throughout the day to get your share of vitamins and minerals.

Fight off diseases easily

A healthy lifestyle makes your body strong enough to fight off all kinds of health conditions by increasing the ‘good’ cholesterol which is high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and decreasing the ‘bad’ cholesterol which are the unhealthy triglycerides. Your body has a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases along with many other health problems such as depression, diabetes, cancer of all kinds and even arthritis.

Boosts Energy

On eating foods high in sugar and saturated fats, our energy levels drop tremendously and we start feeling fatigued and tired. A balanced diet, on the other hand, provides your body with enough energy and increases energy levels tremendously. A balanced diet would include lean meats, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and vegetables and fruits of all sorts. Your muscle strength and endurance also gets a great boost with physical exercise and more and more oxygen starts getting delivered to body tissues.

healthy eatingImproves Mood

A healthy lifestyle includes physical activity which in turn stimulates the brain cells and leaves you feeling happy and relaxed than before. You start feeling good about your appearance which gives a great boost to your self-esteem and confidence. It also results in less stress and ability to analyze things better. Making social connections too is a part of a healthy lifestyle which improves your mood as you stay happy when in the company of people. Join a club, go out for movies or indulge in communal activities to feel good about yourself and those around you.

 

Increases your life span

A healthy lifestyle increases the chances of you having a longer life. Studies reveal that simple exercises such as 30 minutes of walking can reduce chances of premature death and avoid sudden heart strokes.

food ingredients for glowing skin

Resveralife Eat Well: Foods That Make Our Skin Glow

Most of us come believe that using high-class vine vera skincare products on a regular basis will help make our skin glow and shine. However, did you know that what you eat not only helps you stay healthy but also can be quite effective in making your skin glow in a natural manner? Yes, your lifestyle and what you eat greatly influences how you look and how well your skin is maintained. While you might love that hamburger of McDonalds or go out to Burger King every weekend, you might want to know that not all food helps you equally to maintain your skin – you need the right nutrients.

 

top foodSo, what are the foods that should absolutely be in your diet plan?

Some foods are better than others and while you need not eat food items that you do not like, there are plenty of food items that have the nutrients and vitamins you need for a healthy skin. These top food items can work wonders for your skin and give it an amazing glow. So the next time you plan your daily diet, just don’t forget to include these food items in it.

  • Tomatoes – Tomatoes are capable of clearing acne and related skin problems with ease, especially if eaten raw. Try to eat 2 to 3 raw tomatoes everyday or you can also consume tomato-based foods such as its juice, sauce or vegetables cooked in tomato gravy. A phytochemical named lycopene makes tomatoes red in color and are exactly the chemical which lowers acne- promoting hormones and also protects the skin from the sun’s UV rays effectively, thus making it glow. Another benefit of lycopene is that improves the level of antioxidants in the skin thereby combating free radicals produced from exposure to sun.
  • Seafood and Fishes – Studies reveal that people who consume a diet rich in seafood and fishes experience less wrinkles and fine lines during their lifetime. The reason is that fishes and seafood contain omega-3 fatty acids which slow down the wrinkling process and make the skin look younger and tighter for many years. These fatty acids also fight off acne easily and reduce inflammation along with making the skin shine with regular consumption.
  • Green Tea – Green tea too has the ability to reduce acne-promoting hormones which are known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is also loaded with antioxidants which give the skin a younger look and healthier feel. One should drink at least 3 cups of green tea, one after each meal for maximum benefits on the skin and body.
  • Brown Rice – Brown rice is rich in ceramides which are lipid molecules. These molecules help the skin to retain moisture in it and give it a natural glow. By eating naturally occurring ceramides, they get incorporated into the skin’s outer layers and increase moisture content extensively.

 

  • Deeply colored berries – Blueberries, strawberries and cherries are some of deeply colored cherries which contain loads of antioxidants and help the skin fight off blemishes with ease. Acne has the ability to deplete antioxidants in the skin and make it stressed, giving rise to more skin problems. Try to eat a bowl of any of these berries once a day to get glowing and clean skin. You can also drink shakes containing these berries if you do not wish to eat the raw fruit.

 

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