It’s important to know what foods are healthy and unhealthy, but many of us don’t always know which is which. First, it’s important to define what is “healthy” – does it mean an entire meal with the most nutritious greens or just a few bites of high-end chocolate?
With so many different types of food out there, it can be tough to determine what is “healthy.” Enter Yuka. Yuka is an app that helps you determine whether foods are good for you or not – just upload the barcode of the item in question, and it will let you know if they’re healthy or not!
What Is Yuka?
Yuka is a free app that you can use while shopping in the grocery store. Product labels can be misleading. Some might claim to be a healthy alternative to this-that-and-the-other, but oftentimes their claims are simply not true.
With Yuka, if you’re not sure whether a product in your grocery store is nutritious, just scan the barcode of the item in question, and Yuka will give you a quick and easy-to-understand analysis of that product’s nutritional value.
How Does it Work?
Yuka uses its massive archive of product information to locate item specifics when you scan the barcode. From there, it presents you with its product rating using a simple color-coding system. This grading system is based on three things: nutritional value, additives, and organic components.
Along with rating food products, using Yuka can also make you aware of things such as endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, allergens, and other irritants found in various personal care products.
Every product gets a grade ranging from excellent to good, to mediocre, to poor. The app even takes things a step further by recommending similar products with a higher grade if the one you’ve scanned scored poorly.
Not everyone has the time or energy to research and determine which products are healthy, so Yuka made the process of comparing easy and free, opening the door to a healthier future for everyone.
If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, it’s important that you think it out so you can prepare properly and not have any regrets later. After all, the kitchen is a central part of your home and having a kitchen that you’re unhappy with is a surefire way to make you hate cooking and doing anything else you might have to do in there. You’ll want to consider the size, the appliances, the cabinet and counter space and so much more. Here are a few tips to help you remodel your kitchen successfully.
Test Out An Island Before Installing One
Kitchen islands can be a great idea if you’re looking to add more counter and storage space. However, it can limit the number of people who work in the kitchen and make for a chaotic environment. Before you commit to a kitchen island, try making one out of cardboard or plywood and living with it for a couple of days. Make sure that you can open the refrigerator and stove doors. This will help you decide if it’s worth installing one, and if you’ll want to look for alternatives instead.
Leave Space For Future Appliances
If you’re planning on getting new cabinets but aren’t currently planning to replace appliances like your fridge or microwave, you may want to consider leaving enough space for a wider model later down the road. A great way to leave extra space without it looking empty is by installing either side panels or filler strips. You can also install shelving between the panels, or even install top cabinets. Be sure you order these panels and strips with your cabinets in order to everything matches properly as well.
Don’t Do New Counters Until You’ve Installed The Cabinets
Before you start the process of installing new counters, make sure that you have all of the base cabinets installed and measured. This will allow you to determine the dimensions of the new countertop. If the rows of cabinets have out-of-square walls, you might want to place a carpenter’s square over the end section to help prevent a gap between the wall and the countertop.
Beware of Floor Gaps
If you’re planning on keeping the old floor and adding new cabinets, you might have to deal with gaps between the two. If the new cabinets don’t fit the existing cabinet footprint, you’ll have to deal with gaps. Make sure that the total width of the new ones matches the width of the old ones. If you have any gaps that are less than 3/4 of an inch, you can hide them using molding.
Reading is one of the best ways to learn more about a subject and get many different perspectives on the subject. This is especially true for holistic health, a subject that seems to be handled differently from person to person. If you’re looking to learn more about how to approach your own holistic health, reading a few books can be a good place to start. Here are a few great books on holistic health to check out in 2022.
The Mind/Body Toolkit – Kim D’Eramo, DO
Dr. Kim D’Eramo is a physician who has become a mind/body expert and offers a variety of tools and strategies to help individuals improve their mental and physical health. This book is a must-have for anyone who is struggling with health issues that they’re not sure how to approach anymore. Her book has a positive and relatable message that can help you get started on your holistic health journey.
The Mindbody Prescription – John E. Sarno, MD
Written by Dr. John E. Sarno, The Mindbody Prescription is a great book that will help you get started on your journey toward a more holistic health style. Due to the increasing number of people suffering from pain disorders, both doctors and their patients are failing to recognize that the underlying cause of these conditions could be related to emotional or mental health causes. Dr. Sarno’s book is meant to provide insight into ways we can recover from these types of pain disorders without the use of surgery or drugs.
The Science Behind Tapping – Peta Stapleton, Ph.D.
Peta Stapleton, who is a researcher of the Emotional Freedom Technique, provides a great overview of the history and research behind the practice of tapping in her book, “The Science Behind Tapping”. She also explains how it can be used to treat various health conditions. This is a must-have for anyone who is looking for an easy read that will teach them more about EFT using both research and evidence.
Impossible Cure – Amy L. Lansky, Ph.D.
In “Impossible Cure”, Amy Lansky provides plenty of fascinating information about the history and philosophy of the practice of homeopathy. She talks about her son’s experience with autism and how he was cured using the therapy. The book also features plenty of testimonials from people who have used homeopathic remedies in order to recover from a multitude of health issues. Check this one out if you’re looking to get a new perspective on holistic health.
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory – Thomas Easley, Steven Horne
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory is a great book that will help you learn how to make various types of herbal products at home. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know to make effective and natural home remedies. It’s the perfect resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about herbal medicine while expanding skills at the same time.
Veterans consist of some of the greatest men and women in our country, with each giving a portion of their lives in order to protect the United States. Some see active duty, others don’t, and regardless of this, veterans often struggle to transition back to civilian life. They might have a hard time finding a job, or perhaps they were injured during their service and are struggling with that. Others struggle with mental health problems. The treatment of veterans is something we’re constantly looking at and trying to solve, and there have been some great TED Talks that also discuss problems facing veterans. Let’s take a look.
A New Mission For Veterans: Disaster Relief – Jake Wood
According to a survey, over 90% of US veterans want to continue serving their country once they’re discharged. At the same time, natural disasters constantly affect the world and change people’s lives. In response to this, Jake Wood, the CEO of the nonprofit organization Team Rubicon, talks about how veterans can help with the response to disasters. He also talked about the importance of having a sense of community and self-worth, something many veterans tend to seek once returning to civilian life.
Deaf In The Military – Keith Nolan
For Keith Nolan, the goal of becoming a US military member was always at the top of his list. Unfortunately, due to being deaf, he was automatically disqualified from the military. In this talk, he talks about his experiences finding ways to fight for his country when his country wouldn’t let him. His experience includes two years of ROTC, becoming a teacher and guiding other like-minded students, and founding the Maryland School for the Dead Cadet Corps.
The Military Case For Sharing Knowledge – Stanley McChrystal
During his time leading the US military’s efforts against al Qaeda in 2003, General Stanley McChrystal was able to rely on information and secrets to make his decisions. However, after the unconventional battle that he was involved in, he started to believe that the culture of keeping classified information was counterproductive. In his talk, McChrystal discussed the importance of actively sharing knowledge.
How To Talk To Veterans About War – Wes Moore
When Wes Moore joined the US Army, he initially did it in order to pay for college. However, his experience became so important to him that he decided to write his book “The Other Wes Moore.” In this talk, he discusses the shock of returning home from Afghanistan and how it affected him. He also talks about the importance of asking other veterans to share their stories.
It’s hard to deny the appeal of a freshly installed hardwood floor. They look sleek, they’re easy to clean, and they feel great to walk around on. Installing your hardwood floor is rather simple as well, even without any prior experience! A few useful tips can go a long way though, and that’s what we’re here to discuss. Here are a few tips to help you install your new hardwood floor.
Consider Your Installation Methods
There are three main types of hardwood floor installation methods: nail-down, click-lock, and glue-down. The former is commonly used for its permanence and is the most common type of hardwood floor installation. If your home’s floor is made of wood, you must first create a wood subfloor, which can be done with either plywood or a combination of both. The process of nail-down hardwood floor installation is very cost-effective. Glue-down involves securing hardwood to the surface of the subfloor, which is done using a strong adhesive. The glue-down method with a cement subfloor as well.
Read The Directions
Before you start the process of installing your new hardwood floor, make sure that the manufacturer has issued clear and consistent installation instructions. While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many people completely skip the directions! Not following the included directions can bring up some rather large headaches. Some warranties, for instance, are dependent on following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Take A Look At The Subfloor
Before you start the hardwood floor installation process, make sure that your home’s subfloor is level. This will allow you to install the floor without any variations. If the level is only minor, you can sand down the raised spots and fill in the low ones.
Be Sure To Acclimate The Wood
The amount of moisture that’s in the air can cause the wood to expand or contract, which can lead to a gap in the floor in the winter and a crack in the summer. To prevent this, put lay the hardwood flooring out in the room it will be installed in for about a week before actually installing it. Make sure that the room’s temperature is set to whatever you typically have it at. Ideally, the room should stay at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Be aware that even with proper acclimation, there’s a chance the wood will still expand and contract. This is why it’s wise to leave about a quarter-inch around the perimeter of your installation. Don’t worry, your baseboard and molding should hide this.
Memorial Day was a few weeks ago, and while this article might be a little late, I thought I’d write about a few great military books that veterans might enjoy. There are countless military books available to read out there, from exciting fictional tales to non-fiction, first-person accounts to actual military operations from throughout history. If you’re a veteran looking for something to read, or maybe someone who wants to better understand the veterans in your life, try reading one of these great books.
A Hard and Heavy Thing – Matthew Hefti
After nearly a decade of war, Levi, an army sergeant, is contemplating suicide. He has been through a lot, and he has come to the point where he can no longer justify his actions. In one of his most tragic decisions, he made a fatal mistake that led to the deaths of three soldiers and injured two others. He risked his life to save his best friend Nick, who was disfigured and badly burned. Despite being awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions in Iraq, the guilt he carried after that day still lingered. When Levi returns home and begins to spiral out of control, Nick must step in and save him.
Redeployment – Phil Klay
In Phil Klay’s Redeployment, readers are invited to take a look at the war in Afghanistan and Iraq through the eyes of the soldiers who went through these conflicts. The characters’ struggles with guilt, fear, and brutality are all part of a larger story that asks us to understand what happened to them. In “Redeployment,” a soldier has to learn what it’s like to return to domestic life after having to kill dogs for eating human corpses, all while being surrounded by people who don’t understand what he’s been through at all.
Why Marines Fight – James Brady
For over two centuries, the US Marines have been regarded as some of the most admired warriors in the world. In James Brady’s The Marines, he tackles the subject head-on, and he interviews some of the most prominent and experienced combat marines from various wars, including the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Through his interviews, Brady was able to gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who served their country. Brady’s interviews allowed him to create an authentic portrayal of the American story, which is told through the eyes of the soldiers. Americans who can experience this part of a soldier’s life will find it hard to forget.
The Ha-Ha – Dave King
After suffering from PTSD from his experience in Vietnam, Howard Kapostash is now middle-aged and lives a lonely life. He avoids contact with people due to his inability to speak, read, or write, but when his former high school friend enters a drug rehabilitation center, he begins to open up. His former classmate’s son is the only friend he has, and he begins to feel like a father figure.
Getting into home improvement can be an amazing experience. Maybe you figured out how to fix that leaky faucet in your kitchen all by yourself and now you want to start fixing everything in the house. Or perhaps you bought a new home that also happens to be a fixer-upper, so you need to start renovating if you want it to be a comfortable home. There are loads of reasons to get into do-it-yourself home improvement, and if you’re looking to easily learn more as you go about your day, a home improvement podcast might be exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some of the best home improvement podcasts out there today.
Young House Love
For those who love home renovation, this podcast is a great way to keep up with all the latest trends and learn more about the projects that are happening in the market. John and Sherry Petersik of Young House Love created a new podcast to talk about their DIY home renovation projects in Virginia, while also touching on trends in design and the digital world.
The Money Pit Home Improvement Show
The Money Pit Home Improvement Show is a nationally syndicated call-in radio program that covers all the latest home improvement and decor topics. It’s also a great way to get in touch with other people who are interested in the same. Unsure of how to install new power outlets? Maybe you’re looking into re-doing your floors. Have no fear, as The Money Pit is here to help you out.
Fix It 101
You need to fix a leaky faucet, but you’re not sure where to start. The hosts of the podcast, which is called “Fix It 101,” tackle various home improvement projects that can be done by yourself, even if you’re an amateur at these things. They cover practically every home improvement topic, from leaky faucets to installing a wall mount for your new TV. They even discuss whether or not it’s a project that you should hire a professional for.
Fix It Home Improvement
This podcast covers a variety of home improvement topics, including kitchen and garden repairs, as well as storage and garage organization. Topics such as grass seed, wood-burning stoves, and pocket knives have also been covered. You can find this show pretty much wherever you can download podcasts: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Music, or wherever you want to listen to them.
Getting a home renovated or re-built can make it more enjoyable and increase its value. However, it’s important to remember that different projects can actually lower the sale price, or cost more than the value they add to the home. Read on to learn about some relatively simple home renovations you can do, and how to make sure they add value to your home.
Kitchen Updates
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home to update, and it can help increase the value of a property. According to a 2018 report from Remodeling Magazine, homeowners can expect to recoup up to 81.6 percent of their investment in a kitchen renovation. However, don’t go overboard. Before starting a full kitchen renovation, consider small fixes like replacing the old kitchen faucet and the old light fixtures with more energy-efficient options. Doing so can help keep the cost of the project low. You can also hire a professional to install new cabinet doors and hardware. These small things can make a big difference in the appeal of the kitchen.
Getting back into the workforce can be a daunting task for many military veterans. One of the most common concerns they have is finding a job that honors their skills and experiences. According to Navy Federal, more than 250,000 military veterans enter the workforce each year. These are a few of the top fields that military veterans transition into after their service is up.
HEALTHCARE
The healthcare industry is a rewarding and mission-focused field that allows former service members to channel their skills into a rewarding career. Some of the most common fields that veterans can pursue in this industry are hospital operations, logistics, and medical research.
Metabolism is a term that refers to the various chemical reactions that occur in the body. These reactions keep the body functioning correctly.
Having a high metabolism can help burn more calories and keep you from gaining weight. It can also help you feel better and lower your stress levels.
1. Eat Lots of Protein
The nutrients in your food cause a rise in metabolism, so your metabolism tends to increase after you eat. It can be attributed to the amount of energy needed to digest and absorb the nutrients, and the most significant boost tends to be from protein.
Studies also suggest that eating protein can help prevent people from overeating. A study revealed that individuals who consumed a high amount of protein had a lower calorie diet than those who didn’t eat protein.
2. Drink Ice Water
Drinking water instead of sugar-filled drinks can help people lose weight. Even so-called healthy or sugar-free drinks contain significantly more calories than a glass of water.
Although drinking water is good for your body, it can also boost your metabolism. Studies suggest that it increases your resting metabolism by around 10% to 30% for about an hour.
Drinking cold water can also help boost the effects of water on your metabolism. Since the body uses energy to heat up, it burns more calories than warm water. Studies suggest that drinking water an hour before your meal can help you eat less, as it tricks your body into feeling full.
3. Up the Intensity
High-intensity interval training is a type of training that can help you burn fat. It works by increasing your metabolic rate after completing a certain level of activity.
High-intensity interval training has been shown to help burn fat. In a study, young men who were overweight could lose almost four pounds of body fat after 12 weeks of training.
4. Lift Weights
Building muscle can also help boost your metabolism. It activates the genes in the body that are responsible for burning fat. Wearing weights can also help you burn more calories each day. It can also combat the effects of weight loss on your metabolism.
In another study, obese women were placed on a diet of 800 calories a day. The participants in the study maintained their muscle mass and metabolism after resistance training.
5. Stand Up Regularly
Sitting too much is known to increase the risk of weight gain. In addition, prolonged sitting can also decrease your metabolic rate and cause you to burn fewer calories. While sitting at work is not ideal, a simple and effective way to improve your posture is to stand up for a few minutes. This can help burn an extra 174 calories.
6. Drink Tea
A cup of green tea or oolong tea can increase your metabolism by about 4 to 5%. It’s believed that these beverages can convert some of the fat in your body into free fatty acids. However, these properties may not affect your metabolism and could actually help you avoid experiencing the weight loss plateau.
7. Don’t Shy Away from Spice
Although peppers contain capsaicin, which can boost your metabolism, many people cannot tolerate these compounds at the doses needed to have a significant effect. A study hypothesized that eating about ten peppers a day could burn up to 10 additional calories. This could account for a 1-pound weight loss over 6.5 years.
Spices can only boost your metabolism a small amount. However, they can still contribute to a slightly better metabolic rate when combined with other strategies.
8. Prioritize Your Sleep
Lack of sleep is also linked to an increase in the risk of obesity. Poor sleep has been linked to increased insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, which are both risk factors for type 2 diabetes. It has also been known that sleeping too much can boost the production of a hunger hormone known as ghrelin. This could explain why sleeping too much causes hunger.
9. Drink a Cup of Joe
Studies also suggest that coffee can boost metabolism by around 3–11%. However, these effects are similar to green tea and may contribute to weight loss and maintenance.
Chuck Schmalzried 