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4 Ways to Save Money on Home Heating Bills

1/2/2023

 
Keeping your home warm can be a challenge. However, there are some ways you can save money on your home heating bills. Some of these methods include insulating your home, plugging leaks and moving furniture away from air vents.

Plugging leaks
Having a nicer looking home is one thing, but you might be surprised at how much money you could save if you take the time to do some simple plugging and sealing. It's estimated that leaks could be responsible for a third of a household's energy budget. 
Plus, a drafty home can mean poor air quality inside the house and a less than pleasant experience outside the home.

The simplest and most cost effective way to solve this problem is to install a programmable thermostat. This technology can save you up to 20 percent off your energy bill. It's also a great way to ensure your home stays cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer. It also comes with a free bill payment service, courtesy of the good folks at State Farm.

For a more involved approach, hire a professional to perform a home energy audit. They will be able to recommend ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home and provide a list of free tips and tricks to keep your heating bill down.

Moving furniture away from air vents
Whether you're rearranging your living room, changing your bedroom or redecorating your foyer, the best way to get the most bang for your buck is to make sure you're not wasting energy. While you may not want to turn your air conditioning up to max, a few simple tips can help you make your money go further. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a handyman, there are a few tricks to help you save money on your heating and cooling bills.

The best way to keep your temperature comfortable is to use a thermostat that has a programmable switch to let you turn the heat on or off at will. While you're at it, make sure to replace your heating unit's old filters. While it may seem like a pain, the results are worth it. Likewise, make sure you clear the bushes around your outdoor unit.
Moving furniture away from the air vents is a good start. This will ensure that you get the optimum air flow and reduce the risk of fire. Likewise, consider moving your large pieces of furniture from one end of the room to the other.

Insulating your home
Adding insulation to your home can make a big difference in your energy bills. It can improve your home's comfort and reduce energy use, as well as your carbon footprint. It also helps keep hot outdoor air out of your home, reducing the need to use your heating and cooling systems.
Insulating your home can reduce your energy bills by as much as 15%. That's a savings of more than $1000 per year. Your local utility company can offer energy audits and rebate programs that help cover the cost of installing insulation. They may also run a building envelope program.

Insulation helps to minimize heat transfer through surfaces and is priced per square foot. The amount of insulation you need will depend on the location and type of your home. In general, older homes are more likely to be under-insulated. They may also have degraded insulation.

The attic is a large space that can be insulated. Adding blanket insulation between studs or beams is the most cost-effective way to insulate your attic.

Sleeping in colder temperatures
Getting a good night's sleep is important to our overall health. A good temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Sleeping in a cold room may help you get a better night's sleep. Sleeping in a room that is too warm can cause you to wake up frequently. It can also increase your energy bills. Sleeping in a colder room may also help you lose weight.

If you find that you wake up in the middle of the night because the room is too warm, you may need to change the temperature. This may be caused by your body's natural process of cooling itself, called shivering. Sleeping in a cooler room can help you stay warm while also promoting the transition to REM sleep, which is when our bodies recover from stress and prepare for the next day.

Sleeping in a cooler room can also help you avoid vaginal infections. This is due to the fact that pathogenic microorganisms prefer a warm, moist environment. It also helps preserve the healthy bacteria population in your body, which can reduce the risk of infection.
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5 Ways to Prep and Protect your Skin in Winter

1/2/2023

 
Skin Care Regimen For Harsh Winter Months
Keeping a good skin care regimen for harsh winter months is not only important for the health of your skin, but also for your overall appearance. Here are a few tips to help you maintain the best skin possible.

Exfoliation
During the colder months of the year, the cold air can strip your skin of moisture. It's also a good time to focus on exfoliation as part of your skincare routine.
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Exfoliation can be done with a variety of tools. For example, a mesh cloth or a shower pumice stone can be used to get rid of dead skin cells. A chemical exfoliator will loosen bonds between dead skin cells. Chemicals such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes are common ingredients in exfoliants.

While exfoliating can help improve skin tone and make room for fresh skin cells, it's not the only way to get a healthy looking complexion. In addition to exfoliating, you should also apply a hydrating moisturizer after you've finished.

While there is no perfect number for exfoliating your skin, the ideal is to exfoliate two to three times per week. This frequency will depend on your skin's needs and your doctor's advice.

Hydrating
Getting a good hydrating skin care regimen during the winter months is crucial. The temperature and dry air can wreak havoc on the skin. Dry skin can look dull and flaky. It can also lead to redness and cracked skin.

One way to keep your skin hydrated is to use a humidifier. Humidifiers help draw moisture from the air, and they can prevent dry skin.

Another way to keep your skin hydrated is to wear a moisturizer at night. A hydrating balm can seal in moisture, and it can also help protect your skin from the cold.

In the winter months, you may have to use a more potent moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to go with a more gentle formula.

Vitamin C can also be helpful in your hydrating skin care regimen during the winter. This vitamin has a high antioxidant content, and it can counter the effects of pollution. Vitamin C also helps the skin break down discoloration.
Moisturizing
During the winter, your skin loses about 25 percent of its ability to retain moisture. This means that it is more likely to get dry and cracked. It also means that you should be more vigilant about taking care of your skin.

During the winter, you need to use skincare products that are specifically designed to keep your skin moisturized and protected. These products contain ingredients that restore fatty acids and lipids, which are important for maintaining the protective barrier of the skin.
The best moisturizers for dry winter skin contain three components. The first ingredient is an emollient. These are low-molecular-weight substances that work to help the skin's barrier function. Another ingredient is a humectant, which extracts water from the air. The final ingredient is a ceramide, which helps to strengthen the barrier against winter conditions.

Avoiding hot showers
During the cold winter months, it is important to avoid hot showers. This is because these baths can cause a number of skin issues, from itchiness to a thinning of the hair.

Taking a hot shower will also strip the skin of its natural oils. This will leave the skin dry and scaly.

It can also aggravate conditions like psoriasis and eczema. If you have any of these skin problems, make sure you speak to your doctor about treatments. They may prescribe a prescription cream.

Another way to avoid dry skin is to use a humidifier in your home. The moisturizing power of a humidifier will help replenish the moisture in your skin.

Another way to keep your skin moist is to shower using lukewarm water. This will help prevent the skin from drying out and help your hair shine.

Hand-washing
Using hand-washing as part of a skin care regimen in winter can be a good way to keep your skin healthy. Dry air can be particularly harsh on your skin, and you may be more prone to dryness during the winter. While there are many products on the market that can help, you may need to adjust your routine to prevent irritation and dryness.

Using warm water to wash your hands is a good way to keep them moisturized. Excessively hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. Using a moisturizing soap and applying a hand cream are good ways to keep your hands from getting dry.

Bar soap is harsh on the skin, because it contains binders that have a high pH. These binders can aggravate your skin and disrupt the microbiome.
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Carbohydrates- Nutritional Content in Foods

12/25/2022

 
Carbohydrates are a major source of energy for the body, but they can be healthy or unhealthy depending on the type and amount you eat.

​There are two basic types of carbohydrates - simple and complex. The distinction lies in how quickly they are absorbed into the bloodstream, how many units of sugar they contain, and their chemical structure.

In addition to being an important energy source, carbs can also help maintain a normal weight. But if you are concerned about getting too much carbohydrate, it is best to choose foods that are high in fiber and protein.

Most fruits and vegetables are a good source of carbohydrates. They're also a good source of dietary fiber. The fiber helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract.

While it is true that carbohydrate-rich foods should be eaten in moderation, they're also a great source of nutrients. They also protect your heart, and are considered a key part of a well-balanced diet.

If you want to make sure you get your daily carbohydrate intake, look for the "Nutrition Facts" panel on food labels. This panel contains the total carbohydrates you're eating, as well as the dietary fiber and sugar content.

Carbohydrates are essential for your body to function. You need them to burn fat and build proteins. They are found in a variety of foods, including fruits, grains, and vegetables. But which ones are the healthiest?

It is best to get most of your carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables. Most are low in calories, and they are loaded with essential nutrients.
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Glucose- Nutritional Content in Foods

12/25/2022

 
​Glucose is one of the three major nutrients that the body needs. It is a simple sugar and is found in many natural foods, including fruits. It is a main source of energy for the body. The pancreas releases insulin in response to glucose, which helps move it into the cells. It is used for energy and also stored in the liver and muscles.

When you eat carbohydrates, the glucose is absorbed by your digestive system. Depending on the type of food, your glucose response may vary. 
​It is important to absorb carbohydrates in moderate amounts, as excess glucose can increase your risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how easily your blood sugar rises after eating a particular carbohydrate-containing food. GI ranks dietary carbohydrates on a scale of 0 to 100. The lower the GI, the less impact the carbohydrate has on your blood sugar.

The GI is calculated by comparing the carbohydrates in a given food to the amount of glucose that is available. If the GI is high, the food will raise your blood sugar rapidly. But if the GI is low, the food will elicit a more gradual rise in your blood sugar.

The glycemic index was developed to provide a standard way of measuring the carbohydrate quality of a food. However, it does not take into account individual characteristics and habits.

Nutritional content in foods- Amino Acids

12/25/2022

 
​Amino acids are organic compounds made up of a central carbon atom and a hydrogen atom. They are found in protein foods and are part of the building blocks of life. They are involved in numerous metabolic pathways in the cells of the body. Amino acids are also used in the production of neurotransmitters, hormones, and enzymes.

Amino acids play a variety of important roles in the body, including protection from sunlight damage, promoting wound healing, and maintaining muscle and lean tissues. 
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​A well-balanced diet can provide all the essential amino acids needed by the body.

A complete protein is one with all nine essential amino acids. The most complete proteins are animal protein, such as meat, fish, and milk. Other common protein sources include eggs, quinoa, soy, and legumes. Some plants can also contain proteins, though their protein content is lower.

Some of the most essential amino acids are lysine, phenylalanine, and isoleucine. These amino acids are essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of the body. They help maintain muscles, bone, and other lean tissues. Some studies have shown that taking essential amino acids may promote weight loss, better sleep, and enhance exercise performance.

Aside from being a source of protein, amino acids are also important in the production of hormones. The simplest of these amino acids is glycine. It is an important component of the biosynthesis of heme, a substance that plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins. It also has important effects in the biosynthesis of purines.
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What are some of the key components of a zero-waste lifestyle?

12/20/2022

 
Embracing a zero-waste lifestyle is a wonderful way to reduce your overall carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. You can use tools like EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) Carbon Footprint Calculator to determine how much of your energy and material consumption is wasted.

​Then, think about the actions you take to lessen your impact. For example, you can turn off lights when you leave a room or take public transportation instead of driving.
​One of the most important components of zero-waste living is the use of recyclable materials. This includes paper, glass, and metal. Reusing items in your home will reduce your carbon footprint and reduce your exposure to chemicals. 

A zero-waste lifestyle also requires you to avoid buying items made of plastic, which may contain BPA compounds and endocrine disrupting additives, which are linked to neurological and hormone problems and even cancer. Other ways to minimize your waste include recycling and choosing a healthy diet.

Another important component of zero-waste living is reducing the amount of packaging you use. While you may not be able to eliminate plastic, you can still buy items that do not have the plastic packaging. The important thing is to minimize your use of plastic and recycle as much as possible.

Zero-waste shopping is a big part of this lifestyle. This lifestyle encourages you to buy only what you need, which reduces your monthly outgoings. In addition, you can save money by buying in bulk.

These are just a few aspects of a zero-waste lifestyle. There are many more key concepts which you can learn about be referring to several articles within Green Living.
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Why it is important to keep a Food Diary...

12/20/2022

 
​If you want to maintain a healthy diet, the importance of keeping a food diary should not be ignored. It not only helps you keep track of your daily intake of calories, but it can also help you to understand your eating habits.

Keep track of your eating habits
Keeping a food diary can help you gain a clear understanding of your eating habits. It can also give you the opportunity to track intolerances to particular foods. 
You can also use the information to find patterns and triggers that may lead to unwanted overeating.  ​You can record the time you eat and drink, as well as the quantity. You should include any condiments, dressings, and toppings. You should also note when you are hungry and when you are full.

You can keep a food diary in paper or on your smartphone. Some apps are designed specifically for tracking your diet. However, before using any suggestions made by any application, you should always consult your doctor.

Whether you keep a food diary yourself or seek the advice of a nutritionist or dietitian, it is important that you do it on a regular basis. Writing down your food intake will help you to stay on track with your calorie goals.

Observe your food sensitivities
A food diary can help you understand how you feel after eating different foods. It can also aid in identifying food sensitivities. A food sensitivity is a serious condition that can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms. These can include headaches, stomach pain, and indigestion. The good news is that you can improve your condition by eliminating certain foods from your diet. However, it can be difficult to determine what is and isn't an allergen.

A food sensitivity test can help you identify the culprit. The process can be completed in your own home. It will measure your IgG immune response to various foods. Although you won't get the exact same results, this test can provide you with a more comprehensive list of foods you are allergic to.
​Help you understand your eating habits
Keeping a food diary can help you learn more about your eating habits and make better decisions about the foods you eat. You can also use a food journal to help you lose weight. It can be very useful for people who want to increase their intake of fruits, vegetables, and healthy nutrients.

While a food journal may not be suitable for every person, it can be a great way to track your eating. 
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If you are considering starting one, find a method that works for you. You should also be honest about what you are writing in it.   ​You can use a notebook, a pen and paper journal, or an app on your smartphone.

You can also keep a list of restaurants you visit and recipes you try. These can be used to make gradual changes to your eating habits.

Capture your experience
Keeping a food diary is a great way to track what you eat and when you do so. The same is true of your exercise routine. Keeping track of your nutritional intake is a great way to shed unwanted pounds or at least make you fitter in the short term. Having a solid food and fitness plan is a must to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and diet. A calorie count is a great metric to measure your progress and to stay on track during the winter months. Using a food diary as a guide can ensure that you don't overdo it.

Avoid eating disorders
Keeping a food diary is an easy way to track your eating habits. You can learn more about your own health and eating patterns, and make better choices for yourself. You can also detect allergies and food sensitivities.

Having an eating disorder can lead to other health problems, including heart problems, digestive disorders, and other diseases. If you suspect you have an eating disorder, seek professional help immediately. You can get help for anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorders. Often, people with anorexia and bulimia will also have a problem with depression.

You can also keep a food and beverage diary to track your eating and drinking. Your food and drink diary will let you know when you are feeling hungry or thirsty. Your diary can also help you track your thoughts and feelings.

These are the health benefits of eating strawberries...

12/18/2022

 
​The health benefits of eating strawberries have been well-reported. They contain antioxidative properties that help protect our bodies from damage, and also reduce inflammation in the skin and digestive system. They are also said to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Reduced risk of heart disease
According to a recent study published, eating strawberries can lower your risk of heart disease. Not only are strawberries a delicious, high-fiber treat, they are also full of phytochemicals. These antioxidants can help fight off free-radical damage and keep your heart vessels sturdier and more flexible.

The berries also improve blood pressure. The American Heart Association supports consuming strawberries as part of a balanced diet. This is one of the best ways to get the right amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
​While the benefits of eating berries are well-documented, there are still some key questions that remain unanswered. Researchers are looking into whether the health benefits of strawberries can be attributed to flavonoids, the plant compounds in the fruit. The berries also contain ellagic acid, an anti-inflammatory that may reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Improved vascular function
Studies have shown that strawberries provide cardiovascular benefits. 
These benefits include increased blood flow, a reduction in plaque buildup and improved blood pressure. In addition to improving vascular function, strawberries are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber. They may also lower inflammatory biomarkers that contribute to chronic disease in overweight adults.

Reduced inflammation in the digestive system
Berries are an important source of polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity-related disorders. Several studies have shown that berries suppress inflammation. They are high in fiber, which helps to keep the blood sugar in check. They also contain anthocyanidins, which fight inflammation. These properties may explain their beneficial effects.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst studied the effects of a strawberry diet on mice. They found that eating strawberries reduced the inflammation associated with colonic issues. They also noted that mice who ate strawberries were more likely to maintain a healthy microbiota.

Similarly, the consumption of whole strawberries was effective in reducing bloody diarrhoea in mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These results suggest that dietary intervention can ameliorate colonic inflammation.

Antioxidative properties
The antioxidative properties of strawberries are well-known. They are an excellent source of vitamins and phytochemicals. They are also high ranked among the dietary sources of polyphenols. However, the biochemical pathways underlying these benefits are still largely unknown. This has fueled interest in colored fruits as sources of biologically active substances.
​To this end, a number of studies were conducted to investigate the antioxidant potential of strawberries. Although the total antioxidant capacity of a single strawberry was not statistically significant, there were significant differences between the cultivars in the amount of anthocyanins, phenolics, and titratable acids.

In addition, strawberries have been shown to elicit an anti-inflammatory response, at least in vitro. 
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The major molecule promoting this effect is anthocyanin. The molecule is a type of antioxidant that inhibits mitochondrial ROS production in mice. Moreover, it is associated with the ability to reduce liver cholesterol.

Reduced inflammation in the skin
Eating berries can help to reduce inflammation in the skin. Berries contain numerous bioactive compounds that can have an anti-inflammatory effect. Some of these include ellagic acid, quercetin, and polyphenols.

The anti-inflammatory effects of berries have been studied in rodent and cell culture models. They have also been found to inhibit inflammatory markers in humans. The mechanism by which they work is not fully understood. However, the antioxidant effects may contribute to the reduction in inflammation.

Many studies have shown that berries have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular health impact. They contain a number of phytonutrients, such as anthocyanins and fiber, that can protect the body from chronic disease.

Berries such as blueberries have been found to have direct anti-inflammatory properties. Their anthocyanins have been found to suppress inflammation in the retina. They also improve insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic adults.

What are the health benefits of eating more green leafy vegetables?

12/18/2022

 
​When you are looking for ways to eat more nutritious foods, there are several green leafy vegetables that you can include in your diet. These vegetables offer numerous health benefits. One such benefit is that they can help you to reduce blood pressure.

Green leafy vegetables are known for their antioxidants, which protect the cells from damage. They help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. They are also good for weight loss. In fact, people who eat more fruits and vegetables are usually healthier.

One type of vegetable that contains lots of antioxidants is arugula. It is a part of the cruciferous family. Other members of this family include broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
​Research suggests that eating more arugula and other leafy greens can help prevent the development of cancer. Glucosinolates, for example, have been linked to reduced risks of cancer, particularly breast, and prostate cancer. They are also believed to fight inflammation. Similarly, flavonoids have been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers.

Adding more green leafy vegetables to your diet can help protect your body from diseases. 
​The antioxidant effects of these plants can neutralize free radicals, preventing damage to your cells and tissues. Some of these veggies are also rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

Endive, also known as chicory in America, is an excellent source of vitamin A and folic acid. The vitamin K content of endive is especially high, which helps with bone health and blood coagulation. It can also provide protection against fractures in osteopenia and postmenopausal women.

Endive is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. This makes it a good food choice for people on diets that restrict their caloric intake. Increasing your fiber intake can help with weight loss. It is also helpful in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

If you have been eating a lot of green leafy vegetables, you probably know that these foods can help protect against several diseases. In addition to being a source of vitamins and minerals, they are also full of antioxidants and fiber. So how do you prepare them to make the most of their benefits?

While some people prefer to eat collard greens raw, you can get the same health benefits by cooking them. You can either steam them or cook them in the pan. Both methods are quick and easy.

​​Steaming helps to preserve the nutrients in the greens. You can add garlic and onion to the pan for an extra flavor. You can also try adding red pepper flakes or lemon juice for a fresh taste.

One of the health benefits of eating more green leafy vegetables is that they have a significant amount of antioxidants. These are compounds that help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. They also act as anti-inflammatory agents.
Another important nutrient is fiber. Fiber has a lot of benefits, including lowering cholesterol and helping people lose weight.

Having 30 grams of fiber daily has been shown to lower blood pressure.

Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, which have anti-inflammatory properties. They also help kill cancer cells. 
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Cruciferous vegetables are also a source of phytosterols, which are plant-based compounds that have been found to lower cancer risk.  These nutrients are also effective at preventing heart disease and diabetes. They may also lower the risk of depression and a number of other diseases.

Several studies have shown that consuming more green leafy vegetables is an effective way to lower blood pressure. This type of food is rich in magnesium and potassium, two of the most important minerals for lowering high blood pressure.

Some research also suggests that eating more nitrate-rich foods can help lower blood pressure. This is because nitrates relax the blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through them. Some of the best nitrate-rich foods include radishes, arugula, and bok choy.

Some of the other benefits of consuming more green leafy vegetables include their ability to reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are also a good source of fibre, which is known to keep cholesterol levels in check.

Beets, in particular, are considered to be a good source of nitrates. This nitrate is converted into nitric oxide in the body, allowing more blood to flow through the arteries.
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