3 Tips for an Ideal Travel Scenario

If traveling is something you enjoy doing, are you getting enough out of each experience?

Don’t be that individual who does not have as much fun as they should because travel has become a hassle.

By being an educated consumer, you can get the most out of your travel time each time you leave the home.

What Should You Look for in a Getaway?

In coming up with the most practical and enjoyable getaways to spend time away from home, here are some tips:

1. Make sure finances are not going to be an issue – The last thing you want for a getaway is to fret over what it will cost you. With that in mind, do your best to have your finances in check before you leave home. That means you do a good job of planning the getaway ahead of time. Get a rough idea of what the time away will cost you. If you need airlines, hotels, car rentals and more, factor them into the equation. By doing a good job with the finances, you have less to worry about before you get to your destination. Also be sure to look for any deals that could come your way. As an example, if a visit to Disney is in order, you can go online ahead of time. Scope out Disney World tickets to see where money can be saved. Also look at how best to get those tickets in your hands. When fun things are waiting for you, do your best to save money ahead of time to make it more enjoyable.

2. Leave the work and stress behind – One of the reasons people like to travel is to get away from the everyday grind. That said make sure you leave the work behind when you are gone. The last thing you should be doing is making deadlines, hopping on a laptop and taking work calls while away. Do your best before you leave on a getaway to get as much work done as possible. That will give you the opportunity to kick back and relax when away. If you are taking young children with you on the getaway, it is even more important for you to focus on having fun. If for no other reason, you want the children to be happy.

3. Create some great memories – Last, do your best to create some great memories when on a getaway. While it is fine to go back to some familiar haunts or those not far from where you live, there is an entire world out there. As such, do your best to enjoy it as often as possible. If you have others to travel with, even better more times than not. A partner, family and even friends can make a trip all that more enjoyable. That said there is nothing wrong with doing some solo trips too. In the end, decide what makes you the happiest.

When a getaway is on your mind, do your best to plan it out.

From there, sit back and enjoy all the fun that can be right around the corner to make your life more enjoyable.

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3 Tips on Continued Small Business Growth

Do you see your small business in a pattern of continual growth?

If you are not sure or even say no, don’t you think you need to address this matter?

By positioning your small business in the right direction, you can reap the rewards for years to come.

That being the case, where should your focus be when it comes to small business growth?

Doing what is Best for Your Small Business

In positioning you and your company for good things, hone in on these areas:

1. Being smart with money – How good of a job have you been doing when it comes to business finances? Your company can’t be all that successful if money is a continual issue. That said you want to be smart with the dollar. There may be times where you could use a little financial boost to improve your business. If this sounds like your company, where will you go for help? One thought to consider would be to apply for a revolving line of credit. If approved for that line, you can tap into those funds at a pre-approved limit when necessary. Use the money for what you find to be your most pressing needs or needs. Speaking of being smart with money, also make it a point to watch how you spend. Spending too much can be costly to your business in various ways. Look for deals and avoid the temptation all too often of using a credit card for business expenses.

2. Giving your customers what they want – You also need to focus in on great customer service. Not only does that mean serving folks when they come to you or visit online but offering them deals. Many consumers look for bargains. If you are not providing customers with discounts, you could end up losing some of those people. Finally, always take the time to get valuable feedback from your customers. See where it is you can in fact improve your offerings to them.

3. Keeping tech in in your business – It goes without saying that tech continues to evolve. As a result, you can’t afford to be left behind. Make sure you are doing all you can with technology on a regular basis. Given many folks use tech on a daily basis, you have to expect they want you to be tech-savvy. That is when it comes to running a business. There are many ways tech can help you further your business. For example, do you have a business app? Having an app can connect you with countless consumers on a 24/7 basis. That connection can lead to more sales and revenue on a continual basis. If you have a business app, it is simple for consumers to download it on their phones. When they do, they can visit your website when they want to. If you have an online store, they can buy goods or services via their phones. That is technology you do not want to miss out on.

As you assess how best to grow your small business, be sure you are doing all you can to have growth in mind.

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Expert Beauty Tips for Every Day

Trying to look your best can be demanding, as there are so many aspects to keep on top of, and while the internet is full of great advice, there are so many tips and ideas out there that it can be daunting and bewildering to try to work out which advice you should follow. 

The best beauty tips come from those who work in the beauty business and are those that you can rely on every day without being related to fashions or fads. To make a meaningful difference, think about how these hints, tips and philosophies can upgrade or boost your beauty routines.

Health and fitness 

The foundation of beauty is in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Put simply, if you consume healthy foods and look after your body, this will be reflected in your appearance. The key to healthy eating is not fad diets or calorie counting, but to moderate your intake, avoid excessive junk food and try to get a balance of grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables, along with healthy protein. Exercise doesn’t have to involve a gym, but can be something as simple as opting to walk instead of driving. 

Hydration fixation

Most of us don’t drink enough water, and this has a range of health impacts, from affecting concentration to headaches and digestive problems. Water also plays a huge role in your appearance. Water keeps your skin healthy and nourished, helping to give it a healthy glow, while lack of water can leave you looking pale and drawn. So, drink plenty of water throughout the day, as many as eight or nine glasses, to help maintain your natural beauty. 

The importance of vitamins

There are many chemicals necessary for healthy looking skin, but few are more important than vitamins. The best way to get your daily dose of vitamins is to ensure that you eat a variety of fruit and vegetables every day, although it isn’t always easy to ensure you get all the vitamins you need in the right amounts. That’s why a vitamin supplement can be helpful in making sure you get all the necessary vitamins for a healthy and beautiful body.  

Natural hair care

Having soft, silky hair is an important part of maintaining a beautiful look, but too often many of us treat our hair harshly, using strong chemicals such as colorants and a variety of shampoos and conditioners. As an alternative some people are switching to more natural hair care products. The Viabrance system is a well-known range of hair care products and Viabrance has become popular as it focuses on natural hair treatments. Other natural treatments include opting for natural shampoos, such as eggs, henna, clays or even lemon juice, all of which can bring out your hair’s natural beauty. 

Never skip exfoliation

Exfoliating is one of the most important parts of any beauty routine. Exfoliating just twice a week effectively removes dead skin cells, which helps to counter-act skin discoloration and uneven skin tones. It also helps to keep your skin soft and smooth, reducing wrinkles. Exfoliating also has the great advantage of clearing your pores, which controls acne and provides a smooth, even surface upon which to apply your make-up. 

Cleanse, tone, moisturize

When you’re in a hurry, it can be easy to skip the cleansing, toning and moisturizing stage of your routine, but that is a mistake. Cleansing, like exfoliating, helps clear your skin, while toning provides nutrients for your skin and moisturizer replaces lost moisture. Opt for products that work well with your skin without causing any irritation or reaction. 

Soft and subtle

Your day to day make-up should be soft and subtle, rather than brash and confident. Go for neutral, soft tones, and don’t overdo the color or bronzing. This will make it easier to vary your style in subtle ways whenever you feel like it, and when you do really go for it, for a night out, party or a social function, you will be able to make a big impact. 

Exfoliate your lips

Yes really! This is an easy beauty tip that many people overlook. It’s simple to do. Slice a lemon in half, sprinkle some sugar on the fruit and apply it in a circular motion to your lips. This will help to remove dry skin and you can then follow up with moisturizer or lip balm. 

It is easy to over-complicate your beauty regime. The keys to beauty are not to be found in the latest foundation or the newest eyeshadow tips. By focusing on the principles above you will be getting the basics right and helping your natural beauty to shine through. 

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How to Choose the Right Wedding Hairstyle: Guide for Bridesmaids

Nearly every girl dreams of the day her prince charming will sweep her off her feet so that together, they can begin a real-life “happily ever after.” Perhaps, you too were that girl, and now the day that you’ve always dreamed of is closer than ever before. You’ve worked hard to reach this point, going through that wedding checklist. Venue, menu, invitations, guest list, and more are ready to go. Fashion, however, might take some extra effort—especially when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding hairstyles for bridesmaids. But fear not: read on to find out all that you need to know about choosing the styles that best suit each bridesmaid—and yourself!

Any Hair Length Looks Lovely

Bridesmaids, of course, are unique and come in many shapes and sizes. They may differ in hair length as well. If you want their styles to match, it’s ideal for them to all have roughly the same hair length. Extensions are always an idea, of course, but that could add to the cost of your professional stylist bill. If the bridesmaids do not showcase the same hairstyles, don’t worry! They will still appear in flawless harmony as they wear your wedding colors. Below is a helpful guide to find the right hairstyle for short, medium, or long hair.

Bridesmaid Hairstyles for Short Hair

Contrary to popular belief, short hair pairs well with several styling options. A short bob with soft curls that curtain the chin makes for a bridesmaid style both classy and cute. This hair length allows for many other cute bridesmaid hairstyles. Bridesmaids with short hair can also wear wavy curls, tight curls (also cute!), or hair down with a side part that spells stunning! Short hairstyles are often simpler than those of medium- or long-length hair, but try adding accessories such as flowered pins. In short, the right style and accessories will help short hair look stellar! (To view more bridesmaid hair ideas for this length, please visit weddingforward.com).

Bridesmaid Hairstyles for Medium Hair

Not too long, not too short—for many ladies, medium-length hair feels just right. It’s long enough to work with many styles without being cumbersome. For an elegant look, try a waterfall braid that flows into a perfect bun just above the shoulders. Half-and-half styles can look magical too, especially with waves or loose curls. Looking for an edgier medium-length look? Consider a messy updo, which features a blend of flowing strands, braids, and loose curls.

Bridesmaid Hairstyles for Long Hair

You already know: long length abounds in style possibilities. With long hair, curls and waves can appear incredibly glamorous—in fact, glam Hollywood waves are a great option at this length. Take long, flowing curls beyond typical by swooping all the hair to one side (especially gorgeous with oval-shaped faces), or adding hair accessories like a boho flower crown. Long hair also looks great in an elegant bun because the buns have enough hair for maximum body and fullness. This style is also quite elegant and easy to manage because it stays in place.

Top Five Factors to Consider

So now that we’ve explored every hair length, let’s talk about some critical factors to consider when choosing bridesmaid hairstyles.

Dress

The most important factor to consider is the dress. Much like the bride and groom, the dress and hairstyle must look good together! They must function well together. Bridesmaid updos work well if the dress has an ornate design along the back. Is the dress flowy and elegant? Loose, flowy waves or curls compliment such dresses perfectly.

Budget

Weddings are expensive—surprise! In addition to all the other expenses (like musicians, cake, and dresses to name a few), professional stylists also cost a pretty penny. If you want your bridesmaids to have matching hairstyles, then proper etiquette is to pay for their hairstyles. This could turn into a huge additional expense, but there is a way to take the same-style route without leaving your wallet starved: choose student stylists or those still training. Excellent students will produce excellent work. Expect to save about 75% in price!

Weather

This factor is especially important for outdoor weddings. On a bright, sunny day with low humidity, curls will dance along to wind’s song. On the other hand, extreme humidity will hastily hurl curls out of hair and paste the hair to sweaty backs. In general, hair-down styles work well if the weather is fair or better; updos work well in precipitation situations. The season is also important to think about. For a winter wedding, hair-down styles will help keep the body warmer. If it’s hot outside, updos could be helpful.

Face Shape

Round, oval, heart, square, or long? Identifying face shape makes choosing a hairstyle much easier. An oval face looks lovely with hair down and a part in the middle. A square face (prominent jaw bones), on the other hand, looks great in a low bun with hair around the face to help soften the chin edges.

Venue

Will the wedding take place outside in a flowery garden or inside a gorgeous cathedral? Consider the formality of the venue. Updos often appear more elegant and work well with churches and cathedrals, for example.

Which style or styles will you choose? The special day awaits, and you have the information you need—so print your guide and prepare to decide!

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10 Things You Should Never Write to a Girl

Communication is what can hold any couple together for long years. Just like many other processes, it should be done under certain rules. Whether you already date some girl or just want to start it with a new one, there are topics to avoid in your online conversation. So we picked 10 things you should forget about while texting a girl.

Related: Voicemails of love from around the world

Hi/Hello/Hi beautiful! Guys who you this as a conversation starter on online dating sites do not usually succeed. This is just too banal and doesn’t promote the dialogue. What is she supposed to reply? You should kick it off in a more creative way, to be honest. Try to appeal to some details you’ve found on her dating profile or mention your mutual friends.

Do you have a boyfriend? This is actually not your business. Again, this is not what she will answer to – first, you intrude her personal life; second, she would like to get your attention regardless of what her relationship status is (or why would she keep her social media accounts up to date?).

Gimme your phone number! Okay, I once received a message like this. And this was so stupid and awkward that I keep telling this story to all my friends. Believe me that this is a weak pickup line, not to mention it is pretty hackneyed. Modern dating gets democratic yet it doesn’t mean you are entitled to request one’s contact info right off the bat.

How about going out in 30 minutes? Remember that practically no girl can get ready I such a short time. I also want you to know that asking a lady out via texting is inappropriate unless you know each other well enough. Leave such invitations for your long-term girlfriend but maintain the etiquette while wooing a new one. Make a phone call if you are sure she will agree.

Whataya wearing? Some guides to the art of sexting advise doing so and even provide concrete recommendations. Oh, don’t you think it’s too much for the beginning? She might be naked while talking to you but she is not ought to reveal this. By using such a pickup technique, you only show how unserious your intentions are.

Send a pic of your… I guess you know what – her private body parts. This is even worse than asking what she is having on today. You gonna save these naughty photos on your PC and then show them to your bros – all smart women know this! So if you are about to date a decent girl, do not send her messages of this kind.

Wanna hook up with me? Do you really hope she will say “yes”? If she does so, I have bad news for you. This is definitely not a girl you should build a long-term relationship with. Otherwise, she is going to regularly cheat on you. If you don’t mind having an open relationship, you can initiate a more private meeting right now, of course.

You should actually drop some weight. Any normal girl should hate you for saying this. Any. Yes, contemporary men are spoiled with ideal female bodies. Yet you will barely find an ideal girl in real life. We all have some flaws – in our characters and in our appearance. This is cool, to be honest, because one’s disadvantages make this person more attractive.

Are u having your period? Regardless of how expressively she talks to you, this is her very intimate secret you shouldn’t know about. At least, she doesn’t want you to. Anyway, you should be able to sustain the harmony of your relationship regardless of events happening to you two.

I don’t really care about (whatever she is staying). I wish you to consider that this is the worst thing to ever say to a girl. Once she hears it, her interest to you automatically dies. This means you are not really into her as a person and as a woman.

Thanks to our friends from https://romancecompass.com for providing this article.

You might also enjoy: Top reasons to use a chat line

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Tips to Beat the Post-Holiday Blues!

post-holiday-blues

For many of us, the holidays are a time for us to get together with family, eat good food, remember the year gone by, and catch up on all of the classic Christmas TV shows and films. This time of year is often rewarding and enriching, and gives us reminders of what we have to be thankful for, and why we worked so hard all year. Now that the holidays are over, how do you keep the blues at bay as we return to our normal lives? Here are some ideas.

Look Ahead and Not Behind

Last year is done and gone. Whatever happened both great and not so great is for the history books. A new year means a chance to start fresh and work towards your new goals with no encumbrances. Use this new year to institute positive thinking and developing a “can do” attitude. Remember, it’s the small things that add up to make the big things. So, create some small goals for yourself that when you accomplish them, put you on a track for bigger accomplishments. As your successes pile up. it will certainly keep your mood high in the new year.

Keep Shopping

The holiday season is all about gift giving and receiving, and after all of the holiday shopping you’ve done, you might feel shopped out. But before you go back to lie on the couch remember, post-holidays is when you can find the best shopping deals. So now is the time for you to pick up the things that you hoped Santa would bring and didn’t, or to return that sweater you don’t want and get something you do at a great price. But before you hit the streets and wear out you already tired feet, how about visiting a site on the web that brings you all the great deals in one place. Finding the best deals is easy when you use My Voucher Codes. Shop here first and save the most (and your tired feet).

Start an Exercise Program

Exercise helps to work off those many pounds you’ve probably gained during the holidays. This time of year is filled with lowered resistance to foods that we only eat during the holidays, and often promise we will never eat again (until next holiday season that is). So getting in the gym and working out or taking a nice jog in the park is probably a great idea. Also exercise releases endorphins which help to increase your happiness and improve your mood. So, signing up for a gym membership or spin class will not only melt away those excess pounds, but can also help thwart any post-holiday depression.

Spend Fun Time with Your Friends

Many of us went away for the holidays, and have not had a chance, to see close friends or co-workers in a relaxed and fun setting. Use now, to create a get together time with everyone to catch up and reminisce about all of the embarrassing family moments you saw (and sometimes even participated in) over the holidays. This will keep the holiday spirit going a little longer and put everyone in a great mood.

Get into a Work Project You Love

The holidays take up so much time, that you probably have not thought too much about work. How about jumping in first on a project you really want to tackle. Make a list of all your pending work which you could not do during the holidays and if possible prioritize based on what you are most excited to accomplish. This will ease you back into work on a positive note and keep your spirits high as you accomplish something you love.

It is never easy returning to the daily routine after a fun filled holiday break. Holidays always seem to go so quickly and for many, the holidays offer an opportunity to get away from their jobs and spend quality time with family. So it can be depressing for some when it’s time to clock back in at work. Try these tips and ease the post-holiday blues.

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5 Ways Your Business Can Use Video For Improved Customer Service

customer-service

No business can afford to underestimate the value of good customer service.

Research shows that 89 percent of buyers have stopped using a specific business after experiencing bad customer care. 45 percent will also quit at the purchase-ready stage if they feel their questions have not been addressed.

Both of these figures demonstrate just how vital it is to have an airtight customer-service system in place. As it’s more expensive to attract new buyers than to keep existing ones, investing in ongoing satisfaction can actually save you money down the line.

Video is one of the most effective tools at your disposal, but not enough businesses use it to its full potential. Video is more engaging than even the finest-written text, using visuals and audio for a stimulating experience. You can also condense extensive blocks of text down to just a couple of minutes, saving time and effort on the customer’s’ part.

With that in mind, here are five ways your business can use video to improve your customer service.

Record FAQ Videos

The frequently asked questions (FAQ) section is a staple of many websites today, providing answers before customers need to ask them.

Newcomers to your site (or your entire company) are likely to visit your FAQ page for extra information, but scrolling through them can be arduous. Your goal is to convey the most useful details to visitors in the quickest, most engaging way.

Using video instead of text allows you to address various issues, using numerous techniques. For example, you may want to create a dynamic video that encapsulates your entire brand rather than providing a written history, perhaps incorporating animation and music to enhance its engagement.

You can also use videos to introduce your team, demonstrate how to use certain features on the site, and present your offices. This is a more personal approach, and makes visitors feel closer to your business.

It’s also simpler to send customers a link in response to questions via email or social media, rather than repeating the same chunk of text again and again.

Offer Live Video Chat with your Customers

Live chat may be a common feature on websites, but this usually takes the form of instant messaging. As helpful as this is, it can be a frustrating, time-consuming process: you have to wait for an operator to become available, before trying to articulate your query or complaint as best you can in words.

Live video chat is a much faster, simpler solution. Being able to see your support agent’s face to face means customers will feel more engaged and as if they’re receiving more personal treatment (rather than being just another voice on the phone). This face to face interaction also allows operators to read customers’ body language, to handle the caller with the most appropriate tone and approach.

As complex as this sounds, video can actually be added to your website or app with surprising ease – all you need is a quality SDK. Integrating live video-chat will give customers a direct link to your support agents at the touch of a button, but it’s vital to invest in a reliable service. Video chat firms like Agora.io, for example, uses 80 data centers around the world to identify the strongest connection to every location your customers could possibly be, making your video connection extra clear and stable, so there are no choppy video streams which can ruin the experience.

Use How-To Videos to Demonstrate Products

Depending on the types of products you sell, your customers may need a little help to get the most out of them. For example, if you produce tablets, your customers may appreciate a video that demonstrates the various features, enabling them to hit the ground running when they unbox it.

Likewise, how-to videos are ideal for troubleshooting common issues, such as showing how to correct faults or bypass technical problems. Not only does this give customers the answers they need in a hands-on way, it also saves them the time and effort of contacting your company for advice.

For online businesses, customers may only get to see your products when they arrive, rather than going into a store for a demonstration. How-to videos enable you to give customers a deeper insight and explore how the product will benefit them, just as a salesperson would in a shop.

Additionally, customers can rewind, pause, and re-watch videos, rather than having to follow advice or information given by phone.

Create Customer Review Testimonials

Testimonials are a key element of promoting your business on your site, but how are your customers supposed to know they’re genuine?

While any company can create fake testimonials, videos are a more authentic, convincing alternative. Ask satisfied customers to record brief videos describing how you have helped them, and add these to your site. You may even want to share snippets on social media, provided these are short (no more than 30 seconds).

Avoid hiring actors to perform testimonials, though, even if they’re reciting genuine comments. People will be able to tell, and it may make them question your integrity.

Host Live Webinars to Maximize Engagement

With webinars, your brand can interact with customers, provide information, and nurture stronger buyer-business relationships.

For example, you can record seminars exploring specific areas of your company and services, perhaps discussing behind-the-scenes details. You’ll be showing a more human, personal side of your business, and making viewers feel a part of it by effectively letting them in on a previously-secret area.

Customers will also be able to interact, asking questions and helping to direct the course of the webinar itself. Responding to these live, in real-time, demonstrates a real dedication to your customers, showing how much you value their input.

You can take this further by asking customers to suggest webinar topics, and perhaps add the recorded piece to your FAQ section for future reference.

Video has the power to help you transform your customer service and provide your buyers with the care they deserve. Investing in it today can save you money, time, and potential issues in the future – and if you do it now, you’ll stand out from your less-innovative competitors.

Have you considered how important video could be to your customer service?

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It Can Be Quite Hard to Find a Reliable Numismatic Dealer

numismatic-dealer

One of the world’s oldest hobbies is collecting coins. If you are interested in becoming a numismatic collector, then it is vital that you find reliable rare coin dealers as well. These can help you not just in terms of finding coins, but in confirming their authenticity as well.

Creating a Coin Collection

Finding a rare coin is perhaps the most exciting bit about collecting them at all. Unfortunately, cunning people are aware of this, and they will try to sell you counterfeits instead. This is why a good dealer should have an excellent reputation, not just in terms of what they sell, but in terms of how they authenticate as well.

A numismatic collection is both exciting and frustrating, particularly if you are hoping to complete a set. This can take years to do. A good coin collector should be able to find any missing pieces of you are still looking for. In fact, without a good coin dealer, you are likely to struggle to ever finish a collection.

Coin collectors may also need a dealer to sell coins every once in a while. This could be because they need a bit of money for themselves, because they have doubles, or because they want to use the money from less rare coins to purchase a rarer one. Again, you need a dealer for this.

The good news is that you can find these dealers online. They have lots of resources for you and they should, if they are truly good dealers, be as excited about coin collections as what you are. They should also be a wealth of knowledge, explaining to you why coins like Buffalo Nickels are so rare. They can also tell you how to look after your coins and how to store them.

So how do you recognize a good dealer?

The Hallmarks of a Good Coin Dealer

  1. They have a lot of experience. You need to make sure that they actually studied the subject themselves. Make sure they have been in business for a while, therefore, and that they have helped others just like you.
  2. They have excellent assets. Every once in a while, the market is flooded with counterfeit coins. You should check for a dealer that has ridden out these types of storms in the past. Sometimes, counterfeits are really hard to spot, so the least you should look for is a certificate of authenticity a well.
  3. They have a fantastic reputation. If you go to a dealer’s web page, they should have a number of reviews from other clients, but also from their peers. However, there is always a risk that these reviews are not genuine, so make sure they are also listed on independent sites.

A coin collection is an investment that can pay you well, and you need to be careful with what you invest in. Do some research into the world of coin collections before choosing a dealer to work with. And remember that you do not have to stick to a single dealer either.

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Psychological tips to reduce your portion sizes

By following tips to reduce your portion sizes, you can enjoy your favorite foods while staying healthy
Photo by CC user elsiehui on Flickr

There’s all sorts of varying advice being branded about in relation to weight loss, but one thing that all of the experts will agree on is that smaller portions sizes will result in you heading in the right direction.

It’s one of the simplest ways to lower the amount of calories that are entering your body yet for whatever reason, it’s a suggestion that’s often ignored.

If you are struggling to train your brain into accepting smaller portion sizes, it might be time to consider some shrewd psychological approaches that can fool your mind somewhat.

We’ve put together some of the best tips to reduce your portion sizes. Let’s take a look.

The 6 month approach in retraining your brain

Let’s start with one of the biggest steps you can take. There’s no doubt that weight loss surgery has come on a lot over the last few decades and one of the most risk-free ones comes in the form of the Orbera gastric balloon.

In relation to training your brain to approach food differently, this balloon will do exactly that. It shrinks your stomach until it is removed after six months, meaning that your food intake is immediately restricted.

The concept is that by the time the device is removed, you will have got used to your new portion sizes and will stick to your new diet.

Buy smaller plates

A solution which is perhaps a little simpler comes in the way of just buying smaller plates.

For most of us, a portion is the size of a plate. Therefore, if you can use plates that are smaller, your portion size theoretically reduces.

We’re far less likely to reach for a second plateful of food – psychologically it feels greedy.

Ditch politeness – you don’t have to clear your plate

On a similar note to above, from a young age we are taught to finish our meals. Again, usually a meal will come in the form of a plateful (when have you ever seen half of the plate empty upon serving?).

However, when obesity strikes, now is the time to ditch politeness. Don’t finish your serving just to be polite; if you are not hungry make sure you don’t overeat.

For years we have been taught the importance of leaving a clean plate after eating – when really it does nothing but harm for the obese section of the population.

Avoid the leftover temptation

It’s hard to cook correct proportions – everyone accepts this. It’s for this reason, as well as plain efficiency, that some people will make much more than they really need for an evening.

Initially, the idea is to eat the remains another day. In reality, second servings prove too tempting and the rest as they say, is history.

Before your cravings can get the better of you, try and put the remains in the fridge or freezer. That way, it should just be too much work to re-heat the food when you are willing for more.

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Transforming Your Life for Better Health

Eating better is part of transforming your life for better health
Photo by CC user FotoshopTofs on Pixabay

You may already know that the foods you eat can affect your health, but did you know that some of those foods can increase your chances of developing a chronic illness? As you get older, your body starts to alter its functions a bit. Depending on the way you’ve lived your life up to this point and the foods you have eaten, you may be on track to develop heart disease, diabetes, or some other type of disease.

Just because you may have health insurance and access to a good doctor doesn’t mean that you don’t need to be mindful of your actions or the foods you eat. On the contrary, you need to be more proactive about your health because once you develop a severe health issues, there’s often no turning back the clock. Medication can only do so much, and while it may enable you to live symptom-free and comfortably, you may not enjoy the side effects of those medicines. Regardless of your age, health, and current lifestyle, you may want to consider making the following changes to your daily routine.

Educate Yourself

Life is all about changes and some of those changes are not very fun or exciting to make. Sometimes, making changes can be hard because of the habits you have. However, in order for you to overcome the personal limitations that are interfering with your health, you need to know what they are, how you’ve become restrained by them, and what you can do to break free of them. Don’t just look for surface information and accept everything that you read with no questions asked. Challenge yourself to dig deeper so that you know that the information you are going to rely on to change your life is credible, sensible, and valid.

Get a Second Opinion

You may trust your current physician with your life, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from getting a professional second opinion about your health. Physicians are human and sometimes they make mistakes. To avoid being one of those people you hear about on the news that has been duped by their doctors into taking medications and undergoing treatments that they don’t need, you should see another doctor just to be safe. A professional second opinion may also alert you to underlying health conditions that you may have been unaware of.

Redo Your Household Menu

Now you don’t need to revamp your kitchen, refrigerator, and cupboards so that they only contain products from your favorite chefs, but you do need to stock them up with healthier foods. Keep in mind that everything that is advertised as good for you really isn’t. Learn how to identify common marketing terms that are used in the food industry to camouflage the more popular names for sugar, fructose syrup, sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients. You should also learn the names of popular ingredients that are beneficial to your health. Food items that are made by Hamptoncreek are just one of many brands that made for health enthusiasts that you should buy.

Get Your Home in Order

If you have gotten used to living a certain way that is not conducive to the lifestyle you want to live, you need to start making changes inside of your home. Throw out those items that you have been holding onto for years with no plans to use. Donate any furniture, clothing, and any household goods that you no longer need to charity. Get organized and toss out all of the clutter. By getting rid of these things, you are letting go of the clutter that has attached itself to you in the form of emotional baggage. Don’t be surprised if you feel like a fog has been lifted or a great weight has been removed from your shoulders.

Use Fitness Tools

You won’t believe how hard it is to get motivated about improving your health and activity level until you can see your progress as you make it. Even though you may not see those inches sliding off the very split second that they disappear, you will be able to see how many steps you are taking, measure your blood glucose levels, and keep track of your heart rate. Depending on the kind of fitness tools you decide to use you may be able to track more of your vitals.

It is never too late for you to commit to transforming your life for better health. Regardless of your motivation for doing so, the changes you need to make to get the results you want are worth it.

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