The Shaker of Salt

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Thanks to Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance, there has been a massive change in how a large percentage of the country eat. For years Celiacs and people living with a gluten intolerance and Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers have been cutting gluten out of their diets, but over the past few years, more and more ‘healthy’ people have begun doing the same. Today, gluten is out for many people, with foods like quinoa, buckwheat, gluten-free flours, and plenty of fresh produce taking their place.

With the foods that have replaced gluten aside, the question is, why are so many people choosing to go gluten free? What are the health benefits of waving goodbye to gluten once and for all? A major benefit of going gluten free is the fact that it tends to mean that you will be consuming less processed foods and living a cleaner life by eating healthier and fresher foods.

If you aren’t already leading a gluten-free life, maybe now is the time to ditch the gluten. Still not convinced that a gluten-free lifestyle is worth the hassle? Then read on to learn more about the benefits of choosing to say goodbye to gluten for good.

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More antioxidants and vitamins in your food

When you choose to go gluten-free, a lot of the snacks that you used to munch on – crisps, biscuits, cake, and so on, are no longer available to you, or as easily available, which means that you are more likely to choose healthier alternatives. Instead of snacking on processed junk food, you are more likely to reach for fresh fruits and vegetables, which means that you will be putting lots of vitamins and antioxidants into your body. Vitamins help to boost your immune system, making you less prone to illness, while antioxidants fight off bad cells and can even lower your risk of some cancers.

Losing weight becomes easier

By avoiding processed foods, and foods packed full of wheat, rye, or barley, you increase your chances of losing weight more easily. You can replace the processed foods that you eat with healthier, gluten free options that will make staying in shape that little bit easier. Don’t worry about not having enough options when it comes to what you can eat as there are now plenty of gluten free options available, from gluten free breads to gluten-free meals – stores like FoodTown ensure that they always have a wide range of gluten-free options available. So there’s no need to worry about being limited, as a gluten-free lifestyle doesn’t have to be a limiting one.

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Gives your digestive health a boost

If you suffer from any digestive problems, like IBS or IBD or perhaps something more minor, eliminating gluten from your diet can help to combat the problem, or at least, make it more manageable. By going gluten free, you can give your digestive health a boost and get rid of those pesky (and sometimes painful) symptoms once and for all.

Going gluten free can give your health a major overhaul, so it’s definitely something that’s worth a try.

Sources:

http://www.bistromd.com/gluten-free/the-health-benefits-of-a-gluten-free-diet

https://www.jeffsanders.com/benefits-of-a-gluten-free-diet/

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/5-awesome-benefits-of-going-gluten-free/

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When you see your family in five years’ time, where do you picture you all living? Do you dream of a slick, city townhouse or a sweet country cottage with roses around the door? Sometimes, you have no choice about where you get to live. The responsibilities of your job, your extended family, and financial limitations may dictate where you buy or rent a home. But if you are given a choice, which one would you select?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. You need to think about how you function as a family and what your priorities are. You need to consider the lifestyle that you lead now and the one that you aspire to. If your kids are older, you also need to take their opinions into account but beware of this because kids are notorious for changing their minds! Kids of different ages have different priorities. The things that appeal to an eight-year-old boy may not be so attractive to a 17-year-old girl! Also, remember that kids grow up and leave home and you will be left there.

You may also need to take your upbringing into account. If you had a hard time growing up in the city, this may have turned you against it but your kids may have a completely different experience. Of course, there is also the small matter of finance! Depending on where in the world you live, house prices may be higher in the city or in the country. This may mean that you have to choose a smaller house or a house with a smaller kitchen or bathroom if you want to live in the location that you like and this may be too much of a sacrifice for you to make.

Think carefully about the following aspects of city and country living before you make your final decision. It can cost you a lot of money if you make a mistake and have to move again very soon.

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Living in the city with kids

There are limitations to living in the city with kids. They are likely to have less freedom because you may have safety concerns especially relating to heavy traffic. They may not be able to walk around alone or to travel to school by themselves. Sadly, road traffic accidents involving children are common and it is not always their own fault.

They will not be able to interact with nature in the same way as they can in the country and so they may appreciate how nature works less. It will be harder for them to keep an animal. They are also exposed to more pollution from road traffic vehicles and possibly from heavy industry. There are much stricter rules on air emissions in all countries these days but air quality is still poorer in the cities than it is in the country. There are still concerns about the effect of oxides of nitrogen and particulates on child health. If your child suffers from asthma or another respiratory problem this could cause a lot of health concerns and they may need to take medication.

On the plus side, you can live in a lovely terrace house in the city which will be close to your neighbors. This allows you to build up a sense of community and makes it easier to get to know people. Terraced houses are easy to maintain and cost less to heat because they are insulated on each side by other houses. It is easy to pop next door if you have an emergency and need some help and you will feel secure because there is always someone to keep an eye on your house.

There is an endless range of activities for kids to take part in when you live in the city. They can take their pick from ice-skating through to circus skills. There is not such a wide range in the country and it may be harder for them to find a hobby or interest that they really like.

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Life in the country with kids

Research has shown that kids thrive when they get a lot of exercise and that is no surprise. The epidemic of childhood obesity has been blamed on kids not getting enough exercise. It is much easier your you, as a parent, to allow this to happen when you live in the country. You may be able to buy a house that has a large garden and your kids will be able to kick a ball around whenever they want to. They can also walk for miles in safety and go exploring in the local woods when they want.

Nature provides a fantastic natural playground for kids and they will learn so much about the natural world whilst they are getting fresh air and exercise. It is also quiet! There are fewer distractions than there are in the city and this allows kids to let their imaginations run riot. They may like to make up stories, dances and rhymes. Their lives less structured and less formal.

You may have more time to spend together as a family because you will not be torn in several different directions. This produces a more relaxed way of life where there is time to appreciate the little things in life.

On the downside, teens may not see this as an advantage at all! They may envy their friends who live in the city and have instant access to best music gigs, films and shows. It can be hard for teens to meet up with their friends when you live in the country. Their best friend may live many miles away and there will be no public transport that they can use. You will end up having to take them everywhere and this can eat into your time.

Your child may miss out on the opportunities that city living provides. They will not able to get into the best dance academies, the best sports clubs or have access to the best facilities. Your choice of school may be very limited. There may be one local school attended by all the kids in the area. What if you child does not settle there or is bullied? You have no other options for schooling and may end up home educating them.

Some people can feel quite isolated when living in the country. If your house is very remote, you could go days without seeing another family. Could you cope with this? Who would you turn to in an emergency?

You may be disappointed with the medical care that is provided in a very rural area. You could be miles away from a large hospital and this can be very difficult if you have a long-term health condition that needs constant monitoring.

It may be difficult to get basic services in some areas. Some properties are so remote that they rely on a well for drinking water. That sounds very romantic until the well runs dry in a long summer drought! It may be hard to get a cell phone signal or to get broadband at your property so that you can access the internet whenever you want to.

Country or city? It is your choice and only you can decide what will suit your family best. Taking a long vacation in each of them may help you to make up your mind but remember that the harsh realities of living there can be very different from your idealized view.

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Saving can be difficult at the best of times. When you have a family to look after, and commitments that drain your financially saving can seem impossible. With big families, the task can seem all the more daunting. With so many mouths to feed and backs to clothe, breaking even proves a challenge to many. Saving is a way of helping your family in the present as well as in the future. When you are the sole breadwinner in your family saving becomes even more difficult.  In today’s world many are left caring for elderly parents, this makes saving seem impossible.

But there are ways to save, Despite how dire your saving situation might be. Almost anybody can save something of what they earn, it doesn’t need to be a huge amount. You do need to be committed and ready to make some small sacrifices.

Being frugal is often associated with going without, however, if you are smart and organized you can be both frugal and still enjoy the things you liked before . Saving money is possible and doesn’t have to be over-complicated. Take a look at some of the following ways in which you can save money.

 

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Organize your finances

Adapt your budget to how much you want to save. Be realistic with your budget, however, as you can always reduce your budget gradually if you find that you can save more. Create a system that accounts for everything that comes into your account and everything that goes out. Doing this will also open your eyes to any unnecessary

purchases you make and allow you to plan your expenditure much more efficiently.

Shop around to save on household bills

This might be as simple as phoning up your internet and phone provider and asking them if they can make you a better offer. Quite often, your utility provider will be willing to give you a better offer as they will want to keep your service. Do look around at other providers and see if you can get a better deal than you currently have. It is important to make sure that you are not taken by the price alone, as you will need a provider that caters to your needs. For example, if you make a lot of international calls you will need to ensure that you get the best offer for this. Using a price comparison website is a useful way to compare all the offers that you will come across, particularly when you start researching online.

Cut the cost of your water bill

There are small ways to save money without having to change your lifestyle dramatically, and saving on water costs is one of them. Little changes such as turning the tap off when you are brushing your teeth, fitting an efficient shower head and taking showers instead of baths will help you save money in the bathroom, especially when you have a large brood who seem to spend all day in there. You could also have a water meter installed instead of paying a fixed price each year.  

Swap name brand items for generic 

Quite often we choose the flashiest product without paying much attention to the real differences in functionality compared to another cheaper product. Most of the time you won’t even notice the difference, and small changes like swapping your toilet roll for a cheaper brand, or choosing own-brand pasta instead of a pricier label can make a huge impact on your budget. Choosing to swap essential items that you use on a regular basis such as toiletries and other staples will cut down your costs significantly. Buying in bulk is another way to save money when grocery shopping. Go to wholesale stores that offer bulk purchases such as Costco once a month for the items that you use a lot of or are non-perishable.

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Start Couponing

Don’t simply buy something because it’s on offer, but keep your eye out for deals and vouchers as a way to replace what you would be buying anyway. Couponing is a popular way for families to make their budget stretch without compromising on quantity or quality. There are many places you can find coupons and offers; one such website is Coupon Sherpa. Visit their website here for offers and see how you can save money. Being organized with your coupons and being aware of where you can save money will help you fit in a wider range of products into your budget. Keep hold of coupons for special occasions, such as birthday parties or events where you might want to splash out without breaking the bank.

Reduce your fuel costs

Instead of driving everywhere start walking as much as you can. You will be keeping yourself and your family fit, saving on the expensive costs of fuel, as well as reducing your carbon footprint. A fun way for your children to get on-board is to cycle or use scooters as a form of transport. If you do need to drive, then cut the costs of your fuel by shopping around for the best price. As a long term saving option, consider investing in an efficient car or even an electric car. Another option for savvy auto savers is to carpool. Many people are choosing to carpool and fill up empty seats they may have in their vehicle. This will save you money and can be an excellent way to meet people and enjoy a social commute.

Use hand-me-downs

Save good quality pieces from your older children’s wardrobe for the younger members of your family. Having to buy new clothes each time your kids grow is an expensive business and reusing clothes is a great way to combat this. If you have one child or children that can’t share clothes for whatever reason, find an alternative. Check with other family members. Most people would be delighted to see their children’s old clothes put to good use. 

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In the modern day, it’s possible to buy pretty much any type of food we want from a store shelf. If it needs to be freshly made, then it’s probably available at a nearby restaurant or takeout place. No matter what you want to eat, you can probably buy it locally. It doesn’t matter if it’s something from your own country or a speciality dish from the other side of the world,

However, it’s difficult to determine what exactly goes inside of it. For instance, if you’re trying to eat healthily and want a low-fat version of a spaghetti carbonara, then you would probably omit the cream or milk (the way it’s supposed to be done!) but if you bought it from a restaurant, then their recipe might just include cream and there’s very little you can do to change how they make their staple dishes. So to counteract these possibilities, why not make your own dishes from scratch?

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Save money by making it from scratch

You can save a lot of money by cooking your favourite dishes at home. Just remember that restaurants charge you for service and labour, meaning you pay extra on top of what the ingredients themselves cost and you might end up paying 2-3 times more for a meal than it would’ve cost to make yourself. You can prevent this by going online, looking up recipes, and learn how to make your favourite dishes from scratch.

Even things like bread or pasta can be made from scratch at home. Zojirushi bread machines are very useful if you love eating bread but don’t like all the additives and junk that go into typical store-bought bread, or if you dislike paying ludicrous amounts for freshly baked bread. The convenience of making these types of foods in your own home is fantastic, and you can control exactly what goes into them, giving you peace of mind no matter what you eat.

Healthier lifestyles

As mentioned previously in the spaghetti carbonara example, you can omit unhealthy parts of food if you like. If you have certain allergies, you can also leave out certain ingredients in food or take out things you don’t like. For instance, if you’re lactose intolerant, then you can use dairy-free cheeses on your pizza or whip up a milkshake using soy milk instead.

Not only can making your own food from scratch be healthier, but you also get to control the nutrition that you get from it. For starters, if you’re on a strict calorie-controlled diet, then making your own food will make it a hundred times easier to count those calories and the nutrition you get. You can weigh individual portions of food or the ingredients, you can reduce your meals to fit into your calorie budget, and you can get extra nutrients once you know where to look.

Final words

If you want to control your eating habits a little better, then always make your food from scratch. The amount of flexibility you have once you learn to cook is staggering, and it doesn’t take long to start making up your own delicious and healthy recipes.

The best way of maintaining your health and making sure illness doesn’t creep up on you in the future, is to eat a balanced diet. A diet full of nutrients will mean that your body has the tools it needs to fight when needed. The best way to get the nutrients you need is to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, we often don’t have the time to eat the recommended daily dosage of fruit and veg. So, how can you make sure you get the recommended dosage? Here are some easy ways to fit fruit and veg into your routine.

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Get Chopping

It’s more convenient to eat fruit and veg if they’ve been pre-chopped. For example, if you have a box full of chopped strawberries, it’s easier to take a handful and sprinkle them onto your morning cereal. Getting some of your daily allowance first thing in the morning, will set you up for carrying on into the day. The same goes for lunch time snacks. It’s easier to eat a chopped-up apple or carrot sticks at your desk, than it is to eat a whole apple or carrot. You can still carry on with what you’re doing while you’re eating.

Smoothies

Smoothies are an ideal way of getting a load of fruit and veg down you in one go. You can even prepare them in advance. Chop up your fruit and veg in the evening and prepare your smoothie to put in the fridge. You then have an energy boosting snack ready to take with you in the morning. You’ll need to do some research into the best ninja blender because once you get started, it’s something you’ll certainly continue with.

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Soups

Soups are easy to make and easy to eat. It’s one of the most convenient ways for making sure you get all the vegetables you need. There are tons of soup recipes you can choose from and you can freeze soup too. Make yourself a large batch and divide it between freezable containers. That way you won’t have to think about how you’ll get your vegetables into your diet for the rest of the week.

Leave it on Display

Younger family members are much more likely to tuck into a piece of fruit if it’s there for the taking. Don’t hide your fruit in the fridge. Put it in a bowl and display it in the kitchen or on the dining room table. Wherever your family frequents is the best place for it. If your family take a bit of persuading, try making a fruit salad with some vanilla ice-cream for dessert at a few family dinner times.

Roasting

If you’ve already prepared and chopped your veg, roasting is a perfect option for when you haven’t got a lot of time. Use some olive or coconut oil and add some sprigs of rosemary to the roasting tray before they go in the oven. Roasted veg are versatile, so you can add them to the plate with lots of different meals.

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We all want the best for our kids and will do anything to keep them safe. But in many cases, parents all over the country are exposing their little ones to dangers they might not be aware of – particular in their bedrooms. Read on to find out more on some of the hidden hazards that could be causing harm to your children and might even result in a serious injury. Let’s take a closer look.

Furniture

Sadly, one child dies every fortnight due to falling furniture, and almost half of these incidents occur in the child’s bedroom. It’s easy to see why – after all, kids love to explore and climb, and as soon as your child is mobile they will start to try and pull themselves up on anything that is available. And the saddest thing about all these terrible accidents is that most are easy to avoid. All you need is to ensure you are buying good-quality, solid furniture and also making sure that you fix them to the walls properly.  

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Electrical points

Obviously, your household electricity supply is incredibly dangerous to everyone, especially your kids. Given their love for exploration and putting their fingers into any gaps they find, it is vital that you get some covers for every electrical socket in the house, but especially in their bedroom. It’s also advisable to invest in something like an outlet cover, which stops your kids from pulling out plugs and leaving the outlet exposed.

Bedding and mattresses

Many mattresses and synthetic blankets and sheets have dangerous chemical toxins in them, that could be impacting on the health of your child. Make sure that you are looking for the best sheet set you can find, preferably made from cotton or another natural material. Synthetic materials can cause all kinds of issues, from skin rashes through to breathing difficulties – it’s really that serious.

 

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Paint

We all love to treat our kids with a new bedroom upgrade every once in awhile. But bear in mind that there are some paints which are completely unsuitable for use, due to the fact they contain nasty chemicals, known as VOCs. These types of paint release fumes and toxins which can cause breathing problems, so always choose VOC-free alternatives.

Hinges and drawers

The hinges of your doors, drawers, and cupboards are capable of crushing your child’s fingers – and it can happen at a moment’s notice. You can keep your eyes on your kids for every second of the day, but once they are capable of escaping from their cot, you may not even know they are up and about, exploring and playing with anything they can find. So, invest in some safety stoppers for all the drawers they can reach. And ensure that your doors won’t slam shut on their fingers, and use protective strips on the door hinges.

OK, so there you have it – some of the hidden dangers in your child’s bedroom. Make sure you avoid these issues as much as possible by taking on some of the ideas listed above – and feel free to leave any other tips you might have!

I have been following a low carbohydrate diet since January. So far I have lost just over 50 pounds. On of the things that makes this food lifestyle so easy to go by is that there are so many ways you can substitute things you love. This has made it fun for me to cook new meals.

I love anything with a bit of a kick so I have been spicing up my foods. most people think that dieting means bland food, this is far from the truth. A little spice can make the simplest meals taste exotic.  I recently decided I needed to use up some shrimp and came up with this recipe that I hope you all love as much as I do.

Curry Shrimp Jumble

2 tbs. sesame oil

1/2 med. onion chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tbs. ginger paste

16 oz. bag coleslaw mix

16 oz. raw shrimp

2 tbs. soy sauce

1 1/2- 2 tbs. curry powder (depending on your taste.)

Heat sesame oil on med. high burner. Add onion and garlic til and cook til golden.

Add remaining ingredients and cook until coleslaw mix is soft and shrimp are cooked.

For a 1 1/2 cup serving there are under 5 net carbs.

Enjoy!

 

Much like a wardrobe, a home needs to have a different look depending on what season it is. Of course, this doesn’t mean turning the whole place upside down every time the weather changes. Rather, it can be a lot easier to make changes to the home that it prepared all year. This time, we’re going to look at how you can prepare it for the summer.

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Brighten up those outdoors

Let’s begin with the obvious. In the summer, you’re likely going to be spending a lot more time outdoors. You’re going to want your surroundings to be gorgeous. But that’s not all. The sun is out in full force, which means it tends to maximize whatever the impact of your outdoors is. If that impact is that your grass needs a trim and your head needs a repainting, it’s going to make the home look even worse. However, if you up your curb appeal by decluttering the garden, tidying the driveway, and adding a bit of freshness to the entrance, the home will pop right out at passersby.

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Keep it cool

When you’re indoors, then that summer heat can turn from friend to enemy in a heartbeat. You don’t have to rely on just the AC, however. You can make changes that both make the home look better in the summer but also keep it cooler. Ceiling fans by Casablanca add a contemporary style to your lighting while keeping the air flowing at much lower cost. Taking a minimalist approach to each room also makes the home look a lot fresher and cleaner while making it also a lot easier to clean. There will be less dust clogging up the air and less of your time spent cleaning it.

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Get colorful

The biggest impact that the summer has on the look of the home is how much light it lets in. There’s nothing that tests the color scheme of the house quite like light. Summer color trends prioritize that light, letting it bounce around the room in bright, cheery tones or soothing it can making a relaxing haven with light hues like cornflower. But it depends on how much light gets into each room, as well. Those light hues might work well in a living room or kitchen that gets a lot of it. Keep it in a bedroom that gets little natural light, however, and it can look sickly more than anything.

 

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Let more in

Light is the first thing that you allow more of in the home. Instead of using heavy drapes, switch to things like Hunter Douglas blinds. High-quality blinds are good at both blocking out the light almost entirely when you need to and providing minimal obstruction when you want it in. Besides the light, let some of that verdant growth in, as well. Make the home more natural and give houseplants some space on your windowsills. There are few things as relaxing in a home as a houseplant.

Summer is the season of light, heat, and fun. A more vibrant home, where you maximize the impact of that light and keep the heat easy to deal with is going to make a lot easier to spend time in the home even when the sun is shining outside

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Food is important for our minds, bodies, and soul. It can be tricky to get the right balance of foods to best serve all of our needs though. After all, we’re all different shapes and sizes. What one person needs most could be different to the next person. And when you have kids, it can be even trickier to make sure the whole family is eating everything they should be, as little of what they shouldn’t be!

Nutrition is something that has been studied in detail for decades. Many of us find it necessary to supplement our diets with vitamin pills just to be sure we’re getting enough. This can be a good idea if you have special dietary needs, or you find it difficult to access certain foods that are rich in those missing nutrients. Is it really possible to receive all the nutrition you need for peak fitness and health just from your diet?

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It may have been more than twelve hours since your last meal so your stomach may be feeling empty and ‘growly.’ We all feel quite sluggish in the morning too. What we need is a wholesome breakfast that can kick start the natural processes in our bodies. Look for options that are gentle on the tummy, and give your brain a boost of energy too!

Carbohydrates are an important part of the diet and are often considered a good part of any breakfast. They feed the brain as well as the body with vital energy. If you are in a physical job, you might also choose to have some protein with your breakfast to ensure muscle vitality. It’s important to make sure your metabolism is fully supported. For this, you need B vitamins and iron. These can be found in protein sources like meat, but there are plenty of vegetarian options too.

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One way to boost your intake of essential vitamins and minerals is to make yourself smoothies. Blending together the foods that are rich sources of the nutrients you need can make them more palatable and easier to enjoy on the go. You can read this article for the best options when it comes to the equipment you might need. Don’t forget, you can blitz almost any foods you like, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Lunchtime can be a difficult time of day for taking a meal. For anyone who works, it can be difficult to get away from your desk. You know you’re hungry, so you might reach for a snack or unhealthy option. Of course, this can be high in sugar and leave you feeling sluggish later in the afternoon. Pack a lunch pot of something healthy like whole grain pasta with avocado and salad. This will give you the energy boost you need and last for the whole afternoon.

Get to know your sources of vitamins, minerals, protein, and carbs. You can use that information to create your own choices for meals and snacks that are balanced and healthy – just right for you.

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Becoming a parent changes your life forever. Suddenly, you realize that you’re no longer the most important person on the planet, and taking care of your son or daughter is the new priority. But, to provide them with the best possible start in life, it’s imperative that you give yourself the right level of attention too.

As a parent, you will undoubtedly come up against a variety of personal challenges. However, taking greater control with the simple advice will work wonders for you and your children. Here’s all you need to know.

Live A Healthy Lifestyle

It’s incredibly difficult to look after the kids if you can’t even look after yourself. Therefore, taking greater care of your body should be top of the agenda. Let’s face it; a healthier body will allow you to play a far more active role in your child’s upbringing. Moreover, it will boost your quality and quantity of life in the process.

Furthermore, this is a great opportunity to set a winning example for the kids. If you’re not a fan of the gym, choosing home-based workouts are a great alternative. Or you could always try family activities like cycling and hiking. Not only will it get you fit, but it’ll also help you create magical memories.

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Similarly, healthy eating can be achieved with a few simple lifestyle tweaks. Meanwhile, incorporating time-saving ideas like meal preps and slow cooker meals gives you a chance to dedicate more time to the kids too.

Remove Financial Fears

We all encounter a variety of hurdles throughout our lives, but financial fears are easily the most common source of trouble. Even if you try to prevent them from impacting your life, they inevitably will. Worse still, the fallout will influence the children too.

Being trapped in debt is never nice for anyone. However, it’s particularly testing when you have a poor credit history. Still, there are lenders that offer loans with installment plans for people in unenviable positions. While taking a loan is always a major life decision, it could be the safety net needed to recover your financial situation.

Your financial status doesn’t dictate whether you are a good parent or not. Nevertheless, removing those money worries from your life will open up more opportunities in your life. Underestimate the importance of this factor at your peril.

Accept Support

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of thinking it’s your family versus the world. In reality, though, it doesn’t need to be that way. There are many people waiting in the wings to help you in many different aspects of parenting. Embrace them.

The available support could include groups and services used on a daily or weekly basis. Alternatively, it may come via medical advice if your child suffers from a physical or mental condition. Either way, if it enables your child to gain the best chance of health and happiness, you’d be a fool to ignore those rewards.

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As the old saying goes, two heads are better than one. If nothing else, the confidence gained from those reassurances will make a world of difference to your self-esteem. In turn, that should filter through to give your kids a great life also.

Make Time For Adult Company

There’s nothing better than spending time with your little angels. Nonetheless, life is about creating balance, and regular adult company is vital for your happiness and sanity. Without it, morale will soon drop, and this can impact the time spent with the children.

You shouldn’t feel guilty about having the occasional night off to hit the town or attend a show. However, you don’t even need to leave the kids. If you are in a loving relationship, making time for date nights at home can go a long way to maintaining the happy family vibe. After all, your love is a key component of it.

Meanwhile, arranging summer BBQs are a great way to spend time with friends as well as your children. Find that marriage between the two, and you cannot ask for anything more in life. Most importantly, it can help your son or daughter grow in confidence around adults.

Chase Career Goals

Having children does throw a spanner into the works as far as your career is concerned. In most cases, this is more noticeable for women than men but can impact Dads also. Still, the opportunities are out there to ensure that you can still enjoy the rewards of a great career.

Progressions in technology have opened plenty of doors. Nowadays, it isn’t impossible to work from home either as a remote employee or as a freelancer. Whether it’s a creative job or admin work, you can earn good money while maintaining great control of your life.  

Alternatively, you could look at the possibility of launching your own business. Above all else, this can be an ideal way to follow a dream by working on something you love. And when you have a happier work-life balance, it won’t go unnoticed by the children. Let’s face it; completely separating the two aspects of your life is impossible.

Embrace A Better Sleeping Pattern

A good night’s sleep affects your body and mind in many ways. It leaves you feeling energetic, happy, and ready to attack the day ahead. Moreover, it carries a huge influence on physical appearances. Essentially, a well-rested parent is a parent that has a far stronger foundation to provide their kids with everything they could need.

There are many steps that can be taken to encourage a better sleeping ritual. Firstly, you should choose the right blinds or curtains for your bedroom. When coupled with a comfortable bed, you cannot go far wrong.

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Perhaps more importantly, though, you need to follow the right habits. Rather than staying up late on Facebook, put the iPhone down and go to sleep. This will improve the quality as well as the quantity of your rest. Besides, enriching your time with the kids is far better than knowing what an ex did on Saturday night.

Quit Bad Habits

Throughout their lives, you will always want to set a great example for the kids. However, it’s not all about doing the right things. In many circumstances, ridding yourself of bad traits can be just as vital.

Kids learn from their surroundings, and those who grow up around smokers are more prone to become smokers themselves. Therefore, quitting cigarettes is one of the best things you could do. Likewise, you should aim to enjoy a positive relationship with alcohol.

Above all else, you should encourage tolerance and understanding towards people of difference. Whether that be promoting equality over gender, race, or disability doesn’t matter. Become stricter when stamping out negativity in those fields and it will pay dividends.

Celebrate Your Achievements

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Parenting isn’t easy, and we all make mistakes from time to time. Ultimately, though, the fact you’ve even read this post shows how much you care. In truth, love is the greatest thing you could ever offer your son or daughter. So, stop criticizing yourself, as you’re doing a fantastic job as you are.

There’s no point in comparing yourself to others. Your family is unique, and you are the glue that holds it all together. With the addition of the improvements mentioned above, you will be better than ever. This is something that your kids will be grateful of forever.

Having kids is the greatest thing you’ll ever do in your life. Appreciating the great job you do will allow you to enjoy your family with greater results. If that doesn’t encourage you to stop being harsh on yourself, what will?