Inspired Blog
5 Simple Ways To Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Due to such great threats, it is extremely important to try and reduce our wastage and treat it properly. The 3R strategy, short for reduce, reuse and recycle is proven to be one of the best ways through which overflowing garbage could be controlled and properly treated.
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How to Develop Healthy Habits the Easy Way
Bad habits are easier to develop whereas good habits are hard to adopt. This is true in every sense of the word. If you want to live a healthy and long life, you need to care about your health and well-being.
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Why is My Dog Not Drinking Water? Top 5 Reasons Why and What You Can Do
It is overwhelming and concerning for all dog owners when their dogs won’t drink enough water and become unhealthy or suffer through dehydration as a result.
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20 Ways to Live a More Sustainable Life
What faces us now are major threats including climate change and global warming. But all is not lost yet and we still can control a lot of things. If not at a larger scale, we should at least start from a smaller scale and start taking individual actions, such as living a sustainable life.
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What’s Holding Organic Farming Back in 2020?
Demand for organic farming has been rising year after year, the rise of whole foods in the last two decades reflects how consumer concerns have changed. What’s actually going into the food we’re eating as well as the treatment of animals, has sparked a surge of organic farming and whole foods.
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5 Ways to Live a Low-Carbon Life
People live with a belief that it is the responsibility of the governments and the environmental organizations to look after all the problems, and that they don’t have much impact on nature. That can't be further from the truth.
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How Whole Grains Benefit Gut Health
In this day and age, people are much more aware and inclined towards living a healthy life.The shift of focus towards fitness, health, and a good diet in the past decade has been immense. People all around are keen to have a healthy lifestyle, and as such indulge in a lot of physical activities and dietary habits to stay healthy. A healthy and fit body allows you to be more productive and improve the quality of your life. However, your overall health depends on many other factors as well. One such important factor which determines your overall health is your digestive health. It is considered that the gut is the best reflection of your body’s health. This is because the gut forms a communication channel with the brain, and forms the first line of defense in the body’s fight against any disease. So the better your gut performs, the healthier your body will feel. There are multiple things that you can try to improve your sensitive gut. Changing diet, adding prebiotics and probiotics, eating less junk and other similar things can help. But there’s one other easier and effective way that you should consider, which is Grains! What are Grains? The seeds of cereals are known as grains. These are usually dry, small, hard, and easily edible. They are the staple food in most countries and are considered to be one of the major sources of energy coming from food. Rice, corn, and wheat are some of the widely used staple grains. Grains are renowned to provide a lot of health benefits. They help in reducing cholesterol, reducing the risk of diabetes, and reducing high blood pressure. However, one of the major impacts they have on the human body is on digestive health. Let’s investigate further into the different types of grains. Types of Grain The cereal crop consists of multiple parts and layers. How these get processed determines the type of grain that you will get. Based on this, the grains are largely divided into: Whole Grains – These are the least processed grains. They consist of mainly 3 parts which are the bran (outer layer), the germ (the embryo of the plant containing the majority of nutrients, and the endosperm (the biggest part of the grain made of carbs and protein). Some examples are brown rice, oatmeal, whole-wheat flour, corn, etc. Refined Grains – These are highly processed, in which the bran and the germ are removed to improve texture and shelf life, and only the endosperm remains. These are termed to be very unhealthy since they are mostly made of carbs and have barely any nutrients. Some examples include white flour, white bread, and white rice. The refined grains taste much better but are harmful to the gut. The whole grain, on the other hand, is a boon for the gut and helps it in multiple ways. Let’s find out some more on how whole grains help the gut out. Grains and the Gut Various studies across the globe have established that eating whole grains has a good impact on your entire digestive system. But what do the grains do when inside our digestive system to make it much more healthy? Increases Microbiome The human body is made up of just 90% cells, and the rest are microbiomes, mostly bacteria. Before you freak out, you should know that not all bacterias are bad. Most of our gut is filled with good bacteria, which help in breaking down the food and ease the digestion process. These friendly bacteria even fight against the enemies, more known as the bad bacteria. So the more good bacteria you have, the better your digestive system works. Studies have given concrete results regarding eating whole grains that increase the amount and variety of good bacteria in your gut. Maintaining a diet consisting of barley, brown rice, buckwheat, and similar whole grain will thus improve your digestive health. Controls Weight As per a recently conducted research, it has been found that the whole grains lead towards a decrease in retention of calories by the body. Also, it increases the metabolic rate, which results in calorie loss. Losing more calories than you gain results in losing body fat and weight. Better metabolism keeps your digestive tract healthy and ensures a happy gut. In short, by changing to a diet with high whole-grain content, you promote a healthy lifestyle for yourself. Keeps Gut Lining Healthy The microbial lining produced by eating whole-grain diets further produces short-chain fatty acids. These short-chain fatty acids are renowned for being anti-inflammatory. These fight any inflammation that may form on the lining of the gut, thereby keeping it healthy. The immune system of the body also attains more strength and thereby you can have a fit and healthy digestive system, which will further keep your entire body fit and healthy. Recommended Diet We all eat a lot of grains in our daily diets. Rice, wheat, and corn are some of the most widely used grains across the globe. But most of us end up eating refined grains rather than whole-grains. This damages the gut further. Refined grains are full of carbs. The excess of carbs increases the calories and overall body weight. Also, it can lead to inflammation of the gut lining and difficulty in excreting the waste out. You should cut out on consuming refined grains, which include white bread, white flour, and white rice. Instead, you should try and include whole grains in your diet. Starting with the staple food, you can try brown bread, brown rice, and whole-wheat flour instead of the refined grains. These are unprocessed, and as such have an abundance of nutrients which can be a boon for your stomach. Besides these, you can also try some other whole grains. These include: Corn, which can be included with sweet corn salad. Popcorn, to be consumed as a daily snack. Oats, which can be consumed with milk, especially for breakfast. Quinoa, the South-American superfood which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein and can serve as a blessing for the gut. You can also try out some other whole-grains and try including them in your diet, such as Couscous, buckwheat, barley, flax seeds, freekeh, rye (whole), and farro. These can be combined with various food items as a snack or as breakfast. Consuming these is a guarantee to a healthy stomach and thus a healthy life. Conclusion The digestive system is the backbone of your body’s health. A stronger and well-working gut signifies a healthy and fit body. While a gut with issues, inflammations, and improper digestion is a sign of an unhealthy body with much deeper issues lingering around. Apart from this, remember to intake a good quantity of water every day to promote gut health. A hydrated gut breaks food faster and also aids in the elimination process. Besides, you can try drinking alkaline water which provides the best hydration. Try the DYLN Bottle to get alkaline antioxidant water anytime you want. Increasing the intake of whole grains and cutting down refined grains such as white bread, white rice, and white flour can be a boon to promote digestive health. The right amount of whole wheat along with regular exercise and physical activity can ensure healthy digestion and a disease-free and highly immune body.
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Earth-Friendly Cooking Practices
In a world endangered by global warming, reducing carbon emissions should be your primary goal in the kitchen. Adopting eco-friendly cooking practices is a great way to reduce carbon footprints. Take action today by implementing environmentally-friendly kitchen techniques. Do your part by installing eco-friendly appliances and remodeling your kitchen into an eco-space. We have found common ground, haven't we? Now, let's deep-dive! Top Trends on Earth-Friendly Cooking in 2020 Chefs believe 2020 will be a revolutionary year in earth-friendly cooking. Their focus is shifting to plant-based eco-friendly food trends as opposed to meat servings. Another area of interest is on cooking technology and appliances for use in the kitchen. So, what are chefs saying about earth-friendly cooking? Let’s pick up a few points: The focus will shift to plant-based proteins, and there will be significant cuts in animal protein. Eco-friendly packaging will be big. Delivery-friendly menus will dominate the kitchen space. There will be more additions in the kitchen like stress relievers. Healthy bowls will be the center of attention. Check the full report from the National Restaurants Association. Preparation for earthy cooking Embracing eco techniques requires deliberate effort. You must be ready with the right supplies and appliances that help you meet your environmental goals. Let's have a look at what will get you prepared: Organic Purchases To be at peace with our planet, always buy organic. Go for organically grown foods that are non-toxic. Buy from farms that practice organic planting. Organic farms don't use chemical-based fertilizers, which are toxic. They carefully select pest control methods that don't involve the use of toxic chemicals. The crux of the matter is that the waste from organic foods doesn't pollute the environment. Shop for Reusables The top tip here is to shun single use plastics. Start by getting a reusable cloth shopping bag, and for bigger items, carry them by hand. Plastic is a nuisance! It kills marine flora and fauna. It also clogs drainage systems. Reusable bags undo the ills of single use plastic bags. For water drinking bottles, use the game-changing DYLN Bottle. Why Choose the DYLN Bottle? The bottle is free of any BPA or plastic. By using reusable steel water bottles like the DYLN, you reduce the plastic waste problem that comes from buying plastic bottled water. Create alkaline antioxidant water anywhere and reduce your plastic waste. Reusables are items you can use severally without needing to dispose. For your kitchenware, go for glass, melamine, and stainless steel options. You can replace plastic wrap with those made of beeswax. Similarly, minimize the use of paper towels by using cloth towels. Other kitchen reusable items include silicone multi use bowls, linen bread bags, stainless steel/glass straws and long lasting reusable sponges. Select Appliances Wisely Tame the power-hungry appliances! Electric devices contribute to high carbon emissions around the globe. An average household owns 20 devices and spends $2,200 annually on electricity bills. Isn't that crazy? Stop this madness by getting energy efficient appliances for your kitchen. The culprits you need to check for electricity consumption include refrigerators, dishwashers, and water purifiers. Ovens are in this too. We shall look at them in the subsequent section. Use Eco-Friendly Ovens Did you know that 3 billion people still use wood fuel globally? Green ovens are the way to go on this front. Unlimited options are floating in the market, and it’s upon you to choose one that suits your needs. A pressure cooker is another noble idea for your kitchen. This type of cooker has several advantages let's sample a few: Pressure cooking maintains nutrients in food It takes a shorter time to prepare food Less energy to cook Cleaning is made easier There is less heat in the kitchen in the summer Next, we talk about the convection oven. This type of oven works similarly to the pressure cooker. It uses a fan technology that recirculates air inside for even and faster cooking. Besides, it uses third less energy as compared to a conventional oven. Try out combination ovens in your eco journey. You will save energy by buying an oven that does multiple functions with less power. Combination cookers feature microwaves and ovens built into one appliance. Solar ovens are the latest technology which saves you a great deal on electricity bills. Solar is readily available, it’s renewable and clean energy. You need to tap this natural resource because it doesn't harm our environment. Then there is the option of Biogas for those who live in ranches and farmlands. Biogas captures toxic methane gas and uses it as fuel. Another plus for biogas is that it uses no energy in its preparation. Kitchenware and eco-friendly supplies Start by using environmentally friendly materials to build countertops, cabinets, and flooring. Formaldehyde is the best component to use in making counter-tops. Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash If you must use wood, then consider using reclaimed. Otherwise, concrete is the best choice. Work with a specialist to know if the wood you are using contains toxins. Ceramic kitchenware is best because they it's easy to clean and non-stick in nature. Avoid Teflon-coated ware that contaminates food with particles originating from the coating. Consider buying kitchenware made from natural materials. Take a look at some examples: Bamboo cutting boards Silicone food covers Ceramic cups and plates Organic towels Beeswax food wrappers Resealable snack bags Fit Eco-Lighting Reduce electricity costs by going green with your lighting. A quick way to embrace eco lighting is by using sun lighting. You simply install sunroofs or tubular lighting. LED lighting is another way to save energy. These LED lights save energy by 75% as compared to traditional candescent lighting. Consider remodeling your kitchen into an Earth-Friendly Environment To go full green, you need to overhaul your kitchen to conserve energy. When remodeling, use reclaimed or recycled materials. This is a major step, if you decide to take this path it should be well-thought of because it requires major changes. There’s no need to remodel if it’s not time for your kitchen yet, it would be counterproductive. Consider making these changes if you were already thinking about remodeling. A noble idea would be to use Eco materials for your kitchen tops. Linoleum is a natural and eco-material best for use in the kitchen. It has vital antimicrobial elements, making it safe for use in the kitchen environment. Another tip is on the arrangement of appliances in the kitchen. Don't put the refrigerator next to the oven as it will struggle and use more energy. On painting, use only low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints. Most importantly, work with green contractors who have great suggestions about painting. Photo by Joseph Pérez on Unsplash Check the design of your kitchen too. The kitchen area should be well ventilated. You don’t want to suffocate midway through cooking. Bottom line To sum up, earth-friendly cooking practices make the world a better place. It is a way each family can contribute to fewer carbon emissions while saving costs on their electricity bills. With reusable kitchenware, water bottles, and cookeries, we reduce pollution in our environment. Finally, don't forget to check the performance ratings of electrical and water appliances before buying.
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Great Recipes To Build Up Your Alkaline Lifestyle
The alkaline diet has been around for a long time and it is only getting more popular with each coming year. Alkaline foods are said to be healthier and easier to digest. In addition to that, they can also help prevent allergies and fatigue as well as obesity.
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