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One of the most challenging aspects of trying to lose weight is staying in a good mood. In addition to following a balanced diet, which is often not very easy, it’s important to know which foods to choose to reduce cortisol and combat the stress that weight loss can bring.

Cortisol increases stress hormone levels and can affect both hunger and the desire to eat certain foods that are not recommended during the weight loss process, influencing appetite and especially sleep.

Foods for Weight Loss, Mood Boost, and Stress Relief

To avoid a vicious cycle that makes us eat more and feel nervous and irritated, we should try to balance essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which provide a good feeling of satiety without sacrificing flavor. 

Choosing foods that support mood and discipline is also important.Certain foods, such as almonds, kiwi, arugula, and eggs, are highly recommended and can positively impact weight loss.

Kiwi

Low in calories and rich in water, kiwi contains nutrients that support the diet, such as vitamin C, one of the best food sources, and magnesium, which helps reduce stress hormone levels like cortisol. 

Kiwi also contains polyphenols that assist liver function and fiber that supports intestinal regulation. It’s an ideal fruit for combating stress while staying in shape.

Almonds

Almonds provide essential fatty acids and minerals, including magnesium, which is valuable for fighting bloating and bad mood. 

Almonds also contain nutrients beneficial for the nervous system. They increase the presence of tryptophan, an essential amino acid for serotonin synthesis, a hormone that affects appetite. Just a small portion added to breakfast or as a snack can boost the presence of this amino acid.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein that helps build and maintain lean muscle mass. They also provide minerals like zinc and iodine, which combat stress, and choline, a precursor of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that contributes to a good mood.

Arugula

Arugula enhances the diet with prebiotic fibers that promote a balanced gut flora, which plays a fundamental role in serotonin production (the “happiness hormone”) and short-chain fatty acid production, which has anti-inflammatory effects. It slows down the absorption of sugars and fats, making meals more satisfying.

Arugula also contains calcium, a valuable mineral for emotional health, as well as ascorbic acid and carotenoids that strengthen the immune system, help reduce the risk of certain cancers, and prevent premature aging due to their excellent antioxidant properties.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas supply B-complex vitamins, especially B1, B2, B5, and B9. Additionally, they offer complex carbohydrates, essential amino acids, and B-group vitamins, all of which boost the production of anti-stress hormones.

Vitamin K is beneficial for health, especially for women, and can be obtained through some foods that we bring to the table every day. 

It is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for various functions, such as blood clotting, which prevents hemorrhages. It also stimulates calcium fixation in the bones, making it important for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis.

The primary form of vitamin K is K1, known as phylloquinone, which is found in dark-colored vegetables. Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, is produced by the intestinal microbiota and is present in some animal-based foods.

What to Eat to Obtain Vitamin K

Less famous than other vitamins, vitamin K is naturally present in dark-colored vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, and other leafy greens. It is found in raw carrots and some fruits like kiwi, strawberries, grapes, avocado, and bananas.

In some animal-based foods, including eggs and cheeses, vitamin K is even better when combined in the same meal with a small portion of dried fruits, nuts, pistachios, or in oils rich in essential fatty acids that promote absorption.

Why We Shouldn't Skip Vitamin K in Our Meals

Fights Pain

Vitamin K is a valuable ally at the table in combating the onset of joint and muscle disorders, including back pain. Additionally, it is also useful for overall bone health because it participates in the assimilation of calcium, a valuable mineral for the skeleton.

Helps Circulation

It is beneficial for the proper functioning of blood circulation, helping to prevent swelling and heaviness, as well as major cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide, especially for women.

Regulates Menstrual Flow

Vitamin K is also useful in regulating heavy menstrual flow. It makes the blood less fluid and improves coagulation.

Acts on Blood Clotting

It forms proteins that help control bleeding, which are important for blood clotting. This prevents hemorrhages and promotes healing.

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin K is related to the production of proteins that help prevent calcification or hardening of the heart arteries.

In addition to being present in food, vitamin K is also produced by the good bacteria that make up a healthy gut flora, being absorbed by the intestines along with food. 

Foods rich in vitamin K do not lose their properties when cooked; vitamin K is not destroyed by cooking methods.

By jbanaggia 

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese discipline used to harmonize the environment and the flow of energy in our lives. For centuries, Feng Shui has been used to improve various aspects of life, such as health, well-being, prosperity, and our emotional side.

One of the most important objectives of Feng Shui is related to sleep, helping to promote a peaceful and restorative sleep, which is essential for overall health and well-being.

However, when putting this ancient discipline into practice, it is necessary to pay attention to avoid some mistakes that can interfere with sleep quality. There are some tips to help achieve a good night's sleep.

One mistake to avoid is the bed's position. Since it has great importance for sleep quality, an incorrect position can have a significant impact on overall health.

 In Feng Shui, the most unfavorable position is when the bed is placed directly in front of the door, exposing the person to an excessive flow of energy that enters and exits from one room to another, causing restlessness and difficulty in falling asleep.

Sleeping directly in front of the door can create a sense of insecurity, compromising the tranquility needed for a good night's sleep. Constant interruptions due to the energy flow result in poor sleep.

Another common mistake is placing the bed under a beam, which brings stress and anxiety, making relaxation difficult. According to Feng Shui, beams create a visual and energetic pressure over specific areas of the body, contributing to health problems related to those parts.

Avoid a bed without a solid headboard or against a window. The absence of a solid headboard can create a feeling of lack of support and security, affecting sleep quality. Placing the bed against a window can expose the sleeper to drafts and unstable energy, thus interfering with rest.

Consequences of Incorrect Bed Position

An incorrect bed position not only affects sleep but can also have long-term consequences on physical and mental health.

Physical Health:

-Constant exposure to energy flow can cause difficulty in sleeping, leading to insomnia.

-Lack of restorative sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

-Poor sleep can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illnesses.

Mental Health:

Absence of quality sleep can cause anxiety, depression, decreased cognitive functions, memory loss, difficulty in concentration, and decision-making.

Similarly, lack of adequate rest can increase irritability and stress levels, affecting personal and professional relationships.

When practicing Feng Shui, it is essential to follow some recommendations to optimize the energy flow in the bedroom, improving sleep quality.

Optimal positioning of the bed

One of the most important bed positions in Feng Shui is the commanding position. Placing the bed in this way means you can see the door without being directly aligned with it, allowing you to feel confident and in control during your rest.

The commanding position brings many benefits, including a greater sense of control and security. Energy flows more harmoniously, creating a more favorable environment for rest.

Do not forget that the headboard should be against a solid wall. This way, you will feel a sense of support and stability.

A solid headboard provides physical and emotional support, reducing energy instability and preventing it from flowing irregularly around the head.

Avoid Distractions and Stimuli

Eliminate electronic devices like TVs, computers, and cell phones, which emit electromagnetic energy that interferes with sleep. Create a calm and more tranquil environment.

Use soft and warm lighting in the bedroom, avoiding bright lights. Opt for low-consumption lamps that encourage relaxation, preparing the body for sleep. Warm light reduces stress and promotes a sense of calm.

In the decoration, introduce plants, stones, or water elements. These natural elements can improve air quality, enhance breathing, and promote a sense of well-being and tranquility.

Use Relaxing Colors

Choose soft and relaxing colors like shades of blue, green, and lavender. Soft colors bring visual relaxation, calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

 By making the necessary changes and paying attention to details, it is possible to ensure improved health and quality of life.

Applying Feng Shui in the bedroom, especially in the bed's position, is important for ensuring restorative sleep, bringing health benefits.

By jbanaggia