Friday, March 18, 2022

Why Spicy Foods Can Be Great for Your Health

 Spicy foods aren’t for everyone, but there are more benefits hidden below their surface than you might realize. So whether you’re a spice lover or someone who just can’t handle the heat, we’re going to take a closer look today at what spicy foods can do for your health and why they’re so good for it. So if you want to learn more about that, read on now.


It Can Combat Sugar Cravings


One of the most simple ways in which spicy food is good for you is in the way in which it stops you from craving other foods. Research has shown that when you eat spicy foods, you’re less likely to consider sweet foods filled with sugar afterwards. If you’re looking to cut back on your sugar consumption and make your diet healthier, this’ll help you out a lot.


A 13% Lower Incidence of Heart Disease


There’s also been research to show that people who eat spicy foods on a regular basis are less likely to suffer from heart disease and experience strokes in life. That research found a 13% decrease. It might not sound like much but if spicy foods really are behind the difference, it’s pretty impressive. So maybe eating spicy foods should be part of your plan for a healthier heart.


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They Can Combat Inflammation in the Body


Inflammation is a problem for a lot of people in a lot of different ways; there’s no doubt about that. A lot of us experience inflammation in the gut and spicy foods are believed to be particularly good at helping to prevent that kind of inflammation. So it might be a good idea for you use spicy foods to your advantage if you’ve had issues with inflammation in the past.


It Speeds Up Your Metabolism


One of the things that spicy foods tend to do is speed up your metabolism. That’s something that helps you to process foods faster and it allows people to lose weight more easily too. People with slow metabolisms tend to store fat more easily and struggle harder to lose it. So maybe the key to weight loss is a Texas chili bowl and other spicy dishes.


Cumin and Turmeric Offer Antioxidant Benefits


Some of the spices that are often found in hot foods are known to provide very specific health benefits, specifically cumin and turmeric. That’s because they contain antioxidants which can help the body in many ways and help to keep cells in the body healthy. They’re key spices in all kinds of curries ans many Indian dishes. It’s another good reason to try out Indian cuisine and to cook with spices such as these.


As you can see, there are so many health benefits that come with eating spicy foods. Maybe you’ll want to try to get more of these foods into your diet now that you’ve read how effective they can be at protecting your health and keeping your body in good shape going forward.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

How to Get a Bigger Audience for Your Food Blog

 

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Once upon a time, it was really easy to get traffic for your food blog because there was not that much competition around., In 2022, things are very different and there are literally thousands of bloggers out there competing for the same market.


That doesn’t mean that you cannot be successful as a food blogger, but it does mean you will need to make a bigger effort to grow your audience. Below are a few things that will help you with that.


Focus on photography


When it comes to food blogging, pictures are really important. The more appetizing your culinary creations appear, the more likely it is that people will click on them, and visit your website for the recipe. A good camera and a few food photography tricks will have your traffic soaring in no time at all.


Ensure your blog is available globally


By using a host that makes it easy to publish WordPress in Amazon's local regions, and by producing content that will appeal to the tastes of the people outside of your own area, you can tap into the global market and increase your readership more effectively. After all, the more people who can see your blog, the more reader you can wow with your amazing content.


Use descriptive titles


Using more descriptive titles is a good way to entice readers into clicking on your links, They’re much more likely to want to see what your “Creamy Chicken Delight” is about than they are your “Chicken BVreast with Mushroom Sauce” right, so what you can to tantalize their tastebuds using just a few words and you should see more clicks coming your way.


Guest post


If you want to increase the traffic to your food blog, a really good way of doing so is by guest positing a recipe or article on another food blog in a related niche, or even in a lifestyle magazine or blog - basically, publish your writing anywhere people who are interesting in food might be, include a link to your blog and let them come find you.


Focus on what your audience wants


You might love posting recipes for fried chicken, but if the stats show that your users are more interested in learning knife skills or baking cakes, for example, it is far better to focus on those topics. Doing so will keep your readers coming back for more, sharing your content on social media, and ultimately encouraging new people to come and see what you are up to too.


Host a giveaway


If all else fails, hosting a giveaway where people can win cookware, cookery classes free cupcakes, or whatever, is a great way to encourage more people to subscribe to your blog, share links and read your stuff. Everyone loves a freebie, right? 


Growing the audience for your food blog will take time and dedication, but it absolutely can be done and by taking the above actions, you will be able to reach your goals that bit sooner. 

Delicious Asian Dishes That Are Perfect For Post-Workout Meals

 Post-workout meals are so important because you need to replenish your body and give it everything it needs to repair your muscles. If you don't eat right, you will never meet your fitness goals. The problem is, post-workout meals can quickly get boring. You're so focused on getting enough protein and cutting out fat, you fall into the trap of eating boring foods that are simply for fuel. This often makes it harder to keep up with your diet.

Image Source - Pixabay CCO License

The good news is, healthy, nutritious food doesn't have to be boring. Asian cuisine is a great source of inspiration because there are lots of dishes that are packed with protein and healthy ingredients. Plus, Asian cuisine is known for being flavorful and exciting, and many of the dishes are easy to cook. These are some of the best Asian dishes for a post-workout meal.

Gyudon Beef Bowl

Gyudon is a Japanese dish that consists of thinly sliced beef and rice. It's a very simple dish, but it's so satisfying and delicious. The beef is cooked in a sweet soy sauce and the rice is usually topped with some pickled ginger. This dish is an excellent source of protein and carbs, making it perfect for a post-workout meal. It's also a much healthier way to eat beef when compared with a burger or a steak. Try this Gyudon recipe and it will transform the way that you see post-workout nutrition. If you want to make it healthier you can swap out the rice for brown rice or even buckwheat noodles.

Donburi Bowl

Donburi is a Japanese rice bowl dish that can be made with a variety of different ingredients. The most common donburi dish is oyakodon, which is chicken and egg over rice. This dish is an excellent source of protein, and it's also very filling. You can make donburi with any protein that you like, so it's very versatile. This dish is also perfect for meal prep because you can make a big batch and then have it all week. This basic Donburi recipe will help you get started, but don't be afraid to experiment.

Sushi

Sushi is a great post-workout meal because it's packed with protein and healthy omega-three fatty acids. It's also very low in calories, making it a great option if you're trying to lose weight. Sushi is very easy to make, and there are endless possibilities for different combinations. You can use any type of fish or seafood, and there are endless possibilities for fillings. People are often afraid to make their own sushi because they think that it is too difficult. But even though it is hard to master, you can make basic sushi on your own quite easily.

Chicken Larb

Chicken larb is a Thai dish that is made with minced chicken, herbs, and spices. It's a very flavorful dish, and the chicken is usually cooked in a wok. This dish is an excellent source of protein, and it's also relatively low in calories. Chicken larb is typically served with toasted rice, but you can also eat it on its own. This dish is perfect for a post-workout meal because it's packed with nutrients and it's very easy to make in big batches.

There are so many delicious and healthy Asian dishes that make the perfect post-workout meal. These dishes are packed with protein and nutrients, and they're also very easy to make. So next time you're looking for something new to eat after your workout, try one of these dishes.

Thursday, March 10, 2022

5 Easy Sleep Changes to Avoid Depression

 Naked woman sleeping in white blankets - Image Courtesy of Pixabay

Not getting enough rest can cause many issues in your life. Lethargy and poor concentration, but mental health can also be affected. Fortunately, you can make easy sleep changes to avoid depression and anxiety.

Cut Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol is widely consumed on a social level. But alcohol is a stimulant that keeps your brain active. Therefore, it can cause havoc with your sleep patterns. On top of that, other drugs like cocaine take your energy and keep you awake when you should be resting. Rehab centers can help with the most pressing concerns. But you can make some changes to your life for better sleep by recognizing what is harming you. Reduce or completely stop drinking and taking illicit drugs, and your sleep patterns will reset themselves. It’s challenging but not impossible.

Get the Best Mattress You Can

Of course, the quality of your bed and mattress has a dramatic effect on your quality of sleep. Not only does a good mattress help with getting you to a restful state of sleep, but any physical issues like aches and pains will subside. However, there are many mattress types, and some people require soft, while others need a firm mattress. Take the time to visit a showroom to try out your new mattress since it can cost a substantial amount. Memory foam mattress toppers are an excellent temporary alternative if you cannot afford a brand new top-range mattress.

Plug Out the Noise

For most people, external sounds can severely impact their quality of sleep. For example, if you have a leaking tap, a noisy neighbor, or a barking dog, trying to get to sleep can become a waking nightmare. Fortunately, most things can be resolved with positive action. But there’s the chance you are a light sleeper. Earbuds are a helpful tool for getting a good night’s sleep for motivation. You can get disposable earplugs for around the price of a couple of coffees. While they won’t drown out all sounds, they muffle the frequencies to prevent you from falling asleep. 

Block the Light

Like drowning out sounds, it’s possible you need a completely dark room to get a good sleep. While not everyone needs this, a dark room can help achieve REM sleep for dreaming. This is because your body is programmed to fall asleep at night. And for some, even the smallest amount of light can be a problem. However, you can remove most light easily with light-blocking blinds and curtains. These aren’t expensive, and you can get them online at reasonable prices. Further, sleep masks provide an additional supplement to blocking out extra light in your room.

Keep to a Routine

One survey found that 35% of people don’t get enough sleep based on a schedule in the USA alone. Netflix, overworking, and family commitments contribute to this. But getting your eight hours per night is vital. You can succumb to some of the most severe conditions in life. These include risk of diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure. So, first, remove the TV from your room and don’t work on your laptop in bed. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and only use your bedroom for sleeping and intimate relationships. 

Summary

Not getting enough sleep can cause severe issues like depression. However, you can help yourself by cutting drugs and alcohol, replacing your mattress, blocking light and sounds, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule with no distractions.