Category Archives: ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Tips from fixing the room to finding health remedies in the kitchen.

10 Factors For Weight Loss

10 Factors For Weight Loss

Can you fit in a short class? Image source

If the holidays have left you feeling out of sorts, then you might be considering a little weight loss. But before you go diving into the next fad diet or a mad exercise plan, it’s worth thinking about a few of the factors that affect our weight and body shape. You might be surprised to learn that it goes far beyond a little indulgent eating during the holiday period! In fact, there are so many determining factors when it comes to our body shape, that you might not realise the extent of their collective influence. Here are just 10 of the factors affecting weight loss success. How many of them affect you?

  1. Motivation

There is a lot of emphases placed on the willpower required to see through a tough diet and exercise program. As you’ll see, a lack of motivation to change at least one thing might hinder you. But if that’s not the reason for weight gain in the first place, is it fair to beat yourself up about it?

Inspiration and motivation are closely connected. We all need a reason to make positive changes in our lives. But perhaps the reason shouldn’t be so much about body image as feeling healthy and energized?

Read: LACKING MOTIVATION, AND COUNSELING YOUR DRIVE

  1. Job

Lots of us have jobs that wear the body and the mind down! That, for the most part, can’t be helped. However, if your job is making you unhappy, stressed, or even depressed, it’s important you take action. Discreetly searching for another company to work for is one option. Asking for a role change with your current employer is another. But you might not need to make such drastic changes.

Stuck in a job that’s harming your health? Image source

Think about your break times and lunchtimes. Are you really making the most of this downtime? Or are you like millions of other workers and still sitting at your desk tackling your workload? You must take breaks to maintain good mental and physical health. We’re not built for sitting down for very long. Office jobs are very taxing on the body. Give yourself the break you deserve.

  1. Diet

It’s true that larger than necessary portions can contribute to obesity. And it’s true that eating foods that have been processed to contain extra sugar and fat can lead to excess calorie consumption. It is worth being mindful of what you’re putting in your body. This can include drinks too.

How often can you fit in a healthy meal? Image source

Dieting leaves us hungry, empty, lethargic and foggy minded. This is partly because we often have to starve our poor brains of the much-needed glucose it uses for energy. You can add products like KetoMCT to help give your brain a boost. It is thought it can stop you feeling hungry too. Most importantly, it might be able to give you what you need to continue with that rigorous exercise plan you’ve signed up for!

  1. Exercise

You don’t have to pick the latest celebrity-endorsed exercise program to be moving enough. Sometimes small and simple changes are best. The trouble with cutting calories and exercising hard at the same time is that we quickly run out of steam. Building up slowly is often the best way, but few diet and exercise programs approach weight loss this way. We’re all different and we lead different lifestyles. Give yourself a chance to make little changes in your own time. Maybe a fifteen minute walk each lunchtime? What about joining a class with a friend?

  1. Sleep

Sleeping is something few of us manage to get right. Without a full night of good quality sleep, you might find your mental function is impaired. This fogginess leaves us reaching for the sugary snacks to give us a boost! There is little you can do when you’ve had a bad night but ride the next day out. However, you can reduce the occasions that sleep is deprived like this. Stick to a strict bedtime routine. Make sure your room and bed are right for quality sleep. Avoid caffeine in the evenings. And jot down those pesky thoughts that pop into the mind as you lay in the dark.

  1. Genes

There is nothing we can do about the genes we inherit. They can determine the size and shape of your body, as well as hair color, some character traits and hereditary illnesses. However, making small adjustments to your food choices can help you maintain a healthy weight. As for your body shape? It’s important to love the body you’re in, regardless of the size and shape it might be. Acceptance is often key.

Read: ESSENTIAL FACTS ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS AND METABOLISM

  1. Lifestyle Choices

If you choose to live an active lifestyle, chances are you won’t need to worry much about your weight. If your lifestyle is busy and work-based, you might struggle to find that balance to take care of your body health. A quick check on the number of hours you’re working, and the number of hours you’re inactive can help you figure out if your lifestyle is as balanced as it could be.

  1. Energy Levels

Some people are naturally lower in energy than others. There are plenty of things that might give you that boost, but sometimes it’s worth checking in with your doctor. Sometimes a metabolic problem might exist. Your thyroid gland might not be working as effectively as it should be. Or maybe you have an illness that simply requires medication management.

Do you need more vitamins and minerals in your meal choices? Image source

It’s also worth checking you have adequate iron and B vitamins in your diet. These can play a big part in your overall feeling of well-being too. Add a little gentle exercise to your daily activities, and you might be feeling much more energetic overall.

  1. Relationships

Unhealthy relationships can get us down. They weigh on our mind and lead us to seek comfort food! Get out of any relationship that doesn’t make you feel more like you.

  1. Hormones and Health Issues

It’s true that hormone levels change during our lives. A dip in some hormone levels can contribute to weight gain. Others can cause more serious health issues. Check-in with your doctor if you’re concerned.

Bear in mind that if you do just need a hormonal change in order to lose weight more easily, you can do that through the help of some supplements. For instance, if you were to go and buy phentermine online, you might find that it helps you to level things out in such a way that you lose weight more easily and effectively. So it’s something you will want to consider.

As you can see, there are many factors that affect our weight and will affect our ability to slim down if required. No wonder weight loss is so hard! But knowing a little more about what causes the problems in the first place might help a little.

​Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.

The 2020 Vision: 5 Tips To Ensure Your Home Is Ready For The Next Decade

The 2020 Vision: 5 Tips To Ensure Your Home Is Ready For The Next Decade

Now that the year of 2018 is in full swing, many homeowners will be thinking about the upgrades that can be made to their properties over the next 12 months. While creating a better home is certainly admirable, it’s important not to get completely blinded by the immediate desires. In truth, you should aim to get your home in the best health for years to come.

 

Even if you believe that selling could be likely within the next 10 years, adopting an approach that considers those long-term needs is vital. Here’s how.

 

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Incorporate technology | Home technology has evolved at a rapid rate over the past decade, and that trend will continue over the next. Therefore, a property that doesn’t incorporate those ideas in the near future will soon start to feel even more outdated than it already does. Tech features can make the home smarter, safer, and more cost-efficient. Frankly, this is an essential task for bringing the home into the current day and preparing it for the years ahead. Overlook it at your peril.

 

Protect the building | Most homeowners are happy to protect their homes against the threat of burglars. However, many forget to treat the equally common issues that surface due to natural elements. Being exposed to harsh weather conditions can result in damage that impacts your life as well as the property’s condition. Upgrading the roof and windows will go a long way to helping, while also boosting the insulation. When added to items like flood barriers, you won’t go wrong.

 

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Consider family needs | It’s very easy to think solely about interior beauty. However, your home needs to boast a sense of practicality. This is especially true when considering the changes that your family may encounter over the coming years. The need for space may grow as the family gets bigger, so it’s vital that you make those preparations now. Otherwise, you could be left facing another renovation cycle far sooner than initially expected.

 

Focus on quality | Every homeowner shares a goal of making their money work harder. But the word cheap should not be confused with value. Seeking the latter is pivotal at all times. This home renovation guide will encourage you to consider all factors. These can range from when the DIY approach is best to knowing what to look for before signing work off. Unfortunately, if you do something wrong, you’ll inevitably end up doing it twice. In turn, that will obliterate your finances and sanity.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Nine Ways to Make Your Home Cleaner and Healthier in 2018

Nine Ways to Make Your Home Cleaner and Healthier in 2018

While your house might look tidy and clean at first sight, there are some hidden places that most homeowners don’t remember to check. If you would like to feel healthier in your home and tackle the problem areas, you will need to pay attention to some of the routines that are not commonly known by people. Below you will find a list of ways to make your house not only cleaner, but also healthier to live in.

  1. Natural Air Purifying Plants

Composition Pot Cactus Nature Plants Fat

Image by Max Pixel

 

If you want to have a better air quality in your home, you might want to get some plants that naturally purify and clean the air for you. While most plants are good for this purpose, cactuses are better, as they are able to absorb more toxins. Don’t forget that the leaves of plants can also get dusty, therefore, you will need to dust or wash/spray them regularly to let them breathe, and to improve the quality of the air. Get a plant in your bedroom window for a better sleep, and in your bathroom to get rid of the residues of chemicals.

  1. Air Cleaner and Dehumidifier

You can get air filter cleaners and dehumidifiers if you suffer from damp and mold. You want to eliminate the source of the problem first, however. Check if there is a problem with your wall insulation, and if your windows and doors close properly. Keep your house ventilated and dry, by having the heating on when you dry clothes indoors. Place all your laundry items in the wet room, instead of the kitchen or other hard to ventilate areas. Install extractor fans in your bathroom and kitchen, and get a dehumidifier for the winter months.

  1. Cables and Plugs

There are a lot of germs on cables and plugs, as well as wall switches. Cables will collect a lot of dust, and you will need to regularly clean them with a damp cloth. When it comes to plugs and switches, however, you will need to be more careful with wet cloths. Even if you turn off the electricity, you can suffer a shock. You can, however, find a way to clean switches and plugs safely of germs and stains.

  1. Washing the Ceiling

You might think that – since nobody touches it – your ceiling is clean. This is far from the truth. Indeed, it can be dirty, as dust usually rises upwards. You might want to give your ceiling another layer of paint or wash it if you use a wipe-off paint, and see for yourself how much dirt is collected above your head that you simply never noticed.

  1. Filling Cracks and Gaps

If there are cracks and gaps in your walls, you need to address the issue as soon as possible. Make sure that you use a strong adhesive plaster that provides long lasting even cover. You don’t want small animals discover the gaps and nest in your house. If you discover that you have uninvited guests living in the cracks and gaps of your wall, you need to talk to Natura Pest Control to find a permanent solution for your problem.

 

  1. White Vinegar Schedule

One of the organic ways of looking after your home and keeping it clean without chemicals is using white vinegar. As a natural antibacterial substance, and less invasive than most shop-bought cleaning products, it is safe to use around the kitchen as well as other parts of your house. The best thing about cleaning with white vinegar is that it is extremely effective and cheap. You can get a spray bottle, fill it up with vinegar, and transform your chrome surfaces, glass, and even your bath and toilet. Vinegar will keep your surfaces shiny and sparkly for longer, and the smell will go away in just a few minutes.

  1. Window and Door Frames

You might clean your windows regularly, but it is also important that you pay attention to the frames and doors. Always wash your frames before you would tackle the glass, so you don’t have to polish your windows twice. Use a regular cleaner, or a soda crystal spray to restore plastic surfaces’ color and shine and reduce the damage caused by extreme weather and heat.

  1. Under Carpet Issues

Image by Wikimedia Commons

 

You might think that whatever is under the carpet stays there. This is not the case. No matter how thick your rugs and carpets are, the dust from between your floorboards can rise up and cause problems. It is recommended that you change your carpets every 5-10 years, and when you do, you should deep cleanse the floorboards. Vacuum between them, and use a damp mop to give them a good clean before your decorator installs the new carpet. To protect your living area from dust, and reduce the noise when you walk on the floor, improving your comfort, you can also get an insulating underlay.

  1. Inside Your Washing Machine and Kettle

When was the last time you checked inside your washing machine and kettle? Chances are they are covered in lime scale and residue. You might think that professional household electrical cleaners are the only solution, but vinegar and soda crystal powder will do the job just as well, and for less money. Use a vinegar rinse once a month to protect your small electrical equipment, and your health from toxins and harmful chemicals. Check your faucets for lime scale, especially if you live in a hard water area, and make sure you eliminate the build up before it causes serious damage to your fixtures.

 

Your regular cleaning routine might give you a clean looking home, but if you want to make sure every corner is as hygienic as possible, you might need to go further and check the areas mentioned above. Focus on the air quality in your house, and make sure that you check hidden corners for cracks and gaps. Protect yourself from dust between the floorboards, and switch to organic cleaning solutions whenever you can. Reduce the presence of chemicals and you can avoid future health problems.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Making Your Home A Little Smarter

Making Your Home A Little Smarter

Technology is everywhere. It’s in our public transport, our advertising billboards, our cars and even our pockets. Wherever you go, you can access the internet. You can go live online and make your followers and friends aware of where you are and what you’re up to. Technology has been evolving at such a rapid rate, that even the simple pen and paper are slowly becoming obsolete. It was only a matter of time before people began to introduce technology into their homes.

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When we say technology, we mean beyond the 40†TV in the lounge, or the astounding gigabit service your internet provider gives to you for streaming your favourite box sets on your tablet. We’re talking about the additions like Alexa and the Dot. The modern ‘smart’ home is still in development, with many companies working as hard as they can to make the house a smart one and benefit from being connected online. It’s hard to know whether there is any home gadget that is smart and is an essential, but there are plenty of developments happening right now that need to be considered. The only worry? A power cut! Here’s some of the smart tech you should be considering for your home:

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  • Ecobee3 Smarter WiFi Thermostat: Adjusting the temperature has never been easier than doing if from the comfort of your bed on your phone. They learn your schedule of waking up and going to bed so that it can pre-empt the temperature that you want your home to be, adjusting itself accordingly. It’s great for tracking your energy spending and you can save cash by learning when the most expensive time of day to heat the house is.
  • Nest Cam: Functional, high-resolution and wireless, this camera is the perfect little gadget when you need to get things done around the house but have children to keep an eye on. You can stream the video to your smartphone, so wherever you are in the house you can keep a watch on the kids. Go one better and have the camera pointed at the stove: watching to see if sauce boils over from the lounge is far more fun!!
  • Roomba 980: Is there anything smarter than a gadget that will clean a room on a schedule? You can program it to start up at any time, and it’ll run itself around the room to clean the floors for you. They’re not cheap, but they are worth their weight in gold for the busy parents.
  • August Smart Lock: Imagine being able to remotely lock your doors. Keys aren’t exactly complicated to use, but to be able to remotely unlock or lock your doors using your smartphone is fun! This has the feature that you can dictate it to let people into the house when you’re not there, which is handy when you’re running late!

A smart home is the future in the same way that smart cars are becoming a reality. Get involved and get on board with your house!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Transform Your Home

Transform Your Home

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Everyone always talks about a new year, new me. But why not talk about a new year, new home. There’s so much potential with every home you’ll ever come across. Yet people don’t seem make the most of it. We’re talking about space, décor, and just the general feel of the home. Which is fair enough, when life gets pretty busy it does become easy enough to neglect the home. But, since it is the new year, you might as well consider a few different things that will help you fall in love with your home again. Some do not even require that much effort, one however, will change your home forever.

 

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As your family grows, their belongings do as well. Somehow your once big house seems like a tiny cubby hole when everyone is inside. So, what is your solution? Well, you can either move to a bigger property, or you can look at conversions. The beauty about a conversion is it just completely transforms the look of your home. People usually go for a kitchen conversion, or a bedroom. But have you ever thought about getting a basement. It really does feel like you’re in a secret world if you get one, and if often a great place to escape from the madness of the house. All you have to do is get in touch with a basement developer if you want to get the ball rolling. The space it’ll offer up is amazing as well, and you can literally use it for anything. A play room, a gym, an extra living room, the world will be your oyster. Yes, it’ll be expensive. But it is a one off payment that is going to offer you a lot in terms of space, and will definitely increase the value of your home.

 

The Garden

The garden is easy enough to neglect, especially when the weather is freezing or just not the best. But a garden can be so beautiful if you know what to do with it, and it is always a commenting point when guests come round. The first thing you want to try and do is make it as colourful as possible. There’s grass seeds that you can buy that will encourage the grass to grow lush and green. Then you can buy so many different types of flowers from your local store that will brighten the place up in no time. All you need to do is spend a day in the garden, and make sure you know how to maintain them. Just by making the grass greener and the flowers brighter, can really transform your garden. If you want to splash the cash a little and treat yourself. Look into getting a hot tub for those relaxing nights with a glass of wine. The proper ones are a tad expensive, but again it is a one off payment for a bit of class. If you want to save some money, there are some really cheap inflatable ones you can get that do just as good of a job.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.