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Tired of only drinking water? Want to mix things up but still stick to your diet? Check out this list of 5 healthy things to drink that aren’t water.

In a one-liter bottle of Coca Cola, there are 108 grams of sugar.

We’re all aware that soda isn’t the healthiest thing to drink, but do we really know just how unhealthy it is?

If you’re trying to diet or just make better food and drink choices, there are plenty of other healthy things to drink besides soda. Instead of grabbing for a can of soda, try choosing one of these options instead.

1. Soy Milk

While regular milk is also good for you, soy milk is even better. It contains lots of fiber and soy protein. These two nutrients help to lower your cholesterol levels, which makes you less likely to get cardiovascular disease.

Make sure that you buy soy milk that has Vitamins A and D. It should also have fortified calcium in it in order to replace drinking regular milk.

2. Green Tea

Green tea has recently started becoming popular in America, but many countries have been drinking it long before we started.

All over Asian countries, they’ve realized that not only is green tea hydrating, but it can also help to relax you. Green tea contains a lot of polyphenols which can actually help to prevent certain types of cancer.

Many people also believe that it helps to reduce a spike in your blood sugar, which can be helpful for people who struggle with Type 2 diabetes.

3. Filtered Coffee

Every day it seems like a new study comes out claiming that coffee is either amazing for your health or very damaging.

While some people might not think drinking coffee every day is healthy for you, there are plenty of other studies to show that it can actually have a few helpful benefits.

4. Pomegranate Juice

Many people also drink a lot of juice from concentrate, but pomegranate juice can be one of the healthiest juices to choose from.

This juice is full of nutrients like antioxidants which can help your cells avoid damage. It will also help to reduce inflammation in your body which can help with pain management.

Pomegranate juice also has lots of Vitamin C which will help to boost your immune system and keep you healthy.

5. Chocolate Milk

You’re probably surprised to see that chocolate milk made it onto the list, but in moderation, chocolate can actually be good for you.

Depending on what type of milk you choose, it could be packed full of protein which makes it great for a post-workout drink.

Chocolate also helps your body to produce serotonin, which is the chemical in charge of making you feel happy, so it can even boost your moods.

Discover More Healthy Things to Drink and Quench Your Thirst

These are only a few healthy things to drink, but there are many more options out there!

It can be difficult to stay on top of all the health trends and know what is healthy enough to incorporate into your diet.

Thankfully, we can help you out. If you enjoyed this article, make sure that you explore our website to find more just like this one!

If you are coming up with recipes for a new diet, certain decisions can hinder your progress. Here are common recipe mistakes to avoid for a healthy lifestyle.

Wanting to live a healthier lifestyle isn’t anything new.

Millions of people spend weeks, even months, preparing. They gather ideas, have hundreds of ingredients they’d love to try. Then some problems arise.

It’s easy to feel confused and excited by all the new food you’ve gathered, but it’s also easy to avoid common recipe mistakes before you even start.

Jumping In Head First

Whether you want to hear it or not, changing your lifestyle takes time. Going all in and not giving yourself any time for an adjustment period is going to lead to problems.

If you’re used to buying potato chips and ice cream at the grocery store every week, start with picking an alternative that’s just as satisfying.

Keep the chips on your first week, but throw in some more vegetables. Buy the ice cream, but pick a dairy-free alternative or frozen yogurt.

There are plenty of dairy-free ice cream recipes for vegans, and it’s shown to have less saturated fat compared to ice cream made with cow’s milk.

Only Shopping For Recipes

I know, this article is about recipes, but hear me out.

Instead of shopping for two to three recipes every week, try picking two to three ingredients to base several recipes from.

According to this article by Harvest Food Solutions, consumers have recently spent more time preparing food at home. This automatically means you’re having to think about food more. What you’re going to eat, when you’re going to cook it, and (worst of all) cleaning it up.

Memorizing a few recipes with similar ingredients means less time worrying about the first two options. Cleaning the kitchen, however, is hard to avoid.

This is easy to achieve with any diet, whether you’re wanting to make a complete lifestyle change or just include more vegetables in your daily intake.

If you shop for a recipe and forget one ingredient, it can feel like a total loss. Keeping base ingredients (Think onion, garlic, lemon, lime, rice, pasta, milk, or meat) on hand allows you to get a lot more creative.

It also allows you to put more thought into any fresh fruits and vegetables you want, or even fresh herbs. This brings us to the next recipe mistake.

Only Cooking With Salt And Pepper

While salt and pepper can flavor and depth to any dish, depending on them to add all the flavor is a stretch.

Using fresh herbs or dried spices is often a healthy choice, and it does nothing but add to whatever you’re making.

“Spaghetti with fresh basil” or “tacos with fresh cilantro and lime juice” sounds a lot more appetizing than “store-bought sauce” and “plain ground beef tacos.”

Not to mention, both these recipes are easy to customize to whatever healthy lifestyle you’re wishing to build for yourself.

Using The Wrong Oil

Oils have varying smoke points. Some can withstand high heat, while others do better when drizzled over finished dishes.

For high heat and sauteing, go with sunflower, avocado or vegetable oil.

Olive oil and coconut oil don’t do well with high heat and should be limited to drizzling over finished products. Too much heat destroys any nutritional compounds they contain. Honey shouldn’t be exposed to high heat either.

Don’t be afraid to cook with oil either. Fats are healthy, needed, and oil is an easy way to add a limited amount to your diet.

Thinking Fats Are Bad

Contrary to popular belief, fat helps our bodies produce essential fatty acids that it otherwise couldn’t. It also aids the body in absorbing certain vitamins.

They should still be consumed in moderation, however.

Avocados, nuts, and olives are popular sources of plant-based fats. They’re high in calories, but also fiber. They can easily be put onto sandwiches, included in recipes, or eaten as a snack while you’re cooking.

Even salmon and tuna can also be added to this list. These two ingredients along with nuts are also good sources of protein.

Not Preventing Those Common Recipe Mistakes

All I mean is you should read the entire recipe before you start cooking.

Things can get hectic in the kitchen, and scrambling for your phone to look at the next step isn’t ideal when you’re also stirring a sauce and grabbing whatever’s in the oven.

Reading the recipe gives you a general idea of the process you’re enduring. It can also aid in helping you achieve a perfect mise en place, which is essentially French for having your ingredients gathered and ready to use before you begin cooking.

It’s the difference between a pleasant experience with cooking and feeling like you never want to do it again.

This last step is the most important though.

Ignoring What Your Body Wants

You can place everything perfectly in your kitchen. You can buy every component and prepare all of your ingredients, but it isn’t going to work if you don’t listen to your body.

Creating recipes for a new lifestyle should feel adventurous, not like you’re setting out on a neverending journey to be perfect.

Let’s face it. You’re probably going to make one of these common recipe mistakes at some point or another, but that shouldn’t stop you from moving toward the life you want to live.

But remember, if there’s a time you’d rather make pizza than cook an elaborate healthy meal with a side salad, that’s fine too.

A drizzle of healthy olive oil would be good on either one.

Going bald is one of the most disturbing experiences a person goes through, and just like major life changes, a lot of people go through the 5 Stages of Grief when their hair starts falling out. Here are some words of advice for people going through this process and what they can do to get to the next stage.

Denial

A lot of people make the mistake of not seeing the signs of balding early on, or they just ignore it. But let me tell you: hair loss is real, and you need to see the signs. Unfortunately, but understandably, a lot of people are going to ignore the signs and try to cover it up with comb-overs or toupees.

Bad news if you do these though: everyone notices it and it makes your hair look even thinner and more balding. Word of advice: once you start seeing some scalp without you having to comb your hair, it’s time for you to start accepting the inevitable.

Anger

Once people start realizing their bald, they tend to start getting angry and defensive about it, and it’s understandable: the right hairstyle can change the way a person looks and this can have positive or negative effects on a person’s self-image.

Here’s the thing, though: roughly 70% of men (and a large percentage of women, too!) around the world are either balding or have thinning hair, with many going completely bald by the time they get to their 50s. Let go of that anger: don’t lose it over losing hair.

Bargaining

This is that point in your balding depression where you start considering painful and expensive hair transplant procedures -which, unfortunately, aren’t an assurance that you’ll go back to your thick hair. Some people might even consider hormone therapy to combat the dreaded imbalance of testosterone and estrogen, a prime suspect in hair loss.

Here’s the problem: neither of these things can assure hair regrowth, no matter what their marketing says.

Depression

A lot of people get to this stage and either stay here or go back to denial in a vicious cycle of a toupee, getting angry, and reconsidering surgical options. It’s one of the most difficult stages to get out of, but when you do, I promise you: there’s light at the end of your bald spot’s reflection.

Acceptance

Finally, acceptance. Some people will get to this stage and just shave off their heads completely, or they start caring for their thinning hair and giving it the best care it ever received. Some people might start using natural anti-hair fall shampoo to help retain some hair while keeping it healthy, or they’ll start taking rogaine or Propecia as a health supplement.

Some people might even start focusing on other parts of their hair: men with long eyelashes will start grooming their brows to accentuate or grow a beard to frame their faces better, while women might try out different hairstyles to make the best out of their situation.

Hair loss is inevitable for many people and it’s important you retain your confidence all throughout your journey. And remember: going bald isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it might just be the start of a brand, new look!

Meatballs are a fail-safe dinner option for families and choice party meal when hosting guests with kids. As long as they’re meat lovers, everyone, including little picky eaters, will be excited to have these protein-packed food items for snacks or supper.

Although these spiced balls commonly go well with marinara sauce and are served with pasta dishes, they’re capable of so much more than just being the best frozen meatballs for spaghetti. If you need some food inspiration for your next dinner or get-together, try these 4 easy, kid-friendly ideas.

Old-Fashioned Albondigas Soup

If you’re craving a warm, light, yet filling dish, you can prepare the traditional albondigas soup, which is made of noodles and lean ground meat. Just combine all the ingredients into a broth and bring it to a boil. You may also spice it up with carrots, celery, and some herbs. Next time you want the perfect cold-weather meal, try this hearty bowl.

Chili Con Carne

Take this classic, comforting meal up a notch. Those made with beef and pork tend to have a rich flavor that can complement traditional spices. Rest assured, they can add an incredibly tasty twist to this dish. You’ll also want to serve it as a filling or topping for buttered crusty bread.

Mediterranean Kabobs

Food on a stick is always a kid’s favorite. Plus, grilling can be a fun bonding activity. Make mouthwatering skewers with any available ingredients, including pineapple chunks, apple slices, and fresh bell peppers, along with these moist, meal-sized portions of protein.

Lettuce Leaf Tacos

Are you looking for healthier options? Then, try Romaine wraps. Aside from the herbs used to make flavorful beef or chicken spheres, this leafy vegetable adds a taco-ish crunch, so you and the kids can enjoy your spiced balls of ground meat without the guilt.

Time-Saving Make-Ahead Meals

Preparing in advance is the solution for people who want to save time. These tiny rolls of minced meat are so versatile you can store them raw or with sauce. Those that are already cooked can be put inside covered airtight containers or freezer pouches as soon as they’ve cooled down or reached room temperature.

Once they’re frozen, divide them into separate heavy-duty zip lock bags and add proper labels, so they don’t stick together into a huge clump. Try this cooking technique on the abovementioned recipes for a week’s worth of different dinners.

Indeed, these tiny, round sausages can be used in a variety of meals. There are many available options, too, including chicken, beef and pork, turkey, and lamb. No wonder they’re one of the favorite foods of children and kids-at-heart. But, not everyone has the time to make them from scratch. It’s great to always have Farm Rich meatballs on hand for busy days. They’re bursting with flavors and easy to prepare.

It’s common for teenagers to deal with stress related to physical appearance. Having unique facial features places them in the middle of bullying and harassment. As people grow older, they start to realise that physical beauty isn’t everything. People have more important qualities than outer beauty to be proud of. However, if you still feel insecure because you don’t look great, you should find a way to deal with the issue.

Stop looking at social media posts

Although social media brings positive changes, it can also be a platform that makes people feel insecure. If you have problems related to your self-esteem, you should stop browsing your social media for a while. It doesn’t do anything to help you feel better.

Read inspirational books

If you think the lack of superior facial features is a problem, some people go through a more terrible crisis in life. Reading inspirational books allows you to see what they’re going through and feel inspired. You will realise that what you have now is nothing compared to the real challenges faced by many. Despite their issues, they will still survive and make the most of life.

Use the available technology 

If you want to improve your appearance, you can rely on scientific advances. For instance, if you hate that you already have wrinkles at a young age, you can consider getting anti wrinkle injections. They’re useful in transforming your appearance. You will look a lot younger than you are now. Other procedures are available too if you wish to address your flaws. Before, these techniques were taboo, but people are more accepting now. If you can afford to have these procedures, you should do them.

Live a healthier lifestyle 

You can change your appearance by living a healthier lifestyle. You don’t look terrible. The problem is that you have vices and unhealthy practices that affect how you look. You have to change your ways. Stop smoking and excessive drinking. It also helps if you choose what you eat and be cautious about overeating junk food. Go to the gym if you have time, or get exercise at home. These changes could have a positive effect on your appearance and well-being.

Remind yourself of the good qualities you possess

At your age, you should start looking beyond physical qualities. The problem isn’t how you look, but the fact that you still get affected by this issue. You should move past it and focus on other important things in life. Looking good isn’t everything. Think about where you excel at and hone your skills. People will admire you not because you look great, but because you have something good to offer. Change your terrible attitudes too. Your inner beauty matters more than anything else. It may sound cheesy, but it’s true. If people judge you because of your physical appearance, it says more about them than you. Don’t let them prevent you from being happy and content in life.

Bread

Saliva breaks starchy food down into sugar as you eat it. That’s a lot of carbohydrates, and the bacteria in your mouth turns carbohydrates into plaque.

The pasty substance this creates easily clings to the teeth, especially between them and in hard-to-reach areas in the back.

When choosing bread, go for wheat – it’s less refined and contains less added sugars.

Soda & Anything Highly Acidic

One of the main reasons plaque is so hard on your teeth is because it’s essentially acid. Well, what happens when you’re constantly exposing more acid to your teeth? The effects of tooth decay only amplify; it leaves your teeth even more vulnerable to the onslaught of plaque.

Acidic foods also usually contain a lot of carbohydrates, which feeds the bacteria responsible for plaque.

Sticky & Chewy Foods

These are super-villains when it comes to tooth decay. They cling to your teeth long after you’re done eating, especially between them and in places that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss.

This kind of food being long-exposed to your teeth provides a long-term feast for bacteria, and thus more acidic plaque is produced.

Anything That Dries Your Mouth Out

Saliva is one of the main ways your body protects your teeth against tooth decay. Saliva helps wash plaque away and prevents it from clinging to your teeth. It may also prevent the early stages of tooth decay and gum disease.

Hard Foods

The protective outer layer of the tooth is called the enamel. It’s a very hard substance – harder than bone in fact! That makes it the hardest substance of the body.

That said, it’s still vulnerable to acidic plaque and, yes, the constant crunching on hard food.

This kind of food can wear away at it over time, and when the enamel is worn away, plaque has an easy shot at the second layer – the dentin.

Once a hole is worn away in the dentin, you officially have a cavity. Unfortunately, there’s no natural way of repairing the dentin, and you’ll require a dental filling.

Alcohol

Alcohol poses a major threat for many reasons, all of which have been illustrated above.

• It is basically sugar.
• It’s highly acidic.
• It can dry your mouth out.

Drinking too much alcohol also invariably leads to the need to vomit, which is also incredibly hard on your teeth.

See Your Dentist for a Regular Exam & Cleaning

Seeing your dentist regularly is part of proper dental hygiene. Your dentist can see problems as they are forming, and it’s always better to stop the problem early rather than dealing with the hardships that come with advanced tooth decay and gum disease.

If dental decay and gum disease have set in, your dentist can perform a variety of services to repair and treat the problem. Whether it’s something as simple as a routine dental cleaning or a root canal, you shouldn’t wait for problems to get worse – that will only mean more problems in the future.

It’s no longer hidden that what you eat can be seen in your general health. And the same case is with your dental health. Many foods and beverages can cause dental problems, such as plaque which leads to serious damage to your teeth. For example, when you eat sugary food, the sugar triggers the bacteria to release harmful acids, attacking your tooth’s enamel.

The broken enamel broken then results in cavity development and tooth pain. While it is a good idea to see a dentist for the treatment of such dental problems, why not minimize the consumption of the foods that are harmful to your teeth?

1. Potato Chips

Who doesn’t like to enjoy a crunch of potato chips? While a pack of chips has an eternally satisfying taste, they are full of starch which becomes sugar and gets trapped between the teeth, feeding the bacteria in the plaque. Acid production from potato chips can lead to painful dental problems if left unattended in your teeth for a while. After you have had a packet of chips, do not take too long to brush and floss to eliminate the trapped particles.

2. Hard Candies

Hard candies may seem harmless to many, eating too many can be harmful to your dental health. These sugary items can also trigger certain dental emergencies like a broken tooth.  It’s better to minimize its consumption or go for sugar-free gum with the ADA seal.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is not healthy. It also dries out your mouth, resulting in the lack of saliva which is necessary to keep teeth healthy. Saliva doesn’t let food stick to your teeth and carries food particles away. It is also beneficial for removing early signs of gum diseases, tooth decay, and other dental problems. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption and drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated.

4. Carbonated Drinks

Just like alcohol, consuming large quantities of carbonated soda is injurious to your oral health. Carbonated sodas allow plaque to produce more acid which eventually attacks tooth enamel and leads to a painful dental condition. It means excessive consumption of carbonated drinks coats your teeth in acid, dries out your mouth, and lacks saliva. Plus, dark-colored sodas can stain or discolor your teeth.

5. Bread

You may be wondering how bread can cause a dental problem. But eating white bread can be harmful to your mouth. When you chew on white bread, the starches are broken down into sugar, transforming into a gummy paste type substance. This paste sticks to the crevices between your teeth and can lead to cavity development. What’s the alternative? Look for some less-refined options, such as whole wheat since they have less sugar and take time to break down.

6. Ice

It’s a common misconception that ice is good for their mouth because it is made of water and doesn’t have any sugar or harmful substances. However, chewing on hard substances like ice can leave your teeth at risk of a dental emergency, such as damaged enamel, loosened crowns, and cracked or broken teeth. You can enjoy the ice in a water form or use it to chill beverages but do not chew on it.