A Sauna Helps With Weight Loss? Seriously?

Can a sauna cause weight loss? This article discuss what a sauna has to offer for weight loss.

from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/1UNHkjY

Top Motivation to Lose Weight - Setting Goals for Yourself

Motivation is something which pushes you forward to reach your goals. And there is no better motivation to lose weight than setting goals for yourself.

from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/1SurOsI

Top 4 Tips to Learn How to Lose Weight in a Week

Would you believe that it's possible to reduce about 5 pounds from your body weight in a week without starving, taking weight loss supplements or even completely eliminating some food group from your diet? Believe it or not, it's possible!

from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/1R0jZFS

Why You Should Go on a Second Date (Even If There Was No Spark)

If you were raised on rom-coms and the idea of "love at first sight," having a "spark" with a potential love interest seems like a no-brainer. While you're probably not thinking marriage on a first date, you're looking for some sign this person could be the one you're looking for... right?

Actually, many single people today aren't expecting to feel a connection right away, according to a Match.com survey. Of the participants polled, 59 percent of men and women said they would go on a second date with someone they had no romantic chemistry with on the first date.

And a good chunk of people don’t even count on those butterflies early on: 25 percent of singles don't expect to feel chemistry until the second date, and 33 percent don't expect to see that spark until three dates in—or more!

So is the instantaneous spark just a fantasy? And if you don’t feel chemistry at your initial meet-cute, should you give him or her a second chance?

More Than a Feeling

What exactly is that "spark"? It means different things for different people, says Michael McNulty, Ph.D., a master certified Gottman Therapist and Chicago-based couples counselor. It can be purely sexual, or it can be a deeper feeling that someone understands you.

Either way, it leads to something very real happening in your brain, McNulty says: a gradual cascade of neurotransmitters that are released as a person falls in love. A few of the heaviest hitters include dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a natural aphrodisiac; phenylethylamine (PEA), a.k.a. the "love drug;" pheromones, which are produced from DHEA and result in sensuality, a sense of well-being, and comfort; and oxytocin, or the cuddle hormone that's released when people get physically close.

Someone you don’t have a spark with right away could sweep you off your feet if you meet years later.

So why do we have that heart-fluttering reaction with some people and not others? It depends entirely on what you’re looking for, McNulty explains. “Attraction can involve looks, personality traits, shared experiences, ability to commit, and context—are you in a bad mood? is the other person nervous?—among other factors.”

Plus, who we’re attracted to can change over the course of our life, so someone you don’t have a spark with right away could sweep you off your feet if you meet years later, McNulty adds.

You're (Not) Really Growing On Me

Psychologists have found that most of the time, our social intuition is like a superpower. You only need a few seconds of exposure to someone to make a reliable, long-term judgment, says Sean Horan, Ph.D., an assistant professor in communication studies at Texas State University who studies initial impressions and attraction.

This instant assessment is called thin slicing, and research suggests that even in a brief encounter—as short as a 30-second round of speed-dating—people can quickly and accurately glean information about someone. What’s more, the feeling you get during those initial 30 seconds predicts how you’ll continue to feel in the future.

The biggest factor for a first impression? Physical attraction (no surprise there). One study showed most people can accurately predict who they'd be interested in just by looking at a photo before they even met the person.¹

But it's not just looks that shape your snap judgment: That same study shows that even if you’re not physically attracted to someone at first glance, a second region of your brain kicks in to help you decide whether someone's perceived personality makes them a good catch for you.

What if your first impression falls somewhere in the middle? Then it’s time to trust your gut, McNulty says. If there's something nagging you to give them a second shot, listen to your instinct. Maybe you went out on a bad night. Maybe you failed to find the contexts or common ground that would help us to connect, McNulty says.

Turns out a lot of people go with their gut, even if their first impression wasn't great: Another one of Horan’s studies found that when people formed a negative initial impression of a date, 43 percent still wanted to give it another go.

Finally, keep in mind that chemistry alone is not an accurate read that someone is going to be right for you, says Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D., a San Diego-based sociologist and sexologist. “A sexual charge does not mean that person is kind, will respect you, has common values, or that you’d actually be good dating, let alone creating a life together.”

How to Decide on Date Two

Chemistry is important to move forward in a relationship, McNulty says. But it doesn’t have to happen on the first date. As long as you aren’t feeling negatively toward that person, there are a lot of reasons you may not be feeling giddy just yet.

One reason: if you skipped the good-night kiss. “A lot of people may not feel a spark until the first time they touch the other person,” Gunsaullus says. Still, only 50 percent of singles think a good first date ends with a kiss, according to the Match.com survey.

If locking lips isn't your style, any sort of physical contact could help. “A touch on the shoulder, brushing hands, placing a hand on the lower back—once there is explicit physical contact, that can ignite that missing chemistry,” she says.

Still no spark or physical attraction? Think about what you did enjoy about the date, she offers. Was there an interest you had in common that you don’t have with anyone else? Did you laugh more than you have in a while? Did they make you feel comfortable and secure?

Finally, flat out ask yourself if you’re looking forward to seeing them again, Gunsaullus suggests. If you are even a little excited about the idea, it's well worth your while to go out again, even if you weren't immediately attracted.

But if you’d much rather stay in and watch The Bachelor than grab another drink with the person, there’s your answer. And remember, it’s OK to say no—courtesy dates just lead that person on, which is even worse than rejection.

The Takeaway

If after two or more dates you still don’t feel a spark, move on, McNulty says. But consider staying friends if you enjoyed the time you spent together: “Who you’re attracted to can change over time, and a spark can develop, particularly if you already have that trust and connection built.”

Works Cited

1. Dorsomedial prefrontal cortex mediates rapid evaluations predicting the outcome of romantic interactions. Cooper JC, Dunne S, Furey T. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 2013, Jan.;32(45):1529-2401.

from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/1U7zXDs

Why You Should Be More Skeptical About Nutrition Research

At this point, we've basically memorized the benefits of drinking red wine: It can lower your risk of heart attack, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. ¹ Noticeably absent from that list: Drinking alcohol has also been connected to a half dozen types of cancer. We’re not bringing this up to scare you into putting down your glass of vino (the risk is slim) but rather as an example of how twisted nutrition research can be.

The major problem—as this story from Vox points out—is that many of these headline-grabbing studies are funded by the food industry, specifically the companies who make the food being studied. Marion Nestle, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at NYU, found that 90 percent of the industry-funded studies published in the last year show benefits for the food being researched. For example, a recent study that concluded eating walnuts reduced adults' risk for diabetes was funded by the California Walnut Commission.² Another, funded by Welch's, found drinking Concord grape juice led to cognitive benefits.³

To learn why this conflict of interest continues to exist, check out the full story on Vox by clicking below.

Read the Full Story

Works Cited

1. Red wine: A drink to your heart. Saleem T, Basha S. Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research. 2010 Oct-Dec; 1(4): 171–176.
   Red wine consumption improves insulin resistance but not endothelial function in type 2 diabetic patients. Napoli R, Cozzolino D, Guardasole V. Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 2005, May.;54(3):0026-0495.
   Chronic treatment with red wine polyphenol compounds mediates neuroprotection in a rat model of ischemic cerebral stroke. Ritz MF, Ratajczak P, Curin Y. The Journal of nutrition, 2008, Mar.;138(3):1541-6100.
2. Walnut ingestion in adults at risk for diabetes: effects on body composition, diet quality, and cardiac risk measures. Njike VY, Ayettey R, Petraro P. BMJ open diabetes research & care, 2015, Oct.;3(1):2052-4897.
3. Concord grape juice, cognitive function, and driving performance: a 12-wk, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover trial in mothers of preteen children. Lamport DJ, Lawton CL, Merat N. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2016, Feb.;103(3):1938-3207.

from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/1p2mPDE

33 Super Surprising (and Super Delicious) Ways to Eat Cauliflower

Are You Depressed or Just Sad?

Whether it’s the death of a loved one, a devastating breakup, or a super sad movie, plenty of things in life can bring you down. And it can happen to anyone. (Even the most optimistic people in the world aren’t always happy.)

Feeling all the feels is common—and even beneficial, research shows. “Sadness is a normal part of the range of emotions that humans typically feel,” says Russ Federman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist based in Charlottesville, Virginia. “These feelings will occur throughout your life as appropriately sad events happen.”

But if you’ve been bummed for a long time and can’t seem to snap out of it, a nagging thought may come to mind: Am I actually depressed? Read on for a few ways to tell if you're experiencing more than just the usual blues.

What It Means to Be Sad

“Sadness is attributable to a situation,” says Margaret Wehrenberg, Psy.D., clinical psychologist and author of The 10 Best-Ever Depression Management Techniques. In other words, you can fill in the blank: “I’m feeling sad because ____”. (I broke up with someone I loved. My grandfather died. I lost my job. My best friend and I had a fight.)

Any of those situations would leave you in a tough spot. But if you can see the silver lining or know you'll find an eventual solution, it’s likely you’re experiencing sadness—one of the emotions that make you human. (Side note: You should never feel ashamed to seek help for any emotions or situations you’re processing—even if it's just sadness. These 81 mental health resources are a good place to start.)

If you can see the silver lining or know you'll find an eventual solution to your situation, it’s likely you’re experiencing sadness.

Another sign of sadness? Even in the depths of your misery, you can be temporarily distracted from the pain, Wehrenberg says. You can find some way to lift your spirits, whether it's spending time with friends, watching a funny movie, or playing a sport you love.

To be clear: We’re not downplaying feeling blue. Sadness related to loss, disappointment, unfulfilled needs, a breakup, or a death can be intense and last for weeks, Federman says.

In addition, the negative emotions associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are real. “Women, especially age 18 to 35, commonly experience mood issues—feeling down, fatigued, anxious, or panicky—associated with PMS, the week or two before their period starts, says Tara Allmen, M.D., a board-certified gynecologist. “When their cycle starts, they’ll realize: ‘Aha, that’s why I was feeling so emotional.’”

However, sadness—eventually—lifts, Wehrenberg says. Gradually, you’ll recover, the negative feelings will subside, and you’ll begin to feel better, lighter, and even happy again.

When It's More Than Just a Rough Patch

On the other hand, depression is a persistent, long-lasting mental health condition that interferes with daily life. It affects about 7 percent of American adults, or 16 million people—immediately differentiating it from sadness, which everyone experiences.

“Depression affects more aspects of our well-being and functioning,” Federman says. Like sadness, a painful life event can trigger it, but unlike sadness, the extent to which depression takes hold and drags us down is much greater.

People who have depression may experience:

• Low energy
• Physical fatigue
• Difficulty focusing
• Decreased libido
• Feelings of emptiness, sadness, or guilt
• Interpersonal withdrawal from others
• Changes in sleep and appetite
• Thoughts of suicide
• And other symptoms listed here

​“When feelings of sadness spread and encompass all these feelings, that’s when it progresses toward clinical depression,” Federman explains.

Also, watch out for feelings of hopelessness or helplessness—common denominators of depressive thinking, Wehrenberg says. In other words, you have no hope for the future, you feel helpless to improve your situation, and these “ruminating negative thoughts” are hard to interrupt or ignore.

Depression can occur in varying degrees. “If it’s mild, people may persistently feel negative or blue,” Wehrenberg says. If it's moderate to severe, it starts to interfere with your daily life. You may stop getting out of bed, cleaning the house, doing laundry, filing papers, or completing assignments, whether at school or at work.

Put another way: While a sad person may not want to get up and go to work, they still do, Wehrenberg says. But a depressed person simply may not get out of bed at all, unless the stakes are high (e.g., you’ll get fired). If you’re sad, you’ll still hang out with friends when they ask you to, but when you’re depressed, you may ignore their texts and calls completely.

What Does Treatment Involve?

You don't need to go see a psychiatrist right off the bat, Federman says. If you feel you may be dealing with something more serious than sadness, first try talking with friends who care about you, Federman says. If that isn't helpful or you realize your issues are more complex, then it's a matter for a mental health professional.

The point of needing to seek professional help is different for each person, he explains. As a general rule, when a person is no longer feels capable of handling things on their own, or their condition is affecting their daily life (their job, relationships, home), it’s time to seek treatment. While it may be scary, know that the faster you intervene, the better off you’ll be, Wehrenberg says.

Federman suggests starting with psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”) versus psychiatry, which is more oriented toward prescribing medication. “See someone who’s skilled at psychotherapy, then that person can advise whether meds are helpful,” Federman says.

Since the causes of depression are complex and variable, so are the treatments. Research has shown that psychotherapy is an effective first course of treatment. The most common approach is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can be highly effective in helping people manage depression, Wehrenberg says.¹ It involves helping patients to use their own brains to change their behavior, allowing them to view their environment in a more positive and realistic way.

When you seek help, it doesn’t mean you’ll be in therapy for the rest of your life.

And remember: "When you seek help, it doesn’t mean you’ll be in therapy for the rest of your life," Wehrenberg says. In fact, given the proper tools in therapy, a depressed person may begin to understand how to control or eliminate their symptoms without medication.

That said, while Wehrenberg believes the typical category of drugs used (SSRIs) are overprescribed, medication in addition to psychotherapy does have a place. For individuals with moderate or severe depression, bipolar disorder, or postpartum depression, this may be the case. “The causes of these disorders are very complex in terms of brain chemistry,” she says. “The more complex your condition, the more likely you are to need to see a psychiatrist.”

How to Help Yourself

In the meantime, if you don't think you're depressed, but you’re feeling down, here are some simple steps that can help lighten your mental load. (Want more? We've come up with 25 science-backed ways to feel happier.)

1. Change one thing.

For starters: Simply change what you’re doing right now, Wehrenberg suggests. “Get up and move around, make something with your hands, play guitar, draw something, cook a healthy dinner,” she says. “If you take a creativity break for just 20 minutes, you can come back to whatever problem you’re trying to solve with a fresh approach.”

Being with good friends is the single best thing you can do if you’re feeling down in the dumps.

2. Find something to laugh at.

Watch a hilarious video on YouTube. Read your favorite funny blog. But since the best laughter occurs between people, Wehrenberg says, being with good friends is the single best thing you can do if you’re feeling down in the dumps.

3. Consider volunteering.

While it may take extra effort, try to think about someone else. "Connecting to something greater than yourself, whether you do so through a spiritual practice like prayer or meditation or by volunteering for a cause you believe in, can be a very good way to lift your spirits," Wehrenberg says. (Here are 41 ways to give back.)

4. Be kind to yourself.

Finally, don’t forget some good old-fashioned self-compassion. "Self-care is a wonderful mood lifter," Wehrenberg says. Need some inspiration? Check out these 25 research-backed ideas to take better care of yourself.

The Takeaway

Sadness is a normal human emotion. Depression is a condition that affects the lives of many people in a major way. It's OK to feel down, but know that the fog will gradually begin to lift—and that there are ways to help yourself get there faster. If it's something deeper, it's worth talking to a trusted friend or mental health professional to figure out the best way to help you start living the life you deserve.

Works Cited

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Mood Disorders: Efficacy, Moderators and Mediators. Ellen Driessen, M.Sc. and Steven D. Hollon, Ph.D. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010 Sep; 33(3): 537–555.

from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/1ptLyBy