One Lettuce Wrap for Your Health

Consuming one lettuce wrap instead of a sandwich for lunch will reduce your calorie intake. It helps the body to lose weight because it burns the calories that are already inside the body and converts them into energy. Lettuce has fewer calories than bread. However, not all bread is bad for your health due to its fiber, protein, and no added sugars. Yet, replacing one meal with lettuce wraps will keep you full for a few hours and will make your bread last longer in the freezer.

Lettuce wraps might help you sleep. It helps the nervous system to relax. Eating lettuce also helps the digestive system because of the fiber and water properties. It helps lower cholesterol levels. Lettuce has vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Folate is a necessary vitamin to prevent anemia. 

There are many ways to make lettuce wraps at home. Adding avocados will add more flavor to your lettuce wraps. In this recipe, avocados were used to create this lettuce wrap. Avocados are healthy fats that are good for your cardiovascular, ocular, and nervous systems. Avocados have vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, and Potassium. Here is the recipe for making this lettuce wrap.

Ingredients:

Sliced Roma Tomatoes

Sliced Cucumbers

Sliced Avocados

1 or 2 Lettuce Boats

Salt and Pepper (Optional)

Wash and rinse the lettuce boats. Then, dry the lettuce boats with a paper towel. Place the lettuce boat on a plate. Add the sliced avocados inside the lettuce boat. Next, add the sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. Last, you can add a small amount of salt or pepper on top of the vegetables. Enjoy!

Discover the Perks of Lettuce Wraps:

https://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/blog/february-2015/discover-the-perks-of-lettuce-wraps.aspx#:~:text=Cutting%20down%20on%20calories&text=One%20of%20the%20most%20prominent,carbohydrates%20and%20around%20200%20calories.

Lettuce Wraps for Weight Loss:

https://livehealthy.chron.com/lettuce-wraps-weight-loss-1808.html

Healthy Lettuce Wraps That Aren't Skimpy Appetizers:

https://greatist.com/eat/healthy-lettuce-wraps#Seafood

12 Proven Benefits of Avocados:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-avocado#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6

Health Benefits of Lettuce:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-lettuce.html

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Easter Egg Coloring Pages (Free)

Since the 13^th Century hard broiled eggs were decorated with paint. Easter eggs were exchanged as gifts and people had egg hunts. Later, porcelain eggs were decorated with diamonds and rubies. Eventually these decorative porcelain eggs became collectibles. The decorative porcelain eggs are still collected these days around the world.

In 1978, the plastic eggs were invented. Also, the plastic Easter eggs are still used today to fill them up with candy inside. Today, I have created three coloring pages of Easter eggs. These coloring pages are free and for your personal use. Below are links about the history of decorating Easter eggs. 

Links:

History of the Faberge Egg:

https://www.britannica.com/art/Faberge-egg

Plastic Easter Egg History:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/thank-one-americas-most-prolific-inventors-hinged-plastic-easter-egg-180971972/#:~:text=Erwin%20and%20Donald%20Weder%20had,the%20post%2Dholiday%20cleanup%20process.

Easter Holiday:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Easter-holiday/Liturgical-observances#ref792614

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Celebrate World Poetry Day

It is World Poetry Day! Every March 21st is a day to bring awareness to reading poetry. Poetry is an incredible tool for self-expression. It is a fun way to learn new words. Additionally, poetry is often found in music, advertisements, and online. 

Learning poetry at an early age builds your child's vocabulary and appreciation of this written art. Sometimes, poetry can be acted out in the form of a puppet show, dance, and paintings. Today, I have written a poem about my thoughts about poetry. Below are links to how to celebrate World Poetry Day. Happy World Poetry Day! 

5 Ways to Celebrate World Poetry Day:

https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/company/blogs/5-ways-to-celebrate-world-poetry-day-.html

Celebrate World Poetry Day:

https://natlib.govt.nz/blog/posts/celebrate-world-poetry-day

World Poetry Day:

https://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/world-poetry-day.htm

 * Free Fonts from Pizap.

Tips for Better Sleep (Sleep Awareness Week)

 

Image from The National Sleep Foundation

Once again, it is Sleep Awareness Week. Since the pandemic, more people have been consuming more alcohol to help them fall asleep. However, consuming alcohol disrupts the body’s internal clock that regulates the sleep and the wake cycle. This is also called the Circadian rhythms which is a twenty-four-hour cycle that the body uses to function well. Consuming alcohol makes it worse at night especially if you suffer from insomnia, depression, or anxiety.

Alcohol will make you have a bad mood the next day. In addition, you might wake up in the middle of the night. Another drink that should not be consumed at night are energy drinks. Energy drinks have too much sugar and too much caffeine. Drinking something that is caffeine free with your dinner will help your body to get ready for the sleep cycle.

Avoiding alcohol, energy drinks, sodas, and coffee at night might improve your sleep. Stop all drinks four or five hours before going to sleep. Drink cherry juice or a decaffeinated sleepy time tea with your dinner at home. Eat walnuts, cheese, or a slice of turkey to stimulate the brain for sleep. Here are more resources about improving your sleep.  

Sleep Infographic from The National Sleep Foundation

Making Time for Sleep-Tips:

https://www.thensf.org/making-time-for-sleep-tips/

Alcohol and Sleep-What You Need to Know:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201801/alcohol-and-sleep-what-you-need-know

Circadian Rhythm-What it is, How it works, and More:

https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/circadian-rhythm#out-of-sync

Free Shamrock Coloring Cards

Today, I have created three shamrock coloring cards for Saint Patrick’s Day. However, these cards can also be used to wish someone good luck or to say Congratulations. One card is a high heel. The second card is a purse. The third card is a ballet or a flat shoe with a shamrock. These shamrock coloring cards are free and for your personal use. Happy Saint Patrick's Day in advance. 

* Free fonts from Pizap

Why Blogging is not a Waste of Time?

Why do some people think that blogging is a waste of time? In fact, blogging has become a popular platform in social media to get general information, opinions, and to get another perspective. As a blogger, I recently came across a few bad comments from a close friend who told me that I was wasting my time as a blogger. I tried to convince that person that blogging was not a waste of time. Yet, that person could not see my point of view about blogging.

I have been blogging for approximately four years now. I was amazed that my close friend would make those bad comments about blogging. Blogging is not a waste of time although many people have a negative viewpoint about it. In the contrary, blogging is the best way to practice your writing skills, to feel productive, and to share your ideas. If you do not neglect your family, your work, and your friends; Blogging can be a fun way to share your arts and crafts, recipes, and other information.

Even if you do not do arts and crafts, recipes, or teach new hobby skills in your blog; Blogging is a personal online diary of events and is filled with different perceptions about many topics. Blogging helps you understand certain topics. Although, you must make sure there is no misinformation, blog posts sometimes answer questions for schoolwork or for work. Last, blogging motivates you more to write and may become your second career. Here are more resources about why blogging is not a waste of time. 

Is Blogging a Waste of Time:

https://bloggingforafuture.com/is-blogging-a-waste-of-time/

Why do People Blog-The Benefits of Blogging:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-do-people-blog-the-be_b_8178624#:~:text=%20The%20Benefits%20of%20Blogging%20%201%20Express,a%20blog%20can%20provide%20the%20opportunity...%20More%20

Is Blogging Worth It? Or Are You Wasting Your Time:

https://www.blogtyrant.com/why-blogging-is-a-waste-of-your-time/

* Free fonts from Pizap

Two Teas for Your Health

On rainy days, drinking hot tea will keep you warm and it is beneficial for your overall health. For example, Blueberry tea provides your eyes with antioxidants which will enhance your vision. This tea is good for your cardiovascular system and for your central nervous system. It helps your brain to function better, and it lowers the bad cholesterol. It also strengthens the immune system.

Another tea that is good for your health is Black Cherry tea. Black Cherry tea also lowers the bad cholesterol and makes the heart function better. Similarly, to Blueberry tea, Black Cherry tea strengthens your immune system. It also helps you lose weight. However, it is best to consume tea in moderation due to the diuretic properties. Here are more resources about Blueberry and Black Cherry tea. 

10 Super Health Benefits of Black Cherry Tea:

https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/beverages/tea/health-benefits-black-cherry-herbal-tea

Black Cherry Tea:

https://www.tea-and-coffee.com/black-cherry-tea

9 Amazing Benefits of Blueberry Tea:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/blueberry-tea.html

Blueberry Tea-Is it Good for You?

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-blueberry-tea#:~:text=Blueberry%20tea%20is%20rich%20in,help%20your%20brain%20work%20better.

* Free fonts and backgrounds from Pizap

* Free Clip art of Red Tea:

https://pnghunter.com/png/red-tea-with-lemon/

* Free Blueberry Tea Clip Art:

https://www.pngwing.com/en/search?q=blueberry+Tea

* Free Cherry Clip Art:

https://www.vhv.rs/viewpic/hJTxwhR_red-cherry-png-image-free-download-cherries-clipart/

Tips for Eating Better (National Nutrition Month)

Once again it is National Nutrition Month. This year the theme is Personalize Your Plate. Each day choose from a variety of vegetables and fruits. Also, choose your protein such as meat, fish, chicken, whole grains, or cottage cheese to go with your meal. Learning how to choose your food wisely and pairing your meals with healthy drinks will help you stay healthier in the long run.

Additionally, using plates that have dividers will help you eat enough food from the five food groups. The five food groups are fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Take in consideration what foods you can eat especially if you have allergies or digestive issues. Ask a nutritionist about what should eat and the food items that you should avoid if you have digestive issues, diabetes, or food allergies. Last, eat without getting distracted.

Eating in front of the television might not be a good idea if you are trying to lose weight. Furthermore, if you like to eat while listening to music, make sure you do not listen to fast upbeat music. It will make you rush, and you will not enjoy your meals. Put your cell phone on silence for thirty minutes or for one hour while you eat your meals. Here are more resources about National Nutrition Month.

 

Courtesy Image from Eatright.org

National Nutrition Month-Personalize Your Plate:

https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month

Back to Basics: All about My Plate Food Groups:

https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/09/26/back-basics-all-about-myplate-food-groups#:~:text=As%20the%20MyPlate%20icon%20shows,%2C%20Protein%20Foods%2C%20and%20Dairy.

Healthy Eating Basics-Heart and Stroke Foundation:

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/healthy-living/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-basics

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* Free filters from LunaPic

Free Amaryllis Coloring Pages

Amaryllis flowers are usually given to congratulate someone for their successful career. These flowers generally symbolize beauty, love, and fortitude. It is recommended to plant the amaryllis bulbs in October and at the end of April. Today, I have created three coloring pages inspired by the amaryllis. These coloring pages are free and for your personal use. Below are more links about planting amaryllis bulbs and its symbolism. 

How to Grow Amaryllis Bulbs:

https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/amaryllis-care/5410.html

Caring for Amaryllis Plants-Tips for Growing Amaryllis:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/amaryllis-hippeastrum/amaryllis-care-instructions-how-to-care-for-an-amaryllis.htm

Amaryllis Meaning and Symbolism:

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/amaryllis-meaning-and-symbolism#:~:text=The%20amaryllis%20commonly%20means%20determination,gifts%20of%20hard%2Dwon%20achievement.

* Free fonts and borders from Pizap

March is National Reading Month

Teaching your kids how to read should not be a difficult process. First, have your children sound out each word for them to pronounce each word that they read. Second, tell your children that reading can be fun and that it is not a boring habit to do. Third, make reading a habit by having them read a book out loud for thirty minutes a day. Also, have your child pick a book that they would like to read.

Often, times a child finds reading to be boring when it is an assigned book for their schoolwork. Create an area for them to read in the living room. Make sure the room has enough lighting and a cozy chair for them to read. Have a table for them to draw or make puppets while they read a book that has no pictures inside it. Here are more ideas for National Reading Month. 

This National Reading Month Encourage Parents to Read:

https://www.familieslearning.org/blog/this-national-reading-month-encourage-parents-to-read-aloud-to-children-of-all-ages

7 Ways to Celebrate National Reading Month:

https://www.benandme.com/7-ways-celebrate-national-reading-month/

10 Activities to Celebrate National Book Month:

https://www.woojr.com/10-activities-to-celebrate-national-book-month-in-january/

* Free fonts from Pizap

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Image from Beat Eating Disorders

It is the beginning of Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Too much stress, anxiety, frustrations, and other negative thoughts contribute to eating disorders. Some people are not aware that they have an eating disorder. Often, eating disorders are not diagnosed. Sometimes, eating disorders are hidden from the family and the family is not aware that their teenager has an eating disorder.

Body image is one of the issues that a teenager or an adult face due to peer pressure. Occasionally, negative comments from a boyfriend or girlfriend distorts the body image of a teenager and of an adult. Knowing the symptoms of various eating disorders can help a family member. Yet, be careful with your words when you are giving support to someone who is dealing with an eating disorder. Here are more resources about eating disorders, giving support, and learning more about the symptoms of eating disorders. 

Common Eating Disorders:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders#bottom-line

What are Eating Disorders:

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders

Beat Eating Disorders:

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

How to Help a Loved One-National Eating Disorders Association:

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/help/caregivers

* Free Resources for Eating Disorders at Beat Eating Disorders