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Can A Mushroom Be The Answer To Our Plastic Problem?

If you haven’t already hopped aboard the #plasticfree train, you might be contributing to one of the world’s leading causes of environmental damage. According to National Geographic, “18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the oceans every year from coastal regions,” all of which will never break down in our life time (nor during the next generations…).

How This Plastic Build Up Affects The Environment…

To make matters worse, the majority of the plastic that humans consume around the world is never recycled. This means our landfills, oceans, and environment get filled with plastic trash, causing animals who mistakenly eat and get entangled in the products to die.

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Una publicación compartida de Plastic Pollution Coalition (@plasticpollutes) el 3 Mar, 2019 a las 7:20 PST

…And Affects Us

If the sight of animals being harmed isn’t enough to worry you (as it SHOULD), plastic also has many toxic chemicals that, when leached into the soil and groundwater, end up in our drinking water, produce, and fish. According to a study at Arizona State University, almost every human has some traces of chemicals in our system that have derived from plastic. These chemicals can have a range of negative effects, including cancer, hormonal changes, and a weakening of our immune systems.

The Search For A Solution

Despite the grim outlook on the planet’s future, scientists have been developing research for numerous ways to reduce and maybe even reverse the damage caused by our consumption. The latest of investigations? A plastic-eating mushroom called Pestalotiopsis microspora.

Asides from being a mouthful to pronounce, the Pestalotiopsis microspora is a fungus that was originally discovered in the Amazon in Ecuador by a group of scientists from Yale University. While most living creatures need oxygen to survive, this rare mushroom’s source of energy comes from consuming polyurethane, a plastic material.

A Waste Reducer…and Tasty Snack?

Before being trucked to as many landfills as possible to start eating away at the trash, scientists are still doing research on the properties of these mushrooms and potential side effects. Additionally, some scientists are cultivating the mushrooms to be grown into an edible snack. Talk about a renewable source.

While this mushroom is a promising find in the quest for measures to save our planet, it is unlikely to be the end-all solution for our problems. This means it’s vital we all find ways to reduce our plastic consumption and aim for a more sustainable lifestyle. Our planet and lives depend on it.

Photos: Pixabay

Easy Ways To Get (And Stay) Fit In No Time

If you are one of the many who made getting fit your New Year’s resolution (and subsequently broke said resolution two weeks later), this article is for you! Getting fit can seem like an impossible challenge, but once you start the habit, you’ll be wondering how you managed to live this long without exercise in your life. With this easy to follow guide, you’ll be on your way to reaching your exercise goals in no time.

Write Down Your Goals

Before even thinking about heading to sign up at a gym, think about why you want to get fit. Are you trying to lose weight? Did your doctor recommend it? Whatever the case may be, it’s important to set realistic goals– both short and long term- to start your fit journey. Once you come up with your goals, be sure to write them down and place them in a space that you will see everyday (above your bed, for example). This way you will have a visible and constant reminder for why you started, in order to push you on the days when your motivation is lacking.

Buy The Right Gear

You can’t feasibly (or safely) start running without a decent pair of running shoes. While you don’t have to spend tons of money on workout clothes, having a few basic items that you feel comfortable in will make getting fit that much more enjoyable and stress-free. Instead of worrying about how you look at the gym, you’ll be able to concentrate on your workout and achieving your goals.

Try A Fitness Class

Often times the most daunting part of going to the gym for the first time is doing it solo. Luckily, there are an infinite number of group classes available out there, both at specialty studios and regular gyms. Cross Fit, Yoga, Spinning, Barre… you name it there is a class for YOU. Not only will having an instructor help to motivate you throughout the structured classes, but you will be getting fit with a group of people that will make you feel a part of a community.

Create A Bumping Fit Playlist

There’s nothing worse than being on the treadmill with no music to distract you. Studies show listening to music while you workout can even enhance your physical performance by give you an energy boost. If you don’t feel like creating your own playlist, apps like Spotify have hundreds of great workout playlists already pre-made. Some playlists can even be created based on running tempo, so you can get fit at the pace you want.

Short and Sweet Does The Trick

Of all the crazy (false) myths that exist about getting fit, the biggest by far is that your workout has to be a 1-2 hour long sweat session to see results. In reality, a quick 15 minute HIIT (High Intensity Impact Training) workout can be just as impactful, if not more. HIIT workouts are the perfect alternative to squeeze exercise into a crammed workday, and the intense interval bursts help target fat and create toned muscle. You can say goodbye to the boring treadmill, and hello to the new you for good!

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay, and Unsplash

Your Trendy Drink Could Send You To The ER

Bubble teas are the trendiest new drink to thirst your quench this summer, but could this latest bubbly fad be a hazard to your health?

The Latest Bubble Tea Drink Craze

In case you haven’t stepped outside in the last month, bubble teas are the latest drink that will have you craving for more. Originated in Taiwan, bubble teas are a cold sweet flavored drink that contain little chewy “bubble” tapioca balls at the bottom. They often are sold in a variety of fruity flavors and with milkshake versions too. Bottom line- this drink is DELICIOUS.

While they’ve only started popping up recently around the world, this sweet bubbly drink has been an essential staple in Taiwan for years. Think of it like their version of coffee. Not a bad way to start the day!

Too Much Of A Good Thing…

Just like some people drink 4-5 cups of coffee a day, some people drink numerous cups of bubble tea a day… which caused one 14 year old girl from Zhejiang, China to be hospitalized. According to the reports, the unnamed girl had been suffering severe cramping to the point she couldn’t eat or go to the bathroom for five days straight.

Naturally alarmed by the pain, her parents decided to take her to the hospital, but doctors could not find anything wrong with her from a physical exam.

The Nightmare Continues…

With no answers from a physical exam, doctors decided to do a CT scan and found imaging of more than 100 tapioca bubbles that were trapped in her digestive system. The girl claimed she didn’t drink more than one bubble tea before she had cramps, but with THAT many undigested in her stomach… doctors thought otherwise.

Doctors believe she was not able to digest the drink because the bubbles are high in starch, which is very difficult for the body to break down. Thankfully, they were able to easily cure the girl with laxatives and sent her home with the reminder to not drink so many bubble teas!

Should I Be Scared To Drink Bubble Teas?

Of course not! This girl’s trip to the ER was just one unlucky incident due to consuming too much of the bubbly delight. As with most things in life, it’s important to enjoy the drink in moderation and remember to get enough water and nutrients from other sources. This will help make sure your digestion is in check. No need to sweat when you sit back and sip that bubble tea this summer!

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Get your fav @zenzoobubbles with your favs & ready to go?

Una publicación compartida de Sunflower (@jj_shineshining) el 16 Abr, 2019 a las 3:20 PDT

Photos: Unsplash, Pixabay and Pexels

Your Favorite Food Tells A Lot About Your Personality

Turns out, your love for certain foods might be less an indicator of your taste buds, and more a reflection of your personality. This food analysis will give you a deeper look into your identity... and maybe make you think twice when picking your next snack!

Your Go-To Dessert is Ice Cream

Ice Cream With Sprinkles For An Innocent Personality.

Of all the desserts in the world, if your number one choice is ice cream, chances are you have a very innocent personality and often reminisce to childhood. Picking a variety of toppings for your ice cream, (sprinkles anyone??) means you have a desire for the little mysteries and wonders in life.

You Always Prefer The Sour Gummies

Having a sweet tooth is linked to being a sweet person, but if you typically prefer that extra tangy kick combined with the sugar, you most likely have an anxious or restless personality. However, reaching for this balance in flavors also is reflective of your desire to achieve some balance and order in your life.

Pizza Is Your Weekly Staple

Sliced Pizza For The Extroverted Personality.

Pizza is a common favorite food, which could have to do with the fact it is also considered the most addictive thanks to all that cheesy, doughy deliciousness. (Our mouths are already watering…) If you find yourself eating pizza once a week (or more), it typically means you have an extroverted personality. With it’s ease of delivery and pre-cut slices, it’s the perfect dish to share with others. Just another excuse to plan that next party and unleash your outgoing self!

Your Coffee Mug Is Your Daily Accessory

If the thought of going anywhere without a cup of coffee in hand is an instant nightmare, you probably have a Type A personality. Type A people typically get a lot of flack for being very competitive, impatient, and overly stressed, but they also are best at achieving goals and sticking to a schedule. While sipping on the Joe, remember to find healthy ways to de-stress like meditation and exercise.

You Can Spend All Day In The Produce Section

While it’s no surprise that people who love fruits and vegetables are typically healthier, those who go out of their way to try different types of vegetables and switch up their routine are considered to be great learners. You have a personality that’s eager to be healthy and wholesome from the inside out, and it reflects in the rest of your life too.

You Prefer Sushi Over A Burger And Fries Any Day

Container of Sushi reflects a cosmopolitan personality.

If your idea of “food on the go” is a box of sushi instead of food from your local fast food restaurant, you likely have a curious and cosmopolitan personality. Being open to trying foods from other countries means you you’re always down for new experiences and destinations. Next stop, Tokyo!

Photos: Unsplash and Pixabay

How To Organize Your Life Once And For All

The average person works around 8 hours a day, and yet the latest studies have found that we are only productive for 3 of those hours… With numbers that bad, it’s painful to even think about how poorly we organize our lives to be productive outside the workplace…

No wonder so many of us feel like we’re not accomplishing all that we want to. Before you waste any more time stressing about the seemingly impossible task of getting everything done on time (or resorting to Netflix to destress and put your work off even more), we have the tips to organize your life once and for all.

Write a Daily To-Do List and Stick To It

Get in the habit of creating a daily to-do list first thing when you wake up. Although it may seem like a hassle, it will help organize and prioritize the events in your day with a handy visual reminder. Knowing all that you need to finish in a day will help you waste less time and feel accomplished every time you check off an item.

Make The Gym Your Friend

If you don’t already make it a point to exercise during the week, start doing so ASAP. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of cardio a week to help give you the energy to organize your life and complete all tasks efficiently.

Worried about joining a gym and feeling clueless as to where to begin? Most gyms offer trainers or group classes that can ease you into the process. If doing things solo is more your thing, there are plenty of great fitness apps that provide guided workouts and instructions to ensure you stay safe and achieve your goals.

Finally Organize And Get Rid Of Your Clutter

Admit it, we all have a few piles or drawers that are filled with items that we always put off for tossing later. Well folks… that “later” has officially arrived, and it’s time to crack down on the extra junk we don’t need in our lives. Not only will it make you feel instantly freer and in charge of your life, but it will also give you more space to organize and keep the items that you actually need. Time to check that off the to-do list!

Have Snacks Handy In Containers

To be working at your maximum potential every day, your brain and body both need to be energized, which is why it’s important to always have snacks handy. Instead of lugging full boxes around, by some small containers to conveniently organize and carry portion-sized snacks in your bag. That way you additionally won’t overeat on extra stressful (or boring) days.

Take Advantage Of A Calendar App

Living in the digital age, we’re fortunate to have an app for literally everything, and that includes calendars. While there are many calendar apps to choose from to organize your life, the most important thing to remember is to actually use them (and not let the app just sit there taking up precious space on your phone). This means plugging in and syncing all your events and reminders right away so you don’t forget them or accidentally double book.

Even if you aren’t attending an event of a friend of family member, it’s smart to add a few of their celebrations as well to your calendar. You’ll never have to shamefully send the ‘Sorry I forgot your birthday’ message ever again!

Photos: Unsplash and Pixabay

How To Survive The Heat This Summer

Summer is almost officially here! While we love to think about lounging at the pool and taking much deserved vacations, there’s also the brutal reality of the intense heat. You know, the one that leaves you sticky and sweaty after you just showered to feel cool again…

While we could say move somewhere cold for the duration of summer (Antarctica, anyone?) the reality is most of us have no choice but to bear the heat. These simple fixes will have you feeling cool in no time so that you can truly get the most out of your summer.

Freeze Your Linens

Sounds crazy, we know. However, putting your bed sheets and linens in the freezer or refrigerator for a few minutes right before bed can help you feel refreshed and beat the heat when going to bed at night. While your sheets won’t stay cool the whole night, it will at least help you bypass those agonizing minutes of trying to fall asleep in a hot stuffy room. To avoid having your sheets smelling like last night’s leftovers, place your items in a plastic bag before freezing.

Chill Your Pulse Points

pulse point in the wrist are good for cooling down

If you’re in dire need of an instant fix to your heat woes, try placing a cold compress or ice cube on your pulse points. The best pulse locations for a cooling cure are located in your wrists, behind the neck and knees, and your inner elbow. If you don’t have an cold compress lying around, grab that bag of frozen peas and you are good to go.

Unplug To Reduce Heat

While we all want to stay connected throughout the day on our mobile phones and other electronic devices, think twice before leaving them to charge all night. Each electronic device actually produces heat while being charged, which adds up when they’re all charging at once (and most likely in your bedroom). By unplugging your devices at night, not only will you reduce the heat around you, you’ll also reduce your electric bills. A true win-win!

Stock Up On Produce

It’s a good thing all the best fruits are in season during the summer. Eating more fruits and vegetables during the summer helps to keep us hydrated, so our body can keep cooling down naturally. To also help lower the metabolic heat your body produces, cut down on the amount of high protein and salty foods you consume, both of which can leave your body feeling dehydrated.

And we can’t forget, the best way to stay hydrated in the summer heat is to sip some water throughout the day. If the bland taste just doesn’t do it for you, try adding some fruit like lemons, strawberries or cucumber to the water- an instant healthy, refreshing drink to make you survive the heat like a pro!

Photos: Unsplash, Pixabay and Freepik