10 Weight-Loss Snacks for the Perfect Body

If you’re on a diet, it can be tough to resist the urge to snack. Fortunately, there are some healthy foods you can munch on between meals that may actually help you lose weight. When choosing snacks, opt for ones that are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, which will help you satisfy your hunger, prevent overeating and keep you going all day long.

Many dieters often feel guilty about snacking, but there’s nothing wrong with that, because we tend to make bad food choices when we are hungry. Don’t starve yourself; here are ten weight-loss snacks that will help you drop those unwanted pounds and get that perfect body.

Weight-Loss Snacks for the Perfect Body

1. Nuts

Nuts are a wholesome, portable snack for dieters on the run. You can pack a handful in a baggie or reusable storage container and take the crunchy goodness wherever you go. From hazelnuts and cashews to almonds and pistachios, there are plenty of nutty options for you to choose from. Try eating nuts before a workout to really boost your energy level. Just always make sure you eat nuts in moderation.

2. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is not just for breakfast! You can eat a small cup of whole-grain oats any time of the day as a way of filling you up without filling you out.  Plus, the fiber will keep your digestive system running smoothly, which may reduce bloating.  Consider topping your oatmeal with a drizzle of natural honey or agave nectar for a guilt-free afternoon treat.

3. Eggs

 Just like oatmeal, you may typically think of eggs as a morning meal.  However, they can also be eaten as a snack to help you in your weight-loss efforts.  An egg usually clocks in at only 70 calories, which makes it the perfect way to pack some fat-burning protein into your diet.  Hard-boiled eggs are the go-to option for something quick and easy, but you could also make a mini omelet with a bit of lean turkey bacon.

4. Fresh fruit

The next time you find your stomach rumbling before mealtime, grab some fresh fruit.  Unlike tiny 100-calorie packs of chips or cookies, you can eat a large quantity of fruit for a low amount of calories.  Strawberries, apples and oranges are all voluminous choices that will tide you over until dinner.

5. Cheese

Cheese is another secret weapon you can use in your weight-loss battle.  Studies show that a diet focused on protein-packed foods like cheese may help you lose weight faster than a meal plan centered on carbohydrates.  A wedge or two of Swiss or Monterey Jack may be just what your body needs to stay on course.

6. Raw vegetables

Raw veggies are a terrific snack for those who crave crunchy munchies.  Instead of reaching for high-calorie potato chips with fat-laden dips, try dipping broccoli, carrot sticks and pepper strips into fresh salsa.  You’ll curb your craving for crunch without breaking the caloric bank.

7. Greek yogurt

People on diets often lament the loss of decadent treats like ice cream.  However, Greek yogurt is an indulgence even dieters can enjoy.  It’s loaded with protein to keep your metabolism revved up all day long.  Plus, the rich taste and silky texture make it a nice replacement for that creamy soft serve you might be missing.

8. Popcorn

You may not think of popcorn as a healthy food, but it’s actually a good snack for weight loss as long as you leave off all the added butter and salt. A cup of plain popcorn will only set you back about 30 calories. Try tossing your air-popped kernels with a dash or two of cayenne pepper for a burst of flavor and an extra metabolic boost.

9. Kale

If you can’t seem to find the energy to get through the day, you may have an iron deficiency. Kale is loaded with this essential nutrient and can help give you the energy you need to power through your daily workout.  Whip up a batch of baked kale chips or just enjoy a snack-sized salad with a tablespoon of low-calorie dressing.

10. Turkey jerky

Jerky is a food renowned since ancient Egypt. While beef jerky is a favorite food of most people, turkey jerky is a leaner alternative to the beef variety. The high-protein content and chewy texture will help you feel satiated after only a few small pieces. Keep a package of turkey jerky in your desk or tote bag and you’ll always have a nutritious snack within reach. You can also add it to your salad or make a turkey jerky sandwich.

When you go on a diet, it doesn’t mean you have to give up snacking. There are plenty of delicious foods that will tickle your taste buds without increasing your waistline. Give all of these weight-loss snacks a try as you work toward achieving the perfect body! What are your favorite weight-loss snacks?

7 Simple Tips for Lazy Dieters

Everyone knows the only real secret to successful weight loss is to make healthier food choices, watch your calorie consumption, and exercise regularly. Still it’s nice to know that there are also some sneaky, lazy ways to bolster your diet plan, without any effort at all. Read on for simple ways to increase your weight loss without breaking a sweat.

1. Step on the scale

Studies repeatedly show that people who weigh themselves every other day tend to weigh less than those who avoid the scale. The reason? Those who are conscious of their weight will be more apt to notice when it shifts up or down a pound, and get a hold of it before it increases any more. Hop on once a week for the best results.

2. Take your vitamins

Try to incorporate more fruits into your daily diet or see your doctor to find out if you need to take some vitamins. It only takes a second to pop open a bottle of multivitamins and swallow one down. And while we are normally opponents of taking pills to lose weight, there’s actually a very good reason to take a multivitamin every day. Restricting calories or eliminating certain foods can cause you to inadvertently become deficient in certain vitamins or minerals. Your body responds to this deficiency by making you crave certain foods, like sweets or salty junk food. Taking a vitamin can help prevent these diet-busting cravings.

3. Start the day with breakfast

There’s a reason it’s called the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast may make you think you’re cutting out extra calories, but nutritionists say regular breakfast eaters tend to weigh less and lose weight faster than those who bypass their morning meal. Plus, breakfast is a great place to sneak in protein and fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, flax seed, chia seeds, bran, and Greek yogurt.

4. Add a soup or a salad

When eating out, adding a soup or salad to your meal is a sneaky and delicious way to actually eat less and feel more satisfied. Broth-based soups and hearty salads contain lots of healthy fiber. That adds up to feeling fuller when your meal arrives, allowing you to fill up with less, and take some leftovers home for tomorrow. Just avoid creamy soups like baked potato or clam chowder, and order your dressing on the side.

5. Reach for a smaller plate

It’s easy to overload your plate with a much larger portion than you actually need. And once you’ve served yourself, it’s even easier to gobble it all down before you know it. Switch out your dinner plate for a salad or bread plate, and set your fork down between bites. This will force you to eat more slowly, giving your stomach time to let your brain know it’s full. You can always go for seconds – just make sure you’re actually still hungry first.

6. Drink water before you eat

Like ordering a soup or a salad with your meal, having a tall glass of ice water before you eat will help you feel fuller before you serve yourself. As an added bonus, drinking water before every meal will help you reach your goal of 8-10 glasses a day.

7. Pick convenient produce

When you’re tired and hungry, you’re much more likely to nab something convenient than something that takes a lot of work. Prewashed herbs, bagged greens, and peeled and diced vegetables may cost a little more, but knowing that they are ready to go makes them a lot more appealing at meal and snack time.

Sticking to a diet isn’t easy, yet you can shed some pounds without any special efforts. Sure, you won’t become slim by just following these seven tips – you should exercise regularly and get enough sleep as well. What are your lazy ways to lose weight?

9 Tried and True Ways to Save Money for Traveling

Nowadays travel excuses are everywhere. The most common excuses for not traveling are ‘I can’t afford it’ and ‘I don’t have time.’ But traveling is one of the most wonderful and memorable experiences you have in your life time. You can afford to travel, you just need to find some ways to save money for it. Check out my list of tried and true ways to save money for traveling.

1. Stop shopping

Every woman loves shopping and it’s so difficult to quit shopping! But if you want to relax on the pristine sandy beach or walk the ancient streets of European countries, you should save money. While shopping is amazing, it will not get you to your desired destination any sooner. So hold back and don’t buy that beautiful dress, it will be there later and even on sale when you return from your trip!

2. Cancel your gym membership

I know, paying for a gym membership makes it much easier to motivate yourself to exercise, but canceling it is one of the best ways to save money for traveling. After all, gym membership can cost from $25 to $100 a month and it’s pricey! Exercising is something that doesn’t require a specific place or much equipment. Working out in the house or running in the neighborhood is a great option!

3. Go to the library

If you like reading and you buy a lot of books every month, stop buying them and start borrowing! Visit your local library and you will find many interesting books! I have a huge stack of books and I prefer to buy the books. I’m not against libraries but owning and borrowing are two absolutely different things. However, when I want to go somewhere, I save money on books by going to the library!

4. Save on your morning coffee

When I go to work early in the morning, I always drink my Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks. I like it, but the only problem is that it costs me $4.79. It may not seem like a big deal, but it can really add up over time. $4.97, 5 days a week is $24.85, for a month it’s about $100 and for a year it’s around $1,200! That’s why I start saving on my morning coffee and advise you to do the same!

5. Bring your own lunch

Plan your own lunch and take it to work with you. It will save you a lot of money as well as all those unwanted calories. Perhaps the best thing about bringing your lunch to work is that you decide what you want to eat. This means that you will eat healthier and save money for traveling! I always take some healthy and tasty salad or some fruits to work for lunch.

6. Do your own nails

Every woman likes to get her nails done. Getting your nails done is amazing, but it can be a little pricey, especially if you go every week. If you like traveling, but don’t have money, start doing your own nails! I know it sounds strange, but it will actually help to save some money.

7. Watch good old movies

Stop renting a movie and watching all those TV shows or movies on Netflix, because all these things cost you tons of money. If you have a large stack of good movies, why not watch them? Sure, they are old, but free and favorites. Save a few dollars and re-watch all those movies.

8. Get a part-time job

If you don’t want to watch all those old movies and you have plenty of free time in the evening, then take a part-time job. You won’t be bored and earn some extra money. If you calculate right, it will cut your waiting time to travel in third! You can even try to turn your hobby into a home business! Excellent!

9. Opt for rewards credit cards

To tell the truth, I don’t like recommend credit cards, but rewards credit cards could come in handy when traveling. There are even some travel rewards credit cards for rewards bonus. It will redeem miles for airline tickets, car rentals and hotels. Apply for a credit card and use it for a few months while traveling, but don’t forget to pay it off each month.

There are numerous ways to save money for traveling. You just need to find the best one that you can stick. Have you tried any of these ways to save money for traveling? Do you have any other tips? Please share them!

8 Daily Habits of Ultra-Productive People

Have you ever wondered how successful people stay highly productive day after day? The secret of their productivity isn’t actually a secret. They simply know how to manage themselves and when to say no. Ultra-productive people don’t necessarily work longer and they’re not complete workaholics. They simply work a bit smarter than other people. If you feel stuck in your busy schedules, it’s time to make changes, improve your work rut and boost your career. No matter what obstacles block your career path, you have enough power to overcome them. Here are 8 daily habits of ultra-productive people that you can develop today.

1. They do the hardest tasks first

Procrastination is the biggest problem of most people. We often don’t feel like doing the difficult tasks and trick ourselves into thinking that we’ll accomplish them after lunch. The truth is, the most difficult tasks are never accomplished in the second part of the working day. Ultra-productive people know it so they always start their working days with the hardest projects. It’s a lot easier to accomplish easy tasks (or those that inspire you to work hard) at the end of the day.

2. They never overthink their projects and mistakes

Ultra-productive people don’t have time for overthinking. They make mistakes, learn from them and forget about them. They accomplish their tasks and projects and forget about them. They always try to solve their problems the moment they appear. Moreover, they never save phone calls and emails to deal with later. This habit is hard to master but it’s worth the effort.

3. They often say no

Ultra-productive people are not afraid to say no to the tasks and projects that they don’t like or want to accomplish. They often say no to people who ask them for help. It’s not selfish. though. The art of saying no is great and useful. First, because it helps people to do their work on time. Second, because they have more time to relax and do their household chores. Remember, you don’t have to do someone’s tasks regardless of the situation, especially if you have many stuff to tackle.

4. They never multitask

Multitasking is a good thing at times, but it doesn’t help you stay productive during the day. Multitasking is actually a huge productivity killer. When you do one task at a time, you accomplish more than when you are trying to do a few tasks at once. Even if you manage to accomplish those tasks, the quality of your work may be worse. Ultra-productive people strive for better work, which is why they tend to focus on one project at a time.

5. They end their working day by preparing for the next

After a hard working day the last thing we want to think about is the next working day. However, when you plan your next day before you leave the office, you start the next day doing the most difficult tasks, and don’t spend your precious minutes making a to-do list in the morning. Ultra-productive people always end their working day with a to-do list for tomorrow.

6. They prioritize their tasks

When making their to-do lists, successful and productive people prioritize their tasks. They do the most difficult tasks first, then accomplish the most important ones, and if they have some time before the end of the working day, they try to get the less important tasks done. This way, they work productively without exhausting themselves. As I mentioned, you don’t have to work hard to get things done – you simply need to learn how to work a bit smarter.

7. They stick to their schedules

While it’s not always possible to stick to a schedule, you should do it most of the time in order to be more productive. If you hold a business meeting, make sure you keep it short. It’s difficult to stay focused when the meeting is very long and boring. Avoid discussing other topics, prepare an agenda in advance, set a time limit and stick to it. This is how ultra-productive people run their productive business meetings. In case you have any other topics to discuss, do it at the end of the meeting.

8. They delegate

We are not superhumans. Sometimes even highly productive people can be overloaded with tasks. Delegating is an effective way to get everything done on time. If you know that you can delegate some of your tasks to other workers, do it, but only when you really need it. Avoid delegating all the time, or you will end up being highly unproductive worker.

Every day can be a productive day, if you really want it. Reconsider your daily habits – get rid of those that prevent you from being efficient during the day and adopt those that will make you more productive and successful. I hope these small productivity tips will help you boost your career and improve your overall life. Are you going to adopt any of these habits?

6 Tips on Applying to Pharmacy School

Applying to professional school can be a stressful time for anybody. Getting together applications, taking the required tests, and traveling to schools for interviews load on a series of important tasks. However, at the end of the four-year program, students will have earned their Doctorate of Pharmacy and can be fully licensed. This set of tips will help students looking to apply to pharmacy school by easing any sense of stress and helping students appear their best.

1. Complete the necessary applications and prerequisites as early as possible

Many pharmacy schools participate in rolling admissions. This process means that programs start accepting students within the application period and continue as more applications are received. The earlier a student applies ensures that the application gets reviewed multiple times in the context of other students’ applications. Furthermore, students that have completed all of their prerequisites, or already have their bachelor’s degree, are often viewed more favorably in the admissions process because they are more likely to be viable candidates for matriculation.

2. Sign up for the PCAT early in order to avoid late fees

PCAT is the required pharmacy admissions test of many U.S. pharmacy schools. The test is usually administered in September, January, and July. Thus, it is imperative that students plan accordingly in order to allow for test results to be sent to their respective schools. Additionally, administering dates are limited and popular days of the week fill up fast at testing sites. Be proactive in looking up dates and attempt to sign up as early as possible. The late fees associated with not signing up on time are significantly large.

3. Don’t stress over interviews

The interview portion of the application is simply required to make sure the student is just as interested in the particular program as the school is interested in the student. Most pharmacy schools manipulate their interviews into full days that include information sessions and campus tours. The school wants you to feel warm and invited at the school while learning more about their program. Often, the interviews consist of a staff/faculty panel with the occasional student interviewer. The interviews generally aim to see how the student communicates and if they do so clearly. Furthermore, the interviewers want to get to know who you are and see how you represent yourself when not using a paper application.

4. Dress and act appropriately

If you are invited for an interview day, dress and act appropriately. Students are being interviewed for a professional school and should thus dress professionally. Suits or dress suits are the necessary uniform for these types of settings. Additionally, students are expected to act professionally. Addressing the faculty using their appropriate titles goes a long way. General courtesies such as saying thank you and holding the door open for others may give just the right impression to the admissions committee that will be evaluating your application later that week.

5. Get to know the program before arriving on campus

While learning about the program and the services they offer helps answer questions asked by the staff about why you want to attend, it also sets up the student to come prepared with questions. Getting to know the program is a large part of the day. Coming prepared with questions allows the student to get the most of the information sessions and campus tour by not having to continuously think on their feet.

6. Set yourself up for success

Finally, setting yourself up for success will be the best way to prepare for the application process. This process means participating in extracurricular activities that yield leadership service and community involvement. These activities could be as simple as creating your own student organization or organizing a community 5K one weekend. Furthermore, previous pharmacy experience goes a long way in convincing the admissions committee that you want to become a pharmacist. The experience shows the school that the student has seriously considered the profession and will be more likely to matriculate into their particular program.

Using these tips should significantly ease the admissions process. Ultimately, help yourself by getting ahead of the ball. Complete the PCAT, your applications, and your prerequisites early in order to be the most viable candidate.

8 Important Actions That Will Make You More Successful

Each day I see more and more chronically unproductive, unsuccessful and unhappy people and wonder why they choose to be miserable when they can take a few actions to become more successful. You will never know the true joy of happiness and success if you don’t admit that you chose the wrong path in life. There are many successful people who consider themselves unhappy and unsuccessful because they are not grateful for what they already have and they are stuck in their own negative thoughts, which prevent them from reaching their full potential. Stop living in misery, here are 8 important actions you can take today that will make you more successful.

1. Love your job

Successful people always do what they love and this actually makes them so happy and successful. Spending 8 (or more) hours at work you don’t like is one of the worst things you can do in life. When you love your job, you are more productive and eager to reach success. Never stop looking for your favorite job and you will definitely find it.

2. Cultivate your creativity

Just don’t tell me that you are not creative. I believe every person in the world is creative, but the problem is that most of us don’t explore and cultivate that creativity. If you have any creative ideas, share them with your coworkers or boss. Even if they don’t love your ideas, don’t give up. Learn how to think outside the box, cultivate your creativity daily, train your brain and be open to new ideas. It’s one of the most important actions that will make you more successful.

3. Focus on one goal at a time

Multitasking is a common thing these days. Whether it’s good or bad, but it will get you nowhere. Trying to reach a few goals or accomplishing a few tasks at once will never make you successful. You will end up feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed out. When you have a huge to-do list, take a deep breath to calm down (when I see a long list of tasks I should accomplish, the first thing I usually feel is panic), prioritize your tasks and focus on accomplishing one task at a time. This will help you stay productive, avoid stress and meet all your deadlines.

4. Believe in yourself

No matter what you do, believe in yourself. If you made a mistake, admit it, learn from it and move on. Don’t dwell on your past mistakes. Believe that you will be successful, happy and healthy. Believe that you can make your dreams come true. Faith is a crucial part of life, remember it.

5. Ignore negative criticism

There’s a huge difference between negative criticism and constructive criticism. When you see that people give negative and rude criticism that has no sense at all, ignore it. We can’t avoid toxic people in the workplace, but we can ignore their rude comments. Don’t let people’s negative criticism affect your mood, productivity and success.

6. Never stop learning

The majority of people stop learning once they graduate from college or university. Highly successful people never stop learning, no matter the age. You may know a lot of useful things and have fantastic abilities, but they won’t make you more successful. Don’t be afraid to try new things and take new responsibilities. Read books and share your knowledge with others.

7. Don’t lie

If you don’t have fantastic computer skills, let your potential employer know about it. If you can’t accomplish a project, let your manager or boss know about it. Be honest and ask for help when you really need it. It’s impossible to know everything in life, so it’s okay when someone helps you. Successful people can’t do many things, they admit it and their honesty help them reach the true joy of success.

8. Take care of your health

Wealth is nothing without health. When you have numerous health issues, it’s hard to enjoy your success. You should never forget to take care of your health. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and stay hydrated to be more productive and have more energy to accomplish any project and achieve any goal.

I hope these tiny pieces of advice inspired you to take some actions to improve your life and reach the true joy of success. Stay motivated and productive during the day, learn and try new things, believe in yourself and you will never feel unhappy again. What actions are you going to take to become more successful?

7 Signs You’re Sabotaging Your Career

Family is an integral part of each person’s life, but we pay too much attention to our jobs so we can consider career to be an integral part of life as well. They say, only selfish people worry about career, but in fact, many of us are trying to make a career as we need money to live a more fulfilling life. It’s not all about money, though. When you hate your job, you are not happy for that paycheck. Even if you love what you do, sometimes it seems impossible to get a promotion or a raise. Why? Here’s how you are sabotaging your career:

1. Perfectionism

Striving for perfection is one of the worst habits that can ruin your whole life. No matter how hard you work, you will never do your job perfectly. There’s always a room for mistakes. Perfectionists are ready to die rather than make a mistake, and it’s actually a surefire way to make your life more fearful, stressful and miserable. Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes – those mistakes make you wiser, smarter and stronger. Moreover, stop setting the high standards and striving to be perfect. This way, you will boost your career and improve your love life as well.

2. Stop learning

You graduated from the university and you’re probably sick and tired of reading and studying, but a succesful life is all about improving your knowledge and develop yourself. Don’t expect your boss to promote your professional development. It may be their obligation, but bosses are different so your employer may not even think about you, especially if you work for a big company. Consider improving your professional skills on a daily basis – the more you read, the better. You can also take some free courses or visit a few seminars.

3. Weak willpower

No one is able to reach career goals if they are not assertive and have no willpower. If your boss gives you a difficult project, it doesn’t mean they hate you. This means they believe in you and your skills and they know you will do your job well. If you can’t accomplish the task, let your boss know. Although they’ll probably won’t be happy to hear that, they’ll understand you and your situation. If you are afraid to fail the project, though, saying ‘no’ to your boss is a bad idea.

4. Working too much

Yup, ladies, working too much is not always good. Not only will you have a number of serious issues in a few years, you will also break your productivity, fail at time management and ruin your career. Hard-working people often sabotage their careers without realizing it, thus they end up feeling miserable and lonely. Work hard but don’t overwork – this is the main rule to keep in mind when you want to get promoted.

5. Saying ‘yes’

Your coworker has an urgent family problem to solve and asks you to accomplish some tasks. You have your own to-do list full of important tasks but you can’t say ‘no’ so you say ‘yes’ and end up working all night long doing the job for two. What’s the point? Well, I know, the art of being selfish is hard to master, but it will help you achieve your career goals without sacrificing your time and health.

6. The wrong career path

It’s hard to know if your career path is right or wrong, especially now when people are so obsessed with money that they are ready to do whatever job needed to be done in order to make more cash. True happiness doesn’t lie in money. If you make a lot of money by doing the job you hate, your chances of becoming happy are very low. If you feel like you chose the wrong career path, it’s not too late to change it.

7. Stressful life

Stress doesn’t sound like a big danger to us these days. Most hard-working people don’t know how to relax properly and they often have poor physical and mental health. As you know, money doesn’t buy health. Consider your lifestyle and think of all the possible ways to eliminate stress from your life. Learn how to cope with your emotions, negative feedback, toxic people and the most difficult life issues. Positivity can help you boost your career, while negativity can completely ruin it.

I learned the hard way about choosing the right career path and developing the right career habits. If you don’t find your job rewarding and meaningful, it’s better to leave it and find something you are passionate about. Hopefully, these little signs and tips helped you to think over your career path and your career goals, and now you know what you want to do. Are you sabotaging your career? How?