Celebrate International Friendship Day the Nutritious Life Way
What was once considered a Hallmark Holiday is now celebrated globally every 30th of July: International Friendship Day. International Friendship Day was initially founded by the UN General Assembly in 2011 with the goal of building bridges and promoting camaraderie between communities, people and culture through formed friendships. With the help of social media, this celebration of diversity became globally known, garnering 102K Instagram posts to date using the hashtag #internationalfriendshipday. As platforms like Facebook and Instagram become more and more popular, physical distance between friends is no longer a barrier. World-wide connections may be hard to wrap your head around in your day-to-day. Luckily, there are very real health benefits to spreading the love with something as seemingly small as grabbing dinner with your girls or going for a walk with a friend…or perhaps setting up a quick fun-filled Zoom call. Celebrate World Friendship Day the Nutritious Life Way There isn’t a right way to celebrate International Friendship Day with your favorite people. But, if you need some inspiration, we’re sharing three fun ways to connect with your besties. 1. Eat and Drink Your Heart Out Thinking of throwing a party with the BFFs? It doesn’t have to be grand; a bowl for two might be perfect. Celebrate with nourishing foods, like these easy-to-prep colorful summer salads loaded with antioxidants. Or, why not serve up some fancy charcuterie board? You can pair it up with a glass of wine or two. Remember, conscious indulgence is encouraged to make you feel empowered with your choices rather than regretful. On the other hand, if you’re ditching alcohol entirely we highly recommend you try these sober-licious mocktails. RELATED: How to Create the Perfect Healthy Party Platter 2. Get Groovin’ Under the Sun Moving your body, be it swimming, running, a quick workout together, or even a trip to an amusement park, can trigger the release of endorphins, AKA happy-making chemicals. Imagine yourself flashing those pearly whites and letting out audible laughs with your gals while soaking up the sun. You’re not just having the best time here, you’re also getting sunshine vitamins. What a treat! If you’re up for something new, level-up your time with friends by exploring these head-throwing dance workouts outdoors. And while you’re sweating it all away, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated. Drinking water will energize you; more energy means more time to hang with your friends. RELATED: How Much Water Do You Really Need to Drink? 3. Travel, Nature … and Sleep? Yes, you read it right! If you’re feeling out of whack and want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, hop on to the sleep retreat wagon with your best friend. Or maybe, enjoy nature with a side of luxury in these best landscape hotels around the globe. These trips might be the gateway to rejuvenation and the ultimate bonding experience you’ve been longing for. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate this day with your person or tribe, remember to be fully present and savor each moment of fun. Want to learn how healthy and strong relationships can improve your health? Read the Three Proven Health Benefits of Friendships (Backed by Science) (Image: Shutterstock)
13 Ways To Boost Communication with Your Partner
Over the past year, research has found more couples struggling and breakups happening far more than ever. Many of us are juggling more responsibilities around the house and often use up every minute of the day for work, kids and maybe a little self care (if we are lucky!). Even though we may be spending more time together, the quality time is often lacking and frustrations are more likely to increase. We all know that one of the most important aspects of a relationship is communication. Talking to your significant other feels like something that should be natural. Yet, it is a common struggle among couples. But, are we truly communicating about what matters? Briefly asking about their day, requesting they pick up milk, or scheduling your family affairs is technically communication. But, we didn’t choose to be with this person because we wanted an assistant or someone to help with chores. We chose them because we love them. When stress is heightened, it’s easy for communication to break down and for intimacy to be pushed aside from the relationship. If your partner doesn’t know there is an issue, you can’t work together to resolve it. If they don’t know you’re not feeling loved, needing space, or desiring a little more affection, they won’t try. We asked leading relationship experts to talk about ways we can strengthen our bonds, open up the dialogue with our partners, and even rekindle a dulled spark. Match Your Inner and Outer Dialogue If you’re thinking angry and expressing nice…believe me, your partner is “hearing” the angry loud and clear. And then, you’re confused as to why they’re acting defensive! Instead, be clear about your needs and be willing to negotiate. You don’t want to have to be a mindreader. If you’re sensing a problem, give the person permission to express it. If you need something, ask. —Laura Day, New York Times bestselling author and practicing intuitive Define The Level of Affection You Need Some people just aren’t that affectionate. There are many degrees of affection. One partner might feel they are being affectionate, and their partner still feels starved for affection. This is an area where you need to reach a happy medium. Affection is part of what sets you apart from just being roommates. You need to communicate your need for more affection the way you would any other need. Ask your partner what affection looks like to them and try doing more of what they ask for in a relationship. Affection is what makes some people feel valued and loved, so it’s very important to be on the same page and make strides to meet their needs. Check in with your partner to see if what you are doing is working for them as well. —Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking. You are 100% responsible for your own satisfaction in your relationship (in and out of the bedroom), so don’t wait around waiting for your partner to read your mind—initiate. Go for what you want. —Dr. Gertrude Lyons, MA, MA, EdD Show Interest in Your Partner It may sound obvious, but it’s really not. When you’re struggling to actually listen to your partner, especially when they’re talking about something mundane or boring (and your brain is already busy!), focus on something you love about them. Find the place within yourself where you can really listen to what your partner says simply because they are saying something! I often have to look at how beautiful my husband’s face is, or how lovely his voice is when he is telling me about some TV show I could care less about. Inform yourself about their day, and then ask them about it. Show your pride and investment in their life. We often know what our partner is going to say, but let them say it and really listen. Connection is everything. —Laura Day RELATED: 5 Everyday Habits To Boost Your Sex Life Get Frustrated Energy Out Creatively If you’re feeling annoyed at your partner, go play a sport or take a yoga class to get the stagnant or frustrated energy out. When you remove yourself from the current situation (or even just the room), you can take a moment to notice if it’s really about what you think you’re annoyed about, or if there may be other circumstances at play. Remember, it’s important to give him/her the benefit of the doubt. Are you assuming your partner has the best possible intentions? How might you feel differently if you did? —Vanessa Ringel, founder of GRAVITĀS Check-in In the morning over coffee or at the end of the evening, ask each other how you’re feeling about the day. What are the challenges? Can you tackle a chore so they can go for a much-needed run in the neighborhood? Can they help clear your schedule for some uninterrupted alone time? You can have these kinds of conversations at any time of day. It’s about finding connection and emotional intimacy each and every day. —Monica Berg, author of Rethink Love and host of Spiritually Hungry Podcast Be Vulnerable Romance in a marriage doesn’t need to die; however, the idea and expectation of what romance means does. Responsibilities, routine, and everyday stressors are inevitable. It is very easy when entering a marriage to expect love and romance and have those intoxicating early-relationship hormones keep raging. Vulnerability is actually the key to rekindling romance. When we’re seeking vulnerability and its byproduct, genuine connection, we aren’t looking for excitement. Choosing to take a break from your everyday routine with a date night or a staycation is a wonderful way to infuse excitement and mystery. Take that time to foster an appreciation for all the reasons your relationship is already wonderful, and build upon them. Sharing our past fears, embarrassments, and experiences requires an openness that each couple should try to create between each other. It’s not always an easy task. The more you open up to your partner and
The 2017 Nutritious Life Gift Guide: Love More
These gifts say “I love you” in all different ways for the many people you heart, whether it’s a partner, BFF, or sibling.
7 Sex-Drive Foods to Boost Your Libido
What the heck is a sex-drive food? Research has shown all kinds of habits lead to great sex, from regular exercise to simply being nice. But your diet arguably has the biggest effect on how your body functions, so why not add foods associated with libido benefits to your plate to keep your sex drive happily humming? We’re not just talking about things that put you in the mood with sensual taste or texture. We’re talking about sex-drive foods that are known to stimulate or support processes in your body (like the release of hormones) that are related to sexual performance and pleasure. One (probably unnecessary, but awesome) reminder: Having sex isn’t just good for you because orgasms feel good (though they do). It’s also linked to maintaining a healthier weight and a stronger immune system. Do you really need any more reasons to eat these sex-drive foods regularly? 7 Sex-Drive Foods for a Libido Boost 1. Sex Drive Food: Watermelon Watermelon is sometimes referred to as “natural viagra” because it contains citrulline, a non-essential amino acid that helps the body relax blood vessels, boosting blood flow. According to one small study in the journal Urology, oral citrulline supplementation helps to improve mild erectile dysfunction in men. Worth noting here: Because watermelon is mostly water (92%, in fact!), the citrulline will be more concentrated in watermelon juice. So drink instead of eat your watermelon to get its full libido-boosting potency. 2. Sex Drive Food: Pine Nuts Pine nuts are a great source of zinc, which is associated with increasing sex drive. Researchers at Wayne State University studied the zinc status and testosterone levels of nearly 50 men varying in age from 20 to 80 years old. They concluded that zinc may play an important role in modulating serum testosterone levels. While testosterone isn’t the only factor in a man’s libido, it does play a major role. Low testosterone can result in low sex drive and erectile dysfunction. So, boosting testosterone can help. One way to do this is by upping zinc intake. Another great nut that will boost libido? Pistachios. A Turkish study of 17 men who added pistachios to their diet for 3 weeks saw improvement in erectile function. Add pine nuts to a delish zoodles dish instead of carb-heavy pasta, which would lead to the most un-sexy feeling: bloating. RELATED: How to Stop Bloating in 5 Easy Steps 3. Sex Drive Food: Grass-fed Steak Beef is also a great source of zinc, and iron, which helps red blood cells transport oxygen, giving you energy. Plus, beef contains B vitamins and protein for fuel and endurance. Protein will also help stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. 4. Sex Drive Food: Dark Chocolate Yes, dark chocolate does, in fact, belong on this list. It’s not a myth! Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, or PEA, which triggers the release of endorphins (the same happy-making chemicals released after a great workout) and tyrosine, which is a precursor to feel-good dopamine. These are the very same chemicals that our brains release when we’re happy or in love, so what’s not to love about dark chocolate? 5. Sex Drive Food: Warming Spices Turns out there’s a reason people refer to “spicing things up” in the bedroom. Cayenne and chili peppers contain the chemical capsaicin, which produces heat by increasing circulation and blood flow—things our bodies do in response to sex. Large amounts of capsaicin may also stimulate the genitals, which can translate to actual sexual heat. Other libido-boosting spices include nutmeg and cinnamon, which are used in many cultures as an aphrodisiac. Just the aroma of these spices could improve your mood, soothe nerves, and spark your sex drive. RELATED: The Incredible Health Benefits of Cinnamon 6. Sex Drive Food: Asparagus Asparagus makes the list for a couple of reasons. First, because it’s high in folate, a B vitamin that regulates the production of histamine. News flash: That’s a chemical that’s released during an orgasm. Second, the high levels of vitamin E in asparagus may increase blood and oxygen flow to the genitals. 7. Sex Drive Food: Walnuts Finally, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats that boost dopamine and also arginine, an amino acid that increases the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and increases circulation. May we suggest a steak dinner with a side of asparagus topped with pine nuts … with a spicy chocolate bar for dessert? More Reading Will Oysters Actually Get You in the Mood? (Images: Shutterstock)
