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6 simple lifestyle changes to help you lose weight
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No Caption - photo by Callie Hansen
Losing weight can be a daunting task. No matter how many diets youve tried, for some reason you cant seem to shed the excess weight. Losing weight is a process it doesnt happen overnight. However, over time,making simple changes to your lifestyle can have an immense impact on your life, as well as your weight. These six simple steps will help you to finally lose those extra pounds:

1. Go to bed early and rise early

If you have a bad habit of going to bed late and not getting enough sleep, it could be detrimental to your health. A study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University revealed just that: committing to a regular sleep schedule resulted in lower body fat.

Getting enough sleep will also leave you refreshed and ready for the day. You will have more energy to do the things you want and need to get done. You will have the motivation to be healthier; to drink more water, eat better, exercise and take care of your body.

2. Stop eating when you start to feel full

One of the biggest things stopping you from losing weight is how much you are eating. Eating mindfully can help you lose weight because you will simply be consuming less calories. Stop eating when you start to feel full. Eat off a smaller plate and without distractions. Focussing on your meals instead of the television can help cut down on empty calories. Studies have also found that mindful eating can help manage binge eating disorders and obesity.

3. Raid your pantry

Raiding your pantry and getting rid of all of your unhealthy food is perhaps the easiest and smartest thing you can do to help you lose weight. If you don't have any treats in the house, you will need to choose healthier options as a snack. Keep up your healthy stock of food when you go to the grocery store. If you keep unhealthy foods out of the house, you're more likely to eat healthier and lose the weight you want.

4. Stop comparing yourself to others

Your mindset is also an important part of your weight loss journey. Your beauty is not defined by others. Your body is yours and yours only. Do not try to lose weight to be like someone else. Deciding to lose weight to be healthier for yourself will help you stay motivated.

5. Find your motivation

While you should love yourself no matter what, loving yourself gives you motivation to be your best self. If your motivation is just a number on the scale or a certain size, your resolve might crumble. Deciding to be healthy so you can be there for your grandchildren, or to keep up with your energetic kids will help you stick to your goals. Decide to live confidently no matter what your situation and keep yourself motivated each day.

6. Your willpower can bring about immense change

The only thing stopping you from change is yourself. If you keep putting off working out until tomorrow, you will never go to the gym. Your sheer willpower is the key to losing weight.

The Journal of Consumer Research ran a few studies about the power of saying "I don't" in order to keep your willpower in check. By saying things like, "I don't need that cookie" or "I don't need to have dessert" will keep you from cheating on your diet and mentally strengthens your resolve to commit to your goal.

Losing weight needs to be conscious decision that comes with a commitment to change your lifestyle. Getting support from friends and family will help you stick to your goal. Take control of your life and do what is right and best for you to start reaping the rewards.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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