I know these "best ways to make money blogging" work, because I earn a living as a full-time blogger! I love it; it's the best job I've ever had.
Here are a few of my blogging tips -- but remember that what works for me may not work for you. The best way to find out is to try these tips yourself...
Best Ways to Make Money Blogging
Look for the right affiliate programs. Find products and services to help your readers! How? By figuring out what search terms do your readers use to find your blog? For example, readers often find Quips and Tips for Successful Writers by searching for “feature article ideas”, “how to end an article”, and “magazine writing tips.” So, my advertisements should focus on freelance writing, magazine articles, and writing tips. I can help my readers by giving them the opportunity to get better at writing for magazines, or writing in general. I also feature books, books, and more books on Successful Writers because I love books! Promote stuff you believe in, fellow scribes.
Set financial goals for your blog. My long-term intention is to earn a solid living as a blogger, and my financial goal for the next six months is to earn $2,000 per month from my affiliate programs. Not everyone has the time, ability, or inclination to build their blog(s) this way – but many bloggers have an extra hour or two a week to play with Google Adsense or Amazon ads on their blogs. What’s a realistic financial goal for your blog? One way to determine this is to take the figure you’re earning now, double it, and make it your intention to earn the new amount in six months. For more of my best ways to make money blogging, read How to Make Money Blogging for Writers.
Experiment with different types and sizes of ads. So many choices! Banner ads, product images, text ads, in-text link ads, pixel/favicon ads, contextual links, eBook ads, exit ads, lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Start with the ad types and sizes that you dislike the least, let them run for a couple of months, and see if you make money. Keep in mind that you probably need over 1,000 page views a day before you earn $100 or even $50 a day with your blog. The best way to make money blogging really depends on your niche and products.
Be search engine friendly, with strong content. This is by far my favorite way of promoting my Quips and Tips blogs! I want to help writers (and bloggers) find the answers they need, so I need to make sure my blog posts are optimized for search engines. If you’re curious about keywords and key phrases, read SEO Tips for Web Writers and Bloggers.
For more money help:
What do you think of these "best ways to make money blogging"? I welcome your thoughts below...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Best Ways to Achieve Life Goals
Searching for the best ways to achieve life goals is the first step to success and happiness! But remember: when you achieve your goals, you're not done. Achieving goals is addictive, which means you'll want to set and achieve more goals...it's a happy upward spiral.
Here are some of the best ways to achieve your goals in life...
Set one or two life goals at a time. Don’t make the mistake of setting goals for all aspects of your life at the same time! You’ll get overwhelmed, and won’t achieve any of them. Instead, pick one set of goals to focus on. When you’re progressing in that area, then work on a different set of goals. One step at a time, my friends!
Live from your vision, not your circumstances. Creating a vision is difficult, but once you know what goals you want for your life, it sets a framework for everything you do. Your circumstances will never get you closer to your goal. Only your vision can guide you to get what you want. If your goal is to lose weight and be healthy, then act like someone who is already fit. If your goal is to make money, act like someone who is already financially successful and responsible (and don’t run amok with your credit card). One of the best ways to achieve life goals is to focus on what you want and where you want to be, not where you are.
Consider your personality traits. When setting and achieving life goals, factor in your personality traits. Are you someone who likes doing things on your own or do you thrive in a group? Do you operate best in the morning, afternoon or evening? To achieve a goal, you will have do something that goes against your natural style, like attending school at night when you are a morning person or fitting a workout in the morning when you are more energized in the evening.
Adjust what doesn’t work. When you’re working towards your personal goals, it’s important not to view the need for an adjustment as “starting over.” Instead, you are simply picking your goal back up after reviewing it. All the experience and effort you have already put in still counts…and you’re one step closer to achieving your goals. For more info, read How to Recognize Goals That Aren’t Good for You.
Do you think these are the best ways to achieve life goals -- or do you have better ones? I welcome your thoughts below.
To learn more, read What Goals Should I Set for My Life? The Best Types of Life Goals.
Here are some of the best ways to achieve your goals in life...
Set one or two life goals at a time. Don’t make the mistake of setting goals for all aspects of your life at the same time! You’ll get overwhelmed, and won’t achieve any of them. Instead, pick one set of goals to focus on. When you’re progressing in that area, then work on a different set of goals. One step at a time, my friends!
Live from your vision, not your circumstances. Creating a vision is difficult, but once you know what goals you want for your life, it sets a framework for everything you do. Your circumstances will never get you closer to your goal. Only your vision can guide you to get what you want. If your goal is to lose weight and be healthy, then act like someone who is already fit. If your goal is to make money, act like someone who is already financially successful and responsible (and don’t run amok with your credit card). One of the best ways to achieve life goals is to focus on what you want and where you want to be, not where you are.
Consider your personality traits. When setting and achieving life goals, factor in your personality traits. Are you someone who likes doing things on your own or do you thrive in a group? Do you operate best in the morning, afternoon or evening? To achieve a goal, you will have do something that goes against your natural style, like attending school at night when you are a morning person or fitting a workout in the morning when you are more energized in the evening.
Adjust what doesn’t work. When you’re working towards your personal goals, it’s important not to view the need for an adjustment as “starting over.” Instead, you are simply picking your goal back up after reviewing it. All the experience and effort you have already put in still counts…and you’re one step closer to achieving your goals. For more info, read How to Recognize Goals That Aren’t Good for You.
Do you think these are the best ways to achieve life goals -- or do you have better ones? I welcome your thoughts below.
To learn more, read What Goals Should I Set for My Life? The Best Types of Life Goals.
Best Ways to Survive a Breakup
My "best ways to survive a breakup" may not be the same as your "best ways to survive a breakup"! But, the only way to find out what works is to try different things...and that's what these tips are. Different ways to survive different types of loss.
Best Ways to Survive a Breakup
Remember both the good and the bad parts of the relationship. When you have to let go of someone you love, it’s easy to focus on the great parts of the relationship and his personality. But, don’t forget the flaws! This is one of my favorite breakup tips because remembering both what you loved and what annoyed you will keep you grounded. And, being grounded will help you overcome heartbreak. Be objective and balanced when you think of the person you lost.
Realize that his leaving isn’t a direct reflection on you. No matter how beautiful, successful, slim, or rich their wives are, some husbands will be unfaithful. Men cheat and leave their marriages for a wide variety of reasons – many of which have nothing to do with their wives. To learn more about cheating husbands, read Why Men Cheat on Their Wives. But more importantly, remember that your husband left you for another woman because of his problems – which aren’t a reflection of you! It’s not that you’re not good enough, or she’s a better woman. One of the best ways to survive a breakup is to keep reminding yourself that your husband left you because he has his own issues.
Clean up your ex's clutter. Do you have his stuff all over your place? Get rid of everything. Seeing his clothes, toiletries, books, or other items just keeps your wounds fresh. Put everything he left behind in a box, and throw or give it away. Clearing out your home, car, and workspace will help clear your mind…which will help you heal from a relationship breakup. To learn more, read How Do I Get Over Him? Relationship Breakup Help.
Remember the dog-and-vomit analogy. It sounds gross, but hang in with me! I recently read There Is a Season by Patrick Lane, about his journey through addiction and recovery. He said thinking about sad things in the past is like a dog returning to his own vomit. I love this analogy, and use it when I start berating myself for something I regret doing. Instead of raking myself over the coals, I tell myself that I’m not a dog and I refuse to go back to my own vomit…and I then think “Eeewwww…” and I move on! This is a very practical, effective way to overcome obsessive thoughts about an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend.
What do you think of these best ways to survive a breakup? I welcome your comments below.
For more relationship breakup help, read how to let go of someone you love.
And, one of the most popular books on Amazon is It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken: The Smart Girl's Break-Up Buddy
. It'll help you see you're not alone.
Best Ways to Survive a Breakup
Remember both the good and the bad parts of the relationship. When you have to let go of someone you love, it’s easy to focus on the great parts of the relationship and his personality. But, don’t forget the flaws! This is one of my favorite breakup tips because remembering both what you loved and what annoyed you will keep you grounded. And, being grounded will help you overcome heartbreak. Be objective and balanced when you think of the person you lost.
Realize that his leaving isn’t a direct reflection on you. No matter how beautiful, successful, slim, or rich their wives are, some husbands will be unfaithful. Men cheat and leave their marriages for a wide variety of reasons – many of which have nothing to do with their wives. To learn more about cheating husbands, read Why Men Cheat on Their Wives. But more importantly, remember that your husband left you for another woman because of his problems – which aren’t a reflection of you! It’s not that you’re not good enough, or she’s a better woman. One of the best ways to survive a breakup is to keep reminding yourself that your husband left you because he has his own issues.
Clean up your ex's clutter. Do you have his stuff all over your place? Get rid of everything. Seeing his clothes, toiletries, books, or other items just keeps your wounds fresh. Put everything he left behind in a box, and throw or give it away. Clearing out your home, car, and workspace will help clear your mind…which will help you heal from a relationship breakup. To learn more, read How Do I Get Over Him? Relationship Breakup Help.
Remember the dog-and-vomit analogy. It sounds gross, but hang in with me! I recently read There Is a Season by Patrick Lane, about his journey through addiction and recovery. He said thinking about sad things in the past is like a dog returning to his own vomit. I love this analogy, and use it when I start berating myself for something I regret doing. Instead of raking myself over the coals, I tell myself that I’m not a dog and I refuse to go back to my own vomit…and I then think “Eeewwww…” and I move on! This is a very practical, effective way to overcome obsessive thoughts about an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend.
What do you think of these best ways to survive a breakup? I welcome your comments below.
For more relationship breakup help, read how to let go of someone you love.
And, one of the most popular books on Amazon is It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken: The Smart Girl's Break-Up Buddy
. It'll help you see you're not alone.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Best Ways to Get Pregnant
These "best ways to get pregnant" are basic tips for getting pregnant. As with anything, getting pregnant depends on your body, genetics, and lifestyle. And don't forget about your partner! Both of you need to get as healthy as possible -- which may include getting a fertility test.
But before you worry about fertility tests, make sure you're following the basic guidelines for getting pregnant...
Best Ways to Get Pregnant
Know when you are ovulating. Ovulation is the only time of month you can get pregnant, so you need to know when your fertile days are! You need to introduce the egg to the sperm at the exact right time — and you don’t have a huge window of opportunity. You could take your temperature to predict ovulation, but fertility monitor test sticks
are more reliable. Ovulation predictor kits or fertility monitor test sticks are popular, affordable ways to determine your most fertile time of month.
Eat antioxidants to improve sperm health. Antioxidants prevent cell damage from free radicals. Free radicals are produced naturally by your body when it breaks down your food, but are also created when you’re exposed to things like toxic chemicals, radiation, cigarette smoke, or pollution. Since sperm are also cells, you can make sperm healthy by adding antioxidants to your diet. In fact, researchers have found that men who took antioxidants in supplement form had less DNA damaged sperm than men who did not take antioxidants. Some researchers found that couples had higher pregnancy rates if the men took additional antioxidants. To learn which foods contain the highest amounts of antioxidants, read 5 Foods That Increase Sperm Count, Production, and Motility.
Remember that not getting pregnant isn’t just a “female problem.” Infertility seems like a woman’s issue, but at least 33% of problems getting pregnant are due to male infertility. About 33% is due to unexplained infertility, and 33% is because of female infertility. If you can’t get pregnant, make sure that both you and your partner take a few fertility tests — there are even some at-home fertility tests that are effective and easy. Conceiving a baby takes time and effort…and a bit of humility.
Research the basic pregnancy tips on how to get pregnant. Researching the best ways to get pregnant on the internet is fine, but take what you read with a grain of salt! Not everything you read is fact — and not all tips for getting pregnant apply to all people. For instance, some pregnancy websites say that increasing zinc will increase sperm production. But, if a man isn’t producing sperm in the first place, then all the zinc in the world won’t help. I encourage you to read books like Taking Charge of Your Fertility for basic, solid pregnancy information.
These are just a few tips for getting pregnant! To learn more, read The Best Ways to Get Pregnant - Infertility Solutions.
And if you have any tips or questions, please comment below!
But before you worry about fertility tests, make sure you're following the basic guidelines for getting pregnant...
Best Ways to Get Pregnant
Know when you are ovulating. Ovulation is the only time of month you can get pregnant, so you need to know when your fertile days are! You need to introduce the egg to the sperm at the exact right time — and you don’t have a huge window of opportunity. You could take your temperature to predict ovulation, but fertility monitor test sticks
are more reliable. Ovulation predictor kits or fertility monitor test sticks are popular, affordable ways to determine your most fertile time of month. Eat antioxidants to improve sperm health. Antioxidants prevent cell damage from free radicals. Free radicals are produced naturally by your body when it breaks down your food, but are also created when you’re exposed to things like toxic chemicals, radiation, cigarette smoke, or pollution. Since sperm are also cells, you can make sperm healthy by adding antioxidants to your diet. In fact, researchers have found that men who took antioxidants in supplement form had less DNA damaged sperm than men who did not take antioxidants. Some researchers found that couples had higher pregnancy rates if the men took additional antioxidants. To learn which foods contain the highest amounts of antioxidants, read 5 Foods That Increase Sperm Count, Production, and Motility.
Remember that not getting pregnant isn’t just a “female problem.” Infertility seems like a woman’s issue, but at least 33% of problems getting pregnant are due to male infertility. About 33% is due to unexplained infertility, and 33% is because of female infertility. If you can’t get pregnant, make sure that both you and your partner take a few fertility tests — there are even some at-home fertility tests that are effective and easy. Conceiving a baby takes time and effort…and a bit of humility.
Research the basic pregnancy tips on how to get pregnant. Researching the best ways to get pregnant on the internet is fine, but take what you read with a grain of salt! Not everything you read is fact — and not all tips for getting pregnant apply to all people. For instance, some pregnancy websites say that increasing zinc will increase sperm production. But, if a man isn’t producing sperm in the first place, then all the zinc in the world won’t help. I encourage you to read books like Taking Charge of Your Fertility for basic, solid pregnancy information.
These are just a few tips for getting pregnant! To learn more, read The Best Ways to Get Pregnant - Infertility Solutions.
And if you have any tips or questions, please comment below!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Best Ways to Write a Book
What are the best ways to write a book, you ask? You've come to the right place! These writing tips apply to fiction writing, freelance writing, blogging, business writing, and everything in between...
If you don't find what you're looking for here, please comment below. I run Quips and Tips for Successful Writers, and have hundreds of book writing tips up my sleeve.
Best Ways to Write a Book
Picture your stories as “full circles.” A story can be circular, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Some stories even end up in the same place they started — and the best ones have hints and quiet references to the beginning throughout the whole story. I also like to think of it as leaving a trail of breadcrumbs throughout your story: your readers pick up one crumb at a time, nibble throughout your story, and end up satisfied. To learn more, read Story Writing Help – 6 Ways to Write Better Fiction.
Remember Anne Lamott’s writing tip. “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor,” said Lamott. “It will keep you insane your whole life.” Your writing won’t be perfect, fellow scribes…but it will be done, and it will be yours. To overcome procrastination, fear, and self-doubt, forget about being perfect. Instead, write the way your heart and head dictates. If you need motivation, read How to Write the First Draft - Writing Tips From Writers.
Carve out 30 or 60 minutes a day for writing your book. I had to force myself to keep writing both Fire Up (or Just Fire!) the Muse and 75 Ways to Make (More) Money Blogging – I wrestled with self-doubt and fear (What if nobody buys my ebook? What if people buy it, but don’t like it? What if, what if, what if?) The best way to write a book is to overcome doubt and fear is to set your ebook writing schedule and stick to it. (Which, by the way, is what Fire Up the Muse is all about: overcoming writer’s block, fear, doubt, self-criticism — and being a successful writer).
Find your writer's voice. In an article about menopause for alive magazine, I used the phrases “the crimson tide” and “Aunt Flo” instead of “your period.” I hesitated at first (Would readers get it? Is it too casual for a health magazine?), but decided to let it rip – and the editor emailed to say she loved those specific phrases! Taking risks when you write will help you find your writer’s voice -- and finding your voice is one of the best ways to write a book.
What do you think -- are these the best ways to write a book? I welcome your thoughts below!
If you don't find what you're looking for here, please comment below. I run Quips and Tips for Successful Writers, and have hundreds of book writing tips up my sleeve.
Best Ways to Write a Book
Picture your stories as “full circles.” A story can be circular, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Some stories even end up in the same place they started — and the best ones have hints and quiet references to the beginning throughout the whole story. I also like to think of it as leaving a trail of breadcrumbs throughout your story: your readers pick up one crumb at a time, nibble throughout your story, and end up satisfied. To learn more, read Story Writing Help – 6 Ways to Write Better Fiction.
Remember Anne Lamott’s writing tip. “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor,” said Lamott. “It will keep you insane your whole life.” Your writing won’t be perfect, fellow scribes…but it will be done, and it will be yours. To overcome procrastination, fear, and self-doubt, forget about being perfect. Instead, write the way your heart and head dictates. If you need motivation, read How to Write the First Draft - Writing Tips From Writers.
Carve out 30 or 60 minutes a day for writing your book. I had to force myself to keep writing both Fire Up (or Just Fire!) the Muse and 75 Ways to Make (More) Money Blogging – I wrestled with self-doubt and fear (What if nobody buys my ebook? What if people buy it, but don’t like it? What if, what if, what if?) The best way to write a book is to overcome doubt and fear is to set your ebook writing schedule and stick to it. (Which, by the way, is what Fire Up the Muse is all about: overcoming writer’s block, fear, doubt, self-criticism — and being a successful writer).
Find your writer's voice. In an article about menopause for alive magazine, I used the phrases “the crimson tide” and “Aunt Flo” instead of “your period.” I hesitated at first (Would readers get it? Is it too casual for a health magazine?), but decided to let it rip – and the editor emailed to say she loved those specific phrases! Taking risks when you write will help you find your writer’s voice -- and finding your voice is one of the best ways to write a book.
What do you think -- are these the best ways to write a book? I welcome your thoughts below!
Best Ways to Pray to God
There's not one best way to pray to God that works for everyone; it's not that easy! You need to find the best way for you to pray, depending on your personality, spirituality, lifestyle, and reason for praying.
And, you need to try different ways to pray until you find what works for you. Here are a few prayer tips to try...
Best Ways to Pray to God
Learn about Biblical prayer. To be God-centered and and Biblical, prayer must include God! Listening for God’s voice can be challenging, especially if you feel distant from God or if you’re easily distracted. If you’re trying to reconnect with God, you might find How to Renew Your Spirituality helpful. Learning to listen for God’s voice takes practice and patience – and it can be one of the most relaxing, peaceful parts of your day.
Try Centering Prayer. Centering prayer is about silencing your heart and mind for peace, for increased spirituality, and for the emotional and spiritual strength to cope with whatever happens in your life. This type of prayer is about communing with God. It’s not about getting what you want; it’s about finding the strength to cope with what you get. To learn more, read Centering Prayer - How to Pray With Your Whole Heart.
Pray in a way that works for you. I created Quips and Tips for Spiritual Seekers with Gini Grey, who often writes about meditation. Much of what she says works for prayer, too! Here's one of her best ways to pray to God, in her article about praying for others: "When I was in my late teens and early 20s I prayed while taking my dog for a walk late at night. Staring up at the expansive, sparkling sky helped me to feel a deep connection to the Creator. Now, I often pray with my eyes closed while meditating. Meditation merges me with my spiritual self and the source of all life. Whether you pray at your bedside before going to sleep, or while walking in nature, it doesn’t matter. Opening the line of communication to the God of your heart is what counts."
Accept that you get distracted while praying. If you fight or try to move away from your distraction, then you’ll just become more distracted! Resisting your distraction only magnifies it, prolongs it, makes it worse. So, instead of working feverishly to overcome your distraction, try accepting that you are distracted. Accept your lack of focus. Tell yourself, “Feelings of distraction while praying are normal. It’s okay for me to feel this way.” To learn how to stay focused, read How to Pray When You're Distracted - Mindful Prayer Tips.
“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” ~ Søren Kierkegaard.
What do you think -- what's the best way to pray to God? I welcome your comments below!
And, you need to try different ways to pray until you find what works for you. Here are a few prayer tips to try...
Best Ways to Pray to God
Learn about Biblical prayer. To be God-centered and and Biblical, prayer must include God! Listening for God’s voice can be challenging, especially if you feel distant from God or if you’re easily distracted. If you’re trying to reconnect with God, you might find How to Renew Your Spirituality helpful. Learning to listen for God’s voice takes practice and patience – and it can be one of the most relaxing, peaceful parts of your day.
Try Centering Prayer. Centering prayer is about silencing your heart and mind for peace, for increased spirituality, and for the emotional and spiritual strength to cope with whatever happens in your life. This type of prayer is about communing with God. It’s not about getting what you want; it’s about finding the strength to cope with what you get. To learn more, read Centering Prayer - How to Pray With Your Whole Heart.
Pray in a way that works for you. I created Quips and Tips for Spiritual Seekers with Gini Grey, who often writes about meditation. Much of what she says works for prayer, too! Here's one of her best ways to pray to God, in her article about praying for others: "When I was in my late teens and early 20s I prayed while taking my dog for a walk late at night. Staring up at the expansive, sparkling sky helped me to feel a deep connection to the Creator. Now, I often pray with my eyes closed while meditating. Meditation merges me with my spiritual self and the source of all life. Whether you pray at your bedside before going to sleep, or while walking in nature, it doesn’t matter. Opening the line of communication to the God of your heart is what counts."
Accept that you get distracted while praying. If you fight or try to move away from your distraction, then you’ll just become more distracted! Resisting your distraction only magnifies it, prolongs it, makes it worse. So, instead of working feverishly to overcome your distraction, try accepting that you are distracted. Accept your lack of focus. Tell yourself, “Feelings of distraction while praying are normal. It’s okay for me to feel this way.” To learn how to stay focused, read How to Pray When You're Distracted - Mindful Prayer Tips.
“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” ~ Søren Kierkegaard.
What do you think -- what's the best way to pray to God? I welcome your comments below!
Best Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
If you're looking for the best ways to lose weight and keep it off, remember that losing weight fast doesn't translate to keeping it off. Don't scramble to drop 40 pounds in a month, becauuse it'll backfire!
These tips for losing weight and keeping it off will help you create a healthier, happier lifestyle...
Best Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
Take your personal tastes into account. “All the popular diets can help you lose weight because they provide almost identical calorie intakes,” says nutritional biochemist Shawn Talbott, PhD, author of The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health – And What You Can Do About It
. “But different people may do better on different diets because of personal tastes. For instance, if you love bread, don’t even think about trying Atkins…because it won’t work.” For more info on different types of weight loss plans (diets, yuck), read Achieve Weight Loss Goals With 5 Healthy Diet Plans.
Strategize to deal with different life situations so you control the food – and it doesn’t control you. Use smaller plates, drink flavored waters, and bring a veggie or fruit salad or low-fat healthy dish to a party so you know there will be something you can comfortably eat. Call or Google restaurants ahead of time to check out the menu, so you’re not surprised and order food. To learn more, read The Best Ways to Lose Weight.
Learn how to feel full without overeating. You may have heard this satiety tip before - because it works. “Look for prepared foods with five or more grams of fiber per serving,” writes Dr John La Puma in Chef M.D.’s Big Book of Culinary Medicine. “Only plant foods have fiber, and most foods that are high in fiber are low in calories.” To feel full without overeating, enjoy the soluble fiber in oranges, apples, carrots, flaxseed, barley, nuts, and dried beans and peas. For insoluble fiber, eat the skins of root vegetables, green beans, leafy greens, whole-wheat bread, and corn bran. To learn more, read Satiety Tips – How to Feel Full Without Overeating.
Believe you deserve to lose weight. Some women sabotage their weight loss goals because they don’t believe they deserve to be fit and healthy. They don’t put themselves on the top of the priority list - and “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”! The best way to lose weight fast is to believe in your heart and soul that you deserve it, that you’re worth the effort. Do you believe you deserve to be thin, fit, and healthy? If you don’t believe you’re worth it, you’ll never achieve your weight loss goals.
What do you think -- have you tried any of these "best ways" to lose weight and keep it off? My favorite tip is #3: figure out how to feel full without overeating.
These tips for losing weight and keeping it off will help you create a healthier, happier lifestyle...
Best Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
Take your personal tastes into account. “All the popular diets can help you lose weight because they provide almost identical calorie intakes,” says nutritional biochemist Shawn Talbott, PhD, author of The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health – And What You Can Do About It
. “But different people may do better on different diets because of personal tastes. For instance, if you love bread, don’t even think about trying Atkins…because it won’t work.” For more info on different types of weight loss plans (diets, yuck), read Achieve Weight Loss Goals With 5 Healthy Diet Plans.Strategize to deal with different life situations so you control the food – and it doesn’t control you. Use smaller plates, drink flavored waters, and bring a veggie or fruit salad or low-fat healthy dish to a party so you know there will be something you can comfortably eat. Call or Google restaurants ahead of time to check out the menu, so you’re not surprised and order food. To learn more, read The Best Ways to Lose Weight.
Learn how to feel full without overeating. You may have heard this satiety tip before - because it works. “Look for prepared foods with five or more grams of fiber per serving,” writes Dr John La Puma in Chef M.D.’s Big Book of Culinary Medicine. “Only plant foods have fiber, and most foods that are high in fiber are low in calories.” To feel full without overeating, enjoy the soluble fiber in oranges, apples, carrots, flaxseed, barley, nuts, and dried beans and peas. For insoluble fiber, eat the skins of root vegetables, green beans, leafy greens, whole-wheat bread, and corn bran. To learn more, read Satiety Tips – How to Feel Full Without Overeating.
Believe you deserve to lose weight. Some women sabotage their weight loss goals because they don’t believe they deserve to be fit and healthy. They don’t put themselves on the top of the priority list - and “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”! The best way to lose weight fast is to believe in your heart and soul that you deserve it, that you’re worth the effort. Do you believe you deserve to be thin, fit, and healthy? If you don’t believe you’re worth it, you’ll never achieve your weight loss goals.
What do you think -- have you tried any of these "best ways" to lose weight and keep it off? My favorite tip is #3: figure out how to feel full without overeating.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Articles on Saving Money at Christmas
These articles on saving money at Christmas encompass most of my "Quips and Tips" blogs -- including Quips and Tips for Money and Love, of course!
You don't need to spend a lot of money at Christmas to enjoy the season and show your love to family and friends...you just need to use your head. And, start thinking about Christmas shopping early, because waiting until the last minute is a sure-fire way to rack up the credit cards over the holiday season.
10 Ways to Save Money at Christmas – Holiday Gift Shopping Tips - is a great article by the financial experts at Bills.com. There are a few creative ideas there, but others that I wonder about. For instance, they suggest having a "card signing party" as a way to save money at Christmas. I've been avoiding sending Christmas cards because postage is so expensive, opting for an email holiday letter instead. Am I being too cheap?
6 Spiritual Ways to Create Financial Abundance - is about accumulating money more than saving it. I'm including it as an "article on saving money at Christmas" because it focuses on your inner richness and financial abundance. These concepts lead to peace and joy, which is what Christmas is all about!
Christmas Shopping and Saving Money - shares last minute money saving tips, such as giving a cow or goat for Christmas. Perfect for loved ones who have everything!
Healthy Christmas Gift Ideas - 8 Holiday Gifts for All Ages - shares several Christmas gift ideas that aren't expensive, such as an electric toothbrush (which I'm getting for someone!) and sunglasses with UV ray protection.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Boyfriends - Creative Holiday Gifts - includes several low-cost holiday gift ideas, such as investing in an experience and planning a Christmas Day treasure hunt.
How Do I Pay Off Credit Card Debt? 6 Ways to Get Out of Debt - is for those Christmas shoppers who tried to save money at Christmas, but still wound up in debt!
Gathering these articles makes me think I should write more articles on saving money at Christmas. I don't have enough to choose from. And, I want to get more specific, such as "Saving Money on Christmas Decorations." Good thing writing is my full-time job :-)
If you need gift ideas, read Articles on Christmas - Holiday Gift Ideas -- it's another roundup of Christmas Quips and Tips articles.
Merry Christmas -- and Happy Saving Money at Christmas!!
You don't need to spend a lot of money at Christmas to enjoy the season and show your love to family and friends...you just need to use your head. And, start thinking about Christmas shopping early, because waiting until the last minute is a sure-fire way to rack up the credit cards over the holiday season.
10 Ways to Save Money at Christmas – Holiday Gift Shopping Tips - is a great article by the financial experts at Bills.com. There are a few creative ideas there, but others that I wonder about. For instance, they suggest having a "card signing party" as a way to save money at Christmas. I've been avoiding sending Christmas cards because postage is so expensive, opting for an email holiday letter instead. Am I being too cheap?
6 Spiritual Ways to Create Financial Abundance - is about accumulating money more than saving it. I'm including it as an "article on saving money at Christmas" because it focuses on your inner richness and financial abundance. These concepts lead to peace and joy, which is what Christmas is all about!
Christmas Shopping and Saving Money - shares last minute money saving tips, such as giving a cow or goat for Christmas. Perfect for loved ones who have everything!
Healthy Christmas Gift Ideas - 8 Holiday Gifts for All Ages - shares several Christmas gift ideas that aren't expensive, such as an electric toothbrush (which I'm getting for someone!) and sunglasses with UV ray protection.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Boyfriends - Creative Holiday Gifts - includes several low-cost holiday gift ideas, such as investing in an experience and planning a Christmas Day treasure hunt.
How Do I Pay Off Credit Card Debt? 6 Ways to Get Out of Debt - is for those Christmas shoppers who tried to save money at Christmas, but still wound up in debt!
Gathering these articles makes me think I should write more articles on saving money at Christmas. I don't have enough to choose from. And, I want to get more specific, such as "Saving Money on Christmas Decorations." Good thing writing is my full-time job :-)
If you need gift ideas, read Articles on Christmas - Holiday Gift Ideas -- it's another roundup of Christmas Quips and Tips articles.
Merry Christmas -- and Happy Saving Money at Christmas!!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Articles on Spiritual Growth
Reading articles on spiritual growth is one way to increase your spirituality -- but eventually, you have to stop reading and start practicing! These articles on spiritual growth offer practical ways to be more spiritual at work, home, and even at church...
Christian Courses for Spiritual Growth – The Alpha Course - my husband Bruce and I are taking this course, which is a practical foundation for Christianity. I love it. Last night, Nicky Gumbel (the creator of the Alpha Course) spoke on how evil appears in our lives and what to do about it -- and it changed how I view God, spirituality, and my life.
5 Spiritual Health Benefits of Meditation is an article on spiritual growth from my Quips & Tips for Spiritual Seekers partner, Gini Grey. Note that the health benefits she describes aren't just for meditation -- they're for prayer, too!
5 Ways to Be More Spiritually Healthy- describes tips ranging from "set healthy boundaries" to "pretend your mistakes are only a five second blip" (my favourite thing to do!). These are practical effective, ways to increase your spiritual growth...or at least enjoy more peace and joy in your life.
Centering Prayer - How to Pray With Your Whole Heart - is my most popular article on spiritual growth. I love this type of prayer; it really helps you relax and focus on what you're doing....praying to the Creator of the Universe. And what could be more spiritually healthy than that?
These are only a few articles I've written -- if you're looking for a different type of article on spiritual growth, let me know! I'd be happy to dig it up or write it for you...
Christian Courses for Spiritual Growth – The Alpha Course - my husband Bruce and I are taking this course, which is a practical foundation for Christianity. I love it. Last night, Nicky Gumbel (the creator of the Alpha Course) spoke on how evil appears in our lives and what to do about it -- and it changed how I view God, spirituality, and my life.
5 Spiritual Health Benefits of Meditation is an article on spiritual growth from my Quips & Tips for Spiritual Seekers partner, Gini Grey. Note that the health benefits she describes aren't just for meditation -- they're for prayer, too!
5 Ways to Be More Spiritually Healthy- describes tips ranging from "set healthy boundaries" to "pretend your mistakes are only a five second blip" (my favourite thing to do!). These are practical effective, ways to increase your spiritual growth...or at least enjoy more peace and joy in your life.
Centering Prayer - How to Pray With Your Whole Heart - is my most popular article on spiritual growth. I love this type of prayer; it really helps you relax and focus on what you're doing....praying to the Creator of the Universe. And what could be more spiritually healthy than that?
These are only a few articles I've written -- if you're looking for a different type of article on spiritual growth, let me know! I'd be happy to dig it up or write it for you...
Articles on Christmas - Holiday Gift Ideas
These articles on Christmas focus on holiday gift ideas -- and I loved writing them, because now I know what I'm getting my husband for Christmas! Shopping slays me at any time of the year, much less at Christmas.
Make your Christmas shopping easy by browsing online -- and start early.
Healthy Christmas Gift Ideas - 8 Holiday Gifts for All Ages lists eight holiday gifts that revolve around health and fitness. I'm buying my husband the first thing on the list!
Best Video Games for Christmas - Holiday Gifts for Gamers was my favorite article on Christmas to write -- it was a blast! I can't wait to try Donkey Kong Country Returns.
SmartPhones for Christmas - The Best Holiday Gift Phones describes the latest phones. Some aren't out yet, but will be for Christmas.
And my last article on Christmas holiday gift ideas is Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers -- one of my most popular articles on Quips and Tips. Smart students start shopping for holiday gift ideas for their teachers early.
Yup, it's not just smart kids -- smart adults know that the best way to do your Christmas shopping is to start early. This year, I actually know what I'm getting my husband for Christmas AND his birthday (which is a couple weeks before Christmas).
He also mentioned a leaf blower, which makes me want to write more articles about Christmas -- ones that revolve around putting yourself in your loved one's shoes! I'd never, ever want a leaf blower for Christmas. Would you?
Make your Christmas shopping easy by browsing online -- and start early.
Healthy Christmas Gift Ideas - 8 Holiday Gifts for All Ages lists eight holiday gifts that revolve around health and fitness. I'm buying my husband the first thing on the list!
Best Video Games for Christmas - Holiday Gifts for Gamers was my favorite article on Christmas to write -- it was a blast! I can't wait to try Donkey Kong Country Returns.
SmartPhones for Christmas - The Best Holiday Gift Phones describes the latest phones. Some aren't out yet, but will be for Christmas.
And my last article on Christmas holiday gift ideas is Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers -- one of my most popular articles on Quips and Tips. Smart students start shopping for holiday gift ideas for their teachers early.
Yup, it's not just smart kids -- smart adults know that the best way to do your Christmas shopping is to start early. This year, I actually know what I'm getting my husband for Christmas AND his birthday (which is a couple weeks before Christmas).
He also mentioned a leaf blower, which makes me want to write more articles about Christmas -- ones that revolve around putting yourself in your loved one's shoes! I'd never, ever want a leaf blower for Christmas. Would you?
Articles on Goals - Setting and Achieving Goals
These articles on goals focus on setting and achieving goals, at work and home. This collection of articles includes different types of goals: weight loss goals, career goals, relationship goals, and life goals.
If you don't find what you're looking for here, it probably doesn't exist! I'm just kidding...if you don't find the right article on goals here, let me know in the comments section below. I'll see what I can do -- maybe I'll write one just for you!
How to Achieve Goals – Self-Improvement Vs. Performance Goals is my most recent article on goals. I've been writing articles about goals for years, and only today discovered that people with performance goals are more deceitful than people with self-improvement goals!
8 Ways to Pay Off Debt With a Low Income – Achieve Money Goals is one of my favorite articles on financial goals, because many of us who are in a great deal of debt have low incomes! But, I paid off my student loan debt while making $30,000 a year -- so I know you CAN achieve your financial goals no matter how much money you make.
Achieve Weight Loss Goals – 5 Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plans describes several different types of weight loss diets. I'm not a big fan of dieting, but love the idea of volumetrics (eating lots of fruit and veggies to fill you up). It's not a specific diet; it's just a way to eat that makes you feel full.
What Goals Should I Set for My Life? The Best Types of Life Goals is a summary of many different types of goals, including links to more articles on goals.
Those are just a smattering of all the articles about goals on Quips and Tips for Achieving Your Goals. Ooops, I forgot to include an article about love goals!
How to Express Love – Examples of the Five Love Languages can help you achieve your relationship goals, because it's all about how to say "I love you" to your partner.
If you're looking for different articles on goals, let me know in the comments section below...
Happy goal setting and achieving!
Laurie
If you don't find what you're looking for here, it probably doesn't exist! I'm just kidding...if you don't find the right article on goals here, let me know in the comments section below. I'll see what I can do -- maybe I'll write one just for you!
How to Achieve Goals – Self-Improvement Vs. Performance Goals is my most recent article on goals. I've been writing articles about goals for years, and only today discovered that people with performance goals are more deceitful than people with self-improvement goals!
8 Ways to Pay Off Debt With a Low Income – Achieve Money Goals is one of my favorite articles on financial goals, because many of us who are in a great deal of debt have low incomes! But, I paid off my student loan debt while making $30,000 a year -- so I know you CAN achieve your financial goals no matter how much money you make.
Achieve Weight Loss Goals – 5 Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plans describes several different types of weight loss diets. I'm not a big fan of dieting, but love the idea of volumetrics (eating lots of fruit and veggies to fill you up). It's not a specific diet; it's just a way to eat that makes you feel full.
What Goals Should I Set for My Life? The Best Types of Life Goals is a summary of many different types of goals, including links to more articles on goals.
Those are just a smattering of all the articles about goals on Quips and Tips for Achieving Your Goals. Ooops, I forgot to include an article about love goals!
How to Express Love – Examples of the Five Love Languages can help you achieve your relationship goals, because it's all about how to say "I love you" to your partner.
If you're looking for different articles on goals, let me know in the comments section below...
Happy goal setting and achieving!
Laurie
Weight Loss Articles - Achieve Weight Loss Goals
My weight loss articles on Quips and Tips for Achieving Your Goals reveal how I lost 25 pounds since I got married. Achieving weight loss goals is both easy and difficult -- depending on your weight loss tools!
Here are a few of my favorite weight loss articles...
Weight Loss Shortcuts – Dr Oz’s 6 Tips for Losing Weight Fast - contains one of the best weight loss tips I've ever heard (I listed it first). Other five weight loss tips aren't new to me, but are good to remember.
Best Ways to Lose Weight – is based on an article I wrote for alive magazine (a natural health magazine based in Vancouver, BC). It's not the full article, but it contains the key points.
Satiety Tips – How to Feel Full Without Overeating - is a terrific weight loss article because it's based on the volumetrics idea. The more fruit and veggies you fill up on -- and whole grains and proteins -- the more full you'll feel. And, the less unhealthy food you'll eat...which will help you achieve your weight loss goals!
Safe Weight Loss Programs – The Strengths and Weaknesses - is a summary of the best and worst of different diets. I'm not a huge fan of dieting -- I lost 25 pounds by doing Pilates and Yoga, and cutting down on the "bad" foods. But, diets work for some people.
Those are just a few of my "Quips and Tips" weight loss articles. If you're looking for something different or more specific, let me know. I'd be happy to dig it up for you!
Tally ho,
Laurie
Here are a few of my favorite weight loss articles...
Weight Loss Shortcuts – Dr Oz’s 6 Tips for Losing Weight Fast - contains one of the best weight loss tips I've ever heard (I listed it first). Other five weight loss tips aren't new to me, but are good to remember.
Best Ways to Lose Weight – is based on an article I wrote for alive magazine (a natural health magazine based in Vancouver, BC). It's not the full article, but it contains the key points.
Satiety Tips – How to Feel Full Without Overeating - is a terrific weight loss article because it's based on the volumetrics idea. The more fruit and veggies you fill up on -- and whole grains and proteins -- the more full you'll feel. And, the less unhealthy food you'll eat...which will help you achieve your weight loss goals!
Safe Weight Loss Programs – The Strengths and Weaknesses - is a summary of the best and worst of different diets. I'm not a huge fan of dieting -- I lost 25 pounds by doing Pilates and Yoga, and cutting down on the "bad" foods. But, diets work for some people.
Those are just a few of my "Quips and Tips" weight loss articles. If you're looking for something different or more specific, let me know. I'd be happy to dig it up for you!
Tally ho,
Laurie
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