#what are fish oil's side effects

[sac-bestsupplements]

Is Algal Oil Safe? Revealing the Toxic Side Effects of Algae Omega-3 DHA & EPA in Just 3 Minutes!

Discover the best Algae Oil supplements + FAQ & Tricks: https://super-achiever.com/best-algae-oil-supplements

#algaeoil #bestsupplement #algae

Hello, Achiever Fam! 🌊 Today, we dive into the lesser-known waters of Algae Oil.

While it's celebrated for its Omega-3s, DHA, and EPA, it's important to also explore its potential downsides. In “Is Algae Oil Safe? Revealing the Toxic Side Effects of Algae Omega-3 DHA & EPA,” we'll uncover what lurks beneath its healthful surface. Let’s navigate these murky depths! Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful content! 🛎️🔍 Algae Oil: A Deep Dive into Safety: - Generally well-tolerated, but it's crucial to consider the supplement's formulation. 🌿💊 Checking Supplement Ingredients: - Look for active components and potential allergens in the ingredients panel. 🏷️🔬

Be wary of additives like chemical preservatives, synthetic coloring, and added sugars. 🚫🧪 Omega-3s and Blood Thinners: - High doses of omega-3s might interact with blood thinners, but typical supplement levels are generally safe. 💉🌿 Liver Health and Omega-3s: - Can reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis, but excessive amounts might increase fatty liver risk. 🧫🍃 Potential Side Effects: - Oral consumption is likely safe, with mild effects like fishy burps and stomach discomfort. 🐟🚫 - Excessive consumption (over 3 grams of DHA and EPA per day) could slow blood clotting and increase bleeding risk. ⚠️🩸 FDA Recommendations: - Limit DHA and EPA intake to no more than 3 grams per day, with dietary supplements not exceeding 2 grams. 📏🌿

In conclusion, while Algae Oil is a safe vegan Omega-3 option, moderation is key. Have you experienced any side effects with algae oil? Share your experiences in the comments below, and remember to subscribe for more content from the Super Achievers Club. See you in the next video! 📹👋🌊

[emeraldcreeper]

It’s time for everyone’s favorite rage emotion: I’m gonna punch two doctors in! the! dick! I was having a great day until my mom called and was like hey remember how you’re genetically doomed by your dead father? Yeah you’re doomed genetically by your dead father, our doctor wants you to try supplements before the big boy drugs can happen! I’m so tired of going through hoops to get something scientifically backed and not uhhhhhh a supplement that made me super sick one time that I wasn’t even taking for cholesterol because it was 6 years ago! I’m ready to start punching doctors in the dick because due process is stupid at this point I know my issues better than either dude does!

[jadeleechsupportgroup]

Envenomate

azul's diet includes salad dressing and the blood of his enemies.

azul x reader

cw: mild blood, biting

also on ao3

gift for @boundlessentity 🐙🧡

1

“I learned some cool stuff in bio today.”

Azul glances up at you as he takes a bite of his salad. “Hm?” He has too many manners to talk with his mouth full.

You have a habit of eating much faster than him. Probably why you get the hiccups so often. But hey, food is meant to be enjoyed. “Yeah, like, all octopi have venom in their spit.”

He chuckles and dabs at his mouth with a napkin, then takes a sip of water. “‘Octopi’ is not a word.”

You scoff at him. “That’s your takeaway? First of all, language snobbery is classist. Second, I will die before I use ‘octopuses’ as a noun on purpose. I will accept ‘octopods’ as a compromise but it’s on thin ice.”

He merely smiles into his glass of wine. “What else did you learn?”

“Uhhhh.” You glance up at the ceiling like the air overhead holds the answers. “You don’t actually have tentacles, just arms?”

“Correct. I do, in fact, have arms.”

“Shut up. Also you could get eaten by a shark.”

“So could you.” He spears the last few leaves of arugula on his fork and swirls them through the lemon pepper vinaigrette. One of Vil’s recipes that probably cost him one of his eight (ten?) arms. “This does not sound like a terribly informative class.”

“Can we go back to the poisonous spit?”

“Venomous.”

“Whatever. Does your therapist tell you you deflect this much?” You take the last two pieces of bread and load them up with olive oil and salt.

“I am merely ensuring you do not commit false information to memory.” He repeats the napkin-and-water-sip ritual. “For something to be poisonous means that it causes damage by being ingested, inhaled, absorbed, things of that nature. Eating a puffer fish, for example.” His eyes take on a different cast as he gazes at you, though he rests his chin atop his hands with his elbows on the table, a tiny concession to the side of himself with fewer manners. “Venom, in contrast, is injected into the victim, as it must enter the bloodstream to work. Merely touching it poses no danger, assuming no other toxins with adverse effects are present, or the surface is not already compromised.”

You just sort of blink at him. “Is it, um…like…has it touched me?” One hand hovers over your mouth as your fight-or-flight response helps you vividly imagine what it would be like for your face to go numb with a deadly neurotoxin. He wouldn’t do that.

Though the hunger in his expression suggests otherwise. You really wish he would quit this diet nonsense.

“Perhaps.” Another laugh ripples out of him. The sound makes it feel like you’re underwater even though you’re in the dining room. “What would you do if I said yes?”

You have the abrupt, terrifying mental image of him climbing onto the table and crawling towards you, knocking all the plates to the floor, licking his lips and holding you captive with too many arms, watching you squirm until he bites you and you can’t move anymore.

Then his face lightens and he laughs cheerfully. “I am joking, my love. Besides…you would have noticed.” Another smile, another sip of wine and then water. Vil said it helps to cleanse the palate of any lingering acidity to preserve one's smile.

How reassuring. “This diet is messing with your head.” You aim your bread at him. “You need more protein.”

He has taken to running one finger around the rim of the wine glass, sending a whine through the air. “Perhaps you are right.”

You wish he would stop looking at you like you’re the protein.

Dating Azul Ashengrotto should have been frightening for reasons that mostly did not involve the man himself.

His line of work, somewhat. His clientele, certainly. But him? He had always treated you differently. Protective. Gentle. Sweet, even, though nobody would believe you for it. What he saw in you must have been special, because you had nothing to offer that would be of any measurable value in return. And not once has he roped you into a client’s contract or put you in danger.

The hell with it. You stand and go around to his side of the table to give him your favorite kind of hug, where you drape your arms over his shoulders from behind and bury your face in his luxuriant hair. He hums contentedly and lays one hand over the point where your arms cross, near what you are pretty sure is the space between his second and third hearts. His other hand finds your hair in return.

“You smell nice,” you mumble.

“You are much too kind.” He turns around in his chair enough to look at you, close enough to kiss but not actually doing it. His eyes drop to your mouth before moving back to meet your gaze. “And much, much too good for me.”

At least he does finally kiss you after all. And it doesn’t even taste like salad dressing.

{1} | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

[hastyprovocateur]

Drunk in Love (College!Abby × Reader)

Summary- Abby had no plans of staying back at the club until you caught her fancy, finding something oddly familiar about you.

Word count-1.2k

Cw- sexual content, mature themes

• It had been ages since Abby traipsed down to a joint of this flavor. Maybe once upon a time in freshman year, she somehow caught herself with a lot into the whole night-clubbing gig. Never stayed long. Tonight was going to be alike, what with Manny hauling her ass out to this den.

• The ear-numbing music, pool of bodies writhing like fish in a net and liquor spilling like acid rain… wasn’t her deal. An all-in-all futile evening until she found her gaze resting on you like hands to a radiator. The dangerously short sequinned minidress wasn’t wasted on her. It clung to your body like second skin, low-cut spilling soft breasts.

Why was it so hard to look away?

• Siren? Enchantress? How does she move like that? Abby watched the iridescent fringes on your hem swirling around you, barely making any secret of your underbutt as you romped to the music. The strobing lights caught your beaming drunken face, hair fanning out oil spill like you were all just a part of some mindfuck special effect.

• "Careful, they might pop out” Manny nudged Abby’s shoulder. She scrunched her face at him, smoothing her ponytail and turning back to her lonely drink on the bar counter. Neon visions of you persisted, dancing behind her eyelids. It went down her throat like the heavy liquor she threw back.

• “I'm gonna bail” Abby shook her head, struggling to keep her voice level above the blaring music. “Come on” he urged her, another girl already whispering in his other ear “Loosen up.” "We got class at 9 tomorrow," she threw another glance at the dance floor, no sight of you. Manny broke out in a knowing chuckle as you tapped her shoulder, having snuck up from the back.

• Abby did a double take, looking from the tinsel strands in your hair, down to your pretty heels in the dark. “Thankyou” you blew a kiss at Manny, drowning the dregs of Abby's drink and taking her by the arm “But I’ll take it from here.” She felt her bicep spasm under her shirt sleeve at your touch. I’ll call, she gestured back to Manny as he flipped her off with a shit-eating grin, already heading out with the chick on his arm.

• “Me?” Abby wanted to doubly ensure. Aware that she might sully the experience. She didn't know the first thing about dancing drunk or even... drunk dancing with a girl as gorgeous as you. But something told her not to squander the opportunity. Everything smelt bitter and sultry. Like an animal’s lair. She watched your staggered saunter, hand wrapped around her wrist as the crowd stifled you both closer.

• Coming upon a reasonable clearing, you turn and put her arms around you, propping yours on her broad shoulders. Abby burned intensely, her back already damp as you leaned close to her ear “Drunk?”. “Yeah” she replied, aroused by the way your nails scraped the back of her neck. “I’m four shots down” You laugh deliciously, breath heavy with spirits.

• The feral atmosphere bled into her bones, headier than before as people pushed and prodded against her. She slid her hands across, resting in the steep dip of your spine, glaring at the men passing wayward looks, who tried jostling too close. She felt you pull her chin down to face you, “Eyes on me” You breathe against her neck before slowly dragging her sizeable hands up your sides and then back down.

• Abby closed her eyes, feeling your body collide into hers, falling into every curve and rise like they were made in pairs. She saw doubles, the glow of your smile, the swell of your breasts as they pressed up against her. All so familiar yet different. Senses swilled like dregs, and the music began thudding in her chest. You parted your legs, dropping down her front and crouching at her feet with your hands on her hips, sliding up her shirt… hooking onto her jeans. You rest your chin on her thigh, tilting your head coyly.

• Abby was no womanizer. Her sexcapades included kissing the class representative in the boiler room and promising to take it to the grave to save face. Tonight was a quick crash landing onto everything she knew. There was no face to save. She drank up every sway of your hips, bounce of your chest, and flip of your hair. The delicious curl of your lips drew her in deeper. She cradled the back of your head as she pulled you back up, flipping you around with a swift jerk.

• A shot of surprise as she pinned your hips back against hers, brows furrowing as she watched you smoothly grind back into her. You edged into her needily, bent forward with back arched beautifully. She caught the corner of your eye from where you glanced back at her, lust-ridden as she subtly humped you.

• Abby braced herself as you straightened back against her, feeling you writhe beneath her touch as she angled your face up to kiss your lips, pushing her over the edge. She felt her tongue unravel over yours, wet and hot as you tasted her right back. Her hands snaked below, artlessly pawing at the fringes of your dress before she felt yours guide her fingers up the hem.

• She groaned into your mouth as she felt the strap of your thongs digging into plump flesh, peeling them off your hips till they dangled in a twist around your thighs Curses left her lips as she cupped your slick pussy, fingers slipping in with little to no resistance. "Still wanna bail?” you ask breathlessly, as your hips buck, knees limp as you gaze up at her. “Fuck that” Abby groaned wickedly.

Following morning

• The fluorescent lights of the 9 am class were already giving her a well-deserved ache in the temples. She spent the early morning fucking around half-clothed in a women's bathroom stall. The girl from the club. It had consumed her entirely, once the liquor drained out of her, all she had were questions. Who are you? Why did you approach me? What did it mean? Could be nothing but she still had her thongs in her back pocket, nail scratches still scouring her back. The professor's monotone let slip something about pairing up and it entirely missed Abby by the time he was done sorting

• "Sir, I don't have a partner" she called out belatedly, hand lazily raised above her head. "Well..." he looked around in defeat as the entrance slammed. "Class representative!" the professor lightly clapped his hands "You're right on time" he gestured to you. A drained, mousy entity standing in the doorway "Please partner up with Abigail for the essay analysis."

• You nodded meekly, trudging up to where Abby was sitting. "Studying late again?" Abby poked, surveying your visible eye bags and pale lips. "Fuck you" you sounded entirely hoarse, snapping the reading open to the page on the board. Abby noticed the telltale bruise on your wrist and frowned. The handprint comically familiar.

• A quick flash of holding you against the bathroom wall poured back to her conscious. Wrist pressed to tile as you got yourself off on her thigh. She backed up, looking you up and down, and there it was. A single strand of tinsel in the class representative's hair. At this point, she couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Are you actually insane?" You turn owlishly to look at her. "No..." she leaned in, awfully smug "But I think you are after what you did to me last night."

[bomberqueen17]

*vibrating slightly in place*

So ok. When I was in kindergarten, my classroom was arranged so that four desks were linked together, so we were in little groups. I used to regularly vibrate my desk and the three it was attached to, with three other children in them, across several feet of floor space, until the linked desks ran into the teacher's desk, which was larger and did not move with the force of my vibrations. I was a good student, but hard to control, and markedly uneven in my ability to like. Do anything. "Well," my mom said once, upon beholding my entire spectrum of a report card, "we'd just hate to be bored."

When I graduated with my bachelor's degree, seventeen years later, my mom said "I never thought you could do it," and when I, shocked, said "what?" she said "well what with your ADHD and all," and I said "my what?" and she said "well, i never wanted to shake your confidence, and I thought once they put a label on you it'd be over, but you super have like, turbo ADHD. Why, what do you think your deal is?" She said it nicely and not in those words at all, but it was the first time I'd ever really realized that I wasn't just mildly eccentric, I did seem to actually have something wrong with me.

I've been trying to get a diagnosis ever since. I've never been able to. I had no health insurance at all for a huge chunk of my twenties, which put a damper on things. One doctor told me "you'd know if you had that" and when I was like "I... do" she was like "no i mean. you'd already be being treated." Which shows a wild and totally unwarranted optimism in our medical system, but she was a resident. The doctor overseeing her care of me suggested I try taking fish oil capsules. To "rebuild my brain tissue".

I did. It didn't help. I still buy them but mostly I use them now to get my cat to take pills.

Eventually in my 30s my doctors started sort of believing me maybe, or at least realizing they couldn't really brush me off (I have gotten... less easily-cowed as I've aged) but they were all like "oh, I can't evaluate that. You'll have to research and find a place that can do a neuropsych eval for you. Insurance doesn't cover those. So good luck. Have some antidepressants in the meantime."

I slid into my 40s, still undiagnosed. I read as many self-help books on the topic as I could find, did all the checklists I found. They all said "girl you super have like turbo ADHD." I tried meditation. I tried divination. I tried bullet journaling, which was hilarious. I tried yoga.

I actually damaged myself doing yoga and am banned from yoga, but at least I'm in physical therapy now. (Word to the wise: if you have really really flexible hip joints, don't fucking do yoga. "Usually I don't have to tell people not to get into that position," said my bemused physical therapist. "Oh," I said, blissfully bepretzeled. "It feels super good." "Mm," she said, "you've torn your labrum. Stop doing that." Now I do really, really boring stretches that don't feel nearly as good, but I also can walk without limping, so. Like. We take the good with the bad I guess.)

Anyway. My PCP in January was like "wait you didn't follow my super vague directions to go see 'the guys downstairs' and see if they can squeeze you into their eleven-month waiting period to get an evaluation that i cannot mention without saying it's several thousand dollars and your insurance surely won't cover it? you must not want this diagnosis very badly!" (At no point has anyone ever given me a phone number for 'the guys downstairs'. I still don't know what she meant by any of those directions. This PCP and I technically speak the same language but I've never understood a single thing she has told me and I don't think she understands a word I say in return, everything I tell her seems to be such a shock to her. You blame antidepressants for your weight gain? I've never heard of that. Ma'am please look up what the incredibly common side effects of antidepressants are.)

I called around but noplace both took my insurance and was accepting new patients. Finally I gave up. Then my Dude went on our insurance company's website and took over the search. He found that there's some kind of concierge service thing, which the insurance company normally charges $450/mo for but our plan includes it, because it's pretty well-hidden on the website and most people aren't ever going to find it anyway. So he said, you know what, I am going to instigate a query on this.

They took two weeks but eventually came back with a list of 13 places, most of them not remotely local. Ten of them were red X's, disqualified for varying reasons-- one because the phone number didn't work, another because it's a seven-hour drive away and doesn't do telehealth. One was in New Jersey. None of them were the local places I had already called.

Two of them were valid, but the insurance wouldn't cover the evaluation for various reasons.

One of them was fully covered, the insurance company said. So I went there.

Their website said "no you're not we can't see you". But Dude was like, call them on the phone. Surely, surely, the concierge service couldn't have lied??? Bet, I said, and called them and left a message, and said to him, if they call me back I will eat a hat.

But they did. They called me back. "Our insurance checker widget is down," they said. "But we do take your insurance! We can see you. We just don't know how much it will cost."

Ominous.

But. They could see me later in the week, via a telehealth appointment.

So I signed up.

The appointment was this morning. I turned up. Their insurance checker thingy still wasn't working so they couldn't be sure how much the appointment would cost me. I at this point don't care, and gave them my HSA credit card, and said do what you will.

I waited 45 minutes and then texted the number they'd texted me from with the confirmation, and a moment later the guy showed up. "Whoops," he said, "that system isn't working quite right either!"

He talked to me for like. Three minutes, and was like "yeah that sounds. Pretty textbook. I'm going to prescribe you stimulants." He then proceeded to take a very basic medical history, and I recognized all the questions because I have researched stimulant medication for ADHD so much. And he was like "We're going to start with Adderall, check at your pharmacy in like an hour." And then he gave me extremely useful and detailed instructions on how to take it, when to take it, what side effects to worry about, what to expect, what to note down in case it might mean a problem, and how to be safe about it. (He asked me three times if I'd ever been suicidal, and it had also been in the online pre-screening. I am aware that can be a rare but very serious side effect of stimulants!)

And then I went to Rite-Aid and I now have 16 pills in my possession, and i am going to wait until tomorrow morning to start taking them, and I am already scheduled for my follow-up in 15 days.

I have absolutely no idea how much any of that is going to cost, but for the record the pills were eleven dollars.

So. I don't know why the last decade of my life has been spent being told that a comprehensive and unattainably expensive neuropsychological evaluation was my only option. Maybe this place is a disreputable pill mill or whatever. But. I am going to get to try to medicate this disorder that has warped my entire life to this point, and I am going to try to see if I can't have some more control over my life, and if it doesn't work then at least I will know, instead of on my deathbed being like "i wonder if i'd ever tried amphetamines maybe I'd have been able to finish a project ever in my life, guess we'll never know".

Which was what I was starting to genuinely think was going to happen.

Literally though why can't a primary care doctor just refer you to a psychiatrist who can then decide whether you need an assessment or whether your condition is likely to respond well to a basic diagnosis?? I get needing the whole nine yards if you're not sure what's wrong with this kid and you don't want to give them the wrong thing-- like I know misdiagnosing a bipolar sufferer with depression can give you really bad outcomes, for example-- but-- I don't know? I don't know.

I just want to be able to start and finish projects. What I'd really love is to be able to make to-do lists meaningfully, as that is an ability I did used to have and now absolutely don't. I legit cannot make a to-do list in any meaningful or useful way.

So we'll see. I'm going to keep a journal and the real test of whether the pills work is to see whether I can actually keep the journal.

But I need to find some kind of edible hat, at some point, just to keep my word.

[darklovecat]

Beauty tips?

Taking my vitamins and beauty supplements every day!

I believe that beauty and health go hand in hand so I got a complete blood work-up to figure out what vitamins and minerals my body was lacking, and I make sure I'm taking my them daily. On top of that, I take various supplements such as Collagen, Fish oil etc but I swear by my 10-gram daily collagen regimen. I take its powdered form right before going to bed and have noticed its benefits within a short time - My knees used to sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies when I bent down, but after a few days of collagen, the crepitus is gone. Plus, my hair is growing faster and my skin is looking plumper. It's done wonders for my joints, giving me a healthy glow, and making me look way more refreshed.

Having perfect posture at all times!

I think this is a very simple but overlooked beauty tip that truly elevates your appearance. It's like the secret weapon of beauty, it can transform not just the way you look, but also the way you feel. When you stand tall and hold yourself with grace and poise, you radiate confidence and elegance. Good posture also has numerous health benefits. It can help prevent back pain, improve your breathing, and even boost your mood and energy levels. Ever since I've started incorporating Pilates and Ballet into my routine to build strength and flexibility, my posture has improved greatly. The way you carry yourself says a lot about who you are and by standing tall and confident, you'll not only look beautiful but also feel empowered and ready to conquer the world.

Getting 6 hours of quality sleep every night!

You know what's a major beauty tip that most people sleep on? Sleep!! Forget about slapping on expensive creams and doing a gazillion steps in your skincare routine. You gotta start with the basics, hun. Get your sleep game on point, eat right, and manage your stress. Now, I know we all have different needs when it comes to sleep, so I won't give you a specific number. But trust me, beauty sleep is not a myth, it's legit! I turn on Night Mode on my devices at 6:30, pop my sleeping pills at 9:30, and hit the hay an hour later. Oh, and I'm not afraid to take a nap during the day if I need to. Don't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. It's the secret to looking and feeling amazing.

Growing out my eyelashes!

I take pride in my long and voluminous lashes, they're one of my best features and one of my most complimented features. However, my natural lashes were not always this way, they became longer through regular lash serum usage. I do not really need wear mascara and after a lash lift, my lashes appear as if I'm wearing extensions. While Latisse has worked wonders for me, it's important to note that the product does come with potential side effects such as orbital fat loss and irritation. Thankfully, I did not experience any adverse effects. Another caveat is that the product only works as long as it is used consistently. Despite these considerations, I wholeheartedly recommend Latisse. To see the results for yourself, check out the Real Woman Gallery.

Cat.

[shyocean]

Offloading responsibility from destructive organizations to individual choices

the context for this is that I am listening to the firesides at the end of Arc 2 for the Wizard, the Witch, and the WIld, Worlds Beyond Number, my favorite piece of media in the world. (If you also got sniped by the small talk comment, hear me out.)

It's making me think about the way that corporate and governmental structures actively hide and displace responsibility for the massive number of death, exploitation, suffering they craft onto individuals. The way that we dehumanize and pathologize victims, while the perpetrators of crimes are the leaders of society. The way that we have a diagnosis for drapetomania, for leukemia, but no dx for the kind of mind who enslaves people or commits mass, slow murder through environmental poisoning.

So in the Fireside, they are talking about Suvi, the Citadel Wizard, seeing herself as the only who cares about human death. That when the others acted to free the Great Spirit the Citadel had imprisoned, and was torturing and exploiting, Ame made the choice to sacrifice the Citadel wizards imprisoning him to save his life. There were the soldiers, and townsfolk, who died when his furious wife came to rescue him.

And I think this is a perfect example of the way that we totally misunderstand who ultimately holds responsibility.

The Citadel Wizards, Morrow in particular, were responsible for everything that Orima did to free her husband. They were committing a horrific wrong that dragged nature out of balance. To blame Orima, or the spirits, is to blame an abuse victim for self defense.

All the towns lost, all the lives in those towns, the blight on Port Talon and its fisherfolk, (all the animals!) all the soldiers, the people in the tidal wave, all of those deaths, the economic destruction and displacement: all the direct consequences of the Citadel engaging in horrific torture, abuse, and environmental depredation.

But it's hard to see, because the weight of the organization meant that no one person made the decision. Becaue cause and effect are spread over time and place.

Ame actively decided that the Great Spirit should not die, and that if someone had to, it should be the torturers imprisoning him. Further, the impact on the world long-term if the Ocean Spirit was lost from it? Incalculable. not just his wife's wrath, but that spirit had taken care of the people of Port talon, the fish, the weather, everything, AMe saved so many people by saving him.

Fundamentally, the Citadel as a militarized corporation does not care about people. It doesn't care about life. It doesn't care about the environment, or well-being. Those things don't show up on balance sheets. It cares about control, gain, prestige, pride, power, war, the ability to impose its will on others and the world. And that's what Suvi cares about.

Ame and Ursulon saving The Ocean Spirit saved countless lives, across generations and in the present.

Suvi doesn't care about people. She care about power, and the 10 people whose name she knows that she considers her equal. She cares about a war because she cares about her side winning, because her side is the only side, and because she is fucking a soldier. She's a neoliberal, a centrist, a miltarise, and a trained killer.

But she gets to lie to herself and say she is the only one who cares about human. She lives in a world where all the costs are hidden. The justification machine is so good.

Here's the Point

This is the way that English-speaking world's corporations and governments function. It's how the British starved something like 100 million people over the course of a few hundred years.

It's how current corporations are permanently destroying our ecosystems, making the planet unlivable, forcing 5 year old to work in mines, sweeping the poor into prison slavery.

And we are pointing the finger at individual choices. And people flying on planes, wearing leather, and palm oil. Usually in ways that damage the poor, disabled, and marginalized disproportionately. I am tired of people conflating the culprits and originators of harm to those responding, or to those who simply fail to be able to stop it.

People aren't the problem. But things like the CItadel, the East India Company, our corporations, our governments--they are set up to systematically hide reponsibility, to strip of agency, to make us helpless to change and coerce our support for evil.

(Galani is clearly a sweet and good person. Steel is such a great mom.)

Our language, our culture, our institutions, our beliefs structures are all carefully built to prevent us from seeing, and upon seeing, to make us helpless to change things. So really, the first step is seeing and naming, right?

Also, Suvi and Steel are still meaningfully, substantially better for the planet and the spirits and the people than people like Morrow. Please vote Blue, for fucks sake.

Anyway, I love this show. It's actually the best. Same episode, BLeeM sniped me between the eyes to ask me to get better at small talk lol.

[maddsmallow]

finally!!! my month and a half late dutp mermay pic is DONE. i have a whole, like, story idea for this pic, which you can read here on my twitter! EDIT: fuck twitter, i deleted it, so the story idea is now under the cut if you're interested! i think signy and audwin from time princess' swan lake story can work really well with a mermaid twist on their characters. also i just want mermaid audwin and human signy to smooch a lot uwu

also. nothin' like drawing mermaids to kick your ass into figuring out how tf to draw water lmaooo

the story goes something like this: signy is the daughter of some rich guy and they've always been by the ocean (maybe the company has something to do with the ocean?), and i haven't quite figured out what he does, but either he or uncle arthur start getting into some shifty shit and maybe get into offshore oil drilling, or something that will hardcore pollute the water. she's expected to take over whatever the company is, but she doesn't give a shit and like, just wants to be a marine biologist. she has her own boat (bc rich people privileges) and often goes out into the water to just get away from it all and chill, and maybe she does some diving to look at the fish and coral n stuff. idk how any of this works irl lmao. but anyways, audwin has been watching her for a while, because humans are very interesting, before she finally spots him. after freaking out, she decides to keep him a secret because even as a marine biologist or whatever, she knows a find this big would be more dangerous to the merman himself than beneficial for any research. so she goes out to their meeting spot to hang out with him most days, and even though they cant communicate, she talks to him and he seems to understand. he brings her gifts and she brings him human stuff to look at. eventually she says something like, "i wish we could talk, i so badly wish to know more about you," and audwin's like. welp that's enough consent for me. so he uses his magic to turn her into a mermaid. and of course she FREAKS but then she's like!! oh fuck!! we can talk now! i can explore without needing air!! tell me and show me EVERYTHING. so they explore and they talk. audwin explains, a bit vaguely, about how he "doesn't belong with the rest of the mer people" even though they are a social species, so having to fend for himself for his whole life has left him a bit scrawny and, while he would have been riddled with scars from having to fight with other creatures on his own, has become very good at magic to defend himself. and now that they can understand each other and have an actual mutual conversation, audwin's like. oh heck. i like this girl a lot (assuming he didn't already consider her his mate because of the constant exchange of gifts).

just before she's about to be like okay this was fun but i gotta get back to my life on land, they spot a body floating in the water, and before audwin can pull her back signy goes to it and pulls the unconscious man to the shore and performs cpr and brings him back. he looks weirdly like audwin. she can't speak in any human language anymore (mermaids in this universe don't have the right vocal chord structure or whatever to speak human language), having taken the form of a mermaid, but he seems to understand what she's saying anyways? how could that be? she turns to audwin for an explanation and he's like, yeah so uh, the magic i used to give you a tail actually just swapped your human parts for another mer person's mermaid parts. so i guess this is the guy you swapped with and he's actually a mermaid, so he knows what you're saying. and signy is of course PISSED she's like this random other mermaid dude coulda died just for me to have a bit of fun?? that's fucked dude. and audwin's like, "why would i give a shit when i was cast out as a baby from the rest of mermaid society? YOU are my only friend." and then the other guy, who introduces himself as aldous (and i guess a side effect of audwin's magic is that he can fluently speak english or whatever now lmao), is like. yeah that's cool and all but, this is actually terrible fucking timing. some dude just came into my kingdom and is fucking everything up hardcore and i need to be there to fight him off. but even if audwin switched their tail/legs back, aldous would be too weak from, yknow, almost dying from drowning to actually fight whoever is fuckin shit up. so signy is like ME AND AUDWIN WILL DO IT and before audwin can even say anything, she grabs her cell phone from her shorts (let's just assume her clothes are on her boat and the boat is nearby lmao) and has aldous call her friend ben (the guard from the story!) and relay a message to him to meet her at the shore. he does and he sees the situation, and with aldous translating, signy tells ben to take care of this random dude she found on the beach. "dont ask questions its just REALLY IMPORTANT." and he's like. fuck okay sure. and just before signy and audwin go off to see what's going on with the mer kingdom, aldous gives audwin a pendant that will grant him access inside no matter what. every mer person has a pendant that has magic to allow them into their respective kingdom, but aldous had always had two of them, a gold and green one and a silver and purple one, and he feels that maybe the purple one belongs to audwin.

so aldous goes with ben to ben's place to rest and recoup, and signy and audwin go to the kingdom to see what their deal is. i dunno what's going on there, i haven't quite figured it out, but basically the king, aldous' (and audwin's) dad, is losing his marbles and made some kind of pact with a human who ends up being signy's dad or uncle, but then her dad/uncle was just going to betray the agreement and kill them all for access to an oil drilling spot? i dunno. but i have a scene in my head where they hide in what seems to be some kind of abandoned prison with one cell, and there ends up being one mer woman in there who ends up calling audwin's name when she sees him. audwin is shocked, and approaches carefully, and she cries while she explains she's so happy to see him alive and well. she tells him that his father separated him from his family just a bit after she'd birthed him and her brother because he was certain he was going to fulfill some kind of prophecy and overthrow him, and then he cast her into prison because she was so heartbroken that she was deemed "mad." the king brought up aldous as an only child with no memory of his twin brother or his mother, but always had an inkling that something was missing because of the second pendant he'd always had, which was given to him as a baby by their mother before she was taken away. audwin despairs at the fact that his mother and the life he should have had were ripped away from him by one man, and hugs his mother tight before swearing to take the king down.

some big climax happens and they take down the mer king and throw him in the cell that used to house the queen (cuz im not creative enough to come up with a non-prison sentence even tho fuck prisons and also acab irl), who then takes her rightful place back at the throne, and they also take down signy's dad/uncle or whatever, i dunno, i haven't figured this shit out yet lmaoo. but anyways, they sort it all out and they fall in love n all that shit. audwin speaks to his mother and tells her, he's never belonged to mer society and trying to integrate now would majorly suck, especially without signy at his side, who has to go back to land to give aldous his mer body back. he'd rather be by signy's side, separated by land and ocean, than not be near her at all. she's his one true friend. his mother understands, and bestows a new pendant to signy that, when worn, will allow her to understand the mer language even as a human, and allow her back into mer society should they ever return. they go back to the surface and they get ben and aldous back to the shore and audwin swiches signy and aldous' human and mer bodies back. it's a sad occassion. signy doesn't want to leave audwin behind in the water, and it's clear that aldous and ben have developed some kind of feelings for each other (do i have aldous and the guard fall in love in every dutp swan lake story i've ever thought up? YES). ben suddenly pipes up and is like, audwin switch with me!! and everyone else is like HUH?? ben explains that he doesn't really have anything in the human world to miss, he's not leaving behind much [insert some kind of tragic story for ben that i haven't thought up yet], and if they switch, they can both be with the people they want to spend their lives with. so they switch. audwin becomes a human and ben a merman, and then signy's like. welp, guess i don't need this anymore, and gives ben her pendant. they're all smiles and hugs, and then before they say goodbye and leave, audwin turns to aldous and says, "hey, say hi to mom for me." and aldous, who doesn't know they're brothers, is like WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED WHILE I WAS GONE--

and anyways. aldous gets to meet his mother (who will know exactly what happened with signy and auwdin the second she sees ben with her pendant and it makes her smile) and stay with ben who adapts to mer society fairly easily, and audwin gets to stay with his best friend and love in the human world. signy's dad's company tanks which she is glad for, and maybe she and audwin use the money she has to open up some kind of ocean clean-up project or something. standard cheesy barbie-like plot haha. wham bam, signy x audwin mermay story

will i ever write it? nope. if anyone wants to yoink this idea, go ahead! just credit me (and also @ me so i can read it hehe) !!!

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i based the boat off of this pic of a greenline 39 yacht

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consider supporting me on ☕ ! ko -fi. com / maddsmallow (without spaces)

[vaaspilled]

Ramble #1

(not online diary related)

For the past couple of years I’ve experienced super intense joint pain and I didn’t think anything of it in the beginning, months passed and I began to slightly worry. I searched up my symptoms (which I should’ve know was a red flag) and it began linking “bone cancer” I know that isn’t the case so I just continued to ignored it. A year after I told my mother and she convinced me to go to the doctors, the doctor said that it was because of vitamin D deficiency, I started taking fish oil supplements but it still didn’t help me. I remembered a while ago when I started my asthma medication ( I use one Albuterol inhaler, one Qvar inhaler and I take one Montelukast 10mg table each day) I read that the montelukast tablets affect something bone related and just in case I searched it up and it states that.

“Yes, joint pain is a possible side effect of montelukast, but it's not clear how often it occurs or if it's actually caused by the drug. Joint pain has been reported after the drug was released, but it wasn't reported in studies of people taking montelukast.”

So like I don’t know whether to stop taking my medication or not…my pains have started to intensify and it leads to intense nausea.

Idk what to do :(

Edit: bro the side effects of Montelukast are freaking scary 😨

[espys-art-stuff]

This has been brushed under the table by Wall Street (who own Norfolk Southern) and the Ohio/Pennsylvania govts, but reporting on it because it's a disaster: As a result of rail corruption/mismanagement (and USgov thanos snapping the rail strikes), a Norfolk Southern chemical freight train was derailed and spilled its load on Feb 3 near East Palestine (a town on the very eastern side of Ohio), which then apparently exploded. [Apparently. Lots of claims going around, but I can't find a source.] They decided to burn the vinyl chloride to stop it from leeching into the environment further, because letting it leech into the air was better I guess. This is relevant for anyone living in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and potentially Western New York. The chemicals reported to be carried were Vinyl Chloride [carcinogen with a boiling point of 8F/-13C that releases dangerous gases into the atmosphere], Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, Ethylhexyl Acrylate [carcinogen], and Isobutylene. The train was 50 cars long.

Immediate effects have shown up in East Ohio and West PA, including reports of "acrid smells", as well as smoke clouds and fish, birds, and foxes turning up dead. Contaminants are confirmed to have reached the Ohio River and have leeched into the water supply of vulnerable towns in West Virginia. Local water sources and well water should be avoided and treated with scrutiny, as far as Eastern/southern Ohio, Northern WV, and Western PA. It is unclear what other water supplies have been contaminated, but veering on the side of caution for now is better - tests are still being taken and the situation is developing.

As a result of the burn, Phosgene gas and Hydrogen Chloride are spreading into the atmosphere. Hydrogen Chloride, now pumped into the air as a result of the burn, bonds with water vapor and turns into Hydrochloric Acid. This may cause acid rain. The wind is blowing west to northeast and affects Eastern Ohio, Pennsylvania and potentially, should it reach far enough, parts of Western NY (though it's unclear how far this is going to spread). This will affect people and animals over the long term on a scale comparable to 9/11 and some of the worst oil spills, and was entirely preventable had rail companies not cut corners on the operation and safety of their trains and train routes. Additionally, two more trains with hazardous material have derailed in South Carolina and Texas, though no known burns have occurred from those yet.

[angelmush]

hiii im going to be living w my aunt over the summer and therefore buying my own groceries. I am going to be busy w summer classes and working on the weekends but I do rlly want to try cooking at least once or twice a week. I can make an egg and pasta but that’s about it. What are some of your fave recipes that aren’t super complicated that I could start with if you have any? (I am open to a minor challenge but cooking can overwhelm me so I like a challenge but not too much of one lol). I am also vegetarian (not vegan) if that matters! If you don’t get to this that’s okay !!! I hope u are well 🩷🩷🩷

now it's been a little while for me since i've had to use this model due to moving back home w my family for a time but when buying groceries for one person i found it helpful to follow this sort of structure about once a week! when i do this it feels a lot easier to 'wing it' in the kitchen and mix and match my meal components. and to preface, this is what i find to be helpful and everyone is different and finds different things to work for them!!

1-3 protein sources - i like to center my meals around this because i've found it helps me feel the most nourished and full, i always think of it as things that can be the 'star' of your dishes. i eat meat so i usually do salmon, chicken thighs, and alternate pork + beef. but for u that could b things like tofu, eggs, beans/lentils, mushrooms maybe, vegetarian 'meat' fakes lol, peanut butter if u like any peanutty noodle dishes

3-4 veggies - i love to snack on veggies so i usually get snap peas, cucumbers, + bell pepper just for snacking, and then something like brussel sprouts for roasting as a side dish w a dinner, these can also be frozen

2-3 types of fruit - i am a smoothie enjoyer bigtime so i get a combo of frozen and fresh, almost always mango, and then whatever is seasonal that i can see myself being excited to eat throughout the week

2-3 grains - pastas, premade pizza crusts, bread, rice, etc!! these rly round out ur meals!! and imo they make it simpler to make a meal on the fly. i am a huge fan of microwave rice LOL

2-3 multipurpose dips/spreads/sauces/condiments/pantry items - now here is ur golden ticket for being able to reliably make well rounded and varied meals!!! slowly building up your collection over time is the most cost effective way imo. it's helpful to stock up your pantry w things like baking supplies (flours, sugars, leaveners), spices, shelf stable canned goods (canned tomatoes, beans, vinegars, oils, soy sauces, fish sauce, cartons of things like oak milk), and 'fridge pantry' items (parmesan, herbs, lemons for juice and zest, miso, gochujang, ketchup, mayo, hot sauce, jam, pickles, etc). you can use these to season your food as you cook!

2-3 snacks/frozens - any microwave meals or chips or desserts you might want!!

using this structure makes it easier to look at what you have and be like, i have xyz and they would go together well.

EX. i have rice, tofu, and bok choy, now i can cook the rice and pan fry the tofu and bok choy with my pantry ingredients (soy sauce, miso, sesame oil, chili oil) and create a filling meal!

some of my favorites that could be made vegetarian -

ground pork seared on the bottom of a dutch oven in patties (you could sub tofu or use a fake meat replacement), broken up into smaller chunks, eaten with linguine, sliced snap peas or celery, + a garlicky peanut butter sriracha sauce

pizza w a store bought crust!! super easy, done in like 10 minutes! i like to make mine in a cast iron following this protocol

i really love to dress up ramen w sliced veggies and eggs

i like to make pasta dishes and then form a sauce w parmesan cheese, butter, pasta water, lots of lemon zest and juice and sometimes chicken stock, then adding in peas and fresh herbs at the end

idk if this was helpful at all, but i also have a recipe + recovery tag on my blog w more of these if that is helpful to you! im also on Instagram (@clementineoliveoil) and like to post what i cook there sometimes too!! i wish u all the most beautiful meals in your future!!

[consult-sherlockholmes]

tips on how to deal with chronic pain from both you and john? i know that gunshot scar must hurt at times.

You are correct, it hurts sometimes given the destroyed nerve endings and tissue damage. Well I am probably not the best person to ask about pain management because I either ignore it (which sometimes can turn out bad if the pain is a sign of something being wrong) or I consume strong painkillers that I didn't exactly get prescribed and have my other sources if you know what I mean. So not something anyone except me should do. John is probably a better source for answers concerning this, given he is also a doctor. However, I won't tag him here because the above might make him angry, so please do send him your ask yourself if you want his input. But maybe I can give some healthier general advice otherwise, like trying to distract yourself from the pain by focusing your mind, working or doing something that brings you joy (as chronic pain also tends to make people depressed so doing something to distract you and make you happy is important). I try to distract myself with my mind palace sometimes, especially while I was in hospital, although then I was on a constant drip of morphine which made things much easier to deal with. Depending on the source of the chronic pain light exercise or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the area could improve the pain. I think physical therapy helped John with his shoulder.

Taking better care of yourself in general like a healthy diet, as certain unhealthy foods can increase inflammation and pain, so they should be avoided. Especially heavily processed foods, high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats should be avoided, as well as red meat and milk products. Food that is anti-inflammatory should be consumed, rich with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, like vegetables, fruit, olive and flaxseed oil and fish. So a vegan/pescetarian diet would be recommended. Being well-rested, as pain also tends to get worse when sleep-deprived and stressed, trying to improve your general mental state. Poor sleep also causes more inflammation, which means in turn more pain.

Of course all those things are easier said than done, a permanent change in lifestyle is difficult, especially if you are already suffering. And it is probably annoying to just hear people always say 'just work on yourself' which is not at all what I am trying to say here, because sometimes that just isn't possible, but maybe things can at least be improved with small actions. It's important to start with small steps and not overstress yourself, as that would be negative again. Am I doing all of those things myself? No, but as I said I am not a good example, so you should probably do the opposite of the things I do. I am just trying to give advice based on research about chronic pain and inflammation, which often go hand in hand.

And hopefully you have a good doctor that can help you with that, prescribe you good medication, maybe some light painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications, that can be taken long term and doesn't have too many side effects. But most long term use of medication has side effects in the long run, but constant pain also has negative effects, so best to ask a doctor. Sadly, the stronger painkillers like opioids are not at all made for long term treatment, or you will get dependent or addicted. That happens faster than you think. I know opioids seem alluring, just taking all pain completely away and maybe getting a high on top of it, but in the long term it will just lead to more severe problems. It's a curse in disguise of a blessing. And if you just go to doctors and right out demand they prescribe you opioids they might not take you seriously, and might think you are an addict trying to get your hands on drugs and react badly guess how I know. Maybe you should better go ask John I am not very helpful concerning this.

[magic-and-moonlit-wings]

Thoughts on ‘The Sea Beast’

SPOILERS AHOY!

I loved the character designs, for the humans and the creatures. I feel like the design team had a lot of fun.

It was neat how the castle architecture and decor had a palette of sea green, gold, and white, yet still felt very aquatic, rather than leaning on an “ocean theme = blue” palette.

The royal couple’s costumes kind of gave me ‘sea monster’ vibes even before they were confirmed to be antagonistic characters. I think it was all the little triangles on the trim. (According to a sewing website I’ve read, those are called Van Dyke points, but I’m not sure how widely used that term is.)

I think Blue is the same species as Red, just a different colour while a baby. The angler lure will lose its light and turn into a crest as Blue gets older. I want a plushie of Blue, and maybe one of the yellow ones as well.

I very, very much want to see a video of Voltaire’s song “The Beast Of Pirate’s Bay” using clips from this movie.

Captain Crow was super dumb for dumping the Hand Of God harpoon overboard as soon as Red was captured. Even if he was holding off on killing her until they got back to the capital, keeping the poison on hand might have been a good idea in case they needed to, oh, I don’t know, sedate the giant beast again?

Potential reasons I came up with for why humans and sea beasts would be in conflict:

Some combination of the following:

1. It started due to honest misunderstandings, akin to a shark’s “test bite” of a surfer.

Sea beasts are huge, and big things need lots of food. Know what has a lot of calories? Mammal meat. It is not unreasonable to think some types of sea beast might eat whales. Ships at sea would be mistaken for a whale surfacing to breathe, the sea beast would come up to eat it, and oops, it’s not a whale after all.

Even the story about how “them beasts would come right up to shore, pluck a lady from her veggie patch, and swallow her up” could be based on true events. If a sea beast preyed on pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses), they could mistake humans on the beach for seals and go after them, expecting them to be slower and clumsier out of water.

2. Sea Beast territory blocks an otherwise-desirable trading route.

Plenty of wars and conflicts in human history have been about controlling trade routes. As a coastal territory, much of the kingdom’s trade is presumably by sea.

3. Sea Beast territory overlaps with otherwise-desirable fishing grounds.

As stated in Hypothesis 1, big animals need lots of food. Red’s whirlpool trick is presumably to cluster fish together so she can eat a bunch of them in one bite.

Coastal regions also tend to be heavily dependant on fishing for food.

4. The horns are harvested for ‘medicinal’ purposes.

It fits with the whaling metaphor (harvesting blubber and spermaceti for lamp oil, and baleen for corset boning), the big game hunting theme (rhino horns used as an aphrodisiac), and the theme of hunting supernatural creatures (unicorn horns, and narwhal tusks, could supposedly detect and cure poisons).

5. The Royal Family have discovered the Sea Beasts make useful scapegoats.

“Yes, we had to raise taxes, but it’s to fund the hunters and protect our people from the beasts!”

“Yes, everything is expensive, because it’s hard to get imports past the beasts and we can only produce so much locally.”

Depending on what people believe about the sea beasts’ intelligence and capabilities, it might even be possible to blame them for storms, droughts, floods, and tidal waves.

6. It’s a direct side-effect of the whaling industry.

Related to Hypothesis 3; sea beasts have sunk whaling ships, and compete for the same prey. Humans started trying to wipe them out so they’d stop getting in the way.

(I did not actually expect this to be canon, since whaling is generally frowned upon by a modern audience and this is a kids’ movie, so the scriptwriters wouldn’t want to get into that.

Also, do whales even exist in this world, or do sea beasts fill that ecological niche? We never see proof onscreen that whales coexist with sea beasts, but the ocean is vast and it’s hard to prove a negative.)

7. From the Sea Beasts’ perspective, humans are a fellow beast with whom they are competing for territory.

I mean, looking at things from a certain angle, this isn’t totally wrong.

The Explanation The Movie Gave:

Generations ago, the Royal Family told everyone that Sea Beasts were bad and needed to be hunted. They did this for ... reasons.

On my second watching, I puzzled out, “Maybe that’s part of the point, that the real motives were lost to history and sometimes you don’t get to find out why; some random kid like Maisie never got to find out the full truth, but she still found out the important part - that the manipulation existed, and that sea beasts aren’t actively malicious - and that’s why it’s important to question stuff people have ‘always known’, because details get lost over time and could’ve been wrong to begin with.”

But for a first watching, wow, talk about leaving an important plot thread hanging.

[hussyknee]

The tumeric one is wild because you know what it legit does work as? A blood thinner! And yet people advising it for medical use rarely note "hey be careful if you're taking other blood thinners because too many blood thinners can give you clotting problems"!

It's what?? I know blood clots are a potential side-effect of NSAIDs, but not that antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties have the opposite effect.

I was just noting that asking a South Asian to try tumeric is like asking someone from North America to try potatoes. We're an entire subcontinent of curries, and it's literally in at least three dishes per meal. They also ask us to try garlic, chilli pepper, fish, Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil), spinach, tomatoes, avocado and pineapple. Bro. You just described half our diet. So like, we should be healthy af. Unfortunately we aren't.

Wonder if we have less risk of blood clots or something. Doubt it. Can't have shit in South Asia.

[taikatalvittu]

Living Well With The Proper Use Of Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamin and mineral use is a way to feel better quickly. These supplements are necessary as we just don't get enough of certain nutrients through diet alone. Whether you need vitamin D over the winter or vitamin C during a cold, the tips and tricks below will help you figure it all out.

Many people end up with aching bodies without realizing why they ache. Try taking some new vitamins and minerals before going to the doctor at the first sign of pain. Both fish oil and vitamin E help lubricate your joints and muscles.

Never ignore the product warnings on vitamin levels. Vitamin and supplements can have serious side effects when taken with prescription and over the counter medicines. Ginseng can be very dangerous if you have high blood pressure or take heart medications. Lycopene can be deadly if you have a tomato allergy. Always read the warning labels or ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.

There are a lot of benefits for men to take vitamin E, but women need it as well. Vitamin E has anti-aging benefits and will help battle cell damage that is related to aging. Vitamin E also can prevent cataracts and heart disease. Almonds, hazelnuts, spinach and sunflower seeds are all rich in Vitamin E.

It's true that your body requires fruits and veggies for their nutrients; however, know that fresh products are much better than those that are canned. Though you want to eat a healthy diet, you should also consider taking a quality multivitamin and/or mineral supplements to enhance your diet.

Two of the best sources for vitamin D are exposure to the sun and milk. If you are not a big milk drinker or do not spend a lot of time in the sun, you should take a supplement with vitamin D. Vitamin D protects your bones and keeps them from becoming brittle.

This article gave some great advice about vitamins and minerals. Reading this is a good way to start on that journey. Now, you just need to go put what you have learned to work. Get on it!

Read more here https://www.linkedin.com/in/vigrxofcstore?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

[living-our-best-life]

Keto Diet for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting and Succeeding

Are you considering embarking on a keto diet? The ketogenic diet, or keto diet for short, has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its potential for weight loss and other health benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to starting and succeeding on a keto diet. From understanding the basics to managing potential side effects, we’ve got you covered.

1. Understanding the Keto Diet

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of the keto diet. The primary goal of this diet is to shift your body into a state of ketosis, where it primarily burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This metabolic state is achieved by drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing your consumption of healthy fats.

1.1 What Can You Eat on a Keto Diet?

On a keto diet, your meals should primarily consist of:

Healthy fats: Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, and butter.

High-quality proteins: Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.

Non-starchy vegetables: Leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and zucchini.

Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.

It’s essential to avoid or limit foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as grains, legumes, fruits, and sugary treats.

— >>Get Your Customized Keto Diet Plan Here!<< —

1.2 Benefits of a Keto Diet

Apart from weight loss, a keto diet may offer several other benefits:

Improved mental clarity and focus.

Increased energy levels.

Reduced inflammation.

Better blood sugar control.

Keep in mind that individual results may vary, and it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.

2. Preparing for Your Keto Journey

Embarking on a keto diet requires some preparation to set yourself up for success. Consider the following steps to ensure a smooth transition:

2.1 Talk to Your Support System

Before starting your keto journey, have an open conversation with your family and loved ones about your weight loss goals and dietary changes. Explain the temporary nature of the diet and the importance of their support. Research suggests that having a support system can significantly impact the success of your weight loss efforts.

2.2 Clean Out Your Kitchen

To avoid temptation, clean out your fridge, freezer, and pantry of sugary and starchy foods. Get rid of items that are not keto-friendly and discuss with your housemates about storing the remaining tempting foods in a separate area.

2.3 Create a Meal Plan

Having a simple meal plan in place will help you stay on track with your keto diet. If you’re not confident in the kitchen, opt for easy-to-prepare meals using basic ingredients. Ensure each meal includes a protein source, vegetables, and healthy fats like butter or olive oil. Consider utilizing pre-made meal plans to simplify your keto journey.

2.4 Stock Up on Keto-Friendly Foods

With your meal plan in hand, go grocery shopping and restock your kitchen with keto-friendly foods. Focus on foods you enjoy and add in items you may have been avoiding due to calorie counting or fat restrictions. Bacon, cheese, and various nuts are excellent options for keto-friendly snacks.

2.5 Take “Before” Pictures and Measurements

Documenting your starting point through photographs and measurements provides a baseline to track your progress. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can see changes in your body composition and overall health.

2.6 Seek Additional Support and Resources

Consider signing up for newsletters or joining online communities related to the keto diet. These resources can provide valuable information, tips, and support to help you stay motivated and connected with others on a similar journey.

— >>Get Your Customized Keto Diet Plan Here!<< —

3. Starting Your Keto Diet

Once you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to embark on your keto diet. Here are some essential tips to get you started:

3.1 Ease Into Ketosis

When transitioning into ketosis, you may experience side effects commonly known as the “keto flu.” These can include lethargy, mental fog, and changes in bowel movements. To minimize discomfort, choose a start date when you have a lighter schedule and can allow yourself time to rest. Additionally, consider reducing your exercise intensity during the initial weeks as your body adjusts to using fat as its primary fuel source.

3.2 Monitor Your Macronutrient Intake

To maintain ketosis, it’s crucial to monitor your macronutrient intake. The standard recommendation for a keto diet is to consume approximately 70–75% of calories from fat, 20–25% from protein, and 5–10% from carbohydrates. Tracking your food intake using apps or journals can help you stay within these ranges.

3.3 Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential on a keto diet. Drinking enough water and replenishing electrolytes is crucial to support overall health and prevent dehydration. Consider adding electrolyte-rich foods or supplements to your daily routine.

3.4 Be Mindful of Hidden Carbohydrates

While certain foods may appear keto-friendly, they can still contain hidden carbohydrates. Always read labels and be aware of ingredients like added sugars, starches, and artificial sweeteners that can hinder your progress. Familiarize yourself with alternative names for sugar and common sources of hidden carbs.

4. Sustaining Your Keto Lifestyle

Successfully sustaining a keto lifestyle requires commitment and ongoing efforts. Here are some strategies to help you maintain your progress:

4.1 Embrace Variety in Your Meals

To prevent dietary monotony, experiment with different recipes and ingredients to keep your meals exciting and flavorful. Explore various cooking methods, spices, and herbs to enhance the taste of your keto-friendly dishes.

4.2 Plan Ahead for Social Situations

Social events and dining out can pose challenges on a keto diet. Plan ahead by researching menus, suggesting keto-friendly restaurants, or bringing your own dish to share. Communicate your dietary needs with friends and family to ensure a supportive environment.

4.3 Stay Consistent with Your Routine

Consistency is key to long-term success on a keto diet. Stick to your meal plan, monitor your progress, and make adjustments when necessary. Celebrate your milestones and stay motivated by tracking your achievements.

4.4 Practice Self-Care and Listen to Your Body

Listen to your body’s signals and adjust your keto diet accordingly. Pay attention to hunger and satiety cues, prioritize quality sleep, manage stress levels, and engage in regular physical activity. Taking care of your overall well-being will contribute to your success on a keto diet.

Conclusion

Starting and succeeding on a keto diet requires careful planning, commitment, and support. By understanding the basics, preparing your kitchen, and following the necessary steps, you can embark on a successful keto journey. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, and always listen to your body’s needs. With determination and perseverance, you can achieve your weight loss and health goals on a keto diet.

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