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Understanding What Women Really Want

August 2, 2019 – Reading time: 13 minutes

Sure, the world that we live in is constantly changing and that change just seems to be coming faster and faster as we move forward but there is no denying that the core of who we are as men and women is largely unchanged. Yes, it can be said that many attitudes are changing among both sexes women gain more prominence in the more advanced societies and beyond but when it comes right down to the nitty gritty we, as a species, have not really changed much over the centuries. This means that much of the modern face that we put on is just a new set of rules that most of us are just attempting to follow in order to get along in our ever changing environment. And, for women, that can mean a lot of inner struggles as they try to strike a balance between their new and ever advancing place in the modern world and their base desires which have been inbred into them for millenia.

A Look Into The Origins

Even the most ardent feminists will acknowledge that there a basic instincts that rule us all even if they may believe that these instincts can be overcome with enough effort. Still, there is no real denying the fact that women have a primal desire to bear children and be part of a family unit. This leads to the main desire to have a man - and not just any man. What the vast majority of women want is a man who fits a certain set of criteria. This means that the men that these women are looking for will have a number of distinct qualities which women find essential in a highly prized mate. Some have come to think of these qualities as being those that one might find in a variety of domesticated animals.

 

For instance, there is no denying that most women desire a man who makes them feel safe and who can be seen as a protector. In the animal analogy this would make the desired man a guard dog. Another trait, which would be imperative to having children, would be the desire for a man who shows outward signs of being virile. The analogy there would make him a stud. And, then there are the more mundane yet truly important qualities involving general strength as a woman learns early in life that a man with a great degree of physical strength can be a great asset. This trait is generally associated with the pack mule. And, finally the analogy extends to the trait of industriousness which means that most women really want a man who will work hard to advance their shared goals and that means that she is also looking for what one might call a plow horse.

Team Players

Now, even though the earlier analysis might make it seem like many believe that women are inherently selfish and are only seeking men to be tools that they can use to get what they want in life, history shows that there is much more beyond that. In fact, the vast majority of the science and the evidence throughout history shows that women want to be in a loving relationship in which both the man and the woman share in the responsibilities of being partners. This can be seen in the great writings and paintings and songs that have endured in every society. And, despite the turmoil in today's world surrounding the roles that each sex expects from the other, there is little doubt that women want to be loved and they want to be in love with someone. And that someone is a man who meets her needs and loves her for who she is and what she brings to the table.

Power Dynamics

Clearly, if we as a species have learned anything, it's that there is no one way for people to live or for people to think. This is one of the many reasons that it can be so hard to find the person that is right for you. And, among the many dynamics involved is the question of which person in a relationship has what most would call the upper hand. This doesn't necessarily mean that the man or woman would have total control in a relationship but it does mean that in almost any situation there is one person who, whether acknowledged or not, could be said to have the upper hand and is largely responsible for guiding the pair on the course that they will take in life.

 

This fact can have some profound implications as the dominant individual would likely determine what, if any, religion they might follow and, of course, how any children would be raised in relationship to these spiritual matters. The list of issues could go on forever but the bottom line here is that there is always a power dynamics which often lasts a lifetime but which can also shift to a large or small degree and at any time in the relationship.

Today's Women

As we talked about earlier, there is no doubt that the basic instincts that women have are deeply embedded in who they are but that doesn't mean that they  can't overcome some of these natural tendencies. For example, if the basic drive to have children could not be overridden then we would not likely see the dramatic decrease in the number of children being born, especially in the more developed parts of the world.

 

Another key dynamic is the fact that women are playing a larger and larger role in decision making when it comes to our societies as a whole. In past centuries or even just decades it would be highly unlikely that a women could rise to prominence or a position of power without the backing of some very powerful men but that has changed as women all around the world are being promoted to positions of power in just about all sectors of society. This means that they can be found anywhere from boardrooms to governor's mansions and beyond.

The Struggle For Power

Going back to the basic instincts that tend to drive both men and women there is something that cannot be easily overlooked and that is the natural tendency for men to want to dominate everything in their worlds. Now, clearly this is not completely true in all situations but, as a rule, it is very much true. And, this can lead to a lot of issues when it comes to women getting what they want. But, as it has been widely seen time and time again throughout history and in every culture all around the world, women often have ways of getting what they desire by using tactics and strategies which simply would not work for most men who are, one could say, programmed to use strength and intimidation as their primary forces.

 

Combating those formidable strengths of men has always been a challenge for women seeking to advance their causes but they have largely made the gradual change necessary but, in some cases, banding together to achieve their goals or by using a more subtle and, some might argue, manipulative approach to dealing with the roadblocks that they face in life.

Isn't Love The Real Answer?

There can be no denying that men and women are locked in a constant struggle to get the upper hand in life and history has shown that men win many of these battles through sheer force and their innate desire to dominate. However, more enlightened views which keep advancing all around the globe are making it harder and harder for men to use these ancient and sometimes disastrous techniques.

 

In this brave new world that we all find ourselves thrust into the question more and more people keep finding themselves asking is - isn't love the real answer? And, the more and more that this question gets asked, the more and more people are finding that it truly can be. This seems to be true because both men and women are coming to find that when they simply treat each other with respect and love they will find that most of the problems that cause so much pain and anguish in the world can be overcome.

 

What it all seems to come down to is the basic fact that there are many differences between the way men and women think and what they desire. But having a sense of shared interest and a desire to live life together in love and harmony has been and continues to show that all of our lives can be that much better and give us all what we truly want.

Gaming Disorder Is Not Playing Around

July 22, 2019 – Reading time: 17 minutes

Video games have touched hearts and minds long before they became a part of modern culture. It seems like almost everyone has some sort of gaming console nowadays. Rather than those-who-game and those-who-don’t, categories have emerged to define and quantify gaming. From casual gamers to esports professionals and everywhere in between, gaming has become an interest for all, bridging age, race, gender, and every other divisive societal label. 

However, there have been worries, especially with the prevalence of more mature and violent titles in popular gaming, that video games could be having ill effects on players health. This has mostly been contradicted by a number of studies showing that- generally- gaming increases hand-eye coordination, logical reasoning, spatial thinking, and team building skills. Many popular games heavily feature co-op, or coordinated operation, meaning players can join up with friends or even total strangers to complete common goals. 

So why do they have a disorder named after them?

What is ‘Gaming Disorder’?

As of  2019, the World Health Organization has added ‘Gaming Disorder’ in the 11tth revision of the International Statistical Classification of diseases. As of their definition, ‘Gaming Disorder’ is “a pattern of gaming behavior (“digital-gaming” or “video-gaming”) characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”

That’s an impressive paragraph-long sentence, but what does it mean? 

It means that ‘Gaming Disorder’ is what happens when games come first, above all else. When your anniversary dinner with your spouse is less important than finishing this level, "Just really quick, one more level; yes honey, I promise." When you forget your son’s soccer game and your partner has to show you the video on their phone of his winning goal. "I’ll be there next time, Champ; I swear." When you don’t eat or drink or sleep for days, because you just have to keep playing. When you skip work, miss out on non-gaming ‘real life’ activities, all for the sake of the glory of the win.

Is Gaming Addictive?

Yes. And no. Maybe.

Does this mean that video games are inherently addictive and dangerous? Should we be turning in our consoles, trashing our controllers, and deleting those time-consuming mobile apps that make our forty-minute wait in the doctor’s office bearable? The pros and cons of gaming are still heavily under debate, with each side holding on fast to their respective opinions and studies.

Most gaming is designed to be an immersive experience. It rewards the brain with pleasure chemicals called ‘dopamine’ for reaching milestones or making certain achievements. It can create a hard-wired reaction expecting instant gratification. Plus, modern games are very social, creating a network of people, perhaps even friends, which persists entirely based upon continued play of a particular game. It’s excellent strategy on behalf of a multi-billion dollar industry, but will casual gaming inevitably lead down the road to addiction?

As far as the diagnosis of ‘Gaming Addiction’, not all game-play qualifies. It is when that behavior begins to cause problems and interference with daily life, when it becomes a compulsion, that is when the term ‘addiction’ can be considered. Crushing some candies on your phone while you wait for your turn at the Motor Vehicles office is probably perfectly safe. Trying to stomp your friends with iconic characters is likely fine too. Even going on spanning epic quests to save the world likely won’t suddenly render you an addict. 

So then, what does? Where is the line?

Signs of Addiction

Some potential signs have been discussed above, but the American Psychiatric Association lays out nine distinct criteria to look for when assessing whether or not you or someone you love might be suffering from Gaming Disorder. 

If you can say ‘yes’ to at least 5 or more of these questions, the American Psychiatric Association recommends that you are formally evaluated for video game addiction.

What Is At Risk?

Aside from relationships and opportunities as outlined in item 9 above, there are other dangers associated with ‘Gaming Disorder’ as well. However, it is not determined whether these are symptomatic or pre-existing. This means that scientists just don’t know if someone has Depression because they have Gaming Disorder, or if they had Depression prior and it made them more susceptible to develop Gaming Disorder. Both Depression and Gaming Disorder are difficult to test for, and there is no proof that the correlation has anything to do with causation. Similarly, additional complicated relations include other mental disorders, like anti-social behavior, social anxiety,  and generalized anxiety. 

Physical complications are easier to detect and test for, however. Deep vein thrombosis can develop from prolonged sitting, as can pulmonary embolisms. Gaming is an activity most often done while seated, and thus many hours spent gaming can increase these risks, while still not being solely responsible for the results. 

The Bottom Line

Those risks are serious and scary, but there is good news. Gaming Disorder affects only a very small portion of people, and most gamers are not addicted. The World Health Organization asks gamers to be wary of their health and aware of their behavior, and to watch closely for any of the aforementioned signs. 

But for now, there’s no need to delete your mobile games or curse at imaginary Italian plumbers. Video games, like most things, are perfectly safe in moderation, and can be a fun, challenging, rewarding experience when used positively. Video games can expand imaginations, and give us a chance to explore worlds that are impossible in reality. As long as we remember, then, to return to that reality and keep our priorities in check with responsible gaming, most people need not worry about addiction and Gaming Disorder.

Understanding What Men Really Want

July 12, 2019 – Reading time: 14 minutes

What men want

Understanding What Men Really Want

Although the world continues to change at lightning speed and many of the old rules seem to go out the window on a near daily basis, there are still a great many things that have not changed and likely will never be any different than the way they have always been. For one thing, knowing what men want, as a rule, can be a somewhat complex matter but, in the end, understanding what drives men is the key to knowing how to navigate in what is, according to most people, still a man's world. To get a grip on this subject the best thing to do is go back to the beginning and look at what men have historically done and, more importantly, why they did it.

In The Beginning

There's little argument that men and women have some basic design differences. The main one being overall physical strength which allows men, in general, to simply overpower women and take what they want assuming there is no system in place such as a protector of some sort like a bodyguard, an army or a government with laws that make a would be attacker think twice about using brute physical strength to get what he wants.

 

Still, it is this brute strength that was the driving force in men largely taking control of nearly everything from materials to land to power over entire populations. And, even though there have been women rulers, they were largely able to remain in place as a matter of politics where enough powerful men decided it was in their best interests to support the female ruler.

 

Another major point here is that men, whether rightly or wrongly, whether through sheer desire and motivation or through an often unfair degree of opportunity, tend to be more driven to create systems and mechanisms which allow them to be the driving force behind the kind of innovation that gives them power over others.

 

The end result of all of this is that men have largely been responsible for the foundations on which civilizations have been built since the dawn of history. And, even though women have played a large role in that, and should be seen as indispensable in the process, their contributions have been much more in the background. Hence, the old saying of "Behind every great man there is a woman."

Power Sharing

Battle of the sexes

Even though men have had a dominant role in the way that the world has been structured from the beginning there can be no doubt that the roles of men and women have been in constant flux as cultural norms continue to change and advance to the point where women are taking on leadership roles in society, government, the business world and elsewhere. And, this change in many parts of the developed world has caused a lot of men to question and, in many cases, attempt to rebel against these changing norms.

 

This can best be illustrated by looking at the ongoing battle between the forces of conservatism and liberalism in many parts of the world and in many sectors of society. And, this is largely due to the belief that many men have that they are the naturally dominant gender.

 

Keeping that in mind it is easy to see how many men view their place in the world and what they want out of life.

The Battle Of The Sexes

Looking at the history of humanity it is clear that men, in general,  have a natural desire to dominate everything around them. From conquering nature by building ever more advanced shelters and weapons to dominating their weaker male opponents through threats, intimidation and force to subjugating women to supporting rolls, men have always sought the power to make the decisions which affect theme and those around them. But, with the ever increasing amount of laws and legislation in many advanced countries, the ability of men to  just take what they want and do as they will, is becoming more and more a thing of the past.

 

The big question in all of this is how have men been able to adapt to these many changes and what effect has it had on their relationships with women in both their public interactions and their private lives.

The New World

In a world where the absolute dominance of men has diminished greatly many males are feeling that they are under attack and that the very essence of who they are is rapidly being stripped away. This has led to a great deal of frustration among many guys who, in the past, felt that they were superior in many ways to nearly any woman just because of the fact that they were a man. But, now a woman who may have a higher educational standing has become a serious threat to men as they find that their expectation of male privilege is not helping them keep the jobs or other positions that were always theirs no matter what qualifications that a woman had.

 

In this world many men are having to come to grips with a changing power structure which often leaves them on the outside looking in as more and more women with superior skills and education take over positions of power that were almost always reserved for men. This fact has caused a number of issues between the sexes that are still working themselves out and likely  will continue to do so for a long time to come.

The New Power Dynamic

New power dynamic

The big question for most men in this brave new world is how can they continue to see themselves as dominant males in a world where that power and the very right to assert themselves as they always have is slipping through their fingers. In many cases, and in men with the intellect to assess the situation fully, the answer is that they see it as a game of strategy where they must adapt to a game in which the rules may be changing but in which they still have many of the advantages.

 

For example, even though the statistics around the number of men and women who are seeking and attaining higher degrees in education are changing to the point where the majority of college graduates are now women, more strategic thinking men still understand that their natural gifts as men which provide them with the perception of dominance can be a great advantage when it comes to acquiring the status, wealth and power that so many others are striving for. So, even in a game with shifting rules a man who exhibits all the classic traits of manhood can and is quite likely to continue to succeed in his goals of achieving dominance over his weaker or less bold males as well as much of his female competition.

What About Love?

Despite the changing power dynamics in the roles that men and women play in today's modern society there are many things in the relationships between the sexes that remain constant. And, even though there are some things that both sexes have to adjust when it comes to changing societal expectations and the roles that they are expected to play in the world, men and women are still and will always be men and women. This simply means that many men will always feel like they need to assume many of the traditional roles that have always been set out for them and many women will always want their men to feel that way and assume those roles.

 

In the end, there are some things that are just part of the essence of who we are, whether we are a guy or a girl, and nothing is ever really going to change that. Still, every man needs to feel that he is fulfilling his role even if some of the parameters of what that means shift depending on the times and the world in which they are living. So, if you are a woman who is trying to figure out how to deal with a man who feels like he is struggling to know who he is, just remember that every guy wants to be like the men who came before him or at least feel like he could be.

Eat These Satisfying Sources of Plant Based Vegetarian Protein and Never Crave Meat Again!

March 29, 2019 – Reading time: 13 minutes

Wouldn't it be great if everyone could stop eating meat? It would be kinder to animals, it would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and it would ameliorate many of the other negative ecological consequences of industrial ranching. Plus, there are many health experts out there who think that sticking to a vegan or vegetarian diet will make people healthier and help them live longer lives (despite some controversy behind these hypotheses).

Well, if you're trying to give up meat and struggling, this article is for you. Alternatively, if you're trying to cook a vegan/vegetarian meal for someone you care about, this article is also for you. Heck, anyone who's curious about healthy meat alternatives is doing themselves a favor by reading this page. Because believe it or not, there are some very tasty sources of plant-based protein out there - and we have the recipes to prove it!

Vegetarian Protein Options (And Recipes!)

Let's start by catering to the vegetarian crowd. There are many different definitions of what a vegetarian is, depending on who you ask. The standard dictionary definition of vegetarian is "a person who does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons". The vegetarian society, on the other hand, has a much more detailed definition:

"A vegetarian is someone who lives on a diet of grains, pulses, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, fungi, algae, yeast and/or some other non-animal-based foods (e.g. salt) with, or without, dairy products, honey and/or eggs. A vegetarian does not eat foods that consist of, or have been produced with the aid of products consisting of or created from, any part of the body of a living or dead animal. This includes meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, insects, byproducts of slaughter or any food made with processing aids created from these."

Based on the definition above, we can immediately spot some fairly important differences between vegetarians and vegans. For one, the line between animal cruelty and cruelty-free animal products is a little blurry when it comes to honey, eggs, milk, and milk-derived dairy products (cheese, yogurt, sour cream, etc.). Furthermore, there are people out there who lead very similar dietary lifestyles, but still choose to incorporate the occasional animal product into their diet. People who limit these inclusions to animal products from the sea (fish and shellfish, specifically) refer to themselves as "pescatarians". Still farther out on the fringe of vegetarian society exists a radical group of rule-breakers who, on very rare occasions, will throw their dietary restrictions out the window and eat an omnivorous diet. These rebels usually refer to Themselves as "flexitarians".

Why do we go to all the trouble to educate you on the specific definition of what a vegetarian meal is? Well, because we already know we're going to be inundated with questions of "...But what if I add [probably not a vegetarian food item] to this recipe? Is that okay?". By knowing the exact definition of a vegetarian, it'll help you be able to figure out the answer to that question for yourself. Or, when in doubt, you can always ask the almighty Google. Now, let's start talking about some delicious, high-protein vegetarian recipes!

Vegan-Friendly Proteins

While the widely accepted practice of eating dairy products helps vegetarians get the protein they need to stay healthy, people who strictly adhere to a vegan lifestyle don't have such options. Whether for health or moral reasons, vegans believe that any nourishing food product which comes from an animal, even if harvested in the utmost cruelty-free way possible, should be completely eliminated from the human diet. But that does not mean that vegans are undernourished when it comes to protein - not even a little bit!

As far as the vegan diet goes, they basically follow the same rules as vegetarians minus dairy, eggs, honey, and other foods sourced from animal products such as gelatin (a form of collagen collected by boiling cattle bones). Obviously, pescetarians and flexitarians do not fall under the umbrella of veganism. As far as restricting meat and animal products from a person's diet, you can think of vegans as the bullseye in the center of a target. Vegetarians, pescatarians, and flexitarians can be found on the outer rings.

Okay, so now that all the boring informational stuff is out of the way, let's dive into some high protein and highly palatable vegan dishes:

 

We hope you have a chance to try out some of the high protein vegan and vegetarian recipes we have laid out here for you today. We've already tested most of them in house, and we were quite pleased with our results. And if you're not used to cooking vegan or vegetarian dishes, don't worry - practice makes perfect, and these simple recipes leave little room for error. So head on down to the grocery store, have a field day in the produce section, and get ready to enjoy some plant-based protein source tonight!

Chocoholics Celebrate! Raw Cacao Nibs Named One of the Healthiest Superfoods on the Planet

February 8, 2019 – Reading time: 18 minutes

 

Chocoholics Celebrate! Raw Cacao Nibs Named One of the Healthiest Superfoods on the Planet

The headline above might have you asking some questions right now, like "what's a superfood?" and/or "what are cacao nibs?" Well, you're about to get plenty of answers to those questions, and more. More importantly, once you've finished learning all about why cacao nibs are the best food you've never eaten, we'll help you get started with some delicious - and nutritious - cacao nib recipes.

What - Exactly - are Cacao Nibs?

Let's start with some basics: cacao nibs are a superfood. Superfoods are raw, natural foods like fruits and vegetables that contain an obnoxiously high amount vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. In general, the darker or more colorful a food is, the higher its nutritional content. And as you can see from pictures, cacao nibs definitely fall into that category. Cacao nibs are the dried, crushed seeds which come from the fruit of the cacao tree. They are also used to make chocolate. But the ways in which chocolate and cacao differ are as significant as they are abundant.

What Makes Cacao Nibs Such a Miraculous Superfood?

 

Unlike chocolate, cacao nibs are not processed at all. All chocolate starts out as cacao, but not all cacao becomes chocolate. When cacao is processed into chocolate, its nutritional content is severely degraded. Furthermore, the addition of sugar and other ingredients also decreases the health benefits of pure cacao. Because cacao is a bitter, lower-calorie food compared to regular chocolate, it can be a bit of an acquired taste. But once you get past the lack of sweetness, and you realize how much nutrition you're getting from each nib, you'll start to appreciate the depth and rich taste of pure cacao.

Antioxidant Properties

Most raw fruits and vegetables contain nutritious plant compounds called flavonoids. In a way, flavonoids are like pokemon; science is still discovering how many there are, and what each one is capable of. But there is one common, nearly undeniable consensus: flavonoids are powerful antioxidants.

The more antioxidants you can get in your diet, the better. As time marches on and your body gets older, your cells begin to suffer damage from a process called oxidation. Antioxidants, in case you couldn't tell from the name, protect against this oxidation process. The more antioxidants you consume, the younger and more vivacious you will feel, all the way down to a cellular level. Antioxidants can do everything from giving you more energy to improving your metabolism to slowing the physical signs of aging - and more!

Neurological Health

When you eat raw cacao nibs, it triggers the release of endorphins in your brain. You know how when most people eat chocolate, they immediately feel better - no matter how bad their day has been? Well, cacao nibs create that same warm, fuzzy feeling inside you. But the feeling is much stronger when you consume raw cacao.

One of the released endorphins is a little something called PEA (phenylethylamine). This endorphin stimulates the adrenals in a way that enhances mental focus and awareness. In other words, it gets you jazzed up and excited. Another endorphin released when you eat cacao nibs is called anandamide. It has a cute little nickname - the "bliss" molecule - in large part because it has a very similar molecular structure to that of THC.

Cardiovascular Benefits

The micronutrient content of cacao nibs provides some truly excellent benefits for your cardiovascular system. High concentrations of potassium and magnesium help reduce blood pressure while enhancing blood flow to the parts of your body where you need it the most (including your brain). Cacao nibs also contain large amounts of iron, which can help you fight off fatigue and anemia.

Metabolic and Digestive Health

Raw cacao is extremely high in fiber. Unfortunately, most modern diets today are dangerously insufficient when it comes to fiber. The less fiber you consume on a daily basis, the more likely you are to suffer from poor gut health, chronic inflammation, disease, insomnia, and even mental health struggles. To make a long story short: fiber is important!

But fiber isn't just good for holistic, full-body health. It's also great for anyone who's trying to lose weight. When you eat fiber, it keeps you feeling fuller for longer by slowing down your digestion. Also, like we mentioned earlier, it releases happy endorphins in your brain which can help stave off any stress-induced comfort snacking you may be tempted by. As if all of that weren't fantastic enough on its own, eating cacao nibs is also great for regulating your insulin resistance, which can help protect you from metabolic diseases like diabetes.

Out of curiosity: are you having problems with regularity, or with trying to fit into your skinny jeans from last summer? Well, raw cacao can kill both of those problems with one stone. The high fiber content in cacao nibs helps your body clear out your colon on a more regular basis. And the less weight you're carrying in your lower abdomen (thanks to having an active digestive system) the easier it'll be to zip up and button your favorite pair of jeans!

 

How to Get More Cacao Into Your Diet

The best way to maximize the health benefits of cacao nibs is to incorporate them into your favorite cold/room temperature foods like salads, smoothies, trail mix, etc; the only limits are your imagination. You can also add them to spaghetti, mole, or chili sauces if you wish. Just keep in mind that once the temperature exceeds 104 degrees F, the antioxidant content of the nibs starts to break down.

Without further ado, grab yourself a bag o' nibs and get started with these fantastic recipes!

Superfood Berry Smoothie Recipe

This bittersweet, refreshing treat is choc full of powerful antioxidants to keep you feeling energized and revitalized all day long.

Put all ingredients into your favorite blender or smoothie maker. Blend until your desired consistency is reached, and enjoy! You can also replace dairy yogurt with coconut, soy or any other vegan alternative. Or, you can use a dairy free milk instead.

Alternatively, you can put a green twist on it and get an extra dose of vitamins A, K, C, and B6 by throwing some leafy greens into the mix:

Overnight Chocolate-Banana Oats

Overnight oats are an excellent breakfast option, especially for the busy working man or woman. That's because you can prepare them the night before. This shaves more time off your morning routine, and helps you get a nutritious start to your day.

Cacao and Cacao Nib Salads

Cacao nibs are great for sprinkling on top of salads. This is especially true if you're talking about a mixed greens salad with sweet additions like strawberries, tiny orange slices, or cranberries. The high vitamin C content will help your body absorb the iron in the cacao nibs more easily. Or you can get creative and make your own cacao-flavored salad dressing:

Cacao Nib Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate is made from cacao - so it only makes sense to incorporate it into your favorite dessert recipes, right? From cakes to pies to cupcakes and more, anywhere you might otherwise used baker's chocolate, cacao nibs are a powerfully healthy substitute. Likewise, if your recipe calls for dark chocolate, you can use nibs instead and neutralize the bitterness with a natural sweetener like honey or stevia. Start here with this Cacao nib chocolate fudge recipe, but don't be afraid to experiment and get creative!

 

With all of the health benefits that cacao nibs have to offer, it won't be long before everyone is eating them. Once the word gets out, this cacao-licious and nutritious trend is likely to explode. When it does, you can say you were into them before they were cool, and wear your 'Nibster' badge with pride. Happy nibbing!

Online Dating Tips and Advice for a Modern 'Swipe' World

January 25, 2019 – Reading time: 17 minutes

Online Dating Tips and Advice - Navigating the Age-Old Quest for Love in a Modern "Swipe" World

Technology has radically changed the dating world. Unlike the courtship rituals of our parents and grandparents, it's no longer about asking your high-school sweetheart to wear your pin or hoping for the perfect meet-cute with the man of your dreams. These days, everyone seems to be shunning the old ways in favor of online dating.

Online dating apps and websites are a fantastic tool for finding someone you are truly compatible with. But, like most tools, it can be (and often is) used incorrectly. Lots of people approach online dating as deftly as someone trying to assemble IKEA furniture with a sledgehammer. When they inevitably fail, they either regress to the old ways or give up on dating entirely. If you're new to online dating, or if you've dipped your toe in the pool and left feeling discouraged, this article is for you. Start your search for love the right way by following the first four Commandments of Online Dating.

Commitment #1: Thou Shalt Not to Cast a Fishing Net

First off, let's make one thing abundantly clear: the advice in this article is designed to help both men and women find love online. If you read a tip here and think to yourself "Well that won't help me; I'm a [man/woman]!", First, go slap yourself. Second, realize that knowing what the person on the other side is going through can help you adjust your strategy accordingly to find the mate you want. So do yourself a favor and don't be all sexist about it.

Continuing on...the first and biggest mistake most people make when it comes to online dating is something we like to call "casting a wide net". Yes, there are plenty of fish in the sea, but that doesn't mean you should dredge through the whole ocean. Instead, approach your online dating profile like a sieve or a filter. You don't want to catch the human equivalent of a monkfish when you're looking for a blue fin tuna. Furthermore, it's extremely easy to turn your online dating profile from a fishing net into a filter. All you have to do is remember two very important things:

Don't be afraid to say something offensive. Are you a feminist, but worried men will be turned off by that? Put it in your profile anyway! It'll only attract men who appreciate a strong woman and share your desire for equality. On the flip side of that coin: are you a trump supporter? Then put that in your profile, too! Sure, you may get some flack for it from strangers online. But it's the most effective way to find the docile, simple-minded woman of your dreams who will let you wear the pants in your relationship and never question your authority.

No pandering! Don't put something in your profile that you think a guy/gal wants to hear unless you honestly feel that way, too. You may be attracted to an adventurous, outdoorsy type of person, but saying that your ideal first date would be kayaking through the Grand Canyon when you spend most weekends binge-watching your favorite shows on Netflix will bring you more failure than it will success.

Commandment #2: Thou Shalt Not Blaspheme the Numbers Game

Brace yourself, because here comes another heaping spoonful of tough love: online dating is a numbers game. Deal with it. This is not a rom-com or a Disney princess fantasy; this is the real world. And you're going to have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince/princess charming. If you can't accept that fact, then online dating probably isn't for you.

"But wait, doesn't that completely contradict everything you said in commandment #1?" Not necessarily, no. Even after filtering out the people you're not interested in dating, you should still have plenty to choose from if you're looking in the right place.

You're going to have to explore all your options if you want to make the best choice. And - surprise, surprise - this means going on lots of dates! Don't worry, though; this won't make you a "whore" or a "playa" (and anyone who thinks differently probably isn't mature enough for online dating in the first place). The odds of the first or second or even the third person you communicate with online turning out to be your soulmate are about as likely as being kidnapped by aliens immediately after buying a winning lottery ticket. It's extremely unlikely.

Prepare yourself to go out on a lot of "One and Done(s)". These are first dates that, regardless of how they go, fall short of leaving you wanting more. Don't be ashamed, don't feel guilty, don't over-analyze, don't become hypercritical of yourself, and do not pass judgement. Sometimes people just aren't compatible. And that's okay.

Commandment #3: Thou Shalt Get Thy Foot in the Door the RIGHT Way

This commandment is all about making first contact. So let's tackle the bad news first. When it comes to reaching out, regardless of your gender, you're probably doing it wrong.

Lots of people - and although we hate to admit it, women are usually more guilty of this than men - sit around and wait for someone else to make the first move. That's about as useful as standing on the sidewalk with your hands down and expecting an Uber to pull up and offer you a ride; it'll get you nowhere fast. Regardless of gender, you should never be afraid to make the first move. Most of the time, the receiving party will be so flattered that they may give you a second look when they might otherwise have skimmed over your profile and click away to someone else.

If you are searching for true compatibility, then you should sign up with an online dating service which allows users to fill out a profile so that you can learn more about them (and they can learn more about you) before the two of you start talking. But if reading is difficult for you, or your priorities are more focused on looks and hookups, well, we're sure you can find your way to Tinder. When you're ready to grow up and date like an adult, come back and read this article again. We'll be happy to give you advice.

For the rest of you, making first contact successfully can be accomplished in 3 easy steps:

  1. READ. THEIR. PROFILE. Yes, we're sure their pretty picture drew you in, but compatibility involves a lot more than physical attractiveness. And if you don't like their profile for some reason? Find an attractive somebody whose profile you do like. It's as simple as that. There's no need to agonize over it.
  2. Craft the right first message. Don't waste time with thumbs-ups, winky-faces, pokes, or a generic "Hi". It's insulting, even if you have the best intentions. Instead, mention something specific from their profile and ask them a question about it. This gives them an easy, effortless excuse to write back to you. It also lets them know that you're interested in them, and not just spamming generic form letters to every pretty picture you see hoping to get a response (see Commandment #1).
  3. Be prepared for rejection. Disappointment is an inevitability in life, and dating is no exception. Whether they reject you outright or simply don't reply, move on to the next! After all, there are plenty of fish in the sea.

Commandment #4: Thou Shalt Not Be Afraid to Meet in Person!

Here's our last agonizing, tough-love truth-bomb: if you're scared to take it from online into the real world, you shouldn't be online dating. Period. Meeting them in person is the only way to know whether or not you are truly compatible, despite how many love sonnets or pages of romantic prose you to have exchanged.

When you're ready to meet them face-to-face, pick the simplest, most low-key venue you can think of. A coffee shop, for example, is perfect. It's cheap, it's public, and it'll give you the opportunity to sit down and get to know each other. It doesn't matter whether they want to wine and dine you at a fancy restaurant or take you on a wild adventure from moment one; if they can't even hold a conversation with you, it's not meant to be. And if the date goes well, let them know! Drop a subtle hint, like "I had a really good time tonight. You have my number, so let me know if you'd like to do it again whenever you're free." If they contact you for date #2, congrats! If not, as we said before, there are plenty of fish in the sea.

So far, we've barely even scratched the surface of online dating. But we'll do our best to delve further into the subject in future installments. Keep checking back for updates if you're eager to learn more!