You Can Enjoy the Keto Diet Even if You Are a Vegan

You Can Enjoy the Keto Diet Even if You Are a Vegan

The most talked about and controversial diet today is the Ketogenic diet, better known as Keto. This often counterintuitive eating approach consists of you eating high amounts of fat and small amounts of carbs to enter a specific state called Ketosis. In Ketosis, the body burns transforms from burning glucose for fuel to Ketones. The burning of Ketones by the body has been discovered to provide numerous physiological benefits for the body. Many people have adopted this revolutionary diet and reported major health benefits in addition to losing lots of weight.

The amount of fat in a Keto diet is above 70% of your total diet intake which puts off many people based on what they have heard about high intake of fat. Conventional wisdom says that eating fat causes you to get fat, but according to Keto experts, this is not actually the case. In fact according to these same experts, if you eat the right amounts of fat, you will actually lose large amounts of weight.

The Keto diet has a rationale for its high consumption of fat over carbohydrates. When high amounts of carbohydrates are consumed, they convert to glucose in the liver. To move this glucose through the body, the body produces insulin. Over time we build up an insulin resistance and the body has a hard time burning fat because of this insulin resistance. Therefore it is very difficult to lose weight. If you can remove the carbohydrates from your diet, your body is forced to burn fat.  When your body is in this state of Ketosis, you burn fat more efficiently and lose fat from your body.

The Keto Diet is Also Great for Health

Creating a state of Ketosis in the body has shown in addition to causing weight loss, that it also creates a host of health benefits and relief from chronic illnesses. There are cases where chronic illnesses have been cured or symptoms eased while on the Keto diet. The diet has also been shown to optimize performance. Lots of athletes swear by the Keto diet saying it gives them new levels of energy and better performance when they practice and play.

To understand perhaps why you need to know a little about what going into Ketosis does for the body. In this state, there is an enhancement of the ability of the mitochondria, which are the power plants of our cells. Ketosis allows the mitochondria to deliver the body’s energy needs in a way that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Energy use is optimized and the body gains the ability to fight off and even defeat certain illnesses. We also end up with much more usable energy daily. Many of those on the Keto diet say they have never had as much energy.

How to do the Keto Diet if You are a Vegan

Typically the Keto diet is a meat diet. In fact many people on the diet will not consume any vegetables at all. The diet is filled with recipes that are centered on bacon and butter and other high fat ingredients. Since Keto does not discern between healthy and non-healthy fats, the focus is simply on taste and of course bacon is probably the world’s tastiest food. This leaves a vegetarian interested in Keto shaking his head and thinking that the diet cannot be an option. However, there are many high fat low carb plants that fit easily into the Keto diet. And in fact there great Vegan Keto recipes that utilize these ingredients to help you reach ketosis.

The Keto diet is a revolutionary way to lose weight and attack chronic illnesses. And if you thought as a vegetarian the diet was off limits, the good news is that you can enjoy the diet and remain a vegan.

7 TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY WITH YOUR MOBILE PHONE

7 TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY WITH YOUR MOBILE PHONE

Many people do not know that they can actually save good money with their mobile device. Think of your smart phone as an investment, you put a in a lot of money into buying it and now it’s time to reap the dividends.

Apart from making calls, browsing, socializing and other numerous things you currently use your phone for, there are a number of ways you can cut costs and save some money with your mobile device, be it an android – phone, iPhone or a windows based phone.

Here are 7 tips on how to save some cash with your mobile phone

  • Use the budget planner on your mobile phone to plan your daily, weekly or monthly spend. It gives you an idea whether you are going above your income and helps you decide where to cut cost if necessary. Apps like this can help you track your expenses, reduce impulse buying and help you save some cash.

  • You can also download money saving apps like the that allow you to track your credit card spend and ensure you do-not run out of cash before the month ends or to blow over your monthly limit. This app allows you to spend and save on your mobile device. Other apps are available online that can also help you make financial transactions online with your mobile phone and save the cost of having to travel all the way to your bank.

  • Make sure you are on the right plan for your calls. Select the best service provider to get the best plan for your area. If you rarely use your phone to make calls or send texts, a pay as you go option may be cheaper for you. If on the other hand you make a lot of phone calls, then a monthly payment plan may be the better option. Be on the same plan as your friends and family as this could reduce the charges on your talk time.

  • Use your phone to compare prices of items you wish to purchase online so you can decide on the best places to shop to get good prices.

  • Download free games and apps on your mobile device only if you are certain there are no hidden charges. This may mean you have to exercise some control over who has access to your phone, so they do-not unwittingly accumulate charges for you.

  • Avoid calling numbers that place extra charges on your tariff with your mobile phone. It’s cheaper to use a landline to call numbers that begin with 084, 087 and 09

  • Use Wi-Fi whenever you can to browse or download apps on your mobile phone. Use as little of your mobile data no matter how unlimited the plan could cost more than you think as background apps on your mobile could mean that your data is getting exhausted sooner than it should. Ask for a downgrade from your network service provider if you are not using your freebies.

Is Your Business Prepared for a Cyber Attack? 4 Tips That Work

Is Your Business Prepared for a Cyber Attack? 4 Tips That Work

Businesses have to be extra alert to the variety of ways hackers can break into sensitive online data. This is increasingly necessary since customer data protection is a prime factor in business reputation management and customer confidence.

According to available statistics, small businesses are targeted in 50% of all cyber-attacks. This could be as a result of inadequate security measures which are uncommon in big businesses.

So what can be done to help improve your cyber security and protect your online privacy? It is as simple as establishing strong security protocols and habits, and making sure that these measures are strictly adhered to by all personnel.

  1. Ensure that all employees make use of a strong password: every employee must make use of a complex password that would be very difficult to decipher. The passwords should be a combination of alphanumeric characters, with a mix of lower and upper case letters, and punctuation marks. They should be at least eight characters long and must not match any existing personal passwords. It is also important to change the passwords regularly. By having a strict password policy, your business will be more likely to evade an attack.
  2. Back-up all sensitive files: there are cases where malicious parties hack into online data and remove or lock up files so that they cannot be accessed until the business pays a ransom. This is what is known as ransomware attack. By keeping a secure offline backup of all files, ransoming can be rendered ineffective to a reasonable extent. Regular back-up of all files on a remote server or hard drives is one security discipline that must be observed. Some independent cloud organizations, such as Iomart, also offer innovative solutions and disaster recovery services.
  3. Invest in strong anti-malware software: malware is any piece of software that is written with the sole purpose of doing harm to data, devices, or establishments. There are various forms of malware which include Trojans, viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Some malware are designed to feed on sensitive data so as to defraud the business or its customers. Obtaining a reliable anti-malware is not something to take lightly. Cost does not matter here as trying to save costs would be a typical case of false economy. See to it that all external hard drives, systems, and USB devices are fully scanned.
  4. Staff training: Cyber-security is the responsibility of every staff member. For instance, phishing is a form of malware attack which any employee can fall victim to. Fake emails, text messages, or even phone calls from malicious agents that seem genuine can lead to the release of sensitive files, which can be used to hurt the business or its customers. It is therefore important to continuously train staff on cyber-security, especially those who have admin clearance and who handle sensitive data. Also keep in mind that not every member of the business team should be given full access to certain data. This would help to maintain accountability. Access to certain databases, software applications, etc. should be restricted to only those employees who are responsible for them.

Written by Ester K. is a content writer at Deepak Shukla and a sales and Public Relations (PR nerd), obsessed with research, sleeping in as much as possible, and listening to podcasts. When I am not at home with my fam I enjoy long walks through the beautiful city of Jerusalem.

Will Retail Stores Go Extinct By 2030?

Will Retail Stores Go Extinct By 2030?

In less than 15 years from now, retail as we know it, might no longer exist. The traditional brick and mortar stores where customers walk down the aisles picking out their goods will be the exception rather than the norm. With advances in technology and especially with the advent of online retailing, sites like Amazon have risen to fifth place in sales ranking, gradually displacing the conventional retail shops.

A recent article from Forbes magazine demonstrated that last year’s sales from physical retail outlets in the UK accounted for 91% of total revenue and there has been a growth of over 50% in the number of physical retail outlets. However, the undeniable evidence before us shows that online retailing is rapidly gaining the ground to eclipse the number of sales that are seen from physical retailers.

As of today, retail remains the single largest private sector employer in the UK, accounting for more than 1 in 10 people in the workforce. However with the advent of E-commerce, a major downsizing is going on in the traditional retail outlet and stores and retail giants such as Toys ‘R Us, have fallen under this onslaught. Surprisingly as these old giants fall, newer retail outlets are springing up to take their place.

Some would argue that the reason retail stores as we know them now may still be in existence years to come, is the customer experience and physical interaction they offer which cannot be found online. In actual fact, most of these newer outlets are combining physical shopping experiences with online shopping in a bid to keep up with current trends.

The phrase the customer is king has never been more apt as now, as newer technological trends such as AI are being used to monitor customer experience in both online and physical stores. For example, it can be used to find out which sections and products in a store customers naturally gravitate towards, with the intent to prioritize the stocking of these areas more popular goods and services.

Experts predict that the retail stores of the future will not be outlets for the displaying of physical goods for purchase, but media for advertisement and social interaction. Here, customers can go to immerse themselves in brand experiences and brands can gain useful insights from customer engagement. We’ve already seen Apple take big strides with implementing this concept.

The implementation of technology would lead to less physical purchasing of goods and instead offer customers the experience of immersion in virtual reality shopping. This might take the form of enabling them a variety of experiences from the comfort of their homes as good as or better than what they would have if they were shopping in a physical store.

In this era of digital revolution and technological advancement, the key to remaining relevant in the retail business is Innovation. Even with the proliferation of shop and retail insurance packages and other cushions targeted at ensuring that conventional retail businesses don‘t have to worry about failure, innovation is still vital. The intergration of technology and innovation into your existing business model is vital for survival.

3 Reasons Buying a Used Vehicle Works

3 Reasons Buying a Used Vehicle Works

If you are mulling over the thought of buying a used car or truck, you would not be alone.

For many consumers, buying a used vehicle makes sense on several different fronts.

From saving money to being able to be a little rougher on an older car or truck, going the used route can be a good decision.

With that being the case, are you eyeing a used car or truck in your near future?

What Kind of Car or Truck Are You Thinking Of?

In consider buying a used vehicle, you should note that there are going to be a fair amount of options out there for you.

That said it is important to educate yourself before you go and check out a car or truck. Remember, you do not want to end up buying a lemon that someone is trying to dump.

With that in mind, here are three reasons buying a used vehicle could work out for you:

1. Money – Although you still have to pay for a used auto like you would a new, one more times than not you can save money. Another advantage to an older vehicle is that you more times than not, won’t be looking at a monthly payment. For some, a new vehicle and its monthly payments can put them in a precarious financial situation. Buying an older auto tends to mean your insurance and registration will not be as expensive as new one. Even with money playing a factor in your decision, research any auto you have interest in. One of the best ways to go about this is in doing a license plate search. That search will allow you to gain some pertinent details about the vehicle in question. From any previous accidents to its actual mileage, learn as much as you can for what may be yours sooner than later.

2. Care – Although you always want to do whatever it takes to care for your vehicle, an older one gives you more leeway. This is due to the fact you can be a little less worried about a few scratches or minor dents on a used vehicle. When you have something brand new, you are more apt to worry if it gets the smallest of scratches or dents. Although you want to take steps in becoming a safe driver, the pressure is a little less intense with an older auto.

3. Flexibility – Last, if you are one who tends not to keep vehicles for too long, a used one could be the right answer. Instead of being locked into a long monthly payment with a new auto, a used one you buy with cash means flexibility. In doing this, you can scratch your itch every few years in buying another car or truck.

Should buying a used vehicle be on your radar, take the time to find the right one and at the right price.

When you do, you are more apt to drive away with the vehicle best suited for your needs.

Keep More Money in Your Pocket on Your Next Trip

Keep More Money in Your Pocket on Your Next Trip

If you like to travel, you know all too well that it can cost a fair amount of money to get away.

With that being the case, it is important that you do as much as possible to save funds for each trip.

So that you can do this, it is wise to look for deals. Along with those deals, having a travel budget in place is a good idea too.

So, will you keep more money in your pocket on your next trip?

Search for Discounts to Save Money

One of the best ways to save money on future getaways is by searching for discounts.

Are you thinking about including a theme park or other such destination in your travel plans?

If so, get a good deal now on such a venue. You may want tickets to Disney World or another iconic theme park. No matter where you head, shopping early for deals can leave you with more money in your pocket.

In the event you will need an airline to get you to your destination of choice, also shop early for such needs.

Keep in mind that many airlines offer discounts throughout the year.

One of the best ways to find out about such deals is by going to a respective airline’s website.

You can also use travel companies online to track down savings on airfares.

Last, follow different airlines or your airline of preference on social media. This will make you one of the first to know when they are offering discounts.

When needing hotels and rental cars, the same logic applies as does with the airlines.

You have a little more leeway on hotels and cars at a later date than making airline reservations.

That said do not wait until the last minute to make such reservations. The last thing you want to have happen is that the hotel you wanted is going to be booked solid for when you plan to travel. Also, get a car rental reservation done so you are not left stranded with transportation.

No matter the reservations you need to make, be sure to stay on top of them to keep more money in your pocket.

Don’t Blow up Your Credit Card

While on your trip, be sure to use your credit card/s in a wise manner.

For instance, do not get the plastic out of your wallet each time you go to buy something while traveling. All this does is lead to a sizable credit card bill at the end of the day.

While you will need your credit card for airfares, hotels and rental cars, you do not have to use it for meals. As a result, try and use cash whenever possible in such situations.

Last, make sure you have a credit card that offers rewards. In doing this, you can get cash back for making purchases.

Whether on your own or needing a family getaway, do your best to save on your next trip.

When you do, you will enjoy the trip even more.

Following Darwins footsteps

Following Darwins footsteps

These small groups of Islands are definitely in the bucket list of every nature enthusiast, and it is not a surprise as the archipelago offers something that many destinations don’t, which is close encounters with the endemic species that inhabit the Galapagos Islands.

Due to the islands’ remote location and unique environmental conditions, the species that inhabited them got to evolve without human intervention. So, when Charles Darwin arrived in 1835, he was immediately caught into the archipelago’s unique features that will later inspire his famous theory of evolution, changing natural history forever and the Islands became instantly known worldwide.

But what was special about the Galapagos islands? –Darwin wrote the Journal of Researches into the Natural History and Geology of every country he visited during his expedition on board the H.M.S Beagle, and in its first edition, he stated that the species that he found in the Galapagos were very similar to the other species in South America. Of course, in future editions, he changed this statement. During his voyage in the Galapagos, he realized that there were species that varied from Island to Island in order to adapt and survive. The most famous example is the different types of finches that could be found on each Island. This was what inspired his theory of natural selection.

Galapagos tourism evolution

More than 150 years has passed, and the Galapagos wildlife is still not intimidated by the presence of human activity around them. Even though tourism has become the main economic activity in the Galapagos, you will still encounter with playful sea lions resting in the middle of the towns, land iguanas roaming around and waiting for you to visit them.

Is there a way to explore the archipelago just like Darwin did? -A way that can evoke the nostalgia of the times when Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos or when the first researchers explored them, the old fashioned way of cruising making this trip of a lifetime filled with unforgettable experiences.

An indulgent way to follow Darwin’s footsteps is to get on a barefoot luxury cruise in the Galapagos.

Most of us are not really related to that concept. But it is definitely something you will be looking for during your vacations in the Galapagos Islands. Getting away from the 24/7 world and its technology, admire the jaw-dropping landscapes and fearless wildlife of the Galapagos without worrying about anything. Enjoy the simplicity of the world and feel adventurous without sacrificing comfort.

Two perfect vessels that will give you a barefoot luxury experience in the Galapagos Islands are WildAid’s Passion and Alya:

Alya Catamaran:

This First-class catamaran is one of the newest in the Galapagos Islands. Specially designed to provide you a luxurious experience on board. Every detail has been taken care of, from food to service, accommodations, and equipment.

You will enjoy the endless views of the ocean during this cruise. Eight of its nine cabins have a private balcony where you can enjoy the breeze of the ocean during navigations. Offering an ultimate level of intimacy with the archipelago.

The cruise itinerary was designed to take you to iconic visitor sites, making the experience not only about comfort, but experience too. You will have the opportunity to visit San Cristobal Island, Española Island, Santa Cruz Island, North Seymour Island, Genovesa Island, Santiago Island and Batholomew.

WildAid’s Passion:

This former private yacht was never used before for tourism. After being refurbished, it started operating in the Galapagos Islands. This yacht features 2 suites and 4 staterooms that can fit no more than 12 passengers in its exclusive 159 feet. You can choose from two itineraries of 8 days each that go to the main visitor sites of the Western and Eastern part of the Islands.

On the Western itinerary, you will visit iconic Islands such as: Santa Cruz Island, Floreana, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, North Seymour, and Mosquera.

During the Eastern itinerary, you will visit: Santa Cruz Island, South Plazas, Santa Fe, Española Island, Rabida, Santiago Island, and Genovesa.

Or you can take a 15-day itinerary where you will do a full route!

This itinerary was designed by Andando Tours’ CEO, Fiddi Angermeyer, one of the first men who started the business of cruising the Islands.

Just like Charles Darwin did on the H.M.S Beagle, you will visit Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Genovesa and Santiago (Wolf and Darwin can only be reached by liveaboards, and there is no landing allowed on those Islands).

Are you ready to follow Darwin’s footsteps in a fancier way?

Keep Your Small Business Safe from Theft

Keep Your Small Business Safe from Theft

Running a small business takes a lot of time and effort.

With that being the case, the last thing you have time for as a small business owner is identity theft.

Even one case of such theft against your company can set you back. For some small business owners, it can be tough to recover from.

That said are you doing all you can to keep your business safe from identity theft and other crimes?

Be on the Lookout for Potential Trouble

In doing all you can to avoid theft at your small business, keep in mind a few pointers:

1. Having protection – As you look to protect your business, what layers of protection do you have? If trying to avoid identity theft, a proven protection provider is always a good start. There are companies with protection plans that can lessen your odds of being the next I.D. theft victim. Whether you opt for LifeLock or another such company, do your research to see what they all have to offer. When it comes to physical protection such as a security system, check around to see what is available. Your security system should always be on when your office is empty. Too many owners think because they do not have cash around when the place is empty they are immune to break-ins. Remember, computers and other pieces of equipment in your office can be of great interest.

2. Hiring the right employees – Unless you run your small business on your own, you’re going to need the help of others. With that in mind, it is important for you to do your best in hiring the right people in the first place. Be sure to do the proper background checks on anyone you consider bringing aboard. Although there may be a worker who slips through the cracks, you should see stuff via a background check. For example, one with an arrest for forgery is not an individual you’d want handling your company’s finances.

3. Careful with online activities – Last, are you careful with your online activities? As an example, make sure you and any employees do not open email attachments from unknown sources. Many I.D. theft thieves work their way into a business by getting to the company’s computer network. If you or an employee opens an email with malware in it, that criminal can get access to your system. Also be careful not to announce anything on social media that could leave you vulnerable. An example of this would be telling the world your business is out for a week’s vacation. The chances of someone trying to break in go up when you put such a message out there. If you are closing the business for a week’s vacation, let local law enforcement know about this. In doing this, they can keep a little more attention on your office property while you are away. If friendly with other businesses in the neighborhood, alert them too.

Leaving your small business vulnerable to fraud and other crimes can be one of the worst mistakes you do.

That said do all you can to keep your small business safe from those with bad intentions.

Where Do You Go for Entertainment?

Where Do You Go for Entertainment?

Finding the right entertainment for your life does not have to be a big challenge if you know where to look.

That said you should have some different options in front of you to keep you entertained for the most part.

Whether watching TV or movies at home, going out with family and friends or a day trip, you can keep busy.

So, where do you go for entertainment?

What’s Available to You at Home?

In looking for entertainment at home, here are a few options:

1. TV and movies – If you like watching TV and movies, you should have no problem finding plenty to entertain you. In fact, you can check out what is new on Netflix this month. The streaming service continues to attract viewers wanting both classic and original programming. You can watch such shows on your own or invite family or friends over. The nice thing about Netflix or other such services is you watch shows whenever. If you have children at home, there should be plenty of viewing hours for them too. This is good for keeping your children occupied when home.

2. Dinner parties – When was the last time you had friends over for a dinner party? Although it is some work on your part, having those you care about over for a nice meal can be a lot of fun. If you opt for such a thing, be sure to plan things in advance. Get a head count of about how many people plan on showing up. From there, come up with a meal plan. If you do not feel like cooking up a storm, you could choose to have the event catered. Don’t be afraid to ask those coming to bring a little something to help out with the meal plans.

3. Pool party – If you have a pool in the backyard, how about throwing a pool party? You want to take advantage of those summer months if you live in a climate where winters can be tough. That said set aside a weekend day and invite outside family and friends over. When you have kids at home, this is a great opportunity for them to invite some of their closest friends over. With any pool party, be sure to focus on safety. This is even more the case when children are around.

In looking for entertainment outside of the home, consider some options:

1. Day trip – When was the last time you were on a day trip? Getting away for a little R&R is always a good thing. Whether you go to a familiar spot or somewhere new, the time away gives you a chance to recharge your battery.

2. Sporting event – If you like sports, when was the last time you were at a game? A day at the park or arena gives you a chance to cheer on your favorites. If you have children, this can be even better. Having a sport or sports to share with your child can be a great thing as he or she gets older.

3. History – Whether close to home or making a bit of a drive, find some history to enjoy. You can be both educated and entertained at the same time when learning about the past.

No matter where you go for entertainment, find what makes you happy.

5 Things To In Prague After Dark

5 Things To In Prague After Dark

I have always felt that the very best time to understand what a city is all about, is after dark, when the sun stops shining, the people stop working, and fun is on the agenda. This was certainly the case for me last year when I spent 2 months in Prague, and found the nighttime activities to be very different indeed from those that went on during the day. Prague is a brilliant nighttime city with plenty of options for just about every type of traveler. If you are looking for an entertaining evening in the Czech capital, here are some ideas for you.

Charles Bridge 

This bridge in the center of Prague is a pretty iconic structure in the Golden City, and it is likely that you will already have passed over it. To visit the bridge at night however, opens up an entirely new view of the city. On the bridge you will find lots of street sellers and musicians, and from the bridge you will get to see one of the most amazing views of the city, illuminated for an extra special photo opportunity.

Karlovy Lazne

If you are really looking to let loose on your night in Prague, head to Karlovy Lezne, one of the most famous night spots in Europe. The reason for the fame of this club in not only the style of music that it plays or the fact that celebs from all over the world have graced this place with their presence, but also because it is situated in a historic building, which looks from the outside like a museum. Inside the original decor has been kept, with some modern twists made.

Music Park

Music Park is a nightclub with a huge dance floor, but beyond that, its similarities with a night club end there. This club has many rooms which branch off from the main dance floor, where you can taste local cuisine, and international cuisine options. Each room is categorized by country, and you can tour around and sample all manner of dishes and drinks, before cutting shapes on the dance floor.

Museum

Generally speaking you will find that museums are open until around 8pm, perhaps a little later on one set day per week, not so in Prague. Here in Prague the majority of museums are open all night long, which means that you can head there late, for a chance to get the place all to yourself. Night events in museums often take place too, with drama, exhibitions and music events a regular occurrence, the best part is that these events are usually free.

Old Town

If you are looking to relax on an evening, with some local cuisine and some freshly brewed beer, head to the Old Town. The pace of life remains the same in the Old Town, whether it is day or night, and you can count on enjoying your evening in peace and comfort, watching the world go by from one of the many restaurants and taverns.

Prague is a great nighttime city which you will absolutely love.