The Differences between Vegan and Vegetarian

For some, a vegan diet and a vegetarian diet are difficult to differentiate. Neither diet includes beef, but what about brownies, pizza, and yogurt? So what's the difference? In short, Vegetarians don't eat animals but eat many products which come from them, such as eggs and milk. Vegans, on the other hand, avoid poultry, meat, seafood, and all animal products. A vegan diet eliminates foods produced using animals or animal products in any way. Many vegans also avoid clothing, household products, or other items tested on animals or made from animal products.

What are the different types of vegans and vegetarians?:
-Ovo vegetarian: Eats eggs but not dairy products.

-Nutritional vegetarian: Doesn't eat meat for health reasons.

-Lacto Ovo vegetarian: Eats both dairy products and eggs. However, many Lacto-Ovo vegetarians will only eat free-range eggs because of welfare objections to the intensive farming of hens.

-Ethical vegetarians: Doesn't eat meat in deference to animals or the environment.

-Lacto vegetarian: Eats dairy products but not eggs.

-Vegan: Doesn't eat eggs, dairy products, or any other animal product.

-Raw vegan: Doesn't eat any animal by-products, including anything cooked above 46 degrees Celsius.

Health considerations:
One suggested downside of choosing a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is developing a deficiency in calcium, zinc, protein, and iron. However, both groups can choose specific foods to ensure their nutritional requirements are met. Popular food choices include grains, kale, nuts, and legumes. Vegetarians and vegans can also get additional sources of protein from soy products (tempeh, tofu, edamame, soy milk, and miso), beans, grains (bulgur wheat, quinoa), seeds, and sprouts. Spices such as dill, fennel, poppy, and celery seeds are also excellent sources of calcium. Other calcium supplements include figs, peanuts, sun-dried tomato, soybeans, almonds, peanut butter, and tofu.

What are the health benefits?:
Plant-based diets are well known for being rich in protein, calcium, potassium, iron and other essential vitamins. These vitamins and minerals are typically low in saturated fat and sodium, packed with antioxidants and high in fiber. It is suggested that vegetarian and vegan diets could reduce the likelihoods of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and obesity. Researchers have also found that vegetarians typically have lower blood pressure than non-vegetarians. It is proven that that following a vegan diet reduces the risk of diabetes by 78 percent compared to individuals that eat meat on a daily basis.

Would you try a vegan or vegetarian diet?

5 Tips to Achieve Your Goals in the New Year

Why do most people fail to keep their New Years resolutions? While the attempt to adopt resolutions shows positive intent, a better alternative is setting new goals for the future. It is best to work towards your goals gradually rather than expecting an immediate change.

-Keep your future in mind
What would you have in your ideal life? Think of where you would like to be in ten, five or even two years from now. Next, ask yourself if your goals will bring you closer to that picture. If you can keep that image in mind, it will make it easier to stick to your goals.

-Think about what you'd like to add to your life, rather than take away
For example, instead of making "Eating less unhealthy foods" your goal, think of it as "Eating more healthy foods". Replacing unhealthy food with healthy foods still achieves your goal. It's easier to focus on your goal if you have a more positive outlook.

-Think in terms of big changes rather than specific behaviors
For example, "Develop Stress Coping Mechanisms" would be better than "Do yoga every morning".  Deciding on a broad goal will give you room to experiment.

-Goal Setting
You can set three levels of intensity:
Easy: the "I need to form a habit" goal
Medium: "I need to put forth more effort" goal
Challenging: the extreme, "I will be thrilled" goal

Taking baby steps makes reaching your goal much easier. For example, regarding fitness, the easy goal would be walking three times a week. The medium goal may be walking three times a week, cutting out all sugar, and doing weight training. The challenging goal could be doing the previous two goals as well as adding the goal of only eating raw foods two times a week. 

-Have fun and dream!
Imagine there are no limits. What would you want to do? Set your goals with both your heart and mind. Don't just "think" about what you want to do. Think about how you "feel", too. Does it feel good or bad? Let your emotions guide you.

How will you go about achieving your goals in this new year?

Reasons to Consume Blue-Green Algae

Despite the name, the Blue-green algae is a type of green bacteria. Also called cyanobacteria, this bacteria grows in both fresh and salt water. However, it tends to grow best in ponds and lakes where they give the water a deep green color. Cyanobacteria, as well as another type called spirulina, contain beneficial nutrients. This can provide great health benefits!

Here are some of the Nutritional benefits:
* It's proteins contain all of the essential amino acids. This makes blue-green algae a complete source of these nutrients.

* A 100-gram serving contains roughly two grams of carbohydrates and almost no fat.

*26 calories in one serving.  This makes cyanobacteria a naturally low-calorie food.

*Provides a modest amount of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as a small amount of zinc and phosphorus.

*The algae also contains vitamins E, C, and A along with several of the B vitamins. This includes thiamin, riboflavin, folate and vitamin B-6.

While blue-green algae have great nutritional benefits, that's not all! It also includes the amazing health benefits listed below.

*Boosts your immune system and has natural antiviral properties, helping your system protect against viruses such as HIV.

*Consuming blue-green algae may help relieve fatigue and build your tolerance of exercise. A clinical study found that male subjects that consumed the bacteria for four weeks were able to exercise for longer.

*Blue-green algae may reduce blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol levels. In fact, it has actually improved blood lipids and lower blood pressure in Type 2 diabetes patients in just 12 weeks.

All of these benefits, but how do you go about using blue-green algae? Blue-green algae supplement capsules are a great option. You can often find these at health food stores. Choose only brands that are certified and free of contamination. Blue-green algae can sometimes contain harmful toxins, so steer clear of uncertified products.

Ancient people recognized blue-green algae for its nutritional properties. Native inhabitants of Africa, as well as Aztecs, consumed it regularly as a regular addition to their diet. Though they are not plants, they contain the green pigment called chlorophyll and are able to carry out the process of photosynthesis. Regardless, blue-green algae have been known for its health benefits for a very long time. Why not give it a try?

Tough Mudder Obstacles

Clifford J Davis is a philanthropist, a state-certified contractor, and a self-employed real estate developer who recently helped build a 20,000-square-foot custom home in Tampa, FL. Cliff Davis enjoys athletic competitions and has competed in ironman and Tough Mudder contests.

A 10- to 12-mile mud race and obstacle course, Tough Mudder is designed to be a challenge that emphasizes cooperation and fellowship. The race is held at locations throughout the United States, including central Florida, an approximate two-hour drive from Tampa, FL.

After completing the course, participants receive a cold beer and take part in social events. The competition is always adding new obstacles, with a few noted below.

- Block Ness Monster – 60 feet of slick barrels through which competitors must push and roll.

- King of the Swingers – a rope swing that can be reached only by jumping from a 12-foot platform.

- Backstabber – a 12-foot peg wall that competitors must scale.

- Cage Crawl – 60 feet of fence with only a few inches of air above a watery trench. Participants must lie on their backs and pull on the fence to drag themselves to the finish.

Considerations at the Start of the Adoption Process

 


An alumnus of the University of Tennessee with a BS in engineering, Tampa, FL-based Clifford (“Cliff”) J. Davis is the real estate developer behind numerous Publix-anchored shopping centers throughout FL. Passionate about children-focused charities, Cliff Davis of Tampa has supported Gift of Life Adoptions.

Entailing a multitude of considerations, adoption requires follow-through on the part of those who start the process. The first thing that members of the adoption staff at Gift of Life Adoptions do when they meet potential parents is to discuss the resources available to them. At this point, would-be adopters will open up about the financial and emotional support available to them, and afterward, the organization’s staff will provide recommendations.

Beyond the first meeting, the organization’s staff is available via various media to answer any questions aspiring parents may have, giving them all the information they need to make informed decisions. Moreover, if the Florida Department of Children and Families was not involved in the lives of the parents before commencement of the adoption process, it will remain uninvolved once the process is underway. It should also be noted that there is no cost associated with the adoption process.

Tampa's Healthy "Fast-Food"- Fresh Kitchen

Cliff Davis has been a resident of the Tampa Bay area for three decades. He has experienced much of the local cuisine. There are a variety of restaurants from which to choose offering a wide range of options. As a health enthusiast, Cliff likes to eat nutritional meals. This can prove challenging when eating at restaurants. However, South Tampa “fast food” restaurant,Fresh Kitchen, offers healthy and quick meals.

It is considered fast food because you do not sit down at a table and order from a server. Customers stand in line, place their order and receive their food. The quick service, however, does not deduct from the high-quality food offered.

Fresh Kitchen is specifically designed to provide healthy meals. All ingredients are fresh, hormone and antibiotic free. It is not the cheapest fast-food restaurant available because healthy fresh ingredients are generally more expensive than their unhealthy counterparts. Customers don’t seem to mind paying a little more for higher-quality food. This restaurant is a big hit among Tampa Bay residence. Many believe it fills a much-needed void.

Fresh Kitchen also boasts a wide range of healthy desserts. Every item includes ingredients that offer some health benefit. They do not use traditional butter or refined sugars. Instead, they use ingredients like almond butter and natural sweeteners. They are very creative with their dessert recipes so that the final product is tasty and healthy.

Another popular offering is their juice selection. They hand-press a variety of fresh juice daily. They make and bottle the juice in-house. This is a truly unique characteristic. As one would expect, they do not sell soft drinks or other unhealthy traditional drinks.

If you live in or visit the Tampa Bay area and are seeking a healthy quick meal or snack, consider visiting Fresh Kitchen.

Image located from: https://www.facebook.com/eatfk/  

Traversing Tough Mudder’s Most Challenging Obstacles

Tampa, FL, developer Cliff Davis has spearheaded numerous construction projects, including assisted living facilities and shopping centers. In addition to his Tampa, FL, building activities, Cliff Davis is passionate about fitness and regularly competes in triathlons and endurance events such as the 10-12 mile Tough Mudder race.

Considered one of the world’s most challenging obstacle races, the Tough Mudder incorporates more than two dozen military-style obstacles within extremely muddy terrain. These include the Twinkle Toes, a slippery log bridge that is often strategically placed after an obstacle designed to deplete energy and traverses cold water The key to this obstacle is maintaining steadiness and balance, with yoga-style diaphragm breathing recommended.

One of the unique aspects of the Tough Mudder is that it requires teamwork and the 12-foot wooden Berlin Walls are nearly impossible to scale without a boost from a teammate. The key to getting through this obstacle its to push a couple of teammates to the top, who can then pull the rest up. Other classic obstacles in the Tough Mudder include the Electric Eel and the Boa Constrictor.

Health Benefits of Drinking Wheatgrass Juice

Drinking a shot of fresh wheatgrass juice has become a popular daily practice for many health enthusiasts. It may not be the best-tasting juice available, but the health benefits make it worth consuming. Here, we will look at some of the primary health benefits of drinking wheatgrass juice.

Chlorophyll

Wheatgrass is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll. The juice contains up to 70% chlorophyll . Chlorophyll is an important blood builder and contains anti-aging enzymes. As the first product of light, it contains more light energy than other foods. The chlorophyll contained in wheatgrass is crude instead of pure. This means it can be taken orally without side effects. Chlorophyll slows the growth of unwanted bacteria. It can be used internally and externally to help the body heal naturally. Liquid chlorophyll is capable of soaking into tissue and repairing it. The liquid form can also clean drug deposits from the body.  Additionally, it can help stabilize blood sugar imbalances.

Oxygen

Along with being packed full of nutrients, wheatgrass has high levels of oxygen. Oxygen is important because the brain and body tissues function at their best when they have a highly oxygenated environment.

Complete

Wheatgrass is a naturally complete food. It sustains growth and development. Many vegetarians and herbivores are able to live healthy because of  wheatgrass. It has an enormous amount of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes needed for optimal health. In fact, it contains every mineral known to mankind.

These are just a few of the primary health benefits of drinking wheatgrass. Much research has been done to further prove the health benefits of this food.  If you are interested, just give it a try. You might even like it!

3 Tampa Bay restaurants Cliff Davis recommends

Cliff Davis, a longtime resident of the Tampa Bay area, has experienced the majority of local cuisine options. He is certainly not a food critic, but he dines out nearly every evening and has gained some valuable insight into Tampa restaurants. Below are three eateries Cliff highly recommends.

Bern’s steakhouse - This establishment has been open since the 1950s. In addition to their extraordinary cuisine, they also offer an enormous wine selection and world-famous desserts. Steaks are cut to order and vegetables are locally grown.

Oxford Exchange - This restaurant focuses on providing simplicity through fresh, seasonal, local, and organic ingredients. It is a great spot for a weekend brunch or afternoon tea.

Charley’s Steakhouse - This steakhouse has been named one of the top 10 in America. Their primary focus is on the meat. They aim to offer the highest quality steaks. Their tremendous effort in providing the best beef is evident in their extraordinary steaks.

Whether you are visiting the Tampa area or a resident looking for a new dining experience, Cliff recommends you try these three restaurants.

How to Reduce Jet Lag

Jet lag is an inevitable part of international travel. Cliff has dealt with this problem on numerous occasions. While there is no definite "cure," there are some things you can do to reduce the effects of jet lag. Below are a few suggestions.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine

It is best to avoid alcohol and caffeine during your flight. These substances affect your ability to sleep, and they disturb your body's natural rhythms. When you reach your destination, you can consume some caffeine to help you stay awake until the local bedtime.

Sleep on the flight

Overnight trips are best when traveling internationally. Do your best to sleep on the flight. Taking sleep medication is not recommended. However, melatonin is a natural sleep aid that assists your body in determining appropriate sleep-wake cycles.

Go outside

Upon reaching your destination, spend as much time as you can outdoors. This helps your body recognize natural environmental cues. The best way to adjust to a time zone is to emerge yourself into the environmental cycles.

The solution to jet lag is adapting to the new time zone as quickly as possible. Do not try to stay on your local time while you are away. Reset your clocks and watches to the time of your current location. Force yourself to live and function appropriately for that time zone.

Benefits of Practicing Yoga

Yoga has become a popular method of exercise in the united states. The mental and physical health benefits of this practice are numerous. Many athletes work yoga into their regular exercise routine. Here are just a few benefits of practicing yoga.

• Stress relief - This is probably the most well-known reason to practice yoga. It has a calming effect much like meditation. It involves slowing down and focusing on your body.
• Flexibility - Yoga involves a lot of stretching and increases your range of motion. It improves flexibility and mobility.
• Strength - Many of the postures in yoga strengthen the body and relieve muscle tension. This practice is known for working every muscle in the body. Muscles that would not typically get exercised are utilized in yoga.
• Breathing - Lung function is improved by the slow, deep breathing in yoga.
• Weight loss - Some people do not realize that yoga aids in weight loss. It reduces cortisol levels and burns calories.
• Circulation - Yoga poses encourage the body to efficiently transport oxygenated blood to the body’s cells.

Yoga is a great way to maintain and improve your health. It can be a strenuous, tough workout or a more relaxing experience. As with any practice, it takes time to become proficient. However, you can obtain the benefits of yoga by simply starting a regular routine.

Tips to Improve Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is a frequently used term in real estate. A potential buyer or renter gets their first impression of your property based on the exterior appearance. This “curb appeal” sets the tone for future interactions with the property. Therefore, it is crucial to have great curb appeal. There are a number of things you can do to boost curb appeal.

1. Clean - This may seem obvious, but you must keep the property clean and free of debris. Store trash bins in the back and consider power washing the home, walkways, and driveway.
2. Front door - The front door should be inviting. This is the focal point and it should welcome people inside. A new door or fresh coat of paint makes a significant impact. Place a wreath or decoration on the door to give it a more inviting feel. A matching mailbox is a great way to add to the overall appearance of the property.
3. Landscaping - Great landscaping is vital. It should be balanced and visually appealing. Add some vertical interests to keep the property from appearing too flat. Remember, plants are not the only way to improve landscaping. Replacing an old concrete walkway with cobblestone or replacing mulch with interesting rocks are examples of how you can improve landscaping beyond plants.
4. Think seasonally - Make sure your landscaping works throughout seasonal changes. Plan ahead, planting spring bulbs for example.
5. Problem areas - Address problem areas directly. If there is an unsightly issue on the property, remove or fix it. If this is not possible, then find an attractive way to cover it. Blemishes will be noticed so do not ignore them.

Do not underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Few people will take the time to look at the interior of a home if the exterior is unattractive. Use the exterior of the home to peak interest and pull people inside.

Choosing the Right Assisted Living Facility for Your Loved One

Assisted living facilities vary greatly in quality. When choosing the best location for your loved one, there are a number of things to evaluate. When considering a facility, visit the property in person. This will give you the most accurate information and allow you to make an educated decision. Here are the primary characteristics to look for when seeking a high-quality assisted living facility.

• Staff - A friendly, responsive staff is vital. Speak to a variety of employees to get a feel for personalities and overall attitudes of staff members. Check qualifications of the staff. Make sure that management is hiring properly trained individuals. Do not hesitate to ask about licensing and training. If they seem hesitant or unwilling to share this information, this is a red flag and you should move on to evaluate another facility.
• Activities - You do not want your loved one to become bored and depressed. It is important that a facility have plenty of activities planned for the residents. They should encourage residents to interact with one another and offer a wide variety of activities to suit the personalities of the diverse population living in the facility. Speak with an activities director if possible.
• Food - Meal preparation is a big part of most assisted living facilities. If your loved one is a picky eater, check to see that the facility offers a reasonable selection of food he or she will enjoy. In general, you want the food to look and taste good. Poor quality food is a sign of a low-quality facility. Take a look around the dining areas and have a sample if you are unsure.
• Environment - The environment should be safe and clean. Observe both the interior and exterior of the property. Is it clean? are there safety features in place ? how old is the facility? does it appear well-kept or run down?
• Visitation - Check the rules regarding visitation. A quality facility will allow family and friends to visit any time within reason. A facility with strict, highly regulated visitation is likely one to avoid. You want to be able to drop in at any time to check on your loved one and to ensure they are being cared for properly.

These are just a few tips to help you select a quality assisted living facility. This is often a tough choice for families to make and they want their loved one to be safe, happy, and healthy during their stay. There are plenty of high-quality assisted-living facilities available. It is simply a matter of doing some research and taking the time to find one that fits your needs.

Real Estate Listings-Reading Between the Lines

Cliff’s many years of experience in real estate have given him a keen eye for reading real estate listings. These listings often take negative characteristics and spin them to make them seem positive. It is helpful to understand what is really being stated in these ads. Below are some fun and interesting examples of the true meaning of frequently used terminology in real estate listings.

• Potential - This means it needs a lot of work. If you are looking for a “fixer-upper” then choosing a home with potential may be right for you. Otherwise, this is a red flag indicating the property is in great need of some TLC.
• Cozy - Simply put, this means small. Often times tiny is a more appropriate description.
• One-of-a-kind or original - This is the type of home where you will find a staircase leading nowhere. Sometimes these homes are in fact unique and amazing. But more often than not, they are awkward and nontraditional in a way that makes them dysfunctional.
• Classic or retro - This means old and outdated. Maybe that is your thing, but if not, you should avoid looking at these homes.
• Newer - It is the “er” that you should pay attention to. It is similar to “ish.” Newer does not mean new. It means the home is almost old but not quite.

It is true that a picture is worth 1,000 words. Quality photos will tell you much more about the home then the words in the ad. Read the listings and look closely at the photos before taking the time to view the property in person. Understand that real estate listings aim to sell you a home and therefore are not always forthcoming with information.

The Difference Between Open and Closed Adoption

A frequent question asked by those interested in adoption is “What is the difference between an open and closed adoption?” As a birth parent or adoptive parent, it is important to understand the differences between these two types of adoption.

Identifying Information

The primary characteristic that sets these two adoption options apart is information and how it is shared. In a closed adoption, identifying information about the birth parents and adoptive parents is sealed. This includes the original birth certificate. While both parties will have plenty of information about the other, it will not be identifying information. Things like last names and addresses are not exchanged. Open adoption on the other hand, allows for identifying information to be exchanged. This provides some level of contact between the adoptive parents and birthparents.

Contact

A closed adoption prohibits contact between the birthparents and adoptive family. In some cases, the adoption agency will facilitate updates to the birth parents. However, the birth parent has no direct contact with the adoptive family. An open adoption does allow for direct contact. The level and frequency of contact varies greatly depending on the circumstance. Generally, the terms of contact are worked out before the adoption is finalized. It could be one phone call per year or an in-person weekly visit. The birth parents and adoptive family negotiate the level of contact to make sure everyone is comfortable with terms.

It is crucial that you know which type of adoption you are seeking before you begin the process. Whether you are a birth parent or adoptive parent, take the time to consider the options. Once the terms are set and the papers are signed, there is no turning back. So, make absolutely sure you are comfortable with the terms and type of adoption you have chosen.

If you are interested in adoption, as a birth parent or adoptive family, Cliff recommends Destiny adoption services in St. Petersburg, FL.

Tips on Selecting a Triathlon Bike

There is no shortage of triathlon bikes from which to choose. Selecting the right bike is crucial in your success as a cyclist. There are a number of things to consider when seeking a triathlon bicycle. Here, Cliff provides some tips to help you pick a bike that is right for you.

First, it is important that you see the bike in person. While written reviews are helpful, they are not a replacement for first-hand knowledge. Triathlon bikes are often a significant investment. Take the time to go to local shops and look at the bikes. When you find one you like,take it for a ride to test it. Here are a few things you should check.

• Comfort- Is the bike comfortable? Pay close attention to your upper and lower back. Are you too stretched out? Are you too crunched up?
• Handling- Test the responsiveness of the bike. Is it overly responsive or not responsive enough?
• Shocks- Check to see how smooth the bike rides. Take it on the road and see if it is too bumpy of a ride.

Remember to factor in the cost of your gear. In order to stay on budget, include the cost of the accessories you will need. Prices vary greatly, so focus on the highest quality within your budget. The quality of your bike does affect your performance.

The most important consideration when choosing a bike is comfortability. You must be comfortable on your bike and be able to endure long stretches of time riding. Don’t get caught up in the little things like color and looking stylish. Performance and quality are the characteristics you want to seek.

Lakewood Ranch facility Completed

Palm Bay FL Facility

Sun City Center Completed

Facilities Completed in the Past Few Years

Hidden Lake 2013

Phillips Shore 2014