Bald Men Are Perceived As More Attractive, Study Finds

If you are a man who has recently looked in the mirror and noticed some tell tail signs of hair-loss you will be pleased to find that there is a simple solution to your problem; a shaved head.

According to a new study conducted by Albert E. Mannes at the University of Pennsylvania men with shaved heads are seen as 13% stronger, taller and having greater leadership potential than men who have either a full head or hair that is thinning.

Mannes conducted three experiments and found that “Men with shaved heads were rated as more dominant”. He also concluded that “Men whose hair was digitally removed were perceived as more dominant, taller, and stronger than their authentic selves.” Furthermore, he noted that “Men experiencing natural hair loss may improve their  interpersonal standing by shaving”.

According to the American Hair Loss Association, two thirds of men will lose some hair by the age of 35 and by the age of 50, 85% will have experienced a significant hair loss. So it is likely that Mannes findings will be welcomed by many men.

Mannes conducted three studies as part of his research.

Study 1. Are men with shaved heads perceived as more dominant and authoritative?

In the first of these studies, 59 participants were shown 25 photos. Of these 24 photos 10 men had shaved heads. The remaining men had various hair styles of different lengths. The participants were asked to rate each photograph based on their perceived power, influence and authority of men with hair and men with shaved heads. The results found that men with shaved heads were seen as more dominant thatn similar men with full heads of hair.

Study 2. Do men with digitally removed hair look more dominant, taller and stronger than their authentic selves?

In the second study 344 participants were shown photographs of four different men. The first photograph was of the man with his real hair and the second photograph was of the man where his hair has been digitally removed. The participants perceived the men with shaved heads as more dominant, an inch taller and  13% stronger.

The results from the first experiment may be explained by saying that men who chose to shave their heads were more dominant. However, the results of the second experiment can not be justified in this way as it was the same man who was shown with and without hair.

Study 3. Do non-photographic stimuli provide the same results?

In the final study participants were given written descriptions of men. No photographs were used. More than 500 adults rated their perception of a given man based purely on the information they gathered from the written descriptions. The descriptions were all the same except for the parts that described the hair. The man that was described as having a shaved head was rated highest in masculinity, dominance,  leadership potential and strength.

Explanations for the effect

Mannes argues that the link between shaved heads and dominance comes from cultural associations (just as being tall and having a deep voice signal dominance).

As he states: “In US society … shaved heads are often found on men in traditionally masculine professions,” he writes, “so dominance may emerge through stereotypical associations with these figures.”

Mannes believes that men who take the initiative to voluntarily shave their heads give the impression of being bold and dominant. Instead of being self conscious about their condition these men take an active step to improve their image.

The study also showed that men with thinning hairlines were considered to be less masculine then those who shaved their hair off. In this way men with shaved heads were seen as more honest than men who tried to hide their condition with toupees or comb overs.

“Instead of spending billions each year trying to reverse or cure their hair loss,” Mannes writes, “the counterintuitive prescription of this research to men experiencing male pattern baldness is to shave their heads.”

So there is new hope for men out their who are experiencing hair loss. The answer is simple; shave it off and you will improve your image in no time. For those of you who have already taken the bold move and have shaved their heads you will be pleased to know that your are sporting a more dominant and masculine image.

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20 Light And Easy Dessert Recipes To Try This Summer That Won’t Weigh You Down

All of us love dessert, but some of us love dessert more than others or are just looking for ways to lighten up some classic desserts as swimsuit season approaches. Healthy desserts can be made all year round, but many “healthy” recipes are actually still packed with refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and refined flours. I’ve rounded up 20 light and easy dessert recipes to try this spring and summer that aren’t only made with real food ingredients, but they’re also delicious and will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Your spring and summer are fixing to get pretty sweet! Take a peek at these and pick one (or two!) to try today!

1. Healthy Flourless Carrot Breakfast Cake

Source: The Big Man’s World

Regular breakfast cake recipes contain sugar and white flour that lead to erratic blood sugar spikes, but you don’t need them thanks to this Healthy Flourless Carrot Breakfast Cake that satisfies and nourishes! Start your day with it or pair it with some plain yogurt and berries for a refreshing summer dessert!

2. Fro Yo Berry Bites

Source: SkinnyMs.

Do you love frozen yogurt? Get the benefits in a convenient, bite-size form that’s easy to make and has no added sugar. All you have to do is use regular yogurt, berries, and take advantage of your freezer—that’s it! Get the recipe at SkinnyMs.!

3. Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cheesecake Ice Cream

Source: Sugar-Free Mom

Who can say no to peanut butter? Not many people, unless you have an allergy, in which case you may be able to use almond butter instead. Either way, this sugar-free peanut butter dessert by Sugar-Free Mom would make any summer afternoon pretty special!

4. Greek Yogurt Strawberry Popsicles

Source: Simply Healthy Home

These aren’t just easy on the eyes, they’re also tasty and healthy too! No refined sugars are found in these pops by Simply Healthy Home, and these even have natural protein and probiotics thanks to the Greek yogurt!

5. Raspberry Lemonade Cake

Source: Gwen’s Nest

This dessert will please sweet tooths of all ages. It’s also very diet-friendly and contains no artificial sweeteners of any kind. Made with nutrient-dense ingredients, this cake by Gwen’s Nest is a must-make for your weekly meals and for parties too!

6. Pretty in Pink Superfood Smoothie

Source: The Soulful Spoon

Not only are smoothies a great way to stay hydrated, but they’re an easy vehicle to add more nutrition to your day. Try this glowing pink smoothie that uses a special fruit that’s rich in nutrients and bright in color. It’s my favorite superfood smoothie yet!

7. Strawberry Shortcake Quinoa Parfait

Source: Eating Bird Food

Who needs regular parfaits when you can have a protein-packed quinoa parfait? Embrace strawberry season to its fullest potential with this recipe from Eating Bird Food.

8. Raw Beauty Bites

Source: The Soulful Spoon

Have a fudge craving or just a sweet tooth that won’t leave you alone? These Raw Beauty Bites are just what you need. Bring back the snack action for spring!

9. Raw Vegan Lemon Meltaway Balls

Source: The Healthy Family and Home

Lemon is a classic flavor to enjoy during spring and summer, and what better way to enjoy it than with a sweet and healthy meltaway recipe? The Healthy Family and Home has one of the healthiest and tastiest lemon meltaway recipes you’ll ever enjoy!

10. Coconut Peach Mango Tea Bread

Source: The Soulful Spoon

Add something fun to your desserts by mixing things up! This Coconut Peach Mango Tea Bread is light, tender, and features a natural tropical flavor. Get the recipe at The Soulful Spoon!

11. Super Light and Fluffy Chocolate Raspberry Mousse for Two

Source: Slim Pickin’s Kitchen

Mousse is a light way to enjoy chocolate, but most recipes contain added sugars and preservatives. Not this one by Slim Pickin’s Kitchen, which contains all kinds of healthy ingredients—although you’d never know it because this recipe is so good!

12. Lemon Raspberry Chia Pudding

Source: Dessert Now Dinner Later

Raspberries, lemon, and chia make a great light combo for desserts, and you could actually enjoy this chia pudding recipe by Dessert Now Dinner Later for breakfast too! Make a few of these ahead of time and you’ll have light desserts and treats all week!

13. Funfetti Breakfast Cake

Source: Slim Pickin’s Kitchen

Who doesn’t love funfetti anything? I know it’s always been one of my favorite ways to enjoy a kid-like treat, but who wants refined cake mixes and sugary frostings just so they can have funfetti-flavored delights? Try this Funfetti Breakfast Cake and enjoy it for breakfast OR dessert. It’s made with real food ingredients so your blood sugar and sweet tooth will both be happy!

14. Chocolate Cherry Nice Cream

Source: The Soulful Spoon

Not into dairy or can’t tolerate it? No need to miss out on ice cream when you can have nice cream instead! Nice cream is made with fruit instead of dairy, and it has the same consistency as ice cream without the added fats or lactose found in milk-based ice creams. Try this Chocolate Cherry Nice Cream on a hot day or even with some oatmeal for breakfast!

15. Frozen Yogurt Bark

Source: My Fussy Eater

Chocolate bark isn’t the only dessert you can enjoy when you want something to munch on that’s healthy for you; try Frozen Yogurt Bark instead! It packs protein, fiber, and natural sweetness if you make it with high-quality ingredients. This recipe from My Fussy Eater is a great one to start with!

16. Vegan Blackberry Coconut Smoothie Bowl

Source: Hello Glow

Smoothie bowls are all the rage, and they’re wonderful to enjoy as a healthy meal option or as a dessert. You can even make smoothie bowls to serve in large batches for parties and get-togethers. Try this unique smoothie bowl recipe by Hello Glow that features blackberries and coconut for a tropical, fruity twist!

17. Healthy Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Source: Dessert With Benefits

Missing the traditional peanut butter cup candies most of us grew up with? There’s no need to fret thanks to this healthy option by Dessert With Benefits. Dessert has never looked so good!

18. Greek Yogurt Popsicles

Source: Damn Delicious

Popsicles just never get old, especially in the warmer months. Thankfully, there’s a healthy recipe to the rescue: Greek Yogurt Popsicles. And if you’re dairy-free, you can even make them with coconut Greek yogurt instead. Keep these in the freezer for hot days coming up soon!

19. Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars

Source: Minimalist Baker

Lemon bars make such a great spring dessert, and they’re a wonderful option to take to parties, cookouts, or showers you might be going to. Try these Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars by Minimalist Baker as your next way to enjoy luscious lemon desserts. They’re not only easy to make, but they’re also packed with real food ingredients—no refined flour or sugar needed!

20. Instant Strawberry Banana Frozen Yogurt

Source: Dessert Now Dinner Later

Strawberry and banana is a classic flavor combination that’s pretty hard to tire of. Pair them with yogurt, freeze, and you’ve got a fabulous dessert that is just like ice cream in texture and sweetness but much better for you. This Instant Strawberry Banana Frozen Yogurt by Dessert Now Dinner Later will be one you’ll want to keep on hand all summer long!

Your spring and summer now have 20 reasons to be all that much better. Try out more light desserts with these 33 Healthy and Delightful Berry Recipes You Can’t Miss! 

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5 Of The Toughest Sports To Take Up In Your 30s

So you have looked at yourself in the mirror now that you are approaching something like middle age, and came to the conclusion that it is time to get in shape and start exercising again. That is good, and you can improve your body by jogging and playing some golf.

But you can do more. Maybe you can do something that provides a real challenge. You are not going to strap on a football helmet or dunk a basketball, but there are plenty of physical activities you can do that will give you a serious challenge and thrill. Here are five sports which can be fun, challenging, and get your body going.

Boxing

Boxing is generally a young man’s sport, because really only young men are stupid enough to think that getting punched in the face repeatedly is a good idea.

But if you are looking to get fit, you do not have to actually punch anyone (or more importantly, get punched). There is a great deal of cardiovascular training which comes with preparing for boxing, whether it is jumping rope, wailing away on a punching bag, or practicing your reflexes and balance.

Many fitness centers offer boxing classes, and will understand if you come in only looking to get fit. They will give you a chance to practice without risking yourself in a serious match.

It should be noted that you should get into reasonably decent health before you try boxing. But once you do, it is a great way to improve your health.

Climbing

Climbing is a sport which you can keep at your entire life, and there are many accounts of senior climbers succeeding. Just look at this 95-year old Connecticut climber, who set a record at her local park for her exploits.

Climbing offers a lot of challenges, but an older person does have some advantages compared to someone younger. An older person can step back, think, and calmly take the climb slowly and thoughtfully compared to someone with more energy. And you will have more time to learn the tricks and techniques needed to become a successful climber. You will also improve your muscles and heart strength as well as your grip.

Swimming

Almost any guide to exercise will tell you how swimming is a great way to improve your health without risking injury. This is because there is no jumping, the water supports your weight, and it does not impact your joints all that much.

But as someone who has swam for most of his life, I can tell you there is a catch to it. Yes, swimming does not impact your joints and muscles as much as say, running. But because of this, it means that you can practice longer and harder than land sports where you have to stop and rest.

So while swimming has a reputation as an easy sport for those who are just exercising to stay fit, you can put a lot more effort into swimming compared to other sports. And that effort can translate into some fantastic health results.

Tennis

Tennis can seem to be easy if you are watching the Wimbledon on TV, but it is a sport which can require jumping and short bursts of energy. So it may not seem to be suitable for an older person.

But you do not have to be the next Roger Federer. The constant running, walking, and hitting the ball all are part of tennis and can go a long way towards improving your total body health. And tennis is a sport which you can learn and continue to play at any point in your life, as Gerald Marzorati with the New York Times details.

Rowing

Swimming can be hard. Boxing can be hard. Tennis can be hard. But generally when you’re finished with them, you can walk out, take a shower, and not be totally catatonic afterwards.

That cannot be said for rowing, one of the most challenging sports there is. Rowing seems easy for anyone who has ever watched a rowing race during the Olympics. But it taxes all of your muscles, even your legs (in fact, the legs are the key muscle in rowing as opposed to the arms). It also requires proper technique, a lot of practice, and will leave you absolutely sore when you are finished.

Rowing is an incredible challenge, but also gives you an incredible workout when you have finished. If you want a true, incredible challenge not for the weak hearted, then find that rowing machine at the gym or a local rowing crew and then get to work.

Featured photo credit: coffeebugg via flickr.com

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The 8 Best Reasons to Send Flowers To Your Loved Ones

“A flower blossoms for its own joy.” ― Oscar Wilde

Flowers are one of the best things on earth, and you really don’t need any special occasion to send flowers to your loved ones. From Valentine’s day to Mother’s day, Grandparents Day, or anything, flowers are fabulous picks as gifts.

Flowers have long been a symbol of love and care and while you might find people who say that flowers wither and they aren’t so important, one can’t deny the role flowers play in our daily lives and how important they are. Everyone cares in one way or the other.

Flowers are also one of the easiest and the most cost-effective ways to add beauty and happiness into our lives. Whether you are buying it for yourself or someone else you love, I’ve always been a person with a thought that we all should send and receive flowers, anytime, every time.

Here we list the 8 best reasons to send flowers to your loved ones.

1. To express your love

Whether you are sending flowers to your loved ones, a wife, a husband, a parent or a friend, doing so is a perfect way to express your love. Flowers are for everyone and not just for lovers or spouses either. Flowers are a perfect way of saying that you love them and make them believe that they are important in your life.

2. To make someone smile

Did you see your partner sad and feeling lonely? Or, maybe your dad is distressed because of the workload at his office. Send them flowers right away. Flowers cherish everyone and they can make someone smile in no time. The blossoms and the sweet fragrance that flowers behold can change anyone’s mood and make them feel good.

3. To apologize

If you had a fight with someone you loved and finding it difficult to  say “I’m sorry,” send them flowers. Apologizing every time with words can be difficult even when you know that you are wrong. Sending flowers can act as a gesture to apologize and open up a few lines and communicate again.

4. To show sympathy

There are times when you don’t know what to say when something bad happens. When your loved ones go through accidents, or a death or something that makes them feel bad, you can send flowers to express your sympathy.

5. To show kindness

We’ve all wanted the world to be kind and heard about random acts of kindness. Pick a loved one in your contact list on your phone; it can be your colleague, your sister, brother or anyone you adore and send them a bunch of flowers. Imagine how good they will feel about the gift. Wonderful, right?

6. To celebrate

Is your friend’s birthday coming up? Or, maybe someone in your family is going to get engaged. Is your parent’s anniversary coming up? Flowers are a perfect gift for any kind of celebration and they are a great way to celebrate the little things in life

7. To uplift someone

Sometimes words can’t say it all and this is when flowers can bring warmth and comfort in someone’s lives. Considering sending flowers to anyone who requires some sort of emotional support right now and see how it’ll boost their morale and bring positivity in their lives.

If you are sending flowers, roses especially, to your love of life, Maya Flowers has a great list of the meaning by number and color of roses, you might want to check out.

8. To impress someone

Do you have a crush on your lab partner? Maybe you think you like the girl in the neighborhood and you need some ice-breaker to kill the silence off. Send them a bouquet and a simple note conveying your message about how beautiful she looks and ask her out for a coffee. She won’t deny. Trust me.

Featured photo credit: kaboompics via pixabay.com

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How To Ace Your Presentations

In the age of the Internet, delivering killer presentations seems to be more important than ever. Those who can do it well get ahead. However, for many, it can be totally daunting. It’s not that the ideas aren’t there. It is the ability to produce crystal-clear content that is interesting and the anxiety around communicating it that is the blocker. If you want to improve your level of skill in this area, check out my eight points below.

1. Engage About Expectations

Whether online or face-to-face, it is important to devote some time to discussing expectations before getting started. Be upfront with your audience so that they known what to expect from your presentation.

2. Keep It Compact And Be Clear

Neuroscientists say that the human mind can only absorb three to seven points in short-term memory. The inspirational visionary Steve Jobs knew this. His product descriptions were all short, to the point, and described the product in one sentence. He also sometimes used the rule of three: “Thinner, faster, lighter” and “The world’s thinnest notebook” are some of the most memorable definitions. Think concise and clear when writing your content. You will feel more positive in your approach, more comfortable about the delivery, and you will also have more impact.

3. Get Creative

Who doesn’t love a good story? The best advertisers are fully aware of this and use narratives all the time to connect us emotionally to the brands they represent. Top brand Nike doesn’t even mention its products in its ads. Instead, we, the consumer, are the star of the story, as they help us to achieve our dreams of doing better.

Stories have power! Get creative in your communication and spin a good tale. Concretely, this means finding real-life experiences that you can use to illustrate your points. If you feel you lack creativity, why not try meditation? Research shows that mindfulness promotes divergent thinking.

4. Be A Facilitator

Understand the level of knowledge of the group and don’t underestimate their insights. Ask some open questions and note the individual responses on a whiteboard. Reinforce good responses and link them to the main points you are making. Sometimes there will be “outlier” responses that are of little interest to the rest of the audience. Demonstrate sensitivity and respect here. Inform the individual that their issue is outside of the contents of the presentation, but there will be 15 minutes at the end of the presentation for one-on-one questions.

5. Wrap Up Well

Make sure to spend time wrapping up your presentation. Address whether people felt their expectations were met. This is the mark of a true client-focused professional.

6. Be Confident

Beforehand, find a quiet and peaceful place to relax and visualize being adequate. Don’t imagine suddenly being your favourite star on stage — this is more like wishful thinking. Focus on being calm, with a steady voice, relaxed body, and the confidence that you are prepared. Also, take some time to visualise something you already love to do with ease. This could be cooking your favourite dish, serving it up to family or friends, and explaining how you created such a delight. Now, transfer the feelings you are experiencing and see yourself presenting. Believe the tools are within you! You are already confident in other areas of your life and you can have confidence when presenting too.

7. Be Calm

Practise “ratio breathing.” If you don’t know this powerful tool, make sure to Google it. Basically, watch your breath and let it travel all the way down to the base of your spine, relaxing the belly and letting the diaphragm move into it. On the out breath, breathe all the way out of the top of the head, constantly maintaining your focus on it. Think of it like a barometer. Breathe in for 2 seconds and out for 4 seconds. You can change the ratio to whatever works for you. When we feel anxious, this is a guaranteed tool to calm the body because it switches the parasympathetic nervous system on and switches the “fight or flight” reaction off. So practise it and use it as needed on the day.

8. Take Control

Notice the area around you — this is yours, so own it and fill it. Research by Harvard Professor Amy Cuddy has shown that when we adopt “power poses” – that is, manipulating our own body language so that we feel more poised and confident — testosterone increases and cortisol decreases, so our bodies really can trick our minds into believing we are confident. Practise this at home in front of the mirror so you can get comfortable with your new style. Also, notice any thoughts and keep the feel-good messages, such as “I can do this,” flowing.

Finally, remember you are giving it your best shot and bear in mind that your realistic aim is to give a “good enough” presentation, not to “raise the house” — although, with practise, you very well may!

Featured photo credit: Imagine Cup via flickr.com

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