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Former SSgt. Robert Pedro Mendoza, 43, of Oceanside, Calif.

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Former SSgt. Robert Pedro Mendoza, 43, of Oceanside, Calif.


That is a part of a Yahoo News series honoring a number of the American lives misplaced to COVID-19. Their tales are informed by household and buddies, who have been left to take care of their usually sudden and painful deaths.

Former Employees Sgt. Robert Pedro Mendoza, 43, of Oceanside, Calif., died on April 20, 2020, after turning into in poor health with COVID-19. He’s among the many greater than 550,000 Individuals who’ve misplaced their lives to the illness for the reason that first recognized fatality in early 2020.

His mom, Yolanda Mendoza, informed Yahoo Information that her son was a “loving particular person” who beloved his household, his son and his nation.

“He served in the USA Marine Corps for about 15 years. He beloved being a Marine, and every part that it stood for.”

SSgt. Robert Pedro Mendoza (Courtesy of Mendoza family)

SSgt. Robert Pedro Mendoza (Courtesy of Mendoza household)

Initially from Houston, Mendoza moved to California in 1994 at age 17 to affix the USA Marine Corps. He attained the rank of employees sergeant and was deployed seven instances, together with excursions to Afghanistan, Iraq and the Persian Gulf.

In 2008, Mendoza determined to retire from the navy to start out a household. He was honorably discharged.

After his navy service, Mendoza ran Tactical Protection Methods, an organization in Oceanside, Calif., that made tactical gear for the navy and regulation enforcement businesses. Mendoza says her son “devoted the remainder of his life to his enterprise and his son.”

He was a loyal father to his 10-year-old son, Christian. “Robert was an superior dad,” Mendoza stated. “He beloved that little boy. He was so happy with [him].”

Final spring, simply earlier than Easter, SSgt. Robert Mendoza started to really feel in poor health. Inside days of testing optimistic for COVID-19 and growing signs, he died at a hospital in San Diego.

For his mom, his sudden dying was surprising and tough to just accept.

“He was only a massive, stable man,” she stated. “He had two black belts in Jiu Jitsu. He may sort out something. He may go to conflict. He got here again safely. My son has been shot at, and for him to die of a virus, I simply could not imagine it.”

Though the ache of dropping her son remains to be very recent, visiting him on the cemetery each Sunday brings her and her husband some consolation.

“We speak to him,” she stated. “We attempt to inform him how Christian is doing, and I at all times ask Robert, earlier than I go away, to only defend Christian and information him if he can.”

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A Peek into My Wellness-Pushed Routine

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A Peek into My Wellness-Pushed Routine


Whereas I received’t declare an award for group or minimalism with my nightstand… it’s a rigorously curated hub of instruments and necessities. They help my well being, enhance my sleep, and set the tone for a productive day forward. I additionally talked about in my habit-stacking podcast and post that the nightstand can also be a terrific place to place visible reminders of wholesome habits because it’s the very first thing I see within the morning. 

Let me stroll you thru every thing on my nightstand and clarify why it’s there.

1. Quart-Sized Mason Jar With Salt

First issues first: hydration. On my nightstand, you’ll discover a quart-sized mason jar full of water and a teaspoon of high-quality mineral salt dissolved in it. Why? As a result of rehydrating very first thing within the morning is non-negotiable for me. In a single day, we lose water via respiration and sweat, leaving our our bodies dehydrated. Including a pinch of salt to water offers important electrolytes, serving to to:

  • Replenish hydration ranges
  • Assist adrenal operate
  • Steadiness blood strain
  • Kickstart digestion

Generally, I combine it up by dissolving the salt immediately in my mouth earlier than consuming plain water. Both approach, this small morning ritual has a big effect on my vitality ranges and total well-being. Recently, I’ve been utilizing these microplastic-free salts. Try these posts and this podcast for extra about why I like salt! 

2. Morning and Night Dietary supplements

A great evening’s sleep is just half the battle; what you do within the morning issues simply as a lot. I preserve my go-to dietary supplements on my nightstand to make sure I by no means miss them. Right here’s what I’m taking and why:

  • Magnesium Breakthrough: I take magnesium within the morning as a result of I’m an inverse modulator, however many individuals discover it’s simpler at evening. Magnesium is crucial for a whole lot of processes within the physique. It helps muscle operate, reduces stress, and promotes vitality manufacturing. It’s additionally implausible for balancing hormones and bettering sleep high quality.
  • PectaSol: This modified citrus pectin is my go-to for mild detoxing. It binds to heavy metals and toxins within the physique, serving to to get rid of them safely. I’ve discovered this beneficial in my autoimmune recovery journey and take it often now to maintain irritation in verify. 
  • MassZymes: A digestive enzyme complement that aids in breaking down proteins and bettering intestine well being. It’s particularly useful in the event you’ve indulged in a heavy meal the evening earlier than. I take this within the morning and night on an empty abdomen, but in addition generally take it with meals to enhance digestion. It really works otherwise when taken with or with out meals, so I combine it up and sometimes do each. 
  • Just Thrive Probiotics: A wholesome intestine is the muse of wellness, and probiotics assist keep that stability by supporting digestion and immunity. I additionally take this with or with out meals at completely different instances. 
  • Neural RX from Wizard Sciences: This one is a game-changer for mind well being. It helps cognitive operate, psychological readability, and focus. I sometimes take this within the morning for an vitality enhance. Generally I take it at evening and sometimes have vivid goals after I do. 

It appears slightly cluttered, however having these on my nightstand helps me bear in mind to take them and I’m much more constant this fashion. I like glass jars like these that assist them look higher. You’ll discover the identical jars on my kitchen desk with different dietary supplements that the youngsters and I take in the course of the day. 

3. Important Oils for Higher Sleep

Sleep is sacred in my home, and Vibrant Blue Essential Oils are my secret weapon. I’ve curated a set of blends particularly for rest and sleep from my pal Jody at Vibrant Blue:

  • Parasympathetic: Calms the nervous system and promotes deep rest.
  • Fascia Launch: I’ve been specializing in lymph and fascia these days and love this one for mild motion and mobility earlier than sleep. 
  • Lymph: A strong mixture of oils designed to help the lymphatic system. I like this together with having my toes up on the wall and mendacity on an acupressure mat at evening. 

I apply these oils to my wrists, neck, and the bottoms of my toes earlier than mattress, and the distinction in my sleep high quality is exceptional.

4. Detox Assist: CytoDetox and Carbon Cleanse

I additionally preserve CytoDetox and True Carbon Cleanse right here. I’ll usually take Cytodetox within the morning and night and True Carbon Cleanse at evening, together with Pectasol and Masszymes. These are designed to. 

  • Assist mobile detoxing
  • Bind to environmental toxins
  • Promote total vitality ranges and battle irritation

Taking these often helps me really feel energized and clear-headed.

5. Be Serene for Stress Aid

Fashionable life will be overwhelming, so I’ve made it a precedence to handle stress successfully. Be Serene is a mix of adaptogenic herbs and pure compounds that helps:

  • Cut back stress
  • Promote rest
  • Steadiness temper

It’s my go-to after I must unwind on the finish of a protracted day.

6. Blue Mild Blocking Orange Glasses

Let’s discuss mild hygiene. My orange-tinted blue light blocking glasses are important for decreasing publicity to synthetic blue mild within the evenings. Blue mild can suppress melatonin manufacturing, making it more durable to go to sleep. By carrying these glasses, I:

  • Defend my circadian rhythm
  • Enhance my sleep high quality
  • Cut back eye pressure

I additionally attempt to swap to decrease and purple/amber lighting in our entire home at evening and keep away from screens and shiny lights as a lot as doable after darkish. 

7. Books I’m At the moment Studying and My Journal

Studying is a part of my wind-down routine, and I at all times have just a few books on my nightstand. Proper now, I’m diving into titles on private development, well being, and wellness. My Kindle additionally lives right here for digital books.

At the moment I’m studying or re-reading: Awareness by Anthony de Mello, Man’s Search for Meaning, The Reclaimed Woman by Kelly Brogan, Braiding Sweetgrass on the advice from a pal, The Four Agreements, and Power vs. Force by David Hawkins. 

Alongside my books is my journal and my planner, the place I:

  • Mirror on the day
  • Jot down gratitude lists
  • Plan for tomorrow

This straightforward apply retains me grounded and targeted.

8. Daylight Laptop

Talking of avoiding blue mild at evening… this has been a recreation changer. 

Sure, I’ve a devoted laptop for nighttime use, although that is shortly turning into my every day use laptop as nicely. This Daylight computer is designed with low EMF emissions and 0 blue mild, making it splendid for studying or writing within the night with out disrupting my sleep cycle. It’s a lifesaver for late-night inspiration periods. It could actually combine most apps and I exploit it for listening to audiobooks and podcasts, engaged on writing in Google Docs, taking notes, digital journaling, listening to music, and extra! 

9. Mouth Tape

Mouth tape would possibly sound odd, however it’s a game-changer for respiratory. By gently taping my mouth shut at evening, I guarantee I breathe via my nostril, which:

  • Improves oxygen consumption
  • Reduces loud night breathing
  • Enhances sleep high quality

It’s a small tweak with large advantages.

10. Sound Machine and Blackout Shades

Creating the right sleep atmosphere is non-negotiable. My sound machine produces calming white noise to drown out distractions, whereas my 100% blackout shades guarantee full darkness. These have been a recreation changer and might make my room fully darkish even within the afternoon. I preserve the distant for the shades on my nightstand for straightforward entry.

11. Charger for My Oura Ring

My Oura Ring is my favourite wearable for monitoring sleep, exercise, and restoration. Its charger has a everlasting spot on my nightstand so it’s at all times able to go.

12. Face Curler and Gua Sha Instruments

Skincare is self-care, and these instruments assist me de-puff and calm down earlier than mattress. The mild therapeutic massage improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, leaving my pores and skin glowing. I exploit the rollers from here and these gua sha tools and face cupping tools.

13. Silk Bonnet and Sleep Scrunchie

Defending my hair whereas I sleep is a precedence. My silk bonnet and scrunchie forestall breakage and preserve my hair clean and tangle-free.

14. Lamp with a Crimson Mild Bulb

Lastly, my nightstand contains a lamp with a red light bulb. Crimson mild doesn’t intervene with melatonin manufacturing, making it the right alternative for bedtime studying or stress-free.

The Takeaway

My nightstand isn’t only a assortment of random gadgets; it’s a wellness powerhouse. Every merchandise serves a goal, supporting my well being, bettering my sleep, and serving to me get up refreshed and able to deal with the day. Whether or not you’re seeking to improve your sleep atmosphere, improve your morning routine, or just discover new methods to prioritize wellness, I hope this peek into my nightstand evokes you to create your personal health-focused haven. Candy goals!

What do you retain in your nightstand? Depart a remark and tell us!

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Right here’s how — and when — Trump’s ‘huge, stunning invoice’ may begin affecting your pockets

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Right here’s how — and when — Trump’s ‘huge, stunning invoice’ may begin affecting your pockets


After months of debate, alterations and intra-party squabbling, Republicans’ “huge, stunning invoice” was lastly signed into regulation by President Trump final week. Conversations in regards to the invoice have largely centered on the broad affect it would have on the nation as an entire — how a lot it provides to the deficit, how many individuals will lose their medical health insurance, what it means for America’s efforts to fight local weather change, and many others.

All of that’s vital, after all, and can have an effect on prices and the general state of the economic system in main methods. However the zoomed-out focus has left loads of People questioning how the invoice will have an effect on them personally and once they may begin to see a few of these results. The sprawling 870-page mega-bill is full of adjustments to well being care, taxes, scholar loans and vitality.

Right here’s a rundown of among the most vital adjustments, once they go into impact and what they may imply to your pockets.

Well being care

A few of the most controversial components of the “huge, stunning invoice” are the adjustments it makes to Medicaid, the federal government program that gives medical health insurance to low-income People. These adjustments are anticipated to trigger the variety of uninsured individuals within the U.S. to extend by 12 million by 2034.

The regulation imposes new work necessities for Medicaid that obligate able-bodied adults to show they’ve labored or volunteered for 80 hours every month to be able to keep their advantages. The invoice mandates that the brand new work necessities go into impact in 2027, although that is probably not once they finally kick in for everybody. States can choose to start out their work necessities earlier. The regulation additionally permits states to request a one-year delay beneath sure circumstances. Based on Axios, individuals seemingly received’t begin really losing their health coverage for failure to satisfy work necessities till late 2027.

People who get their well being protection by the Inexpensive Care Act (ACA) market may see their well being prices go up a lot sooner. The invoice didn’t prolong enhanced premium subsidies for Obamacare, which had been put in place beneath former President Joe Biden in 2021 and are set to run out on the finish of this yr. Congress nonetheless has time to resume these subsidies with separate laws, but when they’re allowed to run out, premiums for ACA well being care plans are anticipated to extend by 75% on common, with individuals in some states seeing their funds greater than double, in line with evaluation by the well being care coverage analysis group KFF.

The invoice can even enable all individuals with bronze or catastrophic well being care plans to benefit from Health Savings Accounts for the primary time, which may result in vital tax financial savings, beginning at first of subsequent yr.

Clear vitality tax credit

A full 80 pages of the invoice are devoted to itemizing all the inexperienced vitality tax credit, handed simply three years in the past beneath Biden, that can quickly be eradicated. Tax breaks for electrical automobile purchases — as much as $7,500 for a brand new EV and $4,000 for a used EV — that had been initially set to final till the tip of 2032 will now finish on September 30. A tax credit score that allowed householders to offset as much as $1,000 of the price of putting in charging ports, additionally slated to final by 2032, will now expire in July of subsequent yr.

The invoice additionally eliminates a host of tax credits designed to make properties vitality environment friendly. Present tax breaks for inexperienced residence enhancements — together with the acquisition and set up of recent air conditioners, water heaters, warmth pumps, broilers, home windows and doorways — will all be eradicated on the finish of this yr. A separate tax credit score for putting in inexperienced vitality sources like photo voltaic, wind and geothermal energy within the residence can even go away in January.

Tax adjustments

One of the vital issues the “huge, stunning invoice” did was make most of the tax cuts that had been handed throughout Trump’s first presidential time period everlasting, so a few of its largest impacts shall be in permitting taxpayers to maintain utilizing tax breaks they’ve already been benefiting from.

There have been some new, headline-grabbing tax provisions that had been included, although. The invoice delivers on two of Trump’s marketing campaign guarantees: no tax on ideas and no tax on additional time. Each of these insurance policies go into impact in 2026, however the invoice consists of language that permits taxpayers to “approximate a separate accounting” of their earnings that qualify for the deduction once they file their 2025 taxes. Each insurance policies restrict the quantity that may be deducted ($25,000 for ideas and $12,500 for additional time). They can even each expire in 2028 if they aren’t prolonged. A brand new rule permitting no tax on automobile mortgage curiosity, as much as $10,000, goes into impact instantly.

Meals help program

The invoice consists of huge cuts to the Supplemental Diet Help Program (SNAP), the meals help program generally generally known as meals stamps. It is going to additionally broaden work necessities to use to SNAP recipients as much as the age of 64 and people with kids over the age of 14, who’re exempt from the necessities beneath present regulation. The invoice doesn’t present an official date for when the brand new work requirement requirements will go into impact.

The most important cuts to SNAP funding, that are anticipated to cause millions of people to lose entry to meals help, don’t go into impact till 2028.

Scholar loans

The invoice makes substantial adjustments to federal scholar mortgage applications that can have an effect on how a lot cash college students are capable of borrow and the way they’ll need to repay their loans.

It creates new lifetime borrowing caps on loans for post-secondary training. Graduate college students shall be restricted to $100,000 in loans, whereas doctoral and regulation college college students shall be restricted to $200,000. It additionally eliminates all current compensation plans, changing them with a pair of recent, much less beneficiant choices. Any debtors who’re enrolled in an current compensation plan — just like the SAVE Plan or Revenue-Primarily based Reimbursement Plan — can have till July 1, 2028 to change to one of many new choices. The present plans will now not be out there to new debtors beginning in July of subsequent yr.

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Fluffy Almond Flour Muffins (5 Methods)

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Fluffy Almond Flour Muffins (5 Methods)


Uninterested in eggs for breakfast? You don’t should resort to extremely processed baked items to have a yummy deal with within the morning. These almond flour muffins are a scrumptious choice for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Plus, you may add your favourite mix-ins for a customizable muffin.

More often than not I’ve eggs, fermented veggies, and even fish for breakfast. Whereas my breakfast selections are a little bit unconventional at instances, I persist with excessive protein choices. Wholesome fat for blood sugar regulation are a should too.

Almond Flour Muffins

Not all of my children are on board with sardines for breakfast, so they like to throw in some gluten-free muffins too. We’ve made loads of coconut flour muffins over time. These almond flour muffins are additionally grain-free, paleo, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free.

You can also make them low-carb and keto-friendly should you omit the arrowroot powder and coconut sugar. Swap out the bananas for yogurt should you’re on the lookout for keto muffins.

Use both blanched almond flour or almond meal, relying on what you’ve. I actually like including the arrowroot powder to provide these a texture just like common wheat flour muffins. Even higher, they are often personalized to create all kinds of flavors. Try the checklist of non-obligatory flavors under the recipe for some concepts! Our favourite up to now are the carrot cake almond flour muffins.

I don’t like my baked items actually candy, so this recipe is mildly candy. Should you want your muffins sweeter, then style and regulate the sweetener within the batter as obligatory.

almond flour muffins

Fluffy Almond Flour Muffin Recipe

These scrumptious muffins may be personalized along with your favourite components. Nice as a snack, dessert, or perhaps a fast breakfast!

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-count muffin pan with silicone muffin liners, parchment paper liners, or grease flippantly with coconut oil.

  • In a big bowl, whisk collectively the almond flour, arrowroot, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, mashed banana, coconut sugar, melted butter or oil, milk, and vanilla. Add lemon juice or ACV right here if utilizing.

  • Pour the moist components into the dry components and stir gently till simply mixed. Fold in any add-ins (berries, chocolate, nuts, and so forth.).

  • Divide batter evenly amongst muffin cups. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or till a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clear. They need to be flippantly golden brown.

  • Let cool within the pan for five–10 minutes, then switch to a wire rack. They’re further good heat with a smear of grass-fed butter

Vitamin Details

Fluffy Almond Flour Muffin Recipe

Quantity Per Serving (1 muffin)

Energy 229
Energy from Fats 153

% Day by day Worth*

Fats 17g26%

Saturated Fats 5g31%

Trans Fats 0.004g

Polyunsaturated Fats 0.3g

Monounsaturated Fats 1g

Ldl cholesterol 42mg14%

Sodium 168mg7%

Potassium 115mg3%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 83IU2%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 75mg8%

Iron 1mg6%

* P.c Day by day Values are based mostly on a 2000 calorie eating regimen.

  • Freezer Tip: Let muffins cool fully, then retailer in an hermetic container or reusable bag within the freezer for as much as 3 months. Reheat within the toaster oven or oven for a fast snack.
  • You may also use lemon juice as a substitute of ACV if desired.

Almond Flour Muffin Variations

You’ll be able to add no matter mix-ins you wish to the bottom muffin recipe above. Attempt dried or contemporary fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut. Listed here are some extra concepts for various flavors:

1. Chocolate Almond Flour Muffins

Add to the bottom recipe:

  • Exchange cinnamon with 2–3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Use ½ cup darkish chocolate chips or chunks
  • Add 1–2 TBSP maple syrup should you like them sweeter

Tip: Sprinkle a couple of chocolate chips on prime earlier than baking for that bakery-style look.

2. Carrot Cake Muffins

Add to the bottom recipe:

  • Add ¾ cup finely grated carrots
  • Add ¼ cup raisins (non-obligatory)
  • Add ½ tsp nutmeg + ½ tsp ginger
  • Swap bananas for ? cup applesauce for a smoother texture
  • Stir in ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (non-obligatory)

3. Savory Cheddar & Herb Muffins

Take away: coconut sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and banana
Add:

  • ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 TBSP chopped contemporary chives or inexperienced onions
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Elective: pinch of crimson pepper flakes or cooked, crumbled bacon

Tip: Nice served heat with soups, or as a breakfast sandwich base!

4. Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins

Add:

  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon + 1 TBSP lemon juice
  • ½ cup contemporary or frozen blueberries (toss in almond flour earlier than including to batter)
  • Elective: drizzle a easy lemon glaze after baking with lemon juice + powdered coconut sugar

5. Zucchini Almond Flour Banana Muffins

Add:

  • ½ cup grated zucchini (squeeze out moisture first)
  • Stick with bananas as your sweetener
  • Add a splash of cinnamon + nutmeg
  • Elective: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips

Wholesome Muffin Recipes

Need some extra wholesome muffin concepts? These wholesome recipes are successful in our home! Most of them are made with coconut flour, they usually’re all refined sugar free.

What are your favourite muffin flavors? Depart a remark and tell us

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