Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, is known for her **value investing** approach and **long-term perspective. Here are some key principles that guide her investment strategy:

1. **Value Investing**: Hobson focuses on investing in assets that are undervalued by the market. Ariel Investments looks for public companies trading at about a 40% discount to their private market value.

2. **Long-Term Perspective**: Hobson emphasizes the importance of patience and a long-term outlook. She believes in the power of time and compounding returns.

3. **Discipline**: Hobson advocates for a disciplined approach to investing, avoiding impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations .

4. **Financial Literacy**: Hobson is a strong proponent of financial education and literacy, encouraging people to understand and take control of their financial futures.

5. **Diversification**: Ariel Investments diversifies its portfolio across small-cap and international stocks, seeking value across the entire stock market.

6. **Active Patience**: Hobson describes her approach as “active patience,” meaning staying invested and patient while actively managing the portfolio.

Hobson’s principles have helped her build a successful career and transform Ariel Investments into a firm with billions in assets under management. Do any of these principles resonate with you or align with your own investment philosophy?

Cutting back on sugar can have some dramatic and positive effects on your body. Here’s what can happen:

1. Improved Energy Levels: You’ll likely notice a more stable and sustained energy throughout the day without the highs and lows caused by sugar crashes.
2. Better Mood: Reduced sugar intake can help stabilize your mood and reduce feelings of irritability and anxiety.
3. Clearer Skin: Many people find that their skin starts to clear up when they cut back on sugar, as sugar can contribute to inflammation and breakouts.
4. Reduced Cravings: After the initial adjustment period, your cravings for sugary snacks will decrease as your body adjusts to a lower sugar diet.
5. Better Sleep: Cutting sugar can lead to improved sleep quality, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
6. Weight Loss: Reducing sugar and carbohydrate intake can help with weight loss, especially by reducing appetite and leading to more effective fat burning.
7. Improved Blood Sugar Levels: A low-sugar diet can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
8. Heart Health: Some studies suggest that low-sugar/carb diets can improve heart health markers such as cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Making the change can be challenging at first, but the benefits are worth it! Have you started cutting back on sugar, or are y

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” — Charles Darwin

Champions adapt is a powerful concept that highlights the importance of flexibility and resilience in achieving success.

Champions thrive because they can adapt to the ever-changing landscape and turn challenges into opportunities.

1. Champions embrace change because they understand that change is inevitable and they are willing to adjust their strategies and approaches to stay ahead. They don’t cling to outdated methods but instead look for innovative solutions.

2. Successful individuals and teams view setbacks as opportunities for growth. They analyze what went wrong, learn from their mistakes, and make necessary adjustments to improve.

3. Adaptability is closely linked to resilience. Champions remain strong and determined, even in the face of adversity. They keep pushing forward and find ways to overcome obstacles.

4. Champions are committed to continuous self-improvement. They seek out new skills, knowledge, and experiences that can help them stay competitive and reach their goals.

5. Being adaptable means being able to pivot when needed. Champions can change their game plan on the fly, whether in sports, business, or personal endeavors, to achieve the best possible outcomes.

In essence, champions adapt is about individuals thriving and being successful regardless of the environment and circumstance.

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” — Albert Einstein

Dark chocolate offers a wide range of health benefits, including decreased inflammation, improved gut health, and mood improvement.

Hoever, in recent years, researchers have reported on the reality of heavy metals that are often an undesirable part of dark chocolate and cocoa products.

Heavy Metals?

Lead, arsenic, mercury, manganese, or cadmium are examples of heavy metals, because they have a high atomic mass and are well-known for their toxicity to people and animals.

Most heavy metals are naturally occurring, but some are the result of human behaviors. Unfortunately, these substances can become strongly toxic by mixing with the soil, air, and water all around us as well as through living organisms in the food chain.

Heavy metal poisoning comes from significant exposure to or ingestion of one or more of these heavy metals. These metals can be encountered in acute doses, causing a medical emergency, but more often than not, healthy people experience bioaccumulation, a process of heavy metals building up within the blood and tissues of the body. According to The Cleveland Clinic, even the slow build-up of heavy metals can cause issues like arrhythmia, anemia, memory loss, and kidney or liver damage, among others.

Heavy Metals and Dark Chocolate

Recently, a series of tests were performed by Consumer Reports, first on 28 dark chocolate bars, then on 48 chocolate-based products across seven categories, including hot chocolate mix and chocolate chips. Specifically, researchers were looking for lead and cadmium. And every product they tested had detectable levels of the two heavy metals.

Chocolates You Can Eat

In a pair of studies, a handful of chocolate bars came out on top by having the lowest levels of heavy metals. The brands and varieties that led the pack:

Mast Organic Dark Chocolate 80% Cocoa
Taza Organic Deliciously Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
Ghiradelli Intense Dark Chocolate 86% Cacao and Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight 72%.

In a one-ounce serving, these had the lowest levels of both lead and cadmium. These chocolates, consumed in moderation, are the clear choices for those of us who love chocolate and want to minimize our heavy metal exposure.

It’s not always easy to find these specific chocolate bars, so it is helpful to keep a few guidelines in mind. While it may seem counterintuitive, lower concentrations of cocoa solids tend to contain less heavy metal, so if you must choose between an 80% bar and a 70% bar, the 70% is likely to be safer.

Source:  https://drwilliamli.com/dark-chocolate-and-heavy-metals/

Making your health a priority is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Key areas to focus on to ensure you’re taking good care of both your body and mind include:

1. Regular Exercise
– Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. Find activities you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or dancing, to make it easier to stick with.

2. Balanced Diet

– Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Try to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive salt intake.

3. Adequate Sleep
– Ensure you’re getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a restful environment, and avoid screens before bedtime.

4. Stress Management
– Incorporate stress-relieving practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed.

5. Regular Check-Ups
– Schedule regular visits with your healthcare provider for check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. Early detection and prevention are key to maintaining good health.

6. Hydration
– Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps keep your body functioning optimally and can improve energy levels and concentration.

7. Mental Health
– Take time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s a hobby, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Prioritize self-care and make sure you’re taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.

8. Avoid Harmful Habits
– Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking or other tobacco products. These habits can significantly impact your health and increase the risk of various diseases.

9. Healthy Relationships
– Surround yourself with supportive, positive people. Healthy relationships can provide emotional support and improve your overall well-being.

Making these habits a part of your daily life can lead to a healthier, happier you. Keep in mind that small changes can add up to big improvements over time.