Category: Food Health and Fitness

Helpful Tips for Losing That Baby Weight

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Happen to stare at yourself in the mirror after giving birth and wonder, “Where did my body go?” All women find themselves in this position. After carrying your child around for nine months, your body has taken quite the beating. Your baby has all but drained you and left behind stretch marks and a few pounds that you didn’t have prior to getting pregnant. You barely recognize the woman in the mirror, and as tired as you are from caring for your newborn you just really want to get back to a healthy weight.

Though it would be nice to just snap back into place after having a child that isn’t always the case. To get rid of the excess baby weight you’ll need to adopt more healthy lifestyle choices. Keep in mind, however, that everyone’s body is different. As eager as you are to bounce back to your pre-baby weight, it can take time so don’t beat yourself up. Here is some advice on how to get rid of that baby weight.

Breastfeed

Nature seems to have a way of helping you to get your body back without much effort. For mothers who have chosen to breastfeed, you’ll be surprised to see your waistline decreasing as the weeks go on. Though it is recommended that breastfeeding women consume more calories to provide the body with energy to produce milk, those calories are being burned during the feedings. You won’t see drastic results, but it is a great start to your weight loss journey.

Pilates

Are you tired of staring at that baby pouch you’ve got going on now? Well, once you’ve been given the stamp of approval by your doctor, you can try pilates to get rid of it. Working heavily on the core, there are various techniques that help women who have just given birth to strengthen those ab muscles again. Just be careful as going too fast too quickly can cause injury. There are surprising benefits to pilates toe socks and athleisure workout gear to help make you as comfortable as possible.

Skip Refined Carbs, Sugars, and Processed Foods

After having your baby it’s not uncommon to still have those crazy pregnancy cravings you used to have. As tempting as it might be to get those french fries with ice cream or double cheeseburger with extra pickles, you have to be mindful of what you’re eating. Try to stick to a diet that’s low in refined carbs, sugars, and processed foods. Eating organic and clean foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats are recommended. The good news is there are tons of food products and online recipes for healthy alternatives to your favorite cravings.

Get Some Rest

Okay, okay, this one might seem like a joke, but it’s necessary. Somehow, you have to find a way to get more sleep into your day. Did you know that your body actually burns calories when you sleep? If you don’t get enough of it, unfortunately, you don’t burn as many calories. Not to mention, lack of sleep reduces the amount of energy your body has to burn calories throughout the day. Poor sleep also increases your appetite, increases your urge for cravings, and increases your calorie intake causing your body to produce stubborn fat that is hard to get rid of. So, ask hubby to pitch in, older siblings, your parents, or even hire a night nanny for a few weeks to get those eight hours of sleep.

The last bit of advice for women trying to lose that baby weight is to not stress over it. Stress isn’t good on your body and can also cause weight gain. Just relax and go with the flow. You’ve just given birth which is a serious medical procedure and your body needs time to heal. Using the above tips at your own pace can help you get back to your pre-baby weight before long.

You Might Also Like 

How to Create a Healthier Diet for You and Your Kids
listening skills, child education
Watch and Learn
children and chores, kids
5 Reasons Children Need Chores
old school socks
Old School Socks Rag Rug: Mom on a Budget

 

About to grill that steak? Here are 5 rookie errors you should avoid!

Posted on by Ms. Elle

There’s nothing quite as sweet or juicy as a beef steak grilled to perfection. Just imagine it; munching into that tender flank steak. Heck, it is close enough to Utopia one can get after a long, stressful week!

Sadly, such magnificent dreams can inadvertently be transformed into nightmares. Especially sans the right methods of grilling that beef steak; one that was eagerly purchased at the butchery a few moments ago.

In fact, when put to the test, many a self-proclaimed ‘cooking connoisseurs’ fail to pass the test. In turn, they become the lead actors in another epic series of ‘cooking dry, tough, meat.’

That being said, here are few rookie errors to avoid when preparing that scrumptious grilled steak.

Failing to use enough seasoning

Perhaps a delicious pepper-crusted ribeye has been lingering in the mind for quite a while now? Well, as with all magnificent dishes, seasoning is key. Consider the likes of salt and spices as the preliminaries of any amazing dish. So don’t be scared to be generous with them!

However, one should draw the line between generosity and over-zealousness.

That being said, it’s wise to always go for a hearty seasoning; lest one wants to deprive their meat of a rich flavour and a bold crust. Didn’t think so.

Grilling the steak while it’s still cold

At times, the desire to consume the steak as soon as possible can be quite tempting! Hence, one eagerly throws the steak straight from the fridge and onto the grill. Big mistake.

In fact, one should give the steak ample time to reach room temperature. In such a circumstance, patience is key.

The truth is, grilling a cold steak will cause it to cook unevenly; potentially resulting on the outside side of the steak burning, while the insides remain largely undercooked or undercooked!

Not selecting the right steak

Yep, trouble could have been brewing before the actual grilling process began! How is this so? It all goes back to the meat that was selected before heading to the checkout line.

In fact, there are a myriad of meat varieties that all have a unique cooking or grilling technique. For example, the T-bone goes in tandem with grilling, while the boneless ribeye might be a fan-favourite of the pan, due to all the fat running through it.

So take note; treating all the steaks in a similar manner might deprive some of them of the best possible flavour.

Another factor that comes into play is the grill that one is using. As a rule of thumb, always go for high quality grills, regardless of the event. The Brinkmann Gourmet Electric Smoker is one ideal grill to check out.

Going for the lean cut

While the lean cut might be ideal for healthy living, it’s not exactly the talk of the town when one is searching for sensational flavours in their palate.

That being said, always look for a steak with a healthy layer of marbling (that is the fat that shows itself as white lines or flecks). Though it’s a tad bit on the expensive end, the savoury juices and tenderness are definitely worth it!

Biggest mistake; Turning over the steak only once

A common misconception in the culinary world is that the ideal way to keep a steak juicy and tender is to flip it over only once. While the end result might be photo-worthy, the steak won’t be that delicious. If anything, it will be pretty dry.

Hence, ensure to turn the steak multiple times as it grills away!

 

You Might Also Like

toy for moms
Mom on a Budget New Toy
Derick Learns to Ride a Bicycle
china product
Portable Cordless Handy Stitch: Should make sewing easy
Family Bonding at Bor Sang Umbrella Center
moringa leaves

Reasons I include Moringa in My Children’s Diet: You Should too.

Posted on by Ms. Elle

To be healthy need not be expensive.

Growing up, I never had vitamin supplements or power drinks like Milo or Ovaltine. Bragging aside,  my siblings and I were healthy and never frequent the doctor while growing up.  We ate healthy – a lot of fruits and vegetables, especially Moringa!

Moringa Oleifera Leaves which have been removed from their stalks by my children. The process is so easy that my 6 year old could even do it. These here are ready for drying.

 

Moringa Oleifera is a tropical tree that’s  abundant in Asian countries like the Philippines,  Thailand,  Malaysia,  and India.  Moringa is so packed with health benefits,  it is called by many  as super food. What’s good is, it can be made into powder. It is so easy even kids can make Moringa powder themselves.

Having experienced it and up until now I am still reaping the health benefits of Moringa,  I would certainly without a doubt include it in my kids diet.  For those who are unfamiliar with Moringa but have been hearing good stuff about it,  and who would love to know more; here are some reasons why I include Moringa in my children’s diet.

1. Combat the effect of too much screen time.

Screen time is giving kid’s eyes nowadays so much strain.  It is affecting their vision.  A healthy amount of Vitamin A is definitely needed.  Moringa is an excellent source of Vitamin A.

2. I’m not short. My height is just cute!

Your child may be dreaming of one day becoming a basketball player or a supermodel, help them attain this.  As growing kids,  they need hefty amount of protein to build and repair body tissues.  With only just a cup of Moringa leaves, your child gets 2 grams of protein. Isn’t that great?

3. Can’t drink milk. Worry not!

For lactose intolerant kids,  Moringa is one great source of Calcium as it has 4 times more than what is found in milk. And because there is a case of scoliosis in my side of the family, all the more my kids need this to have strong bones. You could just discreetly add Moringa to fruitshakes, other dishes like fried eggs with veggies and veggy nuggets, and may be to Jellies.

4. Keep the Doctor away with Moringa

Children and toddlers are prone to common colds and other illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses,  Moringa boosts your kids immunity like no other.  It has 7 times more Vitamin C than oranges,  rich in antioxidant,  and reduces inflammation.

5. The body’s Lego

The only vegetable that contains  9 essential amino acids that the body needs but could not synthsize on it own such as histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. These are essentials in the overall development and bodily functions in cellular level. These amino acids are building blocks, somewhat similar to Legos, behind the normal functions of our cells, muscles, and other tissues.

Aside from these,  Moringa is also rich in potassium,  magnesium,  Vitamin B6 and B2, and Iron. It also has loads of digestive fibers to aid your child’s digestion.

Your child could eat Moringa leaves as an ingredient in soup,  or in powder form which you could add to a variety of food, drinks, or smoothies. There are so many creative ways to feed children with Moringa.

To be healthy need not be expensive.  Moringa is the most affordable super food there is.  In fact,  in Asian countries you could just ask for this from a friend or a neighbor for FREE.  However Moringa does not grow well in cold places,  what’s good though is that it is available in powder form and can be bought online.

You Might Also Like

Kate Middleton discharged from the hospital seven hours after giving birth to her third child.

listening skills, child education
Watch and Learn

7 Travel Safety Tips For Women

Portable Cordless Sewing Machine: Should Make Sewing Easy

Sharing is Caring 

Life Starts At 40

Posted on by Ms. Elle

There’s some truth in “Life starts at 40”.

A relatively healthy person frequents clinics or hospitals during his 30’s.  Pains and sickness seem to appear out of nowhere during this time. If these symptoms are left unattended could complicate into something serious, as often told by doctors to patients.  Our body is like a car.  After the warranted years, bolts loosen up and parts wore off.  As we near our 40’s, people start thinking of lifestyle change such as quit smoking, limit alcohol in-take, engaging oneself in a regular exercise, and eating healthy.  Reasons vary.

For us, we want to live long enough to see our kids grow and attain stability in life, and if our bodies permit maybe meet our grandchildren.

Among the lifestyle changes mentioned above, the latter two are the most challenging for us.  But since we need to start afresh on our 40’s we have to take on the needed changes.

  • Exercise your way to a healthy you.  We are home buddies and a bit of couch potatoes, sadly.  Up until this time we haven’t settle on a regular exercise routine.  Aside from this, we also found our super structured schedule 24/7 a great hindrance. We hope to get our acts together on this ASAP.
  • You are what you eat, so eat healthy.  We LOVE to eat. The health issues we are facing at the moment is food related. So this is definitely the first thing in the MUST Change List.

I’ll Return Back Your LOVE

Facebook

Twitter

Google +

You might also like

 

Is exercising at home really as good as going to the gym?
Is exercising at home really as good as going to the gym?

Take the Gym Outside
Take the Gym Outside

Like and Share Here

 

 

Veggy Nuggets

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Eating vegetable is definitely the healthiest way to live.  Vegetables are natural, but has to be organic not genetically altered.  They contain less fat and calories, and are full of vitamins and minerals for the proper functioning of the body.

Yet these facts mean little to little children.  It is up to adults to find ways and means to let these little ones ingest these without them knowing it.

My kids, especially my very picky son, are totally into this.

Here’s my version

VEGGIES NUGGETS

1 1/2 to 2 cups minced mixed vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, carrots, sweet corn, etc)

1 cup all purpose flour

2 medium bulb minced onions

2 large cloves minced garlic

1 tsp. salt

1 tbsp. fish sauce

1 tbsp. oyster sauce

2 large eggs

left-over fried chicken or fish (optional)

 

Here’s how

In a bowl mix all ingredients well.  Deep fried in vegetable oil.

You may notice that my nuggets are not shaped well.  I’m a busy mom and got no time rolling them into balls.  So I just scoop a spoonful of the nugget mix and drop it into the hot oil.

How did it go?

Did your family like it?

I’ll Return Back Your LOVE

Facebook

Twitter

Google +

Sverve

You might also like

Fried Egg with Veggies
Fried Egg with Veggies

Bougainvillea and Santan for Snacks
Bougainvillea and Santan Flowers for Snacks

Like and Share Here

 

 

 

Fried Egg with Veggies

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Fried Egg with Veggies
Fried Egg with Veggies

Egg is one of the most nutritious food on the planet.  It contains nutrients that work wonders for the brain and has antioxidants. There is really no true measure of how much is too much when it comes to eating eggs.  According to authoritynutrition.com, a perfectly healthy person can safely consume 3 whole eggs per day.  This is great news for us.  We love eggs. I as a mom, particularly love them because they are easy to prepare.

I also thought of taking advantage of the fact that my kids love eggs by putting in vegetables. It would be great as well if we support local farmers and buy organic eggs and vegetables to make sure that our food is phthalates free.  For vegetables we could grow them ourselves in our own background or garden.

So here it is…

FRIED EGG with VEGGIES

What do we need?

2 large eggs

1 tbsp. fish sauce

vegetable oil

carrots and broccoli (minced, proportion depends on you)

Here’s how

  1.  Beat eggs and add in minced vegetables.
  2. Fried in vegetable oil over medium heat. You may adjust heat accordingly so not to burn the vegetables.
  3. Drain excess oil and serve.

How do you like it?

I’ll Return Back Your LOVE

Facebook

Twitter

Google +

Sverve

You might also like

Jelly With A Twist
Jelly With A Twist

 

Fruitshakes for a Healthy You
Fruitshakes for a Healthy You

 

 

Fruitshakes for a Healthy You

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Sugar is a general term used to describe substances that are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen at varying amount.  Thus there are different types of sugar – monosaccharides, dissacharides, and oligosaccharides.  These are present in many different food including fruits and vegetables.  Naturally contained sugar are balanced by fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other components found in fruits and vegetables.

Reality bites, unnatural sugar is readily available.  Examples of unnatural sugar are found in processed food such as cola drinks, powdered juices, powdered teas, energy bars, chocolate and sugar-coated crisps and chips. The thing is, these are even cheaper than the ones found in natural products.  This widespread availability, may be economically good but health-wise damaging especially for kids who are still developing their nutritional foundation, metabolism, and hormones.  Sugar could also create havoc to adults who have health issues like diabetes, high-blood pressure, heart diseases, insulin problems, and weight problems.

 

But it seems like it is way too impossible to do away with sugar nowadays.  Maybe what we can do is minimize our sugar consumption by eating more of the natural food like fruits and vegetables.

 

So lately, we have been cutting on our cola, powdered juices and tea consumption.  Instead, we blend our own fruit shake.  My family loves watermelon and cantaloupe milkshake.  These two are naturally sweet.  So they need lesser amount of sweetener.

3 tbsp. of condensed milk or raw honey, 2-3 cups of sliced watermelon/cantaloupe, 1 cup water, and a bit of ice are just the right combination for us.  You can modify this depending on your preference. But I suggest using fruits which are in season, they are usually cheaper.  So you are not only eating healthy, but you are also spending wisely.

 

fruitshake

 

Do you have your own health drink at home? Can you share it with us?

 

 

Be Connected

Facebook

Twitter

Google +

 

 

You might also like

blog

Derick’s First On-stage Experience

Benefits of Outdoor Exercise

Posted on by Ms. Elle

3

Exercise is very important.  It is a must for everyone.  It improves ones physical shape, body’s immune system, and ones over-all mood. But some people find exercise boring, and that there is no time to fit it in their schedule.  Outdoor gyms, which are innovative, ingenious and revolutionary, brought exercising to a whole new level.  An outdoor environment has an innate natural healing power, which is attained if one is in contact with it. It is a refreshing change from the claustrophobic, cramped up ambiance of an indoor gym.

 

Here are four reasons why exercising outdoors is a better idea.

 

1.  ACCESSIBILITY.  Since outdoor gyms are installed in schools, special needs playgrounds, urban regeneration, parish green spaces, trim trails, pensioner’s playground, schools and recreation, and even prison yard, ACCESSIBILITY is easy.  In terms of time, on a nice day, one can exercise at his most convenient time alone or with friends.  Tight work schedules are no longer an excuse to miss an exercise since outdoor gyms are open 24/7.  In terms of finances, most outdoor gyms are free.  Others may charge a small fee for maintenance.  Exercise is a necessity for a healthy mind and body.  It should not be expensive.

 

2          5

 

 

2.  FRESH AIR and NATURE.  Some indoor gyms decorations try to emulate nature by putting ornamental plants, playing ocean sound, or showing forest in a big screen. But of course, nothing beats natural fresh air and real nature around.  It is refreshing to exercise in an open space breathing fresh air from the trees and grasses.  It wipes out the boredom that easily creeps in you while exercising indoor.

 

 

Right-green-gym-03          Right-Parish-ect

 

 

3.  BEING WITH A COMMUNITY.  As the saying goes, the more the merrier.  Exercise should be fun.  Something that one enjoy doing and not forced into doing.  If one exercises together with a community of fellow enthusiasts, then who needs a walk-man/cd players/i-pods  to accompany you through your routine.

 

Air_Walker        Right-Primary-schools-04

 

 

 

4.  ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY.  Outdoor gyms are low in maintenance.  So on a larger scope, exercising outdoor means less energy consumption and less to zero pollution.  Thus, energy-conserving and eco-friendly.

 

4

 

 

 

You might also like

Som tum
Som tum

Eat your Way to Health and Beauty

 

Health Is Wealth

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Health is wealth.  Taking care of your health should not be expensive with healthkart coupons.  Lately, my husband experienced so much discomfort with his right knee.  Walking, stretching, and bending is painful  and impossible at times.  The doctor said it has something to do with osteoarthritis. The most common knee problem for very active people and or people over 50. Though arthritis having  no known cure and my husband still very far away from the age of 50 his doctor has advised him to have a different exercise set and some knee support. He was also advised to even out height to weight ratio.

 

Other important changes he has to take include the following

  • Cut the meat intake and eat a balanced diet and even out height to weight ratio
  • He is prohibited from eating nuts and legumes.
  • He has to reduce the number of times he plays basketball.
  • Use a different form of exercise
  • Taking supplementary vitamins good for general health
  • He has to wear a knee support for the time being to ease the discomfort.

 

knee pad

 

Getting sick could mean a great strain in the family’s finances.  Prevention is definitely better than cure.   Although some supplementary health vitamins and medical supports and equipment are expensive if you buy straight up from the store you could use coupon codes.  Coupon codes will give you a chance to avail for big discounts, freebies, and special offers.  Before you buy any health products and equipment, check out coupon codes first.

 

Do share your health regimen.

 

 

 

You might also like

Tom yum
Tom yum

Eat your way to good health and beauty

 

 

Phthalates (THAL-ates)

Posted on by Ms. Elle

In my previous post I mentioned the chemicals PHTHALATES (pronounced as THAL-ates).  These are chemicals used to soften plastics to make it flexible and durable.

Below is a list of products that we should look into and be on the look out for these harmful phthalates.  These are general products, not brands.  All i intend to do is create an awareness among all of us.  It is not my intention to put down anybody’s products or business.

1. Nail Polish

2.  Hair and Body Lotion

3. Hair Sprays

4. Hair Mousse

5.  Hair Gel

6.  Fragrance

7.  Deodorant

8.  Cooking oil Bottles

9.  Clear Food Packaging (Number 3 Plastics)

10. Disposable plates  (Number 6 Plastics)

11. Cups

12. Meat trays

13. Egg cartons

14. Carry-out containers

15. Baby bottles

16. Three- and five-gallon water bottles

17. Certain food containers

18.  adhesives

19.  Lacquer

20.  Vinyl flooring

 

The culprits

Check your product labels, if you see even just one of the chemicals below please if you can avoid buying it.

Diethyl phthalate (DEP)

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

Butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP)

Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)

also…

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Vinyl (V or PVC)

 

Effects

DEHP and DBP are especially found to cause disruption in the proper reproductive development in male embryos by reducing the testosterone production.  They are also known to have negative effects on the growth factors in young males.  They could also lower sperm count, and general functioning of the sperm. Other effects include asthma, reduced female fertility, liver and kidney problem, and cancer. Bisphenol A in particular is found to cause neural and behavioral problems in children.

 

Protect your family

Although government regulation in most countries regarding the usage of these chemicals in products is not clear, there are number of ways we can reduce exposure.

We need to be vigilant, always be on the look out for the these harmful chemicals listed above.  If one or two are listed on the product label, then think twice before buying it. Buy products that have  phthalate-free and BPA-free labels on it.  Also, avoid soft plastics and soft vinyl products especially those that have a very strong plastic odor.

Do not limit yourselves with the products listed above.  Whenever you are about to buy plastic products or products with plastic in/on it, or products that have fragrance, always make it a habit to check the label.

It would not hurt also if we have the list of chemicals at hand every time we go to the grocery.

But by far, the best thing we can do, which is quite difficult to do in this plastic-infested-modern world is to cut the use of plastic in our household and use ceramics and tempered glasses instead.  Only in this manner we can truly be sure that our family is not exposed to any of these hormone-disrupting chemicals.

 

You might also like

 

 

toy derick

Derick’s New Toy