Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Natural foods that can help curb appetite (part II)

In the diverse world of foods, there are options out there that act as natural appetite suppressants. This means that the nutrients inside the foods help you stay and feel fuller, so you don’t overeat.

What’s even better is that they’re natural, so you’re eating healthy foods instead of junk. This article is the second part of our “natural foods that can help curb appetite” topic. If you missed out on the previous article, click here to read it.

Let’s roll with more natural foods that can help suppress appetite.

#1: Veggie Soup

Image Credits: Inspired Taste

Ah, who doesn’t love a comforting bowl of hot soup? Not only is veggie soup a healthy, warm meal, but it also provides you with tons of vitamins and lowers your appetite to be in line with your low-calorie diet. Consider trying out these vegetable soup recipes and get slurping.

#2: Dark Chocolate

Image Credits: USA Today

First of all, it’s chocolate! What can get better than that? Now you have the excuse to eat a lot more dark chocolate since having a piece that’s made of at least 70% cocoa helps you feel full. It contains properties that slow digestion, and you can thank the chocolate’s smooth bitter taste for decreasing your appetite.

#3: Tofu

Image Credits: Great British Chefs

Tofu is a delicious vegetable protein that’s both soft and plant-based. It’s high in an isoflavone named genistein, which curbs your appetite and the amount you eat. The next time you’re planning your meals, consider adding some tofu to the menu. It’s delicious, healthy and suitable for vegetarians.

#4: Wasabi

Image Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Wasabi is not only a great addition to plates of sushi but also works well to suppress your appetite naturally. If you haven’t noticed already, spiciness is a crucial factor in increasing satiety! A bonus of wasabi is that it’s also anti-inflammatory.

#5: Green Tea

Image Credits: Thailand Medical News

Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks out there and it’s not just a great natural appetite suppressant. It can also help slow your blood sugar levels and prevent extra fat storage. All of that contributes to a lesser feeling of hunger and better metabolism, so start sipping.

#6: Oatmeal

Image Credits: Everyday Health

Remember how mums always force us to have a cup of oatmeal in the morning before heading to school? That’s because the carbs in oatmeal are slow-digesting and likely to last you till recess time. Wave goodbye to the hunger hormone ghrelin if you take oatmeals.

#7: Salmon

Image Credits: fromnorway.com

It seems like the benefits of salmon are never-ending. Thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids, the hormone leptin amount, which curbs hunger, rises. Tuna and herring are great alternatives for those who don’t fancy salmon.

#8: Cinnamon

Image Credits: Wikipedia

Do you recall we mentioned ginger as a natural food option in our first article? It works similarly to the ground spice. It lowers your blood sugar levels which in turn helps to control your appetite. Here’s how you can add cinnamon spice to your meals.

#9: Skim Milk

Image Credits: The Daily Meal

Especially for ladies who crave unhealthy junk foods and processed carbs during that time of the month, skim milk is here to your rescue. But for anyone, skim milk can serve as a natural appetite suppressant. Let’s not forget to mention its range of benefits.

#10: Flax Seeds

Image Credits: Gene Food

Flax seeds provide you with a combination of soluble fibre and essential fatty acids. It’s easy to add it to your cup of yoghurt, a glass of smoothie, or a bowl of salad. Just remember to grind them first for better digestion. Or you can also choose to consume it in powder form.

Now you know the natural foods to take to suppress your ever-growing appetite, start introducing them into your diets from today. Oh yes, remember to get sufficient shut-eye at night too!

Present-day ways to reach out to HR managers

Let’s be honest. When you’re sending out your resume to recruiters, the odds are that your personal information itself looks similar to the countless ones that they’ve already read. They don’t care how badly you want the job or how paper-qualified you are.

Instead of merely trying to convince an HR manager why you’re perfect for the company, go above and beyond to grab their attention! You’re sure to make your job search more fulfilling and stand a higher chance to receive an invitation for an interview – both of which work in your favour.

Here are some of the best ideas you can use this year to reach out to a recruiter responsible for processing your application.

#1: Offer a useful solution

If you’re considering a specific role that you are knowledgeable about (which you should be!), you can try to add a few well-thought-through solutions to current industry problems in your application.

In this way, you show that you have done your due diligence. It’s also an opportunity to display your experience and passion for solving problems for the company and the value you can add to the team should you be presented with a job contract.

“When you help someone solve a problem, they’ll remember you positively for your effort and be more willing to help you out in the future,” says Jon Hill, CEO and chairman of an executive search firm.

#2: Gift your recruiter something appropriate

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You must be careful with this one! While sending flowers is rather strange, you can look at giving a practical gift or resource alongside your application.

For example, one can demonstrate their market research skills by sourcing a gift that resonates with the hiring manager. Just do a search on LinkedIn, and you will be able to start “stalking” on their posts, identify their likes and dislikes, and supplies you think they will find beneficial.

A little present that shows off both your skills and your gratitude at being considered can help make them remember you – which is precisely the reason why you’re reading this now.

Jeff Neal, an operations manager, shared that a candidate actually mailed his resume alongside a packet of fly-fishing lures after learning that Neal liked fly fishing. “I was very impressed and invited him in for an interview,” he commented.

#3: Create a portfolio webpage

Most people apply for jobs that they need rather than want. If you desperately want a position, you’ve got to make sure you have enough output to “brag” about.

Job seekers can consider building a portfolio webpage to store their achievements over the years. Make sure the information is up to date before you send a recruiter a link to your portfolio.

A webpage or website is better than attaching a portfolio in the email since your recruiter can easily forward the link via Slack or WhatsApp to anyone in the management team for immediate considerations.

Or one could also consider other content platforms they are comfortable using.

“We’ve received YouTube channel videos from online creators who work daily on their cars and have vast amounts of knowledge. We also receive resumes from bloggers who run their own car blogs, which shows they already understand the work we are doing here,” shared Michael Lowe, CEO of Car Passionate.

#4: Put yourself on camera

Image Credits: TechSmith

Most of us don’t like being on camera. Still, having a video to accompany your application often helps recruiters see you with more interest and match a face to your name.

It also aids them to understand just how much you want the job, too, because emotions transfer better through facial expressions and body language.

“A candidate used this tactic to approach me last year. While they didn’t end up having the right technical skill set, the video caught my attention immediately and prompted me to set up a phone interview less than 48 hours later,” shared Biron Clark, founder of Career Sidekick.

Need we say more?

#5: Type an attractive subject line

This is one you may have heard before, and with a good reason! That’s because when you use an attractive subject line, it immediately tells recruiters what they need to know, their interest will be piqued, and it serves as a “clickbait”.

Take a look at these examples:

Email subject line A – “Applying for accounting position”
Email subject line B – “CPA with 10 years’ experience in technology would love to do your taxes”

Is sample A or B more attention-grabbing? If you’ve chosen the latter, then you ought to know that a witty or well-conceived subject line is vital for an HR manager to click in right away.

Final thoughts

Image Credits: deakinco.com

Reaching out to recruiters will always feel a little stressy and nerve-racking.

But by relying on one or more of the ways shared above, you will increase your chances of getting your valuable resume read amongst the sea of job applications. And since that’s what it’s all about, aren’t these methods worth a try this year?

Natural foods that can help curb appetite (part I)

In times of stress and pure cravings, it can be so easy to overeat. Even though some food is excellent for our taste buds, it unnecessarily adds to our waistlines. However, it’s hard to control the urge to eat when it feels like we’re hungry all the time!

With the number of tempting snacks lying around at home and brands continually coming up with new ones like the recent Bubble Tea Blossom Pizza, resisting the craving can feel nearly impossible. But, have no fear because there is a solution.

Keep reading if you want to find out the natural foods that can help curb appetite.

#1: Almonds

Image Credits: WebMD

Almonds are the prime health nut. Not only do they taste great, but they also help you to feel fuller from a mere handful.

Plus, they also come packed with nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and other minerals. Research in 2015 has shown that you can last a while without feeling hungry just by eating almonds as a mid-morning snack.

Want a discount? Buy 500g worth of almonds and get 10% off, or buy 1kg and enjoy a 20% offer! Get your fill from nutsandsnacks.com.sg.

#2: Coffee

Image Credits: AsiaOne

Coffee is not only a drink that can keep you alert and awake but also boost your metabolism, which helps you digest faster.

The beans have natural caffeine and antioxidants that do wonders for your body. Just don’t go too overboard drinking too much alongside cream and artificial sweeteners.

#3: Ginger

Image Credits: Women’s Health

Ginger is a root that has been used in practice since ancient times and for a perfect reason.

Not only is it a versatile root that can be used in plenty of Asian dishes, but it also has impressive digestive and energising powers. By helping you process food faster, you will naturally feel less hungry when awake.

Please don’t take our word for it. Here’s what recent research says about ginger’s weight-loss benefits.

#4: Avocado

Image Credits: HungryGoWhere

Avocados are some of the healthiest and tastiest fruits that you can get. They’re packed full of great fibre and monounsaturated fat that is incredibly healthy for your heart.

As a bonus, they naturally help to suppress your appetite. The next time you’re at the supermarket, consider picking these green fruits up. Do eat in moderation, though!

#5: Cayenne Pepper

Image Credits: The List

If you want to add some spice to your life and your food, don’t hesitate to introduce cayenne pepper to it. An amount as small as half a teaspoon can supercharge your metabolism and burn extra calories without needing to exercise.

Stacking up those lost calories over time, you will soon be losing pounds before realising it. Load up on this pepper if you can take spicy foods.

Get your Cayenne Pepper Ground (50g) (S$3.80) from LA MEXICANA.

#6: Apples

Image Credits: BBC

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. That phrase rings true, as apples have lots of delicious nutrients and health benefits.

Some of them include fibre and pectin, which help you feel fuller. Apples can also slow down how much food you can eat due to the time needed for chewing. This prevents you from overloading on food before your stomach can tell you you’re no longer hungry.

#7: Eggs

Image Credits: tarasmulticulturaltable.com

Eggs are one of the most versatile foods out there. They make fantastic omelettes and help you feel fuller for longer after eating one or two a day. This is especially true for breakfast!

Thanks to its high protein content, your metabolism rate moves along quickly, thus keeping energy levels high and leaving you satisfied without having to reach for that mid-day bite.

Want to support local farms and get fresh eggs at the same time? Check out these 10 Singapore farms to get your produce from.

#8: Water

Image Credits: Healthline

Yes, you read that right. Drinks as simple as a glass of water or two can help to manage your appetite.

It was revealed in the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) that people who drank at least two glasses of water before eating ate 75 to 90 fewer calories than those who didn’t drink. Bottoms up, peeps.

#9: Sweet Potatoes

Image Credits: Delish.com

Sweet potatoes are given their name not only for their delicious sweetness but also because they’re exceptional for our bodies too.

They contain a particular type of starch that can resist the digestive enzymes in our stomach. This means that they will stay in our bellies for more extended periods to keep us full. Our body will take its sweet time absorbing all the added vitamins as well.

From Japanese Sweet Potatoes (S$1.85) to Organic Purple Sweet Potatoes (S$5.30) and more, get yours from RedMart.

#10: Umeboshi Plums

Image Credits: naturallysavvy.com

This lesser-known fruit is a type of pickled plum that gives you an extra tinge of sour goodness. They’re fantastic for curbing your sugar cravings, so stock up on these plums if you want to reduce your sugar yearnings.

We found an option from FairPrice. Mitoku Organic Umeboshi Salt Pickled Plums is currently selling at S$18.91 (usual price: S$19.90). The offer ends on 1 March 2021.

We’ve yet to conclude this topic, but it’s getting a little lengthy, so we will pause right here. Look out for the second part of the article on more natural foods to help curb appetite!

5 red flags it’s time to quit your job

While some of us have a career that makes us feel energised every single day, most of us are in a job that we fantasise about quitting. Whether it’s the early mornings, the stress level, or the over-commitment of time, there are often a few common reasons.

If you’re feeling at a loss on what to do, this article will share some red flags you need to ponder over. Maybe it’s about time you quit your job and say “yes” to a better work opportunity somewhere else?

#1: Spending all weekend dreading Monday

Most of us suffer Monday blues, but if you are dreading Monday morning so much that it leeches all of the fun out of your weekend, quitting should take a front position on your mind. A career that drains and has to have you give up a well-deserved weekend isn’t worth keeping.

#2: Having deep hatred for your job

Image Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Do you hate everything about your job – your boss, your employees and, even your work tasks? It’s time to quit. Plain and simple. Yes, we understand that most of us are working to bring food to the table. But consider your mental health if you want to keep your feet on the race track.

#3: Getting passed over for deserved promotions

Have you been putting in extra time and effort to better yourself on the job but keep getting passed over again and again for a promotion? This is a real reason for concern.

Sure, it makes sense if the person who won the position is more qualified. However, if someone underqualified or entirely undeserving gets that promotion, maybe it’s time to pack up and go somewhere else where your skills are better valued.

#4: Feeling unappreciated and stagnant

Image Credits: Human Resource

Working with a management team who doesn’t appreciate your presence or contributions is dangerous for your overall sense of self-confidence. Simply put, you deserve to work at a place that takes you seriously.

Also, peeps who think they have stayed too long and become stagnant in their learning curve should rethink their position. A job is not all about money. It’s also about growth opportunities. It’s your chance to be a better administrator, consultant, or marketer (for example) than you were when you first started.

#5: Continually running on the work treadmill

From dawn to midnight and from Monday to Friday, work may constantly be plaguing you. Maybe it’s the worry or stress over deadlines, or perhaps it could just be the general fear of it overhanging you.

But if it’s always on your mind, even on rest days, it’s probably time for a change. Folks who find themselves venting about it endlessly to their loved ones should also take this as a warning sign.

After all, work is just work and shouldn’t invade your personal life to such an unhealthy extent.

Final thoughts

Image Credits: Monster Jobs

Deciding to quit your job is often very challenging, indeed. It can be even scarier for those who’ve been with the company for long enough to feel too “okay” to move.

However, if you think about it, having a job that fulfils you and makes you feel treasured has a more prominent part to play in retaining you for the road ahead. Well, sleep on it and make the decision when you’re ready.

An excellent way to get started is to begin browsing for job openings and sending resumes. When a suitable role presents itself, and you’re offered a contract, then you know it’s the right time to send in that long-awaited resignation email.

FairPrice: Save up to 50% with discounted items from now till 24 February 2021

Did FairPrice mention 50%? Hooray! This week, we’re looking at several 1-for-1 deals from FairPrice so keep your eyes peeled on this page for the deets.

Today (18 February) is also the 7th day of the Lunar New Year and if you’ve yet to have your round of ‘lo hei’, it’s best to do it soon before the festive season ends.

And speaking of which, you can consider adding some abalone slices to your yu sheng platter if you’d like because there are several ongoing abalone promotions to take advantage of!

Let’s get rolling without further ado.

#1: New Moon New Zealand Abalone 425g

Price: S$29.80

Usual Price: S$45.80

Savings: S$16

Chalk up S$16 savings when you buy the New Moon New Zealand Abalone anytime from now till 24 February. This product is also Halal-certified. Remember we mentioned in the introduction that there are a couple of discounts on abalones this week? You can also consider getting the Golden Chef Australian Premium Wild Abalone 425g at S$35.80 (usual price: S$55.80).

Buy one get one free promotional items!

#2: Seara Frozen Chicken Breast (Boneless & Skinless)

*Picture for illustration purposes only. Please check in-store for more details.

Price: S$7.15

Usual Price: S$7.15

Savings: S$7.15

We will be looking at all the buy one get one free promotional items this week from this listing onwards. We will begin with the Seara’s 1kg pack of frozen chicken breast. It’s boneless so parents can get them for their little ones without worrying about the kids swallowing bones. Being skinless also means there’s less fat in every serving!

#3: Emborg Chicken Franks

Price: S$1.70

Usual Price: S$1.70

Savings: S$1.70

If you’ve missed out on Emborg’s 1-for-1 chicken franks the last time, don’t miss it this week. At buy one get one free, a pack of chicken franks is yours to bag home at only S$0.85. This particular item is a product of Denmark. Limited to six units per purchase only so don’t get overboard with your shopping spree.

#4: Antonella Whole Peeled Tomato

Price: S$2.30

Usual Price: S$2.30

Savings: S$2.30

Antonella is back with its 1-for-1 whole peeled tomato can. Did you try the recipes we introduced the other time? If you haven’t, why not whip up some Lentil Bolognese, Sunday Stash Marinara Sauce, or Chicken and Tomato Stew with Caramelized Lemon in the coming days? Here are 55 great recipes that use whole canned tomatoes you can refer to.

#5: Herbion Lozenges Assorted (18s + 4s)

*Picture for illustration purposes only. Please check in-store for more details.

Price: S$3.50

Usual Price: S$3.50

Savings: S$3.50

After all the socialising on-site and off-site over the first few days of Chinese New Year, are you down with a sore throat or mild cough? Best to see a doctor and get it treated fast. Don’t forget to also bag home this 1-for-1 lozenges from Herbion by 24 February. This product uses an all-natural herbal formula, and it’s sugar-free, thus making it an ideal product for weight-watchers.

#6: King of Kiwi 100% Kiwi Blend 220ml

*Picture for illustration purposes only. Please check in-store for more details.

Price: S$4.25

Usual Price: S$4.25

Savings: S$4.25

This bottle by King of Kiwi comes without the artifical sugar so you won’t crash after drinking it midday, or at any time. It’s 100% natural, packed with fibre, and comes with a dash of Manuka Honey. For the best flavour, serve it with ice or have it chilled. Why not skip your cup of coffee and have this healthier drink instead?

#7: Whisper Ultra Slim Skin Love Pads – Light/Norm Day (24cm)

Price: 2 for S$11.75

Usual Price: S$11.75

Savings: S$11.75

Ladies who swear by the Whisper Ultra Slim Skin Love Pads series should purchase it this week! You get a buy one get one free promotion price on this value pack, so this means you’re bagging home extra value and savings. Choose either the 24cm length or the 28cm option. It’s also a great choice to mix things up to ensure you have a range of pads to deal with your monthly flow.

#8: Hai Chi Jia Hot & Sour Instant Noodles

Price: 2 for S$3.25

Usual Price: S$3.25

Savings: S$3.25

We’re not yet done with our 1-for-1 discounted items just yet. Hai Chi Jia is extending its promotion on its ‘suan la fen’ till 24 February. Instead of the usual price of S$3.25 each, get 2 cups for the price of 1! Eatbook has given their verdict on several ‘suan la fen’ brands. Want to see where Hai Chi Jia stands? Check out “4 Best Suan La Fen Brands Ranked”.

#9: CP Frozen Chicken Dippers

Price: 2 for S$10.95

Usual Price: S$10.95

Savings: S$10.95

To round us up on our buy one get one promotion, we have the CP Frozen Chicken Dippers. This 1kg bag is yours to take home at only S$5.48 when you buy 2! There’s simply no reason for you not to purchase. But if you need more time to think over, be glad to know that this offer extends till 3 March.

Do note that not all items mentioned above are available online. Make a trip down to the stores by 24 February to enjoy the latest offers!

Must-buy items from now till 24 February 2021

FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 24 February 2021

Last chance to celebrate with these offers by 24 February 2021