Natural foods that can help curb appetite (part II)

dark chocolates

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
Homemade-Vegetable-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
stacks of chocolate bars

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
silken 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
maki-rolls-with-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
a cup of green tea and tea leaves

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
oatmeal with fruits

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
salmon platter with wasabi

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
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
pouring milk into a glass cup

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
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!

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Present-day ways to reach out to HR managers

a woman listening to a man and taking notes

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
gift box with a pink ribbon

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
a woman speaking in front of a 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
a video interview

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?

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Natural foods that can help curb appetite (part I)

avocado toast

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
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
Singapore 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
Ginger and slices

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
avocado milkshake

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
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
red 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
Gyeran-Mari-Korean-Rolled-Omelette

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
a-glass-of-drinking-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
baked-sweet-potatoes-with-butter

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
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!

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What To Do When You Feel That You’re Not Good Enough

Your heart is racing. You wanted to say something during an important meeting at work. As you open your mouth, an inner critic stumbles you with doubts. “What if you are wrong?”, says the voice inside you. You saved yourself from embarrassment by keeping your mouth shut. You felt that you were not good enough.

Moreover, you want to ask your longtime partner to take the next step. Something inside you keeps you from taking action. You doubt that she will agree. When doubts brew, you tend to fear the outcome and undermine your abilities. Self-doubt will stop you from reaching your goals. Identifying these false beliefs is the first step to eliminating them.

Believing in yourself is essential in reaching your dreams. On that note, here are some things that you can do when you feel that you are not good enough.

#1: QUIT COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS

My uncle usually stresses how comparison is the thief of all joy. We get so caught up in comparing our lives with everyone else’s highlight moments. This is the reason why we struggle with insecurities. It is important to know that the people you compare yourself to compare themselves to other people too. These people may seem to have it all but, they do not!

They are beautifully imperfect human beings going through the same challenges as you. Instead of comparing yourself to others, you must try to connect with others. Connecting with others can be as simple as greeting your neighbors. Be kind without being submissive. You do not have to agree with others all the time. Everyone has a right to their own perspective and opinion.

#2: KNOW THAT YOUR MIND CAN BE VERY CONVINCING

Do not believe everything you think. There are times when your brain may trick you into thinking that you are less capable of what you can accomplish. Notice your thoughts. It is unhealthy to give so much power to the negative ones. Instead, you must train your inner critic to shift into a coach that challenges you to be better.

Encourage yourself to transform the negative thoughts into positive thoughts. If you do not deem yourself to be worthy, you will deprive yourself of many opportunities.

#3: BELIEVE THAT THERE IS MORE RIGHT WITH YOU THAN WRONG

Jon Kabat-Zinn once said: “Until you stop breathing, there’s more right with you than wrong with you.” You are a testament of how beautiful life can be. There are lots of things in your life that most people pray for.

Identify the internal and external qualities that you like about yourself. This will help you put things into perspective. For starters, you are alive and are able to create new paths whenever you choose to.

#4: NOTICE THE POWER OF YOUR SCARS

Your past experiences shape who you are today. Moreover, your scar is a symbol of your strength. It is a reminder of whatever hurt you has now healed. Be proud of the scars that life has left you with. You conquered the pain and grew stronger on the other side.

Accept what you have gone through and appreciate the lessons you have learned along the way. If you have an opportunity to talk about your scars or to share your wisdom to others, do so.

#5: EMBRACE FAILURES AND MISTAKES

Failures are necessary in life. The mistakes during your first year at work help you become more successful during your second year. Failure helps us to be more compassionate, empathic, and kind to others. Without failure, we would not grow. It is through our failures that we learn the greatest lessons that life has to offer. These struggles help us to appreciate our successes.

“Just because you fail once, doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, then who will, sweetie?” -Marilyn Monroe

#6: MAKE PEACE WITH THE NOW AND ACCEPT YOUR PAST

If you do not accept your past and make peace with the present, you will not be able to enjoy your future. As you make changes in your life and reach for the next step in the professional or personal ladder, you must acknowledge the importance of being appreciative with where you are now.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Life is a journey. It is up to you to walk towards something you feel rewarding and satisfying. Know that you are good enough!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Priceless Things That Money Cannot Buy

The world may revolve around money but, it cannot buy everything. There are some things in one’s life that are more important than money itself. The most valuable things found on this capitalist world do not come with a price tag. Many people lose sight of that!

#1: TIME

We race against time. No matter how rich you are, you cannot get back lost time. It is given free for everyone and we only have 24 hours to maximize one day. Each passing second can never be replayed again. Despite all the medical advances and scientific efforts, there is no surefire way to extend one’s life significantly. Our time will pass. Hence, we must be grateful for everything that we are experiencing.

#2: PURPOSE

Your life’s purpose in life is beyond the pages written by Psychologists, Philosophers, and Scholars. You may perceive that “having all the money in the world” is the ultimate goal in life. However, money is just a tool to help you achieve your purpose. You can never get all the money in the world. If that drives you, your life may be meaningless once you get rich. Greediness can brew as you strive to make more money.

#3: LOVE

You can buy sex and intimacy. Some people have hired workers for the “boyfriend or girlfriend” experience. No matter how much you pay for intimacy, you can never buy true love. In many cases, money makes finding genuine love more difficult. It may bring suitors that are only after the depth of your pockets. The same goes for finding true friends. Having a hefty amount of money can bring out the worst in people.

#4: HEALTH

Health is one of the crucial things in life that money cannot buy. We all know that by now.

As Dalai Lama once said: ”What surprises me most is “man” sacrifices his/her health to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.” Maintaining good health throughout your life is ideal. You should not become powerful at the expense of your health. Paying medical bills and expenses are things money can buy, but it can never bring back your vibrant health.

#5: MANNERS

Manners are deeply ingrained in one’s character. Manners and class cannot be bought by money alone. You may seek the aide of professionals to help you shape your behaviors, but your attitude will remain the same if you are not willing to put the effort in.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Being on top of the world may make you feel that you do not gave to answer to anyone. Notice how some people act after winning the lottery. It is a great feeling to be respected by someone, and money cannot buy it.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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