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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Quit Sending These Job Interview Red Flags

The new year beams with career possibilities and job opportunities. As more and more stores have opened, many eager candidates have been given the chance to shine. These candidates bring their best behavior during job interviews. They give answers that the employer wants to hear and attempt to convince him that he or she is the right person for the job.

Knowing which interview red flags to watch out for can help you speed up the process of screening and hiring. You do not want to feel the costs of hiring badly, nor do you want to send the wrong message to an interviewer. Consider these tips.

#1: ARRIVING LATE FOR THE INTERVIEW

Tardiness demonstrates a lack of respect for people and their time. It is the hallmark of unsuccessful people. When a candidate arrives late, he or she gets flustered and apologetic. This type of person can keep meetings from starting, conduct customer visits following their schedules, and constantly say that they will be late for work.

With so many qualified candidates, why would an interviewer hire someone who is late? An employer must not hire someone who is late for the most important meeting of his or her career.

#2: LACK OF COMPANY KNOWLEDGE

Red flags are shinning when you show little to no knowledge about the company’s products or services, customers, and target audience. It is essential for a candidate to research on the company’s background as they prepare for the interview. Start by reading through the pages of the company’s website.

A candidate who has no knowledge about the company shows lack of preparation and interest about the prospective role. You may come across as someone who fits poorly within the company’s values and goals.

#3: LACK OF OWNERSHIP

Another red flag is a candidate who does not admit to any responsibility for his or her past mistakes. It is unpleasant if you blame your co-workers, bosses, and previous company for failed projects and more.

As an interviewer, you must listen carefully to the reasons why someone left his previous job. The right candidate will admit to errors, make thoughtful mistakes, and do their best to repair their problems.

#4: BRAGGING ABOUT OTHER OFFERS

If you want to convey that you are desirable, bragging about your other offers is not a good idea. Arrogance is not an attractive quality. However, mentioning about other offers may not always be a red flag. At the later stages of your job application, it is alright to be transparent when it comes to your other offers. You can say something like this:

Image Credits: pixabay.com

“I am very interested in the position you have offered me. Please let me know the timing and details for the next step, because I am also evaluating another offer.”

Sources: 1 & 2

 

 

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5 red flags it’s time to quit your job

quitting a 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
a woman getting scolded by a coworker

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
unhappy female employee

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
resignation-letter-sample

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.

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