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Low-calorie Cocktail Recipe: Pina Colada Light (Skinny Pina Colada)

Today’s recipe is a healthy twist to the popular tropical Pina Colada, Puerto Rico’s national drink since 1978. In making this cocktail, fresh fruits will be substituted for store bought canned/packed juices. 
Don’t we all love cocktails? Who doesn’t? Cocktails are refreshing delights to unwind after a busy day, or probably add flavour to a happy celebration. However, how much of these cocktails can be enjoyed when on a low-calorie diet? Let’s find out.
Regular cocktail mixers like soda, juice, syrup are all sugar-laden and packed with loads and loads of calories.  But if you’re looking for a healthy cocktail that won’t increase your waistline, we’ve got you covered! There are numerous cool ways to enjoy a cocktail without calorie-guilt or fear of weight-gain. 
 
Pina Colada Cocktail Ingredients:
2 cups fresh ripe pineapple, cubed
1 cup chopped coconut
1 can Three Crowns Evaporated milk (low fat milk option is best for coconut cream substitute)
3/4 cup Dark Rum (dark rum has lower calories than white rum)
2 cups ice cubes (optional)
Fresh pineapple slices (for garnishing)
Red cherry (optional for garnish)
Method:
Pour all ingredients in your blender and crush till smooth. Pour content in a glass and serve with extra ice (if needed).
That’s it – your chilled skinny coconutty Pina colada without extra calories and fats!

CategoriesHealth by

Healthy Smoothie Recipe: Groovy Green Banana Grape Smoothie

Who says healthy eating can’t be enjoyable? 
Try a super tasty nutritious smoothie, then you’ll agree that healthy food can be a real juicy treat. Smoothies are easy to make and a perfect way to enjoy fruits and veggies. Morning, noon or night, throw together any combination of fruits and vegetables and you’re assured of a great healthy drink/meal in minutes. 
Before we get started on today’s recipe let’s see some more ways of making smoothies taste better:

Frozen fruits make thicker consistency so chop your fruits ahead for easier blending and freeze.
Start by pouring in liquids first.
When blending, start with the lowest blender speed and gradually increase the blender speed till the mixture is smooth.
If using ice, they should go in last. 

Smoothies are ever rich in vital nutrients because of their fruit combos. They’re perfect breakfast choices and also very suitable as snacks, or post/pre-gym treats. Today’s Groovy Green Banana Grape Smoothie is no exception. An awesome yummy fruity combination of banana, red grapes, apples and a dash of spinach makes it a truly loaded wholesome food.
Heart-healthy apples are incredibly great for flavouring recipes and may help in preventing lung, breast, colon and liver cancers. Apples also help with weight-loss and are known to significantly lower cholesterol.  
Famous for the powerful antioxidants contained in them which makes them cancer-inhibiting, red grapes also have antibacterial properties. They also benefit your cardiovascular, immune and respiratory systems greatly. 
Bananas are excellent in masking the flavours of leafy greens in smoothies. They also make good creamy smoothie base. They’re fantastic energy givers, and their richness in potassium makes them great advocate for your heart and kidney. 
And the spinach? Trust me; you definitely won’t taste them in this smoothie. Spinach leaves undeniably lock in the healthfulness in this smoothie. With spinach, you’re sure of raw vegetable nutritional benefits. 
Ingredients for the smoothie:

1 Medium-sized Banana, chopped
1 Cup red grapes
2 Apples, cored and chopped.
A handful fresh green spinach leaves, washed and chopped
6 Almond nuts (optional)
180ml Greek Yogurt (optional)
Ice cubes (optional) 

Method:
Put all ingredients in blender. Remember, the yoghurt goes in first and the ice cubes last. Blend till puree is well crushed and smooth.
Serve ice cold.

CategoriesLifestyle by

Who Pays for What? Marriage and Finances

After all that planning and the big wedding you probably want the honeymoon phase to last forever. Tough luck. The longer you stay in a relationship (talk less of marriage) the more you are going to be confronted with real life issues; money being the root of all evil must show up. Before you decide who pays for what, here are some valuable gems I have gathered over the years. Like I said I am ready for marriage.
We all have different backgrounds. What we witnessed with our parents goes a long way in our psyche. I, for instance watched my dad pick up all the bills so it may be a bit strange for me if my husband demands that I pay for certain things. However, I fully understand that the times are different. Some people have watched their mothers man the finances in the home so they expect naturally to be in charge and have a higher tendency to hide incomes and assets. You have to discuss these past experiences and habits so you understand each other better.
Should You Pay School fees?
No, my sister you should not. There is something I heard from my pastor’s wife that has stuck with me till date. She said women weren’t wired to bear the full brunt of responsibilities especially financial ones. If a woman pays her children’s school fees for one term the whole street would hear.  If it was such a regular normal occurrence why do the women who do this feel the need to brag about it? Yes, there are times a woman may need to chip in but paying school fees should not be a regular delegation.
I can hear some men asking “Why?” To get a woman to submit totally to you there are just some responsibilities you should handle as a man.
Who should pay for gadgets?
I am going to include DSTV bills as gadgets. Seeing as our government did not come to our aid in this day light robbery, if he is a football fan, let him pay for DSTV, if not you would be very happy with a N1,800 subscription from their cheaper alternative. Gadgets for the house most times are a man’s prerogative.
Now does that include kitchen ware and accessories? If you can push your luck try.
Children’s bills: Baby food etc.
They are your children too. There is nothing wrong with feeding the children and the home but I advise that you do not use all your money on feeding alone. Try to buy some tangible items for the home. Everyone likes to eat good food but they dismiss the amount of money and time that goes into it. This reminds me of a story my friend’s mother shared. She stayed with her boyfriend during her NYSC, he bought all the electronics and she bought the food stuff. When they were splitting up, he took his electronics but where was she going to take the food stuff from?
Women need financial wisdom more than anything. In all your spending and taking care of your home, you must have emergency savings and money set aside for a major investment.
Imagine the joy you would give your husband if you’re able to finance his brilliant idea ( that’s why you have to minimize the things you spend on). Imagine the pride you would feel.
Rent
If you want to live well, in a good area please contribute to the rent. If your earnings cannot allow you even contribute 40% of the rent you shouldn’t pressurize your husband.
In all things use wisdom according to your home.
Stay Blessed.
 
 
 

CategoriesLifestyle by

Love or Money

He who marries for love without money has good nights and sorry days.” – Ani Difranco
My answer to this question has changed over the years. The Amanda of now says marry for love.
Ani Difranco  also said: “The difference between lost love and lost money is that in lost money there is a possibility of getting back!”
Let me tell you why.
I have seen it all. *clears throat* I have been in a relationship with a person who was very wealthy and I have also been with someone who was struggling. I was with the struggling person first. When that ended, I felt: everyone would give you some sort of hassle so why not be in luxury while you are stressed.
So I entered into a relationship, not for money but it was hard to miss the money. It was then I discovered so many needs that I had that went way beyond money. I can’t tell you money doesn’t help, there is actually no such thing as too much money especially now with online banking and online shopping.
You need to understand what really brings you joy, happiness and peace as a person – that would help you make the best decision for YOU. Your happiness could come from being on the cover of Thisday Style or snuggling up with HIM watching movies on a Sunday afternoon.
Let me share what I have learnt:
Advantages of dating/marrying Money

You will have a stable future
You will have luxurious gifts
You can chase your dreams
You won’t have routine money concerns
You can become famous
Your friends will envy you
You wouldn’t have to work or face traffic daily

Advantages of dating/marrying Love

You will have a lot of romantic stories to tell
You may have more respect
You will learn the joys of hard work
You will have a friend for life
There is more trust
You don’t have to live under false pretenses
You can still make money

Love or Money? What do you choose?

CategoriesLifestyle by

How to Organize a High School or University Reunion

High school was okay for me, I cannot say I had the best time of my life but it was definitely the peak of my formative years. I can say it was then that I became the person I am today, character-wise and all. University days hmmm…I am trying to reinvent myself so I run from some of my friends from uni. Just kidding. Maybe just a little. Reunion is not something that is uncommon; naturally you would want to meet some of your old buddies and besties once in a while.
If you live in the same town you went to school, the cheapest way to have a reunion is to wait till one of your former classmates is getting married. I understand that you may genuinely miss some of them, want to go down memory lane, may want to show off your spouse or your new levels. I am here for you. I have pointers on how to organize the perfect reunion.
First, decide if you are organizing a formal or informal event. If formal you may have to contact the school to reach out to the alumni. If informal you can even use Facebook.
Start planning early.
To ensure that you leave yourself enough time to plan a great reunion, you can start planning as early as 12 months prior to your reunion date. Especially if you want a grand affair. Also to allow as many people as possible attend. Some classmates might live in other states or even other countries. Some classmates might have changed their names. The earlier you begin assembling your committee, the more time you will have to reach out to the appropriate people.

Seek the help of other classmates. 
Form your own committee of people who will volunteer their time. You may want to appoint a different person for every event you plan to hold.
Meet with the committee to plan the reunion. 
The following are main issues to discuss:

Decide how you will raise money for the reunion events. You can ask for donations, a fee for all events or you can hold fundraisers.
Pick a date or dates. Check this with others to ensure your dates don’t clash with any events.
Pick a venue or venues

Send a Save the Date by mail and email. 
Do this 3 to 4 months prior to the actual event, so that you give people plenty of time to schedule. Ask the Alumni Association if they can help setting up a reunion page or school sponsored Save the Date emails
Consider creating an event page on Facebook. 
Social media is a popular way for college friends to stay in touch. You can create a Facebook group or fan page.
Create a reunion event program. 
Set dates, times, food, drinks and activities. Assign a reunion committee member to each event to carry out all the program details.
Send invitations and registration instructions 2 months in advance. 
Send out a program of events with the invitation so that alumni can choose what and when to attend. Set a date for class members to RSVP by email, phone or through online registration.
Ask for payment at this time. Services, such as catering, entertainment and venues may require deposits. Ask for payment in advance; that’s if it is a pay-to-attend event.
Confirm all details again 1 week prior to the event. 
Buy decorations and refreshments in the days leading up to the events. Ask for alumni who attend to help with set up.
Post event pictures on social media.
This would help so when next you are throwing a party people would know they have to be there.

CategoriesHealth by

Healthy Smoothie Recipe: Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

Breakfast on the go – that’s what smoothies are! A glass of smoothie is agreeably a healthy, quick and easy approach to start your day right. Nothing beats a smoothie that’s not just power-packed with healthful nutrients but also tastes great.
Looking for long lasting energy to carry you throughout your morning activities without craving for a mid-morning snack? Then this Peanut butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie is a must try for you! 
Esteemed for their rich fibre content which makes them outstanding for lowering cholesterol levels and risks to high blood pressure and cancer, oats make superb add-ons in breakfast smoothies. Peanut butter is an excellent source of Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin E, Protein and a host of many other vital nutrients. And Bananas? Known to promote the wellbeing of your heart, the healthy carbs also contained in bananas make them keep you feeling full for longer, thus a good component of a healthy breakfast.
An addition of yogurt or (and) low-fat milk just about locks in more protein content and of course, that creamy taste of a milkshake. Sounding real delicious, right?
Need I say more? Without doubt, a combo of these ingredients gives this smoothie its perfect mix of fibre, protein and eminent nourishment. The very essentials needed to start your day!
Here’s what you’ll need for the smoothie:
1 cup Quick Oats
1 scoop of Peanut butter
2 ripe Bananas, chunked
1 cup Three Crowns Milk (Best low-fat option)
1 cup Low-fat Greek yogurt, Vanilla 
A dash of cinnamon (optional)
Ice cubes – as preferred
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender and puree until creamy and frothy. 
Voila! Your healthy filling breakfast—peanut butter, banana, oats and low-fat milk—right before you. What more do you need? Serve it chilled.
 

CategoriesHealth by

Healthy Breakfast Recipe: Microwave-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Brimming with vitamins and minerals, sweet potatoes are very versatile and considered to be one of the oldest consumable vegetables in the world. They are affordable and readily available. Although sweet potatoes are real sweet – just as their name imply – their health benefits positively outweighs the sugar in them! A meal of sweet potatoes will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings without increasing your waistline or derail your healthy diet efforts.
Do you know that you get 4grams of dietary fibre which is about 16% of your recommended daily value in a medium-sized sweet potato? This portion of sweet potato will also give you at least 400% of your daily value of vitamin A, 37% of your needed vitamin C for the day, about 500mg potassium, and a good dose of protein, vitamin B, calcium,  iron and phosphorus too! Incredibly, all these come with just about 105 calories and zero fat! Nice one, right?  
Sweet potatoes are filling and good sources of healthy carbs (resistant starch). They absorb slowly into your system, thus preventing a spike in your sugar level. They’re also great for weight-loss because they keep you full for a longer period.
Abounding in antioxidant Beta-carotene which significantly reduces your cancer risk, the high-fibre content in sweet potatoes is a dynamic plus that makes them good for preventing constipation and regulating your digestive system. 
Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin C which plays a major role in the formation of your blood cells.  Vitamin C is also known to help in battling stress and is likewise essential in the production of collagen to keep your skin elastic and glowing.
A meal of sweet potatoes is certain to give you a good immunity boost, improve your vision, surprisingly promote fertility, and boost lactation during pregnancy.
These are just some of the many nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes can be enjoyed in many ways and there’s definitely a yummy creamy caramelized texture to it that can’t be missed when cooked or baked. In today’s recipe, we’ll see how they can be baked effortlessly in a microwave.  
Ingredients for the microwave-baked Sweet Potatoes:

6 medium sized Sweet Potatoes

Serving: 3 adults

Preparation:
Thoroughly wash potatoes to ensure the skin are clean (leaving the skin on gives an extra pack of fibre). Then with a fork or sharp knife, carefully thrust into the sweet potato to make holes. This will let out the steam while cooking (a very necessary step to prevent your potatoes from exploding in the microwave).
Next, slightly dampen sheets of paper towel with water (don’t soak but dampen just to make wet), then wrap each potato in the moist towel – the moistness provides the required steaming effect in the microwave. Place on microwaveable plate and microwave on full power for about 5-6 minutes. Now turn potatoes over and microwave for another 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. You can stick a fork into the sides to check if well cooked. If the fork goes in easily, then your potato is ready. If not, place back and continue to microwave for another 3 minutes. By now, you should have crispy skinned potatoes.
Serve hot with any choice of sauce or stew. 
Want something out of the ordinary? Combine your microwave-baked sweet potatoes with shredded chicken fillings and a side dish of coleslaw (as seen in the picture). A taste of culinary paradise definitely awaits you!
What better way to start your day than with this delectable sweet potato delicacy!
 
 

CategoriesFood by

Spicy Seafood Stew (Fisherman Pepper-soup) Recipe

A couple of years back, I’d my taste buds tantalized with a certain dish – Fisherman Pepper soup. I just couldn’t have enough of it and had to revisit the restaurant several times to keep having a taste of this delicacy.  I eventually decided to rustle up something similar myself, and amazingly it did turn out well.  Since then, this recipe has become a part of my homemade occasional treat.   
Often referred to as seafood stew, this fisherman pepper soup recipe is absolutely delicious, quick to put together, low in fat, rich in protein, and definitely loaded with health benefits.
The good thing about this recipe is you can mix and match whatever fresh seafood of your choice. From tilapia to lobsters, calamari, crabs, cods, prawns, shrimps, catfish, the options are totally endless. Cook them in broth and you’ve a versatile recipe at hand. Depending on what it’s served with, fisherman stew makes great option for quick breakfast, lunch or late dinner.  Any way, it’s beyond doubt a healthy cuisine.
Fisherman Pepper Soup Ingredients:

1 Large sized Tilapia fish
500g fresh shrimps, deveined
250g fresh Prawns
Crabs (optional)
Calamari rings (optional)
Fresh lobsters (optional)
2 Tbsp Canola or any heart healthy oil of choice
1 medium-sized onion
3-5 Fresh garlic cloves, grated
1 finger fresh Ginger, grated
2 Red Bell Peppers (Tastashe)
10 Scotch Bonnet (Ata rodo)
5 Chilli pepper (this adds to the hotness)
6-8 large sized fresh tomatoes
Oregano powder
Thyme
1 Tbsp pepper (preferably black)
A handful of fresh scent leaves (effirin), washed and chopped
Pepper-soup spice (optional)
Seasoning cubes and salt for taste.

Directions:
Step One: For fish preparation, clean fish thoroughly and fillet. If you can’t go through the rigours of filleting, just cut your fish into chunks. Here’s a trick that works for me when cooking fish – pour some hot water over the fish before cleaning, add a bit of salt and leave to sit for not more than 5 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how firm the fish becomes by the time you bring it out. This trick works perfectly with catfish too. It makes it a lot easier to clean and certainly gets rid of its slime.
Season fish fillets and other washed sea-foods with salt, thyme and seasoning cubes in separate bowls. Set aside
Also blend washed tomatoes and peppers then set aside for stew base.
Step Two: In a pot, pour oil over medium heat until hot. Add sliced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes then add grated garlic. Keep sautéing for another minute then stir in your blended stew base.  Add a dash of oregano powder and pepper soup spice (if using), cover and leave to boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce heat to low and check broth consistency. If too thick now is the best time to add some water. Allow to boil again before adding fish fillet and shrimps. Leave to cook for 4-5 minutes. Then taste for salt and also. Once the fish is in, be careful not to stir the soup. To mix ingredients as you put them in, simply shake the pot lightly. 
Crabs take a quite longer to cook, so if using add them in first and allow to cook for about 5minutes before the fish.
Lastly, add the scent leaves, reduce heat to lowest and allow simmering for just about 2 minutes.
Your fisherman stew is ready! Serve hot as a dip for bread or as sauce with boiled rice, yam, plantain or even potatoes. If for light dinner, simply enjoy as a standalone meal.