Do we have anyone with the notion that snacking debars weight management progress in the house today? Whoops! I guess it’s time for a rethink.
Weight loss isn’t about deprivation, you know. If you ask me, healthy snacking should be as mandatory as breakfast. You know why? When done right (in moderation with healthy choices), snacking isn’t “bad” as assumed. In fact, snacks give your body the fuel it needs in-between meals. Snacks help meet most of your nutritional needs. They also help curb hunger, so you don’t overeat at mealtimes.
Comprising the right ratio of nutrients and the right calories, snacks will keep your body energized; your metabolism revved up, and optimally aid you in reaching your weight loss goals. Protein for instance plus the right kinds of exercise stimulates the growth of lean muscle mass, which boosts metabolic rate and promotes calorie burn. For improved digestion, fibre is most necessary and will keep you from binging on fats and sugars.
What to do? Make smart, healthy choices of foods with the right nutrient, not more than 150 – 200 calories.  Here are some nutrient-rich ideas you could try.
Kale is an incredible source of vitamins K, A, and C. Consuming it chip style could become your new go-to late-afternoon snack. Simply place one large bunch raw kale leaves (stems removed) on a cookie sheet, then drizzle with one teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10 – 12 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) until crispy. You just got yourself some delicious Krispy Kale Chips to munch on without guilt!
For healthy fats, always have Avocados around. They’re fibre-rich and quite filling as snacks. They also make an excellent source of heart-healthy and belly fat-blasting monounsaturated fat. In need of a refreshing treat to beat the afternoon heat? Make some creamy Greek Yoghurt and Avocado Popsicle ahead to suck on. Combine mashed avocado with some Greek yoghurt, pour into popsicle moulds and simply freeze overnight. Easy, isn’t it?
Looking to nibble on something that feels a bit indulgent? Then look no further than Dark Chocolates. Do you know that Dark chocolate has been linked to reduced heart disease risk and even lower body fat significantly in people who nibble on it more? With about 60% cocoa content, the polyphenol antioxidants in dark chocolates may favourably influence your metabolism – thus working your body to burn off those fats while you snack.
Need more convenient options? Home-made low-calorie granola bars, sugar-free popcorn, hard-boiled egg, nuts (walnuts, almonds, and peanuts), low-fat milk/yoghurt, low-fat or fat-free cheese, baked apples, tomatoes, and fruits like berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries), cucumber, grapefruits, bananas, grapes, carrots, make the list too. And don’t forget to indulge lavishly in sips of water.
So there you go snackaholics, some guilt-free nibbles at thy feet!

It is a New Year again and I know quite a number of us have listed ‘Weight loss’ as part of our 2017 resolutions. I was interested in weight loss when I was desperate to lose my post baby bod and even now after losing it I still keep a close eye on the happening trends in weight loss in case I ever need to lose weight.
Like a lot of people, I’m overwhelmed with the number of options out there and I always have to do a whole lot of research once I hear of another weight loss trend.
In this light, I have compiled a list of the trending weight loss options at this moment. I know in the next few months there will be newer options.
1. Ketogenic lifestyle

It is a low carb diet meaning that you avoid eating grains, starchy foods, and sugary foods and instead eat healthy fats. To know more about keto, request to join their Facebook page: Ketogenic lifestyle.
2. Slim tea
I know you have heard of slim tea as it is all the rage at the moment on Instagram, with people who have used it giving positive reviews.
3. Meal plan
I personally like the meal plan weight loss idea as it preaches a healthy eating lifestyle. There are many meal plan options available depending on who you contact.
In my own opinion (I am not a doctor o!), eating healthy and exercising is the best way to lose weight. Do you disagree? Or do you know any other weight loss options that were not mentioned, leave them in the comment section, I will be reading!

Growing up I never really liked Ginger, I am not really sure why. It could be because it was in virtually everything I ate back then.
Up till about 2 years ago, I was still against ginger being close to me; but recently, I enjoyed one of the amazing benefits of ginger (a story for another day) and since then I have not looked back. So, I decided to share with you some of the benefits of ginger, hoping you will start inculcating it in your lifestyle. Enjoy!
Health Benefits

Ginger aids in the treatment of chronic digestion
Ginger has been known to treat many forms of nausea and vomiting such as nausea after surgery, morning sickness and nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
It helps fight flu and common cold
It is effective against muscle pain and soreness
A mixture of ginger, cinnamon and sesame oil can reduce pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients when applied topically.
Ginger drastically lowers blood sugar levels
Ginger powder helps reduce menstrual pain
Ginger contains a substance, Gingerol that may help prevent cancer
Ginger helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease
It can help lower the risk of infection
Ginger is known to naturally improve diabetes and enhance insulin sensitivity.
in Ginger can help lower the risk of infection

Skin Benefits

Eating Ginger can help fight signs of aging such as wrinkles
Ginger is the best natural solution for getting rid of acne
Fresh ginger juice soothes and heals burns and blisters
Ginger root applied to the face can help give a refreshing glow
Fresh ginger is a great treatment for hypopigmentation

Hair Benefits

Ginger roots help reduce hair loss
Ginger contains natural antiseptic properties which help to fight dandruff issues
Using Ginger oil on the scalp increases blood circulation to the scalp, making hair silky and shiny at the same time. It can also help repair split ends and dry hair problems.

Mix a little with your shampoo and hair oil and notice the difference
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered or as an oil or juice.

Part of living a good life is being in good health; spirit, soul, and body. While you are putting the right clothes, the best weaves and the most exotic perfumes on that body, you have to take care of what is going on inside. If you want to be here to enjoy your hard work and you want to stay as long as you can to be there for those you love then you have to be healthy. One of the important bits about staying healthy is preventing the really dangerous diseases.
Cancer is scary but it is not impossible to defeat and early detection is key. Cervical cancer happens when cells in the cervix grow in an uncontrollable way and build up to a tumour. As the tumour grows, cells can eventually spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening. Cervical screening involves taking a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix. I know this sounds very technical but I have just had this done recently, it is more an odd feeling than pain. If you have had a vaginal swab taken before to check for infections the procedure is similar. The sample is sent to a laboratory and checked under a microscope to see if there any abnormal cells.  These abnormal cells can develop into cancer if they are left untreated. Depending on the outcome of the test, your sample may be tested for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cancer.
It is estimated that 6 out of 100 women will have abnormal cells. This does not automatically equal HPV but further tests are carried out. A normal result means all is well but you will be advised to screen in every three years if you are aged between 25 to 49 years and every five years if you are aged 50 to 64.
No need to fear ladies, just to keep you on top of things.

A few people want to lose weight. Whether it is for health reasons or to fit into your wedding dress; here are a few exercises to lose weight in a reasonable amount of time.

Running

Running is one of the most efficient ways to burn calories and is a good way to get in shape.

Cycling

You can burn 500 to 1000 calories per hour by cycling. Pedal as hard as you can, and you will burn a good deal of fat.

Dancing

For those looking for a fun way to lose weight, this is one. In an hour of serious training, you could lose up to 800 calories! So what are you waiting for, get your dancing shoes on!

Jumping rope

Jumping rope or Skipping is a great calorie burner. You could lose up to 200 calories if you jump rope for 20 minutes.

Jumping jacks

Jumping jacks is an exercise wherein a person has to jump up and down while moving the arms and feet. A person doing jumping jacks burns an average of 5 or 6 calories per minute

Tennis

If you prefer exercising with a partner, then tennis might be for you! This is a great way to burn off fat as you keep running after the ball, and every time you hit the ball; your arm, abdominal and leg muscles are engaged.
A good game of tennis can burn up to 600 calories in an hour
 
While incorporating any of these exercises into your daily routine; also reduce your calorie intake (Exercises To Burn Off Calories In Common Foods) for maximum weight loss.

You’ve probably heard that pregnant women should eat fruits because incorporating fruit into your pregnancy diet is a healthy, delicious way to boost your nutrient intake while aiding in the growth and development of your baby. It is even believed that women who eat fruit during their pregnancy are more likely to give birth to smarter children than those who do not.
But there are some fruits pregnant women should stay away from as they are very dangerous to their health.
Fruits Pregnant Women Should Avoid
Peach
Peach contains a lot of Fibre. Moreover, it is also rich in protein, sugar, zinc, pectin. Peach is a kind of fruit that has hot features. If pregnant women eat it, they will have the risk of bleeding.
Also, the hair on a peach can affect the throat, and as a result, pregnant women easily have allergies in the form of raspy throats. So, pregnant women should not eat a lot of peaches and should peel before eating to avoid the hair on a peach.
If pregnant women eat this fruit, they will have the risk of bleeding.
Plum
Plum is high in carotene, and when it goes into the body, it will convert into vitamin A which is very good for the eyes.
Plums also contain a lot of necessary nutrients for the body such as protein, fat, phosphor, fibre, potassium, etc. that have detoxifying effects.
However, pregnant women shouldn’t eat them because of their hot features. If pregnant women eat a lot, it will cause body heat, and as a result, they can easily break into rashes and spots -which isn’t good for the health of mothers and babies.
Guava
Many women like to eat guava because of its delicious taste. However, the hot – cool features of guava depend on the variety.
Some kinds of guava have a lot of water, less sweet, sour and cool; however, if pregnant women eat them without eliminating the peel, they can have “side effects”: constipation.
Some other guavas taste sweet, but they will make your body hot inside if you eat a lot of them.
So when pregnant women choose to buy guava, they should go for guavas that produce less body heat and the best way is not to eat a guava without eliminating the peel.
Custard-apple
Custard-apple is scented and has a very sweet taste.
It is reasonably sweet and not too greasy, so women especially like to eat it. However, this sweet taste and rounded figure are what causes body heat.
Therefore, pregnant women need to pay attention not to eat a lot of custard-apple.

Food cravings are a dieter’s worst enemy. Cravings are common, and they play a major role in weight gain and food addiction. Here are simple ways to stop unhealthy food and sugar cravings.

Eat Healthy

If you consistently eat a healthy diet, you will start craving healthy foods. Eating protein, for instance, may help reduce your appetite helping you feel full and satisfied for longer periods.
Don’t skip breakfast as it could make your blood sugar drop, causing your body to crave sugar.
You should also practice mindful eating which involves being alert while eating; slowing down, chewing properly and getting rid of distractions like the Television and smartphones; this will help you with portion control.

Avoid getting starved

Hunger is probably the biggest reason we experience cravings. You should eat proper meals at meal times and ensure you keep healthy snacks close at hand.

Drink Water

If you feel the urge for a specific food, try drinking a glass of water and wait a few minutes as thirst is sometimes confused with hunger or food cravings.

Distance yourself from the unhealthy craving

When you feel a craving, try to take a brisk walk or take a shower to shift your mind to something else. You could also try chewing sugar-free gum.

Avoid stress

Studies have shown that women under stress eat more calories and experience more cravings than non-stressed women. Also, try to get enough sleep; good sleep is a powerful way to prevent cravings from showing up as sleep deprivation could also lead to poor appetite control and strong cravings.

In January 2018, Nigeria Heart Foundation (NHF) endorsed Three Crowns milk as the heart friendly milk because it is low in cholesterol.
This partnership seeks to help mitigate the danger of heart related issues by providing Nigerians with milk low in cholesterol since breakfast plays an important role in keeping the heart healthy.
 
Three Crowns is committed to promoting a healthy breakfast eating habit and request that consumers pay more attention to the health of their hearts because we understand the close link between diet and health. It is available in evaporated and powdered milk formats in local stores and shops.