Category: Lifestyle

By  Milcah   Tanimu

Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can negatively impact both your physical and mental health. Recognizing the warning signs of chronic stress is crucial for preventing long-term damage. Here are five signs you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Constant Fatigue
   Chronic stress can leave you feeling tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep. Your body is in a constant state of alert, using up more energy than usual, which can make it difficult to function.
2. Frequent Headaches and Muscle Pain
   Stress often manifests physically as tension headaches, backaches, and muscle pain, especially in the neck and shoulders. If these pains become persistent, they may be linked to ongoing stress.
3. Changes in Appetite and Weight
   Stress can cause changes in your eating habits, leading to weight loss or weight gain. These fluctuations are often a response to emotional eating or lack of appetite.
4. Difficulty Sleeping
   Trouble falling or staying asleep is another common sign of chronic stress. Stress can disrupt your ability to relax, making it difficult to get restful sleep, which in turn exacerbates other stress-related symptoms.
5. Irritability and Mood Swings
   Chronic stress can affect your emotional well-being, causing irritability and mood swings. This emotional strain can affect relationships and your ability to cope with everyday challenges.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take proactive steps to manage stress, including practicing relaxation techniques, staying active, and seeking support when needed. Taking care of your mental health is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.

By  Milcah   Tanimu

Stainless steel pots are durable and stylish, but they may not be the best choice for every meal. Certain foods can react with the material, affecting both the food’s taste and the pot’s appearance. Here are five foods you should avoid cooking in stainless steel pots:

1. Fish
   Cooking fish in stainless steel pots can cause it to fall apart. Instead, use nonstick or cast-iron pans, which provide a better cooking surface for delicate fish.
2. Tomato Sauce
   Tomatoes can discolor stainless steel due to the acidic reaction with the metal. It’s better to use non-reactive cookware, like enamelled or cast-iron pots.
3. Eggs
   Eggs tend to stick to stainless steel unless the pan is properly preheated and seasoned. Nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron pans are more suitable for cooking eggs.
4. Pancakes
   Flipping pancakes in a stainless steel pot can be a challenge. For easy flipping and less sticking, opt for a nonstick or cast-iron skillet.
5. Meat
   While stainless steel can handle high heat, grills are often the best option for cooking meat like beef and chicken. Grilling adds flavor and creates a crispy texture, while keeping your pot free from excess grease.

To ensure a smoother cooking experience, consider investing in nonstick or cast-iron cookware for these types of dishes.

By  Milcah   Tanimu

As the year winds down, life can feel overwhelming with holiday preparations, work deadlines, and planning for the new year. While this season brings joy, it also brings stress. Taking time to unwind is essential to starting the new year with a refreshed mind and body.

Here are five simple yet powerful ways to reduce stress before the year ends.

1. Reflect Without Overthinking

Self-reflection can be productive, but overthinking can lead to anxiety. Dedicate 10–15 minutes to write down your achievements and lessons from the past year. Focus on gratitude and growth instead of regrets.

2. Declutter Your Environment

A cluttered space often adds to mental stress. Start small by tidying up one drawer or a single section of your room. Donate items you no longer use and organise your belongings to create a sense of calm and order.

3. Prioritise Self-Care

Amidst the hustle, don’t forget to care for yourself. Spend at least 30 minutes daily doing something you love, like taking a walk, journaling, or pampering yourself with a relaxing activity.

4. Reconnect With Loved Ones

The holidays are a great time to strengthen your relationships. Reach out to friends or family with a heartfelt message, phone call, or a quick get-together. Building connections can lift your spirits and reduce stress.

5. Focus on Fun Over Perfection

Avoid the pressure of making everything flawless. Instead, create joyful moments by doing things you love. Plan activities like watching a festive movie, cooking your favourite meal, or simply relaxing with loved ones.

Final Thoughts
De-stressing before the new year isn’t just about relaxing—it’s about creating balance and prioritising your well-being. Use these tips to reset and enter the new year feeling refreshed and energised.

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By   Milcah   Tanimu

Scented candles are a popular choice for creating a pleasant atmosphere at home. However, many are unaware of the potential risks associated with burning candles, particularly those made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct.

Harmful Emissions from Paraffin Candles

When burned, paraffin candles release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including toxins such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde. These substances are known carcinogens and respiratory irritants that can cause:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Respiratory issues
• Increased risk of blood disorders like leukemia

Impact on Air Quality

Burning candles also contributes to poor indoor air quality. Research from April 2015 revealed that scented candles emit high concentrations of formaldehyde and other pollutants, even when unlit. For instance:

• A lit strawberry-scented candle released 2,098 parts per billion of formaldehyde.
• A kiwi-melon scented candle emitted 12,742 parts per billion of total pollutants.

Safer Alternatives

While many are turning to candles made from natural ingredients like soy wax, beeswax, or coconut oil, it’s important to note that all burning materials emit particles or chemicals.

Tips for Safer Candle Use

1. Opt for unscented, plant-based wax candles.
2. Ensure proper ventilation while burning candles.
3. Limit candle usage to reduce exposure to harmful emissions.
4. Consider alternatives like essential oil diffusers for a fragrant home.

By  Milcah  Tanimu

Many people looking to reduce face fat wonder if chewing gum can provide a quick solution. While it may seem like a simple fix—chew gum and tone your facial muscles—chewing gum alone won’t make your face slimmer.

Chewing Gum and Losing Face Fat

Chewing gum does engage muscles around your jaw, mouth, and cheeks, potentially strengthening and toning them over time. However, just like doing sit-ups won’t burn belly fat, chewing gum won’t reduce face fat directly.

The calorie burn from chewing gum is minimal, so it can’t create the calorie deficit necessary for fat loss. Additionally, fat loss occurs throughout your body, not just in specific areas like your face. To reduce face fat, you’ll need to lose overall body fat through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise.

Benefits of Chewing Gum

Though it won’t melt face fat, chewing gum can offer some indirect benefits:

• Mindful eating: Gum can curb cravings and prevent overeating.
• Jawline definition: Regular chewing may give your jawline a more toned appearance through muscle activity.

How to Reduce Face Fat

If you’re aiming for a slimmer face, consider these tips:

• Eat a balanced diet: Avoid excess salt and sugar, which can cause bloating.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to reduce puffiness.
• Exercise regularly: Cardio and strength training help burn fat.
• Get enough sleep: Proper rest helps minimize water retention and bloating.

Chewing gum won’t directly target face fat, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and hydration will bring the best results.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

The Harmattan season in Nigeria brings dry, dusty air that can affect your health in various ways. Understanding these risks and taking preventive steps can help you stay safe and healthy. Here are five common health issues caused by Harmattan and how to avoid them:

1. Respiratory Infections: Harmattan dust can trigger asthma and sinus issues.
   Prevention: Wear a mask, use a humidifier, stay hydrated, and avoid dusty areas.
2. Dry Skin and Cracked Lips: The dry air can lead to flaky skin and sore lips.
   Prevention: Moisturize regularly, use lip balm, and take lukewarm showers.
3. Eye Irritation: Dust can cause red, itchy eyes and even conjunctivitis.
   Prevention: Wear sunglasses, avoid rubbing your eyes, and rinse eyes with clean water.
4. Common Cold and Flu: Cold temperatures and dry air make you more susceptible to colds.
   Prevention: Dress warmly, drink hot beverages, and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
5. Dehydration: Harmattan’s dry air can lead to dehydration, causing fatigue and headaches.
   Prevention: Drink plenty of water, eat water-rich fruits, and limit alcohol and caffeine.

By taking these precautions, you can protect your health and enjoy the season. Stay safe and hydrated throughout Harmattan!

By   Milcah   Tanimu

In a world full of sugary temptations, beating sugar cravings can feel like a constant battle. But with the right approach, you can manage them effectively. Here are three simple ways to curb sugar cravings and maintain a healthier lifestyle:

1. Hydrate with Water or Herbal Teas

Dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger. Drinking water or herbal teas, like green tea or zobo, can help suppress sugar cravings while keeping you hydrated.

Why It Works: Proper hydration regulates blood sugar levels and prevents false hunger signals.

Pro Tip: Add a slice of lemon or cucumber for a flavorful twist without added sugar.

2. Choose Natural Sweet Alternatives

Swap processed snacks for fruits like bananas, apples, or mangoes. These natural options satisfy your sweet tooth and provide essential nutrients and fibre.

Why It Works: Fruits release natural sugars gradually, avoiding sugar spikes and crashes.

Local Tip: Opt for dried fruits like dates, which are naturally sweet and nutrient-rich.

3. Distract Yourself with Physical Activity

A quick workout or brisk walk can reduce sugar cravings. Exercise releases endorphins, which boost your mood and ease stress—common triggers for cravings.

Why It Works: Physical activity distracts you from cravings and improves overall well-being.

Pro Tip: Dance to Afrobeat tracks or jog around your compound to make exercise fun.

By staying hydrated, choosing natural sweetness, and staying active, you can conquer sugar cravings and build healthier habits without feeling deprived. Start today!

By   Milcah   Tanimu

Chef Melissa Martin of Louisiana has taken a surprising approach to her biscuit recipe, incorporating 7-Up soda. This addition gives the biscuits a light, airy texture that has become a family favorite. The recipe, originally found on the side of a box, has been adapted in her cookbook, Bayou: Feasting Through the Seasons of a Cajun Life, for a cleaner, more natural version without additives.

These biscuits are best served warm but can be reheated the next day for a quick treat. Whether you use butter, lard, or Crisco, the biscuits remain delicious. Martin also emphasizes the importance of quickly baking the biscuits after mixing the dough for optimal texture.

The recipe makes 12 large biscuits, and here’s how to make them:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (adjust if necessary). Melt butter in a pan and set aside.
2. Combine dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add cold fat and mix until it resembles coarse meal.
3. Add wet ingredients: Pour in 7-Up and cream, mixing just until the dough comes together.
4. Shape the dough into a rectangle, folding it several times for flakiness. Cut into 12 biscuits.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Serve with butter and preserves.

By  Milcah   Tanimu

Food trends can shift in surprising ways. Dishes that were once affordable and accessible to the masses have now become symbols of sophistication, served at high-end restaurants and commanding premium prices. Here are five foods that were once considered ‘poor man’s meals’ but have gained luxury status:

1. Oysters
   Once a common food for fishermen and dock workers, oysters were inexpensive and plentiful. Overfishing and increasing demand have now made them a rare delicacy, featured on upscale restaurant menus and served on ice at lavish events.
2. Lobster
   Once dubbed the “cockroach of the sea” and even served to prisoners, lobster was once abundant and cheap. As it became less common and culinary techniques evolved, lobster grew in popularity among the wealthy, becoming a symbol of luxury.
3. Quinoa
   Once a staple crop for indigenous farmers in South America, quinoa was seen as a humble food. Its nutritional value and global health food trend have driven up its prices, making it unaffordable for the communities that once relied on it.
4. Bone Marrow
   Once a humble ingredient used in soups and stews by those with limited resources, bone marrow has transitioned into a gourmet delicacy served in high-end restaurants.
5. Caviar
   Caviar, once a cheap snack for fishermen in Russia, has become one of the most expensive foods in the world due to overfishing and strict farming regulations. It’s now associated with luxury and served at elite gatherings.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

With the rising cost of living in Nigeria, many are finding creative ways to cut back on expenses without compromising meal quality. One effective strategy is cooking more meals at home, especially those foods that are cheaper to prepare than to buy pre-made. Here are five foods that will save you money when you make them yourself:

1. Bread
Bread is a staple in Nigerian households, and while buying it is convenient, baking it at home is far more economical. With just flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water, you can make soft, fresh bread at a fraction of the cost of store-bought loaves.
*Bonus Tip:* Experiment with flavors like coconut or wheat for a variety-packed breakfast.

2. Yoghurt
Homemade yoghurt is a healthier and more affordable alternative to store-bought versions. Simply mix milk with a small portion of store-bought yoghurt to act as a starter, and with a little patience, you’ll have creamy, fresh yoghurt ready for smoothies, parfaits, or a quick snack.
*Pro Tip:* Add local fruits like mangoes or bananas for a tropical twist.

3. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is essential in Nigerian cooking, from jollof rice to stews. Instead of buying canned tomato paste, make your own by boiling, blending, and reducing fresh tomatoes. This method not only saves money but also avoids preservatives.
*Pro Tip:* Purchase tomatoes in bulk during peak season for maximum savings and flavor.

4. Snacks Like Chin Chin or Puff Puff
Nigerian snacks like chin chin and puff puff are always popular, but buying them pre-made can be costly. Making them at home ensures freshness, customization, and a fun cooking experience for family and friends.
*Cost-Saving Insight:* Buying ingredients like flour, sugar, and oil in bulk makes homemade snacks a smarter choice.

5. Homemade Zobo Drink
Zobo, a favorite Nigerian drink made from hibiscus petals, is both affordable and refreshing. Skip the bottled versions and prepare it yourself with hibiscus petals, ginger, cloves, and sugar, all of which are easy to find in local markets.
*Pro Tip:* Sweeten with natural honey or fruit juice for a healthier twist.

Cooking at home not only helps you save money but also allows you to experiment with flavors, eat healthier, and enjoy the satisfaction of making something from scratch. Give these five foods a try—you’ll enjoy fresher, tastier meals, and your wallet will thank you.