Which Diet Works Best?

I know! I know! Everybody who has seen me since I gave birth advises me to spend some time for exercise and watch what I eat. This is because I didnt only fail in loosing the pounds that I gained during pregnancy, but have been putting on weight as well since childbirth! I really dont know why this is happening to me (despite having limited sleep every single night since lil one came along) but perhaps the disturbed and lack of sleep that has caused my body system to go tipsy turvy? Well, at least this would be what I would love to think!

I tried dieting for a while sticking to low carbs and high on protein, then I got fed up. Then I started on a meal replacement diet and that didn't work out as well. So I got fed-up and decided to surf the web to find out which diet works best for my body. And guess what! Viola! I found the perfect place!

This place provides pretty much information of how each diet works. We have all heard of the Atkins Diet and WeightWatchers among others and what this site provides in their indepth review of each of the diets that is in town and how exactly it works best. Not only that. It also provides various different categories of diets, for example, meal based diets or calorie-counting diets, etc. So you get to read in detail how each works and then decide if that is the one you can follow through and sustain. Dont forget to browse through its many healthy recipes too as we all deserve a nice meal every now and then without feeling guilty, right?

I think I will take a look at this further and see if I can digest this into my current work and babysitting schedule not forgetting I finish work at almost 8pm everynight! But we got to start somewhere right? Good luck!

Alkaline Water

So how many of you already have an alkaline water filter at home? Hands up please.

I knew nothing about this until my boss asked me to get an alkaline water filter for the office. I never knew what "alkaline" water means cos I never previously bothered enough to find out about it. All I know and heard before was simply water filters, RO water, "energy" water, etc but alkaline water was something new to me.

It is said that from all the food we eat which normally contains a high level of fats & sugar, this makes our body acidic and hence, leads to many kinds of illnesses. In order to balance it out, someone out there came out with alkaline water-producing filters. I think there are several brands out there and they dont come cheap. The one we bought for the office costs more than RM2,000.

I have been drinking it for the past 3 months but honestly, I dont notice any change for the better in me. However, my office driver did give his to his dad (in his 70s) to try and he said that his dad feels much better as in less body aches and pains - wow. So now, he dutifully fills up bottle after bottle to take home for his dad every day - which I totally dont mind (*smile*).

I might really consider this for my new home next year. If anyone knows of any other brand (other than a japanese brand) please do let me know. I heard there are cheaper China-made brands but a bit cautious of them unless its recommended by friends. So do let me know ya?

Keeping to a diet plan (?)

Can someone tell me how to keep to your diet plan over the weekend?

I have absolutely no problem whatsoever during my week days at the office but when it comes to the weekend, I just cant keep myself away from the food at home!

I try to remind myself over & over again that I should behave but somehow I just feel weak if I dont indulge in something sweet (like a piece of cake or brownies, roti canai or my favourite nasi lemak).

And the worse part is I developed a passion to learn to bake! So how am I going to improve in my baking skills if I don't eat them huh?

Any suggestions anyone? Maybe I prayer like this helps a wee bit at least?

Type 2 Diabetes

The reason for particularly highlighting Type 2 diabetes is because both my mom & mother-in-law suffers from this.

Generally there are 2 types of diabetes, Type 1 & 2, and what it basically means is that those who suffer from Type 1 are insulin-dependent while Type 2 is non-insulin dependent. There is a whole lot of detailed explanation which you can find here should you wish to know more about it.

This will be a pre-warning to all of us at home as we sure do not want to suffer from it as well.

As a start, we will have to consume less refined sugar products such as store bought cakes, cookies or even rice or noodles which is our staple food. It may be difficult to eliminate this all together but we have definately reduced the amount we consume daily. We have also increased our vegetable & fruits consumption. Although fruits are good for you, try to avoid those with high sugar contents such as grapes and strawberries. On a daily basis, enjoy a piece of papaya, banana, or an apple or pear. I love pineapples but I try not to have it daily though.

Other minor little modifications in our lifestyle include reduced sugar in our coffee or even sometimes, no sugar at all. Reduce the number of cups of beverage from 3 to 1 a day. Whenever possible (which is almost impossible now) is to fit in some exercise. Walking in the mall is our dose of this! Well, at least we are walking instead of sitting down at home, right?

We cant really avoid processed food altogether and we cannot afford organic food all the time, so we have no choice but to live with what we are today and just try making minor changes where we possibly can. And oh ya, dont forget to stay happy & smile always!

Hibiscus Flower Tea

Have you heard of it? Apparently it consist of several health benefits if consumed daily.

It is said it boast a high level of vitamin C and antioxidants which can strengthen your immune system and help fight free radicals. It is also said to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. Sure sounds good to me as I've got some family history with high blood pressure!

I've been taking this tea for the past one month. I can feel some improvement in me especially my energy level. I'm not sure if its the tea or my water therapy that's helping, or both, but I do experience much less of aching feet after even more than 2 hrs! Previously 30 mins in the mall can send me packing home for a rub with some Counterpain ointment.

I think I will continue drinking this everyday. I would normally mix it with 1.5 litres of warm water and finish it before lunch time. Then another 1.5 litres of filtered alkaline water till I clock off from the office. And that will be my 3 litres of water/day health plan (*smile*)

What's happening so far ...

Hmm ... let's see. Well, for one, I am visiting the toilet at least 10-12 times within my daily 10-hour work schedule during the weekdays.

This "extra curricular activity" kinda keeps me busy and sometimes, I even feel a bit "fed-up" cos it eats into my busy schedule at the office especially when the bosses are in that week!

But looking at it positively, hey, detoxing should be good for a 30+ almost 40 year old body huh? After all, never really made an effort to take care of my body all these years ...

So, hoping for more improvement .. slowly but surely (hopefully!).