The first episode of the BBC documentary series ‘The Truth About…’ aired a few nights ago and focused on most people’s guilty pleasure and go-to snack buddy: SUGAR. The programme was well-structured and gave very informative information regarding Britain’s sugar intake and highlighted the differences between natural and artificial sweeteners. The effects of high sugar consumption were also presented, including its effects on our brain and eating habits.
The programme prompted me to analyse my past relationship with the white stuff. Sure, I barely have refined sugars nowadays and I always look for the sugar content in anything I buy from the supermarket but how smart do I have to be to ensure the 6-teaspoon daily guideline is not exceeded?
As we welcome March with its longer days, frequent hay-fever occurrences and daffodil-lined streets, most people use this time to ‘spring clean’ their lives/living spaces. Personally, I am more delighted that gale-forced winds and dark nights are soon over so frequent outdoor running sessions will be back in my diary.
A year ago, spring marked the start of my over-consumption of Mini Eggs, induced by the excitation that they are supermarket regulars once more. This year, I am loading on complex carbs and lean protein in time for my first 10 K in two weeks’ time.
As it is Fairtrade Fortnight until 8 March, I plan to support the cause by posting a couple of recipes which uses Fairtrade products. Buying Fairtrade goods not only ensures the producers get fair wages and good working conditions, communities are also benefactors, with many schools and small businesses profiting from our everyday food and product choices.
After what felt like months at the silent study corner in my university library, I have finally re-gained some freedom after my first set of exams this year. Celebrating this feat, along with my friend Fabia’s anniversaire, a trip to Paris was booked.
After a few mishaps getting there (waking up late and taking the wrong train), Paris welcomed us in its dreary, wet and cold state. Now, this may have been an unfortunate set of circumstances for some, but Fabia and I embraced the cold air and explored Paris on our feet, with our adventurous stomachs in tow.
My recent trip to Paris contained a few highlights, including a man eating my crème de marron-filled crêpe then proceeded to ask me out on a date in the middle of the street, and witnessing a cheese platter to rival every other plateau du fromage in existence.
Amidst the independent array of shops, boutiques and bars in Division Street comes a fairly new establishment, boasting a highly-varied all-day breakfast menu. Lucky Fox steers clear of the plat du jour gourmet burger craze and instead, introduces Sheffield to a diner-esque menu, filled with pancakes and waffles paired with fried, savoury delights, as well as the traditional fruit toppings.
With everyone kick-starting the new year (every year…) by being healthy, Instagram and other social media sites/apps are filled with photos and recipes of everyone trying the latest health craze – detox teas, paleo diet, quinoa, kale, etc. Admittedly, I am part of this bandwagon. I’m not a dieter per se but I love food crazes – I am all over chia seeds and nut butters at the moment.
New Year’s resolutions have not always been my forte, per se. There are many things I hope to be better/new in my life during every recent NYE celebrations, but by the time the fifth of January comes, I would have undoubtedly forgotten about it all. Though, one year, my friends and I decided on ‘The Three Ss/The Holy Grail Of All Resolutions’: Smart, Skinny and Sexy, which actually did last a while.
Resolutions tend to be generalised goals and ways of living as to which, I think, people should abide to everyday, anyway. I hope to be healthier, fitter, more charitable and happier in 2015, of course, but I think setting myself goals/tasks to do will make for a more interesting year. Partly inspired by the post by Grandiose Days.
As we have been bombarded with everything festive and yuletide-related for the past few weeks, we have been accustomed to agreeing that we like it all for fear that we may be regarded as a Scrooge.
I am not saying that I lie, per se, about liking certain customs, but there are a few things I’d rather miss out on; I am not a big fan of the over-priced and tacky Christmas jumpers people wear. It screams commercialism outrageously.
As seen on: http://forgetoday.com/lifestyle/on-a-shoestring-singapore/
It may be a typical tourist attraction but a visit to the Marina Bay area is a must for its architectural significance. The infamous Marina Bay Sands Hotel and its surroundings is home to many designer and luxury brands. Above the hotel, the Skypark boasts breath-taking views of the city skyline and a 150m infinity pool. Entry into the Sands Skypark will set you back $23 but entrance to the bars and restaurants are free of charge, allowing you to absorb Singapore’s buzzing atmosphere while eating and drinking.
Travelling around Singapore is easy using the MRT system. It is clean, air-conditioned and straightforward to use. We were surprised to find that people queue to get onto the MRT, something almost unheard of when using the London Underground. Travel can be cheap, with a journey costing less than $1 for destinations that were only two MRT stations apart.
For the adventure-seekers, a visit to the unspoilt island of Pulau Ubin is a must. The 15 minute bumboat ride to the island was a mere $2.50. A further $10 (around £5) bike rental and a few kilometres later, you find the Chek Jawa Wetlands, a reason why cycling and fishing enthusiasts often frequent this place. As the trail leads you closer to the wetlands, wild boars and monkeys are often seen roaming around. Forget the Singapore Zoo, here you have wild animals in their natural habitat.
Haji Lane
At the eastern side of the Singapore river, you stumble upon Little India. The large Tamil community and influence in this area is apparent, with streets filled with stalls selling a colourful array of different clothes and saris. There are also many stores selling different handmade crafts and wooden novelties. A few backpacking hostels are also nearby, bursting with young travellers tucking into $2 fresh fruit smoothies to cure their inevitable hangovers.
A stone’s throw away from Little India is Haji Lane, an independent shopping district. The alley caters for the hipsters of Singapore, hoping to find unique finds and treasures at a very reasonable price. Many shops have the ‘Urban Outfitters’ vibe to them without the hefty price tag and a guarantee that it is a one-off piece. It’s the perfect place to get all the unique clothes you’ll be showing off to your mates back home.
Hawker food culture is big in Singapore and its Chinatown is certainly not foreign to this concept. In the food centre, an abundance of stalls offer inexpensive dishes varying from local food to vegetarian dishes to fresh grilled fish. The dishes normally serve two or three people and usually cost between $10-$20. The variety of food around means you can have something different each time you visit and if you are not very adventurous, settling for Singapore’s infamous chilli crab will serve you well each time.
Julia Gone Rogue 