My Journey to Weight-loss: Healthy Choices I Made

I love food …. A lot! Maintaining my weight doesn't stop me from eating food. In some ways, it made me eat more. And this is the reason I was given the nickname, Muncher. Yeah, I eat a biscuit or two whenever I feel like it and still achieving my goal of maintaining the weight loss. Of course, I made some changes on what I eat – but not a drastic change; just healthier choices which I love.

Switching from White Bread to  Wholemeal Bread

My Kaya Toast is never the same again with a white bread. Gotta say, I am now digging the rough texture of the loaf and the benefits I get from it.

White flour and wholemeal flour are the two main types of wheat flour. In the production of wholemeal flour the whole grain is used. This type of flour has an extraction rate of 100%, which means nothing is removed during milling. White flour is refined. The bran and nutrient-packed germ are separated from the rest of the grain losing many nutrients. There are also different types of flour between these two main types. What is commonly called “brown flour” has a higher extraction rate than white flour. It contains more bran and this gives the flour darker colour. The wholemeal flour contains all parts of the grain: the fibre-rich bran (outer layer), the endosperm (middle layer) and the germ (inner layer). The bran provides fibre, B vitamins, minerals, protein and other phytochemicals. The endosperm contains carbohydrates, proteins and small amounts of B vitamins. The germ is packed with minerals, B vitamins, vitamin E and other phytochemicals. Whole grain foods are an important part of the diet because they provide many nutrients. The regular consumption of whole grain foods has been linked by researchers to a reduction of several diseases including heart disease and cancer, especially colon cancer.

Source: http://www.eufic.org/page/en/page/FAQ/faqid/difference-wholemeal-bread-white-bread/

More on the Benefits of Whole Grain Bread: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/10/whole-grains-health-benefits_n_5655022.html

 Refuel with Water 

It is never a myth that we need to drink water. Eight glasses may not be the rule of thumb, but a guideline as we lose water content in every activity we do. Plus, it is a fact that Water helps control the Calories.

More on this: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water

 Roast/ Grill  over Fried

If I have the choice, I would always go for a roast over fried food. Apart from the taste, only thinking of additional fat on frying the food made me choose the roasted/ grilled version of the meat.

Munch with Nuts

Whenever I want to munch something during weekends, I stay away from the MSG filled Chips and instead go for nuts – almonds, cashew and peanuts. They are good source of antioxdiants with lower fat contents.

 Nuts for Weightloss- http://www.caloriesecrets.net/best-healthy-nuts-and-seeds-for-weight-loss/

Stay Tuned for More of the choices I made.. And remember this

Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/11/my-journey-to-weight-loss-first-step-gm.html

Repost: 5 Lessons from ‘The Voice’ on How to Grow Your Career

“You should feel like you’re carrying around a duffel bag with a heat-seeking missile in it.”

Taylor Swift gave this advice for how to own the stage and dominate the opportunity of being on one of the most successful TV shows today, The Voice. The singer-songwriter superstar has obviously broken the code on seizing the opportunity—and by the age of 24.

On the surface, The Voice is a reality singing competition that features famous judges and mentors, such as Swift, who offer advice to the contestants on their team. On another level, the show is really about grabbing the chance you’ve been given, coaching others to the next level, teaching them how to win, how to become a star.

While I genuinely enjoy the music each week, I have also gathered subtle lessons on creating an amazing career. Here are five:

1. Keep evolving and stay fresh.

The show appeared on the scene in 2011 when American Idol and X Factor were big, yet showing signs of a tired and fading format. The Voice held tight to the singing competition that audiences loved, but it embraced a more positive tone of coaching contestants. Rather than adopt Idol’s shtick of laughing at the weakest performers, it only invited those who deserved to be there. And with the new and positive twist of the judges’ chair turn for their favorite voices, The Voice anticipated the emerging views of the audience and beat them there with a fresh new take on a familiar concept.

Past success isn’t an indicator of future success. In fact, past success is just the reason to seek the next evolution and new perspective on your career. Don’t settle in just because you have initial success.

2. Opportunity has no timetable, so be ready.

The Voice contestants have one chance to make it to the live competition. They must seize the opportunity when it appears—they don’t get to choose the timing.

Business and careers are much the same way. If we wait until we are “ready,” the open door might close before we get to it. When you meet the right advocate, see an opening for a new business opportunity or find that your dream job has opened up, it’s time to move. Anticipate so that you are ready when you need to be, not when you want to be.

3. Don’t be fooled by age or experience.

Experience and age don’t equal wisdom and expertise. There are 15-year-old contestants who own the stage with musical instincts that defy logic. How can such a young and inexperienced person grab this unique opportunity with such ease? These young performers have confidence, an ability to tune out fears and distractions, along with incredible natural talent.

Yes, we need experts with deep know-how at times, but we need to learn to value the contribution, not the age or experience. In many fields, such as the arts, media and entrepreneurship, not having years of experience in “how it’s done” might just be the positive difference-maker.

4. Small things can be big things.

In The Voice mentoring sessions, you see the influence of an established artist’s advice to the contestants, even on matters that seem small at first. Changing up the musical arrangement, dropping the guitar, owning the stage or a Gwen Stefani makeover can significantly impact results.

Remember the small things, like keeping a positive workplace attitude, really listening to your clients and taking time to stay in touch with your network. These types of things don’t automatically pop up as top priorities on your to-do list each day, so they can tend to feel optional. But remember the small things—they hold substantial power in moving your career forward.

5. Be you everywhere.

If there is one common theme for me on The Voice, it’s that the judges and their team members who are true to themselves usually get the best results. Blake Shelton doesn’t hide his country roots and, as if he were family, he genuinely takes care of everyone on his team. Pharrell Williams, comfortable in his own skin, has a natural ability to connect with the new singers. And as a new judge, he built a great team by not relying on his success or ego but his ability to focus on the contestants, making it about them rather than him.

Walk in your own shoes. Being yourself will bring more success than trying to be someone else—and you’ll be a lot less exhausted.

By :Patti Johnson

Source: http://www.success.com/blog/5-lessons-from-the-voice-on-how-to-grow-your-career

My Journey to Weight-loss: First Step (GM Diet)

Three years ago when I first decided to start this journey in Singapore, I considered myself a lady with a slender body. Not the skinny type – because even if I wanted to, my body built wasn’t tailored that way. 

During the early days in this country, stress was sky high and being a stress-eater, it made me gain the pounds I never imagined myself gaining. It was apparent during my first visit back to Manila and my dear father told me with conviction that I gained so much weight. I could still hear on my mind how he told me “Ang taba taba mo na” (You are very fat). Yeah! It hurt like hell and I told myself that I would not go back home if I weigh the same and look the same.  

So my journey started with a series of diets and exercise. I’ve tried a lot – the After Six, no carbs diet. But I didn’t get fast result. A colleague of mine suggested the GM Diet. It’s a seven day program that promises the minimum 4 KG loss in a week. Sounds like it’s too good to be true, but I tried it anyway even if Day 2 is a disaster. True enough, I lost 4KG in a week. Of course, if you go back to your old routine, this loss would be gained back after 2 days.  However, I was concerned with the numbers then, I knew exactly that I needed to engage myself to physical activities/ exercise to maintain the loss.  After  I have achieved my ideal weight with 2 sessions of GM Diet, I started with the exercise and some changes in my eating habits and lifestyle. That would be another entry that I would be sharing. 

In my opinion, people lose the determination to slim down because of the slow result. Imagine working out in the gym for a month and still you weigh the same. How would you feel? Of course, you’d be disappointed. I totally agree that gradual change yields a long-term result in weightloss. But for most of us, we want fast results and once we see that change, then we build the discipline in us. It’s all about discipline and determination. Those 2 are the key ingredients to having the body you always want to have.

Anyway, here is the GM Diet for your reference. Try it out if you want to. Disclaimer: It worked for me. It might work for you too. 

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This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol
You must drink 10 glasses of water each day

Day One 

All fruits except bananas. 

Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two 

All vegetables. 

You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three 

A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. 

Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four 

Bananas and milk. 

Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five 

Today is feast day. 

You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six 

Beef and vegetables. 

Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven 

Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Source: http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/~jajoo/gmdiet.html

When In Singapore: Singlish

Going to Singapore, a simple visit or a big move, one will experience communicating with Singlish - Singapore's version of the English language. I can say that it's quite unique as the creole english phrases and expressions are a mix of Malay, Chinese and English. Being here for some time now made me pick up and understand a few of these phrases that at first found them interesting to translate and decode. 

Here are some words and phrases from an outsider's perspective - not mine. Singaporean friends, help me verify. Can? Just saw the article randomly on the internet, I found it interesting enough to share. Someday, I will have my own list and have another entry in here based on my own experience and conversation with the locals. 

Source: http://www.angmohdan.com/singlish-efficient/

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Singaporeans are efficient people, and prefer to take less time and words to express themselves.

Singlish is the creole version of English spoken in Singapore. Much of its grammatical structure comes from Chinese and a lot of its emphasis words (“lah”, “leh”, “meh”) come from Chinese and Bahasa languages. It is spoken super-fast, and super-compressed.

“Me go now, wait for you, lah?”
“Can anot?” (Will you or won’t you?)

When time is money, we really can’t afford to spend time on those extra syllables when it is possible to get our meaning across with far fewer words.

More of Singapore: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/11/when-in-singapore-picture-perfect-in.html

Movie: Interstellar

So, I have watched Interstellar twice last week and I was okay with it. Not a waste of money because to fully understand and appreciate the movie, one needs to watch it twice. The first one is follow the conversation and the second one is to enjoy the effects and the movie. It's not your walk in the park movie, it's something that you need to concentrate to because if not, you wouldn't really understand and appreciate the movie. It's one not to be missed. It's like the Titanic for the Romantics and  Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings for the Fiction Lovers. A MUST I repeat with 0% Humor Setting. (Ok, you will not get this lame joke if you haven't seen the movie yet)

"Do not go gentle into that Good Night"

For those who have watched, here is my favorite explanation of the Multi_Dimensional Movie. Reading it makes me want to watch it again. 

Here is long but a good read regarding the ending of the movie. Reading this makes me relive the Interstellar Experience. 

Source: http://screenrant.com/interstellar-ending-spoilers-time-travel

For those who want a snapshot of the movie. Here is the Infographic made and this totally makes sense. 

Source: http://www.nerdist.com/2014/11/rust-cohle-already-explained-the-ending-of-interstellar/

And of course, the trailer.

Probably, third time is a charm. Who's gonna join me? HAHAHA

When In Singapore: Picture Perfect in Marina

Whenever I have friends or relatives visiting Singapore for the first time, a walk around the Marina Bay area is a must. You see the magnificent Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the ArtScience Museum beside it and the Helix Bridge - the way to the Flyer, Esplanade Theatre and Merlion from the opposite bank of the river.  

And I can't help but snap a few shots of the area even if I see them everyday from my office window. You just can't ignore the beauty of these structures. So here are some of the shots I took of the Marina. I guess jogging around the area is a good idea too. Who wants to join me? Of course, we'll schedule it when the weather is good. As I am writing this article, it's raining cats and dogs outside. 

The MBS

The ArtScience Museum (Upclose)

MBS and the Helix 

More of Singapore: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/11/when-in-singapore-1-altitude.html

When In Singapore: 1 Altitude

Because this is what you are going  to see when you go to the highest Al Fresco Bar in the World - 1 Altitude. 

In the middle of the busy district of buildings after buildings after buildings lies this another tall structure that would give you the best view of the cityscape ever. No doubt, all of its visitors snap a photo or photos of the city from the viewing deck. Seeing the Marina Bay Sands from the 63rd floor, and watching its light show has rendered me still even though the band  was playing my favorite song. Yeah, the view alone is worth the entrance fee. However, this is not another viewing deck, it is a bar and when you visit this place, you would get good music and drinks. So this isn't your underground bar where in you will sweat like hell; this is the perfect place to get that fresh air while you enjoy the company of your friends over a drink with the perfect backdrop ever - the city full of lights. 

Information:

Address: 1 Raffles Place, 048616

Phone:6438 0410

Website: http://www.1-altitude.com/#!

Of course, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to have my photo snapped. Told yah, everyone will be snapping.. If you won't,  then something's wrong with you.. HAAHA

Jason Mraz: YES

So when I heard about Jason Mraz coming again to Singapore, I was all over Facebook asking my friends who wants to join me sing along with him and Raining Jane. When I missed the second chance - one years back in Manila and another one in Singapore, I told myself that I wouldn't miss another chance to see this artist pour his heart out. Good thing YES! was released, and here's the opportunity I have been waiting for. And the good thing is that, I like the new album alot. I checked this blog site and I even had 2 of his new songs being posted some time ago. That's how fond I am of this new album. So whether solo or not, I will be there singing his songs and possibly feeling every beat of every song. 

To excite myself and others some more, here are some of his songs. Feel the beat and say YES! 

Back to the Earth

When You Love Someone

Some more Jason Mraz on Chicsoul: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/07/jason-mraz-everywhere.html

And another one: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/06/jason-mraz-3-things.html