Health

The very idea of a low carb high fat (LCHF) diet, often called the keto diet, is the stuff of most Singaporeans' nightmares. If you ever let slip that you're on this diet, best be prepared for critiques like, "How to lose weight when it's HIGH fat?" and "You need carbs to live!" But dealing with concern-trolling family members/colleagues is only the second hardest thing about doing the keto diet in Singapore. The number one hardest thing is going LCHF on a budget. Try swapping your $3 char kway teow for $15 protein bowls at that trendy CBD salad place for a month, and you'll be feeling lean in more ways than one. Obligatory disclaimer: Obviously, MoneySmart isn't a fitness or medical advice website. I'm not going to extol the virtues of the diet, nor will I disparage it. Whatever your reasons are for wanting to go on a LCHF diet, here's how you can do it without going broke. WHAT IS A LCHF/KETO DIET? AND WHAT'S THE POINT? A low carb high fat diet is one that restricts the amount of … [Read more...] about Keto diet in Singapore: How to go low carb, high fat on a budget

As a miscarriage often occurs within the first 3 months of a pregnancy, many people might think it is less traumatic than the loss of a pregnancy at a later stage of development, known as a stillborn baby. This is not always the case, and the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy is emotional and difficult for everyone involved. If you are pregnant or planning for a baby, it's important to know the facts about miscarriages and where to seek help and treatment for both your physical and mental health. Spontaneous abortion Abdominal or back pain Blood loss, ranging from minimal to severe Cramping Feeling dizzy or faint Fever Passing clots or tissue If you are pregnant and experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit a hospital or a gynaecologist immediately. Types of miscarriages Miscarriages can be classified in a number of ways. Common classifications include: Complete miscarriage, where everything is expelled from the womb Threatened miscarriage, where blood loss occurs and … [Read more...] about Miscarriages: More common than you think

What is stress eating? Food is a central aspect of human life and is necessary for survival. However, many people develop a relationship with food that is less about eating for health and wellness, and more about coping with emotions. Stress eating, also known as emotional eating, is a reliance on food to bring comfort, happiness and distraction from feelings of anger, sadness, or stress. It typically results in overeating because it is the emotion that dictates how much you eat, not your body. Why does junk food provide comfort? The difference between stress eating and physical hunger If you are stress eating, you’ll probably notice the following warning signs: Eating constantly throughout the day, even just after consuming a large meal or when you are full Eating mindlessly without really paying attention to what you eat or fully enjoying what you eat Eating until you are uncomfortably stuffed, yet still not feeling satisfied Experiencing extreme highs and lows of energy … [Read more...] about Stress Eating: What To Do

The growing trend for couples in Singapore is to wait until they are financially secure before they start a family. This often means they delay trying for a baby until their mid-30s. Learn more about the factors couples should consider when having a baby after 35 and the medical options available to help them conceive. TICKING BIOLOGICAL CLOCK Did you know that fertility in both men and women declines with age? A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have and, as she gets older, the number and quality of her eggs decline. IMPACT OF STRESS “I’ve seen cases of couples who have failed to conceive despite IVF treatment, then become pregnant naturally when they stop trying or while on holiday as they let their guard down and take the focus off conceiving,” says Dr Lim. “A more relaxed mental state gives them a higher chance of getting pregnant.” FACING INFERTILITY AS A COUPLE As difficulties in conceiving isn’t solely a women’s issue, Dr Lim … [Read more...] about Trying for a Baby After 35? Things to Consider

The heart wants what it wants, and now it wants walnuts. These nuts have long been used to increase brain function and past research has revealed that walnut has more calibre to keep the heart healthy. As per a new study, eating walnuts may help lower blood pressure in people at risk for cardiovascular disease. For the research, scientists studied the effects of replacing some of the saturated fats in participants' diets with walnuts. It was found that having a whole walnut daily with lower overall amounts of saturated fat, had lower central blood pressure. Central pressure is the pressure that is exerted on organs like the heart. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that may positively affect blood pressure. Penny Kris-Etherton, professor of nutrition at Penn State, said the study shows that walnuts lowered central pressure, helping reduce the participants' risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study observed 45 participants who were overweight or obese, between the ages of … [Read more...] about Give heart what it wants