Connect with us

Food

5 foods you should avoid during pregnancy

Published

on

As soon as a woman discovers she is pregnant, there is an awareness that she is no longer taking care of just herself.

This means she needs to avoid whatever would put her and her baby at risk. With this in mind, here are five foods women should not eat during pregnancy.

1) Raw fish
One food a pregnant woman needs to avoid is raw or undercooked fish. This includes the likes of sushi and any other seafood that is undercooked.

This is important because such foods might contain bacteria that is harmful to both the mother and the baby.

2) Raw eggs
While eggs are rich in protein, contain all the essential amino acids needed in the body and are good for consumption by pregnant women, there should be a limit when they are raw.

Eating raw eggs exposes a pregnant woman to risk of Salmonella infection. Some foods which also contain raw eggs need to be avoided by pregnant women. These include the likes of homemade ice cream, cake icing etc.

3) Alcohol
To have a healthy pregnancy and baby, alcohol is one drink every pregnant woman is advised to avoid. According to some studies, the intake of alcohol while pregnant increases the risk of miscarriage and still birth.

Some researchers even say a small amount of alcohol during pregnancy can negatively affect a baby’s brain development.

4) Caffeine
As soon as a woman is pregnant, she also needs to limit her intake of anything that contains caffeine.

This is because caffeine is easily passed on to babies via the placenta when ingested by the mother, and since the babies do not have the enzymes needed to metabolize caffeine, it affects them negatively.

5) Organ meat (Liver)
Another food pregnant women should avoid is liver. This particular food contains high levels of vitamin A in the form of retinol which is dangerous and toxic to a developing baby.

Excessive intake of vitamin A in this form while pregnant can lead to birth defects in the form of mutations and even lead to the development of cancerous cells.

In addition to the above, it is also advised that pregnant women limit their intake of sugary foods and processed junk foods as these can also be harmful during pregnancy.

Food

3 foods you must avoid to burn belly fat

Published

on

By

Excess fat around the midsection not only affects your appearance but also poses risks to your health.

While regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for achieving this goal, certain foods can hinder your progress.

This article explores three foods – both solid and liquid – that you should avoid if you’re aiming to burn belly fat.

Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives, making them a major contributor to belly fat accumulation. These include packaged snacks, sugary cereals, fast food, and ready-to-eat meals. These foods are typically low in essential nutrients and fibre, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Additionally, the high sodium content in processed foods can cause water retention and bloating, further exacerbating the appearance of belly fat.

Alternatively, opt for whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are rich in nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants, which can support healthy weight loss and reduce belly fat over time.

Sugary beverages such as soda, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee drinks are loaded with empty calories and contribute to belly fat gain. These drinks are high in fructose, a type of sugar that is metabolised by the liver and stored as fat if consumed in excess. Additionally, sugary beverages provide little to no nutritional value and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods.

Alternative: Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, or infused water with fresh fruits and herbs. These alternatives are calorie-free and can help curb cravings while promoting hydration and overall health.

Refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, pasta, and pastries are quickly broken down into sugar by the body, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. This can promote fat storage, especially around the abdominal area. Additionally, refined carbohydrates lack fibre and essential nutrients, leaving you feeling hungry and unsatisfied shortly after eating.

Alternatively, choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat bread, which are higher in fibre and nutrients and promote feelings of fullness and satiety. These complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly, helping to stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce belly fat accumulation.

Achieving a trimmer waistline and burning belly fat requires a holistic approach that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.

By avoiding processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined carbohydrates, you can support your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.

Instead, focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and promote fat loss. Remember, small dietary changes can lead to significant results over time, so choose your foods wisely and prioritise your health and well-being.

Continue Reading

Food

5 foods that can sustain Nigerians amid hardship

Published

on

By

With the cost of commodities, including foods, gradually getting above the means of the common man, Nigerians have continued to lament how difficult it is to survive amid the hardship occasioned by the economy.

Here are, however, five affordable foods that can help Nigerians sustain themselves during the hardship:

Garri


A common food that can be included into various culinary meals, served with soups, or simply consumed as is. It is currently one of the most economical meal items to help you get through the hardship.

Noodles


With just N400, you can purchase two noodles and have them quickly cooked to get through some hours in the day, and stave off hunger.

Bread


For as little as N500, you can buy a loaf of bread and pair it with butter or stew.

Yam


For N1,000 – 1200, you can buy a tuber of yam and eat it twice or three times, depending on how much food you consume.

Vegetables


Amid the hardship, this appears to be a very affordable food option for those who want to cook soup and serve it alongside other solid foods or rice.

Continue Reading

Food

Domino’s Pizza apologises after employee nose-picking video goes viral

Published

on

By

Domino’s Pizza in Japan has apologised after a video of an employee appearing to pick his nose and wipe his hand on dough surfaced on social media.

In the now-viral video, the employee of Domino’s Pizza at the Amagasaki store in Hyogo Prefecture, a mainland in Japan, was seen having a conversation with a colleague when he picked his nose and rubbed it on the pizza dough.

The video attracted a wave of backlash targeted towards the pizza delivery giants.

But reacting in a statement, Domino’s apologised over the worker’s “inappropriate behaviour” and vowed to ensure that “something like this never happens again”.

The company revealed that the statement was released “not long after the incident”, adding that no pizza dough had been used and all remaining dough had been disposed of.

It said the store in question had suspended operations and that the employees involved in the video would be punished in accordance with employment regulations.

“Apology and notice regarding inappropriate behavior by our employees. We would like to report on the progress of our internal investigation and response to the inappropriate behaviour by our employees that is currently being spread on social media,” the statement reads in part.

“It has been determined that this photo was taken by a part-time employee of the Amagasaki store in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, at around 2 a.m. on February 12, after business hours had closed.

“The dough used in the video is at a stage before fermentation is complete, and we have confirmed that it has not been used yet, as there is a 24-hour fermentation process. The fabric was disposed of before being used.

“Additionally, all fabrics in the store are being disposed of. Additionally, the store ceased operations as of February 12th.

“The employees involved in this incident will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the company’s work regulations. We would also like to inform you that we are considering strict legal measures.

“We deeply apologize for the inconvenience and inconvenience caused to our customers. From now on, the entire company will make every effort to prevent recurrence and restore trust.”

Continue Reading

Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

Most Read...