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Which supplement should I take? #Supplement Explorer
Are you always on your phone looking at which supplements you should take? Do you look at reviews? How do you decide what to buy?
As someone who has been in the nutraceutical industry for over 10 years, I’ve worked with many suppliers and companies to understand why an ingredient is chosen, what research is behind it, and how to sell it to a consumer, so if you are looking for some answers to questions you may have, drop a comment, or even better check out the Supplement Explorer on the site. It is free to use, 3 questions, and a simple output. No info is stored.I made the Supplement Explorer purely for my use and then thought, well, if it is useful for me, maybe it is useful for others. The tool is not affiliated with any company or brand, but was just a way for me to showcase what I find useful. If you use it, do give me feedback as to what you’d like to see it on too.
Stay well and remember, before taking any supplements, check with your doctor if it is a good fit for you or not!
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Aldi sign hacks
As a frequent Aldi shopper, not only do I like Aldi finds—the middle aisle where items are there only weekly and you’ll never know when it will show up again, I also like the fact that Aldi’s prices and signs are so easy to read. What do I mean?
If an Aldi sign has seasonal item on it, you know it will only be available a short time and not to expect it all year—so better stock up if you like it. Also, Aldi finds are usually red and white signs while regularly stocked items are in yellow and black. A price sticker on a product likely means it is on clearance or sale further. Finally a number followed by a D indicates how long the item is good for after it has been thawed but that doesn’t mean it is expired, just that something that was frozen was thawed that many days ago. Did you know all these sign tricks?
Stay well!
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Do you still eat at the buffet?
Before the pandemic started, buffets were very popular. Not only because of the price but also the amount of food and variety you got. I’m sure you had your favorite ones just like me but since the pandemic has started have you gone back to one? I haven’t because I don’t think many changes have been made in my area. What changes am I looking for?
Well, even before the pandemic, buffets were always full of risk—salads were open to the air along with other foods that weren’t always cooked so eating at a buffet wasn’t without risk even then. However, with covid-19 being a prevalent virus today, is this a risk you are will to take? I personally would prefer going to a place where hot food is prepped and cooked as any micro contamination would be limited. Just cause the pandemic has been going on almost a year, now is not the time to let your guard down. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!
Stay well!
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mac and cheese part 2
Last week, I wrote about pink mac and cheese but this week, I’m going to share a life hack that makes cooking your mac and cheese easier. Instead of ripping or cutting your pouch of cheese and put it in the cooked mac, try this. Cut the pouch, turn it upside down and use the lid for the pot to squeeze all of it out. So easy to do and you are able to get everything from the packet out. Of course, the main reason this works is because you have a liquid based pouch that you are trying to empty out. Powder, much easier to just sprinkle it.
What a simple life hack that I bet you might not be using at all. Let me know if you give it a try.
Stay well!
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Grilled Cheese Hack

I bet you love grilled cheese as much as me but here’s a hack that I bet you didn’t know.
Place some butter in the skillet, let it melt. Then add the first slice of bread followed by cheese and second slice of bread. I like zero carb bread from Aldi’s as that tastes great and of course is zero carbs. Once the first slice bread is done and the sandwich is ready to be flipped. Instead of picking up the bread and flipping the sandwich, hold the bread up on your spatula and pick up the pan from the stove and flip the pan instead. Not sure what I’m on talking about, google it and be amazed. What a simple hack and so easy to do without causing any messiness. What do you think about it?
Stay well and enjoy the grilled cheese!
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Collagen, should you supplement with it?

I’m sure you’ve seen many products in the store with collagen but have you actually tried any? What’s stopping you? Did you know collagen is a protein that is in your body and that reduces as we age. What makes it so beneficial to use? Well, it is great for your skin, bones, and hair to name a few reasons. So which type should you take?
If you are like me and can’t do bovine collagen, then there is a marine collagen option that Vital Proteins offers. Just 2 scoops gives you 11g protein! It doesn’t have a flavor so it blends well in a protein shake. Plus, it isn’t too expensive either. Usually you can find it for sale for anywhere near $30 to $36. So should you take it? Ask your doctor if it is right for you. I take mine along with my biotin gummies to supplement my skin, hair, nails routine as well. I truly believe your outside is directly a reflection of what you are putting inside your body. Do your research and talk to your doc and see if collagen supplements are for you.
Stay well!
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Mac and Cheese–Pink?

With Valentine’s day around the corner, you probably think of chocolate, candy, roses, and heart candies but do you also think of mac and cheese? I bet now. Would pink mac and cheese excite you and complete your holiday? Kraft sure thinks that might be on your list. I’m not so sure it is on mine but the idea sounds nice plus if nothing else, you get some awesome Instagram pics right?
Are you likely going to buy pink mac and cheese? If yes, it is out of curiosity or just to have it because it goes with Valentine’s theme. Check out the article below about this upcoming mac and cheese.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/30/us/kraft-pink-mac-and-cheese-trnd/index.html
Stay well!
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How to increase protein intake?

One of the biggest challenges that I have is eating protein. I absolutely would rather eat more carbs and fats than protein so instead of trying the keto diet forever (high fat, low carb, moderate protein), I began to wonder if there is a better way to get protein in. The solution was surprisingly not that hard to figure out.
I know you are probably like we are all told to eat about 0.8g of protein per kg of bodyweight but if you don’t like eating protein, how the heck do you get that much in? One of my solutions was to find milk or alternative milk that high protein in it. I now drink this almond milk that has 10g of protein per serving. It tastes great and can be easily mixed into oatmeal or smoothie. That brings me to having a smoothie a day with the same milk and adding a protein powder and collagen powder to it. That gets me really quickly to a lot of the protein that I need per my bodyweight. The other ways to get protein in during the day is either having a ready to drink shake or eating a meal with chicken or chickpeas or lentils. Every little bit helps to help you meet your goals. Is it easy to do? Absolutely not. Can it be done? Yes, with a little planning. Give it a shot! Start small and you’ll be surprised to see the results.
Stay well!
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Quick and easy recipe

I’m always looking for a way to eat something healthy that isn’t too complicated to make so this week I experimented with Thai-style chicken stir fry. Super easy to make and tasty too. The only problem was that I ate it all and need to make more again!
One quick and easy way this actually became easy to make was I bought the stir fry packet from Target, the chicken breast was seasoned at home, and I already had pad Thai sauce. First, I made the chicken on the pan and once that was done, I made the stir fry in the pan. After 6 mins or so, I reduced the heat to low and added the pad Thai sauce and stirred like 5 mins more, and then added the chicken. The entire meal took me maybe 15 mins to make. It was so yummy and healthy too. Got my protein in with a good amount of veggies too.
If you are looking for a quick and easy meal to make, give this Thai Stir Fry Chicken a go—provided you like all the ingredients in it and like Thai cuisine.
Stay well!
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Morning habit to keep doing

One morning habit that I recommend to do or continue to do is take a walk or workout. I do this every morning in some fashion from walking the dog to yoga to going to the gym. Why? What benefit do I get for doing this first thing in the morning?
Well, by starting my day with some movement, I’m able to get my blood flowing and have started my journey towards 10,000 steps. Plus, it’s a good way to get the workout in before the day gets busy. Also, if you have an Apple watch, you can now connect it to Apple fitness+ and do at home workouts and get a good measure of your activity levels so you can close your rings daily. So many ways to stay active and if you’re already working out in the mornings, keep it up!
Stay well!
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Change this Morning habit

So after you get out of bed, my guess is most of us want to eat or drink something. Even if you don’t eat breakfast, likely you’re having coffee, tea, or some other drink but did you know your drink of choice sets the tone for your day. How?
If you sleep enough, caffeine won’t be something you need to start your day. Yes, the energy you seek comes from consistent nightly sleep. If you still need an energy boost, you can take a B complex supplement, after checking with your doctor. So then what do you grab as the drink of your choice when you get up? If you have consistent energy from good nightly sleep, you can have what you normally have (even if it has caffeine in it) because you won’t be dependent on it to give you your morning energy boost!
Stay well!