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AI 101: AI Explained
Do you struggle with AI? Have parents, friends, and others who struggle with terminology and understanding what AI is good for?
The guide defines basics terms that are often mentioned in numerous online videos and definitely can be confusing to a new user.
Check out my guide, free to use, no data collected.
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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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Golden milk–get some rich benefits from it!
If you have been following along, you have already read about the benefits of turmeric and what all it can help with so the recipe that follows is a good one to try if you want to reap all the benefits. As a refresher, turmeric is composed of curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient. Turmeric may impact your brain and heart health positively. It may also help with your arthritis. These are just a few reasons to try it. Google turmeric benefits and nutrients and you’ll find additional resources on the topic.
Golden milk:
1) Pick your choice of milk (I prefer coconut or A2 milk) and heat up the quantity you want to drink
2) Mix in turmeric (no more than a 1/2 a teaspoon as that little bit goes a long way), black pepper, and cinnamon
3) Add honey and vanilla extract if you like
4) Mix and enjoy!
turmeric–original root, powder, and milk
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Za’atar Chickpea Yogurt Recipe
Now that hot weather is here, everyone wants something cooling and refreshing to eat or drink. Most of the time, our summer drinks tend to be lemonade and iced tea while food tends to be barbeques and ice cream but if you want to stay healthy while others are eating ice cream, try this awesome za’atar chickpea yogurt bowl.
As mentioned in other posts, za’atar is a blend of spices like thyme, sesasme seeds, and other spices. It goes well with pretty much anything from pizza to bagels to yogurt. Za’atar can be found in local grocery stories and Amazon too. Yogurt is good for you, if you aren’t lactose intolerant, as you can get your protein and calcium with it and good fats too. Chickpeas are beneficial for vegans and vegatarians because it is a good way to get protein and fiber as well as other nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and more.
This recipe combines the best of all and is going to help you curb your appetite too. Give it a try!
1) To a bowl, add yogurt (skyr or greek) and if desired some hummus
2) Add roasted/baked chickpeas
3) Add some extra virgin olive oil and a dap of lemon or lime juice
4) Add Himalayan salt and pepper
5) Top with za’atar
6) Serve and enjoy!
This recipe is super simple. Add amounts based on how many you would like to feed. For more specific amounts, I’m sure there are tons of similar recipes on Google.
the incredible spice blend-Za’atar
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Eggilicious
We already know eggs are good for you but why are they good for you besides the fact that they have protein?
Eggs have zero carbs, zero sugar and wait for it…choline in it! Why is choline important for you? Choline helps to keep your liver functioning well and is great for keeping your mind sharp too. Unless you are eating poultry, shellfish, collard greens in high quantity, you are likely missing out on this beneficial nutrient which is part of the egg yolk. Plus, eating the egg yolk allows for choline to transport fats throughout your body–especially essential for this to happen if you are on the keto diet but something we all need nonetheless, no matter the diet as well.
Eggs are great for you and if you are concerned about the impact on cholesterol in your body, just consuming less full eggs or speak to your doctor as to how many full eggs you can eat.
Here’s a quick and easy recipe for you to try:
Garam Masala Eggs
1) Peel two hard boiled eggs and place in a container and set aside
2) Add your favorite mayonnaise (Sir Kensington’s spicy fabanaise is my favorite as it uses aquafaba, chickpea water) and garam masala powder (or curry powder)
3) Add the hard boiled egg and season with Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
4) Garnish with cilantro, if you like
5) Serve and enjoy!
This recipe adds a twist to egg salad since you add a kick to your recipe via Indian spices.
Do you eat eggs?
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Healthy fat from Avocados–Simple Avocado Dip recipe
You’re in for a treat this week as I will be posting my favorite recipes and what I like to eat. Hopefully by the end of the week, you give one of the recipes a shot.
Avocados are healthy fats that you should include in your diet, no matter what diet you are following. Avocados are made up of all three macros (carbs, proteins, and fat). They help with heart health and satiety (since it has fiber). Plus, since it has healthy fat in it, you can absorb your fat soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, K) better. Not to mention, avocados pair well with food no matter the meal–breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Simple Avocado Dip Recipe:
1) Pitt avocados and mash in bowl
2) Add yogurt (greek (sweet) or skyr (not sweet)) per your preference of consistency, with a little bit of lime juice (you add this to limit browning), Himalayan salt, zaatar (you can get this at stores or on Amazon), and salt and pepper.
3) Enjoy!
Avocados have good healthy fat!
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What is Lidl and what can I get there?
Shopping for groceries has become so much easier today..from going to the farmer’s market to shopping online so whenever a new store launches, people do look at it skeptically. If you have never heard of Lidl, it is a grocery store that allows you to buy products at lower prices much like Aldi.
What I really liked about Lidl is that the footprint is much bigger than Aldi but they too carry limited quantities of products. Most of their items are private label too. However, they do carry many items that are gluten free and organic. You can find anything from produce to deli meat to milk to various items like gardening tools, shirts, and even pool gear, all depends on the season. Produce quality is pretty good and pricing is very competitive to Aldi (which is already low).
Like Aldi, they are a European chain that has come to the US. Since they are fairly new in the USA, just a year old, everything has that new aura inside so that will automatically appeal to you. Also, they carry wine and have fresh bread via the bakery section and fresh flowers too, all of which I have yet to see at the many Aldis that I’ve been too.
Just remember, you still have to use reusable bags or purchase bags while there as they too want to reduce landfill waste. Like Aldi, you do have to bag your groceries because is this another way prices stay low since they don’t have to hire an employee for that function. Also, they only take store coupons not manufacturer coupons. However, unlike Aldi, you don’t need a quarter to get the cart so that’s a plus and convenient.
If you have a Lidl near you, do stop in..it will save you money if you want high quality products without paying the brand name prices!
Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.
low prices abound at lidl!
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Shopping made easy–Aldi’s
If you have an Aldi near you, I encourage you to visit. I’m sure you must be wondering what can I get there? Do they have meat that is good? Do they carry brand names that I know of? Are there any healthy items there that I can buy? How’s the produce section? Is it true that I need to pay for bags and a cart? Well, all these questions will be answered below.
I’m sure you have seen the TV ad that shows a receipt comparison of shopping at Aldi and your nearby grocery store with Aldi being cheaper–well, Aldi is cheaper. How do I know this? Well, multiple trips to Aldi has resulted in me getting at least 15 items in $20 while at various other stores like ShopRite and Stop and Shop, I’ve got more like 10-12 of the same items. Also, when I was given a $100 to shop for charity, my go to shopping place was Aldi. I was able to hit exactly $100 and not go over and have an entirely full food cart for donation…impressive right? How does Aldi manage to keep the price low? Well, it starts by carrying less products. A typical Aldi store has fewer of the same items so choices are limited. Some brand names are there but if you aren’t specifically looking for that name then you can find great tasting healthier options. Since the store footprint is smaller, more of what you want and need is there without having to cater all the products for a particular item.
Produce and deli meats are there too but again you have to know when to get them..sale ads are wonderful for this! The quality is good if you are on a budget but by no means is it yet Wholefoods quality but pricing reflects this too. They also carry many gluten free (LiveG) products and now are carrying organic ones too. My favorite section is the one in the middle (yes, we are told not to shop in the middle sections of the store as the not so nutritious stuff is there) but here the middle section has products that change weekly from pillows to gardening tools to shower curtains to athletic apparel to what not. This section isn’t huge but definitely worth browsing. The other part of the middle section has your basic household items like cleaners, paper towels, etc. Also, you can pay with debit and credit too. The cashiers are fast though often only three are there. It is definitely not hard to find healthy items at Aldi as they are constantly growing to include items that will attract you.
The cons for some include that you can’t find your traditional deli counter or brand name products but you’re shopping to save money and good quality stuff right so this becomes secondary in my opinion. Currently, Aldi does not take manufacturer’s coupons but they do take store coupons so you might want to consider this if you like your coupons for shopping. Also, many don’t like paying for bags and carts. I think paying for bags is a great idea as even California has banned plastic bags and requires you to carry your own or purchase reusable bags; thus, eliminating waste. Since you are using reusable bags, you have to bag them yourself–another way prices are kept low. As far as carts go, yes, you need to pay $0.25 to get a cart but as soon as you return it you get the money bag. This too is smart because Aldi doesn’t have to hire people to bring carts back from the parking lot and thus this savings is passed on to the consumer in the product’s price..Yeah for us!
Don’t hesitate, give a spin by your local Aldi to save some money on your groceries!
Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.
Your favorite grocery store that you haven’t visited yet!
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Watermelon Pizza -Happy 4th of July!
Since today is a day for barbecues and eating..hopefully, some of it is healthy, I figured I’d venture a recipe that I like and have tried. More specific and actual measurements you can Google but this is how I have made it.
Watermelon Pizza Pie is super easy to make.
1) Mix either cream cheese or yogurt with honey or use sweetened yogurt (so no need for honey) and add a little vanilla for flavor.
2) Spread on cut watermelon
3) Top with whatever you like..i like berries and chocolate chips
4) Most importantly, dig in and enjoy!
Happy Fourth of July!
Tomorrow, I’ll continue with where to shop!
Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.
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Brandless–how important is the brand name to you?
Everyone likes to save money right but what is probably the next money expenditure for you after housing? It is likely food. Check out www.brandless.com for huge savings on everyday items. Everything is $3 only! Shipping isn’t too expensive either. I’ve usually only paid about $5 in shipping but I always order small amounts. If you don’t want to pay shipping, you can sign up for B.More membership for $36/annually—not too bad if you don’t need name brand products.
Brandless carries all sorts of products and even recently started carrying organic items. They also have many items that kosher, gluten free, and vegan. Healthy eating choices are easy to find on the website as the user interface is straight forward. Plus, everything is $3, did I mention that already? Why is the price so cheap? Simply, because there is no markup and no brand tax resulting in more cost savings for you. Another nice thing that the company does is donate a meal on your behalf after a purchase is made on the site. If you are wondering how the items deliver, don’t fret as everything comes nicely packaged and so far I have had no issues with anything broken, splattered, etc. like some of the other services. Some items that I have bought include shampoo, toilet paper, paper towels, peanut butter, spice jars, multivitamins to much more.
For me the fact that I am saving money and donating a meal with my purchase is equally important. Definitely visit brandless.com and save money on your favorite products!
Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.
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When you eat well, you THRIVE!
This week, I’ll be talking about a few places that I like to shop for healthy items and of course how to save money.
One of my latest favorite places to shop is Thrive Market or www.thrivemarket.com. Definitely visit their website if you are looking for items that are healthy for you and your family. Not only can you buy food but they also carry personal care products to pet products to household items too. Best part is these items costs way less than you expect. I know like most of you, I too price shop and use Amazon to see where the deal is. Yes, you might get Prime service and get your delivery in 2 days versus 3 days but isn’t the savings important too? Thrive is successful because the middlemen and retail markups are not there so that means more money in your pocket for the same item.
I started shopping on Thrive because I liked their breakdown of products. You can shop on their website by organic, gluten free, paleo, vegan, and even keto to name a few categories. When you are trying to function the best you can, of course you want a website that makes the search simpler and faster for you. If you are interested in shopping by a certain certification or label, e.g. made in the USA or locally sourced, that option is available too. I think the layout of the website is great and makes it easy to find what you are looking for.
How does the service stack up to other online services including Prime Pantry? Well, it is comparable in terms on delivery and how items comes to you but the outstanding part is that the options for healthy items are well presented and researched by the Thrive team. Sometimes having too many choices makes shopping more arduous so Thrive helps to dwindle the choices down for you. Another great aspect of Thrive is that you can often try products on the site that are not available on Amazon. This is important because your go to source does not have to be your favorite online retailer—options exist!
What do I buy on Thrive? Everything from pet treats to organic foods to keto products to personal care products like sunscreen.
If you would like to try Thrive out, here’s the referral code to help you score a 25% discount: http://thrv.me/ja5ZBi
Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.
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Aloe vera—the goodness that you need!
Aloe vera—the goodness that you need!
One of my favorite beverages is aloe water especially if you can find aloe leaves and can make it yourself. Lots of recipes on Google on how to make aloe water so definitely give it a shot.
Aloe water is made from the gel of the leaf of aloe plants. It typically has a bitter taste so to mask it, you will typically find some sort of sweetener like honey, stevia, etc in most products on the market or you will find it in combo with citrus flavors like grapefruit or even mixed in with coconut water.
Since we are in the midst of summer, aloe water should be something you consume. It is composed of antioxidants like Vitamins C and E that can help protect your skin from sun damage. It also has B vitamins which can help give you an energy boost not to mention minerals like potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and more. Aloe vera also has tremendous benefit in helping you with your digestive and immune health. Research has shown that by drinking aloe water, you might be able to minimize heartburn and acid reflux as you are able to balance the body’s pH level (remember your stomach has an acidic environment which is why there is the success of alkaline waters, see earlier post). Also, because of the nutrients aloe water possesses, it aids in detoxification and removing impurities from your body. Did you know that aloe vera also can be used to fight bad breath and plaque too. You’ve probably already seen plenty of products in the market place with aloe for skin care from sunscreens to acne products to face washes to more. The benefits of aloe are immense.
I find that the main benefit of drinking aloe water for me is that it is a viable alternative to drinking water when you want something different from water. It allows you to stay hydrated and still get the nutrients you need. One of my favorite aloe products is show below. It is sweetened with honey and cane sugar so I tend to drink it in small amounts. Just be careful not to get something that is loaded with sugar or sweeteners as that could negate some of the impacts of drinking it.
Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.
aloe water goodness
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