My Favorite Dessert That Loves My Gut Back

One of my favorite healthy desserts is plain yogurt with chia seeds, coconut cream, and a drizzle of palm sugar syrup. 🥥🥣

It tastes surprisingly similar to a bowl of creamy sago pudding—but it's a much healthier version that's packed with nutrients.

I usually use either mum's homemade yogurt or store-bought plain, unsweetened yogurt. Then I add about 3–5 tablespoons of soaked chia seeds, which develop a lovely soft, gel-like texture that reminds me of sago pearls. Next comes a generous squeeze of Kara coconut cream, followed by just a tiny drizzle of palm sugar syrup for a touch of sweetness.

The result? Creamy, rich, lightly sweet, and absolutely delicious!

Chia seeds may be tiny, but they're nutritional powerhouses. They're naturally rich in dietary fiber, plant-based protein, omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), antioxidants, and important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Health benefits of eating chia seeds regularly:

🌱 High in fiber – Supports healthy digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps keep you feeling full longer.

💪 Good source of protein – Helps maintain muscle mass and increases satiety, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.

❤️ Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) – Supports heart health and helps reduce inflammation.

🦴 Excellent for bone health – Provides calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are essential for strong bones and teeth.

🩸 May help stabilize blood sugar – The soluble fiber in chia seeds slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, helping to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals.

🛡️ Packed with antioxidants – Helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

⚖️ Supports healthy weight management – The combination of fiber and protein can help curb hunger and reduce unnecessary snacking.

A quick tip: Always soak chia seeds before eating them, especially if you're using larger amounts. They absorb many times their weight in water, becoming soft and easier to digest while also helping with hydration.

Try this combo if you love coconut cream and yogurt and want to add more fiber and protein to your diet. It's really delicious and super easy to prep. 

I always get my chia seeds from this seller - https://s.shopee.com.my/AKYim1Vx8G

Mum's homemade yogurt (made using fresh milk, coconut cream and a few tablespoons of yogurt) is pressure cooked on low heat for at least 8 hours.

Cheapest Roast Chicken & Roast Duck in Ipoh at Restoran & Kafe New Weng Fatt

I think I've found the cheapest roast chicken and roast duck in Ipoh!

I discovered this hidden gem at Restoran & Kafe New Weng Fatt, Ipoh Garden South, after my 80-year-old mum and I finished our gym session nearby.

For just RM5 (without rice), you get a generous serving of beautifully roasted chicken breast with a lovely charred aroma. Even the roast duck breast is only RM5 per portion without rice! Great value, and the meat is tender and delicious with herb sauce.

The chicken rice seller was also incredibly friendly. I asked for extra cucumber, and he happily gave me more with a smile—no complaints or excuses, unlike some places.

Right next to the chicken rice stall is another stall selling Ipoh-style kai si hor fun (shredded chicken noodles), lam mee, and curry noodles. Mum ordered the Lam Mee (RM9), and we were pleasantly surprised. The rich chicken broth was excellent—honestly, I'd put it on par with the famous kai si hor fun soup at Lou Wong and Thean Chun in Ipoh Old Town.

I'll definitely be back to try their curry noodles and kai si hor fun to see how they rank among Ipoh's best. Have you been here before?

Restoran & Kafe New Weng Fatt

1 Lebuh Raya Taman Ipoh

Ipoh Garden South

31400 Ipoh, Perak

You can watch the video on my YouTube channel.

Mum's Lam Mee in rich, flavorful chicken + prawn broth, RM9

My no-carb lunch - roast chicken breast with cucumber at only RM5, what a steal!

Cass Starts University

 Finally, it's official!

Cass, my youngest daughter, finally received her Offer Letter from Universiti Malaya today—but not before giving me a little scare!

Earlier, she checked the UM application portal and the search result showed that her application was unsuccessful. My heart nearly skipped a beat. I asked her to check the Maya Portal (under UM) instead, as her application was made via this portal. After what felt like the longest hour ever, her Offer Letter finally appeared. What a huge relief for both of us!

From tomorrow onwards, life is going to get very busy for her. She has a stack of documents to print and prepare before her physical registration at UM this Saturday. Orientation follows on Monday and Tuesday, and official classes begin next Wednesday.

How time flies! It feels like only yesterday she finished SPM, and now she's about to begin a brand new chapter at university. Her long holiday since December is officially coming to an end.

From next week onwards, she'll be juggling university classes, her part-time figure skating coaching job, figure skating classes, training and rehearsals, and in August, she'll be competing in Skate Asia. It's going to be a hectic few months ahead.

As her mum, my only wish is simple—that she stays healthy, safe, and happy as she begins this exciting new journey. Work hard, enjoy every moment, and make lots of wonderful memories.

Congratulations, Cass! I'm so proud of you.

PS - in this photo, it was Cass's first day of Primary 1 at SJKC Kuen Cheng 2. Seated opposite her is Sherilyn.

The Weights Don't Get Lighter — You Get Stronger

A friend recently asked me if lifting dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands is easy because, in my workout videos, it looks effortless.

The truth is, it isn't easy at all.

Even lifting a pair of 3kg dumbbells (6kg in total) while doing lunges, squats, shoulder presses, or arm raises takes a surprising amount of effort. After every strength training session, I go home with sore arms, shoulders, and legs. 

My hands—especially my right arm—are not particularly strong to begin with. I suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow, so lifting weights requires even more effort and determination on my part. Some exercises that may seem easy for others can be quite challenging for me, especially on days when the pain flares up. Yet I continue to show up, do what I can, and gradually build strength over time.

What you see in videos—whether it's me or seasoned gym-goers lifting weights without wincing—is the result of many hours of consistent practice and hard work. The exercises may look effortless, but they certainly don't feel that way, especially when you're starting out.

The good news is that consistency, persistence, and patience do pay off. I can feel my core muscles getting stronger, and exercises that I struggled with when I first began now feel much easier and more manageable.

Strength and resistance training become increasingly important as we age. They help maintain muscle mass, improve balance, strengthen bones, and make everyday activities easier.

The best part is that you don't need a gym membership to get started.  Investing in a few sets of dumbbells in different weights and some good YouTube tutorials are enough to begin building strength at home. If your budget allows, investing in a few sessions with a personal trainer can be worthwhile too. Learning the correct techniques and form from the start helps prevent injuries and gives you the confidence to continue exercising on your own in the future.

The weights may never feel light while you're lifting them, but over time, you'll become stronger—and that's one of the most rewarding feelings of all.

The video is available on my Facebook page.

Another Trophy for My Girl! 🏆

This morning, I woke up to the wonderful news that my second daughter, Sherilyn, and her dance team had won 2nd place at the recently concluded Repz Your Style (RYS) dance competition!

RYS is Malaysia's biggest street dance competition, and this year's event was held at Mitsui Shopping Park at LaLaport Kuala Lumpur. Besides the trophy and the honour, her team also took home RM3,000 in prize money.

Lately, this girl has been juggling a highly demanding schedule—university assignments, late-night dance classes, endless rehearsals, competitions, and even part-time jobs. I honestly don't know where she finds the energy, but she's always been a fighter with an incredibly strong competitive spirit.

That competitive streak definitely didn't come from me or her dad! 😂 But I'm grateful that both Sherilyn and my youngest daughter have the courage to chase big dreams, embrace challenges, and love performing on the world stage.

As for me? You'll find me running as far away from the stage as possible! 🤣

I'm so proud of my "drama queen"—that's what I used to call her when she was little. ❤️ She has grown into a determined, hardworking young woman who never stops pushing herself to become better.

Here's another trophy to add to your ever-growing collection. I'm so proud of you, Sherilyn! ❤️ Keep chasing your dreams, and never stop dancing.

My High Protein Breakfast

My breakfast today. 😊

Two soft-boiled eggs topped with crispy meat floss, chickpeas with melted butter, and half a steamed sweet potato with grass-fed butter.

A simple breakfast that's high in protein, packed with nutrients, and keeps me feeling full and satisfied for longer. Lately, I've been trying to cut back on bread, refined carbs, and other UPF, while focusing more on whole, nutrient-dense foods that help support steadier blood sugar levels and overall health.

It's not about cutting out carbs completely—it's about making healthier choices, one meal at a time. Here's hoping these small, consistent changes will help bring my HbA1c down over the coming months! 💪😊

An Evening of Unexpected Reunions

Last night, my parents and I attended a fundraising dinner organised by the Living Faith Methodist Church, Ipoh, thanks to three complimentary tickets from one of Mum's former students.

Mum was only 18 when she taught this lovely lady, who was just 10 years old at the time. More than six decades later, they've remained in touch, and it was so kind of her to bless us with the tickets.

The dinner, held at Super HLT, turned into an unexpected reunion for me. I bumped into WZ, my friend since preschool, then SM, a member from the church that I used to attend in KL who had travelled up from KL, and later, the girls' paternal grandaunt, who had also come from KL for the dinner.

It was such a lovely evening catching up with familiar faces, sharing laughter and conversations, and enjoying a delicious meal. The only downside was that the dishes were served very slowly, and we didn't finish dinner until 10.30pm—it felt more like supper by then!😅

Bumped into the girls' paternal grandaunt at the dinner. 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Sugar

One of the things I've started doing recently to help regulate my blood sugar is drinking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) mixed with water after dinner. Sometimes I add a tablespoon of organic lemon juice to make it more palatable.

Some studies suggest that taking diluted ACV after a meal may help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates and improving insulin sensitivity. ACV is also rich in acetic acid, which may support digestion, increase feelings of fullness, and help reduce unnecessary snacking. Some people also take it for its potential benefits in supporting weight management, gut health, and cholesterol levels, although more research is still needed in these areas.

That said, even good things should be taken in moderation.

I know of a few friends who drank almost half a cup of ACV and ended up vomiting and suffering severe stomach discomfort, requiring medication. Another friend experienced enamel erosion from drinking too much ACV over time.

Because ACV is highly acidic, caution and care should always be exercised. I personally take no more than one tablespoon, diluted in about 150ml of water, and occasionally add a tablespoon of lemon juice for taste. Drinking it diluted and in moderation is key. If possible, drink it through a straw and rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards to help protect your teeth.

I got my organic ACV here -https://s.shopee.com.my/1Vx7nvSW72

and the organic lemon juice here - https://s.shopee.com.my/40eSmfbht6

I Don’t Eat Much Sugar—So Why Is My HbA1c Still High?

One thing I’ve learned recently is that a rising HbA1c isn’t always caused by eating too many sweets.

As women enter perimenopause, hormonal changes can make our bodies more insulin resistant. Add in poor sleep, stress, gradual loss of muscle mass, and the natural aging process, and blood sugar levels can start creeping up—even without cakes, desserts, or sugary drinks.

Estrogen plays an important role in how the body responds to insulin. It helps regulate insulin sensitivity, which allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into the cells. As estrogen levels fluctuate and gradually decline, insulin sensitivity can decrease, increasing the risk of higher blood sugar and insulin resistance over time.

That’s been my experience too. My HbA1c has been hovering around 6.0 despite not really indulging in sweet foods.

That realization is one of the reasons I started strength training with my mum, and why I intend to continue for as long as I can. At this stage of life, building and maintaining muscle feels increasingly important. Muscle tissue plays a key role in glucose uptake and can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance.

I’ve also been paying closer attention to my HbA1c and making small, consistent changes to my diet and lifestyle. I’ve spoken to several doctors—some advised focusing on lifestyle adjustments before medication, while my gynae did suggest Metformin given my PCOS, which is closely linked to insulin resistance.

What I’m learning is that health isn’t determined by sugar alone. Sleep, hormones, stress levels, physical activity, muscle mass, and overall diet all play important roles.

For those of us navigating perimenopause, I think it helps to be a little kinder to ourselves. Not every change in our body is due to “bad habits.” Sometimes our bodies are simply evolving, and we need to adapt with them rather than fight against them.

By “adapt,” I mean making more mindful food choices, incorporating strength training and movement, prioritising good quality sleep, and managing stress where we can.

One small step at a time 🫶💪

Trying to Lower My HbA1c Without Feeling Deprived

Last Tuesday, Dad wanted to go to the pasar malam to buy some black sesame candies. When we arrived at the usual site, however, there wasn't a single stall in sight. We initially thought it was because of the drizzle, but I later found out that the pasar malam had actually moved further in.

Since our pasar malam dinner plans were foiled, we headed to our usual kopitiam instead. Dad ordered a wat tan fried meehoon, Mum had bitter gourd pork noodles, and I chose an egg tosai with onions and a side of stir-fried cabbage. 

As I don't usually eat heavy dinners, I only ate half the tosai and packed the other half home for breakfast the next day.

These days, I'm making a conscious effort to bring my HbA1c down to at least 5.5. That means trying my best to eliminate ultra-processed foods, minimise sugary foods and fruits, and avoid rice and noodles whenever possible.

Of course, tosai is still a carbohydrate food as it's made from fermented rice batter, so it can raise blood sugar levels. However, pairing carbohydrates with fibre, protein and healthy fats can help slow down the absorption of glucose and reduce sharp blood sugar spikes. That's why I always try to include vegetables and protein whenever I eat carbs.

I'm not aiming for perfection—just making better choices, one meal at a time. Small, consistent changes may not seem like much, but over time they can make a meaningful difference to our health. 

The Unexpected Adventures of Motherhood Never End

Last night was another bad sleep night for me.

At 3am, I was woken by my phone beeping with a WhatsApp message from my youngest daughter. She informed me that she had transferred RM1k+ into my bank account. It was her very first online banking transaction after turning 18 two months ago and only recently applying for online banking access.

I immediately checked my account because I had a feeling she might have done something wrongly. My instinct was right — the money wasn't there.

So there I was at 3am, wide awake, exchanging messages with her and trying to figure out what had happened. After that, I simply couldn't fall back asleep. This morning, I woke up with a terrible headache.

I checked my bank account. Nothing.

I checked my TNG account. Nothing.

Then I checked my Boost e-wallet and voilà! The money was sitting there.

Apparently, she had used DuitNow without entering a bank account number, and the money ended up in my Boost account instead. Thankfully, I was able to transfer it back to my bank account, as I no longer use Boost. After that, I gave her a quick lesson on how to do a proper bank transfer.

Despite the headache, Mum and I still went for our PT strength training session. We had a good workout, enjoyed ourselves, and then went hunting for food afterwards.

After getting home, I had a shower, took a nap, and now I'm feeling rejuvenated again.

Tonight, I'll be heading to bed early because tomorrow morning brings another strength training session with mum, this time at the group ST for seniors 💪

You can watch the video of our strength training at the gym here.

My New Favourite Superfood Drink: Raw Cacao + Beetroot

My latest healthy beverage obsession is simple: raw cacao powder mixed with organic beetroot powder.

I started making this drink for breakfast recently and have been enjoying both the taste and the health benefits. The earthy sweetness of beetroot pairs surprisingly well with the rich chocolatey flavour of raw cacao.

Why this combination?

Raw cacao is naturally rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and plant compounds called flavonoids. These nutrients may help support heart health, blood circulation, brain function, and mood.

Beetroot contains natural nitrates that the body converts into nitric oxide, which helps relax and widen blood vessels. This may support healthy blood flow, exercise performance, and cardiovascular health.

Together, this cacao-beetroot combination provides a nutrient-rich drink packed with antioxidants and compounds that may support energy levels, circulation, and overall wellbeing.

I simply mix the powders with lukewarm water and enjoy it as part of my breakfast routine. No sugar needed. The natural flavours are delicious on their own.

You can also try beetroot latte (coffee with beetroot powder + milk) or beet mocha (coffee + cocoa powder + beetroot powder + milk). I also drink my beetroot powder with apple cider vinegar + honey.

Happy trying! 😁

For anyone who’s interested, I got my raw cacao powder and organic beetroot powder from here:

Raw cacao powder -https://s.shopee.com.my/20tD26TMFT

Organic beetroot powder - https://s.shopee.com.my/5AqEnld0fp

The Long Nights of Motherhood, Perimenopause and Memories

I've been battling insomnia for the past one to two years. Darn perimenopause.

No matter how exhausted or sleepy I feel at night, falling asleep is still a challenge. Deep sleep is now elusive. And when I finally do drift off, I inevitably wake up sometime between 1am and 4am to pee. After that, I'm suddenly wide awake. Then comes the temptation to check my phone to see if any of my daughters have messaged me.

If I'm lucky, I manage to fall back asleep for another hour before my fur baby decides it's time for breakfast at 4.30 or 5.30am.

The result? I spend my days feeling like a zombie—headaches, low blood pressure, dizziness, and sometimes a stiff neck and aching shoulders. For the past couple of years, this has been my reality.

I can't wait to be fully menopausal, though knowing my luck, post-menopausal problems may simply become my new companion.

Still, no matter how miserable these sleepless nights feel, they pale in comparison to the long, cold nights I spent at Gleneagles Penang in May 2009.

More than 17 years ago, Cass, my live-in helper and I were practically living in the hospital for three weeks. Cass had undergone major surgery to correct Grade 3 kidney reflux, but complications arose and she had to be rushed into a second emergency surgery.

Those were some of the hardest weeks of my life.

Cass was only 13 months old. She was constantly in pain, frightened, cranky and clingy. Tubes seemed to be everywhere—drains, IV lines and an NG tube running through her tiny nostril. I watched her constantly, terrified she would pull out the tubes and make her suffering even worse.

Unfortunately, one day she did pull out the NG tube.

The nurses had to insert it again without local or general anaesthesia. The shock and distress on her little face is something I can still remember vividly today. No words can describe how broken my heart felt watching that procedure on my baby.

At night, I would sometimes climb into her tiny hospital cot, contorting my body into impossible positions just so I could hold her hands and stop her from tugging at the tubes while she slept.

On other nights, she would sleep on my hospital bed. Despite being only a toddler, she somehow managed to occupy the entire mattress, leaving me with no space except the foot of the bed, where I rested my head and tried to get whatever sleep I could.

By the end of those three weeks, I was severely sleep deprived. I fell sick during the stay in the hospital and needed antibiotics, and suffered from constant neck and shoulder pain.

But that's motherhood.

No motherhood journey is smooth sailing. We stumble through sleepless nights, hospital stays, worries, sacrifices, and countless moments when our hearts break a little for our children.

Today, Cass is 18. Her two sisters are adults too.

Sometimes, as I lie awake in the middle of the night, I remind myself that these perimenopause-induced sleepless nights are temporary. The difficult years of motherhood have already passed.

And if all goes according to plan, I have just four more years before  my two younger girls graduate from university and are fully launched into adulthood.

Then perhaps, after decades of interrupted sleep, worrying, caregiving and mothering, I might finally get a little taste of freedom.

 

Rain May Stop My Walks, But Not My Workouts

It's been raining every single day in Ipoh for the past week, thwarting my plans for my usual evening brisk walks.

Mum and I now attend strength training classes at the gym three times a week. In the evenings, I try to do at least 30–40 minutes of brisk walking around my neighbourhood. Walking or jogging beside hills, trees, and greenery has always been medicine for my body and soul, ever since I was a child.

Since the rain has been keeping me indoors every evening, I've been adapting by spending at least 30 minutes working out or dancing in front of my laptop instead.

One of my favourite YouTube channels for free workout videos is Fabulous50s. The creator is an Aussie lady in her 50s, and her workouts are easy to follow without being overly intense. If you're looking to lose some weight, improve your fitness, or simply move more, her videos are a great place to start.

The good thing about exercise is that it doesn't have to be complicated. You can work out in the comfort of your own room, wearing your pyjamas and socks if you like, like yours truly.

But if you enjoy using gym equipment and don't mind spending a little, the gym can be a great option too.

The important thing is to keep moving, rain or shine.

Here's a video of Mum and me at the gym today. 💪❤️ 

Strength Training at 53, With My 80yo Mum

My 80-year-old mum has suffered multiple falls over the years, resulting in broken wrists, a fractured shoulder, head injuries, and even broken teeth. At her age, she simply cannot afford another serious fall.

Like many seniors, she struggles with low muscle mass, weak hands and legs, fragile bones, and chronic aches and pains. But doing nothing is not the answer. In fact, inactivity would only accelerate the decline.

The only way forward is to keep moving, build strength, and stay as active as possible. Movement is medicine, even when it comes with some discomfort. Every morning, Mum tells me that walking is painful, especially when she first gets out of bed. Strength training is not a miracle cure that instantly takes away all aches and pains, but it is one of the best ways to slow down muscle loss, improve balance, strengthen bones, and reduce the risk of future falls.

To be honest, if it weren't for Mum, I probably would never have joined a gym. But now that we're both members, we've made a commitment to keep showing up. We plan to join more classes, whether it's strength training, Zumba, yoga, or even Hyrox-inspired workouts, and continue building stronger muscles while having a little fun along the way.

Growing older is inevitable. Becoming weaker doesn't have to be.

You can check out our video on my Facebook Page.

13 June 2026 ~ Saturday Brunch

My brunch today was simple but satisfying — 2 eggs, some leftover sardines from yesterday, roast chicken, and durian. 😋

Dad, who turns 83 this year, still loves going to the market every week to buy our perishables and lunch. Today, he came home with half a roast chicken and a box of kampung durian. Though my brunch was quite modest, it kept me full all the way until dinner.

For tea, I had chickpeas again, yogurt with soaked chia seeds, and my favourite pandan custard Swiss roll from JJ Swiss Roll.

We also made a trip to the main JJ Swiss Roll outlet in town to pick up a cake for Mum and her friends, who are celebrating their 80th birthdays together. Some of her friends had travelled all the way from KL and Australia to Ipoh for this special reunion. These are her course mates from Teachers' Training College more than 60 years ago.

Growing older is a privilege when you still have dear friends by your side to celebrate life's milestones together. Here's to good health, lasting friendships, and many more happy memories for all of them.  I hope I can do the same with my friends in future❤️

Black Sesame Spread - A Delicious Way to Add More Protein and Minerals to Your Diet

I've been enjoying this organic black sesame spread from Lohas lately. It has a rich, nutty black sesame aroma, isn't overly sweet, and most importantly, doesn't have that stale or rancid taste that some sesame products can develop.

It's delicious spread on toast, stirred into plain yogurt, or even paired with fruits like green apples for a healthy and delish snack.

Black sesame is also known for being a nutritious food. It contains protein, healthy fats, calcium, iron, and other minerals. In traditional Chinese wellness practices, black sesame is often associated with supporting healthy hair growth, strengthening hair roots, and nourishing kidney health. Whether or not you believe in traditional remedies, it's certainly a tasty way to add more nutrients to your diet.

For those who are interested, I got mine from Shopee here:

https://s.shopee.com.my/3VhrXNeTmU