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

Why I Love Flaxseed Meal

Every morning, I add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal into my decaf coffee. The flaxseed does not change the taste of my coffee and it has a subtle nutty flavor, which is very pleasant.

Flaxseeds may be tiny, but they are packed with goodness. They are rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, plant protein, antioxidants and lignans — natural plant compounds that are especially beneficial for women’s health.

Because of their high fibre content, flaxseeds may help support digestion, improve bowel movements and keep you feeling fuller for longer. I prefer eating flaxseeds over oats as these seeds are lower in carbs and contain more nutrients. The omega-3s are known to support heart health and may help with cholesterol levels and inflammation. Many people also take flaxseed regularly to help with blood sugar balance and overall wellness.

I personally like using ground flaxseed meal because it is so easy to incorporate into daily meals and drinks. Besides coffee, you can also add it into oats, yoghurt, smoothies or even baking.

I’ve been buying my organic flaxseed meal from this Shopee seller and have been very happy with it. If you’d like to check it out, you can shop for it here:
Shopee flaxseed meal seller

JoyMix Concentrated Beetroot Juice Powder

The beautiful and bright colour of beetroots can make anyone fall in love with it, yet it is often ignored, perhaps because of its distinctive earthy taste.  Beetroot has been gaining amazing popularity as the new superfood around the world. It’s low in fat, full of powerful antioxidants, rich in Vitamin C, and helps in the absorption of iron.  Both the leaves and the roots can be eaten. While the pink root is sweet, the dark green leaves are bitter but very rich in calcium, iron and Vitamin A.

Beetroots are best enjoyed raw and uncooked as cooking may destroy most of its nutrients. You can add them in salads or easier to just juice them up.

I love eating beetroot, in all forms, whether it's beetroot juice, salad, roast or soup.  I started to eat beetroot frequently when I was severely anemic before my fibroid removal surgery 1.5 years ago.  Beet root is rich in iron.

 Preparing beetroot can be a major turnoff and hassle for some as the uneven and rough skin is a tad hard to peel off even with a fruit peeler. And the red juice splatters can be pretty messy. Busy people who are always on the go and rush may not have the time to prepare beet root for juicing, salad or soup. And this includes yours truly.  The solution to this is beet root  powder.  With beet root powder, you can include this superfood into your diet at anytime, hassle-free.

I found a good brand of concentrated beet root juice powder  from https://www.joypremix.com/ and I am so in love with it!  With such convenience, I can now drink beetroot juice whenever I feel like it and it takes just a minute to prep a refreshing beetroot beverage.

 

The best part is JoyMix’s red beetroot powder is odor-less, unlike red beet juice that has an earthy smell. It is easy to drink, making it ideal for children and even some adults who find the smell of beetroot distasteful. Even Cass who does not like the taste of raw beetroot loves JoyMix beetroot powder.  She says it tastes like Ribena! I think so too.  This, you got to try it to verify it!

We like our beetroot powder mixed with Korean fruit vinegar.  I add one heap teaspoon of JoyMix beetroot juice powder and 2 tablespoons of Korean fruit vinegar into 200 ml of water and top up with lots of ice cubes to make a super refreshing and delightful drink to chillax when I feel hot after cooking in the evening.  Alycia loves to guzzle down this refreshing drink to quench thirst after working out in the gym or when she's back from kickboxing / Muay Thai class.

 


 I love the au naturel maroon color of the beetroot powder from JoyMix!

Excellent Mixability – The red beetroot powder from JoyMix has a very fine texture and excellent flowability to prevent caking and lump formation. It will easily dissolve in water and other liquids alike and won’t curdle. You can even mix it in flours for baking cakes and pastries.

 

I will surely restock my beetroot powder from JoyMix when the existing stock runs low.

JoyMix's health food products are ISO22OOO/ HACCP certified. Muslim consumers can safely consume their products as they are HALAL CERTIFIED.


 

Here are some of the health benefits of beetroot:

Conditions Liver – Beetroot contains betaine that conditions liver and stimulates the production of enzymes. It detoxifies the body and makes you feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Lowers cholesterol - A 2011 study on rats found that beetroot extract lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides and increased HDL (good) cholesterol. It also reduced oxidative stress on the liver.

Lowers blood glucose - Though high in sugar, beetroot actually helps in regulating your blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that it does not lead to high glucose concentration in the blood. This simply means that the natural sugars in beetroot are released very slowly in the body and thus, prevents sudden spikes. In the form of the juice, it may actually help diabetics.

Rich in Folate – Joymix’s red beetroot powder is rich in folate that is necessary for production and differentiation of cells as well as maintenance of DNA structure. The high folate content makes it a great option for young children, teenagers, and pregnant women alike.

Reduces Blood Pressure – Betaine in beetroots reduces blood pressure by lowering homocysteine levels in the body. Joymix red beetroot powder contains high amounts of betaine that reduces the chances of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

Great For Older Adults – Various studies have found beetroot to prevent and halt the progress of dementia in older adults. Regularly consuming beetroot juice can assist in keeping dementia at bay.

Sharpens Minds of Students – The high nutrient content of beetroot and its effect on blood flow enhances the cognitive functioning of the brain making it beneficial for students and teenagers.

Ideal For Keto and Vegetarian Diets – People who are following a keto or a vegetarian diet will find it easy to incorporate red beetroot powder to their diets as it has low calories.

Boosts Sports Performance – Beetroots have betaine which improves cardiovascular health and blood flow. It increases the rate at which oxygen reaches cells and boosts the performance of athletes and sportspersons.

May Prevent Cancer – The antioxidant betaine which is present in rich amounts in Joymix’s red beetroot powder has been found to protect the body against different types of cancer. It protects DNA structure in cells against damage, which is a primary cause of cancer.

Improves Digestive Health – Beetroot improves digestive health by stimulating the production of enzymes and HCL in the stomach. It also aids in the absorption of specific vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

Excellent for Weight Management – Joymix red beetroot powder is excellent for individuals who are focused on weight management as it contains low calories while being nutritionally dense.

Sharing is caring  😘 Read below to get a discount on your beetroot powder!

JoyMix is now having a promotion on their health products from organic soy powder to collagen, Bentong ginger powder, macha latte powder, chia seeds, diabetic foods and of course beetroot powder.  Just key in discount code: JOYLOVE during checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on their products!

The promotion is valid from 1 January 2019 ~ 31 March 2019, so hurry and get your beetroot powder or any health products before this offer expires!

For more information on JoyMix health food products, kindly visit:

www.joypremix.com
www.facebook.com/joypremix
www.instagram.com/joymix9

Breakfast For A Recuperating HFM

I have been feeling malaise from the last few days of 2018 right until now.  Thank God things are looking up today and I've gotten back my appetite. Glad that I managed to treat myself yet again with home remedies.

It first started off with just a tingling sensation in my throat after dinner with our friends at a Chinese restaurant, which progressed to lost of voice and then a strep throat, which mutated into a horrendous productive cough which caused me to lose 4 nights of sleep from continuous coughing, then back to having sore throat and then ended with a cold that lasted for just a day.  I was so tempted to drive to the clinic to get some meds but I knew that the doctor would conveniently prescribe me with antibiotics, which would bring on a whole load of nasty after effects, including antibiotic resistance super bugs.

So I soldiered on with just chewing on Indian Borage (Mexican Mint) leaves from my little balcony garden, gulping down packets after packets of Izumio, Super Lutein, Esberitox, raw honey, propolis, essential oils and finally succumbed to buying a bottle of Prospan to stop the cough and Difflam antibacterial lozenges for the sore throat. I also ate pineapple and jackfruit for days as these two fruits are believed to be effective cough remedies. Prospan is the world's no.1 natural chesty cough medicine for adults and children. It contains extracts of Ivy leaves, is sugar-free and does not cause any drowsiness. It tastes mild and not foul-tasting at all.


I don't know which item in particular helped to treat the cough, sore throat and phlegm, but all of the above natural remedies stated above seem to have synergized and produced effective results, though not magically fast but they worked. Once again, I treated myself with home remedies without succumbing to antibiotics!

This was my breakfast on one of my sick days:





Kintry's salted caramel granola, Happy Baby organic kale and spinach rice puffs, organic brazil nuts with a little coffee milk and a spoonful of homemade organic ABC nut butter (almond, brazil nut and cashew) that Sherilyn made.



Are you blinking your eyes to see if you read and saw the correct words and picture? Is that baby food in my bowl? Hell yes! I bought it after tasting my twin baby niece and nephew's snacks when we were in Ipoh last December.  😂😆  I never thought that organic baby snacks these days can be this yummy that even adults would love.  These are quite costly at RM15 for a small tub but  I am willing to pay a little extra for organic and non-GMO snacks packed with healthy ingredients.

Mulberry Leaves Powder

The latest health food added to my daily health regimen is organic mulberry leaves powder. Basically, I am adding more chlorophyll into my diet.  I have been drinking a teaspoon of organic lemongrass powder, half a teaspoon of organic green lemon powder together with a teaspoon of Bentong ginger powder every day for the past one month. Now, I rotate lemongrass powder with organic mulberry leaves powder.


Mulberry leaves


Chlorophyll is a pigment found in all green plants. This includes leafy greens and other veggies we commonly eat, plus certain types of algae or bacteria. Chlorophyll is packed with a range of powerful nutrients. It is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and beta carotene. Chlorophyll is rich in antioxidants, vital minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and essential fatty acids.

Chlorophyll aids in restoring and replenishing the red blood cells, which is excellent for me as I am anemic.

Below: my organic mulberry leaves drink.  Sometimes I drink it on its own. Most times, I mix it with Bentong ginger powder and organic green lemon powder with a small cube of ginger brown sugar.




Mulberry leaf contains 18 amino acids, minerals and vitamins such as calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin A-B1-2. The most important ingredients are ‘phytosterol’ and ‘gamma-amino acid’ which help to decrease cholesterol level in the blood and high blood pressure.

Healthy digestion -- The Chinese use this tea to regulate the digestive system, as it's loaded with both potassium and fiber. You'll find that the tea also promotes healthy gut bacteria - ensuring proper digestion.

Heart health -- The tea has antioxidants that can fight cholesterol and lower your blood pressure, so it's definitely a heart-smart beverage.

Blocks enzymes -- Mulberry leaf tea has been known to block the enzymes that break down carbs and sugar in your stomach, thereby reducing the amount of sugar absorbed into your body.

Keeps liver healthy -- The leaves are known to be effective at detoxifying the body, which can clear up a lot of the toxins that are clogging up your liver.





You can get a wide range of organic plant based powder from De Market supermarket, at the organic food section.

Meal Replacement Shakes

Designed to have fewer calories than an average meal, meal-replacement shakes include all the vitamins and nutrients needed for the rest of the day. While taking such shakes, one needs to make sure it is followed by healthy dietary and lifestyle habits in order to drop some weight.

Generally, it is a good idea to drink the shake for breakfast in the morning. It goes without saying that  your dinner, lunch and snacks ought to be low in calories and sugar-free. Such changes make you lose weight faster and easier to sustain.

Here are a number of tips on what properties to look for:

Avoid sugar
When your liver is unable to absorb the excessive amount of sugar, it is turned into fat.

You should avoid the following foods, among others:
~ Spirits (and alcohol)
~ Sweets, pastries, cakes, biscuits
~ Jarred fruits

Fruits can be consumed in larger quantities quite safely as fructose doesn’t make you gain weight like sugar.  However, it is best to eat everything in moderation.  Fruit is an excellent choice as a healthy source of carbohydrates.

Low-caloric diet makes our body use fat as fuel
Consuming excessive calories, your liver transforms them into fat. If you alter your dietary habits and avoid sugar, your body will use fat for energy. Seek shakes that are lower than 200 calories. Also, avoid eating foods low on nutrient properties such as donuts, French fries, corn dogs, popcorn, etc. Such foods are rich in calories and low in nutrients.

Know that there are different carbohydrates
After consumption, they can either be transformed into sugar or as protein. Simple carbohydrates are easier to digest providing us with energy in a short term. Dairy products and juices are the sources of such carbs. Complex carbohydrates work vice versa – they take more time to digest, yet provide more energy in a longer term (grain products, greengrocery). Thus, aim for shakes with food fibers and low on carbs so that they fill you up and you shed weight faster.

20g of protein or less
In addition to enhancing your metabolic process, shakes also help to get rid of fat and keeps you full longer. For you to choose the right shake, choose one with 20g of protein per serving.



 

Add greengrocery in your menu
They are rich in fiber, which is paramount for you to lose weight. It goes without saying that fruits and vegetables are the key to good health due to the abundance of vitamins and minerals. What’s more is that they reduce your craving for unhealthy snacks, give you energy and are low in sugar.

Cutting Down On Salt
We should aim for less than 1500 mg of sodium per day, and definitely not more than 2300 mg. 1500 mg of sodium amounts to 0.75 teaspoons or 3.75 grams of salt per day, while 2300 mg amounts to one teaspoon or 6 grams of salt per day.  Try to avoid eating foods high in salt.





GMOs and gluten-free
Your diet should be free from GMO and gluten containing products. This includes paying close attention to the greengrocery you buy.

There are plenty of shakes available in the market to meet the preferences of vegans, lactose intolerant patients, those on a weight loss diet, etc.

With the  above tips, I am sure you now have a better idea on  how to choose a proper nutrition shake.

My Monday & Tuesday (29 & 30 August 2016)

On a manic Monday morning yesterday, this little butterfly perched on the outside of our bedroom mozzie net lightened up my morning.  For the first time, I had the chance to take an up close and personal inspection of a butterfly's body. Pretty fascinating wings it has, though the body has resemblance of my enemy - the roach!  I snapped a picture of it to show my girls when they returned from school.





Yesterday's haze situation deteriorated overnight.  There was acrid smell of haze in the air from dawn till dusk. Visibility was bad.




This morning was bad too but it rained cats and dogs all of a sudden at around 8am for 3 hours, with strong winds. Several places in KL were flooded.  However, the haze doesn't seem to abate much.




Din din last night was something light and easy to dish up - steamed chicken drumsticks with dong guai, red dates and goji berries, blanched cauliflower and sweet corn + tomato + onion + scallion omelette, which Drama Queen cooked... on her own :)





Breakie today is organic multi puffs with skinny yoghurt, Pic's sugar-free peanut butter, dried cranberries, organic pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and a drizzle of palm sugar syrup.




Yesterday I bought a packet of Good Morning organic multi puffs.  Good Morning is an Australian brand.  Multi Puffs is a mix of Brown Rice Puffs, Buckwheat Puffs and Sorghum Puffs. The variety of grains gives a different texture and taste.  It is low in carb, low in salt, low in fat, has no preservatives, no coloring and no artificial flavors.  It tastes very much like pop corn  minus the sugar, butter, caramel and salt.   Very mild in taste but I like it au naturel.  Multi Puffs is good for toddlers too as it has no food additives.













My shopping cart yesterday...

Saving Money through Online Product Shopping

People of all ages today know more about natural remedies for common ailments. As insurance costs rise and fewer doctors are available to treat patients, many people are taking it upon themselves to save money and take care of their own health care needs by using natural supplements. When you are on the lookout for a specific product, such as an anti-aging supplement, you can avoid the hassle of looking in stores. You may find exactly what you need when you shop online.

The website helps you understand exactly what you are getting when you use these products. The video explaining the basics of natural remedies is on the homepage. Additionally, you can click the science tab and read about the scientific explanation of why natural remedies may work for you. You also can use the customer service options if you have specific questions about how these products may interact with other medications you are on or if you have a condition that you are treating with medical interventions.

If you are convinced to use these products, you can get started by checking out the site's extensive inventory. The wholesale tab lets you discover wholesalers who may have what you need for the lowest price. You can also fill out the online form and sign up for a free newsletter explaining the top eight causes of disease today. This information lets you be on guard to protect your health and that of your family today.

Rails For Support

Whether you know someone elderly who has a hard time getting out of bed or someone who is confined to the bed except to get up for necessities, a bed handle would be convenient. Some handles come on a rail, making it more of a benefit, especially if you assist the person while getting in and out of bed.

When the person is in bed, the rail can be used as a support for the person to sit up in the bed to eat, to watch television or simply change positions. The rail can also be used to help when the person wants to roll from one position to another. If you are caring for someone, then you can use the rail to lean on while you are getting the person out of bed to use the bathroom or help the person sit on the side of the bed. It can be used as a support so that the person doesn't fall back on the bed while they are sitting. An adjustable rail is ideal for those who can do more activities unassisted as the rail is easily moved out of the way. Rails can also help keep the person safely in the bed while they are asleep. Learn more online about kinds of rails for beds.

Muscovado Sugar

Recently, my mil started to use organic Muscovado sugar to bake bread and cakes. When I first saw it, I was stunned. I have never heard of such a sugar for the life of me! But I knew for sure it must be more superior than white or brown sugar.  My mil only puts in good stuff into her bakes, makes and cooking.



 So I googled Muscovado sugar and here is what I found:
 
Muscovado sugar takes its name from the spanish 'mascabado' (meaning unrefined). Also known as Barbados sugar. This sugar is pure, wholesome, unrefined, natural cane sugar. It is also called 'poor man's sugar'.

Muscovado sugar retains all of the natural ingredients of sugar cane, making it wholesome and healthy. High in nutitional value, comparable even to pure honey.

Muscovado sugar is unrefined, with a high mineral content. Common in South America and south east Asia, but comparably more difficult to find in the USA.

Usage
It is used just like normal sugar. Excellent for baking, cooking, and as a coffee/tea sweetener.

Production Process
The production process is very traditional. The main ingredient is natural cane sugar, but some of the other ingredients are small lime (called kalamansi or calamondin, often described as a cross between a mandarin orange and a kumquat) and fresh coconut milk. The coconut milk is used in the heating process to prevent the sugar cane juice from foaming.

The heating process evaporates the water content and the cane juice will gradually thicken into a gooey liquid. This liquid is sun-dried. The hardened sugar will then be pounded to produce the natural, unrefined muscovado sugar.

Nutrient value
Compared to normal white sugar, muscovado sugar retains all the cane sugar nutrients. High in minerals: potassium, calcium, iron, it has more health benefits compared to normal white sugar, which has zero nutrients, as the refining process to produce white sugar has practically eliminated all traces of nutrients from it.

3 Alternatives to Supplements

If you're struggling to increase your daily intake of zinc or vitamin C, you may have been advised to turn to dietary supplements. But with all the health scares surrounding these little pills, how can you trust them? Here are three ways to say no to chemicals and hello to natural health boosters.

1: Herbs
Many supplements are nothing but herbs and plants mixed with unnecessary compounds. For example, ginger battles nausea just as well as motion sickness medicine, and stinging nettle has been scientifically proven to combat inflammation. You don't need these things boiled and mass-produced to enjoy their utility.

2: Tablets
If you don't want to take a pill to increase bone density, companies like Calsura offer some of the best calcium tablets on the market. They dissolve in water with all of the same benefits of calcium supplements but none of the risk. That's because they work by absorption, allowing the nutrients to maintain their value and work effectively within the stomach itself.

3: Broad-Spectrum
Vitamins Unlike supplements, which are created to answer a specific deficit in the diet, broad-spectrum vitamins are designed for overall health and wellness. They can also be made organically and with natural ingredients that won't upset your body's natural balance.

Don't buy into the hype that says supplements are your only hope of healthy living. It's nothing but propaganda from greedy companies who want your money! If you're serious about strengthening your body and improving your clarity of mind, consider these three alternatives to supplements.

Mouth Guards For Bad Sleeping Habits

Some people may develop a poor habit of grinding their teeth at night while sleeping. Such a habit can create multiple health problems. For example, the grinding mechanism can gradually chip away tooth enamel and lead to an increased risk of developing cavities and dental caries. Additionally, chipped teeth look unsightly and may require cosmetic dental procedures such as bonded veneers. In addition to causing problems in the mouth, teeth grinding also creates issues in other parts of the body. For example, excessive grinding can lead to earaches and headaches because of the strain placed on the jaw and surrounding muscles. Trying to stop teeth grinding at night is an example of an attempt to improve one's health due to a poor habit.

The best way to stop teeth from grinding against each other is to use a physical barrier. A mouth guard needs to be worn in order to prevent any contact between teeth. Some guards are made to fit anyone's mouth thanks to patented designs that automatically adjust to a unique layout of teeth. Sometimes, a dentist can make a custom molded mouth guard that can be worn at night to prevent too much grinding of the teeth.

Mouth guards should be washed daily with special solutions. Rinsing with water is simply not enough to remove all of the saliva and bacteria that may be on the plastic mouth guard. Sometimes, special heat solutions are applied in order to thermally clean a mouth guard that is worn daily.

Cleansing Your Body Internally

Some people tend to be constipated all the time, feel bloated, tired and sluggish and fall sick very easily. Many of these problems are caused partly or largely by eating and drinking foods and drinks which are not what nature intended us to eat and drink. But it’s hard to control what we eat as we have too much temptation surrounding us. I believe in eating everything that your heart desires but eat in moderation. And I believe in detoxifying my body regularly. I even eat psyllium husk every morning, which acts as a colon cleanser. Do you detoxify your body too?

Testosterone Creams For Your Man

Is your man suffering from low sex drive, hair loss, impotence and is overweight? This matter is serious and is no laughing matter man! These problems will surely mar his self-esteem and perhaps your relationship with him. If you think he needs help and is shy to consult a doctor, you can suggest that he tries some testosterone creams. But don’t take my advice for it ok? I am just suggesting. Just click on the link here and do the reading yourself.

Colon Cleanser For A Healthier, Happier, Thinner You

It is vital to have your colons cleansed regularly to promote a healthier, happier and thinner you. A colon cleanser works by cleansing the digestive tract or unnecessary wastes. For the past few years, I have been eating a tablespoon of psyllium husks (which acts similarly to a colon cleanser) with water and honey every morning. I hardly ever suffer from constipation anymore. Do you use a colon cleanser too? If you are looking for one, you may want to read up on some colon cleanse reviews.

A Good Neck Pain Pillow For A Good Night’s Sleep

Some people are pretty prone to getting stiff neck, stiff shoulders and backache. I am one of them in the unlucky lot! If I sit in front of my PC working hard for many hours, I am bound to have a nagging pain on my shoulders and neck for several days. I also tend to sprain my neck easily, especially when I sleep on my sides at night while I nurse Baby. That’s the reason why I must have a neck pain pillow when I sleep. I have been sleeping on a neck pain pillow for several years now and the incidences of getting a stiff neck or stiff shoulders have reduced significantly, albeit I still get them once in a while. When Baby was hospitalized for 3 weeks after her surgeries last year, I brought along my neck pain pillow with me to the hospital!

I am considering getting an orthopedic pillow for myself and for my hubs too. He suffers from occasional stiff neck and stiff shoulders too. An orthopedic pillow is designed to improve neck support for back sleeping as well as maximize comfort during side sleeping. A curved design allows room for shoulders while an indented center helps to support the neck while sleeping on the side.

Did I tell you that my backache made a vengeful return for the past few days? It has been under control for a long time and I don’t know what actually triggered the problem again. I must have carried Baby too much and did not bend my knees but bent my back too much when I carried her or other heavy stuff. To control the back pain, I have been diligently arching my back on my fit ball every morning. I may even consider getting back pain treatment in the form of a sitback rest with hot and cold therapy if my fitball back exercise does not stave off the back pain.

Cranberry Powder and Leptovox

Did you know that there’s such a thing as cranberry extract in tablet and capsule form? I found out from a mom in the U.S. whose baby has kidney reflux and she’s been feeding the cranberry powder to her baby. I’ve been asking several organic shops and pharmacies here but none of them sell this product. I will most likely order the cranberry capsules from online stores from the U.S.. I think it would be easier to feed Baby C cranberry powder than cranberry juice. Baby C just hates the sour cranberry juice and she'd fuss, struggle and cry each time I feed her with it.

When I was combing through the internet, I also found out about Leptovox, a weight-loss product that’s formulated based on the weight-loss research of Oprah Winfrey’s nutritionist. Leptovox contains 10 superfoods recommended by Oprah’s nutritionist, namely :

• Alfalfa
• Barley
• Brazilian Acai
• Buckwheat
• Cayenne Pepper Fruit
• Flaxseed
• Garlic
• Kefir
• Soybeans
• Wheatgrass

Sounds impressive eh? Well, I’m in no hurry to lose my last 3 stubborn kilos but if ever I have the desire to lose it fast, I may try Leptovox.

Panasonic Water Filter

We bought an expensive health-enhancing water filter 2 weeks ago, in the hope that Baby C will not have another UTI attack and our 2 older gals won't fall sick so frequently. People say that the cleanliness and purity of our drinking water is very important in preventing ailments. That's why Diamond and Elken came out with their own brands of health-enhancing water filters which are really costly.

To those of you who have a health-enhancing water filter fitted at home, I have a few questions to ask you. Please hop over to my health blog.

Nature's Own Colostrum Tabs

Hubby bought this bottle of colostrum tabs for Alycia and Sherilyn the other day. Did they like it? Find out in my new health blog.

What Supplements Do Your Kids Eat?

Every morning on a school-going weekday, after Alycia and Sherilyn have taken their milkie, they will do their poopie business, get washed up, brush their teeth, dress up to get ready for school and then pop their vitamins. First they drink a tablespoon of orange-flavored Scotts Emulsion cod liver oil, then gulp down a small glass of E. Excel cactus juice.

Twice a week, I will feed them Pharmaton's multi-vitamin. Lately, I've added Colustrum tabs to their diet and they take it 3-4 times a week. Looks like a lot of vitamins they are popping eh? They used to take only cod liver oil but Aly and Sher have been having throat infection (esp. Aly) too often and very easily too. That's when I added the E.Excel cactus juice and Pureen colustrum tabs into their diet. Hopefully these 2 supplements can strengthen their immune system. The hole in hubs' pocket is really BIG as he has been spending a lot of money on the gals' medical expenses eversince Alycia attended pre-school last year.

What supplements do you feed your kids?

E.Excel Cactus Juice

Alycia gulping down her glass of cactus juice before going to school.