Lutgard Musiime - Page 10 of 31

Top 5 spices you need on your spice rack.

January 19, 2022

Spices are a holy grail for any kind of food, including tea. A single spice has the capacity to change a boring meal to a finger-licking one, but did you know aside from enhancing the taste and appearance of food, spices have very important and useful benefits that your body will thank you for?

Research has it that there are more than 100 spices in the world that people use unaware of the good therein yet they have proven to have tons of health benefits to whoever consumes them.

Here are the top 5 spices everyone needs in their kitchen and why.

1. Cinnamon

This is a very common spice that is very versatile, affordable, and locally available. This spice is obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum and if properly stored, can survive for 3 to 4 years, imagine!

Cinnamon is known for keeping blood sugar levels in check by slowing down the breakdown of carbs thereby increasing insulin sensitivity. Many studies have shown its useful effect on diabetic patients for whom it lowers blood sugar levels. It is no wonder that it is dubbed by many, a powerful anti-diabetic spice. Read more about the medicinal properties of cinnamon in this article and thereafter go find yourself some cinnamon.

2. Ginger

Whether you pronounce it as (jin-juh) or (jin-ger), this awesome spice is a must have on your rack, do you know why?

*Don’t give nausea a chance, chew on some ginger.* This apice will save you

If you have been pregnant before and suffered from nausea or have motion sickness, someone should have whispered to you to chew on this root. This is because ginger is an old-time hack for beating nausea and also has anti-inflammatory properties. In Asian cultures, in addition to nausea, it is also used to treat stomach upsets and diarrhea. So the next time you see anyone struggling with nausea and pain management, you may want to offer them something with ginger or the root itself.

While storing ginger, try to keep out oxygen and moisture, you could make use of an airtight bag and it will keep longer.

3. Tumeric

Back then as a child, there was this lady who was popular for having very tasty ‘yellow’ cassava. It felt like she had a secret recipe to get her cassava yellow only later to find out that she dipped her cassava in tumeric to enhance the color and her trick worked, because she used to always sell out.

Tumeric pronounced as (tuh-muh-ruhk) is the spice that gives curry the yellow color, most popular in Indian curry dishes. The spice has become very popular with many using it to make golden milk, for making face masks, name it. The spice has anti inflammatory properties thanks to a compound contained therein called curcumin that is a powerful anti-oxidant.There are studies that show its powerful effect in reducing swelling and pain among arthritis patients. Do you see the reason why this is a must-have on your spice rack?

4. Garlic

This could have come first but I reserved the last seats for it because it is unlikely that you will find a home that does not use it or have an idea about it at the very least.

This strong smelling bulb is used all the time in cooking but a few may know that garlic is so good for the heart. As we go through the process of aging, our arteries begin to harden (a normal occurrence), something we refer to as atherosclerosis. It also occurs as fatty deposits made up of cholesterol and other substances build up on the inside of your artery walls. As the build up increases, the arteries narrow increasing the occurrences of heart-related diseases like high blood pressure, stroke, heart attacks name it.

*The smell may not be pleasant but the benefits of this spice are worth it*

Garlic has a compound called allicin responsible for the smell that gives it the medicinal effect for reducing cholesterol as well as blood pressure for those with high blood pressure.

5. RoseMary

*You are even grow this in your backyard*. No need to break the bank to afford this spice.

Do you suffer from allergies and nasal congestion? Rosemary needs to be your friend. These needle-like leaves are commonly used in food but also to make some medicines. Rosemary is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Rosemary is also thought to be a cognitive stimulant that helps improve memory performance and quality.

If you don’t have these on your spice rack, consider updating it please. Save your body when you still can.

See you next Wednesday. Here is something to keep you company until we next meet.

8

Nutrition

Anyone can start 2022 in a healthier way.

January 12, 2022

The new year is a good place to start if one is looking to make some good habits to use throughout the year.

Anyone, absolutely anyone can start 2022 in a healthier way. The new year is all about setting new habits to be one’s best self and this is what we are here to do today.

What are some healthy choices for meal plans?

Planning meals is the best way if not the only way for one considering a healthy meal. It does not matter if the meal is for a weaning baby, adolescent male, lactating mother, or elderly female. When we are talking healthy, we are not referring to a grassy diet, healthy meals can still feature your favorite foods.

A healthy eating plan:

Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
Limits saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
Controls portion sizes.

We eat in a variety of places including home, work, restaurants, name it. As a result we have more control of the food choices available in some places than we have in others. I will tell you the place you will have the most control is home-cooked meals for which you have the most control. It is therefore important to take the time and plan ahead to make sure you have healthy options available.

Do you want start your year in a healthier way? Let us start here;

Have a healthy mindset

It all starts with the mind. A healthy mindset enables you brainstorm your favorite meals, and think of ways to make them healthier: whether by swapping out a less healthy component for a healthier one in your recipe, switching up the cooking process, or incooperating vegetables and healthy fats in your meals, having healthy meals shouldn’t be a problem with the right mindset.

Looking for how to develop this healthy mindset? Read this, it will help.

Organise your kitchen

Things get easier and more enjoyable when better organised. Creating space in the kitchen will make it easy for one to love to cook healthier meals while you can see every ingredient, all the produce as well as foods that are about to go bad so that they can be utilised in time. It is the best way to get excited about a healthier meal and let alone prepare one.

Pantry Staples: A Master List of Everything You Need — It gets easier if you can see most of what you need to use if your meals are to get healthier

Plan your meals

Meal planning is one knowing what they will eat ahead of time. Planning meals helps one create a healthier routine that become part of one’s life for good. Planning meals also makes it easier for one to incorporate healthier options in food like whole foods, healthier snacks like fruits and nuts as well as healthier cuts of meat to mention but a few.

I made a detailed blog about meal planning and just incase you missed it, find it here and thank me later.

Make time to cook

Having and making time to prepare your own meals or supervise someone cook will guarantee you a healthier meal for you and your family. You will successfully cut out the convenient food options which are far from healthy many of the time because they have a lot carbs and oils. Try to use as much previous preparation as possible to save as much time as possible. We live in a busy world.

Do not forget to use those kitchen tools, get some quality ones if you can because one thing for sure is that it will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Philips XXL Airfryer Review 2021: It Cooks Large Meals Quickly & Cleans Easily — An air fryer is a good quality cooking tool for you to start 2022 in a healthier way.

Look for inspiration

We are in an era of social media where everything is handed down easy in exchange for your data. Once in a while look up healthy interesting cooking options and look for inspiration. Get your inspiration ready and move your way up the healthier ladder.

Recipe Book Stand Holders — Cook Books Holders — Eatwell101 — Explore

Do you have some ways you are making sure you start and stay healthier in the new year? Share with us and who knows, we could learn a thing or two from you.

4

Lifestyle, Nutrition

Welcome to 2022 – Happy New Year

January 5, 2022

The last time I was here was last year and the feeling of flipping to 2022 is very surreal. I welcome you to 2022, Happy new year everybody. I cannot thank God enough because I was one of those who couldn’t wait to let 2021 go, but nevertheless, here is another opportunity to reset, restrategize and win with a bang.

How was the festive for you? Did you catch up with your loved ones? Did you have the well-deserved rest you needed? I hope you did because I did. I refilled my cup and you are not ready for what I have for you this year. Be ready for an awesome ride, there is a lot I have in store for you and I am really excited about it.

You are reading this on Wednesday, five days into the new year. It is not by accident because 2022 is coming with a beautiful twist. Every Wednesday will be our content date, we will light the candles, get cosy and read away. I will do everything in my power to deliver this promise.

Six Virtual Date Ideas For You and Your Boo | The Campus Crop — This will be us every Wednesday. :*Internet Image*

As we write in our first chapter of this new book (2022), I wish that all of you are filled with hope, May the Lord be by your side all year through, and when the cracks cave, may you have the strength to fix them and move forward.

Gifts for you – Happy New year

I will leave you with 5 gifts to carry with you into the new year. Here we go;

📌 Be grateful for the little things, you may not have hit the big ones in 2021 but you surely did something, I am clapping for you.

📌 Was 2021 a tough year? Okay, don’t wallow in your sorrow, the world is moving, push through and pray that 2022 is a better year.

📌 Your resolutions don’t go past the 15th day of January? Be kind to self, make 1, it is okay.

📌 You learnt some lessons in 2021 right? Don’t let that go to waste.

📌 Lastly pray to the one you believe in for your stars to align in the new year.

Happy New Year Gift Box | Confetti Gift Company, succulent gift boxes, soy candle gifts

Best of Luck in 2022

Happy new year everyone and thank you for coming back again this year. Here are some articles to keep you company till we next meet.

See you on Wednesday.

10

Lifestyle

Let us wind #Blogmas in style

December 24, 2021

Do not give up yet

Not again!!! This is a common reaction when someone sees a heading such as this but before you close off please hear me out.

The last two years have been exceptionally hard on everyone. I have a friend who says, I do not make resolutions anymore, the day that comes is what I count on. Who can blame them? There is one thing for sure though, every cloud has a silver lining. Is it hard for you to breathe? Please do not give up yet, try again, it is worth the try. Take a break if you must but do not give it all up. This period has taught us countless lessons some of which are very hard to stomach but it is what it is. I share the 12 lessons I learned this year, next, so stay tuned.

12 lessons I learned this year

Lesson 1; Life is short and time is swift, make the most of it when you still can
Lesson 2; It is not too late to make an impact in society, you just have to decide.
Lesson 3; Invest in yourself, it is the best reward you can ever give self
Lesson 4; Nothing in this world is worth your peace.
Lesson 5; It is impossible to please man, save yourself the ache.
Lesson 6; Be the bigger person in a situation, it always counts.
Lesson 7; Purpose to seek out new company from time to time, you will learn loads.
Lesson 8; Do not be afraid to move on, complacency is jail.
Lesson 9; No one will give you the joy you desire, you have it within you.
Lesson 10; Sometimes you win, other times you lose and it is okay.
Lesson 11; Nothing lasts forever, breathe.
Lesson 12; A story has to be told or there will be no story. Do not die with it.

A letter to self

Dear Lutgard

You did well mama. This year started bitter-sweet, you endured some hard blows, made tough decisions, crumbled under the weight of some but you flew high at the same time love. It has been beautiful watching the roller coaster.

I remember the look on your face when your book finally got published, priceless!!!! I didn’t see a tear fall but I know you teared deep inside. Sitting in front of the camera, uncomfortable as it was, I could tell that you were happy to be living your purpose. You did well my dear girl and the world embraced it. Proud of you does not come close to what I feel for you but I am PROUD OF YOU LUTGARD. The world is not yet ready for what you have in store for them.

I promise to keep cheering you here on the sidelines. I will laugh silly with you, cry with you, and win with you. You have got this. With the Lord whom you serve relentlessly, you are going to make it large.

I love you

XOXO

Lutgard Musiime Akiiki

My Inspiration for Blogmas

I had struggled to write this year from outright exhaustion yet I knew I had to rise to the occasion. I however managed to always publish one article every other month although deep within me I knew I had to do better. When Sylvia Ideh posted this challenge in our writing community, I did not want to participate but I knew this was my opportunity to restore my rhythm for writing. This was my inspiration for Blogmas. I may have not done it the way I envisioned but I am glad I could hop on it and have finished strong. Amazing!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I am writing this on 24th December 2021, with a sore back and feet from bending the whole day doing endless chores at home in preparation for Christmas. Being born in a small family and being the only girl has its pros and cons, one of the cons is that you endure most of the work (I love it, don’t get me wrong) but it gets very tiring as well.

That is beside the point though. I want to thank each one of you who made it a point to read my Blogmas content, but most importantly those who have been with me from day 1, you are the real MVPs, The child Jesus is born unto us and it is reason enough for us to celebrate. May hope be renewed and restored in your hearts and your families as you celebrate Christmas this year.

The Blogmas season comes to an end, but blogging does not stop. There is a lot more and better. I will not be here though until next year, so I guess I have to wish each of you a blessed 2022. You are special to me and I cannot wait to have you in the new year.

Till next time. God bless you.

4

Lifestyle

Blogmas 14, 15,16,17,18,19 & 20

December 22, 2021

Blogmas-Vlogmas. Any difference

Vlogmas is the most familiar activity creatives do if I am not mistaken and it is what I was most accustomed to. If you are wondering what Vlogmas is, we need to understand what a Vlog is.

A vlog is a form of blog for which the medium is video. You may call it a video blog or video log if you like, sometimes shortened to vlog. According to Wikipedia, Vlog entries often combine embedded video with supporting text, images, and other metadata. Entries can be recorded in one take or cut into multiple parts.

So now that we know what a vlog is, Vlogmas is simply a holiday event where YouTube creators post videos every day in December leading up to Christmas. They purpose to create a video every day until the 25^th of December.

At the beginning of the #Blogmas edition, I mentioned what Blogmas is, the only difference between Blogmas and Vlogmas is the difference in the medium used to publish content for their audiences.

This time, here are currently my favorite Vloggers; 1. Maggie Mwende, an all-time favorite, 2. Flavia Tumusiime, 3. Oh Smallstuff

Watch them and see if you can pick out a thing or two.

5 bloggers killing it in this Blogmas edition season

If I make it past the 3 mark, I will be very lucky. My number one has to be the person responsible for this. Sylvia Ideh was gracious enough to come up with Blogmas ideas and share them freely with anyone who wanted to join in. You can read more of her Blogmas here.

The second one is my girl Joy who graciously joined me in this challenge so that I do not die alone. This girl always comes through. She will soon join the table of authors and I will be here to plug you in. For now, enjoy her Blogmas articles here.

The rest of the people I am following are not in the #Blogmas frenzy so let us say I have these two. Are you following any bloggers killing it in this Blogmas edition and you share with me?

The most romantic thing that has ever happened to me

I laughed, smiled, and shook my head on this part as I do not know what to write or where to begin.

Can we please postpone this to the next Blogmas?

If I……………….., I would…………..

I grew up without my father really present in our lives as he should have. No blame apportioned but IF I COULD CHANGE BACK TIME, I WOULD WANT HIM TO BE MORE PRESENT.

My darling father went to be with the Lord in 2018 but I vividly count the days he was in our lives. If only parents knew the impact of presence in a child’s life, a lot would change. I pray to God every day to do the very best for my children.

Afromeet

I am so glad this day is a freestyle. As we enter into Christmas, something made my cheeks hurt from smiling yesterday. I subscribe to a community of writers called the Afrobloggers and this is a place that has given me the opportunity to meet some of the most talented creatives. Among us is a very intelligent, awesome, heart warmed individual, revolutionary lawyer, writer, and a prisoner of Hope as he often says. He gets along with everyone, a “fighter”- a stroke survivor to mention but a few. As a Ugandan Chapter, many of us had not met face to face before although we were in each other’s space for more than a year. When the chance availed itself for us to share an early Christmas with the old man himself, we hopped on it and if I tell you it was the best thing to close the year, you will not believe me. You can never underestimate the value of relational capital. The pictures will tell the rest of the story.

The Old man (checked shirt) in his glory

YOU WIN SOME, LOSE SOME, WIN SOME

Vulnerability for me has never been comfortable, is it for anyone though? Sometimes life just throws it at us and tests every little strength in us. In the hit of the moment you feel the world closing in on you, your purpose for life greatly shaken and unless you have a strong support system, you crumble.

This happened to me this year. I tasted the bitter cup of betrayal and it broke me into a million pieces. It took Grace to get out of the pit I had been thrown. My support system was tried and tested.

The 5 key lessons I learned however are;

Lesson 1; Whatever you are going through, the world doesn’t stop moving so the faster you pick up yourself, the better for you.
Lesson 2; Your emotions even to God at that moment are valid. Do the most but let them out. That is a form of prayer.
Lesson 3; Sometimes you don’t need the answers, things happen and no one owes you an explanation. Even when it doesn’t make sense.
Lesson 4; Your support system is very important. Their brains are of more use than yours
Lesson 5; Healing takes time, be kind to yourself.

The best thing that happened this year

Finally getting my book published has got to be the best thing that happened this year. Feel free to call me the author. I wrote a book titled DIFFERENTLY ABLED NUTRITION, a book for parents and guardians who have a disability that affects feeding as well as children below the age of five. This was a 2020 project that had me going back and forth, spending money and everything in between. Seeing this project come to completion was a major win. Please feel free to purchase a copy here.

As Christmas approaches, be kind to yourself and to your neighbor. Let us chat in the comment section.