HEALTH

GETTING THE RIGHT WEIGHT WITH THE RIGHT FOOD

Do you work-out daily to stay fit and in shape, yet your weight keeps increasing? Do you eat the right food and yet no good result? There are some common mistakes about nutrition that you need to know, which most people don’t take notice of, but they triple your weight without you knowing. Some are very easy to overlook.

About 70% of weight loss is diet and 30% exercise. Diets play a major role in losing weight than exercise. So you have to be very conscious of what goes into your mouth because you are what you eat. 

Yellow Card for Diary Products: A dairy product or milk product is food produced from the milk of mammals such as cheese, yogurt condensed milk, skimmed milk, ice cream, butter, dried milk. Dairy products are usually high energy-yielding food products. Some few things to minimize or cut out from our diet are dairy products including chicken and meat which rots in the stomach. 

Drink Enough Water

Sometimes we confuse thirst for hunger, so you eat a bunch of things thinking your body is hungry meanwhile, it really is just thirsty. Try to drink more water throughout the day, it helps calm you and also keep you full.

Do Not Skip Meals

I know of a friend that developed ulcer by skipping meals trying to lose weight. The most common one is usually breakfast. The problem with skipping meals is that you end up really hungry and tired; you eat anything in sight which might contain more calories than if you had just followed your meal plan of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast sets the pace for your day and also helps you function better throughout the day.

Do No Set Goals That You Cannot Achieve

People set losing weight targets for themselves, but I think that’s not the best alternative. Forget your dream size; what you should do is to take it one at a time. After all, you did not gain all the weight in just one week. If you are fond of that soda which contains high calories, you can start by replacing it with water. This is also applicable to all other weight boaster you want to get rid of. Love yourself and enjoy how far you have come.

Pay Attention to Your Belly Signals

Most people feel hungry without knowing what to eat. I’m of the opinion that each time you are hungry there is a particular food your belly wants to take at that time. Sometimes you eat something and you are still not satisfied; it may be your body is craving something salty or different. Also our bodies are different therefore, what works for one person may not necessarily work for you, so do not be misled.

Drinking Your Calories

Maybe you are eating clean, but are you also drinking your calories from beverages? A can of coke can contain as many as 240 calories, which might not be much but when it becomes a regular part of your day, then it can add tons of calories and sugar to your body and wreck your progress.

By: Okoye Chizoba

BEAUTY

DEALING WITH DANDRUFF THE NATURAL WAY

If you've ever wondered what all that white stuff coming off your head is, it’s not a major weather system, it is just dandruff! I’m here to give you a list of home remedies for dandruff (not scientifically tested); if your dandruff is serious and is not alleviated by these treatments, see a dermatologist.

Wash your hair regularly but not obsessively. Dandruff is caused when your scalp sheds dead skin cells. It is not caused by hair itself. A dermatologist recommends that washing your hair every day with a dandruff shampoo will help to reduce the flakes. And after then continue washing your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo 2-3 per week. Mind you, excessive shampooing, especially with harsh chemicals, can irritate the scalp and dry it out, causing more dandruff. 

Give your dandruff shampoo time to work. If you choose to wash your hair with dandruff shampoo, leave the shampoo in for at least 5 minutes before you wash it off. This will give the shampoo time to work; then rinse your hair with lemon juice, a conditioner to get rid of any lingering odor from the shampoo. Using a hair conditioner after washing with any anti-dandruff shampoo helps to soften the hair and makes it more manageable. Many of these anti-dandruff shampoos contribute to dry scalp and can add to flaking, but with a conditioner it can seal nourishing moisture.

Using Henna to Cure Dandruff. 

Henna has been widely used for many years for its beneficial properties. It can also be used to get rid of the stubborn dandruff. Since Henna can dry out your hair, avoid using it too frequently. Henna is anti-fungal, can be effective against psoriasis (condition which occurs when skin grows out quickly), and can strengthen skin. Many people who have itching, flaking scalps after dying with chemical dyes, and are developing an allergy to chemicals, can use Henna as an alternative. Henna can also be used to dye hair instead of chemicals, and can restore healthy hair and skin. Using Henna to cure head lice, ringworm, or dandruff, will give your hair a smooth, full, shiny and silky look. 

Preparing Henna for your hair

What you need:

Grinded henna leaf

Juice of a lime

Yogurt (as per the consistency you prefer)

Mix the henna powder with the juice of a lime and add curd to it. Mix well to avoid lumps. Make a smooth paste that does not drip. Apply this henna paste on the hair from roots to the tips. Keep the pack on for 30 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo. 

To help prevent dandruff, brush your hair after you shower and shampoo. Brushing your hair will help distribute the oil that is naturally occurring in your scalp and hair over the entire surface of your head. Brush outward beginning from your scalp to help distribute oil from the scalp along your entire head.

Avoid stress and stressful situations. Stress can cause dandruff, so try to exercise your stress away or deal with your stress in other healthy, effective ways.

Eat healthy. What you put into your body has an impact on what your body responds to. An excess of unhealthy foods (fast food, sugary foods, etc.) will often result in skin, scalp and hair problems.

By: Okoye Chizoba

HEALTH

COMMON HYGIENE YOU SHOULDN’T OVERLOOK

Have you ever experienced morning rush, and after you struggled to get a sit in a bus only to be sitting next to a smelling body, be it male or female? Not only is he/she sitting next to you, but tries to open a conversation with you and you see yourself looking the other way. The only thing you pray for is to get to your destination as fast as possible. Well, I have experienced that many times.

Personal hygiene is very necessary, but it’s always overlooked all in the name of being in a hurry to work, or I’m so busy syndrome. Our opinion is that you have to brush your teeth and work to eliminate body odor each and every day. Here are some basic hygiene you should observe:

KEEP YOUR BREATH FRESH: Many people have bad breath. Sometimes it is only for a short period, but with others it is persistent (always). In most cases, bad breaths are caused by the gums and tongue; not the teeth. Bad breath is one thing that you might not notice yourself, and no one finds it easy to tell you. If you brush your mouth before going to bed, the early morning smelly mouth will not be too bad; in fact, some people don't smell at all. Therefore, it is important that you look out for yourself every morning before you step out.

A simple test you can do yourself is to lick the inside of your wrist and wait for the saliva to dry. If the area you licked smells unpleasant, it is likely that your breath does too. You can get a very good friend to be absolutely honest, but do make sure it’s a true friend.

GET RID OF THOSE UNDER HAIRS: We live in a tropical region of the world. It’s hot and humid. Male or female, why on earth would you allow your armpit hair grow out? Do you not know that hair in closed places trap bacteria and build up gunk that will smell? There are no health risks to shaving all of your hair off, as long as you do it hygienically, use a new razor, use an anti-septic after shaving and don't cut yourself. With or without antiperspirants, shave your armpit hair. I know some guys that will say, “no-o, it’s manly to have hair in your pits”. But that’s a fallacy.

USE A DEODORANT: Don’t even come with that excuse about not being able to afford body sprays. There are very cheap ones if you don’t have enough money. Some go for as little as 150 Naira. No excuses! Buy them and use, I’d rather chill with a local person smelling good-cheap than a classy person smelling like rotten egg. Though it can be embarrassing, sweating, even a lot of sweating is normal. This is true not only when you exercise or get hot, but also when you're feeling some emotions, like anger or nervousness. Some of the glands, such as those in the armpits, also start to make a strange new odor.

Your best bet is to take a bath or shower every day and after exercising or getting hot. Try to find a deodorant or a deodorant-antiperspirant combination that works well for you. It can help to wear clothes made of natural fibers, like cotton. Dressing in layers helps too. That way, if you start to feel hot, you can cool down easily and hopefully avoid sweating.

In rare cases, there are medical reasons for lots of sweating. If you notice that you are sweating when resting, when you are sleeping, or if your hands or feet sweat a lot, tell your doctor. In fact, it can help to speak with your doctor anyway; there may be something he or she can do.

MAINTAIN NEAT AND WELL-GROOMED NAILS:  Shorter nails look neater, but if you have longer nails, keep them always clean and in good condition. Girls can paint them if they wish. There is nothing as awful as dirty finger nails.

DON’T REPEAT DIRTY CLOTHES AND UNDER-WEARS: Dirty clothes, especially under-wears and socks, can harbor microorganisms. Re-wearing dirty clothes many times or sharing dirty sweaty clothes can lead to skin infection. Unpleasant body odour can also arise from bacteria that accumulate on stains. 

Shoe hygiene is also important. Feet have lots of sweat glands, so closed shoes in particular can provide warm, moist and dark environments where bacteria and fungi can thrive and cause bad smells and conditions such as athlete’s foot.

Wearing leather shoes and cotton socks allows your feet to breathe more than materials such as vinyl. If you have been wearing a pair of shoes all day at work or school, take them off when you get home to try and give them a chance to dry out overnight. Some of your shoes may also be washable.

SHAMPOO YOUR HAIR AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE: For the ladies that keep long hair or fix weave-on, you may need to wash your hair biweekly to avoid smell from accumulated hair cream and heat. Please, note that you don’t have to wash your hair every other day as frequent washing can dry out your hair and strip them of important nutrients. For the guys, you have no excuse, so wash at any bath. Whatever you do, just try to appear neat so as not to discomfit someone next to you.

By: Okoye Chizoba

TEASER

TOZALI, THE EYE LINER MAGAZINE VOL. 7 NO. 8

GO GRAB YOUR COPY...

MEALS BY ME

BROWN BEANS STIR FRY

 Hello and welcome my beautiful readers.

My name is Hapsy Ibrahim-Mahmud and I am going to show you how to make an amazing Brown Beans Stir Fry. Also known as Honey Beans, Brown Beans health benefits have been found to be higher than that of white (black eye)beans and black beans. A lot of people don't like eating beans, but with this recipe, I have had "Non beans eating” folks descend on their plates!  I am certain you'll impress your

"I don't eat beans people" too. (It's not like they’re allergic!) Besides, the benefits of brown beans out weight the taste of it. For those trying to lose weight, this is for you.

 So...

You will need:

·          2cups of brown beans or Honey beans(This recipe will be 4 as a main dish and 8 as a side dish)

·         1/4 kilo of mince beef

·         Chopped spring onions, red peppers & sweet peppers.

·         Sliced carrots

·         2 cooking of soya oil

·         Seasoning cube of choice & dry ground ginger

·         Thyme (abt a 1tsp) and salt to taste.

The 1st thing you want to do is cook the beans. Cook the beans with a pinch of salt until the beans become hard boiled, meaning cooked but not soft. Then chop and slice all the veggies and set aside.

Then into a wide non stick pan, pour 1 spoon of soya oil. Then add 1/2 of the quarter kilo of mince beef; it is best to make this dish in batches. Add thyme and a pinch of salt to the mince beef and stir fry until pale brown. Then add the carrots. Stir-fry for 2mins before adding half of the beans.

Reduce the heat and add ginger, seasoning cube or powder and stir in genteelly in a folding manner; meaning don't stir like a soup by turning but lightly lifting like you're folding in....ok!? Ok!

Pop a lid on the pan and leave to simmer for 5mins, this will help soften the carrots and beans a little. Then add the red peppers (Tatasai) and spring onions. Stir fry for 2-3mins before adding the sweet pepper (sweet green pepper).

Stir in and it's ready to serve.

Serve Hot! As part of a meal (side dish) or enjoy as a meal!  Easy! Right?

You can always add or remove an ingredient, but this one with the mince beef is just amazing!!!

Enjoy!

 Until next time people! Do try it out!

Many legumes, especially soya beans, are demonstrating impressive health benefits. Diets rich in beans are being used to:

·         lower cholesterol levels

·         improve diabetics' blood glucose control

·         reduce risk of many cancers

·         lower blood pressure

·         regulate functions of the colon

·         prevent and cure constipation

·         prevent piles and other bowel problems

Also richly coloured dried beans offer a high degree of antioxidant protection. In fact, brown beans rate even higher than blueberries or cranberries juice. Besides, some cranberry juices have sugar in them. In Nigeria, any type of beans will be a cheaper choice. And it's good for you!

A lesser-known benefit of brown beans is their high levels of iso-flavones, compounds that are similar in structure to estrogens produced by your body (which is why they are also called phytoestrogens).

These iso-flavones may ease the symptoms of menopause, prevent some form of cancer, reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your bone and prostate health, among other great benefits. My least favourite bean is the kidney bean. I don't dislike it, I just prefer other kinds and fortunately there are a myriad of choices. These are just a few that are quite popular. They can be found in major shops around the country (Kano, Abuja, Kaduna.....) dried or canned (in brine or water)

*Honey beans

* Red kidney beans

* Soy beans

* Garbanzo beans

* Adzuki beans

* Lima beans

* Black beans

* Black eyed peas

* Broad beans

* Small red beans

* Butter beans

* Fava beans

* Great northern beans

* Haricot beans

* Mung beans

* Navy beans

* Pinto beans

* Yellow split peas

* Green split peas

* White beans

So my beautiful people "Go forth and discover Beans"

All rights reserved. saffron ©2013

Hapsy's Orders!!! 

FASHION

HOW TO TIE YOUR GELE

Recently ladies try to appear in most occasions in their native attire and I tell you, tying a neat hair gear complements your fashion. Most ladies find it difficult to get that defining look with their Gele, even after wearing a good make up.

Today, I will be sharing a step by step tutorial on how to tie a Gele perfectly.

1. Start by folding in the end of the Gele, to get a smooth base at the front (crown of the head).

2. Take the Gele and wrap it around the head from the back to the front (towards your forehead) ensuring that the ends at the front are equal. This aspect is very important.

3. Then take one side of the Gele, (I do with my left side) and wrap it towards your right all the way round to the left ear and secure with your han
ds. At this point, the left side of the Gele will be shorter than the right side.

4. Take the right side and cross it over the left side of the Gele. Then take the right side (the longer side) round the head to the back, wrapping it and securing it with your hands At the back. 

5. At the side and back of the Gele, begin to arrange the Gele, measure around the head in layers.

6. At the tip end of the two sides, begin to squeeze the ends to form a fan from the middle of the layout, ensuring that the left over at the end closest to you is enough to grip.

7. Ensure you get a good grip by tying the both ends into a knot twice to be firm and tight.

8. At this point there will be 2 layers at the top of the Gele piece. Start arranging the layer at the back first making sure the highest point of the Gele is in the middle.

9. Draw the Gele from back and make sure it’s at the hair line.Be sure not to push back excessively as to prevent the Gele from falling off your head. Also be sure not to pull your ears out of the Gele.

10. Start making lines and pleats, forming layered steps at the front of the Gele with your fingers. Be sure to try to make them as defined as possible.

That’s it! If you have any special tips to add to the process above, be sure to add them in the comments.

By: Okoye Chizoba

Beauty

Getting that Flawless Look in Just 5 Minutes
Are you running late and can't afford to look anything less than amazing? Then this brief article will guide you on getting a beautiful and flawless look in just 5 minutes.



Step 1

Fill in the brows using brown eye pencil/eyebrow filler or rather the pencil colour of your hair.



Step 2

Using your flat angled brush and a little concealer, highlight the brow bone from under and do same from the top of the brow to sharpen the brow effect and to get that perfect eye definition. In case you have blemishes to conceal, do so at once before putting aside the concealer.

Step 3

Using the foundation brush, spread foundation over the face and blend. Use a beauty blender for a briefer process. Apply caution to avoid wiping off the eyebrow pencil. This step gives you that alluring flawless base.

Step 4

Apply black liquid eyeliner on the lash-line and a kohl pencil on the rim of the eye; I suggest you use kohl pencil because you might not know how to use the liquid eyeliner perfectly and might mess your whole face up. Then brush the eyelashes with mascara. This step is to define the eyes and make you look calmly attractive.


Step 5

This is the finishing touch. Apply powder on your face and lip-stain to your lips then you are good to go!

Note: While choosing your concealer, go for a shade lighter than your colour. The aim of this is that when you apply it on brow bone due to the shade differenceit will bring out that intended look. Also for your powder and foundation, you should go for any colour the same as the colour of your neck. This means that the colour of your neck is your exact colour and when you apply a fitting colour of your neck to your face, there won’t be any matching difference.

By: Okoye Chizoba

BEAUTY

6 Essential Makeup Brushes and Their Less-Pricey Alternatives

This post would benefit a lot of us who are so passionate about beauty and yet appreciate the value of savings! Some of us buy a bunch of makeup brushes and after a few weeks they are all lying idle in every corner of the room.Nawooh!

What makeup brushes do I really need? Which is essential and which is not?

Without much preamble, let's go straight to the point!


1. Foundation Brush

The Flat foundation brush is a synthetic brush used to apply liquid or cream foundation on the face. The duo fibre brush is specifically designed to generate an airbrushed finish when used to apply a liquid foundation. DUO FIBRE BRUSH costs about N7, 000.

But don’t be scared; I just discovered its alternative. Recently, I found a new tool for applying foundation that gives me that satisfying airbrush finish! Haha! It's a BEAUTY BLENDER (an egg shaped makeup sponge) and it costs about N165 for one piece. Go get yours now!!!

2. Powder/Blush Brush:

BEST FOR POWDER AND BLUSH

Powder brush is used to apply pressed or loose powder all over the face. It is also fantastic for using as a bronzing brush for larger areas of the skin such as the neck. The bristles pick up the perfect amount of color (powder/bronzer) and distributes flawlessly onto the skin. Medium-sized powder brush can also be used to apply blush on apple of the cheek. POWDER/BLUSH BRUSH costs N5, 980

Just hear this again, because I have another alternative: POWDER FOAM/DISC FOAM is used to apply powder on the face. With this, you can massage the powder to penetrate evenly and hence, more flawless look will be achieved! It’s relatively cheap and costs about N50 for one.

3. Eye shadow Brush





BEST FOR EYE SHADOW

Used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments to the eyelid.For that perfect attraction you need for your lid and creases of the eye, makeup artists say well-crafted mixed-fibre brushes are a necessary expense. Stiffer synthetic hair deposits color, the rounded top lets you hit that crease, and softer fibers work "like a windshield wiper to spread and blend the color," says L. A. makeup artist, Fiona Stiles.

Any alternative? Not known yet (***Smiles***)

4. Contour Brush

A smaller head of natural bristles—like the ones on Marc Jacobs' Angled Blush Brush. With it you target where color goes and blends for a natural finish. You can also use the slanted edge for contouring, giving you more bang for your buck. A single contour brush costs N4, 225

ALTERNATIVE: You can use your eye shadow brush for this purpose.


5. Flat Angled Brush

The small angled or slanted brush is used to fill the sparse area of the brows. Getting a single ANGLED BROW BRUSH can costN3, 380

ALTERNATIVE: Thick COTTON BUDS can be used for shaping the eyebrow arch when dipped in concealer or foundation. Costs about N169 for a 150psc

6. Spiral Eyebrow Brush

This is used to take excess mascara from the lashes to avoid clogging. This makes the brow even if it is drawn with a pencil or brow filler to appear natural. It is also used to tone down eye pencil from the brows when it's too much!

An example is MAC LASH BRUSH and it costs N2, 536

ALTERNATIVE: Do you know that an OLD MASCARA WAND works magic? You can wash for use, and it serves perfectly as it's same as the spiral eyebrow brush. It costs nothing! There are so many other brushes. From my List above ...with brush 1 and 2, be sure to have that flawless base you seek.

Brush 3 and 4 would help you blend colors on the eyelid perfectly and contour on the crease respectively.

Brush 5 and 6 would help you achieve the perfect brow arch.

But I suggest you buy a complete set of makeup brushes which will cost you only N4,500 for just your personal make up or if you are a makeup artist you can go for a bigger set of makeup brushes which is about N12,0000 in the market. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

By Chizzy Okoye