The Nation Newspaper

Category: Online Special

  • How to know if you are really Intelligent

    How to know if you are really Intelligent

    What exactly does it mean to be intelligent? Quite a number of ways have been proposed for assessing intelligence, like the Intelligent Quotient IQ theory aka IQ, while another school of thought uses measures like intuition, job and academic success. In spite of the range of opinions available, comprehensive research shows that intelligence is hardly a fixed trait. Here is a list of traits that indicate true, undisputed intelligence, rather than bravado or self-confidence. 

    Being a voracious reader

    People who read a lot tend to have information that translates to knowledge in different areas of interest, and so when they make an assertion, they are more likely to be speaking from a standpoint of knowledge that can be referenced. People who doesn’t cite their sources, but insist upon an opinion regardless of evidence, are very likely exaggerating their expertise. The best way to confirm this is to casually ask what they like to do in their spare time. Research has proved that reading increases memory function, communication skills, and focus, apart from being a good way to gain knowledge about history or experiences that are different from your own.

     

    Being Able to See Both Sides of an Issue

    Anyone who can convincingly and articulately argue every side of an argument is really intelligent. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 author Travis Bradberry shows the problems with assumptions; a person who is well informed and thoughtful is very likely not pretending to be smart to succeed. If they are extremely passionate and knowledgeable about a topic from their own point of view, but have not evaluated every side of an issue, they neither understand it, nor know how to effectively respond to it.

     

    Being Able To Learn From Your Mistakes

    People who are smart accept their failures and use them as lessons for building future success. A recent study of decision making skills reports that important feedback from past mistakes leads to better performance the next time. This means that as frustrating as setbacks and mistakes can be, very smart people see them as opportunities to grow.

     

    Having Few Friends

    Intelligent people have fewer friends than other people, reason being the smarter you are, the more selective you are in choosing your friends, not to mention the fact that you prefer being on your own.

     

  • Kaduna killings: Before Buhari is crucified

    Kaduna killings: Before Buhari is crucified

    The backlash of criticisms of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over the Southern Kaduna killings really pained the heart on account of its sentimentality. Commentaries by some Nigerians accused him of silence, conspiracy, inaction, shielding of murderous Fulani jihadists, failure to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. The abrasive cacophonies were indiscernible loud.
    Nigerians are so immersed in the character of unjustly vilifying their leaders. For instance, a respected Nigerian columnist at-large wrote a piece last Sunday expressing a wide range of his disappointments with the Buhari Presidency. He regretted being one of his ardent supporters for the Presidency in 2015 and writing about the “fall” of Buhari and his APC government, he insisted Buhari’s presence in Aso Villa has not proved to be the “missing link” and “an opportunity” in governance as he initially believed.
    In attempts to justify his criticisms of the APC–led government of Buhari, the columnist wrote;
    “Buhari says he is fighting corruption, but corruption is thriving in every measurement that matters. Buhari has done nothing of note to make anyone wake up in the morning afraid, or respectful, of Buhari. Sixteen years of the Peoples Democratic Party that Buhari lampooned daily, and yet you can count on the fingers of one hand of its members who are in trouble. There is a ton of stolen funds all over the place begging to be creatively cornered and plunged into the national cause, but Buhari’s government would rather beg for foreign loans.”
    The author of the piece is a veteran journalist and author of repute. He is by every stretch of imagination an intelligent Nigerian. But in the quoted words, it’s hard to believe this writer’s insinuation that President Buhari should have mutated into the judges in courts presiding over corruption cases to seize the looted funds.
    He expects Buhari to coercively hound every suspected looter into jail and compel him to cough out what he has stolen? And if it happens; they will brand him a “civilian dictator.” The columnist has nicely turned his back on the legal processes and procedures involved in retrieving looted money and blinded himself from the actions and inactions of the Bar and the Bench in stifling the anti-corruption campaigns or corruption trials. But he feels elated and more convenient to blame Buhari for not doing enough. It has not struck him as anything useful to know that Buhari has not exuded any sign of shielding or supporting looters of Nigeria, as previous Presidents would do.
    This is the unfortunate mentality of Nigerians. If someone as enlightened and exposed as the columnist could gladly share such unfounded sentiments, it explains in chilly details the predicament of Nigeria. Some Nigerians are propelled by this proclivity to believe President Buhari should double or even triple as the Senate President, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the DG, DSS or the Inspector General of Police (IGP) at the same time.
    These are offices with separate lawful powers, which do not necessarily require the additional presidential orders to perform or act on any matter. They might argue that those who man the offices are his appointees, which is true anyway. But if they exude signs of weaknesses, why do these commentators prefer to shield them from exposure? Is it possible for President Buhari to be the sweeper of every compound in Nigeria or the third eye in every office?
    Now, several voices of condemnations were raised against President Buhari over the Southern Kaduna killings as earlier mentioned. The President was unduly castigated for authorizing his Fulani kinsmen to murder Christians. But at last, security agents who worked tirelessly have brought the matter under control. The Police have arrested and paraded 17 suspects in connection with the massacre in the Southern Kaduna communities as fruits of this security intervention.
    The Nigerian Army have also been drafted to tame the tide of violence and killings with the establishment of a military base in Kanfachan, Jema’a local government area of Kaduna state. While launching the military barracks, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai said the idea is to stimulate quicker response to threatening insecurity issues in the area. The Army Chief submitted that a military barracks in the area would consolidate the peace process.
    But some Nigerians, the columnists, the analysts and the opposition are unwilling to applaud the efforts of government in securing the lives of communities in the area endangered by the bloody swords of marauding suspected Fulani herdsmen. These cynics have not seen the neutrality of the Buhari government in the abhorrent misfortunes that visited the people.
    The few prompted to comment on the new efforts of securing the place, anchor their comments from the angle of negativism. They claim the Police feigned the arrest of suspects, without any evidential proof. The same way some people feel President Buhari should magically head every office in Nigeria, the critics want to assume the toga and duties of Police or composite security agents to affect the arrest of the suspects before it becomes a believable tale.
    It is quite funny. When an action is not initiated expeditiously as they expect, it is a problem and when an action is taken, it is another problem of its own, as they only sight loopholes. And soon they will shout hoarse about how President Buhari is not speedily prosecuting the suspects, as if the President of Nigeria also doubles as the presiding judge over the cases.
    Despite the distraction to themselves, good spirited Nigerians are not blinded by sentiments and have continued to eulogise the President’s quick intervention and neutrality in the handling of the Southern Kaduna killings.
    For instance, the Northern Christian Youth Assembly expressed fond  pleasantness over the formation of a military unit in Kanfachan.
    Its coordinator, Mr. Peter Bawa, said, “We see the building of a military formation in the area as a way of shortening troops deployment time and ensuring that troublemakers within that vicinity are given a hot chase and no longer have anywhere to torment the peace of the people.”
    “The prompt implementation of the barracks project is a demonstration of the administration’s sincere commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property of all citizens irrespective of political or religious leanings,” he added.
    And in his usual proactive style of attending to security issues on the orders of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Buhari, the COAS instantly commenced action as hauling of equipment and facilities began, after Gen. Buratai performed the  foundation laying ceremony, flanked by Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir el Rufai.
    The story would not go full circle, unless the armchair critics of Buhari again write that the President has deployed soldiers to “kill” his Fulani kinsmen. Is it plausible to say a leader who sends his tribal warlords to terminate lives would in another direction send security to arrest and prosecute them as insinuated in the Kaduna incident?
    However, the success or failure of the peace initiative in Southern Kaduna is in the hands of indigenes of the afflicted communities based on their willingness to assist security agents protect them. They must be ready and always be prepared to volunteer to gather and share information with the Nigerian Army on likely sources or causes of breach of security for soldiers to act proactively to avert ugly incidents.
    Quite, importantly, Nigerians must also begin to help themselves by imbibing the spirit of tolerance and good neighbourliness. It is not every quarrel that should end in fracas and bloodletting. Disagreements can be settled without spilling blood or torching communities. This barbaric tendency is pulling back individuals, communities and the nation.
    It is easier to blame the President and test-run all manner of claims or theories on him, but those who bear the brunt of the upheavals deeply are the direct victims. It should therefore be their sacred responsibility to scout and harvest ways of living together peacefully to make life more meaningful. Nigeria is being unnecessarily militarized because the flames of communal conflagrations usually overwhelm regular and civil security agencies. It is not a good testimony of any set of civilized people who lay claim to a rewarding life.
    Musa Fomson is the National Co-ordinator, Northern Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace.
  • #BBNaija: Housemates get squard name, song, wager

    #BBNaija: Housemates get squard name, song, wager

    Within minutes of being announced as the new head of house, Captain Efe was summoned into the diary room by Big Brother to receive the wager brief for the week.

    Captain Efe was instructed by Big Brother that there seemed to be some tensions in the house and the task performed earlier was meant to be an ice breaker which he wasn’t sure achieved that objective.

    Big Brother gave Efe the Brief with the theme of the week being BONDING!

    #BBNaija
    Housemates rehearse the war cry

    Captain Efe is to instruct the housemates to collectively come up with a name for the squad as they will be faced with several challenges that will put their unity to test as a squad. They will also wager a percentage of their weekly shopping BB Naira allocations to the success of this task.

    Names like BBN Titans, Sea Rangers, Power Squad, BBN Gladiators and The Gobbes were debated and a consensus was reached; the squad shall be called D’UNBREAKABLE TITANS. The housemates embraced their new squad name and even created a war cry befitting the name.

    In addition, Captain Efe’s secret task by Big Brother includes to motivate the squad and help keep their spirits High at all times till a presentation is held at the end of the week during which Efe must get voluntary commendations from housemates.

  • Social media agog with #IStandWithNigeria

    Social media agog with #IStandWithNigeria

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” tag=”#IStandWithNigeria” count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]
  • Tuface denies arrest

    Tuface denies arrest

    Tuface Idibia, Nigeria’s award winning musician, has denied being arrested and detained by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) over his earlier planned anti-government’s protests in Lagos and Abuja.

    In his tweet on Monday, he expressed gratitude to those who have shown concern over the purported arrest.

    “Thanks for the concern, guys. I am fine and free,” he said.

    “Reports about DSS arrest are not true. We are still compiling responses for the leadership.

    “State your opinion on the social media with the #IStandWithNigeria. Peace! One luv always!!!”

    The protest which was initiated by the hip-hop artist for Monday was cancelled on Sunday.

    The cancellation did not stop other groups from carrying on with the protest, but it attracted a lean turnout both at the National Stadium in Lagos and Unity Fountain, Abuja.

    The popular musician cancelled the protest on Sunday citing “security concerns and public safety consideration’’.

    However, some groups vowed to go ahead with the protest in spite of the cancellation by its initiator.

    Some citizens took to their twitter handles, reporting situation at the venues of the protest with #StandWithNigeria playing prominent role in Abuja.

    According to the tweet of Ms Maureen Kabrik ‏@Mkabrik, “We are at Unity Fountain right now getting ready for our protest #IStandWithNigeria #OneVoiceNigeria.

    The tweet displayed a long banner held by two men with the inscription “#StandwithNigeria’’ #OneVoiceNigeria”

    BennyCapricorn ‏@BennyCapricorn also said “Strong Woman @AishaYesufu God bless you always!!! Live @ the Unity Fountain. #iStandWithNigeria.”

    Reports from National Stadium Lagos indicate that a few people turned out in spite of the cancellation of the protest.

    kajogbola kabir ‏@kosimagi tweeted, saying they were at the National Stadium in Lagos.

    “At the National Stadium Surulere for the #Protest. #IStandWithNigeria #OneVoiceNigeria. Enough of talk on social media’’

  • UNICEF calls for collective action to end female genital mutilation

    UNICEF calls for collective action to end female genital mutilation

    As the world marks International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation Monday February 6, UNICEF has called on governments at all levels, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders to join together and end the scourge of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting in Nigeria.

    Marking the Day, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Mohamed Fall, stressed that “Every study and every bit of evidence we have shown there is absolutely no benefit to mutilate or to cut any girl or woman for non-medical reasons. It is a practice that can cause severe physical and psychological harm.”

    The report stated that five states in Nigeria have rates of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) that are more than 60 per cent, with Osun and Ebonyi sates highest at 77 and 74 per cent respectively.

    According to the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey the other states are Ekiti, 72 per cent; Imo, 68 per cent; and Oyo, 66 per cent.

    FGM/C comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other cutting of or injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

    In February last year, Wife of the President Mrs. Aisha Buhari launched a national campaign to end FGM/C, calling on all parties to work together to halt this harmful practice. Her call underlines the need for collective action at every level.

    UNICEF is working with Federal and State governments, especially in the southern states where the practice is most prevalent, training partners, creating awareness at all levels and working with communities to convince practitioners and community members to promote an end to the practice.

    Support is growing for the national campaign to end FGM/C. With the support of the Wives of the State Governors, Imo and Oyo State Houses of Assembly are currently working on draft bills that will prohibit the practice of FGM/C and any custom or tradition promoting it. When the bills are passed, Imo and Oyo will join the other most affected southern states – Osun, Ebonyi and Ekiti – that already have laws against the practice in place.

    “We applaud the progress that has been made in Nigeria, but there is still a long way to go. Even though this practice has persisted for over a thousand years, our evidence tells us that with collective action, it can end in one generation,’ added Mohamed Fall.  “It violates a woman’s rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and even – in some cases – the right to life,” he said.

  • It’s time for a new religion in Nigeria

    It’s time for a new religion in Nigeria

    Nigeria’s troubled history is continuously worsened by the too much emphasis on religion, at the expense of the state or country. Often, Nigerians push religious interests and sentiments at the detriment of fundamentals of their country.

    But a country is broader and more encompassing than religion. Not all Nigerians profess Islam or Christianity or any form of religion in life. Some are even atheists or some sort of traditional worshipers. But every Nigerian is a citizen of the country, Nigeria. If Nigeria per happenstance ceases to exist today, religion will offer nobody an alternative country they can claim descent.

    The flair to throw up religious sentiments over interests of the state streams from the liberty state laws accord religion and freedom or right of conscience. Nigeria has witnessed more religions upheavals than crisis spurred by other reasons. The needless destruction of lives and property and the ensuing social dislocations are misfortunes the people would spare their country, if religion is restricted to the self and decently practiced.

    The unhealthy excitement over religion and its consequent destructive amplification has been a major problem in the country and issues quite difficult to comprehend. But Nigeria is not the only country in the world which permits its citizenry the liberty of religion, yet citizens do not sacrifice the state on the slaughter slab of religion.

    In the first amendment to the constitution of the United States of America, it is clearly spelt out in the establishment clause that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

    Despite this freedom it offers, the thinking of Americans on religion, the people do not pander to the antics of chaining their beloved country for the sake of it. The interest of the state is elevated, placed first and jealously protected before religion, which is presumed as something very personal to the believer, as spiritual nourishment which is distanced from state affairs.

    In his remarks to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association on September 12, 1960, former US President John F. Kennedy, surmised the psychology of Americans over religion in these words;
    “I believe in an America that is officially neither Catholic, Protestant nor Jewish – where no public official either requests or accepts instructions on public policy from the Pope, the National Council of Churches or any other ecclesiastical source – where no religious body seeks to impose its will directly or indirectly upon the general populace or the public acts of its officials – and where religious liberty is so indivisible that an act against one church is treated as an act against all.”

    Similar status is accorded religion in other European countries. The United Kingdom is a signatory to the European Convention For Human Rights (ECHR) and its Article 9 provides for the right to thought, conscience and religion as also applicable in Nigeria. The ECHR stipulates in Article 9 that citizens of countries signatory to the convention will have:

    “The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance[…]”

    But it restricted this religious freedom, in consideration of the interest of the state, to avert the tendency of abuse. So, the Article 9 holds further that;

    “The freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.” The simple interpretation as one who has visited the Strasbourg court in France is that this right is simply not an absolute right rather a qualified right.

    It implies lawfully that the interest of the state is not suppressed in favour of religion and this has been the core of the thinking and practice of religion in Europe. But the case of Nigeria has proven over the years to be different. Religious bigotry and extremism has very often pushed the country to the brink of collapse.

    Quite unfortunately, in deploying religion as an instrument to battle the state, religious fanatics even instigate the superiority war within different sects of the same religious faith. In Christianity, one often senses the aura of superiority sometimes bandied by Pentecostal churches against orthodox churches. Islam also suffers this scourge, where the Sunnis feel superior to the Tijaniyya sect and so forth.

    So, in Nigeria, even among religious sects, there are divisions, which the spirit and essence of religion prohibits. This tendency also invades the open society. It is the stimulation of this meaningless religious extremism by Nigerians that has made the country helplessly prostrate before the ideals of nationhood.

    And these tendencies manifest in unacceptable doctrines and the misinterpretation of the word and the letter of the Holy Koran in the case of Muslims and the Holy Bible in the case of Christians. These holy books which are supposed to be the guiding instruments of illuminating the sacred originality and teachings of peace of the different religions are brazenly abused or even twisted by self-serving preachers who have turned their pulpits into an altar or something not far from abracadabra performed by an e’rba priest in Agila.

    The zeal to appear different and superior to another sect has often caused the introduction of bizarre doctrines which clash with the interests and wholeness of the nation-state. But the clergy freely and mindlessly impart them into adherents.

    These incidents are worse in Northern Nigeria and evident in the preponderance of religious crisis in the region. Therefore, instead of deploying religion as a tool for national cohesion and unification, it is used as a weapon against rival religious faiths and or, to cause antagonism within.

    Thus, when members of religions expose themselves to such ridicule, they become preys in the hands of dubious politicians who manipulate the religious card to deceive them, mortgage their conscience and compel to work against the interest of the state. Why would any sane Nigerian be compelled into voting a leader at any level at all, on the basis of religion? Membership of a particular religious faith does not confer on anybody, exceptional leadership qualities or impeccable credentials. It is absolute rubbish for Nigerians who allow themselves to be brainwashed this far.

    And smart politicians also deploy the same weapon of religion to cause political violence on the casual instigation that Christians are snatching or depriving Muslims of their leadership right or Muslims are denying Christians appointment slots. This flimsy excuse becomes enough reason for narrow-minded Nigerians to cause conflagrations in parts of the country in the guise of protests, which breaches and undermines the interest of the state for a peaceful and secured country.

    Even common sense should inform anybody that such posturing is antithetical to progress. And in decent climes, the citizenry resist and shun such destructive overtures without looking back, preferring instead to protect the interest of the country which is the common patrimony of all citizens and posterity.

    In effect, Nigeria has reached a point where citizens must be reminded about certain basic facts about life and their country. Citizens and their religions would perish if there is no country for them to live and practice their faith. But the country would not cease to exist if there is no religion and it will never function or blossom on account of the spiritual solace religion offers.

    Therefore, time has come for Nigerians to embrace their country as the new religion, which experience has indicated is a more valuable treasure and provides generous succour to all. Nigerians should resolve now to perceive and passionately embrace their country as the new religion. They should vehemently and jealously protect Nigeria, with the same degree of fondness they have been protecting religion.

    Henceforth, it is incumbent on Nigerians to borrow a leaf from other countries like America and Britain by resisting the temptation of undermining the interest of the country for the sake of their accustomed religion; but place their new religion, expressed in the metaphor of their country, Nigeria, higher than anything else.

    Okanga Akila is based in Agila, Benue state

  • The one packing mistake we all make

    The one packing mistake we all make

    My friend Eji recently contacted about helping her with her packing. She confesses to being “the worst suitcase packer of all time”. I am not a bad packer myself, but she also admits to being “the worst un-packer”. She confesses, “I will pack for a trip in 30 minutes only to return and leave the suitcase in its exact state for weeks after”. My friend is a busy professional, whose recent promotion means that she is doing more and more travelling, and is in desperate need of an expert to help sort out her packing challenges.

    See the packing mistake we are all guilty of, and tips to avoid it.
    The major mistake we most often make is aimlessly throwing everything in a suitcase without planning, organization, or any effort whatsoever. Ahead, prepare yourself to do some personal reflecting on your other packing mistakes as you take hold of tested solutions for a disheveled and over packed suitcase.

    THE #1 PACKING MISTAKE IS: AIMLESSLY THROWING EVERYTHING INTO A SUITCASE

    One big packing mistake that people make is not taking the time to make sense of their suitcases. They grab items that they want to bring on their trips and just fill up their bags with them. Over packing is an issue too (getting into that mindset of Oh, I’ll definitely want to wear this since I’ll be in the Bahamas—when you know very well that that romper never looks good on you and being in the Bahamas won’t change that).

    PACKING SOLUTIONS:

    Separate items by type.
    Separate items by type (clothing together, accessories together, etc.) and either use the pockets or mesh/clear packing bags to separate them. For example, keep the big and bulky clothing in the main pocket and small clothing like socks and underwear in one of the small pockets.
    Pack exact outfits.
    Do your best to plan out exact outfits and think when you’ll wear what. Keep in mind that versatility is of utmost importance when you pack. Those trousers that you can dress up or down to a variety of places? Pack them!
    Store toiletries in clear bags.
    Store all toiletries in a clear plastic bag. This way you can see what’s inside and keep everything contained and away from your clothing.

  • One Simple Rule That Will Keep You Slim and long lived

    One Simple Rule That Will Keep You Slim and long lived

     

    The orient is home to the longest lived races, like the Japanese and Chinese, and diet has been adduced to be the secret to this. They practice a remarkably easy weight loss approach called the 80 percent rule. Conversely, ever since Nigerians have adopted sedentary western lifestyles, and food choices, the average Nigerian portion size has been growing, not to mention the average waist and dress size. Meanwhile, Nigerian life expectancy has dropped over the years. Nigerian women are now expected to live for 55.6 years and men for 53.4 years.
    It’s no coincidence that Nigerians are eating more, doing less exercise, and living shorter lives. When you take in more calories than you’re able to burn off through exercise, you gain weight. Obesity then puts you at risk for life-threatening conditions like Heart disease, Diabetes, High blood pressure, and a long list of cancers, including breast, colon and pancreatic cancer.
    If food choices play such a large role in deciding someone’s lifespan, what can Blue Zones—regions with the world’s longest living people—like Okinawa, Japan, teach us about diet and nutrition? Dietician nutritionists specializing in this critical care reveal one simple food principle that Okinawans live by, the 80 percent rule.

     

    What exactly is the 80 percent rule?

    The expression, hara hachi bu literally means ‘80 percent stomach’ in Japanese, It’s based on the belief that if you slow down your eating and stop when you’re 80 percent full, you’ll actually feel more satisfied. Why? When you eat slowly, you chew more carefully. It lets you savor the flavors and really enjoy your food—and it gives your stomach enough time to tell your brain that it’s full. Since it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for fullness signals to reach your brain, eating too fast can easily lead to overeating. The 80 percent rule can improve your quality of life.
    Unlike weight loss supplements and fad diets, this simple practice can help you lose weight safely and keep it off. It allows you to eat 20 percent fewer calories—minus the constant feeling of deprivation, or the binge eating that follows. By helping you keep excess weight off, the 80 percent rule also lowers your risk of illnesses like heart disease and diabetes and may improve your quality of life.
    That might be one reason why Okinawans have one-fifth the rate of heart disease, a quarter the rate of breast cancer and one-third the rate of dementia when compared to Africans. They also enjoy one of the world’s longest life expectancies and the most years of healthy, disability-free living. A growing number of studies support the link between eating smaller portions and living longer. One team of researchers followed a group of men and women on a calorie restricted diet for six months. Regardless of their exercise habits, all participants lost weight. They also experienced:
    Better blood sugar control
    More stable hormone levels
    Less of the DNA damage that happens with aging
    These anti-aging and disease-fighting effects mean the 80 percent rule is just one way to lower your age.

    How can you tell when you’re 80 percent full?

    The best way to stick to the 80 percent rule is to divide your plate in half before you start eating. Only eat the first 50 percent of your food to begin with; chew slowly and savor every single bite. Concentrate on the food—think about its color, flavor and texture. This is called mindful eating. After you eat the first half of your meal, put your fork down and let a few minutes pass. Then ask yourself, “Am I really still hungry?” If you’re satisfied, stop. If not, eat half of the remaining 50 percent—half of what’s left. If you are still hungry, divide the leftover food in half again.
    It’s especially important to remember this trick in restaurants, where tempting bowls of your favorite foods often come in extra-large portions. Ask for a to-go container at the start of the meal and divide the plate as soon as it arrives. Another option is to request the lunch portion.

     

    How to overpower cravings and beat binge impulses

    Everybody has cravings, (for some of us its chocolates and pastry) but if you constantly remind yourself that you’re on a diet, you’re more likely to experience binge impulses. But when you follow the 80 percent principle, there’s no forbidden fruit. If you feel like you really need to eat something, measure out one serving and just have a small amount of the treat you love. You can actually have a bar of your favourite chocolate or pastry once a week, and not risk becoming overweight.

    Other ways to control your portions:

    Start with a salad: Eating a salad before your meal can decrease your calorie intake by 10 to 12 percent. Salads are high in fiber, which helps you feel full sooner and keeps you satisfied longer. Since you have to spend more time chewing a salad, it also gives your brain a chance to catch up with your stomach.
    Don’t eat in front of the television: If you eat in front of the TV, you won’t pay as much attention to your food. The distraction—not to mention all the restaurant adverts—may easily lead to food choices you’d regret.
    Step away from your desk: “Don’t eat in a high-stress atmosphere.” It causes your brain to release the stress hormone, corticotropin factor, which can trigger ‘stress eating.’ Increased stress levels lower your motivation to eat nutritious foods.”
    Another trick is to swap your breakfast and dinner portions. Okinawans eat their largest meal in the morning, their smallest meal in the evening, and then don’t eat anything else before bed.
    There are many benefits to early eating, including better weight control. One reason why people overeat at night is the tendency to wait until they’re starving and exhausted. Then their willpower is gone and they wind up bingeing on high calorie foods. If you are not really a breakfast person, take the time to plan healthy breakfast meals and love how healthy you feel when you start the day off with delicious, energizing breakfast treats.

  • Leave Fried stuff off the salad plate

    Leave Fried stuff off the salad plate

     

    Lifestyle Hack for the week

    Salads are a healthy addition to every diet, even as dieticians advise that the fruits and vegetables are best eaten raw. However, some salads ingredients (like potatoes) need to be boiled to be edible.  Some people choose to add fried ingredients- either as vegetables or garnishes. True, fried vegetables or garnishes add a nice little crunch to salads and are lovely every now and then, especially when you’ve ordered a gourmet salad at the newest restaurant, but that will be defeating the purpose.
    Why? For everyday lunches or dinners, a regular addition of fried foods will increase the saturated fat, calories, and, potentially, the inflammatory factor of your salad. To get that crunch in a healthier way, add one to two tablespoons of raw chopped nuts or seeds.
    Simply put: Cut out the fried additions, and opt for nuts and seeds, fresh berries, and your own dressing.