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Cheap And Healthy Diet Fit For The Student’s Budget

Aside from academic performance, one area that presents students with a challenge is healthy living. If you are a tertiary student, there are certain hindering factors such as tight budget, busy schedules, and lack of knowledge in cooking.

But there are quick, easy, and cheap ways to improve your diet. Start with these tips:

1. B-A-N-A-N-A

Banana is more than just the fruit that Gwen Stefani was chanting in her song called Hollaback Girl! It is a super nutritious and inexpensive food that is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium. Potassium, a mineral that helps control blood pressure, inside a medium-sized banana totals to more than 400 milligrams. This is why eating banana is a good way to start the day.

2. HEARTY OATMEAL

Regardless of your age, it is time you embrace the go-to breakfast of many – the oatmeal. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber which helps lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. To upgrade your oatmeal, top it off with grated apples, almonds, or honey.

If you think oatmeal is fancy, try the Quaker Quickcook Oatmeal Hearty Supreme that retails for only S$2.95 (at Fair Price)!

3. VERSATILE EGGS

Eggs are packed with the essentials choline, selenium, and protein. For lunchtime, you can prepare the eggs in many dishes such as hard-boiled and scrambled. Feel full and energized at the same time with quality eggs that are sold for as low as S$1.85 at the grocery.

4. WATER & TEA

Sodas are high in calories as well as carbonated bubbles. This bubbles can accumulate in your belly and add a buldge. So stick to water and tea as much as possible. If you are feeling traditional, try the Sea Dyke Oolong Tea for S$0.90. Or you may try the Dilmah Green Tea With Natural Jasmine Petals, which is on sale until 30th April.

5. DIVINE CARROTS

Like Bugs Bunny, you must create a love affair with carrots to get abundant supply of vitamin A. Vitamin A derives from beta-carotene in carrots. Vitamin A promotes eye health and boosts the body’s immune system.

For snacking in school, cut the carrot in bite-sized pieces after purchasing the pre-packed carrots for only S$0.90!

Sources: 1 & 2

Places To Find The Cheapest Gym Memberships In Singapore

Singapore is no stranger to expensive fitness center costs! And let us face it, most of you will not even use your membership perks to its fullest! With gym membership fees shooting up to S$2000 per year, one may wonder where the best rates are.

Fortunately for you, this list has you covered!

1. GYMM BOXX

GYMM BOXX is every gym-junkie’s dream as it has a wide array of premium equipment, a helpful staff, and a clean environment. What makes this place stand out is its “popular gym chain” facilities at affordable membership rates.

The standard membership rates are as follows:

a. Senior Membership ranges from S$90-240
b. Youth Membership ranges from S$120-360
c. Standard Membership ranges from S$150-480

If you do not want to commit just yet, you can pay per every entry for as low as S$3!

2. ACTIVESG GYM

Known for offering individuals and communities with various lifestyle opportunities, ActiveSG promotes better living through sport. It is only necessary that they include gymnasiums to their repertoire. If you are able to wait for your turn and workout with the basic equipments then, this place is suitable for you.

Here are the rates of the MyActiveGYM scheme:

a. Adults (Off-Peak) S$15/month
b. Adults (Peak) S$30/month
c. Seniors and Students (Off-Peak) S$9/month
d. Seniors and Students (Peak) S$18/month

As an ActiveSG member under the MyActiveGYM scheme, you will be able to get unlimited gym access to all the ActiveGYM outlets islandwide.

3. YOUR WORKPLACE

If you are serious about getting in shape, consider looking for an employer or a company that offers gym memberships. For example, Siemens has their own gym at the Siemens Centre Singapore. It is adjacent to a lounge where employees can read newspapers or magazines and listen to relaxing music.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Nothing beats a workout that is FREE and is situated at your own convenience!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Genius Cleaning Hacks To Save You Money And Time

USE VINEGAR TO CLEAN THE BATHROOM

Your S$2-3 bottle of white vinegar have uses that are beyond the kitchen! To clean the toilet, pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into the bowl and let it stay there for 5 hours or overnight. Then, scrub it well and flush. To clean your tub and kill the germs, spray white vinegar around the tub. Then, wipe it with wet cloth to clean.

USE BLOW DRYER TO REMOVE WATER STAINS

Spills from your mugs, glasses, bottles, and cans can leave a whitened “ring” that can be easily visible on furniture. Before you replace or repaint some tables, a simple yet efficient shortcut is to use a blow dryer to clean it. Hold the blow dryer (high heat) close to the ring and see it disappear in a few minutes. Once it evaporates, add a small amount of olive oil to re-condition the wooden table.

USE A DRY TOWEL TO SPEED UP THE DRYER

To save money on electricity, you must reduce the amount of time it takes to dry your wet laundry load. Simply add a dry towel to your dryer with other wet clothes. This trick works because the dry towel absorbs the excess moisture around your dryer.

USE AN IRON TO ELIMINATE CARPET STAINS

To eliminate nasty carpet stains without professional help, clean it with white vinegar, iron, and water. Start by mixing 2 parts of water with 1 part of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on the stain. Then, iron the rag (steam setting) for about 30 seconds or more. This shall remove the stain as well as its unpleasant odor.

USE A DIRECTORY OF THE CLEANING SERVICES IN SINGAPORE

If all else fails, save time and effort by having a directory of the top cleaning services in Singapore.

a. NTUC Domestic Cleaning Service
Location: 75 Bras Basah Road, NTUC Income Centre, Singapore 189557
Contact: 6788 8788

b. House Cleaner Singapore
Location: 538 Bedok North Street 3 Singapore, Singapore 460538
Contact: 6844 3382

c. Home Cleanz Cleaning & Laundry Services
Location: 332 Changi Road, Singapore 419807
Contact: 6440 3342

d. Domestic One Cleaning Service
Location: 47 Hill Street, #06-06 Singapore 179365
Contact: 6100 2388

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Efficiently Quick Ways To Beat Financial Stress

These days, there is no shortage of reasons why people are anxious about money. From higher unemployment rate to expensive school fees, everyone has their own share of financial stressors. And these accumulated stress can be detrimental to one’s health when not managed.

On that note, here are simple ways to conquer your inner beast:

1. DETERMINE WHAT STRESSES YOU OUT

Spare at least 10 minutes of your time to identify what triggers your financial stress. Whether it is dealing with your horrific credit card balance or realizing that you are barely hanging onto your job, write down your three greatest financial stressors at the moment. It is important to keep the list short to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

Staying positive in a seemingly challenging financial situation can help you get your thoughts together and motivate you to change. Rather than mourning about your piles of debt, visualize how great your life can be with less of them. Then, repeat an internal dialogue that aims to conquer that stressor. For instance, you may vow to spend about S$100 less each month in order for you to pay more for your debts.

3. FOCUS ON SMALL AND SUSTAINABLE GOALS

You do not have to beat your financial stress head-on immediately. Just as crash diets can lead to burnout, overly ambitious financial goals can lead to quitting. So sustain your goals by identifying what you can actually achieve each day and each month.

4. REWARD YOURSELF

Set a realistic budget and reward yourself for sticking by it. Alvin Hall, an author and a financial commentator on BBC TV, once said that a helpful way to lower your stress is to purchase something that has a long-lasting positive personal effect…for the least amount of money. Personally, visiting museums that display exceptional art uplifts my spirits while costing me S$0-20 only!

If you cannot think of any rewards right now, consider reading this guide: “36 Things You Can Do In Singapore, Aside From Spending Too Much Money”.

5. WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR

Before you fall into a deep slumber, write down at least three things that you are thankful for. This changes your focus from your financial stressors to the beautiful things that you might have taken for granted throughout the day. It does not have to be a big thing!

This quickie activity is focused on giving you a positive strategy to cope with life’s difficulties.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

If all else fails, do not hesitate to seek help from your friends, family, or financial professionals.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Trending Instagram Hobbies Within Your Budget

Where else can you showcase your coolest talents, delicious meals, cutest pets, greatest adventures, and oddest interests better than at Instagram (IG)?

As I browse through my IG feed, I noticed these 5 hobbies that are within each individual’s tight budget:

1. EDITING

Some people are naturally gifted with visual arts while others see it as a hobby that they have to practice. If you want to share your beautiful memories captured on portraits, showcase your photography and editing skills on IG.

Fit in the crowd by ensuring that you edited your photos with extra filters and finishing touches. Use this “4 Free Photo Editing Apps” list to help you out!

2. SINGING

I have to admit, a bunch of my IG friends are good at singing. And a fun way to get their followers connected is by posting a preview of their “full cover/song video” and linking it to their bio.

For emerging and establish artists, it is a no-cost way to advertise and stay in touch with the fans.

3. EATING

Some people love to watch movies as much as others love to read books. But my favorite people love to go on “food trips”. To be on a food trip means that you are on-board a stimulating and exciting food experience. Whether it will be a good or a bad one, you can easily post your food photography or video clips on IG for your friends to see.

4. CRAFTING

On the top of making a Facebook page of your artworks, you can manifest your artistic side by posting it on IG. This can not only support your passion but also boost your followers and your brand. You can either show daily clips of your artwork’s progress or make a short timelapse video of it from start to finish.

5. SHOPPING

If your interests involve window shopping (like many Singaporeans), take it up a notch by virtually browsing on IG. Save time, effort, and money by looking through a range of local labels while at home. Check out @gsews for bags, @wontyouburnbitch for accessories, and @lovebonito for clothes!

Screen-grabbed from instagram.com/lovebonito

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