Posted in Daily, Food, Quotes

Balancing the Scale

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Post Christmas and as a part of the year end festive, some of us may discover that a new wardrobe might come in order if the continue on the path of festive eating. The whole point of holidays is to have fun and enjoy. Yet the post-holiday guilt is disheartening and clings onto to our conscience, taunting us with every bite we take, unless we learn to numb it or have a back up plan in place to keep us still healthy and fit. There are a few tips and tricks that I plan to put into place before the guilt strikes with a fury.

Don’t dig your grave with your own knife and fork. ~English proverb

Remember the old dictum for healthy eating, eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a peasant. While it may be difficult putting this into daily practice, there are ways around it. For holidays try proportioning the meals as well as desserts; then we would be able to stick to the rule.

The key of having fun with food and controlling our portions is to experiment a bit as well as sit down to mindful eating. Even though you are alone for lunch or dinner, instead of mindless snacking or eating from the fridge, set the table for a meal for one and enjoy your food with plenty of light and proper cutlery. When the whole family is in, set the table and sit down for a proper meal.

While many of us hit the gym or workout during the week, instead of over indulging over the weekends, plan ahead for your weekend parties, trips and drives so as to downsize the calorie intake before the celebratory eating phase.

I definitely try to eat a healthy diet, but I am the first person to say I love unhealthy food. I would never tell you I don’t. I love fried chicken or mac and cheese. Do I order them all the time when I’m out at restaurants? No, though I do have one splurge meal a week. Rachel Nichols

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Mix up the healthy and unhealthy foods. For instance try having fried chicken with one serving of rice or bread, adding some colour to the plate with greens or other vegetables. Another mix-up would be having the pizza homemade with a healthy topping of vegetables, meat as well as cheese but limit the portions. Enjoy the large serving of homemade desserts but then remove any added sugars ( especially in tea, coffee and juices) for the rest of the day, limit the remaining portion of carbohydrates and go more for protein and cellulose rich foods to feel full.

Mindless eating whether we are eating to finish off and not waste food, or even munching while talking nineteen to the dozen kills the taste of food and delight of eating. Instead sit down at a place and eat quietly. Even when in a group, occasional comments may be passed but mindless chatter ceases when we concentrate and eat. In this case I try to take a leaf from my toddler’s book of chewing. Ideally when we chew our dense foods thirty times, we discover that the little portion was enough.

Homemade fries, potato wedges and fried snacks are way better than always getting them delivered. Even though the holiday season is in full swing, try not to make too much.

If nature had intended our skeletons to be visible it would have put them on the outside of our bodies. Elmer Rice

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When food is delivered, first lay them on your plate and then pack up the rest away. Once when we settle done to eat, the chances of getting up and adding on are slim when we have already packed away the extras.

With all the excess food delivered and leftovers from the party, outings or fellowship meets and neighbourhood dinners, distribute them among neighbours and friends or even better, donate them to the nearby orphanage, old age or retirement home or even the homeless shelters.

Instead of eating straight out of the containers or box, pre-portion your snacks  and meals too, into small individual containers or bag them for a ready to eat snack.

Food feeds both the body and soul – there are clear reasons to eat a balanced diet, but there are also reasons you cling to your mom’s secret chicken noodle soup recipe when you’re sick. Michael Mina

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Add spice to food when possible, for spicy food tends to make us feel full faster. Another trick that I had read and tried was to stock some red pepper flakes. When eaten early in the day, red pepper can reduce the amount of food you consumer later.

If you remember the good old saying, “Good things come in small packages”, then apply them to food and treats as well.

For those of us who love our desserts, enjoy the decadent delights in bite sizes savouring the taste and not eating in a hurry, or when doing any other work or in front of any entertainment. When we focus on the taste and flavour we realize that the little portion was enough.

If hunger is not the problem, then eating is not the solution. Author unknown

Most importantly stay active, enjoy your food without guilt and engage in the pleasure as well as mindful eating even if they are comfort foods. A little of everything never hurts but the catch is in our definition of the extent of “little”. When we decide to eat because we are hungry is not the same when we eat for the sake of it. Being on the top of the food chain, gives us the right to decide from the pyramid of choices, but it doesn’t mean that we have to end up being a large hamper ourselves.

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Posted in Daily, Family and Society, Stories Around the World, Work

When the Geese Fly

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability.” – Patrick Lencioni

In this season, as the year comes to an end; each one of us may be busy with our own projects, either related to home, or being on holiday mode as a group or family, neighbourhood or community gatherings especially those of Christmas and New Year as well as school celebrations, plays, parties and the like. Amidst all this, we are involved with a team of people with us being either at or near the apex or as a part of the body. In all these events we are being a part of the bigger crowd or leading one. To have a good time, not just in teamwork but enjoying our work as well, it would do us good to emulate the geese.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” – Andrew Carnegie

The geese teach us their lesson of teamwork with both the members as well as the leader fulfilling their roles. When we acquire a bit of their sense, we will realize we can achieve much better and save more time, effort and energy. Above all, by using the sense of a goose, we will discover than any project or task can be fun and enjoyable.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton

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A sense of a goose

Next Autumn, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying in a “V” formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily, because they are travelling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are heading the same way we are.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south.

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What message do we give when we honk from behind?

Finally – and this is important – when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of the formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies; and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their own group. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.

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Posted in Daily, Food

Fruitcake Time Again !

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When the Romans had shaped “the satura”, as a cake of pine nuts, barley mash, pomegranate seeds, raisins with honeyed wine “satura”, little did they imagine the evolution of their creation years in the future. Over the centuries the entire month of December has been dedicated to the creation whose origins may dated back to even before the Romans. If one hasn’t yet figured out what the above lines were about, it can be credited to the modern version of “satura”, i.e. the fruitcake.

Each year, the holiday season marks special traditions in many homes and among many communities, some which center around food while others revolving around the various customs and heritage. The fruitcake enjoys its’ own special relation with people. For some, fruitcakes bring nostalgic memories of warm kitchens, family specialties, the smell of spices in the air and the feel of Christmas baking. While for others, fruitcakes epitomize tasteless bricks or unwanted gifts that probably came from a factory kitchen rather than a homemade specialty.

“There’s a little bit of fruitcake left in everyone of us.” Jimmy Buffett

Yet the origin of the fruitcake was one of love and survival for difficult times. It was believed that the ancient Egyptians would put an early version of the fruitcake in the tombs of loved ones as means of providing food for the afterlife. The ancient Romans popularized the fruitcakes especially for the soldiers as these early fruitcakes were easy to carry and remained edible for a long time. Gradually over the years, other ingredients, such as honey, spices and preserved fruits were added. Towards the 16th century, the discovery that fruit could be preserved by soaking it in heavy concentrations of sugar (candied fruit) lead to its’ experimentation in fruitcakes especially when excess amounts were there in the kitchens.

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“Friends are the fruitcake of life – some nutty, some soaked in alcohol, some sweet.” Jon Ronson

Slowly fruitcakes became layered, dense and heavy with a typical fruitcake having citrus peel, pineapples, plums, dates, pears, cherries, candied fruits and even nuts or raisins. With a long storage life and easy to preserve, fruitcakes have been popular during Victorian England especially during holidays and special occasions. This British tradition has spread over to many of its’ colonies although other countries have their own set of “fruitcakes”. From the Stollen of Germany, panforte of Italy, keks of Poland and Cozonac of Romania to light coloured or rum soaked fruitcakes, the variants are many to list. Although by convention fruitcakes are made more around December (Christmas time), they have been traditional for certain weddings especially as seen in the royal weddings.

“Reality is like a fruitcake; pretty enough to look at but with all sorts of nasty things lurking just beneath the surface.” A. Lee Martinez

Although fruitcakes can certainly be delicious, they’ve declined in popularity over the years primarily as the richness is a little too much especially with calorie counting and the arrival of other decadent delights. Despite the declining demand, fruitcakes are still a holiday tradition in many areas though not beyond that period.

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Posted in Daily, Food, Stories Around the World

Egg-nog for Holidays

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“The armored infantry was Santa Claus, the battle was out Christmas. What else for the elves to do on Christmas Eve but to let their hair down and drink a a little eggnog.” Hiroshi Sakurazaka

Being Christmas today, the night vigil and celebrations can be drawn to a close by the noon or evening “Christmas” dinner. Along with the regular stuffing of bird or meat, pies closed by pudding and cake; unless the dinner is graced with egg-nog, it will feel like something missing.

Historically also known as milk punch or egg-milk punch, egg-nog or eggnog is a rich dairy based beverage served chilled, sweetened of either alcoholic (brandy,rum,whisky or bourbon) or non-alcoholic variety. Starting with etymology, among the various versions; eggnog is said to be derived from an Old English word for strong beer. Another possibility states that it was derived from noggin, a word for a small cup that was first known to be used as 1588; whereas some attribute the name to Colonial America where colonists referred to thick drinks as grogs and eggnog was widely known as egg-and-grog.

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Traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites and egg yolks; eggnog is primarily a Christmas time drink whose origins are still debated. By popular consensus, culinary historians believe that eggnog originated from the early medieval British drink known as posset. Made with hot milk, curdled with wine or ale and flavoured with spices; posset was often used as a cold and flu remedy during the Middle ages. Later on eggs were added to the recipe and monks were believed to enjoy posset of eggs and figs. Then on, various adaptations were made to the ingredients depending on the local availability, flavours and tastes of those times. With colonization, travel and cultural mixing; eggnog has gained widespread popularity becoming synonymous with the Christmas time cocktails, dinners and parties.

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Eggnog is often homemade using milk, eggs, sugar and flavorings; served with cinnamon or nutmeg. Although often served chilled, on particularly cold days it’s served warm. Additionally eggnog flavouring may also be added to other beverages like coffee ( as an “eggnog latte” espresso), tea and also to dessert foods such as egg-custard puddings and even ice-cream.

Ode to Eggnog
(Author Unknown)

If you see a fat man, who’s jolly and cute,
wearing a beard and a red flannel suit;

And if he is chuckling and laughing away,
while flying around in a miniature sleigh;

With eight tiny reindeer to pull him along;
Then – let’s face it – Your eggnog’s too strong!!

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Posted in Daily, Family and Society, Quotes, Random Thoughts, Stories Around the World

Helping Hands

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Non nobis solum nati sumus. (Not for ourselves alone are we born.)” Marcus Tullius Cicero

The difference between each person lies in their behaviour, outlook, attitude and approach to life. While collectively we can label one group “selfish” and the other group “kind”, the difference between both is well illustrated in the story below.

Chopsticks

A woman who had worked all her life to bring about good was granted one wish: “Before I die let me visit both hell and heaven.” Her wish was granted. She was whisked off to a great banqueting hall. The tables were piled high with delicious food and drink. Around the tables sat miserable, starving people as wretched as could be. “Why are they like this?” she asked the angel who accompanied her. “Look at their arms,” the angel replied. She looked and saw that attached to the people’s arms were long chopsticks secured above the elbow. Unable to bend their elbows, the people aimed the chopsticks at the food, missed every time and sat hungry, frustrated and miserable. “Indeed this is hell! Take me away from here!” She was then whisked off to heaven. Again she found herself in a great banqueting hall with tables piled high. Around the tables sat people laughing, contented, joyful. “No chopsticks I suppose,” she said. “Oh yes there are. Look – just as in hell they are long and attached above the elbow but look… here people have learnt to feed one another”.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm… As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others. Audrey Hepburn

One of the simplest things in life is to lend a hand. On some occasions we hesitate doing so without knowing the complete picture, for fear of the repercussions in the society and world, where we can held accountable even if innocent. On those instances, only our gut instincts can help us. Yet in other scenarios, we tend to be lazy and keep our hands buried in our pockets or under the blankets. Ironically we realize our mistakes only when we need help desperately. Helping hands doesn’t have to start big. Even small gestures like cleaning the room, helping an old lady at the grocer’s, giving up a seat in the bus for elders or pregnant mothers, mowing the lawn without being told to do so are all be simple acts to initiate the feel of being helpful. After all, There has to be a purpose of the creation of two hands.

“Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others.” Martin Luther King Jr.

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Posted in Christian, Quotes, Stories Around the World

True Spirit of Christmas

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

These and similar verses have been narrated, taught, delivered and read in plays, sermons, fellowship prayers and the like in the past couple of days. The essence of Christmas lies in the birth of Christ for the new beginning of man and for his redemption from the trap of sins he had weaved or caught himself in. In the process of celebrating the grace of God, sometimes we forget how to truly celebrate His Kindness and His Grace.

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“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Dr. Seuss

Strengthening relationships, making amends and spending quality time is what spreads the Christmas spirit. Like the neighbourly friendship between Watson and his neighbour Cadi, the spirit of Christmas brings us together despite our differences and makes the bonds strong with love, hope and kindness. As written in the famous tale of “A Christmas Carol”, Christmas is not restricted to gaeity, joyous celebrations or gatherings for a few days every year. Christmas means a lot more. It has to be celebrated all year round in our hearts and minds.

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“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” Calvin Coolidge

Keeping the spirit of Christmas alive year round is never easy as it requires tremendous effort on our part. Like the path that Christ had taken, it requires us to put immense faith, love and bear the fruits of His Spirit to enjoy the feeling of Christmas year round. To quote Oren Arnold, “To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To you, respect.”

On this Christmas as we wish everyone the season’s tidings, keeping in mind the true essence of Christmas will help us live the next year with happiness and self satisfaction; even in the face of all odds, difficulties and trials. As Charles Dickens said, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

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Posted in Christian, poetry, Stories Around the World

On Christmas Eve

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“… and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” “(Mathew 2:2)

As written in the Gospel of Matthew, a mysterious star had appeared over the place where Christ was born in Bethlehem on the first Christmas, there by leading the wise men (the Magi) to find the baby Jesus and visit him. While many have debated about what the Star of Bethlehem really was; some believing it to be a fable or a North Star, planets, comets and the like. Also some astronomers believe that evidence proves it to be a “nova star” originating at that time and at that point. Either way, the star proves as a guiding light not only to find the baby Christ but also as a reminder that His Birth will bring us light in the gloomy depths of the World. As said in the scriptures, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

On Christmas Eve as we remember, narrate and read about the birth of the Lord, knowing that God’s gift has to be lived and shared will help us live the gift of Life as well as the blessings He has bestowed on us.

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“God’s Gift” by Fyodor Dostoevsky

An angel-child on Christmas Eve
Did God send to the world.
“As you walk among the pines,”
He said and then he smiled,
“Do cut a tree and, in my name,
Do give it to the kindest
And the sweetest child on earth.”
The angel-child was puzzled deep:
“Whom shall I give it to?
How shall I know which of the babes
Has earned the prize of our Lord’s grace?”
“You’ll know,” was all God said,
And the Heavenly Host did part.
The moon stood high and lit the road
That led into the city.
The air was full of happy song,
Joy awaited every child…
So with the tree upon his back
The cheerful angel boldly strode.
Now, take a look in every window:
What cheer in every room!
Christmas trees all burning bright
As they do on Yuletide night.
The angel now began to rush
And made his way from home to home,
So as to find that special one
Who would receive God’s gift.
And everywhere he looked, he saw
Such fine and mindful girls and boys.
But each, on seeing the Christmas tree,
Forgot their manners and their poise.
Some said, “That tree’s for me!”
Some answered, shameless as could be:
“You aren’t worth half a tree,
I’m better than you, you see!”
“Oh, no, I say, that is my tree
You are not half as good as me!”
The angel listened quietly
And looked upon them sadly.
Every one was full of boasts
And each did praise himself the most.
Their eyes did squint with envy,
Their gazes — black with fear.
The angel ran onto the street,
And heaved a sigh, “Oh, Lord, my dear!
Do tell me which of them deserves
Your kind and precious gift!”
Then on the street our angel met
A tiny boy, at best knee-high.
He stared right at that green pine tree
His face did glow and shine.
“A tree, a tree!” he clapped his hands,
“Oh, what a shame I don’t deserve
This gift — it’s not for me…
But won’t you take it to my sis,
Who lies at home in bed so sick?
It would make her happy! Yes!
No one deserves it more than she!
She earned it with the tears she shed!”
The boy then poked the angel-child
And the angel-child did smile
And gave the boy that Christmas tree.
And then, as if by miracle,
The stars fell from the sky,
And sparkling like green emeralds
They encircled that Christmas pine.
It shimmered, twinkled, winked and gleamed,
For it wore the mark of grace Divine
That little boy stood struck amazed
And trembled in his rapture…
The angel witnessed that boy’s love
And tears streamed down his face.
And the angel brought to God that news
That was the greatest grace.

(Translated/adapted by John Freedman)

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