Tips on saving money.

University is the time when freedom arrives, whether its food or even on shopping. Many students would not be able to resist the temptation of having macca's or even other fast food chains, and junk food when they are in universities. 

here are a few tips to help you save your money but allowing you to eat healthy as well. 

1) Spend more money on farmers market. 

Farmers market are the best way, if you are trying to save money. When consumers buy in bulk, most farmers are willing to sell to you for a cheaper price - in comparison to one broccoli in the supermarket which costs around $6 per kg, however in farmers market it would only cost $1.50- $3 ea (depending on the season) . This will help you save a lot of money compared to supermarkets and the produce are fresher as it is harvested on the day of sale. 

2) Ignore the junk food aisle. 

Ignoring the junk food aisle can be rather difficult. To slowly cut out junk food, limit your budget of $2 a week to spend on junk food -  In Australia, that would only get you a bar of chocolate (if they are on sale). 

3) Pre packed lunch. 

Pre pack your lunch meals (more to come on the next few blog post), this way when you are having long days in uni, you would be able to have your own lunch. Some good lunch ideas are salads with herb crusted chicken and roasted tomatoes (more recipes coming soon!). 

Avoid going to the cafeteria if you have bad habits of resisting temptation. Pre packed lunches are going to be your money saver. 

4) Sign up for the loyalty cards at your local supermarket. 

Although farmer markets are going to save you tons of money, you would still need to spend money on foods at the supermarket. Signing up to be a member will help you save money, as most supermarket does point reward system or discount on items. 

5) Grow your own vegetables and herbs. 

If you are like me then you would know herbs are a life saver when it comes to flavor, I love chives and basil. They are my absolute go to herb when needed for most recipes. Growing your own would not only save you money from purchasing them but you would get fresh herbs every time you are in need of them. They are only usually a range between $2-$4 a pot! Pluck them and they will grow right out in the weeks to come! They are relatively easy to grow and handle. 

6) Buying superfood's 

I purchase super foods - eg chia seeds, spirulina, raw cacao, coconut oil and so on from my local super food store. If super foods are an essential in your dietary requirement - for example if you were vegan and you need the extra protein. This can be quite costly - however some of the easiest way to have these super foods without costing a bomb is by buying in bulk. 

Most company would be able to give a discount when you buy in bulk, but as well as give you their membership card, that entitles you to 10% off (in most shops in Australia). 

As much as I enjoyed writing this article, I hope you have too! These are my tips and tricks to having a healthy lifestyle yet maintaining those cash in your pocket! 

Thank you for reading, and Ill see you next time for my recipe

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Benefits of consuming MANGOES!

There are many different health benefits in consuming mangoes! Mangoes are popular during the summer where mangoes are in high demands. I do suggest on stocking up on mangoes when summer arrives, but though it provides health benefits, consumption of mangoes should be in moderation. 

Some of the health benefits include:

1) Age – Related Macular Degeneration

2) Cancer

3) Asthma Prevention

4) Bone Health

5) Skin and Hair

6) Heart Disease

7) Digestion

1) Age- Related macular degeneration

An antioxidant is present in mangoes that filter out harmful blue light rays where it plays a vital role to the eyes therefore are able to ward off damage from macular degeneration. This antioxidant is called zeaxanthin.

2) Cancer

Mangoes are high in Beta Carotene, which plays a protective role against prostate cancer.

3) Asthma Prevention

To those who suffer from asthma, mangoes will benefit you greatly. The risk for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients which are beta carotene that are mostly found in papaya, apricots, broccoli, pumpkin, carrots and the list goes on.

4) Bone Health

Mangoes contains Vitamin K. Low intakes of Vitamin K has been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture. The consumption of Vitamin K is vital as it is important for bone health.

5) Skin and Hair

Mangoes contain Vitamin A which is a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps the hair moisturized. Vitamin A is vital for the growth of bodily tissues, which includes the hair and skin.

Mangoes contain Vitamin C as well, where one cup of mangoes can build and maintain collagen in your skin and hair and to provide structure.

6) Heart Disease

Mangoes contain high doses of fiber, potassium and vitamin to help ward off heart disease. With the increase of potassium and decrease in salt intae, this can reduce the chances of one’s risk to cardiovascular disease.

7) Digestion

Mangoes contain mainly fiber and water, which can help prevent constipation and therefore promote healthy digestive tract, which decreases the chances of hemorrhoids

Moving on to the nutritional breakdown of mangoes, aside from the health benefits, it is shown that mangoes are low in calories with only 100 calories, 1g of protein, 0.5g of fats and 25g of carbs.

They are high in vitamins such as A, B-6, C, K and potassium.

                  I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it! 

              Happy Eating !