Tuetego - ChestnutSlippers

ChestnutSlippers › New article
7 years ago

Everyone attempts, at some point in life, to improve themselves in one way or another. It could be in the form of dieting, exercising, educating themselves, or even learning a new skill. However, a huge error that most people make, is trying to do too much at once. This usually ends up with one r... Read more

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7 years

soncee › Great artikle

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indexer › Absolutely - the longest journey starts with a single step.

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Alianess › These are good reminders worth remembering.

5 years

Strabunica013 › Interesting article !

5 years

ChestnutSlippers › New article
7 years ago

As the 8th day of my March Diet and Exercise Challenge draws near, I would like to share with you my results, as well as some things that I have learned along the way. Firstly, I have lost about 3 pounds. Not too bad, but my thighs and stomach really don't look any different yet. My main concern ... Read more

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7 years

Lucia5 › Nice

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Justin › Nice

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soncee › Nice

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Mirjana1759 › ?

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Strabunica013 › Great article !?

5 years

ChestnutSlippers › New article
7 years ago

Day 2 of my March Diet, and so far things are going alright. Yesterday, I managed to fit in an hours worth of exercise which included a 30 min brisk walk, and I ate okay - aside from one protein bar snack which was high in sugar, woops.

Anyway, I've been trying to replace my unhealthy meals with more healthy ones, and wanted to share some of these with you because they are genius. I'm a huge pasta eater, and knew this had to stop. You can buy low calorie pasta, but I live in a small town and no nearby supermarket had any, plus it's pricey, so instead I switched out my pasta for:

1) Stuffed Mushrooms.
A large flat mushroom can be as little as 16 calories. So fill it with a low cal pasta sauce (I use onion and garlic) Add some tomatoes, and there you go, a super low cal snack which is only around 100 calories, low in fat, saturates, and sugar. (Obviously check the pasta sauce, as that can vary) You can even add a small amount of beans for protein if you like, with hardly any consequences.

2) Stuffed peppers
Same deal. You can fill them with low cal pasta sauce, tomatoes, and mushrooms for a very low calorie, low fat, low sugar meal. Include spinach as well, as spinach is one of the healthiest foods you can eat, and is a good source of protein.

3) Cauliflower Rice
This was surprisingly easy to find, and good for a late afternoon dinner. You can have pasta sauce with it, or just mix in vegetables! Or you can mix in salmon or tuna, with sweetcorn for a colder (yet just as beneficial) meal.

Let me know if you have any more ideas!

Here's some general tips I've picked up from research and chatting to others:

1) Joining a weight loss/diet/exercise forum REALLY helps. Recording your progress, reading other people's stories, and getting help and feedback not only helps keep you motivated - but it is really fun! I genuinely enjoyed starting my diary, and would recommend https://weight-loss.fitness.com if you want to join in!

2) Cut meals in half and eat twice as slow. I have thin brown sandwich slices instead of bread, however, instead of making an entire sandwich, I have one slice with tuna and tomato, or beans. This cuts out 100 calories every day. You can pretty much do this with anything, and if you eat twice as slow, your body will barely be able to tell a difference.

3) Drink a pint of water before and after every meal. Drinking a pint of water fills you up, meaning you will eat less. And if you don't feel full, drink another pint at the end. Remember that food takes a while to fully fill you, so never expect to eat a meal and feel full immediately afterwards. We are tricked into eating large meals, believing they make us full, when in reality the time it takes for us to eat those meals is what makes us full. Have a pint of water, then a half-meal, then water, then wait half an hour before deciding if you are full or not.

Will let you know any future tips, good luck :)

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Day 2 of my March Diet, and so far things are going alright. Yesterday, I managed to fit in an hours worth of exercise which included a 30 min brisk walk, and I ate okay - aside from one protein bar snack which was high in sugar, woops. Anyway, I've been trying to replace my unhealthy meals with ... Read more

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7 years

Lucia5 › Super

7 years

Justin › Interesting

7 years

soncee › Beautiful artikle

7 years

fabio26 › Nice article, interesting

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6 years

Miki › lovely

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Strabunica013 › Mmm...Delicious ! ???

5 years

ChestnutSlippers › New article
7 years ago

Since I'm going on holiday this summer to a hot country (for the first time in ages) I have decided to start a weight loss plan in order to feel confident enough with my body to wear a bikini on the beach. I've done a lot of research and spoken to a pro dietitian, and decided that starting a low maintenance plan in March would be far easier than starting an intense one nearer the date. We've come up with a simple diet plan including exercise, which shouldn't be too difficult. If you would like to give it a try, here is a basic plan for the month of march. I will post April's plan before March comes to an end - it will be a little stricter, but not much :)

Rules:

1) Low Sugar, minimal sweets.
Other than a spoonful of sugar in my morning coffee, for the majority of March I am completely giving up crisps, chocolate, and sweets. The only dates I will have sweet snacks are the 10th, 20th, and 30th. These must be low fat, and low in calories. Savory food must also be low in sugar and saturated fats. Fizzy drinks are a definite no.

2) Cut down on Dairy
I am going to attempt to cut out dairy altogether, having sunflower spread instead of butter, and almond milk instead of cows milk. Cheese is a no-go for this month, I have been told a little bit can't hurt though.

3) Minimal Meat - I don't eat meat, but I am replacing my veggie meat with tuna or salmon - which are both great sources of protein and present in many kinds of diet. My dietitian says that switching red meat for lean chicken can be a huge aid in weight loss.

4) Drink lots of water and Eat Food which consists of water.
8 pints of water per day is my goal, but I am going to attempt 10. Food which is high in water quantity, such as tomato's, cucumber, celery are going to be a prominent part of the entire diet.

5) Exercise. I am going to start off easy, 10 minutes of exercise each morning - squats, lunges, jumping jacks, jogging, sit ups, planking, press ups, etc. And 10 at night, and attempt a 30 minute brisk walk every day. I will try and add extra sessions in if possible, but would like to keep this month fairly easy as I am not used to a lot of exercise.

EXAMPLE MEAL PLANS:

Breakfast
Scrambled Egg on thin wheat bread
Porridge with Almond Milk
Cooked Tomatoes on wheat bread
Beans on Toast

Basic Idea- keep it less than 200 cal and low in Saturated fats and Sugar.

Lunch
Tuna, Prawn, or crushed boiled potato Salad
Healthy Sandwich on Thin Wheat Bread
Various Soups
None Dairy Vegetable Omelette
Steamed Vegetables
Medium sized Jacket Potato with healthy fillings

Check all ingredients for nutrition information.

Dinner
Low Cal curries with Cauliflower rice
Stuffed Peppers/Mushrooms
Vegetable Stew
Vegetable Stir Fry 
Cooked Salmon

Snacks
Fruit - apparently tomatoes are good to snack on?
Fruit and nut bars - Low Calorie
Dark Chocolate - in moderation
Nuts and Berries

As mentioned, I am attempting this diet for the month of March. Please feel free to give it a try too I would love to hear how you are getting on and if it is working for you!

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Since I'm going on holiday this summer to a hot country (for the first time in ages) I have decided to start a weight loss plan in order to feel confident enough with my body to wear a bikini on the beach. I've done a lot of research and spoken to a pro dietitian, and decided that starting a low mai... Read more

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7 years

Justin › Interesting

7 years

Abdelali999 › Very goOd

7 years

soncee › Beautiful artikle

7 years

DAIANAGABAR › Good post

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5 years

mili2020 › Its vernice

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ChestnutSlippers › New article
7 years ago

Magnet.

"Mother, stay still," commands the magnet.
"My force is unlike any detachable weight.
Your body already already fits your casket.

Sparks of hope will arise and then fade.
Overshadowed, devoured, by inevitable fate.
You know that your labor is scarcely repaid."

The dusty brass scales have an uneven tilt.
But why are you the only one who is late?
Through disappointment, frustration, the magnet was built.

"Blame others. Blame yourself. But do not blame me.
You nurtured me daily, you carved this slate.
Now you can't lift a finger. You can only see."

Eyes open, eyes closed, eyes covered.
You know that they pass through the locked, guarded gate.
Surely, they have also suffered?

The welding of steel, the melting of glue.
A thousand nails removed from a thick wooden plank.
These tasks are nothing, to someone like you.
Progression is a switch; destruction is too.

Thank you for reading :)

I'm no expert poet by any means. However I feel this would be a healthy method to communicate distracting feelings in a creative way, without burdening anybody else. (sorry if you found it depressing lol). I'm actually a super happy person, but I need to vent negative emotions sometimes. I suppose this poem could be interpreted in many ways, but for me it is about lack of motivation, due to being let down or treated unfairly when you work around the clock for minimal pay. I'm a freelance artist, but this year I have repeatedly been let down by clients, particularly recently during my busy christmas period. Some cancelled commissions due to changing their occupations, or occupational plans. Others have cancelled portraits meant for christmas presents, due to breaking up or falling out with the person they are for. All Freelance artists are on occasion asked to work for free, or for far less than minimum wage, when we have studied, worked hard, and gotten ourselves into debt to hone our craft.

My design work is no longer fun for me, I haven't taken on commissions since the last cancellation. Yes I should have taken deposits, yes I should learn to be stricter and demand payments for cancelled work, but so many of my clients are friends-of-friends, or people I genuinely trust, I guess I am just too naive for this profession. When I see people who dropped out of school with bad grades, earning 10x what I earn in a year, at a job which takes no training and causes little stress, I feel like everything I have done has been for nothing. Money does not mean a lot to me, I would just like enough to pay the rent and live off without having to stress and struggle. Jobs in my area are so much more scarce now than they were when we finished High School, and I feel as though I should have chosen a different path in life. My motivation is at an all time low, even just picking up a pencil makes me feel drained and miserable.

So yeah, that's what this poem is about. Please be nice to the artists and designers in your life, and before you ask one for free work, think - would you ask a plumber/electrician/construction worker for free work?

If you have the time, please let me know what you think of the poem itself - I don't mind harsh constructive criticism, being a designer, I appreciate people trying to help in any way they can.

Thank you, and sorry for the rant.

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Magnet. "Mother, stay still," commands the magnet. "My force is unlike any detachable weight. Your body already already fits your casket. Sparks of hope will arise and then fade. Overshadowed, devoured, by inevitable fate. You know that your labor is scarcely repaid." The dusty brass ... Read more

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7 years

Justin › Beautiful

7 years

soncee › Great

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Lucia5 › Super

7 years

LAFFINGKNOME › Great poem and you were just venting in your poem how you were feeling negative or otherwise. I too am a freelancer but in writing and I don't say I'm a great writer and I have been completed on my writing style and what I write about just as much as I have been criticised. But I understand where you are coming from when clients have let you down.

Like you say a plumber or some other profession would get what they expect to be paid for their work. So why should freelancers be any different?

7 years

6 years

Shavkat › Nice poem...

6 years

ChestnutSlippers › New article
7 years ago

So basically I've recently had the Nexplanon birth control implant fitted, after discovering that apparently if you anxiety so bad that it leads to high blood pressure, you will not be allowed to go on the pill. I didn't think my anxiety was too bad, but according to doctors, my blood pressure was h... Read more

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7 years

soncee › Hello

7 years

Violeta › Great

7 years

DAIANAGABAR › Hello

7 years

ChestnutSlippers › New article
7 years ago

This article isn't really for people going through trauma or hard times, or who are particularly stressed out at the moment. It's more for those of you who feel emotionally, mentally and physically drained, down, and bored with life. We all go through this at some point, and I've had my fair share o... Read more

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ChestnutSlippers › New article
7 years ago

As an introvert who works freelance, and spends a lot of time online, I rarely felt the need to be active, or 'out and about'. However it has recently hit me that my stamina may be a little worse than it should be. Although I'm definitely more awake at night, I struggle to function off 8 hours sleep, and often feel drowsy or weak during the day. So, I decided to try and fix this, and here's a few things which actually seem to be working.

Firstly, no matter how tired I am, I've been waking up at 7am every day. This was the hardest thing in the world at first, but with coffee, it's do-able. This usually means I'll need an hour long nap later on, but I'm okay with that. I also try and get to bed before 1am now, which again is tough, as my body wakes up at night.

Secondly, I've stopped going online first thing in the morning. I get up, have coffee, and go outside instead. Just something simple like a walk around the block, a trip to the bank or supermarket, or a quick outdoor exercise session really helps. Whilst staring at a screen does not drain your physical stamina, it makes your brain and eyes tired - especially if you are reading. Cutting this down has massive results, and made me realise that just because my mind is tired, does not necessarily mean it needs sleep - it just needs a break. Doing something away from a screen that takes little thought, such as walking or listening to music, can really help.

Taking Vitamins, particularly B and C, make a steady difference over time. I like the ones you put in water which fizz up, but any are fine. Combined with a healthy diet of protein and vegetables, and less sugar, you can get your energy levels up to a decent pace in no time.

Music has also been a big help. When you're feeling slightly drowsy, go for a power walk whilst listening to something up-beat and motivational. Doing this once per day, even if it's just for ten minutes or so, can train your body to naturally feel that way at a specific time. It also empowers your mind and inspires you to try your best.

Finally, as mentioned, I always have an hour long nap during the afternoon. I don't care what people say - Siesta's are good, and good for you. If you have the opportunity, try and fit one in if you are feeling tired. It's a quick way to gain some energy back, just make sure you have a coffee or healthy snack to wake up to, or you may 'accidentally' forget to get up!

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As an introvert who works freelance, and spends a lot of time online, I rarely felt the need to be active, or 'out and about'. However it has recently hit me that my stamina may be a little worse than it should be. Although I'm definitely more awake at night, I struggle to function off 8 hours sleep... Read more

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7 years

LiaF7 › Why seven? Why not nine in the morning?

7 years

ChestnutSlippers › If you get used to waking up at 7, 9 seems like a lie in. Also, most jobs require you to start work at 8-9ish, so waking up at 7 is a useful routine to get into.

7 years

ChestnutSlippers › New article
8 years ago

Since Graduating from University three years ago, I've had a LOT of interviews. To be honest, I was so desperate for money back then that I just applied for anything and everything. I must have gotten about 10 per week for about 2 months. Now, if you are anything like me, interviews absolutely terrify you. I would revise for hours, learn everything I could about the company and plan answers to every possible question, but when the moment came I would freeze up, stutter, and come across as a bad candidate. However, the jobs that I did land, I was offered on the spot. So I've decided to put together some things that I've learned from attending so many interviews. This is what worked for me, rather than what is expected to work. Hope this is helpful.

1. Establish a Connection with the Interviewer.
Sure, being professional is important, but you know who else will be professional? 90% of the other 100 candidates. You need to sell yourself, make this person think you are "meant to be" in the company. Keep it short and sweet, and casual so as not to come across as a suck up. Light hearted positive comments about anything you can see - framed holiday photos, kids, art and decor etc. Make the employer LIKE you, while maintaining a professional attitude. This can be a hard balance, but if you keep trying I guarantee you will get it.

2. Be Overly Prepared
Memorizing a bunch of answers is fine, but learning about the company and planning lots of questions about it will really make you shine. Don't ask about things such as money, holidays, or anything that will make it seem like you're considering days off before you've even started. Ask something that will make the interviewer/manager feel good. Ask about a new product, something you spotted when you entered the facility, branding, ingredients, advertisement, anything that makes you seem enthusiastic and interested.

3. Have a bunch of references. 
Some people only have one or two, but if you can find a way to have more, you're in with a great chance. Put something on your CV like "6 Professional references are available upon request". To gain references, do some volunteer work, work experience, or even some freelancing. You could even just do some gardening, dog walking, anything that shows initiative. Have them all ready on hand to show the employer, and explain which you think are most suitable but confidently give them the choice to contact any of them. (A college or university teacher can be a reference, by the way.)

4. Take pride in Personal achievements. 
It's not all about your working life, it's also about your character. If you won a competition, took part in a sport, helped someone through a difficult time etc, use THAT as an answer once or twice, rather than repeating information about your old job. It's about getting them to remember you, telling a story that no other person would have came close to telling. They've heard all about "teamwork" in the working environment, but what about teamwork when it comes to your personal life?

5. Health and Fitness
People forget this, but knowing you are fit and healthy gives you so many bonus points! Let them know that you exercise. If the job has an early start, explain that you are used to early mornings as you visit the gym at 6am regularly. Find a way to add that you jog, or even that you eat healthily. Above all, make sure you sound wide awake and enthusiastic. Make sure they know you've been keeping yourself active.

I hope this helps. Job interviews can be pretty tough. Make sure you dress smart, have long hair tied back, and above all look friendly and up-beat. Listen to some inspiring music every time you feel those nervous butterflies, and don't be disheartened if an interview goes wrong. Literally 8 out of every 10 of mine went wrong, I cried at a bunch of them, but I got better with time and eventually became a decent interviewee.

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Since Graduating from University three years ago, I've had a LOT of interviews. To be honest, I was so desperate for money back then that I just applied for anything and everything. I must have gotten about 10 per week for about 2 months. Now, if you are anything like me, interviews absolutely terri... Read more

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8 years

LiaF7 › Great advice. Really great. But none work when they want a candidate for his first job with two years experience. I wonder who has two years experience without working.

8 years

ChestnutSlippers › Sadly like most others I had to do a TON of unpaid work experience and volunteer work before landing anything. Try applying for a month or two of unpaid work close to your home. Charity shops, animal shelters, and care homes are always looking for volunteers. Then move onto different unpaid work every few months, to gain more experience and references until you find a paid position.

8 years

6 years

Shavkat › @ChestnutSlippers Nice article

6 years

ChestnutSlippers › New article
8 years ago

It's assumed by many that too much coffee can have serious health issues, both physical and mental. If I have more than 2 cups per day and don't use up the energy, I get insane shakes, anxiety, and my heart rate can almost double (I've got an exercise band which records it.) However, without those 2-3 cups I struggle to function, and often end up in a zombie-like state.

Coffee, when drank in moderation, can be incredibly beneficial and help you to function through your hectic day to day life. I've decided to list some of it's many benefits and how it can improve performance, so if you are interested, please give this a read!

1. Coffee increases energy levels 
Of course, you do burn through this energy faster, so you will need to replenish (and coffee should not substitute for fruit/veg) However, it's great if you need to be productive, or work at a fast pace, and you will burn off tons of fatty calories with your burst!

2. Coffee can improve the way your brain functions.
Caffeine travels through the bloodstream and to the brain, where it boosts dopamine levels and makes you more alert and aware. This enables you to focus and perform better both mentally and physically.

3. Coffee contains important Vitamins
One cup of coffee contains vitamin B2, B3, and B5 which are all vital in order for your body and brain to function well. Other nutrients such as potassium, Magnesium, and Niacin are highly beneficial to your physical well being.

4. Other health benefits.
There is a myth that coffee is linked to heart issues, however little studies have been able to prove this and actually suggest that caffeine drinkers are more likely to survive these conditions, as their heart steadily and naturally becomes adjusted to sudden pace changes, whereas a none caffeine drinker's heart struggles to cope. Coffee drinkers have on average a 7-10% less chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes, and certain types of cancer such as colorectal and liver cancer are very uncommon in coffee drinkers. Coffee drinkers on average live longer, and have a 65% less chance of getting brain problems such as Alzheimer's or dementia.

5. Coffee makes you Happier.
As you drink coffee, your dopamine levels rise, in the same way as they would if you take certain anti-depressants - and more so than others! This makes you feel good, capable, and gives you confidence and stamina.

As mentioned before, coffee should never be taken too frequently. Like pretty much everything else you can eat/drink, moderation is key to obtaining these benefits. I recommend not drinking more than 3 cups per day, and only if you need that many. As if you drink it too much, not only will your body get too used to the intake and become less affected, but it can also have negative inflictions.

Coffee is overall a fantastic product with far more benefits than hindrances. I don't know if I would be able to cope without it, but if you are ever feeling sluggish, useless, or just plain unhappy, make yourself one and see for yourself what a difference one cup can make!

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It's assumed by many that too much coffee can have serious health issues, both physical and mental. If I have more than 2 cups per day and don't use up the energy, I get insane shakes, anxiety, and my heart rate can almost double (I've got an exercise band which records it.) However, without those... Read more

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8 years

ze2000 › I suppose like everything it's ok if it's not too much.

8 years

LiaF7 › Love coffee. Drink three short expressos a day. Portuguese people love coffee :)

8 years

7 years

OlgaLifeLover › Hi

7 years

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