FOOD

3 Foods You Must Avoid To Burn Belly Fat

Published

10 months ago

February 25, 2024

3 Foods You Must Avoid To Burn Belly Fat

We all know that belly fat isn’t just a matter of looks; it’s a concern for our health too. While eating right and staying active are key to trimming down, sometimes certain foods can actually work against you in your belly-busting journey.

This article highlights three specific foods, both solid and liquid, that you might want to keep off your plate (and out of your cup) if your goal is to melt away belly fat.

Read on to discover which foods might be secretly sabotaging your efforts and learn about healthier alternatives you can choose instead.

1. Processed foods

Turns out those yummy snacks, sugary cereals, and quick meals you grab on the go might be doing your belly fat a disservice. These processed foods are loaded with unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives that can pile on the pounds around your middle.

3 Foods You Must Avoid To Burn Belly Fat | Fab.ng

Plus, they’re often low in the good stuff like vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, which can leave you feeling hungry and reaching for more.

But there’s good news! Swap those processed picks for fresh, whole foods like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. These are packed with nutrients, fibre, and even antioxidants that can help you shed pounds and shrink your belly fat in the long run.

So ditch the processed junk and fuel your body with real, wholesome goodness—your waistline will thank you.

2. Sugary beverages

Soda, juices, energy drinks, and even fancy coffee creations loaded with sugar are hiding a secret enemy: belly fat. These drinks are packed with “empty calories” that offer your body no real nutrition, just pure sugar.

3 Foods You Must Avoid To Burn Belly Fat | Fab.ng

This sugar, especially fructose, gets turned into fat by your liver, adding to your midsection woes. Plus, sugary drinks can spike your blood sugar, leaving you feeling hungry and craving even more unhealthy stuff.

So, what should I drink instead? Water is your best friend! It’s calorie-free and keeps you hydrated. Herbal teas can add some flavour and warmth, and you can even jazz up water with fresh fruits and herbs for a fun twist.

These alternatives are guilt-free, help control cravings, and keep you feeling your best from the inside out. Swapping sugary drinks for healthier options is an easy step towards a flatter tummy and a happier you.

3. Refined carbohydrates

Ever feel like your belly fat has a mind of its own? Refined carbs can actually make it harder to say goodbye to that unwanted extra padding.

Refined Carbs | Fab.ng

White bread, pasta, and pastries are like sugar bombs for your body. They spike your blood sugar, making you crave more and store fat, especially around your middle. Plus, they leave you feeling hungry soon after.

Swap the refined carbs for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat bread. These are packed with fibre and nutrients, keeping you fuller longer and helping your body digest slowly, preventing blood sugar spikes.

Water should be your best friend. It’s calorie-free and keeps you hydrated. Herbal teas and infused water with fruits and herbs add flavour without the sugar crash.

Keep in mind that small changes add up. By going for healthier picks, you’re not just helping your waistline; you’re giving your whole body a boost.

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FOOD

3 Delicious Recipes For Making Akidi (Black Beans)

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

3 Delicious Recipes for Making Akidi (Black Beans) | fab.ng

Akidi (black beans) recipes are a cornerstone of Enugu State’s culinary heritage, enjoyed widely across Nigeria and Africa. This versatile legume, rich in protein, fibre, and essential vitamins, makes it a nutritious staple in many homes.

Originating from Enugu, akidi holds a special place in traditional dishes, offering robust flavour and health benefits.

If you’re looking to expand your cooking repertoire, these three delicious akidi (black beans) recipes will elevate your meals.

Whether you’re an experienced chef or a kitchen novice, each akidi (black beans) recipe provides a unique taste experience.

Embrace the richness of Enugu’s culture and impress your family with these flavourful and nutritious dishes featuring the beloved black beans.

Recipe 1: Classic Akidi Soup

Ingredients:

1 cup dried black beans (akidi)
1 large onion, chopped
2 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped
2 tablespoons palm oil
1 teaspoon dried crayfish
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 stock cube
Water

Instructions:

Soak the beans: Rinse the black beans and soak them in water overnight.
Cook the beans: Drain the soaked beans and add them to a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beans are tender.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the palm oil in a separate pot. Add the chopped onion and scotch bonnet peppers, and sauté until fragrant.
Combine the ingredients: Add the sautéed ingredients to the pot of cooked beans. Stir in the dried crayfish, salt, black pepper, and stock cube.
Simmer and serve: Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the flavours are well combined. Serve hot.

Recipe 2: Akidi with Spinach and Plantain

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked black beans (akidi)
1 bunch spinach, chopped
2 ripe plantains, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil

Instructions:

Heat the vegetable oil in a pot. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
Add the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir until wilted.
Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked black beans, curry powder, and turmeric powder to the pot. Stir to combine.
Fry the plantains: In a separate pan, fry the plantain slices until golden brown.
Serve: Serve the akidi and spinach mixture with the fried plantains.

Recipe 3: Akidi with Smoked Fish and Vegetables

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked black beans (akidi)
1 smoked fish, crumbled
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil

Instructions:

Heat the vegetable oil in a pot. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper, and sauté until softened.
Add the beans and smoked fish: Add the cooked black beans and crumbled smoked fish to the pot. Stir to combine.
Season and simmer: Season with thyme, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavours are well-combined.
Serve: Serve the akidi with smoked fish and vegetables hot with rice, yam, or bread.

These three akidi (black beans) recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create your own unique dishes.

Remember, the key to a delicious akidi dish is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook slowly to allow the flavours to develop.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these akidi (black beans) recipes are a great way to enjoy this nutritious and flavourful legume.

For more articles on food recipes, visit here.

FOOD

5 Health Benefits Of Cooking With Garlic

Published

2 weeks ago

December 7, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Health Benefits of Cooking With Garlic | fab.ng

Garlic is more than just a flavour enhancer; it offers numerous health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries. Incorporating garlic into your meals not only enriches the taste but also boosts your overall well-being.

Let’s explore five key health benefits of garlic, emphasising why this simple ingredient deserves a spot in your kitchen.

1. Boosts Heart Health

Garlic is renowned for its heart-protective properties. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels, which are crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Allicin, a compound found in garlic, relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption of garlic may also prevent artery hardening, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of garlic is its contribution to a healthy heart.

2. Strengthens the Immune System

Garlic acts as a powerful immune booster. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help the body fend off infections. Rich in antioxidants, garlic combats free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to illness.

Cooking with garlic regularly can support your immune system, making it more resilient against common colds and flu. This vital health benefit of garlic makes it a natural defence mechanism.

3. Improves Digestive Health

Garlic promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Its antimicrobial properties can help balance gut flora, reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.

Additionally, garlic may reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Including garlic in your diet can improve overall digestive function, emphasising another essential health benefit of garlic.

4. Enhances Bone Health

Surprisingly, garlic may also support strong bones. It contains minerals like calcium, manganese, and selenium, which are vital for bone density and strength.

Some studies suggest that garlic consumption can increase estrogen levels in women, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

This lesser-known health benefit of garlic highlights its role beyond the kitchen, contributing to long-term skeletal health.

5. Supports Detoxification

Garlic aids the body’s natural detoxification process by activating liver enzymes that help eliminate toxins. Its sulfur compounds enhance liver function, enabling the body to flush out heavy metals and harmful substances more efficiently.

Regularly cooking with garlic can provide a natural cleanse, supporting overall vitality. This detoxifying health benefit of garlic underscores its importance for maintaining internal balance.

Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet

Maximise these health benefits by adding garlic to soups, stir-fries, and sauces. Crush or chop it and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking to enhance its beneficial compounds.

Remember, the health benefits of garlic are most potent when it’s used fresh and minimally cooked.

Cooking with garlic not only elevates your culinary creations but also offers significant health advantages. Embrace this versatile ingredient and enjoy the multiple health benefits of garlic with every meal.

Would you like more articles or additional tips? Check here.

FOOD

How To Make Crispy Plantain Chips At Home

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Do you want to learn how to make plantain chips with the best recipe? Well, plantain chips are a popular snack in many parts of the world, especially in Africa and the Caribbean.

They are crispy and savoury and can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of dips. Making plantain chips at home is a fun and easy process that allows you to control the ingredients and customise the flavour.

Now, if your answer to the first question above is “yes,” read on to learn how to make the best crispy plantain chips at home.

Ingredients for Plantain Chips Recipe

Ripe plantains
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt (to taste)
Optional seasonings: paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder

Equipment Needed for Plantain Chips Recipe

Large pot or deep fryer
Cutting board
Knife
Paper towels

Recipe for Making Crispy Plantain Chips at Home

1. Prepare the Plantains:

Peel the ripe plantains. Ripe plantains have a yellow or brownish-yellow colour and are slightly soft.
Cut the plantains into thin, even slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.

2. Soak the Plantain Slices:

To prevent the plantain slices from turning brown, soak them in a bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. This will help to neutralise the enzymes that cause browning.

3. Dry the Plantain Slices:

Remove the plantain slices from the water and pat them dry with paper towels.

4. Heat the Oil:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of plantain into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

5. Fry the Plantain Slices:

Working in small batches, carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.

6. Drain the Plantain Chips:

Remove the fried plantain chips from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.

7. Season the Plantain Chips:

While the plantain chips are still warm, sprinkle them with salt and any other desired seasonings.

8. Cool and Serve:

Let the plantain chips cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Tips for the Perfect Plantain Chips Recipe

Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy plantain chips. If the oil is too hot, the chips will burn; if it’s too cold, they will be greasy.
Plantain Ripeness: Use ripe plantains for the best flavour and texture. Underripe plantains will be too hard and difficult to fry.
Drying the Plantain Slices: Make sure the plantain slices are completely dry before frying. Excess moisture can cause the oil to splatter and the chips to become soggy.
Batch Size: Fry the plantain chips in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot and ensure even cooking.
Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings to create unique flavours. Some popular options include chilli powder, cumin, and curry powder.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can easily make delicious and crispy plantain chips at home. This plantain chips recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying snack.

Click here to find more recipes to try.