Few Points to Note:

Intermittent Fasting: Intermittent Fast is an eating style on the Ketogenic Diet where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting this is by omitting your meal plan either your breakfast, lunch or dinner, but water can be taken during this period.

Bullet Proof Coffee: Bulletproof coffee it is a way of taking in fat via your tea most especially coffee tea by blending coffee, coconut oil, and any compliant butter /Mayonnaise. The fat intake serves as an energy source for the day.

Following the above meal plan will help you reach the state of ketosis fast and do not forget to include exercise, drinking of much water in your routine, healthy living is important on your weight loss journey.

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Cheating with Carbohydrate

Most people cheat during ketogenic diet with foods high in carbohydrate and this slows your progress or takes you out of the state of ketosis. Some people eat ketogenic compliant food from Monday – Friday and goes off diet plan from Saturday to Sunday and you expect to see results, this slows down the ketosis progress and it takes you out of ketosis .it is advisable to stick to 20g net carbs and below 35g total carbs per day.

High Protein Intake

The ketogenic diet is a programme which encourages high fat intake and not protein. Most people mix ketogenic diet and Atkins diet together because they are both Low carbohydrate diet plan. The Atkin diet plan encourages high protein but on the ketogenic diet, it is a different ball game your fat intake as to be 75%, protein 20% and Carbohydrate 5%. On this weight loss programme, it is ideal for you to eat between 0.6g and 0.8g protein.

Drinking more of beverages and Neglect of Water

Most people drink more of beverages like coffee, green tea on the ketogenic diet all in the bid of trying to take in fat through bulletproof coffee and thereby neglect intake of water. it is important to note the ketogenic diet requires plenty of water intake to replenish your system and to help you stay dehydrated. On the ketogenic diet, it is required you drink at least more than 8 glasses of water in a day.

Don’t worry about Fat

The primary source of energy on the ketogenic diet is fat, this had been said several times which implies you should not worry about eating too much of fat. Eating healthy fat at every meal of the day will help boost your energy.

The Act Snacking

You get to the state of ketosis very fast when you stop snacking unnecessarily, Unhealthy snacking will stall or slow down your weight loss progress. Do not snack on chin-chin, plantain chips, groundnut if you want to achieve your target size fast. It is safe to snack on a garden egg or white part of a boiled egg.

Not exercising

Most people think fast results are derived from the ketogenic diet without exercise, that is not true, no nutritionist would place you on a diet programme without recommending exercise for you. I advise you to understand your body mass which will help you know the type of exercise you would engage in. No matter how tired you are from the day’s work try to inculcate exercises in your daily routine this will help your body tone nicely and also prevent you from having a flappy skin as you lose all that weight. Examples of exercise you can engage in are Walking, jogging a short distance and crunches

It might not be easy as you start, but with determination and dedication, your desired results will be achieved.

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Below are the 7 benefits of this diet.

High Blood Sugar Level

Meals consumed during a ketogenic diet naturally helps lower blood sugar level. Research has proven that ketogenic diet is a more effective way to prevent or manage diabetes compared to a low-calorie diet plan. Remember in my last article, it was established that the food ratio for ketogenic diet is 75% of fat, 20% of protein and 5% of carbohydrate. Sugar which happens to be the end product of carbohydrate is a major root cause of Diabetes; which is why ketogenic diet known as low-carb diet is the best for high blood sugar level.

Weight Loss

Ketogenic diet uses the body fat as an energy source and this helps with weight loss. While on the ketogenic diet the insulin, level go down turning your body into a fat burning machine. Based on personal experience and research the ketogenic diet is more effective compared to low-fat and high-carb diets.

Intellectual Focus

Ketones have been said to be a great source of fuel for the brain. This is because of the increased intake of fatty acids which has great benefits to our brain function. When you are on a low-carb diet, it helps avoid big spikes in blood sugar level which can result in improving focus and concentration. The ketogenic diet also helps increase energy level by giving your body a better and more reliable energy source.

Reduced Hunger Pangs

Fats are naturally more satisfying and they end up leaving the body in a full state for a longer period. The portion control included in the ketogenic diet plan helps the stomach reduces hunger pangs.

Managed Epilepsy

Research shows that keto helps in controlling seizures in some people with epilepsy. This diet is usually recommended by doctors for children whose seizures have not responded to a different type of medication. It is also used to prevent and reduce seizures in children living with epilepsy.

Blood Pressure and Reduced Cholesterol

A popular misconception about keto diet says that this lifestyle is prone to raise the cholesterol level in the body causing high blood pressure because of the high fat intake which fears the LDL. But on the ketogenic diet, you are encouraged to feed healthy fats like coconut oil, palm oil, lard, eggs, cream, red meat, grass-fed animal products and dairy fats like butter and yogurt to mention a few. The LDL cause high cholesterol and high blood pressure while ketogenic diet increase HDL.

The Easy Flow of Menstrual Cycle

Personally, prior to this time my menstrual cycle comes with lots of pain and the colour was different from the usual, but after I started the ketogenic diet I no longer feel menstrual cramps and the colour, now pure red. I am happy to be on this journey because I feel healthy.

Aside from the benefits listed above, I have also been told of personal stories how ketogenic diet tackles Fibroid, barrenness, Polycystic Ovarian syndrome, infertility problem, and hormonal imbalance. Also, it starves cancer cells of their food which is glucose.

You should give this diet a try, if you are looking to stay healthy and free from any medical condition.

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You do not have to break the bank to purchase these skin care products before you have a flawless skin. A good skin care routine will help you achieve that flawless skin you so desire. Before you develop a skin care routine you have to know your skin type.

Demi Moore an American actress and model once said “I’m a big believer in that if you focus on good skin care, you really won’t need a lot of makeup”.

Listed below are types of skin which I believe will be helpful:

Normal skin

A normal skin is said to be neither tight nor oily, it display a smooth texture and a clear surface.

Dry skin

Dry skin feels tight and flaky especially during the harmattan season and this is as a result of lack of moisture, the skin appears dull this skin type requires serious and close attention.

Oily skin

This type of skin is said to be oily all over, it is shiny and thick. Oily skin is prone to blackheads and other imperfections. It is rampant more in men than in women

Combination skin

This skin type is very common. It is a combination of Oily, normal and dry skin. It could be dryness on the cheeks, dryness around the eyes while oily around the nose, forehead and chin.

When an irritation is seen on a skin maybe as a result of redness, itching, burning or dryness to the application of skin care products. The skin is said to be sensitive.

All skin types have a specific skin care routine, a visit to a dermatologist will help you know your skin type.

How to Have a Flawless Skin

You Are What You Eat

If you desire a flawless skin, you need to cultivate a healthy eating habit. Eating clean should be utmost priority that means eating more fruits, eating vegetables in place of junks. Carbonated water drink and drink more of water. So avoid toxic in your body system.

Have A Skin Care Routine

It is important to know the exact regimen that will work for your skin. I quite understand it might be difficult for one to stick with a routine but I will encourage you to develop one and stick by it. Make sure your routine includes not sleeping at night with your make up, try and clean it up before going to bed. Face cleaners and facial wipes should be part of your skin care product.

Stop The Touchy Act

I know it is quite difficult when we see some imperfections on our face, we tend to always get carried away with playing with pimples or black heads. When we do this, our face get infected with our dirty hands at the same time we spread the substance from the burst pimples to other parts of the face, leading to more pimples. My advice is do not touch stick to your skin care routine.

The No Heavy Sun Therapy

We can all agree that a little vitamin D from the sun does the body some good. I mean you are not a vampire who does not love to stay under the sun so I will advise you invest in some sunglasses and sun hat to prevent the sun from drying up the moisture on your face.

Manage Your Stress Level

Practicing stress management techniques is also important to your skin. After a hard day’s job, try inculcate a stress management technique that will help calm your nerves. Your psychological balance is very important hence it is necessary for you to engage in activities such as sports, listening to music and meditation.

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The secrets to cooking a proper Okazi soup right are the condiments  in the soup.

Ingredients needed are- Okazi leaf, periwinkles, Ogiri Isi etc. Ogiri Isi is one ingredient worth including in your local delicacy. Although Ogiri has an unpleasant smell despite its sweet taste.
Okazi leaves has a rich source of protein, essential and non-essential amino acids. It also has an anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties.

Okazi soup can be made with or without a thickener depends on how you want it to look or taste.

Cooking Okazi Soup
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Orisirisi (Ingredients):

1. 300g of Okazi leaves (sliced thinly).
2. Red beef
3. 2 spoons of Achi(grounded)
4. 2 scotch bonnet pepper (Atarodo)
5. 1 Small Stock fish Part (oporoko)
6. 1 Small dry fish and Crayfish.
7. 1 big sized Onion
8. 200g periwinkles (Optional).
9. 2 Seasoning cubes.
10. Palm oil
11. Salt to taste.

Cooking Directions:
1. Pound the Okazi leaves, pound with pestle till it becomes almost a paste.
2. Grind the Achi with a dry mill and put it aside.
3. If you are using periwinkles you could either use the shelled or un-shelled type. For those using the shelled make sure you rinse well to remove the mud and any hidden dirt from the shell, chop off the sharp edge of the periwinkles with a knife. Once you are done with that put the periwinkles aside.
4. For the base of the soup wash the stock fish, beef, dry fish and put in a pot.
5. Add the seasoning cubes, salt, onions and grounded pepper.
6. Add a little water enough to cover the contents of the pot and cook for about 15mins till you get your desired tenderness. (At least for 15 mins).
7. Add palm oil and mix once the stock starts to boil.
8. Add your Achi and mix.(Leave to cook for about 15 mins)
9. Add your periwinkles and Cray fish. (Allow To Cook For 5mins).
10. Add The Pounded Okazi Leaves. Let it cook for 10mins and more.

Your Okazi soup is ready and can be served with either wheatmeal,pounded yam, semovita or eba.

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Back in the 90’s, it was termed “Christmas Rice” by all. Then you would find little children going from house to house for a fill of this delicious meal.

Over the years, a lot of arguments have ensued on which country pioneered the cooking of the sweet delicacy of Jollof rice in Africa, this argument has been between two powerful countries in Africa (Nigeria and Ghana). Ghanaians claim Jollof rice originated from Ghana while Nigerians believe they own it. some have gone far to iron out which tastes better; Ghana Jollof or Nigeria Jollof. Whichever, One can deny the meal will always be an all-time favourite.

In preparing this sweet delicacy, these steps should be noted.

Step 1– Ingredients :
• 6 large fresh tomatoes (I prefer buying from the mallam’s).
• 6 large fresh tatashe (Bell pepper).
• 3 medium sized onion bulbs.
• Pepper.
• Vegetable oil (Buy a healthy choice).
• 2 teaspoons thyme.
• Chicken stock/Beef stock.
• 4 Cups rice.
• 4 bay leaves.
• Curry.
• Salt.
• 3 cubes of seasoning.

Step 2– Cooking the Jollof
1. Blend your tomatoes, tatashe, onion bulbs into a paste.
2. Parboil the rice.
3. Pour oil into the pot.
4. Add the paste into the hot oil, allow paste to fry.
5. Add your seasoning and spice for taste.
6. Add stock water.
7. Add bay leaf.
8. Allow to boil for few minutes.
9. Add parboiled rice.
10. Cover the pot and leave to cook on low to medium heat so as to enable the rice to cook properly without burning.(Allow to cook for 10 minutes, if not edible enough add little water to the rice until you are satisfied.)
Viola!!! The hidden secret of getting the right taste of Jollof rice is by letting the water level added to the pot to be the same level of the rice. This is to ensure that all the water dries up by the time the rice is cooked. 
Serve with fried meat or chicken, coleslaw, salad, moi-moi and plantain. Remember to remove the bay leaf as you serve your rice.

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Genotypes are divided into six- AA, AC, AS, CC, SC and SS. People commonly know about the 4 basic divisions, actually, there are 6 of them; though AC and CC are rare. SS and AC are the sickle cells.

It is important to know that for as many people that know their genotype, there are even yet many more that do not know theirs. Below are reasons why it is important to know your genotype.

1. Marriage Purpose
2. Ignorance
3. Health Purpose

The need for partners to be aware of their genotype before marriage is highly essential to avoid a deadly health implication in marriage. Intending couples should know both their own genotype and their partner’s at the early stage of their relationship before they are deeply rooted in love and emotions. Emotions and time spent in the relationship can affect people’s decision to break up if they are not medically compatible; giving birth to sickle cell children and putting themselves and their children through pain, torture and agony. Parents should check the genotype of their children during pregnancy or immediately after birth. This will help to know the health status of the child and what they have to do to sustain and maintain the child’s health.

“AA” genotype can marry anybody. It is safe for someone with AS to marry someone with AA genotype. The combinations of AS and AS, AS and AC should not be risked. There is probability of having a SS. Although. Two sickle cells should not even have a relationship or get married.

The outcomes of a genetic combination are-

SS & SS: SS, SS, SS, SS

AC & AC: AA, AC, AC, SS

AS & AC: AA, AC, AS, SS

AC &SS: AS, AS, SS, SS

AS & AS: AA, AS, AS, SS

AS & SS: AS, SS, SS, SS

AA & SS: AS, AS, AS, AS

AA & AC: AA, AA, AA, AC

AA & AS: AA, AS, AA, AS

AA &AA: AA, AA, AA, AA

History of Nigeria dates back to the era when the “abikus” were very prominent. Children who died prematurely or right after their births were called “Abikus” This was as a result of Ignorance and lack of proper knowledge on blood group or genotype. If these people were proper fully informed these may have never happened. Thankfully, the advent of modern medicine has provided basic explanation and education hence ignorance no longer is an excuse.

Genotype “AA” carriers are susceptible to malaria sickness in their early ages. Sickle cell “SS” arises when there is a faulty gene that affects how red blood cells develop. When the red blood cells do not have the required oxygen, there will be changes in its original disc shape to a “crescent-like” or”Sickle-like” shape resulting in the name “sickle cell”. Sickle cell patients experience severe pains in body organs that lack oxygen flow. Their bone marrow fails to produce red blood cells and this result to anaemia. Blood transfusion usually saves this anaemic crisis.

You should visit a certified hospital to get your genotype test done because the consequence of not knowing your genotype can be quite fatal and ignorance is not an excuse.

‘Lamide Olajide

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