#GoodIdeas: Simple Hacks For Better Living
Why you should clean your bag, snack on celery, and more
Celery Ready
- Healing power: Celery is rich in vitamins K, A and C. A potent antioxidant, it also has the right balance of sodium and potassium that makes it a good diuretic as well. Research is also pouring in on the anti-inflammatory benefits of celery.
- Plant it right: It’s grown from the seed. Soak the seeds overnight to allow them to germinate. Plant an inch deep into the soil and cover with a layer of sand. Water well. Transfer the saplings into individual pots once they’re 2 inches tall.
- Keep in mind: Protect it from direct sunlight and extreme cold conditions—it’s better to bring your plant indoors if need be.
- How to use: Snack on a raw celery stalk. You could use hummus or a hung-curd dip with it. Use it to make soups or to make your salad and stir fries more crunchy. Use leaves to garnish grilled chicken or fish or flavour your stock with celery stems.
Peanut Butter Trick
Over a period of time, natural peanut butter tends to separate into a greasy layer of oil on top. Avoid this by storing the jar upside-down from the get-go.
Clean That Bag
A new study found handbags contain three times more germs than the average toilet seat. Initial Washroom Hygiene, which conducted the study, says it’s because handbags come into contact with a number of surfaces—restaurant tables, washroom counters and seats in public transport. And since we almost never clean them, there’s germ build-up. Touching the contents of the bag with unclean hands contaminates them too, says the study, the dirtiest being bottles of cream. To reduce the risk of infection, wipe the bag regularly with an antibacterial wipe and clean your hands with a sanitizer before using any cosmetic product from your bag.
Mosquito Care
- Keep your surroundings clean and dry to mosquitoes...
Celery Ready
- Healing power: Celery is rich in vitamins K, A and C. A potent antioxidant, it also has the right balance of sodium and potassium that makes it a good diuretic as well. Research is also pouring in on the anti-inflammatory benefits of celery.
- Plant it right: It’s grown from the seed. Soak the seeds overnight to allow them to germinate. Plant an inch deep into the soil and cover with a layer of sand. Water well. Transfer the saplings into individual pots once they’re 2 inches tall.
- Keep in mind: Protect it from direct sunlight and extreme cold conditions—it’s better to bring your plant indoors if need be.
- How to use: Snack on a raw celery stalk. You could use hummus or a hung-curd dip with it. Use it to make soups or to make your salad and stir fries more crunchy. Use leaves to garnish grilled chicken or fish or flavour your stock with celery stems.
Peanut Butter Trick
Over a period of time, natural peanut butter tends to separate into a greasy layer of oil on top. Avoid this by storing the jar upside-down from the get-go.
Clean That Bag
A new study found handbags contain three times more germs than the average toilet seat. Initial Washroom Hygiene, which conducted the study, says it’s because handbags come into contact with a number of surfaces—restaurant tables, washroom counters and seats in public transport. And since we almost never clean them, there’s germ build-up. Touching the contents of the bag with unclean hands contaminates them too, says the study, the dirtiest being bottles of cream. To reduce the risk of infection, wipe the bag regularly with an antibacterial wipe and clean your hands with a sanitizer before using any cosmetic product from your bag.
Mosquito Care
- Keep your surroundings clean and dry to mosquitoes from breeding.
- Don’t douse yourself with toxic chemicals. Instead try natural mosquito repellent sprays with lemongrass or citronella oil.
- Stay indoors during dusk and dawn—that’s when the dangerous dengue mosquitoes are active. Dark colours attract the bugs—supposedly because they look like the dark fur of animals they normally prey on. Wear light and bright colours.
- Rethink the perfume. Mosquitoes love nectar from flowers, so stick with a less floral fragrance.
Pet Weight Check
Pet obesity is at an all-time high. Extra kilos are unhealthy for all species. It can put your pet dangerously at risk of diabetes, arthritis and a host of other life-shortening conditions. The best way to keep your pet healthy and happy is to spend enough time exercising it and sticking to the prescribed amount of food. Too much food can kill your pet! Stick With Simple Treats. When training your pet, use only tiny treats made with a single ingredient, such as sweet potato or fish.
Collated from articles previously published in Prevention magazine
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