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Community Care – How to Stay Social When Transitioning Into Assisted Living

By
Elizabeth Williams

No matter what stage of life you are in, you’re likely well connected to a social group that keeps you engaged and busy. When transitioning into assisted living, the role of social interaction cannot be overlooked and must be maintained so that the new living standard does not interrupt or overwhelm you or your elderly loved one. If assisted living is on the horizon for your family, let’s take a look at why staying social is so important.

Finding new hobbies

When you are transitioning to assisted living and community care, one of the best parts is discovering new hobbies. But those new hobbies are also a great way to make new friends who you can share a common interest with. Whether it is a creative pursuit or a new skill, assisted living offers an activity or craft to suit almost anyone. In those activities is a chance to build a new network of friends who all enjoy similar hobbies and are looking to share time with each other. Be open to trying to new activities and chatting to the residents who are also taking part in those activities.

Offer your time

In assisted living, one of the best ways to stay social is to help out and volunteer your time. Whether it’s showing new residents the ropes or maybe helping out in the activities, volunteering is a great way to meet a lot of new people. Helping out is also very personally rewarding as well, giving back to the people in a new community will help make you feel part of the family straight away. Volunteering doesn’t have to be time-consuming either, it can be on a when needed basis. Spending your time in assisted living helping others is a great way to increase your social circles with both staff and residents.

Start a walking group

Transitioning into assisted living and staying social doesn’t have to just be about the organized activities. Try taking the initiative and starting a walking group with the other residents. Exercise is not only great for your body and overall health, but it is a great way to stay connected with others. A simple walking group around the community is a great opportunity to meet new people and stay active together. A walking group will not only promote a larger social circle but better sleep as well. For the small investment of time, you will build a big network of friends and keep up your activity levels as well.

Special events

A fun and unique way to make friends is to organise a mixer of sorts in your new community. Take the time to plan a small event with a fun theme for people to get to know each other. Think simple themes like Hawaiian shirts or mismatched patterns. The fun themes help people immediately get out of their comfort zone and open up with each other. No one will be worried about looking silly if everyone is wearing a Hawaiian shirt. These events can be small scale and run with as few or as many people as you want. Talking to your coordinators is a great way to get the idea started.

Transitioning into assisted living is a fantastic way to become a social butterfly again. With a community full of like-minded and similar residents, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to a new social circle. In order to make the most friends that you can, you may need to put in a little effort. To stay social as you transition into assisted living, use this simple guide to help you build a whole new network of friends.

Why You Should Go to Liverpool This Christmas

By
Elizabeth Williams

No Christmas is complete without a trip to one of the UK’s Christmas markets. Offering a huge range of festive inspired goodies, these markets are a big hit year upon year.

While Manchester and London often attract the most visitors to their Christmas markets, there are a few other notable places in the UK which offer great Christmas inspired entertainment. One that you might want to consider visiting this festive season is Liverpool.

Here, you’ll discover why Liverpool is a great destination to head to this Christmas.

Enjoy a Christmas panto

What can be more Christmassy than taking the kids to see a panto? Liverpool has some great pantomimes coming up this year and it’s easy to reach thanks to its great transport links. You can take the train from Manchester Victoria to Liverpool Lime Street, placing you in an ideal location to head to the pantos this season.

Some of the top pantos running in Liverpool this Christmas include Cinderella and Snow White. You can catch Cinderella at the Epstein and Snow White at the Auditorium at the M&S Bank Arena.

Enjoy a Polar adventure

This Christmas you’ll find a range of events on offer. One of them is the Christmas Express which takes you through Chavasse Park, stopping off at the North Pole. The kids will be treated to a story and a cup of hot chocolate, as well as be given the opportunity to take part in festive activities.

Check out the great Christmas market

Of course, one of the top things to do in Liverpool this Christmas, is explore its festive market. Taking place at St George’s Hall, you’ll find bars, stalls and fair ground rides available at this popular market. You’ll also get to try out lots of delicious foods sold by a variety of vendors.

As well as Christmas markets, you’ll also be able to take the kids to see Santa at one of the many nearby grottos. Don’t forget the ice-skating opportunities too. The Pier Head is hosting the Ice Festival this year, running until January 5th. Here you can ice skate, enjoy numerous rides including a large ice slide, and enjoy festive food and drinks. 

These are just some of the activities running in Liverpool this Christmas. If you’re looking for an affordable day trip to get in the festive spirit, you’ll definitely want to consider a trip to the city.

Plastic Surgery in South Korea: World’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Destination

By
Elizabeth Williams

Everyone wants to look good. It is a desire that has been hardcoded into our brains. South Korea is one of the fastest developing countries in the region. It is already the 4th fastest in Asia. Because of this, the internet is a very basic commodity in South Korea. Not only has South Korea advanced in the field of science, but it has also advanced a lot in the field of medical science as well. Because of a lot of research and development, south Korea plastic surgery cost is one of the lowest in the world.

Plastic surgery has become so popular in South Korea; it has come to the extent of being gifted as well. It has been observed in many families that plastic surgery has been gifted to children when they finish graduating from university or college. Many people have got plastic surgery to improve their cosmetic features so that it is easier to find employment in the competitive world that we see today. Because there are so many people that are getting plastic surgery in South Korea, the plastic surgery Korea’s price is very less and is affordable.

South Korea is now considered as the plastic surgery capital of the world! This is not a small thing. Plastic surgery is one of the most common procedures that is performed worldwide. But, when It comes to South Korea, the market for plastic surgery is so high that there are more than a thousand five hundred clinics and specialist plastic surgery centers all over South Korea. Because of the demand for this surgery in South Korea, the price is deeply discounted, especially for people who are coming to South Korea to have plastic surgery done on them. South Korea’s nose job cost is the most affordable.

Medical tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in South Korea. Because of the advanced machines and the presence of top-class medical research facilities. It is very easy for patients to find boarding and lodging facilities in South Korea. The cities are also very attractive, and most people come to South Korea to see the beauty of the place as well as have small procedures done to improve their cosmetic features. South Korea plastic surgery cost is very inexpensive even when you consider the price of having to get a plane ticket to South Korea, find a place to stay in for a few days and then pay for the surgery. This is one of the reasons why plastic surgery is so popular in South Korea.

There are very skilled surgeons in South Korea for plastic surgery. These surgeons have performed all types of cosmetic surgeries like a nose job, lip job, forehead lift, jaw reduction, flap surgery, breast surgery, and so on. The facilities that are available in South Korea are very good, especially when you consider the cost of plastic surgery in South Korea. The doctors here can make you look amazing in just a session or two.

Dealing With The Anger Of A Cancer Diagnosis

By
Elizabeth Williams

Receiving the news that you have cancer can be the most emotionally staggering moment in your life. The uncertainty of what is to come, dealing with your own mortality and the fear of extensive treatments is overwhelming for most patients.

Dealing with finding out that you have cancer, going through long and painful treatments and navigating your way through doctors, specialists and the healthcare system can be exhausting. It’s not surprising that many cancer patients claim that the emotional rollercoaster that followed their diagnosis was one of the most challenging parts of their journey.

Along with the fear of battling cancer comes the anger. In fact, the fear itself is what can spur a lot of the anger that people feel when they learn about their cancer. The feelings of unfairness can be overwhelming. If your cancer is a result of someone else’s negligence, like in the case of mesothelioma patients that have contracted their cancer because of poor asbestos management, the anger can be stifling. Legal experts like the pros at www.bergmanlegal.com can help you deal with a case for your compensation, but only you are left to deal with the feelings of anger.

Holding on to the painful feelings of anger can work against you in your fight against cancer. Finding ways to vent your emotions in a healthy way can be a challenge when you are already dealing with so much. Take a look at some of the ways that you can help yourself to deal with the anger that you are feeling about your cancer diagnosis.

Avoid Unhealthy Expressions

It’s normal to want to drown out the anxiety and fear that you are feeling after being diagnosed with cancer. The problem comes when the solutions just become another problem to deal with. You should avoid lashing out when possible. Your family and friends will be there for you to support and champion you. You don’t want to alienate your team of supporters.

Succumbing to the use of alcohol or drugs as a way to numb your feelings can work against you. Not only is this an unhealthy way to deal with your feelings, but it can complicate your health and work against you in your recovery.

Recognize The Anger

Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the most dreaded and upsetting things that can happen to a person. Being angry is only human nature. It’s okay and completely reasonable to feel upset and resentful about your diagnosis.

Trying to put on a brave face may be admirable, but ignoring the intense feelings of anger can be a mistake. Holding in these kinds of aggressive feelings can be tough on your psychological well-being and emotionally exhausting.

When you feel yourself being overcome with feelings of anger, instead of tamping them down, you should allow yourself to work through the feelings and find a healthy outlet.

Find Healthy Outlets

It’s natural to be angry about having cancer, but it doesn’t serve you to hold the emotions at bay or to let them out in unhealthy ways. Finding someone who can listen to your worries and let you vent can help you to work through those feelings.

Exercise can be helpful for your overall outlook during your illness. You may not always feel up to going to the gym but, if you can get up and take a walk for a few minutes every day or try to stay active, the benefits of the heightened endorphins in your system can make a big difference. 

Finding out that you have cancer can be a nightmare. Learning to focus your anger into more helpful and healthy avenues can help you to cope and gain strength to use in what could be the fight of your life.

The World Of Banking At Your Fingertips

By
Elizabeth Williams

When you are transferring money between bank accounts, managing your money, and checking your bank account, you can use a mobile app. Plus, you can check your accounts online if you want. You can take care of your money without any trouble, but you need to think about the following precautions before using electronic banking options. Arming yourself with the correct information could help save you from falling victim to a bill pay scam or credit card fraud. Continue reading to learn about all the things that can be done in the electronic banking world.

Does Your Bank Have An App?

Most banks have an app, but that does not mean that their app is completely secure. You can transfer money on your phone at any time, but you need to read reviews of your bank’s app to make sure that it is secure. The bank should share the type of security software they use, and you can read about any problems the bank has had with security in the past.

Check Your Connection

Once you have started using the app, you need to think about the connection that you are using. If you are on a public wifi network, you are not as secure as you would be on your network at home. Plus, you need to turn off Bluetooth on your phone. Bluetooth can be intercepted by someone who has very simple technology.

If you are at work, you need to find out if your business uses a secure connection. Some companies have an open network that is not safe, and they might track everything you do. While your business will not steal your personal information, someone could see what your account numbers or passwords are. That alone is a reason to avoid using a public network.

Keep Your Account Numbers To Yourself

When you are transferring money or accepting transfers, it is best to use a system that does not reveal your account numbers. You can work with an app that uses your phone number or address. You can find your contacts using these apps, and you can ask your friends or family members what the last four numbers of their accounts are. This is enough information for you to send the transfer, but no one will see your whole account number.

Can You Send Large Amounts Of Money Between Banks

You can send large amounts of money between banks using specialty apps that are meant to send money from one bank to another. These apps do not charge a fee in most cases, and they protect your information using a secure server or connection. You may need to download a special app, or you might be sent to a special page using an app.

If you are sent to another webpage, you need to make sure that the webpage has the https prefix. This prefix proves that you are on a secure webpage, and that is the only way to protect your personal information.

What About Transfer Companies?

If you are using a transfer company to send money, you need to check their reviews before you send the money. Someone who is sending money with a company with bad security protocols could lose their personal information. Be sure to protect yourself before initiating a transfer.

Conclusion

When you are using mobile apps and web applications to send money or receive money, you must make sure that you are using the appropriate apps on a secure connection. You can protect your personal information by using mobile apps on a secure connection in your home. Avoid using a public wifi hotspot, and check the reviews of transfer companies that you use. When you are using secure transfer options, you will not be at risk.

 

Deca Durabolin: How it works, Uses and Side Effects

By
Elizabeth Williams

Deca Durabolin is added in steroid stacks to give the user quick and effective joint healing. It is also an effective anabolic compound in building mass stacks. If you have a low tolerance for steroids, this one comes in handy. Apart from strengthening joints, it also boosts healing and helps to manage pain. It is an ideal option instead of masking the excruciating pain with pain killers.

Deca Durabolin is an oily solution which appears clear yellowish. It is administered via injection, and the dosage contains 50mg/ml of active nandrolone decanoate. This drug is part of anabolic steroids, which are used when a patient requires extra help in tissue rebuilding. They reverse muscle weakness caused by continuous illness or a severe injury. What’s more, Deca Durabolin can also be used to stimulate red blood cell formation and enhance bone mass in the body. It is mostly administered in patients with the following problems:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Some types of anemia
  • Corticosteroids that won’t go away
  • Women breast cancer

Top Uses of Deca Durabolin

People are always looking for Deca Durabolin for sale because it comes with amazing benefits. However, there are the top three reasons why one should use this steroid.

        i.            Bulking

Patients suffering from various diseases such as the HIV infection lose a lot of weight, and Deca Durabolin helps them put some muscles safely. It does not put them into a risk of getting androgenic side effects. Instead, it offers clean and lean muscle gain without causing water retention, hair loss, or acne. This steroid increases the retention of nitrogen along with protein synthesis. Its ability to inhibit glucocorticoids is an added benefit.

  1. Strength

The ability of Deca Durabolin to strengthen joins is the main reason it’s widely used. It helps aging people manage painful joints while boosting their bone strength. However, it does not offer instant results. Instead, it’s slow, sure, and a smooth process. You will start feeling the change between four and six weeks. However, its effects integrate into your circulatory system within 48 hours.

  • Joint healing

People struggling with joint problems find relief in Deca Durabolin. It eliminates the pain with time and does not mask it as pain killers do.

How does it work?

Deca Durabolin is also used by bodybuilders to gain quality muscle and enhanced stamina. Since it is more of an anabolic, it enables fast growth of muscles. This is usually due to its improved protein synthesis and the ability to repair micro-tears.

Improved red blood cell count is experienced when Deca Durabolin stimulates bone marrow leading to increased oxygenation, which translates to better cell growth. The steroid helps patients recover by reducing the build-up of cortisol in the muscle. Cortisol slows down the recovery of a patient because it’s an agent of anti-inflammatory.

Deca Durabolin is released slow and therefore provides sustainable development of muscle. It is more focused on quality than speed, which provides long-lasting results. Apart from patients experiencing strength within a week of using them, weight lifters can feel a change in their stamina. However, regardless of how much you want to see the results, you should not take more than 4mg/kg of the body weight. It helps keep the anabolic effect balanced while reducing the chances of experiencing nasty side effects.

Side Effects

Like most steroids, Deca Durabolin for sale has some side effects too. Some of them include:

  • Breasts may become tender.
  • Enhanced blood flow in the body can cause painful erections.
  • Some females become masculine and lose some of their feminine qualities, such as smooth, soft skin.
  • May cause acne due to increased oil on the skin.
  • Enlarged prostate gland may occur, though rare.
  • Some women experience bleeding throughout the month.
  • Liver malfunctioning, but rarely.
  • Water retention
  • Muscle cramps in the hands or legs.

This drug may, at some point cause severe side effects. This is why it is advisable to first consult your physician before you start taking them if you have any medical history. Some of these extreme side effects may include:

  • Leukemia
  • Prostate cancer
  • Heart failure to weak heart muscles

On the bright side, the benefits of Deca Durabolin are greater than the common side effects, which one may not even experience. All you need is to watch your dosage and consume strictly as recommended. Getting Deca Durabolin for sale is a simple process, and you stand to eventually boost your health safely.

Medications for Alcoholics: What You Need to Know

By
Elizabeth Williams

Medications are considered the beginning of how you make the psychological change that needs to occur. Learn how medications for alcoholics work here.

“I can stop whenever I want.”

Have you ever said those words before or heard them from a loved one who has an alcohol use disorder (AUD)? 

The problem with this line of thinking is willpower isn’t enough to treat AUD. That’s because it’s a brain disease, which requires the right combination of treatments. 

For some, that means staying at a treatment center for a while. And for others, it could mean an outpatient program, seeing a counselor or therapist, and joining a group. It could also mean using medications for alcoholics. 

Can meds alone treat AUD? If yes, how come these drugs aren’t prescribed more by primary care doctors?

Let’s talk about this in detail as we discuss the different types of drugs for alcoholism. 

The 3 Drugs Approved by the FDA for AUD

The 3 main drugs, which have FDA approval for AUD are disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate. Here’s how each one works.

Disulfiram

You might be familiar with this medication to stop drinking as it’s one of the first drugs approved by the FDA for AUD. Disulfiram or Antabuse works by changing the way your body metabolizes alcohol.

In layman’s terms, it means when you’re on disulfiram and you drink, you’ll feel sick. You’ll experience nausea, headaches, sweating, and other symptoms associated with a bad hangover. 

Naltrexone

If disulfiram makes you feel ill when you drink, naltrexone will help curb your desire to drink. That’s because when you use this medication for alcoholism, you won’t experience any pleasure when you drink. 

Keep in mind though, that naltrexone in large doses may cause liver damage. There are also side effects such as nausea, insomnia, anxiety, vomiting, etc. reported by some patients. Should you experience any of these adverse reactions, make sure to consult your doctor ASAP.

Acamprosate

Did you know withdrawal symptoms can last for months even after you’ve stopped drinking? 

This is where acamprosate can help. It works by restoring the balance of your brain’s neurotransmitters, specifically, GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate.

But there is a downside. You have to take 2 to 3 pills thrice daily. Plus, it’s not going to work if you’re still in the early stages of detoxification from alcohol.

Other Medications for Alcoholics 

Aside from disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate, a person with AUD may be given medications for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These include benzodiazepines and barbiturates.

It’s important to remember that drugs on their own aren’t enough to overcome alcohol addiction. Medications are best used in combination with other therapies including mutual-support groups, counseling, and so on.

To get more info about medication assisted therapy, contact treatment centers near you. Or read more articles online to know more about how meds can help you recover from AUD.

Do You Need Help or Know Someone Struggling with AUD?

Now that you know more about medications for alcoholics, don’t stop there. If you want to quit drinking or if you have a loved one with an alcohol problem, consider getting professional help.

For more information on AUD and other alcohol-related topics, don’t hesitate to browse our site. 

Can You Check Yourself out of Rehab? 5 Possible Complications

By
Elizabeth Williams

Do you find yourself wondering, “Can you check yourself out of rehab?” You may be able to, but here are some unforeseen consequences.

The opportunity to go through drug rehab is an amazing privilege.

If you know someone who successfully completed rehab, then you know how much it changed their life for the better. 

You may be considering going through rehab yourself. 

But going through the process to completion is incredibly challenging. So you may be wondering, can you check yourself out of rehab?

While in most cases you can, there are many complications that arise from leaving early.

  1. Detox Is Dangerous

The initial withdrawal process period from addictive drugs – and this includes alcohol – can be life-threatening.

Someone who is experiencing withdrawal is at risk for a heart attack, stroke or even seizures.

The worst withdrawal symptoms typically hit within 24-72 hours. But the physical discomfort can last a week or more.

Having supervised medical detox during this time is crucial. You will have 24-hour monitoring and medical care. Plus, having this support system in place will increase the likelihood of successful detox. 

  1. Lack of Acquired Skills

Recovery is not achieved by simply completing rehab. It’s a lifelong effort.

When you find a detox center, you’re essentially committing to two different things. 

First, you’re agreeing to the actual rehab process which can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. 

But you’re also agreeing to long-term recovery. And that begins the moment you walk out of rehab.

By completing the program and not checking out early, you’ll acquire the necessary skills to maintain sobriety once you’re back in the “real” world. You’ll be encouraged to attend individual counseling and group therapy, as well as learn about proper nutrition to keep you healthy.

Leaving early highly increases your chance at relapsing.

  1. Challenges in Relationships

If you check yourself out of rehab early because you’re convinced that you’re okay, you’re going to find it challenging to maintain relationships with friends and family members.

That’s because, without the aforementioned acquired skills, you will likely return to old ways of dealing with those relationships. But you’ll no longer have the help of your drug or other addiction to mask those difficulties.

In addition, the loved ones in your life may feel stressed or strained about your leaving rehab early. Particularly if their continued relationship with them was contingent on your finishing.

You may find yourself cut off from some of them.

  1. Legal Penalties

This won’t really apply to you unless you’ve been ordered by the court to attend rehab.

But for those who are required to complete rehab as a part of their sentence, checking out early could result in legal penalties. 

  1. Expenses

No matter how you cut it, drug and alcohol rehab can be expensive. While it’s absolutely worth every penny, if you end up having to go through it more than once, it can put a serious strain on your wallet.

So if you do find yourself in rehab and considering checking yourself out early, talk to your therapists and counselors first. They understand your issues and can address your concerns.

You can discuss your concerns in group therapy too. You might be surprised to find there are others who feel the same. And that could strengthen your resolve to stay.

Can You Check Yourself out of Rehab?

The short answer is yes.

But the REAL answer to can you check yourself out of rehab should be, why would you want to?

You have so much to gain by staying.

And to read more informative articles about the complexity of being a human, keep checking back with our psychology blog. 

 

What to Do After Losing Your Partner

By
Elizabeth Williams

Losing a life partner or spouse is an incredibly painful experience, no matter the age or if the death was sudden or not. Nothing can fully prepare you for such a difficult loss. Mourning and grief take time to work through. Not only is the process painful, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful as you try to navigate life on your own and figure out funeral arrangements and legal documents. Thankfully, there are resources available to help you move through this difficult time in your life. 

Planning ahead

Illness, injury, and death usually happen without warning. But despite the unexpected nature of these events, you can plan ahead. As you age, it is imperative to gather all of your important documents into one place and make sure your partner knows where these papers are located. Examples of such documents are personal and financial records. Personal records can include information like your full legal name, social security number, employers and dates of employment, public birth records, marriage license, medications, and will. Financial records can include insurance information, bank account numbers, mortgages and debts, and car registration. Keep this information in a designated location like a file, drawer, or fireproof box. 

A will is one of the main items you will need to draw up as you get older. A will outlines who you want your money and personal assets to go to when you die. You will choose an executor to distribute your estate to the correct beneficiaries. 

Arranging a funeral 

One of the first things you will need to do after your partner dies is to make funeral arrangements. A funeral will typically cost around $5,000 in Australia. Before choosing a funeral company, ask for an itemized and written quote. Funeral services can be expensive, so do your best to maintain a budget and only spend what you can. Some costs to consider include funeral director fees, coffin, death certificate, burial or cremation, and transport. Given how pricey a funeral is, there are ways to help reduce the cost. Your partner’s bank may be able to dispense some money from their account before the court validates their will. And some organizations can help with funerals costs like the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Human Services. 

Collecting financial entitlements 

When your partner passes on, there is usually a shift in household income and you might feel a bit of a financial burden at first. However, you may be entitled to certain finances in some cases. Check with the Department of Human Services for any government payments you are entitled to. Notify your partner’s bank of his or her death. They will let you know what steps need to be taken. If your partner had life insurance, contact the insurer regarding any death benefits. It is recommended for anyone with a partner or family to get life insurance. Make sure to get a life insurance quote with iSelect before purchasing. 

Seek professional help

As previously mentioned, losing a loved one is an incredibly traumatic and agonizing experience. Don’t be afraid to seek out counseling or emotional support if you need it. You may experience feelings of loneliness or depression as you cope with the loss, which is completely normal. Private counseling, support groups, and crisis center hotlines are available to help you work through your emotions and heal. A host of bereavement resources are also available online to help you process your partner’s death. And don’t feel ashamed to reach out to a relative or friend for support during this time. Sometimes just talking to someone about how you feel or asking for a shoulder to cry on can be incredibly beneficial. 

Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Your Weekly Shop

By
Elizabeth Williams

If you’re looking for ways to minimize how much you’re spending each week, there are some clear places you can start to make cuts. Convenience is often something that we pay for, but a little effort instead can save you much more money than the convenience that we buy. A great example of this is moving from eating out to cooking at home. A meal at a restaurant might cost almost as much as a full week’s grocery shop. If you’re trying to save money on how much you spend on food, then try some of these tips.

  1. Cook in batches.

If you’re spending time in the kitchen, then any time you aren’t cooking in bulk is wasted. The time to prepare one serving of a meal and four servings is very similar, making the amount of extra food you get well worth it. This saves you in two ways. The first is that you can buy your food in bulk, which will save you from having to buy the same small amount of each food every time you cook. In addition, you’ll be more likely to use all the food you purchased, resulting in fewer leftovers. You also save time, which is more valuable than anything. Being able to get home and not worry about cooking is a huge time saver and can lower your stress and give you time to do the things you enjoy or spend more time with your family. Some meals that lend themselves well to cooking in batches are those that can be frozen like stews, chili, or curries. Make a large batch and then portion out and freeze for meals throughout the week.

  1. Learn to freeze everything.

If you ever cooked a meal, but there’s a bit too much left over, make sure to take a ziplock bag and throw it in the fridge! Once a week, try having a Leftovers Day where you dig through what you’ve left and eat it all up. In addition, do a quick check of the fridge every few days and save food that you don’t plan on using soon. Vegetables are a good candidate for this. Grab that pepper that’s inevitably going to go off before you get to use it and get it in the freezer. Likewise, if you have fruit that’s about to get too ripe to eat, chop it up and freeze. These can then be thrown in the blender for smoothies later on.

  1. Buy frozen.

As well as freezing fresh food that you don’t plan on eating and freezing meals you’ve prepared in batches, think about buying fruit and vegetables frozen rather than fresh in the first place. Frozen vegetables are easy to throw into any meal and are very quick to cook, along with the benefit that you don’t have to spend the time preparing it. Frozen fruit is perfect for making morning smoothies and make the drink cold without having to add ice cubes. Frozen food is also very nutritious, and because it’s frozen while the fruit or vegetable is still fresh, all the nutrients are maintained, while fruit and vegetables that are left on the shelf or fridge too long will start to lose their benefits. 

  1. Buy food when it’s in season.

For the best value for money, always try to buy food that’s both local and in season. This means you’ll get a great variety of food throughout the year as you buy fruit and vegetables in particular that come and go into the season. These will be much cheaper, as buying food that isn’t in season essentially means you’re paying to have it imported. A tomato that has been flown overseas just so you can eat it in the winter will be far more expensive than buying winter vegetables. If you want to keep eating food out of season, try buying in bulk and then freeze so that it lasts. If getting fruit and vegetables yourself is too much hassle, if you work a full-time job with a family, for example, and don’t have time to go to the farmers market, see if you can find a co-op that will deliver to you each week. This will save you from having to source your food yourself and will mean that you have fresh food at your door to prepare every week.

  1. Plan out your meals.

One of the key mistakes that people make when doing their weekly groceries is to go without a plan. This can lead to you wandering around and picking up whatever takes your fancy at the time. You then get home and realize you’ve missed one key ingredient for that new dish that you were going to make, and then have to go back to get it. Not having a weekly meal plan may also lead to wastage, as you buy food and then completely forget that it’s sat in the back of the fridge until it’s too late. Instead, try to focus on 3 to 4 meals each week that you plan to cook, get all the ingredients you need, and then cook your meals in bulk. This will minimize wastage and will mean that you have food for the whole week. One of the best ways to avoid going out to eat or getting food delivered from a place like https://www.foodpanda.com.bd/cuisine/pizza-delivery-dhaka is having food in the house that’s tasty and ready to eat. 

  1. Get membership cards.

Regardless of where you shop, you’ll always save money by buying membership cards for your store of choice. Once you have it, look for deals that are for members only, or that require coupons. As you shop more, you’ll start to notice the benefits of getting discounts on all of the food items that you were going to buy anyway. In addition, make sure to shop around and get membership cards at all and any grocery stores around you. It might be that one store has a great deal you can’t miss out on.

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