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  • Healthy Eating On The Go

    Eating on the go can be a challenge, and let’s face it the less time you have to prepare a meal increases the chances of eating unhealthy. With time pressing on your shoulders it is tempting to stop and eat at your favourite fast food restaurant. The following are some tips to help you eat healthy regardless of your busy schedule.

    1.       Plan your meals

    One simple tip to improve your eating habits is to plan your meals in advance.  You don’t have to plan every detail of each meal, but before each day begins have some idea of what you are going to eat throughout the day. This will prevent last minute rushes to the fridge or a fast food restaurant and grabbing non-nutritious foods. For most people this works best if they plan their meals the night before and maybe even prepare foods such as sandwiches and salads in advance.

    2.       Grab a snack before you leave

    If you know you are going to be on the go for a period of time try to snack before you leave your house. This will prevent you from being tempted to stop and snack along the way. Some quick on-the-go snack options could be a piece of fruit (apple, orange, banana), yogurt, or even a handful of trail mix.

     

    3.       Don’t be deceived by healthy eating at fast food restaurants

    Many foods served at fast food restaurants are not exactly healthy, you may think you are making the healthy option by choosing a Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken at McDonalds however excluding dressing this salad contains 240 calories, 16 grams of fat and almost 100% of your daily value in sodium. Not to mention it is low in fibre and is likely to not keep you feeling full for long. Upon adding a package of Caesar dressing you can throw in another 260 calories and 29 grams of fat! This is in just one salad!

    Try to stick with fast food places such as subway – ordering options that are less than six grams of fat (veggie, grilled chicken), with lots of vegetables and dressings such as honey mustard on a whole wheat bread.

     

    4.       Keep a healthy food stash  

    For those times when you become extremely hungry it may be useful to keep some healthy snack options in your desk drawer, car, or wherever you may be. Some ideas could be a granola bar, dried fruit, or trail mix.

     

    5.       Don’t skip breakfast

    The Dietetic  Association describes breakfast as the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast not only helps with weight management, but it also fuels the body and helps provide energy throughout the day. Without eating breakfast your metabolism slows down, preventing you from burning as many calories throughout the day resulting in weight loss. While not everyone enjoys eating first thing in the morning there are some simple small suggestions to help get your day started: Ready to eat whole grain cereal topped with fruit and yogurt, whole wheat pita stuffed with hard boiled eggs, peanut butter on a whole grain bagel, or even a fresh smoothie.

     

    6.       Make meals in advance

    On days when you feel like you do have some extra time, it may be a good idea to make some meals in advance and freeze them for the days you can’t seem to find time to do anything. Some easy foods to prepare and freeze could be spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, chilli, soups, etc.

     

    7.       Don’t cut your cravings

    Try not to think of certain foods as off limits, most times you are going to keep eating unless you satisfy your cravings.  If you are having cravings for foods such as salts, sugars, or generally unhealthy foods start by reducing your potion sizes rather than cutting these completely out of your diet. This will lower your intake, but also help satisfy your cravings.

     

    8.       Eat throughout the day

    Eating small snacks every 2-3 hours can help boost your metabolism and decrease your amount of food cravings. This will help you feel full longer and keep hunger away. Remember to drink plenty of water, fill up on fibre, and don’t ignore your bodies hunger signals.

     

    9.       Drink plenty of water

    Water is one of the most important steps for healthy eating on the go! When you are beginning to get hungry or before you eat a meal have a glass of water, this will help fill you up and flush you out much more than a glass or pop or alcoholic beverages.

     

    10.   Remember H.A.L.T

    To help stop food cravings think H.A.L.T – are you eating because you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? If you are eating for any of these reasons other than hungry you should try to find something else to occupy your time such as going for a walk, knitting, calling a friend etc.

  • Home Safe Home

    It's unsettling to think that family or friends could be severely hurt in your home. Unfortunately, more that 75% of injury-related emergency room visits among children from birth to 4 years of age are caused by accidents that take place on residential property1. For those between the ages of 1 and 34, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and hospitalization2. Despite these shocking facts, many say they don't know what they would or should do to make their homes safer environments. Often, people aren't aware of the potential hazards that exist. That’s why it is important to take the time to educate your family about the dangers that may be found in your home and how to prevent accidental injuries.

    Falls: 20% of injury-related deaths among seniors are a result of falls2. They are also the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization among children and youth3. Installing sturdy grab bars on the stairs will help prevent falls. All indoor and outdoor walkways and stairways should be adequately lit.

    Poisonings: Many common household items pose a threat to all members of the family, especially children and pets. It’s a good idea to contact your local poison control center for help with potentially dangerous situations. Keep all medications and cleaning supplies out of reach; safety locks can easily be added to cabinets in the kitchen, bathrooms and garage.

    Fires and Burns: Residential fires account for 73% of all fire-related deaths4. Of these fatalities, many are due to smoke inhalation. Fire can spread quickly; it is critical to create an escape plan and practice it annually.

    Obstructed Airways: Nearly half of children’s hospital visits related to airway obstruction are a result of chocking on food. Other items commonly found around the home, such as coins or small toys, are also potential hazards. Balloons and objects measuring 5cm or less are especially dangerous.

    Drowning: Submersions and drowning are the second leading cause of death for those under the age of 14. A young child can drown in as little as 2.5cm of water5. Be cautious when children are in or near a bathtub, pool or other body of water.

    Sources:

    1publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

    2phac-aspc.gc.ca

    3ofm.gov.on.ca

    4fiprecan.ca

    5safekidscanada.ca

    More Safety Tips:

    ·         Create an emergency response plan with your family. Designate evacuation routes and a meeting place outside the home. Everyone should be aware of the locations of the fire extinguishers and emergency kits.

    ·         Place a list of important numbers, including the fire department, police, medical assistance and poison control, near each phone in your home. Make sure children know how to call 911 in an emergency.

    ·         Keep your first aid kit well-stocked. For information on what to include, visit redcross.org

    ·         Install and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. At a minimum, place one of each in the hallways between the bedrooms of your homes.

    ·         Test and replace fire extinguishers. Make sure your entire family knows where to find them and how they are used. It is important to keep one on each floor of your home, as well as in the kitchen.

    ·         Have your chimney inspected once a year and cleaned regularly to reduce creosote.

    ·         Make sure burning candles are a least 30cm away from fabrics and other flammable items. Extinguish them before leaving the house of going to bed. Candles should be places in glass, ceramic, metal, or other non-combustible materials.

    ·         Protect your home from electrical hazards by not overloading electrical sockets or running electrical wires under carpets. Consider using lightning and surge protection devices and investing in Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs).

    ·         Have your heating and cooling systems serviced regularly. Keep portable space heaters at least 1 metre away from flammable objects like paper, bed, curtains, clothing and upholstery.

    ·         Tie window blinds and curtain cords with clothespins or specially designed cord clips.

    ·         Check for recalls on items such as appliances, electronics, furniture and children’s toys.

    ·         Securely fasten heavy furniture including bookcases, shelves, artwork and mirrors to the walls.

    Are potentially dangerous items properly stored?

    Garage:

    ·         Tools

    ·         Pesticides

    ·         Cleaning supplies

    ·         Automotive fluids

    ·         Pool chemicals

    ·         Gardening products

    Bathroom:

    ·         All types of medications

    ·         Cosmetics

    ·         Cleaners

    ·         Mouthwash

    ·         Perfumes

    ·         Hair dyes and sprays

    ·         Nail polished and removers

    Kitchen/Laundry Room:

    ·         Cleaning products

    ·         Sharp objects

    ·         Small appliances

  • Who Will fuel the New Real Estate Market?

    Who Are the Echo Boomers?
    The Echo Boom generation, also known as Generation Y or the Millennial
    Generation, are the children of the Baby Boomers. Now one of the country’s
    largest demographic groups, Echo Boomers are entering the peak years
    for forming their own households.
    New Household Formation Will Fuel Housing Demand. In real estate, it’s not enough to keep your eye on the ball; you have to anticipate where the ball is heading.
    Demographics dictate that the Canadian population will continue to rise, creating new households and a greater need for housing. Researchers predict that population
    trends will restore vitality to the housing market as the country continues its economic recovery. The chief reason is he presence of the millions of Echo Boomers. Together with immigration to Canada, Echo Boomers are expected o raise housing demand for he next decade and beyond. The massive size of the Echo Boom generation “will give a powerful boost to long-run housing demand,” according to a recent study.

    © 2010 Buffini & Company. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. LGK APRIL CAP C Built
    Stemming from the most basic human need for shelter, the real estate industry is fundamentally built to last. The state of the housing market is impacted by many factors including mortgage interest rates and the volatility of other investment options. However, it is the limited supply along with the growing population that drives the need for housing. The next surge in demand will be stimulated when Echo Boomers join the Baby Boom generation as active participants in the housing industry, reinvigorating the real estate market with opportunity and validating the purchase of a home as a lucrative investment. to Last.

    Urban Appeal.
    The stage of life that the home buyer is in can greatly influence their list of desired amenities. Many Echo Boomers will need starter homes in order to
    enter the housing market. Those who plan to have a family will seek homes with yards or nearby recreation areas. Younger buyers today often reject the low-density, suburban lifestyle favoured by their parents. The Echo group can be described as more willing to take risks than previous generations. They tend to be less resistant to living in transit-oriented developments. Echo Boomers are more likely to consider purchasing lofts or townhomes in urban settings, such as downtown
    redevelopment districts. Their grandparents may have preferred quieter areas, but the Echo Boomers are being drawn to the city by restaurants, entertainment venues and a faster pace of life.


    Easy Living.
    The eldest Baby Boomers are beginning to retire, and many who are entering the housing market today are likely to downsize. Attached homes may appeal
    to them because of the reduced need for maintenance. If they are beginning to find that stairs are difficult to navigate, they will favour one-story floor plans.
    Many Baby Boomers still consider themselves to be young and vital. Indeed, they are far more health conscious than previous generations. Advances in medicine and increased longevity should make them an active part of the housing economy for years to come.

    The Perfect Home?
    It’s All in the Eye of the Beholder. What’s Ahead? If historical patterns hold true, the housing market will lead the economic recovery that is now under way.
    In general, adults age 55 and older look for homes that are close to such resources as shopping centers and medical facilities. They like suburban living but don’t
    want to be too far off the beaten track. Following are some of their preferred
    home amenities:
    1. A washer and dryer within the home
    2. Adequate storage space
    3. Windows that open easily
    4. A master bedroom on the ground floor
    5. A thermostat that is easy to use

    The Future Looks Bright.
    The long-term outlook for the housing market is very promising, thanks to the presence of the Echo Boomers. The sheer size of the generation
    now reaching adulthood, combined with the increasing life expectancy of past generations, should keep household growth on track in Canada. Over time, the pent-up demand for housing and today’s low levels of home building are expected to reduce the vacancy inventory, bringing markets into balance.

  • The New Mortgage Rules Are Here

    Its April 19th, and the new mortgage rules have come into effect.  We have all heard rumors about what this will mean to us in the short term as well as the long term.  For the first time homebuyer, the real effect will come in how much they can afford, (the variable rate calculation allowed people to afford more money on paper, which allowed them to get larger mortgages) these people will still qualify for a mortgage in most cases, however now it will be for a smaller amount.

    The people who will be effected most adversly are those looking to buy their first income property or are just starting to build a real estate portfolio.   The 20% down requirement will mean that these people are going to have to save 4 times more money to buy that property then they previously would have.  In my opinion it hurts those small investors who are just looking to build a strong financial future.  It was done to supposedly to protect the buyer from themselves, I personally believe it will have the effect of making it more difficult for the young person with good credit and a stable job to compete against those more established and well financed businesses who purchase income properties. 

    Newfoundland has a great market, as well as a bright future, we have one of the most affordable post secondary educations available in the country, why would any body not want to live here

     

     

  • Single Story For Sale in Motion Estates

    15 DoylesQuigley001
    Home with Income

    • 2,052 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $219,900

     -  Located only 5 minutes from Stavanger Drive, this 3 bedroom home with 1 bedroom apartment is a great starter home or investment property. With Hardwood floors in the living room, dinning room and hall as well as a 2 tiered deck the open concept invites entertaining. The backyard complete with storage shed is great for the kids or just relaxing in the evening. The 1 bedroom self contained unit is currently rented for 450 pou per month and the main unit is rented for may 1st at 950 pou per month (6 mth lease in place)

    Property information

  • Single Story For Sale in Powers Pond

    25 Harnum Frt view
    Great Income Property

    • 2,774 sq. ft., 2 bath, 6 bdrm single story - MLS® $244,900

     -  Exceptionally well maintained 2 apartment home in sought after powers pond. This home is perfect for the family looking to be close to everything yet tucked away. Each unit boasts over 1300 sqf of living space. The main floor is perfect for those who like to entertain with a huge open concept living room and formal dinning room that is open to a kitchen with an abundance of cupboards. The oversize back deck provides a commanding view back over the city . The basement unit is currently rented to a long term tenant for $635 pou per month.

    Property information

  • Bungalow For Sale in Topsail Road

    57 milton frt view 2
    Trails End Paradise

    • 1,908 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm bungalow - MLS® $234,900 - In law suite

     -  Located close to all amenities this full renovated Split entry has room for the entire family with new deck, windows, doors, electrical, and to many other upgrades to mention this home is move in ready. The 1 bedroom inlaw suite with seperate entrance is perfect for the extended family or the teenager in the family.

    Property information