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Divorced and Thriving: How to Break the Stigma Around Second Chances

  Let’s be honest; nobody walks down the aisle thinking they’ll one day be divorced. You plan the wedding, dream of forever, and hope love will always be enough. Unfortunately, it isn’t always so. And when it all falls apart, society often makes it worse. Especially here in Nigeria, where aunties at every family gathering suddenly become relationship counsellors, whispering things like, “What happened?” or “You’ll find someone soon, by God’s grace.” As if your worth expired with your marriage . Now, here’s the truth: divorce isn’t the end of your story. It’s a chapter; a painful one, yes, but also powerful. It can be the beginning of rediscovery, healing, and even thriving. So, let’s talk about breaking the stigma and embracing second chances in love, in life, and in yourself. 1. The Stigma Is Real, But It’s Also Outdated: In our culture, divorce is still whispered about like a scandal. People say “she’s divorced” in hushed tones, as if it’s a crime. Men face judgment too, t...
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8 Types of Food to Avoid If You Value Your Health

 

African man holding a burger and soda cup

We all have our guilty pleasures, those go-to snacks or meals that comfort us after a long day. But here’s the thing: some of those foods could be silently sabotaging your health.

That doesn’t mean you need to give up every tasty treat, but being aware of what you eat can help you make better choices.

Here are 8 types of food to watch out for and some healthy swaps you might actually enjoy.


1. Sugary Drinks: Soft drinks, energy drinks, and even some fruit juices can be loaded with added sugar. One can of soft drink can pack up to 10 teaspoons of sugar, which spikes your blood sugar levels and leaves you crashing later. Over time, this can increase your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Healthy alternative: Try sparkling water (also known as soda water) with a splash of lemon or lime. Unsweetened iced teas and naturally flavoured water can give you the same refreshing feeling without the sugar overload.

Soft drinks



2. Processed Meats: Bacon, hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats might be delicious, but they often contain nitrates, sodium, and preservatives that can raise your risk of high blood pressure and even certain cancers.

Healthy alternative: Opt for lean, fresh cuts of meat like chicken breast, turkey, or fish. If you love sandwiches, look for nitrate-free deli meats or roast your own meat at home and slice it up.

Processed meats


3. Deep-Fried Foods: French fries, fried chicken, and even onion rings, are crunchy and satisfying, but deep-frying adds trans fats and tons of empty calories. Regularly indulging in fried foods can lead to weight gain and clog your arteries over time.

Healthy alternative: Oven-baked or air-fried versions of your favourites can give you the same crunch without the excess oil. Sweet potato fries baked in the oven are a healthier, fibre-rich option.

Deep-fried foods


4. Packaged Snack Foods: Chips, cheese puffs, and other packaged munchies are usually high in sodium, artificial flavours, and unhealthy fats. Eating these too often can increase your risk of high blood pressure and leave you feeling unsatisfied because they lack real nutrients.

Healthy alternative: Try air-popped popcorn, roasted peanuts, or mixed nuts. These options are not only crunchy and tasty but also full of fibre and protein to keep you fuller for longer.

Packaged Snack Foods


5. White Bread and Refined Grains: White bread, white rice, and regular pasta are made from refined grains that have been stripped of most of their fibre and nutrients. They can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, which can lead to energy crashes and cravings.

Healthy alternative: Switch to whole-grain bread, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta. These have more fibre, keep you fuller for longer, and help maintain stable energy levels.

White bread and refined grains


6. Sugary Breakfast Cereals: It’s easy to be fooled by colourful cereal boxes claiming to be “part of a balanced breakfast,” but many cereals are loaded with sugar and low in protein. That’s not the best way to start your day.

Healthy alternative: Go for oatmeal topped with fruit and nuts or a high-protein, low-sugar cereal. Greek yogurt with granola and berries is another satisfying option.

Sugary Breakfast Cereals


7. Artificially Sweetened Foods: Sugar-free cookies and diet sodas might seem like a smart choice, but artificial sweeteners can mess with your taste buds and gut health, making you crave more sweet foods.

Healthy alternative: Instead of relying on artificial sweeteners, use small amounts of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Better yet, satisfy your sweet tooth with naturally sweet fruits like berries or mangoes.

Artificially Sweetened Foods


8. Fast Food Burgers and Meals: Fast food is convenient, but many meals are packed with sodium, saturated fats, and empty calories. Eating it too often can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of heart disease.

Healthy alternative: If you’re in a rush, try making quick meals at home like turkey or veggie burgers. Meal prepping on the weekends can also help you avoid the fast-food trap during busy weekdays.

Fast food burgers and meals


The Bottom Line

You don’t have to completely ban these foods from your life, but cutting back on them can do wonders for your health.

Start by swapping out one or two unhealthy items for their healthier alternatives. Small, consistent changes add up over time, and before you know it, you’ll feel more energised, lighter, and healthier.

So, which swap are you trying first?

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