Harnessing the Power of Sunblock: Safeguarding Your Skin's Future

Previously, I mentioned the importance of sunblock as part of my skincare routine (Achieving Clear and Healthy Skin), emphasizing its role in defending against the sun. However, in this post, let's delve deeper into why you must consider incorporating sunblock into your daily life, especially if you reside in countries like Malaysia, where scorching weather can take a toll on your skin (Nurturing Your Skin: Know Your Skin Type).

While we need the sun for vitamin D, the increasing frequency of hot weather due to climate change and the thinning ozone layer raises concerns. Temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius have become the norm. Regardless of the intensity of the heat, I firmly believe that sunblock is a necessity. It bewilders me how some individuals I know claim to remain unscathed by dark spots, pigmentation, wrinkles, and premature aging despite forgoing sunblock.

Exquisite Delights: The Aromatic Fusion of Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice

If you've been following my Zen Cuisines, it's no secret that I have a deep love for rice. Today, I want to share with you a rice dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fits perfectly into a weight loss journey. Yes, you heard that right - you can still enjoy rice while shedding those extra pounds. Now, let's talk about dinner. I personally tend to avoid rice in the evening because it takes longer to digest, and we tend to be less active after our last meal of the day. Those unburned calories can easily lead to unwanted weight gain. However, I have a solution for you: a moderate portion of rice, primarily for lunch, a healthy and aromatic rice dish that will leave you satisfied without worrying about the calories.

Savoring Life: Embracing Guilt-Free Indulgences in a Healthy Journey

Living a healthy lifestyle is not a temporary endeavor that ends once we achieve our desired weight. It is a lifelong commitment that encompasses more than just torturing our palates. While striving for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight (My Weigh Journey), it's important to understand that we don't have to completely deprive ourselves. Occasional indulgences can be a part of our journey, as long as we approach them sensibly. Instead of viewing it as a day to eat to excess, let's embrace the concept of a controlled indulgence - a guilt-free opportunity to savor our favorite treats.

A Delicious Evening Delight: Nutz N Boltz Quayside Mall Review

Last week, we decided to break our routine Sunday lunch outing and instead opted for a delightful dinner. Thanks to my accommodating husband for adjusting our plans, as I had some afternoon commitments to attend to. Being a woman entrepreneur, sometimes we need to shift priorities and adapt our schedules accordingly. Our destination for the evening was Nutz N Boltz Quayside Mall, Telok Panglima Garang. Although it had been around for some time, I hadn't explored it yet. As a passionate foodie, I felt it was time to personally experience the flavors and determine if the reviews I had read truly held merit. After all, tasting and discovering food ourselves allows us to form our own opinions rather than blindly relying on others' experiences, as our palates and preferences differ.

Nurturing Your Skin: Embracing Your Skin's Story

In my previous sharing, "My Daily Skincare Routine Revealed," I shared snippets of my journey toward healthier skin. Yet, amidst the bustling aisles of skincare products, there's a crucial chapter often overlooked: understanding your skin type. It's a journey of self-discovery, a narrative that unfolds uniquely for each of us.

 

Imagine standing in front of the mirror, feeling the texture of your skin beneath your fingertips, tracing the lines that tell your skin's story. It's not just about appearance - it's about listening to what your skin whispers to you, understanding its needs, its desires.

Nava's Masala Crab: A Spicy Delight for Seafood Lovers

Having crab at home is truly a feast for us. It's not something we indulge in regularly, but every few months, the craving for a delectable crab dish arises. In our Indian family, we particularly relish crab prepared in a thick masala or curry gravy - a tantalizing blend of spices that ignites our taste buds. When it comes to cooking crab, I reserve the legs or claws for a flavorful Indian crab soup, while the bodies take center stage in a fiery and aromatic dish. Pairing these two preparations together with a simple stir fry completes our seafood extravaganza.

Nature's Oasis: Transforming Spaces for Inner Peace and Wellness at Nava's Zen

Welcome to Nature's Oasis: Nava's Zen, where spaces are transformed into something truly extraordinary. As the founder of Nava's Zen, I want to share with you the remarkable connection we've forged with nature. We often think of nature in terms of expansive landscapes and outdoor sanctuaries, but at Nava's Zen, we've taken that magic indoors. Step into our world and be captivated by the blend of lush greenery and carefully placed plants. Our studio comes alive, invigorating your senses with the calming influence of nature's embrace. However, what truly sets us apart is our ability to transform unexpected spaces into havens infused with nature's essence.

Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach: A Hidden Gem in the Culinary World

Discovering new ingredients is always an exciting journey, and my encounter with Brazilian spinach, about four years ago, was nothing short of a delightful surprise. Prior to that, I had never even heard of this leafy green vegetable. Its origin remained a mystery, intriguing me to delve deeper into its background. Today, I not only grow Brazilian spinach myself (Eco-Friendly Delights) but also relish its diverse culinary applications. Join me as we explore this fascinating ingredient and its simple yet flavorsome Malaysian-style stir-fry recipe.

Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers

The Butterfly Blue Pea flower, also known as Bunga Telang, offers numerous benefits. You can easily grow them with the seeds, whether in a pot or on the ground, and they will sprout easily, even without fertilizer. This makes them a convenient choice for gardening enthusiasts (Cultivating Convenient Gardening). The plant is well-suited for the Asian climate, thriving in warm and tropical environments. 

In Nava's Zen, zen blooming urban garden, I cultivate these flowers on the fence, enjoying their vibrant blooms and reaping the benefits they offer. I harness their extract as a natural and preservative-free ingredient for cooking. One delightful dish I create is Butterfly Blue Flower Rice, or Nasi Bunga Telang. 

He Ju Kopitiam: A Culinary Adventure Through a Food Critic's Lens

We decided to check out a kopitiam, which has become quite popular lately. It seems that just using the word "kopitiam" in a restaurant's name attracts customers for different reasons. Kopitiams can be simple coffee shops serving Malaysian food or fancier places with nice decorations and air conditioning. The fancier ones may be a bit pricier, but they attract people with their tasty food and cozy atmosphere. The one we went to was somewhere in the middle, offering a variety of delicious dishes from both Malaysia and other countries on their menu.

My Weight Journey: Overcoming Setbacks and Rediscovering Self-Confidence

For the longest time, I never considered myself overweight. Being an active person, practicing flow yoga, and tending to my beloved Zen blooming garden, I always maintained a healthy weight. However, in mid-2020, things took a turn. The scale showed a sudden increase from 48kg to 52kg, and the consequences became evident as my clothes no longer fit comfortably. 

The weight gain was primarily due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited my urban gardening activities and consumed my time with preparations for the launch of Nava'z Zen. It was a wake-up call, as I had taken for granted that my yoga practice alone would prevent weight gain, oblivious to the fact that I wasn't burning enough calories while indulging in snacks during my planning sessions.

Revitalize Your Senses with Lemongrass Honey Tea: A Refreshing Wellness Brew

Lemongrass holds many healing properties and can be grown in pots or on the ground, thriving in Asian climates. When combined with the renowned health benefits of green tea and the natural sweetness of honey (though it should be used sparingly if controlling sugar levels), Lemongrass Honey Tea becomes a readily available homemade beverage. Start your day on a refreshing note with this invigorating and calming drink.

Zesty Malay Okra Salad: A Veggie Delight

As the trend of vegetarianism gains momentum, more and more people are embracing this lifestyle for reasons they hold dear. It's a commendable choice that aligns with the principles of sustainable development. Ideally, individuals who choose vegetarianism also adopt other eco-friendly (The Eco-Friendly Delight of Banana Leaves) practices such as cultivating their own vegetables, conserving energy, and nurturing nature in various ways, however small. 

While I'm not a strict vegetarian myself, I take a minimalist approach to consuming meat. As part of our corporate mission at Nava's Zen, I prioritize growing vegetables and herbs, practicing rainwater harvesting, and fostering a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Restoran Top 1 Kopitiam: Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food Scene

As an avid food lover, I may not claim to be the world's top foodie, but I've had my fair share of dining experiences both within and outside my country. While traveling abroad, I've had the pleasure of indulging in various cuisines. I must confess, I'm not a picky eater and can enjoy a meal anywhere without following strict food rules. 

Unlike some self-proclaimed foodies, I embrace all sorts of culinary delights, except for beef due to my religious beliefs rooted in Hinduism. Although I cook regularly at home, I often take a break to explore the realm of dining out. Lately, I've found myself drawn to the fascinating world of street food, which offers a delightful array of flavors right here in Malaysia.

Zen Blooming: Ylang-Ylang's Therapeutic Delights

Ylang-Ylang, a cherished part of Nava's Zen, is a natural essence that perfectly aligns with our zen yoga-fitness-oriented nature therapy. As the gardener (Cultivating Convenient Gardening) I, Ms Nava, made sure to include this plant in my garden from the very beginning. Over time, it has grown to a substantial height, but I carefully trim it to maintain its size. 

The delightful aspect of ylang-ylang lies in its vibrant yellow flowers and their captivating scent. To enhance this aromatic experience, I even place some of the flowers in our rainwater barrel, where they gracefully float and infuse the water with their enchanting fragrance.

Embracing Nature's Bounty: The Eco-Friendly Delight of Banana Leaves in Nava's Zen

At Nava's Zen, our commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation runs deep. We understand the intrinsic connection between fitness and nature, and as both a fitness enthusiast and a gardener (Culivating Convenient Gardening), I am proud to cultivate this synergy. One aspect of our eco-friendliness is our profound appreciation for the produce we grow, incorporating it into our culinary practices. Among our cherished treasures is the versatile banana leaf. 

While modern alternatives like banana leaf plates exist, we remain loyal to our natural commitments, recognizing the multitude of benefits that banana leaves offer. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also keep food warm and contribute to pollution reduction. Moreover, banana leaves enhance the visual appeal of food styling and presentation. Growing banana trees is an accessible endeavor, even in substantial-sized pots or smaller-sized varieties (Blossoming Passion: Gardening). At Nava's Zen, we wholeheartedly embrace eco-friendliness as our way of honoring and cherishing nature.

Personalized Diet Plans: Your Unique Weight Loss Journey

Losing weight and achieving your desired shape and size is a personal journey that requires careful consideration of various factors. While someone else's diet plan may have worked wonders for them, it's crucial to understand that one size does not fit all. We are unique individuals with different lifestyles, ages, professions, likes, and dislikes. This article aims to shed light on the importance of customized diet plans and the positive impact they can have on your weight loss journey.

Embrace Your Individuality

Every person's body is different, and what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you. It's essential to recognize and appreciate your individuality when it comes to your diet and weight loss goals. Your lifestyle, preferences, and specific needs should all be taken into account.