These days, we almost never get bored. The moment we feel even a hint of boredom, we reach for entertainment. The feeling of boredom arises when an activity provides too little stimulation. Boredom can actually motivate us to do something more meaningful. But today, we tend to grab our phones the second we have to…
Meditation originates from the Eastern world and has made its way into the Netherlands. But what exactly is this practice—and do you really have to sit still for hours? Many people see meditation as a stereotype: floaty types sitting cross-legged, chanting “OHM” with their eyes closed. There are many forms of meditation, each with its…
These days, many people are cutting back on sugar. But what effect does that have on our brain and appetite? When we eat sugar, the brain sends out reward signals to the body. In the past, when sugar wasn’t as easily available, this didn’t cause problems. But nowadays, sugar is everywhere—yet we still receive those…
With spices, you can cook wonderfully—and the Indonesian kitchen proves that time and time again. This recipe is for Soto Ajam, which means chicken soup in Indonesian. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet smells and tastes delicious. You can add all sorts of vegetables to this versatile soup. Ingredients for 4 servings: 1.5 onions 2…
An intense workout can have some unpleasant side effects. What can you expect, and what can you do about it? 1. Runny noseAlmost half of all athletes experience what’s called a “sports-induced runny nose.” The overproduction of mucus is always caused by irritation—due to dust, pollen, or cold, dry air. A runny nose often gets…
These days, coconut oil is everywhere. It’s often seen as a healthier alternative and is widely used in Paleo cooking. But what’s the real story? Coconut oil is extracted from the flesh of the coconut by pressing. In cooler climates, it’s solid and thus referred to as “fat”; in tropical countries, it’s liquid and called…
A lack of physical activity is the biggest risk factor for heart disease in Australian women over the age of thirty. According to researchers, around 3,000 lives could be saved each year in Australia alone if women followed the recommended physical activity guidelines. A research team from the University of Queensland tracked the health of…
The time has come to start your own vegetable garden. With these tips, you’ll be growing your own vegetables in no time! There’s nothing better than getting your hands in the soil. If you’re just getting started, it’s smart to begin with easy vegetables: lettuce varieties, zucchini, carrots, radishes, spinach, and Swiss chard. These require…
Not everyone manages to eat the recommended 250 grams of vegetables and 200 grams of fruit per day, and some try to make up for that with a multivitamin. But does it actually work? Missing the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) now and then isn’t a big deal. Every person is different and has slightly different…
There are five basic tastes: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami. The last one is less known—it’s the savory taste found in mushrooms, like in this soup. It’s a typical Asian flavor and widely used in that cuisine. Ingredients for 4 servings 500 g sweet onions 2 tbsp sesame oil 2 cloves garlic 100 g…
The plank has long been the gold standard for a full-body exercise. A stronger core leads to better posture and fewer back problems. Planking is a great exercise for both endurance and strength. It’s a challenging, healthy movement for the entire body—legs, arms, and core—which is why it’s considered a gold standard. But you can…
CBD oil, or cannabidiol, is becoming increasingly well-known. It’s made from the cannabis plant, and there are many myths surrounding it. 1. Myth: CBD oil and cannabis oil are the same.Cannabis plants and hemp plants (which contain high levels of CBD) are not the same, but they do belong to the same cannabis family—so both…
