Healthy Chia Seed Jams, Nuts and other Snacks from Ara Foods Jamaica!

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From making jams at home for fun, then encouraged by her husband and friends to start packaging what they enjoyed, Ayesha Allen started selling her Chia Seed Jams in 2016. Ayesha and husband, Ramaar took a leap of faith and just 2 months later they were nominated for Best Product for the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards in 2017!

Their Chia Seed Jams are Gluten free, Vegan friendly and come in a variety of flavours such as Strawberry, Blueberry and Pineapple. The Pineapple and Strawberry are favourites and I can see why. The flavours are stronger than the Blueberry. Even though you can order your Jams non-sweetened, I found there is no need, because the original isn’t even that sweet but still has the right balance of flavour. I tried them both. So you can enjoy these Jams with pretty much anything.

The business has expanded to offer healthy snacks too or what some persons like myself use as part of a Shake, such as Peanuts, Walnuts, Almonds, Pistachios, Chia seeds, Raisins and Cranberries, all at affordable prices.

Here are great ways to enjoy your Ara Foods Flavoured Chia Seed Jams!

● With your Yogurt

Suga’s favourite so far is the Strawberry Chia Seed Jam. I made my own Yogurt Parfait and it was divine! Enjoy food the in a healthy way!

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Suga’s Yogurt Parfait made with Ara Foods Strawberry and Blueberry Chia Seed Jams, Oats and Fat Free Greek Yogurt.

● With your Porridge

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● As a Dip

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● As a spread

Your Ara Food Jams would complement a Peanut Butter spread on bread or crackers so well!

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● With your Pancakes

Last weekend I had the Blueberry Chia Seed Jam with my Pancakes and a touch of low fat butter. It hit the spot!

● As a Pastry Filling

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● As a topping to your Cheesecake or Pie

Such a guilty pleasure!

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A salivating Cheesecake from @temperaturebynina using Ara Foods Blueberry Chia Seed Jam

A range of options for reasonable prices! 

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Order your Healthy Snacks and your Chia Seed Jams from Ara Foods Jamaica today and have fun being creative in the kitchen. Their flavoured Chia Seed Jams are versatile and #SugaEndorsed!

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***They are mobile and take Cards***

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Get a Water Workout this Sunday while you Help our Goodwill Games Team!

Please come out and support The Tornadoes Swim Club’s Goodwill Games Swim Team this Sunday, July 28th at 4pm at the National Aquatics Centre, Stadium Pool.

$1000JMD + $200 (Entry) gets you a Water Workout with certified instructor, Kim to great music by DJ Wattie!

***Follow @poolaerobics on Instagram***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Get Your Daily Dose of Fruit in 1 Bowl with Dream Bowls Ja!

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My Acai & Lychee Dream Bowl ($1200JMD) from Dream Bowls Ja at Kingston Night Market on Tuesday, July 2, 2019.

You can get your daily source of fruits in 1 bowl, your very own Dream bowl! Dream bowls are not only tasty, but healthy. Although you have to be aware of the toppings you choose.

Dream Bowls consist of a frozen base filled with the Acai (a-sigh-ee) berry. Although not sourced locally, they are good for just about everything in terms of its heath properties. Check it out here:

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You then have the option to choose 5 toppings that they will layer the base with, resulting in quite an attractive, yet tasty and fulfilling Dream Bowl.

Visit Kingston Night Market today from 6 to 11pm at 8 Hillcrest Avenue to get your Dream Bowl!

ADMISSION: FREE

***I advise you go early though, the Dream bowls are a hit.***

If not, Deliveries in Kingston are available too!

Kingston Night Market is an event where small businesses showcase their authentic Jamaican products. It is quite fit for a family outing during the week, this and every Tuesday. Check it out!

Keep up with Dream Bowls Ja on Instagram @dreambowlsja

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

 

Sip and Stretch for a Good Cause on July 16th!

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Happy Monday! SAVE THE DATE!

Stretch the muscles, feel relaxed afterwards and be happy you got to give your body a healthy treat at a reduced cost, while contributing to the Education of our Children.

Our Children are Our Future

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Check out this Triathlon, give it a Tri!

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Cool the body down with a Swim before you Bike and Run with this Triathlon at Immaculate Conception High School! Give it a Tri and get your Summer Body on!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Did You Know Spirulina has Dangerous Side Effects?

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Photo: Vital Proteins

Spirulina is a blue-green algae known to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. Lately, it has been popularly used as a dietary supplement.

Spirulina has generally been considered to be safe, however, according to healthline.com, it may have various dangerous side effects as a result of contamination of harmful compounds that can worsen certain health conditions. For instance, if harvested from water polluted by toxins, Spirulina can thin your blood and increase the length of time it takes for blood to clot. Spirulina can also worsen autoimmune conditions such as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Some persons may be allergic, and those with Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited condition, should avoid it.

Minor side effects of Spirulina may include nausea, insomnia, and headaches.

Should you stop using Spirulina?

According to healthline.com, if you purchase Spirulina from trusted brands, risk of contamination can be reduced  However, there is no guarantee that Spirulina products are 100% contaminant-free.

It is advised to avoid Spirulina if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners. While some studies suggest that Spirulina does not affect blood clotting time, there is still not enough evidence of its effects on persons who are already taking blood thinners.

It is advised to avoid Spirulina if you have an autoimmune condition, allergies or PKU as well.

***Suga thinks the best precaution is to consult your Doctor if you are unsure whether this supplement is right for you.***

[Source (Evidence based): www.healthline.com: What Are the Side Effects and Dangers of Spirulina? – By SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD on June 14, 2019]

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Save the Date!

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Support the Jamaica Down Syndrome Foundation next Friday, May 31st at the Bob Marley Museum! Wine Down for Charity starts at 6:30pm!

Wine Down for Charity into the night, enjoying an evening of Music and Wines or simply just come and pick up your Bottle to kickstart the weekend.

Your Bottle purchase of $3500JMD will also be a contribution to the Her Flow Foundation to support young ladies in need at their time of the month.

Buy a Bottle for a Cause!

Instagram: @winedown4charity

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Signs and Symptoms of Lupus

May is Lupus Awareness Month. Many symptoms of Lupus mimic those of other illnesses and can come and go over time, making diagnosis difficult. For instance, Lupus is often misdiagnosed as Anaemia.

If you have any of the following Signs and Symptoms, see a Rheumatologist as soon as possible. Lupus can affect any organ system of the body, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, blood, joints and skin. So it is important to detect Lupus early.

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For more information, keep up to date with,

Lupus Foundation of Jamaica

Location: 7 Barbados Avenue, Kingston 5. JA.

Website: www.lupusfoundationjamaica.org

Ph: 876-754-8458

Instagram: @lupusfoundationja

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Another Spot for Lamb Chops Bad to the Bone and more!

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Suga’s Ratings for Jakes Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Friday, April 19, 2019 to Sunday, April 21, 2019

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★☆☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown:

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Quaint and rustic with a thatched roof and seaside view, Suga had the pleasure of eating fresh, farm to table dishes and juices for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from Jakes Restaurant at reasonable prices. Their menu written on chalkboards daily provides you with enough options, whether you choose to eat healthy or not. Either way, you would be supporting the local farmers from the surrounding hills, mountains and plains in St. Elizabeth.

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Grilled King Fish with Cous Cous, Black bean and Corn and Kale.

The staff were pleasant and service was timely. I am pleased to report that none of their dishes were underwhelming to me. However, highlights were their Codfish Fritters, Loaded Nachos, Callaloo Omelette and their Lamb Chops! Those Lamb Chops were seasoned to perfection and juicy to the bone. The best my husband has ever had.

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Loaded Nachos
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Shrimp Tacos
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Grilled Lamb Rack with Mint Glaze ($2650JMD +tx and serv. Charge)

If you decide to visit Treasure Beach any time soon, a stop by Jakes Restaurant is a must. #SugaEndorsed

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Jakes Restaurant
Location: Calabash Bay PA, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth
Ph: 876-491-0649; 876-965-3000; 876-564-3000  
Website: https://jakeshotel.com

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.