Health(ier) Snacks

My mom wanted to drop by the bakery shop and so I took her there. Lo and behold... they were selling Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios etc by the bagfulls! Being the cheap ass I was, I grabbed to Sunflower seeds (RM 8.50 per kilo) and hesitated with the almonds (RM 20.50 per kilo). The rest were not even on my radar as either they were wayyy too expensive (Pistachios at Rm 55.50 per kilo???) or they could not be eaten RAW (yeah.. did I mention I was LAZY as well?)

So here are my new tea break "snacks" (I never had tea break snacks since I started working). Hopefully, to give me extra energy and stave off hunger..

Lunch/Dinner cost estimation

Just to do a rough estimation of the cost of a new diet:

1. 1 slab of Lean Chicken Meat (RM 7.34/3 = RM 2.50 approx)
2. Half a can of Beans (RM 3/2 = RM 1.50)
3. Vegetables (RM 1?)

Total = RM 4


Some other "facts"
A carton(?) of 30 Grade C eggs = RM 8.99
3 Pieces of lean Chicken Breast Meat = RM 7.34

A new Diet Begins

So today begins my new diet (partial) as advocated by Tim Feriss in his book "The 4-Hour Body". Went to Tesco yesterday in an attempt to find beans but more importantly, affordable and healthy beans. Managed to get some that claims it is so-and-so beans "in water". Later, I will attempt to find dried raw beans and prepare them instead of buying ready processed ones in an attempt to drive costs down (yes, I'm frickin' poor, ok?). So for starters, I am listing down what I bought and in later blogs, will attempt to break costs down and also rate the palateability of these beans.











So here's the breakdown in price (there was a sale):
Heinz Baked Beans (no added salt) 420gm net (I assume with liquid) RM 3.89

Tesco Cannellini Beans in water 246gm RM 2.99

Tesco Flageolet Beans (good gawd... what in hell's name is this?? Hope it's not Flatulence-a-Lot) 246gm RM 1 (CHEAP! - will review how it tastes later)

Tesco Garden Peas in water 300gm RM 2.90

Marina Processed Peas (I hesistated after seeing the word "processed" but heck... it was on special offer) 425gm net (assumed with liquid) RM 3.89

Tesco Garden Peas in water 300gm RM 2.90

Tesco Red Kidney Beans in water 240gm RM 2.25

CheRos Australian Dhal 300gm (dry) RM 1.39

CheRos Black Eyed Peas 300gm (dry) RM 2.79



Made a breakfast meal out of the Red Kidney Beans (1/3 of a can) today + 2 eggs:
I was supposed to be full but I'm still hungry.. maybe it's mental

Total costs: 0.75 (1/3 Red Kidney Beans) + 0.30 (2 Grade C eggs)= RM 1.05


Compare this with my previous breakfast which was Gardenia Bonanza White Bread. RM 3.30 for 28 slices... add to the fact I use jame/ peanut butter etc as breadspread.. the total costs for 3 slices of bread is approx RM 0.69 (which kept me full). Really need to look into the cheaper beans as I guess I need to eat more...

10 Things About Myself

It's only fair I share somethings about myself, given so little is known about me... I do not mean to hide facts, it's just the way I am...

1. I am often misunderstood

2. I look fierce on the outside, but I am really very vulnerable inside

3. I am too trusting, that people take advantage of me most of the time

4. I am quick with my temper yet forgive and forget just as easily

5. I always want to improve, self correct if people will give me a chance

6. I'm too logical thinking for my own good

7. I hate hypocrites and live my live by being an example myself (although it may seem I am being hypocritical myself... until you know the real truth)

8. Deep down, I am a very shy guy... REALLY!!!!

9. I'm very good at s.. (or so I'm told)

10. I am going to be crazy rich one day. I can feel it in my blood... and all my life experiences are preparing me for this day.

Motivational Books worth Reading

In these troubled times, many of us are feeling the pinch and some are down real bad. You notice in the papers (I read The Star) that there seems to be many more advertisements to get rich easily, or more leadership seminars etc etc (I will talk about that in another post). But definately, self-help books and other motivational books would be the first thing I would recommend one to invest in.

The Millionaire Next Door

This book by Stanley and Danko is based on their research on America's millionaires. Contrary to our popular belief that millinaires live high flying lives and live in luxurious mansions like Donald Trump, the typical millionaire lives a very ordinary and simple life. Many of their findings made me realise that people become rich because they do not spend unnecessarily and know how to invest and make their money work harder for them. In fact, I am so influenced by this book that my next car purchase would be a 3 to 5 year old second-hand car. It goes on about children of the millionaires and which ones having better chances of making it. A very good read but a tad bit expensive at RM 55.90.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Written by one of the success coach pioneers, Steven Covey lists down what makes successful people tick. It's all in conditioning the mindset according to him and successful people can take it further to bring out the best in themselves and others. It made me take the path of being principle-led, something I never thought about before and we workers are all too busy being caught up with the rat race. Don't know what I mean? Read it and you will understand. If anything, it will inspire you to achieve more out of life.

Fish!

Written in a narrative, story mode, it is easy to read and this book is very thin so one can finish reading it in one night or two. Nothing really to do with fish but more about the way one can change one's working conditions and also, influence the lives of others. Ultimately, it can alter the performance of your subordinates, from simple changes that reflect upon one's attitude and approach towards work. Recommended for managers having to face demoralised and unproductive subordinates in the workplace.

How to become a Property Millionaire

I personally feel that the honeymoon years of buying cheap properties and making returns/fat rentals out of it are over. Still, reading this book is both refreshing and inspirational (although Azizi tends to make some jokes that younger readers may not get it eg. Crocodile Dundee). Written in a casual manner, it won't put you to sleep as Azizi slaps jokes here and there.

You can become Rich in Property

Peter Yee writes about property investments based on his experience (both successful and less successful). I like his style of writing but I can't help but feel, he is trying to stretch his content by summarising his points at every end of a chapter. One of the reason I bought this book was so I could attend his seminar on property investment FOC. Unfortunately, due to disruptions in my work schedule, I was unable to attend for a few times already. Peter gives some good pointers that are not in Azizi's books. Worth buying if you want to attend his free seminar I guess.

Unlimited Power

Anthony Robbins is just about the most famous guru in success coaching. He has coached famous celebrities, the US Army, top ranking professionals, you name it. And not only that, he has magically changed thier lives for the better. This book was my first encounter with the writings of Anthony (Tony) Robbins and it left me wanting more. I have since bought his other book: Awaken the Giant Within but have yet to find the time to read it. For all those people feeling depressed, unwanted, unispired or missing something in life, I highly recommend reading Tony Robbin's books. In fact, go to Youtube and watch him do his magic on a live audience. This guy is amazing. Must read!

Unit Trust vs Investment-Linked Funds

I am currently evaluating unit trusts as a means of investment versus other forms of investments. The topic is narrowed down to unit trusts against investment-linked funds such as those offered by insurance companies, where they invest a portion of the money you give them in equities and other forms of investments in order to earn the investors a decent return. So far, my investigations have shown that each investment vehicle has their advantages and also weaknesses. Investment-linked funds can offer protection and some form of "guaranteed" returns but so far, the returns are only so-so in comparisons with an all-out unit trust investing in equities (shares). Returns guaranteed are a mere 3 to 5% and the rest is "projected" returns, which all-in-all will add up to around 8% if the returns are good.

On the other hand, unit trusts (especially equity), do not make any guarantees of returns but a good performing fund shows past returns averaging around 10 to 12% and on really good years, even 40% is not impossible. One just needs to have faith in this investment vehicle and be willing to wait out the years (at least 3 years wait) for it to start earning decent returns. Of course I am generalising here and some funds do better, others worse but I am just putting out some figures after comparing two specific products that are not so easily comparable.

Well, you know how the saying goes: No risk, No returns. And also" You can't have the cake and eat it". How true this is with with regards to my topic. If you want protection, you can't expect too high returns.. hey, the insurance company also has to make some money out of you so be fair with them.

Conclusion
In short, there are no shortcuts or easy no-brainer investment decisions. One has to decide based on one's appetite for risk and invest accordingly. Two links I found interesting was the fact that investment-linked funds end up being more expensive as one ages:

http://kclau.com/insurance/investment-linked-vs-traditional-insurance/

http://www.jeanchai.com/?p=20

Also, wise investors know that one should spread out their risks and not put all their eggs in one basket. Hence, one should invest in various investment vehicles in order not to end up being affected too highly in one area when the market goes down.

How to: Choose a Sweet Watermelon

Just recently, I bought a watermelon from the hypermarket and to my dismay, it turned out to be watery but bland in taste. I had been trying to figure out how to pick a sweet watermelon for ages now and it did not occur me to to just Google for the answer... until now that is. Here's what I found out:

Colour
It should be dark green and good contrast between the stripes.

Skin Texture
Should be solid and no part of the melon should be soft or mushy. The area where the melon sat on the ground should be yellow. The more yellow it is, the more ripe it is.

Sound Test
Thump the melon. A watery melon should give off a good deep "thump".

Dry Tail
The stub of the melon should be dry. If you are able to use your thumb and break off the stub, it means that melon is ready to be cut.

Appearances/Shape
Choose a watermelon that is free from blemishes, cuts, scratches etc. Also, the shape should be round and consistent. Odd-shaped melons tend to have inconsistent sweetness.

The Sample Test
Sweet watermelons tend to come in batches. If one is sweet, chances are, the other will be sweet as well (just how much or less sweeter, that's all). So if the vendor has a sample for test, it will be the best indicator whether the watermelon batch is good or not.

Finally, I found this video to be quite helpful:
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-choose-the-perfect-watermelon-204716/

Mind you, I have yet to put these theories to test. Will be doing it soon. Please feel free to feedback whether these tips helped or not.