Who says carrot peels are just trash? These vibrant, nutrient-packed strips are actually super useful in the kitchen! Full of flavour, carrot peels can instantly level up your everyday meals. In a world where food waste is a big deal, reusing veggie peels is a small but smart step to take. And since carrots are everywhere this winter, why not put those peels to good use? Curious? You should be! Here are 5 super simple ways to add carrot peels to your meals!
Also Read:How To Keep Carrots Fresh Longer: 6 Simple Tricks For Prolonged Storage
Photo Credit: iStock
Here are 5 Ways To Use Carrot Peels At Home:
1. Crispy Carrot Peel Chips
Say goodbye to processed chips and hello to carrot peel chips! Toss your carrot peels with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and your go-to spices – think red chilli powder, cumin, and a dash of chaat masala for that tangy kick. Bake until crispy and golden, and you’ve got yourself a healthy, guilt-free snack. These chips are perfect for munching on or for adding an extra crunch to your winter soups!
2. Carrot Peel Pesto
Love pesto? Then give it a carroty twist! Blend your carrot peels with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. A sprinkle of Parmesan, and you’re done! Use it as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or dip for nachos. It’s the perfect healthy recipe that’ll have you coming back for more – plus, it’s an easy zero-waste way to spice up your meals!
3. Make A Vegetable Stock
Carrot peels are the secret ingredient for a homemade veggie stock. Combine those peels with onion skins, coriander stems, and celery ends, then simmer them with water, salt, and your favourite spices. Strain, and voila – you’ve got a rich, flavourful stock that you can use in soups, curries, or gravies. It’s a simple way to add extra flavour and nutrition to your everyday dishes!
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Make A Quick Pickle
Carrot peels are naturally sweet – so why not turn them into a tangy pickle? Toss them into a jar with vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and your favourite spices – mustard seeds and chillies work great. Let it sit for a couple of days, and you’ve got a tangy treat that’s perfect on sandwiches, wraps, or even alongside your dal-chawal. This pickle is so easy to make, and it’s bursting with flavour!
5. Boost Your Smoothies
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Add carrot peels to your smoothies! Blend them with oranges, bananas, or apples – their subtle sweetness adds a hidden nutritional boost. Throw in a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for that cosy winter vibe. It’s a perfect way to get more fibre into your diet, especially if you’re not a big fan of veggies!
Also Read:Watch: Make This Vitamin A-Rich Carrot Soup For A Warm And Healthy Dinner
There are a few things as anxiety-inducing as waiting for the outcome of a health screening.
For Mr Chong, that moment arrived after years of ignoring warning signs. Heavy snoring, sudden breathlessness, waking up in the middle of the night, and blurry vision had become his norm over the years, but it was the alarming loss of seven kilograms in just a week that finally pushed him to seek help.
Years of unhealthy habits have taken their toll
Sitting across from his doctor Daryl Yeo Li Tian , a general practitioner, Chong, now in his early fifties, felt the weight of his neglected health.
As an outdoor sales rep for over 30 years, he had fallen into a pattern of irregular hours and unhealthy eating, and exercise was a foreign concept.
Yeo’s expression shifted as he reviewed the test results, and Chong knew that something was probably not right.
The test had returned a worrying result, revealing that Chong had type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and chronic kidney disease.
This was a combination of many of Chong’s fears.
His family members have been diagnosed with similar diseases before, and he believed that it was only a matter of time before he too would be eventually diagnosed.
But for him, the diseases had hit sooner than expected , and he was at a loss as to what to do.
In sickness and in health
The feeling of disbelief took days to settle before he accepted that this was his reality. What he didn’t realise was that this diagnosis, and the meticulous care of Yeo, would become his first steps on an unexpected journey towards better health.
Chong’s health was at a crucial turning point. He knew that the best bet to improve his health outlook was to get the right care and make lifestyle changes now, but he was unsure where to begin.
For a start, Yeo advised Chong on the medication and follow-ups needed for him to manage his health conditions in the immediate term. He then enrolled Chong into Healthier SG and provided Chong with a personalised, comprehensive Health Plan, including guidance on lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes and an exercise regimen that Chong could realistically implement. The goal is to help Chong manage his conditions and improve his health in the long-term.
For instance, recognising Chong’s sedentary lifestyle, Yeo suggested a gradual approach to exercise. He recommended starting with extended walks, aiming for over an hour of this low-impact cardio activity.
This personalised advice proved crucial; left to his own devices, Chong might have gravitated towards more intense workouts like weightlifting which he would be unlikely to keep at. Yeo foresaw that this was a common mistake and had therefore set manageable goals to help Chong build sustainable habits.
The ongoing partnership between Yeo and Chong transformed Chong’s approach to health. Their regular check-ins allowed them to discuss his challenges and successes, with Yeo offering encouragement and adjusting the plan as needed.
Building familiarity, visit by visit
Chong appreciated the continuity of care provided under Healthier SG. He found comfort in knowing he could consistently consult with Yeo, who was familiar with his medical history and personal health journey.
This ongoing relationship simplified his healthcare experience, making it easier for Chong to manage his condition and ad ess any concerns as they arose. As his regular doctor, Yeo was able to provide clear explanations of what stage Chong’s condition was at, and how to ad ess it, as he was already very familiar with Chong’s case.
While Yeo served as Chong’s primary point of contact, he was not the only one involved in Chong’s care – Yeo referred Chong to specialists where necessary and provided support in explaining the results of his health results where needed.
Small steps, big changes
Critical to this relationship was that Chong was able to see results.
As Chong implemented these lifestyle changes and followed Yeo’s personalised advice, he saw remarkable improvements.
When he was initially diagnosed with several conditions, Chong recalled having to bring back “a bag full of medicines”.
This included insulin injections, as well as other regular medications.
However, with Yeo’s help in adjusting Chong’s medications, Chong was able to gradually reduce the amount of medication that he was taking.
When Mothership spoke to him, he said that he had gone from four types of medications, including insulin injections, to three oral medications. He was hopeful about further reducing his medications in the near future.
Chong credited this to Yeo’s personalised and attentive care, in addition to his wife and his family for being very supportive.
The Healthier SG journey
Through Healthier SG, Chong found himself under the care of Yeo, a family doctor he knew and trusted. As part of the programme, Chong received a personalised Health Plan that he saw as his starting point towards better health. For Chong, this plan wasn’t just a set of instructions; it was an eye-opener that helped him become more aware of his overall health. He felt it gave him a clear path to follow, making the idea of improving his health less daunting and more achievable.
It also allowed him to access more affordable medications, as CHAS cardholders with higher chronic medication needs are able to access enhanced subsidies for selected chronic medications at their enrolled Healthier SG GP clinic, at prices comparable to polyclinics.
It also allowed him to use his MediSave to pay his bills in full, without the need for co-payment (up to the Medisave 500/700 withdrawal limit).
Chong was also told that Healthier SG clinics, which are also CHAS clinics, offer additional benefits. These include subsidised referrals to public specialist outpatient clinics for CHAS/Pioneer Generation/Merdeka Generation cardholders. Enrolees who are Singapore Citizens can also receive fully subsidised nationally recommended screenings and vaccinations at their enrolled clinics.
Note: Enhanced subsidises for selected Chronic Tier medications, and fully subsidised nationally recommended screenings and vaccinations at Healthier SG clinics, are also available to Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders at their enrolled Healthier SG GP clinic.
Stepping into a healthier future
Chong is now feeling healthier, having made significant changes to his diet and lifestyle.
Image courtesy of Chong
Over time, these changes have gradually become part of his daily routine. While not always easy, his regular walks have become a habit he’s grown accustomed to. He’s more mindful of his food choices, often opting for healthier options.
Image courtesy of Chong
What’s more, Chong’s journey to better health has become a shared adventure with his wife. Inspired by his progress, the pair now enjoy exercising together.
Chong feels better than he has in years, crediting much of his progress to Yeo’s guidance and support through Healthier SG.
Ready to start your own health journey? Enrol in Healthier SG today. Visit healthiersg.gov.sg or speak to your GP to learn more and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Top image via FreePik
This sponsored article by MOH convinced the writer to sign up for Healthier SG.
There are a few things as anxiety-inducing as waiting for the outcome of a health screening.
For Mr Chong, that moment arrived after years of ignoring warning signs. Heavy snoring, sudden breathlessness, waking up in the middle of the night, and blurry vision had become his norm over the years, but it was the alarming loss of seven kilograms in just a week that finally pushed him to seek help.
Years of unhealthy habits have taken their toll
Sitting across from his doctor Daryl Yeo Li Tian , a general practitioner, Chong, now in his early fifties, felt the weight of his neglected health.
As an outdoor sales rep for over 30 years, he had fallen into a pattern of irregular hours and unhealthy eating, and exercise was a foreign concept.
Yeo’s expression shifted as he reviewed the test results, and Chong knew that something was probably not right.
The test had returned a worrying result, revealing that Chong had type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and chronic kidney disease.
This was a combination of many of Chong’s fears.
His family members have been diagnosed with similar diseases before, and he believed that it was only a matter of time before he too would be eventually diagnosed.
But for him, the diseases had hit sooner than expected , and he was at a loss as to what to do.
In sickness and in health
The feeling of disbelief took days to settle before he accepted that this was his reality. What he didn’t realise was that this diagnosis, and the meticulous care of Yeo, would become his first steps on an unexpected journey towards better health.
Chong’s health was at a crucial turning point. He knew that the best bet to improve his health outlook was to get the right care and make lifestyle changes now, but he was unsure where to begin.
For a start, Yeo advised Chong on the medication and follow-ups needed for him to manage his health conditions in the immediate term. He then enrolled Chong into Healthier SG and provided Chong with a personalised, comprehensive Health Plan, including guidance on lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes and an exercise regimen that Chong could realistically implement. The goal is to help Chong manage his conditions and improve his health in the long-term.
For instance, recognising Chong’s sedentary lifestyle, Yeo suggested a gradual approach to exercise. He recommended starting with extended walks, aiming for over an hour of this low-impact cardio activity.
This personalised advice proved crucial; left to his own devices, Chong might have gravitated towards more intense workouts like weightlifting which he would be unlikely to keep at. Yeo foresaw that this was a common mistake and had therefore set manageable goals to help Chong build sustainable habits.
The ongoing partnership between Yeo and Chong transformed Chong’s approach to health. Their regular check-ins allowed them to discuss his challenges and successes, with Yeo offering encouragement and adjusting the plan as needed.
Building familiarity, visit by visit
Chong appreciated the continuity of care provided under Healthier SG. He found comfort in knowing he could consistently consult with Yeo, who was familiar with his medical history and personal health journey.
This ongoing relationship simplified his healthcare experience, making it easier for Chong to manage his condition and ad ess any concerns as they arose. As his regular doctor, Yeo was able to provide clear explanations of what stage Chong’s condition was at, and how to ad ess it, as he was already very familiar with Chong’s case.
While Yeo served as Chong’s primary point of contact, he was not the only one involved in Chong’s care – Yeo referred Chong to specialists where necessary and provided support in explaining the results of his health results where needed.
Small steps, big changes
Critical to this relationship was that Chong was able to see results.
As Chong implemented these lifestyle changes and followed Yeo’s personalised advice, he saw remarkable improvements.
When he was initially diagnosed with several conditions, Chong recalled having to bring back “a bag full of medicines”.
This included insulin injections, as well as other regular medications.
However, with Yeo’s help in adjusting Chong’s medications, Chong was able to gradually reduce the amount of medication that he was taking.
When Mothership spoke to him, he said that he had gone from four types of medications, including insulin injections, to three oral medications. He was hopeful about further reducing his medications in the near future.
Chong credited this to Yeo’s personalised and attentive care, in addition to his wife and his family for being very supportive.
The Healthier SG journey
Through Healthier SG, Chong found himself under the care of Yeo, a family doctor he knew and trusted. As part of the programme, Chong received a personalised Health Plan that he saw as his starting point towards better health. For Chong, this plan wasn’t just a set of instructions; it was an eye-opener that helped him become more aware of his overall health. He felt it gave him a clear path to follow, making the idea of improving his health less daunting and more achievable.
It also allowed him to access more affordable medications, as CHAS cardholders with higher chronic medication needs are able to access enhanced subsidies for selected chronic medications at their enrolled Healthier SG GP clinic, at prices comparable to polyclinics.
It also allowed him to use his MediSave to pay his bills in full, without the need for co-payment (up to the Medisave 500/700 withdrawal limit).
Chong was also told that Healthier SG clinics, which are also CHAS clinics, offer additional benefits. These include subsidised referrals to public specialist outpatient clinics for CHAS/Pioneer Generation/Merdeka Generation cardholders. Enrolees who are Singapore Citizens can also receive fully subsidised nationally recommended screenings and vaccinations at their enrolled clinics.
Note: Enhanced subsidises for selected Chronic Tier medications, and fully subsidised nationally recommended screenings and vaccinations at Healthier SG clinics, are also available to Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders at their enrolled Healthier SG GP clinic.
Stepping into a healthier future
Chong is now feeling healthier, having made significant changes to his diet and lifestyle.
Image courtesy of Chong
Over time, these changes have gradually become part of his daily routine. While not always easy, his regular walks have become a habit he’s grown accustomed to. He’s more mindful of his food choices, often opting for healthier options.
Image courtesy of Chong
What’s more, Chong’s journey to better health has become a shared adventure with his wife. Inspired by his progress, the pair now enjoy exercising together.
Chong feels better than he has in years, crediting much of his progress to Yeo’s guidance and support through Healthier SG.
Ready to start your own health journey? Enrol in Healthier SG today. Visit healthiersg.gov.sg or speak to your GP to learn more and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Top image via FreePik
This sponsored article by MOH convinced the writer to sign up for Healthier SG.
Turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and cooking for its medicinal properties and unique flavour. But turmeric offers much more! While turmeric is widely known for its use in curries and other dishes to add flavour and colour, it offers a multitude of benefits beyond its culinary applications. Let’s explore seven innovative ways to incorporate turmeric into your kitchen routine for a healthier and more flavorful experience.
Here Are 7 Ways To Use Turmeric In The Kitchen:
1. Natural Food Colouring:
Add a splash of turmeric powder to water or vinegar to create a natural food colouring for rice, pasta, or other dishes.
Use turmeric-infused water to marinate vegetables or proteins for a vibrant yellow hue.
2. DIY Turmeric Paste:
Make your own turmeric paste by combining turmeric powder with water, lemon juice, and a pinch of ginger.
Apply this paste to the skin for a natural glow, or use it as a marinade for meat or fish.
3. Turmeric-Infused Drinks:
Brew turmeric tea by steeping turmeric powder in hot water with a touch of honey or lemon.
Add turmeric to smoothies or golden milk for a boost of antioxidants and flavour.
Turmeric drinks like tea offer various health benefits.
4. Turmeric-Infused Oils:
Create turmeric-infused oils by heating olive oil or coconut oil with turmeric powder.
Use these oils for dressings, marinades, or as a finishing touch to dishes.
5. Turmeric-Infused Honey:
Combine turmeric powder with raw honey to create a flavorful and medicinal condiment.
Use turmeric-infused honey as a sweetener for tea, yoghurt, or oatmeal.
6. Turmeric-Infused Salts:
Mix turmeric powder with sea salt to create a flavorful seasoning for meats, vegetables, or snacks.
Experiment with different ratios of turmeric and salt to find your preferred flavour profile.
7. Turmeric-Infused Cleaning Solutions:
Use turmeric powder to create natural cleaning solutions for your kitchen.
Combine turmeric with water and vinegar to scrub countertops, sinks, or cutting boards.
Experiment with these ideas and discover the countless ways turmeric can enhance your cooking and cleaning experiences.
About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.