This past weekend was a little different from the usual. On Saturday, I helped my dad with a project for his work. HR had asked him to create a short video on mental health, specifically about the benefits of walking for both physical and mental well-being. Since he does a lot of hiking, they thought he’d be the perfect person to speak on the topic. To lend a hand, I wrote him a script, filmed the video, and took care of the editing. It turned out even better than I expected, and I was really pleased with the final result.
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Sunday was Mother’s Day, and we had a lovely family meal to celebrate. My daughter, dad, sister, and my sister’s children all joined me at my local pub, where we had a table booked. I didn’t fancy a Sunday roast, so I went for the southern fried chicken burger instead. The weather was nice, albeit a bit windy, so we ended up sitting outside for a while. We also bumped into my cousins and second cousins, which was a nice surprise, and spent some time catching up with them.

Today, Monday, started off as usual with a black coffee and a pint of iced water. After feeling well-rested over the weekend, I got straight back into my home workout early. By Friday last week, I had really pushed myself with my workouts, so having Saturday and Sunday off was a welcome break for my body to recover. But with it being Monday, I was back at it.

Once my workout was done, I had a quick bath before having an apple and some fresh strawberries. My first proper meal of the day was scrambled eggs at around 3pm. Then, for my evening meal at 6pm, I made a dish I’ve been obsessed with lately—seasoned beef mince mixed with sweet potato mash and red onion. It’s simple but tastes so good.

For the next hour or so, I’m planning to unwind with Atomfall, a new game that’s just come out. I’ve been looking forward to getting stuck into it.

Tomorrow marks the start of April, and looking back, March has been a productive month. Here’s to another good one ahead.

In recent years, Himalayan salt has gained popularity as a healthier and more natural alternative to regular table salt. Often praised for its unique pink hue and potential health benefits, it’s easy to see why so many people are turning to this mineral-rich salt in their cooking and daily routines. But is Himalayan salt really better for you? Let’s take a closer look at why it might be the better choice compared to traditional table salt.
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One of the main reasons people choose Himalayan salt over table salt is its natural, unrefined nature. Himalayan salt is harvested from ancient salt deposits in the Himalayan Mountains, primarily in Pakistan. Unlike table salt, which is heavily processed and refined, Himalayan salt retains many of the minerals found in the original salt deposits. These minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron, give the salt its distinct pinkish hue and contribute to a more complex, mineral-rich flavour. While the amount of these minerals is small, some people believe that they can provide health benefits that regular table salt lacks.

In addition to its trace minerals, Himalayan salt is free from additives and chemicals. Table salt typically undergoes a significant amount of processing, during which impurities and minerals are stripped away. To prevent clumping, table salt often contains anti-caking agents, and many brands add iodine, an essential nutrient that can help prevent thyroid problems. While iodine is important, the use of iodine-fortified salt is often unnecessary in modern diets, as iodine is found in many other foods like dairy products, seafood, and eggs. Himalayan salt, on the other hand, is naturally free of additives, making it a more pure and natural choice for those who are looking to avoid extra chemicals in their food.

Himalayan salt is also a popular choice due to its purported health benefits. Many people claim that the trace minerals in Himalayan salt can support hydration, balance electrolytes, and even improve circulation. While scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, the idea behind them is that the minerals in Himalayan salt can support your body’s natural processes in a way that refined table salt cannot. It’s also said to help detoxify the body by promoting a balance of minerals and aiding the body in flushing out toxins. Again, while more research is needed to fully understand these potential benefits, it’s clear that Himalayan salt is a more natural option compared to table salt’s processed counterpart.

From a flavour perspective, Himalayan salt offers a more complex and earthy taste compared to the sharp, straightforward saltiness of table salt. This can make a difference in the overall flavour of your dishes, especially when using it as a finishing touch for salads, vegetables, or meats. Many people find that a little goes a long way with Himalayan salt due to its more subtle flavour profile, allowing you to enjoy your food without overwhelming it with a salty taste.

Another reason people prefer Himalayan salt is the belief that it can help improve overall wellbeing. Some people use Himalayan salt in salt lamps, bath salts, and even as a component of their skincare routine, as it is thought to have soothing and detoxifying effects. While these benefits are largely anecdotal, there’s no denying that the holistic appeal of Himalayan salt adds to its charm as a more natural, wellness-oriented option.

Despite all the benefits, it’s important to remember that Himalayan salt is still a form of sodium, and consuming too much sodium can have negative health effects, including raising blood pressure. While the minerals in Himalayan salt may provide some advantages over table salt, it’s essential to use it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.