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Oftentimes, it’s not the meals we eat that pose a challenge to our fitness journey. It’s usually the snacks we have in between these meals that wreak havoc to our diet plans. The cookies and cake, the pakoras and samosas, and the one too many slices of pizza, it’s the things we grab when we are out that make weight loss or a healthier gut a thing you can only dream about. So, to help you reach your fitness goals, choose snacks with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full throughout the day. Here are our top five recommendations.

Avocado salad

This is one the easiest things you can make in the morning to carry around with you. It’s filling and healthy. Avocados contain many vitamins, minerals, and are an excellent source of good fats. Simply chop whatever veggies you have—carrots, cucumbers, onions will do—and toss it all with salt, lemon, and pepper before adding in some avocado, sliced or mashed. You can put some on crackers or toasted brown bread too or have it as a salad.

Homemade granola bar

You can make this beforehand and store it to use whenever you need something to nibble on. In a large bowl, add whatever nuts and seeds you have on hand. You can chop or roughly grind them if you want a finer bar. Add jaggery or dates to sweeten up the mix and spread it out on a baking tray. You can also add muesli or rolled oats to it. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes on medium heat. Let it cool before cutting it into bite sized pieces or bars.

Sweet potato fries

This tastes like regular potato fries if you do it right. It’s yummy and healthy since sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene that the body can turn into Vitamin A. It’s also a good source of antioxidants and fiber. Thinly slice some sweet potatoes, sprinkle some paprika over them, coat them with olive oil, and drop them in the air fryer or oven for 20 to 30 minutes on medium heat. Don’t overcrowd them else they won’t get crispy because of the steam. Once done, store them in airtight containers or zip locks to preserve crispness.

Chia seed pudding

Chia seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses loaded with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein. By themselves, they don’t have much flavor, but these tiny seeds take on a jelly-like consistency when soaked in liquid, making them a great ingredient for puddings. Soak a tablespoon of chia seeds in Greek yogurt or plain yogurt, top with some fruits and seeds and you are good to go. You can also boil milk with rose petals and add chia seeds to it and then let it cool in the fridge.

Apple with peanut butter

Apples are a fiber-rich fruit. Peanuts provide healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber. It has pretty much all of the filling nutrients you should look for in a snack. The two together make for a crisp creamy snack, reminiscent of an apple pie. It’s a classic snack that is delicious and nutritious. The nutrients present in these promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and help control blood sugar levels. One thing you should stay away from is peanut butter containing added sugar.

Digital agriculture represents a significant shift in farming, integrating advanced technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability. This approach relies on tools that collect data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions.

Precision Farming: A key component of digital agriculture is precision farming, which utilizes sensors, drones, satellites, and internet-connected devices to gather detailed information about soil and crops. For instance, soil sensors can monitor moisture levels, while drones can capture images and videos of fields to identify areas needing additional water or nutrients, or spots where crops are affected by diseases or pests. This targeted approach allows farmers to apply water, fertilizer, or pesticides precisely where they are needed, reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact by avoiding excessive use of chemicals.

Variable rate technologies: Another crucial aspect of digital agriculture is the use of variable rate technologies. These allow farmers to adjust the amount of inputs like fertilizers, seeds, or pesticides applied to different parts of a field based on specific needs. For example, if a soil test indicates that one area requires more nutrients, a machine can automatically adjust the fertilizer application for that section. This ensures that each plant receives the optimal amount of nutrients, leading to healthier crops and higher yields while being environmentally friendly.

Smart farming systems: Farmers also benefit from smart devices such as sensors, drones, and satellites that connect to portable devices like laptops and smartphones via the internet. These systems can alert farmers to issues requiring attention, such as low soil moisture or early signs of pests. For example, a farmer might receive a notification that a particular part of the field is too dry and needs irrigation or that a disease is beginning to spread, allowing for early intervention to prevent more extensive damage.

Data analysis and decision support: Digital agriculture heavily depends on analyzing large volumes of data to guide better decision-making. By utilizing historical data alongside real-time information, farmers can predict weather patterns, optimize planting and harvesting schedules, and manage resources more effectively. This data-driven approach can lead to higher crop yields and reduced waste.

Environmental benefits: The adoption of digital tools also offers significant environmental benefits. By applying chemicals and water more precisely, farmers can reduce pollution and protect soil and water quality. For instance, precise fertilizer application minimizes runoff into nearby water sources, helping to keep water clean for drinking and wildlife.

Challenges and adoption: Despite these advantages, the effectiveness of digital agriculture is often limited to larger commercial farms. Smaller, fragmented lands may not be able to fully utilize these technologies, and the cost can be prohibitive for many farmers. Additionally, some regions lack the strong internet connectivity needed for these smart devices to function optimally. To overcome these barriers, governments and companies must collaborate to ensure that all farmers have access to these technologies and the necessary education to use them effectively.

Future outlook: As technology continues to advance and become more affordable, digital agriculture is expected to become increasingly common. Innovations like blockchain and advanced artificial intelligence will further transform farming practices, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

In conclusion, digital agriculture is revolutionizing the way food is grown, making farming smarter and more sustainable. By harnessing tools like sensors, drones, and data analysis, farmers can produce more food with fewer resources and less environmental impact. As these technologies become more widely accessible, they hold the potential to revolutionize farming and secure a sustainable future for agriculture.

The protests in Bangladesh have made daily life there challenging and unsafe. Many Nepalis returned home while others chose to stay back because of their circumstances. Shreya Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three undergraduate students in Bangladesh about what is going on in their minds as they study and work in a place where their safety isn’t guaranteed.

Karishma Thapa, 23

At the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh where I study, the situation is quite volatile. Students are feeling several kinds of emotions. They are navigating academic challenges and political uncertainty. We’ve been engaging in various activities to maintain our well-being, such as extracurricular activities, peer support groups, and recreational events.

The university administration is also making efforts to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that we can continue our education in a safe and conducive environment. Despite the challenges, there’s an underlying sense of hope and solidarity that keeps us going. The Nepal government should provide support to Nepali students, including safety during crises, easing educational expenses, advocating for better degree recognition, and addressing specific concerns faced by Nepali students in Bangladesh.

Khushranjan Mahato, 24

The situation in Sirajganj got out of hand when students set fire to the homes of former and current MPs. People threatened and targeted Hindus on this particular day. There were many fatalities. Right now, things are under control because Dr. Muhammad Yunus is the leader of the interim administration. As a Nepali, I was a little worried about staying here because of the incident. According to the embassy, 400 Nepalis are here in Bangladesh and no one has been targeted or threatened. So, I feel lucky that we are safe here. But we were expecting support from the Nepali embassy. We thought they would facilitate our return to Nepal. We feel helpless.

Dr Aabid Dewan, 25

Compared to the last few weeks, the situation is getting better. Students are really happy right now and they are hopeful of a better future. I can see that people are relieved and happy. Since the very first day of the protests, I didn’t face any kind of difficulties or threat from any political parties or anyone else. I was on my regular medical duties. I don’t really have that many expectations from our government. As a medical student here in Bangladesh, we face a lot of difficulties and all I want is for the Nepal government to reach out to us so these problems and issues can be solved.

We often turn a blind eye to home décor mostly because we don’t have the time for it or it costs too much money. And if something isn’t broken, why fix it right? But little things can bring out character in your space and give your home the unique touch it needs to feel like your special place. Here are five projects that take less than a single weekend to complete. It will also give you and your family something to do together. 

Wallpaper your bookshelves 

The shelves are where we display and store books and knickknacks and it can look cluttered, especially if your bookshelves are all of different sizes and designs. There’s a really neat way to make things look cohesive and elegant. All you need is some wallpaper and glue. Get some wallpaper in a design and print that you love, cut out the required size to fit the insides of the shelves and get pasting. It will take some effort and concentration as you have to get the sizes right but trust us, this will give your space an aesthetic vibe like no other. 

Paint an old cabinet

Scour your parent’s or grandparent’s storage space and pick out an old furniture to refurbish. It could be a coffee table, side table, a tv console, or an old wardrobe. Sand it down, and give it a fresh coat of paint, add some new knobs if you must and voila, you have an interesting conversation starter piece for your home. All you need is a can of paint. You can use spray paint if painting it with a brush feels too tedious. An old piece of furniture is a great thing to have around the house to give it that personal, sentimental touch.

Hide unsightly wires and cables  

Television and router wires and phone and laptop chargers make spaces look messy and unappealing. Take one weekend to fix this problem. Get grip ties and start by binding different wires together. Get extension cords or multiplugs for places where these can help hide long trailing wires. You get these cool baskets to hide extension cords or you can make one yourself or drill holes in drawers to tuck away chargers from sight. The options are endless. There are a lot of interesting, easy to replicate ideas on Pinterest and YouTube. 

Stitch some cushions covers 

This one can be a comforting afternoon project for those rainy weekends when you just feel like cozying up on the sofa. Go through your mother’s or grandmother’s closet and wardrobes and pick out some fancy saris that they no longer wear. Silk, brocade, cotton work best. Stay away from flimsy material like georgette and chiffon. Since saris are usually over five meters long, you will easily have enough for a set of six cushions. Cut out the desired shape and sew three sides and put a zipper or buttons on one side and you have a swanky new set of covers. 

Work on a mini garden

This is a really fun project for those who live in apartments and are cramped for space. A garden area is usually the last thing on your mind. Get some mini planters and pots and have a kitchen garden going. You can plant herbs along the kitchen window sill or get a larger garden going in the balcony area. You don’t have to go out to buy fancy planters and simply just use what you have around the house. Old vases and mugs can work if you make some drainage holes in them. Simply fill a bucket with water, immerse the ceramic mugs in it, and use a hammer and a nail to make holes at the bottom.