Valentine’s Day

February 4th, 2024 by The Hello Doctor Team

The tinsel and the baubles are barely down in the malls, and the hearts and flowers have gone up.

You’re still recovering from the expenses of the festive season and the 500 days of Janu-worry, now you have to dig deep into your pockets to show your person how much you love them.

Fear not. Click here for the six ideas for the Valentine’s Day that won’t break the bank.

Welcome to the Valentine’s Day Go-Pangolin Love Game

January 30th, 2023 by The Hello Doctor Team

Collect cocoa beans for your Valentine dessert as you play the most delightful game ever – a love journey of sweetness.

So, what is it about this love game that makes it so special?

FIND OUT HERE: https://www.gadgetmatch.com/play-googles-pangolin-love-now/

Now you are sure to want to play, so get it HERE: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreamappsstore.valentineday&gl=US&pli=1

Have fun collecting cocoa beans and love along the way.

Make your own chocolate for your sweetie

December 3rd, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Shake up your gifting options this Valentine’s Day with a personalised present. Express your love with a twist, by gifting your loved one different types of feel-good, hormone-boosting homemade chocolates.

Dark chocolate

100g coconut oil
½ cup raw cacao powder
½ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

Method

Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan on low heat, add the cacao and stir well.
Add the syrup, vanilla and salt, and stir continuously for two minutes.
Pour the chocolate mixture into a silicon chocolate mould or onto a tray lined with baking paper.
Place in the freezer for half an hour to set.
Remove from the mould and break into squares.

Alternatively, store the sweet treats in a container in the fridge. You can even add frozen blueberries or goji berries for a different flavour.

Vegan white chocolate

112g edible raw cacao butter, chopped
4 tbsps non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening
1 tbsp smooth natural cashew butter (almond butter also works)
1 cup icing sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
You can replace the shortening with an equal amount, by weight, of cacao butter. The resulting white chocolate is much richer.

Method

Place the cacao butter and shortening into a medium-sized heat-safe bowl. Heat up the contents by placing the bowl over a small pot of simmering water, but make sure that the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Allow the cacao butter and shortening to melt, and stir occasionally. The mixture will be thin.
With the mixture still standing over the simmering water, add in the nut butter and mix to combine. Include the icing sugar, salt and vanilla, and stir until smooth. Remove the bowl from the pot and let it cool for a while before transferring the mixture into a measuring cup to pour into moulds.
Pour the mixture into silicone moulds (any flexible container will do) and refrigerate or leave at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until solid. Remove from the moulds and serve.

You can add toasted almonds or hazelnuts to your mixture for a healthy crunch or frozen strawberries for flavour.

Milk chocolate

¾ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup milk powder
1 cup icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla or chocolate extract
¾ cup coconut oil

Method

Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan over medium to high heat.
Add the sugar and stir gently.
Add the cocoa and milk powder and fold in the ingredients while stirring.
Add the vanilla or chocolate extract to give a kick to the chocolatey flavour.
Mix until you get a smooth and silky consistency.
Pour the chocolate mixture into silicone moulds.
Shake and tap the mould a bit to remove any air bubbles.
Place the chocolate in the fridge for two hours or until the chocolate completely sets.

Spice up your chocolate concoctions with coconut shavings or peppermint extract for extra flavour.

References:

7 steps to a happy marriage

November 27th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

So, you’ve said your vows to your loved one. Now it’s time to fulfil your promises by being the best partner you can be. A happy marriage is not an overnight success; it takes time, commitment and action to keep your relationship strong.

Make your marriage work

Clinical psychologist and marriage researcher Dr John Gottman and his colleagues studied hundreds of relationships, including both newlyweds and long-term couples. These study participants were interviewed and asked questions about their relationships. During the interviews, video recordings were made of each couple and how they interacted with their partner, while at the same time, measurements of stress (heart rate, sweat rate, blood pressure and immune function) were taken. The researchers and followed up with the couples every year to see how their relationships had fared. What the researchers hoped to achieve was to identify whether there were patterns of behaviours, or interactions, that could discriminate happy from unhappy couples.

After 4 decades of research, 7 themes were identified as being the “secrets” to a happy marriage. According to one study, Dr Gottmans method of predicting relationship longevity was around 94% accurate!

1. Enhance your love maps

According to Dr Gottman, happy couples are very familiar with their partner’s world. A love map is a richly detailed plan where a part of your brain stores all the relevant information about your partner’s life. All the finer details of their daily stresses and favourite things to do should essentially become things that you know in detail.

2. Nurture your fondness and admiration

Like in any relationship, respect for one another is a key element to happiness. Dr Gottman believes that fondness and admiration are two of the most important components in a satisfying and long-term relationship. If these elements are completely missing, the marriage can’t be saved. Try this activity: “I appreciate”. List three or more of your partner’s positive characteristics paired with an event or memory that illustrates each quality. Do this regularly to remind you both of your love and admiration for each other.

3. Turn towards each other

Real life romance is kept alive each time you let your spouse know he or she is valued, important during the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The little things always matter; lavish and luxurious trips and gifts are not necessarily a measure of true love. Dr Gottman suggests that romance is sort of like running late but taking a few minutes to listen to your partner’s bad dream and saying that you’ll discuss it later, instead of being dismissive. This helps form a basis of connection and passion which in turn, grows the “emotional bank account” in the marriage.

4. Let your partner influence you

Happy couples can find a common ground and make decisions together. They consider each other’s perspective and feelings. Letting your partner influence you isn’t about having the upper hand, but rather honouring and respecting each other in the relationship.

5. Solve your solvable problems

There are two types of marital problems: conflicts that can be resolved and continuous problems that can’t. It’s important for couples to determine which are which. Solvable problems are situational, and there’s no underlying conflict

6. Overcome gridlock

According to Dr Gottman, the goal with continuous problems is for couples to move from gridlock to dialogue. The usual underlying result of gridlock is unfulfilled dreams. Gridlock is a sign that you have dreams for your life that aren’t being addressed or respected by each other. Happy couples believe in the importance of helping each other realise their dreams. This can be overcome by identifying those dreams that are causing the conflict. The next steps include talking to each other about your dreams and making peace with the problem. The aim here is to try and remove the hurt, so the problem stops being a source of pain.

7. Create shared meaning

Marriage isn’t limited to splitting household duties and chores. It can also have a spiritual dimension that has to do with creating an inner life together. This would be forming a culture rich with rituals, and an appreciation for your individual roles and goals. This will help you understand what it means to be a part of the unique family that you have become.

To be a happy couple make take some intention and practice, but the pay-off is worth it!

References:

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, August 1992 Vol. 63, No. 2, 221-233
https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/sex-relationships/relationships/seven-steps-to-a-happy-marriage/news-story/f8614a2c2bb5938cc2ee9f90d00b66ee
https://psychcentral.com/blog/7-research-based-principles-for-making-marriage-work/
https://www.powerofpositivity.com/dr-john-gottman-healthy-relationships/

The perks of being single this Valentine’s Day

February 13th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

It’s almost that time of the year: when birds are singing new songs, the world will be painted red with hearts and couples will be slightly more nauseating than usual. For singles out there, Valentine’s Day can be depressing, but it doesn’t have to be.

There are still many stigmas attached to being single, like loneliness, desperation and ‘‘being left on the shelf’’, but there’s nothing wrong with being by yourself. In fact, it could be the best time of your life. While couples are getting loved up, you can too, by showing yourself the love you deserve. Being single is a chance to get to know yourself and love yourself better, before letting someone else have the opportunity (and privilege!) to do so.

How to make the best of being single

Get out of your comfort zone
You know that internal bucket list of things you’ve always wanted to tick off, but just haven’t? Being single gives you the opportunity to explore these on your own whenever you want to. Achieving goals and dreams on your own helps you grow and get out of your comfort zone. You may also stumble on someone special while trying new things!

Say hi – to yourself
When you’re in a relationship you have to give a lot of your time and attention to someone else. Being single allows you the opportunity to get to know yourself better, inside and out. Use the time to explore your goals, and identify things you would like to change. Most importantly, strategise how you plan to work towards these goals.

Count your blessings
It’s easy to get caught up in being sad and single and forget all the great things in life when you don’t have someone to cuddle with. But what about your great friends, family, and that career you love? Learn to be content with who you are, and cherish all the things you are grateful for.

Date yourself
You don’t need someone with you to laugh during a comedy show, and you surely don’t need someone next to you to enjoy a delicious meal. If you really want a box of chocolates or flowers to brighten up your house, spoil yourself a little.

The perks of being single

Your bank account is happy
Whether you’re a man or a woman, being part of a couple and forking out money goes hand-in-hand. When you’re single, you have the opportunity to save money and do less costly activities because you don’t have to impress anyone!

You are your time keeper
You want to sleep in tomorrow? Spend the day watching TV? You can! You don’t need your schedule to be approved if you would like to spend time with friends. Singlehood might seem daunting if you’re newly single, but soon you’ll realise how liberating it is to be the only deciding factor.

You have a growth spurt
Being in a relationship won’t stunt your growth as a person, however, when you’re single, you don’t feel the pressure of a significant other wanting to settle down or to put your dreams on hold. Using your time in singledom to reflect, accept and work towards being better in all aspects.
References:
http://www.yourtango.com/experts/love-coach-nicole/10-tips-how-stay-happy-living-single-life
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/9-surprising-benefits-being-single.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/not-born-yesterday/201308/whats-so-good-about-being-single
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/when-you-start-enjoy-being-single-these-13-things-will-happen.html

Four Valentine’s recipes for fussy eaters

February 11th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

It’s almost the month of love, and you’re in the mood to bake something sweet. But you have food allergies… so now what? Whether you’re working around your own or a loved one’s food allergy, it can be a hassle – especially on Valentine’s Day. But it doesn’t have to be a romantic bust.

Try these scrumptious, allergy-friendly recipes for the most common food allergies. (And, of course, don’t overindulge in the sweet treats! We wouldn’t want you to get ill.)

Allergic to eggs?

Most baked goods call for eggs, which can be frustrating if you can’t eat them. That does not mean you have to give them up forever. Give these simple eggless sugar cookies a go.

No-egg heart cookies

Ingredients

120g margarine.
70g icing sugar.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
200g all-purpose flour.

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Grease a baking tray and set aside.
Cream the margarine, sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy. Add the all-purpose flour all at once, and mix gently until the mixture is well combined. Then, wrap the mixture in cling film and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Roll the dough out to your desired thickness, and cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter. Then, place the cookies on the baking tray and bake for about seven minutes, until golden.
Take it out of the oven to cool, and enjoy.

Tip: These cookies are good on their own, but a few sprinkles never hurt anyone. Jazz yours up with some pink icing and 100s and 1000s.

Allergic to peanuts?

Brittle isn’t just for peanuts. This nut-free version of the old classic is just as delicious, and your Valentine will think so too.

Pumpkin seed brittle

Ingredients

¼ unsalted butter.
½ cup brown sugar.
¼ cup honey.
1 cup pumpkin seeds.

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Give the pumpkin seeds a thorough rinse. Drain them in a colander and dry lightly with a paper towel. Then, spread the seeds onto a baking sheet and bake for seven to 10 minutes, until light brown and crispy.
Grease a new baking sheet with butter and set aside.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and honey. Bring to a boil. Cook the mixture for about six minutes, until it is amber in colour. Then, stir in the pumpkin seeds. Cook the mixture for another two minutes.
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces.

Tip: Enjoy the brittle as is or broken over vanilla ice cream.

Allergic to dairy?

No dairy? No problem. Dig into this creamy cheesecake you’d never guess contains no dairy.

Raw raspberry cheesecake

Ingredients

For the base:

2 cups almonds.
1 cup dried dates.
Sprinkle of desiccated coconut.

For the filling:

3 cups chopped cashews, soaked for two hours.
½ cup lemon juice.
½ cup agave nectar.
¾ cup coconut oil.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
½ teaspoon salt.
1 cup fresh/frozen raspberries.

Method

To make the base, soak the dates in some warm water for 10 minutes. Squeeze out the excess water. Then, process the dates and almonds in a food processor until it clumps together.
Sprinkle the coconut on the bottom of a greased cake tin. Then, press the crust into the cake tin on top of the coconut.
To make the filling, blend the cashews, lemon juice, agave nectar, coconut oil, vanilla extract, salt, and raspberries together until smooth. Pour the mixture on top of the crust, smoothing evenly with a spatula.
Put it in the fridge for a few hours until firm and ready to serve.

Tip: Top the cheesecake with a few raspberries for a pop of colour.

Allergic to wheat?

Gluten-free desserts don’t need to be boring and tasteless. These brownies prove it.

Flourless fudge brownies

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter.
¾ cups sugar.
250g semisweet chocolate, chopped.
2 eggs, room temperature.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder.
3 tablespoons cornstarch.
¼ teaspoon salt.

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Line a square pan with baking paper. Butter it lightly and set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over a low heat. Then, add the sugar. Once the sugar has incorporated, add the chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and beat for two minutes with a mixer or whisk. Add the eggs, one at a time. Then add the vanilla extract.
Using a sieve, sift the cocoa powder and cornstarch into the saucepan. Then, add the salt. Stir together. Then, beat the batter vigorously for one to two minutes, until it’s smooth and glossy.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the brownies are set in the centre. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the pan for 45 minutes before removing and slicing.

Tip: Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a more decadent and irresistible brownie, yumminess guaranteed!

References:

The ugly origins of Valentine’s day

February 14th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Roses? Check! Chocolates? Check! Table at restaurant? Check! Absolutely no money left in your bank account? Check! Before you start having a go at the price of sweets and flowers on the day of love, be grateful that that’s all you have to worry about. Why? Because there’s a dark side to the 14th of February we hope you never have to face… Continue reading “The ugly origins of Valentine’s day”

Valentine’s Day: Indulge without the guilt

February 13th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon & chives

Don’t worry if you forgot to make a breakfast reservation for Valentine’s Day. In just 35 minutes you can make your special someone a healthy, wholesome breakfast – in bed of course! Continue reading “Valentine’s Day: Indulge without the guilt”

6 Tips for the Valentine’s of a lifetime

January 29th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

No one can deny the effect love has on people. We do silly things for love and we’d probably do them again if we could. It makes us feel good, takes away the hurt people feel and gives us a reason to push through tough times. We love celebrating Valentine’s Day, because it’s more than heart-shaped cards and teddy bears – it’s about healthy relationship, and living a full life. Continue reading “6 Tips for the Valentine’s of a lifetime”

Get some sexercise!

January 14th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

by Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.co.za

Valentine’s day is nearly here, which means you a little bit of time to get yourself in peak condition for that special night. What if we told you that some simple, regular exercises could turn your love-life from “Meh, not tonight!” to “I’ll RACE you to the bedroom!”? We aren’t joking! Here are 5 ways to strengthen all the sexiest muscles and build stamina.

Continue reading “Get some sexercise!”

The Dress Red Campaign

March 7th, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

There’s a common misconception that heart disease is a “man’s disease”, but in South Africa, heart disease and stroke kills more women than men.
While breast cancer is often perceived as the biggest health threat to women, heart disease and stroke are the greatest threats globally, killing more people every day than all cancers combined!
Continue reading “The Dress Red Campaign”

Here’s what men REALLY want this Valentine’s Day

February 7th, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

Every year, on 14 February, shops make their biggest sales on flowers, chocolates, teddy bears and other cute gifts that couples exchange on Valentine’s Day. But ladies, is that what guys *really* want? Apparently not! According to a team of researchers who surveyed more than 1 000 adults, the only thing men want on Valentine’s Day is SEX. And nearly 60% of them said they expect to get even BETTER sex on Valentine’s Day than they normally get. So, while they might moan about the commercial side of the day, it turns out they actually look forward to it, maybe even as much as the ladies!

Source: ScienceOfRelationships.com