Thai Food For Health

Natural health is about self discipline and responsibility for a better life. And with nutritional supplements, you will be able to achieve this level of healthy comfortable living .

It just takes that first step. A Thai Food balanced diet is a Topic I really enjoy telling people about fighting diet problems, weight control, heath in general, even allergy conditions like me. I will touch on this latter.

There are many products available in the field of natural health . Pick up a book, surf online, educate yourself about the right foods for your health. I did, and cut my stress level by 50%; reduced my blood pressure down to 120/70, when under stress it was 150/95.

Not bad for middle age. Natural health is about finding ways to be healthy. With natural health nutrition, like say, Thai Food , you get the extra benefit of giving your body all the best there is from nature, which is a great feeling, and reward when you experience the difference, and ask yourself, how come I did not do this along time ago. What an energy booster indeed.

You will also find good nutrition leads to good health. I would get the typical once a year cold, like most people. Now I might get a cold, over 2 year periods . That should say something for good healthy nutrition. I do not believe there is a magic pill or fix all solution, but this certainly made a great change for me, and established a constant platform for my overall health.

You will experience the new you and will be proud of the achievements you will have from taking care of yourself. Now, no promises, but my weight is stable at 180lbs, exactly the same as when I was 18 years, when body building. I was usually around 200lbs., under hi stress working conditions. I am not outlining a diet plan, in fact the things I am mentioning worked for me regarding health overall.

The drop in weight actually happened as a result of better eating habits, an adjustment to things that helped, like the natural supplements, and Thai food in general, and reduction in obvious things that do not help. I knew with a stressful job, lots of traveling, something had to be adjusted, or shifted a bit. I even cut coffee down to 2 cups a day, I did not need 6, come on that is crazy, what was I thinking ?

So one noticeable thing I really enjoy, is the boost in energy for my age. It did take more than that, and I am going to give you a super important tip. Like anything, take small steps, and you will meet your goals. So here is the super tip that worked for me; simply get off the Dairy Products.

I have traveled to so many countries; with all types of foods, and certainly the western foods are spreading everywhere. So from experience alone, think about my tips to you.

Tip number two, not only do I use natural supplements for many reasons, here is a tip that really jump started me : go try Thai food, at a local restaurant.

This is an experience that will jump start your health in general. The reason I say Thai food, is simply there are so many types, you will find something you like, that is why Thai restaurants are so popular everywhere, world wide. And they have unique spices, and sauces that seem to please many people, offering new flavors, less saturated fats.

I did move to Thailand, so an expert in the foods section, and I have tried them all country wide. Believe me, you may have heard, how spicy Thai Food is, but actually there are in fact so many things to choose from, you will find something healthy, natural, and satisfying in all aspects.

That was tip no two, go out and try it, you will be surprised. Typically you will not find cheese in Asian dishes, however you may find coconut, or sweet milk, and similar things to sort out when you order food.

A third , but important tip, something I do every morning, and what an energy booster, I drink 12 oz. of grape juice per day. It beats coffee, but I still like my morning cup, but the juice really gives me a morning boost in my diet. Ok, that is tip no. three, simply try different things that work for you, that you enjoy, and watch out for the pizzas. Cutback on cheese, milk, ice cream. Select your food in moderate quantities.

I hope you found this as valuable information, based on my own personal experiences. Being middle age, time and health become more sensitive in life, and if you are truly out to improve you health, just take a few tips for starters. A slight shift in your nutrition can really improve your overall health. Get started today, its never to late!

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Thailand Travel Tips and Customs

After living in Bangkok for over a year I have learned many things about the Thai People that I wanted to share with other foreigners living or vacationing here should know. The first thing you have to accept is that eastern culture is different. The people in the east are less emotional and more polite and while they know westerners are different, they often are uncomfortable when we stray from their norms. The things I found to be important are listed below in order of importance:

Be Polite - Thai people hold being polite above all else. Their very language has politeness built into it. If you follow what is considered "common courtesy" you will be fine.

Thai King - The Thai People Love their King, King Rama IX. Never show any type of disrespect to him or the Royal family. The Thai people have a deep traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and the visitor should also show respect for the King and the Queen, and the Royal Children. When attending a public events where a member of the Royal Family is present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd and do as it does.

Safety - Stealth crimes, such as pick pocketing, are the most common problem so it's worth keeping a close eye on your belongings at all times and being aware of the people around you. Unprovoked violence against tourists are very rare, but it pays to exercise common sense.

National Religion - Buddhism is Thailand's national Religion with nearly 95% of Thailand's population being Buddhist. All Buddha images are considered sacred and there are laws against removing these images for anything other that personal worship.

Buddhist Monks - Buddhist Monks are recognized quickly by their shaved heads, bear feet and bright orange robes. It is forbidden for women to touch Buddhist Monks, this includes a woman handing something to a Monk, The items should be first given to a man, who hands the item to the monk. Also, western men should never attempt to shake hands with a monk.

Buddhist Temple - Wearing shoes around a temple is acceptable but they should be removed when entering their church (the area where the Buddha image is kept).

Be Quiet - Loud people are considered impolite. Speak softly and do not laugh loudly. Of course there are the common places such as bars, celebrations and parks that being loud is appropriate and expected.

Greetings - Greetings in Thailand can be quite formal in appearance to the western eye. The basic gesture is to put hands together, fingers up, with a slight bow of the head. The words "saw dee (krup)" (or "kaw" for women) are spoken during fm bow. It is more complicated for Thai people, with three levels based on age and position but westerners attempting this greeting are not expected to understand. (levels: 1. Monk, thumbs touching forehead durin bow; 2. Same age or older, thumbs touching lips; and 3. Younger person, thumbs touching chin.)

Food - Food in Thailand is customarily HOT, spicy HOT. Most westerners can not handle the amount of chili spice that Thai people enjoy. For the westerner visiting foreigner, the best tip i can give them is how to ask to make the food less spicy. There are two phrases to be used based on you preference: 1) "mai ped" - not spicy and 2) "ped nit noi" - a little bit spicy. The food is awesome in Thailand and this tip should help you enjoy it even more. In the near future I will be publishing a description of my favorite foods. Stay tuned.

Street Food - There is an old Thai saying "a little bit of dirt makes the food a little bit more delicious (rough translation). For westerners, buying food on the street can impact your health with the possible contraction of various gastro digestive problems. While most street food vendors are clean, this only by local standards. I live by "rule of thumb" which has served well living in Bangkok. This rule is simple but you need to stick to it. It is "only eat from the street what is cooked in front of you". This ensures that the food is fully cooked one more time before you eat it. Unfortunately, this eliminates a lot of food served on the street but better safe than sorry for week.

Body Odor - Thai people almost never smell badly and they find it offensive if others do.

Crowds - if you go to areas in Thailand during Thai holidays and celebrations, be prepared to encounter many people. To Western experience the volume of these areas can be incredible. Be prepared to be pushed and shoved and be aware that they mean no harm. There sence of personal space is quite different than westerners.

Watch where you walk - The sidewalks in Bangkok are uneven and full of obstacles, pay attention. Oh, also, the streets have many stray dogs; the dogs are not aggressive but do leave landmines on the sidewalks.

Taxi Drivers - Most taxi drivers are fine. Generally, it is always better to use the metered taxis. Tuktuks are always more expensive and with Bangkok traffic you could be breathing in a lot of smog on the way. If you are going a significant distance negotiate... Also, the Taxis marked "We love farang, we speak English", well most of them do not. They do have a radio that has a person that knows a little English.

Movie Theater - After the advertising and right before the movie a tribute to the Thai King Comes on and everyone stands in respect.

Driving in Thailand - If you are a brave one and decide that you want drive yourself around Thailand, don't be too worried, it really isn't that bad. There are just several things to understand. Drivers use the left side instead of the right, like in the US, and the roads tend to be narrower than in the US. So driving next to a bus or a truck can be a little intimidating.

Toilets - Eastern toilets can be quite intimidating to the western traveler as well. Be aware that eastern toilets are little more than holes in the ground surrounded by ceramic and involve water, not paper, for cleaning. To be honest, I still have not gotten used this type of facility to its full extent. Also, there are often women in the men's room, stationed there for cleaning. It can be quite unnerving when you first experience this but they are not there for any more than cleaning.

Following these tips will allow you to have better understanding of the Thai people and more fun in your stay in Bangkok, allowing the locals to be more comfortable with you and give you a better understanding of how things function in Thailand.

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Wat Traimitr - Bangkok

Have you ever seen a 100 tons, solid gold Buddha statue?!!!...no???...me either, coz I don’t think one exists in the world. But you’re in luck!...there IS a five and a half tons, solid gold Buddha statue right here in Bangkok. REALLY!..no joke!...this Buddha image is located at “Wat Traimitr” (pronounced Trai-mit) , in the Chinatown or “Yaowaraj” (pronounced Yao-Wa-Rard) area.
This Buddha image’s official name is Phra Sukhothai Traimitr, and is one of Thailand’s most famous Buddha images. He is 3 meters in height and weighs 5.5 tons, and all in solid gold!. The story behind his discovery is quite interesting, as he was first covered in plaster and appeared just like any other stucco Buddha images.

However, when he was being moved using a crane, some clumsy crane operator accidentally dropped him and the plaster cracked, thus revealing his golden secret. You see, he was originally covered in plaster during the 18th century, to prevent the invading Burmese from taking him to Burma. It would be quite ironic if that crane operator was Burmese himself (we have many Burmese migrant workers here in Bangkok).

You can go check out this amazing golden Buddha if you’re in the “Yaowaraj” area. The golden Buddha is discretely housed in a small shrine behind a larger shrine.

Right after entering the main entrance, you’ll be greeted by a worship area lined with Buddha images and lit incense. You can go in there and take pictures and/or pay respect to Lord Buddha. However, to get to the main attraction, walk down the small alley left of shrine where you’ll you see a booth to pay a small entry fee. The shrine is next to the currency exchange booth, just go right up the steps as the sign indicates .


ADMISSIONS FEE
20 Baht per person


HOW TO GET THERE

* Walking: If you’re in the Chinatown area already, you can try your luck and walk towards the end of Yaowaraj road, where you’ll reach the gate to Chinatown. Just ask any Thai person how to the temple from there, they’ll point you the right direction.
* Underground train (MRT): Take the train to the last stop, Hua lamphong station.
* Taxi: Just tell them “Wat Traimit” and make sure they turn on the meter first.
* Tuk-Tuk: I would only recommend taking a tuk-tuk if you’re in the Yaowaraj area, otherwise it would be too expensive. Before you get on, negotiate the price first. A fair price should be somewhere between 30-50 baht.

HOURS
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)

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Shopping In Thailand

For something different after sweating half your body weight in the blistering heat of Bangkok there is always shopping.

Not only does Thailand offer your traditional and cultural attractions, it also offers modern comfort and conveniences. Case in point, if the heat and humidity is getting to you, a good alternative is to bask in one of the many malls that lines Rajdamri Road. There is a whole range of malls for everyone to choose from. From vast spacious malls with brands you have heard of in Siam Paragon and Central World, to unique little shops in Siam Center and Siam Square. And for those after bootlegs, knockoffs, cheap clothing, and local gifts there is always Maboonklong (MBK). The best part is all these malls are within walking distance from each other.

The key to shopping in Thailand is negotiation. I’m sure if you have friends that have been to Thailand before they can attest to this. Just about every store in Thailand, as long as it’s not a chain or name brand store, there is always room for negotiation. Most shop owner knows enough English to discuss price with anyone to make a sale but be warned, the fact that you are a foreigner is enough reason for these people to try and take advantage of you. I don’t have any tips about bargaining since this is a skill that some people are just born with but if you aren’t happy with the price they are quoting, just walk away.

As for eating, you really can't go wrong once you enter one of these places. Personally I prefer Central World for its vast selection of quality restaurants. But if you prefer something more to what the locals indulge in you can check out the food court on the 7th Floor of MBK. This food court offers you a glimpse of local Thai dishes that you don't usually see outside of Thailand. For those that aren't as adventurous,
the 5th floor of MBK offers a little more upscale food court with more international flavor for you to choose from.

Entertainment wise there’s your bowling and movies for you to waste your time on. I used to live in New York and let me tell you, the theaters here are like heaven sent. Not only is it like a fraction of the price (about $3 – 4 USD) but it’s also clean and comfortable. Most of the big budget blockbuster movies will open about the same day as the US or a week or two behind but some other movies might not even make it over here. And for movies that doesn’t make it here in the theaters you can always pick up a bootleg DVD from one of the various shops in MBK.

This is just a brief introduction to some of the shopping you can do in Thailand. There are other places that we have yet to touch on like Floating Market, Jatujak (Sunday Market), Pantip (Computers equipments) and Suan Lum Night Bazaar (Souvenirs) which we will dig into in a later article.

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments or simply want to share your Thai Xperience, please do so in our Forum!

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Khaosan Road - Bangkok

Khaosan Road (pronounced kao-sarn) is probably Bangkok’s most well-known road amongst tourists and backpackers alike. However, the place is gaining popularity amongst the locals here as well. The word “Khaosan” literally means “rice grains” (uncooked that is), as the place used to be an area where people came to buy what else but rice! The road was initially popular just amongst the budget travelers, particularly the backpackers, as you can find no-frills accommodations there for dirt-cheap. You can literally get a closet sized room with just a bed in it, no A/C or anything, just a fan. Nowadays you can find a myriad of accommodations, from your box sized rooms to mid-priced homestays, and upscaled hotels.

Khaosan Road today attracts all sorts of people, and from all around the world, some more interesting than others. You still have your backpackers trudging around with their huge backpacks. But then you have these “alternative” sorts, such as hippies, bohemians, transvestites, midgets, etc, you name it!...they’re all there! It’s kind of like being in the movie “Mad Max”. I highly recommend people-watching there, just grab a seat at one of the bars that lines the street, order a cold Singha beer and enjoy the scene to the sounds of some of latest hip-hop songs or some jazz from the old days. I gotta admit, they do play some of the coolest music there, just pick a bar where the sound appeals to you.

What else can you do there?, well Khaosan Road is also famous for some of the following:

• Getting your hair braided right there on the side of the road.
• Eat some deep-fried grass hoppers, worms, scorpions, or some other insects.
• Buy some bootleg CDs and DVDs.
• Buy a wooden croaking frog this lady, she's from some tribe up in the mountains in Northern Thailand.
• Getting a tattoo.
• Getting a Henna.
• Buy some cool T-shirts.
• Try some pad-thai(stir fried noodles) for only 20 Baht.
• Watch some dude sticks his head in a crocodile's mouth right there on the road!..just kidding about this one LOL, you'll have to go to the Crocodile farm to see that, it won't be on the road though.

You can also check out the many clubs and restaurants that bespeckles the area, you won't be disappointed with the music and service at these places. The people there really knows what tourists like, trust me on this one

Hours: Khaosan Road comes to life from around 5:00 PM and onward, so try not to go there before that time, it'll be too hot and not much is happening.

How to get there:

Tuk-Tuk: Grab a tuk-tuk if you’re coming from somewhere close like the Wat Pra Keo.
Taxi: Tell the dirver “Kho-Sarn Road” and make sure they turn on the meter. All the taxi drivers know this place.
Walking: If you’re good with navigating around with a map, go for it! And you need to, print out the Thai spelling below and ask for directions from any locals.

Thai Spelling:
ข้าวสาร

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