10/07/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | JULY 10, 2025

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Cooking with convection oven can be convenient and time-saving. – PICS FROM PEXELS

A convection oven will not look out of place in a modern well-appointed kitchen.

Advantages of using convection oven o Faster cooking time, better browning, crisping

A wide variety of dishes can be prepared with a convection oven.

Ű BY R.BALA

oven helps to eliminate hot and cold spots, resulting in more consistent cooking results. While the air-fryer has been the recent preference for many households, there are a multitude of reasons why convectional ovens should still be among a place in the amateur cook’s arsenal of weapons. The circulating hot air eliminates hot and cold spots, resulting in more consistent cooking throughout the oven. This is particularly beneficial when baking or roasting multiple items at once or when using multiple racks. 0 Faster cooking times Convection ovens cook food faster due to the constant circulation of hot air, Advantages 0 More even cooking

which allows for quicker h e a t transfer. This can reduce c o o k i n g times by 25%.

C OOKING with wood or coal will imbue food with extra flavour. No doubt about that, but few have the luxury of a wood fireplace or even a mini stove that uses coal. The former is the stuff of European-design fantasy while the latter can be unnecessarily messy, especially when a gust of wind takes soot and ash everywhere. Next best thing would be a convection oven. By definition, a convection oven is an oven equipped with a fan that circulates hot air around the food, promoting faster and more even cooking. This differs from a conventional oven, which relies on heat radiating from the top and bottom heating elements without the aid of a fan. The circulating air in a convection

Nothing like the smell of freshly baked croissants for that warmth

temperature when using a convection oven. 0 Potential for drying out While the circulating air is beneficial for browning and crisping, it can also dry out some foods, particularly delicate baked goods such ass cakes or bread. In conclusion, convection ovens offer several advantages over conventional ovens, including faster cooking times, more even cooking and improved browning and crisping. While they may be more expensive and require some recipe adjustments, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks for many cooks.

Improved

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of home.

browning

and

crispiness The circulating air helps to

help prevent overcooking and

save energy.

dry out the food’s surface, promoting browning and crisping, which is ideal for roasting meats, baking pastries and achieving a crispy skin on dishes such as roasted chicken. 0 Potential for lower temperatures Because convection ovens cook more efficiently, you can often lower the temperature setting by 25°C compared with a conventional oven, which can

Considerations 0 Cost

Convection ovens tend to be more expensive than conventional ovens. 0 Recipe adjustments Some recipes developed for conventional ovens may require adjustments to cooking time and

Wrist flexion stretch can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Ankle circles requires one to be seated.

Neck exercises can reduce tension at neck.

Shoulders rolls are not strenuous.

4-7-8 technique promotes better diaphragm engagement.

Simple exercises for desk workers

Ű BY JOHN TAN

ankle’s flexibility will improve. The 4-7-8 breathing technique Being seated all day can also leave a lasting impact on your diaphragm, causing it to not function as well over time. Practising good breathing techniques is, therefore, beneficial – improving your mood while promoting better diaphragm engagement. The 4-7-8 technique is one breathing exercise to follow. With your feet flat on the floor, breathe in through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for seven seconds and exhale for eight seconds. The technique is good at helping you keep a steady rhythm. It is also good at battling insomnia as it helps you fall asleep quickly.

MANY of us live a sedentary working lifestyle. Given the corporate nature of our fields, we are often required to be seated at our desks for extended periods. The opportunities to keep active, therefore, are limited. But there are simple and effective desk exercises you can do. Below are simple movements to improve circulation, reduce stiffness and prevent neck and back pain. Neck rotations Sitting too long can cause stress on your neck and shoulders. Proper ergonomics can resolve that as it reduces muscle tension and improves range of motion. Begin by looking straight ahead with your neck relaxed. Then, slowly turn your head to one side until you feel a comfortable stretch. Remain in this position for a

Wrist flexion stretch Wrist flexion stretch is instrumental in reducing your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, which is due to long periods of keyboard typing. The routine requires you to extend your fingers and gently bend your wrist downward, pointing your fingers towards the floor. Use your other hand to gently increase the stretch by applying pressure on the back of your hand. Be in this position for 15 to 30 seconds,

and hold the position for 10 seconds. Return smoothly to the centre and repeat on the other side. Frequent performance will lead to better spinal mobility and posture in the long run. Ankle circles If you are looking to relieve discomfort at your ankles, ankle circles are ideal exercises to do in the office. Start by turning your ankle around slowly in circles to the left, then proceed to the right. To make it fun and easier, you can try drawing the alphabet O in the air with your foot. Without moving your knee or thigh, aim to create the largest circle possible. Strive to do 10 in each direction with each foot. Soon, your discomfort will go away and your

few seconds before returning to the starting position. You can repeat the process for the opposite side. The goal is to repeat this exercise 10 times in each direction for stretches. Shoulder rolls Another effective exercise to do is shoulder rolls, which help with warming and stretching the shoulders. The exercise involves rolling the shoulders forward and backwards in a circular motion, 10 times each way. The movements aid in relieving tension and improving mobility in the shoulder joint. The best part is that anyone can perform it as it is a low-impact exercise. It is not strenuous for people of all fitness levels.

two or four times. Seated torso twist

This requires you to be seated in your chair. Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor. Gently proceed to place your right hand on the back of your chair. Twist your torso gently to the right