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If you think table etiquettes are just about arranging the flower table and knowing which spoon to use for your soup? Well, think again. William Horman well says it, “Manners maketh man.”  

Table etiquettes

Manners are all about how you act and behave in polite society. It’s about using your etiquette to guide the social situations you’re in. Remember when your grandmother yelled “elbows off the table!” or “chew with your food with your mouth closed!” at you? It wasn’t her simply nagging you about appropriate etiquette. She prepared you for life lessons that set you up for success and a great future. 

Do you think people aren’t observing how you conduct yourself at the dinner table? 

It would be best if you thought again. 

Even if you’re dining with a recruiter, potential business partner, or your manager, you should constantly follow the rules of proper dinner etiquette. 

There’s an explanation for why people discuss business over a meal: It’s a strategic way to get to know people. Your behaviour before, during, and after the meal tells the organiser about your character, professionalism, and social understanding. 

When it comes to social dining, there are a lot of little nibbles to remember. Which plate to eat in? Which wines to order? How do you get rid of that crazy ketchup stain? 

Don’t worry; We at Fraser’s are here to help you. Follow this guide for a few etiquette tips to create a great impression at your next lunch or dinner you’ll have in Fraser’s Restaurant. 

Note: This is a roundup of common etiquette tips, but be thoughtful that there are some places in the world where some of these tips and tricks don’t work the same way. If you’re eating in a country that uses etiquette you don’t know, take the time to understand the etiquette for that particular country or ask a friend or coworker ahead of time. 

We have compiled this list of 9 etiquette tips to help you leave a pleasing impression and avoid any faux pas. 

Be on time. 

First things first, we shouldn’t have to inform you of this. Showing up on time is Etiquette 101. Please don’t keep the person or people you’re meeting waiting, and definitely don’t show up as they’re halfway through their entree or appetizer. Show them you appreciate them by valuing their time. And never miscalculate the value of a firm hello and a handshake! 

After you’ve taken your seat. 

The first thing you should do is put your napkin on your lap. You should leave it there until the end of the meal or until you excuse yourself from the table. There’s some discussion about what to do with your napkin when you get up, but the most standard practice is to put it on your seat until you return. If you’re concerned that your napkin has food on it that could stain the chair or your clothes when you sit back down, then you can place it to the left of your plate instead. 

Hold your utensils the right way. 

The best way to hold your fork and knife is as you would a pen. With your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right, cut a piece of food. Then, place the knife down on the boundary of the plate, switch the fork to your right hand (if required) and take a bite, and repeat. 

When do you start eating? 

You should wait until the host or hostess begins to eat, even if others at the table start before them. 

Hands to use to find your bread plate and wines. 

When in confusion, just look at your hands. With your palms facing each other, join the tip of each pointer finger with the thumbs. You’ll notice that your left hand will form a lower case ‘b,’ and your right hand, a lowercase ‘d.’ These stand for “bread” and “drink,” which you will see to your left and your right, respectively. Well, this is your cue to have McLaren vale wine. 

Do not take calls during your meal. 

Your cell phone shouldn’t be visible when you have your meal in a meeting. Please keep it away from the table, leave it in your handbag or your pocket, and put it on silent. You don’t want the people you’re dining with to think you hope you were somewhere else, do you? Show your partner, customer, or coworker that it’s crucial for you to be there with them.  

Always serve the other person/people before yourself. 

If you’re getting yourself some red wine, always ask others first. Pour their wine glass before yourself, and then help yourself. The same is accurate for any other food or beverages. You should also always ask if the other person wants anything when you order for yourself.  

Taking a break from eating. 

If you are taking a pause from eating, picture your plate as a clock and place your knife and fork at the 3 o’clock position. You can show that you are finished eating by placing your utensils in the 10 and 4 o’clock positions. 

When in doubt, don’t get awkward. 

If you’re unsure about anything, watch the host or hostess for cues. See how they manage the situation and act consequently. This will almost always be the right course of action.
Whether you are 50 or 15 years old, the necessity of learning the proper table manners and etiquette must have dawned upon you at some point or the other in life. It could be your aunt’s 40th birthday or a formal dinner with someone influential from your country. Regardless of the occasion, embarrassing yourself in front of others is never good.  

So, before organizing the next dinner with Fraser’s, run your eyes through the information in the blog to avoid any mishaps. 

If you’ve spent any time on the internet exploring health, fitness, or nutrition in the past year, you’ve definitely been slammed with the new ‘Ketogenic-Diet’ or low carb diets taking over the fitness industry by storm. But what precisely is Ketosis, and what does it have to do with the Keto-diet? 

Now, what are Keto basics? 

The ketogenic diet is a food habit that puts your body into a form of Ketosis. To know Ketosis, it’s essential to understand how your body utilizes the three major macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. In a regular diet pattern, carbohydrates are your body’s primary energy source (40 to 60 percent of your calories come from carbohydrates). Protein is predominantly used to build muscle (roughly 20 to 30 percent calories). Fat (20 to 30 percent of calories) is used to make essential blends utilized by your body and act as a backup source of energy. 

In a ketogenic diet, carbohydrate intake is decreased to about 10 percent (roughly 20 grams of net carbohydrate per day). In comparison, fat is boosted to 60 to 70 percent of calories, whereas protein remains at 20 to 30 percent. The decrease in carbohydrate intake drives your body to use fat as its primary fuel source. As your body turns fat into fuel or energy, it leaves behind ketone bodies in the blood, creating Ketosis. 

You’re literally burning fat for fuel! 

What are the various types of Ketogenic diets? 

There are a number of versions of the ketogenic diet, including: 

• The standard ketogenic diet (SKD): This is a very low-carb, moderate protein, and high-fat diet. It usually contains 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbs. 
• The cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD): This diet involves periods of higher-carb reseeds, such as five ketogenic days followed by two high-carb days. 
• The targeted ketogenic diet (TKD): This diet makes you have carbs around workouts. 
• High protein ketogenic diet: This is very similar to a standard ketogenic diet, but has more protein. The ratio is often 60% fat, 35% protein, and 5% carbs. 

Note: Cyclical or targeted ketogenic diets are more advanced methods used by bodybuilders or athletes. 

Is the Ketogenic diet a new way of eating? 

If you’ve spent any time over time on your computer or phone googling the best ketogenic diet plans or diets for health and weight loss, you’ve most probably come across the Ketogenic (Keto) diet or ketogenic diet plans. It has become extremely popular among the health and fitness community, and it is also promoted by health gurus and nutrition experts alike. Guess now we know why! 

Let’s break it down (ahem, pun intended); your body usually uses glucose for energy-which you probably already know. But the thing that you may not know is that when this energy source is not sufficient, your body taps into its fat stores (body fat) and fatty acids to the liver, where it is processed and generates its own energy source known as Ketones. This metabolic state is known as Ketosis and is critical to the diet’s success. 

Have a glance at what eating on the Keto Diet looks like! 

The keto diet is about increasing calories from fat and going very low in carbs. That means following a restrictive, keto-friendly food list. 

Keto-Friendly Foods 

Here are some of the foods you may eat on keto: 

• Oils (like olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil). 
• Avocado. 
• Heavy cream. 
• Butter. 
• Cream cheese. 
• Cheese. 
• Coconut (unsweetened). 
• Nuts (almonds, macadamia) and seeds (chia seeds, flaxseed, sunflower seeds). 
• Leafy green vegetables (romaine, spinach, kale, collards). 
• Non-starchy vegetables, including zucchini, asparagus, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers. 
• Meat (chicken, beef, pork, lamb). 
• Eggs. 
• Fish (mainly fatty fish like salmon and sardines). 

Here’s a list of foods that need to be reduced or eliminated on a plant-based ketogenic diet: 

• Sugary foods: soda, fruit juice, smoothies, cake, ice cream, candy, etc. 
• Grains or starches: wheat-based products, rice, pasta, cereal, etc. 
• Fruits: all the fruits, except tiny portions of a few berries like strawberries. 
• Beans or legumes: kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, and more. 
• Root vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, etc. 
• Low fat or diet products: low-fat mayonnaise, salad dressings, and condiments 
• some condiments or sauces: barbecue sauce, honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, ketchup, etc. 
• Unhealthy fats: processed vegetable oils, mayonnaise, etc. 
• Alcohol: beer, wine, liquor, mixed drinks 
• Sugar-free diet foods: sugar-free candies, syrups, puddings, sweeteners, desserts, etc. 

What are the benefits of a Ketogenic diet? 

Starting a ketogenic diet for diabetes management offers a range of valuable advantages. 

Weight loss 

The main benefit or advantage of the ketogenic diet is its power to achieve quick weight loss, stopping carbohydrates from being in a state of Ketosis, resulting in both a significant reduction in body fat and an enhancement of muscle mass.
A few studies show that low-carb, ketogenic diets are able to achieve substantial weight loss over an extended period, and obese people were able to lose, on average, 20 kg over a period of a year. 

Lower insulin levels  

When you intake foods with carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, protein, you increase your blood sugar levels—insulin steps in to decrease those blood sugar levels to create glucose in your cells for energy. But high insulin levels, which can result when you eat too many carbohydrates — can prevent weight loss. On a ketogenic diet, you keep insulin levels decreased. Low insulin means that your body can easily access fat stores for energy or fuel. 

Hormonal balance 

A ketogenic diet also helps balance other hormones, besides insulin. With those hunger-regulating hormones is leptin, a hormone that asks your brain to quit eating. Ghrelin has the opposite effect: This hormone tells you to eat more and more. When these hormones stay balanced on a keto diet, you’re less likely to have hunger and cravings. 

Lower inflammation levels. 

Chronic inflammation plays a role in obesity and diseases, including diabetes. You keep your sugar and overall carbohydrate intake very low while you’re on a keto diet. 

Treatment of Cancer 

A few studies have revealed that ketogenic diets play an essential role in treating cancer. Such a diet reduces tumor growth and improves the survival rate. A ketogenic diet further potentiates the effect of radiation and chemotherapy. 

Fights Obesity 

A high protein and fat diet decreases appetite keeps hunger pangs at bay and reduces the overall intake of calories. Ketone bodies have appetite-suppressant action, and thus, it reduces energy intake. A low carbohydrate diet, particularly a low intake of simple sugars and refined foods, further helps weight loss and reduces abdominal fat.

Note: People on keto diets also report more energy, focus, and mental clarity.  

Is the Ketogenic diet a safe one? 

It’s difficult to imagine that a physician-recommended diet would be unsafe. Still, then again, doctors used to demonize fat and are now actually recommending fat; pretty interesting when you think about it. But yes, the Ketogenic diet is absolutely safe; although, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re starting your Keto Diet. 

Foremost, when you start the diet, you’ll most likely feel a bit dehydrated if you’re not staying on top of your water intake (64 oz minimum). This is simply because glycogen, converted from carbs, holds approximately 2-3 grams of water per gram of glucose in the muscles’ cells. But by almost eliminating carbohydrates from your diet, your muscle cells hold much less glucose and, therefore, less water, ultimately leading to dehydration. So sufficient water intake is vital throughout the diet. 

Secondly, our bodies obtain several vital vitamins and minerals found in various fruits and carb sources, so it is critical to get these from low-carb fruits, leafy greens, and if you prefer, a vitamin or multivitamin. If you are stressed about which vitamins or minerals your body could be lacking, you can always consult your doctor and ask for a blood analysis of your vitamin and mineral levels, with guidance from a nutritionist, supplement with one or multiple vitamins (this is better than just taking a standard multivitamin). 

Conclusion

For most people, adopting a keto diet means a sudden change in the macronutrients you consume. You eat more non-starchy vegetables, butter, oils, cheese, meat, and seafood. Following a food plan or pattern that limits your net carbs to 20 grams a day requires you to carefully choose your foods to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Knowing the carbohydrate content of foods and the fiber-versus-starch breakdown of nutrition is vital to maintaining a ketogenic diet. Sometimes, you may need to have a multivitamin supplement. Moreover, this diet pattern is not recommended for diabetics or pregnant or nursing women. As with any significant change in your food consumption, choosing to start a ketogenic diet should be done under the knowledge of a physician and registered dietitian.

And there you have it, a complete breakdown of the Ketogenic diet. Now, what are you waiting for? Ditch the doughnut and enjoy a delicious steak; your body’s waiting!

“Eat better, not less.”  

There you go. That should be the real mantra for all you food lovers. You heard it right: you don’t really need to sacrifice good food to maintain a healthy diet!  

We all love to eat; after all, good food equals a good mood. With our changing lifestyle and food habits, we actually tend to neglect the ill effects of the food we consume. Don’t you think so? In fact, a healthy diet is as beneficial for your body as a mini-vacation is for your mind.  

Not only does it provide energy to help keep you going throughout the day and provide nutrients for growth and repair, but it also helps you to maintain a healthy weight. 

When you really think about it, there is nothing complicated about eating healthy other than making healthy food choices. Diets high in nutrient-dense foods, including protein-rich foods, whole grains, and healthy fats, are essential to a healthy diet, as is avoiding or limiting packaged foods. 

How could you maintain a healthy diet? 

Giving up all the food you like isn’t so easy. Plus, in today’s world of constant change, maintaining a healthy diet is not everyone’s cup of tea. We have been there too!  

The truth is, most of us have no idea what suits our bodies and what is healthy for us. And even after figuring out a nutritious diet, maintaining it is harder than it seems. One step at a time sounds easy? With just a few changes to your daily routines, it is possible to change your eating habits and live a healthy life. 

Here is some good news: we at Fraser’s have got you covered with what it takes to maintain a healthy diet plan, plus a lot of moral support!  

• Make sure to include dark green, red, and orange vegetables in your meals. Add loads of fruit to your diet, maybe for dinner or a side dish as a dessert. 
• Eat whole-grain foods instead of refined grains. 
• Replace fat-containing milk with fat-free or low-fat alternatives. 
• Select a variety of protein-rich foods, including dry beans and peas, eggs, nuts, seeds, meat, poultry, and seafood.  
• You can reduce your calorie consumption by drinking more water instead of sugary drinks. 
• Reduce your intake of solid fats. 
• Even if you’re tempted to give up, try to avoid crash diets as much as possible.  
• You can fight cravings by having nutritious and filling snacks available to you.You’ve got this! In addition, as you strive to maintain a healthy diet, you can always reward yourself with your favorite foods after you have achieved a goal. Also, make sure you plan your diet before you begin to avoid missing timings and eating the wrong foods.

Nutrients required for the body to maintain a healthy diet 

Healthy eating can help build strong bones, protect the heart, prevent diseases, and boost mood. After all, diets that include foods from each food group tend to be balanced. Some food items you must have in your diet are: 

• Starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta are good sources of energy. 
• The same goes for fruit and vegetables. 
• You should also consume dairy products. 
• Eat protein-rich foods. You can find protein in various animal products like meat and eggs, and non-dairy products like nuts, tofu, beans, pulses, and more. In order to achieve optimal results, you must avoid packaged or processed foods, as well as salt and sugar-containing foods.

Long term perks of healthy food 

It’s not a secret anymore that the perks of eating healthy are real. Good health is the real wealth! And do you know what’s the best thing about it? You can begin eating healthy at any time to combat the detrimental effects of an unhealthy routine and food habits.  

1) Helps in fast weight loss/ weight loss 

One of your main motivations to eat a healthy diet is to maintain a healthy weight or fat loss.
Being overweight and obese isn’t just a problem for you and me; it affects everyone. The good news is you can actually put little effort to see a significant fat loss. For starters, you can witness fast weight loss/weight loss in you by consuming more fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, and whole grains.   

2) Fights or manages diseases 

In a changing and ever-developing society, there are both benefits and consequences that should be considered. Whether it’s diabetes or an unhealthy heart, our bodies are always at risk.  

Millions of people worldwide have type-2 diabetes, no matter what their age is. On the other hand, smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy foods contribute to an unhealthy heart. Globally, cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Having a poor lifestyle and genetics can result in excessive cell division, which results in abnormal cellular functions.
You can certainly reduce the risk of many of these illnesses just by changing your eating habits, avoiding junk food, eating more healthy greens, and opting for healthy snacks for all of your cravings. Plus, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and probiotics are essential to maintain good gut health and improve digestion. 

3) Develops good immunity  

More energy results in better productivity. A healthy immune system can prevent infections, autoimmune diseases, and common illnesses. Our bodies tend to heal faster as well. To be healthy, you need to consume foods packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. 

4) Enhances brain health and reduces stress 

Eating healthy helps to improve brain health and reduce stress. Wonder how?
Healthy eating boosts blood flow to the brain, which prevents diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids serve as nutritional supplements for people with dyslexia, depression, bipolar disorder, and so much more. Inflammation in the body is reduced when fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants.
Reduce your fat intake and avoid heavy, unhealthy foods. Generally, the best solution to physical and mental stress is to eat light and healthy foods.  

5) Skin health improvement 

An unhealthy diet has its cons, but it’s most noticeable on the skin.  A diet high in oily junk food can cause breakouts. To have healthy skin, drink water, eat fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
You must avoid sugary foods and trans fats and eat plenty of vitamins. Plus, if you keep your hygiene in check, you will see the results! 

Did you know that your mood usually depends on what you eat? You will feel much better and energized if you eat a balanced, healthy diet. Additionally, eating properly will allow you to get all the nutrients your body needs to function effectively. Nevertheless, eating healthy is not the end of the world. And maintaining a good diet doesn’t mean you cannot experience the deliciousness of your favorite food items. Even a midnight noodle craving, an occasional pizza with a beverage to go with it, or a hot chocolate on a bad day can still be part of your day as long as you promise yourself that you will prioritize a healthy diet. Because understanding what your body needs are crucial! 

“A vegan diet is one of the best things you can do for your health and the well-being of our planet.” 

-Robert Cheeke 

What is Veganism? 

The term veganism refers to a way of life that rejects any form of animal exploitation, whether it be for food, clothing, or any other reason. As a result, the vegan diet is free of all animal products, such as eggs, meat, and dairy. But this doesn’t mean vegans don’t get their proteins, they just choose alternatives that suit them. Way to go, if you follow the same way of life!  

Veganism and Perth 

Veganism certainly isn’t new; however, its popularity seems to be on the rise now more than ever. And, how! The city of Perth is now known for its delicious and healthy vegan diet experiments, with vegan food markets, restaurants, food joints, and cafes popping up everywhere.  

Although the exact number of vegans in Perth is not readily apparent, the effect veganism has on the food market, and lifestyle of people is quite evident. How did veganism take off in Perth? Through innovation and shifting food habits, definitely. Vegan food product quality has constantly evolved and expanded over the years. In addition, vegan alternatives to meat and dairy products are becoming more popular, making them more widely accessible.  

 

Benefits of a vegan diet 

It is well known that vegan meals can help people lose weight and ensure a healthy heart. Additionally, they have several health benefits. Wonder what are the other not-so-hidden benefits of being a vegan? 

 

• Packed with nutrients the body needs. 

Having a healthy, balanced vegan diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, pulses, and seeds can provide you with all the nutrients you need. Generally, vegans consume a higher level of nutrients, such as fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and vitamins. 

• Reduces the risk of cancer and other illnesses. 

Plant-based foods contain phytochemicals and powerful antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of several diseases because vegan diets are linked to good health.  

• Boosts your mood. 

Being considerate and protecting animals is sure to make you feel better. Researchers have also found that vegans perform better on depression tests and mood assessments. Indeed, it helps boost your mood!   

• Helps you maintain a healthy weight. 

Due to the low-calorie content of vegan foods, maintaining a healthy weight is much easier. Plus, you don’t have to count calories all the time! Many studies suggest that vegans tend to have a lower body mass index than meat-eaters due to their lower saturated fat intake.  

• Helps reduce the pain of Arthritis and prevent Type 2 diabetes. 

 Besides reducing diabetes risk, plant-based foods can also help prevent obesity. Besides increasing good bacteria in the large intestine, a vegan meal reduces inflammation and enhances nutrient absorption.  

• Helps reduce the risk of stroke. 

High blood pressure, being overweight, diabetes or heart disease, having high cholesterol, smoking, drinking, or using drugs can increase your stroke risk. By following a vegan diet and exercising regularly, most of those risk factors can be eliminated. Because prevention is much better than cure, don’t you think so? 

• Gives you a long and healthy life. 

Everything boils down to one significant benefit: living longer. According to studies, a vegan diet lowers the risk of all causes of death by 25 percent. It’s not enough to live long; a healthy and long lifestyle is what makes life worth living!  

• And, of course, cognitive benefits. 

According to a study that looked at dietary components, vegan diets may boost cognition and mental health. Lower vitamin B-12 consumption, which is quite common in vegan foods, is linked to adverse effects on the nervous system and brain performance. 

• Provides skin benefits. 

A healthy and glowing skin. Isn’t that the goal for life?
Dairy consumption is one of the biggest causes of skin issues. It can aggravate acne in both women and men. Besides avoiding dairy products, vegans consume more fruits and vegetables, resulting in a higher intake of nutrients essential for maintaining healthy skin. 

Conclusion.

As vegan food options become more readily available and diverse, ethical, health and environmental concerns push people of Perth to eat more vegan food. Furthermore, going vegan in Perth has become much easier due to the growing availability of vegan ingredients in the local supermarket. Thus, it is not just an upcoming trend anymore, but rather a lifestyle being acknowledged and appreciated for its benefits. Moreover, the demand for vegan food alternatives has prompted food manufacturers and restaurants to innovate based on the growing need, as you may have seen. 

And we get it, all you vegans! Who doesn’t want the best? Now you will never have to settle for less when it comes to food, even when you are planning to make memories with your family or want to make the most of your time.

The next time you are looking for vegan food, you know where to stop by. Fraser’s, a vegan restaurant in Perth, is named after the street it sits on, the famous Fraser Avenue in King’s Park. This is a place where deliciousness and vegan food go hand in hand, be it with a variety of bruschetta or risotto. All you would have to worry about is having enough room for the dessert you would not want to miss. With chic ambiance and warmth, this could be your new home away from home!