Friday, October 16

Hungry & Overworked Zimbabwe Police Collapsing On Duty

POLICE officers on Covid-19 patrols are working under very trying times without adequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) while some are collapsing while on duty due to hunger, Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga has said.

Matanga was giving oral evidence to the Health and Child Care Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tuesday.

The public hearing was related to health issues and the working conditions of police officers during the current Covid-19 period. Police officers are among some of the key frontline workers enforcing the pandemic’s lockdown restrictions.

“My understanding is that we are also in the frontline as much as doctors and nurses are. As we speak right now, some health workers are being paid risk allowances which is not happening to members of the ZRP whom l feel are much more at the forefront than the health officers,” said Matanga. “Members of the police are required to minimise contact as far as possible. From the onset of the pandemic, these PPEs were never supplied to our officers at ports of entry and quarantine centres.”

Matanga said the issue of social distancing when dealing with people who are mentally deranged or with a criminal mentality falls away because the moment one keeps that distance, the culprit escapes.

The police chief told the committee that fumigation was not taking place at most police stations as chemicals were unavailable adding the situation was more dangerous for officers deployed at quarantine centres and border posts.

However, Matanga said despite the harsh working environment, no officer had tested positive for Covid-19.

“Chair, l am very lucky. I have received quite a number of reports we felt that certain officers could have tested positive officers. Officers collapsed at police stations during the course of their duties, surprisingly after having gone through tests, they have tested negative including their families.”

“When you talk of medical staff, they want allowances in US dollars and in most cases, nurses are not there. It is only the army and the police who will be doing everything. I recommend that the committee move around and see for itself.

“It is an area where the committee should look at.”

Matanga said it had become difficult to deploy officers to perform their duties due to poor working conditions resulting in a spike in corruption cases among police officers.

“It is very difficult to deploy hungry men and women. They are very determined to work but at times, they do dubious things which are against our code of conduct. It’s true, corruption at quarantine centres is happening. It is a catch 22 situation,” Matanga told the committee.

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Best Diet Plan for Weight Loss: How to Eat for Fat Loss Without Starving Yourself

Best Diet Plan for Weight Loss

The best diet plan for weight loss is not the one that makes you miserable. It is the one that helps you eat fewer calories while still feeling satisfied, energized, and in control.

That is the real secret.

You do not need to survive on lettuce. You do not need to cut out every food you enjoy. You need a plan that helps you make better choices consistently.

Mayo Clinic explains that the key to weight loss is building new habits that lead to eating better and moving more.

What Is the Best Diet for Weight Loss?

The best diet is one you can follow long enough to see results and maintain them.

That may be:

High-protein diet
Mediterranean-style diet
Lower-carb diet
Calorie-controlled diet
Plant-forward diet
Balanced whole-food diet
Intermittent fasting approach

The name matters less than the structure.

For weight loss, your diet should help you:

Control calories
Eat enough protein
Get enough fiber
Reduce liquid calories
Manage cravings
Avoid constant hunger
Build repeatable meals

The Weight Loss Plate Method

A simple way to build meals is the plate method.

For most meals, aim for:

Half your plate: vegetables or fruit
One quarter: lean protein
One quarter: high-fiber carbohydrate
Small amount: healthy fat

Example meal:

Grilled chicken
Roasted vegetables
Brown rice
Small serving of avocado

Another example:

Eggs
Spinach and tomatoes
Oatmeal
Berries

This method works because it creates balance without requiring complicated math.

Why Protein Matters

Protein is one of the most important nutrients during weight loss.

It helps with fullness, supports muscle, and makes meals more satisfying.

Good protein options include:

Chicken breast
Turkey
Fish
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Lean beef
Beans
Lentils
Tofu
Tempeh
Protein shakes when needed

Try to include protein at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A low-protein breakfast often leads to hunger later. A higher-protein breakfast may help control snacking.

Why Fiber Matters

Fiber helps you feel full and supports digestive health.

High-fiber foods include:

Vegetables
Fruit
Beans
Lentils
Oats
Whole grains
Chia seeds
Flaxseed
Sweet potatoes
Brown rice
Quinoa

A diet rich in fiber usually feels more filling than a diet built around processed snacks.

Foods That Help With Weight Loss

Here are some smart foods to include regularly:

Eggs

Eggs are high in protein and easy to prepare. They work well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is high in protein and can be paired with berries, nuts, or oats.

Chicken and Turkey

Lean poultry can help you build filling meals without excessive calories.

Fish

Fish provides protein and healthy fats. Salmon, tuna, cod, and sardines can all fit into a weight loss diet.

Beans and Lentils

Beans and lentils offer protein, fiber, and slow-digesting carbohydrates.

Vegetables

Vegetables add volume to meals. This means you can eat a satisfying amount of food for fewer calories.

Fruit

Fruit can satisfy a sweet craving while providing fiber, water, and nutrients.

Oats

Oats are filling and easy to customize with protein powder, Greek yogurt, berries, or nuts.

Foods That Can Slow Weight Loss

You do not need to completely remove these foods, but you should watch portions:

Sugary drinks
Fast food
Fried foods
Candy
Pastries
Chips
Alcohol
Creamy sauces
High-calorie coffee drinks
Large restaurant portions

One of the easiest weight loss wins is removing calories you drink.

Soda, sweet tea, juice, and fancy coffee drinks can add hundreds of calories without making you full.

Sample 1-Day Weight Loss Meal Plan

Breakfast

Scrambled eggs with spinach
One slice whole-grain toast
Fresh berries
Black coffee or unsweetened tea

Lunch

Grilled chicken salad
Mixed greens
Tomatoes, cucumber, peppers
Small serving of olive oil dressing
Apple on the side

Snack

Greek yogurt with cinnamon
Or carrots with hummus

Dinner

Baked salmon
Roasted broccoli
Sweet potato
Water or sparkling water

Evening Option

Herbal tea
Small bowl of fruit if hungry

Sample Grocery List

Protein

Chicken breast
Turkey
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Fish
Tofu
Beans
Lentils

Carbohydrates

Oats
Brown rice
Sweet potatoes
Whole-grain bread
Quinoa
Fruit

Vegetables

Spinach
Broccoli
Peppers
Cucumber
Carrots
Green beans
Lettuce
Tomatoes

Fats

Avocado
Olive oil
Nuts
Seeds
Natural peanut butter

Drinks

Water
Sparkling water
Unsweetened tea
Black coffee

How to Control Portions Without Feeling Deprived

Portion control does not mean eating tiny meals.

Try these strategies:

Use smaller plates
Eat protein first
Add vegetables to every meal
Drink water before meals
Avoid eating from the package
Pre-portion snacks
Slow down while eating
Stop when satisfied, not stuffed

A good meal should leave you satisfied, not sleepy and uncomfortable.

Should You Count Calories?

Calorie tracking can help some people. It teaches awareness and reveals hidden calories.

However, not everyone wants to track forever.

A good approach is to track for a short period, learn your habits, then transition to portion-based eating.

Counting calories is a tool, not a life sentence.

How to Handle Cravings

Cravings are normal. The goal is not to become perfect. The goal is to respond better.

Try this:

Drink water
Wait 10 minutes
Eat a protein-based snack
Go for a walk
Choose a smaller portion
Avoid keeping trigger foods at home
Sleep more if cravings are worse at night

Sometimes cravings are not about hunger. They are about stress, boredom, habit, or lack of sleep.

Common Diet Mistakes

Eating Too Little

Severe restriction often backfires. It can lead to hunger, low energy, and overeating later.

Skipping Protein

Low-protein meals may leave you hungry.

Drinking Calories

Sugary drinks are one of the easiest ways to slow progress.

Weekend Overeating

Many people eat well Monday through Friday but erase progress on the weekend.

No Plan

When you do not plan meals, you are more likely to grab whatever is convenient.

Final Thoughts

The best diet plan for weight loss is simple, structured, and repeatable.

Eat protein. Add fiber. Drink water. Control portions. Reduce sugary drinks. Plan your meals. Move your body.

You do not need a perfect diet.

You need a diet you can keep doing.

Best Life Insurance Policy for Families: Term vs. Whole Life Explained

Life insurance is one of the most important financial protections a family can consider. If someone depends on your income, life insurance can help provide money for bills, mortgage payments, childcare, education costs, and everyday expenses if you pass away.

The two common types of life insurance are term life and whole life. Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If the insured person dies during that term, the policy pays a death benefit to the beneficiary. If the term ends and the policy is not renewed, coverage usually expires.

Whole life insurance is permanent coverage designed to last for the insured person’s lifetime, as long as premiums are paid. It also includes a cash value component that may grow over time. Because of this, whole life insurance usually costs more than term life insurance.

For many families, term life insurance is attractive because it can provide a larger amount of coverage at a lower monthly cost. This can be helpful during the years when a family has a mortgage, children at home, car payments, and other major financial responsibilities.

Whole life insurance may appeal to people who want lifetime coverage, estate planning benefits, or a policy with cash value. However, because premiums are higher, it is important to understand whether the extra cost fits your budget and long-term goals.

When choosing a life insurance policy, start by estimating how much coverage your family may need. A common approach is to consider income replacement, debt, funeral costs, future education expenses, and the number of years your family would need financial support.

You should also compare quotes from multiple companies. Life insurance premiums can vary based on age, health, tobacco use, occupation, lifestyle, family medical history, and coverage amount. Buying earlier in life often results in lower premiums because age and health are major pricing factors.

Before applying, review the company’s financial strength and customer service reputation. Life insurance is a long-term product, so you want a provider that is stable and reliable.

The best life insurance policy depends on your family’s needs. Term life may be better for affordable income protection. Whole life may be better for permanent coverage and long-term planning. Some families use both.

Always read the policy details carefully before purchasing. This article is for general education and should not replace advice from a licensed insurance professional.