Monday, June 01

Blessed Mhlanga Journalist Nhai Tenzi

#BlessedMhlangaLetterFromPrison

 

Harare, Remand Prison, 7 April 2025

 

Dear friends and fellow Zimbabweans 

As I write from this discomfort of my overcrowded cell, I am suffering from a serious bout of flue which has drained my strength and now threatens my inner peace. Sleep hardly comes as deep thoughts and lice battle for my attention at the most undesirable times. Such is the life I have lived for the past 41 days. 

The State has unleashed its worst to keep me here and mostly in total disregard of the Constitution.

 

 

 

 

I know I will be staying here longer for the sins of freedoms, particularly that of expression. I stay in the D class section with the most dangerous criminals. 

My friends the journey has not been easy and it remains extremely difficult as we nudge forward; it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s very uncomfortable but unavoidable.

 

It’s a journey filled with frustrations and pain which at times overwhelms me to tears, anger and pushes me to the edge of emotional breakdown. 

During these times of near emotional breakdown, I have fought with everyone around me. I have fought with my fantastic legal team, and my fellow colleagues in the media who have been standing head and shoulders in my defense. I have fought with my employer of choice and even with my own family.

 

 

 

 

Prison dear friends is a dark place it taints the soul and clouds one’s judgement, for when in pain, alone and closed out to the world life is not the same. We begin to see friends as enemies and all good efforts towards us as insufficient. I tell you friends, these walls of punishment built by Smith and abused by our own carry with them a curse that needs a strong heart and mind to survive.

 

 

 

 

 

Dear friends, I am in pain, lost and sadly broken. This experience is not just a today event, but it will traumatize me for the rest of my life. It’s a terrible battle which however I can’t afford to lose. It’s not easy to keep going but I have no choice to quit nor the desire to stop.

 

Honestly I can’t imagine how I would have survived without your voices of solidarity and love. Your donations towards my upkeep in this dark place will never be forgotten or taken for granted. My lawyers bring me all your encouraging words and deeds of compassion. I say this without fear of contradicting myself - it is you who have carried me.

 

 

 

 

As I write, shaking, not from the strong violent bouts of cough, which have erased my smile over the past week and at worst have rocked this pen out of my hands. I am overwhelmed with tears, not from the pain of pre-trial punishment. It’s tears not from the moving songs of worship sung by fellows in my cell, some who have killed and some have robbed others at gun point no. These are tears of joy and determination to go on, all this watered by the blood of your sacrifices and support. I wish to thank you all from the centre of my being, which center remains solid even in the face of adversity.

 

 

 

 

I am told that you have raised 4000 pounds toward my welfare through a GofundMe organized by fellow journalist and brother Hopewell Chin’ono appointed by family and myself to so lead.

 

 

 

 

My heart is humbled by this act of love, which I have no doubt that I have not earned in anyway. There are many who have donated through other channels. These efforts have kept my kids in school and fed. They have also spared me the pain of of eating the sad story of food fed to fellow prisoners here. These rations which hardly pass the definition of meals are not even pleasing to the eye, I honestly wonder what extent of assault the tastebuds of those who eat this food endure. I thank you for not forgetting me or my family.

 

 

 

 

 

Although in pain, I remain unshaken and committed to my profession of choice. I strongly believe that it’s the ordinary people who matter more than those who control the levers of power.

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GLP-1 Diet Plan: What to Eat While Taking Weight Loss Medication

GLP-1 Diet Plan: What to Eat While Taking Weight Loss Medication

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GLP-1 weight loss medication can reduce appetite, but that does not mean food no longer matters.

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In fact, food may matter even more.

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When your appetite is lower, every meal needs to count. You need enough protein, fiber, fluids, vitamins, and minerals to support your body while losing weight.

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A GLP-1 diet plan should not be extreme. It should be simple, balanced, and easy to follow.

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Why Nutrition Matters on GLP-1 Medication

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Some people make the mistake of eating too little while taking GLP-1 medication. They feel full quickly, skip meals, and assume that less food automatically means better results.

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But undereating can create problems.

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You may feel weak, tired, nauseated, or constipated. You may also lose muscle along with fat.

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A JAMA Internal Medicine guide notes that GLP-1 medications can cause loss of muscle and fat, and it recommends protein and muscle maintenance strategies.

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The goal is not just weight loss. The goal is healthier weight loss.

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The Best Foods to Eat on a GLP-1 Diet Plan

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1. Lean Protein

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Protein should be the foundation of your meals.

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Good options include:

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Chicken
rnTurkey
rnFish
rnEggs
rnGreek yogurt
rnCottage cheese
rnLean beef
rnBeans
rnLentils
rnTofu
rnTempeh
rnProtein shakes when needed

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If your appetite is very low, protein shakes may help you meet your needs.

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2. Vegetables

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Vegetables provide fiber, water, and nutrients.

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Good choices include:

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Spinach
rnBroccoli
rnCauliflower
rnGreen beans
rnPeppers
rnCucumber
rnZucchini
rnCarrots
rnCabbage
rnLettuce
rnTomatoes

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Cooked vegetables may be easier to tolerate than raw vegetables for some people.

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3. Fiber-Rich Carbohydrates

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You do not need to fear carbs. Choose better carbs.

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Good options include:

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Oats
rnSweet potatoes
rnBrown rice
rnQuinoa
rnBeans
rnLentils
rnWhole-grain bread
rnFruit

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These foods can support energy and digestion.

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4. Healthy Fats

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Healthy fats help with satisfaction, but portions matter because fats are calorie-dense.

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Good options include:

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Avocado
rnOlive oil
rnNuts
rnSeeds
rnNatural peanut butter
rnSalmon

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5. Hydrating Foods and Drinks

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Hydration matters because appetite changes, nausea, and constipation can be affected by fluid intake.

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Choose:

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Water
rnHerbal tea
rnSparkling water
rnBroth
rnWater-rich fruit
rnLow-sugar electrolyte drinks when appropriate

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Foods That May Worsen Side Effects

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Some people experience nausea or digestive discomfort on GLP-1 medication.

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Foods that may worsen symptoms include:

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Greasy foods
rnLarge heavy meals
rnFried foods
rnHigh-sugar desserts
rnAlcohol
rnVery spicy foods
rnLarge portions of red meat
rnCarbonated drinks for some people

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Not everyone reacts the same way. Track your own tolerance.

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How to Build a GLP-1-Friendly Meal

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Use this simple formula:

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Protein first
rnVegetable second
rnFiber-rich carb third
rnSmall healthy fat
rnWater or low-calorie drink

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Example:

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Grilled chicken
rnSteamed broccoli
rnSmall sweet potato
rnOlive oil drizzle
rnWater

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Another example:

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Greek yogurt
rnBerries
rnChia seeds
rnSmall handful of nuts

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Sample GLP-1 Meal Plan

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Breakfast

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Option 1: Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds
rnOption 2: Scrambled eggs with spinach
rnOption 3: Protein smoothie with unsweetened yogurt and fruit

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Lunch

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Option 1: Chicken salad with vegetables and avocado
rnOption 2: Turkey lettuce wrap with fruit
rnOption 3: Lentil soup with side salad

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Snack

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Option 1: Cottage cheese
rnOption 2: Boiled egg
rnOption 3: Protein shake
rnOption 4: Apple with peanut butter

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Dinner

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Option 1: Salmon with green beans and quinoa
rnOption 2: Turkey meatballs with roasted vegetables
rnOption 3: Tofu stir-fry with brown rice
rnOption 4: Chicken soup with vegetables

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What to Eat When You Feel Nauseated

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If you feel nauseated, try smaller meals.

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Helpful options may include:

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Plain crackers
rnToast
rnBanana
rnRice
rnApplesauce
rnBroth
rnSmall protein smoothie
rnGinger tea
rnPlain yogurt

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Avoid large, greasy meals when nausea is worse.

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Contact your health care provider if nausea is severe, persistent, or you cannot keep fluids down.

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How to Avoid Constipation

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Constipation can happen when you eat less, drink less, or reduce fiber.

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Try:

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Drinking more water
rnEating vegetables daily
rnAdding fiber slowly
rnWalking after meals
rnEating beans or oats
rnUsing prunes if tolerated
rnDiscussing options with your provider if needed

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Do not suddenly overload fiber if your stomach is sensitive. Increase gradually.

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Protein and Muscle Maintenance

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Protecting muscle should be a priority.

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Ways to support muscle:

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Eat protein at every meal
rnStrength train at least 2 days per week
rnWalk regularly
rnAvoid crash dieting
rnDo not skip meals daily
rnUse protein shakes if needed

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The CDC recommends adults include muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days per week.

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What Drinks Are Best?

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Best choices:

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Water
rnUnsweetened tea
rnBlack coffee
rnSparkling water
rnLow-sugar electrolyte drinks
rnBroth

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Limit:

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Soda
rnSweet tea
rnJuice
rnAlcohol
rnHigh-calorie coffee drinks

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Liquid calories can slow progress and may worsen stomach discomfort for some people.

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Common GLP-1 Diet Mistakes

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Eating Too Little Protein

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Low appetite makes it easier to miss protein. Make protein your first priority.

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Skipping Meals Too Often

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Skipping meals may lead to low energy or poor nutrient intake.

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Eating Greasy Foods

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Greasy meals may worsen nausea or digestive discomfort.

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Not Drinking Enough Water

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Lower appetite can reduce thirst cues too. Keep water nearby.

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Ignoring Strength Training

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Weight loss without resistance training may increase muscle loss risk.

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Grocery List for a GLP-1 Diet Plan

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Protein

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Eggs
rnChicken
rnTurkey
rnFish
rnGreek yogurt
rnCottage cheese
rnTofu
rnBeans
rnLentils
rnProtein powder

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Vegetables

rnrn

Spinach
rnBroccoli
rnCauliflower
rnGreen beans
rnCarrots
rnCucumber
rnPeppers
rnLettuce
rnZucchini

rnrn

Carbohydrates

rnrn

Oats
rnSweet potatoes
rnBrown rice
rnQuinoa
rnFruit
rnWhole-grain bread
rnBeans

rnrn

Healthy Fats

rnrn

Avocado
rnOlive oil
rnNuts
rnSeeds
rnNatural peanut butter

rnrn

Drinks

rnrn

Water
rnHerbal tea
rnSparkling water
rnBroth
rnLow-sugar electrolyte drinks

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Final Thoughts

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A GLP-1 diet plan should help you lose weight while protecting your energy, digestion, and muscle.

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Eat protein first. Add vegetables. Choose fiber-rich carbs. Drink water. Strength train. Keep meals smaller if your stomach feels sensitive.

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Medication may reduce appetite, but your habits still build the result.

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GLP-1 weight loss works best when food, movement, medical care, and consistency all work together.

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