Managing Blood Sugar Spikes: Supplements vs. Balanced Meals Managing Blood Sugar Spikes: Supplements vs. Balanced Meals — Pros and Cons Blood sugar spikes can cause fatigue, hunger, brain fog, and long-term health issues like insulin resistance and diabetes. Many people seek ways to minimize these spikes, often choosing between taking health supplements or adjusting their meal composition. In this post, I’ll analyze the pros and cons of using dietary supplements to control blood sugar versus focusing on balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbs. Using Health Supplements to Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes Pros: Convenience: Supplements are easy to carry and take anywhere, making them practical especially when on-the-go. Targeted Support: Certain ingredients like cinnamon extract, berberine, or chromium may help support insulin sensitivity and slow carbohydrate absorption. Immediate Effect: Some supplements can provide quick support in controlling ...
Why Renting in Downtown Toronto Feels Impossible: My Journey From Vancouver
Looking for a rental in downtown Toronto is nothing short of a miracle. I recently made the move from Vancouver to Toronto, excited to start a new chapter — but I was completely unprepared for how intense the rental market would be here.
I was hoping to find a high-rise unit within walking distance from my school. That sounds reasonable, right? Well, not in Toronto. I quickly learned that there are hundreds of tenant-landlord disputes each month, and in this chaotic rental climate, demand heavily outweighs supply — especially in downtown.
What shocked me the most was the number of landlords demanding 6 to 12 months of rent paid upfront. Technically, this is illegal in Ontario. The Residential Tenancies Act clearly states that landlords can’t ask for more than first and last month’s rent. But when your choice is between following the law or being homeless, most people — especially international students or newcomers — feel like they don’t have much of a choice.
I personally encountered multiple landlords who wouldn’t even look at my application unless I agreed to prepay half a year of rent. I was frustrated and conflicted — I knew my rights, but I also knew that I desperately needed housing.
Eventually, I found a landlord willing to negotiate. I provided proof of funds, showed my credit score, and agreed to prepay 6 months of rent. That was the compromise — still legally gray, but at least more manageable than a full year’s prepayment. I was lucky. Many others are not.
Compared to Vancouver, where the market is also competitive but a bit more regulated, Toronto felt wild. The pressure, the speed, and the sheer competition made this experience incredibly stressful. But despite everything, I’m still excited about this move. Toronto has amazing energy, and I truly believe this is the right place for my next step.
Still, this rental experience made one thing very clear to me: I don’t want to go through this again. That’s why I’ve set a personal goal — within the next 4 to 5 years, I’m going to do everything I can to buy property in this area. I never want to be in a situation again where basic housing feels out of reach.
If you’re thinking of moving to Toronto, especially downtown, be prepared. Do your research, build up your credit, and have your documents ready — and most importantly, be mentally ready for a lot of “no”s before you get a “yes.”