Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts

Monday, 17 December 2012

Six Ways to Relief Stress?

Listen to Music - Put on music that you love and enjoy. If you are so distracted by life and your chaotic schedule just sit down and listen to one song and before you know it your blood pressure will be down you will be breathing deeper and be less stressed.

Dance - put on a great song that you can't help dancing to and just go for it. Dancing is a great way to relieve stress and get some exercise. If you are self conscious - try dancing alone in the bathroom. You will make yourself laugh when you look in the mirror. It is delightful.

Have sex with someone you love and who loves you back(your partner)

Enjoy Green - research has shown that green is the easiest color for the eyes to see. It is also thought to balance emotions and bring a feeling of calm. If your outside focus on the branches of a tree

Stand in a steaming shower - Let the hot water beat down on your back and loosen the stiff muscles in your neck . Stand there and just breathe in the steam and enjoy.

Breathe - practice breathing! Breathe in 1-2 3 and exhale 1-2-3. Focused breathing is one of the best ways to relieve stress and relax.

How to manage stress

Maybe you just moved or started a new job, or maybe you just always have too many things on your to-do-list; stress is caused by many things and is all too common in our lives. Change in our life can cause stress and anxiety, especially if we perceive this change as negative.
Unfortunately stress can cause physiological effects such as muscle tension, stomach aches and even headaches.

Tips to reduce stress and its side effects:

Progressive Muscle relaxation: Lay down in a quiet place, close your eyes, and breath in deeply and exhale slowly. Next tense a muscle group, such as your thigh muscles, for about 10 seconds and then relax them. It is best to start with your lower extremities and work your way up. Repeat this with other muscle groups; sholders, feet, legs, stomach and up to your head.
Meditation: Meditation is a focusing of the mind, and for many it brings peace, serenity and stress relief. Two prevelant forms of meditation are mindfulness meditation and transendental meditation.

Yoga: Besides helping manage stress, yoga helps tone muscles, improve flexibility, and improve posture

R and R: Take time to rest and relax. Be sure the rest after a lonf stressful day at work and on the weekend. Hobbies and sports are a great way to relax.

Excersise: Studies show excersise is an excellent way to reduce stress.

Keep a diary: If you have persistent worrying thoughts, write them down in a journal. This will help you put the thoughts aside.

Aromatherapy: Lavender, jasmine, frankincence, myrrh, camomile and orange essential oils are used for relaxation

Ways to boost your energy

Low energy levels could have some hidden causes. Here are some things to watch for.
An iron deficiency - Foods that can up your iron include meat, beans and cereals and vitamin C can promote the absorption of iron.

Allergies - An allergy can cause a lack of energy.

Poor sleep - Not getting enough sleep can zap energy levels. It is important to get eight hours of sleep but this sleep should also be uninterupted. If you're having trouble sleeping try exercising during the day. Be sure not to exercise right before you go to bed.

Low blood sugar - Be sure to eat a proper breakfast in the morning because When you wake up your body has a burst of energy which requires fueling. To keep your blood sugar level through out the day, eat smaller meals and healthier snacks every few hours and also eat before you feel hungry.

Avoid too many carbs and sugary foods like sodas and candy.

To boost your energy in the middle of that long work day, try taking a 15 minute walk. Fresh air and sunshine will also help.

Be sure you drink water. Dehydration can really zap your energy.

Little things you can do to you make better food choices

Change your grocery list. Instead of the chips get air popped popcorn and avoid and partially hydrogenated oils.
Choose high fiber foods. A good rule of thumb is try to aim for 2 or more grams of fiber per 100 calories.

Avoid High Fructose. It is just another way to add sugar to your diet.

Compare ingredients and go for the product with the shortest list, which means less processing fewer additives and frequently fewer calories

Make good nutrition convenience. Try banishing junk food and buying nutritious stuff for yourself and your family. Always have a full fruit bowl.

Be prepared. Have nutritious provisions at work and in the car if your need them.

Before a party - eat a yogurt or an apple to help curb your appetite.

Tips to battle depression

Research has shown that exercise has shown significant mood-lifting power. Duke University publishers produced results of a study in which they divided depressed patients ages 50-77 into three groups. The first group did 30 minutes of jogging or brisk walking three times a week; the second took the antidepressants Zoloft and the third group did both. After four months, patients in all three groups were doing equally well; the medication offered no particular advantage over working out except in relieving the symptoms a little faster. When researchers followed up later they found a major difference between the types of treatment. One-third of the patients that improved on Zoloft had relapsed whereas 92 percent of those benefiting from just aerobic exercise program were still doing well.

Be careful of diet pills

Just because something is sold over the counter does not mean that it is safe. In studies of diet pill one leading brand had a daily dose of what is equivalent to 30 cans of soda. Such high levels of caffeine can cause insomnia, tremors, stomach problems and headache. In addition to that some pills when tested have tested out to contain very high levels of chromium a mineral that helps regulate insulin and may aid in weight loss. In some cases there was up to 42 percent more chromium listed then on the label which can cause side effects like dizziness, flushing and even kidney failure.
The bottom line is to think twice before taking weight loss supplements.

Where to start? On the road to a healthy lifestyle?

Did you know that an unhealthy diet and lifestyle account for more then 80 of heart disease, 90 percent of type 2 diabetes and more then 70 percent of strokes.
What should you change first? It depends on what you are doing but the top of the list is stop smoking along with a combination of increasing physical activity and making dietary changes. Try eliminating or cutting back on margarines containing trans-fats, deep fried food, and commercial baked goods. Avoid unhealthy carbs which include sugar - especially when found in soda, beverages, snacks and desserts. Also focus on removing the refined starches such as white bread, white rice and pasta.. These starches behave identically to sugar in your body and are low in nutrients and low in fiber. Try replacing the refined starches with brown rice, whole grain bread, oatmeal and barley and quinoa.

One of the best things you can do is eat more fruits and vegetables in a wide array of colors - blueberries, sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli and carrots. To ensure more intake of omega 3 fats eat more salmon, sardines walnuts and flaxseeds.

Remember to make these changes gradually because you will more then likely keep up a habit that is developed over time rather then one that is developed overnight.

Tips for starting a new fitness routine

Remember - the 1st month is the hardest. Making exercise a priority and part of your life is a long-term commitment but if you can keep it up for a month you can do it for a lifetime.
When starting a new routine - don't skip meals and make sure you are getting plenty of water. Don't worry if you have a treat - enjoy it and don't saddle yourself with a lot of guilt.
If you can start with someone else it always helps to have a workout buddy or some kind of support system.

This will definitely increase your accountability.

Expect these types of emotions when starting a new exercise routine

Week 1 - you are excited and motivated about the new exercise regime but set realistic goals - it is better to exercise consistently 3 times a week then commit to do it five a week and fall off the wagon.

Week 2 - your still doing ok, maybe a little sore but feeling good about things. You may notice that your clothes feel better.

Week 3 - you may experience a plateau. Your weight loss may have slowed now but you are definitely feeling better and probably sleeping better. When in doubt - just show up for your work out.

Week 4 - Ask yourself questions like "what can I do better? Can I work out longer and harder? Set daily goals and keep them. Invite your mind into the exercise regime.

Do vegetables lose nutritional value if they are frozen?

The convenience of frozen vegetables does come at a small nutritional cost, but fresh vegetables that have been stored at your fridge for a week or in trucks, trains, warehouses or supermarkets for even loner are not at their nutritional peak either. The more produce sits around, the fewer nutrients it contains. From the moment vegetables are picked, enzymes begin breaking down their water-soluble nutrients. While the ideal option is to buy just picked produce from a local stand or farmers market and eat it the same day very few of us have that luxury. Fortunately, frozen vegetables are a sound alternative. Freezing preserves vitamins, minerals and fiber for about eight months so you should eat your vegetables even if they are frozen.

Tips to help make/keep you thin?

One treat at a time. It is ok to have a cheeseburger once in a while but don't use the justification that since you are already splurging that it ok to order the French Fries along with it. Allow yourself an occasional treat, as long as it is accompanied by smarter food choices like fresh fruit and vegetables.

If you can't just have one - avoid them. There are some treats that you can't just have one so it is best to just avoid those treats altogether. You may discover that a chocolate chip cookie triggers uncontrollable cravings but one square of dark chocolate appeases your sweet tooth quite nicely.

Don't lose weight for some one else. Reset your weight lost goals so they revolve soley around you. Sit down and figure out the benefits to you of changing your lifestyle. Writing down your goals can really help.

Avoid winter weight gain. Keep a bikini or a skimpy sun dress on the back door of your bathroom so you
can visualize yourself wearing it every time you head for the leftovers.

Genetics are not on your side but… there are still things you can do. First of all set realistic expectations. First of all, you may never be a size two but that doesn't mean you can't be a healthy size 10. Small things like walking to the grocery store, choosing the stairs over the escalator can really make a diiference. Research shows that people who are physically fit and maybe carry a few extra pounds as opposed to people who are their ideal size and not physically fit.

After that workout I can eat anything. Most people over estimate the amount of calories burned. After a great workout reward yourself with a bath or a massage not food.

Avoid buffets. Most people love buffets because of the variety but they also tend to overindulge. To be safe just avoid them.

Remember make lifestyle changes don't diet. Quite simply diets don't work long-term so you are better off to make simple lifestyle changes and keep them up over time.

Avoid the hefty salad. A salad heaped with tons of toppings can be just as many calories as a burger. Be realistic about what goes on your salad. Adding a ton of croutons and you might as well be eating a sandwich.

Sweet and Carbs boost your serotonin but thankfully so does exercise,sex and low-fat carbohydrates so choose wisely.

Just because you brought it at the health food section doesn't mean it is healthy. Organic potato chips have just as many fat grams as regular potato chips so be warned.

Pace yourself with the slowest eater at the table. Studies have shown that eating slower can be more enjoyable and led to less calorie consumption.

Let's meet for a walk instead of let meet for drinks. Either way you are getting the same social interaction but also doing something good for yourself. Studies have shown that having an exercise buddy can lead to longer exercise.

Top Beauty Foods

In addition to antioxidants helping fend off heart disease and cancer, while keeping our immune systems, the mind and eyes in good shape they also are know as beauty or power foods. The United Stated Department of Agriculture has put together a list of the 20 foods with the highest concentration of antioxidants.

The USDA's list:

Small red beans
Wild blueberries
Red Kidney beans
Pinto beans
Cultivated Blueberries
Cranberries
Artichokes
Blackberries
Prunes
Raspberries
Strawberries
Red Delicious & Granny Smith apples
Pecans
Sweet cherries
Black plums
Russet potatoes
Black beans
Plums
Gala apples
Walnuts

Foods that didn't make the top 20 but are also packed with healthy minerals and antioxidants include avocado, asparagus, broccoli rabe, and - dark chocolate.
There's another measure, called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), which determines how foods absorb. Foods high on this list include kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, beets and many of the same berries that have high TAC.

The perfect food ?

Foods with deep rich colors signify a very strong concentrated dose of antioxidants. And we have studies that show us that berries, in and of themselves, help prevent bladder infections and Alzheimer's, age-related brain decline. Berries have fiber, but the also have vitamins and minerals, and they're low in calories and they're sweet. So they're perfect." Beans, dried or canned, are wonderful. Canned beans are just as nutritious.
One way to get a lot of antioxidants in one sitting is through a delicious salad. People think of salads as lettuce and tomato, but you can make so many interesting salads with so many personalities by mixing all sorts of healthy foods together

How to avoid late night eating?

Does this sound like you? You inhale a light yogurt for lunch and eat hardly anything all day so by the end of the day you are so hungry that all your discipline goes out the window. You have a night eating habit and are someone who uses food not as fuel but as an antidote to stress. There are two troubling behaviors that come into play with night eating and those are mindless consumption and lack of portion control. This can make trying to lose weight extremely difficult and can also increase the likelihood of obesity.

Why do we eat at night?

Many women eat late at night because that is the only time of day that they get in any peace and carbohydrates offer stress relief because they raise the level of serotonin, the good mood chemical in the brain that makes us feel at ease. Other diet minded women eat very little during the day thinking their self -discipline will carry them through the evening, only to have the strategy backfire. Going for long period restricting food makes it harder to eat reasonable when you begin to eat.

Tips to stop night eating?

Don't starve all day. Make sure to eat breakfast, lunch and snacks so you are not ravenous in the evening. Curb your appetite- Try a drink that nutritionist call Citrus Chill which is a squeeze or lemon and lime and some artificial sweeter over crushed ice. Try on of these before dinner and after dinner.
Set a clear food cut off time - Try brushing your teeth at 7:30 pm and designate that as your food cut off time. This is hard at first but gets easier over time.

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Easy to follow weight loss tips

1. Eat smaller meals three to five times per day.

2.Eat nutrient foods such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.

3.Eat slowly

4.Prepare healthy snacks that are easily available such as cut carrots, apples.

5.Avoid buffets at hotels and restaurants.

6.Drink plenty of water, especially prior to meals.

Tips to Reduce Belly Fat for Teen Girls

Tips to Reduce Belly Fat for Teen Girls

Best way To Reduce Belly Fat for Teen Girls. Many teen girls have a fast metabolism. For teenage girls, belly fat can be a huge disaster. Some teenage girls struggle with their weight, and they look for effective ways to lose belly fat. Every girl in this stage wants to appear their best. If you are in your teens, and if you are obese, there’s no real need to despair. There are many several techniques to help teenagers reduce stomach bulge.

Step 1. Avoid sugar sugary foods. Sugary treats like cake, cookies and ice cream will cause abdominal weight. Especially sodas and some juices contain several grams of sugar. Pay attention to food labels and eliminate or limit sugary foods and beverages from your diet.

Step 2. Take a workout routine. Set aside time to exercise. Work out for a minimum of 30 minutes daily. Effective exercises like walking, jogging, playing sports, or swimming. Always drink plenty of water. Drink at least eight to ten glasses a day to lose belly fat. Water flushes excess sodium, sugar and fluids from your body.

Step 3. Better take a fiber supplement. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, or take a daily fiber supplement to promote digestive health and get rid of abdominal bloating. Avoid fatty foods from your diet. Stay away from high-fat foods, including fried foods and fast foods. Take low-fat or no-fat alternatives.

Step 4. Take your weight once a week. This will help you to stay alert and energized. Eating healthy diet to lose belly fat and doing regular exercises to lose belly fat are the most effective solutions to weight loss problems. Remember if you lose weight quickly, your body tends to gain it back. To maintain your weight you need to have regular workout sessions and eat a well balanced diet.

Monday, 26 November 2012

Healthy Eating at Home(for kids)

Healthy Eating at Home

Healthy, well-nourished kids are better prepared mentally and physically to take on the day. Good nutrition begins at home, so talk to your child about making healthy food and beverage choices and model those healthy behaviors yourself. Also look for creative and inexpensive ways to celebrate with your kids (e.g., special time together, family outings, purchase of a book or interactive toy) rather than using food as a reward. The tips in this section will give you some ideas on ways to get your family eating healthier.

Is Your Family Eating Too Much Salt?

Did you know?

Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure. Salt intake is a leading contributor to high blood pressure and can be found in all kinds of foods.[1] This is significant because, in general, higher salt intake can mean higher blood pressure as well as greater risk for osteoporosis and cancer.[2] Keeping blood pressure in the normal range reduces risk of stroke, heart disease and heart failure.[3]

What foods contain salt?

Salt—the primary source of sodium in the diet—is in a wide variety of foods. There are foods that taste salty like chips, salted nuts and pretzels, and there are other processed foods—like some ketchups and salad dressings—that contain high amounts of salt as well. There is also high sodium content in many breads, cereals and canned vegetables.

How much salt is OK to eat?

Most adults should consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium each day. However, those with high blood pressure or those who are at risk for high blood pressure may want to aim to consume even less. At the same time, everyone should consume potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Potassium helps to reduce the negative effects that salt may have on blood pressure.
Generally, the younger kids are, the less salt they should consume. The following table provides some guidelines for maximum salt intake.

If a child is…	They should eat less than…
1 to 3 years old	1,500 milligrams a day
4 to 8 years old	1,900 milligrams a day
9 to 13 years old	2,200 milligrams a day
14 to 18	2,300 milligrams a day

How do I know the salt content of a packaged food?

Here is a rule for determining which foods have too much salt:

Look on the nutrition label of the packaged food. (Remember to look at the serving size; the package might contain more than one serving.)
Find where the label lists the sodium or sodium chloride content. This will tell you how many milligrams of sodium are in the package per serving.
An easy way to make a decision is to look at the % DV, or percent of the recommended daily intake. If it is:

More than 20% = Stop! This food or beverage is very high in sodium.
5 - 20% = Use with caution and carefully monitor portion sizes
to avoid eating too much sodium.
0 - 5% = This is a low sodium food or beverage.

Tips to Cut Down on Salt

Go for flavor: Instead of using salt, flavor food with herbs, spices, garlic and lemon juice.
Au natural: Natural foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans tend to have very low levels of sodium—try to build more of these into your diet.
Snack attack: Cut down on salty snacks such as chips, nuts and salty cheeses. Replace these with dried fruit and unsalted nuts and crackers.
Avoid processed foods: Cut back on processed foods as much as possible as they contain a lot of salt. Replace processed cheeses with mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese and cottage cheese. Replace processed meats, such as salami and sausages, with fresh chicken, lamb, turkey or beef.
Take stock: Choose low-salt stock cubes or make your own soup stock.
Garnishing? Many condiments (including mustard, ketchup and peanut butter) have “low-sodium” or “reduced sodium” options. Choose these when you are at the grocery store. Limit high-sodium condiments and foods, such as soy sauce, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, flavored seasoning salts, pickles and olives.
Cereal selection: Breakfast cereals have a lot of hidden salt. Try the tasty low-salt options.
On the town? When you eat out, request that the chef prepares your food without added salt and request all sauces "on the side." Add sauce in moderation as you eat your meal.
Wash and go: Try rinsing certain foods, such as canned tuna and salmon, feta cheese and capers, before eating to remove excess salt.
Get committed: Remove the salt shaker from the table. Things may seem bland at first, but over time, your taste buds will adjust.

Thursday, 22 November 2012

The Parents Guide to Healthy Snacking

It is every parent's primary concern to make sure that the children do not suffer any health issues due to not being provided enough nutrients in food. Also children often overeat in their enthusiasm and hunger, which lead to minor glitches like constipation and indigestion. Avoid all these mistakes and make sure you reduce the amount of junk you feed your children.

A balanced diet and vegetables shall supplement the positive growth in your child, whether mental or physical. Off late, due to time constraints or a hectic lifestyle, we as parents neglect the needs of our own children. Junk food does not compliment the health needs of any individual and children tend to binge on them if not provided enough food. And this might be a problem.

Here's how you can be the smart and responsible parent.

Ten Snacking Tips

Children normally tend to snack mid-morning, before lunch, in the afternoons and sometimes in the evenings. So here is a list to make sure you provide all the required supplements before you whip that quick snack for your loved ones.

Make sure you choose the right time for a snack. Often snacks, instead of working as appetizers to a wholesome meal, make the child full and prevent him from eating his veggies and rice. Chapatis should not be the only main course. Make it a habit to eat at regular times on all days and incorporate a gap of at least one and a half hours before any meal.

Teach your children to concentrate on their food and not be around any distractions like the television or video games which lead to overeating. Also make sure you teach them to chew their food before they gulp it.

Plan the snacks you make so that they contain all nutrients. And try variations between a solid snack (like buttered broccoli or cottage cheese and chana in the mornings) and a liquid protein shake or milk shake for the evenings.

Make sure you set the right example to your children. Avoid that glass of wine at nights or binging on wafers in front of them.

Stop being monotonous with the snacks you serve. Try mini idlis or pizzas and innovate. You could also use wheat bread sandwiches instead of instant noodles. Also try raw veggies with a cheesy dip or a quickhealthybhel with soy chunks.

Even at our age, we find it difficult to stop munching on the crispies and fried chips. Make sure to keep junk food out of reach of your children and keep muesli or other healthier snacks where they can find and eat them.

Traveling and food are very important. Make sure to carry boiled water from home in a water bottle. Also carry healthy snack options like chaat masalaand raw veggies like carrots and cucumbers in a cool insulated box. You could also carry fresh juices or lemon juice to avoid thirst or dehydration.

Make sure you include proteins in your child's diet. Give him those cheese slices or peanut butter sandwiches. Include glucose drinks.

Encourage your children to form hygienic habits and wash their mouth after every meal. Make sure they brush twice a day to prevent cavities.

Lastly, a little indulgence of junk food is always a treat to the kids. So do not deprive them of their happiness. But do keep it in check.

Plan your kid's dietary needs!

Juice Fasts

Do you fast? Most Indians fast once a week, for religious purposes. But did you know that fasting, if done right, can be great for the health too?

We tend to underestimate our Indian culture in our desire to ape the West. While the benefits of fasting are now being realized by the West, Indians have been fasting for millennia. We need to appreciate that our Indian religion is very scientific. While it may have a religious focus, the activities our religions call for, have enormous health benefits. Why do you think some of our sages live to be 300 years old? Not because God stops them from dying, but because their bodies are young, fit and healthy. While we can't drop everything and go and meditate in the Himalayas, there are definitely certain things we can imbibe, and one of them is fasting.

Here are tips on how to fast, to get your health back in shape.

While some people fast for ten days to a month at a time, you could begin with one day a week, or even one day a month, and move on from there.

Our toxins are stored in the body in the form of fat. So while fasting will definitely get rid of the fat, it will also mobilize the toxins which have been latent so far, and release them into the body all at once, rendering your body unable to cope, especially if you have suddenly gone on an extended fast. Thus, it makes sense to start out by a day at a time.

When we stop eating, our system gets a break from the junk that we consume, but it also stops getting the nutrients it needs. Thus, your fast should include intake of nutrients in some form. This need is best served by consuming juice.

Freshly squeezed fruit juices are the best bet. You could also have vegetable juices like carrot or beet juices, diluted with distilled water.

Drink lots of liquid. Your body will be losing water, and you need to replace that.

No tea, coffee or alcohol during a detox fast. Avoid milk as well. As mentioned before, all your liquid intake should be in the form of fruit or vegetables.

As this is an extremely low calorie form of diet, you will barely be taking in protein or carbohydrates and will not be taking in any fat. It is thus likely that you feel week and disoriented. Don't do anything physically or mentally strenuous, as you would be straining your body. If possible, rest at home on the day you are fasting.

Juice fasts help rejuvenate the body as your stomach will get a break from all the impure forms of food that you have been consuming. The bonus is that you will lose weight quickly - and safely, if you fast right, as yourcalorie intake will drop.

A good idea would be to consume the juice of that fruit which is beneficial for the particular ailment you've been suffering from. Thus, if you've got a weak liver, consume as much grape juice as possible during your fast.

Ease back into solid foods slowly, especially if you've been on an extended fast that lasted more than a day. Breaking a three-day long fast with butter chicken, paneer makhani and naan is a bad idea to say the least. Eat something light the day after your fast.

Healthy Snack Options

Here are some healthy snack options, and tips to make our favourite snacks less harmful.

What parent or child doesn't enjoy munching on snacks when watching the television, studying or even working? However, since not all of us can jump up and cook something every time we feel hungry, we tend to simply open up our goodies shelf, remove a packet of or tortilla chips, and start munching. This is not the best idea - especially considering the long-term good health of yourfamily.

Although snacking on the occasional packet of wafers is fine, this should not be done too often. Not only do such snacks have no food value, they actually cause harm. So, save these for once-in-a-while indulgences, and consider other, healthier snack options. Here are some ideas.

Bananas

Bananas may not seem like the ideal snack food, but they are rich in food value. You can make the taste more interesting by slicing a banana, adding a little lemon juice and sugar or salt, depending on whether you feel like eating something sweet or salty. This makes a delicious, healthy, anytime snack. If you like chaat masala, keep it handy and sprinkle it over your banana snack for extra flavour.

Apple stew

Chop up an apple, add 3-4 tablespoons water, one teaspoon sugar, one clove, and heat it over a very low flame. Keep it covered with a lid. Once the apple becomes completely soggy, your stew is ready. Mash it up and serve it plain, or topped with a little 'malai' or cream. This is again very simple to make and is ahealthy snack. Although there's nothing as healthy as uncooked fruit, an apple stew does retain some nutrients, in any case it is not harming you in any way - which is also a plus point in a snack.

Pani puri or gol gappas

Who doesn't love pani puri? You may not know this, but pani puri can be a fairlyhealthy snack option. Stuff each puri with boiled chickpeas, mashed potatoes and steamed sprouts, and you've got yourself a delicious, healthy snack. The only problem with eating pani puri from the streets is that the hygiene aspect is a little unsure. Since so much water is used in pani puri, and it is not a cooked food, one doesn't want to take chances. It is best if you prepare this snack at home, or eat it from a place that you have faith in. It is not advisable to eat this from random stalls you have never tried before, unless perhaps they are attached to a restaurant and serve pani puri made with mineral water. Similarly, not just pani puri but other chaats too can be healthy, especially curd based chaats. You need to remember that the puris and many other ingredients in chaats are fried. So if you eat chaat today, try and reduce your oil intake in other foods.

Pakoras and samosas

These may not seem like the healthiest snack option - and they aren't. But remember that samosas are often stuffed with vegetables and dried fruits. The only problem is that they are deep fried. However, if you make samosas and pakoras at home, using good oil or olive oil, you've already won half the battle. Make more palak pakoras and less potato pakoras to maximize health benefits. If you don't know how to make samosas at home, stick with pakoras. Opting for readymade samosas is not the best option.

Broccoli and mushroom

Steamed broccoli and mushroom sauteed with garlic and lemon tastes divine. Steaming broccoli and mushroom takes under ten minutes, after which your dish is almost ready. All you need to do now is to heat a little butter in a pan, add the garlic and saute for a minute. Add broccoli, mushroom, the juice of one lemon,salt and pepper, and continue cooking for another minute. Serve!

5 Healthy Eating Habits

Health is wealth. We take our health for granted, until it's gone. Here are 5 great tips that will make a world of difference to your health.

Eat at fixed hours

Eat at fixed hours everyday. If you follow this advice religiously, you will be far healthier than your peers. Don't wait till you have reached the age when you can no longer say 'you are only old in the mind'. Start eating your meals at a fixed hour everyday. Only when a person becomes a grandmother, does he or she start realizing the importance of eating meals at a fixed time. Begin now, so the next tonext generation can say of you: "Hell, no! That ain't my mother, that's my great grandmother!"

Avoid eating between meals

Your digestive system doesn't get a break if you keep munching throughout the day, so give it a rest. Breakfast at 8:30 am, lunch at 12:30 pm and dine at 7:30 or 8:00 pm at the latest, and do not eat anything in the middle. If you must, take a milk and snack break once in the evening, but no more. However, if you are looking to lose weight, dine even earlier and skip your evening snack entirely.

Reduce meat consumption

Avoid eating red meat and too much of chicken. Fish is fine, as it is very high protein. Other meats are not as easy to digest. Ever notice how doctors advise certain patients to stop consuming non-vegetarian food? Ever notice how many people, as they advance in age, choose to give up meat? That's because these people's systems can no longer take so much meat. The human body was not built to consume flesh, which is why humans ultimately have to switch to shakahari food. A cow will starve to death in a grassless land, but will not eat meat, and a lion will die of hunger, but will not feed on grass. Why? Nature has made the lion a meat-eater. He has well-developed canines, and a 'short' long intestine to quickly expel meat before it develops toxins. Humans on the other hand have extremely poorly developed canines, appropriate for chewing vegetables, not for tearing flesh. In addition, they have 'long' long intestines, rendering it impossible (unless you have a bad stomach) to expel the meat before it goes bad in the body and starts spreading toxins.

Increase soyabean consumption

Most of us know that soyabeans are excellent providers of nutrients, but how many of us eat this rich food? An easy way to include soyabeans in our diet is to add 500 gm of soyabean in 10 kg of wheat before it is milled. Eat these soya/wheat chapattis instead of regular wheat chapattis for a healthy, nutritious option.

Enjoy your meal

Don't rush through your meals.
Chew your food properly, so your system finds it easier to digest.
Have a lively conversation during meals.
Turn mealtimes into family time. Try and ensure that everyone eats at least one meal in a day together. Don't give your children meals in their room unless they have friends over. Make sure they sit with the rest of the family. If this is a rule from the beginning, they will find abide by it with more ease as they grow up.
Remove the television from the dining room, or let it play music. You should not be watching the tube while eating, you should be talking to each other, remember?
Believe it or not, enjoying a meal is actually far healthier than eating when depressed or anxious.

Facial Hair Styles for Men

Alteration of facial hair is useful in getting a new look for men. One reason for the popularity of facial hair styling is that a few changes make a big difference in appearance. Some fashion experts even feel that facial hair styling is more effective than getting a new haircut.

Shape of Your Face

The shape of your face plays a big role in determining what style of beard or moustache (or both) looks good on you. What you can do is experiment with different styles to see what works for you. For example, a thin chin-centric beard should work really well for a round face as it offers definition and appears to lengthen the face. A good facial hair style should accentuate your better features and conceal your flaws, if any.

Before You Begin On Your New Facial Hair Style

Facial hair styling can be done easily at home, with a razor and some creativity. But before you begin, make sure you have the right gear. A sharp razor is mandatory along with good shaving foam and warm water. The razor should preferably have a single blade. Make sure you moisturize your face adequately before you begin. This softens the hair and skin and it becomes easier for you to shave or trim precisely. Warm towels are also effective at softening your skin.

Facial Hair Styles You Could Try

1) The 5 'o clock Shadow:

Perhaps the most popular and conventional facial hair style is the 5 o' clock shadow. This gives you a rugged look. This slight stubble is called the 5 o' clock shadow because it commonly appears around 5 p.m. on your face, if you shaved yourself clean in the morning. This style can be easily acquired, as all you have to do it let it grow and then keep it trimmed for maximum effect.

2) The Full Beard:

A full beard is a style that few men can pull off. As the name suggests, this style requires you to stay away from the razor until the hair on your face is fully grown. This is because, with a full beard, there is a thin line between looking groomed and unruly. You could try a slight growth first and see if that works for you. If it does, you can advance to growing a full beard.

3) The Goatee:

The classic goatee is another safe style to try out. It gives you a youthful appearance and emphasizes the cut of your chin. You can throw in a handlebar moustache or a tuft of hair below your lip for added effect.

4) The Soul Patch:

If you have a prominent jaw, a small patch of hair below your lip (called the soul patch) should look good on you.

5) The Circle Beard:

The circle beard is a style that is very popular with Indian men. For this you need to shave off everything but your moustache and goatee and let them meet so that it forms a perfect circle. You can make it rectangular too, if it suits the shape of your face. You can alter this circle beard by shaving off the area that connects the goatee and moustache. Throw in a soul patch and you have Johnny Depp's trademark look.

Other Styles of Facial Hair

Extending your sideburns to meet the goatee is another look you could try, though this requires a bit of skill. Preferably have it done by a good stylist, as it is important for the chin straps (the hair extending from your sideburns to your goatee) to be symmetrical. You could also try shaping your sideburns in different sizes and designs. This again is best done by a stylist as attempting designs before a mirror can be a difficult task.

There are many other ways that you could mix and match any of these facial hair styles to find something that suits you best. Make sure that you do not try any experimenting just before an important event. But if something does go wrong, you can always fall back on the clean-shaven look which is safe and stylish in its own way.

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