So you have been dieting all this while and also keep a check on what you eat, still you feel you aren't losing much weight. Or does it come back after sometime? We help you find out 6 evil factors that doom your diet.
1) Don’t give your food power:
It’s all in your mind. Food can’t make you eat it. Some people talk as if a chocolate bar holds them down, forcing them to eat it. You have the power to say No to food.
2) Good versus bad food:
So you think there are good and bad foods? Incorrect. Food is food; it could be fatty, salty, sweet, and low in fat, high in fibre, high in protein. You have to find the right balance and ensure that your body is not deprived of food.
3) Dieting can’t go on forever:
You feel heavy today and you go on a diet plan. Once you lose the excess weight, you go off the diet. If you follow this pattern, you are most likely to regain all the weight. So eat well but eat right.
4) You can’t lose weight without exercise:
So you think you can lose weight without exercising. It isn’t impossible, but you would need to go on a controlled diet. But once you stop dieting, the weight will come back. It’s very important to follow some kind of a fitness routine. It can even be a brisk walk, or any kind of increased activity.
5) All fats are not bad
Some fats are healthy. Nuts and seeds have good oils in them, so you should not avoid those oils. Also, you shouldkeep alternating food oils. Do not stick to one kind of oil. The trans fat in fast food and packaged foods is bad for you.
6) Don’t drink too many calories
If you are living in the misconception that soft drink is bad but juice and sports drink are good, think again.Juice has the same calories as soft drinks. And sports drinks are mostly full of sugar. It’s best to eat your fruit than drinking it. And drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated.
Eat Healthy live Peacefully
Friday, April 16, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
HERB MAGIC
Herbs and spices have a lot of health benefits. We list a few
Considering they are so easily available today, it’s hard to believe that at one point there were wars fought over it. Full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and free of calories, spices and herbs can be liberally added to dishes. In fact, when substituted for salt, they can help in reducing bloating, water retention and cravings. Recently, turmeric powder was in the news for evidence that it contains curcumin which can fight Alzheimer’s and Dementia, as well as for having anti-cancer properties. While it has been a staple in Indian cooking for decades, the West is only recently awakening to its benefits. Indian cuisine contains a vast number of important spices which are not present in processed or fast foods. If you’ve been going for bland food thinking it might be a healthier option, think again!
Deepshikha Agarwal, sports physician and dietician says people don’t know about the important properties of spices. “Due to the frantic pace of everyday life, most women don’t get time to cook and order in or buy readymade meals which lack essential herbs. Even the most basic ginger and garlic is good for digestion, blood purification and releases acidity and curbs gastro problems. Saffron has vital anti-bacterial properties and is a cooling agent as well. Cloves can be used to kill oral bacteria and aid in the digestive process; the list can go on,” says Deepshikha.
The condiments in our Indian food stimulates the gastric juices, which is why you get constipated eating bland food abroad, says nutritionist Naini Setalvad. “Very few people know, but coriander is the best possible form of calcium. The leaves are an excellent stimulant and it is known to reverse and retard digestive disorders, high cholesterol levels, conjunctivitis, heavy menstrual flow, skin disorders, and most importantly, to ‘clean up’ the mess caused by years of smoking. Turmeric has been called the ‘holy powder’ for it’s ability to prevent Alzheimer’s and cancer cells from multiplying as well as helping with cystic fibroids and sclerosis. The yellow coloured powerful beta carotene can also help reduce your eye number,” explains Naini. Similarly basil or tulsi has antioxidant properties. It keeps the blood pure and makes your hair and skin to glow. Basil leaves also aid in diabetic treatments, fevers, respiratory problems, kidney stones, cardiac problems, mouth infections and dental problems. Dill leaves have a stimulating effect. They help cure diarrhoea, dysentery, bad breath, colds, bronchitis, swellings and are good for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Health expert Madhuri Ruia says simple everyday ingredients like cinnamon help regulate blood sugar levels because it contains chromium and zinc and acts as a blood thinner while preventing fungal infections. “Fenugreek or methi relieves sinus and asthma while reducing inflammation and constipation. Even simple adrak chai contains ginger which has volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds like gingerol that help with rheumatoid arthritis,” adds Madhuri who feels one shouldn’t skip out on these vital herbs and spices
when cooking.
Considering they are so easily available today, it’s hard to believe that at one point there were wars fought over it. Full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and free of calories, spices and herbs can be liberally added to dishes. In fact, when substituted for salt, they can help in reducing bloating, water retention and cravings. Recently, turmeric powder was in the news for evidence that it contains curcumin which can fight Alzheimer’s and Dementia, as well as for having anti-cancer properties. While it has been a staple in Indian cooking for decades, the West is only recently awakening to its benefits. Indian cuisine contains a vast number of important spices which are not present in processed or fast foods. If you’ve been going for bland food thinking it might be a healthier option, think again!
Deepshikha Agarwal, sports physician and dietician says people don’t know about the important properties of spices. “Due to the frantic pace of everyday life, most women don’t get time to cook and order in or buy readymade meals which lack essential herbs. Even the most basic ginger and garlic is good for digestion, blood purification and releases acidity and curbs gastro problems. Saffron has vital anti-bacterial properties and is a cooling agent as well. Cloves can be used to kill oral bacteria and aid in the digestive process; the list can go on,” says Deepshikha.
The condiments in our Indian food stimulates the gastric juices, which is why you get constipated eating bland food abroad, says nutritionist Naini Setalvad. “Very few people know, but coriander is the best possible form of calcium. The leaves are an excellent stimulant and it is known to reverse and retard digestive disorders, high cholesterol levels, conjunctivitis, heavy menstrual flow, skin disorders, and most importantly, to ‘clean up’ the mess caused by years of smoking. Turmeric has been called the ‘holy powder’ for it’s ability to prevent Alzheimer’s and cancer cells from multiplying as well as helping with cystic fibroids and sclerosis. The yellow coloured powerful beta carotene can also help reduce your eye number,” explains Naini. Similarly basil or tulsi has antioxidant properties. It keeps the blood pure and makes your hair and skin to glow. Basil leaves also aid in diabetic treatments, fevers, respiratory problems, kidney stones, cardiac problems, mouth infections and dental problems. Dill leaves have a stimulating effect. They help cure diarrhoea, dysentery, bad breath, colds, bronchitis, swellings and are good for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Health expert Madhuri Ruia says simple everyday ingredients like cinnamon help regulate blood sugar levels because it contains chromium and zinc and acts as a blood thinner while preventing fungal infections. “Fenugreek or methi relieves sinus and asthma while reducing inflammation and constipation. Even simple adrak chai contains ginger which has volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds like gingerol that help with rheumatoid arthritis,” adds Madhuri who feels one shouldn’t skip out on these vital herbs and spices
when cooking.
IDEAL SNACKS
Fruits are the best foods to snack on as they are fresh and full of vitamins and minerals. They are best eaten in the natural state without much cutting, cooking and therefore without much nutrient loss.
Besides filling your stomach and giving you energy, fruits give you a quick dose of vitamins, minerals, some fluids and some fibre. In terms of calories, fruits have very low calorific content compared to other foods.
An average size apple, pear, guava, orange gives you 50 to 60 calories whereas one medium
samosa or vada contains as much as 150 to 200 calories.
Fruits are made up of two sugars — glucose and fructose, both of which are monosaccharides —
which are sugars that are digested in a single step and enter the blood stream easily as energy. Hence, fruits are the best choice for quick energy and refreshment.
Regular sugar and chocolate on the other hand are made of a sugar called sucrose, which is a disaccharide, and requires two steps of digestion and lot more time to provide the required energy.
Ideally, have a fruit every day at about 11 am or 12 noon and at 6 or 7 pm when you return from work.
At 4 pm you may have a cup of coffee or tea made with skimmed milk, along with a couple of digestive biscuits, crackers or whole wheat bread.
You could also have milk, curd, lassi or buttermilk. Milk contains a natural sugar called lactose, but it also contains fluids and is both filling and refreshing.
If you wake up early for work or to study, have hot milk, coffee or tea and a banana to give you a quick energy boost. A biscuit or toast may be added.
Grain foods make great snacks because they fill you up without adding much fat. They contain complex carbohydrates which fuse our bodies with energy.
If you can’t resist bread, go for the multi-grain variety and eat it with hummus which is full of chick peas.
Snack on dry cereal or add some dry fruitsto make it tasty.
Multi-grain crackers can be eaten plain or with a low-fat yogurt dip.
Dry fruits make another healthy snacking option. Raisins are high in iron and dietary fibre, and while they may taste sweet , they’re a good option.
Dried apricots add much vitamins and minerals needed by the body especially vitamin A. They help the body fight infection, repair damaged tissues, build strong teeth and bones, and improve your eyesight aside from being fat and cholesterol-free and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium.
Dried plums or prunes can be bought as ready-to-eat snacks. They aid in digestion while adding potassium, iron and vitamin A to the body.
Besides filling your stomach and giving you energy, fruits give you a quick dose of vitamins, minerals, some fluids and some fibre. In terms of calories, fruits have very low calorific content compared to other foods.
An average size apple, pear, guava, orange gives you 50 to 60 calories whereas one medium
samosa or vada contains as much as 150 to 200 calories.
Fruits are made up of two sugars — glucose and fructose, both of which are monosaccharides —
which are sugars that are digested in a single step and enter the blood stream easily as energy. Hence, fruits are the best choice for quick energy and refreshment.
Regular sugar and chocolate on the other hand are made of a sugar called sucrose, which is a disaccharide, and requires two steps of digestion and lot more time to provide the required energy.
Ideally, have a fruit every day at about 11 am or 12 noon and at 6 or 7 pm when you return from work.
At 4 pm you may have a cup of coffee or tea made with skimmed milk, along with a couple of digestive biscuits, crackers or whole wheat bread.
You could also have milk, curd, lassi or buttermilk. Milk contains a natural sugar called lactose, but it also contains fluids and is both filling and refreshing.
If you wake up early for work or to study, have hot milk, coffee or tea and a banana to give you a quick energy boost. A biscuit or toast may be added.
Grain foods make great snacks because they fill you up without adding much fat. They contain complex carbohydrates which fuse our bodies with energy.
If you can’t resist bread, go for the multi-grain variety and eat it with hummus which is full of chick peas.
Snack on dry cereal or add some dry fruitsto make it tasty.
Multi-grain crackers can be eaten plain or with a low-fat yogurt dip.
Dry fruits make another healthy snacking option. Raisins are high in iron and dietary fibre, and while they may taste sweet , they’re a good option.
Dried apricots add much vitamins and minerals needed by the body especially vitamin A. They help the body fight infection, repair damaged tissues, build strong teeth and bones, and improve your eyesight aside from being fat and cholesterol-free and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium.
Dried plums or prunes can be bought as ready-to-eat snacks. They aid in digestion while adding potassium, iron and vitamin A to the body.
A CUP OF COFFEE REVEALS YOUR PERSONALITY
Your coffee predicts your personality
A cup of coffee in your hand not only has froth and sugar at its bottom, your personality lives their as well, says a new book, which claims that how you like your coffee can actually emit hidden meanings to passers-by.
Body language experts Judi James and James Moore decipher what caffeine preferences can reveal about a person’s self esteem, stress levels and even sex life in their new book, ''The You Code'', reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
1) The espresso drinker : James and Moore describe the espresso as ‘the unfiltered cigarette of the coffee drinking world’. Espresso drinkers tend to be moody, hard-bitten and hard working. They are into leadership and fast goals. They don’t suffer fools but are hard living and prone to ‘night-time shenanigans, followed by a rather louche attempt at day time repair". The espresso drinker can be an experienced, exciting and consummate lover but is not known for reliability or unswerving loyalty."
2) The black coffee drinker : "This type is all about minimalism and takes a no-frills, direct approach to life. The black coffee drinker can be quiet and moody but prone to brief bursts of extroversion." James and Moore concluded, "A difficult but potentially rewarding friend, colleague or partner."
3) The latte drinker: "Typically metrosexuals or cuddly-toy collectors, latte drinkers are pleasers with an overwhelming compulsion to be liked. A latte drinking boss will use a baby voice to tell you off. By taking a dark and dangerous drink and turning it into a comforting milky bedtime beverage, James and Moore say, latte drinkers reveal that while they may want to come across as hot shot contenders, they have an immature side."
4) The cappuccino drinker: "Like their drink, cappuccino drinkers are all froth and bubble, bored by detail and liking - but not obsessed with - material objects. The cappuccino drinker enjoys sex but is easily bored by an unimaginative partner."
"Cappuccino froth gives the tongue the mother of all workouts and is all to do with the physicality of the experience rather than the basic consumption of the beverage."
5) The instant coffee drinker: "These are cheerful, straight forward types, who like a laugh and live by the maxim "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it". But instant coffee drinkers can be unadventurous in their careers and need to let others see the hidden depths in their personality. The no-nonsense instant coffee drinker is allergic to pretentious behaviour, say James and Moore, and they are likely to keep their socks on during sex."
6) The decaf soy milk drinker: "A self-righteous eco-worrier and attention seeker with a tendency to be picky, fussy - and squeamish in the bedroom. What’s more, this faux choice implies a pretentious, high-maintenance type who wants what they can’t have and is disguising their true personality."
"If caffeine gives palpitations and cow’s milk brings you out in spots there’s little hope for you in the cockroach society that is city dwelling", James and Moore concluded.
7) The frappucino drinker : "Flighty and shallow, the frappucino drinker will try anything once - especially if a celebrity has done it first. They fancy themselves trend setters but send out the message that they are someone who favours style over substance. The frappucino drinker’s relationships often last as long as their drink choice, according to James and Moore."
8) The non-coffee drinker : "Unfortunately, the verdict isn’t good. Frightened of coffee equals frightened of life, say James and Moore. If the taste of coffee puts you off you really are a child, they say, and it’s time to join the world of grown ups.
A cup of coffee in your hand not only has froth and sugar at its bottom, your personality lives their as well, says a new book, which claims that how you like your coffee can actually emit hidden meanings to passers-by.
Body language experts Judi James and James Moore decipher what caffeine preferences can reveal about a person’s self esteem, stress levels and even sex life in their new book, ''The You Code'', reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
1) The espresso drinker : James and Moore describe the espresso as ‘the unfiltered cigarette of the coffee drinking world’. Espresso drinkers tend to be moody, hard-bitten and hard working. They are into leadership and fast goals. They don’t suffer fools but are hard living and prone to ‘night-time shenanigans, followed by a rather louche attempt at day time repair". The espresso drinker can be an experienced, exciting and consummate lover but is not known for reliability or unswerving loyalty."
2) The black coffee drinker : "This type is all about minimalism and takes a no-frills, direct approach to life. The black coffee drinker can be quiet and moody but prone to brief bursts of extroversion." James and Moore concluded, "A difficult but potentially rewarding friend, colleague or partner."
3) The latte drinker: "Typically metrosexuals or cuddly-toy collectors, latte drinkers are pleasers with an overwhelming compulsion to be liked. A latte drinking boss will use a baby voice to tell you off. By taking a dark and dangerous drink and turning it into a comforting milky bedtime beverage, James and Moore say, latte drinkers reveal that while they may want to come across as hot shot contenders, they have an immature side."
4) The cappuccino drinker: "Like their drink, cappuccino drinkers are all froth and bubble, bored by detail and liking - but not obsessed with - material objects. The cappuccino drinker enjoys sex but is easily bored by an unimaginative partner."
"Cappuccino froth gives the tongue the mother of all workouts and is all to do with the physicality of the experience rather than the basic consumption of the beverage."
5) The instant coffee drinker: "These are cheerful, straight forward types, who like a laugh and live by the maxim "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it". But instant coffee drinkers can be unadventurous in their careers and need to let others see the hidden depths in their personality. The no-nonsense instant coffee drinker is allergic to pretentious behaviour, say James and Moore, and they are likely to keep their socks on during sex."
6) The decaf soy milk drinker: "A self-righteous eco-worrier and attention seeker with a tendency to be picky, fussy - and squeamish in the bedroom. What’s more, this faux choice implies a pretentious, high-maintenance type who wants what they can’t have and is disguising their true personality."
"If caffeine gives palpitations and cow’s milk brings you out in spots there’s little hope for you in the cockroach society that is city dwelling", James and Moore concluded.
7) The frappucino drinker : "Flighty and shallow, the frappucino drinker will try anything once - especially if a celebrity has done it first. They fancy themselves trend setters but send out the message that they are someone who favours style over substance. The frappucino drinker’s relationships often last as long as their drink choice, according to James and Moore."
8) The non-coffee drinker : "Unfortunately, the verdict isn’t good. Frightened of coffee equals frightened of life, say James and Moore. If the taste of coffee puts you off you really are a child, they say, and it’s time to join the world of grown ups.
10 SUREFIRE STEPS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Forget the food fads and 'Take 10' small steps to weight loss success - that's the message from dietitians to the thousands who will make weight loss their goal this year.
"Fad and quick-fix weight loss programs often promise easy, no-effort weight loss. The reality is these programs can set people up to fail and damage their self-esteem in the process," said Claire Hewat, CEO of Dieticians Association of Australia (DAA).
Clare Collins, associate professor of dietics, said: "A range of approaches can help you lose weight in the short term, but making small, permanent changes that fit with your lifestyle will give you the best chance of keeping weight off in the long term."
Collins 'Take 10' tips for achieving or maintaining a healthy weight are:
1. Eat breakfast
2. Include vegetables or salad with lunch and dinner
3. Choose fruit as a snack
4. Replace full-fat food and drinks with reduced-fat alternatives
5. Choose wholegrain foods instead of more refined foods
6. Eat smaller serving sizes by using smaller plates and cups
7. Eat slowly and stop when you are satisfied, not stuffed full
8. Eat when you genuinely feel hungry, rather than for emotional or other reasons
9. Swap sweetened drinks such as cordial, soft drink and juice with water
10. Eat your evening meals at a dinner table with the TV turned off.
The DAA commissioned research was conducted by Newspoll market research nationally among 1,201 respondents aged 18 years and over. Interviews were conducted by telephone Nov 14-16, 2008, says a DAA release.
It found that 45.5 percent people had actively tried to lose weight during the 12 months prior to the survey, with 21.8 per cent of these people following a diet from a book or magazine and 16.4 per cent seeking advice from a dietitian.
"Fad and quick-fix weight loss programs often promise easy, no-effort weight loss. The reality is these programs can set people up to fail and damage their self-esteem in the process," said Claire Hewat, CEO of Dieticians Association of Australia (DAA).
Clare Collins, associate professor of dietics, said: "A range of approaches can help you lose weight in the short term, but making small, permanent changes that fit with your lifestyle will give you the best chance of keeping weight off in the long term."
Collins 'Take 10' tips for achieving or maintaining a healthy weight are:
1. Eat breakfast
2. Include vegetables or salad with lunch and dinner
3. Choose fruit as a snack
4. Replace full-fat food and drinks with reduced-fat alternatives
5. Choose wholegrain foods instead of more refined foods
6. Eat smaller serving sizes by using smaller plates and cups
7. Eat slowly and stop when you are satisfied, not stuffed full
8. Eat when you genuinely feel hungry, rather than for emotional or other reasons
9. Swap sweetened drinks such as cordial, soft drink and juice with water
10. Eat your evening meals at a dinner table with the TV turned off.
The DAA commissioned research was conducted by Newspoll market research nationally among 1,201 respondents aged 18 years and over. Interviews were conducted by telephone Nov 14-16, 2008, says a DAA release.
It found that 45.5 percent people had actively tried to lose weight during the 12 months prior to the survey, with 21.8 per cent of these people following a diet from a book or magazine and 16.4 per cent seeking advice from a dietitian.
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