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Healthy diet in pregnancy

A good and healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time, but is especially vital when you’re pregnant or planning for a pregnancy. A woman who is pregnant needs to ensure that her diet provides enough energy and nutrients for her baby to grow and develop properly and also to make it sure that her body is healthy enough to deal with the changes that occurs during pregnancy. One doesn’t need to go for a special diet, but it’s very important to eat a variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients which you and your baby need. One needs a few more calories during pregnancy as well. Consuming the right diet for pregnancy is more about what you eat than about how much i.e quality is more important than quantity. One should limit junk food because it has lots of calories with few nutrients. There are certain foods that should most definitely be avoided. Foods which are high in Vitamin A or mercury can pose a health risk to your baby.

Here is a list of food that all pregnant woman should avoid-

CAFFEINATED COFFEE OR TEA-

The quantity of caffeine a pregnant woman can consume safely has been widely argued by the top experts. Caffeine has a tendency to cross the placenta and affect the heart rate of your baby. Common sources of caffeine include but are not limited to coffee, tea and pop. On an average, an 8 ounce cup of coffee contains almost 95 milligrams of caffeine, an 8-ounce cup of tea contains about 47 milligrams and a 12-ounce pop contains about 29 milligrams. When you are unaware about how much caffeine is safe, then the best way is to avoid it altogether until you talk to your doctor.

DELI MEATS-

Processed deli meats must be avoided during the time period of pregnancy. These meats are linked to Listeriosis which is a dangerous foodborne illness that can cause severe illness, miscarriage and even stillbirths. Foods in this category include any processed deli meats as well as uncooked hot dogs and bologna.

UNPASTEURIZED MILK-

Much like unpasteurized cheeses, unpasteurized milk can cause huge health risks to your unborn baby. It’s an advice, do not drink raw milk which is also known as unpasteurized milk, it includes sheep’s milk and goat’s milk which includes goat cheese as well, because they are known to cause foodborne illnesses such as Listeriosis.

UNCOOKED EGGS-

Most of the people uses a few uncooked eggs into their morning smoothies but pregnant woman must avoid eating uncooked eggs altogether. Egg may cause a huge risk of salmonella poisoning in their uncooked form. When you are pregnant, your immune system changes so that its main purpose is to protect your developing baby. This means that you can be more susceptible to food poisoning from salmonella bacteria.

FETA CHEESE-

Feta is a very popular form of cheese which is used in many pastas and salads and are adored by food connoisseurs all over the world. This type of cheese is linked to foodborne illness such as Listeriosis. Avoid cheeses that have unpasteurized written on their label and opt for safer choices instead.

Now here are foods that pregnant women must include in their daily routine-

PAPAYA-

This tropical food is a rich source of vitamin C, fibre, folate and potassium. It is a natural way to soothe heartburn that is often experienced during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. However, pregnant women should only eat ripe papaya because unripe papayas contain pepsin in their latex which can induce contractions.

SWEET POTATOES-

Sweet potatoes get their orange color from carotenoids which are plant pigments that are converted to vitamin A in our bodies so, there’s no need to restrict your consumption of vitamin A-rich fruits and veggies. Sweet potatoes are a good source of folate, vitamin C and fiber. And just like beans, they are also inexpensive and versatile. Sweet potatoes are good for those who are pregnant or trying to conceive because they are high in folate, which is essential for the healthy development of fetal cell and tissue.

CALCIUM-

It is very important to have a healthy daily intake of calcium. Dairy foods for example- cheese, milk and yoghurt are rich in calcium. If the mother is vegan, she should consider the following calcium rich foods, calcium-fortified soy milk and juices, calcium-set tofu, broccoli, soybeans, collards, Chinese cabbage, mustard greens, okra, kale, and nuts.

GREEN YOGURT-

Greek yogurt has twice the protein when compared to a regular yogurt and it makes it one of the favorite choices during pregnancy. And any kind of yogurt is a very good source of calcium, which is vital in a pregnancy diet. When you don’t take in enough calcium, the limited amount you have will go to your baby, depleting the calcium in your bones, which further will affect the health you’re your unborn baby.

July 20, 2014
Foods to soothe your headache

Headache has become a very common dilemma now days. Over millions of people deal with headaches and only they can tell how horrifying and unbearable headache can be. When the head starts throbbing the life becomes so miserable. It is very hard to contend with the pain of headache. So consequently we end up taking pain killers, but this not the solution. We need to find out the sources that triggers the headache. There are many roots for the origin of headache. Once we find out the root causes, we can lessen the frequency of headache. These natural medications take long time to cure the problem, but they are surely more reliable than just taking up a pill. Some food items have been found to be the reason of headache. Luckily there are some other foodstuffs that help in healing the pain. Some of the food stuffs that can prove to be very beneficial during the headache are listed below. You can get rid of the pain with the consumption of such food items.

Coffee

The throbbing pain can go away with the intake of some amount of coffee. When taken in excess amount it can lead to headache. But adequate quantity of coffee can repress the effect of headache. When the root cause of headache is seasonal aversions then the consumption of coffee can be very effective. The discharge of histamine in the blood is reduced with the consumption of coffee which in turn pacifies the aversions and hence protects us from the headaches.

Bananas

Bananas are found to be rich in magnesium which helps in relaxing the blood vessel, subsequently slow down the aching. Vitamin B6 is very effective to fight with headache and bananas are filled with this vitamin. It depresses the pain that our body is enduring. So if you are undergoing a lot of pain, you may try bananas to get rid of it.

Intake of water

The deficiency in the amount of water can trigger the headaches. Normally we do not ingest adequate amount of water every day and consequently it leads to headache. Hence, water plays a very important role in reducing the sternness of headache. When taken in adequate amount, water acts as a very effective natural therapy for headaches and saves us from taking medicines.

Watermelon

One of the major causes of headaches or migraines is dehydration. So to relieve the pain it is better to consume food items those are rich in water content rather than consuming a pill. Watermelon is one of such water rich food item which hydrates the body. Eventually it eases up the pain. Hence when you get stuck up with headache, try some of these water rich fruits.

Almonds

As per the various studies, it has been observed that almonds are the great source of magnesium which protects us from the burden of the headache as it relaxes the blood vessels. The one who suffers from the regular headache must consume the magnesium rich diet. There are many food items those are rich in magnesium such as banana, almonds, avocados and several more. Headaches are also caused as the result of regular day tensions. In such situations, almond proves to be very valuable. So try to soothe your head by eating almonds every day.

Spinach

Spinach is another great headache savior. It basically diminishes the blood pressure and hence rescues us from the persistent headaches. It is also packed up with magnesium which is a very desirable nutrient in case of headaches. Apart from that spinach is rich in water level which prevents dehydration. Therefore this green vegetable must be enjoyed in order to hold back from the headaches.

Yoghurt

Another cause of headache can be the shortage of calcium in our body. Less amount of calcium in the body can lead to excruciating headaches. So make sure you include calcium rich food stuffs in your diet. Yoghurt is one of the solutions, as it is high in calcium content. It can calm down your body and dispose of the pain.

Spicy foodstuffs

When seasonal aversions are the reasons behind the painful headache, then consuming spicy food items is one of the ways to get relief. The hotness of the spicy foodstuffs diminishes the sinus pressure that opens the air routes which pacifies the pain. Chili powder also contains vitamin E which is found to provide relaxation to the blood vessels, thus aiding us to get rid of throbbing head. But excessive dosage of this vitamin must be avoided.

According to the specialists, the best way to avoid the painful headaches is to start knowing about the conditions that triggers it. Some food items also act as triggers, and it is best to avoid them. But some food items like the ones mentioned above have significant defensive powers which shield us from the unbearable headaches. These food items does not vanish the headaches totally but they are effective to a great extent.

July 20, 2014
Sandwich recipes

A sandwich is a quick and tasty way to make a meal. It can make a great lunch or breakfast, and can either be served either hot or cold.

PANEER SANDWICH-

Ingredients-

1/2 cup crumbled paneer, 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste, 2 teaspoon tomato sauce, 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder, salt accordingly, 1/2 finely chopped big onion, 2 teaspoon finely chopped capsicum, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, 2 teaspoon finely chopped coriander leaves, and 2 teaspoon oil.

Recipe- Take paneer and crumble it well, set aside. Now heat the oil in a pan and then add ginger garlic paste, sauce and onions till they become golden brown. Then add capsicum and fry it for a minute, add garam masala powder, chili powder, salt and tomato sauce. Give the mixture a quick stir and notice that it should be saucy and not too dry. Add little water if it’s too dry. Then add the crumbled paneer. Mix them well and cook for some time. Now garnish it with coriander leaves and switch off. Trim the edges of 2 slices of bread and then spread a generous layer of paneer stuffing on side and close it with another slice of bread, press it well so that it gets sealed. Heat dosa pan with ghee and toast the bread until it turns golden brown on both sides. Cut diagonally and serve hot and warm with decoration.

VEGETABLE CHEESE SANDWICH-

The good thing about this simple vegetable cheese sandwich is that you can also use it as salad, as its taste is spicy, yum and refreshing due to all raw vegetables.

Ingredients–

4 Bread pieces, 1/4 cup chopped tomato, 1/4 cup chopped cucumber, 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1 teaspoon chaat masala, 1/4 cup grated cheese, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup chopped capsicum, 1 teaspoon green chutney.

Recipe- Finely chop tomato, onion, cucumber, grate carrot and capsicum and then gather all other ingredients. Add all the vegetables, green chutney, cheese and chaat masala in a bowl and then mix well. Add generous amount of prepared mixture around 3-4 spoons on top of bread and place another pieces of bread to cover. Heat a tawa and toast the breads from both sides until they become brown. We can press the bread slightly to seal all the veggies inside. Your dish is ready to be served hot and warm with coffee/tea or juice.

ALOO MASALA GRILLED SANDWICH-

This Aloo masala grilled sandwich is famous among kids, they love it and it also works good for their lunch or tiffin box, breakfast or snack or even dinner.

Ingredients-

8 white bread, 2 large potatoes, 2 green chilies, 2 teaspoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, salt, 2 teaspoon butter, 1 medium onion, 2 teaspoon chopped coriander leaves, 1/2 teaspoon cumid seeds, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder.

Recipe-

To prepare stuffing- Boil the potatoes or pressure cooker them for 3 whistles until done and then peel and mash them well. While potato is getting cooked, peel and finely chop onion, green chilies, coriander leaves. Heat oil in a pan and then add mustard, cumin seeds and allow to splutter. Add onion, green chili and sauce until onion gets soft and light brown. Now add garam masala powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt and mix them well. Add mashed potato and mix well, cook for 2-3 minutes in medium flame, add coriander leaves mix well, off flame and allow masala to get cool.

To prepare sandwich- Apply butter on a side of bread and then apply thick layer of potato masala on same side and level stuffing, cover it with another bread. Apply butter on bread side facing towards the grill and repeat same for rest of bread pieces and heat a toaster or griller. Place two sandwich on toaster and toast until bread becomes brown and crispy or as you like your sandwich to be, repeat same for another batch.

CHICKEN SANDWICH-

Ingredients-

1 cup cooked boneless chicken, 2,3 green chili, salt, 2 teaspoon tabasco salt, 1 onion, 2-3 teaspoon mayonnaise, 4-6 slices breads, 1/2 teaspoon crushed pepper.

Recipe- Mince together the onion, cooked chicken and green chili in a food processor or blender. Then add mayonnaise and salt to this and mix well. Make it in a paste form. Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Apply the chicken mix to one bread piece and sandwich with other one. If you are serving this as a starter, cut each bread slice into four pieces and put some chicken mix on the small bread square and garnish it with a drop of tabasco sauce or any other sauce of your choice.

CORN-CAPSICUM SANDWICH-

Ingredients-

6 brown bread, 2 teaspoon oil, 1/3 cup finely chopped tomato, 1 cup boiled sweet corn kernels, salt and pepper powder for taste, butter or ghee for toasting, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup capsicum, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon tomato sauce.

Recipe- In a pan, heat oil and then add finely chopped onions and sauce until onions turn transparent. Then add tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes. Add chopped capsicum, chili powder, cooked corn, salt, pepper powder and cook covered. Capsicum should retain its crunchiness, so see to it that you do not overcook it. Allow it to cool. Now apply butter on both sides of the bread, place 1-2 teaspoon of this corn filling and close it with another buttered bread. Toast it in a tawa until golden brown. Cut the bread diagonally and serve hot. Repeat the given procedure for the rest of the bread slices. Your sandwich is ready to taste now.

July 20, 2014
INDOOR HOMEGROWN HEALINGS
The right amount of greenery in the right rooms can make your life healthier and happier. There’s no denying that plants modify and improve the aesthetic value of our world, quality of air we breathe in, and the clarity of our thoughts. Indeed, studies go even further: a number of them link plants growing indoor to reduction in stress, fatigue and illness. Communities with designated green space experience peace of mind, less crime, plant-filled classrooms seem to help kids pay more attention and cutting flowers can inspire creativity in adults. Even a tiny little flower-plant placed at the window of our bedroom, when seen with the sunlight coming through the window can provide a scenic charm and peace to our mind whole day long. We all can’t live in a rain forest for the scenic charm of our eyes, but we can place plants strategically at our homes for reaping their benefits.

For the biggest payoff, here’s your room-by-room guide to greenery and good health.

KITCHEN

Kitchens are the heart of the home, everyone uses them differently. Growing plants in kitchen is beneficial in many ways. Coriander and mint are those herbs which can be potted easily in the kitchen.
- CORIANDER- If the wisdom of the centuries is proof enough, coriander is a must grown herb. This exceptional anti-inflammatory herb is rich in iron, manganese and magnesium besides essential chemicals or phytonutrients like camphor, elemol, limonene and carvone. It speeds up digestion, gives your pancreas pep to increase more insulin and reduces harmful lipids or fats. It is an excellent dietary fibre that tones up your digestion and with its amazing anti-bacterial skills, fights bugs that may otherwise play hookey. Dodecenal found in both leaves and seeds of coriander, may even fight salmonella twice as effectively as antibiotics.
- MINT- Mint known as pudina is precious and invaluable for summers. It contains menthol, a digestive aid that also has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why mint juice offers relief when applied to itchy skin. Adding mint is a great way to add flavor to a dish or beverage without adding extra calories. Mint is easier to grow, use a sharp knife and cut gently. Using a dull knife will bruise the herb and much of the flavor will be displaced
  An Indian kitchen unless it has an efficient chimney, may be a little stuffy for plants. So, try growing the herbs on a window sill.
BEDROOM
- JASMINE BOUDOIR- Few flowers are as soothing and romantic as jasmine. Reason enough to place a tub of jasmine, pruned regularly into a shrub. Jasmine is recommended for those with insomnia, depression, stress and exhaustion. It is also an expectorant it works wonders for those with breathing problems. Jasmine can be used to flavor herbal tea, which improves digestion. It is also a very good antiseptic and disinfectant. Jasmine essentials oil calms down the body, mind and soul while bringing positive emotions.
WORKPLACE
- KEEP FRESH CUT FLOWERS- The benefits of keeping plants at workplace are both physical and psychological, evidenced in numerous scientific studies, that is why the biggest and not so big corporates grow or rent plants. Some of them are peace lily, ivy and aloe. Plants soften the typical harsh look of metal cabinets and add moisture to air and keep the temperature low which will make you feel comfortable. Plants also reduce the noise between work areas and act as a sound barrier. No amount of chrome or glass can push up productivity, pretty up the workplace and reduce stress as can plants. Flowers on our working desk give us a relaxation which boosts our productivity.
BATHROOM

Bathrooms inspire more than singing, they are the think tank for everyone running hard in their lives.
- POTHOS- It is arguably the easiest houseplant to grow, also known as devils ivy; this common climber removes formaldehyde, a carcinogen. A little staking and regular watering are all it asks for. Pothos thrives in a moist place –ideal reason to trail it along the bathroom window. Although it does well even in a bottle of water if you are using it as a potted plant, go easy on watering: too many leaves falling off mean too much water. To keep it from growing scraggly, pinch the tip so that the growth stops at the end and the plant throws forth stems from the sides.
GROWING TIPS
- You’ll need a bright space, such as a large sunny window.
- Almost any pot or container at least 6 inches or larger can be used for growing herbs as long it has drainage holes.
- Use a fast-draining potting mix as garden soil will compact in containers.
- Water needs will vary according to the size and type of the plant.
- Once herbs start actively growing in spring, you will need to feed them with a liquid fertilizer every four weeks.
- If plant starts to look leggy you may need to move them to a new location
House plants turn a house into home. The right amount of greenery can make your life healthier and happier. One house plant per 100 sq feet of living area is enough to wield the magic.
July 20, 2014
C for coffee, C for Chennai

They have always been our wake up alarm. A companion during late night assignments and last minute projects. For the others, it has served simply as a break. Coffee has been an integral part of the lives of humans ever since its find and domestication. In India however, it has gone a step above. This can especially be seen in the city of chennai, famous for its coffee after its dosas and sambar.

A different tale is observed here in Chennai, when it comes to coffee. The ‘coffee custom’ struck the city and soon became an epidemic. Its not just a myth that coffee is addictive pretty much like other drugs. The only difference is that, its legal. The people of Chennai seemed to have become addicted to the beverage more than tea and the taste is passed on through generations, thus making sure that the coffee market here never banks down. The citizens of Chennai have their own customs when it comes to drinking and serving it. Its not a surprise that coffee has become one of the most sought after beverages here, owing to its many benefits.

Its history-in short

The birthplace of coffee is believed to have been somewhere in Ethiopia. However, it was not until the 17th century that the seeds reached the South Indian soil. The drink had already made its way to the other parts of the world by then. It was believed that a certain person, on his pilgrimage, came across the wonderful taste and experience of coffee. He then wanted the people of his city to taste and experience the heavenly feeling, the aroma and the richness of the beverage. So, it is said that he had brought a handful of these seeds, safely hidden inside his waist pouch. Thus, coffee entered the southern soil.

However, the people here were already contented with their traditional beverages, which included buttermilk, porridge and milk. So, naturally, the seeds took it own time to get accustomed to the people. Along with coffee came another refreshing beverage, which was in the form of leaves and went by the name of tea. Tea however, was more easily accepted by the people than coffee and was soon boiling in almost every house. By this time, India came under the control of the British and colonisation happened. During this time, the market was not in favour of the lower and middle classes as prices of even the basic amenities were high. This was another reason for the popularity of tea when compared to coffee. The price of tea was much cheaper than coffee, which was usually drunk by the upper classes and the officials. This was another reason why tea was usually called-“The poor man’s drink” by some.

However, by the start of the 19th century, the tables were turning and tea took a back seat. From then on till now, there was no turning back as coffee smartly captured the first position in the hearts of the people. Before long, every street corner, every road and side-road had a coffee stall. Today, in addition to the many coffee stalls propped up on the roads, there are various other coffee hang-outs, complete with plush interiors, foreign coffee recipes and fully air conditioned centres, sprawled across the map of Chennai.

The coffee culture

As coffee slowly gained popularity, it turned out to be more of a fashion statement for someone,to say that they are coffee-addicts. The modern coffee shops attracted quite a lot of people like flies attracted to a ripe banana.This may be termed as the modern coffee culture in Chennai. Almost contrary to the beliefs of the people, even the roadside stalls are equally frequented.

However, the people of Chennai have the best of both worlds. The traditional culture imbibes the warmth of one serving his/her guests by serving coffee as a complimentary, followed by snacks. The city dwellers prefer a milky blend of 70% coffee and 30% chicory. This is varied though, according to one’s requirement. The chicory content is either increased or decreased depending on whether one wants a strong or light blend. Back in the olden days, the meager average income was just enough to buy jaggery or honey, as sugar seemed almost improbable because of the taxes implied on them.

Coffee had become such an integral part of everyone’s lives that various coffee -powder producing shops opened up. These, specialized in grinding the raw coffee beans, brought in fresh, from the coffee estates. They had specialised grinding machines, where, fresh beans along with the chicory powder were put in the exact required proportion and were crushed to a fine powder. They are then packed and hermetically sealed to prevent the rich aroma and the taste from being lost.

Coffee was usually the beverage of the working class. Though there was a small hesitation in accepting the filtered coffee by certain groups of the society, it soon lost its steam and coffee found its way into the shelves of every home.

The filter ‘kaapi’

The perfect filter coffee is made by the right ingredients and the right vessels (or containers) are used. The filter, is a metallic, perforated, flat plate used to neatly filter only the essence of the coffee powder. This is in turn, used to make the essence or the decoction, from which the coffee is actually made, by mixing it with hot milk. The vessel used to make the decoction is a stainless steel vessel containing two halves. The top half contains the place where the perforated plate-like vessel is placed firmly. Boiled hot water, along with the coffee powder is poured in slowly at a steady rate to prevent solidification of the powder. It is then left for sometime for the essence to slowly sediment and drip down to the lower vessel which acts as a storage container.

Though there are various flavours and types of coffee now available, the basis for the preparation of the essence is pretty much the same.

Coffee has indeed become a part and parcel of the people of Chennai and there’s always the whiff of coffee in the air, here in Chennai.

July 20, 2014
THE 10 TIPS HEALTH EXPERTS BEG YOU NOT TO SKIP
1. GO AHEAD- Drink more coffee

It’s a scientific mystery how a simple cup of coffee work its wonder in the body, large epidemiological studies repeatedly verify its astonishing benefits. Some recent research highlights:
- More than three cups a day lowers women’s risk of developing melanoma- a type of cancer on the rise among the light-skinned.
- More than six cups a day cuts men’s risk of dying from prostate cancer by 60%.
- Drinking at least one cup of coffee a day lowers women’s risk of stroke by at least 25%.
- Consuming at least two cup daily reduces women’s chances of becoming depressed by up to 20%.
2. Eat protein in the morning

Protein helps persuade your brain and stomach that they’re well nourished and satisfied; skimp on it and your hunger. In a recent study, volunteers whose daily protein consumption falls below 15 percent of their total calories were far hungrier after breakfast and ate more snacks throughout the day than those whose protein level exceeded that amount. An important takeaway: don’t save your protein for dinner. One track is to eat almonds in the morning. Other prevalent (and portable) high-protein options: hard boiled eggs and hung curd.

3. Stand up and count to 60

Another good reason to be a stand up guy or gal: it does not matter how hard you hit the gym after work; if you are spending much of your day sitting down, you’re sabotaging your dutiful efforts. People who take the most standing breaks throughout the day- even as short as a minute- have slimmer waist, lower cholesterol those who take the fewest, regardless of how much other exercise they get. Epidemiologists say hopping to your feet regularly also protects against cancer. Standing up while talking on phone is a great place to start. At first, people who try this say, ‘ this is the dumbest thing ever.’ Then after a month they say,” I have lost 2 kilos”.

4. Early to bed, early to eat

People who stay up late and sleep late- specifically, they get more than half their sleep after 5:30 AM- also tend to eat more fast food and consume more of their calories after 8 pm than do normal sleepers. One of the easiest things anyone on a diet can do to improve his results is to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

5. Beware of sugar free candy

Don’t assume sugar free confections are easy on your teeth. Sour and fruit flavourings in candy can interact with sugar-free sweeteners to create an acidic mix in your mouth that weakens and yellow teeth. The worst culprits are fruit flavoured lollipops because they dissolve slowly, giving acid more time to attack teeth. Chewing gum is the least destructive, since it stimulates a flow of saliva that washes away the harmful acids.

6. Pick up some sleep glasses

The blue light emitted by your computer screen, smart phone and television stimulates your brain, making it harder to fall asleep. Blue light filtering glasses act as a solution to them. Put them on if you’re using the computer before bed, and you’ll sleep much better.

7. Hit he yoga mat to relieve pain

As a treatment for back pain, regular yoga has advantageous over more conventional methods, like physical therapy. The ancient practice has also been shown to soothe other aches as well, probably because of the way it connects your mind, your breathing and the movements of your body. Yoga works the whole body not just one part. When a person is in chronic pain, usually the whole body changes and treating only the part that was originally injured or is hurting is not enough.

8. Kick your day with chocolate

A square of chocolate has just the right amount of theobromine (a cousin to caffeine) to wake you up but not enough to cause a crash later. It’s also chock full of antioxidants, may decrease heart attack risks, lifts mood- and taste delicious. Try it as a mind morning snack!

9. Eat more quinoa

Rich in protein, fibre and hard to get magnesium, which protect against hypertension, quinoa has well-deserved reputation as a super food. (a typical serving has twice as much protein and eight times as much fibre as a serving of white rice.) But some people find that it can taste a little bland. Restaurant chefs have a secret that’s not included in the directions of the box. Simply spread quinoa on a tray and place it in a 350-degree oven for eight to ten minutes, until its golden brown, then cook it up in a pot according to instructions.

10. Pump up your potassium

The new mantra among heart specialist, improve your sodium-potassium ratio, by either lowering your sodium or raising your potassium- or, better yet, by doing both. That’s because potassium blunts the blood pressure raising effects of sodium. The latest research finds that people with unhealthiest ratios are more than twice as likely to die from a heart attack as those with lowest. Another study reveals that raising your daily potassium intake by 1600 mg will lower your risk of stroke by 21 percent. New guidelines recommend 4700 mg daily. Other good sources include cocoa, dried apricots, fish, spinach, curd and potatoes with the skin.
July 19, 2014
Snacker Crackers

Hello foodies! Very often, we find our stomach craving for something tangy yet tasty during some lazy evenings. It is that time of the day when you want something to casually munch on or just keep the appetite going before your yummy dinner meal is served. Even more, there are often instances of friends or relatives coming over for a short visit and you have to cater to them too. The first thought that comes to one’s mind is’ “Oh, I wish I could eat something or make something without having to do anything.” Don’t you agree? Well! The good news is that there is an endless list of tasty dishes that can be made and enjoyed with almost zilch efforts.

With a little innovation and smartness, sumptuous snacks can be made from simple ingredients that will set everybody’s tongues rolling and make you a masterchef in everybody’s eyes! Ah, dreaming already? Well, all that is needed is a list of few easy-peasy to-get stuff like chips, corn and other components to add to them. Once all this is done, all you need to do is be creative. Don’t worry friend, it’s very simple! To help you on your way, here is a list of snacks that can be made in a jiffy and still make everyone wanting for more:

Kurkure Fun –

Who doesn’t know Kurkure? By far the most popular of the commercial chips, these corn puffs are loved by one and all. The unique salty, spicy and sour flavor makes it tingle everybody’s tastebuds. Although a great snack in its raw form, Kurkure can be utilized to make some great variety of dishes too. Wondering how? Well, all you need to do is take a bowl of kurkure and add any topping that you like and think will complement the flavours. All that is needed are ingredients like chopped tomatoes, some onions, sweet corn, a few spices and sauces, and so on as per the desired taste. A few famous Kurkure dishes are Kurkure Bhel, Kurkure Chaat and Kurkure Mixture. Amazing isn’t it? This is definitely worth a try and is a lot of fun to make too!

Corn Time –

Ah! The lightest and tastiest of snacks can be made using American sweet corn as the base. Available readily in grocery stores, one should always have a few packets of this stored at home. Sweet Corn mixed with the right sauces and spices makes for a classic snack that goes down well with everyone. Another great thing about this is that it offers a lot of nutrition too. A healthy and tasty combination is certainly tempting isn’t it? Well, a great combination would be to mix sweet corn with sauces like tomato sauce, mayonnaise and add some pepper, salt and red chilli powder. A tinge of lemon syrup also does a world of good to this irresistible snack. This snack is a guaranteed winner!

Egg it up –

You might be wondering what Egg is doing in a list of easy to make snacks! Well, don’t be so surprised! Some of the best snacks can be made with this protein rich healthy food item. Well, the imminent question “how to use egg for snacks?” can be answered in many ways. The most popular way of using eggs is to boil them and add toppings on top. The toppings are generally tomatoes, onions and coriander along with pepper, salt and chilli powder to taste. It tastes even more yum when served with green chutney and sauce. Another loved egg dish is the sunny-side-up. All you need to do is break the egg on a pan and let it fry. Add the various spices to taste and you are good to go. Serving it with baked chips or a slice of bread and a glass of juice also adds to the flavor. So, if you want to have something filling and delicious, I guess you need not look further!

Cooling Drinks –

Whoever said snacks only refer to something to eat surely never tried the amazing easy-to-make drinks that can get any evening going. This is an excellent way to keep the conversation going while enjoying a tasty drink. A lot of drinks can be made as snacks. The all-time favourites that everyone is fond of are the various types of milkshakes and the evergreen cold-coffee. However, if you want to spice it up, why not try something different? You could get everyone all pepped up and going with a Masala Cold Drink, or bring out your classy self with a nice mocktail like Fruit Punch or the beloved Pina Colada. Be sure to mix it up in the right proportions and watch everyone slurp their drinks right till the bottom of the glass.

Surprised? I wouldn’t bet against it! And the even more intriguing fact is that these are just a very few of an endless possible combinations using such ready-made bases as the major components. However, remember to stick to the basics as overdoing it could ruin your chances of reigning in all the compliments. You wouldn’t want that, would you?

So, get going already! Arouse the inner creative genius in you and make some snacks that will live people speechless and make you a star. What are you waiting for? It’s time for some Snacker Crackers!

July 15, 2014
Treats on Streets

How often is the case when you just want to forget everything and hog on the food available on the streets? I’m sure, if most us are truthful, there have been a lot of times when we have been tempted to just let go of all the hindrances and dive into the endless variety available out there. Street food is a great escape for people tired of cooking at home, those wanting to try different things and especially for the college going youngsters.

Street food has always been a hot topic for debate, with a lot of questions being raised on the hygiene and quality of ingredients used. Well! It might be true for some eating outlets, but on the other hand, some well-maintained joints, from dhabas to simple stalls, offer food with tastes that could make you feel like you are in heaven. Such is the craze and love of these round-the-corner joints that they are known all over the city for their special dishes. While these places maybe famous, the dishes that are offered are what draws people to try them. These dishes are trademark street food specials that taste best only when had in such places. Here is a list of some of these food items that will want you to get out and try them now:

Chaat –

Chaat is an Indian specialty, loved all over the country. An all-time favourite street food all across India, Chaat is so famous that it could land up being an entire cuisine in itself! The most-beloved Gol Gappa with all its varieties and the different kinds of Aloo-Tikkis are one of the most mouth-watering dishes out on the streets. The taste offered in stalls dedicated to this is impossible to replicate at home. This food is popular amongst everyone, ranging from kids to grandparents! Such is the pull of this, that you can find more than ten stalls on one busy market street. If you haven’t tried this till now, you better do it fast, before someone finds out and makes you the butt of all jokes!

Shawarmas –

A new trend in street food, the famous Lebanese dish, Shawarma has caught a lot of attention. Gaining popularity rapidly, this dish is a different take on the traditional rolls. Characterized by a trademark full-metal stall on the streets with chicken rotating on a rod, this is a hot-spot for all. Quick, clean and delicious, Shawarmas are surprisingly filling for their size. With so many constituting ingredients, people can have them made according to their own liking. Such is the craze of this that even chains of street-food restaurants, to attract the cleanliness-freak crowd, have opened up offering a large variety of Shawarmas. If you are looking for something unique and different, this is your answer!

Kulfi –

Whether you have eaten in your home or been out experimenting on the streets, no meal is complete without something for the sweet tooth. While ice cream parlours might be the most popular option, a stop at a Kulfi stall is a definite must. A different version of ice-cream on a stick, Kulfi is in a class of its own. With so many flavours available, it tends to everybody’s wants and desires. Have it from a proper stall and you might often end up coming back for more. Kulfi is undoubtedly the most popular dessert on the streets! The mouth is watering already, isn’t it?

Rolls –

Ah! How could this be out of the list? Rolls (also known as wraps) are everybody’s cup of tea. Available in so many varieties, this is the go-to dish for a quick bite as well as a nice meal. With the popular options of vegetarian, chicken and egg rolls along with the different characteristic ingredients, stalls offering these are always found full of people. Given their popularity, it isn’t surprising to find food chains selling these! Don’t want to try too much? Just get ‘Roll’ing!

Evergreen street-food specialties –

There are some dishes that are impossible to be replicated at home, however hard you try. You might still like them, but they can’t compete with the streets! The main dishes in this list would be the famous Indian ones like ‘pav bhaji’, ‘chola batura ‘ and the various types of fried food (think samosas!). So if you are ever in the mood to let your taste buds experience heaven, do try all this. And the best part about this? You can enjoy all this in very clean, famous ‘dhabas’ all around the various cities.

Catering to everybody’s taste, these are the most popular dishes from an endless list. Such is the attraction to try all this, that it won’t be surprising if it turns into addiction. Seems too delicious to ignore, doesn’t it? However, whatever might be the case, always remember to make sure that the place is hygienic enough to enjoy your meal without any second thoughts about the after-effects. Also make sure that the ingredients are fresh and clean. Even though it might not reach the standards of your homely comforts, a nice joint to enjoy all this is surely something to try. Isn’t it?

So, what are you waiting for! Get out on the streets and have a different type of meal to break the monotony. Don’t be shocked afterwards; the word “yummy” might just come out of your mouth reflexively. Happy str’eat’ing!!

July 15, 2014
Food: Around The World

How often has it been the case when you have craved to try something other than the regular Indian food? Very often, isn’t it? I’m sure most of you will agree. But then again, this takes away nothing from the fact that Indians love their traditional dishes and it will always be the first choice, wherever they go. Trying and experimenting is a part of human nature and there is no reason why one should leave food out of this!
There are a wide range of cuisines from around the globe, with every country having its own set of trademark dishes. Some of these cuisines have gathered fame all over the world and have become the people’s food of choice because of the sumptuous tastes they offer. Whether you are at home, or on your next trip to a restaurant, I suggest you too try some of these and enjoy the tastes from all over the world! Who knows? You might not have come across your favorite dish yet! So, break the monotony and be ready to try dishes with a different yet delicious taste. Here is a list of the most popular cuisines that are a must-try at least once:

Italian –

Well, Who doesn’t know Italian food! The first thing that comes into everyone’s mind on hearing Italian is the all-time favourite duo of Pizza and Pasta! Lesser known but equally delicious are the Italian delicacies of gelatin ice-cream known as Gelato and the cake like pastry known as Cassata. Other dish that one should definitely try is the Risotto, an amazing combination of sauce, cheese and rice. Even the yummy chocolate sauce Nutella has Italian roots. Surprising, isn’t it?

A lot of ingredients are used in this amazing cuisine. The most common ones that are present in almost every dish are fruits like tomato, all sorts of vegetables, various kinds of meats, cheese and a great selection of sauces. Flour also plays a major contribution as it is the basic component of the endless types of pastas and pizza bread. Well, with such a large variety of dishes, I’m sure you already want to try it. Right, buddy?

Mexican –

A very different and intriguing cuisine, Mexican food has a lot to offer. There are so many dishes that should be on everybody’s list to try. Some of them would be: Tacos, Tortillas, Quesadillas, Mexican Herb Rice, Fajitas and Enchiladas. Even the world-famous Salsa sauce belongs to the Mexican this cuisine! Your mouth must be watering already, isn’t it buddy?

Mexican, like others is a quite complex cuisine. Most of the dishes have corn and chili peppers as the basic ingredient. Some of the other important ones are meats like pork and chicken, cheese and tomatoes. Even though it is influenced by food from a lot of parts of the worlds, especially Spanish and often debated for its unique credentials, Mexican does manage to have its own individuality with its style of serving and consumption. If you want to give something different a shot and keep your taste buds pepped up, look no further!

Chinese –

Oh well, does this cuisine need any introduction? Possibly the most loved and widely available food in the world, Chinese has something for everyone. It has dishes that I’m sure you must have heard of. The most famous ones are Noodles, Dim sums (think Momos!), Fried Rice and Chilly Chicken. Such is the craze for this, that Indian variants of many such dishes using substitutes like cottage cheese have been made!

An amazing combination of sauces, spices and herbs, this cuisine offers a completely unique flavor which leaves the foodies always craving for more. While I’m sure you must have had the basic and popular Chinese dishes, it’s time to dwell deeper in the menu and try some new dishes that you might not even have heard of. So, are you game for it?

Continental –

Another cuisine quite popular all over the world is the continental cuisine, also known as the European cuisine. Comprising of food from all over Europe, this is probably a cuisine containing the largest variety of dishes. Even though it is almost impossible to choose from so much, the most popular dishes under this would be – baked meat and vegetables, steak of various meats, stew, fondue and a variety of French bread.

Although there is a large variety, the dishes in this cuisine do have a few common characteristics. To name a few – Meat is a more integral part of the dish, there is a lot of use of sauces and seasonings, and a lot of dairy products like cheese and milk too. If you aren’t in the mood for anything spicy or sort, this is your answer!

Well, there you go my friend! There is still so much you haven’t experienced in food too, let alone life, isn’t it? Don’t worry, it is never too late. Buckle up and do give all these cuisines a try. If you want to have a go at making them yourself, go to the bookstore now and buy the various cook books right away! And if you are at the restaurant, do remember to flick all the pages of the menu and move ahead of the lucrative Indian food.

Don’t experiment too much though! Keep a tab on the ingredients in the dishes and go with what you are sure to love and lick your fingers afterwards. So, what are you waiting for, mate? It’s time you went on a food trip around the world!

July 15, 2014
Food to Work-Out With

So, you have been toiling for hours in the gym now in search for a hot-bod that will make everyone stand up and take notice. However, is it taking more time than you thought? Well, just increasing the time you spend in the gym stretching those muscles is not enough. What you also need along with it is a strict and healthy diet. While you need to cut out on all the extra fat, a larger intake of protein for the energy and carbs to keep the muscles strong becomes necessary for the body to keep you going and get you closer to that physique you so desire.
While everyone is aware of the instant effects of body-building supplements like Whey, Creatine and muscle-mass gainers, a lot of people don’t know about the side-effects they bring. What do you do then? Use natural food of course! With such a large variety of food items available to meet all your requirements, there is no need for a substitute at all! All you need to do is follow your diet religiously and incorporate these elements in your daily meals, and you will be surprised to see the amazing consequences. Still don’t know what to eat for your gym diet? Don’t worry my friend. Here is a list of food items that are a definite must to complement your gymming efforts:

Eggs –

One of the most important and staple food for anyone hitting the gymnasium, eggs are an excellent and unparalleled source of protein and often termed as ‘complete protein’. The egg white is the protein rich part. While the egg yolk is rich in a lot of nutrients, it should be avoided where building a body is concerned. This is because it contains more than half of the recommended intake of cholesterol per day and is also quite fattening. You wouldn’t want that, right? Simply remove the yolk and enjoy your egg raw or boiled. Also, make sure to not eat too much of it as it might have dire consequences. So, it’s time to egg it up!

Bananas –

Fruits in any and every form are a guaranteed source of health. Though it is good to have as many fruits as you want, not every food serves the purpose where gymming is concerned. One fruit that is leaps and bounds ahead of others in this is our beloved banana. Yes, a few bananas every day are a great way to supply essential nutrients like vitamins and soluble fiber. This is also a great alternative for vegetarians who do not eat eggs and meat for nutrition. You can have it raw, with a whole wheat bread or dissolve it in milk. Time to go bananas, eh?

Meat –

Meat is by far the most essential and best food item as a source for essential nutrients for people working out. Red meat, a different type of meat very commonly found and consumed is most rich in iron, creatine and vitamins. The most important of these is creatine, an organic compound which supplies energy to cells in different parts of the body, especially muscles. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Well, with so many types of red meat, you could choose something that you prefer or in simple words ‘can eat’. Some of the popular ones are chicken, fish and beef. Remember not to deep fry it as it will increase your oil intake seamlessly. Meat seems like an unfair advantage for all the non-vegetarians out there? Well, like it or not, it is true. Go on, prepare yourself some meaty meals already!

Milk and more –

Which healthy meal or diet chart is complete without something to drink? None, obviously! While there are all sorts of drinks for every purpose, nothing serves the purpose of supplying proteins and carbs like milk. One of the most widely consumed drinks by athletes and body-builders alike, milk is a staple in the everyday diet. The best part about it is that it can be consumed by everybody with different tastes; with so many flavours and types available, there is something for everyone. Low-fat milk is a real winner in serving the purpose and is readily available too. Fresh-fruit juice is also considered a healthy option. Also it goes without saying, but water (a drink nevertheless!) should also be consumed in adequate quantity throughout the day. The best part about this food item is that it can be consumed along with working out too. A sip, here and there, will really help you go that extra mile. Gulp it down!

Well buddy! I hope you have a better idea now about what to have while working out. Make sure to have all of this in the right amount every day. Also, avoid as much as oily and junk food as possible. If you do not know how much of the above mentioned food items are okay for daily consumption, consult your gym trainer or dietician right away! There is nothing that should come in the way of you and that body that you want.

Rather than just working so hard in the gym, start eating and drinking properly this very moment too, and watch your body shape up just like you want it to. All the best, mate!

July 15, 2014