From curing dry skin and dull hair to curbing your untimely hunger pangs and burning fat, banana does it all. It is one of the most versatile fruits, which is packed with nutrients that are essential for our body. Besides this, banana is used for many homemade beauty treatments as well. So, take a look at some surprising health and beauty benefits of this amazing fruit.
Keeps your skin moisturised and hydrated
Banana contains Vitamin B6, C and a high percentage of water, which nourishes and hydrates the skin. These nutrients also help to maintain the elasticity of your skin. So, add bananas in your daily diet.
If you are looking for instant solution to moisturise your dry skin, just apply pulp of a ripe banana on your face. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Say goodbye to ageing
Bananas protect the body against the damage caused by free oxygen radicals, which can speed up the process of ageing. So, you can also use a banana peel to get rid of wrinkles.
All you need to do is, apply fresh peel on your face for 15 minutes every day to get the maximum benefit out of it. You can also make a banana face pack by mashing half a banana and adding a teaspoon of rose water to it. Keep it on your face for about 30 minutes. After that, wash it off with water.
Foot care
Due to their moisturising properties, bananas are great for your cracked heels as well. Just mash two bananas into a pulp, apply it on your feet for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with water. Follow this treatment religiously and your feet will become soft and smooth
Get rid of puffy eyes
Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which can help to reduce the puffiness of your eyes instantly. You need to mash half a banana and apply it on your eyes for about 15 minutes. If you find this to be too messy, then just place banana peels on your swollen eyes. All these solutions will help you to get rid of your puffy eyes.
Treating skin problems
Bananas are very effective in treating acne and pimples. You need to take a small piece of the peel and rub it gently on the affected area. Do this till the peel turns brown. Then clean the area with some water. Follow this simple routine thrice a day to get rid of those pimples.
Get smooth and silky hair
Bananas are rich source of natural oils, carbohydrates, potassium and vitamins. These nutrients keep your hair healthy and smooth. They also nourish them, and prevent breakage and split ends.
All you need to do is mash a banana and add a little almond oil to it. Apply it on your hair, leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash it off. Your hair will be revitalised and moisturised by the vitamin C and A present in bananas.
Improves your mood
Bananas contain tryptophan, which is a type of protein. This helps your body to produce serotonin, a hormone that is known for its calming and mood-enhancing properties. That is why bananas is good for those who are suffering from depression.
Fat burning food
Bananas are a filling fruit, which is why they help to curb your untimely hunger pangs. Also they are full of natural sugars, which can provide you with instant energy. So, grab a banana the next time you crave for food at odd hours.
Low cholesterol and blood pressure
As mentioned earlier, bananas are a rich source of potassium, as well as calcium and magnesium. These essential nutrients help to keep your blood pressure under check. Also, pectin, a fibre which helps to reduce cholesterol is found abundantly in bananas. So, add them to your diet to soak in their wholesome goodness.
Stronger bones
Bananas contain probiotic bacteria, which helps the absorption of calcium in the body, thus strengthening your bones. Also, the potassium in bananas helps to prevent calcium loss from your body. This lowers your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life
Improves digestion
Banana contains fructooligosaccharide, which helps to stimulate growth of good bacteria in the stomach, particularly the colon. It also produces enzymes that helps to improve the overall digestion.
So, instead of investing in expensive food supplements and beauty products, just buy some bananas from a fruit vendor.
Saturday, 21 September 2013
Sunday, 25 August 2013
6 Things You Didn't Know About Weight Loss
Most people generally follow the conventional norm of dieting when it comes to losing weight. They will skip meals, keep fasts, consume low-fat products and take stairs instead of lifts. But, this type of calorie counting will only make them lose their mind, and not weight. Even the nutritionists agree that fasting and skipping meals is not a healthy way to lose weight. Such practices tend to make people look weaker and frail. But, there are some amazing ways of weight loss, which they do not pay much heed to. So, take a look at these simple tricks which will help in shedding kilos in a healthier manner.
1. Fluids
Limit your drinks to water only. While you are trying to slim down, reduce your intake of tea, juice and coffee. If you are desperately craving for juice, then try eating a fruit instead of drinking a packaged one. This way, you get more nutrition without the excess sugar found in the packaged juice. Also, limit your coffee consumption to one cup a day, and tea to two cups. Avoid adding sugar to them. You can also opt for healthier options like green tea and decaffeinated coffee.
2. Go Chinese!
Chinese food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. From that, we do not mean the ‘Indian-ised’ and greasy version of the food. But the original Chinese dishes, which include boiled and crunchy vegetables, broiled meat and steamed rice. Traditionally, Chinese food is either baked or stir-fried. It consists of a huge variety of vegetables and healthy soups. Also, it involves a lot of seafood and soybeans, with minimal amount of sugar. So, having it can really help you to shed your excess weight. And, if you are not that comfortable with eating Chinese food, then there is still another Chinese trend you can try out. Try eating with chopsticks. This will help you to eat slowly. So, your body will have time to respond to your stomach’s cues saying that it is full, thus preventing you from consuming empty calories.
3. Fat is Good!
You may find the above sentence to be an oxymoron, but it is true. Fat is good for you! It is the grease that helps your metabolic system to run smoothly, and helps you to lose weight faster. What most people do not know is that fats are both good and bad as well. Fish, flax seeds and nuts are a source of good fats, while re-used cooking oil is the most dreadful form of bad fats. So, it is best to incorporate more of good fats in your diet.
4. Spice it up
Adding some spice to your bland food not only enhances the flavour, but also helps you to lose oodles of weight. Add some extra spices to your food to cut down on your salt intake; salt is one of the biggest culprits of weight gain. Spices like turmeric, cinnamon, chilies and garlic are just a few 'healthy' examples. Turmeric helps the body to metabolism fats by decreasing the fat storage in liver cells, while cinnamon manages the blood sugar levels. Chilies, most importantly, have an ingredient called Capsaicin, which significantly improves fat burning process.
5. Skip a rope
Skipping with a rope works on your cellulite. This helps you to tone your arms and legs. It can also help you to lose up to 450 calories in around 30 minutes. Moreover, this exercise improves blood flow, thereby keeping your heart healthy.
6. Join aerobics
Well, this is definitely a fun exercise to work on your entire muscle mass. Unlike other exercises, this activity focuses on every body part, thereby giving you a lean frame. During a one-hour session of aerobics, you can burn at least 400 calories.
1. Fluids
Limit your drinks to water only. While you are trying to slim down, reduce your intake of tea, juice and coffee. If you are desperately craving for juice, then try eating a fruit instead of drinking a packaged one. This way, you get more nutrition without the excess sugar found in the packaged juice. Also, limit your coffee consumption to one cup a day, and tea to two cups. Avoid adding sugar to them. You can also opt for healthier options like green tea and decaffeinated coffee.
2. Go Chinese!
Chinese food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. From that, we do not mean the ‘Indian-ised’ and greasy version of the food. But the original Chinese dishes, which include boiled and crunchy vegetables, broiled meat and steamed rice. Traditionally, Chinese food is either baked or stir-fried. It consists of a huge variety of vegetables and healthy soups. Also, it involves a lot of seafood and soybeans, with minimal amount of sugar. So, having it can really help you to shed your excess weight. And, if you are not that comfortable with eating Chinese food, then there is still another Chinese trend you can try out. Try eating with chopsticks. This will help you to eat slowly. So, your body will have time to respond to your stomach’s cues saying that it is full, thus preventing you from consuming empty calories.
3. Fat is Good!
You may find the above sentence to be an oxymoron, but it is true. Fat is good for you! It is the grease that helps your metabolic system to run smoothly, and helps you to lose weight faster. What most people do not know is that fats are both good and bad as well. Fish, flax seeds and nuts are a source of good fats, while re-used cooking oil is the most dreadful form of bad fats. So, it is best to incorporate more of good fats in your diet.
4. Spice it up
Adding some spice to your bland food not only enhances the flavour, but also helps you to lose oodles of weight. Add some extra spices to your food to cut down on your salt intake; salt is one of the biggest culprits of weight gain. Spices like turmeric, cinnamon, chilies and garlic are just a few 'healthy' examples. Turmeric helps the body to metabolism fats by decreasing the fat storage in liver cells, while cinnamon manages the blood sugar levels. Chilies, most importantly, have an ingredient called Capsaicin, which significantly improves fat burning process.
5. Skip a rope
Skipping with a rope works on your cellulite. This helps you to tone your arms and legs. It can also help you to lose up to 450 calories in around 30 minutes. Moreover, this exercise improves blood flow, thereby keeping your heart healthy.
6. Join aerobics
Well, this is definitely a fun exercise to work on your entire muscle mass. Unlike other exercises, this activity focuses on every body part, thereby giving you a lean frame. During a one-hour session of aerobics, you can burn at least 400 calories.
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Top Weight Loss Exercises to Do at Home
The hectic office routine has taken a toll on everyone’s body. So much so that people do not even get time to hit the gym. The increasing body weight is the outcome of this time-crunched lifestyle. But, blaming this work pattern for not working out is not the solution. You do not need a trainer or professional equipment to lose that bulge. You can always burn calories at the comfort of your home. So, take a look at a few exercises which you can easily do at home and say goodbye to that extra flab.
Dancing
Dancing will not only help you burn calories, but will cheer you up as well. This mood boosting exercise increases your heart rate and helps you to build lean muscle mass. A 10-minute intense dancing session can help you to burn around 65 calories. Well, you do not have to learn any specific dance to lose weight. Just play some peppy number and get started!
Most people avoid going to a gym during monsoons and then blame the rains for not exercising. If you are one of them, just pay attention to our suggestions and start exercising at home!
Weightlifting
Well, fret not! You do not have to invest in dumbbells for weightlifting. All you need to do is fill a half liter bottle with sand or water, and use it in place of the dumbbells. You can increase the weight with time, but start off with something light. Lifting weight rigorously for an hour (without any break) can burn up to 400 calories. It helps in losing those love handles as well. Moreover, you can also flaunt your toned arms in a sleeveless t-shirt too.
Spot jogging
Well if you think jogging in a park will do you more good (other than breathing fresh air), you are mistaken then. There is actually no difference between the two, as your muscles perform the same function and you burn equal amount of calories too. So, just put on a pair of shoes and start jogging at any spot you are comfortable in. Make sure you increase your speed at regular intervals, and hold on to something to give yourself some support. Besides buring your fat, this exercise tones your thighs, hips and calf muscles, leaving you with a slimmer body frame.
Jumping jack
Jumping jack is something nearly everyone must have done at school during their PT classes. For this, what you need to do is just stand erect with your arms spread out on either side. Then jump while spreading your legs outwards and clapping your hands above your head. And, then land on the ground with legs wide open and hands joined over your head. Jump again to return back to the normal position. This warm up exercise actually improves your heart’s health and helps you to burn a lot of calories. Through this workout, you can burn at least 100 calories in 10 minutes.
Skipping
If you have not picked up a skipping rope since childhood, it is time to 'skip' down the memory lane once again. So, whether with a skipping rope or without it, this exercise has lot many health benefits to offer. It helps you to lose up to 450 calories in around 30 minutes. It improves blood flow, thereby keeping your heart healthy. Moreover, it boosts the density of bones, keeping osteoporosis at bay. But make sure that you do not skip in a room crammed with furniture, or else you will end up hurting yourself.
Squats
This is one exercise that should be a part of everyone's daily routine. It is simple to perform squats and requires no gym equipment. For this, just stand erect with your feet slightly apart and your arms raised to your shoulder level. Then bend your knees forward (in a chair position) and get up without any support. Repeat it at least 3-5 times. If you find this exercise straining, you can use a chair for a few days. After a while, shift to the actual method. Besides burning fat, this workout helps in boosting your stamina (in case you are an athlete), and clears bowel movements as well. Also, it tones your buttocks, abs and legs.
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Recommended methods of Cancer Prevention
Drink Red Wine: Red wine is made from skin of grapes which contains resveratrol and other petrochemicals that have antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. Researches show that a glass of wine a day can prevent a wide range of cancers like leukemia, skin as well as breast cancer.
Eat Dark Chocolate: Flavonoids like pentamer, present in cocoa, has cancer-fighting properties. Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa and is certainly one of the tastiest ways to help you stay away from cancer. Pollution, radiations and bad living habits pave the way for various kinds of cancer. To effectively combat cancer, adopt a way of living that is pure and simple.
Avoid Processed Foods: Numerous studies have shown that processed foods and sugar can significantly increase the risk of cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in all nutrients and supplements is one of the basic steps to fight cancer.
Steer Clear of Carcinogens: It is quite obvious that to prevent cancer, you need to strictly avoid all things that can cause cancer. Alcohol, cigarettes and other recreational drugs are among the top causes of cancer.
Get Some Exercise: An inactive lifestyle with no exercise can drastically increase the odds of cancer. Regular exercise strengthens the immune system and helps in the regulation of chemicals, enzymes and hormones in the body.
Sleep Soundly: The human body requires a minimum of 8 hours of sleep to regulate all of its functions properly. Regular sleep helps in maintaining a healthy endocrine system and its ability to fight cancer. It is also essential to sleep in complete darkness to promote a healthy endocrine system
Add Garlic to Your Meals: Garlic has very powerful antioxidant properties. It also strengthens the immune system and helps to prevent cancer. Various studies have shown that garlic can exponentially decrease the odds of stomach cancer.
Reduce Hazardous Interactions: There are a variety of environmental factors that can cause cancer. Radiation from mobile phones and other electronic devices can increase the chances of cancer. Limit your exposure to the minimum to combat cancer.
Eat Broccoli: Broccoli is one of the super foods which can help you effectively prevent cancer. However, it is not recommended to microwave broccoli as it destroys its anti-carcinogenic flavonoids. It is best to boil broccoli or eat it raw as a snack.
http://my.entertainment.yahoo.com/blogs/whoknew/finally--a-cure-for-cancer--074405530.html
Eat Dark Chocolate: Flavonoids like pentamer, present in cocoa, has cancer-fighting properties. Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa and is certainly one of the tastiest ways to help you stay away from cancer. Pollution, radiations and bad living habits pave the way for various kinds of cancer. To effectively combat cancer, adopt a way of living that is pure and simple.
Avoid Processed Foods: Numerous studies have shown that processed foods and sugar can significantly increase the risk of cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in all nutrients and supplements is one of the basic steps to fight cancer.
Steer Clear of Carcinogens: It is quite obvious that to prevent cancer, you need to strictly avoid all things that can cause cancer. Alcohol, cigarettes and other recreational drugs are among the top causes of cancer.
Get Some Exercise: An inactive lifestyle with no exercise can drastically increase the odds of cancer. Regular exercise strengthens the immune system and helps in the regulation of chemicals, enzymes and hormones in the body.
Sleep Soundly: The human body requires a minimum of 8 hours of sleep to regulate all of its functions properly. Regular sleep helps in maintaining a healthy endocrine system and its ability to fight cancer. It is also essential to sleep in complete darkness to promote a healthy endocrine system
Add Garlic to Your Meals: Garlic has very powerful antioxidant properties. It also strengthens the immune system and helps to prevent cancer. Various studies have shown that garlic can exponentially decrease the odds of stomach cancer.
Reduce Hazardous Interactions: There are a variety of environmental factors that can cause cancer. Radiation from mobile phones and other electronic devices can increase the chances of cancer. Limit your exposure to the minimum to combat cancer.
Eat Broccoli: Broccoli is one of the super foods which can help you effectively prevent cancer. However, it is not recommended to microwave broccoli as it destroys its anti-carcinogenic flavonoids. It is best to boil broccoli or eat it raw as a snack.
http://my.entertainment.yahoo.com/blogs/whoknew/finally--a-cure-for-cancer--074405530.html
8 Tummy-Flattening Foods to Eat This Summer
If your first thought is excitement that it's finally nice enough to hit the beach, and your second is panic that you have to don a swimsuit, we're with you. Make the process a little less painful with these bloat-beating, belly-fat-melting foods.
Chew on fennel seeds
You may have seen a bowl of fennel seeds near the exit of your favorite Indian restaurant, and that's because they've been used for thousands of years in India to beat bloat naturally. Got PMS? Ate too much at brunch? Try adding fennel seeds to your spice cabinet and grabbing a pinch of 'em whenever your stomach starts to feel like you've swallowed a beach ball.
Nosh on a cucumber salad
The next time you feel puffy, add natural diuretics-foods that help nix water retention-to your shopping list. For a triple-dose that will help you shed extra water-weight, toss half of a sliced cucumber with one-quarter cup parsley and one tablespoon lemon juice.
Go for a fruity treat
Dehydration, which plugs up your digestive tract, can actually poof out your belly, says Morgan. Constipation and bikinis don't mix, so avoid getting parched by noshing on fruits-they're natural hydrators since they're at least 60 percent water. Melons and papaya are especially good because they also contain potassium, which helps regulate your body's balance of fluids and minerals and fights salt-induced water retention. Cut a cantaloupe in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill with sliced papaya for a thirst-quenching snack.
Sip a ginger smoothie
Blend together three cups each spinach and kale, two kiwis, one thumb-sized bit of ginger root and one-half cup cold water. Green leafy vegetables like spinach are especially high in magnesium, which helps regulate blood sugar to tame appetite. Kiwis have been found to ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as bloating, while ginger eases digestion and soothes your stomach so it doesn't look all puffed out.
Spread on avocados
Though they taste like vegetables, avocados are technically fruits-and are high in heart-healthy fats that can help curb your appetite. Fat doesn't spike blood-sugar levels, and can take up to six hours to fully digest-more time than starches or even protein-to ward off an afternoon snack attack. Avocados' creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor make them a great swap for butter or mayonnaise on sandwiches.
Down some iced water
Sipping water is a bloat-busting and appetite-taming move because it's easy to mistake thirst for hunger, something that could prompt you to fill your stomach with salt-laden, bloat-inducing processed junk food. Drinking water cold may also help speed your metabolism, according to a study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. In fact, sipping about six cups of icy H2O daily could boost your resting metabolism by approximately 50 calories a day, which means you could shed up to five extra pounds in a year. One theory is that drinking the cold stuff makes your body work harder to warm it up, and therefore burns more calories.
Swap in apple cider vinegar
The enzymes in apple cider vinegar help the healthy bacteria in your gut survive and thrive, which means you'll have an easier time digesting food for less gas and bloating. For a more taut stomach, try mixing a tonic of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and eight ounces of spring water the morning before slipping into your most form-fitting sundress or revealing bathing suit. Or add it to your salad dressing in place of balsamic vinegar for a tastier, equally low-cal way to get a dose of the acidic stuff.
Suck on peppermint
Chewing gum can make you gulp in extra air, creating a tummy pooch, says Morgan. Instead of chomping on gum, try a natural tummy-flattener and breath-freshener in one: Peppermint oil capsules can kill the kind of bacteria that causes stinky breath and bloating, and also aid digestion.
Chew on fennel seeds
You may have seen a bowl of fennel seeds near the exit of your favorite Indian restaurant, and that's because they've been used for thousands of years in India to beat bloat naturally. Got PMS? Ate too much at brunch? Try adding fennel seeds to your spice cabinet and grabbing a pinch of 'em whenever your stomach starts to feel like you've swallowed a beach ball.
Nosh on a cucumber salad
The next time you feel puffy, add natural diuretics-foods that help nix water retention-to your shopping list. For a triple-dose that will help you shed extra water-weight, toss half of a sliced cucumber with one-quarter cup parsley and one tablespoon lemon juice.
Go for a fruity treat
Dehydration, which plugs up your digestive tract, can actually poof out your belly, says Morgan. Constipation and bikinis don't mix, so avoid getting parched by noshing on fruits-they're natural hydrators since they're at least 60 percent water. Melons and papaya are especially good because they also contain potassium, which helps regulate your body's balance of fluids and minerals and fights salt-induced water retention. Cut a cantaloupe in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill with sliced papaya for a thirst-quenching snack.
Sip a ginger smoothie
Blend together three cups each spinach and kale, two kiwis, one thumb-sized bit of ginger root and one-half cup cold water. Green leafy vegetables like spinach are especially high in magnesium, which helps regulate blood sugar to tame appetite. Kiwis have been found to ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as bloating, while ginger eases digestion and soothes your stomach so it doesn't look all puffed out.
Spread on avocados
Though they taste like vegetables, avocados are technically fruits-and are high in heart-healthy fats that can help curb your appetite. Fat doesn't spike blood-sugar levels, and can take up to six hours to fully digest-more time than starches or even protein-to ward off an afternoon snack attack. Avocados' creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor make them a great swap for butter or mayonnaise on sandwiches.
Down some iced water
Sipping water is a bloat-busting and appetite-taming move because it's easy to mistake thirst for hunger, something that could prompt you to fill your stomach with salt-laden, bloat-inducing processed junk food. Drinking water cold may also help speed your metabolism, according to a study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. In fact, sipping about six cups of icy H2O daily could boost your resting metabolism by approximately 50 calories a day, which means you could shed up to five extra pounds in a year. One theory is that drinking the cold stuff makes your body work harder to warm it up, and therefore burns more calories.
Swap in apple cider vinegar
The enzymes in apple cider vinegar help the healthy bacteria in your gut survive and thrive, which means you'll have an easier time digesting food for less gas and bloating. For a more taut stomach, try mixing a tonic of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and eight ounces of spring water the morning before slipping into your most form-fitting sundress or revealing bathing suit. Or add it to your salad dressing in place of balsamic vinegar for a tastier, equally low-cal way to get a dose of the acidic stuff.
Suck on peppermint
Chewing gum can make you gulp in extra air, creating a tummy pooch, says Morgan. Instead of chomping on gum, try a natural tummy-flattener and breath-freshener in one: Peppermint oil capsules can kill the kind of bacteria that causes stinky breath and bloating, and also aid digestion.
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Foods that Keep You Feeling Full
Foods that Keep You Feeling Full
Eating well-balanced meals and snacks are both important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But whether it's because you find yourself mindlessly snacking or because your meals aren't keeping you as full as you'd like, sometimes you need something to keep you from rummaging through the pantry.
Nuts: Nuts don't just contain healthy fats to help keep your cholesterol low - they are also good sources of appetite-killing fiber, which digests slowly so it stays in your stomach much longer than other carbohydrates. A 1/4 cup of almonds, for example, contains four grams of fiber.
Avocado: Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats, which help keep you full. Add half an avocado to a slice of toast for a breakfast that'll keep you full until lunch.
Leafy Greens: High water content and fiber also help leafy vegetables fill your stomach. Try this shredded kale and brussels sprout salad for your next lunch.
Eggs: Another protein-packed food are eggs, which studies have shown can help you control your appetite for up to 36 hours.
Water: sometimes a craving can be quelled with just a glass of water, and it can also keep you hydrated as well (in fact, drinking water before you eat is a good practice, since sometimes people confuse dehydration with hunger). If a glass of water isn't cutting it, eating a snack featuring fruits and vegetables that have a high water content like apples (which are good sources of fiber as well), watermelon, or cucumbers can have the same effect.
Lemon: Eating something sour can help curb sweet cravings, helping you feel satisfied after a meal. Try this lemon chia vinaigrette recipe on your next salad to control overeating.
Flaxseeds: Another great source of appetite-suppressing omega-3s, one tablespoon of flaxseeds contains 2.3 grams of omega-3s, not to mention three grams of stomach-filling fiber. Flaxseeds are also a good source of omega-6 fatty acids, which may increase levels of the appetite-suppressing hormone cholecystokinin.
Beans: Beans are a low-calorie source of fiber and protein, so they are a good choice if you're looking to stay full. Sneak some beans into your smoothies, burgers, and more to help control between-meal hunger.
Edamame: A 1/2 cup of edamame is only 95 calories but contains over eight grams of protein, making the baby soy beans a good snacking choice.
Salmon: Besides being a good source of lean protein, salmon (as with other types of seafood) is a good source of omega-3s. Studies have shown that omega-3s can help increase satiety, and further research suggests that eating omega-3s may help reduce food reward cues.
Vinegar: Studies have shown that vinegar may help keep you from feeling hungry by slowing stomach emptying; it also lowers the glycemic index of high-carb foods like pasta, which means it can help you feel fuller longer by slowing the release of glucose into your bloodstream. Some people swear by drinking apple cider vinegar every day because it's also rich in vitamins and can aid in digestion, among many other uses, but even incorporating vinegar into a meal (like a vinaigrette for your salad) can help reap its benefits.
Soup: Studies have shown that people who ate soup as an appetizer ended up eating less throughout their meal. Just make sure you choose a broth-based soup over a high-fat creamy version.
Spices: Studies have shown that spicy food can help keep you fuller longer as well as increase metabolism. A recent study, for example, found that people ate 60 fewer calories (and burned about 10 more) when cayenne pepper was added to their tomato soup (compared with those who ate nonspiced soup).
Green Tea: Drinking hot water can help keep you full, and not only that, green tea may also help increase your levels of the appetite-regulating-hormone cholecystokinin.
Apples: An apple makes an ideal morning or afternoon snack; the fruit is a great source of fiber to keep you feeling full, and its high water content helps fill your belly as well. Apples also contain pectin, which can help prevent blood sugar spikes that spur hunger.
Oatmeal: Stay fuller longer with a bowl of oatmeal; half a cup of rolled oats contains five grams of fiber. Besides that, oatmeal can help increase your body's levels of the appetite-regulating hormone cholecystokinin, which may help control hunger in some people.
Yogurt: Another excellent source of protein, yogurt has the added benefit of its fat-burning potential. Choose low- or nonfat Greek yogurt for added protein potential.
Mint: The smell of mint is not only calming but is also an effective appetite suppressant. Try burning a mint-flavored candle or drinking mint tea if you are trying to cut back on over snacking.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3s, protein, and fiber - all of which can help suppress hunger. Some people swear by chia seeds as a diet tool, since the seeds swell with water to fill your stomach, but this theory is mostly unsubstantiated.
Coffee: Some studies have found that caffeine may suppress your appetite for a short time, although the effects haven't been shown with long-term consumption.
Eating well-balanced meals and snacks are both important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But whether it's because you find yourself mindlessly snacking or because your meals aren't keeping you as full as you'd like, sometimes you need something to keep you from rummaging through the pantry.
Nuts: Nuts don't just contain healthy fats to help keep your cholesterol low - they are also good sources of appetite-killing fiber, which digests slowly so it stays in your stomach much longer than other carbohydrates. A 1/4 cup of almonds, for example, contains four grams of fiber.
Avocado: Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats, which help keep you full. Add half an avocado to a slice of toast for a breakfast that'll keep you full until lunch.
Leafy Greens: High water content and fiber also help leafy vegetables fill your stomach. Try this shredded kale and brussels sprout salad for your next lunch.
Eggs: Another protein-packed food are eggs, which studies have shown can help you control your appetite for up to 36 hours.
Water: sometimes a craving can be quelled with just a glass of water, and it can also keep you hydrated as well (in fact, drinking water before you eat is a good practice, since sometimes people confuse dehydration with hunger). If a glass of water isn't cutting it, eating a snack featuring fruits and vegetables that have a high water content like apples (which are good sources of fiber as well), watermelon, or cucumbers can have the same effect.
Lemon: Eating something sour can help curb sweet cravings, helping you feel satisfied after a meal. Try this lemon chia vinaigrette recipe on your next salad to control overeating.
Flaxseeds: Another great source of appetite-suppressing omega-3s, one tablespoon of flaxseeds contains 2.3 grams of omega-3s, not to mention three grams of stomach-filling fiber. Flaxseeds are also a good source of omega-6 fatty acids, which may increase levels of the appetite-suppressing hormone cholecystokinin.
Beans: Beans are a low-calorie source of fiber and protein, so they are a good choice if you're looking to stay full. Sneak some beans into your smoothies, burgers, and more to help control between-meal hunger.
Edamame: A 1/2 cup of edamame is only 95 calories but contains over eight grams of protein, making the baby soy beans a good snacking choice.
Salmon: Besides being a good source of lean protein, salmon (as with other types of seafood) is a good source of omega-3s. Studies have shown that omega-3s can help increase satiety, and further research suggests that eating omega-3s may help reduce food reward cues.
Vinegar: Studies have shown that vinegar may help keep you from feeling hungry by slowing stomach emptying; it also lowers the glycemic index of high-carb foods like pasta, which means it can help you feel fuller longer by slowing the release of glucose into your bloodstream. Some people swear by drinking apple cider vinegar every day because it's also rich in vitamins and can aid in digestion, among many other uses, but even incorporating vinegar into a meal (like a vinaigrette for your salad) can help reap its benefits.
Soup: Studies have shown that people who ate soup as an appetizer ended up eating less throughout their meal. Just make sure you choose a broth-based soup over a high-fat creamy version.
Spices: Studies have shown that spicy food can help keep you fuller longer as well as increase metabolism. A recent study, for example, found that people ate 60 fewer calories (and burned about 10 more) when cayenne pepper was added to their tomato soup (compared with those who ate nonspiced soup).
Green Tea: Drinking hot water can help keep you full, and not only that, green tea may also help increase your levels of the appetite-regulating-hormone cholecystokinin.
Apples: An apple makes an ideal morning or afternoon snack; the fruit is a great source of fiber to keep you feeling full, and its high water content helps fill your belly as well. Apples also contain pectin, which can help prevent blood sugar spikes that spur hunger.
Oatmeal: Stay fuller longer with a bowl of oatmeal; half a cup of rolled oats contains five grams of fiber. Besides that, oatmeal can help increase your body's levels of the appetite-regulating hormone cholecystokinin, which may help control hunger in some people.
Yogurt: Another excellent source of protein, yogurt has the added benefit of its fat-burning potential. Choose low- or nonfat Greek yogurt for added protein potential.
Mint: The smell of mint is not only calming but is also an effective appetite suppressant. Try burning a mint-flavored candle or drinking mint tea if you are trying to cut back on over snacking.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3s, protein, and fiber - all of which can help suppress hunger. Some people swear by chia seeds as a diet tool, since the seeds swell with water to fill your stomach, but this theory is mostly unsubstantiated.
Coffee: Some studies have found that caffeine may suppress your appetite for a short time, although the effects haven't been shown with long-term consumption.
5 Ways to Lose Love Handles
Is that muffin top ruining your looks? Its time to lose it! A story by Bollywoodshaadis.com
Here are five - very doable - ways to getting rid of them, for good.
Twist dancing
It is more of a dance than a workout. Just play your favourite number and dance off those love handles with this twisting exercise. The trick is to incorporate as many twists as possible. You do not have to be calorie-phobic to live in a perfect body. Just some tricks with a little discipline is the key to a healthy living!
Oblique sit ups
Though, quite similar to the traditional sit up, the oblique one is more challenging to do. Just lay straight on your back. Make your knees bend towards one side of your body. Now, perform the exercise by bringing your chest up towards the sky. Repeat this in two sets of 10. This exercise basically puts pressure on the sides of your belly.
You are what you eat
When trying to get rid of love handles, altering your diet can do wonders. Avoid white foods such as rice, milk, sugar and salt, as they are empty calories. Substitute it with coloured foods like spinach, carrot, grapes and tomatoes etc. Also include lemon water with honey in your diet, preferably replacing the aerated drinks and canned juices.
Yoga twists
Doing crunches for your abs do not always melt those stubborn love handles. Learn and practice yoga, especially the side twists. These side twists not only tone the muscles but also tuck in the bulging fat from the sides. Poses that you must try are Twisted triangle and Standing spinal twist along with quick exhalations.
Perfect that posture
Maintaining the right posture goes a long way in helping you trim down your belly, especially that excessive fat around the abdomen. Always stand straight with your weight distributed on both feet. Do not forget to pull your belly button close to your spine, while keeping the shoulders relaxed. The head and neck have to be in one line
You already have a bulging tummy, but cannot resist licking your fingers at a food stall? The mere sight of hot samosas makes you forget all your weight loss resolutions? With all your love for aaloo tikkis and chole bhature, what tends to get often neglected is our body. We usually start complaining of an unsexy body, belly bulge and love handles, but never work towards reducing it. So, follow our simple tricks and get ready to embark on a stomach crunch marathon.
Here are five - very doable - ways to getting rid of them, for good.
Twist dancing
It is more of a dance than a workout. Just play your favourite number and dance off those love handles with this twisting exercise. The trick is to incorporate as many twists as possible. You do not have to be calorie-phobic to live in a perfect body. Just some tricks with a little discipline is the key to a healthy living!
Oblique sit ups
Though, quite similar to the traditional sit up, the oblique one is more challenging to do. Just lay straight on your back. Make your knees bend towards one side of your body. Now, perform the exercise by bringing your chest up towards the sky. Repeat this in two sets of 10. This exercise basically puts pressure on the sides of your belly.
You are what you eat
When trying to get rid of love handles, altering your diet can do wonders. Avoid white foods such as rice, milk, sugar and salt, as they are empty calories. Substitute it with coloured foods like spinach, carrot, grapes and tomatoes etc. Also include lemon water with honey in your diet, preferably replacing the aerated drinks and canned juices.
Yoga twists
Doing crunches for your abs do not always melt those stubborn love handles. Learn and practice yoga, especially the side twists. These side twists not only tone the muscles but also tuck in the bulging fat from the sides. Poses that you must try are Twisted triangle and Standing spinal twist along with quick exhalations.
Perfect that posture
Maintaining the right posture goes a long way in helping you trim down your belly, especially that excessive fat around the abdomen. Always stand straight with your weight distributed on both feet. Do not forget to pull your belly button close to your spine, while keeping the shoulders relaxed. The head and neck have to be in one line
You already have a bulging tummy, but cannot resist licking your fingers at a food stall? The mere sight of hot samosas makes you forget all your weight loss resolutions? With all your love for aaloo tikkis and chole bhature, what tends to get often neglected is our body. We usually start complaining of an unsexy body, belly bulge and love handles, but never work towards reducing it. So, follow our simple tricks and get ready to embark on a stomach crunch marathon.
12 Health Foods That You Should Never Eat Again
.1. Multigrain atta Packaged multigrain atta variants that are available in the market are often not as ‘multi grain’ as they claim. Always read the ingredients on the packet to see that the whole wheat is the first, and main, ingredient on the list. If not, you are just getting few assorted grains added to the normal wheat flour. So, it would be easier and cheaper for you to make your own variants at home. This way you will be assured about the quality and ingredients.
2. Soy milk and soy substitutesMany people do not know that most of the non-organic soy ingredients are genetically modified. Also, most of the soy additives are processed using a chemical toxin called hexane, which can lead to reproductive problems and birth defects. If you are looking for healthy non-dairy options then it is best to stick to skimmed milk.
3. Artificial sweetenersYou will be shocked to know that one of the biggest health fads is a fraud as well. Rather than substituting Aspartame or Sucralose for sugar, it is better to skip sugar completely. The artificial sweeteners cause neurological damage, gastrointestinal and endocrine dysfunctions.
4. Ice tea mixesPowdered ice tea mixes is a marketing gimmick that is unhealthy for you. These are more sugar laden than a can of cola. These mixes contain high fructose corn syrup, processed sugar and artificial flavors, which are not good for your body. So, for the sake of your health and budget, it is best to prepare fresh ice tea at home and refrigerate, with or without sugar.
5. MargarineSo, you have been using margarine, believing it is a healthier substitute to the butter? Time to think again! Margarine is hydrogenated trans-fat oil, which is anything but healthy for your body. It also increases cholesterol levels and decreases the response of your body’s immunity system. So, avoid this processed food at all costs.
6. Non-seasonal fruits and vegetablesDo you wonder why non-seasonal fruits and vegetables look so surprisingly healthy, all year round? Well, they are artificially ripened or genetically engineered. Hence, it is wise and safe choice for you to stick to the seasonal options.
7. Canned foodsCans of food contain high levels of bisphenol-A (BPA), which is a hormone disrupting chemical. High levels of BPA in body can cause a range of health complications, including reproductive problems and breast cancer, etc. So, it best to avoid all sorts of canned food products.
8. Microwavable popcornAlthough the idea of popping these while watching a movie sounds good, but here comes the flip side. You will be consuming genetically modified corn kernels, processed salt and lots of preservatives, which are added to enhance its flavours. The high levels of sodium and the chemical diacetyl, found in the microwave popcorn are not good for your health. And, we are not even talking about the more harmful buttered and flavoured popcorns, yet!
9. Fruit juices in tetra packsPackaged fruit juices contain added sugar and preservatives to increase its taste and shelf-life. Instead of sipping on some preservative laced fruit juice, why not consume the wholesome goodness of fresh fruits. That way, you will get both the juice along with the fiber.
10. Frozen meatBuying frozen burger patties or meat balls may cut your kitchen work, but they add a lot more preservatives in your body. The factory prepared frozen meals are loaded with hydrogenated oils, preservatives and many other artificial ingredients. So, why not try buying fresh meat and then refrigerating it at home.
11. Energy drinksEnergy drinks are fatally caffeinated and ready to explode sugar bombs, which are unhealthy for your body. So, drink a cup of coffee for that mid-morning kick. This will also help in controlling that sugar level, which is quite high in the so-called energy drinks.
12. Packaged drinking water
While buying packaged drinking water, think not only about the quality of water you are getting but also about the substance used to make that bottle. The chemicals (BPA and phthalates) used to make these bottles are harmful for your health. Even a tiny amount of these chemicals in your body can cause problems like obesity, damage to brain, hyperactivity, and reproductive issues, etc. So, next time you opt to pick up bottled water think of the environmental and heath damages it would be causing
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)