Why can't I fit in my Old Jeans after losing 5 kgs? :(

I know there are lot of people who would have lost weight but it doesn't show at the right places. I mentioned in one of my blogs "10 Tips to Lose Weight" (http://healthyyumfood.blogspot.in/2015/02/10-tips-to-lose-weight.html)  to wear a skinny jeans & set goals to maintain schedule but even after enough the waist line seems to remain unaffected. Now skinny jeans really doesn't look nice then. There are surgical methods like targeted liposuction but its costly as well as risky. I will never dare go for that.

Here goes easy 5 tips which you can follow & :

1. There are several exercises recommended at the gym or people who exercise at home for a flat belly but a lack of time is really the reason where we find it difficult to follow those. But our yoga asans pranayam are very effective & consumes very less time. I am talking about Kapalbhati pranayam, it is an exercise which is very easy & can be done any time of the day (when your stomach is empty) not only helps you lose the inches but also helps in digestion & relieves you from problems related to stomach. If you are unaware of the method, please check a video online before trying it out.

2. When talking about yoga & exercising, I cannot miss on Stretches. Side stretches as seen in the picture below can be great in burning fat on your hip, as most of the hip is not moved, this creates a stress on the area for the fat to burn. This will also help you become more flexible.

3. In the morning have a good breakfast which I have said a lot of times before as this is the prime meal of the day & decides the activity of the body during the day. Especially a breakfast with eggs instead of sugary carbs has shown great effect on the waistline. Add a cup of coffee or tea (caffeinated) to increase the burning of fat.

4. At night if you read a book for an hour it has shown to help lose inches. It relaxes your body & help fight the stress around the day which is blamed for some belly & hip fat. So, keeping a light schedule at night helps you relax & fight stress,

5. Sleep well for 7-8 hours everyday, it has been seen that people who sleep less than 5-6 hours a day have shown to put on weight easily. Or you can say that the people trying to lose weight will lose less. The efforts taken up by you will be rewarded with an extra hour of sleep. :)

Thank you all for your support & reading my blog. Awaiting your comments & suggestions.

Will you have a cup of Tea?

A cup of tea can be very useful to have a healthy life. There are several good benefits attached to the cup. Here is a list of the benefits you will love your cup of tea a bit more.

1. Tea is full of antioxidants (polyphenols) which acts as an anti-aging agent and ravages the effect of pollution. The antioxidants present also boost your ability to burn fat and improved muscle endurance. Most importantly helps you fight a range of cancers breast, colorectal, skin, lungs, eosophagus, stomach etc.

2. Tea helps fight free radicals, it helps fight free radicals which destroy the DNA. This activity of free radicals is also linked to cancer, heart disease and neurological disorder. 

3. Tea reduces the chances of heart attack & stroke. Drinking tea helps keep the arteries smooth and clog free, thus reducing the chances of heart attack which is mainly stimulated by unwanted blood clots due to cholesterol.

4. Tea is also acknowledged for improving bone mineral density. Tea is also known to improve the dental looks as it has fluoride & tannins which keeps plaque away. Please keep it unsweetened else no use :).

5. Tea also helps improve the immune defenses of the body as shown in research. 

Ek cup chai ho jaye!!

Have a great day and thanks!!

The dreaded Hypothyroidism: Combat it!!

Friends most of you must have people complaining of thyroid & getting obese. They are talking about hypothyroidism. This is a condition of the thyroid gland not producing enough thyroid hormone to run the body's mechanism. And surprisingly most of the people do not know their thyroid hormone deficiency.So, the number of people affected with this deficiency is far higher than the no. recorded. The main causes identified are autoimmune thyroiditis i.e. leaving the part of the gland inflamed leaves the cells dead and no producing enough hormones this is triggered by the patient's own body's immune system, this is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The second case is of medical treatments, in some conditions surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland and can leave a small part which is not enough to meet the body's requirement.

There are no such foods which can cure your situation of hypothyroidism, but eating well & avoiding certain food can help you stay better. These hormones are attached with your mood swings, depression, lethargy, body temperature, heart rate & blood health. Along with the thyroid medication a well balanced diet helps in bolstering the thyroid hormone.

I will list down a few foods which would boost your system & also the ones which you should avoid.

EAT THESE MORE

1. Fish: The Omega-3 fatty acids present in fatty fishes are responsible to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and also increase immunity and decrease the inflammation due to presence of Selenium which helps in reducing inflammation. Also in sea fish especially the Iodine content is high which helps the normal functioning of the gland.

2. Whole grains: Whole grains have dietary fibers which help with bowel regularity, as constipation is a symptom highly noticed in these patients though it has shown interference with the synthetic medication, so medication for hypothyroidism is advised to be taken much before the consumption of any high fiber food.

3. Fresh Vegetables: Early signs of hypothyroidism includes massive weight gain, so  low calorie & nutrient rich food like bell peppers, sweet potatoes etc. is recommended in this scenario. Additionally foods like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, spinach, radish, soybean etc.are goitrogenic in nature which interferes with the production of the thyroid hormone. Research has shown that the cooking of these foods have made them effective in making the goitrogens inactive. There are also certain fruits which are effective in reducing your calorie intake eg strawberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches etc.

4. Dairy Products: Milk has always been a good source of nutrients, and in this case has shown to fulfill needs of Vitamin D commonly seen to be lacking in people with hypothyroidism, as well as provides calcium, protein and iodine in good amount. The good bacteria in yogurt has shown effects in digestion & help other gut bacteria, as digestion is also affected in people with hypothyroidism.

5. Bananas, Avocados & Almonds: These foods are high in tyrosine an amino acid which has shown to combine with iodine & produce thyroid hormones. Zinc, Vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12 and the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E are also known to improve the thyroid function.

6. Beans: They are a great source of protein & dietary fibers and can be consumed in various ways in our daily diet. It has shown good effect on energy levels as this disease leaves you drained & fatigued. They contain variety of nutrients which helps you.

AVOID THESE FOODS

1. Fatty Foods: The lowering of metabolism associated with this disease will make you more susceptible to weight gain. Also it has a negative effect on the production of the hormone.

2. Sugary Food: The body becomes less active & lethargy prevails with the less production of the hormone which will reduce you capability to burn out the sugar. It can lead to problems of blood sugar etc.

3. Processed Foods: These food usually have high sodium content an underactive thyroid can lead to blood pressure issues. Look out for food with low sodium content.

4. Alcohol: It acts as a toxic agent on the gland and suppresses the ability of the body to use the hormone completely. The medication or synthetic hormone becomes inactive in such a condition.

5. Uncooked Cruciferous Vegetables: Do not eat uncooked vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy etc which falls under the cruciferous categories of vegetables. As previously mentioned they are goitrogenic in nature and should be cooked to inactive the goitrogens.

6. Dietary fiber with medication: Keep sufficient gap between medication and eating anything with fiber, as it affects the functioning of the synthetic hormone. Do not consume too much dietary fiber as well.

Friends hope this is helpful. Circulate it friends & family for more & more people to be aware. People with history in family & women nearing menopause should be more careful. Thanks!!

Now you Will Know Why Tomatoes are Great...

Hi Friends! Today I will talk about Tomatoes, a super food. This is one ingredient which is used in food in various form, we have it in salads, soups & as a spice in most foods.Well talking about the goodness of tomatoes you cannot overlook the treasure of nutrients present in the food. It is rich in various anti-oxidants and most importantly the presence of Vitamin C & Beta carotene. It is also rich in Vitamin E & the mineral Manganese. If you come down to phyto-nutrients you will not find better substitutes, the super food is rich in Flavonones, Flavonols, Hydroxycinnamic acids, Carotenoids (lycopene, lutein etc), glycosides, fatty acid derivatives.

This amazing super food has the benefits which will make you love it.

1. Cardiovascular Support: The presence of excellent anti-oxidants like Vitamin C & E makes it an excellent food for heart & the second credit is to Lycopene which is more famous for its actions to prevent lipid peroxidation, in which lipids are oxidized in the blood & makes the immune system trigger leading to blockage of the heart vessels.

2. Anti-Cancer Benefits: The presence of lycopene & dietary fibers have proved its anti-cancer benefits in specific cancers of prostrate & colorectal. It has been tested by researchers to work well on test groups.

3. Maintains Blood Pressure: The presence of good amount of Potassium in tomatoes work great for maintaining blood pressure as only a low sodium diet is not enough for a good blood health.

4. Good for Skin: The presence of Vitamin C works great for collagen, the skin's support system. It helps your skin fight against the UV rays from the sun, pollution & smoke, smooths wrinkles.

5. Relieves from Constipation: The high water content & dietary fiber in tomatoes helps keep the body hydrated & ease the bowel movements.

6. Supports Bone health: Recent research has confirmed that the Lyopene present is excellent for for the protective bone tissues. The removal of lycopene from diet for weeks in women have shown indication of oxidative stress in bones.

7. Good during Pregnancy: Folic acid presence makes it great during pregnancy for the protection against infections in the neural tube in infants.

8. Improves Vision: Presence of Vitamin A (Beta carotene) has shown it to be important for the eyes.

So, now enjoy tomatoes ;) for all it offers you. Take care & stay healthy!! Thanks friends...

Fight Acne

Hey Friends!! Summers are around and all of us become worried about the outbreaks in summers. Most of us suffer from acne, mostly people with oily skin are seen to face this problem. Puberty triggers this problem in most, the causes are unclear & are majorly estimated to be genetic.

What is Acne?
It is medically known as Acne Vulgaris, a skin disease involving the base of hair follicle. It is seen to affect during puberty when the sebum is started to produced stimulated by hormones produced by adrenal lands both in males & females. It has been seen to affect 650 million people across the world. It is a chronic disease characterized by areas of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, oily skin. It can leave scars on the face and can affect a person's self confidence. It can be affected by menstrual cycles, oil based make ups, hot and humid climate etc.
It is seen to occur when the hair follicle is clogged & oil, hair & skin cells form a plug. This plug can get infected with bacteria & on break down becomes a pimple. It can be in different forms and can have effect on the looks.

How to treat Acne at home?
1. Gram Flour (besan) & milk, with small amount of turmeric: This is an amazing way of reducing acne or oil on face. Make a thick paste of the three & apply it on the face. Massage your face for a while, it acts like a natural scrub as well. Then let it dry on your face. Wash your face after that. A fresh looking skin awaits you. The anti-microbial effect of turmeric helps in wading off any bacterial infection. Besan acts as a base & helps suck extra oil from skin, and milk or yogurt will not let your face feel dry after washing.

2. Honey & Cinnamon paste: You may feel that honey is sweet & cinnamon is spicy then how it will help reduce acne. But surprisingly the combo acts as an antimicrobial (cinnamon) & antibiotic (honey) agent. Take 2 teaspoon honey & 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, mix it well. Apply on your face and leave it for 15-20 min. Then wash it off with water. You will see visibly the reduction of acne.

3. Fuller's earth, Sandalwood & Rose Water: Rose water has extremely good effects on the skin. It acts an antiseptic & antimicrobial agent. It also regulates the pH of the skin. On applying a paste of fuller's earth (multani mitti), sandalwood & rose water you will see that your skin will be cleaner & less susceptible to acne. The sandalwood & rose water help the skin to cool as well.

Some simple tips to avoid outbreak of acne is avoiding oil based make up or similar kinds of creams, sunscreens etc. Wash your face regularly to clean up any dirt settling on the face. Do not clog your pores and regularly scrub your face with light natural scrubs. Avoid Oily food!

Acne is a problem which we all face at some time or the other, some have mild whereas others may have acute problem. In today's world of pollution our skin has become more susceptible to allergies & other problems. So, we need to take good care to look beautiful. Have a great day friends!! Happy Mahasivratri!

Oily Hair:How to tackle?

Hi Friends!! I know how difficult it is to manage oily hair. I am a victim myself, even in coldest days I have to shampoo my hair. Oily hair is a due to secretion of sebum which creates a coating of oil on the scalp. It gives a greasy look to the hair and it feels dirty even though washed regularly. It also makes the roots weak. The causes can be many like heredity, hormonal fluctuation, excess consumption of oily food. The symptoms have to be taken seriously as oily hair means weak roots and progressive thinning of hair.The excessive sebum blocks the follicles of the hair and disturbs the blood circulation. Also the sticky surface provides bacteria & fungi feed to grow. Some easily available remedies for oily hair:

Eggs: Take an egg mix it well. Add a few drops of lemon juice, this will remove the bad smell. Apply the mix on your wet scalp. Let it stay for half an hour. Rinse it well and then wash it with mild shampoo. Use this therapy 2 times a week to get rid of oily hair.

Organic Vinegar: Take 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar and mix it in a mug of water. Rinse your hair with this mixture and let it stay for 5 min. Wash off the mixture well, this would take away the excess oil from the hair. Try this 2-3 times a week, it will give you help in managing your oily hair.

Aloe Vera Gel: Cut a fresh aloe vera & take out the gel, take a tablespoon of the gel and a some lemon juice. You can mix it with a mild shampoo & you can use it daily for a few days. When you shampoo leave it on the scalp for some time for it to let it work.

Tea: It is an extremely helpful remedy for oily hair, the presence of tannic acid helps the removal of excess oil in hair. In light warm water dip a tea bag & after a few minutes apply the tea to your scalp. Leave on for some time & rinse out with a mild shampoo.

A simple tip just in case you have to go for a party suddenly & no time for a head wash. Use some talcum powder on your scalp & let it stay for a few minutes. Brush it through your hair & you will see that the excess oil is gone. Also do not brush your hair very often if you have oily hair it increases the secretion of sebum. Enjoy a smooth silky hair sans the oil. Thanks!!

Ginger: What it can do for You?

Friends enjoy ginger in your food to help you fight against lots of ailments. I have mentioned ginger in my previous posts as well. This post is an extension of my previous post to emphasize on the good effects of ginger.

Indian food is already known for good spicy content in food. Probably our ancestors knew all this much before science could prove it. Ayurveda has spoken of many such ingredients to be helpful in keeping ailments at a bay much before the western world spoke about it. The western world has now accepted the healing effects of many Indian spices & ingredients as factors to fight lots of diseases.
Enjoy ginger in your food, drink ginger tea, and you can keep yourself fighting against so many problems. Wish you all a very good health & take care. Thank You!!