Nutrients & more...

Whether its living in a hostel, staying as a paying guest or renting a pad of own; food is one of the major concern for people living alone. They often end up eating whatever they can lay their hands on. Luckily, there are a lot of healthy foods that are widely available and can be stocked over a time period. Here are a few options: a) Milk in tetra pack (which can be stored at room temperatures)- Its truly a full meal. With protein, carbohydrates and fats along with the required calcium. b) Brown Bread/ whole wheat bread - They have carbs as well as fibre and are great to make those quick sandwiches. We can eat it with butter, cheese, achaar (pickle), jams, leftover veggies, boiled eggs etc. c) Eggs - Universally known source of protein and fats. It can be prepared easily and quickly. d) Mixed nuts (almonds, raisins, walnuts, hazelnuts)- Packed with fibers, good fats (omega 3 & 6)and various vitamins & minerals; this mix is ideal for break time munching and preve...

When was the last time you had a glass of water today? Somewhere near lunch, when you were feeling hot and thirsty. And then you can't recall....right? Most of us forget this essential 'health food' on a daily basis. What happens if you don’t drink enough water? a) Dehydration :This can be a fatal condition especially in the hot weather. b) Kidney stones : Lack of ample water/fluids might make you prone to kidney stones, and could increase the chances of recurrance if you already have a history. c) Dryness and itching near urethera. d) Urine changes color : It becomes dark and foul smelling because of the high concentration of wastes in it. When to drink? a) Whenever you feel thirsty. b) Even if you are sitting in an A.C. keep a glass full nearby and sip it regularly. c) Before going out in the summer sun. d) Between your alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. How much is enough? It depends upon the amount utilized in the body, the climate and special ne...

I've taken numerous trips with my parents from our city to my paternal town where most of our relatives lived. I used to look forward to them as it meant listening to good music, no homework and eating a lot of munchies. Road trips often involve eating foods which we do not consume on a daily basis-candy bars ,toffees, packs of chips, bhujia(a salted savory snack), sodas & cold drinks. However, A few simple changes can make this trip a healthier one. How to eat healthy on the road? Plan ahead -stock up on eatables according to the mode of travel and the kind of food you might get on the way. Here are a few healthy options you can carry along: a) Whole (uncut) fruits like aam (mangoes), apples, amrood (guavas), litchis, narangi (oranges), bananas, nashpati (pear) etc. are easy to carry and consume. b) A mix bag of nuts, roasted peanuts (unsalted) or roasted chana (whole gram). c) Hard boiled eggs. d) Packaged tomato juice and other fruit juices (without added suga...

Vacation time is a break from everyday tensions and general annoyances of living. We can relax and have fun with family and friends. Whether its exploring new places or rediscovering the old ones, holidays bring with them new experiences. For some of us, holidays are about partying hard. More often than not, we end up gaining the pounds which we lost so industriously. But its just not possible to stick to your diet ! Right? Even though we might not be able to follow our diet, we can surely take a few easy steps to minimize the weight gain. Tips which can help are: 1. Eat before you leave the hotel : this way you'll enjoy your sight seeing more without looking our for snack bars or eateries near the monuments. 2. Carry water : its summers …need I say more. 3. Eat salads first : before the main course. You be a little full and this will help you regulate the portion size. 4. Ask for the sauces and gravies to be served on the side and then pour the required amounts. 5. Ask for...

In the last post I wrote about how skipping meals has an adverse effect on health and how most people skip meals due to their busy schedule. However, that is not the only reason to miss meals. In today's context where size zero rules you are what you don’t eat. This post talks about some of these reasons and their adverse effects. "I'm on a weight loss diet" If you feel that by missing meal you will lose weight, then think again! If you skip meals and go hungry for a long time you'll eat more in the next meal to make up for it. Also, doing this on a regular basis, changes your food seeking behaviour. You'll be inclined to eat more sugary and fatty foods for quick satisfaction and in all probability, you might end up gaining weight instead of losing any!! A better option to lose weight is by having small regular meals. Include low calorie foods in your diet like watery fruits (watermelon, muskmelon, papaya), vegetables (including cucumbers, capsicum, to...