"Post Party Syndrome"

blueshoeart.com

It happens to the best of us. So there you are coasting through the party season feeling pretty darn good about things. Birtday party here, Christmas party there. Housewarming get together this week, rooftop barbeque next week. Until it happens. When your “switch”, as I like to call it, malfunctions. Plainly put, the “switch” is what usually works to keep you rocking but not swaying, singing but not slurring, and nibbling but not stuffing yourself silly.


And sometimes, the “switch” just fails to operate properly. You know this has happened when you wake up in the morning feeling like you have a dozen oompa loopmas drilling jackhammers into your brain. This is usually accompanied by a dull, but real sense of nausea, the inability to focus the eyes, and poor hand eye coordination. The icing on the cake is that your digestive system seems to have turned violently against you and all is not well with your tummy.

Here’s how to save the day….or at least what’s left of it, and feel like a human being again.

Drink up: it’s a simple, but golden rule which NEVER fails me boys and girls. Begin the morning with a liter of water. And just keep it going. Try and see if you can get at least 6 bottles of water into your system. The science is simple; all that peeing which is bound to ensue the guzzling, brings out all those extra toxins in the system and help to cleanse the digestive tract.

Vitamin C: here’s a trick which a friend taught me. When you wake up with an extra heavy head, usually caused by one glass of vodka too many, drink a glass of orange juice. Am not sure how or why, but the vitamin c in the stuff, just helps clear that fuzzy brain feeling right up!

Sleep: you need to rest your body after a crazy few nights of partying. The more quality sleep you get, the easier it is to recover. So even if you wake up early, have a bottle of water, and go get another house to snooze time (assuming it’s a Saturday/Sunday, if not, then good luck at the office!)

Carb fest: you need to absorb the excess in your body, and the best way to do that is you have a slice of toast or maybe a portion of rice/roti with your meal. Guaranteed to make you feel a little bit more like yourself and less like someone who has been hit by a truck.

So this season be sure to party hard, but party smart!

"Believe it or Not!"

 tombronk.com

1.25% of your bones are located in your feet

2. Walking on hard dirt can burn up to 7 percent more calories than walking on the pavement

3. A sneeze can travel as fast as 100miles per hour.

4. Contrary to what most believe, chocolate does not cause acne

5. Crushed cockroaches can be applied to a stinging wound to help relieve the pain.

6. From the age of 30 onwards, human beings gradually begin to shrink!

7. If you unfolded your brain, it could cover an ironing board.

8. A lung from the human body, when rolled out flat, would be the size of a tennis court.

9. If the stomach failed to produce a new layer of mucous every two weeks, it would digest itself.

10. It takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown

11. Just like fingerprint, every one has a “tongue print” which is unique to them!

12. A common ingredient found in lipsticks: fish scales

13. Dreams can last between 5 to 20 minutes.

14. The average person has 1460 dreams every year.

15 .More people use blue toothbrushes as compared to red ones

16. One out of every 20 people has an extra rib

17. Pain travels through your body at 350 feet per second

18. Sweat has no smell: it’s the bacteria on the skin which creates the odor.

19. The average human body contains enough fat to make 7 bars of soap.

20. The average office desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet.

21. A taste bud in the human mouth lives for only ten days before it dies and is replaced by a new one.

22. The most push-ups ever performed in a day was 46,001

23. The strongest muscle in the human body: your tongue.

24. During your lifetime, you will eat about 60.000 pounds of food, that’s the weight of about 6 elephants!

25. When a person blushes, the lining of their stomach turns red too.

26. You have no sense of smell while you are sleeping!

27. Hair grows faster in the morning than at any other time during the day!

28. Apples are 25 percent air.

29. Bananas aren’t fruit – they’re a kind of herb!

30. Food can only be tasted if it is mixed with saliva.

"In a Nutshell"

 

sanfransiscostuff.files.wordpress.com

There are a few moments of truth in life when you experience a joy which you can really, truly relish. For me, one of these moments was the day when I discovered that nuts --- wait for it --- are actually good for you. Hold the phone, not only are they good, they’re freakin GREAT for you.  

Coming from someone who has had to spend more or less all of her adult life (am talking college years and on!) battling to keep my jeans the same size, this is fantastic news baby. The thing is, I know I have lots of company out there. Almost every adult I meet deals with the same issue: how the heck to figure out whether what you are putting into your mouth is going to save you from god-knows-what-new-disease , or if its going to, simply put, kill you. 

So how wonderful is it that I can share these tasty nuggets of information about our crunchy friends with you? Salted, roasted, toasted, or even eaten raw…just a handful of nuts every day is proven to be able to reduce cholesterol levels from two percent up to a whopping 16 percent! 

Here’s the scoop on the best of the superfood snacks.

Almonds: jam-packed with calcium and antioxidants (as much as found in a cup of green tea!), they also contain high amounts of Vitamin E which help maintain the health of the hair, skin and nails.

  

Pistachios: Filled with lutein and beta carotene, antioxidants which are known to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Some studies even claim that eating up to three servings a day can help reduce the physical and mental effects of stress on blood pressure– hmmm, know anyone who might need some of that?

Walnuts:  its not called brain food for nothing people, these nuts contain the highest concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, proven to improve the health of the heart and strengthen the body’s immune system.

Hazelnuts:  Another great source of “good fats” these nuts are also a rich source of disease-fighting antioxidant power. Grab a handful everyday and keep all those nasty flues far away!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and GO NUTS!

"Go for the Green!"

You know how your mom always told you to eat your vegetables? Yet again, it turns out that she was bang, smack right on target about what was good for you. Not only in your childhood, but throughout your life, it’s a smart idea to keep vegetables a part of your daily diet.

And just like all other things, not all vegetables are created equal. Indeed, some of these guys are the equivalent of an S-class Mercedes when compared to other Santros around. This brings us to the best, most high-grade green guy you can put on your plate this winter season: the broccoli.

Looking like its cousin the cauliflower, except with beautiful dark green florets, the broccoli is packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, and fiber. In short, it’s designed to protect the body fight all kinds of disease (including cancer) and also helps to promote strong bones and teeth. Having a high concentration of vitamin C means this green friend of ours also helps the body to absorb iron, prevents the development of cataracts, and also eases the effects of the common winter cold (no more sniffly, sneezy Monday mornings yay!). Being a rich source of fiber, broccoli is also great for digestion, helping to lower levels of cholesterol, and makes a delicious addition to your salad bowl too! 

You can pick from simple methods of preparation to enjoy this green gift from Mother Nature:  steam it, sauté it, stir-fry it, bake it, or just toss it in a salad and enjoy! Bonus tip: broccoli tastes fantastic when seasoned with just a little garlic, salt, and olive oil so try it with any cooking method.

Happy eating :)

"The Traveller's Diet"

  demelzahill.com

So part of your job requires that you travel. And so you find yourself on a flight once a week. Mumbai-Delhi. Delhi-Bangalore. Bangalore-Chennai. Or maybe it’s a train to Surat, Patna, or Calcutta. Maybe you aren’t one of those (un)lucky people who get to rack up their frequent flier miles. Instead, maybe you deal with a two hour commute to your office desk everyday. And a two hour commute back home. Not to mention the client meetings thrice a week which means another hours taxi/train ride to the other side of town. 

Whatever your choice of vehicle may be, it’s safe to say that you find yourself travelling from point A to point B fairly frequently. What’s the first thing you end up missing out on with all that movement? Yes, that’s right; it’s your regular meals. Inevitably what ends up in your hands is a bag of friend potato chips, or worse a so-called “happy” meal which promises to deliver you from your hunger pangs. Words from the wise girls and boys: the last thing that greasy gunk is going to do is make your body happy. 

So here’s a short list of healthy, sensible snacks you should try and eat while rushing from one airport to the next, or commuting to those endless client meetings without a break!

Nuts – the best energy food there is people. And the best part is, they can be bought in a box, so its mess-free and easy to carry! Try and get a bag of mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, and cashew nuts are all great) and just eat a handful when you have a few minutes to spare. They fill you up, and work to boost your strength and immunity, not to mention they are a great source of healthy fats!

Biscuits (Marie gold, digestives) – Looking for something a little sweet, but also a little salty? Digestive biscuits are the perfect solution to cravings for some sugar with a hint of salt. Marie now makes low-fat versions which come in a handy small pack, while….Digestives are delicious bites of sweetness with fiber for your nutritional needs.

Fruit - Need I really say more? Apples, Bananas, Oranges, even Grapes, can all be put into your bag and carried just about anywhere (even on a plane!). Eat at least one helping a day while you are on the move and get your fill of vitamins and antioxidants while filling up on something really good for you :)

Granola Bars - Another great source of healthy energy and fuel for your body; these are a great option when you are rushing from one city to the next. They come in individually wrapped bars and in yummy flavors like Honey & Oats and Peanut Butter. A good bite when you need to answer that rumbling tummy.

"Enough is Enough"

workout-planet.com

You know how fantastic it feels when you have just finished your gym work out? The adrenalin is pumping, the endorphins are flowing and boy, do you feel goooood. I personally rate that first hour after an intense workout amongst the top 3 most amazing feelings in the world. You literally feel unstoppable, unbeatable, and unbreakable. Until about four hours down the line that is.

It happens to the best of us. When you find yourself in the “zone’ of your exercise routine – it could be running, lifting weights, doing squats, or even surya namaskars, you reach a certain point where you are faced with a choice. You could stop and end the session. Or you could push your body just a little further. The endorphin junkies amongst us would choose the second option. And push further. Nothing wrong with this as long as it’s within sensible limits, but once you go there, you have to deal with the consequences. Aching muscles. Pain when you walk, sit down, lie down, get up, and basically make any physical movement other than blink.

And at this point, you need to keep all lines of communications between you and your body clear. It is absolutely essential that you learn to interpret what your body is telling you to ensure that you are not only able to recover from an intense workout, but so that you can come back stronger and fitter. Here are what I like to call the Three Golden Rules.

First things first: ice works. A friend of mine convinced me to start using ice packs on my knees post my outdoor running sessions and since then I haven’t looked back. Trust me, this is the best medicine you could put on any sore muscles you might have after a workout. The cold temperature of the ice works to contract the inflamed muscle tissue and by doing so, prevents that feeling like you cant get out of bed the next day. Just take 15 to 20 minutes post workout to ice the areas which need it and you will be amazed how grateful your body will be. 

Second:  fuel your system. As important as getting an intense workout every so often is making sure you feed your body well after you exercise. During any heavy exercise you are burning a lot of energy, and while its important to burn extra calories, its also important to refuel your system post the workout to ensure that it is able to recover properly. Proteins are the key to efficient muscle recovery so make sure you are getting plenty of egg whites (omelets, boiled, or poached) and chicken (grilled is best) in your diet. If you are a vegetarian, load up on soya, tofu, and pulses (dals, chickpeas, kidney beans).

Third: rest. Perhaps most important of all the rules, this one is also hardest to follow, especially for those of us who looooove to sweat. But the best thing you can do for your body after an intensive exercise session, or a minor injury, is to rest it. Listen to the signals your body is sending to you. Rest it for a day or even two between workouts and you will appreciate how well it can bounce back.

So be smart with your body and come back harder, better, faster and stronger!

"How to Get into those Skinny Jeans!"

 everydaystyle.com

Every one of us has a pair. The ones that fit like a dream. The ones that make your butt look like it could give J-Lo a run for her money. The ones that you literally sweat and toil to get into for those super-sexy parties. The ones that you would never, ever want to break up with. Your favorite pair of jeans. 

Skinny. Boot-legged. Flare. Slim fit. Straight. They could be any style, but they are the one pair that makes you feel like a sexy chica worth about a gazillion bucks.

So it’s understandable that when there comes a day (and yes, ladies, that day will come) when those jeans just don’t seem to button up, you have a literal, actual, honest-to-god panic attack.

But don’t dial 911 just yet.  You call it panic. I call it opportunity.  Let those perfect, hip-hugging jeans be your motivation to do what it takes to get back into them and work it!

And all it takes are a couple of simple strategies. 

First and foremost, you need to recognize that nothing worth anything in life comes easy. It takes sweat. Leg-lifts, crunches, squats, and plank pose are all about to become your best friends. Trust me, a regular routine (say 3 to 5 times a week) of repetitions of these and other exercises that focus on toning the abdominal area and you are golden. Start this routine about two weeks prior to D-Day (also known as the party of the year) and you have a very high chance of slipping into those skinnies like you were born for it.

Second and also important, but not to be taken to extreme levels ladies, is your diet. You literally are what you eat and if you want to get those abs to look fat and fantastic in your jeans, you need to watch what you are putting into your mouths. Good guys: salads, vegetables of all kinds, chicken, fish, brown bread, whole wheat pasta, pulses, eggs, milk, fresh juices, fruits. Bad guys: deep-fried samosas, pakoras, cheese pizza, sugary desserts, colas, alcohol.

Last, but certainly not least, is the biggest secret: it’s the power of your mind. You have to really, truly, 100% believe that you are going to reach your goal (i.e. rock the house in those gorgeous denims) and then, and only then will you be able to works towards guaranteed success. It’s all about making your dreams a reality, bringing what you want into existence, in short going for the gold with no room for doubt!  Enjoy those jeans ladies...

"Take a Break"

 

tropicalvation.com

Picture this. You are sitting at your desk at 3pm. Phones are ringing. Fax machines are beeping. Blackberrys are beeping. People are racing up and down the halls with animal speed and everyone looks like there are on a life-or-death mission. Everyone but you that is. You, for some reason, just can’t to keep your eyes open. Maybe it was the rice at lunch time. Or maybe it was the late night party. Somehow you are finding it supremely difficult to stay propped up. Not to worry girls and boys, it happens to the best of us. Call it a wintertime slow-down of the body, or call it lack of energy, sometimes what you need is a pick me up to get you through the rest of your day with your job intact!

So here are a couple of quick ways to reenergize your systems during that mid-day/morning slump.

Stretch: Stand up with your feet together. Raise your arms up, above your head. Now taking a deep breath in, bend backwards. Maintain this position a couple of seconds, and then slowly bringing your arms with you, bend forward, essentially attempting to touch your toes. Yogic backward bends are one of the most effective ways to energize the entire body and get you going again!

Breathe:  the easiest, safest, and probably one of the best ways to refresh your systems and leave you feeling relaxed. Just close you eyes and take 10 slow, deep breaths in and out through your nose.

Take a walk: Sometimes all you really need is a little fresh air. Trust me, it works to clear your mind, and gives you the pick-me-up needed to continue with the tasks at hand. Even if you can’t leave the office, just take a short walk around there. Or maybe climb a few flights up and down the stairs. And remember, the idea is not to tire yourself out, or walk somewhere, but rather to enjoy the walk.

Get some shut-eye: This is a really simple one. So simple, it’s hard to believe it works. All those hours spent staring at the computer screen, typing frantic emails, even sending funny text messages, can really take a toll on your poor eyes. So take a few minutes to rest them. Just sit at your desk and close your eyes. While doing so, try to consciously focus on your breath, essentially withdrawing your senses from the hectic world around you. Trust me you will love the results – a feeling of peace and quiet in your mind that allows you to have a more productive day ahead.

So just go ahead and take that break. You deserve it.

"Diet Defence!"

healthfoods.com

Tea, garlic, broccoli….sound like I’m making a grocery list? Well, it’s more like a medicine list. You’d be surprised to find how much help we can get protecting ourselves from those horrible infections which always seem to be “going around” from our very own kitchens! Mother nature, in all her wisdom, has created and given us the ability to build our immunity and strengthen our bodies defenses against disease just by eating right. Here are some easy ways to stay happy and healthy all year long.


Almonds – Can you believe this? A yummy snack which is also good for you?? Its true, almonds contain natural ingredients which make this food a great stress buster J Plus with the Vitamin E it contains, it effectively works to help your body combat disease. Need I say more? Just carry a small container with you to work everyday and you have the perfect mind-afternoon snack which also (amazingly) helps you deal with your cranky boss!

Watermelon – besides the fact that it tastes absolutely fabulous (who can resist a slice of cold, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day?),this fruit is also wonderfully hydrating and also works to improve the effectiveness of the digestive system. In fact, being a natural laxative it’s one of the healthiest ways to deal with constipation. On a more pleasant note, it also contains powerful antioxidants which help to strengthen immunity and fight infections.

Oranges - there is a god girls and boys. Because the orange is yet another example of something that not going tastes fantastic, making your tummy smile, but is also super-good for you! Packed with high amounts of vitamin C, your friendly juicy orange is the perfect natural remedy to protect you against colds and flues (of course that doesn’t mean you need to stop your multi-vits coz you need full power strength to fight the flues out there these days!)

Button Mushrooms – filled with B vitamins and antioxidants, these little guys can play a vital role is strengthening your immune system – keeping you flu-free all season while people around you seem to be dropping like flies!

Cabbage – easy to find, especially now in the cold season, cabbage is loaded with disease-fighting agents. Toss it in with a fresh salad, steam it, make it a soup, or serve it as a sabzi, you wont regret getting enough of its green goodness.

"Liquids in your Diet"

dietmag.org

Alright so lets get one thing straight right away. I am the last person to recommend any kind of so called fad diets. None of that weird cabbage soup diet, or eating just carrots for a week thing for me, and not for you either my sweethearts. Truthfully, although these highly exclusive (usually they exclude food of most kinds!) can lead to weight loss, the effects are not very long-lasting (ie you bounce back to your size 10 or worse, to a size 12 within weeks of going back to normal eating) and they can often be downright bad for your health. So this is not a piece on liquid diets. This is about ensuring that you are getting the right liquids in your diet. The kind that lead to higher caloric burning and not a wider waist.

So first things first. Know your liquids. Number one on the no-no list is always the aerated coke, pepsi, seven-up, fanta, Miranda nonsense which is loaded with sugary sweetness that does absolutely nothing good for your body! Even if you do switch the diet variety of these drinks, go easy and remember just because they contain fewer calories does not mean they are good for you. Another dangerously innocent looking liquid is the milkshake also known as the smoothie. Trust me, these guys are almost also filled with full-fat milk, whipped cream, sugar, ice-cream, not to mention the chocolate sauce! One of these is enough to finish your calorie requirement for the entire day. Approach with caution and have them once in a while as a special treat!

Other devils in disguise would include any “fresh juice” drink which contains added sugar (always ask the waiter and ask for 100% pure fruit juice and read all labels carefully) and cocktails (alcoholic more so than non-alcoholic) which taste great but usually contain way too much sugar syrup in them. Where are the heroes in this story of villainous liquids?
Here are some guaranteed good guys to get your fill of:


- Water: not only is it great for your skin and digestive system, it also works to improve your metabolism. Drinking 2 glasses before you eat also fills your stomach ensuring that you keep your meals lighter.

- Green tea: filled with free radical fighting antioxidants which protect your body against disease, this stuff also revs up your metabolic rate allowing you to burn calories faster – yay :)

- Vegetable juices: tomato juice not only contains about half the calories of a glass of orange juice, it also fills you up so that you can eat a light meal followed by it.

"The Truth about Exercise: Fact versus Fiction"

fitsugar.com

Exercise right - Know your facts!

Running on the treadmill is safer on the knees than road running: the truth is any form of running is going to have an impact on your knees. Experts say the best way to avoid chronic pain and keep your running injury-free is to combine it with other activities. So if you are running on the treadmill thrice a week, use the alternate days to work on the elliptical or the cycling machines, which tend to have a lower impact on the knee joints. Bottom line: watch yourself. If you find you are beginning to have a chronic pain which isn’t going away, switch to another activity.


Working out on an empty stomach will help you lose more weight: the theory that less is more in this case just doesn’t work. In order to have a good workout in which you burn enough calories, you need to have some food in your stomach to fuel the workout. Understandably, this is not for everyone and there are those who like to exercise on an empty stomach, however the idea that weight loss will be faster doing this is simply not the case. Usually, you end up feeling ravenous post work out in this case, and eat enough to make up for being on an empty stomach pre-workout. My advice? Try and get a little something to eat before you hit the gym: a granola bar, an apple or banana, even a protein shake all do great to give you a strong workout.


No sweat means nothing happened: Sweating is a sign that your body needs to cool down. It’s a way the body naturally controls its temperature. This does not mean that without sweating buckets its impossible to lose weight. In fact, some activities like walking or yoga may burn several calories without you even breaking a sweat.


Yoga can relieve all back problems: While it is true that a regular practice of yoga can strengthen the spine as well as increase flexibility, its not always advisable as a solution to all back problems In fact, in some circumstances, practicing deep backbends can lead to further pain for someone who is suffering from backaches. The best thing to do is to identify the kind of back problem one has and then ask your doctor if practicing yoga (or even modified yoga) will help to alleviate the discomfort.


Doing crunches will make you lose your belly fat: I am sorry to break your bubble boys and girls but doing just crunches alone are not enough to rid you of that unwanted flab on your tummy. Although crunches will strengthen the muscles of your abdomen, for these to show (ie to get a flat stomach) you need to combine crunches with other forms of cardiovascular and weight-training activities. This encourages weight loss for the entire body, including the core area, which in turn will look trimmer through the muscle toning achieved through crunches.

"Breaking Your Fast!"

bbcgoodfood.com

Waking up on the average week dayis a pain. You usually hit the snooze button on your alarm clock a couple of times and then end up having to jump out of bed to run into a quick 3 minute shower before grabbing the first decent thing you can find to wear to office (assuming its not one of those awful client meeting days when you have to try extra hard!) and literally rushing out of the front door….And straight into your office cubicle where you begin the fire-fighting of the day. Answering mails, sending mails, taking calls of irate vendors, client servicing, follow-ups, and of course dealing with your boss. You can hardly believe it when the hands on your watch read 2pm the next time you look. Only lunch time and you are dead tired already. So what are you missing?


Well to begin with, you are literally running on empty. Like a car which doesn’t have any fuel in its engine, your body is basically working on its lowest battery. You have ignored the most important meal of your day: breakfast. I cant stress enough how super-necessary it is to put something, literally anything, in your mouth within those first few hours of waking up. Think about it, you eat your dinner at 9pm at the earliest? Which means, if you are one of those idiots who skips breakfast, and end up having a quick office bite for lunch at 2pm, you are literally starving your body for 17 hours. Does that sound smart at all?

 Instead, if you just take 10 minutes out of your morning rush to feed your empty tummy, you will be amazed at the difference in your day. First of all, you are able to get your work started with guns blazing full of energy and not for just a short time which your black coffee can give you for maybe an hour, but you will find that you are able to go through the entire day feeling stronger, fuller, and with the capacity to last. Even with a light lunch and a simple tea time snack (biscuits work well) you feel good by the time you are ready to leave the office. And your choices for that morning meal? Take your pick from the more continental cereal, French toast, scrambled eggs, omelets, boiled eggs, poached eggs, toast and fruit or go regional with poha, upma, even idli. As long as its not deep fried, its all good. Get started today and enjoy the difference.

"Eating Out: Do it Right"

graphics8.nytimes.com

So you’ve been on the most awesome diet for the last two weeks. Combined with the balanced, mini-meals you have been dutifully feeding yourself, you have also on the most kick-ass workout regime. You tummy is flatter, thighs are workin it, you butt is fitting into those jeans just right, and your arms are looking to-die-for. All in all, life is good.


And then it happens. The phone rings and you hear those words which you’ve been avoiding all month long…"lets go out for dinner tonight!” And in the next five minutes you can literally visualize all those hours of blood, sweat, and tears going straight down……to your hips!

But don’t worry, there’s always hope girls and boys. I am here to give you some simple tips on eating out so that you can enjoy your meals in peace, without worrying about putting on any extra pounds and ensuring that you still have a fantastic social life!

Pre-Dinner Preps: Alright so this might sound a little strange, but trust me, it’s the answer to eating a sensible dinner out. Eat before you eat. Confused? Basically, you need to eat a little something before you head out to dinner. Think about it, most of the time, dinners out tend to be late. And between your lunch and maybe coffee break, your stomach has been empty.The result? You end up so ravenous by the time you get to the restaurant; you are ready to eat a horse. And so you end up overordering, and yup, that means overeating. An easy way to avoid this is to have a small bowl of salad, vegetables, or even some grilled chicken before you go out and you are all set.

Grill it, bake it,steam it, sauté it: Open up almost any menu and you are hit with choices, choices and more choices. Vegetarian, seafood, red meat and white, its all there. So how do you know what to pick? The key is to choose the dish which has been prepared in the healthiest method. So choose from grilled, baked, steamed, or even sautéed dishes and you are golden girls and boys. If you are watching the weighing scales and want to be safe, avoid the fried stuff entirely if possible.

Skip the sweet stuff: Finally, the meal is over and you are a rockstar who has had an amazing grilled fish with a side of sautéed mushrooms. Just right to fill you up after your pre-meal salad. So don’t spoil it all by ordering the gooey chocolate brownie with vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream! Be smart, skip the dessert and order some green tea instead.

"The Power of Fruit"

pollsb.com

Fruit for All Reasons

Red, yellow, green, orange, pink, and even purple. Filled with the goodness of natural nutrients, they come in a rainbow of colors, shapes and sizes. Slice them, dice them, cube them, or even juice them, you can always be sure you are getting all the good stuff you need when you include them in your daily diet. Fruit. This stuff is everywhere. From the phalwalla down the street to the aisles in that fancy new supermarket. From the good old apple, to the exotic kiwi, you can pretty much find anything you are in the mood for. These are also the perfect mid-morning snack, filled with the sweetness of fructose, and miles better than scarfing down those chocolate chip cookies. Instead of waiting for the smell of the office evening pakoras, grab a bowl of grapes. Feeling like something with a salty kick? Chopped guava sprinkled with a little salt and red chilly powder has got to be tried! And guess what? Those digestive problems, that constant acne, the falling hair, those brittle nails and even that extra weight? All gone. IF you take the time and load up on your portions of fresh fruit on a regular basis (and yes, that means upto 3 helpings a day). The best part of this oh-so-important addition to your menus? They taste grrreeat :) Here some reasons to bite into something juicy today…


Apples – great source of fiber, lowers cholesterol, helps with weight loss, and detoxifies the body.

Bananas - potassium rich and very good for the digestion, perfect energy food for pre-workout!

Grapes – besides tasting delicious these little guys are good for fighting fatigue, replenish iron into the body, and have high anti-bacterial properties which fight infection!

Papaya – said to be the best remedy for any kind of abdominal disorders, prevents heart disease, and also effective in lowering cholesterol levels in the body.

Oranges – loaded with vitamins, and especially vitamin C, this juicy fruit helps boost immunity levels, prevents cells from damage through antioxidants, and protects bones and teeth.

"Baby Got Back!"

Can your Shoes make you Bootylicious??

So I was recently flipping through a fashion mag while waiting for my hair appointment when I noticed a new ad in the glossy. Its product was simple enough – it was a pair of sneakers . Ordinarily, I would have continued to flip the pages had it not been for the very interesting claim this product made - these magic sneakers actually claim they are capable of helping their wearer to lose weight!!


Now this is gutsy I thought.

Every woman (and several men in fact) I know would kill to get her hands on something like this. But here’s the thing. Would they really work?? The ad said that the shoes were specially designed so that the muscles in the legs would have to work harder while walking in them – and the hard work would pay off – in the form of a very shapely derriere, and oh-so-toned legs, so that one could proudly flaunt curves in the all the right places.

But buyer beware: if it were that easy to get a booty like J- Lo, wouldn’t there be a lot more of them walking around in our midst? And from my own experience, those curves do not come so easy. You have to work for them, and by that I mean you have to pay for them in sweat! Here’s what I would suggest. Don’t burn your gym membership yet. However, if you have the extra cash and are so inclined, check out a pair of these wonder sneakers and see what they do for you….I plan to! Will give them a shot and give you a personal preview of my own experience, so watch this space!

Find out more about the “Easytone” sneakers at your nearby Reebok outlet.

"Rush Hour Rage"

mumbaitraffic.in.net

Dealing with Taffic Tension

Alright so I am willing to admit that I am one of those people who suffers from the awful fate of having a sliiiggghtly short fuse. Which means I am not exactly the most patient persons you will meet, and sometimes, when things seem to take longer than they ought to, I can get a little…shall we say agitated? And amongst the top 3 most annoying, stressful, makesmewanttotearmyhairout and hurt somebody situations I can find myself in also happens to be a completely unavoidable, and totally regular feature of our daily lives: TRAFFIC.


Crawling at a snails pace. Blaring horns.Cars, trucks, buses, cyclists, even pedestrians, all trying to squeeze into tiny lanes. Oh. My. God. These is special vein in my forehead which can literally burst at the thought of the torture of waiting endlessly to inch forward in a sea of vehicles all seemingly desperate to get to the exact same destination which I am heading to! Sound familiar? Am guessing it does for too many of us.

So I have decided to take matters into my own hands. The fact is the traffic ain’t gonna go nowhere girls and boys. If anything, its going to get worse. So whats the variable factor here? Me. And my reactions to it. Lets face it. Theres absolutely no point giving yourself a near heart attack on your daily commute when theres little you can do to control the situation. Ah, but here are a few ways you CAN make your road rage a little more bearable….

Leave early: make sure you give yourself an extra half an hour for unaccounted traffic snarls anytime you are setting out for a pre-scheduled meeting. That way, even If you do get stuck in a jam, you wont need to suffer from a panic attack.

Music for your ears: Drown out the sounds of those horns and lose yourself to the sounds of something soothing for you: Rabbi, Massive Attack, some Manu Chao maybe even a little rock..use your ipod or your radio and tune in, turn on, and zone out until you’re moving again.

Reading time – Carry your newspapers, laptop, even a book with you when you are on the road. So while you are waiting to get through that 20 minute red light, you can finish up the presentation due next week. Or read a chapter of your novel. Or just catch up on your daily horoscope. You’d be amazed how much calmer you will feel focusing on something other than the chaos outside your window.

"Massage Therapy"

spalife.bk.com

There’s something about Amy. No, shes not my latest crush. And no, shes not my best friend, collegue, or boss. She’s an angel from heaven sent down to save me. Amy is the name of my masseuse.


And once a week, she relaxes my mind, body, and weary soul!

Haha , alright maybe I sound like I am a little crazy, but heres the thing. Gone are the days when going to a spa to get a massage was considered to be an indulgence. In fact, more and more doctors today will actually recommend that people try and get a regular massage treatment as part of their weekly regime. This is emphasized even more with reference to people who are highly physically and mentally active (read: people who train hard at the gym and have high-pressure, high-stress jobs) Research shows that getting a regular form of body work (massage, physio-therapy, or maalish) comes with a number of benefits. Here are the 3 biggest reasons to get yourself a regular appointment!


Physical relief: the kneading strokes of a massage when combined with the circular movement actually serves a multitude of purposes. First, this rhythmic and strong motion works to loosed up any knotted muscles in the region (think of the jammed feeling you get in your back and shoulders after a long week of meetings, not to mention weight training!). Second, massage also helps to improve the blood circulation in the muscles of the body, this increased blood circulation allows for better transport of oxygen to all the muscles and organs enabling them to function more effectively. Third,certain massages also work to stretch the body, working to improve ligament and joint function.

Relaxation for the mind: Spending an hour in a week allowing all of the knots in those shoulder and back muscles to be slowly loosened gives you a great sense of relaxation. In fact, not only do you leave feeling like your back feels better, you literally feel like a weight has been lifted off those shoulders.

The feel-good factor: On a purely hedonistic note, getting a regular massage simply feels GREAT. Both mentally and phycially you are getting the respite you need from your weekly grind, allowing you to continue to do your best, and with a smile on your face. So lie back, and enjoy :)

"Grey Matter"

haircare.net

There are some moments in life you will always remember. The day you got your first pay check. The day he proposed. Your first kiss. And the day you spotted your first grey hair.


Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my dear, dear friends, that day will come. And usually when you least expect it…if it hasn’t already. Unfortunately, along with the all the other trends and changes happening with our fast-paced lifestyles, this has been a startling new trend as well. People are going grey younger and younger. I can vouch for it. My grey moment happened at the tender age of 17. Yes, I was getting ready for a Friday night class dance, and there it was…Ten years later, and I am still asking the higher powers to give me the grace to accept the things I cannot change, and change the things I can.

And that’s what I come to you with today. Fact: once you go grey, you don’t go back. So here are some ways to handle the change!

Nature cures: I have heard sworn testimonies from many a raven haired uncle who tell me about the miraculous cures of amla. Apparently, if you use the oil of amla in a gentle massage of your scalp regularly, you will not just prevent further greying, but you could actually stop the process entirely. Now although I haven’t seen evidence of this myself, I would say this: it doesn’t hurt to try! And the power of faith is amazing.

Bottled Bliss – If you are one of those people who don’t have the patience to take the natural (but longer) route to help, then you can always get some help from your neighborhood salon. Most places also have the option of using ammonia-free colors which do minimal damage to your hair, while giving you a month of happy grey-covered hair. Of course this is really something you should consider only if you have a fair amount of the grey stuff showing. If its just a couple of stray strands, just ask your hairdresser to snip them away!

Stress less – More and more studies are showing that consistently high levels of stress are no good for our minds or our bodies. One of the not-so-nice side effects of this is going grey early. So take a yoga and meditation class, and keep those greys away longer!

"Feeding the Flu"

healthyaging.net

Love your liquids: the more you drink, the better. And no, I am not talking tequila people! I am talking water, orange juice, nimbu pani, green tea, maybe even some nice lemonade. Basically when your body is fighting a virus, it needs extra hydration to enable its organs to function at their best. Especially if you are taking antibiotics which can be very dehydrating, not to mention take a toll on your digestive system!


Chicken soup for the soul: they call it “Jewish Penicillin” and there must be some truth to it, because studies have shown that having a hot bowl of soup (it could even be a mixed vegetable or tomato if you are a PETA member) can actually have beneficial effects in terms of helping the body overcome the flu.

Comfort food: If you are like most people, then the first thing you lose when you come down with the flu is your appetite. And that’s why it’s important to ensure that you are putting a little something something into your mouth every couple of hours. Toast, crackers, Parle-G, khitchdi, whatever it takes. And no, it’s not going to taste like heaven, so think of it as part of your medication for your tummy so you can stay strong and battle that viral and win.

Home Remedies: you would be surprised with the effectiveness of what you can find inside your very own house! These kitchen cures can range from a mix of haldi and honey to heal a sore throat, to ginger and lemon tea to fight a fever. So don’t diss your dadi, take some of her special mixes along with your allopathic pills, and remember, they have something your prescription meds don’t have: love.

Doctor Doctor: Most important of all, DO NOT try to be too smart. If you have had flu like symptoms for more than 2 days (cold, cough, throat ache, body pain, fever) or if the symptoms have rapidly manifested in a very short duration (say overnight), then you MUST consult with your family general physician to find out more. I cant emphasise this one enough people, the sooner you determine what the problem is , the sooner you get the correct treatment, and the sooner you get back to being you happy, sunshiny self. Don’t wait for things to get worse.

Rest the body and mind: remember, even when you are feeling 90% better, that still means you have some infection left in your system. So hold your horses and don’t be rushing off to work until you have had one clear 24 hour day of feeling absolutely fine. Meanwhile lie down, sleep, rest your eyes, and allow your body to heal.

"Break Free from Bad Moods"

homepage.eircom.net

Simple Tips to Chase those Blues away...

Play with your pet: I call it “schmoozling” , but playing with your dog (or cat for that matter) can really allow you to escape your stress, even if its for a short while. And not just that, the act of looking after or giving love to your pet or any loved one is actually proven to be therapeutic to lifting those spirits.


Eat Right: you literally are what you eat. And a healthy diet is not just good for the body, its also good for the mind. Load up on those fruits, whole grains and veggies, which are actually shown to improve the mood and watch those sugary, high-fat foods people. In fact studies have shown that vitamin B-12 and omega-3 fatty acids are specifically helpful in beating the effects of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in nuts, dark green veggies, flaxseed, salmon, and tune. Seafood and low-fat dairy products are also rich sources of B-12.The mind body connection is far more real that you and I give it credit for.

Cutting the caffeine: No need to panic people, I am not saying you need to banish those hot cups of java from your lives completely. But do you really need that third cup? Research has shown that too much caffeine can cause feelings of nervousness and anxiety. And really, is stress something you need to add more of to your life? Controlling the coffee will keep you jitter-free, not to mention give you a better nights sleep allowing you to wake up feeling calm and rested.

Hit the gym: Exercise is truly a great blues-buster. Not only do you get to sweat out the stress from your daily grind, you feel fantastic (thanks to those lovely endorphins), look better, and even sleep better, guaranteeing you will see that light at the end of the tunnel. And no, you don’t have to run a marathon. Choose from a brisk run, a dancing class, aerobics, kickboxing, yoga, pilates, even swimming! So what are you waiting for? Save your money, skip the shrink, therapy and pills, and just get moving. :)

"What NOT to do when you are Dieting"

rawfoodsdietplan.files.wordpress.com

Mistake 1: Crash diets.
Dying to lose 5 kgs? So you eat cabbage soup for all your meals for a week. The result? Gas and yes, weight loss. So you can finally wear that little black dress you’ve been eyeing for months. But the bad news? When you eat so few calories, you train your metabolism to slow down. Once the diet is over, you have a body that burns calories more slowly, and gains weight more quickly – than ever before.



Mistake 2: Skipping breakfast.
Studies show that people who eat a good breakfast tend to maintain a healthy weight as compared to those who ignore this oh-so-important meal. Why? Think about it. If you eat a say 9pm, then crash at midnight, then wake up at 7, and then march straight to work on an empty stomach, what do you think happens at 1:30 that afternoon? That’s right, you feel like you could eat a horse. And unfortunately, you tend to eat and eat and eat. Coz after starving your body for almost 15 hours, its bound to go a little overboard. Its called “break” “fast” for a reason…you are literally breaking a fast, so get some fruit/cereal/eggs and feel happier and fuller longer!


Mistake 3: Snack Attack.
So you are good about your morning breakfast. And very sensible with your soup & salad lunch. And practically an angel with your grilled chicken dinners. Then why the heck is it taking soooo long to show?? Umm…it could have something to do with your mid-morning packet of chips. Or the 5pm office samosas.Hmm, could it possibly be the cake from last weeks office party? Watch those snacks boys and girls, they really do add up.


Mistake 4: Skipping the snacks!
While it may not be the wisest idea to chomp down on the chips and cake during office hours, it’s an even bigger boo-boo to do just the opposite and keep the stomach empty for several hours at a time. People who eat more small meals and snacks in the day are more likely to lose their target weight and keep it off. Snacking on high protein foods like nuts will actually help you to boost your metabolic rate, while keeping the numbers on that weighing scale down.


Mistake 5: Low-fat Overdose.
 Remember Low-Fat DOES NOT mean Low-calorie. So just because something is called low-fat does not mean that you are allowed to have 3 helpings of the stuff. In fact sometimes 3 helpings of the low-fat food can actually come with a higher calorie count than one small helping of the real thing (think gooey chocolate cake). So be careful, controlled and aware.

"Peak Performance"

richard-seaman.com

What’s the most important thing to remember when you are training for any sort of major athletic event, for eg the Mumbai Marathon or even a high intensity workout? Its all about the preparation girls and boys. And that means the right training, the right eating, the right sleeping, and the PERFECT 24 hours prior to your event. And the key to ensuring your best athletic performance is to make sure that you are getting the right foods to support and strengthen your body when it needs proper nutrition the most.

Here are some quick pre-event tips to keep in mind:


Carb-loading: Make sure that all your meals 72 hours before your event are high in the carb department. Am taking bran cereal for breakfast, rice for lunch, and pasta for dinner.

11th hour fix: Eat a little something 3 to 4 hours prior to the event. Maybe a toast, or a Granola bar, even a banana. This works to give you that extra fire power to last you through the event without too much exhaustion.

Stick to what you know: this is not the time to experiment .In the last24 hours, its smartest to stick to foods that are easy for your body to digest. (ie. Fried foods are a big no –no)

Sugar free: Avoid foods that are high in sugar levels until at least one hour before your event. These tend to spike energy levels, but only for a short time, and so are not the most favorable options.

Drink up: its of supreme importance to stay well hydrated before any athletic event, and if there weather is hot, even more so. Drink a couple of glasses a few hours before the event, maybe another glass about half an hour before you begin, and a few sips every half and hour during the event.

"Sleepless in the City"

principalspage.com

Signals of Sleep Trouble...


Do you often find yourself lying in bed for up to an hour or more, tossing and turning, waiting to fall asleep?

Often wake up several times during the night and then find that its hard going back to sleep?

Find yourself waking up many hours before the alarm goes off?

 Frequently wake up feeling exhausted, like you haven’t had enough sleep?

Feel cranky, sleepy, or stressed and have difficultly getting things done during the daytime?



Why so sleepless?

Stress– this is why you need to make sure you leave the office stress behind when you leave. All the tension and stress built up from the days work, if left unchecked, can manifest itself through insomnia when even though your body is lying down, your mind is running at 100km an hour!

Bad night time habits – this includes activities like watching tv before you go to sleep – something which many of us do, but also leads to overstimulation of brain activity making it difficult to sleep. Other night time no-nos? Coffee, tea, alcohol, nicotine and other stimulants before bed time.

Physical pain – discomfort of the body can also affect its ability to rest.

Changes in environment – jet lag, sleeping in a new bed, moving to a new home, can all impact the ability of the body and brain to go into deep relaxation and sleep.

Little or no exercise – if the body is completely sedentary (ie a couch potato), it tends to have an adverse effect on its natural ability to fall asleep.


Secrets to a good nights sleep:
Routine - try to wake up and go to bed at around the same time every day. This allows your body to develop a natural system where it begins to naturally feel tired and ready to rest at the right time for you.

Exercise – make sure to do some form of exercise at least 3 times a week. You could try early morning walks or a yoga class (which is also sure to bring down your stress levels). Be sure to finish your work out at least 4 hours before bedtime so your endorphins are released and the body is ready to rest.

Change in lifestyle – cut out the late night binges. Be it fast food, caffeine, nicotine or alcohol, the less of the stuff in your system, the better you will sleep.
So good night, and sleep tight! :)

"Exercise Injury-Free"

wessexhealth.co.uk

Its such a common sight, you actually end up thinking it’s perfectly normal. Gym members contorting their faces while lifting weights. Runners wincing in pain while struggling up a hill. Yoga students exclaiming in discomfort while continuing to stretch down to their toes. Injuries. Part and parcel of working out? Yes, definitely to some extent. If you are the kind of person who likes to challenge themselves physically, it is likely that you push your body to its limits when exercising, and so, in some instance , you can find yourself paying for that enthusiasm with a mild injury.


But more often than not, injuries from exercise come from other sources. An uninformed trainer can often push clients to do exercises that are simply not suited for them (eg. Asking a heavily overweight person to run several kilometers can be suicide for the knees). Perhaps an even more common way to get injuries is when an inexperienced person attempts to exercise without any knowledge of whats right for them. Too often have I seen people at the gym strenuously lifting heavy weights that are not just too heavy for their body size, but also being lifted with the worst posture possible.

Without a doubt, these people tend to suffer from unnecessary aches and pains. And to make matters worse, performing these same exercises repeatedly over a period of time can lead to chronic muscle/joint injuries which will not go away. My advice? Do your research before starting any new form of exercise. If you feel like its too intense for you, talk to the instructor. Particularly if you are trying to lose weight, make sure to check with your physician to ensure that the kind of exercise you are choosing makes sense for you. And finally, if you have odd pains and twinges in your body, stop what you are doing and check for any potential injury with your doctor.

"The A to Z of Good Eating"

aroundtheworldproducts.com

Antioxidants – disease fighting substances found in green tea, fruits, even tomatoes!


Bananas – one of the most nutritious meals on-the-go you can so make sure you pack it into your daily schedule!

Calcium – Get your daily dose from milk, paneer, even as cheese spread slathered on your breakfast toast.

Diet food – proceed with caution. Not everything that’s labeled “diet” is good for you, so do your research and stick with the tried and tested fruits and veggies to lose those pounds.

Eggs – High on protein and great for your keeping your brain and muscle power strong and healthy.

Fruit – Grapes, apples, cherries, and oranges: take your pick and have one helping of this source of juicy goodness to keep infections at bay!

Greens – fill up your plate with the colors: make it a salad with pine nuts, or a simple steamed sabzi – what mother nature has given us is the good stuff girls and boys.

Honey – spread it on toast or put it in your tea, this natural sugar tastes good and works wonders on your body too.

Iron - find it in fish, spinach, and other leafy veggies – tres important for your folic acid needs and keeps you anemia-free!

Jam – We all have our moments of weakness…why not eat a little jam when you get a sugar craving? Go for the marmalade (with citrus peels) or even a mixed fruit flavor.

Kiwi – antioxidants, vitamins, you name it, this pretty fruit has it!

Lemon – loaded with vitamin C this is the best way to get your immune systems on high power, while giving your food that extra zing!

Melon - cooling, delicious in winter or summer, and fantastic for your digestion.

Nuts – almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and macadamia: they are all packed with energy, power, strength, stamina so grab a handful the next time you get your 4pm munchies!

Omega 3 acids – fish, shellfish, or even supplements - Essential for a healthy heart.

Pomegranate – want rosy cheeks and extra healthy blood? This jeweled fruit has your answer!

Quaker oats – your best answer to your daily fiber needs.

Rice – probably the best form of carbohydrates you can find: energy, strength, and wholesome nutrition (make it brown rice if you’re looking to avoid the starch!)

Spinach – Popeye lived on the stuff, big muscles, super strength, need I say more?

Tea -said to have healing, cancer-fighting, super powered medicinal properties, I say go for the green kind 

Unprocessed – anything which hasn’t been “genetically enhanced” or “artificially colored/sweetened” is generally your best bet people – go natural!

Vitamins – Got your daily multivitamin covered? A, B12,B, D, C, E, K – Look them up, and make sure you are getting what you need.

Water – stick to the 8-glass a day rule and your skin will stay clear, your tummy will stay “clean” and your body will thank you.

Xtra - TLC: tender loving care for your body and its needs. Always remember, you have only one body, treat it with respect and it will stay strong for you for life.

Yoghurt – filled with the “good bacteria” that helps us fight virals, bugs, and other nasties which tend to float around every change of season.

Zucchini - the perfect diet food – filled with water, vitamin C, and antioxidants, it fills you up and helps you lose!

"Sporty Style"

withamymac.com

Call It vanity, call it self-obsessive, or call it plain silly. the truth is, we all like to look good. I mean we all try to make the most of the physical gifts given to us by mother nature and don’t mind using the help of some man-products (make-up, botox, nips and tucks, must I go on?!) to help us look our very happy shiny bests. And so be it the workplace or home, the supermarket or the airport, we all put on the right “looks” together and head to our destinations.


But there’s one place which can throw even the most experienced fashionistas a googly. The gym. Ever spent 15 extra minutes wasting precious treadmill time just because you have no idea what the heck to wear to your local work out spot? Don’t worry, I am here to help! The trick is to find something which works for the kind of activity you are planning to spend your time on (translation: something you can sweat in!) while simultaneously looking….whats the right word, ah…cute.

Don’t worry, I completely relate. I mean, whats the point to going through all those hours of running, lifting, pushing, and pulling if you cant enjoy the fruits of your hard labour by working those curves everywhere you go, especially in the gym! So heres the deal. Ideally, you should wear clothes which are comfortable (meaning not too tight – you don’t want to cut off your blood circulation in that effort to look good – but also not too baggy, clothes which are very loose could easily get caught in machines at the gym and that’s dangerous.). Find something that fits just right: full-length or three-fourth tracks are very comfy. For your top, I would go for a fitted t, if possible made from a dri-fit weave since these are very absorbent materials.

A word of advice to the ladies: avoid anything too short or skimpy if you are working out at a public gym (ie.not in your own house) it will just save you unwanted attention and leers from men who still live in the seventeenth century. And finally, make sure you come to the gym with a pair of good sneakers, clean socks (no one likes body odour), and a towel and you should be all good to go!

"Workout Woes"

tzimg.com

          
What to do when your workout just isn't working out...

Eating right (pre and post): Its always a good idea to make sure you are fuelling your body properly before hitting the gym or doing any form of exercise. My advice? Eat something small but high on energy about an hour before you are planning to work out so that you can use the energy to really give it your 100%. If you work out in the mornings try and eat an apple/banana or a bowl of high-fibre cereal. A friendly word of caution to all the ladies looking to lose some love handles, if you try and starve your body before you work out thinking it will help you lose more weight you couldn’t be more wrong! In fact, trying to work out with little or no energy is pretty much a waste of time since you are not going to be able to pack any power into your session and end up just feeling cranky and exhausted! Also, make sure to eat a little something within an hour of your workout. It refuels your system and actually helps to increase the metabolic rate of your body.




Hydration Counts: Keep a small bottle of water handy when you are working out and make sure to keep taking small sips from it through out the session. Remember, water is made up of two parts oxygen (which is why they call it H2O) and that oxygen is what replenishes the organs and muscles to work better when under strain. So drink up folks.



Breaking the routine: One of the biggest problems people have with their work outs is this one. Of course its going to be frickin boring when you are repeating the exact same exercises, in the exact same order, for the exact same number of counts, every single time you go to the gym people. Its time to get creative.Not only does variation in your work out make it that much more fun (eg mix up mon and fri weights training with kickboxing on wed), its also more effective when working towards weight loss.


Perfect timing: each of us is built differently and so your work out regime too, should be customized to work perfectly for your personality, body type, and lifestyle. If you find yourself to be a night owl, always ready to rock and full of energy post the sunset, then evening work outs are probably great for you. On the other hand if you like to sleep early, and love to wake up at dawn, plan your work out to meet the morning sun and you will find yourself feeling great all day long. Despite what you may have heard or read, I truly believe there is no “right time” for exercise. The right time is what works for you, its as simple as that.

"Drink Up"

photobucket.com

Considering we live in a country with a mostly tropical climate, its surprising how little importance we give to the habit of drinking water. Most of us get thirsty and end up drinking fizzy drinks or other forms of sweetened, syrupy concoctions that don’t necessarily quench our thirst. The fact is carbonated beverages (especially stuff like Coke and Sprite) don’t replenish the body of the liquid its trying to replace. In fact, under some conditions of extreme heat, the worst thing you could drink would be a fizzy, sugary drink that would send your blood sugar levels soaring temporarily but them bring them crashing down again leaving you feeling even thirstier than before! Fact: the most effective way to hydrate your body and quench your thirst is also the most easily available (ie in your refrigerator): Water.


Making up more than 50% of your body weight, water is the essential stuff you need to lubricate your joints, keep your body temperature normal, and get rid of waste and toxins through sweat, urination, and bowel movements. Without enough water your body can get dehydrated, which can lead to muscle cramping, a feeling of weakness, and a higher chance of heatstroke or heat exhaustion. And guess what? If you are living in a place which has hot weather you are likely to need to drink greater amounts of water than people living in cooler climates. This is also the case if you are an active person who does a lot of vigorous exercise or if you are down with a viral infection or stomach bug which keeps your stomach going and going and going!

So whats the magic number? We all know the famous “8 glasses a day” rule, but the truth is that if you are healthy, you don’t really need to monitor your daily intake of water. You can get enough water by simply drinking when you are thirsty and getting a decent amount of liquids in through soups and other drinks (juices, herbal teas) during the course of your day. However, if you are on the go constantly, working in a job which requires you to chase one deadline after the next leaving you very little free time, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle of water on your desk and maybe even a small one in your bag. Make sure you are emptying both bottles a couple of times a day to ensure that you are getting what you need to replenish your body and stay hydrated throughout your day! Drink well and here’s to your health :)

"Workin it without Working out!"

sodahead.com

Alright so it’s finally here ladies and gentlemen. The party season is upon us. Pool parties, birthdays, barbeques and rain dances, its the season to move it shake it rock it! And yes, it’s definitely the most time of that long year spent chained to the office desk or pouring over text books, second only to the new year season. Finally, you can fully enjoy the party :)


Unfortunately, along with the festivities and general chaotic fun, there’s one aspect of life that tends to get a little…ummmm, shall we say neglected? No, I’m not talking about the lack of sleep everyone suffers from these next few months (a little Garnier Eye Cream or cold sliced cucumbers covering closed eyes will clear those dark raccoon eyes right up!). I am talking about the fact that in the midst of the hectic schedule (party, sleep, eat, make-up, party, sleep, make-up) one sorta kinda “sacrifices” time spent on any semblance of exercise. Basically, we eat, drink and party piling on the weight while we are at it, leaving us all with the same new years resolution every year (I muuuust lose xx kilos/inches this year!)

Not to worry, for Diya is here to help you. The bottom line is, you can’t create more hours in the day, but you can make those hours you do have count for something! So here are 5 simple ways you can sneak a mini-workout into your party days :)


1. Hit the dance floor – get that party started people. If there’s music at a party, don’t just stand around guzzling drinks at the bar or worse stuffing yourself at the buffet. Get your booty on that dance floor and shake it :) trust me, you will find that not only are you having a blast, but you’re also burning all those empty calories away into oblivion!

2. Walk and talk – like the ad says, in the middle of all that busy socializing – you know you spend at least a couple of hours yakking to your buds/girls about what said what to who last night, and what she was wearing, not to mention who he was with. All I am saying is while you’re giving your mouth a lot of work, why not move your body while you’re at it? Walk and talk people.

3. Save energy – take the stairs! This one’s easy, where you see stairs – take them! Of course as long as you aren’t climbing 10 flights, in which case you may want to have an ambulance handy, but all numbers below 6 are golden in my books!

4. Go grocery shopping – think of it as retail therapy for a purpose. Swap roles with the maid for a couple of weeks and walk around the store picking up your weekly supply of stocks. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, get to that fruit and veggie market and spend a little time walking through the lanes of fresh fruit! Not only will you feel great being able to choose your own, you get an excellent walk out of it too.

5. Play with the kids/pets – Want to score some major brownie points? Volunteer to babysit your sisters 3 year old while she goes to the spa! Or spend a little time taking your furry friend George outside to the park. Playing with our pets and hanging out with little kids are guaranteed to get you moving, not to mention giving your family a reason to be glad you are spending some time at home in the middle of your party season!