Fat loss: Eat the right food at the right time

Every food we eat provides the body with a range of nutrients, which helps us stay healthy. And, if eaten in the right proportion according to one's body weight, age and gender it can also aid in weight loss.

What defines our body's composition is lean mass-muscle and free fat mass. So, to achieve fat loss, it is important to eat the right food at the right time.


To understand what food to eat at the right time, let's first understand the working of our bodies. The body's needs differ at different times of the day.

Morning: On waking up, your body has gone through a starvation period of no instant energy provided through food. The liver does carry enough glycogen but these reserves are used up extensively in the 10-12 hours fasting period through the night and thus, carbohydrate (glycogen) reserves are very low. Blood sugar levels are also low. Since carbohydrates are not readily available to support the body's primary need for energy, the body breaks muscle protein to obtain fuel for energy because protein is the second preferred source of energy in the absence of carbohydrates. And hence the muscle is in a breakdown phase (catabolic state) in the morning. Fat, the concentrated source of energy, is also being slowly metabolised. Keeping this in mind, one must eat on waking up.

One must eat within an hour of rising to arrest the muscle breakdown, and fuel the glycogen stores of the body. Include a quick and simple fast absorbing carbohydrate and a quick fast absorbing protein source with the right blend of good fats. A blend of simple carbohydrates like a fruit and some oatmeal will release sugars in the bloodstream. Protein sources like egg whites or whey protein are ideal to halt the catabolism of the muscles.


Mid morning: Blood sugar levels are recovering from the morning meal. Muscle is rebounding but the aim is to keep the metabolism of the body operational. This is the time when one is running around doing chores. Therefore, one needs to take care to not let the blood sugar levels drop. So, a mix blend of quick and slow absorbing carbohydrates and protein would do the trick here.

Milk contains both casein and whey. Casein is a slow absorbed protein, which releases amino acids - the building blocks of proteins very slowly in the body. Whey is a fast absorbing protein, which releases amino acids fast in the body. Milk also contains carbohydrates, which slowly convert the lactose into readily used energy source glucose. Simple carbohydrates like fruits can also be had at this meal.

The body should be well balanced at this time. But this is again the second largest meal of the day. Sustained energy is needed to allow one to sail through the afternoon activities. Very importantly, one needs to keep the muscle out from the possibility of going into the breakdown phase. Also, this meal will help in avoiding sugar cravings, which generally do occur in at mid afternoon as the sugar levels start to tumble.

Raspberry supplement may help you lose weight

Raspberry ketones can help you lose weight and boost levels of a metabolism-regulating hormone, a report has claimed.

  

Raspberry ketones are fragrant compounds that occur naturally in raspberries and other fruits. The compounds can boost levels of adiponectin hormone, which regulates metabolism. Higher levels of this hormone are associated with fewer fat stores, the Daily Mail reported. 

The ketones are normally used to give a fruity smell to cosmetics and foodstuffs but, because you only get between one and four milligram from every kilo of fresh fruit, a synthetic version is often used to get the same result.

And now these ketones are being sold online, in supplement form, as a slimming aid, the report said.  

Millions of Americans have become convinced of powers of raspberry ketones to ‘melt’ away fat after they were recommended by Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

He said raspberry ketones are ‘the number-one miracle in a bottle to burn your fat’.

  

However, Ann Ashworth, a spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association, urges caution, pointing out that the only published research into the effects of raspberry ketones on weight loss is small studies on mice. 

“Although this sounds very exciting, this evidence cannot be transferred to humans without further clinical trials,” she said.   

9 natural detoxifying foods

Press instant restart on your system by signing up for a detoxification program designed by nature

Turmeric:

While recent studies have hailed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body, Ayurveda has valued this spice for centuries for its staggering medicinal properties. What makes it relevant for those wishing to detox is its power to help the liver get rid of harmful compounds. Since the primary purpose of a detoxification exercise is to support the organs of elimination like liver, turmeric comes to the rescue and its antioxidants play a critical role in combating the cell damage that can stack up with age. So, a tablespoon of turmeric a day, is enough to considerably set your insides right.

Apples:

Packed with fibre, and especially pectin which helps in cleansing the intestinal tract, apples can clear it of accumulated toxins and undigested food particles. This assumes more significance considering how essential it is to include a variety of fibres in the diet to maximise detoxification.

Garlic:

Garlic's high sulphur content not only tones the skin and makes your hair more lustrous, it also fires up the detoxification process. The liver must neutralise toxins with sulphur until it is excreted in a process called sulfation. To smoothen this proc- ess, include more sulphurrich foods like garlic in your diet. Three cloves per meal should do you good.

Lemons:

Never miss a chance to add some fresh lemon juice to the water you drink or the food you eat. Lemon gets a lot of credit for warding off the cold, but its ability to aid healthy digestion and elimination is often overlooked. It may be the lemon's tart taste that encourages bile flow which helps digestion. Even its peels are rich in antioxidants that support detoxification.

Flaxseeds:

Fibre-powered flaxseeds can help keep many diseases at bay and its mix of nutrients helps internal cleansing. Since flaxseeds contain both soluble and insoluble fibre, they facilitate smooth bowel movement and prevent the re-absorption of cholesterol from the colon. Sprinkle a few tablespoons into your morning smoothie or salad.

Fat loss: Eat the right food at the right time

Every food we eat provides the body with a range of nutrients, which helps us stay healthy. And, if eaten in the right proportion according to one's body weight, age and gender it can also aid in weight loss.

What defines our body's composition is lean mass-muscle and free fat mass. So, to achieve fat loss, it is important to eat the right food at the right time.


To understand what food to eat at the right time, let's first understand the working of our bodies. The body's needs differ at different times of the day.


Morning: On waking up, your body has gone through a starvation period of no instant energy provided through food. The liver does carry enough glycogen but these reserves are used up extensively in the 10-12 hours fasting period through the night and thus, carbohydrate (glycogen) reserves are very low. Blood sugar levels are also low. Since carbohydrates are not readily available to support the body's primary need for energy, the body breaks muscle protein to obtain fuel for energy because protein is the second preferred source of energy in the absence of carbohydrates. And hence the muscle is in a breakdown phase (catabolic state) in the morning. Fat, the concentrated source of energy, is also being slowly metabolised. Keeping this in mind, one must eat on waking up.


One must eat within an hour of rising to arrest the muscle breakdown, and fuel the glycogen stores of the body. Include a quick and simple fast absorbing carbohydrate and a quick fast absorbing protein source with the right blend of good fats. A blend of simple carbohydrates like a fruit and some oatmeal will release sugars in the bloodstream. Protein sources like egg whites or whey protein are ideal to halt the catabolism of the muscles.

Mid morning: Blood sugar levels are recovering from the morning meal. Muscle is rebounding but the aim is to keep the metabolism of the body operational. This is the time when one is running around doing chores. Therefore, one needs to take care to not let the blood sugar levels drop. So, a mix blend of quick and slow absorbing carbohydrates and protein would do the trick here.


Milk contains both casein and whey. Casein is a slow absorbed protein, which releases amino acids - the building blocks of proteins very slowly in the body. Whey is a fast absorbing protein, which releases amino acids fast in the body. Milk also contains carbohydrates, which slowly convert the lactose into readily used energy source glucose. Simple carbohydrates like fruits can also be had at this meal.

The body should be well balanced at this time. But this is again the second largest meal of the day. Sustained energy is needed to allow one to sail through the afternoon activities. Very importantly, one needs to keep the muscle out from the possibility of going into the breakdown phase. Also, this meal will help in avoiding sugar cravings, which generally do occur in at mid afternoon as the sugar levels start to tumble.

Are you getting enough fruits?

Fruits are delicious, juicy, fun to eat and healthy ingredients for great desserts; but are you getting enough fruits in your daily diet?

We use a lot of skin care products that boast of properties and vitamins from fruits, but why do we still select creams over natural fruits? Let's take a look at how many fruits you need to eat every day before you can say that you are getting enough fruits in your daily diet.

Based on a study in 2010 reported by the Dietary Guidelines of America, you need 1.5 - 2 cups of fruits daily, but 'the amount depends on the number of calories per day recommended for your healthy weight.'

(Via) Also, it is recommended that you eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day, but it depends on your age and gender: Women between the ages of 19-50 should eat 7-8 servings, while men should eat 8-10 servings.

And for those above 50, men and women should consume seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

All this preaching is in good spirit. Fruits help fight cancer, obesity and heart disease. Fruits provide nutritional vitamins. Certain fruits contain a good amount of natural sugar and fluids, which also keep us hydrated.

Fruits are rich in fiber, and are great for bowel movement and weight loss. It is also advised that you consume fruits whole, instead of skinned or juiced.

Tips on how to make fruits a part of your daily diet:

Since two cups of fruits are the norm, you can break this down into four servings a day; for instance, breakfast, mid day, mid evening and after dinner.

Avoid fruits from cans that mention preservatives like artificial sugar or high levels of salt, or processed fruits in the form of juices. Opt for fresh fruits as their nutritional value is higher. Try different seasonal fruits from time to time.

Are fruits a good breakfast substitute?

Most of us rely on fruits for 'healthy breakfast substitutes' without really checking up on how healthy that is.

Do you always end up eating a piece of fruit for breakfast, due to lack of time? Many of us, though being aware of the importance of breakfast, tend to avoid eating a healthy breakfast.

The basic excuse we give to avoid a healthy breakfast is 'lack of time'. But if you feel that by adding fruits for breakfast you will get a healthy breakfast, then you need to read what Ms. Eileen Canday - Chief Dietician at Breach Candy Hospital says...

She says, "Essentially, it (fruits for breakfast) affects your body by not giving you all the vitamins and minerals you need to make it through your day."


On the other hand, when you have a complete breakfast you not only get vitamin C, but you also get calcium, fiber, and protein. This helps better prepare your body for the day's activities.

This leads us to staying powerful throughout the day. If a piece of fruit doesn't have enough nutrition, how could it possibly keep you full until your next meal? It's only when you combine fruit with high fiber breakfast foods such as oatmeal, wheat, or even bran, you will stay full longer.

When you add more fiber to your breakfast, you're able to better ward off hunger pains. When you combine these high fiber foods with fruit, you get a breakfast that has more of the nutrition your body needs.


Of course, the most important reason a breakfast of fruit isn't enough is because you aren't consuming sufficient calories or protein. Breakfast is the most significant meal of the day.

By consuming more calories first thing in the morning, you are better able to work off those calories throughout the day. This is a much enhanced option than consuming most of your calories in the evening.

Protein is essential to keeping you full for longer as well. A breakfast that lacks protein will have you feeling hungry by noon, even earlier.

So save fruits as mid-day snacks or add-ons for meals, but avoid using fruits as breakfast substitutes. Find 5-10 minutes to eat a nutritious well-balanced healthy breakfast, and you'll be in better control of your weight and health.

Are you getting enough fruits?

Fruits are delicious, juicy, fun to eat and healthy ingredients for great desserts; but are you getting enough fruits in your daily diet?

We use a lot of skin care products that boast of properties and vitamins from fruits, but why do we still select creams over natural fruits? Let's take a look at how many fruits you need to eat every day before you can say that you are getting enough fruits in your daily diet.

  

Based on a study in 2010 reported by the Dietary Guidelines of America, you need 1.5 - 2 cups of fruits daily, but 'the amount depends on the number of calories per day recommended for your healthy weight.'

  

(Via) Also, it is recommended that you eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day, but it depends on your age and gender: Women between the ages of 19-50 should eat 7-8 servings, while men should eat 8-10 servings.

 And for those above 50, men and women should consume seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

 All this preaching is in good spirit. Fruits help fight cancer, obesity and heart disease. Fruits provide nutritional vitamins. Certain fruits contain a good amount of natural sugar and fluids, which also keep us hydrated.

Fruits are rich in fiber, and are great for bowel movement and weight loss. It is also advised that you consume fruits whole, instead of skinned or juiced.

 Tips on how to make fruits a part of your daily diet:

Since two cups of fruits are the norm, you can break this down into four servings a day; for instance, breakfast, mid day, mid evening and after dinner.

  

Avoid fruits from cans that mention preservatives like artificial sugar or high levels of salt, or processed fruits in the form of juices. Opt for fresh fruits as their nutritional value is higher. Try different seasonal fruits from time to time.

Are fruits a good breakfast substitute?

Most of us rely on fruits for 'healthy breakfast substitutes' without really checking up on how healthy that is.

Do you always end up eating a piece of fruit for breakfast, due to lack of time? Many of us, though being aware of the importance of breakfast, tend to avoid eating a healthy breakfast.

The basic excuse we give to avoid a healthy breakfast is 'lack of time'. But if you feel that by adding fruits for breakfast you will get a healthy breakfast, then you need to read what Ms. Eileen Canday - Chief Dietician at Breach Candy Hospital says...


She says, "Essentially, it (fruits for breakfast) affects your body by not giving you all the vitamins and minerals you need to make it through your day."


On the other hand, when you have a complete breakfast you not only get vitamin C, but you also get calcium, fiber, and protein. This helps better prepare your body for the day's activities.

This leads us to staying powerful throughout the day. If a piece of fruit doesn't have enough nutrition, how could it possibly keep you full until your next meal? It's only when you combine fruit with high fiber breakfast foods such as oatmeal, wheat, or even bran, you will stay full longer.

When you add more fiber to your breakfast, you're able to better ward off hunger pains. When you combine these high fiber foods with fruit, you get a breakfast that has more of the nutrition your body needs.

Of course, the most important reason a breakfast of fruit isn't enough is because you aren't consuming sufficient calories or protein. Breakfast is the most significant meal of the day.

By consuming more calories first thing in the morning, you are better able to work off those calories throughout the day. This is a much enhanced option than consuming most of your calories in the evening.

Protein is essential to keeping you full for longer as well. A breakfast that lacks protein will have you feeling hungry by noon, even earlier.

So save fruits as mid-day snacks or add-ons for meals, but avoid using fruits as breakfast substitutes. Find 5-10 minutes to eat a nutritious well-balanced healthy breakfast, and you'll be in better control of your weight and health.

Health benefits of Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Everyone is familiar with amla or the Indian gooseberry, it is used in a variety of products like sweets, jams, powder, pickles, while some simply like to pluck and eat them.

But are the health benefits of amla overrated? Along with Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop, we explore this popular Indian fruit.


Amla is known as a good source of vitamin C, but is that all? What are the other health benefits of the Indian gooseberry? Dr. Jaishree gives us a detailed list, "Amla has loads of benefits. It is a super food of Ayurveda due to its antioxidant property. It has beneficial effects on almost all the systems and organs of body." She explains:


-It controls blood sugar in diabetes

-Lowers cholesterol level

-It is a natural anti ageing agent for skin; nourishes scalp and hair roots and encourages hair growth

-It improves digestion and alleviates constipation

-It improves blood circulation

-It ensures proper functioning of liver.

-It is a strong immunomodulator and protects from the onset of many diseases if taken regularly

-Amla is a good hematinic as it raises hemoglobin level

She also goes on to list out other sources of vitamin C, "There are many good sources of vitamin C beside amla:

-All leafy vegetables like palak, bathua etc.

-All kind of peppers have loads of vit-c

-Fruits like mangoes, pine apple, oranges, kiwi, strawberry, berries, papaya,

-Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, red cabbage, etc

-Herbs like basil, mint, coriander, rosemary"

You can get these health benefits by including amla and the other vitamin C rich foods in your diet. On the other hand, if fresh produce is a problem, you can invest in some organic amla products.

Are you getting enough fruits?

Fruits are delicious, juicy, fun to eat and healthy ingredients for great desserts; but are you getting enough fruits in your daily diet?

We use a lot of skin care products that boast of properties and vitamins from fruits, but why do we still select creams over natural fruits? Let's take a look at how many fruits you need to eat every day before you can say that you are getting enough fruits in your daily diet.

Based on a study in 2010 reported by the Dietary Guidelines of America, you need 1.5 - 2 cups of fruits daily, but 'the amount depends on the number of calories per day recommended for your healthy weight.'

(Via) Also, it is recommended that you eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day, but it depends on your age and gender: Women between the ages of 19-50 should eat 7-8 servings, while men should eat 8-10 servings.

And for those above 50, men and women should consume seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

All this preaching is in good spirit. Fruits help fight cancer, obesity and heart disease. Fruits provide nutritional vitamins. Certain fruits contain a good amount of natural sugar and fluids, which also keep us hydrated.

Fruits are rich in fiber, and are great for bowel movement and weight loss. It is also advised that you consume fruits whole, instead of skinned or juiced.

Tips on how to make fruits a part of your daily diet:

Since two cups of fruits are the norm, you can break this down into four servings a day; for instance, breakfast, mid day, mid evening and after dinner.

Avoid fruits from cans that mention preservatives like artificial sugar or high levels of salt, or processed fruits in the form of juices. Opt for fresh fruits as their nutritional value is higher. Try different seasonal fruits from time to time.

Are fruits a good breakfast substitute?

Most of us rely on fruits for 'healthy breakfast substitutes' without really checking up on how healthy that is.

Do you always end up eating a piece of fruit for breakfast, due to lack of time? Many of us, though being aware of the importance of breakfast, tend to avoid eating a healthy breakfast.

The basic excuse we give to avoid a healthy breakfast is 'lack of time'. But if you feel that by adding fruits for breakfast you will get a healthy breakfast, then you need to read what Ms. Eileen Canday - Chief Dietician at Breach Candy Hospital says...


She says, "Essentially, it (fruits for breakfast) affects your body by not giving you all the vitamins and minerals you need to make it through your day."


On the other hand, when you have a complete breakfast you not only get vitamin C, but you also get calcium, fiber, and protein. This helps better prepare your body for the day's activities.

This leads us to staying powerful throughout the day. If a piece of fruit doesn't have enough nutrition, how could it possibly keep you full until your next meal? It's only when you combine fruit with high fiber breakfast foods such as oatmeal, wheat, or even bran, you will stay full longer.


When you add more fiber to your breakfast, you're able to better ward off hunger pains. When you combine these high fiber foods with fruit, you get a breakfast that has more of the nutrition your body needs.

Of course, the most important reason a breakfast of fruit isn't enough is because you aren't consuming sufficient calories or protein. Breakfast is the most significant meal of the day.

By consuming more calories first thing in the morning, you are better able to work off those calories throughout the day. This is a much enhanced option than consuming most of your calories in the evening.


Protein is essential to keeping you full for longer as well. A breakfast that lacks protein will have you feeling hungry by noon, even earlier.

So save fruits as mid-day snacks or add-ons for meals, but avoid using fruits as breakfast substitutes. Find 5-10 minutes to eat a nutritious well-balanced healthy breakfast, and you'll be in better control of your weight and health.

Are you getting enough fruits?

Fruits are delicious, juicy, fun to eat and healthy ingredients for great desserts; but are you getting enough fruits in your daily diet?

We use a lot of skin care products that boast of properties and vitamins from fruits, but why do we still select creams over natural fruits? Let's take a look at how many fruits you need to eat every day before you can say that you are getting enough fruits in your daily diet.

  

Based on a study in 2010 reported by the Dietary Guidelines of America, you need 1.5 - 2 cups of fruits daily, but 'the amount depends on the number of calories per day recommended for your healthy weight.'

(Via) Also, it is recommended that you eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day, but it depends on your age and gender: Women between the ages of 19-50 should eat 7-8 servings, while men should eat 8-10 servings.

 And for those above 50, men and women should consume seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

All this preaching is in good spirit. Fruits help fight cancer, obesity and heart disease. Fruits provide nutritional vitamins. Certain fruits contain a good amount of natural sugar and fluids, which also keep us hydrated.

Fruits are rich in fiber, and are great for bowel movement and weight loss. It is also advised that you consume fruits whole, instead of skinned or juiced.

Tips on how to make fruits a part of your daily diet:

Since two cups of fruits are the norm, you can break this down into four servings a day; for instance, breakfast, mid day, mid evening and after dinner.

  

Avoid fruits from cans that mention preservatives like artificial sugar or high levels of salt, or processed fruits in the form of juices. Opt for fresh fruits as their nutritional value is higher. Try different seasonal fruits from time to time.

Best fruits for diabetics

Fructose is a form of sugar present in fruits that has a negative impact on diabetics and overweight individuals.

But you can still enjoy the seasonal mango and grapes provided you consume them in moderation. Doctors encourage diabetics to consume particular fruits that are not only beneficial to the body but also control insulin. We separate this fruit salad and present a list of diabetic friendly fruits.


Red grapefruit

Grapefruit reminds you of an orange or sweetlime, but it is sweet, sour and juicy. Grapefruits are the healthiest option for diabetics. It is advisable to have half a grapefruit a day.


Berries - Cranberries, Raspberries, Blueberries

We love berries; select your favourite berry and rest assured the anti-oxidants will do their work. Besides, berries provide fibers, low carbs and various vitamins. 3/4th cup of berries will do the trick.


Melons

Water melon, muskmelon or honeydew; pick any melon as it is rich in vitamin B and C, as well as beta-carotene, potassium and lycopene. A slice of any of these melons will give you the necessary vitamins you need.


Cherries

Cherries have anti-oxidant properties, plus they are low in carbs and glycemic levels. 12 cherries a day is all you need.


Peaches

It may have a velvet coat, but a peach is a good source for vitamin A and C. It is also low in carbs, rich in potassium and fiber.


Apricot

Low carb, high in fiber, rich in vitamin A, apricots are a great option for diabetics. Include one apricot in your daily diet.


Apple

When you are eating an apple, do not peel it. The skin is rich in anti-oxidants, besides apples are a good source for fiber and vitamin C.


Kiwi

That fuzzy fruit is a power house for potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. It also contains low carbs that are necessary for diabetics. One kiwi will regulate your health.


Pears

Loaded with potassium, fiber and low in carbs, pears should be part of your diet.


Orange

Oranges are known for their vitamin C content. They are also low-carb and contain potassium. Related to grapefruits, oranges are a safe bet for diabetics.    

Top 10 quirky food facts

Do you know what makes up Worcestershire sauce? Do you know what's different about Tibetan tea? Did you know that a banana tree is not a tree? We have given you foods that are beneficial to your health; we now present 10 quirky facts about food that you did not know. From Hippo soup to coconut water, let the countdown begin.
Peanuts: We love peanuts as much as monkeys do. Add some salt and masala, and you have chakna or an accompaniment with alcohol. But did you know that peanuts were used to help make bombs?
When peanut oil is processed, you get glycerol that is made into nitroglycerin a constitute in dynamite. But times have changed and before you head to the kitchen to make your own explosives, you should know that peanut oil is rarely used in dynamite anymore. 
Worcestershire sauce: A great ingredient for Chinese or Mandarin food, there's something fishy about this sauce. Did you know what's in this sauce? Here's a clue - vegetarians might not like this.


Worcestershire sauce is made of anchovies, a particular kind of fish that is available in England. The sauce is prepared by taking these fish, and soaking them in vinegar till all the bones dissolve. Bon Appetite!

Butter tea: This is for all the tea lovers here and we hope you will still love tea after reading this. For the adventurous, Tibetian tea is a must try. You need an empty road to dry Chinese tea that is boiled for half a day and churned with a bamboo with salt, soda and rancid butter. Tibetians even love to add flour and tsu to it, a mixture of hardened cheese, butter and sugar.


Bananarama: Indians are more open to experimenting with herbs, but did you know that we have been eating this herb for a very long time? The banana tree is actually a herb; if you have checked out the 'tree', it does not have a wooden trunk, the plant dies and like a phoenix is reborn. Banana is the fruit of this herb.



Apples, Onions, Potatoes: What do they have in common? Nothing you may say, but close your nose and then taste them, they will all taste alike. Crazy, right? Try it - block your nose and taste them one at a time. The textures are the same, hence you will not know what you have eaten till you breathe again.


Soupy waters: Clear chicken soup is the most popular soup known to mankind, but was it the first soup known to mankind? Well, no, the leathery mammal, the hippopotamus was the main ingredient used in the first soup.


Coconut water: Caution - follow this only in an emergency. Apparently, it is believed that coconut water can be used as a substitute for blood plasma. The sterile water contains appropriate levels of pH, as it surround the embryo and provides nutrition.


Purple carrots: What is the colour of carrots? Orange or purple? Against popular belief, carrots were traditionally purple. This is what happened - the Dutch took strains of purple, white and yellow carrots, and developed them into plump and sweet orange carrots.


Hairy scary: This is not very appetising, but your food can legally contain a certain amount of rodent hair, molds and parasites. Not the thing you want to know, but we just had to share.
Radioactive curries: Westerns may find it hard to handle, but if you love spicy food and have it withing limits, it will help you lose weight. Additionally, spices also have other healthy properties; for example, haldi or turmeric is an antiseptic and a natural liver detoxifier.     

Here's why you should snack

While going on an eating binge by snacking on unhealthy foods will only lead to an expanding waistline, having healthy snacks during the day will keep you fit — mentally and physically. Here's how...

  

- If you find long gaps of time between your meals, it's time to include a few snacks in your diet. Snacking will keep your hunger levels to a minimum and also won't let your body feel like you're depriving it of food.

  

- Healthy snacks are great for controlling blood sugar levels especially in people who have problems in maintaining them. Snacking improves blood sugar control by providing a ready stream of carbohydrates.

  

- By supplying your body regularly with snacks throughout the day, you also give your body an energy boost and help you maintain your weight. Since you automatically eat lesser during regular meal times because of smaller snacks during the day, you will help your metabolism, and digest food faster.

  

- By opting for healthier options like fruits, salads, yogurt, health and whole wheat grains instead of junk food like fries, chips or calorie laden cookies, you stock your body with a lot of essential vitamins and nutrients. Not only are they great sources of energy, but also provide fibre that helps cleanse the body.

  

- In children, healthy snacking increases and builds their immune systems. While not all kids will be enthusiastic in having juices, fresh fruits, salads, nuts, curd and cheese, make it a habit early on so that they're used to the snacks. French fries, candy bars and cookies are high in fats and sodium and can drain out your child.