We’ve all been told that protein is important for weight-loss. But for vegetarians, finding a good source of protein is always a big challenge. Protein-rich foods leave you feeling full for longer, burn fat while preserving lean muscle and promote muscle repair and growth. Proteins should make up 20% of the total calories you consume […]
By Neha Jain
Are you trying to eat healthier, but not sure where to start? If you’re not ready to invest in a professional nutrition plan just yet, keep these five tips in mind to get your diet right: #1 How much you eat is more important than what you eat You can eat everything when you’re on […]
Most diet and fitness experts recommend restricting serving sizes to anyone who wants to lose weight. And measuring your food is the best way to do that. But what’s an accurate measure? Serving sizes, for instance, are a standard measure of food, in cup or gram weight. That doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing as […]
The best diet for weight loss is one that includes plenty of high-fiber, low calorie recipes . Because they’re made up of ingredients that are filling, even small portions of these meals are satisfying. Even adding one meal of this kind to your daily diet will, along with exercise, help you lose weight. These meals […]
We all think baby fat is cute. But when you find rolls of fat under your child’s arm or back, it’s cause for concern as it is most likely a sign that your child is obese. Childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate in India. According to the Obesity Foundation of India, childhood obesity […]
By R. Kalpana
Hoping a cup of coffee, or energy bar, can kick-start the day after you’ve woken up feeling sapped? Well, think again. These mid-meal snacks may give you a temporary burst of energy, but the crash afterward leaves you feeling even more tired, fatigued and lethargic. What you need are foods that will make you feel […]
You start your day with a glass of milk for calcium and regularly add palak to your rotis and salads to ensure you get enough iron. But are you having enough zinc? This lesser-known mineral is one of the most important nutrients for human health. It is vital for over 200 chemical reactions in our body and […]
Where’s the fun in dal without a dollop of ghee? Those on a diet may have read mixed opinions about whether clarified butter is good or bad for weight loss. But the simple truth is that, like many traditional foods, ghee is good if consumed in very modest quantities, and when derived from the right […]
By Alpa Momaya
Tummy tires and a double chin don’t look good on anyone, be it a man or woman. But when men want to go on a diet, they have to aim in the dark. Magazine and diet books offer heaps of weight-loss advice for women but there is little for men. What men should eat to […]
By Alpa Momaya
These days, when someone asks for a cola, it is common to hear an add-on, ‘Make that a diet, please’. From Coke to Pepsi and Sprite, almost every popular sugar-sweetened beverage on the market has a “light” or a “diet” version. But are they really good for weight loss? Diet sodas are carbonated beverages. Instead […]
By Ritu Puri
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. A bowl of quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) a day does that and much more. A recent study by Harvard Medical School has shown that eating the tiny, tasteless food daily significantly reduces the risk of premature death from cancer, heart attack, respiratory disease and diabetes. Consider the fact that quinoa […]
By Alpa Momaya
Are you someone who turns your nose up at the sight of Tinda? Think again because this light summer gourd, popularly called Tinda, is a superfood and has numerous health benefits. Tinda consists of 94% water and has very few calories, approximately 66 cal in 100 grams per serving. That is what makes it a […]
By R. Kalpana
Soft puffy chawal with rajma, chicken curry, chole or sambar is a source of comfort on the toughest of days. Rice is an intrinsic part of the diet of most Indians. Unfortunately, it is unhealthy as it is laden with starch and empty calories. Wouldn’t you like it if there was a way to cut […]
Who says pizza only makes you pile on the pounds? You can enjoy a healthy version of this tasty treat just by tweaking the recipe slightly. For starters, changing the pizza base can make a lot of difference. If you’re making it at home, use wheat flour mixed with refined. Or buy a whole-wheat pizza […]
By Neha Jain
Though often dismissed as a fatty meat, in flavor, not much can compete with a good mutton curry. The meat from an adult goat, mutton has its benefits too – it contains high quality protein, essential amino acids and high levels of valuable micronutrients including iron, zinc and vitamin B. You can prepare a low […]
By R. Kalpana
We’re all of the opinion that fruits are healthy and can keep you fit and strong as they contain anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. But can overeating certain kinds of fruit lead to weight gain? As most fruits contain high amounts of natural sugar, if you do not watch out, these can be converted into […]
By Ritu Puri
Who says festivals have to be fattening? This Gudi Padwa, or Ugadi, we bring you healthy festive recipes. Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, wouldn’t be the same without the classic delicacy puran poli, a stuffed roti with sweet chana dal filling topped with ghee. Originally made of maida, we recommend you use whole-wheat flour […]
Who says rice can’t be nice if you’re trying to lose weight? Just make the healthier choice, by swapping brown rice with white. Paired with vegetables and spices, the brown rice pulao recipe I’ve given below can work as a small snack, or even a complete meal, based on your preference. Brown rice, unlike white […]
By Neha Jain
There are several benefits to doing yoga but perhaps one that isn’t often highlighted is how this ancient technique can help you lose weight, and also tone and strengthen specific body parts like help you lose belly fat. Certain yoga postures directly target belly fat and help build core strength too. Breathing exercise like kapalbhati, […]
We’ve talked about Can Salad replace Indian Food ? Like in the West, salads are a key accompaniment to any Indian meal. A good appetizer, salads are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. But unlike the West, where fatty dressings of cheese, mayonnaise, alcohol, vinegars, sugars, etc, bring flavour to the bowl, the speciality […]
By Nahida
Pumpkin or poultry – which of the two meal choices are likely to help you drop the pounds? Research shows that following a vegetarian diet may actually help you lose weight faster. There are many reasons why people choose to go vegetarian. Some are compelled by the environmental impact of confinement animal feeding operations (CAFO). […]
By Nahida
Fancy some spuds? Try these sweet potato recipes (shakarkandi in Hindi) instead. Low on carbs, this crunchy, starch root vegetable packs a powerful nutritional punch as it is rich in flavonoid anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers, all essential for optimal health. Sweet potatoes are available all year round, but like most carbs, should be […]
By Alpa Momaya
Who says parathas only make you put on the pounds? As long as you take care of the carbs and fat which go into making the Indian breakfast staple, it can be both nutritious and tasty meal. Palak lachcha paratha for instance is packed with nutrients and taste. Some tips – while preparing the paratha, […]
By Neha Jain
Indian Probiotics? Well, say the word ‘germs’ or ‘bacteria’ and people are likely to think ‘disease’. But scientific research has in recent years established that there are good bacteria, too, and that they are essential for the efficient functioning of our body. Known as probiotics, which means ‘for life’, these microorganisms are widely prevalent in our […]
It may be the tail end of the season for sarson ka saag (mustard greens with spinach) but it isn’t too late for you to enjoy its healthy green goodness. The main ingredient mustard leaves are rich in anti-cancer nutrients and also help lower blood cholesterol levels. Spinach is a good source of fiber and […]
Banish that bread pakora that has become your 5 pm tea-time snack; savour these high energy, low calorie treats instead! Try these healthy Indian snack recipes instead. #1 Ragi Masala Idli Of all cereals and millet, finger millet (or ragi) has the highest amount of calcium (344 mg %) and potassium (408 mg %). Adding […]
By Neha Jain
The Indian Gooseberry, or Amla, is a tangy seasonal fruit available during the winter months. It is a fruit with a peculiar mix of tastes, containing five of the six tastes from bitter, pungent, sweet to astringent and sour and is famous in India as a health and beauty aid. Popularly known as Amalki in […]
By Alpa Momaya
Did you ever think that a serving of Pumpkin Halwa might help you remember where you kept your car keys? Believe us, it’s connected! Memory loss could be caused by the deficiency of a single vitamin – B12 – in your body. One of the eight B vitamins, B12 or Cobalamin is essential for the […]
Fretting about choosing something fried for that 4 pm ‘pick-me-up’ evening snack at work? Then don’t depend on the canteen chow – try these two healthy, easy-to-prepare mini-meals instead. #1 Chicken Salad Chicken salad is a high protein, low sodium. A cup of diced, roasted chicken meat has about 231 calories; 45 calories come from […]
By Neha Jain
Most people believe they need to stick to boring soups and salads and steer clear of cereals to lose weight. But some cereals actually aid in burning fat. Jau, or barley grain, is one of them. It was once known as a ‘poor man’s wheat’ and used mainly as horse and cattle feed. But jau […]
