Indian summer drinks to crush on

Indian summer drinks to crush on

India has a lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and we must try to consume them in that particular month to gain most from it.

Nature has given us everything to stay healthy.

Just like fruits and vegetables, our bodies also respond accordingly to the season.

It is important to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables to adjust to the climate to stay in glowing health.

Indian summer drinks to not miss

Aam paana
Jal jeera
Bel sharbat
Nibmu paani
Chaach
Thandai
Khus sharbat
Sattu sharbat (sweet and namkeen)
Coconut water

Work-life balance

Work-life balance

Who would not like to excel? 

Whatever you choose to do, you aim to grow and achieve new heights. 

You work hard, plan, try to live a disciplined life yet sometimes you lack growth and success.

Well, the ancient practice of yoga laid great emphasis on rest and recharge. 

If we can learn to apply a bit of that in your present modern lifestyle, you will naturally see a lot of difference in your life.

Corporate life – driving, meetings, targets, networking, emails, literally it tires you, been there done that.

So I choose to pursue yoga and dance on weekends, and I fell in love with yoga that I became a yoga teacher as well.

You can’t escape from something you love. 

You naturally like to pursue things that make you happy.

Gadgets, money, power, positions are there, good. 

But does that make you happy? 

Take time out for yourself. 

Explore your hobbies. 

Look after your health, your family, your loved ones, become a good human being, help others.

This post was originally written on my website www.ilivelight.com

Surya Namaskar is one of the best exercises

Surya Namaskar is one of the best exercises

Surya Namaskar is a harmonious blend of various asanas.

When practiced in a cyclic and systematic way, the overall benefits are greater than the sum of its parts.

An increasing amount of research has found that a regular practice of Surya Namaskar can be extremely beneficial.

Benefits:

1. Strengths heart, lungs, and hands
2. Promotes weight loss
3. Reduces stress and anxiety
4. Boosts fitness and flexibility
5. Stretches each and every muscle in the body. It stretches the muscles in legs, hands, back, chest, neck, arms, etc.

Somedays, I schedule 10 sun salutations in a day to feel light in my mind and body.

You may learn all the steps of Surya Namaskar in my video below:

Some tips to stay active in old age

Some tips to stay active in old age

1. Go for a walk. It does not have to be a brisk walk, you can go for a light walk for half an hour in the morning. Walking is one of the best exercises, and it can be done anywhere.

2. Walk instead of driving. Whenever you are going to the nearby market to buy groceries and other stuff, you may choose to walk, and it will be a great activity than just sitting down at your sofa set.

3. You may do some of household chores, or continue to do small activities throughout the day like opening the door, getting your water from the kitchen, cut some vegetables, cook your roti, you may not realize that these small things add up your daily activity, and you get to stay healthy and fit.

Even teach these basic activities to your kids as well. You have help available it is good, staying active is not for luxury but good health. Kids need to learn the importance of movement and activity, taking responsibility for their small tasks.

4. Enroll for easy exercise classes. You may choose to do any kind of activity like yoga, gym, pilates, but at this age, light yoga classes will be extremely helpful to improve circulation, flexibility, hormonal balance, for calm and peace of mind.

5. Continue working. You definitely look forward to retiring at this age, but lack of any work commitment may make you lazy and unhealthy. A committed work schedule keeps your mind and body active. You may choose to work part time or volunteer your services etc.

Learn how to do a perfect headstand (sirsasana)

Learn how to do a perfect headstand (sirsasana)

1. Begin the position in child’s pose.

Lower down on to your knees on the mat. Sit back onto your feet. Lean forward until your forehead is resting comfortably on the ground. Your chest should be resting on your thighs. Allow arms to lie limp at your sides with palms facing up.

2. Relax in child’s pose. Monitor your breathing and focus on silence for 30 seconds.

3. Lift only your head while moving your elbows onto the ground in front of your knees.

4. Wrap a hand around each elbow without lifting your elbows off the floor.

5. Plant your elbows in this position. Never change this distance between your elbows throughout the duration of the headstand.

6. Release the hold on your elbows and pivot your forearms forward so they are parallel to one another.

7. Bring your hands together and interlock the fingers. Your elbows and hands should form a triangle.

8. Lift your hips up and forward so your head lands into the palm of your hands. Knees stay on the ground.

9. Adjust your head so the top of your cranium is directly on the ground and your hands are resting in the back of your head. Do not move your elbows.

10. Plant the balls of your feet into the ground and push so your knees extend up away from the ground and your body is lifted into the air. (Your body should form an upside down V.)

11. Slowly walk your feet towards your face. As you walk, your spine will straighten out above your head and you will notice your weight slowly shift from your feet to your elbows. When you. can’t walk further, push your elbows into the ground.

12. Lift your feet into the air naturally as all of your weight shifts onto your elbows.

13. Continue lifting up your thighs until they are directly above your abdomen. Your elbows should hold a majority of the weight of your body, not your head or neck.

14. Keep knees bent for now. Tighten abdomen. Remain in this position for 30 seconds. Focus on your balance. When fully balanced, slowly extend lower legs up above the waist.

15. Point your toes. Stay in this position for no more than 3 minutes.

12 low fat foods that are actually making you gain weight

12 low fat foods that are actually making you gain weight

You tend to buy such products assuming they are fat-free, but in fact, they have high sugar content, preservatives, no fiber, no nutritional value.

1. Frozen packaged yogurt

2. Packaged juices

3. Packaged dairy products

4. Canned fruits

5. Pickles/ ketchups/ sauces

6. Fruit preserves

7. Chocolate spread

8. Energy bars

9. Low fat salad dressing

10. High fiber biscuit

11. Low fat peanut butter

12. Atta / low fat cookies

Physical activity is not a choice it is a must

Physical activity is not a choice it is a must

There are some very harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

The science has also said to the extent that sitting is the new smoking.

Smoking is killing people, and so does sitting for long hours.

If you are not into exercising yet, moving, staying active, on a day to day basis is a must, else you falling into the trap of diseases.

Anyone can do little things at home, at the office, take stairs, basically be less dependent on help from others, use your own body for little things.

A sedentary lifestyle has negative effects on health:

- You feel low, lazy, stress and depressed
- Cancer risk skyrockets
- Start to forget things
- Blood sugar spikes
- Backache gets worse
- Lower metabolism
- Can lead to osteoporosis
- Lead to obesity
- Weak muscles, bones, joints
- Lead to cardiovascular diseases
- You make wrong food choices and choose fat and sugary stuff

If this post does not convince you to move, then what will?

Stay active for your people, if not for yourself:)

Add mindfulness to your day

Add mindfulness to your day

Is your life is just passing by, or you are consciously living your life.

It is better to have a meaningful purpose to your life rather than let it be another day, another month or another year.

Consciously aware of your thoughts, your actions help you sail through beautifully this beautiful life.

A few things on a daily basis connects you with inner being and helps you stay in tune with the inner consciousness, the divine, your purpose, your goals, very clearly.

- Beginning your day with 30 minutes to 1 hour of yoga practice

- Writing in the journal brings more awareness of your thoughts

- Taking a break to just check in your breathing

- Ending your day with meditation or spending time with just your self without any gadgets

Ask these questions from yourself if needed

- What do I stand for?

- What do I like to achieve from this life?

- What is the purpose of my life?

- What is my standard of a good human being?

- What is beyond these materialistic things?

The answer lies within maybe it is time to do some soul searching.

Eat cheese for a sound sleep

Eat cheese for a sound sleep

The amino acids found in cheese called - tryptophan - has been shown to induce sleep.

Take about 15 to 20 grams of cheese in the evening meal for better results.

I sometimes make pasta with cheese in my evening meal, as pasta and cheese combination is a rich protein diet.

Good for me as I am a pure vegetarian.

But I am going to reconsider this meal on the days when I have to write more, read more and think more.

Else this meal induces so much sleep.

So, eat cheese or do good mediation for a sound, dreamy sleep.

You can add cheese to your kid's diet as well.

 

Your eating habits make all the difference

Your eating habits make all the difference

First and foremost is to change the way you eat.

Tune in and pay attention to how you are consuming your food.

Eat slowly, take your time, chew really well, and stop when you feel you've had enough.

Also understanding, our metabolism is highest in the morning and lowest in the night.

We should eat more in the morning than in the night, but we eat more food at night than comparable to the morning.

Try to change that and try to tune in with nature.

Our social life also forces us to keep binging in the night time, so eat simple food if you must eat at night.

Packaged fruit juices may lead to obesity

Packaged fruit juices may lead to obesity

I would like you to reconsider this so-called 100% Natural Drink.

There is very good marketing behind it that uses slogans like No Added Sugar and 100% Natural Drink.

But, I would suggest you read the label of the product, it clearly says made with synthetic flavors.

There is no real fruit being used in it.

It has low-quality sugar that is even harder to digest, and that is the cause of obesity if you consume it on a consistent basis.

Any packaged food has preservatives to last longer on the shelf, and preservatives are pure chemicals.
Instead of juice, eat your fruit whole.

That way, you get all the fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found naturally in the fruit.

Reduce high-stress levels to take control of high blood pressure

Reduce high-stress levels to take control of high blood pressure

When it comes to preventing and treating high blood pressure, one often overlooked strategy is managing stress.

Learn to manage the day-to-day stresses well to reduce your chances of falling ill, and lowers blood pressure

Stresses build up in mind and body both, that is why the easiest way to do yoga, meditation, walk in nature, tuning in rather than tuning out all the time.

These tips are quite effective

Sound sleep

Inadequate or poor quality sleep can negatively affect your mood, mental alertness, energy level, and physical health.

Learn relaxation techniques

Mediation, yoga, deep breathing exercises are powerful relation techniques and stress busters.

Hone your time management skills

The more effectively you can juggle work and family demands, the lower your stress levels.

Take control of your life

Try not to foster negativities in your life. Maintain relationships with healthy and positive people.

Yoga for hormonal imbalance

Yoga for hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is a common issue for the urban female generation of different age group.

PCOS or thyroid issues are due to poor lifestyle, and that reflects as a hormonal imbalance.

Yoga is recommended in both the cases even by doctors these days.

If you are new to yoga, you would definitely take a little time to adjust with the poses and this new practice.

But if you are already into this practice, I would highly recommend you to go for deep yoga practice.

In this practice
- you would hold poses for a longer period of time
- deepen your breathing
- deepen the muscle work

Helps you
- to improve metabolism
- lose weight
- improve blood circulation
- strengthens your muscles
- more peace and calmness not on your mat but will help you to extend that calmness in day to day life

In yoga poses, you should try all kinds of poses
- inversions (shoulder stand, headstand)
- twists
- forwards bends
- sun salutations

Holding time should be a minimum of 30 seconds for all poses, and gradually reach up to 1 minute if you can.

Silence is simply great for mind and body

Silence is simply great for mind and body

How often do you spend time with just yourself?

Most of the time we are distracted by cell phones, tv, engaged in social circles, etc.

That is so much of noise.

I know it isn't for some and it is a lot of constant distraction for some.

The people who enjoy their own company it is extremely pleasurable.

The people who truly enjoy meditation, they have found peace alone and in the midst of the crowd.

That is why Saints ask people to meditate and to enjoy the real peace and bliss within.

What are the great benefits of silence

- Helps you relax and slow yourself down

- Find yourself through silence

- Recharge and refresh your mind

- Quiet the noise within yourself

- Helps relieves stress and tension

- Therapeutic for conditions like depression

Yogis traditionally used to keep maun vrat. It literally means a vow to keep silent.

In day to day life, we can cut down on useless speech and save energy for spiritual growth.

Sara Ali Khan- fat to fit

Sara Ali Khan- fat to fit

How did she do it and lost all the flab?

Strict exercise routine

Strict eating plan

Firm discipline in mind

She was 96 kgs, had PCOD, had hormonal problems, and lived on Pizza during her two years of college.

Every person is different, every body is different, but all I know is

Impossible is nothing.

Work hard.

Start now.

And you will be there soon.

Meditate, pray, and calm down before going to sleep

Meditate, pray, and calm down before going to sleep

It is so important that you prepare yourself for a nice, deep sleep.

There are so many brilliant benefits of a nice deep sleep

- Maintain a healthy heart
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boost immune system
- Maintain a healthy brain
- Improve memory and creativity
- Promote healthy weight
- Prevent obesity
- Improve digestion
- Repair body cell
- Alleviate stress and depression
- Promote good mood
- Promoting body growth in kids and teenagers
- Fight inflammation

One should try to let go distractions like tv, mobiles, and should try to calm yourself down.

Just 30 minutes of mediation can be extremely helpful in calming you down.

Or, you may try reading a nice, soulful book that helps you prepare for a nice sleep, rather than distract your mind into something else.

Some people like to write down in their journal before they go to sleep.

It helps them write down tomorrow's goals and prepare in advance for the next day.

Yoga health benefits beyond the mat

Yoga health benefits beyond the mat

Weight control 

Mindfulness developed through yoga can make you more sensitive to cues of hunger and fullness, which helps you develop a more positive relationship with food.

Mindful eating

Being more aware of how your body feels carries over to mealtimes as you savor each bite or sip and notice how food smells, tastes, and feels in your mouth.

Better body image

Focusing inward during yoga helps you to be more satisfied with your body and less critical of it.

Overall fitness

Practicing yoga a couple of weeks increases muscle strength and flexibility, boosts endurance, and tunes up your heart, lungs, and blood vessel.

Heart benefits

Yoga can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, all of which are good for your heart and blood vessel.

Watermelon is good for weight loss

Watermelon is good for weight loss

Yes, it is. It has 92% of water and absolutely no fat and no cholesterol.

And if you are on a weight loss journey and feel tempted to eat quite often, then maybe this could also be a great option.

It has natural sugars and will also help you satisfy your cravings for sugar in the right way.

But, one should not look at food through the lens of fat and weight.

All fruits have different nutrient value and provide us with vitamins and minerals.

If we stop eating a variety of foods, we will deprive ourselves with the right kinds of vitamins and minerals.

But, watermelon is great in summers, and try to eat it and not drink it, because when you juice a fruit, you lose its nutritional value.

No Quinoa for me

No Quinoa for me

I relish Indian meals the Indian way.

And there are so many options to choose from that I can't look at the crop which is not even grown in India.

Quinoa comes from European Countries, and it is gluten-free.

But, neither I follow a gluten-free diet and neither I am keen on looking beyond my Indian meals.

Simply because Indian meals are whole, nutritious, and most of the food is also grown in my own region.

Indian meals are diverse, and every season you have new vegetables and fruits.

This way I will be able to get a variety of nutrients from my diet.

And, unlike western culture, we eat our grains with dal and sabji, so it is rather easy to digest.

I think we stop blindly following the western culture.

Their lifestyle, eating patterns, genes, traditions are different from us, so copying them does not make any sense.

Just know how to balance.

Overeating of anything is anyways bad.

Exercise for bone health

Exercise for bone health

Exercise is critical for bones for all age groups.

Exercise is important for treating and preventing osteoporosis.

Exercise improves bone health, muscle strength, stamina, balance, and coordination.

The strength you have in your bones - either you use it or lose it.

It's important to exercise and also lead an active lifestyle.

Sedentary lifestyle (all day sitting) weaken your structure and use less energy (burn fewer calories).

Old people can do some basic exercise at home to strengthen the muscles and bones.

I have been doing Gentle yoga for the 50+ age group for ladies, and the results are definitely nice to see.

You like to learn about my classes, visit www.ilivelight.com

Eat according to your activity

Eat according to your activity

Well, different days and different schedules demand that we adjust our food quantity accordingly.

When we are more active physically and mentally, we definitely need a little more food to function well, with quality nutrients.

But, the days when we are not active, and lazying around, then you may choose to avoid carbohydrates, or eat according to the needs of the day.

But eating more than you need will make you gain fat, and then you need to burn it off in the gym, or by a brisk walk, or by yoga.

There is absolutely no ideal amount of food you should eat.

The right answer to how much you should eat comes from within.

Switch off your gadgets and let go other disturbances while eating your meal.

Tune in, pay attention to self, and you will know the answer.

5 years from now

5 years from now

You will become the

Books you read

People you interact with

Food you eat

Thoughts you think

Habits you build

Your life is practically in your hands. 

Lead an active lifestyle

Lead an active lifestyle

It is not just about doing a rigorous activity in the gym, but it is also about building small physical activity throughout the day.

These days adults and kids both leading an inactive lifestyle.

That is the reason we are facing the issue of obesity and other health ailments.

A person who stays active, take interest in doing small things at home, at the office, it could be like

-taking stairs

-not always dependent on domestic help

-getting your own stuff from the kitchen

-not being dependent on your office boy

-parking car at a distance so that you get to walk

-take a walk to the local vendor than traveling in a car

These small things add up to your physical activity, and you will realize its benefits.
If you like to fight off fat and stay disease free, staying active throughout the day is a must, even if you exercise for 1 hour every day.

Off day an indulge day

Off day an indulge day

Let's catch up with friends, movies, desserts, and all that you could not do, eat during the weekdays.

Yup, you should.

After all, life is a party, and it's a one-time opportunity.

But, it's a one-time opportunity to learn about who you really are.

To know your purpose in life.

To make time to look within rather than look outside.

It's an opportunity to find out time to exercise, to play, to do yoga.

All these things as well you could not do during the week even if you tried to do.

Why not?

If you miss on these essentials when do you think you will get time again to work and to contemplate on self?

I think off days are a brilliant opportunity.

To learn, to grow, to get fit, to make healthier choices.

Find the right balance in your meals

Find the right balance in your meals

Balance is important in all aspects of life.

So does diet and food.

Some may tell you to go raw for great health.

But, I can tell you what has worked for me perfectly well, and if you are Indian and has lived on Indian food, then it will work for you perfectly as well.

You may try a salad diet or a raw diet or fruit diet.

But, your body will always ask for Indian food the Indian way.

The way we cook vegetables and dal with tadka and masala.

I eat such food every day, but I add a lot of fruits as well to keep my body in a perfect balance.

The idea is to feel light after every meal, every hour, every day.

So, I do not like to live in this pattern, overload one week, and then detox one week.

Balance every day, so that

-the disease does not build up in the system
-you feel light all the time
-body stay in an alkaline state

Desi ghee is a blessing

Desi ghee is a blessing

Now in west people consuming this every day and given a new name to it called Clarified Butter.

Impressive benefits of ghee include its ability to

-protect your gastrointestinal system

-balance the cholesterol levels

-provide additional energy

-reduce inflammation in the joints

-eliminate certain allergy concerns

-protect you from various chronic disease

-improve your eye health

-strengthen your immune system

-contains Linoleic Acid

-packed with fat-soluble vitamin

Ghee can help boost your intake of vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin K, all important nutrients that play a role in everything from maintaining healthy vision to keeping your skin glowing

Energy from medium chain fatty in ghee burns other fats in our system, leading to weight loss.

The case of packed coconut water

The case of packed coconut water

Recently, I happened to buy a packed coconut water instead of my regular water.

I was a little thirsty but not hungry.

As it was almost 3-4 hours, I did not eat anything, so it was time to eat something.

In malls, in cinema halls, you don't have many choices.

You will end up buying whatever is available.

I was about to buy coffee but end up buying coconut water (thinking it to be a healthier option.)

The comparison was between Rs. 250/- bottle vs 40/- real coconut water.

I just thought what a waste of money and empty calories and my body is consuming chemicals too.

-The food that has a shelf life of more than 2-3 days has chemicals added to it

-Extra sugar

-No nutrients

The best way to get the most of coconut water is to buy fresh, open and consume immediately.

Once a coconut is cracked open it begins to oxidize and is open to bacteria.

Coffee would have been a simple option then (at least no chemicals)

Processing removes nutrients

Processing removes nutrients

Processing reduces the nutritional value of the food, especially that you buy in the packets.

These 'convenient foods' are good for the companies but not at all good for our health.

Any food that you buy in the packs is just a pack of chemicals.

It has no nutritional value.

It has to go through various steps of processing, and there are a lot of additives and chemicals added to make such food last for a longer period of time.

And the body will have to work harder to digest.

In some cases, it may take a day or two to get rid of this kind of food from the system.

Processed food mostly add a high quantity of salt and sugar, that imposes another problem for our health.

Popular processed food we eat (and thinking they are safe)
-bread/ brown bread
-biscuits/ atta biscuits
-2 minute maggi, oats
-juices
-breakfast cereal

Try consuming the fresh versions at home, and you will feel even lighter.

You can safely eat mangoes in diabetes

You can safely eat mangoes in diabetes

The popular tool to manage a diet for diabetics is the GI (Glycemic Index).

It measures how quickly a given food causes your blood sugars to rise, comparing it to the effect of pure glucose.

A food with a low number, or low GI, has less impact on your blood sugars than a food with a high number.

Mangos have a low GI of 51, well below that of comparable tropical fruits such as pineapple or papaya.

In other words, a reasonable portion of mango – roughly a quarter of fruit – is about 1/2 cup of cubed fruit, and will have only minimal impact on your blood sugar.

Keeping your blood sugar under control is important, but it's not the only measure of food.

Maintaining a healthy overall diet also means paying attention to how much nutrition a food packs, relative to the calories it provides – its "nutrient density" – as well as other factors such as its fiber content.

Mangos score very well when considered in that light.

They are high Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Potassium.

Eat this fruit when empty stomach.

And, try to eat it as a mini-meal rather than along with your meal.

Lifestyle habits that affect health

Lifestyle habits that affect health

Continuing with my previous post, what are the things you follow in the wrong manner in day to day lifestyle?

And can you do something about it?

The choice is always ours.

You can make healthier choices that lead to glowing health from inside out.

Or, you can make the wrong choices in life, but then you will also have to face the consequences of wrong choices.

Bad choices people make on a day to day basis

-Eat food late night
-Go to sleep immediately after eating a big meal
-Stay hungry till 12
-Long gaps between meals
-Do not drink enough water
-Lead a sedentary lifestyle
-Do not do any physical activity
-Create a lot of stressful thoughts
-Make wrong food choices

A list may be even longer.

But, if this post is a wake-up call and you seriously try to do something about it, then a lot can change.