Fats and oils make up a very small segment of the food pyramid. They have always been the topic of misinformation and speculation. For the last few decades, they have received a bad reputation resulting in various fat-free products and low-fat diet programs in the market. However, they hold an important place in weight loss programs.
Cholesterol is a kind of fat (lipid) present in our blood. It is needed by the cells to function normally and is needed for making certain hormones. There is some cholesterol that our liver makes. Any cholesterol in our body which is more than what the body requires will start building up in our arteries.
Summer is the season of fatigue and sweat. The humidity in the air (especially in the coastal areas) makes you feel lazy and tired. Being outdoors and the sweat accompanying it increases your risk for health problems such as dehydration, skin sensitivities and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Hence, when the temperature starts to rise, it’s important to keep your body cool and pay attention to restoring your health and well-being. Especially for those who are in a sport, a sports nutritionist could help prevent dehydration in elite athletes.
Often during busy mornings we keep breakfast as the last in the priority list, often skipping it. But, taking out some time to have something in the morning can make a huge difference. The body and the brain need fuel after an overnight fast and breakfast provides the essential fuel. In fact that’s where the name breakfast comes from – breaking the fast! Breakfast provides us with many health benefits and should be eaten within an hour of waking up. Healthy breakfast is more likely to reduce untimely food cravings, hunger pangs, lethargy and sugar cravings. Skipping breakfast leads to irritability, drowsiness and decreased attention.
Simple and complex are the two different types of sugar in existence. Complex sugars usually take long time to break down in the body and therefore are generally considered healthy. Complex sugars are found in natural carbohydrates such as peas, beans, whole grains, and vegetables. They also provide fiber, vitamins and minerals that play..
For staying healthy, it is important to develop good eating habits. Every one, at some point in their life has tried to ‘eat healthy’, gone on a ‘fancy diet’ or have tried to ‘lose weight’. But, one tends to give up after a while because it is not long lasting. You give up on very many foods and starve yourself in order to ‘lose weight’. But, when you do start eating all those foods again,…
Exhaustion and feeling fatigue disturbs us physically throughout the day and makes us more susceptible to illness, depression, and other chronic conditions like heart disease. And, when the energy is at an all time low you need help. No amount of coffee cups or chocolates or energy bars help you for a long time. They give you the initial energy rush but that is often followed by a crash. It is the sustained energy that is going to tide you through. Hence, proper nutrition and the timing of what we eat & how much we eat can do…
Foods and drinks provide fuel for our body in the form of carbohydrates, fat, protein and alcohol. The carbohydrates are the preferred fuel source for body. The Glycemic Index (GI) is a value assigned to a particular food to classify foods and drinks according to how rapidly they raise the blood glucose level of the blood. It has replaced the earlier approach of classifying carbohydrates as either ‘simple’ or ‘complex’. Carbohydrates containing foods include bread, breakfast cereals, rice, pasta, legumes, corn, potato, fruit, milk, yoghurt, sugar, biscuits, and cakes.
Diwali is round the corner and we can see the excitement all around. This festival is all about lights, fireworks, fun and food. With the elaborate spread of Diwali snacks and sweets it is very difficult to maintain the weight. But wait, don’t panic, we can celebrate this beautiful festival of lights without gaining those unwanted, extra few kilos. It is just a little planning and preparation but it is worth it.
Craving is often term as strong desire to have something. Food cravings are something we all deal with at some point in time. Have you ever got a craving to eat chocolates at night or to binge on some dessert when you are stressed or snack untimely even after eating food? Surely a yes for most. Often people crave for processed junk foods that are high in ….
