weight loss

5 Myths Busted about Weight Loss and Exercise – Diet and Fitness 101

July 17, 2015 Nayantara Karnik 10 Comments

It’s hard to decide where to start this, especially when ‘diet’ is probably one of the most searched keywords on the internet. However I’d like to think of this as a post about the basics of being and staying healthy. This is for those who are overweight, underweight, just want to get healthy or want to improve their health.

Personally I’m not a health expert or a dietician, but I have been consistently active since I was at school and over the last 8 years I have done my share of research on diet and health when I first put on a few extra kilos. Along the way I’ve gathered plenty of info which I’ve put to use, figured out what works for me and this usually applies to most people. Since I like to think of myself as a scientific-minded person, fad diets and the latest popular routine don’t appeal to me. My goal is to be and stay as healthy as possible for the rest of my life.

I’m hoping to write this as a series of posts as there’s just way too much to put down all at once, and it can get confusing. So let me start by busting a few stubborn myths out there that just don’t seem to die.

Fad Diets

High-protein, low-carb, high-fat, low-fat, paleo, cabbage-soup diets and what not!! All these will definitely help you lose weight in the short-term because any diet that’s restrictive will naturally make you lose the pounds.

Lose weight with these easy tips {Health}

May 6, 2015 Swati 31 Comments

Last Updated: 6th May, 2015

I think it has been more than two years since I have written about weight loss and control. Why have I suddenly remembered it? Well, last week, I suffered from a major muscle spasm in my cranial nerve and it was so bad I had to visit a doc and he gave me an injection (ouuuch!).

I hate injections and that is the reason I never donated blood. I wish I had that much courage. Anyways, I digress.

So, while I was at the hospital, I thought I might as well check my weight. Well, I hate to say this but I really wish the machine was faulty. I am too overweight! Time for reality check.

Let me guess, the last time I was feeling healthy was probably during my wedding. Gradually after that I have been putting on without or with my realization. First it was the diet, next it was the stress, then it was the change and then it was neglect. You can think of n number of reasons when it comes to excuses and there is only one answer to it all – determination.

So, I thought why should I not do a round up of all the posts on weight loss I have written on the blog till date. It would be a good exercise for me to refresh my memory and provide me with some motivation. So, here we go.

First, we talk about Habits.

Drinking Water

Well, does not excess water cause bloating up? Actually, no!

Take less salt and drinking more water is the mantra to lose all that bloated belly. Water also flushes out the toxins from the body, especially when you take it the first thing right in the morning. So, create a routine where you drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. Add lemon for added advantage. It really helps.

Also Read : Everything You Must Know About Bloating

How to get undisturbed beauty sleep of 7-10 hours? {Health}

April 27, 2015 Swati 5 Comments

Sleep is a naturally recurring state of relatively suspended sensory and motor activity, characterized by total or partial unconsciousness and the inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles. (Macmillan Dictionary for Students Macmillan)

It is a major misconception that our body is resting when we are asleep. It is, instead, performing the most basic functions of detoxification and rejuvenation so that we feel renewed when we get up from our sleep. According to this post, our body starts its detox process from 9 P.M and we are required not to perform any adrenalin raising activities from this time onwards. Instead, it is advised for us to rest from this time hence.

One of the basic rules of sleeping is having a very light dinner, probably some soup and salads. You can try to manage your weight by following this routine. Having cabbage soup is the best way to cut down your belly fat. Salads ensure the health of your teeth. They do not overload the stomach. You should eat your dinner two hours prior to sleeping.

Do not take any fluids in the mean time. But, if you must drink a cup of green tea one hour before sleeping. Reduce your water intake at night. You can refill your system in the morning. Taking fluids just before sleeping will interrupt your sleep.

Take a warm and relaxing bath before having dinner, if you wish. It will also aid in good sleep. Finish your skin care routine during this time.

9 P.M onwards relax and do not indulge in any physical activity. Instead, listen to music, read, do little stretch exercises or light yoga, massage your scalp and face. These activities will help you get quality sleep. Do not watch television or browse internet. Take break and think about pleasant thoughts which make you happy and lift your spirits. Do not think about work next day and get stressed.

Remember, your sleep should always be undisturbed at night. Exercise is one of the best ways to go for it. Make it a routine to exercise regularly. Half-hour a day is enough. Try to exercise in the early morning, instead of evening, as it freshens up your entire body inside out. You feel energized and eat more breakfast which goes well with the body.

Sitting on the Floor – How Important? {Health}

July 7, 2014 Swati 7 Comments

We have moved!! Yup, to an apartment nearer to the offices! And, if you are a renter, you would know how difficult a move can be, especially the first move coz you do not have anything except for your clothes. We did try finding a furnished apartment but that did not happen.

So, the new house was bare with only walls and floor. And, all the furniture we ordered was not gonna be delivered for a week or two. Thankfully, we had the presence of mind to order for the mattresses before hand. So, we had something to work with.

And, that was the time when the problems arose. There was no stool or chair to sit on. For everything, we had to sit on the floor, cutting veggies or relaxing or sleeping. It has been almost 10 years since I have slept on the floor and the last time was at my grandparents house so I was clearly out of practice.

Helps with spinal cord stretch while sleeping

My mom prefers to sleep on the floor or hard beds because of her back problem. Apparently, the hardness of the floor helps alleviating the body of all kinds of pains. Honestly, I can not vouch for the scientific reasoning or proof of this statement and neither did this happen in my case. In fact, I everyday fell asleep dreaming of the soft and spongy memory foam mattresses of the hotels 😀

Definitely helps with Knees and Hips

Well, Indian tradition has always been pretty scientific. Even the squatting required in the Indian toilets has been proved to be beneficial for the health and body as opposed to the western ones. The act of sitting down and rising allows the lubrication of the knees and hip joints and keeps them healthy.

May Lose Me some Weight

Well, yes, I have yet to start with weight loss series. But, for now, I was just hoping all that up and down might have helped me with losing at least a kg or two. Man, you realize the weight of your body when you actually have to sit and get up from the ground!! But, then, two weeks might not make a lot of difference.

Apparently helps with Digestion and Makes one eat properly

I hate eating while sitting on the floor. It might be traditional or amazing for the body but I absolutely hate leaning and bending on my plate to eat without spilling. It is just too inconvenient, especially when you are over-weight! But, I think because of this reason, you tend to eat less and so less calories 🙂 Nah, I used to sit on the mattress as opposed to the floor while having my meals so no reduction in calories 🙁

And, the list does not even start here. When I just googled about this topic, there are plenty many reason to sit on the floor and most of which will do amazing things for your body and help you keep active. So, go on and find yourself just one reason and start the practice! I know weight loss is good enough a reason for many of us and yet…we are lazy!

Do you have the habit of sitting on the floor?

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Books 2014 Vol. 3 – On the List : “The Body Book” by Cameron Diaz

February 2, 2014 Swati Leave a Comment

Did you hear the latest news? Cameron Diaz has released a book to help with the figure-conscious women. I so wanna read it. Check out some of the interesting articles on the book here and here.

Two things on the top of the list in her book are Drinking Loads of Water and Exercising for all the Right Reasons. Have you started doing that?

Books 2014 Vol. 1 – “A Treacherous Likeness” by Lynn Shephard