Secrets of Healthy Living

More than ever before, people are now striving to live longer and stay healthier. The secrets of healthy living are hidden gems, which are presented in the following content. If you are desirous to stay healthier, be advised to make sure that the food you eat is healthy. It's important to combine food types to create a well balanced diet. As we learn to understand how the food that we eat interacts in our body, the better we can decide, as on what to keep in our daily diet to stay healthier.

The food we take can be broadly classified as:

Alkaline and Acidic

Acidic environment favors development of harmful bacteria, while the alkaline environment potentiates the development of good ones. Food that we typically take is 70% acidic and 30% alkaline, which in fact should be opposite for a healthy living. As the human body is Alkaline in nature so; it has to maintain slightly alkaline plasma. The insufficient intake of alkaline food compels body to restore balance by extracting calcium from bones and other places like teeth. Furthermore, the deficiency of Vitamin D due to lack of sunlight and animal food are the main reasons for continual increase in Dental diseases, fragile bones and Arthritis.

Hence, the nutritious food includes 70%alkaline and 30% acidic food. A few points should also be taken care of for a healthy living:

-        The intake of Fats and oils should not exceed 10-15 ml per day (that is; 3 tea spoons) 

-        Increased intake of organic food, whilst the carbohydrate based foods should be minimized as much as possible

-        Avoid sugar and salt

-        Drink lots of water

-        Use mouthwash at night to avoid dental problems

Vegetables and Fruits

These should be the major portion of the food you eat each day. These are very rich in nutrients and would give your body the essential minerals and vitamins it requires. It doesn't make any difference if they are fresh or frozen. The only fact that they are eaten is more than enough. Eating salad regularly is one of the best ways to consume these. An olive oil dressing mixed with lemon and some pepper can make them taste even better. For instance, following should be eaten;

- Green leafy vegetables: for example spinach, cabbage & cauliflower

- Red color vegetables: for example tomato, carrots, beetroot and reddish

- Seasonal Fruits: including bananas, berries, mango, apple, grapes, oranges and so on

Cereals

Dieticians recommend that cereals should make up one third of your daily food intake. Generally, people have misconceptions about this group. Therefore, they consciously avoid eating rice or starchy foods with a mindset that these will increase their waist line. However, this is poor set of information that is prevalent and should be corrected.

Actually cereals contain essential carbohydrates that work wonders. The only thing you have to keep an eye on is the quantity. The bread that people normally think increases weight actually gives them wholesome nutrients required by the body. However, the extra spoon of jam or butter can produce negative effects. Controlling the amount of whatever one takes is another step towards a healthy diet.

The noteworthy examples of cereals good for health include;

- Rice & breakfast cereals

- Whole meal multigrain fresh bread and noodles

- Sweet potatoes, beans and lentils

Dairy products

These are very important in the daily diet. They do contain lots of fats, but still hold great importance. In this regard, the low fat versions of foods like skimmed milk, reduced fat cheese and low fat yoghurt are healthier choices.

Sweets

Anyone can do well if consume these items in moderation. Despite the fact that these foods are almost everyone's favorite, these must be avoided to ensure healthy living. This doesn't mean to completely give up eating them forever; in fact simply decrease the frequency of intake from everyday to once in two a week period or month. Some common examples of these foodies are;

- Fried food

- Chocolates & candies

- Cakes and cookies

- Creams, drinks and soda pop etc.

Meat

Meat is undoubtedly rich in proteins and vital for our body. They should be eaten as a part of diet but in moderation. The good part of it is that you can remove the fat in the meat quite easily. One should take fish at least twice a week and be assured that you eat different kind of fish every time. Some of the examples of healthy meat include; White meat, in which chicken without skin should be used.

Along with a healthy diet, exercise is also an essential part of a healthy living. It is said that one-third of body toxins are removed by sweating only, which would otherwise will have heavy burden on Liver and Kidney.

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Garbanzo beans/Chick Pea Salad to reduce your waist line

I am watching my waist right now and here is my favorite recipe which is kind of making me jump miles ahead whenever I go for it :)

There you go with the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup dried chickpeas (200 grams)

1 jalapeno pepper

3 – 4 tablespoons minced shallot (about ½ large shallot)

½ cup chopped cilantro leaves

Salt – to taste

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon mild-flavored oil (I used light olive oil)

¼ teaspoon dried mango powder (optional)

Method:

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight. (Or, if you didn’t think to soak them ahead of time, put them in a pot and cover with at least 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let them sit, covered, for 1 hour. Then proceed with the recipe.)

2. Drain the chickpeas and cover with plenty of water again. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes. Add 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (1 teaspoon of table salt) and simmer until tender, an additional 10-15 minutes.

3. Drain the beans well.

4. Cut the jalapeno pepper in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Mince the pepper.

5. Whisk the lime juice, oil, and mango powder together.

6. Combine all of the salad ingredients with the lime juice dressing.

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Black Bean Salad ...... best dinner to reduce waist and tone tummy

Black beans has most fiber among beans, it helps tummy remain full for long, fight constipation, prevents bloating and also tones tummy. To top it all its sooooo yummy that you will not go for anything else at dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1tbs ginger garlic, pressed
• 2 cup black beans or 1 15 oz can (without BPA), drained and rinsed
• 1 tomatoes, chopped 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbs fresh lemon juice
• green thai pepper or chilli chopped
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 
  

Method:

1. Mince onions and press garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to bring out the flavour.
2. Mix all ingredients together and serve. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for awhile.

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Desi/Indian Diet plan For Diabetics

I prepared this chart for my dad and he liked it a lot. It definitely will help keep sugar level and weight in control. Its almost 2000 cal diet plan... Lets fight diabetes with this plan :)

What is Diabetes
Diabetes, often referred to by doctors as Diabetes Mellitus, is a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, or it can be both the reasons. Patients with high blood sugar will typically experience polyuria (frequent urination), they will become increasingly thirsty (polydipsia) and hungry (polyphagia).

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. The materials contained within this blog do not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice, which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers. Also, the chart provided should be consulted with qualified Doctor or Nutritionist before you actually start the said diet plan. Results may vary from person to person. We do not guarantee to any results whatsoever.

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Spicy or Masala Kaju (cashew nuts)

Here is another desi snack with Cashew nut :) Easy n royal, what can you ask for more????

Ingredients:

amchoor or dry mango powder     tsp 1/4
black pepper powder  tsp 3/4
cashewnts about 1 lb
chat masala tsp 1 1/2
garam masala 1 tbsp
red chillies powder 1/2 tsp
Clarified butter or desi ghee  1 tbsp

Method:

1. Mix all masala together and keep ready. Heat 2 cups oil for frying. reduce heat. Add kajus and stir fry continuously till they start changing colour and turn light golden. Take it off from stove.

2. Immediately sprinkle the masala while the kajus are still hot. mix thoroughly with the fingers. mix again after 2-3 minuties. let it cool down.

3. When cool, store in air tight container. Serve with drinks.

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Tomato soup

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Couscous

1 tbsp olive oil

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 large onion, diced

3 large cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

1 (14 oz) can tomatoes, with juices

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 cups vegetable stock

1 bay leaf

2 dried red chili peppers

2 teaspoons garam masala

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 (16 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons coconut milk or heavy cream

Method:

1. Fill a pot 2/3 full with water and bring to a boil.  Add the couscous and a generous pinch of salt and cook until the couscous is done, about 5 minutes; drain and set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat; add the bell pepper and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the garlic and ginger and cook 2 minutes more.  Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, stock, bay leaf, dried red chili peppers, garam masala, sugar, salt, and black pepper; turn heat up to high and bring to a boil, then cover the pot, turn heat down to simmer, and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Turn heat off, cool slightly, and remove  and discard the bay leaf and dried red chili peppers.

Transfer 2/3 of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.  Pour the pureed soup back into the pot, along with the chickpeas and lemon juice.  Bring up to a simmer over medium heat, then turn heat off and stir in the couscous and coconut milk or heavy cream.  Taste and season with additional salt, black pepper, sugar, or lemon juice.

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Best Macaroni salad

Ingredients:

7 oz Macaroni
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp vinegar
1/2 tbsp sugar
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 tbsp milk
1 tbsp black olives
1/2 tbsp roasted red peppers
3 springs green onions.


Method:

1. Boil the macaroni till it’s done.

2. Then drain it.Then rinse it under cold water until it’s totally cooled down.

3. Chop up some black olives.

4. Slice up three whole green onions thinly.

5.Then grab some roasted red peppers and chop them.

6. For dressing: To half a cup of mayonnaise add some vinegar, sugar, some milk to make dressing pouring consistency.

7. Add all the above ingredients to macaroni and finally add salt and pepper to taste.

8. Refrigerate it for 30 mins and serve chilled.

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Garlic Hummus Recipe

Ingredients:

One 15 1/2-ounce can chickpeas
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup tahini
4 cloves garlic, minced
 Salt

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a 3-cup food processor. 
2. Blend until desired consistency, seasoning to taste. 
3. For thinner hummus, add more olive oil
4. Serve with pita bread or as a dip.

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Brown Rice

Ingredients:

Brown Rice – 1 cup
Water – 2 cups
Salt – 1/2 tsp (optional)

Method 1 (Pan):

1. Wash and drain Brown Rice.
2. In a sauce pan, bring Brown Rice, Salt and 2 cups of Water to a boil.
3. Cover pan, reduce heat to a low/simmer and continue cooking for 45 minutes.
4. Switch off stove and fluff the rice with a fork.
5. Cover the pan and allow rice to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Method 2 (Pressure Cooker):

1. Wash and drain Brown Rice.
2. Add Brown Rice, Salt and 2 cups of Water to a pressure cooker.
3. Pressure cook for 2 whistles and reduce the heat to a low/simmer. Continue cooking for 30 minutes.
4. Switch off stove and allow the internal pressure from the cooker to subside on its own.
5. Open pressure cooker and fluff rice with a fork.
6. Replace pressure cooker lid and allow rice to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Yummy Colorful veg Salad

Yummy Colorful Veg Summer Salad:

Ingredients:

1/3 cup white vinegar

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon celery seeds

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 medium cabbage, chopped

1/2 large red onion, chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1 medium cucumber, seeds removed, chopped

1 tomato, seeds removed, chopped

4 green onions, chopped

1 tomato chopped

1 teaspoon olive oil

Method:

1.Combine the coleslaw mix and onion in a large bowl.

2. Whisk together the salad dressing, olive oil, salt, vinegar, salt in a medium bowl; blend thoroughly. Pour dressing mixture over salad mix and toss to coat. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

3. Coleslaw mix can be used too instead above chopped vegetables.

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Gajar ( carrot ) Halwa !!!!!

                                                               

Gajar Ka Halwa

It is the greatest Indian dessert ever!!!!!!

Ingredients:

4 cups grated carrot

4 cups of milk (2 cups of milk if mawa is to be added)

1 cup mawa (optional)

2 tablespoon Desi Ghee or Unsalted Butter

1  tablespoon cut almonds

1  tablespoon cut cashew nuts

1  tablespoon cut raisins

1 teaspoon elaichi powder (cardamon ) (if available else use ginger juice to give some peps)

1 cup Sugar 

Dry fruits for garnishing


Method:

1. Heat oil in frying pan and add cut dry fruits to it.

2. Let them fry slightly then add all carrots to it.

3. Fry carrots a little bit then add milk and cardamon to it.

4. Let carrots cook fully in milk then add sugar to it .

5. Fry until the ghee or oil separates out from halwa .

6. Garnish it with mawa and dryfruits upon cooling a bit.

7. Add ginger juice in the end if cardamon is not there.

8. Serve hot or cold, either ways its gonna be delicious !!!!!

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