Foods that help you look younger

I've heard there are certain foods that can help hold onto the years. Please elaborate on those that I should incorporate and avoid.

Most of us want to look young and great, don't we? The truth is that ageing not only affects the way we look, but also our overall health. The process has an impact on all vital body functions. But diseases like osteoporosis and atherosclerosis that commonly accompany old age are not an inevitable part of ageing.

Interestingly, the process of ageing is still a mystery. One theory is that when we are young, we produce plenty of active cells to meet our needs. But, during late adolescence and adulthood, cells inevitably age and die. In fact, free radical cell damage has been significantly associated with ageing.

There's abundant evidence in favour of the theory that the fountain of youth emanates from a proper diet. While no diet can stop ageing, research proves that calorie restriction can greatly slow it down. Studies have shown that animals on lean rations live about 50% longer and show much lower rates of cancer than control groups that are allowed to feed freely.

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While the exact mechanisms to explain the relation between calorie restriction and anti-ageing are not yet clear, it's believed that hormonal and immune system changes may be involved. Calorie restriction reduces metabolic rate, oxidative damage and improves markers of age-related diseases, such as insulin resistance in case of diabetes.

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Research shows that regular intake of anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and good fat is critical for protection from diseases and increasing lifespan. Also, following a mild restriction (say 10%) on your present calorie intake helps.

• Your diet should be/have:Low in calories and high in nutrients.
• Particularly rich in phyto-chemicals (anti-oxidants), Vitamin B6, B12, folic acid, zinc, calcium, iron, chromium, vitamin D & E and Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Include plenty of whole-grains, brightly coloured (red, yellow and green) fruits and vegetables. Choose fresh, seasonal and organic foods.
• Protein sources like fish, soya, peas and beans, seeds, nuts, fermented milk and food products.
• Natural sources of fats such as seeds, nuts, coconut, fish and cold pressed oils.
• Functional foods like barley, oats, soya, garlic, onion, mushrooms, berries, yoghurt, etc.
• Probiotic foods like kefir (fermented milk) and yoghurt.
• Prebiotic foods like whole-grains, soya, vegetables, fruits and seeds.
• Minimal, or better still, no processed or refined foods, sugars, hydrogenated fats, preservatives, chemicals, etc.

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Also incorporate these lifestyle changes:

• Ensure a deep and restful sleep through the night.
• Have meals in pleasant surroundings and in enjoyable company.
• Have confectionary and desserts only occasionally.
• Do not skip breakfast, have smaller, frequent meals and early dinner.
• Do not smoke and indulge in substance abuse.
• Make sure you maintain regular physical activity.

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When it comes to health and longevity, the sum of the dietary components is significantly greater than its individual elements. So try to keep all of this in mind and you will stay young and look lovely!

Chewing gum helps recovering from cancer faster

London: Chewing sugar-free gum after operations can help bowel cancer patients get their digestive systems back to normal and recover faster, scientists say.

Studies have found that patients undergoing surgery likely to affect their bowel function were fit enough to go home as much as two days earlier than other patients if they chewed gum. It's also found that chewing gum has helped new moms recovering from caesarean sections, as well as patients undergoing stomach surgery, who can suffer from painful cramps until digestion returns to normal.

Now, surgeons at University College London Hospital are asking patients booked for bowel cancer surgery to bring supplies of sugar-free gum with them, to be chewed three times a day, for an hour, after their operation, BBC News reported.

Consultant colorectal surgeon Alastair Windsor said the trial is part of a programme to find new ways to help patients recover from treatment. He said many patients undergoing many types of surgery likely to affect their digestive system could benefit from bringing gum to hospital, but advised them to ask their own doctor first.

Windsor said: "One of the things that delays people recovering from surgery is that they get what is called an ileas where the bowel goes to sleep. "It seems that chewing gum can stimulate the saliva, which starts enzyme production in the pancreas, and that then stimulates gastro-intestinal activity."

The trial, which began six months ago, has yet to publish results, but the surgeon said so far patients were responding well to it.

Experts say- Sleep helps decision making

London: The notion that a good night's sleep helps when making important decisions is now endorsed by scientists.

They say that a good sleep enhances complex cognitive skills necessary for decision-making.

In a first such study of its kind, researchers probed the effects of sleep on affect-guided decision-making - that is decisions on meaningful topics where subjects care about the outcome, Daily Mail reported Monday.

Lead researcher Rebecca Spencer, of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, taught a group of 54 young people to play a card game for rewards of play money in which wins and losses for various card decks mimic casino gambling.

Subjects who had a normal night's sleep drew from decks that gave them the greatest winnings, four times more often than those who spent the 12-hour break awake, the Mail said quoting the study. Those who were rested also better understood the underlying rules of the game, it said.

"There is something to be gained from taking a night to sleep on it when you're facing an important decision.

"We found that the fact that you slept makes your decisions better," Mail said quoting Spencer.

She and her colleagues believe this sleep benefit in making decisions may be due to changes in underlying emotional or cognitive processes.

"Our guess is that this enhanced effect on decision-making is something that depends on rapid-eye-movement or REM sleep, which is the creative period of our sleep cycle," Spencer added.

The UMass Amherst study used the Iowa Gambling Task, a gambling card game that assesses frontal lobe function, where more emotional decisions originate.

The study was published in the Journal of Sleep Research. Read More

Now, a T-shirt that can charge mobile phones

London: Imagine plugging your mobile into your T-shirt to charge its battery. It may sound a bit utopian but it's now a reality, thanks to scientists who've developed such a garment which uses loud music to power up a cell phone.

A team at telecoms giant Orange has unveiled the new T-shirt that charges mobiles while one watches musical bands in action; users just have to plug their phones into the T- shirt for a quick top-up charge whenever they need it.

The futuristic garment works by using noise-responsive technology - simply, the louder the music, then the quicker the phone charges, say its developers.

It uses an A4-size piece of piezoelectric film in a T-shirt to absorb pressure from sound waves. It converts these into an electrical charge, which it then transfers from its battery into a lead that fits most phones.

Orange will be conducting live testing of the gadget on site at the Glastonbury musical festival in Britain to see which acts are the "best to charge to" around the Spirit Of 71 stage, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

Tony Andrews, co-producer of the Spirit Of 71, said: "Sound vibrations, particularly bass frequencies, will

create enough shaking to produce electricity from a material as simple as piezoelectric film.

"It looks like it could provide a real solution to mobile charging and I'm interested to see how the Orange Sound Charge performs in live testing environment like Glastonbury." Andrew Pearcey, Head of sponsorship at Orange UK, said, "In a vibrant festival environment such as Glastonbury, sound is such an obvious medium that it seemed like a natural fit to use it in the development of this year's prototype."

Read More

How to Get Promoted Easily

Climbing up the corporate laddercan be an ordeal. It requires hard work, grit and determination and a bit of luck.

You just can't bank upon your degrees, past work experience, skills etc. to get promoted. There has to be a plan in place. And once you figure out the plan, you need to execute it well.

Expecting to be promoted solely on the basis of your academic credentials, potential or seniority would only be foolhardy. At the same time, don't get perturbed if you someone seemingly less qualified getting the position you thought you deserved the most. Don't make the error of calling it quits in a spur of the moment. This would only prove that you were not the right person for the job. What if you get a better opportunity or what if the person who got promoted fails miserably? The idea is to remain focused on your long-term career goals and not get swayed by small setbacks.

Here are a few tips to help you get promoted in your office:

Don't sell yourself short. Remember, it's not just the fancy degree that gets you success, it's your thinking about yourself that you sell around to your employers that gives them the grounds to judge you.

There are 5 essential qualities that bosses look for when they are thinking of your promotion:

Productivity- if you're thinking promotion, you better be productive! Your reports should be speaking that out aloud!

Willingness to Accept Responsibility- As the word goes, 'with power, comes responsibility'. You've got to be prepared for that “something extra” if you want that something extra!

Reliability- You need to prove it to them that you are that one person they can fall onto anytime - always meeting deadlines, taking initiatives and of course, the one with a good attendance record.

Cheerfulness- Oh come on! Nobody likes sulking people at their work place!

Wanting to Learn- We've heard this numerous times at school and everywhere else and the fact is that it is true. Learning never ends and as long as you're willing to learn, they're willing to think good of you!

Check, check and check your work again and again until you're sure that it is fool proof! No boss likes an erroneous report.

Being the 'yes-man' can do you only short term good. In the long run, it's your ability to be vocal about what you think is right or wrong that makes you stand out (unless you're being offensive).

Develop your peoples' skills. Companies love team people and not to forget, man doesn't exist (read succeed) in isolation! Network with your colleagues. Always keep in touch with the HR department so as to not miss out any opportunities.  Read More

Is your kitchen safe?

Even if you've got a top-of-the-line stovetop, an electric chimney and a fire extinguisher in place, your kitchen may not be all that safe. Here are some tips to help you make it danger-proof...

• Stow away a first-aid kit and a fire blanket in one of your cabinets.
• Ensure that there's a distance of at least 3ft between your cooking range and refrigerator. Electricity and fire never mix well.
• Never allow electric cords to trail on the countertop or the floor. There may be wet ingredients or water spills that may trigger short-circuits.
• Do not climb on countertops to reach overhead lofts. Use a step-stool instead. It's a safer, easier climb.
• Store your knives with their sharp edges inside a wooden knife block (you can find these at any quality departmental store).
• Check fortnightly for any breaks and cuts on electric cords.
• Clean up wet spillages instantly; always allow the floor to dry before walking on it.
• Avoid using multiple plugs and extensions cords - they overload the circuits and can lead to a fire.
• Avoid placing electric sockets near the sink. Install your microwave and toaster as far as possible from the sink.
• Keep your floor clear of boxes, stools, grocery bags, mopping buckets and the like to avoid any chances of tripping.
• Store all chemical cleaners in the lowest cabinet cupboard so that leaks do not contaminate food.
• Make a list of all your emergency telephone numbers such as fire, gas leakage and ambulance services and tack it up next to your telephone. You never know when you may need any of them!
• In case of a fire that's spreading due to an oil spill, cover the source with a fire blanket or a damp cloth and turn off the gas supply. Don't use water!
• If a fire starts in a microwave or oven, shut the door, keep it closed, and turn off the electricity.
• In case of cooking-gas leakage, turn off the supply line for piped gas or the valve of the gas cylinder. Open all the windows; do not use a match, or switch on lights - it could all explode in your face. If gas continues to leak, call the gas company and get out of the house. If your clothes happen to catch fire, quickly drop to the floor and roll while keeping your eyes covered.  Read More

4 Essential Things to Keep in Mind while Buying an Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is your safest bet for dealing with the sweltering heat in the summers. Nothing soothes more than the cold air issuing from the vents of an AC. With an AC, you also get a fair share troubles as unwanted gifts.

An air conditioner is your safest bet for dealing with the sweltering heat in the summers. Nothing soothes more than the cold air issuing from the vents of an AC. With an AC, you also get a fair share troubles as unwanted gifts. Enormous electricity bills, irritating noise, ardous tasks of cleaning the filters, etc. are enough to end your enchantment with the AC you brought with great delight. To ensure such tragedy doesn't strike, you need to keep certain things in mind when you go out to buy an AC.

Energy Efficiency

This is the most definitive factor one needs to keep in mind while shopping for an air conditioner. ACs are gadgets which devour huge amount of power. Getting huge electricity because of you air conditioner is extremely painful. Energy efficiency for ACs is measured in terms star ratings. The higher the star rating the more efficient the AC and lower your bill. Hitachi has introduced a new range of air conditioners: SUMMER QC which have been designed to consumer minimum power and yet deliver optimum cooling.

Cooling Capacity

The ability of a cooling device to cool an area is measured in terms of British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU, the more cooling power the unit has. However, there's no point picking up an AC with extremely high cooling capacity if you plan to fit it in your living room. Hitachi offers some of the best ACs in terms of cooling capacities. Equipped with new age technologies like: Auto Climate Technology, Auto Humidity Control, Kaimin (adjustment of cooling in the night hours) etc., Hitachi ACs are indeed value for money products.

Installation Requirements

If you're planning to buy a window AC, make sure the unit is big/small enough to fit the window. Several ACs require special wiring and installation of a metal shell. It's also important that the AC is fitted in the appropriate window in the room in case the room has more than one windows. It is the location of the air conditioner in the room which would determine the flow and uniform distribution of cool air all around the room. Hitachi Kaze ACs come with a unique feature of 4-way air distribution. This ensures that the cool air gets spread all across the room.

Cleaning

A lot of air goes in and out of the vents of an air conditioner. The air we breathe is full of dust, dirt and other particulate matter. After some time of installing the AC, you find that the filter is clogged with grime and dirt. Chances are that you'll be greeted with an obnoxious smell, the last thing you would want from your AC. Hitachi iClean ACs have a ground-breaking Auto Clean Function feature which automatically (and smartly) cleans the AC filter once 10 cumulative running hours are completed.

Kill workplace stress with potted plants on your desk

If you feel stressed and exhausted while in office, keeping potted plants on your desk could have a health benefit, a new study says.

In the study led by environmental psychology expert Tina Bringslimark and her team at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and Uppsala University, Sweden, researchers found the presence of potted plants in offices reduced fatigue, stress, dry throats, headaches, coughs and dry skin among workers, Daily Mail reported.

In a second study conducted on 385 office workers, the researchers looked at sick-leave rates and the number of plants individuals could see from their desks. Results showed that the more plants they could see, the less sick leave they took.

An explanation is that plants and the microbes in their soil are good at removing volatile, organic compounds that can affect health.

"There could also be a psychological explanation in that people believe plants are healthier and are likely to evaluate their own health more optimistically," said Bringslimark.

Potted plants are particularly beneficial for offices where workers do not have a window, says a report from Washington State University.

In the US research, workers completed timed computer tasks in rooms with and without plants. When plants were present, workers were more productive and had a 12 per cent quicker reaction time. They were less stressed and had lower blood pressure.

Bringslimark says that foliage plants, or houseplants, may be better than flowering plants.

Top 10 Foods to Reduce Belly Fat

Obese people find it the hardest to deal with the fat stored in and around the abdomen and the waist.

Not only does belly fat make your abdomen bulge out, it also poses grave risk to of diseases like hypertension, diabetes and stroke. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), men who have a waist more than 40 inches have heightened risk of heart diseases and diabetes.

The most common reasons for the accumulation of fat in the tummy are hormonal imbalance, excessive eating, intake of large quantities of alcohol, sweets and chocolates and lack of exercise. Stress is also one of the prominent reasons for the storage of fat in the belly. Stress triggers the secretion of a hormone called cortisol. Excess of cortisol stimulates the storage of fat around the waist. Then there's another factor of improper digestion. Due to malfunctioned digestion gastro problems arise and this leads to a persistently puffy belly. As we add years, our efficiency of burning calories goes down, so sluggish metabolism also sets off the buildup of fat around the midsection.

If belly fat is one of your problems and you still thrive on a typical diet full of oily, starchy foods and carbs, it's time for you to treat this article as a wake-up call. You would need to change your diet drastically. First of all, you should avoid eating two to three hours before bedtime to control the belly fat. At the same time, incorporate foods which can help you overcome the problem.

Here's some information on foods which you should consume if you have a bloated belly.

Eggs: They provide good quality protein which in turn helps overcome hunger pangs.
Beans: Beans like black gram (chana), green gram (chana), chick peas and green moong bustle with fibre and proteins. They help you shed pounds and improve muscle tone.

Oat Meal: Befriend the good ol' oats if you're battling belly fat. Start your day with oats cooked in water or consume them with milk. They're high in soluble fibre and low in fat.
Vegetables: Green vegetables are rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. Consuming vegetables for dinner without chapatis and/or rice is helpful in shrinking the waist size. What's more, most green veggies have only 30-60 calories per 100 grams.
Barley: Barley has a considerably low glycemic index and contains lots of soluble fibre. This helps in diminishing the circumference of the waist. Regular consumption cuts down the risk of cardiac diseases and type II diabetes.

Green Tea: Polyphenols present in the tea help boost metabolism. Green tea is less processed and contains higher levels of anti-oxidants. It greatly suppresses the appetite.
Milk: When we say milk, we're not recommending full-cream milk. In fact, make sure you stay away from that. Go for non-fat milk which has the same amount of calcium and protein as full-cream milk but contains less sodium and helps prevent water retention. This reduces bloating.

Yogurt: It's oozing with calcium and protein and has very less calories (80 calories in a cup of low-fat yogurt).The beneficial bacteria present in yogurt boost immunity and aid bowel movement.
Tomatoes: The luscious red tomatoes contain only 20 caloriesper hundred gram. They are rich in fibres, lycopene and potassium. They avert water retention, thereby also preventing bloating of the belly.

Olive Oil: People realise that veggies are good for health but many find their taste boring. Add a small quantity of olive oil. This will improve the flavour of vegetables and make them tastier. But its real benefit is that it can help you lose the hateful flab around your belly.  Read More

Say ‘no’ to crash diet; warns health experts

New Delhi: Every day people are going on crash diets to meet immediate draconian goals, but experts warn it is equivalent to abusing your body. When 29-year-old Shikha Arora went on an 'all fruit' diet to lose weight before her wedding, she managed to lose 10 kg in a record one-and-a-half months but she had to deal with low BP and severe headache on her D-Day.

She is not the only one, there are many youngsters who are in a hurry to look slim, inviting major health problems.

'This is a very common problem. Miracles don't happen in a day. One has to be persistent and dedicated in losing weight. But people don't want to work hard, they just want shortcuts. Unfortunately, there is no shortcut to weight loss. You end up abusing your body,' Aashu, a gym trainer, told news agency.

'Most of the girls who come to me want to fit into their wedding lehenga. Then there are those who have been warned by doctors that they have to lose weight if they want to live long,' said Aashu.

Their shortcut to success is answered in yo-yo diet, described as an extreme form of losing weight. It has a cyclical pattern of weight loss and gain and often seen as a harmful weight-losing technique.

Then there is all protein diet or liquid diet option - it helps to lose weight quickly, but leaves its side effects too.

'There is no other way to lose weight so quickly than by going on crash dieting because you don't eat anything till you achieve the result. But in a short span of time you gain weight again because you have been depriving yourself of calories and food,' said, Ritika Samaddar, chief dietician at Max Healthcare Samaddar.

Movie stars play an important role in common people's lives and the tale of gaining and losing weight to fit into the skin of characters is prevalent in Bollywood and Hollywood.

Actor Christian Bale lost 28 kg in three months to enact the role of Trevor Reznick, a paranoid insomniac in 'The Machinist', and right after that he had to bulk up for 'The Dark Knight', for which he reportedly gained 100 pounds (45 kg) in over six weeks.

Similarly Abhishek Bachchan had gained 11 kg for 'Guru' and Vinay Pathak had also piled on kilos for 'Bheja Fry 2'.

But it doesn't do any good to the body, says Althea Shah, VP operations and fitness expert at Gold's gym, Mumbai.

'Quick gaining and losing causes havoc with the metabolism. The body systems get adjusted to food patterns and take some time to change from a set routine. The digestion process gets affected if the body is put on crash diets or binge eating,' Shah told news agency.

According to studies, a liquid diet high on protein may lead to headaches, fatigue and nausea. Protein-based liquid diet can also cause constipation because it lacks fibre; it can also cause loss of lean muscle mass and a decrease in metabolism.

Hrithik Roshan, who had piled on 15 kilos to play a paraplegic in 'Guzaarish' and binged on all sorts of junk food, said: 'I didn't work out for six-seven months. After 15 years, I found out the taste of batata vada and samosas. I binged like anything. But when I was on this toxic programme, health took a very bad shape.'

When 53-year-old Arjun Jaivir realised he was suffering from breathing problems and was on the brink of having a heart attack, he decided to lose weight and went on 'only lime-water' diet. He managed to lose weight and has maintained it till date, but his muscle strength is zero and he lacks stamina.

Crash diets could lead to multiple side effects, says Mumbai-based fitness guru Sheru Aangrish, adding that problems like haggard look, dark under eyes, dull skin, sloppy posture and less stamina are very common among such people.

'Quick weight loss is not healthy either because that leads to loss of more muscle mass than fat. The process of losing fat and gaining muscle may vary from individual to individual but there is no short cut. I don't recommend to anyone instant weight gain or weight loss,' he said.  Read More

A cup of tea daily can slash the risk of cancer

London: Drinking tea has many health benefits. Now, add one more to the list -- taking a cup of the beverage daily can help slash the risk of developing cancer by shrinking tumours, say researchers.
   
Previous researches have already linked tea's healthy antioxidant properties and high flavonoid content to cutting the risk of some cancers as well as heart disease.
   
Now, a new study has shown that black tea could help prevent cancer.
   
In the study, US researchers analyzed the compound theaflavin-2 (TF-2), found only in black tea and oolong Chinese tea, which has been shown to kill cancer cells.
   
The study explored how TF-2 induced cancer cell death and found that it caused such cells to shrink within three hours. When the researchers looked at a specific set of genes that kill cancer cells, TF-2 was found to activate the genes.
   
The study also showed that TF-2 can suppress the activity of a gene that sparks an inflammatory enzyme known as COX2 while also reducing the activity of other inflammatory molecules, the daily reported.
   
Tim Bond of the Tea Advisory Panel in the UK said "The study has demonstrated that components of black tea can help shrink and kill cancer cells and/or result in helping to reduce the number of tumours.
   
"These findings suggest the need for clinical trials to evaluate the effect of black tea and its components on the risk of cancer in humans. New studies are needed to shed further light on clinical applications of black tea ingredients."   Read More

7 steps to get started with Yoga today!

The benefits of yoga are multitude and if you are new to yoga, these seven tips will start you on the road to a more centered life.


1. If you have a heart problem or under medication, talk to your doctor and explain what type of yoga poses you intend to practice. Your doctor may rule out specific poses if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of retinal detachment, or heart disease. Make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations.

2. Find a yoga class that best fits your abilities. Talk to prospective teachers, and decide whether or not you can handle a program before you sign up. It’s very important to take it one step at a time. Try a few beginner classes before you attempt more vigorous classes. Don’t move ahead too quickly. Allow your body to adjust to your exercises.

3. Listen to your body and be aware of your physical abilities. You don't want to hurt yourself. Make sure the instructor understands your level of experience and any limitations you may have. Don’t allow anyone to push you ahead too quickly. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and relaxing.

4. If you can’t find a class that meets your needs, you can always practice yoga at home. There are many books, programs, and tapes available to help you get started. Search for the best products on the Internet and read reviews. Talk to others for recommendations.

5. Why not try private lessons? You can book some one-on-one sessions with a teacher in your area. Most yoga instructors offer private classes or can help you design your own program. This is a good way to get started. You can always take group lessons or practice at home after you’ve had private lessons and learned the basics.

6. Find a yoga buddy. It’s nice to practice with someone and it will help reduce injuries. It’s also a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and interest.

7. Eat lightly before practice. Wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but don’t let yourself get too hungry to think. You won't be able to focus on the poses or enjoy yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises. Read More

Enjoy monsoon with these foods

The monsoons have officially arrived. With the cold and damp weather all around, nothing brings back the warmth like a piping hot dish. The season gives you a perfect opportunity to indulge yourself in some hot, tasty and filling preparations... 
 
Pad Thai: Thai cuisine has always been known for its rich spices and heavy noodle preparations. What makes Pad Thai a great dish is that it combines both elements to create a superb dish that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also your appetite. Made with stir fried noodles, rice, tamarind juice, bean sprouts and red chilli pepper, this hot, tangy dish is a feast in itself.
 
Pakodas: This is everyone's favourite, whether you love or hate the monsoon. What makes this snack extremely tasty is the batter, which is made out of rice and gram flour, mixed with turmeric powder and cumin seeds blend in water. Add a little red chilli powder to spice it up and deep fry them. The pakodas taste even better with a piping hot with a cup of tea. The delightful crunch of the onion or celery or bite into a hot piece of potato bhajjis is truly amazing. And when ones talking of bhajji's we can't ignore the yummy Vada pav.
 
Sheera: Whether you call it Kesari Bhaat or sheera, this sweet is a huge favourite especially in the Western region. The sweet is basically a porridge prepared from whole wheat flour, clarified butter, sugar and garnished with dry fruits like raisins, cashew nuts or almonds. Having a warm plate of the sweet at home while watching the rain pour heavily outside, is simply perfect.
 
Manchow Soup: A staple dish, whether you are eating at a fancy restaurant or a roadside stall, manchow soup is the best answer for the monsoons. The soup is easy to make, and one can experiment with various vegetables or meat pieces. The soup is also known for it health benefits – becoming comfort food to anyone suffering from a nasty cold or fever. Add fried noodles to your soup and you're ready to go.
 
Date pancakes with vanilla ice cream: While you may find this dessert at a few restaurants, date pancakes are easy to make at home as well. Create a paste using the dates, honey and water. You can leave a few tiny pieces of the dates out to decorate you dish before you serve it. Prepare the pancakes with wholewheat flour, eggs sugar and milk. Make sure your pancake comes out crisp. You can cut the pancake into small sandwich-like pieces with the date paste in between. Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top and voila!
 
It is simple dishes like these that can help you enjoy a season to its fullest, creating warm and happy memories.  Read More

Here’s how to look fresh

With monsoons round the corner, the most important thing for you to keep in mind is to steer clear of any heavy make-up, foundation or compact. 

Just stick to the bare essentials to start with - face wash, moisturiser, sun block, etc.

- Start with an elimination cream that will even out your skin tone and give you sheen. For those with breakouts or dark under-eye circles, apply an exact matching shade of compact under and over your eyes. Make sure you blend it well along your nose and cheeks using a soft face sponge.

- Pat it all down with a soft touch of matching sheer translucent powder using a blending brush. The correct brush will ensure that you don't over-apply powder and leave it looking patchy.  Read More

- If you sweat a lot (the humidity doesn't help), massage your face with an ice cube for five minutes before starting any treatment on it. This will prevent you from sweating immediately and keep the make-up in place for longer.

- To match Indian skin tones, once the base is in place, use a cream-based blush from the orange, peach or pink family to give your face the 'morning fresh' look.  Read More

Fashion Tips for Rainy Season ---:

Though rainy season is enjoyed by everyone, but getting drenched in the rain may not be a very pleasant experience for most people. You would want to just sit back at home with a cup of coffee and enjoy the rain. However this is not always possible. Everything has its own advantages and disadvantages.

One major disadvantage during this season is the clothes. You need to take extra care of what you wear as clothes get spoiled very easily. Raincoats and umbrellas are a saving grace but the main idea is to look chic and fashionable for the season.

A Few Fashion Tips to Help You --:

Boots :-- During rainy season it is best to say good bye to your favorite pair of heels and sandals. You can rather go for boots or flip-flops. Leather and suede shoes are a big certian. You may just not be able to save them from the rains.

Bare Essentials :-- Carrying a few essentials is very important, especially during rainy season. You wouldn’t want your outfit to get ruined by mud and puddle. Make sure you carry a raincoat or an umbrella to protect yourself.

Bright Colors :-- Dig into your wardrobe for bright colored clothes. It’s always good to wear bright clothes as they uplift your spirit. Dark clouds would make you feel low and gloomy, therefore do not allow this to dominate you.

Bags :-- Make sure that you carry a big plastic bag during rainy season to keep your raincoat or umbrella. Plastic bags have also come into use, just incase you want to carry your leather shoes so that you can change whenever you step out. Since plastic is waterproof you can be rest assured that you wouldn’t get stranded in the rain without carrying one.

Sedentary lifestyle tied to diabetes, heart disease, premature death: Is TV to blame?

(CBS) Looking for an easy way to save yourself from diabetes, heart disease, or even an early death?

Turn off the television.

That's the implication of a not-exactly-earth-shaking new study by Harvard researchers, who looked at the health of TV junkies from 1970 to 2011 and found some pretty major health risks.

"The message is simple," study author Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard's School of Public Health, said in a written statement. "Cutting back on TV watching can significantly reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and premature mortality."

Wait, too much TV time is bad for you? Somebody stop the presses. But while previous studies have linked TV viewing to high blood pressuer and obesity, this study actually puts a number on how much TV viewing it takes to suffer health consequences. 

Want the specifics? Watching TV for  two hours a day ups the risk for  type 2 diabetes by 20 percent and cardiovascular disease by 15 percent, the study showed. More than three hours of daily viewing and you're upping your risk of dying from any disease. 

But let's be real - who watches TV for only two hours a day?

On average, Europeans spend 40 percent of their free time watching TV, while Australians spend 50 percent - three to four hours a day.

But Americans always seem to strive to be tops, and here is no exception. We average five hours of TV time every day, according to the study, which was published in the June 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Just what should you do in light of the finding? As Dr. Hu told HealthDay, "Those who watch a lot of TV should cut back on TV watching and do more of something else."

Time to put down the remote and go for a walk?  Read more