Swathy

Foods to eat and avoid during weight loss regime {Health}

Swathy · June 6, 2012 · 20 Comments

I had posted about my weight loss resolution a while back. Not that its really working out great but I thought I would do a post on what foods to avoid during weight loss regimes.

Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice

Brown Rice has amazing amount of fiber and nutrition as compared to white rice. You can read about the comparison here. Also, it has amazing amount of health benefits as well. More fiber is equal to increased metabolism of the body and higher rate of fat burning. And, fiber keeps a person full for longer and control the cravings. I have noticed that whenever I eat white rice I always put on weight which doesn’t happen when I eat brown rice.

Avoid Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most dangerous foods when on a weight loss regime. I love potatoes to the core and can’t ever avoid them in any form, be it sandwiches or parathas or golgappas 😀 My mouth is already watering!!! So, try to avoid the huge potatoes and if you have to eat the potatoes, go for the baby potatoes as they are more nutritious and have less starch as compared to the bigger ones. Oh, I forgot to tell you that you can always have baked potatoes.

No Carbohydrates after 6:00 PM

This is one of the most important things to remember. Eating sugar or any carbohydrates after 6 is bound to increase your fat. Because, the carbohydrates and sugar get accumulated and do not get metabolised by the body in the evenings properly. So, say no to pastries and cheese and rice and all the yummy things after 6!!! For dinner, concentrate only on more of the fiber intake so that the digestion is faster and easier.

Would you like to add anything to the list?

How do I use a toner? {Skin Care}

Swathy · June 4, 2012 · 92 Comments

Toner is a product which has been under constant attack by everyone saying it is a useless step and doesn’t really do anything for skin. But, you might have checked out my many DIY toners. So, yes, I do use a toner on and off and since face mists have hit the market, they have been favorites with every gal. So, I wanted to share a tip today. Using a toner regular can improve the hydration levels of the skin. And, for that, you need not go any far.

What toner do I use?

A simple rose water is enough to do the job. Or, green tea as well. I had also prepared a toner with essential oils which I had shared here. Frankly, I have used only one commercially available spritzer otherwise all my toners are DIY’s. They are inexpensive and also I can play with them as I want.

How do I use the toner?

I store my toners in spray bottles and try to use them both morning and night but generally, I miss them in the mornings!!! I collect the toner in my palm by spraying 5-8 pumps and rub the palms and apply the toner on my face and neck. No, generally, I don’t spill the product.

Results

Whenever I apply the toner on my face and then, follow immediately with facial oils, I have always noticed that the products get absorbed super fast and also leave a very dewy look. Also, the amount of moisturizer / oil required is less comparatively to when skin is not dewy. And, if you use green tea as a toner, it also helps with breakouts and acne!!

My skin is more hydrated and supple and if I miss toner 2-3 days continuously in a row, my skin goes dull again 🙁 So, I am working on making ‘applying toner’ a very religious affair. Do give this tip a try and lemme know how it goes for you 🙂

Fenugreek Curd Hair Mask {Reader’s Tip}

Swathy · June 3, 2012 · 63 Comments

Thanks Sonal for the wonderful tip 🙂

“The curd- methi powder mask works wonders for hair! Take 2 tsp of methi powder in a bowl of curd. Apply it on hair, wear a shower cap and wait for 45 mins. Wash it properly with ample water, a little messy & sticky but good for hair. Instead of shampooing right after, apply oil and wash it off the next morning :)”