Health

Lose weight with these easy tips {Health}

Swathy · May 6, 2015 · 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 do I hydrate myself these days? {Health}

Swathy · May 4, 2015 · 18 Comments

Last Updated: 4th May, 2015

So, it is two months into summer here. ~~Hyderabad is getting unbearably hot! And, I had started to get horrible headaches everyday. That was one of the reasons I was not very active in the past two weeks.~~

This time Hyderabad is quite unpredictable. As soon as it gets too hot, it is raining over here and the weather is cooling down. And, since I am not working or having to travel 50 kms everyday back and forth from the office like I did last year, life is easier. But, then, I have to live with sun beating down on me on my top floor apartment!!

It does get pretty suffocating some times but right now I am enjoying the breeze as I am typing this out. It is relatively good today. Did I ever tell you that I live the most spacious apartment? Well, it is me and Mr. P and our 2400sqft area with two huge balconies which can be converted into sit outs. I know it is crazy to have such big house for just the two of us but then I really do not know what to say in my defence. Let me just say I love it and enjoy it 🙂

Oh yes, back to the post. Even though I have not had much of commute, last few weeks have been entirely opposite. I had to get some passport stuff done for which we literally have been on our feet every single day for the last two weeks.

Result. Spending loads of time travelling on the bike uncovered in the midday sun. Oh yes, I am tanned like hell but I am talking here of extreme dehydration! And then, I had to find a solution for it because my energy was literally being sucked out by sun! ~~Oh, do you also remember that glucose ad in which sun drinks a boy’s energy using the straw? It was an amazing concept!~~ Yes, we do have straws attached to our head and can hear the sucking sounds made by the sun while the energy drains out from the body leaving us limp and lethargic.

And, finally, yesterday Mr. P’s stomach gave way and succumbed to food poisoning or diarrhoea with so many weather fluctuations and eating outside and not maintaining a routine.

So, I did thought updating this post with what tricks I am using this time to keep myself all ready for this summer. Since I am most of the time at home, the point of severe dehydration is out of the scenario.

I am no longer following these tips but they are definitely helpful for anyone who commutes and spends time outside the house. I would suggest carrying the following juices / liquids from your house but even if not, just make sure you get the fresh stuff without much additives.

Curd/Buttermilk/Yogurt

Every night I save a glass of curd in fridge and pour it into a bottle in the morning, add just a bit of water and keep on sipping it till the end of the day. No doubt, this has worked like a charm.

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

Swathy · April 27, 2015 · 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.