Tuesday 10 June 2014

Six Soy-free Protein Alternatives for Vegetarians


Proteins are astonishing nutrients and are one of the three macro-nutrients found in food.  The other two being fats and carbohydrates. Twenty percent of our body weight is proteins. Incorporating these lean proteins will not only keep you fit but also will maintain lean tissue while burning fat for fuel and curbing your appetite. Eating a high protein diet also makes the workout more effective.


1. Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also called garbanzo or ceci beans, often included in various dishes like hummus, falafel, and curries. Chickpeas are not only rich in dietary fiber and potassium but also are a great vegetarian source of protein. You can include garbanzo beans as a meat substitute as these have low saturated fat and are cholesterol-free.

2. Kidney Beans

Kidney Beans are good sources of lean protein. These are naturally low in fat and also provide fiber, vitamins and minerals. If you’re seeking to add variety to your diet, consider adding a small cup of kidney beans to your lunch or dinner a few days a week. This will also help you shed fat as it will keep your stomach full.

3. Almonds

Almonds have many health benefits. A 1/4 cup serving of almonds contains about 8 grams of protein. Almonds have low saturated fat and are best protein rich snacks.

4. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is my favorite, and is loved by many. The happy news is Peanut butter is an amazing source of protein, so you can enjoy the guilt-free breakfast. 30 grams of peanut butter contain about 7.5 grams of protein. Although it has a higher fat content, when eaten in moderation, it helps to meet the daily recommendation of protein. ​


5. Greek Yogurt

All dairy products are rich in protein but Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse. It has twice the amount of protein and half the sugar & carbs the ordinary yogurt has.


6. Broccoli and spinach

Vegetables like broccoli and spinach are also rich in proteins. But the problem with these vegetables is it is difficult to eat enough of them to make them a major source of protein.

 Some other sources are flax seeds, quinoa, chia seeds, buckwheat, kale, mushrooms etc.  

Thursday 20 March 2014

Why Breakfast? Five Reasons You Need Breakfast

Breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. It is the first food consumed after a gap of seven-eight hours. It acts like a booster for your body. Your activity level is maximum during the day time, so whatever you have during the breakfast gets burnt easily.  

Breakfast is important


1. Having breakfast helps you lose weight

Many researches and dieticians suggest that eating breakfast is correlated with long-term weight loss and weight maintenance. Breakfast stimulates metabolism, however when you skip meals your body goes into a lockdown stage, where it burns lesser calories.

2. Skipping it makes it harder to meet your nutritional needs

Foods consumed at breakfast are usually breads, cereals, milk and yogurt, these foods are a good source of carbohydrates, calcium and fiber. People who miss breakfast usually miss on these nutrients later.

3. It makes you energetic and smarter

When you start your day with a healthy breakfast, you feel energetic and lively. It boosts your mood too. Often people who skip breakfast are cranky. Breakfast provides an energy boost to the brain for mid-morning alertness and increases your performance manifolds.

4. You are less likely to eat junk

When you have breakfast, you are less likely to starve-binge. Don't skip breakfast as you may just land up losing control, later in the day.

5. It is very good for the better functioning of your heart and decreases the risk of diabetes

Researchers state that adults have the habit of skipping breakfast tend to have higher cholesterol, higher LDL and higher insulin levels. 

Friday 7 March 2014

Five Simple Ways to Get Thinner and Healthier


Follow these five simple tips and have the body you dream of. All you need to do is to be consistent while adapting to these simple changes.



1.       Time management

Time management is the first step towards the slimmer you. Make a schedule for yourself. You need to decide which part of the day you can dedicate to exercise, cooking, grocery shopping and sleep. Dedicate the time that you can easily spare without hampering your daily tasks. This is the first and the most important step, as when you allocate time for activities to improve your health, you are actually preparing your mind. If you can do this perfectly half of your work towards better living and slimmer you, is done.

2.       Drink More Water

Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water in a day. Water makes 70 to 75% of your total body weight. It metabolizes body fat. Water has zero calories. Drinking water can reduce hunger as it is an effective appetite suppressant. Substitute sodas, teas, coffee, and beer to water and make a difference.

3.       Stock up your kitchen

Keep your kitchen laden with fruits, vegetables, healthy meats, grains, cereals, spices, and nuts. Include raw fruits and vegetables in your diet. You can also eat your regular meals with a slight change like, you can reduce the quantity of what you have and add a bowl of salad with every meal. People whose diets are fruits & veggies dominant tend to lose weight faster.


4.        Watch Portions

Instead of binging on the big piece, choose the small slice. Chew everything you eat and eat slowly. Take small plates and bowl. Understanding portion size is one of the crucial steps to attain the targeted weight loss. You must see that you have the right portion of everything in your meal; a bowl of salad is a must with your meal. You will not only see changes in your body, but your attitude will uplift you, and you will be surprised that by just understanding portions you are able to meet the challenges effectively.

5.       Home cooked Meals are best for you

Homemade meals are best for you. But make sure you use less oil, low salt, fresh produce, this way you will see results in no time. Make this your habit. As far as possible eat home cooked meals and if you are too lazy to do that include fruits and raw vegetables in your diet. If you travel a lot, do carry your tiffin with you. Always carry tiffin to work and make sure you have fruits handy in your bag.

Make healthier choice and focus on lifestyle changes, you will feel great!

Friday 21 February 2014

Best Pre-workout Meals

Eating “power-foods” before you are going to a gym can actually give you the strength and boost your energy level.  Carbs and Protein are a workout’s best friend. It is myth that if you eat or drink anything before your workout, you will feel full or bloated, this happens only when you eat unhealthy oily junk.  
How can you expect your body to work out without any fuel? 

Why and What to Have Before the Workout?

If you do intense workout you must treat your body with carbs and proteins before your workout. You should have the power-foods as a nibble about an hour or half before your workout. This will keep you fueled throughout the exercise session. Fueling your exercises requires quality lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and carbohydrates.

Three Best Pre-workout Meals



1) Whole Wheat Bread Slice with Peanut Butter and Banana Parts

This high carbohydrate meal before working out naturally fuels you. Helping you exercise more effectively without fatigue. Peanut butter is high in protein and banana slices give a boost to your workouts.



2) Make Your Own Energy Bars

Add ingredients that mainly focus on increasing your energy levels. Mix oatmeal, nuts, dry fruits and peanut butter and you have delicious energy bars ready.


3) Have Handful of Cashews, Walnuts, Almonds, and Hazelnuts

Nuts are rich in protein and magnesium. This makes them best for muscle recovery, building lean muscle and maintaining energy levels high.

Some other options you can have for Pre-workout snack can be sweet Potato, honey, apples, oranges, bananas, spinach, beans, yogurt and brown bread. Under an intense workout or activity having such foods is essential as your muscles highly rely on these nutrients and foods.


Going to gym on an empty stomach can be fine only if you are not engaged in intense workout of no longer than half an hour. If you work out intensely for an hour or more, you should feed your body with pre-workout snack.