This week's recipe of the week is Vegetable Khadi.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Vanity has no limits!
I thought women in general are vain. Later on it struck me that men too are quite vain. I know of men who spend a lot of time in front of the mirror, and a couple men I know have a bigger wardrobe than any female friend or relative of mine.
Here's a way that women are enhancing their looks. Using tattoo to get permanent face color, blush, eye line, eye brow, you name it. Don't want to even think about the pain of going through something like this around the eye or for that matter any where on the face.
I am sure men are not far behind in experimenting tattoo makeup. I wonder how they'll use tattoo for enhancing their looks!
Men out there- any comments?
Here's a way that women are enhancing their looks. Using tattoo to get permanent face color, blush, eye line, eye brow, you name it. Don't want to even think about the pain of going through something like this around the eye or for that matter any where on the face.
I am sure men are not far behind in experimenting tattoo makeup. I wonder how they'll use tattoo for enhancing their looks!
Men out there- any comments?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Marathons for the brave and ambitious only
Sure, I have thought about running marathons. I am very inspired by people who have done that. My close family members, all women have ran marathons. I used to work for a CIO about 62 years old at the time who completed a couple every year.
Like most things I believe it begins from thinking it and then translating it to the physical aspect, disciplined practices every day, some intense practices right before the run, etc. I read an article about the effects of a marathon on children. Like all studies the results are of course controversial. One study says it is good and the other says they could become prone to more injuries and long term consequences.
My suggestion would be to get children to do short ones like they do initially in gym classes and slowly build them up. I'm still not sure if cross country running could be considered as marathon training. These runners do 6-10 miles in an evening right after a full-working school day. Sounds painful. I'm not sure if I am cut out for marathons at all inspite of all the great examples in my own family. Nah, not for me.
Like most things I believe it begins from thinking it and then translating it to the physical aspect, disciplined practices every day, some intense practices right before the run, etc. I read an article about the effects of a marathon on children. Like all studies the results are of course controversial. One study says it is good and the other says they could become prone to more injuries and long term consequences.
My suggestion would be to get children to do short ones like they do initially in gym classes and slowly build them up. I'm still not sure if cross country running could be considered as marathon training. These runners do 6-10 miles in an evening right after a full-working school day. Sounds painful. I'm not sure if I am cut out for marathons at all inspite of all the great examples in my own family. Nah, not for me.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Still at work but not at my workout today!
Working late has many drawbacks. The first one that falls by the wayside are my workout routines. Today is one such. I can already feel my waistline expanding.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Couldn't agree more
A fake smile or faking happpiness can be detrimental to our well being. That was what struck me about one of the articles I read today.
I detest anything or anybody fake. I would rather accept a devil than an angel if the angel was faking it. Well, the worst part about all this fake talk is how bad it can be to one's health. It can actually be so much hard work to fake something than just be or say it as it is.
I used to be able to identify fake from a mile, but lately have fallen victim to fake in its various forms. There is always something that gives at some point but it takes a long time for me to figure that out.
I detest anything or anybody fake. I would rather accept a devil than an angel if the angel was faking it. Well, the worst part about all this fake talk is how bad it can be to one's health. It can actually be so much hard work to fake something than just be or say it as it is.
I used to be able to identify fake from a mile, but lately have fallen victim to fake in its various forms. There is always something that gives at some point but it takes a long time for me to figure that out.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Hash browns of any kind
One thing I look forward to when I travel are McDonald's breakfast. They offer egg white McMuffins now, but the best part are those golden brown hash browns. I think McDonald's breakfast is way healthier than any other breakfast option out there. Fast, healthy and cheap. I think I could be hired to do a commercial for them.
But, hash browns need not be with just potatoes. They can be with meats or vegetables. Do a test with leftover veges and do a vegetables hash. Take all your favorite vegetables, diced with some mild spices, toss them on a skillet with limited oil. Lots of onions and garlic can transform anything. So, be liberal there. You may not want to add vegetables with a lot of water content, that could make the whole thing watery. You want the roasted effect. Toss only after the pan roasts the bottom of the veges. Do this a couple times. For protein, I have seen people add poached eggs.
Folks, this is absolutely delicious!
But, hash browns need not be with just potatoes. They can be with meats or vegetables. Do a test with leftover veges and do a vegetables hash. Take all your favorite vegetables, diced with some mild spices, toss them on a skillet with limited oil. Lots of onions and garlic can transform anything. So, be liberal there. You may not want to add vegetables with a lot of water content, that could make the whole thing watery. You want the roasted effect. Toss only after the pan roasts the bottom of the veges. Do this a couple times. For protein, I have seen people add poached eggs.
Folks, this is absolutely delicious!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Tips for following guideliness posted in my last blog.
- Make notes of what you eat every day at every meal.
- Eat slow, eat until you are happy not full. Don't eat if you are not really hungry.
- Eat more beans, grains, nuts and less fried foods. Do not go for any modified starches.
Baked goods don't necessarily mean healthy.
- Less salt will also curb appetite and make you want to eat or drink less.
- Now, this is tough. When eating out go for two appetizers or eat half of what is served and keep the rest for the next meal, four hours later or for the next day.
- Some walking or movement of your body parts, not just the one above your neck could help a lot.
- Monitor your weight every week to see if you have improved.
I will start doing what I am trying to preach and will report back on my weight. If you'd like to you are welcome to share.
- Eat slow, eat until you are happy not full. Don't eat if you are not really hungry.
- Eat more beans, grains, nuts and less fried foods. Do not go for any modified starches.
Baked goods don't necessarily mean healthy.
- Less salt will also curb appetite and make you want to eat or drink less.
- Now, this is tough. When eating out go for two appetizers or eat half of what is served and keep the rest for the next meal, four hours later or for the next day.
- Some walking or movement of your body parts, not just the one above your neck could help a lot.
- Monitor your weight every week to see if you have improved.
I will start doing what I am trying to preach and will report back on my weight. If you'd like to you are welcome to share.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Yey! We are doing it.
The government has finally sprung into action. There is a new dietary guideline in favor of us consumers instead of lobbyists. This I think makes complete sense.
•Eat lots more vegetables and fruits, filling half your plate with them.
•Choose lean meats and poultry, and replace some of them with seafood
•Consume mainly nonfat or low-fat milk and other dairy products.
•Choose low-sodium products and use less salt and salty ingredients in food preparation.
•Eat more fiber-rich foods; replace most refined grains and grain-based foods with whole-grain versions.
•Use vegetable oils like olive and canola oil instead of solid fats like butter and margarine, but remember that all fats have lots of calories.
•Eat out less; cook at home more often.
•Drink water, calorie-free beverages like coffee and tea, and 100 percent fruit juice instead of regular sodas, fruit drinks and energy drinks; limit alcoholic drinks to one a day for women, two for men.
•Eat less and exercise more to achieve a better balance of caloric intake and output.
Tomorrow I will post a summary of tips to be able to follow these guidelines.
•Eat lots more vegetables and fruits, filling half your plate with them.
•Choose lean meats and poultry, and replace some of them with seafood
•Consume mainly nonfat or low-fat milk and other dairy products.
•Choose low-sodium products and use less salt and salty ingredients in food preparation.
•Eat more fiber-rich foods; replace most refined grains and grain-based foods with whole-grain versions.
•Use vegetable oils like olive and canola oil instead of solid fats like butter and margarine, but remember that all fats have lots of calories.
•Eat out less; cook at home more often.
•Drink water, calorie-free beverages like coffee and tea, and 100 percent fruit juice instead of regular sodas, fruit drinks and energy drinks; limit alcoholic drinks to one a day for women, two for men.
•Eat less and exercise more to achieve a better balance of caloric intake and output.
Tomorrow I will post a summary of tips to be able to follow these guidelines.
Monday, February 14, 2011
What’s Your Six-Word Love Story for Valentine's day?
I loved this title? Can you sum up your relationship with your Valentine/s in just six words? I chuckled at some and also thought about a few of these for more than a minute. Here are a few...
Love hurts. Choose vodka or valium.
You lost me at hello “ma’am.”
Life’s like chocolates. Picked, processed, pooped.
Hearts clubbed by diamonds in spades.
Passion, fireworks, good loving. He’s gay.
But our domestic partnership was notarized….
Your new wife is too friendly.
There’s nothing sex can not fix.
Finally found love, at age 41.
Note to self: avoid head cases.
He wasn’t worth the panic attacks.
Chocolate is the coward’s bad apology.
Pet-sitting for ex-husband describes amicable divorce.
Loved her madly — then went mad.
Warning, love: I blog my breakups.
Love hurts. Choose vodka or valium.
You lost me at hello “ma’am.”
Life’s like chocolates. Picked, processed, pooped.
Hearts clubbed by diamonds in spades.
Passion, fireworks, good loving. He’s gay.
But our domestic partnership was notarized….
Your new wife is too friendly.
There’s nothing sex can not fix.
Finally found love, at age 41.
Note to self: avoid head cases.
He wasn’t worth the panic attacks.
Chocolate is the coward’s bad apology.
Pet-sitting for ex-husband describes amicable divorce.
Loved her madly — then went mad.
Warning, love: I blog my breakups.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Winter exercise
The best exercise during winter especially when you cannot get to the gym is shoveling the mounds of snow on our driveways, i.e. as long as I am not doing it.
Friday, February 11, 2011
A strong First Lady, Michele Obama
Important issues get better exposure with strong, famous personalities backing them. Obesity in the U.S. is a top priority issue since it is directly tied to our health insurance costs.
Michele Obama is taking her campaign on promoting nutrition to reduce childbood obesity to a whole different level, i.e. globally. It is quite exciting to see what changes this will bring about. Vending machines carrying better foods and schools with better cafetaria have started to take on some shape. Michele Obama is a big promoter of growing vegetables and fruits in our backyard gardens. Very basic but certainly makes sense. Also simple and less expensive.
Michele Obama is taking her campaign on promoting nutrition to reduce childbood obesity to a whole different level, i.e. globally. It is quite exciting to see what changes this will bring about. Vending machines carrying better foods and schools with better cafetaria have started to take on some shape. Michele Obama is a big promoter of growing vegetables and fruits in our backyard gardens. Very basic but certainly makes sense. Also simple and less expensive.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day!
I needed to wish my followers today in preparation for Monday so it will give them some time to think about how to spend the day. To me one of the best Valentine's day gifts is just listening or talking to people, friends, your lover, mother, father, daughter, sister, brother, whoever you feel close to.
It will not only release your stress but make you feel needed and truly loved. Share your stories whatever they may be and bring sense to your life.
Gifts, dinners, trips are all fine but the true meaning of Valentine's day is true love. What better ways are there than giving and sharing love through your own stories!
Happy Valentine's Day!
It will not only release your stress but make you feel needed and truly loved. Share your stories whatever they may be and bring sense to your life.
Gifts, dinners, trips are all fine but the true meaning of Valentine's day is true love. What better ways are there than giving and sharing love through your own stories!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Which is better? Maturity of fruits or vegetables on or off trees/plants?
I had always thought that ripening of fruits on trees and plants is way better and carry more nutrition than done unnaturally. Most fruits and vegetables are harvested before actual maturity time. So, when they reach the shelf which is a few days after harvesting, they appear just right.
I read that there really is no difference. Antioxidants in vegetables or fruits do not decrease at all. If they are chilled at the right temperature, if the humidity is right, and they are packed/brought to the shelf at the right time,there really is no loss of nutrition.
Good to know this but I still have my doubts!
I read that there really is no difference. Antioxidants in vegetables or fruits do not decrease at all. If they are chilled at the right temperature, if the humidity is right, and they are packed/brought to the shelf at the right time,there really is no loss of nutrition.
Good to know this but I still have my doubts!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Elimination of some foods eliminate certain ailments
I am certain of this since I have tested it several times. Eliminating some foods that cause problems or affect parts of the body, does help get rid of the issue. Lactaid milk for instance takes care of the digestive system if you are lactose intolerant.
MSG, the taste enhancer in foods is a big one. It is added to most foods in restaurants and I have heard/read that it triggers migraines in some people. Requesting the chef to avoid MSG in your food preparation can help. I did this when I was pregnant with my second child. Most chefs do oblige. In fact, nowadays chefs are cooks, artists, part nutritionists, and knowledgable about health as well.Another simple example is eliminating fried foods to help get rid of acne. This isn't an ailment but just a simple answer to a bothersome issue.
However, I think the best way to deal with some of our health issues is to listen to our own bodies and treat it by following some sensible steps.
MSG, the taste enhancer in foods is a big one. It is added to most foods in restaurants and I have heard/read that it triggers migraines in some people. Requesting the chef to avoid MSG in your food preparation can help. I did this when I was pregnant with my second child. Most chefs do oblige. In fact, nowadays chefs are cooks, artists, part nutritionists, and knowledgable about health as well.Another simple example is eliminating fried foods to help get rid of acne. This isn't an ailment but just a simple answer to a bothersome issue.
However, I think the best way to deal with some of our health issues is to listen to our own bodies and treat it by following some sensible steps.
Friday, February 4, 2011
'Tis the season for flus
Several of my friends are down with the flu this week. I had a question on my blog for a herbal remedy.
I generally do the following:
For just a cold, I drink a lot of orange juice with extra vitamin C and D. In addition, I drink a lot of hot water. Might sound strange. But it helps. This is an eastern thing. I have seen my chinese friends do that as well as even a couple of my Russian friends! Between the hot water doses, I have a cup or two of herbal tea with lemon and honey. A humidifier by the bed side will certainly help as well.
For the flu, I do all of the above and take day time Tyelenol.
Don't just do these things one day. Repeat them for at least about 3 days. You will notice a difference after the first day.
For food - I eat a normal diet with lots of soups, of course.
I generally do the following:
For just a cold, I drink a lot of orange juice with extra vitamin C and D. In addition, I drink a lot of hot water. Might sound strange. But it helps. This is an eastern thing. I have seen my chinese friends do that as well as even a couple of my Russian friends! Between the hot water doses, I have a cup or two of herbal tea with lemon and honey. A humidifier by the bed side will certainly help as well.
For the flu, I do all of the above and take day time Tyelenol.
Don't just do these things one day. Repeat them for at least about 3 days. You will notice a difference after the first day.
For food - I eat a normal diet with lots of soups, of course.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Super bowl snacks
Yep. It's time to think about snacks. To me Super Bowl is all about bowls, meaning bowls of snacks.
Here are my top favorites:
Fried Beans with mustard
Baked and broiled Potato Skins
Nachos with guacamole and home made salsa
Pizza for sure
Black Bean Chili
Last but not least are those hot, jalapeno potato chips
What are your top favorites and where are you going to watch the game?
Here are my top favorites:
Fried Beans with mustard
Baked and broiled Potato Skins
Nachos with guacamole and home made salsa
Pizza for sure
Black Bean Chili
Last but not least are those hot, jalapeno potato chips
What are your top favorites and where are you going to watch the game?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Hearty, Healthy Vegetable Soup from Barcelona
This week's recipe is inspired by the kitchens of Barcelona. During my recent visit there and eating at different restaurants I realized that soup is a great offering in their menu especially for fussy eaters like me. I probably tried at least 8 different types of soups, each distinct in taste, flavor, and sumptuous as well.
So, here's a simple vegetarian soup recipe for you to try as well.
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