Thursday, July 30, 2015

5 Myths about Water That Refuse To Go Away




Before you read any further, take a second and look around you. Most of us will see a bottle of water within a 10-foot radius, no matter where we are. Makes really good sense, considering the unbearable heat and soaring temperatures. We all know that water is essential for life—it makes up 60 per cent of the adult body and is required by every living cell of the body for proper functioning. Repeated research has shown that while a person can last about three weeks without food, without water, they are likely to die within a week, probably lesser in scorching heat. And yet, despite how important water is for our very survival, there are certain myths regarding hydration that refuse to go away. Here are 5 myths about water that, while persistent, are completely incorrect.

Myth 1: Everyone needs to drink eight glasses of water a day

This “rule of thumb”, as it is widely considered to be, is outdated and no one knows where exactly it came from. Physiologically, men should aim for about 3 litres of fluid, while women need about 2.2 litres. Fluid, not just water. Which means that coffee, tea, fruit juices and even sweetened beverages, all contribute to fulfil the body’s fluid requirement. Foods count too, especially those that have a higher water content, like watermelons, cucumbers, etc. “A person’s water requirement depends on their height, weight and activity level, and people who are engaged in strenuous physical activity should take special care to keep drinking water and avoid dehydration, says Dr Shama Sheikh, a Mumbai-based nutritionist.

Myth 2: If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated

Not at the beginning, you aren’t. Our body’s sense of thirst is too acute to allow you to get dehydrated without setting off warning bells. In truth, it is so incredibly alert that it gets triggered if our water balance is off by just one per cent. Thirst is actually just your body’s way of telling you that you need to replenish its fluid levels so it can do its job and you can do yours. So no reason to panic, unless you’re habitually ignoring your thirst.


Myth 3: Water helps you lose weight

By itself, water has no weight-loss triggering properties. So if you’re drinking lots of water in the hope that it will magically make you lose weight, don’t. While it might make you feel full temporarily, since water doesn’t bind with the food, the excess is emptied out by the kidneys pretty quickly. A much better option is eating foods with a high water content. They will keep your stomach full while being low on calories since water has no calories.


Myth 4: Water flushes out your toxins

Drinking a lot of water may make you urinate more often, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your kidneys are working more effectively to flush out the toxins from your body. According to a paper in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, over-hydration doesn’t improve the functioning of other organs either. This includes our body’s largest organ—the skin. While dehydration will negatively affect the skin and kidneys, the opposite is not true. The up-side is that if drinking more water makes you feel better about your health, go ahead. The extra bathroom trips will at least serve as a break from long durations at the desk!

Myth 5: Clear urine is healthy urine

Okay, so staring at the pot to gauge the colour of your urine might not be the most pleasant task, it can help you understand how hydrated or dehydrated you are. Healthy urine is pale yellow (lemonade-coloured), not clear. The yellow colour in the urine is a measure of how many solid particles, such as sodium, chloride, nitrogen and potassium, are excreted by the kidneys. While more water means lighter urine, very clear urine may actually be a signal that the kidneys are excessively taxed by the amount of fluid and the minerals are getting too diluted. To help matters along, Lawrence Armstrong, an exercise physiologist and professor at the University of Connecticut's Human Performance Laboratory, has created a urine colour chart to measure dehydration. Based on where you fall on the chart, you can adjust your fluid intake.


Reviewed by:
Dr. Jagmeet Madan

National Vice President for India Dietetic Association 

Monday, July 27, 2015

Healthy Monsoon Comfort food



It is the season of garam chai and pakoras, the season of khichdi and papad, the perfect weather to curl up on your bed and enjoy a book along with a cup of adrak chai. Well I hope I did not have to step out in this season and could spend all rainy days my way! ;)

Though we all love pakoras with our cup of steaming hot cup of tea/ coffee, health conscious youngsters and weight watchers are increasingly looking out for healthier versions of comfort food. 

Well, one of my most favourite monsoon food has gone off the shelves *sob sob*. It is off course the most dependable and easy to make Maggi. Hope it makes a comeback super soon. I can't wait to lay my hands on a pack of Maggi. I was so crazy about it that the aroma of it used to make me hungry. I am sure everyone who has ever stayed in hostels understand the importance of having a pack of Maggi in their kitchen stock. It has so many memories attached to it. Pure nostalgia. 

Before I get carried away with Maggi, here is a list of healthy comfort food that I swear by:


1. Chicken Soup : Nothing is more inviting than coming back home to a bowl of hot chicken soup after getting wet in the rains. Not only is it tasty, it also has a host of health benefits ! It keeps all the sneezing and coughing at bay. I love a bowl of chicken clear soup with just onions, garlic and chicken thrown in, seasoned with pepper, vinegar and chilies. 


Chicken Soup
2. Chicken Stew: This can make a perfect rainy day dinner as well. This is the healthier and more filling version of chicken soup. With loads of veggies, ginger, garlic, onions, this is my favourite dinner option. I also cook the chicken and vegetables with a little bit of daal to increase the protein quotient. Have it with garlic bread and you will be good to go.

Chicken Stew (Source: www.taste.com.au)

3. Khichdi: I am sure this one is everyone's favourites. A generous one pot meal of rice, daal and veggies, this one is extremely healthy.Just make sure its hot and I am sure you will enjoy the meal.

Khichdi


4. Vegetable Tikkis : If you are craving for something fried, try these healthy soya tikkis. Just make sure you use a non stick tawa and use minimum oil for making the tikkis. Non stick tawa will avoid sticking of the tikkis and will minimize oil usage. I had posted the recipe on the blog sometime back, you can take a look at it here

Vegetable tikkis ( Source: http://foodviva.com/)
Well, do savour pakoras once in a while ;) Moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle.

Happy Eating. Do share your idea of a healthy comfort meal.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Experience authentic dhaba food right in the city at Rang De Basanti Dhaba



It was a Saturday afternoon and I was at Diamond Plaza mall looking for places to eat nearby after watching a nice movie. It was then that I came across Rang De Basanti Dhaba.

The first thing that caught my attention was a nice colourful truck standing right at the entrance giving you the perfect feel of a dhaba. Once we walked in, the interiors impressed us the most. bright yellow in colour, the walls had lovely posters of unforgettable ads and dialogues of yesteryears.

Wall decor of spoons, kadhais and plates at Rang De Basanti Dhaba, Kolkata
Posters at Rang De Basanti Dhaba, Kolkata


They have a wide variety of Indian food on offer - with a variety of kebabs to choose from. The huge spread of Punjabi Dhaba food was wonderful. 

Spoilt for choice, we settled for Chicken Reshmi Kabab and a Tawa Keema Kaleji(served with pao). My favourite Punjabi food is Tandoori chicken however, we decided to try something new this time :) A dhaba meal is incomplete without lassi. We couldn't miss out on that one !

Tawa Keema Kaleji served with Pao at Rang De Basanti Dhaba, Kolkata

The Tawa Keema Kalejii was something I tried for the first time. It is delicious. The keema was well cooked and had a tangy spicy feel to it which made it perfect ! The Chicken Reshmi Kabab was soft and juicy.

They serve you in stainless steel plates which has a rustic feel to it and gives you a dhaba look and feel.  Overall, the staff was friendly and co-operative. The waiting time was not too long. 

The price for a meal for 2 people would cost upto Rs.700. 

Chicken Kebabs at Rang De Basanti Dhaba, Kolkata


Overall, I would rate them 4 stars. A good place to go to if you want to savour authentic Punjabi dhaba food right in the city. The spread is good and they have perfected the art of Punjabi food :)




Rang De Basanti Dhaba Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Monsoon hairstyles you will love



Monsoon brings heaps of hair problems for all girls. Be it frizzy hair or dull and damaged hair, monsoon means hair troubles for all of us.

But with certain tricks, you can easily transform your look on a dull gloomy day and add an element of style to it !

Here are some looks you can try with your hair:

1. Top Buns
Top knot bun as sported by Kareena Kapoor

Image courtesy: wiseshe.com
The top bun speaks of elegance and simplicity. Be creative and work around your locks to create different looks :)
P.S:I love the neck piece as well ;)


2. Messy Side Plaits
Deepika Padukone lloks perfect with a messy side plaits
Image Courtesy: www.pinterest.com

Isn't this simple yet so very classy ? You can work on these looks in just 5 mins and rush your way to work.

3. Ponytails
2015-oscars-beauty-jennifer-lopez
Jennifer Lopez sporting a ponytail
Image courtesy: http://www.glamour.com/

This simple, easy trick to tame your hair will never go out of fashion. It can be made in less than 2 mins and is a life savior for all working women.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Contest Alert: Participate in the #SwipetoSpice Contest and stand a chance to win Maybelline goodies



Hey Girls,

Do you love baby soft pink lips ?

Do you have days when you just wipe on a tinted lip balm and rock the town ?

Are bollywood dialogues are a prt of your life ?

Can you think of a cheesy Bollywood line in the middle of a stick situation as well ??

That's it girls !!

 This contest shout out to all Maybelline Baby Lips lovers who love Bollywood movies just as much :P

I am hosting an interesting contest on my blog in association with Maybelline New York India. 

All you need to do is spice up your favourite Bollywood dialogues with Baby Lips Spiced Up and share it with me. 

Its so simple, take a look: 


- Bade bade deshon me ese Baby Lips k naye naye variants nikalte rehte hai
- Arey O Samba, kitne variants hai?’
- Ek Baby Lips stick ki kimat, tum kya jaano Ramesh babu 




Strikes a cord ? Here's what you need to do.

1. Follow me on Twitter : @antarabms 
2. Follow me on Instagram: @lovehealthnbeauty
3. Like my Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/healthplusheart
4. Follow Maybelline New York India social media accounts
5. Send me your entries on Twitter and Facebook  before 18th July midnight
6. Be creative: It can be just tweets, interesting pictures with the dialogues or a wonderful video with your friends
7. Don't forget to tag #SwipetoSpice in all your entries
8. 2 winners will be chosen as winners depending on the creativity of the post



Baby Lips has been one of the most loved products not only in India, but globally. They have recently launched a new range of Baby Lips Loves Color variants, calling it the Baby Lips Spiced Up range! 

The Baby Lips Spiced Up has been introduced in three variants; Berry Sherbet, Tropical Punch and Spicy Cinnamon. These variants have been tailor made for Indian consumers only! So, get ready to #SwipeToSpice with the newest favorites, Baby Lips Spiced Up! 


Loved it ? You can buy yours from here.


Points to note: 

  • You will be disqualified if you use any abusive language in the video
  • It is mandatory to follow all Blogs social media accounts (mentioned above)
  • Selection of the winner will be Maybelline and my decision

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Work wear series with Limeroad.com - Ethnic kurta shopping haul

I recently got the opportunity to shop at Limeroad.com. I have always felt that Limeroad offers some of the best ethnic kurtas and accessories. So, I chose to buy a kurta from Limeroad.com and styled it with the right accessories available there.

I feel kurtas work best in the Indian office wear scene. It is not only comfortable but looks extreme elegant on any Indian lady. Therefore, women of all age groups feel extremely confident to carry off a kurta.

I picked a black kurta for myself which never goes out of fashion.You can style it various ways depending on your mood and the occasion.

The kurta I feel goes very well with the red neckpiece. The sexy black heels compliments the kurta very well and add the glamour quotient to the otherwise regular outfit. The yellow leather handbag is very useful for work purposes. It can easily accommodate all your daily essentials very comfortably and looks stylish.

Take a look at how I styled my black kurta: 


To buy this look, you can click here: 
https://www.limeroad.com/user/54d1fe4ce4b0597416efed5b#profile-tab=scraps&sOverlay=55994c98f80c2415a28c43c5&pOverlay=none&mOverlay=none

How was my experience while shopping at Limeroad:
  • Navigating on the Limeroad site is easy and well organized
  • You can easily browse through look books and decide the kind of accessories to go with the outfit
  • The variety of accessories on Limeroad.com is lovely. The contemporary designs are easy on the pocket because of the discounts offered by the site
  • Tracking your order is easy 
  • The delivery took quite some time for me; but it will depend on your location (I wish they work on the delivery time for my area)
  • They have a lovely ethnic wear collection as well. I especially loved the chikankari sarees that they offer