Category: Health Hacks

Here’s Why Skipping Meals Is A Bad Idea

 

A busy work schedule or a busy day can often make you forget the last time you had a meal. This is something that happens to most of us and we all end up regretting the decision to skip meals later. We all feel tired and extremely fatigued whenever we miss a meal or two. As a result, most of us try not to skip meals and focus on eating healthy food on a daily basis. 

However, several people, especially the ones who are trying to lose weight skip meals to lose weight. There is a common misconception that skipping meals can help you lose weight. The reality is that intermediate fasting or skipping meals in a proper way can lead to weight loss. However, skipping meals and intermediate fasting is not the exact thing. 

The Difference Between Intermediate Fasting And Skipping Meals 

Consuming not enough food or skipping meals during the day will make you feel dizzy. You may feel like your head is spinning and even feel like you are about to pass out. This is because of the drop in the blood glucose level in your body. If you don’t eat enough, your brain may send signals to your body indicating that it’s time to shut down. 

So, if you are planning to follow intermediate fasting it is important to do it properly. When you are eating, you will need to make sure that you are consuming food and nutrients that will allow your body to function smoothly throughout the fasting period. 

Why Skipping Meals Is Not A Good Idea

One of the major issues with skipping meals is that you may feel you are running on low energy throughout the day. The reduction in blood sugar levels will surely affect your ability to think and function properly. In short, if the brain does not have enough glucose to use, then your body will not function at 100 percent. 

Smart Carb Plan - Why You Should Never Skip Meals
Smart Carb Box

Skipping meals can also affect your mood and it may also result in overeating at times. So, if you are seriously looking to lose weight, it would be best to not skip meals. Instead, you should focus on cutting down calories per day and eating healthy homemade dishes. You could also try our Smart Carbs meal plan, which is focused on helping customers to follow a protein-rich and well-balanced diet that will help them to eat healthily and lose weight. 

 

Top 5 benefits- why you must drink water!

Drinking water is a habit that is skipped by many of us in the rush of our lives. Almost all of us overlook the benefits of staying hydrated. The apt amount required in a day for a woman is around 3 litres while for men it is around 4 litres a day.

 

Here are some of the benefits of drinking water –

 

  1. Flushing out toxins-

water

H2O helps you to flush out toxins from your body by letting your body release it through sweat and urine. When the body is dehydrated, it finds it difficult to flush out the toxins due to the less amount of fluid inflow in the body. The lungs, liver and kidneys help in the detoxification, and it is the fuel for it.

2.  Improving complexion-

water

Studies show that water helps in improving complexion since the skin is also an organ which requires hydration. Staying dehydrated can lead the body to be dry, flaky and tight. Good skin requires a good amount of hydration, in order to avoid wrinkles, dry skin and much more.

3. Regulating body temperature-

water

Sweat is the natural cooling system of our body, and hence drinking water helps to regulate the perspiration levels of our body. Perspiration helps in cooling down the body and shows the hydration level of the body. Perspiration also helps in detoxifying the salts of our body, as mentioned before.

4. Preventing Backaches-

water

Yes, water helps in preventing backaches. Our discs in our vertebrae are composed of it, hence dehydration can lead to backaches. Staying hydrated supports the water system of your vertebrae.

5. Increasing brain power and energy-

water

The human brain is composed of 73% of water, hence needs constant hydration. Dehydration can lead to constant mood swings, lack of concentration, lack of alertness and much more. If you feel tired at work, drink up some fluid instead of some caffeine.

 

Today is World Water Day and many organisations are recognising the importance of it through various campaigns. We, at Masala Box, gave out bottles to our subscribers of the day to spread the word. We ensure that it is not wasted and that it is used in the most efficient manner.

 

5 METHODS ON HOW TO AVOID JUNK FOOD-

How to avoid junk food seems to be a common issue of the present generation and is a tough one to tackle with. Studies have shown that fast food acts with the same effect of cocaine or heroin by triggering the pleasure centres of our brain. This trigger results in the form of addiction but this article will talk about 5 ways on how to avoid junk food.

  • Understand the ‘Right’ and ‘Wrong’ foods-

how to avoid junk food

The first key to avoiding unhealthy food is to completely understand the complexities of junk food like obesity, chronic diseases, heart attacks etc. Research on why junk food is known as “junk”, and ultimately understand what the benefits of ‘right’ foods. That is when you start your self-therapy to cut in your cravings.

  • Don’t diet, just change your lifestyle-

walking

This is one of the key stages of how to avoid fast food. Make small lifestyle changes like incorporating more of walking for short distance travels, starting out on eating homemade food, and also by keeping yourself mentally and physically engaged. Try to stay active by doing simple workouts, cooking, meditation or anything else that you enjoy.

  • Calculate your expenses-

calculate expenses

Calculate on how much you spend on unhealthy food per month, and calculate how much you have saved after switching over to homemade food. You will stick to homemade food eventually when you realize your expenses. If you find homemade food boring, you can always incorporate cooking interesting healthy recipes on your weekends.

  • Keep yourself motivated-

motivation

When the craving kicks in, remind yourself of why you chose this lifestyle. Remind yourself of the benefits you will be reaping from this. Understand the importance of this stage on how to avoid junk food.

  • Don’t be too harsh on yourself-

hanging out

Treat yourself thrice a month on fast food. Give yourself a break from all the deadlines, homemade food, and other stress-related factors. Remember to have only 1-3 meals of junk food a month.

 

These 5 methods on how to avoid unhealthy food may seem challenging. If you have no access to homemade food, you can always subscribe to Masala Box. Do check out the website or download the app for a healthier eating habit!

Top 9 foods to eat every day-

There are multiple kinds of healthy food that we must intake throughout a week, but some foods are mandatory to be eaten every day. These foods are beneficial to keep us healthy throughout the day as well as for a long period of time. Here are the top 9 foods to eat every day for taking care of us from head to toe-

  • Garlic-

Garlic coming from an onion family has many antibacterial properties which boost our immunity and also helps us in fighting the common cold. A small clove consumed every day can do wonders by also detoxifying our body, reduce our blood pressure and also lessen the risk of cholesterol. Well, now you know why garlic is at the top of the list of 9 foods to eat every day.

Garlic- Foods to eat every day

 

  • Tomatoes-

Tomatoes are known to be good for avoiding heart attacks or any other blood or heart-related problems. They are also a very good source of anti-cancer agents and help us in fighting mainly prostate, lung, and stomach and breast cancers. Apart from that, tomatoes are very good in taking care of our skin, especially for people who are prone to sunburns frequently.

Tomatos

  • Avocados-

Avocados, also known by other names like ‘butter fruit’ and ‘alligator pear’, are a highly recommended fruit due to its various health benefits. One of the best reasons to eat an avocado is that it maintains our blood pressure levels due to its high levels of potassium. Avocados are also super heart healthy and also help in weight loss; which makes it the third in our list of top 9 foods to eat every day.

Avacado

  • Spinach-

Nothing is as awesome as this dark leafy superfood which contains high levels of magnesium, calcium and iron. Some of the top benefits of having spinach every day are that it helps in controlling our diabetics level, and also helps in preventing cancer and asthma apart from other benefits. Now you know why spinach is listed as one of the top foods to eat every day.

Spinach

  • Yogurt-

A cup of yogurt a day is beneficial to our body in many aspects, especially if you are on a diet as it helps in appetite and weight control. It also helps in combating many digestive related issues like constipation, bloating and diarrhoea. Apart from that, yogurt is a very good source for boosting your immunity levels.

Yogurt

  • Kale-

This leafy veggie has proven its magic in many aspects of health and is one of the highest recommended foods by doctors. Kale is mainly consumed for a better eye health, detoxifying the body, and also for a better wellbeing of your skin. These are just some of the reasons as to why it is on the list of foods to eat every day.

Kale

  • Cucumbers-

This yummy vegetable contains a lot of water and nutrients and hence is a must to eat every day. Cucumbers are generally very good in reducing the risks of chronic diseases like heart problems, cancer and autoimmune diseases. They are also a very good source of water, hence helps in hydration and also in weight loss.

Cucumber

  • Grapefruit-

One of the major reasons as to why people love grapefruit is that it helps in weight loss aggressively. The citrus factor of the fruit reduces chances of strokes in women and also helps in controlling our blood pressure and heart health. This is exactly why it is one of the foods to eat every day.

Grapefruit

  • Bell peppers-

These beauties are a wonder when it comes to maintaining our eye health. Due to its high vitamin C properties, it also helps in boosting our immunity to high levels. If you are pregnant, capsicums area great source of nourishment to your foetus.

Bell peppers

Now maybe you are not a person who can easily eat all this every day as you are a busy bee. But you can definitely incorporate healthy eating by simply eating homemade. Subscribe to healthy homemade meal plans now only from Masala Box, or simply download the app.

Top 5 foods for yoga to heal your soul on INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY!

‘The more you bend, the less you break ‘ is the saying when it comes to yoga. June 21st is witnessed as International Yoga Day and India is always at the top of the game when it comes to Yoga. Here is a list of top 5 foods for yoga for an intense yogic like you.

  • Dark green leafy vegetables-

Leafy vegetables

Dark leafy veggies like spinach, lettuce and broccoli are rich in vitamins like A, C, K etc. and also contain high levels of iron, magnesium and fibre among many others. A yogic diet with these goodies helps us in protecting our cells, strengthening our bones and also helps in achieving a healthy body weight.  Many yummy recipes can be made out of these fine green veggies like salads, soups, and in some cases even energy drinks; which is why this is listed first for the top 5 foods for yoga.

 

  • Quinoa-

Quinoa

Quinoa is a flowering plant and is botanically related to spinach and amaranth. It is very nutritious as it contains a good amount of fibre, carbohydrates and protein among others.  It also helps in achieving weight loss, healthy bones and also in repairing tissues.

 

  • Fruits-

Top 5 foods for yoga

Although it sounds cliché, fresh fruits are a very important part of your yogic diet. Fruits contain high levels of vitamins, minerals and fibre among many others. When you stretch out for an hour of the day make sure you have a fruit because it helps us in boosting energy, maintaining healthy bones, and also in losing weight.

 

  • Lemon water-

Lemon water

If you are into yoga it’s better to have warm lemon water although it can be consumed both warm and cold. Lemons, apart from the fact that it tastes good, contain folates, potassium, and most importantly vitamin C. It helps us in staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and also in reducing muscle pains.

 

  • Tofu-

Tofu

Soy milk is processed and curdled to make Tofu. It contains proteins, magnesium and calcium and can be used in preparing many tasty and healthy recipes like scrambled tofu, wraps and even curries. Further, it helps in maintaining bone density and also helps in weight loss.

 

A  healthy diet of our top 5 foods for yoga, helps us in healing our soul and also lead us to an active life.

Celebrate International Yoga Day with Masala Box by eating healthy and homemade. Subscribe now or download the app!

 

Happiness Through Healthy Eating

Healthy eating habits, unlike common misconceptions, aren’t about restricting your diet or steering clear of foods you love to eat. Healthy eating is all about feeling energetic, improved health and mood – basically, feeling great. The amount of diet and nutrition advice that is out there can you leave you overwhelmed and confused. But the truth is, maintaining a healthy diet isn’t that difficult.

Healthy Eating

How Eating Habits Affect Your Mood

Everyone is aware of how healthy eating helps maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight-related ailments. What’s overlooked is how your diet has a serious effect on your mood and sense of wellbeing. Studies have linked diets consisting of processed meats, frozen meals, restaurant food and sugary snacks to increased susceptibility to depression, stress, bipolar disorder and anxiety. An unhealthy diet can even trigger serious mental health disorders such as ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

A diet that comprises of a lot of fruits and vegetables, more home-cooked meals and reduced intake of sugar and refined carbs can remarkably improve your mood and lower the risk of mental health issues.

How You Can Adapt Healthy Eating Habits    

Transitioning to a healthy diet doesn’t require giving up all your favourite foods or changing your eating habits all at once. Sudden changes in your diet often lead to cheating or giving up in the early stages. The best approach to switching to a healthy diet is to incorporate a few, easy-to-adapt health hacks – such as adding a portion to salad to your meals. Here are some simple steps you can adapt to make your diet healthier:

Eating more homemade food

Cooking your own meals or ordering homemade food rather than commercially-prepared, restaurant food makes it easier to monitor what you consume. When you eat homemade meals, you are consuming fewer calories as well as avoiding the chemical additives, added sugar and unhealthy fats that make you feel bloated and lethargic.

Simplify your diet

Health Tips

Instead of focusing on counting calories, try to approach your diet in terms of colours, variety and freshness of the ingredients. Try to minimize the intake of packaged, frozen and processed food and eat more food that is prepared using fresh ingredients.

Making the right diet changes

Eating HealthyWhile eliminating the unhealthy foods in your diet, it is imperative that you replace them with healthier alternatives. Replacing trans fats with healthy fats – eating a portion grilled salmon instead of a bucket of fried chicken – can improve your health. However, replacing animal fats with refined carbohydrates won’t help in any way.

Listen to your body

How you feel after a meal is a great way to determine if your meal choice was healthy. The healthier the meal, the better you feel. Unhealthy, junk food makes you feel bloated, tired and lethargic.

Drink loads of water

WaterDrinking enough water is an integral part of staying healthy. Water helps flush toxins and other waste products from the body. Dehydration can often cause tiredness, low energy and headaches. Keeping your body well-hydrated can also improve your overall eating habits as thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

Planning and moderating your diet   

Homemade FoodPlanning your diet is a great way to keep your diet in check. Moderating and portion control is yet another great way to maintaining your health. Eat the right amount of healthy, homemade food during the week and reserve the restaurant food for that weekend outing or a cheat day.

 

 

Make a lifetime investment by understanding how you can keep yourself healthy, make eating the right food choices. Happy World Health Day!