Nov 30

Not just mind & body, experts say yoga can prevent and help manage chronic diseases

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The popularity of yoga has grown tremendously in the past decade. More than 10% of U.S. adults have practised yoga at some point in their lives. Yoga practitioners spend on average US$90 a month, and the yoga industry is worth more than $80 billion worldwide. Yoga is now a mainstream activity in the U.S. and is commonly portrayed as a healthy lifestyle choice. I am a behavioural scientist who researches how physical activity – and specifically yoga – can prevent and help manage chronic diseases. Many people attribute improvements in their physical and mental health to their yoga practice. But until recently, research had been sparse on the health benefits of yoga. As the body of rigorous research on yoga grows, more and more work is showing the many health benefits of a yoga practice.   What is yoga? The name “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” meaning to unite, join or connect the mind, body and soul. The first text on yoga was written by the sage Patanjali over 2,000 years ago in India. Patanjali described yoga as “citta-vrtti-nirodhah,” or “stilling the mind.” This was achieved through a mix of breath work, meditation, physical movement and body […]
Nov 29

8 ways to convert your walking into a full-body workout

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Walking can be more than just moving. Here are 8 ways to convert your walking into a full-body workout. By incorporating these tips, your regular walk can become a comprehensive workout that targets multiple muscle groups, boosts cardiovascular health, and keeps you engaged.   If you could only do one exercise for the rest of your life, let it be walking. It’s one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise. It’s also free and budget friendly. Most people see walking as just a way to get from point A to point B, but it has numerous benefits. Walking is great for cardiovascular health, aids in weight loss, boosts creativity and mental health, stabilises mood, aids in metabolism, promotes better sleep, and so much more. By incorporating a few clever techniques, you can transform your everyday stroll into a full-body workout. Imagine turning your walk into a session that works not only your legs but also your core, arms, and even your brain! It’s easier than you think, and you don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment. Ready to put a spring in your step? Here’s how to make your walk work for you from head to toe, […]
Nov 28

Want to lose weight before New Year without dieting? Nutritionist shares simple tips to follow

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With healthy swaps in the diet, a workout routine and keeping cravings at bay, we can shed three kilos in 6 weeks, said the nutritionist.   The year end is almost here and we have already started planning to how to send the last few days of this year and the first day of the upcoming year with happiness and doing what we love. Some love to go for a vacation during that time, while some spend the days in the warmth of their loved ones. Wanting a perfect beach body for the year-end vacay pictures is natural. Simrun Chopra, a nutritionist, has shared a few tips on how we can shed the extra kilos before New Year, without going through a strict diet.   Burn more calories: Have an intense workout routine. We can increase the number of steps in a day to burn at least 500 calories more. Going for a walk every day can also help in burning the extra calories.   Reduce calories: It is essential to reduce the calorie intake by making conscious choices. From avoiding street and junk food, to making healthy swaps in the daily meal is essential. Instead of having a morning […]
Nov 27

10 tips for healthy eating if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes

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Lots of factors can contribute to someone being at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. With the right support there are some things that you can change, but others you can’t. Our tips on healthy eating could help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Things like your age, ethnicity and family history can all contribute to your overall risk. We also know that living with overweight or obesity is the most significant risk factor. If you know you are living with overweight or obesity getting support to lose weight when you are ready is one way you could prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Any amount of weight loss can help, research shows losing even 1kg can help to reduce your risk. There are so many different ways to lose weight, so it’s important to find out what works best for you and know what support is available to help you. We know that not everyone who is at risk or living with diabetes type 2 diabetes is living with overweight or obesity. But whether or not weight loss is part of your plan, it is still important to think about the foods you eat. Research tells us that […]
Nov 26

How to Quiet a Racing Mind to Get Better Sleep

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If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, try these strategies to quiet your mind and get the rest you need.   A racing mind at bedtime can be hard to quiet. Whether it’s stopping you from quickly falling asleep or staying asleep, there’s no question an unsettled mind can really affect your ability to get a good night’s rest. “It’s one of the most common problems we hear in our sleep clinic, especially among people struggling with insomnia,” says Lawrence Chan, DO, a professor of sleep medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. Racing thoughts at bedtime can contribute to sleep problems in people who have insomnia, according to one study. The researchers noted that this is different than rumination, which is defined as obsessive, repetitive thinking that tends to focus on negative content. There’s a reason many people can’t stop thinking about things before going to bed. Whether you’re exploring a new city or simply plugging away at your routine to-do list, your brain is collecting new information all day long, explains Michael Breus, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Manhattan Beach, California, who specializes in sleep disorders. “Not until you climb into bed […]
Nov 25

Forget pull-ups — this dumbbell workout builds your shoulders and biceps in just 5 moves

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Grab some dumbbells for this upper body pump   Looking for a good upper body session? Ditch the pull up bar or other upper body machines found in the gym and instead pick up a pair of dumbbells and get ready to train your biceps and shoulders with this five move workout. A standard pair of dumbbells will work for this routine or if you want to work with more than one size of weights, it’s worthwhile looking into using a pair of the best adjustable dumbbells, as this style of weight allows you to scale the weights as you train from one pair. If you are new to strength training then it’s worth speaking to a professional fitness trainer who can work with you on building confidence with weight training and teach you proper form. Even if you are a seasoned dumbbell user, avoid trying to lift too heavy for this routine as some exercises will feel more challenging than others with the dumbbell.   What is the five move shoulders and biceps workout?   Build and tone muscle in your shoulders using this dumbbell-only workout designed by fitness trainer Fiona Judd. Although you are only using one piece […]
Nov 24

Easy & Health Snacks to Curb Your Late-Night Cravings

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Here we list some healthy snacks you can have before bed to fight those midnight cravings.   It’s normal to feel hungry before bed or crave a late-night snack. This can happen due to several reasons, such as having an early dinner, engaging in evening activities that increase your energy expenditure, or even due to hormonal fluctuations that affect hunger and satiety signals. Eating a small, healthy snack can help prevent waking up hungry in the middle of the night and support a better night’s sleep. Read on as we list some healthy snacks you can have before bed to fight those midnight cravings.   10 Easy and healthy snacks to curb late-night cravings:   1. Greek yogurt with berries Simply scoop some Greek yogurt into a bowl and top with fresh or frozen berries. Greek yogurt is high in protein, which helps you feel full longer and supports muscle repair. Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, aiding digestion and boosting immune function.   2. Apple slices with peanut butter Slice an apple and spread a bit of peanut butter on each slice and it will be ready in minutes. Apples provide fibre and vitamins, especially vitamin C. […]
Nov 23

Tips to keep your brain young at all ages

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Every single activity that the human body performs takes its orders from the brain   When it comes to looking young, fit and healthy, we often hit gyms and parlours. But what about brain health? Every single activity that the human body performs takes its orders from the brain. From coordinating balance, controlling the voluntary actions and responding towards the emotions to problem-solving techniques, the human brain is responsible to take care of all the actions. Maintaining physical health is important but taking care of the brain is equally necessary. Taking cognisance of these facts, the discourse around brain health has increased in the recent past. Good brain health is a key to a long and healthy life. It is a state where faculties of the brain such as reaction time, memory and judgement work efficiently. So here are some tips you can follow to maintain your brain health with the impact of ageing.   Brain exercises: physical exercise is great for both body and mind but challenging yourself for mental exercise can improve your brain functioning. Research shows that brain exercises can help in generating new nerve cells. Leading physicians say that reading, crossword puzzles and word problems all contribute […]
Nov 22

Junk food, late nights, zero exercise? Here’s how to break the cycle and make your kids healthy

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Children’s health tips: Pulling children away from junk food and excessive screen time can feel challenging. However, involving them in cooking nutritious meals, making healthy habits fun, and including play while teaching the importance of regular sleep and physical activity can make a world of difference. Here are small, interactive steps that can help make lasting positive changes in their lifestyle.   The effects of a sedentary lifestyle in children go unnoticed in the beginning. However, the symptoms slowly start to show. Drooping shoulders as they stare non-stop at screens, feeling breathless even after a short run, or frequent complaints of feeling tired after little activity, are all signs of poor lifestyle that will eventually trigger a spate health complications. If not addressed, these habits can lead to long-term issues like obesity, weak muscles, and anxiety and depression issues, says Dr Dhiren Gupta, Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy Specialist, Sir Ganga Ram hospital, Delhi. “This lack of physical activity among children today is deeply concerning and a major contributor to lifestyle-related illnesses. It is important for parents to inculcate simple, consistent habits in their children, which can make a positive difference to their health,” he says.   Dr Gupta suggests some […]
Nov 21

Winter Wellness: 6 Effective Tips to Stay Healthy During the Cold Months

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As the winter season approaches, staying healthy is the top priority to keep away the common cold, flu and seasonal fatigue. Cold climate, dry air and staying outdoors can make us prone to seasonal illness. Moreover, the winter season can challenge the immune system, energy levels and mood, making it vital to adopt a healthy lifestyle that triggers resilience and vitality. Here we have curated six effective ways to help you maintain peak health status during the winter months.   6 Effective Strategies To Prevent Winter Illness   Prioritize Immune-Boosting Foods Your diet plays a key role in bolstering immunity. Add a whole lot of nutrient-rich foods, especially those high in vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants, which help ward off infections, and pathogens and keep your immune system robust. Include these winter foods in your meal regimen: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits) Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach) Ginger and garlic for their anti-inflammatory properties Nuts and seeds like almonds and sunflower seeds for zinc Warm soups and broths for nourishment and comfort   These foods can help you fight seasonal infections and stay energized throughout the day.   Exercise Regularly We all love to stay curled up indoors, but maintaining an […]
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