Fat can reduce fat

Super high in fat but it can control fat! Sounds wacky right? Well, we are talking about nuts. Nuts and can be super high in fat, but this fat may aid weight loss. Most nuts and seeds are high in fat, but that isn't necessarily bad, as long as you stay in control. Eating portion-controlled amounts of the good kind of fat can placate your cravings and keep you from over-indulging in something far more unhealthy. 

Nuts and grains are high in protein and nutrients, though their fat content (75% to 95% of total calories) means you shouldn't eat too many at a time. Macadamia, the gourmet of nuts, is the highest in fat. Walnuts and Brazil nuts are your best bet because they're rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Of all the nuts, peanuts provide the most complete protein. Other nuts are missing the amino acid lysine. But all are easily complemented by grains. As an alternative protein source, they also provide a good dose of healthy fats, including oleic acid, the healthy fat found in olive oil. Peanuts are rich in antioxidant polyphenols like those found in berries. Studies indicate that roasting actually increases the amount of polyphenol called p-coumaric, making roasted peanuts a true protector of cells.

So if planning to lose weight fast make sure you don’t miss on nuts in your diet plan...

Coffee & Caffeine

Many people kick-start their days with a cup of coffee because it contains caffeine. Caffeine is a common substance and present in many products both naturally and artificially. Although products containing caffeine have been enjoyed all over the world for centuries, but it has long been on the list of don'ts for people hoping to lead a healthy lifestyle. Doctors pointed to caffeine's negative effects on the nervous system and how it can increase anxiety, stress and food cravings, in addition to inhibiting sleep. Recent studies, however, have shown that coffee and caffeine may actually have some significant medical benefits too.

"Moderate" intake of caffeine does not increase the risk of, or contribute to any type of human cancer, cardiovascular/arterial diseases. In fact, because caffeine increases physical performance and endurance, caffeinated drinks may actually protect against heart disease. It’s also a fat burner, as it speeds metabolism and is the most-active ingredient in many "diet pills."  It breaks down fat, freeing fatty acids which are immediately burned. Conversion of fat to energy is about 30 percent more efficient when caffeine is consumed prior to exercise. And while caffeine spikes blood sugar, a coffee habit may help you dodge diabetes.

Ready to refill your coffee mug and consume caffeine to your advantage--at work, in the gym and for overall health, but in a moderate level...

Eating fat doesn’t make you fat

Do fatty foods make you fat? And the answer is NO. But it all comes down to the type of fat you eat. Eating the right kinds of fat can actually make you leaner. Got the last phrase, yes it’s true. Obviously the type of fats to avoid are the processed, hydrogenated fats found in junk foods, ready meals and processed foods etc. 

 

Naturally occurring fats in unprocessed foods boost your immune system and are actually vital if you want to slim down. Here is a very simple way to work out which fat sources are healthy, and which are unhealthy. Just ask yourself these questions before making your food choices: For fruit, vegetable, nut and all other plant based sources- “Is it natural, minimally processed and organic? Or has it been chemically altered and heavily processed?”; Animal based foods (dairy, meat, fish etc)- “Is it from a free range, wild or grass-fed animal? Or is it from a mass production, controlled farm environment?” In both cases, fats from natural, free range, organic sources are far healthier than those from man-altered, mass-produced food. Once you get used to asking yourself these questions you’ll find it easy to make healthy food choices and your lbs will start falling off :-)

Cucumber, the magic wand for good health

It’s not only low in calories but can provide a cool soothing effect from the scorching heat of summer. Can you guess we’re talking about what? Well, it’s non other than our very own salad vegetable/fruit called cucumber. This wonderful, low calorie vegetable has more nutrients to offer than just water and electrolytes.

 

Known scientifically as Cucumis sativus, cucumbers are related to watermelons, zucchini and pumpkins. Cucumbers have 96% water content that is more nutritious than ordinary water and it helps in keeping the body hydrated and regulates the body temperature. It also helps in getting rid of the toxic elements of the body by flushing them out. It contains a lot of potassium, magnesium and traces of sodium that work effectively for regulating blood pressure. Leave the skin on. The skin contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 10% of the daily recommended allowance. If you do like your cucumbers peeled, the skin can be used to relieve sunburn and mild skin irritations, similar to aloe vera. Cucumbers can either relieve acid indigestion too. They are a good source of dietary fiber. So what say ready to include this wonderful fruit/vegetable into your summer diet plan?

Some healthy frying tips...

Spring rolls, the name itself is mouth watery right? But if you are on a diet this would be the first thing that you would prefer to sacrifice, since it comes under the fried food category. Well, is it essential that fried foods are always unhealthy? Hmm, don’t think so especially when it’s cooked in a healthy way i.e following some healthy frying tips like the ones mentioned below... 

To start, choose oils with high smoking points like peanut, soybean or safflower. Safety first, never fill the frying pan more than half-full. Make sure the oil is really hot before you add the food. The fried food will absorb more oil if the oil is not hot enough. Put a tiny drop of batter into the oil. If it comes up immediately, the oil is hot enough. The optimal frying temperature for the oil is between 350F and 375F degrees. At this temperature, the food cooks correctly on the inside without browning the exteriors too soon. Drain fried food by holding each piece over the pot as you remove it, allowing the excess to dribble back in. Then, set them on paper towels to absorb some more of the oil sticking to the surface. You can prevent the oil from blackening by adding a wedge of carrot to the pot. It will serve as a magnet for all the black flecks that accumulate when deep-frying. 

So what say ready have some fried pakodas this weekend, after all its monsoon time...