Natural Mantra

Monthly Archives: March 2014


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Things You Should Know About What You Eat

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Eat Safe and Be Safe

Eating is a ritual for us, and a lovable one at that. We love to eat our food and are quite religious about it, right? Some of us are specific about our food and a lot of us explore new dishes which define the length and breadth of our country.

We have already explored the fact, “You are what you eat!” And with eating comes the obvious responsibility of eating right and safe.With the new age living, we choose convenience over safety. But the question is, how do we eat safe?

The sudden rise of unpolished products in the food market is an indication of where we are going wrong. There was a reason why our ancestors followed what they did. In fact, they also knew what portions to eat at what times; why certain foods are taken at a specific time of the day or night. For example: curd or yogurt is not to be taken at night because it is acidic in nature and also, cools your body temperature down.

The point is, we need to recognize food stuff that is good and bad for us. Yes, we come to your rescue!

Unpolished grains

Unpolished grains like rice and lentils (dal) are good for your body because they contain all the nutrients. When these grains are polished, the husk or cover of the grains is removed. The catch is, this husk or cover is the bag that has all nutrients. Polished grains are nothing but a process of removing these very nutrients, leaving only starch and carbs behind.

Locally produced vegetables and fruits

For the population our country has, new ways of producing vegetables and fruits on a large scale have come up. The large produce and nonseasonal flora being available throughout the year is proof that pesticides are used heavily. But you don’t have to succumb to these ways! Buy locally produced vegetables and fruits that encourage organic farming. Organic farming is the traditional way of farming which uses natural methods.

Consult a dietitian

Before you follow anything on your own, it is always better to consult a dietician. You can also get a diet chart prepared by the dietitian who will design it according to your body type and needs. And for the record, some diet charts have one cheat day where you can indulge in the stuff you crave for!

It is always better to be safe than sorry. The bottom-line is, eating contributes to major parts of our life and it is high time we start eating right.


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Beneficial Fruit Peels

 With summer around the corner, it’s time we gear up to keep our bodies hydrated through different ways. Water being the primary source of keeping ourselves cool during summers, there are more ways to survive the summer heat!

Fruits are beneficial to the body but there are more uses to them than just eating or drinking their juice. We bring you some ‘did you know’ facts about a few fruits:

Orange

On a summer day, one citrus fruit that can keep you fresh is an orange. May it be eating the fruit whole or drinking its juice, it definitely puts some life in our body.

Did you know?

  •         Orange peel (dried) powder can be used as a rejuvenating body scrub.
  •         Make a paste of orange powder and apply it on your scalp to bring a shine to your hair!
  •         Drop a few fresh orange peels in your bathing water to have a reviving experience. You can use the peels as a scrubber, if you’re taking a shower.

Lemon

There is nothing as refreshing as a lemonade on a scorching summer day. While the juice quenches our thirst, the peel can be used to quench our thirst for beauty.

Did you know?

  •         Dropping fresh lemon peels in your bathing water will infuse a fresh lemony aroma. You can use those peels as a scrubber if you’re taking a shower.
  •         Scrub lemon peels on your elbow to keep them white!

Banana

Although a very common fruit, we tend to overlook its exoticness towards our body.

Did you know?

  •         The inside of banana peel (the white side) helps condition your skin when rubbed on face.
  •         The white side of banana peel, when rubbed over acne, helps reduce them.
  •         Sprinkle some sugar on the white side of the banana skin and use it as an exfoliating agent!

Watermelon

A soothing fruit that goes down well anytime during the hot season, watermelon is one of the best ways to keep yourself hydrated during summer.

Did you know?

  •         The inside of watermelon peel can be applied on face to get that refreshing feeling. The cool nature of the skin will help you get rid of the exhaustion.

The next time you help yourself with these fruits, don’t forget to bask in the glory of their peels as well!

Happy Summer!


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Stress Management and Simple Ways to Deal With It

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Women Need to De-stress

(Why and How)?

 To all the ladies out there,this blog is specially dedicated to you. we would like you to take some time off and think about yourself. Natural Mantra wants to remind you that unconsciously you take a lot of stress about work, family, children, relationships, etc. It’s time to stop and take a quick check on that! Here’s how you can live in harmony, day in and day out!

 While maintaining the harmony in everyone’s life, a woman, whether single or married – goes through a lot of emotions. And then there are the obvious hormonal changes that she goes through at various stages in life. But the best part is that she brings out the best in herself and in everybody while maintaining the balance/harmony in life.

 Harmony comes in when personal and work life need to be maintained/kept at their own places. A woman keeps a tab on both and has the urge (like men) to excel in both. Meanwhile, it could take a toll on her mind and, in turn, on her body.As her emotions and hormones play inside her, she might never feel satisfied with how much she is doing for her family and her work.

 The bottom line? Women need to de-stress and we tell you how!

Yoga

The simplest mantra to keep stress at bay is to bring Yoga into your routine. With breathing exercises and stretching, it’s the perfect way to keep yourself fit while you keep your mind calm as well! Get that restless mind of yours to calm down early morning!

 Music

Who doesn’t love music now? Get your favorite songs on the phone or your music player and indulge in your darling tunes!

 Gardening

It is a very soothing way to take your minds off things. Being around plants and helping them grow, will help you grow out of stress. The calmness around and the touch of the earth, will refresh you!

 Reading

If you’re a book-lover, need we tell you anything more? Just live out in that fantasy world in your hands for a while….

 Pottery

Have you tried pottery? Get your hands on it once and we can assure you, you will love it. The soothing nature of the earth is the key to being one with Mother Nature. The coolness of the mud relieves you of tensions and brings joy as you learn something new.

 Pamper yourself!

Indulge in that haircut, manicure or pedicure! Get that facial and pamper yourself sometimes. It’s a feel good factor now, isn’t it?

 Always remember, being happy is essential too! To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting some on yourself.”


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USEFUL KITCHEN & HEALTH TIPS

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Shelf solutions to health issues!

 We are going back to where we emerged from – our roots. Our whole stint with the so called ‘western world’ is coming to an end, because they are adapting our ways. Taking a positive outlook at this, let’s just keep in mind, “What goes around, comes around!”

 Since the birth of our country, one thing that has remained consistent is the practice of Ayurveda (and thank God for that!). The study and use of medicinal plants to cure the body of any disease, is a boon to mankind as it comes with no side-effects. What is interesting and important to know is that some simple day-to-day natural eatables can help us in keeping our body healthy and at bay from some common illnesses.

 Let’s get to the kitchen and explore, shall we?

 Methi (fenugreek)

–         Helps reduce levels of cholesterol

–         Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases

–         Highly useful in keeping diabetes under control

–         Solution to your hair problems

 The best way to consume Methi is to powder it and have it on empty stomach early morning.

 Karela (bitter-gourd)

–         Helps control diabetes

–         Prevents complications arising out of diabetes

 Like every other vegetable, Karela should be consumed in its natural form. But with the launch of products that make our life easier, Karela powder is a good option too! And hey, you don’t have to worry about the bitterness as you can consume the powder with honey.

 Amla (Indian gooseberry)

–         Highly rich in vitamin C, which in turn increases your immunity

–         Reduces cholesterol levels

–         Good for your hair

–         Protects your liver

 Amla tastes well as it is, but Amla juice, powder and even pickle are easily available in the market.

 Tulsi (holy basil)

–         Keeps blood pressure under control, which in turn protects your heart

–         Stress buster!

–         Protection against cancer

–         Helps dissolve kidney stones

 As easy asit is to pluck a leaf from the plant and consume Tulsi, it is equally easily available in the form of powder and capsules.

 Take a tour of your kitchen to benefit your own health. And remember, everything should be taken in a limited quantity! Not too much, not too less!