Monsoon fruits are also rich in antioxidants that help to reduce blood pressure and prevent various infections. Jamun is another seasonal fruit that should be consumed as it is high in iron, folate, potassium, and vitamins…writes Puja Gupta.
Food or diet is very important according to the seasons and health conditions. Along with strong winds and incessant rain, the monsoons in India also usher in a time for savoury delicacies. It is important to remember that extreme change in weather conditions has an impact on our digestive system and makes it vulnerable to infections. Consuming certain foods items that are rich in nutrients and help strengthen the body’s immune system can help protect ourselves. Rohit Shelatkar, VP at Vitabiotics, Fitness & Nutrition Expert shares a list of these superfoods:
Corn (Bhutta): A roasted corn cob coated with spices and butter is the classic Indian monsoon snack. Corn is the ultimate power-packed and healthy monsoon food because it is low in calories and high in fiber. It is also very rich in lutein and two phytochemicals that promote better vision. Besides helping with weight loss, the insoluble fiber in corn feeds the good bacteria in our gut which in turn aids better digestion. Corn can be boiled, steamed or roasted and it is an extremely versatile food that can be incorporated in salads and mains.
Bananas: Gastrointestinal infections are more likely to occur during the monsoon season and the humble banana is the best defense against this. They are packed with vitamins and minerals that help with proper digestion. They also have ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and retinol that can help keep up our body’s immune high. Additionally, bananas have a low caloric value and help the stomach to feel fuller for longer periods.
Eggs: Eggs are an all-weather superfood that is rich in protein and help to build muscle mass. Eggs also boost the body’s immune system and help to fight off infections.
Seasonal Fruit: Monsoon fruit such as lychee, papaya, pomegranates, and pears not only help the body to digest food better but also aid in fighting infections that are caused due to this rise in humidity levels. Monsoon fruits are also rich in antioxidants that help to reduce blood pressure and prevent various infections. Jamun is another seasonal fruit that should be consumed as it is high in iron, folate, potassium, and vitamins.
Coconut water: Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to be healthy and prevent bacterial infections. Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes that can help the body to flush out toxins. It is also high in immunity-boosting properties and can work wonders for one’s skin and heart health. It is also the best choice for those who are trying to lose weight. Coconut water should be had at room temperature with either a little bit of lemon juice or pineapple to boost Vitamin C levels in the body.
Udupi is a temple town located in close proximity to Mangalore and lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, reports S Ravi
Udupi cuisine is taking Hong Kong by storm as Asian residents in the gleaming metropolis and beyond bite into India’s spicy south Indian delicacies, which are extending India’s soft-power across the globe.
In an article in South China Morning Post, Rakesh Raghunathan recalls the still intact taste of this cuisine said: “The most amazing dish that I have had at a Udupi restaurant is at the old Dasaprakash Hotel in Mysore, where they served haalbai, a halwa made with rice flour, jaggery, coconut milk and ghee. I can still remember that melt-in-the-mouth goodness years later.”
It is not just Raghunathan but several others spread in different mega and metro cities of India, who have fond memories of this variety of food. For a very long time, food outlets like Woodlands and Dasaprakash with their trademark waiters donning white uniforms and caps served rice with a liberal helping of ghee to be relished with sambar, a tangy lentil stew and rasam and vegetables dishes with mango pickles and well fried papads on the side.
The emergence of Udupi style
Udupi is a temple town located in close proximity to Mangalore and lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
Explaining in the SCMP article, Raghunathan said that the Udupi cuisine began in the 13th Century, when Shivalli Brahmins made elaborate food in the Lord Krishna temple kitchens.
The food offered to Lord Krishna included no less than 14 different cooked delicacies each day. The same food was also served to the devotees who visited the temple in large numbers throughout the year.
The article quoting Raghunathan stated: “The food that was served here was essentially satvik (foods that are ripened and harvested according to nature, and promote harmony) and had to be cooked with many religious restrictions, which banned the use of onions and garlic, root vegetables like potatoes and even �English vegetables’ like cauliflower and radish. Seasonality was key and there was a list of things that would not be eaten during the monsoon months.”
With passage of time, in the 1920s, a number of eating outlets came up in the town, all offering simple food. This included lentils, vegetables which were seasoned with spices freshly grounded with a pinch of jaggery added to sweeten the dishes.
The offerings featured whatever was locally produced like mattu gulla, a type of green-skinned brinjal, gourds, plantains, white pumpkin, and seasonal greens.
New additions Technological advancements brought in new equipment for grinding and steaming thereby expanding the Udupi food to include tiffin which consisted of masala dosas, crisp lentil crepes stuffed with a spiced potato mixture, and moon-shaped idlis eaten with sambar and chutney.
Besides the usual fare, Udupi area boasted of some special dishes. These included kadubu idlis (lentil and rice batter steamed in conical moulds) and goli baje � deep fried fritters of flour and curd with a smattering of green chillies and ginger. Another speciality was thanbulis — cucumber or other greens cooked and then mixed with buttermilk and seasoned with mustard and curry leaves.
Dispersal to new areas and cities
In 1923 Udupi was struck with a massive flood that had a major effect on the region. A number of cooks moved to bigger cities like Mumbai and Chennai, starting Udupi restaurants that offered wholesome food at reasonable prices and hygienic environs.
In 1924, three brothers from the Maiya family left for Bangalore from Udupi to work as cooks and later they established a quiet restaurant. Called Brahmin Coffee House, it served idlis and filtered coffee.
Moving on, in 1950, they set up Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR), which over the years has grown to become a mammoth organisation in the Udupi cuisine world. It has branches world over and sells a line of packaged foods.
Talking to SCMP, Vikram Maiya, a third-generation restaurateur hailing from the family that runs the MTR with his siblings said: “We have tried to be close to the original cuisine from Udupi but of course the food has evolved to include elements of Mysore kitchens and of North Karnataka. But the sambar and rasam that we serve is quintessentially Udupi style. We have franchises in Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai and have adapted our menus to local tastes. Ultimately a sensible brand adapts to consumer preference.”
Butter Masala Dosa(WIKIPEDIA)
Many of the Udupi outlets today have adapted to the changing times and needs and now offer North Indian dishes and desserts though a number of them are family run, and old fashioned in their decor.
Located in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood is Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Restaurant. It was started in 1981 and it offers to its patrons everything from vegetarian thalis to dosas and idlis.
Elaborating on this outlet, Arun PE, who runs it told SCMP that was the only Udupi-style restaurant in the city, where ethnic minorities account for about 8 per cent of the population.
“Our chefs are from Udupi itself and have been with us for over 25 years,” he said proudly.
Another Udupi native, K. Seetharama Rao started the Dasaprakash chain of restaurants. In 1921 Rao joined his brother’s tiffin business in the southern city of Mysore.
At present K. Vishwanatha Das, who runs the chain with his family, informed that even though they offer other cuisines, from North Indian to Chinese and even European, to suit customers’ preferences � it is always the Udupi flavour that makes the customers revisit them.
“The authentic taste of Udupi cuisine was the freshly ground spices and the use of firewood for cooking. We still use a lot of jaggery to give the food a hint of sweetness. It’s traditional food which will always have a demand because it’s wholesome, healthy and nutritious,” Das avers.
Despite all this global expansion, Udupi remains unchanged. Daily the devotees at the Sri Krishna Temple are served free food on banana leaves while there are small outlets that sell freshly made tiffin.
(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)
There is a strong need to care for these gastrointestinal issues. “Have a disciplined daily routine. Diet is a very important aspect and special care must be taken to avoid an oily and excessively spicy diet…writes Siddhi Jain.
Food styles have great importance in our daily life. As the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic rages throughout the country, there is a surge in associated digestive issues like gaseousness, bloating, and acidity, say doctors. The number of patients with these complaints are increasing at an alarming rate due to prolonged lockdown.
A healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep, keeping stress at bay are the four pillars for a healthy digestive system. Over the last one year, people all over the country have been confined to their homes. As the lockdown has progressed, there has been an outpouring of food and cooking-related posts on social media reflecting on an increased interest in cooking.
Many people have found solace in cooking gourmet meals and relishing them frequently. Additionally, there is an increase in food deliveries and consumption of processed food. Though the restaurants have closed down, home delivery orders have shown an upsurge. Meals have turned spicier and calorie-dense, and meal timings have gone for a toss as people are struggling to keep up with a daily routine and sleep cycle.
Coupled with this, is the closure of all outdoor avenues for physical activity and exercise and an increase in stress levels as people are trying to deal with illness, loss of loved ones and financial losses. All of the above factors are having an adverse impact on the overall health and well-being and especially on digestive health.
Aparna Govil Bhasker, Laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, said, “It is now known that Covid-19 infection by itself can also lead to gastro-intestinal presentation in the form of loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and pain in the abdomen. Along with this, there is an increasing number of patients who present with a range of digestive issues like bloating, gaseousness, acidity, acid reflux, constipation, and exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome, in the recovery phase after the Covid infection. Treatment of Covid-19 includes multiple drug combinations. Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antimalarials, and steroids need to be used in many patients and tend to take a toll on the gastro-intestinal system during the recovery phase.”
There is a strong need to care for these gastrointestinal issues. “Have a disciplined daily routine. Diet is a very important aspect and special care must be taken to avoid an oily and excessively spicy diet. Stay away from sugar. Try not to order food from outside very frequently. Eat on time and avoid very late-night meals. Include salads, fruits, and curd in the diet regularly. Also, be cognizant about portion control. Try to avoid overeating and excessive snacking. Limit tea and coffee intake to one or two cups a day. Refrain from smoking and alcohol. Practice mindful eating.”
“Lastly, have enough water and keep yourself hydrated. Regular exercise is also very important for digestive health. If you cannot go outside, do home exercises. You can walk or do yoga or follow some fitness apps as per your health status. Maintaining good sleep hygiene is also essential for good health,” advised Aparna. “All these can be practiced easily at home.”
During post-Covid recovery, it is advisable to remain in touch with your physician and if there is an increase in gastrointestinal symptoms, contact your doctor at the earliest for timely care.
Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, or spinach are some vegetables to include in your child’s diet…writes Puja Gupta.
Mothers are always worried about nutritional choices for kids. The right food can help you improve your memory, concentration, and brain function. The brain, like the rest of the body, absorbs nutrients from the food we eat. Therefore, it is very important for kids to consume highly nutritious food which are brain-boosters. Dietician Vidhi Chawla suggests some:
Eggs
Filling your child’s breakfast plate with a combination of carbs, protein, and a small amount of healthy fat will help him or her stay energised throughout the day. Eggs are high in protein and as an added bonus they contain choline, which aids memory.
Oily Fish
Oily fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial for brain development and health. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary components of the cell’s building blocks. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna, trout, sardines, and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids and should be consumed once a week. Oats/oatmeal
Oatmeal and oats are excellent sources of energy and “fuel” for the brain. They are high in fibre, which keeps kids satisfied and prevents them from snacking on junk food. They’re also high in vitamins E, B complex, and zinc, which help kids’ brains function at their best. Use any topping, such as apples, bananas, blueberries, or even almonds over it.
Colourful veggies
Coloured vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants, which help to keep brain cells healthy. Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, or spinach are some vegetables to include in your child’s diet. It’s simple to incorporate vegetables into spaghetti sauces or soups.
Milk, yogurt and cheese
Milk, yoghurt, and cheese are high in protein and B vitamins, which are necessary for the growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes, all of which play important roles in the brain. These foods are also high in calcium, which is necessary for the development of strong and healthy teeth and bones. Children’s calcium requirements vary depending on their age, but two to three calcium-rich sources should be consumed each day. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t like milk; there are other ways to include dairy in his or her diet: When making porridge, puddings, or pancakes, use milk instead of water.
Beans
Beans are a great source of protein and vitamins and minerals for your children. Kidney and pinto beans contain Omega 3 more than any other beans. Sprinkle mixed beans on salad, mash them and spread them on pita pockets, or combine them with shredded lettuce and cheese to make the perfect sandwich filler.
Rajah Masala Blends range consists of 8 versatile blends including Rajah Fish Masala, Rajah Chana Masala, Rajah Chicken Masala, Rajah Sambar Masala, Rajah Chaat Masala, Rajah Achari Gosht Masala, Rajah Pav Bhaji Masala and the traditional Rajah Biryani Masala
Looking for a bit of extra succulence to sprinkle over your dishes this season? Look no further than Rajah Masala Blends. These versatile blends have everything you need to add a bit of extra sizzle and delicious tanginess to all your recipes. They will no doubt inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
Rajah Masala Blends range consists of 8 versatile blends including Rajah Fish Masala, Rajah Chana Masala, Rajah Chicken Masala, Rajah Sambar Masala, Rajah Chaat Masala, Rajah Achari Gosht Masala, Rajah Pav Bhaji Masala and the traditional Rajah Biryani Masala.
Each Rajah Masala Blends pack contains an aromatic mix of spices that are expertly sourced from the subcontinent, and carefully blended by expert chefs in India and Pakistan, to capture the authentic taste of home.
Rajah Masala Blends have no preservatives, no artificial colours, no MSG and are 100% vegetarian. On top of all of that, these high-quality blends come in resealable packs which means that they stay fresher for longer.
Rajah Masala Blends have no preservatives, no artificial colours, no MSG and are 100% vegetarian
Add these succulent blends onto your dishes to recreate the authentic taste of home or use them to make fun fusion recipes. These blends are versatile and can be used to add some mouth-watering flavour, zest or heat to any recipe.
Looking for some culinary inspiration? Use Rajah Masala Blends to make scrumptious dishes like Pav Bhaji Quorn Tacos, Achari Chicken Crostini, Keema Lasagne and so much more. All the inspiration you need is available on @rajahspices on Instagram and Facebook as well as rajahspices.com.
Spinach is a nutritious leafy green vegetable high in calcium, B-vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. One of the foods that can help with anxiety is spinach…writes Puja Gupta.
There are a number of reasons to get stressed in daily life. A healthy diet, exercise, yoga, meditation, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby are all known stress-reduction strategies. Vitamins are an essential component in your quest for perfect glowing skin, as well as numerous other health benefits. It boosts the immune system and increases the body’s ability to withstand stressful situations. Dietician Vidhi Chawla lists down a few vitamin-rich food items to include in our diet:
Oranges
Oranges, which are high in vitamin C, can help to lower stress hormones and strengthen the immune system. According to research on high blood pressure patients, increasing your Vitamin C intake can lower your blood pressure and levels of cortisol, or stress hormone. Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious leafy green vegetable high in calcium, B-vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. One of the foods that can help with anxiety is spinach. Magnesium is found in 157 mg per cup of spinach, which is 40 per cent of your daily requirement. In fact, a lack of magnesium can cause headaches, fatigue, and stress-related symptoms. They are low in carbs, can be used as part of a weight-loss diet, and are beneficial to people with high blood pressure.
Eggs
Because of their high nutrient content, eggs are often referred to as nature’s multivitamin. One of the few naturally occurring sources of vitamin D is whole eggs. Whole eggs are high in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, all of which are required for a healthy stress response. Whole eggs are especially high in choline, a nutrient found in high concentrations in only a few foods. Choline has been shown to be beneficial to brain health and may protect against stress.
Nuts
Nuts are high in nutrients, including B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. B vitamins are an essential part of a healthy diet and can help with stress reduction. Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts may even aid in the reduction of blood pressure. Nuts and seeds are also high in magnesium, which is beneficial because magnesium has been linked to improved anxiety management.
Avocados
B vitamins are necessary for the health of our nerves and brain cells, and a B vitamin deficiency may cause anxiety. Avocados are high in B vitamins, which are known to help with stress relief. They’re also high in monounsaturated fat and potassium, both of which help to keep blood pressure down. Blueberries
Blueberries may appear small, but they are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, making them effective stress relievers. Our bodies require vitamin C and antioxidants to repair and protect cells when we are stressed. While blueberries are delicious on their own (try freezing them for a cold berry snack), there’s no better way to boost the nutrition in a serving of yoghurt or high-fibre cereal than to add them to it.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that can help you cope with physical and mental stress. Here’s a unique way to incorporate ashwagandha into your diet. Take a 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder in ghee and mix in some date sugar, honey, jaggery, or coconut sugar (any one of these sweetening ingredients). Consume the mixture approximately 20 minutes before breakfast or later in the day with a cup of milk. If stress is making it difficult to sleep, it is best to take ashwagandha at night as it can help induce sleep. Ashwagandha has also been linked to lower cortisol levels in the morning.
Our vision is a world where nobody will have to compromise with taste to achieve their health goals… Sakshi Bakshi speaks with Puja Gupta.
Foods that benefit for dietary goals will surely satisfy us for our healthy lifestyle. Nucros is a new-age subscription-based food/beverage provider that combines the latest nutrition science with natural ingredients for delicious meal plans to help achieve dietary goals.
The brand delivers customized keto, low carb, vegan, and balanced meals to your doorstep. The subscription plans include the management of various medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid, digestive issues, PCOD, weight loss, and general well-being. All plans are personalized, certified by doctors, crafted by expert chefs, and delivered to one’s doorstep.
An interview with Sakshi Bakshi to know more about the venture.
What prompted you to start the brand during a pandemic and what is the vision?
It was during the lockdown that I initiated the process and that’s when the company was formed with the idea to launch a platform where consumers can simply fill up a form, post which they would receive a call from our nutritionist. That call will discuss the subscriber’s goals and their medical history, based on which the nutritionist prepares their diet plans which are vetted and approved by our team of dedicated doctors. The diet plan is then shared with the kitchen team who then prepares the fresh meals which are then delivered to the subscriber’s house daily.
My vision is to eliminate the stigma of completely of avoiding tasty food while following meal plans. That is why Nucros Science not only prepares your diet chart but also sends you fresh meals cooked in their kitchen under their meal subscription plans. These diet plans also have dishes like Maggi and pizzas which are made using healthier alternatives. Such diet plans help the clients to be happy and content because they don’t have to compromise on the taste but rather, they learn to make healthier choices and eat what they enjoy. This also helps them to love their bodies and work hard to stay fit.
Our vision is a world where nobody will have to compromise with taste to achieve their health goals. Our mission is to provide complete convenience and deliver nutrient-calculated and macros-calculated tasty and healthy meals on a subscription basis right to your doorstep.
What sets the brand apart and why should people opt for Nucros?
The subscription-based healthy meal market in India is in a nascent stage, especially in the chronic and lifestyle disease space. Unlike other products in the lifestyle disease space which target only a specific part of the problem such as bars, teas, and drinks, we provide a holistic and convenient solution that comprises nutritious meals along with exercise and lifestyle guidance. Moreover, this is a segment that requires tailored nutrition, unlike a one-size-fits-all approach which is followed by most players.
In the women’s health market, we are the only subscription-based meal service in India, offering meals and smoothies for specific women’s health issues such as managing PCOS, boosting fertility, increasing fetal weight during pregnancy, and boosting milk supply after birth, all through natural foods with food acting as medicine.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are increasingly common in India and most patients with chronic diseases have to limit or restrict their diet to manage their condition(s). What sets us apart from other players in this category including dieticians is that we ensure they get all their favorite meals and desserts thanks to a team of expert chefs, nutritionists and endocrinologists who make sure that their diet is not restrictive and they can enjoy all their meals despite their health condition.
While the weight-management market is crowded with multiple players offering parts of the solution, apart from calorie-counted and macros-calculated meals provided to their doorstep and nutritionist guidance, we also provide free monthly blood diagnostic test and consults with physicians and exercise coaches to ensure their goals and macros, micros are on track and that they are completely taken care of. And as mentioned, a customized meal plan per their preferences and allergies so that they enjoy the meals shared.
What challenges did you face while setting up with business and your key learnings?
A: The key business challenge has been the high rate of customer attrition. Most subscribers achieve their weight loss goals in a target span of 2-2.5 months and thus do not resubscribe to the plan. To combat this issue, we have diversified our business portfolio into DIY plans and retail products as alternate revenue streams. These new offerings have also enabled us to hold on to the customer even after they discontinue. We are also slowly and steadily shifting our focus from weight-management plans to chronic and lifestyle diseases for longer client retention.
As an entrepreneur, the biggest lesson learned has been to be agile. The quicker you make a decision, the quicker you can succeed or fail at it. I have consciously tried to create a culture of trial and error at Nucros, leading the team to be more creative and empowered. Thanks to a strong independent team, most tasks and decisions are made autonomously without waiting for any approval. Another important lesson learned has been to drive operations using technology. This has helped us in creating standardised and automated processes where we can accommodate over 100 clients with a smaller workforce thereby creating cost efficiencies.
What are your growth and expansion plans?
A: Since our start in July 2020, we have achieved around 10 per cent growth month-on-month till Dec 2020 and 20 per cent growth month-on-month with a total revenue of Rs 76 lacs till March 2021.We are looking to double the revenue every year with the help of our existing revenue streams and projected expansion into other tier-1 markets.
Expansion strategies for specific segments:
* Diabetes/ Heart/Renal/Liver Disease — Plans underway to expand share in this segment through doctor referrals. Future penetration plans include direct tie-up with select hospitals that can outsource meals for in-hospital patients.
* PCOS/Fertility/Pregnancy/Lactation (Women TMs Health) — Apart from the existing doctor referral system for our meal subscription program, we are planning to increase share in this market through Pan-India expansion with retail food products such as smoothie premixes and healthier food swaps for insulin resistance, etc.
* Weight Management — To increase share in this highly competitive market, we are planning to launch an app to expand our services offering and provide a seamless experience to both our meal subscription and DIY customers.
As travel blogs become increasingly popular, garnering millions of hits every second — it taps the potential of comics to engage with graphic travel blogs on social media…writes Siddhi Jain.
Food is something that should feed our hearts more than our stomachs. Launched in 2020, ‘Graphic Travelogues’ proves to be a remarkable stage for comics and graphic novels portraying travel. Their culinary section is a trans-regional platform that documents the travel experiences of comic artists across geographies and highlights and identifies recurring topics and new artists, thus presenting and creating treasures in this field of art.
The ‘Graphic Travelogues Culinary’, a project by the Goethe Institut, uses ingredients to serve the most flavorsome dish that will feed your soul, nourish your mind, and delight your palate. The immersive project presents travel experiences of artists from India, Bangladesh, and Germany.
Stories of travel and food are documented on this globally accessible platform, facilitating intercultural experiences through comics and graphic novels.
As travel blogs become increasingly popular, garnering millions of hits every second — it taps the potential of comics to engage with graphic travel blogs on social media.
According to Goethe Institut, GT Culinary is a one of its kind expedition where professional chefs and avid travel bloggers from different cultures and cities come together for a tryst with gastronomy, travel, and comics.
Through vivid experiences and resulting sketches, the project demonstrates graphic cooking and delivers the most amazing recipes artistically. At the forefront of the culinary journey are teams comprising a chef or an influencer and an illustrator that give life to the cooking, exploring and illustrating aspects of the project. It also urges the public to follow the teams’ cookery and artistic expedition and see the world through their eyes — from shopping for ingredients to preparing the dish step by step in times when physical travel seems like a distant reality.
The website gives an interesting sneak peek into Team India: “The famous Indian blogger-duo Delhi FunDos has seen that food of a region reflects the local culture, the life-philosophy of the people. With illustrator Kruttika Susarla, they embark on the GT #Culinary journey together in Dehli. The adventure begins at a Bengali market in Mini Kolkata. There they shop for Shukto and Methi Chicken — one dish from Punjab, and one from Bengal.”
Team Germany (Berlin Biryani) consists of jeg Felicitas Then, Chef and food blogger; and Alexandra Klobouk, Author and culture and content Illustrator. Whereas Team Bangladesh (Fried Loitta Fish) consists of Sameera Hussain Wadood, Chef; and Sayeef Mahmud, Illustrator.
Safurat Balogun, Project Manager and Head of Library Services, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi, says, “When we launched Graphic Travelogues last year in the middle of the pandemic, we imagined that the next phase of the project would include bringing artists together through residencies. We quickly realized that it couldn’t happen anytime soon so we had to brainstorm alternatives. This is how Graphic Travelogues #Culinary was born. Food, travel, and comics — is what we are holding on to this year to bring together the finest chefs, travel bloggers, and comic artists for a unique culinary adventure. Three cities, three teams, three recipes — one experience.”
The culinary and artistic journey can be accessed at www.goethe.de/India/graphictravelogues/culinary.
The first step before getting into a fitness routine is to understand what your aim is. Whether it is to lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, build flexibility or build muscle power…writes Siddhi Jain.
Starting a fitness routine is a tough and overwhelming choice. Especially if you are a beginner and can barely differentiate between a bench press and a cross trainer, let alone know what goals you can achieve with either. Staying motivated to work out may very well be hard, but not impossible. A personal trainer may be able to help you on this journey, yet the motivation comes from no one but yourself.
If you want to see the change in your body and are ready to make serious changes to your lifestyle while stuck at home again, Niraj Puran Rao, fitness icon and the Indian candidate on the iconic business reality show the Apprentice e ONE Championship edition, shares some cardinal rules to help your fitness expedition take off today.
Self-commitment
You need to understand that this is a process that will require full commitment at your end. You need to be absolutely ready for taking on this challenge since fitness is all about finding the perfect balance. It will get difficult to reach your desired goals with a lack of self-commitment.
Set a clear goal
The first step before getting into a fitness routine is to understand what your aim is. Whether it is to lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, build flexibility or build muscle power. Determining what you want will lead you to taking up a fitness routine in alignment with your goal.
Start small
While your body is very capable of change, it is impossible to expect that you will be able to do 3 repetitions with heavyweights on the very first day that you begin your fitness journey. You could try a class that will help you find the best exercise routine based on your fitness goals. It may not necessarily be working out in the gym but could also be Pilates, yoga or even Zumba.
Keep it going
The process of fitness can be tiresome and may even make you give up. That is when you need to spring up and get back into the routine. You need not do the same exercise every day, instead could try brisk walking or doing 5-10 Suryanamaskars to keep the momentum going.
Find a friend
A workout buddy who has similar fitness goals like yours can be of great support in this journey. They can be your cheerleaders when you feel low and demotivated, and you can also hold each other accountable to your fitness goals. After all, who doesn’t like a partner- in-fitness.
Eating right
Now that you have started on your fitness journey and have gotten the motivation to exercise, it’s time to watch what you eat. Without the right kind of food, your fitness routine will go for a toss. Healthy food and plenty of water is the fuel that your body needs. It is essential to consume carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats in equal amounts. Be kind to yourself
This project you have taken up is just for yourself. It is important to celebrate the small wins like increase in the number of sets you do or the number of miles you ran and treat yourself. You could even buy those cool athleisure outfits that you were eyeing to sustain the excitement and make it a fun experience. You must reward yourself for all that hard work that you put in.
Fox nuts or makhanas are dubbed as a great source of calcium. Coming as fat-free, these fox nuts are an ideal snack when you experience sudden hunger pangs at work or while studying…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.
Covid hit terribly affected all kind of lifestyle. We know that working from home is here to stay, owing to yet another if not deadlier Covid-19 wave. Home sheltering can make us crave carb-heavy or fat-loaded snacks, we must remember that eating healthy is the only way to keep our immunity in check.
It is certainly tricky to select from a wide range of ‘healthy’ tagged packaged foods, here’s a list of snacks to munch on while you work from home! Gooey Filled Cookie
Set to change your snacking game forever, the cookie is baked to perfection with deliciously rich dough and oozing a smooth indulgent filling. The cookies come packed with 20g of protein to help you reach your daily protein requirement. A perfect way to keep cravings in check while supporting training goals. Being fibre-rich, they are a great addition to a balanced diet without any meal prep. Available at- www.myprotein.co.in
Maniarrs Khakhra
The common go-to Gujarati snack relished throughout the world, the khakhras by Maniarrs are healthy and made primarily of ragi with multiple flavours and spices combinations. A new taste every day is ensured in its eight different variety combo pack. Available at- www.amazon.in
The Healthy Cravings Co Roasted Makhana
Fox nuts or makhanas are dubbed as a great source of calcium. Coming as fat-free, these fox nuts are an ideal snack when you experience sudden hunger pangs at work or while studying. It also keeps your blood pressure in control. Available at- www.amazon.in Myprotein 6 Layered Protein Bar
Myprotein’s another recent release, the 6 Layered Protein Bar, features six layers of taste and texture to provide a hit of protein, carbohydrates, and fibre. Packed with over 20g of protein, essential minerals calcium and copper, these mouth-watering treats are the ideal way to upgrade your healthy snacking. Available on – www.myprotein.co.in
Keeros Snack Pack
Popular among the Indian audience, given its nutritional value, this super snack has high fibre, high energy, good for your heart and bones. It keeps your cholesterol in control and even helps you in losing weight. A great snack option for those suffering from diabetes. Available at- www.amazon.in
SNACKS (ANI)
Grammingway Ragi Diet Chips
Craving for chips but not the fried ones? Ragi chips by Graminway are a healthy substitute to potato chips, being low in cholesterol and fat, these chips are made of ragi flour, vegetable oil and tapioca starch combined with the necessary spices. Munching these flavour-packed crunchy snacks in between your main meals keeps the hunger pangs away. Available at- www.flipkart.in
The Green Snack Co
The Green Snack Co vouches on spreading healthy, tasty and authentic foods. Offering a range of flavourful snacks made with the goodness of Quinoa, Kale leaves and some super Grains, the brand offers puffs, crisps, stix, and more. It is definitely a healthy snacking option. So #BingeOnGreen.
