Today our dining tables have become demi cultural centers exhibiting delicacies spanning across a vast geographical extent. But why does food become such an important aspect of one’s identity? It’s simple. Just like Europeans were born with cheese and their eating culture testifies the same, Indians who were born with various spices carry the aroma of the same spices wherever they take their food. The potency of food lies not in the taste but in the process of its consumption. There is nothing better than sitting on a dining table sharing food and thoughts at the same time. The contemporary life wreaking havoc on our daily schedules leaves us no time for sitting and savoring the culinary abilities of our loved ones. What is important is to try and make eating lunch, dinner or even sipping tea a well connected affair. By eating together one does not only fill the “growling” tummy but also nurtures the mind to understand and re-connect with other people. Have we ever thought, why did daddy ask you to eat at the dining table rather than munching away to glory sitting lazily on your couch? Because he wanted to see you and ask you about your math test gone wrong or your first football match. In the nutshell he wanted to spend time with you. Thus it was the dining table which helped you both come and operate at the same plain. Food thus assumed a very important role for you and your family to come together. But today eating food has become just like a stop that you make in an unending journey to re fuel your car. You do not pay attention to what you and when you eat because there is just a minute left for the lunch break to get over. Eating slowly has lots of advantages. Many studies carried out by nutritionists around the world suggest that eating slowly helps in the following ways:

1. Lose weight:  it is said that our brain takes 20 minutes to register the point when we are actually full. So eating very fast doesn’t necessarily fill us up quicker. On the contrary it does not allow the brain to register the point where we are full thus making us overeat. But by eating slowly we give the brain enough time to tell the body that it doesn’t need more. One can lose close to 20 pounds or more a year, just by eating slowly.
2. Better digestion: by chewing our food at a slower rate we allow our food to be digested in a better way, thus reducing our tummy labor making it feel nice and light.
3. Better absorption: the food chewed well and digested slowly is absorbed in a better way and contributes towards the development of the body.
4. Inhibits appetite: if food is digested well it gives us more energy. On the flipside food not chewed and digested well passes through the body and finally exits it without any advantages leaving us feeling hungry and unsatiated.

So make an effort to sit together for at least one meal a day, discuss the day, plan your vacations over the dining table and you will see the difference in yourself. You will feel happier, sharper and smarter. What is most essential is to understand that while eating together one does not only exchange bowls across the table but also exchanges values thoughts and ideas which are the most important ingredients for a tastier life. When you eat together and smile together, you grow together. The bonds of love mature more over the dining table than any other place. So next time your mother, father, husband or wife calls you to the table to share a snack, forget about the all important Manchester united game or the new episode of desperate housewives and pounce on the opportunity to share food and share time. We take so much pain to earn our bread and butter. It is time to start enjoying it!!

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Photo credits: tuis on flickr.

Ingredients

• 2 avocados, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
• one medium fresh tomato, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 red or sweet onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 table spoons of crumbled feta cheese for garnish (if available)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 5 eggs
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1  bunch green scallion (diced)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1) Boiled eggs peel and chop in small cubes. Leave one egg yoke for the sauce.

2)     Chop one bunch of scallion and mix with eggs in a bowl.

3)     Prepare the sauce: in a smaller bowl combine one egg yoke, olive oil, mustard, paprika, salt and pepper. Mash well with a fork or wooden spoon.

4)     Mix gently eggs with the dressing.

5)     Serve as a salad with slices of fresh tomatoes or over crisp lettuce. Great for a sandwich as well.

Did you know that……….

Eggs add protein to a person’s diet, as well as many important nutrients:

1)     essential amino acids that help repair muscles, organs and your skin.

2)     several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, important for good night vision, general cell growth and for healthy skin.

3)     riboflavin (vitamin B₂), folic acid (vitamin B₉), vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, support and increase the rate of metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function

4)     choline, good for your mental function and memory.

5)     Selenium, powerful antioxidant that support your immune system.

6)     Vitamin E, preventing damage to your body from free radicals.

7)     Iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, essential mineral micronutrients in human nutrition.

8)     One egg contains approximately 75 Calories

Read about – raw diet. Enjoy more great recipes: Eggplant salad, Avocado salad and Green Beans.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

*image credits: photos by esimpraim on flickr

A raw food diet is a good way to detoxify the body. When practiced properly, it can eliminate toxins or other contaminants that are stored in the body’s fat and cells. Raw foods are also nutrient packed and are alkaline. In general, our bodies are too acidic and alkalis will neutralize them and introduce more oxygen into the blood, lack of which causes many diseases. Raw foods are also low in fat and sugars and can help one lose weight or just become healthier. Other benefits include less mucus in the body, better skin and hair, more energy, improved clarity of mind, better muscle and joint function and prevention of cancer and heart disease.

One of the disadvantages of raw food however, is that it’s hard to get the required energy (calories) from a purely raw lifestyle. Another problem with being 100% raw is that it takes more effort than preparing regular meals and meals or ingredients are harder to acquire all the time like when on the move, at work or spending time with friends.

So while we would never advocate a completely raw lifestyle, we know that incorporating raw foods into your diet can bring about significant changes to your physical and spiritual self.

But why not cook?

• Cooked foods are low in digestive enzymes, as heat destroys them but they are required for proper digestion.
• This will make you tired and sluggish, like you feel after a heavy cooked meal and sends your body into overdrive trying to make its own enzymes for digestion.
• Destroys life force. Raw foodists believe that raw food is live food with energy, while cooked food is dead. Similar to how a raw fruit or seed continues to grow or ripen, but a cooked one decays.
• Applying heat to food changes its ph balance it acidic. Acidic bodies are poorly oxygenated and therefore disease prone.
• Destroys vitamins, nutrients and turns minerals inorganic and therefore hard to absorb.

So if you’re thinking of adopting a raw diet into your lifestyle, consider these and choose foods that have straightforward ingredients, are easy to digest, full of nutrients and vitamins, and are not highly processed or complex.

• Start with buying organic. The difference food grown without added preservatives, hormones or chemicals will make in your life is magnanimous.
• Be gradual. Make healthier choices. Begin making and eating salads and sorbets and smoothies, lettuce wraps, dips and slaws.
• Get juiced. Jampacked with enzymes, organic minerals and vitamins, fruit and vegetable juices will give you vitality. Your immune system will be boosted. Don’t buy the bottled stuff either, squeeze your own and make different healthy variations. Plus you can take it anywhere with you for bursts of energy throughout the day.

Avoid poisoning by getting informed. Some foods must not be consumed raw as they can be toxic. Remember, awareness about the benefits and risks of the raw lifestyle are important as you take up the challenge but relax, eating raw is good for you, your body and your surroundings, it oft endorses the compassion aspect it shares with yoga as most raw foodists are also vegan and it is an excellent way to purify and simplify your life and diet.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

*Photo credits: Wild Tofu, su-lin, massdistraction, Food Thinkers, on flickr

Every so often all of us fall into a slump and require something different to a coffee to pep us up. Here are some things that will instantly lift your spirits when you’re feeling less than great.

Smile and laugh
Funnily enough, the behavior of smiling and laughing causes the feeling of being happy as much the feeling causes the behaviour, as it releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel good chemicals. You can make a conscious choice to change your mood by acting the way you want to feel. Smiles are contagious. Laughter connects us to one another, and teaches us about ourselves. Spend time with those you love, a small playful child or a cute dog, watch comedies that make you laugh, tell jokes, read humorous blogs and books.

Listen to music
Your favorite music will instantly banish the blues and boost your mood. Listen to a piece of music that reminds you of a special time, when you were feeling great and having the time of your life, and you will experience an instant mood lift. If you can’t think of any, introduce yourself to some peppy and melodic jazz, some playful hiphop, some big riffs with some resonating bass or some frenetic electronic. It will get your feet moving and your mood up.

Connect with nature
A big reason for dampened spirits is a lack of sunshine and a missed connection with the elements. Recycled air, hard flooring and harsh lighting can induce headaches and stress so get outdoors. Sink your feet into the ground, breathe deeply and take it all in. The fresh air, open spaces and the warm glow of the sun or the cold frost of the snow will kiss your cheeks and shoulders and make you feel better.

Banish negativity
The wrong relationships can be very toxic for your soul and mind, sapping all your energy and making you listless. Get rid of your emotional baggage by cutting out people who make you feel hurt, insecure and worthless. Avoid places that bring you down and experiences that are unfulfilling. Surround yourself with positive thoughts and strong, healthy relationships.

Fuel yourself
Most people wouldn’t use substandard fuel in their cars but will put all sorts of rubbish in their own system. The truth of the matter is you are what you eat and a lack of nutritious foods will make you feel flat. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar and foods high in fat and sodium if you need an energy burst and mood lift. Load up on foods and supplements high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Don’t forget fibre, as a sluggish digestive system will make you feel fatigued easily.

Be grateful
A great way to release worries and get happy is by being grateful for what you have (or don’t have!) Focus on the positive, say thank you to those who show kindness to you and count your blessings every single day. Life is unpredictable and nobody gets out alive. Live in the moment and be thankful for what you have.

Get active
Get that body moving. Inactivity leads to further lethargy and feeling worse. An active mind always accompanies an active body so set time aside to work out. Exercise releases endorphins which are a natural pain killer and stress reliever. Even a brisk walk or twenty minutes spent doing yoga will pump oxygen into your blood and have you feeling better. Try some energy boosting poses to help.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

Photo credits: Arnett Gill, iwona_kellie, D Sharon Pruitt, Iain Farrell,  on flickr

There are many different types of beans – lima beans, kidney beans, red, black, soy, garbanzo beans, butter beans, broad beans, fava beans, haricot, mung and of course, lentils. Where you live will probably determine which beans are easily attainable by you, but canned varieties of just about any bean are readily available in any supermarket.

All types of beans have significant amounts of dietary fiber with one cup of cooked beans providing between nine to thirteen grams of fiber. They contain both types of fiber – soluble and insoluble which the body requires.

Insoluble fiber or ‘roughage’ is the kind that the body cannot process and therefore removes it, taking with it waste products and toxins. Insoluble fiber is necessary for elimination of waste. Soluble fiber however, remains in the body and helps with the processing of fats, lowering cholesterol and slowing the release of sugar into the bloodstream. The risk for heart disease may be reduced by as much as 22% in bean eaters.

Beans also are a great source of B vitamins and folate, calcium and even potassium, which helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Extremely low in fat (3% or less) with a low glycaemic index, giving you energy for longer, beans also help you feel more full, so you’re less likely to binge on other, unhealthy foodstuffs. They’re also great for boosting metabolism. Beans are complex carbohydrates but also happen to be good sources of complete proteins, a rare quality in plants.

Beans are also full of antioxidants. Their ability to protect the body from free-radicals and outside agents means beans have cancer reducing properties!

If just the health benefits aren’t enough to make you choose beans for your next meal, remember that beans are cheaper than chips. Probably the most inexpensive addition to your pantry, even organic beans cost less than most other foods. Considering their benefits, they’re a bargain.

Secondly, they’re delicious. And they’re also super versatile.

If you’re wondering how to utilise the bean in your kitchen, there are countless dishes you can conjure up. Apart from the ubiquitous breakfast dish – baked beans, you can make all sorts of soups and salads with beans, they add a lovely texture to both and are a great accompaniment to greens. Beans are used widely across cultures – Indians love a creamy ‘rajma’, slow cooked kidney beans; while Mexican food like tacos and enchiladas would be nothing without the humble bean; stewed, casseroled, in chillis; bean dips to go with crusty bread or crunchy vegetables; you can even bake with bean flours or make a chicken or tofu dish with bean sauce. Why, plenty of Asian cultures even used beans in desserts – like red bean icecream!

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

Photo credits: Francesco Desideri, He-Boden, Su-lin, Elana’s Pantry and jessicafm on flickr

Mango Lassi Recipe:
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup mango pulp (fresh or canned)
1 cup crushed ice
3 table spoons sugar / Use sugar substitute for a healthier option (or if the mangoes are sweet enough don’t use any at all)
A sprig of mint or a slice of mango to garnish

Blend all of the above. Add a little water if the consistency is too thick. Keep refrigerated. Serve chilled. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Makes 4 servings. It’s as Simple as that!

*Can’t find mangoes? Try strawberries or your favorite fruit and it’ll be just as good!

Nimboo Pani (Lemonade)
Loved in the US as pure simple “Lemonade”. Nimbu Pani is the Indian version of the same. It’s Lemonade with an Indian twist of Jaljira, a spice blend with cooling properties that packs a real flavor kick!

Nimbu Pani Recipe:
Juice of 4 lemons
Sugar/honey to taste
2 tbsps Jaljira powder (available at most Indian groceries)
Chilled water
Crushed ice
Lemon slices and mint to garnish

* Squeeze all lemons to remove juice and strain the juice to remove seeds. Pour into a large jug.
* Add all the remaining ingredients to get desired strength and sweetness and mix well.
* Serve in chilled glasses garnished with lemon slices.

Kairee Panha (Raw mango drink)
Made with fresh raw mangoes known for their cooling effects on the body and abundantly found in the summer months in India, Kairee (raw mango) Panha originates from the state of Maharashtra in Western India. It is a sweet-sour-spicy drink you’ll just fall in love with! This recipe makes 6 tall glasses.

Kairee Panha Recipe:
4 medium-sized raw green mangoes
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 tbsp coarsely ground black rock salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 tbsps Aniseed/fennel seeds ground coarsely
2 tbsps cumin seeds roasted and ground coarsely
Chilled water
Crushed ice
Sprigs of mint to garnish

Preparation:
* Wash, peel and grate the raw mangoes. Mix the mangoes, sugar and water in a deep saucepan and boil till the mangoes are soft.
* Put this mixture into a food processor and blend till smooth.
* Put the blended mix back into the saucepan and on a medium flame.
* Add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 20 minutes.
* Take off from the fire and allow to cool completely.
* Pour into glasses, dilute with a little chilled water if needed, mix well and add crushed ice.
* Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve.

Masala Chaas (Spiced buttermilk)
Chaas is Buttermilk. Masala Chaas is it nothing but a spiced buttermilk is served as an aperitif and digestive drink.It’s traditionally served in a small clay glass which adds an earthy flavor to it. While yogurt itself has cooling properties, the cumin is what makes this drink so special for the summer. Boiling a teaspoon of cumin in a glass of water to make a tea cures problems in the urinary tract, cleans the bladder and kidneys. And eaten simply or chewed it promotes digestion and boosts immunity making this an all round drink.

Masala Chaas recipe:
1/2 cup yogurt
4 glasses chilled water
1/4 cup of chopped coriander (cilantro)
1/4 cup of mint leaves
1 green chilly
1 tea spoon cumin seed powder
2 tea spoon Black Salt
Salt to taste

Method
Put all the ingredients in a blender till coriander and mint leaves crush very well. Serve cold.

Tender Coconut Water
No Recipes here. The absolute best cooling and refreshing drink there is! All natural- No artificial sweetening, no added flavors or colors….just plain Coconut Water straight from a coconut.

*Photo Credits: blueSkySunHigh, elana’s pantry, DraconianRain, ampersandyslexia, feministjulie on flickr.

1. CHOOSE FISH

It was once noticed that Latino seniors used hospitals less, yet live longer and die less of heart diseases, cancer or stroke. How come? It’s believed that their diet, which includes a lot of fish may be the answer. You see, fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which help produce blood platelets and reduce inflammation. Three grams a day can reduce risk of a heart attack by 50%, lower your triglycerides, tackle less-than-perfect cholesterol score, ease pain from arthritis, help prevent cancer, super-charge the brain and make your skin glowing and wrinkle-free. Studies have shown that women who took fish oil when pregnant or lactating boosted their children’s IQ. Include fish such as salmon, mackerel or halibut into your daily diet or else take non-contaminating fish oil supplements.

2. BEND YOUR BRAIN

Playing some mind games could make you smarter, healthier and add a few candles to your birthday cake, say experts. Keeping your mind stimulated boosts memory and brainpower while slashing your risk f developing dementia nearly by half according to a study conducted at the University of New South Wales, Australia. Pick up a book of brain teasers, try to memorize phone numbers, mentally tally tge cost of your groceries as you put it into your shopping cart, or play trivial pursuit with family or friends…anything that challenges your brain will help keep it in prime condition.

3. MEDITATE

Odds, are you already know about the calming effects of meditation, but did you know- A daily dose of ‘Om’ and calming yoga can significantly improve your health. A study of 2,000 seniors found that those who did relaxation exercised daily had 87% fewer heart attacks than is normal for their age group, 55% fewer cancerous tumors and 87% fewer nervous disorders. According to experts, meditation reduces stress by many levels and lowers blood pressure. Consequently, you live a calmer life which allows you to feel healthier and look younger. So don that comfortable yoga apparel and fit atleast a 10-15 minutes of silent meditation time into your daily routine where by you sit in a comfy position and focus on nothing but your breathing.

4. CATCH SOME ZZZs

Been burning the midnight oil many days in a row? Bad idea! Skimping on the zzzs and not getting enough sleep messes with your body’s repair mechanisms, not allowing them to repair any damage and release growth hormones that aid in cell turnover that keeps you looking young and feeling fresh. Sleep deprivation pr lack of sleep puts you at a greater risk for obesity, depression, sallow skin, dark circles and heart problems. Catch a good 7-8 hours of sleep every night to function the best.

5. GO GREEN

Green Tea that is! It’s soothing, tastes great and is packed with good-for-you antioxidants. It was found that green tea gulpers, who drank more than five cups of the stuff a day, had a 26% lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, compared to those who drank less than one cup a day. A daily cup of Green tea has been found to erase some of the negative effects of ageing (thanks to the antioxidants in the brew) which means you’ll look younger for longer. All of these benefits have been found to be stronger in women, which is one more reason to go put that kettle on and get brewing.

6. KEEP MOVING

Taking a walk, dancing, working in the garden…in short being active are must dos  for everyone. The benefits are endless! Physical activity in the form of exercise, yoga, jogging, aerobics and so on benefits your mood, promotes self-efficacy and lowers chances of developing heart and blood pressure problems. Six months of regular aerobic exercises reverses the loss of brain tissue that occurs with age.  An those who don’t walk take twice as many sick days as compared to those who walk briskly everyday.  Exercise sweeps white blood cells (key immune system components that are stuck on blood vessel walls) back into circulation. So move that behind! Take the opportunity to scope some great workout clothes and work up to the standard recommendation of 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

7.  BE OPTIMISTIC

It turns out, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is more than just a classic sing-along. Positivity is a BIG plus health-wise. Studies have found that ‘negative’ brain activity results in a weakened immune system and pessimists were reported to have poorer physical as well as medical functioning. Try looking at the glass half full for a change. Consciously battle your inner critic and replace negative thoughts with a feel-good thought. It may take time to re-train your inner critic, but soon your optimistic self will shine and life will start looking and feeling a lot better.

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* Images Credit: Photos by (from top -bottom) adactio, Betsssssy, longtrekhome, neilbetter, knittinging, adria.richards, Only Sequelon flickr

Read more about your Divine Soul Plan.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel,yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com