New Addition to my Weightloss regime

Have decided to have only fruit chaat for snacks - have it round 6:30ish , its heavy n delicious so I dont have to eat dinner.

Easy Fruit Chaat ( Spicy Fruit Salad, Healthy Low Calorie)

Ingredients

Grapes ( 5-10)

Pineapple ( 1/2 cup diced)

Bananas ( 2 bananas sliced)

Orange ( 1/2 cup cubed)

Apples ( 1/2 cup cubed)

Guavas (1/2 cup cubed)

Seasoning

Salt to taste

Chat Masala ( 1 1/2 tbsp)

Juice of 2 lemons

Method

Mix all the fruits in a bowl and add seasoning.

Easy Microwave Stew

Ingredients
1/2 cup brown ricecooked
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 small green pepper, thinly sliced
1 small red pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 of a small eggplant, diced
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 tbsps olive oil
3 tbsps water
1/4 tsp ginger garlic paste
salt & pepper to taste

Method
Heat Oil in Microwave for 30 secs & add onions to it - heat for 30 secs or till onions turn pinkish
Add the rest of ingredients and heat for 2 minutes.

Your easy veggie stew is ready...

How to do Vipassana

Dear All

Am adding the link to ebook on Vipassana exercises , you can try them at home , they are easy...
http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/mahasit1.pdf

Let me know if you have any question?

Take care
ps : I lost 2kgs in 10 days of vipassana ;)

Easy Tandoori Gobhi ( Tandoori Cauliflower)

Ingredients
Cauliflower 1 medium size
Ginger-garlic paste 1 teaspoon
Lemon juice 1 teaspoon
Chilli powder 1 teaspoon
Hung curd ½ cup
Garam masala 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste

Method
Marinate the cauliflower with the ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and chilli powder and keep for few hours.
Mix the curd, garam masala and salt and rub it on the cauliflower and keep for a few more hours. Pre-heat the convection oven on 200 degrees and cook on combination mode for 200 degrees.
Brown further on 200 degrees for 5 minutes.
Serve sprinkled with chat masala and lemon juice.

Juice of Immortality - Amla Juice (Benefits)

Pharmacological Properties of Amla
Amla is a proven antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, yeast inhibiting, nematicidal, anabolic, anti-hepatoxic, anti-hyperhidrosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, anti-spasmodic, hypolipidemic, and hypotensive relieving properties.

Nutritional Facts about Amla Juice (Brand Nutri Value)

Facts per 100 ml

Vitamin C 1100mg , Calcium 300 mg , Iron 0.7 mg (contains no synthetic food color or flavor , no extra sugar added , has clas 2 preservative E224)

How I take it

30 ml Amla juice + 30 ml aloevera juice + 100 ml water

Expected Benefits
-The antibacterial and astringent properties of gooseberry juice prevent infection and help in the healing of acne/ulcers.
-It is used as a laxative to relieve constipation in piles.
-It is used in the treatment of leukorrhea and artherosclerosis.
-The juice is referred to in ancient text as the best medicine to prevent aging. It is a very strong rejuvenative which is believed to be the richest natural source of anti-oxidant vitamin C (with up to 900 mg/100g of pressed juice). Vitamin C acts as an anti-oxidant and can help to rid the body of dangerous molecules called free radicals. This important vitamin is also necessary for the synthesis of collagen. Blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bones-- all require collagen. Another benefit of Vitamin C is the part it plays in helping to synthesize norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter which helps maintain brain function and mood. Vitamin C can also help to lower blood pressure, maintain healthy immune functions, promote good dental health, and aid in the healing of wounds.
-Another anti-oxidant found in gooseberry juice is superoxide dismutase. SOD (superoxide dismutase) is an important enzyme that many people are often deficient in. This enzyme is important in ridding the body of free radicals. Other health issues such as arthritis, prostate problems, corneal ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease have been known to be helped by SOD. It also protects against oxidative stress.
-The juice has the same antiscorbutic value as orange juice of 2 oranges.
-It is also effective for respiratory complaints.
-The juice is used in Ayurveda as a cardiotonic, aphrodisiac, antipyretic, antidiabetic, cerebral and gastrointestinal tonic.
-The juice also contains polyphenols which have anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergenic properties. They can help to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, diminish risks of cancer, and aid in immune system health.
-Two important tannins found in gooseberry juice are ellagic acid and gallic acid. Ellagic acid has been shown to be effective against cancer causing chemicals and aid in the death of cancer cells. Gallic acid is another anti-oxidant and is important in helping to treat diabetes.
-The juice is popularly used in inks, dyes, shampoos and hair oils.
-For insomnia: Take a mixture of coarse powder of nutmeg and fresh amla (gooseberry) juice.
-The juice is a natural anti-inflammatory which soothes and protects the tissues of the digestive tract.

Back after Meditation Bootcamp

Hi Guys!

Sorry for vanishing without informing - its just that had been accepted for Vipassana ( a 10 day meditation course)... The couse impacts you in ways you would never think possible and right now I am not ready to share it with you right now, but guys all I can say is please go ahead n experience it - its free and its available in almost all countries...

This is just a small entry to let you know I am back - will be back tomorrow with recipes & tips ( btw during these 10 days I lost 2 kgs and 1 inch :D)

My Amazing Skin Cleansing Lotion

1 part glycerine ( Glycerine is water retaining and application on the skin forms a barrier against moisture loss and an attractant for new moisture)
1.5 part olive oil ( contains antioxidants & vitamin E )
1.5 part castor oil ( fights wrinkles , and reduces blemishes & spots)
.25 part apple cider vinegar ( is strong ,has irritating smell but is anti bacterial, fights acne , balances ph)

Apply the mixture in massaging action for 5 to 10 minutes ( if skin itches wash immidiately & for next day reduce the quantity of ACV). Wash it off, with warm water.

My new Routine

Hey guys!
This is the new routine I started to fit into that gorgeous dress I got for myself...

Morning(while still in bed) : Have 250 ml water
Do Oil Pulling for next 10 minutes ( will describe it in detail in My Regime section/label posts)
Do Kapal bhati Pranayam for 2-3minutes ( will increase the duration as stamina builds up - will post details in My Regime section)
Have aloevera (30ml) & amla (30ml) juice with water (250 ml) - ( will post benefits in herbal beauty section)
Do interval training on treadmill for 10 minutes ( yeah I know need to build my stamina)
After washing face with Neutrogena gentle face wash , apply , olay total effects for normal skin with spf 15 ( will add product reviews in product section)
Breakfast in office : handful of popcorns , 2 marie biscuits , 1 cup tea
Mid day : 250 ml water (hot ) & 1 cup green tea ( will add benefits in herbal beauty section) , cleanse face with rose water , green tea, acv : spray (will give recipe & benefits in herbal beauty section) & apply total effects
Lunch : Soup , Fruits , Buttermilk , brownbread cucumber sandwitch , 250 ml water
Mid noon : 250ml (hot) water & 1 cup green tea , repeat the cleansing & spf process like midday
Evening : 2 Marie biscuits , 1 banana & tea
Dinner : Soup or grilled vegetable
Post dinner : Aloevera & Amla juice with water
Before bed : clean face with olive oil, castor oil , acv & glycerine mixture ( will add details in herbal beauty section )
Apply nomarks / ponds whitening night cream / lactocalamine on alternate nights ( will add product reviews in Product Section )

From today in food diary will mention only deviations if any...will keep you updated with the results of regime...

Current weight : 56 kgs , waist 29 inches

Visted my sister - got a motivational tool

hi all ,

sorry for not catching up during the last two days (actually have had a very fatty weekend have gorged on cheesy pastas, burgers , icecreams & those empty calories - colas, so wont be writing the food diary but will start from Monday )

Well had gone to mumbai , to visit my sister & then went out shopping... And guess what bought myself the most beautiful , highly inspirational motivation tool.

I bought a beautiful dress for my birthday , which is next month...And if I have to fit in that dress then I need to loose about 2 inches, and I truly want to wear it on my birthday, so weightloss here I come...

Will post my stats tomorrow & will keep you updated... Now here I go- need to sleep early as will start with Day 1 of my interval training tomorrow...

Take care...

New Week - New Goals

Hi All,

I was not able to follow last weeks goals as I intended to but hope to do better this week. The only goal for this week is to start counting calories ( no restrictions only count calories of all the things I eat)

Will continue to keep my gratitude journal & meditation practice - hope to add exercise too to the regimen...

Will post my regimen in the next post.

Wish me LUCK for this week.

Basic Microwave Cooking for Beginners - Ebook - Click here to download

Recipes for Beginners - Enjoy the Ebook

http://rapidshare.com/files/240777571/basicmicrowavevegetarian.pdf.html

Contains recipe for
White Sauce
Tomato Sauce
Cheese Sauce
Chocolate Sauce
Basic Pasta
Basic Rice
Basic Dal
Boiled Potato etc

Movie night

Hey All,

Yesterday had a tough day at work, the whole day went off in meetings and have some steep hills to climb in the coming weeks...Will keep you updated about it...

Yesterday went out for a movie in the evening - as you know thanks to this producer/multiplex war not many movies are releasing so watch a movie (I had'nt heard about so much) - "WATCHMEN"

Well the story is about these superheroes who have retired (rather been forced to retire by government agencies ), and are forced to reunite when one of their members is murdered & others are threatened. Its also about the nuclear war threatening the world , because of escalating cold war between USA & USSR ( Ahhh , it was so much easier to remember in geography class then the new countries we have today).
The story includes a superhero who got his superpowers from being in a lab. accident, other superheores who are human but want to save humanity from itself ( ueah in the end the villain is human nature itself)
The movie is about paradoxes , philosophy & full of contradiction - It is a difficult watch as the nuances of the movie make it special.
The look & feel of the movie are excellant - a brilliantly crafted movie , talking in symbols.
Watch it with an open mind & you will love it...

My food Diary
Morning : 500 ml water
Breakfast : Alu Bhujia ( fried potato snack) with 1/2 cup tea
Lunch : Chapati , Pea-Rice, Dal , Curd, Gourd in Curry, 150 ml Water
Snacks : Samosa , 150 ml water
Dinner : Nachos with Salsa , Gelato

Exercise : None
Meditation : None

Golden Turmeric for 100% GOLD Skin

For Fair Skin
Take one glass of milk and add a pinch of turmeric powder in it. Drink daily at bed time.
Take 1 teaspoon Turmeric with lime juice to make paste. Leave it for half an hour and after that wash with lukewarm water.

For Wrinkles
Take one teaspoon of Turmeric powder and add some milk for getting a paste and apply this paste on your face at bed time. Leave it for half an hour and after that wash with lukewarm water.

For Smooth, Fair Skin
Take 4 table spoon full of Gram flour and add 1/2 teaspoon full of turmeric powder mix it well add some water to become a smooth paste. Apply it on your face and body. Leave it to dry and wash it with water.

Medicinal Uses
Apply bit of turmeric on cuts and scrapes after washing them with cold water.
Apply the paste of turmeric and sesame oil on body to prevent eruptions during rains

As Hair Remover
Mix turmeric powder with milk and apply on the face. Scrub it off slowly moving your fingers in circular motion, and then wash with cold water
Take 3 tsp of gram flour, mix 1 tsp of turmeric powder. Add some milk to make paste. After sometime when it starts to dry, scrub it off gently. This would gradually reduce body hair over a period of time.

As Bleach
Mix some turmeric to yogurt and apply it on the face, neck and arms for 30 minutes. Then wash with cold water.

Easy grilled tomatoes

6 medium size tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Mixed herbs and spices like black pepper, chilly powder, oregano


Method
Cut the tomatoes in quarters
Place in oven dish
Drizzle with olive oil
Add the spice mix
Ensure that all the tomatoes are properly coated
In microwave grill on high for 10 minutes let it set for 2 minutes
Your easy flavour full grilled tomatoes are ready.

Easy Microwave Dal

1 cup Moong Dal
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
1/8 tsp Red Chilli Powder
1 tsp Ginger/Garlic Paste
2 Green chillies finely chopped
1 tbsp - tomato puree
1/2 tbsp Cumin seeds
1/2 tsp Ghee/oil
Coriander leaves - chopped coarsely

Method
Wash dal and soak for 10 minutes. Add the tomato puree to dal & water, and cook it at micro high for 15 minutes in a closed microwave safe bowl.
Open and stir every 3 minutes so that it is cooked evenly and does not spill out.
Now add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt, ginger-garlic paste and green chillies.Mix well and cook on micro high for two minutes.
Heat the ghee in a seperate microwave safe bowl and add the cumin seeds. Micro high for 30 seconds. Add this to the dal.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Easy Summer Cooler - Buttermilk

2 cups dahi/curd/yougurt
4 cups water
Black Salt / Rock Salt / Salt to taste
1/2 tsp Black pepper powder
1 tsp Cumin powder
5-6 mint leaves
1 tbsp Chopped Coriander
1 green chilly finely chopped

Method
Whisk curd
Add water , salt , pepper , cuming powder , coriander , chilly - Stir or Shake as you prefer
Add ice cubes , garnish with mint leaves

Weight of Retrenchment

Hi

How was your day?
I know I am beginning this post when I should actually be ready for another days post , but had a hectic day @ office.
A lot is happening these days , as you all know - our company too is planning to reduce some manpower & I being in HR need to start planning.
The whole retrenchment thing is such an emotional decision , which needs to be planned & executed as finely as a surgeon removes a part of the body... The whole thing leaves scars...
Its so difficult to decide who should be sent home - the person who has joined you recently with stars in his eyes, the one you hired specifically for his potential or the loyalists who are about to end their journey with you , but whose responsibility to the family is still not over...How do you define performance & non-performance in these turbulant times , when last year each employee overachieved the target...
The people I will be letting go off are my friends & colleagues - it pains to even think about it...
Sorry guys but needed to vent out the pain I am feeling.

Now about yesterday
Breakfast : 2 Marie biscuits , 1/2 cup tea
Mid Morning : 5 chakli
Lunch : 1 glass buttermilk (have added the recipe), 1 plate sabudana khichdi , 1 bowl curd
Dinner : Grilled Tomatoes & 2 slices brown bread.

Gratitude Journal
The retrenchment has not actually started
Economy is stabilizing
Markets are rising
My parents for their support
My friend

Meditation Journal
Meditated for 30 minutes yesterday ( that reminds me to put a simple meditation technique , you may use - will do it this week)

Take care....

Curd/Yogurt for Skin/Hair care

Skin Cleanser
Mix 1cup of curd & 1 tbsp of lemon juice & use as skin cleanser
Take half cup yoghurt. Add to this half teaspoon honey. Stir well. Apply all over the forehead, face and neck. Rub it in gently. Leave on for 2-3 minutes. Wash off with cold water.

Masques
For Dry skin
Make a paste of oatmeal & curd and apply the pack for 10 minutes. Wash off to reveal smooth skin.
For Mature skin
Mash a banana with curd; apply on skin for 20 minutes. Wash off first with warm water and then splash cold water on face to reveal smooth firm skin.


For Acne
Make a paste of gram flour and curd & use as face pack.
Mix thick curd, turmeric and two drops of oil. Apply on the face

For Dandruff
Apply curd in hair for 30 minutes, rinse & shampoo. Do weekly for a month.

For glowing skin
Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face
Add two teaspoon of tomato juice with 4 teaspoon of curd and apply on the face

For pigmented skin
Apply plain curd to face everyday. Wash off once it dries. The lactic acid in curd will act as peel to fade the marks.

As hair conditioner
Make a pack of henna (100gms) with curd ( 5 tbsp , more if the curd is thick). Apply for 20 minutes. Shampoo.

Milk for Milky Skin

Easy Vada Pav ( Tasty Indian Burger)

Easy Microwave Plain Boiled Rice

Matar Paneer ( Cottage cheese with Peas in tomato gravy)

100g paneer ( cottage cheese) - cubed
1 cup shelled peas ( frozen will aso do)
2 tbsp. oil
1 tsp ginger -garlic paste
1 medium size onion - finely chopped
5 tbsp tomato puree
1-2 green chillies ( chopped )
1/2 tsp garam masala ( all spice mix)
1/2 tsp amchur powder (mango powder)
1/2 tsp cumin powder
50 ml water
salt to taste

Method
Put the onion with 1/4th spoon oil in the microwave on high for 1 minutes or till lightly pink , add green chillies and heat for 30 seconds.
Add tomato puree, garam masala, cumin powder, amchur powder , peas and sprinkle 10 ml water microwave for further 3 minutes on high
Add the cubed paneer, salt & rest of water , microwave for 1 minute & stand for another 1 minute

Enjoy with chapati or brown bread

My trip to Lonavala

Dear All

Yesterday being sunday went for a day trip to Lonavala...What a journey it was dark clowds trying to touch the peaks of the mountains - cold breeze playing with your hair...The scenic valleys , the twists and turns on the road...Amazing Man...

For people who are looking for a good place to stay try MTDC resorts Karla - The cottages are good much better than highly priced hotel rooms , the only drawback is the distance from the main city - but its a good place to just relax & enjoy the rains... Hey forgot to mention the food is not that great but you can get food deliveries and there are couple of good dhabas nearby...

Had a great day yesterday with friends, and as usual ended up eating more than usual :(

So here goes my Food Diary
Early Morning - 500 ml of water
Breakfast - Wada Pav & Sprite (300ml)
Lunch - Veg. Biryani ( was great , fragrant & spiced ), Hakka Noodles , Green Salad
Evening - Bread Butter , Chocobar
Dinner - 1 Chapati ,Mattar - Panneer ( was yucky ) , Kesar Pista cup

Yeah I know I am icecreamaholic - Have a great sweet tooth...trying to work on it too...

How was your weekend , do share...

Gratitude Journal

1. My friends
2. The monsoons
3. The scenic locales in India
4. My parents
5. For being alive

Mediation

Listened & followed 30 minutes meditation