Discovering Weight-Loss Foods

                                                                                 Image ©: Subbotina Anna

The ancient Roman poet Virgil famously wrote: “The greatest wealth is health.’ Maintaining a balanced weight is an integral part of being healthy. However, for many of us losing weight can be quite a challenge as it is more than just eating less and burning the calories. It is a lifestyle change that incorporates a well planned workout program and a health plan that best suits your needs. The most difficult part is to overcome cravings and eat right. Here are some foods known to benefit weight loss –

z Start your day with a tablespoon of honey mixed in a cup of hot water. It is a simple 

       remedy but honey is known to activate the added fat deposits and convert it as energy 

       for normal functions of the body.  Honey is often recommended as one of the remedies

       to deal with obesity.

z Chilies are spicy and add a zest to any dish. But it is also a great fat burner. Chilies contain

       the thermogenic food Capsaicin which is known to boost your metabolism and burn

       calories.

z Buttermilk is a healthy alternative to whole milk with only about 2.2 grams of fat.

       Containing several important nutrients, this sour liquid left from the churning of butter is

       a probiotic food that does not add the calories but helps in weight loss.

z Curry leaves add flavor and a wonderful aroma to curries. However, it also has many

       health benefits and a recommended food to be incorporated into your weight loss plan.

       Curry leaves are known to have a detox effect in cleansing out harmful toxins and fat

       from the body. It helps to decrease stored fat deposits and reduce the level of bad

       cholesterol.  Approximately 8 to 10 leaves a day in the food can go a long way to help in

       your weight loss plan.

z Allicin is a sulphur compound found in garlic making it a useful fat-burning food. Garlic is

       known to help in decreasing cholesterol levels and unhealthy fats. It also has anti-

       bacterial effects.

z Raw or cooked cabbage is another valuable weight loss food to consider. It slows down

       the process of sugar and other carbohydrates converting into fat.

z Green tea does not qualify as food but is a popular and often recommended remedy to

       lose weight. Abundant in antioxidants, green tea controls sugar and body temperature

       while facilitating smooth digestion. It also increases metabolism and fat oxidation. Green

       tea also contains the natural de-stressor theanine.

Consult a professional to provide necessary guidance and support to creating a healthy eating and exercise plan.  While there are no short cuts to a healthy lifestyle, discovering weight loss food does make it easier to stay on course to a healthier you.

Article written for Women Wishnet: www.womenwishnet.com

Perfume Tales

The famous Christian Dior once said: “A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting.”  However, with the cosmetic counters crowded with an array of fragrances to choose from, buying the right perfume can at times seem quite confusing and overwhelming.  Here is a brief guide to buying the right perfume.

*  The first essential thing to keep in mind is that a perfume is not just about sweet      

    fragrances and brands. It is a very personalized item. You might like a particular fragrance 

    on another person, but when you spray it on yourself, the smell is quite different. This is

    because acids and natural oils on our skin differ and therefore you need to choose a

    perfume that suits you. 

*  Smell is the main component of a perfume. There are eight traditional classifications of  

    perfumes from flowery scents of the floral to strong herby scents of the fougere that can 

    make buying a perfume quite overwhelming.  Therefore, think about the different smells

    you like. It makes it easier to single out the perfume family you would like to

    explore.

*  When choosing a perfume you need to consider your personality and lifestyle. For instance,

    if you are part of the corporate world, you would consider something light and floral that

    brings sophistication to the boardroom. However, you can choose a stronger oriental scent

    that can be exciting for an evening out. Therefore, before buying a perfume think about

    where you are most likely to wear it.

*  When we think of perfume, age appropriateness is the least of our concerns. However, it is

    one of the most important elements to keep in mind when buying the right fragrance. 

    Oriental and woody fragrances are strong and not appropriate for teenage girls while

    perfumes such as Paris Hilton may not necessarily suit a more mature woman.

*  Buying the right perfume needs patience as each bottle has its own unique smell. So, while it

    can be tempting to pick up the first perfume bottle that has a wonderful fragrance, take

    your time before making a choice.

*  It may be worthwhile to try a sample of a perfume before purchasing it.  When you spray a 

    perfume, wait about 10 minutes for the smell to settle in and decide if you like it.

*  Buy a lighter fragrance to wear during the sweltering heat of the summers as smell is more

    intensified and choose a stronger one for the winters.

*  One of the most common mistakes we make when trying a perfume is to spray more than

    two perfumes on our wrist at one time. The distinct smells get mixed up to leave us

    confused. 

Shopping for the right perfume can be simple and fun with a little patience and clarity. At the end it is an invaluable effort as a perfume is the invisible accessory that adds to a woman’s charm and personality. 

Article written for WomenWish www.womenwish.net

Image ©:Inga Ivanova

The Stylish Diva

The word “Diva” is said to have originated in the 19^th century and is a derivation from the Italian word ‘dive’ which literally means Goddess. Therefore, in an age where presentation is everything and making the right style statement never easy, being a style diva is more than just a label. It is an aspiration to be seen as beautiful.  Here are a few tips to help discover the style diva in you:

R     Coco Channel had famously said: “Fashion fades, only style remains.” It is essential to wear what suits you and not simply because it is the fashion of the month or something that looks amazing on the ramp.  For instance a mini dress is not for everyone. If you are shy and conscious the discomfort will be quite evident as you tug the edges or constantly shift in your seat.

R      Wear colors that suit your complexion and reflects your mood and personality. It is not so much about light or dark colours but certain shades bring a glow and youthfulness to your overall appearance. Do not choose colours simply because they happen to be your favourite or look pretty to the eyes.  A good example is the colour peach. It can either give you a romanticized softness or simply look loud.

R     Everyone has a style statement that is unique to them. Try and find your style that not  only looks good on you but is also comfortable. It does not necessarily have to be high on fashion and can even be a jean and top that makes you feel and look beautiful.

R     Accessories are as important as clothes as it adds charm. It is important to accessorize without being over the top. If you are wearing a nice chandelier earring then try and avoid a heavy neck piece. Rings are always stylish and elegant with bracelet and bangles.

R      Shoes complete an overall appearance. Therefore, it must be given as much significance as the outfit and accessories. There are so many designs and colours to choose from that it could seem overwhelming.  However, the first criteria for stylish shoes are comfort followed by colour and style.

R     High heels have a flamboyance and charm that is irresistible to most women as it adds height and confidence. Heels come in many sizes and shapes so you do not necessarily have to choose pencil high when small block heels can look equally pretty.

Style at the end in the end is all about how you define it. Therefore, being a style diva is as much about how you feel inside as you look on the outside.

Article written for WomenWish www.womenwish.net

Image ©: Kiselev Andrey Valerevich

Fighting the Love Blues



Image©: Oleksii Telnov

Love is a beautiful emotion that brings a sense of happiness and excitement to your life. But sometimes, the magic fades to leave behind pain and anger. You find yourself struggling with memories and sense of emptiness that simply will not leave. It is never easy to deal with the emotional feelings that flow once a relationship has ended. However, here are some ways to cope with it.

z Heartbreak is an emotional turmoil and sometimes just crying out all the pain in your   heart can be healing. Tears have a way to wash away the feelings of anguish and disappointment to create a sense of relief. It allows you to come to terms with the reality of a relationship that has ended. Therefore, do not feel embarrassed to shed a few tears and release your emotions. But at the same time it is important to realize that the end of a relationship does not mean the end of love.

z Talking about your feeling with someone who understands can be comforting. It could be a family member or a friend who can lift your spirits with encouragement and patience as you nurse your broken heart.

z Sometimes we struggle to find the words and put our emotions together. Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a notebook can be calming. It is a way to express all the upheaval you are feeling inside and just letting it out.

z When you are in an unhappy place it is easy to fall deeper into the depth of gloom by finding faults within and blaming yourself. But it is important to snap out of it and accept that sometimes things do not work out and one has to let go and move forward. Surround yourself with positive energy with people and things that make you happy.

z Watching a movie or doing a dinner with family and friends can help you take your mind off the break up. Healing is a process and so while you are bound to be contemplative of the relationship there is also a need to look ahead. 

z Attending a yoga class or a gym can be a great way to release all the pent up stress and keep your body and mind healthy.

z Take a trip to the salon or spa as it can be rejuvenating and energize your mood and self-esteem,

The well-known 17th century French poet Jean de La Fontaine is credited to have famously written “Sadness flies away on the wings of time.” Give yourself the space to let the pain fade away and the chance to seek love again for a broken heart does not last forever.
                                                                                                                        

Article written for WomenWish www.womenwish.net.