Stepping on to the healthy bandwagon can be an overwhelming affair, both mentally and physically. In order to keep healthy and fit, it is essential to monitor body weight and keep it maintained. For those looking to shed those extra kilos, it is important to strike a balance between regular workout regime and balanced diet. When it comes to weight loss diet, protein-rich foods could help you go a long way in meeting your weight loss goals. This is primarily because protein has the tendency to induce a feeling of satiety, which helps keep one full for a longer spell. While there's no dearth of protein sources out there, we bring to you a low-calorie and high-protein recipe that is a perfect combination of taste and health. Wondering what it is? We're talking about roasted green peas chaat. Made using green peas (matar) as its prime ingredient, this healthy chaat is high in protein-quotient.

Peas Nutrition
Apart from being rich in protein, these edible pods as a whole are a powerhouse of nutrition. According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "Peas are rich in vitamin K, manganese, and vitamin C, and are a good source of folate and trace elements. Their insoluble fibre content is good for the gut and also helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Since this chaat is devoid of oil content and is completely roasted, it saves you a lot of calories and further facilitates weight loss.

Here's How You Can Make Weight-Loss-Friendly Green Peas (Matar) Chaat At Home:
Ingredients:

Green Peas - 200 grams
Tomatoes - 1 small, chopped
Onion - 1 small, chopped
Carrot - 1 medium, grated
Green Capsicum - 1 small, chopped
Rock salt - 1 tsp
Lemon juice - 1 tsp

Cooking Method to Make Matar Chaat:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Meanwhile place a parchment paper on a baking tray. Now place the green pea pods over the sheet and bake them in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
Once they have turned all crispy and crunchy, transfer them to a bowl and add all the chopped ingredients to it along with rock salt.
Mix well and drizzle lemon juice over it. Your crunchy and healthy chaat is ready to be served and savoured.

If you were thinking all this while that all chaats are greasy and laden with oil, then this healthy chaat recipe is sure to change your perception. Make this a part of your daily diet and tread through your weight loss journey in an effective manner. Apart from following a healthy and balanced diet, pair it with a regular workout regime and watch out for results.

Diwali Diet For the Festive Season- Diwali, the biggest of all festivals is around the corner, time to bring out those lovely clothes that you have been dying to flaunt. Oops! They are a tad tight. The mirror isn't too flattering either, a healthy glowing skin is hidden beneath a layer of long working hours and eating all kinds of junk and oily foods. No problem! Let's put it right in a week so that you can slay it this festive season. Your skin is what you eat. The largest organ of our body needs the benefits of a nourishing diet to stay healthy, a lot of recent research has pointed towards the benefits of proteins, certain vitamins and minerals to enhance and protect skin health aka-get a healthy glowing skin:

Here are the foods found in the kitchen you must be eating daily to get a natural glow back on your skin | Foods For A Natural Glow:

1. Green leafy vegetables are full of Vitamin A which revitalise the skin. Among the greens, Kale is right on top. It has a good amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin K which help prevent free radical damage and repair tissues to give you a glowing skin.2. Carrots are a good source of beta carotene. It is known for its ability to prevent early aging, reducing damage caused by UV rays and imparting a natural glow to the skin.

3. Tomatoes provide lycopene, a phytonutrient which gives it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Eating tomato paste has been linked to reduced fine lines and furrows and it is also associated with protection against sunburn.

4. Vitamin C from citrus fruits is one of the most potent antioxidant, it boosts collagen production and keeps the skin smooth and firm. Orange can be eaten and its skin, which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties can be used as a face pack.

5. Quercetin, a flavonoid, acts as an antioxidant fighting inflammation. It is abundant in Apple skin. Quercetin is known to increase the production of collagen and protects against UVB rays.

6. Lutein in avocados along with its beta carotene are perfect to use topically and in your food to nourish your skin inside out. The healthy fats present in this fruit are also great for the skin as they keep the skin supple.

7. Walnuts contain omega -3 fats which are anti-inflammatory in addition they are a good source of zinc, essential for the skin to function efficiently. Walnuts also give us a modest amount of Vitamin E and Vitamin C -both potent anti-oxidants. Sunflower seeds contain nutrients essential for the skin health like Vitamin E, linoleic acid, which keeps the skin moisturized. Almonds provide healthy fats in addition to Vitamin E, both required for a healthy moisturized skin.

8. Olive oil contains essential fatty acids or EFA's, which are fats not manufactured in our body. EFA's are an essential part of our cell membrane and help hold in the moisture making our skin supple

9. Did you know that whole wheat, barley, oats, kuttu (buckwheat flour), brown rice and red rice are all rich sources of antioxidants? These foods are usually associated with just "carbs" and we forget to think of them in terms of other beneficial nutrients they give us. They also provide us with the most essential skin Vitamins of the B family, which prevent dry itchy skin. Make sure you get the entire grain -bran, endosperm and germ to get it all.

10. Proteins are what makes the skin- keratin, collagen, and elastin. These are the ones that provide strength and elasticity to the skin. So get your daily dose of proteins by including lean meat, chicken, eggs, legumes, fish and milk daily.

11. Drink up! You need at least 35 ml of water per kilogram body weight daily. In addition, add some green tea for its skin nourishing flavonoids. Water is the best drink for keeping the skin hydrated and glowing in any season.

Now, let's work out a diet for 7 day diet including the above foods to help you lose a kilogram or two:

Day 1. All fruits and 10-12 glasses of water. Avoid bananas and make sure you have one apple at least. Try to consume 1 kilogram of assorted fruits, eat a fruit whenever hungry don't starve.

Day 2. All vegetables. Get the greens, yellows and reds in. Eat to your hearts content but avoid adding oils. Use vinegar and lemon juice as dressings for your salads. You can start your day with a large boiled potato and a teaspoon of butter.

Day3 . A day for a mix of fruits and vegetables. No banana, no potato in your meals.

These three days will help your body throw out all the toxins, so have plenty of water. The fiber and nutrients from fruits and vegetables will nourish your body while giving it a rest from daily excesses. Start your day with warm water, no tea or coffee. No sugar, no juices.

Day 4. Have 3 glasses of milk, one each at breakfast, lunch and dinner and take 8 bananas today. If milk is not suitable you can substitute it with soy milk.

Day 5. 6 tomatoes with 500 gram of either chicken or fish. For vegetarian options, you can use 500 grams of paneeror Bengal gram. All of these must be cooked without oil. There is lots to eat, so no reason to starve. All that tomato and protein needs 8-0 glasses of water to wash out, so drink up good.

Day 6. You can add vegetables to your chicken, black gram or paneer and eat any amount of this combination.

Day 7. You did it! Treat yourself to some brown rice or a chapati, any amount of vegetables and add some fresh fruit juice to your meals today

Note: This diet is not for diabetics, heart patients or if you are recovering from any surgery or aliment. This plan is the GM Motors Diet modified for us Indians, but it helps lose weight. Do not follow it for more than one week. Also, add 30 minutes of moderate walk or pranayama and surya namaskar to your schedule and watch your health improve way beyond the weight loss.

Healthy eating always leads to weight correction and the skin being an indicator of good health also shows signs of a detox and glows naturally.

Come autumn and most people I know start to stock up their creams, moisturisers and other skin nourishing products. During this time of the year, the skin starts to feel stretched and leathery, especially for those people who have dry skin. And for others who have been neglecting a proper skin care regime also notice patchy and discoloured, dull looking skin. Coming to people with oily and combination skin types, the skin starts to look better, more porcelain and glowing, but remember even these skin types will feel a tightening and stretching of the skin and will require not just moisturising but nourishing too. So what's the difference between moisturising and nourishing you'd ask? The simplest way to explain it to you would be comparing a dehydrated powdered soup available in packets as against a fresh, wholesome, home-made soup. You can never replace the goodness of pure fresh ingredients and products whether it is on your skin and hair or something you take internally.So what are these winter skin nourishers that give you the goodness of natural ingredients? Do they just moisturise the skin or do they nourish and pamper it too? Most certainly the answer is in the affirmative. Let's have a look at some of nature's wonderful skin nourishers and see how you can use them to improve, soften, nourish and pamper your skin.

Natural Skin Nourishers

Here are 10 amazing home remedies for a glowing skin:
1. Honey

Honey when taken internally and externally is excellent for the skin. For combination to dry skin types, take one teaspoon of honey and massage on the skin daily. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash. Pat dry and you will see that not only is your skin softer but also glowing. Make sure you use raw honey both internally and externally in order to reap maximum benefits. Organic raw honey is easily available everywhere nowadays.

2. Figs

It is one of my all-time favourites. Take two figs (anjeer) and mash them. Mix in with a little milk and gentle rub on the face for one to two minutes. Wash the face with water and pat dry. This remedy will help remove all the toxins on your skin and help it glow better. the mildly abrasive nature of figs help keep the skin healthy. Make sure you use this face pack regularly to reap maximum benefits. Make sure it suits your skin. Try a sample of this pack on your hand and see if it does not react.

3. Milk

I personally love this ingredient. Not only does it softens and nourishes the skin but also makes it sensuous and helps in de-tanning. Wipe your skin with full fat milk twice a day or just splash a small bowlful of cold milk on your skin and pat dry. Milk is known to be one of the best moisturisers for your skin. This one's a great home remedy for those who have a dry skin. Ensure that you apply it regularly.

4. Avocado

The healthy fruit with aphrodisiac properties works wonders for dry skin. Mash an avocado and apply it onto a clean skin, slowly massaging it. Leave it on for a minimum of 15 minutes before you wash off with milk and then water. Full of healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants, avocadoes are great for your skin health. Using avocado oil is also one of the best options to keep your skin healthy. Eating avocadoes is also one way to help your skin glow.

5. Banana

A common man's moisturiser and nourisher, never underestimate this fruit. Mash a ripe banana and massage the skin with the pulp. Even the driest of skins will thank you for it. Banana contains moisture, potassium and vitamins E and C, which are responsible for promoting clear skin. Use a ripe banana as it has more beneficial effects that unripe one.

6. Almond

Whether you are using pure almond oil or almond paste, both are excellent sources of Vitamin E, providing nourishment for your skin externally. For dehydrated and dry skin, first massage the face with one teaspoon almond oil and then make a paste of 10 almonds mixed with a little milk and scrub it gently onto the skin. Wash the face with milk and then water. Not only will this help patchy skin but will give the skin an youthful texture, something we are all in constant search of.

7. Olives

Olive is an excellent source of vitamins. Take three to four mashed olives and apply it onto the skin and let it dry. Wash off with cold water and pat dry. It will help restore the skin's natural pH. Olives or olive oil has long been known for their health and skin benefits. Olive oil is packed with anti-ageing antioxidants and hydrating squalene, making it amazing for hair and skin health along with nails.

8. Papaya

I am amazed at the goodness of this humble fruit and have used it time and time again on my skin in various treatments, and they have all given positive results. Take mashed papaya and massage it onto the skin for five minutes. Wash the skin with milk and then water and see how clarified and soft your skin feels in minutes. Papaya nourishes the skin; thanks to the presence of vitamin A and papain enzyme, it helps remove dead skin cells and inactive proteins, thus rejuvenating your skin.

9. Sugar

Sugar is an excellent skin softener. For best results, mix the grains with either curd or fresh cream to bring back life to the driest of all skins. Take one teaspoon of shakkar and mix with one teaspoon of malai and gently massage onto the skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash with cold water. Sugar scrubs have long been used for their abrasive nature that helps exfoliate the skin and help it to glow.


10. Aloe vera

This modest plant can be grown practically everywhere - gardens, pots, terraces, etc - and is an excellent rejuvenator for undernourished skin. Scrape out the gel from the leaf, mash it and massage onto the skin. Let it sit there for 10 minutes and wash the skin with cold water and pat dry. Your skin will be rejuvenated naturally. Aloe vera soothes your skin, especially in summers when it faces the sweltering heat.

Now that you have these precious natural nourishers, all you need to do is start using them and see how your skin comes back to life and becomes super soft in minutes.Until next time, make your skin happy naturally.

Nutmeg, or jaiphal, is an exotic spice that is known for its sweet aroma and is used for the preparation of various dishes. Originally from Indonesia, it is the seed of an evergreen tree called Myristica fragrans. In fact, it is the only tropical tree to bear two distinct spices - nutmeg and mace. A pinch of nutmeg can add a different flavour to soups, meat gravies, steaks and various desserts. This exotic spice is not just valued for the flavours it adds to different delicacies, but is also known for various medicinal properties. Nutmeg oil and butter have some beauty and health benefits; all thanks to the presence of nutrients like magnesium, manganese and copper; and vitamins like B1 and B6. While you know some of its exceptional health benefits, you must know how good it is for your skin too. If you are the uninitiated ones here, we tell you some marvellous benefits of nutmeg for skin and hair.

Nutmeg For Skin
1. Reduces Pigmentation

One of the most amazing benefits of nutmeg is that it has the ability to even out discolorations and pigmentation on your face. Dark spots, pigmentation and freckles appear due to excessive exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun, hormonal changes, progressing age, side-effect of medications or a certain skin condition.

How To Make Nutmeg Pack For PigmentationIngredients:

Nutmeg powder
Lemon juice
Yogurt
Method:

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Now, apply a thick layer of this mask onto your face. Let it stay for about seven to eight minutes and then rinse off with cold water, followed by applying moisturiser. Apply it at least three times a week to see effective results.

2. Gently Exfoliates Your Skin

Its mildly abrasive nature makes it a great exfoliator for your skin and further makes it gentle and smooth. Mix it with other essential kitchen ingredients and give your skin a natural glow.

How To Make An Exfoliating Face Pack With Nutmeg

Ingredients:

Raw honey
Baking soda
Clove oil
Nutmeg
Lemon juice
Method:

Mix the baking soda in raw honey and add clove oil to make a paste. Now, add nutmeg and lemon juice into the mixture to make a fine paste. Massage the pack on your skin for at least two minutes. Your face will feel warm and tingly as the nutmeg gets deep into your pores, treating the deeper layers of your skin. Now, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

3. Treats Oily Skin

If you are left with an oily face at the end of the day, it means you have large pores that increase the sebum on your skin. Thank heavens for nutmeg to solve this problem for you. It helps shrink your pores and ensures a normal and healthy skin. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help prevent acne.

How To Make A Face Pack Using Nutmeg For Oily Skin

Ingredients:

Nutmeg powder
Honey
Method:

Mix the two ingredients together and apply the mixture on your skin and leave it for about five to ten minutes. Both nutmeg and honey have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep your skin safe from acne.

4. Promotes Youthful Skin

Nutmeg comes packed with antioxidants and anti-ageing properties that fight off the cell-damaging free radicals causing oxidative stress, making you look older than your age. The oxidative stress may leave you with fine-lines and wrinkles; in order to avoid the same, ensure adding nutmeg to your beauty regime.

How To Make Face Pack For A Youthful Skin

Ingredients:

Nutmeg powder
Yogurt
Honey
Method:

Mix honey, nutmeg powder and honey to form a paste. Apply this on your face and wait for 10 minutes before gently washing it off with running water.

5. Acts As A Natural Toning Cleanser

Nutmeg tends to restore moisture while stimulating dull skin, further reduces signs of ageing. It's always good to use this natural ingredient than opting for a store-bought beauty product to treat your skin effectively.

How To Make Face Pack For A Cleansing Toner

Ingredients:

Coconut milk or organic whole milk
Nutmeg powder
Method:

Mix the two ingredients and apply on your face. The benefits of lactic acid will promote a supple skin. Behold a beautiful glowing skin.

Bring this exotic spice to your rescue and ensure a beautiful looking skin!

Just like the rest of our body parts, the skin also requires certain essential nutrients to maintain it in good health. This biggest of our body organs is tough but is still susceptible to the excesses of the outside environment, as well as the changes that occur inside our bodies. But since we can only control our external environments to a certain extent, it is important to ensure that our internal environment is healthy and happy. Hormonal ups and downs, deficiency of certain essential dietary components etc. may wreak havoc on the skin. So while you spend thousands of bucks on buying expensive cosmetics to look good on the outside, you may also benefit from spending some time to ensure a healthy diet for your skin as well.

Skincare Tips: Nutrients For Healthy Skin
Some nutrients that have been known to promote skin health include antioxidants, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and, vitamins E and C. Antioxidants are found in a number of plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as spices and herbs. These usually also contain the essential vitamins important for maintaining a healthy skin. Meanwhile, fatty acids are found in seeds and nuts, as well as fatty fish. Vitamin C helps in synthesis of collagen, while vitamin E is important for protecting the skin from the Sun and UV damage. Antioxidants fight inflammation, which reflects on the outside in the form of a blemish and acne-free skin. We have a recipe for you that combines all these nutrients in one delicious drink.

Anti-Ageing Coconut And Turmeric Drink Recipe
This recipe contains banana, pineapple, flaxseeds, coconut milk, coconut oil, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric. This drink can be a powerful addition to your diet if you are looking to improve the health of your skin. The coconut oil and milk are sources of healthy fats and important vitamins, and the shiny flaxseeds give you a dose of omega fatty acids. Ginger and turmeric are both root spices that are said to have anti-ageing benefits by improving skin elasticity and fighting inflammation.

Here's how to make this drink:
1. Chop the banana and pineapple.

2. Place them in a bowl and add flaxseeds, grated ginger, coconut oil, cinnamon powder, turmeric powder and flaxseeds to the fruits.

3. Add coconut milk and use a hand-held blender to blend all the ingredients together.

4. You may add a little honey to sweeten the drink more if you like.

Click here for the full recipe and details of ingredients.

It's important to stay hydrated and wash your face after a day out in the Sun to ensure a healthy and clear skin.