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The Yog Element

Ever since it’s birth, Yoga has always had a mystical vibe about it. It’s origins date back to pre-vedic Indian traditions. Yoga was practiced by the kings as well, giving certain asanas like VirBadhrasana (Warrior Pose) their name. However, society, especially western cultures associate yoga with certain expectations. Yoga isn’t always about seeking enlightenment. It’s not for gurus and sadhus, but for everyone. You don’t have to burn incense sticks, be a vegetarian or practice Ayurveda to reap the benefits of yog. It’s a science which has an array of health benefits for various age groups.

Yoga in a nutshell:
The term ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word of ‘yuj’ which means to unite (presumably with God or the ‘Eternal Spirit’).

There are eight stages of training for a yogi to go through in order to reach ‘moksha’ (release).Samadhi is a state at which the mind of the human is separated from our soul thus making our soul pure and free of matter. This enables yogis to journey through the cosmos.

While there’s no denying the spiritual aspect of Yoga, there are numerous scientific reasons to make yoga a part of your daily routine.
Health benefits of Yoga:
If practiced daily, yoga can have the following effects on your health:

Yoga for anxiety

 Yoga For Anxiety

Yoga for Back pain:

Yoga For Backpain

Yoga for energy:

Yoga For Energy

Besides this, yoga also aids in:

  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Cleansing the internal organs
  • Improving circulation
  • Boosting metabolism
  • Calming the mind
  • Improves posture (drastically!)
  • Increases body awareness
  • Building core strength

Most yoga classes have age groups and special needs classes which are tailored accordingly. In fact, research shows that in some medical conditions like chronic back pain caused due to slip disk or spondylitis, yoga has provided patients with more relief than prescription medicines.

Going beyond Yoga class:
Yoga is best practiced outdoors, so the next time you find yourself somewhere natural, break into a pose!

Beach Yoga

The beach is always ideal. The breeze and sound of the ocean helps you connect to your breath better

Balance Yoga

Because at the end of the day, it’s all about balance!

Is Yoga for me?
Of course!Yoga is a science which can provide you with the balance of physical and mental strength we’re seeking. So go ahead and include the yog element to your life.

Lead a healthy life despite ectice schedule with GAIA

5 Ways To Make Your Monsoons Healthy Yet Enjoyable!

The Monsoon season is a season with many vibrant and delightful shades. The scenery is picturesque and romantic, and the earthy scent of rain on dry earth appeals to anyone close to nature. Children enjoy football in the rain, and one can stare into a horizon of rain for hours.

The landscapes burst with life and fluorescent shades of green, which is a sight to be cherished after the scorching summer.

Girl walking with dog

The Monsoon season is of great importance because it brings relief and rejoice to most groups of people. For farmers, it’s great news because it regenerates the soil and nourishes their crops.

farmer enjoying under rain

For the traveler, it’s undoubtedly the most romantic season with its dramatic landscapes.

Couples enjoying under rain

For the home bound, it’s the perfect season to curl up in bed and read a good book. And for everyone else, rain offers the opportunity to just enjoy the scenery and experience a feeling of calmness and satisfaction.

Girl reading book

We’re all familiar with the beauty and the thrills of the monsoon. However, it is a season that is enjoyed best responsibily. You don’t have to give sacrifice the charm and magic of the monsoon to give it a touch of health. Here, are a few pointers to enjoy the thrills of the monsoon with a touch of good health.

Here are 5 tips to a healthy yet enjoyable monsoon:

Avoid monsoon munchies!
For most of us on this side of the globe, Monsoon translates to steaming ‘chai’ and crispy ‘pakodas’.

While these monsoon munchies are mouth-watering, they are best avoided during the monsoon. Here’s why:

  • We can never be too sure of where the water being used in the chai is coming from, so it’s best to avoid it during the monsoon to prevent catching a waterborne disease.
  • The ‘Pakodas’ are laden with oil, something you should avoid in the monsoon season.

What You Can Do:
Make some chai at home! Add a few spices if you crave that trademark Masala Chai.

Olive oil is a healthier option for frying. In proper temperature conditions, without over-heating, it undergoes no substantial structural change and keeps its nutritional value better than other oils, not only because of the antioxidants but also due to its high levels of oleic acid.

Shallow fry your ‘pakodas’ in Olive Oil to give it a healthier touch.

Dance, but not in the rain.

Whether you’re a romantic or a nature lover, this one is a complete no-no. Your immunity is weaker during Monsoons making you susceptible to illness.Which is why you should stay clear from getting wet in the rain as much as possible!

What You Can Do:

Dance indoors for starters! If you really want to experience the magic of the monsoon, take a long drive to the secluded outskirts of your city.

Avoid dairy products outside of home!

Avoid eating dairy products like curd or cottage cheese when eating out. There is a high chance that dairy products get infected by germs during the Monsoons which hamper your digestive system.

What can you do:

Eat dairy products prepared at home. If you are eating out, opt for hummus instead. Its creamy texture resembles cottage cheese. It’s also a light meal and is rich in protein and fibre.

Keep your meat/seafood intake minimal!

Meat/Seafood can be a fishy affair in the Monsoon. As much as you may crave it, it’s best to not give in because meat/seafood is highly susceptible to infection during the monsoon.

What can you do:

Embrace this opportunity and experiment with veggies! Refer to our Foodies Guide to Eating Right Blog to learn how.

Not-so-guilt-free indulgence:

High humidity, even during monsoons leads to a dip in the metabolic rate giving rise to indigestion, acidity and other gastric problems. So avoid eating anything too heavy or rich.

What can you do:

A simple stir fried salad with a poached egg is rich in protein and easy to digest, making it a perfectly acceptable dinner which will keep your taste buds happy and your body healthy!

A simple stir fried salad with a poached egg is rich in protein and easy to digest, making it a perfectly acceptable dinner which will keep your taste buds happy and your body healthy!

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Tri-Colour Recipes

On the occasion of India’s 68th Independence Day, ignite the patriotic foodie in you. Take your Independence Day celebration to a whole new level with these fun yet healthy tri-colour recipes.

Starters

1.Tri-colour Sandwich:

Ingredients:

  • Brown bread slices – 8
  • White bread slices – 4

ORANGE LAYER

  • Carrots grated (orange layer) – 1 cup
  • Eggless mayonnaise – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt

GREEN LAYER:

  • Cottage cheese grated (green layer) – 1cup
  • Green chutney – 4 tablespoons

Method:

  • For the orange layer mix grated carrots, mayonnaise and salt.
  • For the green layer cottage cheese with green chutney and salt. Place bread slice on the work top.
  • Spread the green layer evenly over it. Place a white bread slice over it.Spread the orange layer over the white bread slice evenly and top with a brown bread slice. Press gently.
  • Cut each sandwich into three fingers and serve immediately.

2. Tri-colour Dhokla:

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups Idli batter
  • 1/4 cup spinach puree
  • 1 green chilli and 1 small piece ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon Gun powder (Idli molagai podi)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chilli Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Oil for greasing the plate

Garnishing:

  • 2 tablespoon Grated coconut
  • Coriander leaves

Seasoning:

  • 1 tsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp white sesame seeds

Preparation:
Divide the batter into three parts:

GREEN BATTER
1 cup batter, spinach puree, ginger green chilli paste and mix well.

WHITE BATTER
1 cup batter

ORANGE BATTER
1 cup batter, 1 tablespoon gun powder, chilli powder.

Method:

  • In a mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients mentioned for green layer and transfer it to a greased plate and steam it.
  • When it is done, pour one cup batter for white layer and steam.
  • Then, add the third layer. ie orange layer on top of it and steam.
  • When it is done, remove and allow to cool.
  • Cut it into desired shapes and arrange in a plate for tri-colour dhokla.
  • Season with the items mentioned and garnish with coconut and coriander leaves.
  • Serve with green/sweet chutney as you wish.

3. Tri-colour Idlis:

Ingredients:

  • Idli batter – as required

For Orange Color:

  • Tomato – 1 big
  • Red chillies

For Green Color:

  • Cilantro/Mint – 1 cup
  • Green chilli – 1
  • Cumin seeds – 1/4 teaspoon

Method:

Tri-colour Idli

Take the required portion of the idli batter and divide it into three equal parts. Keep one part as such for the white color of the tri-colour idli/dosa.

For Orange Colour:

  • Chop the tomatoes into chunks.
  • Sauté the tomatoes and red chillies for just a couple of minutes for the raw taste to go.
  • Cool it and grind it to a smooth paste.
  • Mix it with one portion of the batter to make the orange color of the tri-colour idli/dosa.

For Green Colour:

  • Chop the cilantro (or mint leaves) roughly.
  • Sauté it with the green chillies for just a couple of minutes to remove the raw flavor.
  • Cool it and grind it to a smooth paste.
  • Mix it with the third portion of the batter to make the green color of the tri-colour idli/dosa.

To make the tri-colour Idlis:

  • You can make separate idlies with the three batters and arrange it in tri color as shown in the picture below.
  • Alternatively, pour a tbsp of the three colored batter and make a single tri colored idli.

Main Course:

4. Tri-colour Pasta:

Ingredients:

  • Garden rotini pasta – 1/2 lb (1/2 of a 16 oz box)
  • Hard boiled eggs – 2
  • Bell peppers (Green & Orange) – 1 each
  • Onion – 1/2 (sliced)
  • Garlic – 2 cloves (finely minced)
  • Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Red chilli flakes – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoon
  • Salt – as per taste

Method:

  • Cook the pasta as per the package instructions with some salt. Drain the water and keep aside.
  • Cut the whites of the hard boiled eggs into slices. Use the yellow for some other purpose or discard it.
  • Similarly cut the bell peppers into thin strips. You can use any colour. I’ve used green and orange to match with the colours of the pasta.
  • Heat some olive oil in a frying pan or wok.
  • Add the minced garlic and onion slices. Stir fry for a minute.
  • Add the bell peppers and fry for another minute.
  • Next add the Italian seasoning, pepper powder, red pepper flakes and the egg white slices. Toss together.
  • Add the soy sauce, lemon juice and little salt (if needed).
  • Immediately add the cooked pasta and stir fry till everything comes together.
  • Serve as a pasta salad or as a meal.

5.Tri-colour Zafrani Pulav:

Ingredients:

  • Basmati rice – 2 cup
  • Saffron – 1 teaspoon
  • Nuts (Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios, Walnuts etc) – 1 cup
  • Dried fruits (Black Raisins, Golden Raisins, cranberries, pineapple, papaya etc) – 1 cup
  • Fresh fruits (Pomogranate, Grapes, Apple ) – 1 cup
  • Whole garam masala – (1 bay leaf, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 cardomon, 3 cloves)
  • Black cumin – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Fried onions – 1/2 cup
  • Ginger garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
  • Cilantro – handful
  • Mint – handful
  • Sugar – 1 tablespoon
  • Coriander- Cumin powder – 1 tablespoon
  • Milk – 1/4 cup
  • Oil – 2 tablespoon
  • Ghee – 1 tablespoon.

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oil in a pan and splutter the cumin seeds and whole garam masala.
  • Add the nuts and dried fruits and saute for a minute on very low flame to prevent them from getting burnt.
  • Add the ginger garlic paste, sugar and coriander-cumin powder.
  • (After this you can cook in a rice cooker or stove top.) Add the above mixture to the rice along with required water, fried onions, half of the saffron- milk mixture and finely chopped coriander and mint leaves.
  • Let it cook till the rice is done. At this stage add the remaining saffron-milk mixture on top of the rice.
  • Add the fresh fruits and mix gently with a fork without breaking the rice.
  • Add few drops of ghee on top.
  • Garnish with additional nuts, fruits, cilantro and fresh saffron strands

Dessert:

Tri-colour Halwa:

Ingredients:
PALAK HALVA

  • 1 cup palak puree
  • 1 cup milk
  • 6 tablespoon sugarite (sugar free)
  • 2 teaspoon ghee
  • cardamom powder
  • dry fruits for garnishing

CUCUMBER HALVA

  • 1 cup cucumber
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon khoya
  • 6 tablespoon sugarite (sugar free)
  • 2 teaspoon ghee
  • cardamom powder
  • dry fruits for garnishing

CARROT HALVA

  • 1 cup grated carrot (English carrot)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 6 tablespoon sugarite (sugar free)
  • 2 tablespoon ghee
  • cardamom powder
  • dry fruits for garnishing

Method:
GREEN LAYER (PALAK HALWA):
Wash the palak and blanch the same, run through cold water and make a puree of it to get one cup of puree. Use one bunch of palak to get one cup puree. Heat ghee in a pan and add the palak, saute for 5 minutes then add milk, sugarite and keep on stirring till it starts leaving the pan.
When it is done, remove and arrange on a plate at the bottom side.

WHITE LAYER (CUCUMBER HALWA):
Wash and peel one cucumber. Grate it and squeeze out the water. Heat ghee in a pan and add the cucumber and saute for 5 minutes. Add the milk, sugarite and keep on stirring. Once the milk is dried up, add the khoya and mix well till it starts leaving the pan. When it is done, remove and arrange on the plate for second layer i.e. white.

ORANGE LAYER (CARROT HALWA):
Wash, peel the carrot and grate it. Heat ghee in a pan and add the carrots and saute for 5 minutes. Add the milk, sugarite and keep on stirring till it is done. Remove and arrange above the second layer i.e. white.

Your tri-colour halwa is ready. Garnish with dry fruits of your choice.

7.Tri-colour Popsicle:

Ingredients:
For Orange Juice:

  • Oranges – 2
  • Sugar – 2 tablespoon

For White Juice:

  • Banana – 1
  • Milk – 1/2 cup
  • Sugar – 2 tablespoon

For Green Juice:

  • Kiwi – 1
  • Water – 1/2 cup
  • Sugar – 2 tablespoon

Method:

To make tricolor Popsicle

  • Pour the orange juice into the Popsicle mold to fill 1/3rd of it.
  • Let it freeze in the freezer for about 1 hour until it is partially frozen.
  • Add the banana milkshake on top of this juice. Freeze again for another 1 hour.
  • Now add the kiwi juice to fill the Popsicle maker.
  • Insert the sticks at this stage. Freeze overnight or for at least 5 hours before serving for it to set.

Looks appetizing? Well then, get on with it. Celebrate your freedom to stay healthy this independence. Let us know your views in the comments section below. Happy Independence Day!

Foods that look like your body parts they are good for

There’s no doubt about the fact that maintaining a nutritious diet can keep your body healthy. But when it comes to which foods benefit which body parts, science remains surprisingly sketchy. Here, nature gives us a hint as to what foods specifically help what part of our body.

Here are certain foods that not only look like your body parts but also are beneficial to these parts. For example – brain boosting walnuts look just like the human brain! Coincidence? Maybe. Though these healthy foods are beneficial to the whole body, the list below is a fun reminder of what to eat to target specific areas. Remember, these foods are best and more powerful when they are eaten raw.

Here’s a list of the foods that not only look like your human body but also are extremely beneficial for them –

1.  A walnut looks just like a little brain. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are similar to those of the neo-cortex. Walnuts help in the development of over three dozen neuron-transmitters within the brain enhancing the signaling and encouraging new messaging link between the brain cells.

2. Onions look like the body cells. Research shows that onions clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

3. Ginger looks like the stomach and it also aids in digestion. Indians and Chinese have been using it for over 5000 years to calm an upset stomach, cure nausea and motion sickness. It also slows down the growth rate of bowel tumors.

4. A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. According to experts, eating carrots greatly enhances blood flow to the eyes. Carrots get their orange colour from a plant chemical called beta-carotene, which reduces the risk of developing cataracts.

5. Grapes resemble the alveoli of the lungs. The lungs are made of branches of ever-smaller airways that finish up with tiny branches of tissue called alveoli. These structures allow oxygen to pass from the lungs to the blood stream. A diet high in fresh grapes has shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer and emphysema.

6. A tomato has four chambers and is red in color, which uncannily resembles the heart. Research has confirmed that tomatoes are loaded with lycopine, which is extremely beneficial for the heart in terms of blood flow and its supply.

7. Kidney beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and are shaped exactly like human kidneys (hence, their name). Kidney beans provide a variety of minerals and vitamins, which is why they are generally beneficial for your health.

8. Sweet potatoes resemble the pancreas and can actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics. The oblong sweet potato bears a strong resemblance to the pancreas, and also promotes healthy function in the organ.

9. Mushrooms when sliced in half resembles the shape of the human ear. Mushrooms improve hearing ability, since they contain Vitamin D, which is also healthy for bones.

10. Avocados and Pears are good for health and functioning of the womb and cervix in females and look just like these organs. Research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances the birth hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and can even prevent cervical cancer. It even takes exactly nine months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit, just like a human baby!

11. Celery, Rhubarb, Bok-choy and more look just like bones structure. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are made up of 23% sodium and these foods have sodium in them which replenishes the skeletal needs of the body.

12. Last but not the least, the root of Ginseng. Ginseng is a holistic cure for nearly all body ailments. No wonder it looks like a human body, huh?

Also, an additional mention –

Red wine, which is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, including powerful resveratrol, looks like blood. There’s a blood-thinning compound in red wine, so it reduces blood clots, which are associated with stroke and heart disease.

It has to be said that it is quite fascinating how these foods look like body organs they are actually good for. The food you eat can either be the safest and the most powerful medicine or the slowest form of poison. Make wise choices when it comes to health and lifestyle.

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4 Healthy Recipes For Your Child

When it comes to eating, children can be rather fussy. Getting children to eat healthy poses an even greater challenge because children are conditioned to think that healthy food is boring or bland. It’s up to the parents to break this stereotype. Why not show your children how great healthy food can taste with these 4 lip-smacking recipes? Here they are:

Vegan Chocolate Truffles:

Vegan Chocolate Truffles
With the festive season coming up, the intake of sugar and fat is very high. Make these delicious vegan truffles in just 3 simple steps. They are sugar-free, preservative-free, gluten-free and taste great.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • 2 coarsely chopped almonds
  • 3 spoons maple syrup

Directions

  1. Blend all the ingredients together
  2. Pour liquid chocolate into molds
  3. Freeze for 3 hours

Hearts and Crosses Salad
Hearts and Crosses Salad

Ingredients

  • Strawberries
  • 1/2 small cucumber
  • Snow pea sprouts

Directions

  1. Use a small sharp knife to cut a small V-shape into the top of 2 strawberries, removing the hulls. Halve each strawberry lengthways to make hearts
  2. Cut 4 V-shaped indents lengthways into 1/2 small cucumber. Thickly slice crossways to make crosses. Serve the strawberry hearts and cucumber crosses with snow pea sprouts.

Chia Seed Pumpkin Pudding
Chia Seed Pumpkin Pudding
Surprise your kids with this tasty yet healthy recipe of Chia Seed Pumpkin Pudding this festive season.
Ingredients

  • 1 cup – yogurt, plain
  • 1 cup – pumpkin, canned
  • 4 tablespoon – maple syrup, pure
  • 1/4teaspoon – cinnamon
  • 1/4teaspoon – vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoon – chia seeds

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt or coconut milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Add the chia seeds and whisk again until very well combined.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chia seeds have plumped. Pour into jars and sprinkle with toppings of choice. Optional toppings include: Coconut, pumpkin seeds, or sliced bananas.
  3. Enjoy immediately, or store in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days.

Breakfast Smoothie Bowls
Breakfast Smoothie Bowls
A great way to start a day is to boost your immune system with vitamin and mineral rich breakfast. Smoothie Bowls have gained a lot of popularity abroad. They’re super easy to put together by mixing and matching your favourite flavours. The rich antioxidant levels make this super bowl a great breakfast.
Ingredients

  • 1 cup – almond milk, unsweetened
  • 4 tablespoon – chia seeds
  • 1 medium – kiwi
  • 1 cup – Greek yogurt, plain
  • 1 cup – cherries, frozen
  • 1 tablespoon – honey
  • 1/2cup – grapes
  • 1/2cup – banana
  • 1 cup – Greek yogurt, plain
  • 1 cup, chunks – Pineapple, Frozen
  • 1 cup, cubes – cantaloupe
  • 1 tablespoon – honey

Directions

  1. BOWL ONE
  2. Spoon a layer of chia pudding on the bottom of a clear bowl.
  3. Arrange kiwi slices around the sides of the bowl.
  4. Blend the frozen cherries and the yogurt in a blender until smooth. Blend in the honey if using.
  5. Add the cherry yogurt on top of the chia pudding.
  6. Top with fresh fruit.
  7. BOWL TWO
  8. Blend the frozen fruit with the yogurt until smooth. Blend in the honey if using.
  9. Put the yogurt in a bowl and arrange banana slices around the outside.
  10. Arrange bits of fresh fruit across the top.
  11. Scatter granola over the surface.

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Healthy Festivity

We all know that during festivals, our dietary plans go for a toss. We tend to forget our resolutions and jump into indulgence. Those tempting sweets and tantalizing snacks coax us into gluttony. Everywhere you go during the festive season, someone is ready with a box of sweets for you. And obviously, it would be rude to refuse!

So what do you do about this binge-eating that adds those extra kilos of weight on you? You can enjoy the festive season without losing track of being health-conscious. All you need to do is be cautious and be prepared for the festivities.

Do not forget to exercise. Most people have holidays during festivals and can put that time to good use, like working out a little more than usual. This will help to burn off the excess calories and fat consumed over this period.

Be vigilant about your cooking methods. Instead of frying, make food that’s baked. While roasting, use low-calorie oil. Steam your vegetables in order to retain nutrients and flavour.

If you are going to a big party or dinner, don’t starve yourself all day in anticipation. Have some low-fat, healthy snacks throughout the day. This will also make you eat less at the party. Remember alcohol is fattening too and contains a lot of calories. Try not to over-indulge in it. Be assertive with yourself. If you really cannot eat anymore, don’t let anyone bully you into eating. Just politely say ‘no’.
These simple steps will keep your weight in check during festivities. So go on…enjoy the festival!

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Healthy Alternatives To Delicious Food!

Who ever said you need to eat bland and boring food to be healthy? Health food can always be made tasty, and normal food can always be made healthy. Combine those two, and you’ve got yourself a cracking dish that not only satisfying, but also delicious. By replacing everyday ingredients with their healthier and more nutritious alternatives, you will be able to see a massive change in your health. Here are some great replacements for unhealthy foods.

The Dreaded Burger

Everyone who tries to lose weight will understand how difficult it is to control your burger cravings. Don’t worry, we have just the solution for you. Try using soya chunks instead of meat and potatoes for the patty. With its high protein content, soya chunks are not only extremely healthy, but if seasoned well, can be mistaken for meat! Using olive oil to shallow fry your patty, and replacing the wheat bun with whole grain bread, is another way to make this burger the healthiest burger you have ever eaten.

The Dreaded Burger

The Nutritional Breakfast

All you egg lovers, take in a deep breath of relief. You don’t have to give up eggs in order to follow a healthy diet. All you have to do is replace fried eggs and omelets with boiled eggs. Boiled eggs contain less saturated fat, which reduces the risk of it being a harmful to your cholesterol levels. A boiled egg contains 78 calories and 5.3 grams of fat, including 1.6 grams of saturated fat. A fried egg on the other hand contains 90 calories and 6.8 grams of fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat. The rest is up to you!

The Nutritional Breakfast

Need a quick snack?

Drop those unhealthy cookies and pick up some digestive ones, same taste, less calories and fat. Reach for some trail mix instead of the traditional one. With about 350 calories,  trail mix is great for a biking trip, or even for a hunger pang in the middle of work!

a quick snack

Makin’ Bacon

Bacon lovers, pick that bacon back up and cook it in some olive oil. You may not believe this, but center cut bacon has only 25 calories per strip. So, feel free to team up your boiled egg with some delectable bacon and some multi-grain bread.

Try these healthier alternatives and watch your health blossom.

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Don’t Wait to Lose Weight!

Increasing waist-sizes with a feeling of bloating and heaviness can make feel you really perturbed. These symptoms are a sign of poor stamina and bad health in general. Food, along with exercise plays a vital role in weight management. You don’t have to eat less to lose weight. It’s all about the type of food you eat. Eating right is the first step to good health, and what better way to start your day than with a healthy breakfast.

Research shows that dieters who ate eggs for breakfast felt full for longer and lost more weight. A medium-sized apple contains 4 grams of fibre and therefore helps you in losing weight. Studies have also proven that people who start a meal with vegetable soup eat 20 percent fewer calories over the course of their meal. During tea-time include sugar-free cookies to make sure that you don’t consume extra sugar in your daily diet. Diet muesli and green teas are excellent ways to shed those extra kilos. Habitually drinking green tea boosts metabolism and is a huge source of antioxidants.

Eating a breakfast made with ‘slow-release’ carbohydrates, such as oatmeal or bran-cereal, three hours before you exercise may help you burn more fat. Slow release of carbohydrates reduces spiking of your blood-sugar level which in turn helps shed weight. Include black beans in your diet. A cup of black beans packs a whopping 15 grams of satisfying protein and is free of any saturated fat found in other protein sources, like red meat.

So folks, let’s eat healthy and couple it with good exercise and life will seem fresher and renewed. Good luck in all your efforts and live well!

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4 Recipes to a Healthy Valentine’s Day!

It’s the 14th of February, and you want to do everything you can to make your better half happy on Valentine’s Day. Let us help you plan out the most delicious, romantic, and healthy dinner you have ever eaten.

1. The Love Potion:
Let love speak volumes through your stunning, red cherry cooler.

How do you make it?
• Crush a few cherries in a jar, add water and some sugar syrup.
• Tear a few mint leaves and let their fresh fragrance infuse with the sweetness of the cherry syrup.
• Give it a good shake and put a muslin cloth on the mouth of the bottle so as to allow a clear scarlet liquid to flow through.
• Keep your love potion in the refrigerator to chill, and pop some cherries into the glasses when you serve.

2. The Warm-Up Appetizer:
Savour a delicious and healthy appetizer as you devour the colour of love.

How do you make it?
• Pickle cubes of beet in vinegar, olive oil and garlic for a few hours.
• Toss them together with cubes of feta cheese.
• Drizzle a little olive oil and a dash of vinegar on top.
• Season with rosemary, salt and pepper and you have yourself a romantic appetizer just for the two of you.

3. The Candle-Light Dinner:
Add a little spice to your dinner table with a spicy yet fresh pasta dish

How do you make it?
• Bring your pasta to a boil, strain it and keep it aside.
• Stir in some olive oil, vinegar, crushed garlic, cut tomatoes and eggplant. Let them cook for a few minutes.
• Add rosemary and basil and let their fragrant fumes intoxicate the tomatoes and eggplant with flavor.
• Toss in the pasta and give it a good stir.
• Sprinkle in some oregano and salt for taste, top it off with red chilies, and you’re ready with a romantic dinner for two.

4. The Scrumptious Dessert:
End your romantic dinner with a delectable dark chocolate fondue with luscious strawberries.

How do you make it?
• Put in your fondue ingredients and heat over a stove. Make sure to keep stirring until the chocolate melts.
• Once it is ready, gently pour the fondue out into a fondue pot with a tiny flame under it.
• Dip in your strawberries and enjoy a romantic and healthy dessert with your loved one.
This Valentine’s Day, celebrate your love with a touch of good health!

The Green Revolution – A Foodies Guide to Eating Right!

We’re going to change the way you feel about the most dreaded veggies so you can reap their benefits without giving up on taste.

First on our list, Basil Muffins!

These savory delights will have you forgetting your beloved red velvet cupcakes!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups self-raising flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons caster sugar
  • 1 cup firmly packed basil leaves, finely chopped
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup coarsely grated cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ½ cup extra light olive oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 30 small basil leaves, extra

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a 30ml capacity mini muffin pan.
  • Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl. Stir in sugar, basil, parmesan and cheddar.
  • Whisk milk, oil and eggs together in a jug. Add to dry ingredients. Use a large metal spoon to stir until just combined.
  • Spoon mixture into muffin holes to almost fill them. Press a basil leaf into top of each muffin.
  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Stand for 5 minutes in pan before turning onto a wire rack.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

You can start your journey to eating healthy with scrumptious Basil Muffins and make your way to the appetizer, Beans and Mushrooms! We assure you’ll never look at beans and mushrooms the same way again!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. mushrooms
  • 1 lb. fresh green beans, preferably thin French style beans
  • 1 ½ T olive oil
  • 1 T balsamic vinegarSalt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 T finely grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 450F/230C
  • Wash the mushrooms and let the water drain. While the mushrooms are drying, cut the ends of the beans and cut them into half for bite-sized pieces
  • Cut the mushrooms into slices ½ an inch thick.
  • Put cut beans and mushrooms into cheese a Ziploc bag or plastic bowl. Whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar and pour it over.Then squeeze the bag or stir so all the beans and mushrooms are lightly coated with the mixture.
  • Arrange the mix on a baking sheet, spreading the mix and roast for 20-30 minutes.
  • Cook until beans are tender-crisp, mushrooms are cooked, and all liquid on the pan from mushrooms has evaporated. Season the beans to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper, then sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan.
  • Serve hot.

After you’ve warmed your way past the appetizer, feast upon the delicious main-course: Brussels Sprouts with Black Beans and Garlic Sauce!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of olive, grapeseed, or safflower oil
  • Dash of chili pepper flakes
  • 25 brussels sprouts
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of black bean garlic sauce
  • Ground black pepper

Directions

  • Wash the brussels sprouts. Trim the stems and discard the loose leaves. Quarter them lengthwise.
  • Place the oil and chili flakes into a large skillet and place over medium-high heat. Add the brussels sprouts to the pan and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the sprouts begin to brown a bit.
  • Add the black bean garlic sauce and stir until all the brussels sprouts are well coated.
  • Add a pinch of ground black pepper
  • Cook for about 30 more seconds. Take off heat and serve immediately.

Feeling full? We’re not done yet, now it’s time for the decadant dessert. 10 points for creativity for this one, we bring you Spinach Cheesecake! Yes, you heard us right!

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 ½ cups of sugar
  • 1.5-2 cups fresh spinach (not frozen)
  • ¾ cup of olive oil or coconut oil; can sub for vegetable oil, or apple sauce, or plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt For frosting:
  • 1 8oz package cream cheese
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract (or lemon/almond)
  • 1 ½ TBS half-and-half or milk (add more if consistency if too thick)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • Add eggs, vanilla, sugar, lemon/lime juice, and spinach to the blender and blend until smooth.
  • Slowly pour in the oil while the blender is on a low setting
  • Sift together your dry ingredients and add them directly to the blender about a 1/4 cup at a time
  • Grease the pan with your choice of oil and pour in the batter.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, check with toothpick after 15 minutes
  • When done, remove from pans and let cool on wire racks for at least an hour.
  • Whip-up your frosting, slather, and serve!

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