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Failed Fitness Resolutions

They say if you aim for the sky you may land on a star, but that isn’t the case when it comes to healthy resolutions. Here are a few of the most popular health/fitness related resolutions which people can never stick to. Sounds familiar? Here’s our list of the top 5 failed resolutions:

1.”No more carbs”

”No more carbs”

The irony of this resolution is that it’s mostly taken by people who are passionate about food. Restricting yourself completely is only going to make you crash and burn. One day, you may get frustrated and give in to your cravings and go on an extreme binge. Instead, why not set a reasonable resolution like “I will allow myself only one cheat day in a week”. This resolution is much easier to stick to.

2. “I’m going to hit the gym twice a day”

“I’m going to hit the gym twice a day”

If you didn’t have the time to hit the gym twice a day this year, chances are you won’t have the time in the new year either. Let’s face it, on some days you may be too tired for a full fledged gym routine. You could aim to follow this resolution instead – “I will exercise at least once a day”. On days that you don’t have time to go to the gym, a 30 minute jog can surely suffice.

3. “This year is going to be vegan and gluten-free”

If you wish to make a drastic change in your diet for health reasons, don’t do it overnight. Your body is used to the nutrition it has been receiving all your life and a sudden change may adversely affect your health. Before taking steps like this, you must consult a nutritionist and get a proper diet plan so you don’t skimp on your nutrients. Not to mention the frustration you may face after you give up all your favourite foods. A more attainable and healthy resolution is “This year, I’m going to eat as healthy as I possibly can”.

4. “This year, I’m never skipping a meal again”

While this is a great resolution, it may not be very practical. There are going to be days when you may have to skip a meal due to a hectic schedule. A more practical and achievable resolution can be “This year, I’m going to balance out my meals”. If you know you have a long day ahead of you, have a nutrient-dense breakfast. This is a great way to ensure that, even if you skip lunch, your system is up and running.

5. “This year, I’m not going to touch alcohol”

“This year, I’m not going to touch alcohol”

If this is your resolution after an alcohol-infused night of partying on the 31st of December, it’s not a very reasonable one. If you are used to drinking, chances are you are not going to be able to stop overnight. A more realistic resolution would be “I’m going to limit my alcohol intake”. A glass of chardonnay once in a while is actually good for your health. Just like chocolate, wine has an array of health benefits (if, and only if, enjoyed in moderation).

6. “This year, I’m going to count my calorie intake in every meal”

“This year, I’m going to count my calorie intake in every meal”

Contrary to popular belief, calories are not as evil as you think. Yes, it’s important to read the fine print when you’re grocery shopping and yes, it’s equally important to make sure you balance your meals, but counting calories is not the answer. Why not try this resolution instead – “This year, I’m going limit my intake of unhealthy carbs”.

Feel Younger. Live Longer with GAIA

Habits That Will Haunt You Later In Life

Isn’t it funny how the good things in life are almost always bad for you? Whether it’s munching on chips or TV-binging till the wee hours of the night, we all seem to enjoy habits that are bad for us in the long run. Here are a few instances you can probably relate to.

Partying till 2:00am on a working day

“I promise to turn in early from tomorrow”, we promise ourselves the nth time.

Eating a lot of junk food because you don’t gain weight

*stuffs face with cake*

Pulling off all-nighters

Just one more episode, the last one ended too abruptly….

Forgetting to drink water

*makes mental note to carry water bottle*

Drinking too much soda

But but…it’s tastier than water.

Midnight munching

How can you watch a late night series without any pizza?!

Snacking even when you’re not hungry

Not my fault! The cake was staring at me when I opened the fridge…

Ordering in because you’re too lazy to cook

I’ll cook tomorrow, I promise!

Lead a healthy life despite ectice schedule with GAIA

5 Healthy And Easy Lunches to Bring To Work

We all here will agree that no other food tastes better than homemade food. Here is a list of 5 healthy easy to cook lunches.

Ingredients

  1. 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
  2. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil
  3. 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  4. 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  5. 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
  6. garlic cloves, minced
  7. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  8. 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  9. 1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice
  10. 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  11. 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  12. 1 quart chicken stock or water

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.
  4. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown.
  5. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock.
  6. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet.
  7. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes.
  8. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade.
  9. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold.

Ingredients

  1. Multi-grain bread
  2. Low fat butter
  3. Salami 2 slices
  4. A slice of cheese
  5. Lettuce
  6. Tomato
  7. Onion

Directions

  1. Slather your bread with butter
  2. Assemble the rest of the ingredients and grill.

Ingredients

  1. Low fat salad dressing
  2. Tofu
  3. Pre-cut watermelon cubes
  4. Basil
  5. Seasoning

Directions

  1. Slather your bread with butter
  2. Assemble the rest of the ingredients and grill.

Ingredients

  1. 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
  2. clov
  3. garlic
  4. olive oil, plus more for serving
  5. fresh lemon juice
  6. tahini (sesame seed paste; optional)
  7. ground cumin
  8. kosher salt

Directions

  1. In a food processor, puree the chickpeas and garlic with the olive oil, lemon juice, tahini (if using), cumin, and ¾ teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water as necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
  3. ransfer to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the paprika before serving.

Ingredients

  1. 1/2 pound fusilli (spirals) pasta
  2. Kosher salt
  3. Olive oil
  4. pound ripe tomatoes, medium-diced
  5. 3/4 cup good black olives, such as kalamata, pitted and diced
  6. tahini (sesame seed paste; optional)
  7. 1 pound fresh mozzarella, medium-diced
  8. 6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  9. For the dressing:
  10. 5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
  11. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  12. 6 tablespoons good olive oil
  13. 1 garlic clove, diced
  14. 1 teaspoon capers, drained
  15. 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  16. 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a splash of oil to keep it from sticking together.
  2. Boil for 12 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain well and allow to cool.
  3. Place the pasta in a bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. For the dressing, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, capers, salt, and pepper in a food processor until almost smooth.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta, sprinkle with the Parmesan and basil, and toss well

Lead a healthy life despite ectice schedule with GAIA

Gaia Time

7 AM Get a boost of energy with Gaia Trail Mix before work out

Gaia Trail mix is a perfect partner to your workouts. It has the right combination of nuts and dry fruits which keeps you energised during exercise.

10 AM Anti-Oxidants are more effective than Caffeine

Rejuvenate on Tuesday mornings with a steaming cup of Green Tea instead of coffee.

4 PM Snacking isn’t a problem anymore

Get your snack on with GAIA’s Multi Grain Cookies. Your kids will discover that healthy can be tasty too.

5.30 PMYour tea break partner

You don’t have to regret indulging in a little tea-time snacking with Gaia’s Multi-Grain cookies.

6 PM Your diet’s best friend

GAIA Granola bars are high on nutrition and low on calories so go on, indulge.

9 PM Late night snacking just got fun

Late night binge just got healthier, grab a bowl of muesli for all your late night movie marathons.

Feel Younger. Live Longer with GAIA

Fitness at Work

1. “Feel the stretch at work”

  1. These simple leg lifts are ideal for giving your legs strength,
  2. Starting with both feet flat on the floor, do leg lifts, starting first with the right leg and then the left.
  3. Lift each leg until it touches the underside of your desk.
  4. Do ten sets of eight reps to strengthen your thigh muscles and your core.

“Feel the stretch at work”

2. “Crunches for the workplace”

  1. Here is a modified way of doing crunches,
  2. Move to the edge of your seat and lean back on the backrest.
  3. Then lift your legs a few inches above the ground and raise your back a few inches off the backrest.
  4. Hold for ten seconds.
  5. Eight reps of ten seconds each, can strengthen your core considerably when done regularly.

“Crunches for the workplace”

3. “Ankle Rotations”

  1. Here is another simple exercise you can do while you are at work,
  2. Rotate your ankles in both directions for five seconds.
  3. Do five sets of eight reps in each direction.
  4. This will improve your flexibility and make you less prone to sprains.

 “Ankle Rotations”

4. “Feel the stretch at the work”

  1. There are plenty of arm exercises which can be performed at work,
  2. Stretch the muscles in your right arm by reaching as far to the left as you can with your right arm while supporting it in the crook of your left elbow and then hold it there.
  3. Feel the stretch for five seconds.
  4. Do eight reps before switching over to your left arm.

“Feel the stretch at the work”

5. “Care for your calves at work”

The calves are one of the most over-worked muscles in the body,

Give your calf muscles a work out by raising your legs up on the tips of your toes while remaining seated. Your calf muscles should start to burn after a few seconds.Hold for ten seconds and then repeat eight times

Care for your calves at work

Small Steps To A Healthier Lifestyle

It’s a busy world and many a times, in the rut of the city life, our health tends to takes a toll. It’s tricky to manage work and all other commitments, and yet manage a healthy living. But there is always a solution to every problem. Some simple steps when made a part of your day to day living can make a huge difference health-wise. Here’s what you can do:

1. “Think positive”

It is proven that a positive attitude towards life leads to a healthy immune system and enhances overall health.

 “Think positive”

2. “Get a good night sleep”

If you have trouble sleeping at night, try some yoga and meditation. Bedtime snacks like whole grain cereal with milk, oatmeal, cherries or chamomile tea can also help you feel sleepy. Writing down worrying thoughts will help you get them out of your mind and boost a healthier sleep.

 “Get a good night sleep”

3. “Start your morning with water and lemon”

Before your first morning cup of tea, have a glass of warm water with lemon juice. This will help in detoxifying your body.

“Start your morning with water and lemon”

4. “Say ‘no’ to your car”

For smaller distances you can ditch your car and walk instead. Cycling to a close by destination is also a good way to stay healthy.

 “Say ‘no’ to your car”

5. “Eat more vegetables”

Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, grapes and leafy greens are great phytonutrients. Having vegetables on regular basis reduces the risk of contracting many grave illnesses.

“Eat more vegetables”

6. “Eat healthy fats”

Poly-unsaturated, mono-unsaturated and omega-3 fats are healther choices for a better lifestyle. They reduce your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol decreasing the risk of heart related ailments.

“Eat healthy fats”

Feel Younger. Live Longer with GAIA

5 Senior citizens who will put your health routine to shame

It’s Senior Health Day and we bring you five senior citizen superstars. They are healthy, strong and truly rocking the golden years of their life. So let’s get inspired!

1. Dr. Charles Eugster

How often do we hear of a hail and hearty 95-year old Oarsman, Athlete and Body Builder? Meet Dr. Charles, multiple record-holder in many sports. To this day, he continues to improve his health and body. Throw him a challenge and he will embrace it!

<!– Website: http://www.charleseugster.net/ –>

2. Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh, also known as The Flying Sikh is the only Indian athlete to have won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games held in 2010. Dedicated and disciplined, Milkha Singh is one of the fittest athletes of India, who participates in marathons and also trains several marathon runners. He is the perfect example of a senior citizen superstar!

Website: http://www.thehindu.com/

3. Andrea Scahling

With the physique of a superhero, Andrea Scahling doesn’t fail to surprise us even at the age of 60. He is fit as a fiddle and a competitive body-builder who has won a series of contests and championships and continues to write articles on nutrition and health. Scahling trains regularly, giving all us youngsters a run for our money.

Website: http://contest.bodybuilding.com/

4. Fauja Singh

Turbaned Tornado, Running Baba and Sikh Superman, all refer to the one and only, Fauja Singh; a 105 year old man from East Londong. A well-known marathoner, Fauja Singh holds the world record in running for his age bracket. At the London Marathon in 2003, he was reported to be at his fastest, completing the marathon in 7 hours and 45 minutes! Care to take a page out of his book?

Website: http://www.thebetterindia.com/

5. Sensei Steve Costello

A 72-year-old grandfather of 11 from Bolton, England has been teaching Karate in Brazil for 20 years. After gaining training from UK’s top martial arts instructor, Steve Costello, now has turned his experience to self-defense training. This karate champion now trains Brazil Special Forces. He is a man of immense grit and determination and a true inspiration to many! Wouldn’t you like to follow his footsteps?

Website: http://www.ryukyukarate.info/

6 Supplements Women Should Try This Week

As a woman it gets imperative to take care of your diet, especially due to the increase of risk factors due to aging.

Taking supplements are a common occurrence in the urban woman’s life, but how many of you are aware of the right kind of supplements that your body needs? There are chances that you’re not getting enough supplements, even though you have been taking your pills.

Allow us to show you which pills you need to include in your routine in order to meet your supplement requirement:

CALCIUM

CALCIUM

Calcium is a must in your diet if you wish for strong bones in old age. With age setting in, women face a number of problems including osteoporosis. Calcium is also crucial to maintain a healthy nervous system. As a woman you need 1,000 milligrams per day.

VITAMIN D

VITAMIN D

Only taking calcium is not enough for your skeletal system- you must take Vit D so that the calcium is absorbed by the bones. Vit D also helps prevent diabetes. Women need 2,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D in the winter and 1,000 IUs in the summer.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

Not all fats are healthy. In fact, as a woman your body needs 1000 to 2000gm of Omega 3 Fatty Acids daily. Low levels of these essential fats can lead to several (sometimes incurable) diseases that include diabetes. These flaxeed oil capsules will give you your fix of omega 3 fatty acids

PROBIOTICS

PROBIOTICS

Just like fats, not all bacteria are bad for your body. The good bacteria are known as probiotics, and are a great aid to super digestive health. They also help in curing colds and flu. One capsule in the morning is all that it takes to maintain a great digestive system.

VITAMIN C

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C prevents heart disease and eye illnesses. It even helps wounds heal faster and fends off wrinkles. The recommended daily dosage is 75 mg. Get your dose of Vitamin C with these amla capsules from Gaia Good Health

SPIRULINA

SPIRULINA

Loaded with nutrients, Spirulina is a great source of antioxidants that maintains good overall health. It is great for your heart, blood pressure as well as immunity. Did you know it also helps fight allergens? Get your bottle of Gaia Good Health Spirulina Capsules right here

5 Ways Olive Oil Gives You A Healthy Lifestyle Boost

Greece’s increased consumption of olive oil has a lot to do with a reduced risk of heart disease and lowered cancer risk in the country. Olive oil is slowly gaining popularity all over the world as a healthy cooking option as it is naturally free of cholesteroland is rich in monounsaturated fat (the good fat)

Still not convinced? Here are 5 reasons why you need to make the healthy shift to cooking with Olive Oil

Olive Oil will help you lose weight

Olive Oil will help you lose weight

Olive oil contains the good fats, fats that encourage weight loss. Yes, this is possible as olive oil helps breakdown fats inside fat cells, thus helping you get rid of belly fat. The antioxidants also help your skin look fresh and young.

It improves heart health

improves heart health

Rich in monostaurated fats and anti oxidants, olive oil helps in enhancing longevity as it helps prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes as well as a lot of other chronic and age-related illnesses. It also helps improve concentration skills, and can help prevent cognitive decline with diseases like Alzeimer’s.

It’s a natural painkiller

natural painkille

Yes, you read that right. Olive oil can act as a natural Ibuprofen, a common painkiller used by many.Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a substance which acts as anti-inflammatory agent.

It improves your circulation

 improves your circulation

Olive oil helps improve blood flow and lessens the effects of a lot of respiratory illnesses. It facilitates easier breathing, and its anti-inflammatory properties have been known to treat asthma.

It helps your stay active

helps your stay active

Olive oil has a lot of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that keep you rejuvenated and active throughout the day. Olive oil also aids in regeneration of cells.

Keep your heart healthy with olive oil. Know more

6 excuses you make for being unhealthy

1. “I don’t have the time”

1 hour is just 4% of your day. Exercising 4 days out of 7 is only 2.3% of your week. So do you really “not have the time”? You do the math.

 “I don’t have the time”

2. “I don’t know where to start”

A 20 minute walk every morning is a great start. So all you really have to do is stop hitting ‘snooze’.

“I don’t know where to start”

3. “My hectic schedule leaves me with no time to plan my meals”

You have more reason to balance your meals – to support your hectic lifestyle with proper nutrition.

 “My hectic schedule leaves me with no time to plan my meals”

4. “I have kids so I’m constantly focusing on their health and well-being”

Why not teach by example? Eat the same healthy meals that you cook for your kids and be a part of their exercise routine.

“I have kids so I’m constantly focusing on their health and well-being”

5. “I’m in the prime of my youth, I can afford to live on cake”

If you don’t take care of yourself in the prime of your youth, it will take a toll on your health and well-being later. So why procrastinate?

 “I’m in the prime of my youth, I can afford to live on cake”

6. “There are no good gyms in my neighborhood”

You don’t need a gym to be healthy. You just need to chalk out an exercise routine with a diet plan and stick to it.

 “There are no good gyms in my neighborhood”

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