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COCONUT WATER: NUTRITIOUS THIRST QUENCHER

It is not a news that coconut water is the world's safest and healthiest soft drink one can opt for. Unfortunately, still many of us prefer grabbing a carbonated drink over a humble coconut water. The irony is we happily pay 30 bugs for a zero nutrition drink but bargain with the vendors on the price of coconut water.  Coconut water has been used in Ayurveda for centuries for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are many reasons why one should fall deeply in love with Coconut Water: 1. It keeps our body cool and hydrated during a hot summer day. 2. Consuming coconut water on a regular basis improves skin texture and complexion.  3. In summers we tend to sweat more. Our body, therefore, loses electrolytes. Coconut water helps in replenishing the lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration.  4. It heals the digestive system and act s an anti-inflammatory. 5. This delicious drink gently and effectively detoxify the body. “Good habits are as addictive as bad ...

NEEM TWIGS: HOLD IT STRONG

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Reading the long list of ingredients in my toothpaste, some of them I can't even pronounce correctly, wondering do I really need all this to clean my teeth or we have an alternative. Going back to roots is a FAD nowadays and who does not want to follow the trend. Switching to  Neem datun (twig) is one of the wisest decision I took to improve my oral health and hygiene.  Neem, as we all know, is the wonder herb with numerous health benefits. It is popularly known as 'Village Pharmacy'. In many rural areas still, neem datun is still used and considered better than the toothbrush and paste.  Neem twig is chewed for a few minutes. It releases a bitter extract which acts as a cleaning agent. The twig fans out into a natural bristle brush which works effectively to clean the teeth.  Let's check out some amazing benefits it offers: 1. It is fluoride, sugar, and sulfate free.  2. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. 3. Prevents plaque formation and discoloration of teet...

JOURNALING

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Life seems so complicated. Especially when we overburden ourselves with constant worries and overthinking. Today I woke up late than my usual time, felt as if I have no energy to lift myself and do my daily chores. My throat was choked due to cold and I realized it was because I was stupid enough to take cold rose milk last night. Sigh! The day started with cursing myself. My mind was disturbed as I was unable to finish anything on time. Was feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. Finally, I decided to take a break and sit for some time. I was in need of MOTIVATION.  And I stumbled upon this quote by Thich Nhat Hanh which says : " Smile, breathe, and go slowly." I took some deep breaths and realized that something as simple as taking long deep mindful breaths can be a game changer. It calms our mind and relieves our tensions. When we are stressed out or have anxiety we tend to work in a fast manner.  Let's do an experiment, whenever we are stressed out we will take a break,...

JOURNALING

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HI,  I have been procrastinating so many things for almost a year now. One of that is regularly posting on my blog. I click pictures, write still do not post it. Maybe I was resisting myself or gathering the courage to share what I am doing, learning, writing with audience whom I do not know. Most of us do that and avoid posting on social media as negative talk start spiraling in our mind. What if people judge our writing skills, may what I do is not worthy of sharing, maybe it is mot useful. Maybe!  How many likes we get on our post become the most important criteria. We start losing the essence of sharing. We focus on stuff which people will like the most not that we firmly believe in.  And that's what we do when we doubt our abilities.   Self-sabotage is a killer of our creativity and our productivity. Let's switch on to action mode and start doing.  One step at a time. Started drawing after a long time. Sharing it with...

Mint Coriander Green Pulao

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Flavored with Mint and Coriander this rice dish is our family favorite. When my mind is stuck as in what to cook, I take out some corridor, mint, rice and a handful of spices. In minutes I have an awesome bowl of rice, which honestly I won't mind digging in daily. But that's just me not my better half, he wants VARIETY :-). So the two shining stars in this recipe are MINT and CORRAINDER  apart from other spices which also have numerous health benefits.  Both the herbs are easily available all the year round and offer abundant health benefits. Including them, in your daily diet is like popping those FAD DETOX PILLS in a most holistic and natural way. So do not fall for fads rather detoxify using these herbs in your daily diet.  Both the herbs are an ANTIOXIDANT powerhouse. Cancer and Chronic Illness ...No Baby you can not come near me I am consuming these herbs on daily basis. These herbs are also an excellent source of Vit K, potassium, manganese, magnesium...

Turmeric Tea Recipe

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So the season is changing and you might be facing some nagging cold, feeling sick and lethargic. Whip up a batch of this soothing Turmeric Tea if you are feeling low and needs a health boost. Turmeric is a staple in Indian kitchens. Not only it adds a rich color and flavor to the recipes it is also a powerful medicinal root. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric is a powerhouse of a chemical compound know as Curcumin. Curcumin has incredible health benefits. It has powerful Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, and Anti-Oxidant properties. Apart from turmeric, I have also used Ginger and Black Pepper in this tea recipe.  Ginger is a medicinal treasure and has been a widely used herbal remedy to treat cold, chronic cough, digestive disorders, constipation and much more. Ginger also assist with weight management by preventing metabolic disorders and reduce unwanted food cravings. Black Pepper is a healing spice used in Ayurvedic medicine. It relieve...

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATES

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Know what goes in your Chocolate by making it all by yourself. All you need are 5 easily available ingredients. No need of a double boiler or standing by the stove. Just mix the ingredients and pour it on the molds and you have your very own Homemade Chocolate. The recipe is versatile and you can add your favorite toppings and flavors so let's be creative. Add nuts.dry fruits, jelly or whatsoever you want. The variations are unlimited. The recipe is Quick, Easy, and Delish :-)  Let's see what all you need.  INGREDIENTS: 1/4th cup Cacao Powder (Substitute: Cocoa powder)  1 cup Coconut Milk ( Substitute: Whipping cream )   1 cup Maple Syrup ( Substitute: Honey)  1 teaspoon Vanilla extract  A pinch of Salt (I have used Himalayan Pink Salt) I have used light Coconut Milk, but full-fat milk can also be used . METHOD: In a bowl whisk all the ingredients well. Make sure there are no lumps. Pour them in the chocolate molds or Silicone Ice tray.  Let ...

OiL FREE SALAD DRESSING FOR WEIGHT WATCHERS

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Store bought salad dressings may contain high amounts of refined processed oils and harmful hydrogenated fats. So it is always a better idea to make your own. The result will be a refreshing, delicious and much healthier version of salad dressing with your favorite signature ingredients. Best part you will exactly know what goes in it. So no guess games. This particular dressing I am sharing today is oil-free and ideal for weight watchers. It goes well with a lot of salad combinations. I used paneer cubes, tomatoes and onions to keep it simple.  MINT CILANTRO YOGURT SALAD DRESSING Ingredients: 3/4 cup thick yogurt 1/4 cup fresh cilantro/coriander 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves 2 cloves of garlic 1 tsp cumin seeds  1 tsp fresh lemon juice  Salt to taste  Blend all the ingredients together in a mixer. Chill the dressing in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes in order to bring out the flavors. For the SALAD: Combine 1 cup of paneer cubes, 1/2 cup chopped onio...

Clear/Glowing Skin Juice

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Often times the state of our skin is the reflection of our inner health. It is therefore extremely important to treat the skin ailments from it roots rather than relying only on topical applications. An Inside Out Approach is a way to achieve a clear healthy looking skin. Our body detoxify primarily through liver and skin. When we stuff our bodies with the lot of junk/processed food our body pushes out toxins through our skin. This detoxification through skin leads to various skin disorders like acne/pimples and we end up having a dull looking skin. Including wholesome/fresh/raw fruits and vegetables will indeed help in achieving natural youthful glow on the skin. GRAPES + CUCUMBER + AMLA(GOOSEBERRY) + BASIL This Juice combination will help in clearing up your skin in no time.  Before heading to the recipe let's talk about the benefits of each first: GRAPES benefits for skin health: Antioxidant-rich safeguards skin from free radical damage. Prevents Acne/Pimple. Prev...

Weight Loss / Glowing Skin Juice

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Want to loose those extra pounds and achieve glowy healthy skin? An active lifestyle and a healthy diet are important to maintain a healthy weight. This particular juice aids in weight loss as well as give you a healthy glow. Pineapple+Cucumber+Jalapeno+Ginger  Let's talk about the benefits of each one before we head to the recipe: Pineapple Health Benefits: Rich in Vit C which is an antioxidant powerhouse. Contain enzyme that aids in digestion. Supports skin health as it contains Vit C and Vit A. Cucumbers Health Benefits: Low in calorie ( 6 to 8 slices contain only 5 calories) High in water content ( makes you feel full for a longer duration) Help you stay hydrated. Ginger Health Benefits: Antioxidant powerhouse. Has Antiinflammatory properties. Aids in digestion. Fight cold. Jalapeno Health Benefits: Burn fats and calories. Antioxidant-rich ( contain flavonoids and vitamins) The heat in peppers clear sinuses. Pineapple+Cucumber+Jalapeno+Ginger Juice Ingredients: S...

Ayurvedic Lentil Soup To Boost Immunity

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Dietitian/Health Experts suggest incorporating fibrous lentils into our daily diet. Moong Dal is a lentil which is rich in protein and it also a good source of dietary fiber. Apart from this, it is easy to digest and very simple to make.  For this recipe, I have not used the pressure cooker. If you wish you can use it. I love making dals/lentil with the slow cooking method. It enhances the flavor and taste. Just make sure you soak the dal for an hour at least or more if you have time.The more time you soak the dal the faster it cooks. Ingredients for yellow moong dal recipe Serves: 2  Moong dal – 1 cup  Ghee/Clarified Butter/Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp Tomato – 1 (finely chopped) Red chilly powder – 1 tsp Turmeric powder – 1 tsp Green chilly – 1 (finely chopped) Ginger paste – 1 tsp Salt – 2 tsp or as per taste Green coriander – 2 to 3 tbsp (finely chopped) For Tempering: Cumin seeds – 1 tsp Asafoetida – 1 pinch Curry leaves – 6 to 7 Whole red chilly  ...

HERBAL HAIR RINSE

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WE all desire gorgeous healthy hair. Keeping the scalp clean and well-nourished plays a significant role in achieving the desired healthy locks.  This particular hair rinse is made up of Lemon + Mint + Green Tea. The recipe is definitely very simple and all the ingredients are easily available.  Before heading to the recipe I would like to mention the  benefits   of this hair rinse:  Mildly cleanse the scalp Remove product build-up Boost circulation Condition the hair Add shine and leave the hair smelling good Now, let's make it: You will need: 1/2 cup mint leaves  1 cup boiling water juice of a medium size lemon 1 green tea bag  How to make/use it: Take 1 cup of boiling water. Add in the crushed mint leaves and green tea bag. Let it steep for 15 minutes. Then strain the mixture and add lemon juice. Let the mixture cool down completely before using it.  Use as a final rinse after shampooing, follow with a cold-water rinse to remove all o...

KIWI BANANA SMOOTHIE

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Amp up your energy and say bye to morning sluggishness with this awesome Kiwi Banana Smoothie. Kiwi adds a tropical flair to the smoothie and banana add natural sweetness so you don't have to go high on any additional sugar. Also, kiwi possesses unique health benefits and it offers a good source of dietary fiber.Bananas are a rich source of potassium, a mineral that has been linked to maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. It adds a creamy texture and wonderful flavor to the smoothie. Flaxseeds are rich in unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid. Adding these types of fat to your diet can help you lower your cholesterol level and reduce your risk of heart disease.  KIWI BANANA SMOOTHIE RECIPE Ingredients: 1 cup chopped kiwi 1 banana  1 cup milk  1/2 cup yogurt 1 tbsp flaxseed  Blend all the ingredients for 30 to 45 seconds and you have a nutritious breakfast ready in less than 5 minutes.  NOTE: Preferably use frozen fruits. In that case, you do not have to...

DIY SCALP TREATMENT FOR ( HAIR GROWTH AND DANDRUFF)

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Today's DIY treatment is to clarify the scalp. A healthy scalp is a key to promoting healthy hair growth. All you need to do is to massage in the mask to exfoliate the scalp which will unclog the pores and removes toxins and product build up from hair follicles and roots. 3 main ingredients I have used for this scalp treatment are Mustard Oil,  Neem Powder, and Yogurt.Mustard oil is packed with vitamins and minerals which stimulate hair growth. Neem powder is very effective in treating dandruff and itchy scalp. Yogurt has anti-fungal properties that help fight dandruff. HOW TO MAKE IT: 1/2 cup yogurt 2 tbsp mustard oil  2 tsp neem powder ( I have used about 5 capsules of neem) HOW TO USE IT: Mix all the ingredients together and gently massage the mixture on the scalp for 3 to 4 minutes. This will promote blood circulation to the scalp as well as unclog the pores. Leave the mask on for an hour. Wash with a mild herbal shampoo.  Use this treatment once a week for effec...

SPROUTED CHICKPEA SOUP

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Jumpstart your metabolism and kick off those extra fats with this weight loss soup. It is extremely nutritious and there is no compromise on taste. In this recipe, I have used sprouted chickpeas and colorful vegetables. Sprouts are boon for diet conscious people around the globe. They contain fewer calories compared to other snacks and are excellent sources of vitamin K, C, fiber, and other essential minerals. Consuming sprouts will increase the digestion power which further helps in flushing out the impurities.  Let's get started. RECIPE: Ingredients:  Serves: 2 1 cup sprouted chickpea (chana) 1 medium onion finely chopped 2 celery sticks  chopped 1 cup Spinach finely chopped  1 cup tomato puree 1/4 cup chopped carrot 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste  1 green chili finely chopped 2 tsp ground cumin Black pepper as per taste Salt to taste zest and juice ½ lemon large handful coriander or parsley and flatbread or pita chips to serve. Method: Heat the oi...

COCONUT MAWA BURFI

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Soft and delectable COCONUT MAWA BURFI.Diwali ended with this sweet dish. Gave it to all the neighbors and they loved it. Mehnat Safal :-) :-). After almost 7 years I was celebrating Diwali in my country and trust me I was so damn excited. I made sure to prepare full-fledged karawah( Diwali sweets and snacks). My husband was like bass karoo aur kitna banaugi. So finally I put a full stop with this awesome Coconut burfi which we all relished a lot.  This one is a very straightforward and fast recipe. So if you want to make a big lot or want to prepare a hassle free dessert  go for it. Let's get started:  RECIPE: Ingredients: 1/2 cup  milk powder 1 1/2 cups milk 2 cups desiccated coconut  1/3  cup sugar 2 tablespoon ghee 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder (choti elaichi powder) Add more as per taste. Pinch of Saffron (kesar) ( add more as per taste) Method: Grease a plate or thali with ghee and place aside. Heat ghee in ...

DIY MAYONNAISE HAIR MASK

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Hello, everyone. REPAIR DRY DULL DAMAGED HAIR!!!!!!!!! Have you ever tried MAYONNAISE hair mask to repair dull damaged hair , if not don't be suspicious and give it a try? It is definitely gonna deep condition your hair and bring back the lost shine. Do you crave for a hair spa visit which will cost you big bucks!!! Well, its true that vanity comes with a PRICE TAG...but NOT ALWAYS. This hair mask will cost you pennies but will give a million dollar conditioning treatment.  BENEFITS : Egg yolks in mayonnaise provide protein which will make your hair strong and prevent breakage. Vinegar in it will cleanse the scalp, remove product build up and restores the ph balance of hair. Oil in it will leave hair soft and silky. Honey will moisturise, add shine and reduce frizz. Coconut oil nourish the hair, prevents hair loss, make hair soft and shiny. Well, the list goes on as it is my favourite oil. I lovee its texture smell almost everything thing about it: -)  You ...

AYURVEDIC DETOX WATER

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Sharing with you AYURVEDIC DETOX WATER . I prepare a big batch of this every morning. Have it in between meals, 1 hour after meals as well as last water intake before bedtime. It helps in flushing out toxins , aids in digestion, elevates my energy levels as well as my mood. Not just this it also keeps my acne under control and skin in good shape.On top of everything, it is a feel good factor for me as I no more crave for unhealthy sodas or sugary drinks :-) :-) Do give this one a try and share your feedback. INGREDIENTS:  1 liter  water  1 pinch red chilli powder / cayenne 2 tablespoon grated ginger root  2 Tbs. Jaggery ( you can skip this totally or adjust it to your taste)  1 to 2 tsp. rock salt or black salt Juice of 1 lemon or lime PREPARATION Bring water to a boil. Once it comes to a boil switch off the flame add ginger and cover the pot with a plate. Let it steep.  Take the pot off the burner and let it cool Add the juice of a lemon. jaggery, red...

THAI CUCUMBER PEANUT SALAD

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If you are someone who loves the kick of flavors in your salad...SPICY, TANGY, SWEET and full of FIBER...you got to try this. THAI CUCUMBER PEANUT SALAD Salad love is all around. I myself love indulging in some veggie digging every day as I want to avoid filling my stomach with junk. But I want variety ....rainbow of colors and a lot of flavor in my salad, otherwise, it gets boring. Let's begin with this very easy recipe which won't take much time of yours but you will feel extra awesome serving and have it. RECIPE: INGREDIENTS: SERVING: 2 2 cucumbers cut into bite size cubes 2 medium size red onions chopped  1 full cup of cilantro/coriander crushed roasted peanuts as much as you want ...the more the better.   For Dressing: 1 tablespoon olive oil ( if you don't wanna add fat skip it)  1 clove of crushed garlic freshly squeezed lemon 1 (approx 1 tablespoon) 1 tablespoon  soy sauce  1 tablespoon honey Green Chilli sauce ( optional if you prefer a fie...