LET'S face it - Christmas isn't Christmas if you don't treat yourself.

And for most of us, it's not just December 25, with weeks spent gorging on rich foods, boozing on mulled wine, late partying and general over-indulgence.

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And, according to nutritional therapist Claire Barnes, from Lepicol, this is the nightmare formula when it comes to bloating and ultimately weight gain.

But she says Christmas doesn't need to be tainted by bloating - and there are lots of ways to tackle the problem.

Here, she takes The Sun Online through her top tips on how to deal with tummy troubles and boost weight loss this Christmas...

Many people would much rather stay in by a warm fire than venture out into the winter chill on Christmas day.

But something as simple as a walk can be key to help ease your bloated belly and burn off all the food you've binged on.

Claire says: "While its easy to slip into a food-coma on the sofa after eating Christmas dinner, instead wrap up warm, get outside and go for a gentle walk.

"During rest research shows we retain a significantly higher proportion of gas in the gut.

"Gentle exercise on the other hand has been shown in studies to enhance intestinal gas clearance and reduce symptoms in those who suffer with abdominal bloating."

Rich indulgent foods are often prioritised on our plates over fibre rich vegetables at Christmas.

However, Claire has emphasised the need to eat more fibre over the festive season to prevent bloating.

She says: "Fibre is particularly important for digestion as it keeps our bowel movements regular, preventing constipation which can contribute to feelings of fullness and bloating.

We should aim to fill half our plates with vegetables, so this Christmas why not experiment with some new vegetable recipes

"Soluble fibre also feeds our beneficial gut bacteria which in turn produce extra nutrients that our body can absorb.

"We should aim to fill half our plates with vegetables, so this Christmas why not experiment with some new vegetable recipes or order an extra side of veg when eating out.

"In addition, taking a high fibre supplement such as Lepicol may be beneficial."

As well as heading out for a walk, Claire recommends trying some relaxation exercises to prevent bloating.

"Yoga, Pilates, meditation and mindfulness all help to relax the body and improve both nervous system health and digestion," she says.

"Stretching and twisting of the abdomen in yoga moves may particularly reduce bloating.

"You may feel more comfortable trying these moves at home first.

"Ultimately though joining a course of classes will have greater long-term benefits and you may be able to seek out individual guidance for your specific concerns."

Sitting down with a cuppa of herbal tea on Christmas tea may work wonders when it comes to tummy woes.

Claire says: "If you do over-indulge and have one pig-in-blanket too many, many herbal teas such as peppermint and ginger can have a calming effect on the digestive tract. Fennel is particularly effective for bloating.

"Try soaking a teaspoon of fennel seeds in hot water and drink as a tea after eating, or chew on the fennel seeds themselves.

"You can also buy fennel drops from some herbalists."

As we age, our stomach acid and digestive enzymes reduce, making it more difficult for the body to break foods down ready for absorption.

Although it sounds gross, Claire recommends taking a peek at your stool to see if you're digesting properly.

Claire says: "A quick and useful sign to see if you have a reduction in digestive enzymes is to take a peek at your stool, if you see undigested particles in it, theres a strong indication that your body is not breaking down the foods well.

"These undigested foods may start to ferment in the digestive tract causing gas and bloating.

"Pineapple, papaya and mango also contain enzymes that help to break foods down. Why not make some fruit canapes or include these foods in a Christmas buffet

"Taking a tablespoon of organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a small glass of water before eating main meals and eating more bitter foods, such as leafy green vegetables can help.

"Pineapple, papaya and mango also contain enzymes that help to break foods down.

"Why not make some fruit canapes or include these foods in a Christmas buffet."

While it's supposed to be the season of peace and goodwill, many people find Christmas stressful with juggling seeing family, cooking Christmas dinner and wrapping presents - which can make bloating worse.

Claire says making sure you're relaxed will help speed up your digestion.

"Ensure you are in a relaxed state and free of distractions before and whilst eating," she says.

"If we are feeling stressed, our body turns its attention away from digestion meaning we cant break down and digest foods properly.

"Try taking ten deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth before starting to eat, sit in a comfortable upright position ideally looking out of a window where you can stare off into the distance.

"Take your time to chew the food well, as we chew we produce saliva, which contains enzymes to break down the foods for absorption and also sends signals to the brain to produce stomach acid ready for the food thats on its way."

Claire says: "Consume more fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, cottage cheese and yogurt, or take a multi-strain live bacteria supplement such as Bio-Kult daily.

"Certain strains of beneficial bacteria produce enzymes such as lactase which help us to digest the lactose in milk.

Alcoholic drink swaps to help you stay on track during the festive period

Diet guruTerri-AnnNunns shares her advice on how to enjoy alcoholic drinks without overindulging and the best swaps you can make this Christmas.

1. Swap eggnog for...sloe gin

A glass of eggnog could quite easily exceed 350kcals. Another drink that is equally enjoyable but for different reasons is sloe gin. You can have it warm or on ice but it is still a tasty treat - with much fewer calories.

2. Small glass of desert wine for...glass of sherry

Opting for a glass of Sherry (60 calories) would halve your calorie intake in comparison to a small glass of desert wine (118 calories).

3. Mulled wine made with sugar for...mulled wine made with sweetener

Adding the sugar obviously adds more calories but you can actually use sweetener instead of sugar to achieve that sweet taste without the calories.

4. Large glass of wine for...glass of prosecco

A glass of prosecco is likely to be less than half the calories of a large glass of wine. A large glass of wine is 250ml or a third of a bottle, whereas prosecco is served in smaller glasses, generally serving 125ml.

5. Pint of lager for...a bottle of beer

Swapping a pint of beer for a bottle significantly reduces the volume you will drink and therefore the calories, especially if you plan to have more than one.

6. Gin and tonic for...gin and slimline tonic

By changing your mixer to one that is sugar-free, you can make a significant reduction to your calorie intake.

7. Long Island Iced Tea for...Bloody Mary

If you want to go for a healthier cocktail, choosing something like a Bloody Mary would mean you would consume much fewer calories and you could even hit two of your five a day.

"Our bodies cant digest fibre, however the beneficial bacteria in our colons can feed on these fibres.

"After fermenting the fibres, the beneficial bacteria can produce nutrients which the body can then absorb.

"An unbalanced gut flora, that has higher numbers of harmful bacteria produce unfavourable by-products, such as gases, when they ferment un-absorbed foods in the colon.

"A more balanced gut flora should therefore produce less gas and bloating."

Claire recommends ditching processed foods and refined carbs such as white bread, pastries and pasta to help with bloating and weight loss.

She says: "Certain bacteria in the gut will prefer different diets, while the beneficial bacteria like to feed on fibre from grains, vegetables and fruits, harmful bacteria will feed on most things!

"A diet high in processed and sugary foods will encourage the growth and multiplication of harmful bacteria at the expense of the beneficial good guys.

"Following a more Mediterranean-type diet by eating at least five vegetables and two fruits each day from a rainbow of different colours and consuming more oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon will provide numerous nutrients that the body needs as well as reducing inflammation."

Claire claims you can encourage regular bowel movements by eating more soluble fibre.

She says: "Soluble fibre from grains, such as psyllium husks or soaked flaxseeds forms a soft gel in the intestines encouraging movement in the digestive tract and helping to eliminate excess toxins and hormones from the body.

"Alongside fibre, ensure you are drinking two litres of water each day in order for the fibre to form a gel and to encourage food to move through the digestive tract.

"Try to consume the majority of water before food and between meals, as drinking large amounts of water with the meal or directly afterwards may dilute the digestive enzymes."

As it may be tricky to eliminate food groups over Christmas, Claire instead recommends keeping anote of which foods you are eating so you can see when the symptoms of bloating occurs.

She says: "When we are intolerant to a food, our bodies produce antibodies to that specific food, when we consume it again the antibodies will produce symptoms such as bloating and stomach cramps.

"If we continue to eat foods that we are intolerant to, inflammation in the gut may occur, triggering other symptoms such as diarrhoea or constipation.

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"Unlike food allergies where the onset of symptoms is immediate after consuming an allergic food, symptoms of food intolerance may take hours or even days to occur.

"Common food intolerances to look for are dairy, wheat, yeast, alcohol and eggs.

"So potentially discovering these intolerances now gives you something to work with in the New Year."

More here:
Weight loss: 10 ways to beat the Christmas bloat and still enjoy yourself - The Sun

Overweight and obese patients not only have few interactions with physicians about their weight but the encounters they do have are largely negative experiences, a new systematic review of patients' perspectives on the subject reveals.

"The overwhelming theme [from this review] was that interactions between patients and doctors about being overweight and weight loss were rare, [and] for participants, not discussing these issues had several meanings...the most profound [being] that people who were overweight felt stigmatized and assumed others, including the doctor, were judging them negatively," write Thanusha Ananthakumar, MD, University of Oxford, UK, and colleagues in their article, published online December 2 in Clinical Obesity.

"Many clinicians fear that if they discuss weight with patients, some will find this unwelcome or offensive," the researchers hypothesize

They advise that physicians start a discussion with the assumption that a person may well already be taking action to lose weight and that what is required is guidance and encouragement.

And clinicians should note that a person's harshest critic of weight status is usually themselves and therefore avoid making "statements that may be interpreted as a judgment carrying moral connotations."

In their review, the authors included 21 qualitative studies in which people with overweight or obesity had consulted a primary care physicianand given their reactions to consultations during which weight could have been or was discussed.

Participants in all but one study had a body mass index (BMI) in excess of 25 kg/m2 and in most studies, it was in excess of 30 kg/m2, the investigators note.

When the issue of weight was not discussed, some patients indicated that they felt their healthcare providers' silence suggested they were not worthy of their time, or that being overweight or obese was not a serious health issue.

"Others regarded it as a failure of the doctors' duty to warn patients of future health problems related to excess weight," Ananthakumar and colleagues observe.

But on the other hand, there was uncertainty and mixed views about whose responsibility it was to bring up weight in a consultation.

A few respondents thought that their physician should ask permission to discuss their weight before initiating a conversion about it even though some participants indicated they would have liked their physician to actually start a discussion about it, at least in part because they were ashamed of being overweight and unable to lose the weight.

"Where it was mentioned, most participants reacted negatively to doctors describing them as 'obese'," the authors note.

In fact, when described as "obese", "in some cases, the word demotivated participants to lose weight because they felt hopeless," they explain.

For many patients, even the tone of voice and the manner in which weight was raised by the physician created negative feelings, again undermining their motivation to lose weight.

"A recurrent theme across studies was that doctors often assumed a person who was overweight must have an unhealthy diet," the investigators write, "[and] these assumptions reflected a common belief that people who are overweight eat a lot of 'junk food' and are not physically active."

Physicians also sometimes offered advice about weight loss that patients felt was banal, implying that the patient was either not trying to look after themselves or they were too stupid to not have already realized what physicians themselves were suggesting and already done something about it.

Many patients also reported that they visited their doctor with symptoms that may have been related to being overweight or obese but their physician immediately presumed their symptoms were weight-related without taking a history or doing a physical exam.

"This left participants feeling dismissed and anxious that a more serious cause for their symptoms might go undetected," the authors point out.

By so doing, patients also felt they had been denied a legitimate treatment and were instead being made to suffer in a punitive manner because of their weight.

"Clinicians should take care when linking weight to a presenting medical issue and discuss weight loss as one of a range of treatment strategies rather than presenting excess weight as the cause of the problem and weight loss as the only cure," the authors emphasize.

When physicians did address the health risks of being overweight or obese, nobody appreciated being scolded or made to feel personally responsible for their presumed weight-related symptoms, as this attitude reflects an all-too-common belief that obesity is a failure of willpower, the authors explain.

On the positive side, patients said that when they trusted their doctor, discussions about being overweight and weight loss were easier and that trusting their physician motivated them to act on their doctors' advice.

"People in society, including many clinicians, hold stigmatizing views of people who are overweight, believing them to be generally less capable and weak-willed," Ananthakumar and colleagues observe.

"And patients with overweight internalize weight stigma, sensitizing them to clues that clinicians are judging them negatively, even if weight is not discussed," they add.

This is in direct contrast to the fact that most people who are overweight are trying hard to lose that weight and, over the short-term at least, are even likely to lose some weight.

"It may [thus] be helpful to start a discussion with the assumption that a person may well be taking action and that what is required is guidance and encouragement towards more effective interventions," the authors suggest.

Clinicians should also remember that the harshest critic of a patient's weight status is likely the patient themselves and avoid statements they may perceive as judgmental.

"Weight loss discussions are more likely to be successful when they involve a trusted clinician who gives time to share options for weight loss in a nonjudgmental manner," they conclude.

Clin Obes. Published online December 2, 2019. Full text

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Original post:
GPs' Discussion of Weight With Patients Rare and Mainly Negative - Medscape

One of the most dreaded complications of PCOD diagnosis is weight gain. When Poulami Ghosh faced the same problem, she knew she had to change her bad lifestyle habits and get fitter and healthier. Determined, she fought off the excess weight and shed close to 12 kilos in a span of just four months. What's more? She didn't even go to the gym!To know the details of her inspiring diet and workout, read her story here:Name: Poulami Ghosh AdityaOccupation: Marketing and Public Relations Professional

Age: 30

Height: 5 feet 6 inches

City: Kolkata

Highest weight recorded: 80 kilos

Weight lost: 11 kilosDuration it took me to lose weight: 4 monthsThe turning point:

When I was diagnosed with PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Disorder), it was the time I realized I had to do something. I never took my lifestyle seriously and had a bad habit of binging on unhealthy foods. I was a total foodie and food delivery apps were always on my mind. However, when my doctor told me that PCOD could be reversed through a lifestyle overhaul and weight loss, I decided to give it all in.

The first step was to delete all those food delivery apps from the phone and soon enough, I stopped eating outside food. Yes! I was able to do this! I might have just lost 11 kilos in the past four months (festivals and work commitments), but with thyroid and PCOD, I gave my very best and will continue to do so.

My breakfast: The first thing I eat as soon as I get up is almonds and walnuts. Later, I usually have something low-calorie like poha/ oats chilla/ egg whites or a portion of fruits.

My lunch: Lunch can be something like Bajra rotis (2) with a bowl of dal, vegetables or chicken or sometimes, it is fish curry and rice. Salads are something I don't miss out on. Everything is homemade.

My dinner: For dinner, it is either daal with bajra roti or chicken/vegetable/paneer sauteed slightly.

When I do get to cheat on my diet, I feast on biryanis and kebabs. However, I always moderate my portion size.

I also ensure that I drink 2-3 liters of water every day and three cups of green tea throughout the day. Apple cider vinegar gets me going in the mornings. This way, my caffeine intake has also cut down drastically.My workout: I don't depend on the gym and work out in the comfort of my home. I like to go for a brisk walk in the mornings and evenings every day for 40-50 minutes and also do yoga at home for 15-20 minutes in the day. Sundays, I usually skip the exercise but otherwise, I am fairly regular.

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Poha, chillas, yogurt with fruitsFitness secrets I unveiled: Discipline and determination are the biggest things that have helped me reach my goals faster. If you ask me, a little discipline goes a long way.How do I stay motivated? While I am very strict with my diet, I do try to reward myself. I set goals for myself and if I manage to push myself more or achieve the goal in time, I treat myself with a little reward.

How do you ensure you dont lose focus? The motivation of indulging in a cheat meal is what gets me going for the next goal.

Whats the most difficult part of being overweight? When you are overweight, there are a lot of health problems which come in. For me, my battle with PCOD and suffering from chronic back pain at a young age was depressing.What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line? Fitter, stronger and healthier- away from the health complications and problems.

Excerpt from:
Weight loss: How this woman lost 11 kilos and beat PCOD without going to the gym! - Times of India

The cabbage soup diet promises slimmers great weight loss results in only seven days. Fans of this popular dieting technique claim to be able to trim down by ten pounds or more in just one week but, is it as effective as slimmers claim?

However, health experts warn that slimmers shouldnt stay on the diet for too long as consuming such low amounts of calories is unhealthy and unsustainable long term.

No one knows exactly where this unique diet originated from, though it first gained popularity during the 1980s and has stuck around ever since.

Health expert and nutritionist Stephanie Waterson warned slimmers: Many claim to be able to drop 10 or more pounds in one week, which is true its achievable with perseverance.

But before you stock up on cabbage, know that this crash diet won't help you in the long run, as it doesn't give your body thenutrientsit needs to stay healthy.

Therefore this is more of a quick fix weight loss solution than a long term healthy and sustainable method of losing weight.

DON'T MISS

The basic one-week cabbage soup diet plan to jump start weight loss is fairly simple to follow.

In order to lose weight successfully a slimmer is required to prepare a large batch of soup to eat for the entire week.

Ingredients required;

6 large green onions (1 bunch)

2 green bell peppers

1 or 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes

1 bunch celery (sliced)

1/2 head cabbage (chopped)

1 package onion soup mix (Lipton brand)

Optional: 1 or 2 cubes bouillon

1 (48-ounce) can V8 juice (or 6 cups water or light chicken or vegetable broth)

Kosher salt (to taste)

Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Optional: parsley, curry powder, garlic powder, paprika, etc.

Directions:

1. Chop all vegetables into cubes.

2. In a large stock pot, saut onions in a small amount ofoil.

3. Then add the remaining vegetables and cover with water or vegetable cocktail and add bouillon cubes or other seasonings, if desired.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat. Let simmer until vegetables are tender, about 3045 minutes.

It is advised for a slimmer to eat one or two other pieces of low-calorie foods daily in addition to the soup, however, it is important not to make any other substitutions and to drink only water or other calorie-free beverages, such as unsweetened tea.

A daily multivitamin is often recommended because the diet may be low in certain nutrients.

These are the rules for each day of the Cabbage Soup Diet

Day 1: Unlimited cabbage soup and fruit, but no bananas.

Day 2: Only soup and vegetables. Focus on raw or cooked leafy greens. Avoid peas, corn and beans. You may also have one baked potato with butter or oil.

Day 3: As many fruits and vegetables as you can eat, in addition to the soup. However, no baked potato and no bananas.

Day 4: Unlimited bananas, skim milk and cabbage soup.

Day 5: You are allowed 1020 ounces (280567 grams) of beef, which you may substitute for chicken or fish. You may also have up to six fresh tomatoes. Drink at least 68 glasses of water.

Day 6: Soup, beef and vegetables. You may substitute the beef for broiled fish if you did not do so the day prior. Focus on leafy greens. No baked potato.

Day 7: You may have vegetables, brown rice and unlimited fruit juice but no added sugar.

See the rest here:
Weight loss: Does the cabbage soup diet work? Is it safe? - Express

Weight-loss pharmacotherapies may be used to manage obesity in HIV patients, however, healthcare providers should be aware of the possibility of loss of HIV viremia control when combining these medications with antiretrovirals agents, according to the findings of a recent review.

To investigate potential drug-drug interactions between anti-obesity drugs and antiretroviral therapy (ART), study authors conducted a search using PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and EMBASE to obtain literature published between October 2018 and September 2019 that analyzed the safety and efficacy of Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-approved weight loss medications in persons living with HIV. They identified and included a total of 2 case reports, 2 case series, 6 ART-specific pharmacokinetic studies, 36 clinical trials, and 13 package inserts in their review.

Persons living with HIV are frequently not reported or included in clinical trials for weight-loss medications, however, treatment efficacy is likely similar to the general population, the study authors reported. Several case reports obtained during their search, however, did discuss the possibility of HIV viral rebound in patients taking orlistat.

Several important reported or theoretical drug-drug interactions exist between anti-obesity pharmacotherapy and antiretroviral therapy, the authors stated. The report highlighted several mechanisms in which anti-obesity medications could interact with antiretroviral agents, such as the change in absorption of a medication (ie, concomitant use of orlistat and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, integrase inhibitors) and inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes (ie, inhibition of CYP2D6 by lorcaserin); in general, the authors recommended avoiding the use of orlistat in patients on ART. Liraglutide was noted to be one of the weight-loss medications that had minimal drug interactions.

As for naltrexone-bupropion, increased monitoring is recommended when the drug is co-administered with ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors, efavirenz, nevirapine, or cobicistat-containing regimens. While there appears to be a low risk of interaction between phentermine-topiramate and ART, factors such as prescription abuse and cardiovascular disease should be considered before starting therapy with this agent.

Based on their findings, the authors concluded that in addition to lifestyle modifications, clinicians should consider FDA-approved weight loss medications to manage and treat obesity in patients with HIV. Each agent has its own specific caveats, counseling points, and monitoring parameters, which should be considered when combined with ART, they noted.

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For more information visit wiley.com.

This article originally appeared on MPR

See the original post here:
Weight-Loss Drug, ART Interactions Should Be Considered in Patients With HIV, Obesity - Endocrinology Advisor

Curd VS Milk: We often love to have curd and milk with other dishes. But if you are on a weight loss and have to choose between the two, then read below to find out which one of the two is better for weight loss.

When it comes to dairy products, there two dairy products that are consumed widely, especially in India, and they are curd and milk. Especially when it comes to weight loss, there's a constant battle to choose between the one. Some people say that since curd is good for digestion and is packed with probiotics, it should be added to the daily diet. While others say that milk is packed with calcium, and hence should be added to the diet. If you love both and find it difficult to choose between the two, then don't worry we've got you covered with this one.These points will help you understand which one is better and why.

Read below to find out how curd is better thank and why you should consider adding it your diet right away.

Digestion:

A good digestive system is essential for the better functioning of the body. The bacteria present in curd is better for our digestive tract. Hence, when you have an upset stomach, you are often advised to consume curd and stay off milk since it has lactose, which is not good for the system.

Gut:

Gut issues are common in todays time due to the overload of processed foods in our diets. Curd with veggies like spinach are great for your gut and can be eaten on an alternate basis as well.

Probiotic:

Curd has probiotics, unlike milk. Probiotics are vital for your digestive system, and curd is the cheapest and easiest form of probiotics.

Great for people who are lactose intolerant:

Cows milk has a higher amount of lactose than milk from other animals. When it comes to curd, it can be replaced with multiple options. You can eat soy yoghurt, greek yoghurt or almond yoghurt since all of them ensure maximum protein for those suffering from lactose intolerance.

Calcium:

Milk ranks higher than curd in terms of calcium content. 100 g of milk contains 125 mg of calcium, whereas 100 g of curd has a lower calcium content of approximately 85 mg. So if you want to up your calcium intake, milk will be a better choice.

Milk cannot be consumed with all the fruits:

Milk is not bad for your body, but milk in combination with other fruits is not good. If you use papaya with milk- it can upset your stomach. Since milk is a meal in itself, combining it with other food groups is not a good option. However, the curd is added to fruits and veggies.

ALSO READ: Paneer VS Cheese: Which one you should choose and why

ALSO READ: Cashews vs Almonds: Which healthy nut you should choose and why

ALSO READ: Peanut vs Peanut Butter: Which one is better and why

See more here:
Curd VS Milk: Which one is better for weight loss and why? - PINKVILLA

To perform this exercise you will need a bench, box, stair or chair.

Step 1: Stand two feet in front of a sturdy bench or chair. Your feet should be at least a hip-distance apart from each other and the hands by your side. Your shoulders and spine should be neutral.

Step 2: Put the toes of your left foot on the bench behind you. Make sure your right leg is straight.

Step 3: Now bend your right knee, squeeze your left glute, and lower your pelvis towards the ground. Go down until your front thigh is almost horizontal, but make sure your knee stays directly over your ankle.

Step 4: Again press your right heel into the ground to straighten your right knee and complete one repetition.

Step 5: Do this exercise 10 times before switching your leg.

Originally posted here:
Weight loss: This is the best exercise to tone your legs and butt - Times of India

Weight loss tips for wedding season: Buttermilk, chyawanprash and methi laddo are the three foods that Rujuta Diwekar recommends for maintaining digestion during weddings. Read here to know more.

Weight loss: Check your alcohol intake to prevent weight gain and indigestion

Weight loss tips for wedding season: The wedding season is meant to be enjoyed with full fervour, without worrying about weight gain or calorie intake. At the same time, there is the constant worry about to look perfect in those grandeur wedding outfits. With a few tips and tricks, it is very much possible to maintain both your health and weight even as you attend weddings back-to-back. In this article, we are going to talk about a few DIYs that can help you look your best at weddings. These tips will help you keep up with your weight loss routine and also maintain your digestion.

A healthy digestion is an important part of good overall health and weight. Addressing digestion issues during the wedding season is celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar. In one of her recent posts on Instagram, Rujuta talks about 3 foods that can keep your digestion healthy during wedding season.

Also read:Brides-To-Be, Here Are Some Pre-Wedding Beauty Tips For A Healthy And Glowing Skin For Your Big Day

Having this combination right after lunch can provide you with probiotics that offer good bacteria for gut health. Buttermilk is also a rich source of the very important Vitamin B12. Hing and kalanamak can together help in reducing bloacting, gas and even prevent IBS. Rujuta says that you should have this drink if you are attending evening functions and want a flat stomach.

Drink buttermilk to maintain digestion during the wedding seasonPhoto Credit: iStock

This can be beneficial for your daily dose of immunity. Chyawanprash provides you with flavonoids and antioxidants that help you have a glowing skin. Having chyawanprash before bedtime is especially important if you have late-night functions or are travelling out for a destination wedding.

Also read:Turmeric, Ghee And Black Pepper: The 3 Powerful Kitchen Ingredients For Healthy Digestion And Immunity

This wonderful mixture can offer you relief from constipation-which commonly occurs with a change of eating habits. It can also help in preventing stomach cramps and smoothen bowel movement. These laddoos are what you need for shiny hair, which can otherwise look frizzy because of poor digestion.

This laddoo can be consumed either at breakfast or as a 4-6 pm meal, recommends Rujuta. It can be helpful if you experience indigestion because of lack of sleep or missing workouts. People with diabetes can benefit from eating this laddoo as it helps in blood sugar regulation as well.

Also read:Diabetes Diet: These 7 Herbs Can Reduce Blood Sugar Levels Naturally

Apart from these tips to improve digestion, there is a lot that you can do to maintain weight and continue with weight loss routine even during the wedding season. Delhi-based nutritionist Monisha Ashokan suggests the following tips for the same:

Stay away from junk food, sugary food items and aerated drinks during the wedding seasonPhoto Credit: iStock

"Planning your meal and workout schedule beforehand will help you manage your weight," says Monisha while adding that it is important to take sufficient rest and treat your body as priority, no matter how occupied you are.

(Rujuta Diwekar is a nutritionist based in Mumbai)

(Monisha Ashokan is nutritionist at Nourish Me)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

See the original post:
Weight Loss Tips: This Wedding Season, Maintain Your Weight And Digestion With These DIY Tips From Experts - Doctor NDTV

In India, where you need no excuse to grab a cup of tea, it becomes very important for us to be mindful of the ingredients used. Tea in itself makes for a very healthy beverage, but the moment you throw in sugar cubes, it starts to lose out on nutrition. Thankfully, there are many ways you can 'healthify' the tea drinking experience for you. And you need not even look further than your personal kitchen cabinet! Yes, you heard us. Our pantry is stocked with a range of spices that are packed with a number of benefits. Cloves, for instance, is one such spice. The blackish/brown, aromatic pod has been a staple ingredient of our Ayurvedic Kadha, and there are reasons aplenty why you should start including the wonder spice in your daily preparations too!

(Also Read:Cooking With Cloves: Here's How You Should Buy Cloves)

Cloves are replete with powerful antioxidants that helpfight free radical damage and boost our immunity. The oil obtained from clove is a good source of a compound called eugenol. The strong germicidal properties of clove help combat toothache, sore gums and ulcers. Cloves are also enriched with antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. The anti-inflammatory compounds help heal sore throats, cold and cough and headache. The eugenol present in clove helps ease digestion; healthy digestion is key to effectiveweight loss. Clove also helps rev up metabolism naturally. By fighting free radical activity, cloves may also help give you a beautiful skin. The winter spice may also help regulate blood sugar levels. A study published in Journal Natural Medicine, examined the hypoglycaemic effects of cloves on diabetic rats and found promising results.One effective way to reap benefits of cloves is by brewing it in tea.

(Also Read:Health Benefits of Cloves (Laung): A Spice That Deserves More Attention)

Clove benefits : The winter spice may also help regulate blood sugar levels

1. Grind 1 tablespoon of whole cloves.2. In a pan, add a cup of water, then add the cloves and bring it to boil.3. Let it steep for 3-4 minutes.4. Let it cool, strain, and serve.

If you want, you can mix a teaspoon of honey to make your tea sweeter. Drink this tea early in the morning for maximum benefits. Make sure you do not go overboard with the concoction. Remember, excess of anything may wreak havoc on your health. Brew yourself this aromatic tea and let us know how you like it.

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)

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Benefits Of Clove: How To Make Clove Tea For Weight Loss, Immunity And Diabetes Management - NDTV Food