ESSENTIAL FOODS THAT CUT DOWN FAT

To cut down fat you need not change your food pattern or introduce new things you may not feel like having. Instead look around your kitchen , there are few ingredients in the racks that ensure weight loss by cutting down fat.

Ayurveda recommends to include all tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, salty, astringent, pungent in at least one meal each day  This will help balance unnatural cravings. My earlier article The importance of six tastes in Ayurveda describes this.

Turmeric

Curcumin, the active component of turmeric turn off certain genes that cause scarring and enlargement of the heart. Regular intake of turmeric may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, increase blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, helping to prevent heart attack.

Garlic

It is considered that a garlic a day keeps sickness away. An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids and is believed to soothe the digestive system and help the body process other foods more efficiently. Added in spicy dishes , desserts and in many recipes to maximize benefits.

Chillies

Foods containing chillies are said to be as foods that burn fat. Chillies contain capsaicin that helps in increasing the metabolism. Capsaicin is a thermogenic food, so it causes the body to burn calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chillies. Minimize quantity intake to avoid spoiling the day.

Honey

Honey is a home remedy for obesity. Honey mobilizes the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with water early in the morning. It boost immune system and contains anti bacterial properties. Be careful to pick the natural variety when you purchase.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories, as compared to whole milk that contains 8.9 grams fat and 157 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss. You can consume this with a little of salt and curry leaves. Relieves tiredness of the scorch heat.

Curry leaves

Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. Curry leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.

Moong dhal

The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. Moong dhal is recommended as a food replacement in many slimming programs, as it has a very low fat content. It is a rich source of protein and fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fiber content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilizing blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.

Oatsmeal

Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber and that will reduce cholesterol significantly. It will also help flush many acids and fats out of your body. It is important to eat oatmeal without putting sugar and butter on it to make it more palatable. If you have to sweeten it, do it with fresh fruits or natural honey.

Cabbage

Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction. Include it as salads or steamed side dish.

Beans

Cooked beans are very good to cut down fat. You can consume cooked beans like kidney beans, white beans. Include them with breakfast. Makes a good diet for the day. The proteins in the beans will help to burn fats. Beans are high in both fiber and protein and can help in burning down fat while delivering great energy and nutrition. Furthermore, beans are low in calories and saturated fats, though you should avoid consuming refried beans which are actually high in saturated fats.

Eggs

Eggs have a perfect balance of amino acids. These are the protein building blocks your body uses to develop muscle fibers. Eating an egg daily can assist with cutting fat. If you have high cholesterol, you can opt for egg white only.

Be cautious of the food you take . Exercise and maintain good health. You can further follow Simple ways to include Ayurveda in everyday life.

AYURVEDIC COOKING

In Ayurveda balance of diet is mandatory to ensure the dosha’s are in balance. The spices used commonly in the kitchen and their significance to mankind. Spices improve the digestion. In indian household the art of cooking has been handed over from grand mother’s to young ones. It is a joint effert by all women in general to prepare dishes.

Ayurveda provides detailed instructions of daily regimen, seasonal regimen, food, sleep so that health can be optimized and illness healed. Ayurveda is grounded in metaphysics of the five elements, earth (prithvi), water (jal), fire (agni), air (vayu) and ether or space (akash). Ayurveda stresses a balance of three elemental energies or dosha’s: vata, pitta and kapha.

Ayurveda notes that the cause of most physical illnesses is due to poor digestion; well digested foods mean nutrition is absorbed and fed to the body for health and immune strength. So let’s take a more grateful look at these ‘sacred crumbs’

Let’s take a look at the spices and the benefits.

 

1. Black Pepper ( Kalimirch)

Best for Dosha: Vayu and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Burns up ama very well, colds, flu, cough, gargle for sore throat, fevers, colon cleanse, digests fat and obesity; metabolism, mucus, expectorant, sinus congestion, cold extremities, raises agni, epileptic seizures, with honey, clears Kapha from the system in the morning. External-inflammations, urticaria, erysipelas.

2. Cumin (Jeera)

Best for Dosha: Vayu, Pitta and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: digests bread,, gas, digestion, abdominal pain, distention, for overeating and eating heavy foods.

3. Cardamon ( Elaichi)

Best for Dosha: Vayu, Pitta and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Absorption of nutrients, asthma, bronchitis, colds, cough, excellent for stomach complaints, hoarseness, indigestion, loss of taste, helps the spleen and pancreas, reduces Kapha in lungs and stomach, stimulates the mind, with milk it reduces mucus formation, detoxifies caffeine in coffee, nervous problems, digestion, vomiting, headache, belching, acid indigestion, nausea, expels Vayu in colon and digests foods in colon, convalescing from diarrhea, biliousness, respiratory disorders, involuntary urination.

4. Coriander ( dhania)

Best for Dosha: Vayu, Pitta and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Griping, flatulent colic, rheumatism, neuralgia, indigestion, vomiting, intestinal disorders, removes excess Kapha, eyewash, conjunctivitis, relieves internal heat and thirst, skin/rash problems, urogenital system (burning urethra, cystitis, infections, etc.), sore throat, allergies, hay fever, for all Pitta disorders, burning, juice for allergies, hay fever, and skin rashes (and externally as well); antidotes hot pungent foods, bleeding hemorrhoids. Used to balance very hot foods and spices (eg, chillies).

5. Fennel (Sounf)

Best for Dosha: Vayu, Pitta and Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Abdominal pain (gas or indigestion), menstrual cramps, hernia, diarrhea, colic, vomiting, morning sickness, nausea, anorexia, cough, dry cough, promotes semen, increases vision, raises agni, difficult or burning urination, digestion-children and elderly; promotes menstruation, nursing mothers-increases breast milk flow.

6. Fenugreek ( Methi)

Best for Dosha: Vayu & Kapha dosha (constitution) people

Best for Conditions: Longevity, nerves, allergies, arthritis, skin, rejuvenation, diabetes, allergies, bronchitis, flu, chronic cough, dysentery, dyspepsia, convalescence, edema, toothache, sciatica, neurasthenia, counters cold (i.e., extremities, abdominal pain, indigestion, respiratory and reproductive systems, hair growth, promotes breast milk flow, liver hypo-function, seminal debility, debility, outdoor winter work).

Precaution: Do not use large quantities when pregnant.

7. Turmeric (Haldi)

Best for Dosha: Kapha/ good for all doshas in moderation

Best for Condition: Amenorrhea, anemia, arthritis, blood purifier, blood tissue formation, circulation, cooking spice, cough, diabetes, worms, jaundice, eye problems, fevers, gas, hemorrhoids, edema, indigestion, ligament stretching, metabolism regulator; mucus relief, and hysteria (from inhaling fumes); pharyngitis, protein digesting, skin disorders, abscess, urinary diseases, wound and bruise healer; a natural antibiotic that also improves intestinal flora; inflammatory bowel syndrome (e.g., ulcerative colitis), Chron’s Disease, chronic hepatitis, chronic bronchial asthma, psoriasis, all inflammatory conditions.

Spiritual Uses: Gives one the Divine Goddess’s energy and prosperity; Chakra and subtle body cleanser; limbers for Yoga asana practice.

So bring the family into the kitchen and share the magic of cooking, sprinkle a little more love in your life; save money, enhance health, and discover just how sacred the cooking experience can be!