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Winter Skin Care Routine For Perfect Glow
Rtv News
28 Nov 2024, 16:27
Photo: Collected
Winter can be harsh on your skin, leaving it dry, chapped, and dull. With the right care, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long.
Winter weather can affect all skin types, but it can be especially challenging for people with sensitive skin. If you’re dealing with one, you must have noticed the redness, itchiness, and flakes on your skin. This is a clear indication that you should strictly pay heed to your skin health.
Here are some expert tips from a cosmetologist:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and maintain moisture levels. Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to protect your skin's natural oils, and follow with a rich moisturizer, especially after bathing, to keep your skin nourished and soft.
Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliating 2-3 times a week helps remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin. Choose a gentle physical or chemical exfoliant to avoid irritation, ensuring a safe and effective way to refresh your skin without causing damage.
Protect Your Skin From Cold: Protect your skin from harsh winds and cold temperatures by wearing scarves, hats, and gloves. Additionally, keep your lips moisturized with a nourishing lip balm to prevent dryness and chapping, ensuring your skin stays soft and protected during winter.
Nourish Your Skin: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats helps nourish your skin from the inside out, promoting a healthy glow. Additionally, consider consulting a healthcare professional to see if supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin E can further benefit your skin.
Pamper Yourself With A Face Mask: Hydrating face masks, used 1-2 times a week, help replenish your skin's moisture, leaving it refreshed. For dry, damaged skin, nourishing face masks are ideal as they soothe and repair, providing essential nutrients for healthier skin.
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Super-Thin Skyscraper, Just One Apartment Wide, Planned for Dubai
A super-narrow skyscraper, measuring no more than a single apartment across, is being planned for Dubai. CNN News.
The Muraba Veil will reach 1,247 feet into the sky but will be just about 74 feet across, according to details revealed by the architects and developer behind the project.
The 73-story tower will feature 131 apartments with between two and five bedrooms each, according to a statement sent to CNN by the project's United Arab Emirates-based developer, Muraba. The high-end apartment block will feature "a range of curated leisure amenities," including a spa, restaurant, gallery, padel court, and private movie theater, it said.
The striking tower will be built next to a canal by Dubai’s main transport artery, Sheikh Zayed Road. It was designed by Spanish architecture firm RCR Arquitectes, winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize — an award often dubbed the "Nobel of architecture" — in 2017.
It is the fifth collaboration between Muraba and RCR Arquitectes, which expects the Muraba Veil to be complete by December 2028.
Needless to say, an apartment in the city’s latest luxury address does not come cheap — prices start at 18 million dirhams ($4.9 million).
Each apartment will occupy the full width of the building and will be modeled on traditional Arabian houses, around an inner courtyard and "softened by shade and greenery," the developer said.
The building's design is meanwhile "revealed behind a series of layers," with the first being the "veil," which the creative team describes as "a bespoke stainless steel mesh, porous and responsive, reflecting the different shades of the sky."
In a press statement, Rafael Aranda, founder of RCR Arquitectes, said: "We are passionate about ensuring our buildings are responsive to the place, that they belong to the site and the native landscape where they are situated. They must communicate with nature and be infused with the atmosphere of the local culture."
Dubai's super-sized skyline is already home to the world’s tallest skyscraper — the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 2,717 feet tall — and it will soon be home to the second-tallest, too. Last month, the property developer behind the Burj Azizi, also due to be finished in 2028, announced that the skyscraper will stretch to 2,379 feet.
Dubai currently has more towers measuring over 300 meters (984 feet) than any other city in the world, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
The city is no stranger to superlative structures. It boasts the world’s highest infinity pool, the world’s largest natural flower garden, and the world’s largest picture frame, to name a few.
Telangana Bans Raw Egg Mayonnaise Amid Surge in Food Poisoning Cases
Following an increase in food poisoning cases linked to mayonnaise, the Telangana government has taken a decisive step by banning mayonnaise made from raw eggs for one year, according to a PTI report.
Effective immediately, the order from the state’s Commissioner of Food Safety stated: "As per the observations during enforcement activities and complaints received from the public, Mayonnaise made from raw eggs is suspected to be a cause of food poisoning in multiple incidents in the past few months."
The PTI report noted that this means that the production, storage, and sale of this type of mayonnaise are now prohibited.
The decision comes after complaints and observations revealed that raw-egg-based mayonnaise could be a primary cause of food poisoning in recent months, the report added. This creamy condiment, commonly enjoyed in various snacks, is typically made by emulsifying egg yolks with oil and flavouring with vinegar or lemon juice. But is the risk from raw egg mayonnaise so significant that it warrants such a ban?
Specific risks associated with consuming mayonnaise made from raw eggs
Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, consultant gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, states, "The primary risk associated with consuming mayonnaise made from raw eggs is Salmonella infection, which is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness worldwide."
Kanika Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, adds, "Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious complications like dehydration and even death, especially in vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems."
Dr Srinivasan adds that another risk comes from Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that produces toxins in improperly stored or contaminated mayonnaise. These toxins are heat-stable, meaning they are not easily destroyed even if the mayonnaise is reheated. Consuming mayonnaise with these toxins can cause rapid-onset food poisoning, leading to symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
How does improper storage or handling contribute to the risk of foodborne illness in mayonnaise?
Improper storage or handling of mayonnaise can exacerbate the risk of foodborne illness, particularly in warm climates where bacterial growth is accelerated. Mayonnaise, due to its high-fat content and the presence of raw eggs, provides a rich medium for bacteria to thrive if not stored correctly, asserts Dr Srinivasan.
Malhotra continues, "Mayonnaise, particularly raw-egg based, is a prime breeding ground for bacteria, especially Salmonella." She adds that bacteria thrive in the 'danger zone' (40-140°F), and warm temperatures accelerate their growth. Cross-contamination from raw food can introduce bacteria into mayonnaise. Prolonged exposure to room temperature, even within refrigeration, increases bacterial growth. High humidity and sunlight can further promote bacterial growth. Exceeding the recommended shelf life after opening increases the risk of spoilage and bacterial contamination.
Safer alternatives to raw egg mayonnaise that still offer a similar taste and texture
Several safer alternatives to traditional raw egg mayonnaise can still deliver a similar taste and creamy texture:
Pasteurised egg mayonnaise: "Pasteurisation involves heating the eggs to a temperature that kills harmful bacteria without cooking the egg itself. This method significantly reduces the risk of Salmonella infection while maintaining the authentic taste of traditional mayonnaise," says Dr Srinivasan.
Vegan mayonnaise: Malhotra adds, "Made from plant-based ingredients like avocado, sesame, olive oil, coconut oil. Vegan mayonnaise is a great choice for those with egg allergies or following a plant-based diet."
Greek yoghurt: Greek yoghurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise in many recipes, Malhotra notes, adding a tangy flavour and creamy texture. It’s a healthier option as it’s lower in fat and higher in protein.
Avocado: Mashed avocado can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, especially in sandwiches and salads. It adds a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavour, says Malhotra.
Source: TIE
Is Organic Food Really Healthier or Just a Pricey Scam?
Our goal to eat healthy often leads us to choose organic foods, even though they can come with a hefty price tag. But is paying extra for organic food really worth it?
In Short
Organic means food grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs
Organic foods may be harder to find and have a shorter shelf life
If you want to avoid synthetic pesticides, organic food is a great choice
We are the social media generation—hyper-aware and always connected. We want our beauty products to be chemical-free, our food carb-free, and our lives stress-free (though that last one might be a stretch).
So, while health consciousness is on the rise, the one word we tend to overuse is 'organic.' If a product claims to be organic, it often goes straight into our shopping cart. But what does organic food really mean, and does choosing organic truly make it safer?
So, what is it?
The term organic food often brings to mind images of fresh, pesticide-free produce, but it's essential to understand what this label does and doesn't mean.
"Organic" signifies food grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), relying instead on natural substances and methods like crop rotation and composting," Vandana Verma, senior dietician, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, tells India Today.
Adding to this, Vaishali Verma, consultant - in nutrition and dietetics, at Manipal Hospital, New Delhi, states that organic farming emphasizes soil health, sustainable practices, and natural pest control techniques. Additionally, organic food production aims to minimize environmental impact and promote biodiversity.
However, it is important to note that natural and organic foods are not the same. Not all natural foods are organic, even though all organic foods are natural.
"Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides are not used in the production of organic food, and certain guidelines for animal welfare are followed. But the label for natural foods is subject to less regulation. Generally, it indicates that the product is free of artificial coloring, flavoring, and preservatives; however, it doesn’t ensure the absence of GMOs or synthetic pesticides," adds Vaishali Verma.
Organic vs conventionally grown food
Vandana Verma explains, "Studies show that organic foods may have slightly more antioxidants, certain vitamins, and minerals than conventional options, though the difference is not consistently significant."
According to Vaishali Verma, differences in vitamin content, like Vitamin C, are typically minimal between organic and conventional foods. While organic practices may enhance soil health, they don't necessarily lead to significant changes in mineral levels, as these are primarily influenced by soil quality.
Factors like soil quality, crop variety, seasonality, and storage methods play a larger role than organic or conventional labeling in determining nutrient content.
Additionally, conventional products are often shipped long distances, which can compromise freshness, whereas organic products are typically available locally and may retain more freshness.
"A major difference between organic and conventionally grown food lies in the use of pesticides, which is significantly lower in organic farming with minimal reliance on toxins. However, organic food tends to deteriorate quickly due to fewer preservatives," adds Dr Archana Batra, a Gurugram-based dietitian.
She mentions that organic food also comes at a higher price, making it less accessible, especially for lower-income households. "To maintain your health on a budget, I recommend focusing on whole foods and seasonal produce, regardless of how they are grown," she advises.
Is it a scam?
Dr Archana Batra believes that organic food is far from a scam. "It has a range of nutritional benefits due to its lack of synthetic additives or pesticides, which reduces toxin intake. However, with proper preparation and planning, both conventional and organic foods can be healthy," she says.
Vandana Verma adds that while organic food may reduce exposure to certain chemicals, there's no guarantee it's entirely free from contamination. Both conventional and organic products have their pros and cons.
Organic foods can be beneficial, especially if you're aiming to avoid pesticides. You might prioritize organic versions of produce where you eat the skin, like apples or tomatoes.
However, if budget is a concern, focus on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, organic or not.
Vaishali Verma agrees, noting that organic food offers advantages like reduced pesticide use, improved environmental sustainability, and specific farming practices, though it may not always be significantly safer or more nutritious than conventional options.
When to choose organic:
Pesticide reduction: Choose organic produce grown without synthetic pesticides.
Environmental concerns: Organic farming practices support sustainability and soil health.
Animal welfare: Organic standards often provide better living conditions for animals.
Personal values: Buying organic aligns with supporting local farmers and sustainable practices.
When organic may not be necessary:
Budget constraints: Organic foods are pricier; focus on affordable, nutritious options if cost is a concern.
Minimal nutritional differences: Prioritise a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables over strict adherence to organic food.
Limited access: If organic options are scarce, conventional produce can still be healthy when washed properly.
Before you go organic
A good first step is to read labels carefully to ensure that what you're purchasing is truly organic. When reading labels, steer clear of refined sugars or preservatives. Look for certifications like India Organic, USDA, or Jaivik Bharat, and inspect organic produce carefully, as it's more prone to natural blemishes and spoilage.
Dr Archana Batra mentions that it's wrong to equate organic with healthy. Review the entire dietary composition, especially if you have health conditions like diabetes.
Additionally, consider your budget, as conventional foods can also be nutritious. The best approach is to include a variety of whole foods in your diet.
Remember the downside
Organic foods can be a worthwhile choice for those aiming to reduce pesticide intake, but they’re not a cure-all for health.
A key concern is the high cost, which limits access to organic food for many people. Organic foods also have a shorter shelf life, leading to more waste, and they are less accessible in certain regions, which limits choice.
Be aware that organic doesn't always mean healthier; processed organic products can still contain sugars and unhealthy fats.
Hello Kitty at 50: The Mouthless Face That Launched an $80 Billion Empire
Friday marks half a century since Japanese merchandising company Sanrio created the first iteration of Kitty White, or Hello Kitty, a cheerful feline girl (not, as her creator controversially revealed in 2014, a cat) who lives with her family in London's suburbs. In the decades since debuting, she has become a UNICEF ambassador, a special envoy for Japan's Foreign Ministry, and the subject of themed restaurants, cafes, two amusement parks, and even a maternity hospital. CNN News.
As such, Hello Kitty is also a commercial behemoth that has earned her creator an estimated $80 billion, placing her alongside Pokemon, Mickey Mouse, and Winnie-the-Pooh as history's top-grossing franchises. Unlike others on the list, however, the merchandise wasn't a profitable extension of Hello Kitty's on-screen popularity — it was her raison d’être from the start.
Designed to adorn children's items and stationery, she was first drawn by Yuko Shimizu, one of Sanrio's in-house illustrators, in 1974. The company wanted designs embodying "kawaii," a Japanese term for cuteness, and the 24-year-old's cat-like creation was inspired by a kitten her father had given her as a gift. Hello Kitty made her commercial debut the next year, appearing on a line of vinyl coin purses alongside several other new characters.
She proved, by far, to be the company's most popular new design. Sanrio’s sales soared almost immediately as her image was pasted onto toys, stickers, and much else. But if the character's early success can be attributed to Shimizu’s simple, memorable design — comprising a mouthless face, oval yellow nose, whiskers, and a bow — her status as a pop culture icon is thanks to illustrator Yuko Yamaguchi.
Considered Hello Kitty's third designer (Shimizu left Sanrio three years after inventing the character and was replaced by Setsuko Yonekubo, who briefly oversaw the design in the late 1970s) Yamaguchi has steered the character's visual identity for almost 45 years. Speaking to CNN at Sanrio's Tokyo headquarters, she recalled joining the company at a time when Hello Kitty products were declining in popularity.
In 1979, Sanrio decided to revitalize the brand, and Yamaguchi was one of several illustrators tasked with creating and presenting new imagery. Aware that Hello Kitty was an aspiring musician, she drew a scene envisaging the character surrounded by her family after receiving her first grand piano.
"Even though Hello Kitty says she wants to be a pianist, she has never been depicted playing the piano," she said, adding: "I was asked to be the designer of Hello Kitty on the spot."
Yamaguchi started meeting with Hello Kitty's fans, past and present, to understand why sales were down. She also made a formative year-long visit to San Francisco in 1984, amid a booming US interest in teddy bears. After returning to Japan, Yamaguchi began creating new drawings and a cast of friends for Hello Kitty — including the teddy bear, Tiny Chum.
"I wanted Hello Kitty to become more energetic," she said. "And since she was the face of Sanrio, and was born as a symbol of friendship, I wanted to make lots of friends for her."
Subtle evolution
While Hello Kitty's key features remained largely unchanged, Yamaguchi (who previously told Time magazine that the character doesn’t have a mouth "so that people who look at her can project their feelings onto her face") placed her in different scenarios, broadening her appeal.
"She's good at sports, and she looks cute and chic too," she explained. "I think of her as a blank canvas that you can transform into all sorts of things. There's not much that doesn't suit her… I think that when everyone talks to Hello Kitty, she probably answers them in some way."
Sales of Hello Kitty products flourished in Japan between the 1980s and mid-1990s. Much of the company's earlier merchandise was aimed at young girls, including school supplies and personal care items like toothbrushes. But, even then, illustrator Yamaguchi knew the character would need to evolve and grow with her fans.
It's a realization the illustrator traces back to a letter she received from a fan in 1987: "She was a big fan of Hello Kitty but, in the letter, she wrote that her friends and parents had told her that it is a child's character and that she should have outgrown it. But she didn't want to, so she asked me to make products for high school students like her."
Inspired by the trends she saw in Tokyo's Harajuku fashion district at the time, Yamaguchi began incorporating contemporary style into her designs, in the hope of appealing to older fans. In 1999, Sanrio told the New York Times that the character was appearing on 12,000 new product lines a year, spanning almost every category imaginable, from clothing to board games, greeting cards to lunch boxes. The company also began using Hello Kitty on more adult items, like electronics and kitchen appliances, as it became clear that nostalgia was becoming a major selling point.
As a result, some of today's biggest Hello Kitty fans are those who grew up with her in the 1980s and '90s. Among them is Asako Kanda, who started collecting Sanrio products in third grade and now owns over 10,000 items adorned with the character's expressionless face.
"My mother gave me Hello Kitty stationery and school supplies like pencil cases and plastic boards. When I saw them, I thought they were so cute, and they quickly became my favorite. That's where it started," she said, showing CNN around a dedicated Hello Kitty room in her Tokyo home. "Once I began buying things for myself, I could get items for the kitchen, bathroom, and other daily necessities. I wanted to unify everything with Hello Kitty from that point on."
After more than 36 years of collecting, Kanda still buys around two Hello Kitty items every month. Sanrio releases new products every week, and she scans them looking for anything that is "memorable or cute."
"As life goes on, there are times when you face unpleasant or sad experiences," she said, "During those times, looking at Hello Kitty goods has brought me comfort and solace."
Going global
As Japan's economy stagnated in the 1990s, Sanrio expanded its international presence. In Hello Kitty's early years, the company had sold products door-to-door in the US, before setting up the first overseas branch of its retail store, Gift Gate, in San Jose in 1976. But following an explosion of Western interest in Japanese culture — from "Dragon Ball Z" to Tamagotchis and Beyblade — she captured the imagination of American consumers around the turn of the millennium, according to Atsuo Nakayama, a Japanese sociologist specializing in the entertainment industry.
"Just after 9/11, the world was changing," he told CNN. "And I think that the Japanese 'kawaii' culture was an alternative fit for America, somehow."
Much of Hello Kitty's commercial success has been achieved through licensing. She has spawned books, video games, and animated TV series, like the long-running "Hello Kitty and Friends," which helped further develop her character. (Although, despite being raised in London, she was given a North American accent in English dubbed versions.) She has also been part of deals with major consumer and luxury brands and has appeared on an EVA Air plane, Fender Stratocaster guitars, and Swarovski jewelry.
And while Sanrio's declining fortunes at the turn of the 2010s sparked fears that Hello Kitty’s cultural relevance was fading, the company's share price has rocketed in the last two years. It now stands over 10 times its Covid-era low. According to Atsuo, nostalgia is once again a key driving force — at home in Japan, and abroad.
"Hello Kitty is on the rise again in America, and I think that this is because the first generation has now become parents and passed (their interests) on to their children," Atsuo said, adding: "(Her popularity) has risen and fallen many times like this, and it creates a regular opportunity for people who were captivated by Hello Kitty to remember it and want to collect it again."
Sanrio's recent successes are also, in part, due to its diversifying away from Hello Kitty. The character now only accounts for around 30% of Sanrio's gross profit in product sales and licensing, down from 76% a decade earlier, according to the Wall Street Journal. Recent creations like Gudetama (a lazy egg yolk) and Aggressive Retsuko (an introverted death-metal-loving red panda) have both featured in their own Netflix series.
Yet, even as Sanrio's business model changes, Yamaguchi believes Hello Kitty will endure.
"Of course, there are many characters in the world that have been around longer than Hello Kitty," the illustrator said, adding: "I hope she continues working hard so she can celebrate her 100th anniversary in 50 years."
Protein-Rich Fruits Revealed by Nutritionists
"Protein is one of the three essential macronutrients, along with carbs and fat," dietitian Christine Byrne, owner of Ruby Oak Nutrition in North Carolina, told Newsweek. She said that our bodies need all three macronutrients each day.
"When your body digests protein, it breaks it down into various amino acids that all play important roles in the body. Amino acids are building blocks of your muscles, bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, and cells, so they're crucial for building and repairing all of these tissues.
"Amino acids also support hormone function, healthy digestion, and oxygen transport through your body."
Protein is particularly popular in nutrition and wellness spaces, as a satiating macronutrient that can help us feel full, fuel the body for workouts, help build muscle healthily, and impact our metabolism.
Using Fruit for High-Protein Meals
All the experts who spoke to Newsweek said that fruit wouldn't be their first choice for protein, but that it could help contribute towards daily intakes.
Nutritional therapist and cookbook author Jenny Tschiesche said: "Fruit isn't considered a primary protein source, but the protein content can vary. If you're looking to boost your diet's protein content, some fruits are preferable."
A fruit's botanical family could make a difference, she said. "For example, guava, from the myrtle family, is known for its protein-rich composition." And avocados store more protein and healthy fats in their flesh, she added.
"Additionally, fruits grown in nutrient-rich soil often have a higher protein content," said Tschiesche.
Nutritional therapist Rakhi Lad, of Healthology, told Newsweek: "While fruit offers wonderful nutritional benefits—like vitamins, fiber, polyphenols and antioxidants—it wouldn't be my first pick for protein." Instead, she recommended eating fruit with a protein source, such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, or chia seeds.
Eight High-Protein Fruits
The nutrition experts suggested some fruits with higher protein content than most other fruits.
1. Guava: 4.2 grams of protein per cup
2. Avocado: 3 grams of protein per avocado
3. Apricot: 2.2 grams of protein per cup of apricot halves
4. Jackfruit: 2.8 grams of protein per cup, sliced; a tropical fruit, sometimes used as a meat substitute
5. Blackberries: 2g per serving
6. Banana: 2g per large banana
7. Kiwi: 2g per large kiwi
8. Oranges: 1.2g per large orange
"Guava, a fruit that's popular in tropical regions, contains 4.2 grams of protein and 112 calories per one-cup serving," said Byrne. "That's a decent amount of protein, especially if paired with a protein-rich food like yogurt." However, because of its high fiber content, Byrne recommended eating no more than a cup of the fruit "to avoid uncomfortable fullness."
What Is the Most Protein Dense Food?
Byrne also said that it was important to put things into perspective when it came to protein in fruit.
"Most people should be aiming for at least 20 grams of protein per meal, and even the highest-protein fruit on this list has just 4.2 grams per serving," she said. "None of them should be considered high-protein foods, and you should be getting most of your protein from other sources, like meat, fish, eggs, milk, soy, nuts, seeds, and legumes."
Instead, Byrne recommended choosing fruit that you enjoy and eating a variety, rather than deciding based on protein content.
Tschiesche agreed, adding that fruit was still an essential part of the diet, just for other reasons, including as a source of fiber, "which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and aids in weight management."
"Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for overall health," she continued. "They also have high water content, helping to keep you hydrated.
"Fruits provide various antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta carotene, which help fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic disease. They also contain natural sugars, offering a quick energy source without the crash from refined sugars."
Foods That Keep Our Body Naturally Warm in Winter
When the winter chill makes us shiver, eating or drinking something warm, besides cozying up in a blanket is our first instinct. Get expert advice on healthy options.
It's that time of the year when all we want to do is snuggle deep into our cozy blankets and keep warm.
In winter, our body starts craving foods that are warm and make us feel warmer from within.
During the winter season, it is better to consume foods that take longer to digest as the body temperature rises during metabolism. Fewer daylight hours also play a major role in cravings.
Here are the foods that you must consume in winter to stay warm:
Cereals
Start your day with oatmeal, porridge, and whole wheat preparations. Even though we often crave pizzas and plates of pasta, it’s better to eat them once in a while as they will not help keep our body warm and will only have a temporary effect since simple carbohydrates digest quickly. Moms-to-be and new mommies can have porridge or oatmeal preparations enriched with vegetables. Kids can be given a whole wheat sandwich or they can also have hot milk with cornflakes or rolls with egg or vegetable stuffing.
Soups
Soups are an excellent option as they contain a good amount of vegetables and keep our body warm inside out. Soups made out of pulses, gourds, and barley are good options and can also be a major meal with carbs added in. With a dash of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and ginger there you go as you have just had the healthiest meal of your day. These are very healthy options for moms-to-be. Lactating mothers can also enjoy soup as a midnight snack or evening snack. Kids can enjoy soups as an evening snack after their play time which will fill their tummy and at the same time keep them warm.
Fruits
Fruits that are locally grown during winter often prove to be beneficial. Bananas, strawberries, kiwis, apples, plums, litchis, papaya, custard apple, and pomegranate are some of the best options.
Bananas being a good source of magnesium help regulate the body temperature. Kids can be given bananas or dip the same in homemade peanut butter. Moms-to-be can avoid papaya and enjoy citrus fruits, pomegranates, and bananas. Lactating mothers can enjoy all the above-mentioned fruits as a snack preferably during the day.
Dry fruits and nuts
Almonds, cashews, and walnuts are very good sources of good fats and also help in regulating body temperature. Figs, dates, and olives are also good options as they are often used in countries that experience severe chills. Dates are excellent sources of iron and a combination of hot herbal concoction with a date will just be what you are looking for. Pregnant ladies can enjoy a fistful of dry fruits in a day.
Lactating mothers can also enjoy a fistful of dry fruits or have a laddoo made out of it. Kids who enjoy eating dry fruits can also be given a fistful daily. Powdered dry fruit mix can also be added to their milk or cereal mix.
Spices
Spices are a great way to maintain thermogenesis. As our Indian cuisine most often includes spices in the preparations, this easily becomes a part of our daily diet. Some of the superstars are ginger, cumin, pepper, sesame, and cinnamon. Ginger can be used in our tea, soup, or even during seasoning of any curries. Cumin helps in keeping your body warm for longer periods. Hence, be generous in adding cumin to your preparations. Cinnamon powder can be added to salads and hot chocolate or lattes as it enhances flavor and increases metabolism. Pregnant mothers can include spices in their diet soups or normal food preparations.
Kids can be given very minimal spices as they would not find the taste appealing always. It can be added to their meal preparations, soups, and milk.
It is better for lactating mothers to avoid spicy foods but they can definitely enjoy cumin water, and ginger in the form of dry ginger too. Cinnamon can be added to their milk, but do not overdo any of the spices while breastfeeding. Moderation is key.
Meat
For non-vegetarians, meat can be a part of the diet as it raises body temperature during metabolism and is an excellent source of iron and protein. Meat can be included in a pregnant mother’s diet if your doctor allows it. It helps in meeting your iron requirements.
It is completely okay for a lactating mother to include meat after a week of delivery. It is always better to start with soups and light curries. Once you are comfortable consuming it, you can slowly start including stir-fried or roasted meat in your diet. Meat can be introduced in a toddler’s diet after they turn 1 year old.
Honey
Honey standalone, or added in salads will also help in winter as they are traditionally known as a cure for cough and cold. Honey can be included in a pregnant and lactating mother’s diet as long as they do not have a history of diabetes. Kids can start having honey only after they turn 1 year old.
Hot Beverages
This is good news for hot beverage lovers as consuming them in winter warms up the body from within. Coffee is a great option as long as not consumed more than twice a day. Hot Chocolate, tea, or just a cup of warm milk will come to your rescue during this season. Pregnant moms should avoid caffeinated beverages until delivery. They can opt for haldi milk, decaffeinated beverages, soups, etc instead. Lactating mothers are allowed to have 2 cups in a day. Kids can have hot chocolate and strictly refrain from coffee and tea.
9. Ghee
Ghee helps in strengthening your immunity. It can be added to any of your preparations or you can combine or alternate vegetable oils with ghee in winter. Ghee can be used in food preparations for pregnant, and lactating mothers and kids.
You can have a combination of all the above-mentioned foods in adequate quantities in your diet during this season. Eat well, stay warm.
These 5 Myth Busters Can Ensure A Healthy Life For Kids
Parenting is not easy, and of course, is not a 9 to 5. It is an around-the-clock job. More often than not there are a lot of myths that surround parenting and a child's healthy life. But fear not, because we will burst five myths around parenting and your child's health, which will help you ensure a safe and healthy life for your kid.
Myth: It Is Okay To Feed Your Child Honey After 6 Months
Truth: Babies younger than 1 year of age should not be fed honey. This is because there is a type of bacteria called Clostridium that causes infant botulism, and it is found in honey. This can cause muscle weakness, with signs like poor sucking, weak cry, constipation, and also decreased muscle tone.
Myth: A Baby Walker Promotes Early Walking
Truth: While a baby walker can help babies learn to balance, it does not make them walk earlier. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has called to stop the production and sale of baby walkers, as it can often increase the child's dependency on a walker, leading to poor balance. There is also a risk of falling and causing severe injuries to the child.
Myth: My Child's Height Will Stop If He Starts Gymming At An Early Age
Truth: No, your child's height will not be affected if he or she hits the gym at an early age. Apar Jain, a health coach, gym trainer, and nutritionist explains that height is largely influenced by genetics, and growth occurs in the plates of our long bones, which remain open through adolescence and close around the age of 16 to 18.
"When approached correctly, gym training at a young age can support healthy development. Resistance training, when supervised and focused on form, strengthens bones, muscles, and joints. It can also improve posture," he explains.
Myth: Weight Training During Adolescence Can Stunt Growth
Truth: "No," explains Jain, "research shows that when done properly, weight training does not negatively impact growth." Rather, it helps in strengthening muscles, improving bone density, and supporting joint health. The key is, explains Jain, "a well-structured program that avoids excessive loads, focuses on technique, and allows for recovery."
Myth: Being Strict And Punishing My Children Will Raise Them Well
Truth: No. While, this strategy has been going on for generations, often passed down. Researchers say otherwise. Being harsh, rigid, and strict can often lead to bad mental health in your kids. Punishing can make them feel threatened and even rebel. Children do make mistakes, but parents need to explain to them what went wrong and how can they make it better. This guides them, instead of ingraining fear into their brain, which may lead to a loss of self-esteem, as they grow up.
Source: TN
