THIN IS NOT IN....

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight and body image distortion with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Individuals with this disorder are known to control body weight by means of voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs.

How to cope:-

• Take efforts to combat anorexia, once diagnosed.
• Just like money attracts more money, appetite draws appetite.
• First things first. Change your attitude. Sometimes, negatives help. You have to start believing that thin is not in.
• Have cinnamon powder with honey in the morning on empty stomach to build immunity.
• Eat food presented in a interesting combination. For example, fruits can be eaten whole, in chaats, pies, juices, milkshakes, and mock tails etc. Vegetables go down easily in pulavs, parathas, Idlis, Sandwiches, etc.
• Eat in a friendly, warm and healthy environment.
• Avoid discussing food likes or dislikes. Even if you don’t like a particular food, try eating small amount of it but do not exclude it out of your food list.
• Instead of getting worried of weight issues, discuss fitness and health.
• If feeling nauseated, sip fruit juices. Even low-fat milk shakes, protein shakes, lime water etc can be refreshing.
• Supplementing magnesium helps combat depression. Include pulses, nuts, green leafy vegetables, dry fruits etc.
• Foods like corn salad or sprouts salads can be both healthy and appetizing.
• Vegetables juices and soups can be nourishing starters.
• Sip water in which fennel seeds have been boiled with castor sugar. It cools and provides calories.
• Munch on peanuts/dry fruits

QUIT SMOKING WITHOUT GAINING WEIGHT

As soon as person thinks to quit smoking the biggest threat he has is to gain weight. However, the gain of weight is only up to 5-10 pounds. People get frustrated because they think that they replace their one bad habit with excessive weight gain.But everybody doen't gain weight.
The reason behind your weight gain is Cigarettes activate your metabolism.You burn about 250 calories if you smoke a pack a day. So when you quit and your metabolism slows down, your body has these extra calories it has to deal with, and many people gain weight.
Once you’ve congratulated yourself for quitting smoking (and given your body a few weeks to settle down), it’s time to work on replacing your bad habits with some good ones.
Conquer your smoking triggers. For example, if you were used to smoking after a meal, get up from the table and brush your teeth instead.
Sidetrack that oral fixation. Experts recommend chewing celery, carrots, sugar-free gum or candies, or playing with a straw or toothpick.
Try cognitive-behavioral therapy. This can help you focus on taking care of yourself—quitting first and then working on weight control.

And consider this core advice for controlling your weight, whatever the situation.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to increase your metabolism and avoid getting so hungry that you overeat.
Eat high-protein, high-fiber foods because they fill up your stomach more (and because they’re better for you).
Exercise. Instead of going to smoke or grab a high-fat snack, take a walk or go to the gym. Keep in mind that moderate exercise, such as a walk during lunch, will actually decrease your appetite, because as you exercise fat breaks down and enters your bloodstream. The extra muscle mass you gain by exercising will also help increase your metabolism, not to mention that exercise helps you deal with stress, boredom, and tension.

There is another misconception that if you have gained two pounds in a week after quitting smoking, then you will keep on gaining every week. This is wrong at the most upto the second week you'll gain weight after that nothing is gonna happen.

Quitting Time
When it comes time to quit, here are a few tips to minimize cigarette cravings and weight gain:

• Drink more water. Shoot for eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day, says Purcell. This will keep you hydrated, help you feel full, and give you something to do with your hands.
• When a craving for a cigarette strikes, be prepared. If you want certain snacks around, make sure they're handy and healthy. Have water around. Take a walk, have a soda. Think these things through so when an urge hits, you are prepared. It's all about careful planning.
• Keep up the physical activity and the healthy eating. This will help you quit smoking as well as trim your waistline.

Motivation and a good support system are key.

Healthy Living - WATER

Fit in water in your busy schedule

Water is a great cleanser .When consumed in sufficient quantities, it washes off toxins from within your body. Adequate intake of water tones up your skin. It prevents kidney stones and constipation. When you drink water it reduces the chances of colon cancer. Water quenches your thirst and it can even satisfy your hunger.
Start today :-
Make a commitment to start drinking more water today.
This is the cheapest diet aid in the world. Just drink more of it.
Whenever you want to buy that fizzy drink, stop!
Switch to water instead.
Drink in-between mealsIt prevents you from getting hungry.
If you don't want water :-
Substitute it with buttermilk twice a day. Whenever you get hungry, try drinking a glass of buttermilk. It takes away the monotony of plain water and is very nutritious too.

The Basics to Practice Every Day

"He who has health has hope, and he
who has hope has everything."

• Move More Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
• Cut Fat Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
• Reduce Stress Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
• Keep a Positive Mental Outlook There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.