Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Eating Junk Food during Pregnancy - Is It Safe for You & Baby?
Pregnancy is a delicate time when you have to be extra careful about what you eat. What you eat is what your baby (and you) become, and where junk foods are concerned, they are a strict no-no.
Junk foods are highly unsafe for babies. Here's what you need to know about eating junk food during pregnancy.
Harmful Effects of Eating Fast/Junk Food While Pregnant
There are several harmful effects of eating fast food or junk food while pregnant. Not only are junk foods processed but they are also highly concentrated sources of salt, sugar, and processed fats.
Here are 10 harmful effects of eating fast/junk food while being pregnant:
1. Lack of Nutrition
Sugars, salts, fats, and everything bad - this is junk foods summarised in a nutshell. Your baby needs a healthy dose of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and healthy fats for his/her proper growth and development. If you consume junk food, you and your baby will not receive these important nutrients. Organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, and even the bones get affected in the process!
2. Obesity
Junk food leads to obesity when overindulged in. Obesity leads to preeclampsia, preterm labour, miscarriage, high birth weight, and birth defects.
3. Unhealthy Dietary Preferences
Junk foods don't wipe their slate clean once you're done eating them. Even after you've consumed them, slowly and subtly, they alter your unborn baby's eating preferences from the inside. You'll notice your baby craving unhealthy and processed foods after being born, and this leads to health implications down the line.
4. Allergies and Asthma
As per reports, children of parents who ate junk foods during pregnancy had an increased risk of allergies and asthma.
5. Alters Brain Chemistry
Parents who eat junk foods during pregnancy alter their kids' brain chemistries and program them to be addicted to unhealthy food sources. Children will no longer experience "the-feel-good" hormones through eating healthy food and thus be in bad physical/mental shape.
6. Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Junk food goes hand-in-hand with heart disease. If you continue to advocate the habit of junk food, your kids will experience these risks early on in their lives and so will you.
7. Junk Food Addiction
When you eat too much junk food, your reward system goes out of whack in the brain, leaving you desensitized to healthier alternatives.
8. Genetic Abnormalities
According to a study conducted on pregnant rats, consuming junk foods lead to a dysfunctional peripheral insulin functioning in the body along with mitochondrial abnormalities in female children.
9. Digestive Problems
Junk foods cause bloating, indigestion and gas, and interfere with your regular cycles of healthy bowel movements. Since they don't have essential fibre content, your digestive health takes a plummet.
10. High Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Junk foods lead to an increased risk of gestational diabetes since they are high in sugar and calorific content. Gestational diabetes can create serious problems during pregnancy and delivery. Your baby may be born with excess birth weight or be at risk of preterm birth.
Junk Food In Pregnancy: How Much Is Too Much?
So, should you avoid junk food in pregnancy altogether? Whether it is okay to eat junk food while pregnant or not depends on your portions. Although an occasional slice of pizza or a mini burger doesn't hurt, mothers must take care of portions whenever they eat junk food.
Tips To Stop Junk Food Cravings
Are you craving junk food in early pregnancy and want tips to eliminate cravings? Don't worry, we've got you covered:
Stock up on healthy snacks. Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds are healthy snacking alternatives. You also get your dose of essential vitamins and protein from these sources. It is recommended to look for healthy substitutes for pregnancy food cravings, such as flavoured yoghurt instead of ice-cream.
Cook at home. This will save up on grocery bills plus save your health as well! It's good for your kids too since you'll be setting model examples. Make baked foods over fried substances for optimal nutrition and well-being.
Distract yourself from cravings by going for a walk or doing something else whenever cravings strike. In time, cravings slowly dissipate, and you'll be getting off the vicious junk food addiction cycle.
Plan your daily meals for the week. By knowing what you'll be eating later on, you'll be eliminating thoughts and cravings plus be healthy!
Eat small meals spread throughout the day. This will eliminate hunger, regulate metabolism, and reduce unhealthy food cravings.
Relax a little. Take up yoga or meditation and learn to live mindfully. High-stress levels lead to junk food cravings, and by eliminating stress from your life, you win your upcoming battles.
Take extra care when eating out and eat healthy whenever possible. Exercise a little, eat frequently but healthily, and, when you stick to consistency, you'll watch those cravings disappear. Happy motherhood!
Also Read: Healthy Snacks for Pregnant Women Read more
Check out this new Memory
Anil Kumar
Guardian of a 7 yr 3 m old girl
9 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
1 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Priyanka Jain
Guardian of a 5 m old boy
12 mins ago
#kidno1
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Pinching and Pulling in your 10-12 Months Old Baby
While your baby is growing up he is trying to explore the world around him. In the initial few months your baby is unable to move his hands or legs smoothly as his muscles are still developing. But at around 10 months when the baby is completely free, he feels like exploring the world around him in unique ways!
Why Do Babies Pinch and Pull?
1. Babies are Now in the Exploration Stage
They are experimenting by biting, pulling, pinching, holding, etc. They are basically exploring the cause and effect in this new world. Meaning that your baby will pull your hair and then see your reaction to this behaviour. He will try a couple of more times to see if the reaction is the same. And if you show an extreme reaction of being upset about it, your baby might be fascinated and want to understand the reason for the extreme reaction.
2. Sometimes Your Baby May Bite, Pull or Pinch Because He is Upset and is Learning to Show it to You and the World that he is Upset
Be careful how you react when you are upset, because your baby might try and copy the same reaction when he is upset.
3. At times Pinching, Pulling, Biting is also an Attention Seeking Behaviour
This generally happens when your baby feels you haven’t been giving him sufficient time for play!
Cause and Effect Paradigm
If your child is almost always involved in this behaviour of pulling, pinching or biting either you or any other person, then the first thing you need to do is start thinking of the possible causes of this behaviour. Also explore how you react to such instances. Is your reaction encouraging your baby to display this behaviour more often?
An example of the above is if your child is pulling your hair or his own hair in anger, shouting at your baby won’t be of any help. In fact shouting will only add to his frustration and he may start pulling more fiercely. The ideal reaction would be for you to stay completely calm. Look into your child’s eye with love and place your hand on his forehead and soothe the forehead slowly with love and keep repeating “calm down, my baby”. You will notice your baby relaxing within a few seconds. You may be angry and frustrated too, however hide your anger and display love. Your child will learn this from you soon.
Useful Tips
During anger bouts in your baby a good option is to divert your child’s attention by taking him out in the open air. A garden or any place which is open and has natural beauty around it would be helpful to soothe and calm down your baby.
When the anger phase is over and your baby is now calm, talk to him about the side effects of anger and teach him creative ways to communicate with you when he is angry like putting his thumbs down (the opposite of thumbs up). He can put thumbs down and start moving it in a fast pace. This gives you a hint and you can handle the situation before it gets out of hand.
It’s always a good idea to keep your baby engaged and create a positive environment during his growing years. All the best! Read more
Suggested for you
Top 13 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
When adoring your home with some greenery or foliage, looking for indoor mosquito repellent plants or even shrubs can present you with multiple choices. Putting together a small vegetable farm and pairing them with certain plants can help keep them protected from bugs and insects, too. There are a bunch of plants that can not only keep mosquitoes away, but also lift up the look and feel of your home in a wonderful manner.
List of Mosquitoes Repellent Plants That You Can Grow at Home
Generally, many flowering plants and herbs with great flavours and smells are a popular choice to be planted in your garden, since they also have insect repelling capabilities. We’ve put together a list of some great ones that can grow easily in your home.
1. Rosemary Plant
Rosemary is usually well-known for its usage in seasonings and meal preparations. But the fact that rosemary repels mosquitoes may not be as widely known to many. It has a particularly strong smell which works wonders on mosquitoes as well as other insects.
What It Needs
Depending on the variety of rosemary that you choose to plant, some prefer a constrained space like a container, which allows them to grow steadily. Other variants could be more superfluous, requiring a larger flower bed to sustain themselves.
How It Helps
Any kind of moths or flies tend to keep away from areas which have rosemary due to its smell. Boiling some dried rosemary in water and using it as a spray to repel bugs is possible, too.
2. Allium Plant
Planting rosemary might help keep the mosquitoes at bay. But, a lot of us prefer having wonderful flowers to shape up the aesthetic, and alliums can help you achieve that while controlling the mosquitoes.
What It Needs
Most allium plants tend to grow quite large and tall, some reaching as high as six feet. Therefore, it is necessary to plant them in an area that has as much open space as possible.
How It Helps
The allium flower is known to be a wonderful natural repellent for a large variety of insects as well as worms. Planting them along with other garden shrubs can help keep your vegetables protected as well, by being closer to them.
3. Lemon Balm Plant
The wonderful citric smell and the lovely white flowers that adorn its glory are found on none other than the lemon balm plant. What many do not know is that this mint variety of plant does a fantastic job of keeping away insects as well.
What It Needs
Just like many other plants that fall under the same family, the lemon balm plant also tends to invade the spaces occupied by other plants. So, strategic planning when planting it in your garden bed is a necessity.
How It Helps
On the first look, having this plant may look like it is taking up a good amount of space for nothing. However, it has a great capability to keep insects that bite (such as mosquitoes and wasps) far away from your home, helping you keep safe and trouble-free.
4. Wormwood Plant
Wormwood, or afsantin as it is known in many parts of our country has its place in our garden for sure. When looking for anti-mosquito plants for shade, this one’s your best bet with the wonderful foliage it provides, for a cool space under it on a sunny day.
What It Needs
Since wormwood has large foliage, it is best to plant it in an open area that receives good sunlight and allows it to grow fully. However, care should be taken to not rub against the bark of wormwood with your bare skin.
How It Helps
The scent of wormwood is extremely strong for many flies, mosquitoes, wasps, fleas, and numerous other insects, making them change their paths and keep away from your home at all times.
5. Lemon Thyme Plant
With the previous mention of the lemon balm plant, seeing the lemon thyme plant being a part of this collection won’t be surprising. Most plants that tend to have a strong identifiable aroma to them, are potentially good solutions to wade away any insects and mosquitoes in general. And also, thyme is a wonderful ingredient for your meals as well.
What It Needs
Again, since this plant belongs to the citrus family, it does need its space to grow properly and allow its leaves to flourish, so that the smell can reach out to multiple areas.
How It Helps
Its usual smell is not strong enough to keep insects at bay. Therefore, crushing a few leaves around evening time can help accentuate it and act as a natural mosquito repellent.
6. Geranium Plant
Back to basics, we all want our balconies or porches to look welcoming and beautiful from an aesthetic perspective. In that regard, to have a plant that keeps insects away and manages to enhance the beauty of your home, geraniums are one of the most popular choices for it.
What It Needs
The geranium flowers tend to bloom wonderfully in large numbers and the plant itself prefers warm and sunny temperatures, so planting it in an outside area is your best bet.
How It Helps
Just like many other citrus plants, the geranium flowers tend to have a slight citrusy smell to them. This is quite pungent to the insects which keeps them away while making it a wonderful fragrance for us.
7. Basil Plant
When it comes to outdoor plants that repel mosquitoes, basil is one of the primary choices that any household will adhere to. Not only does it have traditional roots in our country and is considered a holy plant in many cultures, but its inclusion in meals can help enhance the flavours of multiple dishes in unexpected ways.
What It Needs
In most homes throughout India, basil is usually planted near the outside verandah or the porch. It is best if the plant receives a lot of sunlight and enough water to keep the soil damp at all times.
How It Helps
Basil leaves tend to have a pretty strong smell irrespective of their variety that keeps bugs away. There are natural ways of making your very own bug repellent using basil leaves as well.
8. Catnip Plant
As the name of the plant itself suggests, this mint variety is usually popular for being a preferred scent by the feline family. However, planting this in your yard is beneficial since it is one of the most potent plants to keep bugs and insects away.
What It Needs
The catnip plant doesn’t require any special conditions and can be planted in a container or a bed just like any other plant. Make sure to keep it away from your vegetables, since it might attract cats that can ruin your other plants and make a mess.
How It Helps
The chemical that attracts cats and keeps bugs away is the same, nepetalactone. This has a similar fragrance to that of citrus plants, but has been observed to be around ten times powerful in keeping away insects.
9. Peppermint Plant
There’s a good reason why peppermint is a major ingredient in multiple mouth fresheners. That aroma is also a powerful reason why many bugs and even rats tend to keep away from it. To have this plant in your yard allows you easy access to mint leaves, too.
What It Needs
The thumb rule for planting any kind of plant from the mint family is to understand that they have the potential to grow rapidly and take over the entire space. Therefore, plant them in a separate flower bed, or specific containers which can be kept closer to other plants to keep bugs away.
How It Helps
The aroma of peppermint is the primary element that shoos away any kind of insects. Homemade repellents that are made from concentrated peppermint leaves are extremely powerful and can even kill the larvae of certain bugs.
10. Lavender Plant
For many of us, the citrus smell of the plants mentioned above can get tough to handle at times. Wouldn’t we rather prefer a plant that might smell horrible to insects but is absolutely pleasant for humans? Your answer would appear in the form of the lavender plant, which does both of it in a great way.
What It Needs
Lavender plants usually need substantial sunlight and a good draining soil, with very less water. It generally bodes well in warmer areas, and you can plant it around your house in multiple places without worry.
How It Helps
Lavender has a heady aroma that brings a soothing sense of calm to your home. That same fragrance manages to keep away insects and especially mosquitoes, since it interferes with their ability to detect the carbon dioxide being exhaled by us.
11. Marigold Plant
When talking about plants and shrubs that repel mosquitoes, it is a surprise that marigold is usually looked at for its aesthetic purposes. Not only do they brighten up your home, but they are also quite the bug repellents.
What It Needs
All that a marigold plant requires is a nice flower bed with occasional water. Lining them around the entry points of your home can double up as decoration as well as keep insects away.
How It Helps
Pyrethrum is the chemical in marigolds that works on repelling mosquitoes and bugs away. Many recommend pairing your homegrown vegetables with marigolds since that keeps them protected from havoc-wrecking insects.
12. Garlic Plant
The old adage might mention that consuming garlic can help keep mosquitoes away. While that might work only if a mosquito comes very close to your mouth, having a garlic plant around your home is a much better way to protect yourself.
What It Needs
A garlic plant can be paired with nearly every other shrub in your garden bed since it doesn’t require much to keep going.
How It Helps
Garlic does have a strong aroma that impacts insects and bugs equally. Furthermore, you will have easy access to fresh garlic when preparing your food.
13. Lemongrass Plant
Citrus plants are not going anywhere and having lemongrass in your garden has multiple benefits apart from keeping mosquitoes away. It is also a great ingredient for making tea and soups that are healthy for you.
What It Needs
An open space that has enough height for it to grow tall and lush sunlight for it to flourish.
How It Helps
The citrus smell not only keeps flies and mosquitoes away, but also kills any larvae of the same.
Figuring out the best natural mosquito repellent plants for your yard or balcony can take a while. The choice usually swings between aesthetic sense and the actual repellent power of a plant. Combining a few of them together can help give your home a sense of beauty and prevent the entry of insects as well.
Also Read:
Proven Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
Homemade Pest Control Remedies That Really Work
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Lizards Read more
Suggested for you
Is Your Child Fasting This Ramadan? 5 Nutritional Tips to Follow + Child-friendly Recipes Inside!
Are your kids fasting this Ramadan? Here is what you need to know about maintaining his health while he fasts!
The holy month of Ramadan calls for a fast that lasts from dawn to sunset - mainly from food items and sexual activity - during the whole month. However, this rule differs when it comes to children - it is not mandatory for them to fast up until they reach the age of maturity, although some kids may express a desire to undertake a fast when they see their parents and older siblings doing so.
So how can you ensure that your little one is staying healthy as he begins to fast? Lack of adequate nutrition during his growing days can adversely affect the child - which is why it is important for you to follow these tips, to make sure that your child enjoys his Ramadan rituals!
5 Important Tips for Kids while Fasting During Ramadan
Here are a few things to keep in mind if your little one wants to observe a fast for Ramadan.
1. Take It Slow
It is actually recommended that kids indulge in gradual fasting so that their bodies can get used to going long hours without food once they’re much older.
If your child is under the age of ten, it is best not to extend the fasting window to more than a couple of hours - say from breakfast to lunch.By introducing them to fasting for short intervals and gradually increasing the length of window, their bodies will be able to adjust better to going without food.
2. Feed Them These Foods for the First Meal of the Day...
The first meal before undertaking the fast for the day, Suhoor, needs to cater to the needs of the child, so that he can keep up his energy levels for the time that he is fasting. It should also help to keep thirst at bay, and make the digestive process efficient. The meal should include a combination of nutrients such as complex carbohydrates, protein, and fibre - eggs, bread, cheese, dates and other dried fruits, fresh fruits, yoghurt, and milk can be your go-to options.
3. ...and These for Iftar...
When it is time to break the fast, traditional ways are the healthiest. 2 dates, followed by a glass of water to start it off, before tucking into the delicious meals that await. Plenty of salads and fruits need to be included in their diet to make up for the lack of enough hydration during the day - and needless to say, they are packed with plenty of essential nutrients.
4. ...and These in Between Suhoor and Iftar!
Water, water, and water! Hydration is of absolute importance during the time of fast for kids. Hydrating fruits, juices, milkshakes, and plenty of water is required not just to quench thirst, but also keep hunger pangs away.
5. Make Sure That Your Kids Avoid These Foods and Habits
Certain types of foods can make your child thirstier than usual and drain him of energy. Also, a sudden change in eating habits is bound to upset his digestive system. Ensure that your child stays clear of salty, fried, or fatty foods that can increase his thirst. Similarly, overeating at Iftar is not a good idea, because it will be too much for his stomach to handle at a time -
instead of letting them eat a heavy meal all at once, split it into two meals, so that it doesn’t overburdern their digestive system all of a sudden; spare the yummy cutlets, sandwiches, and rice for later. Sweets after a fast can cause a fluctuation in blood-sugar levels and leave him craving for more; for this, wait for 2 to 3 hours after Iftar to give him any sweets at all. It is also important to regulate his physical activities, because putting in too much energy into his activities at school or home can tire him out easier.
5 Recipes for Kids This Ramadan
1. Suji Kheer
Made in less than 10 minutes, this dish is easy to digest and makes for a delicious treat for kids and adults!
2. Macaroni Upma
Healthy, delicious, and colourful - your kids are going to love this treat!
3. Fruit-and-Nut Bars
A much healthier snacking option than processed sweets with low levels of nutrients - this is the best way to get your kids to fall in love with healthy food.
4. Hummus Dip
An ever-favourite dip that doubles as a healthy accompaniment to a meal! Hummus is the perfect side-dish for your little ones to slather his bread with; add a couple of veggies on the side for more nutritional value.
5. Yoghurt and Cheese Sandwiches
Perfect to fill his tummy and keep him happy too!
This beautiful season, keep your little one happy and healthy with these tips - and watch him learn and enjoy Ramadan more! Ramadan Kareem to all!
If you have any more yummy recipes that your kids absolutely love, you can contribute to our recipes section! Read more
Suggested for you
10 Reasons We Think Moms Are The Best Doctors Ever
As a mom, you have many roles to play – you are a friend, guardian, playmate, masseur, cook, fan and critic all combined in one. But there's one more role you play brilliantly – that of a doctor. Find out why we think you are one of the best doctors out there!
There's a reason we turn to Mom when nothing seems to go right. We may grow old and have children who call us Mamma (and Dadi or Nani!) but Mom's magic never fades. Neither does the efficacy of her home remedies for every problem we have. From backache to hair fall to a bad case of gas, she has all the cures right under her sleeve!
Here's why we think you, mom, are the best doctor one can ever find. And when all else fails, you administer #10 – the infallible, foolproof medicine that never, ever can!
Mommy Medicines That Work Like Magic
1. Haldi Milk for Infections, Cough & Cold
That glass of warm haldi milk may be loathed by all your children – but they know it's what keeps them away from infections. Turmeric milk has antimicrobial properties that fight bacterial and viral infections. It is very useful for treating infections like cough, cold, skin rash, etc.
How to make Haldi Milk
Add one small turmeric piece to a pan.
Add milk and let it come to boil.
Add half a teaspoon of sugar, if you want to make the mixture a bit sweet.
Strain the milk and make sure your little one drinks it warm.
2. Amla for Hair Problems
You massage your daughter's hair with amla every night. She no longer sees hair on her pillow in the morning. Amla is also excellent for curing dandruff! Just massage the hair with amla oil for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off.
3. Ginger, Lemon & Ajwain for Motion Sickness
You keep a pouch of ginger, lemon and ajwain in your purse when you go on a family picnic. No one gets motion sickness that way.
4. Anjeer for Anaemia
That time your child got an anaemia scare, your daily anjeer revived him to health. Figs are packed with iron and this helps fulfill the body's iron requirements, thus combating anaemia.
5. Cloves for Toothache
There's someone scarier than the monster for your child – the dentist! Which is why you heal toothaches with cloves.
6. Adrak-Wali Chai for Headache
When your husband gets a headache, a strong cup of adrak-wali chai fixes everything. Big children need moms' treatment too!
7. Kaada for Cough & Cold
Whenever your kids cough and blow their nose, you magically appear with a cup of steaming kaada. Check out this quick tip to make an effective kaada recipe for your children.
8. Garlic for Backaches
Your daughter got bad backaches during pregnancy that nothing seemed to cure. Except the garlic cloves you made her eat.
9. Methi Daana for Stomach Problems
Overeating, acidity or stomach pain never trouble your children – you have methi daana to the rescue. Here are some more stomach ache remedies for kids that you can safely administer at home.
10. Mom's Hug for Everything!
Finally, Moms also have a panacea. Something that cures everything. Your warm, reassuring, healing hug.
Mommy, these were some of the remedies with which you cure your children of day-to-day health issues. But remember - you must look after yourself too! To start off, take care of yourself with these home remedies to depuff your eyes and get silky hair! Read more
Suggested for you
This Lifestyle Quiz by an Expert Will Tell You If You Eat for Your Body or Mind
Dieting is not the easiest challenge to accomplish, especially when we tend to look at food as a way of making ourselves feel better sometimes! But if this becomes a habit, your eating may be focused more on satiating your emotions, rather than your hunger. Answer the following lifestyle quiz set by our nutrition expert to find out what changes you need to make to your eating habits, to help you on your weight-loss journey!
Fact or Myth - Find Out the Truth About These Weight Loss Tips
While restricting unhealthy foods and including healthier options in your diet is the right way to begin your weight loss journey, you may be making certain mistakes in the elements of the diet - or choosing the wrong diet altogether!
1. Fad Diets Are Actually of No Use - Fact
Fad diets are diet plans that promise a drastic drop in body weight in a short while, without incorporating exercise into your daily routine. But they usually result in quick weight loss by means of following an unbalanced, and consequently, unhealthy diet. It may include certain foods that seem to do the trick but eating the same thing over a long period of time becomes unappealing. Apart from this, the results of a fad diet are not long-lasting, and you may find yourself quickly putting back on the weight you lost a short while ago. This occurs because fad diets claim to make you lose fat, while it is usually water weight that you are losing. It can also increase your susceptibility to chronic diseases and harm your overall health.
2. Non-Fat is the Way to Go for Weight Loss - Myth
Don’t judge a book by its cover - or a food item by its ‘non-fat’ label! You may think that the low fat cheese you ate last week was harmless enough, but this is not the case. A lot of foods claim to be non-fat while offering no such benefit. Instead, take note of the calorie count of the ‘non-fat’ food item and compare it to a product without the label. In most cases, the calorie content will be somewhat the same. You can actually go for the real thing, which will offer you more satisfaction, but in smaller amounts.
3. Food Eaten After 9 p.m is Making You Gain Weight - Myth
Here’s the thing - calories don’t go by the clock. Taken in at any point of the day, your body works the same way with food. That said, people who tend to resort to that extra sweet snack right before bed would be better off without it - instead, go for fruit slices or cereal with milk, which are lighter on calories, but still satiate hunger.
4. As Long As You’re Working Out, It Doesn’t Matter What You Eat - Myth
Your weight will always be attributed to 80% of what you eat, and 20% of how much you exercise; which means you can’t make up for eating that slice of cake with an hour on the treadmill. The need to reward yourself with food after a heavy workout can arise, but trying to outrun your diet can become a regular and unhealthy habit, which pulls you back on your weight-loss journey.
5. Diet Drinks May Be Causing You to Put on Weight - Fact
While everything is okay in moderation, even excessive consumption of seemingly healthy diet soda drinks, for that matter, have shown to contribute to weight gain; a relation that is to be explored more. At the moment, researchers believe that the body is still tasting the sweetness from the artificial sweeteners in these drinks, which tend to move existing calories of storage into fat.
Watch: Does Diet Soda Make You Gain Weight?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSIEpyGsBUI
Key Takeaways:
The experiment conducted in the video seeks to find out what happens in our bodies when we drink diet soda.
Gabriel Weston from the BBC Earth Lab tests her blood sugar level after drinking diet soda, while her counterpart, Ben, tries the same with a regular sugary drink.
They test their sugar levels before and after drinking the two sodas. Ben's rose to 6.5 from 4.6, while Gabriel's rose from 4.4 to 4.2.
Some research suggests that the brain takes in the sweet taste and expects calories to enter the body. But since the calorie count hasn't risen too much, it sends messages across the body to eat more! More research is needed to prove the same.
Lifestyle Quiz - Do You Eat for Your Body or Your Mind?
How often have you found yourself reaching for that bar of Snickers even when you weren’t particularly hungry? We all tend to indulge in emotional eating occasionally; until we see how those occasional binges have contributed to the few extra kilos we’ve put on! Grab a pen and paper to answer this lifestyle quiz, to know if you’re eating to satisfy your hunger or emotions!
1. How easily can you lose weight?
A. Fairly easily if I work on it.
B. It is very hard for me to lose weight.
2. How comfortable are you to plan your meals and cook?
A. I enjoy planning and preparing my meals
B. I don’t enjoy cooking at all and tend to make last minute plans for my meals.
3. How long have you struggled with your weight issues?
A. 2-5 years
B. More than 5 years
Do You Disagree or Agree with the Following Statements?
1. Eating, especially desserts and fried foods, is my way of de-stressing and makes me feel better if I’m anxious.
A.Disagree
B.Agree
2. I don’t find the time to get physically active.
A. Disagree
B. Agree
3. The number on the weighing scale can affect my confidence if it is not what I hoped for.
A. Disagree
B. Agree
4. I tend to avoid social gatherings because of my weight issues.
A. Disagree
B. Agree
5. I have no control over what and how much I eat.
A. Disagree
B. Agree
6. I usually give importance to others needs over my own.
A. Disagree
B. Agree
7. I will eat food if it is around me, even if I am not hungry.
A. Disagree
B. Agree
How Did You Do?
If you chose mostly As - You may require a slight dietary modification and physical activity. Make sure to follow a balanced diet and get that body moving!
If you chose mostly Bs - You may be in need of behavioural therapy, in addition to dietary modification and physical activity. You may be low on self-confidence and self-monitoring, and may eat to feel better in your moments of anxiety. Therapy can help you overcome your dependence on food, while changing your dietary pattern and including exercise can help you on your weight-loss journey.
FAQs on Diet Plan - The Expert Answers
The following FAQs on choosing the right diet have been answered in consultation with nutrition consultant Dr Minal Acharya, PhD Nutrition, who is also a visiting faculty at the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS).
1. How Will My Health Issues Affect My Diet Plan?
It is important to review the health or medical problems of the person as they may affect the weight of the individual or ability to lose weight. Certain health conditions that make it hard to lose weight are hormonal disorders like Cushing’s disease, Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and Hypothyroidism, metabolic diseases like diabetes, and eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. Certain medicines also can interfere with weight loss efforts; for example, medication for allergies (antihistamines), high blood pressure (alpha or beta blockers), diabetes (insulin or sulfonylureas) and depression. A diet will then have to be planned, taking these into consideration.
2. Will the Nutritional Levels of My Body Get Affected by Dieting?
Sound weight loss achieved by the correct eating plan is based on a balanced diet, which has the correct quantity of a variety of food groups. Hence, nutritional levels will not be negatively affected.
3. How Do I Control My Hunger Pangs?
Weight loss requires restriction of calories. However, it does not mean that one has to remain hungry. There are some of the effective ways to control hunger pangs while trying to lose weight:
Have fibre rich foods which take longer to digest, keep you full, and at the same time, provide lesser calories. Include lots of seasonal variety of fruits and vegetables (keep the skin wherever possible), coarse grains, legumes and nuts in your daily diet.
Have small frequent meals. Divide your calorie intake for the day into small 5-6 wholesome meals, so that you do not experience hunger pangs and are not tempted to grab onto unhealthy foods.
Stay hydrated. Having adequate fluids helps to curb hunger pangs in between meals. Drink plenty of water. Fluids like low-fat buttermilk and coconut water add to your fluid intake.
Watch your sugar intake. Studies have shown that foods which are rich in simple sugars, whether table sugar, brown sugar, high fructose corn syrup, maltose, or honey, are addictive. They make your body want more and hence, eat more.
Well, there you have it! Your diet is directly dependent on the lifestyle that you follow - so make slow but consistent changes to your daily routine, and experience the difference yourself! Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. I cannot assist you on that because other things are also associated with the particular particular report so I think it’s better that once a gynaecologist is available she’s going to take up your query and she will be able to give you a better clarity as per the situation
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please do not take any medicine without consulting with your gynaecologist. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Actually on the ovulation time only you can conceive so yes if things are right with you you can go ahead with the conception but with what the details you have mentioned it would be better to have a discussion with your gynaecologist prior to you proceed to your ovulation and conception
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
48 mins ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Check out this new Memory
daksha
Guardian of a 6 m old girl
5 mins ago
Holi celebration 🎉
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Shilpa
Mom of a 3 yr 7 m old boy
5 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Riya Samajder Thakur
Mom of a 2 yr 9 m old girl
6 mins ago
Cute🥰🥰🥰
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive