Beauty and Health Articles

2/6/13

Glowing skin just a glass away

People spend fortunes in a bid to have glowing skin like celebrities around the world. While some use natural products, some use expensive cosmetics to get that much-required skin sheen.

Recently, however, a new trend is fast catching up among youngsters and middle-aged people alike — consuming plenty of fresh fruit juices — to enhance the quality of the skin.

Given the fact that most fruits are high on nutrients and minerals, fruit juices are excellent to get that glow on your skin. Also, by virtue of the fact that fruit juices are easily and quickly absorbed by the body, they show quick results on the skin too. Says Tupur Chakraborty, 23, "Although I have recently joined a job and have a really busy schedule, juggling between tutions, college and the job, I make it a point to eat healthy and consume at least a glass of fruit juice everyday without fail. This is a habit that my mother inculcated in me but it really helps keep acne problems at bay and makes the skin look very healthy."

Some of the most popular juices consumed for great skin are orange, juice, apple juce, lemon juice and watermelon juice. But, vegetable juices, like juices of papaya, spinach and cabbage also help to give a shine to the skin, making it healthy from within. Well, if glowing skin comes with consumption of something as tasty as fruit juices, no one should be complaining.

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Fruit souffles for supple skin

Back in the days, spa treatments revolved around using expensive body creams from Europe, or treatments which made use of exotic ingredients from faraway places.

Fruit souffles for supple skin. This trend, however, is changing as spa owners realise that there are equally refreshing spa treatments they can offer their customers. Spas are now integrating farm-to-spa fruits into treatments and massages so that you can get the relaxation that you deserve, while supporting local farmers.

Face dessert
Take a newly-opened skin spa, for instance, which provides natural beauty fixes made with fresh fruit and veggies. All the ingredients are sourced from reliable local markets.

Each therapy room is designed for a different part of your body. Women undergo skin treatments with spa products good enough to eat - for instance, papaya cleanser, mango mousse cream, honey and oat scrub and avocado face pack. Apart from these 'face desserts', clay treatments and acupressure massages are also available.
Out of the bottle

"With the growing pollution we are inevitably exposed to, in a city like Chennai, our skin is becoming more and more sensitied. So I thought, 'why feed our skin with more synthetics in a bottle on a daily basis?'" says Diya Dembla, the mind behind the service. Qualified from an international dermal institute in Boston, Dembla recently returned from Hong Kong where she was certified as a masseuse for pregnant women and babies.

Indigenous versus insta-beauty
If you live in the city, and don't want to invest in unnecessary time driving and dealing with traffic snarls, a spa experience is only a phone call away. There are several doorstep services that bring the spa home. Trained therapists visit you with a spa kit, including a portable massage bed, fresh linen and towels, indigenous products, disposable spa attire, candle diffuser and essential oils. They collect fresh and natural ayurvedic ingredients from the remotest corners of India in the right season to provide the best Ayurvedic herbal spa. For instance, the apricots for some apricot body scrubs are sourced directly from the farmers in Uttarakhand.

In many spas, experts start your first session with a detailed skin consult that is individually stored in a database for future reference. You are then guided to specific treatments, depending on your problems and the results you desire. "As the name suggests, we cook skin food in our kitchen fresh, natural and absolutely preservative-free. Your skin will make an instant connection," says Dembla.

When you book to undertake a spa therapy, say a body scrub, therapists use fresh fruits like banana, apple, papaya and oatmeal. These are mixed in the spa's laboratory with other special herbs and carried in an ice box, to give you the freshest and most refreshing natural spa. Time to put the fruit where your face is.

What suits your skin?
Opt for treatments with these foods depending on your skin type:
Normal: Avocado, papaya, strawberry
Dry skin: Banana, chickoo, unpasteurised full fat milk, honey
Oily skin: Orange, tangerine, lemon, tomato, doodhi
Combination skin: Strawberry, aloe vera, lemon
Mature skin: Banana, primrose, crushed egg shells or egg whites

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20 best habits for healthy skin

Winter, summer or rain, not to forget pollution can hamper, dry your skin and damage it. But the story continues, you can change the course of the condition of your skin by following certain habits for healthy skin.

We collate the best healthy skin care tips that have been shared by our experts. Have healthy skin throughout the year, and you don't even have to spend millions on spa treatments and beauty products. Let's find out the 20 best habits for healthy skin that suits your budget.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Skin care for office goers

With air conditioning the temperature of surrounding is reduced to 21 to 26 degree Celsius. This disturbs body temperature mechanism and reduces the production of sweat at all areas except at underarms, palms and soles. Also it reduces the oiliness of skin leading to dry and dehydrated skin.

Air conditioning leads to premature wrinkling, excessive dryness of skin, chapped lips, eczema's, itching with infection over it. It is observed multiple air borne contact dermatitis(eczema's) spread because of unclean filters.

Preventive measures:

If possible centralized air conditioning units should not be installed in offices. Filters of AC units should be cleaned at regular intervals to prevent spread of air borne diseases.
Regular use of moisturisers on damp skin surface of exposed areas, lip balms should be used.
Excessive use of harsh soaps should be avoided glycerin based mild soaps should be used. Protective clothing should be worn.
Taking breaks at regular intervals outside air conditioned environment is necessary.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Skin care for men

Men's skin is thicker, thus they tend to have larger pores and produce more oil. It is believed that most of the skin related ageing signs in men start to show up because of overexposure to the sun. This means that skipping out on a sunscreen lotion is like welcoming leathery, wrinkled skin or worse skin conditions such as melanoma, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Slather on sunscreen right in the morning before going out in the sun. Also, it is better to minimize your chances of swelling and cuts by buying a good shaving cream, which will help in opening up your pores.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Daily habit for healthy skin care

Keep your skin perfect by regular washing, applying moisturizers, taking plenty of water or fluid.

This is the basic advice that one should follow at any age. Washing up ensures clean skin, but you should also moisturise your skin to replenish the lost nutrients from your skin. And water is a blessing in more ways than one for your body.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Diet for healthy skin care

Have fruits, salads and avoid oily, spicy, fast foods.

Fruits and salads are always a wiser option for your well being. Oily food not only adds flab but is also the reason for the spurt of pimples and oily skin. If you are looking for the fountain of youth, opt for fruits with high levels of anti oxidants.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Skin care and massage

The skin should also be massaged with natural soothing creams.

Let's face it, the climate cannot be controlled unless you have the moolah and a private jet. Hence, change in temperature affects your skin besides dust and pollution, which also hampers the texture of your skin. Natural soothing creams rejuvenate your skin cells bringing it back to life.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Skin care method for healthy skin

Cleanser: In the morning, use a cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acids for exfoliation of the skin. In the evening, you can wash with a creamy mild cleanser.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Skin care method for healthy skin

Night-time treatment: Once you're in your 30s, choose a night cream or serum with retinol or retinoids. Start using an eye cream daily. For dark circles, use one with hydroquinone, vitamin C, or botanicals that brighten, like kojic acid, soy, or licorice. For puffiness, look for one containing caffeine and for extra moisturization, use one with hyaluronic acid.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Skin care after make-up removal

Remove all traces of makeup with a gentle remover before you go to bed. Use pH balanced advanced foaming cleanser as it cleanses, moisturises and protects. It gently cleanses away makeup and impurities, leaving skin extremely soft and hydrated. Cetaphil cleanser is also a good cleanser for everyday skin. For eye makeup removers, use a slightly damp cotton wipe so that it doesn't drag on your skin. Go for skin care products, which have aloe and Vitamin E.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Skin care for a sunny day

Changing your skin care routine based on the different seasons really depends upon how your skin responds to different seasons. Avoid sunburn as much as you can, by wearing long sleeved shirts and full pants. If possible, avoid going out in the sun, during the peak afternoon hours. Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher in order to protect sensitive skin. Stay away from going out in the harsh sun to get a sun tan, as it can be lethal for your skin and its after effects can be quite dangerous.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Apply sunscreen daily

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and boot star rating of 3 or more and apply it to all exposed areas, including hands and feet and apply everyday even if you are not going out in direct sunlight.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Basic of winter skin care

Importance of moisturiser in the winter: Regular intense moisturizing massages will really help keep your skin supple and glowing during these winter months. Also use a face pack on a weekly basis to rejuvenate your skin.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Skin care for winter

Prepare your skin for the winter: Start your routine by prepping your skin. You should exfoliate but no more than once a week. Exfoliation will take care of the flaky, dry skin but make sure that you are gentle and don't overdo it. Use a gentle scrub with tiny grains - preferably a man-made one, as the natural scrubs usually have uneven edged granules that may create tiny tears in the skin.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Skin care for winter

Follow up exfoliation with a deep moisturising emollient in winters. Vitamin C moisturisers work really well. Let the moisturiser sit for at least 5 minutes so your skin can soak it in. Makeup applied on moisturised skin will last longer. If makeup is applied before the moisturiser has time to set, it will dilute the effect of the moisturiser. After this, apply a face primer with SPF.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Diet for winter skin care

Eating and exercising right for your skin this winter: Include lots of juices, fruits & dry fruits in your diet and drink at least 8 glasses of water. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy, get enough rest, stay positive, use the right makeup products with SPF, and don't skip the cleansing-toning-moisturising ritual before going to bed.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Shower misconceptions

A common misconception is the way we bathe in the winters: Opt for lukewarm shower instead of a steamy hot bath. Hot water may make you feel better during the winters but it can wash out the natural oil from your skin.

Avoid using loofah and scrubbers if your skin is damaged.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Organic nourishment for healthy skin

How to keep the skin hydrated and supple: Keep your skin hydrated by drinking water. Water will build your body's natural moisture.

Eating certain foods is also important. Foods with essential fatty acids, good cholesterol, flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are important for maintaining skin's elasticity through collagen production.

Whole grain products, vegetables, fish, lean meats, and egg yolks protect and nourish the skin.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Avoid these things for healthy skin

Avoid extra caffeine, nicotine, and excessive alcohol: Reduce your intake of coffee and alcohol; these two affect and cause dry skin quite adversely.

Smoking is a common culprit behind pre-maturely ageing skin, dryness and general hormonal imbalances that affect skin's texture. Avoid it, to maintain smooth skin.

Habits for Healthy Skin: Daily skin care tip for sensitive skin

Avoid excessive sun exposure. Follow sun protection measures like carrying an umbrella, wearing full sleeves, and broad brimmed hats.

Wear broad spectrum sunscreen (both UVA & UVB protection) of, at least, SPF 30 to prevent excessive melanin synthesis.

Use Vitamin C serum on a daily basis. It is a good anti-oxidant to fight sun damage.

Lightening creams containing licorice and kojic acid can be used.

Creams containing AHAs like glycolic acid can be used for more uniform exfoliation.

Avoid artificial fragrances and go for products that have high concentration of essential oils and natural fragrances.

Introduce one skin care product at a time and evaluate how your skin reacts for 3-4 days. Only when you find something that works, continue to use it.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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4 reasons why you should go off make-up!

Afraid to step out of your house, without applying make-up? While it may seem like a bizarre idea to go off make-up for a few weeks or so, it can be actually be a positive step. We tell you how.

Saves your money

Most women have their vanity cases full of make-up products that they never use. Naturally, not only do the products go waste, even the money that has been spent on them goes down the drain. So always stick to buying only few, essential make-up products for special occasions and rest of the time, go make-up free.

Gives your skin a breather

The best reason to go off make-up is to give your skin a break from all the harmful chemicals in all these products. After all, your skin is also a body organ that needs to be cared for too.

Makes you look naturally good

While it feels great when someone compliments you for looking good when have put on make-up, there's no better feeling, when you get a compliment, despite having no make-up on your face! Sometimes, a nice smile is all you need to look gorgeous.

Sends out a positive message

Apart from all of the above benefits, wearing no make-up also helps sends out a positive message, especially, if you're a role model to young girls or have daughters. It gives out the message that you needn't apply make-up to look beautiful.

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How scrubs harm your skin

That seemingly harmless TLC you want to give yourself may not be the best for your skin as excessive use of scrubs can cause damage, warn experts to Ismat Tahseen.

It's probably something most people write into their weekly itineraries, checking into the spa for some pampering with a sea salt, sugar or another exotic scrub. Often considered to be a detox, people tend to use a scrub more than their skin actually needs and this can be detrimental, says skin expert Ishween Anand. "Excessive scrubbing and rubbing as well as exfoliating can damage the skin, so one should not do so on a daily basis unless using an extremely mild homemade scrub," she states.

The damage it can cause
While scrubs are said to slough off dead and dry skin, we often overdo that. "Some scrubs that have mineral oils, synthetics (abrasive beads made of plastic) or chemicals that can be harmful if you skin is sensitive. If the skin has a cut or bruise, then avoid using a salt body scrub as it will aggravate the condition and burn the skin," adds Anand.

Dr Jaishree Sharad explains further, "The topmost layer of the skin is a protective barrier layer. Too much scrubbing will disrupt this layer and make the skin more sensitive to UV rays, leading to easy tanning, rashes and sunburns. Also, the creams used for scrubs can block pores and cause whiteheads and infection of hair follicles, known as folliculitis."

Can scrubs really get rid of dull, dry, or flaky skin, clogged pores, blemishes, white bumps and uneven skin tone? Dr Sharad busts some myths. "On the contrary, it is wrong to scrub dry flaky skin as this will disrupt the barrier function of skin making it extremely sensitive. Moisturise with a coconut milk-based moisturiser if you have flaky skin. Scrubbing will cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation leading to darkening of blemishes," she avers.

How often should one use scrubs in a spa? "Maybe once in seven or 15 days. Every every three to four days is not advisable," says spa manager Sonali Kadam.

So, what works?
Natural exfoliants are said to be the ideal choice. Adds Anand, "Scrubs made with natural ingredients such as sugar, salt, carrier oils, honey work, assuming you are not over doing it. Also choose natural oils such as sweet almond oil, Jojoba and Avocado oil. These natural ingredients are great for the skin."

Specialists believe one should choose their scrubs based on the type of skin, sensitivity of skin, frequency of use and process.

"Whipped scrubs are also great as the particle sizes of the exfoliants are much smaller and are better for sensitive skin. Try a grated coconut pack mixed in coconut water or crushed almond and mint leaves; it will cleanse the skin well," adds Dr Sharad.

Natural scrubbers
Sugar: It is considered gentle as it has smoother edges than salt. Can be great for sensitive skin.

Apricot kernels: Rich in vitamin A, which is vital for healthy skin, they are perfect for elbows, backs, heels and thicker skins. Nutshells and fruit kernels can have jagged edges so they aren't ideal for sensitive skin.

Honey: As a moisturiser, honey is an apt skin softener and can nourish the skin. Can be used in combination with oatmeal.

Oatmeal: A gentle grain, oatmeal moisturises skin. It is able to reduces inflammation in sensitive skin.

DIY scrubs that won't harm skin

Cooling, nourishing scrub:
Ingredients
Grated coconut — 3/4 cup
Wild turmeric powder — 5 pinches
Sandalwood oil — 15 drops

Method
Mix together and apply gently on skin.

Hydrating scrub
Ingredients
White cane sugar — 1/2 cup
Honey — 1/4 cup
Avocado oil — 1/4 cup
Wheatgerm oil — a few drops
Aloe Vera gel — 5 tbsp
Crushed rose petals — few

Method
Mix together and apply gently on skin.

by: Sonali Kadam

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Beauty secrets you didn’t know

Read on to find out some quick beauty tips you were unaware of

Looking out for some handy beauty tips that you can try out using inexpensive, easily available ingredients? Here's our list of DIYs:

-While trying manicure at home, after your first application of base coat, apply a little more of the enamel across the tips of your nails. Follow this with two coats of colour. It will reinforce the tips, exactly where peeling starts.

-Thanks to this weather, you might be suffering from several skin problems, like cracked or dry heels. Take a mashed banana in a bowl. Add about two-three drops of honey to it, and then massage it on your heels. Use a plastic wrap to cover your feet for about 10 minutes so that the skin can absorb the mixture. Rinse and use a pumice stone to gently exfoliate the area.

-When you've got those puffy eyes, here's a trick you can use while at home. Grate a cucumber and stuff it into two bags of green tea, then place each over your eye. After this, fill a small bag with frozen peas and place this across both eyes. Keep this for about 10 minutes; this is sure to remove puffiness of eyes.

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Skin care: Tips for dry skin

External factors are the most common underlying cause and the easiest when it comes to address conditions like dry skin.

But not just season change even internal factors too play a vital role in maintaining the skin. Internal factors like overall health, age, genetics, family history and external factors like cold temperature, low humidity affect the texture of the skin.

Winter season can be brutal on your skin, since cold temperatures often mean low humidity, which dries out the skin. A dry skin looks dull and lacks lustre. The mainstay of winters is to hydrate the skin and replenish the lost moisture. Hydration of the body is very important as it makes for a healthy functioning of the system and youthful looking skin.

Skin can be hydrated in two ways-internally by drinking an adequate amount of water, taking oil supplements and externally by using products that hydrate and moisturize.

The skin type differs for every individual. It makes good sense to have a customized regime to achieve a healthy skin. The basic rules remain the same, albeit the products can be altered as per the skin type.

The first step involves washing your face with a gentle water soluble cleanser. It should not have any agents like alcohol witch hazel or even salicylic acid. The cleansing should ideally be done twice daily.

Exfoliation is a process to slough off the dead skin cells and helps reveal fresh and healthy skin. It can be done using mild granular scrubs. This is best done once a week.

Moisturizing is a vital step in skin care regime. It is a misconception that oily skin does not need moisturisers. Oily skin also needs hydration, but yes considering the fact that an oily skin is prone to comedones and acne, a little attention should be paid whilst selecting the moisturiser. It should be non-comedogenic and oil-free.

Use sunscreen each day to protect your skin. No matter what type of skin you have, an oil-free sunscreen used each morning before you go outside can help your skin stay looking young, fresh and keep it healthy.

Dry skin/normal skin: Mix 1 tsp of malai and a pinch of turmeric and 4-5 drops of olive oil. Apply it and leave it to dry, wash and pat dry.

Oily skin: Mix 2 tsp of raw milk or milk powder, add 2 tsp of cucumber juice and few drops of lemon. Apply this on your face with a cotton ball. Allow it dry. Wash with cold water and pat dry.

Combination skin: For the T-zone area on your face, you can apply a mud-pack once in a week to keep the sebum production under control and to hydrate the rest of the face, use a fruit based pack. Rub ice on the T-zone to help tighten the pores.

Drinking water helps in flushing toxins out of your body and eliminates the pollutants that are present in the bloodstream.

Complement this with creams that are rich in nourishing elements such as almond oil, cocoa and shea butter amongst others.

Alternatively one can also massage almond oil or olive oil on the skin (can be used on face as well in case of acne-free skin).

*Inputs: Dr Vandana Chatrath, Dermatologist, Kubba Clinic, New Delhi

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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How to lose weight without dieting

While there are plenty of fad diets that may help you lose weight, they also leave you feeling hungry and food-deprived. For all those who don't have the time or inclination to undertake a crash diet or even hit the gym, we've got some great news. If you want to slim down the healthy and painless way, try the following strategies. After all, it's not what you eat but how you eat.

CHEW MORE, EAT LESS Studies show that the longer time you spend chewing, the lesser calories you consume. Chewing for longer prevents over-eating, by giving the brain more time to receive signals from the stomach that it is full. It is not only great for digesting, but it also helps in limiting your portion size. Try chewing your food 35 to 50 times per mouthful.

DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST No matter how late you are running to work, avoid missing breakfast. There is a reason why it is called the most important meal of the day. Your body (rather your brain) expects to be refueled a few times each day, so when you skip breakfast, you feel so hungry that when lunch time comes, you overeat or maybe choose foods items that are not the healthiest choices. Missing breakfast slows down your metabolism. More importantly, always eat your breakfast, within an hour of waking up, as your body has gone without food the entire night.

CONCENTRATE ON YOUR FOOD How many times has your mother reprimanded you to not talk, read or watch TV while eating food? Not without a reason. When you are multitasking during meal times, your brain isn't focussing on the amount of food that you are consuming and you are more prone to piling on pounds. This doesn't mean that you cannot enjoy a meal with your friends. You can do so, but just pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth!

DON'T OVERCOOK YOUR MEALS Overcooking food kills or reduces the number of nutrients your meal contains, and when you don't get enough nutrients, you don't feel satisfied and soon start to get junk food cravings. To combat this, try eating more raw foods like sushi and salads. Steam, bake, blanch or grill vegetables and grill or bake meat and fish. Avoid microwaving.

FRUITS BEFORE MEALS It is advisable to eat fruits at least 30 minutes before any heavy meal. This way, the fruits will digest quickly. Eating fruits on an empty stomach detoxifies your system and supplies you with a great deal of energy for losing weight.

HAVE SMALLER MEALS, MORE OFTEN Ideally, you should eat five to six times per day, with a two to three hour break between each meal or snack. Eating more frequently gets your metabolism going and keeps it working at an elevated level continuously throughout the day. But don't use this rule as an excuse to overeat.

AVOID EATING AFTER 8 PM It's good to eat your last meal before eight in the evening. This way you don't land up binging on a snack before dinner time. If you find it hard to resist, have some herbal tea or brush your teeth after dinner immediately to switch your mind off from the idea of eating.

THINK AND DRINK While everyone knows it's necessary to drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water, very few know when one should consume it. When you drink is as important as what you drink. If you drink water in-between meals, the liquid slows down digestion, diluting the acid in your stomach and so the nutrients from the food that you eat are not well absorbed. To avoid this try to drink water 15 minutes before or after a meal, and if you really need to drink while you eat, limit yourself to small sips only.

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10 Tips for guaranteed weight loss

With fad diets and fitness routines round every corner, it is quite difficult to keep a tab on which weight loss tips really do work and which don't. Should you join that bhangra aerobics class, adopt that no-carb diet, or eat dinner at 6pm? Never mind all that loophole-ridden weight loss jargon, step over to the healthy side. Here are 10 tips for guaranteed weight loss that will set your weight straight, and help you adopt some really healthy, weight-friendly habits for life.

Weight loss tip 1: Decide how much weight you need to lose - Most people start their weight loss journey by claiming to be xyz kilos overweight. This isn't a healthy way to project or aim for weight loss. Calculate your desired weight against your height by using reliable methods like the BMI, and set a healthy weight loss target. This is often half the battle won.

Weight loss tip 2: Time management - This is quite often overlooked. Decide which part of your day will be dedicated to exercise, when in the week you will stock up on groceries, and when you will do the cooking - all within your current work and home life routine. If you don't do this now, your days will be rushed and unplanned, and you won't be able to sustain your weight loss efforts.

Weight loss tip 3: Stock your kitchen - Keep your house well-stocked with fruits, vegetables, healthy meats, grains, cereals, spices, and flavourers. Follow our tricks to healthy cooking, cooking vegetables for the week, and low-fat cooking posts to understand how best you can stock your kitchen with healthy and delicious ingredients. All of this will go into helping the next step - cooking healthy meals at home.

Weight loss tip 4: Eat healthy homecooked meals - Whether it's you who's cooking, a family member, or house help, ensure that every one practises healthy cooking methods, and ingredients. Ask any person who's lost weight the healthy way, and you will always hear about how healthy homecooked meals were a big reason behind it. Use less oil, low salt, fresh produce, and you'll start seeing results in no time.

Weight loss tip 5 : Start a cardio + weights workout - A healthy weight loss programme is incomplete without a good exercise routine, and weight training mixed with cardio is the best way to lose weight. Of course, variations and forms exist, but any workout that stresses on muscle tone and increased heart rate will always help you lose weight and keep it off. You can either start a home workout today, or rely on gyms for fitness training.

Weight loss tip 6: Alter your snacking habits - At Health Me Up, we have several healthy snacking ideas for you. Set those French fries aside, skip that aerated drink, and ban those unhealthy deep fried samosas. Explore the healthy snack world and you will find several appetisers, party snacks, movie snacks and meal accompaniments that'll satisfy every craving of yours.

Weight loss tip 7: Have at least one active hobby - It isn't sufficient to rely on just 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Moving from bed to office chair, and back to bed, isn't a healthy way to live. Buy a motion sensor gaming console that lets you enjoy social games with friends and family, plan weekend trips, clean your house once a week, dance, play sports, the list is endless. Get out of the coffee shop and dining table rut, and you'll have fun along with the healthy weight loss.

Weight loss tip 8: Find a solution to combat stress - As we pointed out in our post about stress and weight loss, stress is always detrimental to healthy weight loss in the long run. Find ways to combat stress and you'll soon realise that your diet and exercise aren't sabotaged anymore, and that you truly do see results. Look at yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simple hobbies like reading to fight stress.

Weight loss tip 9: Drink plenty of water - You've known that your body relies heavily on water for all important bodily functions, and yet you skimp on drinking adequate quantities of water every day. Well, it's time to stop that. Check out some exciting ways to make water interesting and you'll be packing it away in no time. Do not forget to carry a water bottle to your workout, and take a few sips after every 2-3 minutes of exercise.

Weight loss tip 10: Plan healthy vacations - Why go all the way with healthy weight loss, when one tiny vacation will just come along and topple it all? Healthy vacations aren't impossible. Take a look at how you can eat smart on a holiday, and then at bodyweight workouts that you can carry with you wherever you go, to understand how to holiday right. Above all, remember that these are lifelong habits that'll help you stay fit forever and not short term weight loss quickfixes.

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