Monica's Archives

This is a great book for people who are interested in yoga but do not know much about it. This book was suggested to me by my sister, who is practicing yoga since almost 7 years and now is a certified yoga trainer. By the name I thought it was another book on how to do yoga poses and their benefits. But this book has permanently changed the way that I look at yoga. When I started reading, I got hooked to it; it was difficult to put it down, as I wanted to know what happened until I got it. This book confirms the concept that every human being has a purpose, a unique gift, to use in their life to benefit them and the lives of others that they may not realize until sometime along their journey, they are called upon to use their gift. The book goes into some of the inner practice and how powerful it can be when done along with the outer practices of yoga poses and stretches, enhancing their effects. It explains some of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The book, in the form of a story, ma...

The personality of an individual is judged by his/her appearance, behavior, attitude, education, values and some more varying features. Personality development is often confused with enhancing your dressing sense and having command over English language. A person who dresses well and speaks fluent English isn’t necessarily supposed to have a good personality. Personality development is an all round development. Jack Canifield has rightly said, “If you keep doing what you have always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got.” Acknowledging and facing your fear may actually mean a better chance of survival. It is always an opportunity to grow, learn and improve your confidence and success. Think of your fears as a challenge to be overcome, or a problem to be solved. Personality development grooms an individual, reduces stress and conflicts, develop a positive attitude in life. It means enhancing and grooming one’s outer and inner self to bring about a positive change to...

At times, it seems as if everywhere everyone is promoting the power of protein and that we should take protein rich diet. People start taking proteins without thinking twice. We all have some questions regarding ‘proteins’ which are still unanswered. Today I would like to answer some queries about proteins. If you have any other question, then please feel free to ask in the comment box. It is regarding our body which is the only place we have to live in. Disclaimer: None of the advice contained on this blog is to be considered as medical advice. Please do not make any changes to your lifestyle without discussing it with your doctor.   1.        What is protein? Protein is one of the three basic macro nutrients, others being fat and carbohydrates. It is the only macro nutrient which contains nitrogen, without which we cannot grow or reproduce. They are made of amino acids, which function as cell’s “building blocks.” Cells need protein ...

Cooking utensils can have an effect on your nutrition. Pots, pans and other tools used in cooking often do more than just hold the food. The material that they are made from can leak into the food that is being cooked. Cooking is a very subjective thing, the process of choosing the right cookware is that calls for knowledge and information about how the metals react to heat and food. Below are some pros and cons as well as some suggestions and thoughts that may help you in choosing the right material for your cookware. ·          Stainless steel – Stainless steel is suitable for any heat source one may use - induction, gas, electric or radiation. Choose double bottomed pans which have copper or aluminum inlays which aid in faster and more even heat distribution. It neither would do any bad to your health nor would do any good to your health, because steel doesn’t react negatively with excessive heat and doesn’t release anything toxic. Stain...

Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to spend your money. The spending plan is called a budget. It is simply balancing your expenses with your income. A household budget is important because it teaches members of the family the worth of money. The younger members of the family come to know the importance of money, so that they stop wasting money on unnecessary things. ·          Through budgeting you have control over your money – If you have been wondering where all money goes, then a budget is for you. It gives you control over your money, you can decide where will it go and how it will be spent. ·          Get to have fun without guilt – It allows you to have fun, go out with friends or whatever you want without feeling guilty. As it is already planned through your budget. ·          Plan for the future – You will get to plan your long-term and shor...

Ingredients: ( makes 2 bowls ) Green capsicum                   - ½(chopped) Red capsicum                     - ½ (chopped) Onion (medium)                  - 2(cut in cubes/long stripes) Brinjal   (small)                    - 4 (semi-circles) Boiled potatoes                    - 3(cut in pieces) Zuchini                                  -   ½ ( semi-circles) Garlic                               ...

There's a lot of advice out there on how to eat healthy, and if we're being honest, it can sometimes feel like too much to think about. However, making major changes to your diet can sometimes be too much to do. Instead of making big changes, it may be better to start with a few smaller ones. Here are some tips which may help you. ·         Always buy your fruits and vegetables from local market and local vendors instead of supermarkets. In local market you may get fresh stock that will not wilt quickly and foods retain their nutritional value. You will be eating seasonal fruits and vegetables which are highly recommended for healthy diet. ·      Add fruits to salad for a change. Instead of iceberg lettuce, use deep green leafy vegetables. ·         For making pan cakes (cheelas, dosas) use pan sprays. Spray the pan when it is cold, then place over the flame. Once the pan is hot, you can add a...