Squats are a great way to boost your overall fitness and see quick results. Easy to perform and requiring no equipment, they can be done just about anywhere. Here are eight reasons to do more squats.
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Pickles are an integral part of many cultures around the world. In India, raw fruits or vegetables are preserved with oil and spices for months at a time, while in China, Japan and Korea, vegetables or eggs are preserved using soy sauce or a blend of spices. In the West, fruits or vegetables are preserved in vinegar.
Read on to find out what exactly pickles are and how they can be beneficial and hazardous to health.
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Staying fit can be expensive, since you have to shell out huge sums of money for gym memberships, accessories, clothing and shoes. Instead, follow these simple tips to save some money on your fitness regime.
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Drinking enough water is easier said than done, because even though you know that you should drink at least a litre of water every day, it is difficult to remember to do so. Here are some clever ways that you can use to trick yourself into drinking more water.
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If you start exercising regularly, your body and your life will go through some radical changes. Read on to find out some of the surprising things that will happen once you start getting in shape.
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If you're a vegetarian, watch out for these foods that seem to be vegetarian, but may actually contain animal products. Nowadays, many companies label their products with a little green dot so that you know they are safe, however there are still many products in the market that are not labelled. The next time you shop for these foods, keep an eye out for these ingredients to ensure that you are buying the vegetarian version.
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When all the alcohol you drank the previous night is causing havoc in your head and tummy, here are some foods that you should definitely avoid. To speed up your recovery, stay in bed, drink lots of water, eat some soup or much on a few slices of toast and stay clear of these foods.
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When a ball comes flying towards you, do you manage to catch it or does it inevitably hit you? If you usually manage to catch it, you have good reflexes, otherwise you need to work on your reaction time. Having good reflexes is an advantage in any sport or exercise, and they can also help you out when it comes to general safety, since they can help you with things like driving, crossing the street and preventing objects from crashing into you. Here are some exercises that you can try, in order to improve your reflexes.
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If you want to achieve all your fitness goals, hiring a personal trainer can be all that you need. But getting a personal trainer is not a cheap affair and making the wrong decision can prove to be costly for both your wallet and your body. Finding the right trainer is confusing and frustrating, but if you have the proper knowledge about it, the work may be easier.
Since you are putting your health into someone else's hands, you should take your time choosing the right trainer. You may want to have an audition or interview to choose the best candidate. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind while choosing your fitness trainer.
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HealthMeUp interviewed Kate Fryer, an Australian acrobat and performer. She is one of the two founders of Dislocate, an acrobatic theatre group that will be performing in India this December. Their shows are an interesting mix of circus performances, movements, comedy and romance, all tied together by an enthralling story. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be an acrobat, read on to find out.
We diligently practice cardio exercises and workouts for weight loss, but we rarely focus on strength training which is equally important for weight loss. Following are the general rules and principles for training to keep you in good shape in the long run and the six rules you must keep in mind for strength training.
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In an exclusive interview with HealthMeUp, Hollywood celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza lets us in on some of her A-List clients' fitness secrets.
Most people over 40 deal with back and hip pain. As with other kinds of chronic pain, women are more likely to experience it than men. To prevent injury and aches, it's vital to strengthen your back with exercise.
In your 40s and after, fitness tends to take on a new form. Workout routines you once found doable may become painful or even impossible. It's important to take up exercise that suits your body type and energy levels.
Here's a compilation of back strengthening exercises you should do after 40.
Data courtesy: Dr Garima Anandani, Chief Spine Specialist, Qi Spine Clinic
We are always in search of ways to get clear and wrinkle free skin. There are so many skincare products available nowadays, but they all come with hefty price tags. The fact is that you don't have to shell out big bucks to look your best.
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If you are feeling proud of yourself for buying healthy foods from the supermarket, think again. Here are some of the foods that are disguised as healthy but are actually really bad for you.
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Looking to get into better shape? Hopping on the fitness bandwagon and currently looking for a workout program to use?
Whatever the case happens to be, be sure that the workout program you're selecting is designed properly. If you choose the wrong program, you could end up spending far more time in the gym than you need to and in addition, not even see the results that you were hoping for.
So, what should you be looking for in a workout program? What are the signs that yours is designed effectively? Let's go over the key factors to know and remember when it comes to exercise program selection.
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Getting your period can be stressful, but not getting it on time can be even more stressful. Many women suffer from irregular periods, where they get them every few weeks or not for months at a time. If you want to regulate your period and keep it from getting delayed, here are some natural emmenagogues, which are foods that induce menstruation.
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These vividly orange fruits are available only for a short while in autumn and winter, so make the most of them while they are in season. Also known as the ‘divine fruit', persimmons are low in calories and rich in nutrients, with several health benefits.
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Today on this lazy Sunday, we take a look at some of the world's toughest and most challenging races to inspire our readers. Each of these races test your stamina, physical fitness, survival instincts, ability to withstand and endure hard trials, and above all - persist. These are the toughest races in the world that will push you to the edge.
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Known as rai or sarson in Hindi, mustard is an ingredient that is commonly used in Asian, French, Greek, Roman, American and African cuisines. Available in white, black and brown varieties, these seeds are very versatile and are used in different forms by different cultures. While some people use them whole, others use them in powdered form. The oil extracted from the seeds is also used for cooking and mustard paste or sauce is popularly used as a condiment. Here are some of the amazing health benefits of mustard seeds.
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As you get older, you start losing your hearing little by little. A condition known as presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, it starts out small, with you gradually having to increase the volume on the television. Before you know it, it escalates and becomes a threat to your safety because you can't hear the things going on around you. If you want to keep your hearing intact, here are some necessary nutrients you need to include in your diet.
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Most people are misinformed about what constitutes a healthy diet. There are a lot of nutrition half-truths out there because everyone has an opinion about what's healthy and what's bad for you. While most of these opinions are considered "conventional" wisdom, they're actually making you gain weight and causing you more harm than good.
Let's set the record straight by looking at some of the worst diet tips ever.
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Most people think of yoga in general terms, without realising that it is much more complicated than that. There are several different disciplines of yoga, which can be used by different people for different purposes. If you have been thinking about taking up yoga, read on to find out which is the right kind for you.
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Whatever the injury or illness that is causing you pain, you may not want to keep popping painkillers continuously. Painkillers have several side effects, which include damage to your liver and kidneys. If you are looking for natural ways to relieve your pain, here are some foods that work as natural painkillers.
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Celery's an underdog when it comes to healthy foods, because it is rarely given credit for all its health benefits. It is easy to add to your diet too - you can munch on the raw stalks, or load them up with dip or peanut butter, make juice out of them or chop them up and add them to your soups or stir fries. Here are some of the health benefits of eating celery.
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The name ‘pine nuts' is actually misleading, because these nuts are actually edible seeds that grow on the cones of pine trees. Packed with nutrition and flavour, pine nuts make a great addition to your soups, salads or pastas. Or you can even munch on them as a snack. Either way, they make a great addition to your diet because they have several health benefits.
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We have been pouring through several responses right from the day we began our ‘Favorite workout buddy contest’. Some say they love working out with their partners whereas some say its music which keeps them motivated to sweat some kilos. Today, we look into some very rare workout buddy. It is your pets! Sounds funny but pets can be your best buddy when it comes to working out which can help you gain good results. Working out with your pet will not only help you but will also help your pet to stay healthy and fit. Today, we have come up with top 10 workout moves which you can do with your pet to stay fit and healthy.*Images courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images
The word antibiotic was derived by combining the words ‘anti' (against) and ‘biotic' (life). Antibiotics are designed to kill the bacteria in your body, but there are two main problems with antibiotics that are manufactured synthetically. Firstly, in addition to killing off the bad bacteria in your body, they also kill off the good bacteria that support your immune system. Secondly, bacteria develop resistance to them over time, so they become ineffective.
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Lady finger, also known as okra or gumbo in English and bhindi in Hindi, is a green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. High in vitamins, minerals and fibre, it has several health benefits and is great for your hair and skin. Here are some of the reasons to make ladyfinger a regular addition to your diet.
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The juice cleanse is basically done with the purpose of detoxifying the digestive system. A good detox will help you feel fresh and cleansed. Our body is exposed to pollution (both indoor pollutants and outside toxins) which results in oxidative stress, i.e. depletion of antioxidants in the body. It is critical to purify the body. The process of detoxification in the body requires a wide range of vitamins and minerals along with fluids. Juices are one of the best methods of nourishing the body without adding any toxic load or challenging the body's resources.
Data courtesy: Ms.Indrayani Pawar, Team Leader Dietician at Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, Mumbai.
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Countless books and articles have been read and written about diet mantras and techniques. However, some of the most widely accepted facts are nothing but myths or half-truths that might, in fact, damage your fitness levels. All of these diet and fitness myths have either emerged from 'general knowledge' or flawed research study reports in the news. From heavy breakfasts to dieting, read on to know about some common diet-related misconceptions. *Images courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images
Leading a lifestyle that spells good health is a combination of different factors that includes exercise and eating right. About a decade ago, for me, good health meant either being able to perform a certain exercise like bench press, running, etc. If you really want to assess your health, then you need to look at your overall health, which would mean mental, emotional and physical health. Here are 15 best fitness tips for good health – it’s better to start as early as you can, and work on your health.
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A lot of sports require good balance, whether it's cycling, hiking, dancing or exercising with a stability ball. Rather than waiting until you fall and injure yourself, start working on your balance from now. Here are some simple measures you can take to improve your balance.
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Chia seeds are a type of edible seed with a mild nutty flavour. They are a powerhouse of nutrients, for they contain several vitamins and minerals but very few calories. Their interesting flavour makes them the perfect addition to your diet. You can sprinkle them on your cereal, vegetables dishes, yogurt, juices, faloodas (a sweet Indian drink) or baked goods. Here are some of the health benefits of chia seeds.
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Cheese is usually portrayed as a fattening food that should be avoided at all costs while you are dieting. While it is very high in calories and fat, cheese can easily be included in your diet if you control the amounts you eat. In fact, it is very rich in nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamins, zinc and phosphorous. Just make sure you avoid cream cheese and focus on healthier varieties of cheese that are lower in fat and sodium. Here are some of the health benefits of eating cheese.
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Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that improves your bone health and helps your blood clot, thereby preventing excessive bleeding. While people don't usually take Vitamin K supplements unless recommended by a doctor, here are some healthy sources of it that you can include in your diet.
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Lady Jaded is a freelance model from Perth, Australia. She loves re-creating wicked characters through cosplay. See her amazing costumes here.
It's easy to whip up a healthy snack when you're at home, but what about when you're on the go? Here are some ideas for healthy portable snacks you that you can carry with you when go out. Hanger pangs can strike anywhere, so keep these snacks ready and take them with you to the office, when you run errands or hang out with your friends. You can even take them along with you when you travel.
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Marathon running is an intense physical activity that requires endurance, speed, agility, high energy levels, power and speed. Mental alertness is ubiquitous in this particular sport. A well balanced diet, rest and right nutrition are a requisite for one to be an ace runner.
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Whether you are a beginner taking the first step towards fitness or an athlete hoping to excel, you need to have a well rounded fitness training programme. Fitness is not just about achieving a certain level but actually consists of five equally-important facets. Very often the pitfall of both athletes and beginners is thinking that only one form of exercise that they specialise in or like doing is adequate to achieving their fitness goal, with most of the general population thinking that having the right weight is equivalent to being fit.
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Weight loss routines or any fitness regimes can get boring, but don't give up yet. Get motivated and laugh yourself to the gym with these insanely funny memes.
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"There is no diet that will do what eating healthy does."
Healthy eating is not just a matter replacing junk food with nutrient rich food. Healthy eating is a way of life. Once you go healthy you never go back. If you've been contemplating on getting onto this bandwagon but go weak in the knees when it comes to food, try these healthy food swaps that will surely take you from being fat to fit.
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As men get older, they start to experience problems with their prostate, a small gland near the bladder. Whether it is an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, your prostate can give you plenty of trouble, so start taking care of it by eating these foods. Also, try to avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, refined flour, red meat and too much sugar.
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Garlic, a regular staple in Indian households, is the ultimate superfood. Apart from giving food that delicious flavour, garlic can be eaten, applied or otherwise used for several health and beauty purposes. Used for centuries in traditional medicines, it can prevent and cure several ailments, keeping you healthy for years. Apart from this, garlic has a few other surprising uses as well. Read on to find out.
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We all know that improved fitness levels help us get slimmer, fitter and more energetic. But, the good news doesn't stop there. Most of us tend to overlook the deeper implications and benefits associated with regular physical activity. On careful examination, you will note that a high fitness level can impact your spiritual and mental level as much as it can influence your physical being. And regardless of your age, size and sex, these fitness benefits are yours for the taking. Need more convincing to start exercising? Check out these surprising benefits of improved fitness.
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When it comes to workouts, we often hear that one must work so hard that it shows the next day. This belief couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, even if you have the guts, and perhaps a little bit of glory, left to go over the edge in your training session - stop when your body tells you to stop. Workout fatigue leads to de-motivation and ultimately a high drop-out rate in fitness. Here's must-read information on how you can avoid workout fatigue to stay on the fitness track. *Images courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images
Well planned, healthy snacks can complement your weight loss goals and not interrupt them. All you need to ensure is to eat smartly, in small portion sizes and choose quality over quantity. Here are some smart choices of snacks.
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Weight loss routines or any fitness regime can get boring, but don't give up yet. Get motivated and laugh yourself to the gym with these insanely funny memes.
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David Beckham is not only one of the most recognised and richest soccer players in the world, but a man with washboard abs, cover model looks and amazing fashion sense. The powerful soccer player's perfect body, shape and persona make girls swoon and guys jealous of him. Do you wish to have a hot body like Mr Beckham? We grant your wish and share Beckham's fitness secret with the help of Mike Jackson - Nutritional Consultant at supplementing.com and Physique Transformation Specialist.
It is a good idea to be aware of approximately how many calories you are consuming each day, especially if you are watching your weight. That being said, there are several reasons why you should not count calories. It is better to have a general idea rather than try to count every calorie you are eating. Here are some of the reasons why you should not count calories.
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