Friday 23 June 2017

Struggling to gain weight? 5 Tips to gain weight in a healthy, no-nonsense way

Being underweight is as destructive as being overweight. Being too skinny may directly affect your work and personality. It can also lead to health issues in the long run. Several medical conditions such as thyroid problems can be responsible for a person being skinny. While some people can be naturally skinny and healthy, it is difficult for some to gain weight easily. It takes several days to gain weight; it is not an overnight job. Slowly and steadily weight can be increased while maintaining a proper health balance.

The most important thing to do in this scenario is to have a better caloric intake. These 5 tips may come handy for those aiming at gaining weight in a healthy way.

1. Intake of maximum proteins: Out of the top tips to gain weight, the most important is eating plenty of proteinous foods. As muscle mass is made out of protein, eating calories in terms of proteins is vital.
Without protein, those extra calories from the food might end up in excess of body fat. High protein foods like legumes and nuts can be helpful. Eating sufficient amounts of proteins can help in gaining muscle weight instead of body fat. A high protein diet thus helps in gaining muscle weight by acting as a building block.
2. Eat carbohydrates and fat: Eating a diet rich in carbohydrates and fat is essential to gain weight. Each meal should consist of proper portions of carbohydrates, fat, and proteins. Your meal intake should be at least 3 times each day. Make sure the food contains energy-dense snacks along with these 3 meals. This ensures plenty of carbohydrates, fat, and proteins. Eating healthy food acts as catalyst for gaining weight.

3. Energy-packed food: Eating energy-packed food is a healthy way to gain weight. These nutritious food items include nuts like Almonds, Walnuts, Peanuts, etc and dried fruits like raisins, etc.

Whole grain food like brown rice and oats are very useful to gain weight in a healthy way. Potatoes and sweet potatoes can be included in the diet, as well. Such a diet is highly filling and hence, split it in appropriate time intervals so that you don’t have to force the food inside you. Squeeze in some extra snacks or meals whenever possible.
4. Regular exercise: Gymming is just one of the ways for you to build muscles and gain weight. If gym is not suitable, opt for any other kind of exercise regime like Yoga or Zumba. Also, try and play your favourite sport / game whenever possible. This will ensure that the food you eat is properly digested and converted into energy, further building your body strength and muscle.
5. Do not drink water before meals: Drinking water before meals reduces your intake quantity and in-turn hunger. For proper digestion, make sure to drink water 30 minutes after having meals.
Eating the right kind of fat is extremely important. Trans fats should be avoided and healthy fats should be consumed. Underweight individuals often wonder how to gain weight fast! Luckily, the answer is very simple : just eat right portions of the right food at right intervals of time.

Consume organic and fresh food for better results in putting on those extra calories.  Make sure to buy organic food from the most authentic organic food supplier, only!

Monday 12 June 2017

It’s True! Chana Dal can be Your Ideal Weight Loss Food !


Today obesity is a common cause of concern all over the world. Processed food, fast food, and frozen foods have taken over our eating habits. As we grapple with weight issues, we are becoming prone to lifestyle illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. There are three primary reasons for gaining weight, which are as follows:
•    Sedentary lifestyle and decreased physical activity
•    Eating processed food
•    Low metabolism due to genetic factors
Your mirror or even your weighing scale will tell you that you have put on weight but what are you doing about it? Weight management is in your hand. Make sensible lifestyle changes! Start by getting onto a treadmill and as you sweat, begin to eat right.
Did you know that the humble chana dal is a great calorie buster and helps to reduce weight? Also known as Bengal Gram, it is high in fiber and has a low glycemic index making it easier to digest. Chana dal has a nutty taste and a soft buttery texture when cooked. Use the organic chana dal variety for a healthier option and get ahead in the weight loss race.
Make the right choice:
Chana dal is an excellent choice on your journey to weight loss, and organic chana dal is even better as you are sure it is free from pesticides and grown without any chemicals. Eat it regularly and reap its vast array of benefits.
Lose weight with chana dal:
Chana dal is loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber facilitating excretion of bile leading to proper digestion. The insoluble fiber bulks up the food preventing constipation and easing the digestive process. Fibre keeps you feeling full thereby curbing hunger pangs. Eat cooked dal or drink it in liquid form to enjoy all its benefits.
Boost your immunity with chana dal:
The presence of iron, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium in chana dal not only increase your energy levels but increases your resistance too. This helps you fight diseases while staying fit and healthy.
Fight diabetes with chana dal:
Chana dal comes with a low glycemic index and complex carbohydrates. Thus, it digests slowly regulating insulin and maintaining and reducing blood sugar levels. High fiber along with high protein also helps to manage diabetes better.
A healthy heart with chana dal:
With antioxidants, phyto nutrients, magnesium, and folate chana dal is perfect for cleansing and strengthening blood vessels and lowering cholesterol levels. Eating chana dal reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The superior dietary fiber prevents the formation of clots.
Benefits for women from chana dal:
Plant hormones and antioxidants are plentiful in chana dal thus lowering the risk of breast cancer. Chana dal also helps in protecting against osteoporosis and counters hot flashes in the postmenopausal phase in women. Chana dal is beneficial to pregnant women too as it prevents miscarriage.
Keep a healthy gut with chana dal:
The presence of fiber in chana dal helps maintain a healthy gut by reducing constipation and easing the digestive process. It also cures diseases like dysentery and diverticulosis. So make sure to include chana dal in your diet.
Get a glowing skin from chana dal:
Powered Chana dal is called besan which has been used extensively in skin care since ancient times. Use facial and body packs made from besan to get smooth blemish free skin. Our skin is subject to environmental pollution every day making it dull. Besan packs cleanse the skin leaving it fresh and soft. Use organic chana dal to make homemade besan and use it to make your skin glow.

Use good quality organic chana dal in your life changing healthy meal plan for effective weight loss and weight management. Cook the nutritious chana dal with spinach or tomatoes; or add boiled dal to salads, curries, and soups; or eat roasted chana dal as a snack on your way to your ideal weight.

Get Complete Proteins with Foxtail Millets

Millets are small seed grasses widely grown as cereal crops or as fodder for animals. Because millets have a short growing season, they can withstand dry and high-temperature conditions yet yield well. They are mostly cultivated in semi-dry areas of Asia and Africa.
Millet is one of the main ingredients in birdseed; this wonderful grain is technically a seed and not a grain but is commonly clubbed in the grain section. It is a delicious grain whose consistency varies depending upon cooking method; it can be creamy like mashed potatoes or fluffy like rice. Since millet is gluten free, it is a wonderful grain alternative for people who are gluten-sensitive.
Millets are tiny in size and round in shape and can vary in colour from white to grey to yellow to red. Millet, in general, refers to a variety of grains, the most widely available form of millet found in stores is Sorghum -Jowar, Finger Millet – Ragi or Pearl Millet – Bajra and of course couscous, which is made from cracked millet. Foxtail Millet is the second-most cultivated millet also known as Korralu in Andhra Pradesh, "Thinai" in Tamil Nadu, “Navane” in Karnataka and “Rala” in Maharashtra.
Foxtail millets are available in the form of cereal, semolina or as flour. Foxtail millet is rich in smart carbohydrates and does not increase the blood sugar levels immediately after eating due to its rich dietary fibre.
Health Benefits of Millet Grain
Millets are not just the new fad for weight loss but have a wide range of health benefits that should be taken advantage of in today’s world. Millets, packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals and organic compounds, can significantly boost human health in various ways.
  • Millets against Type-2 Diabetes
Millets are a rich source of magnesium, a mineral which is extremely important for starch digestion. Research finds that magnesium-rich whole grain consumption can help lower the risk of type-2 diabetes. So having an energetic morning with a bowl of millets cooked in milk is beginning your day with the right nutrition.
  • Millets against Heart Disease
The high fibre levels in millet are ideal for lowering cholesterol. It eliminates dangerous “bad cholesterol” (LDL) from the system while promoting the effects of “good cholesterol (HDL). Being a rich source of magnesium and potassium, it reduces blood pressure and acts as a vasodilator. Reducing your blood pressure and boosting your circulation is one of the best ways to protect your cardiovascular health.
  • Millets for Digestive Health and Detoxification
The rich fibre in millet moves along the gastrointestinal system to eliminate problems like constipation, flatulence, bloating, and cramping. This improves the nutritional retention and reduces chances of gastric ulcers. Proper digestion and elimination of waste help to improve your kidney, liver, and immune system health.
The antioxidants found in millet, neutralise free radicals and the beneficial catechins present can help rid the system of toxins by promoting proper excretion and neutralising enzymatic activity in the organs.
  • Millets in Cancer Prevention
Recent research has revealed fibre to be one of the best and easiest ways to prevent the onset of breast cancer. Also, one of the phytonutrients amply present in millets is lignans. Upon fermentation in the intestines by bacteria, they yield ‘enterolactone’, a product which is known to protect against some forms of breast cancers.
  • Millets in Asthma Prevention
Research has shown that millet can considerably improve the quality of life for people suffering from childhood asthma and can also prevent it from developing. It has been shown to reduce wheezing and asthma attacks in children who had large intakes of millet.
How to Select the right millet

When purchasing millet in bulk or a packaged container, make sure of its freshness and that there is no moisture present. Always choose organic millets, free from chemical fertilisers and artificial sprays.
How to Enjoy Your Meals with Millet
  • Millet can be cooked as a breakfast porridge to which you can add nuts and fruits to make it more nutritious.
  • Millet flour can be proportionately added in bread and muffin recipes.
  • Cooked millet grains added to a tossed vegetable and chicken salad is a filling and a nutritionally complete meal.

Bring out The Flavor of Basmati Rice with These Dishes

India, especially Punjab is well known for its aromatic, long-grained basmati rice. A treat for the senses, aged basmati rice is to be gently handled and cooked with care. Use the authentic Terragreens Basmati Rice to make these delicious recipes. Enjoy!!
Gatte ke Chawal: This recipe comes straight from the dry regions of Rajasthan. Pair it with thick curd and relish.
For the Gatte
1 cup besan
2 tbsp oil
½ tsp jeera
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp coarsely ground coriander seeds
Salt to taste
Mix all the ingredients and make dough. Roll out in ½” thick rolls. Heat 4 cups of water in a large pan. Add rolls to boiling water and cook till they begin to float in top for 4-5 minutes. Drain in a sieve. Cool and cut into ½ cm thick rounds.
For the Rice
1 cup Rice - Washed and soaked for ½ an hr.
4 cups water
1 cup fried onion
Salt to taste
Heat water with salt in it. Add rice and cook till it's just done. Drain. Cook covered on a slow flame for 2 minutes. Fluff up.
For the Bagar:
2 tbsp oil
½ tsp jeera
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp chili powder

1 tbsp Kasuri Methi
Heat oil. Add jeera and the spices. Add gatte and coat well. Add Kasuri methi and the rice. Toss until well mixed. Serve with thick curd and papad.
Mexican Basmati Rice Salad: Here's a recipe which is a meal in a bowl. A cold rice salad which is apt for hot summers.
1 cup basmati rice - cooked & cooled
½ cup rajma - boiled & drained
½ cup corn kernels - boiled & drained
½ green capsicum - chopped fine
½ red capsicum - chopped fine
½ yellow capsicum - chopped fine
1 firm tomato - deseeded & chopped fine
1 onion - chopped fine
1 tbsp olive oil
3-4 garlic cloves - finely chopped
1 tbsp red chili flakes
For the dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp mustard sauce
1 tsp soya sauce
1 tsp lime zest
Salt to taste
Method:
Mix all ingredients of the dressing and whisk well. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil, add garlic and chili flakes and sauté for 2 minutes. Add onions and fry till pink and translucent. Mix all the ingredients and toss gently.
Top with a crusty element:
½ cup maida
½ cup maize flour
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp oil
½ tsp sugar
½ tsp chili powder
2 tbsp tomato puree (optional)
Oil for frying
Method
Combine all the ingredients and make firm dough. Let it rest for 15 minutes. Divide into six balls and roll out thin rounds. Cut into triangles and deep fry in medium hot oil until done. Remove excess oil. Serve with the Salad for a complete meal.
Aromatic Biryani: This biryani recipe showcases the aroma of long grained basmati rice and is easy too!!
2 cups Basmati Rice
1.5 cups sour curd
1 cup cauliflower
10-12 beans, cut into strips
1 carrot, cut into strips
1 potato, cut into strips
2 onions, finely chopped
½ tbsp ginger garlic paste
3 tbsp oil
½ tsp jeera
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp red chili powder
½ tsp garam masala
½ cup mint, finely chopped
½ cup fresh coriander, finely chopped
½ cup browned onions
3 cloves
1-inch black cinnamon
1 tej patta
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Method
Boil rice with salt and whole spices in enough water. Drain water when al dente. In a heavy bottom pan, heat 3 tbsp oil and add jeera. Fry ginger garlic paste for 2 minutes and add onions. Fry till brown. Add all the veggies and cook till just done. Add curd and all the powder spices. Cook till thick. Add mint and coriander after turning off the gas.
In a greased ovenproof dish, spoon in the vegetable layer and spread evenly. Add half the rice and make an even layer. Then, repeat. Pour over the lemon juice and cover. Top with halved of boiled eggs (optional). Bake in a hot oven, covered for 15 minutes and serve immediately.
Beetroot Brown Rice: For health lovers, this tasty dish is what will keep you going!!
1 beetroot peeled & grated
1 onion finely chopped
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 green chili chopped
1 cup basmati brown rice, soaked for 2-3 hours
2 cups water
Mint leaves to garnish
1 tbsp ghee
½ tsp jeera
Salt to taste
Method
In a cooker, heat ghee, crackle jeera. Add onions and fry till pink and soft. Add ginger garlic paste and fry. Add chopped beetroot, drained rice, water, and salt. Cook for 15 minutes till just done. Fluff up with the fork. Garnish with mint leaves and serve hot.

Friday 9 June 2017

GINGER GARLIC PASTE

Garlic and ginger are two herbs that possess many little-known therapeutic uses and health benefits, alongside their more common uses in the kitchen. Both of these herbs have been studied for their effectiveness in fighting infections, preventing cancer and reducing inflammation and various other applications. Terragreens present ginger adn garlic paste which is prepared with atmost care to bring the taste of homemade ginger garlic paste.

Red Chilly Powder

Red Chili Powder spice blend consists of one or two types of dried red chilis that are grounded and pulverized into a fine powder. Foods are often enhanced with this powder, depending on the chilis used for the powder and the intensity of the heat in the chili. Chilli powder adds flavor and heat to ethnic dishes and is used in moderation as it adds a lovely red glow and sharp flavour to dishes without setting anything on fire.

The benefits of Red Chili powder are that it boosts metabolism slightly and is very rich in Vitamin C and provitamin A. Red Chili has Capsaicin and is proven to be an effective treatment for sensory nerve fibre disorders. Red chilis is also known as a natural pain reliever and is an effective treatment to prevent the stomach ulcers.

Terra Greens Red Chili Powder is certified under NPOP AND NOP standards of organic certification.

Red Chilly Whole


Terra Greens Organic Red Chilly is free from unwanted impurities, rich in aroma and taste and have a pungent smell and a spicy taste and is extensively used as an additive in various cuisines.

Rock Salt Natural

Himalayan Rock Salt if preferred over table salts, would have unique benefits, which one can reap. For instance, a gram a day can help the body's metabolic processes and help reduce deposits that have built up in the arteries.

The benefits of Himalayan Rock Salt are as follows, Himalayan Rock Salt can help maintain libido, regulate sleep, prevent muscle cramps, stabilize irregular heartbeats, make the structure of your bones firm, clear mucus and phlegm from lungs and regulate the water content throughout the body. 

Terra Green's Himalayan Rock Salt is certified under the NPOP AND NOP standards of organic certification.

Tamarind

A seed pod from the tamarind tree that is used extensively in South-East Asian and Indian cooking to flavour curries, chutneys and bean dishes. Tamarind has a unique sweet and sour flavour and comes in seeded and paste form and most commonly in a block form.

Tamarind fruit contains certain health benefiting essential volatile chemical compounds, like minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber. Tamarind has many medicinal properties as it contains many volatile phytochemicals such as limonene, geraniol, safrole, cinnamic acid, methyl salicylate, pyrazine and alkylthiazoles. In addition Tamarind has tartaric acid which helps the body protect from harmful free radicals.

Terra Green's Tamarind is certified under NPOP AND NOP standards of organic certification.

Organic Turmeric Powder

Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavour and a mild fragrance slightly in line with orange and ginger, and while it is best known as one of the ingredients used to make curry, it also is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Turmeric Powder has been used extensively as a healing remedy as it's a safe inflammatory; is also an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis, inhibiting Cancer Cell Growth and Metastases, are other benefits of Turmeric.

Turmeric is an excellent source of both iron and manganese and is also a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber and potassium.

Terra Green's Turmeric Powder is certified under NPOP AND NOP standards of organic certification.

Tuesday 6 June 2017

Bring out the flavor of Basmati rice with these dishes

India, especially Punjab is well known for its aromatic, long-grained basmati rice. A treat for the senses, aged basmati rice is to be gently handled and cooked with care. Use the authentic Terragreens Basmati Rice to make these delicious recipes. Enjoy!!
Gatte ke Chawal: This recipe comes straight from the dry regions of Rajasthan. Pair it with thick curd and relish.
For the Gatte
1 cup besan
2 tbsp oil
½ tsp jeera
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp coarsely ground coriander seeds
Salt to taste
Mix all the ingredients and make dough. Roll out in ½” thick rolls. Heat 4 cups of water in a large pan. Add rolls to boiling water and cook till they begin to float in top for 4-5 minutes. Drain in a sieve. Cool and cut into ½ cm thick rounds.
For the Rice
1 cup Rice - Washed and soaked for ½ an hr.
4 cups water
1 cup fried onion
Salt to taste
Heat water with salt in it. Add rice and cook till it's just done. Drain. Cook covered on a slow flame for 2 minutes. Fluff up.
For the Bagar:
2 tbsp oil
½ tsp jeera

½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp chili powder
1 tbsp Kasuri Methi
Heat oil. Add jeera and the spices. Add gatte and coat well. Add Kasuri methi and the rice. Toss until well mixed. Serve with thick curd and papad.
Mexican Basmati Rice Salad: Here's a recipe which is a meal in a bowl. A cold rice salad which is apt for hot summers.
1 cup basmati rice - cooked & cooled
½ cup rajma - boiled & drained
½ cup corn kernels - boiled & drained
½ green capsicum - chopped fine
½ red capsicum - chopped fine
½ yellow capsicum - chopped fine
1 firm tomato - deseeded & chopped fine
1 onion - chopped fine
1 tbsp olive oil
3-4 garlic cloves - finely chopped
1 tbsp red chili flakes
For the dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp mustard sauce
1 tsp soya sauce
1 tsp lime zest
Salt to taste
Method:
Mix all ingredients of the dressing and whisk well. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil, add garlic and chili flakes and sauté for 2 minutes. Add onions and fry till pink and translucent. Mix all the ingredients and toss gently.
Top with a crusty element:
½ cup maida
½ cup maize flour
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp oil
½ tsp sugar
½ tsp chili powder
2 tbsp tomato puree (optional)
Oil for frying
Method
Combine all the ingredients and make firm dough. Let it rest for 15 minutes. Divide into six balls and roll out thin rounds. Cut into triangles and deep fry in medium hot oil until done. Remove excess oil. Serve with the Salad for a complete meal.
Aromatic Biryani: This biryani recipe showcases the aroma of long grained basmati rice and is easy too!!
2 cups Basmati Rice
1.5 cups sour curd
1 cup cauliflower
10-12 beans, cut into strips
1 carrot, cut into strips
1 potato, cut into strips
2 onions, finely chopped
½ tbsp ginger garlic paste
3 tbsp oil
½ tsp jeera
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp red chili powder
½ tsp garam masala
½ cup mint, finely chopped
½ cup fresh coriander, finely chopped
½ cup browned onions
3 cloves
1-inch black cinnamon
1 tej patta
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Method
Boil rice with salt and whole spices in enough water. Drain water when al dente. In a heavy bottom pan, heat 3 tbsp oil and add jeera. Fry ginger garlic paste for 2 minutes and add onions. Fry till brown. Add all the veggies and cook till just done. Add curd and all the powder spices. Cook till thick. Add mint and coriander after turning off the gas.
In a greased ovenproof dish, spoon in the vegetable layer and spread evenly. Add half the rice and make an even layer. Then, repeat. Pour over the lemon juice and cover. Top with halved of boiled eggs (optional). Bake in a hot oven, covered for 15 minutes and serve immediately.
Beetroot Brown Rice: For health lovers, this tasty dish is what will keep you going!!
1 beetroot peeled & grated
1 onion finely chopped
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 green chili chopped
1 cup basmati brown rice, soaked for 2-3 hours
2 cups water
Mint leaves to garnish
1 tbsp ghee
½ tsp jeera
Salt to taste
Method
In a cooker, heat ghee, crackle jeera. Add onions and fry till pink and soft. Add ginger garlic paste and fry. Add chopped beetroot, drained rice, water, and salt. Cook for 15 minutes till just done. Fluff up with the fork. Garnish with mint leaves and serve hot.