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Caffeine – Good or Bad? 14 Oct 2011 3:27 AM (13 years ago)

Coffee or Caffeine is now an important part of our day-to-day routine. From a faithful country of chai fans, we Indians have fast adjusted to Cappuccino & Latte. Lately, there’s been quite a bit of misunderstanding and even debate surrounding caffeine.

So, what are the definite Effects of Caffeine –? 

Caffeine has some different and instant effects on the body. Only a few minutes after we intake caffeine, we feel the effects of the stimulant. Caffeine has the capability to stay in your body system for several hours. Once in your system, caffeine directly influences some hormonal functions. It provides a rush of adrenaline, which results in a momentary boost that can be followed by ensuing exhaustion. 

It also stimulates the stress hormone which may lead to mood swings & increase in your hunger. Caffeine is certainly good if you want to stay alert; nonetheless, Caffeine sooner or later may hamper with your sleep.

Many specialists consider that increased intensities of caffeine may lead to stronger cravings for fat and carbohydrates, and cause the body to store fat in the tummy. The reason behind this is cortisol hormone which is stimulated by caffeine. 

The Conclusion:

So how do we control the amount of caffeine in our daily activities? With potential negative and positive health consequences, caffeine can be your friend, but in controlled doses. 

Here are few tips which shall help you control your intake of caffeine: 

Control Caffeine quantity: Don’t Take Too Much Caffeine. Higher levels of caffeine may lead to health risks, as well as the risk of physical dependence that can come with four cups of coffee or more each day. So, it’s wise to limit your caffeine intake. 

Avoid Caffeine intake after dusk - Because sleep is essential for proper physical functioning of your body, and caffeine can stay in your system for 8 hours or longer, try limiting your caffeine intake to the first part of the day to make sure that your sleep isn’t disturbed. 

Have a cup of coffee along with your daily exercises - Caffeine is best when consumed before exercise—that way your routine is boosted and the stress-management profits of exercise can keep you fit and less strained throughout the day.

Regular Exercise extends your Life Span 29 Sep 2011 12:37 AM (13 years ago)

A new research study revealed that as little as 15 minutes of exercise daily can extend your life span by as much as three years

Taiwanese researchers surveyed more than 400,000 study applicants in a 12-year period, where patients self-reported their weekly workout routine and were then categorized in one of the five groups: inactive, low, medium, high or very high exercise routine. 

The research revealed that individuals in the low-exercise group, who spent minimum of 15 minutes on fitness per day, reduced their risk of dying by 10 per cent and had a three-year longer life expectancy than the inactive group. More exercise led to greater life gains. Every added 15 minutes of daily exercise further reduced all-cause death rates by 4%. 

Exercise reduces disease and death dramatically for all major progressive diseases. According to a study involving over 13,000 participants cited by Ray Kurzweil in The Future of Aging, the overall death rate for moderate exercisers was 60% less than the sedentary group–and the high fitness group scored much better. Yet some 70% of Americans do not participate in any type of physical activity.

Exercise is critical to help dodge or reduce diabetes as well as most other diseases. According to the American Diabetes Association, exercising moderately for only thirty minutes a day coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight resulted in an astonishing 58% reduction in diabetes.

News Source: Times of India, & Xango

Eating Habits - A new way of positivity 28 Sep 2011 11:02 PM (13 years ago)

After a long stressful day at work, you feel that nothing is according to your wish, and suddenly the negative feelings just creep up into your thoughts. Office stress is a very common occurrence. Office stress comes about because of the burdens of the work, which is not so easy to describe. The trouble is that stress leads to tension and bad temper which can sometimes spoil your moments while you are with your family. There is definitely a way to beat the office blues, eat a healthy & fresh diet that will help you calm down your brain.

Recently, Researchers have found how micro-nutrients found in certain fruits and veggies can have a rapid influence on our brain. They found that some foodstuffs like blueberries, cocoa and green vegetables provide an immediate lift to our mental sharpness and mood, and help to clear off unhappiness. Also we share along some diet tips that will help you fight the stress.

Here are some recommendations that will help you eat better:

Plan a diet with all necessary Nutrients - Nutrients in foods upkeep the body's repair and progress. Plan a diet which includes all essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and protein.  Deficiency in any of these nutrients may upset your health and can even cause sickness.

Proteins help you increase attentiveness – High protein foods such as beans, peas, poultry and milk products hold an amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine provides a boost to your brain cells which benefits you to be attentive and makes it easier to concentrate.

Try the Mediterranean diet - The Mediterranean food is a balanced, healthy eating arrangement that includes good amount of fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, legumes, and fish. The diet consists of all the important nutrients and anti-oxidants which help you soothe your brain cells and decrease tension & stress.

Control your Routine Habits – Most people also experience stress due to their smoking or drinking habits. Besides, drinks and foods containing caffeine can generate nervousness in your mind and make it difficult to sleep at night. Dropping down on caffeine after noon each day can surely help you get a better night's sleep.

So cut down on your stress levels and live a stress free life.

Jaipur - appears as country’s finest economical holiday destination 12 Sep 2011 11:25 PM (13 years ago)

A recent travel cost guide for holiday destinations showed that Pink City Jaipur is the least costly holiday spot in the country.

In a latest price comparison analysis for travel & tourism, Jaipur appears as the least expensive holiday target for Indians with a total price cost of barely Rs. 3933. The city of Agra comes second with the total price of Rs 4,573 for a holiday. This travel price index is grounded on the collective cost of one night's lodging, a basic food item, a beverage and a taxi ride to the place of lodging. Though the factors for some of these basic items differ for the local and global cost analysis, it still gives a very trustworthy scale for tourists to evaluate their spending and compare travel spots according to their budget.

A Jaipur tour in the majestic state of Rajasthan will never dissatisfy any tourist. The Pink City satisfies explorers of diverse age-groups and tastes and the city will certainly make your trip unforgettable.

The city definitely offers lots of attractions for the tourists to cherish. The city has several architectural landmarks and age old forts that charm tourists all over the globe. The monuments tell sagas of the rich antiquity of Jaipur. Along with shrines & fortresses, Jaipur is also a central hub for attractive Rajasthani handicraft.  From eye-catching stones, miniature paintings, to hand stamped textiles, the Pink city offers a lot in terms of ethnic legacy.

The most important aspect of Jaipur is its cuisine. Dal-Bati Churma, Khatta, Dahi Vada, Mawa Kachori, Besan Ka Gatta, Ker Sangri, Mishri Mawa, Ghevar, Jalebi, Chakke Ki Sabji and many more. The food will beyond doubt triumph over you.

So if you are planning a holiday in the Royal Rajasthan, don’t miss out the Enjoyable City of Jaipur. 

- Jiyo Life

Stay Fit & Healthy – Even in your Office 30 Aug 2011 10:59 PM (13 years ago)

‘Health & Fitness at place of work' is the newest trend in the corporate sphere. Establishments have recognized that regular exercise lifts employee confidence, increases efficiency, decreases absenteeism and other work related problems.

A recent study from World Health Organization, Indians could suffer sicknesses like diabetes, stroke and cancer, because of unhealthy offices.

We share some easy tips for you to stay fit & healthy even in your office:

Drink Enough Water while at work:  Water aids your body with ingestion and purification of your internal body parts. Always keep a water bottle at your desk for your ease & convenience. Drink water at regular intervals as it will ease tension and preserve your dynamism all through the day.  Fresh lime water is also good sometimes to refresh your frame of mind.

Move around your desk to stretch those legs: Get up every 45 minutes & just walk around a bit. Merely getting up and moving around for a few minutes can keep you attentive and will eliminate all your drowsiness.

Time to get those Stairs: At any time possible, get going and take the stairs rather than the elevator. Stairs will keep you fit and active.

Participate in office outdoor events: Go show your active side & participate in all office events such as soccer & volleyball. Sports will keep you energetic. These sports not only keep your vitality high but also maintain your body in good shape.

Nourishment that keeps you Healthy & Wise 22 Aug 2011 3:40 AM (13 years ago)

Maintaining a healthy diet is a key component in leading a healthy lifestyle. Even though we hear this each day, every so often we ignore this until some problem arises, emphasizing just how good healthy meals are to your physical welfare.

People are often confused between healthy & unhealthy food. Not only oily food products, but stale food also disturbs your physical health. Along with dropping on your sugar & salt intake, you can also include various salads along with your regular meals.

We share along some foods that will help you go Healthy & Wise:

Oats - Oats contain soluble fiber called beta glucan, which is identified to help in reducing fat in the body. They also contain complexes called phytochemicals that can diminish one`s risk of cancer. They hold very less amount of fat and lesser calories which makes them good for whole well-being of the body.

Nuts and seeds - Nuts and seeds are packed with healthy protein, vital fatty acids, and can support you in everything from weight loss to sickness prevention. Raw pumpkin seeds daily can swiftly help you decrease your risk of headache and migraine. Nuts like almond are high in healthy monounsaturated fat, which aids you accelerate your digestion.

Spinach – Spinach truly helps you in reducing your cholesterol levels and eases your oxygen flow through the blood. Spinach salads contain iron which will give more energy for all physical activities. Also the Calcium in spinach helps prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone strength.

Olive Oil - It has been scientifically confirmed that olive oil comprises a series of elements which are highly favorable for the human body. Moreover, it contains anti-oxidants which decelerate ageing of the human body.

If you follow a proper diet and maintain your healthy eating habits, you will soon grow into a healthy & wise person. So start a healthy lifestyle and Jiyo Life.

Goa Spice Farms – Enhance some Flavor this monsoon 8 Aug 2011 5:26 AM (13 years ago)

Goa India beaches are among the world’s best retreat destinations to relish your vacation. This monsoon, add some zing to your travel to Goa by visiting the Spice Farms. 

The Goa Spice Farms are tropical gardening plantations where varieties of spices are cultured for travel purposes. From betel nuts to bulk spices like pepper, nutmeg and chilies are cultivated in numerous spice farms across Goa.

These spice farms which are sited on the foothills of the Western Ghats, are situated at the eastern side of Goa. Nearly all spice farms offer an accompanied tour which would contain a traditional welcome and a welcome drink, visit of the spice farm and a traditional meal. Some also offer lodging conveniences for a complete experience.

Some Noteworthy Spice Farms in Goa are –

Sahakari Spice Farm - Sahakari Spice Farm is situated amongst lush green environs at Curti near Ponda. The Spice Farm is sheltered by thick timberland with a scent of the spices coming from the shrubs grown around everywhere in the farm. The farm provides awareness about diversity of spices and their remedial values.

Pascoal Organic Spice Village - Pascoal Organic Spice Village is enclosed by woodland and is located on the banks of river Khandepar. The Farm shelters three chief plantations of coconut, cashew and areca nuts, inter-planted with spices.

Savoi Plantation - Savoi Plantation is situated in the village of Savoi, 25 kms from the Panjim. Various tours are available which include a demonstrator of old-style beetle nut plucking and many more activities. The Farm serves old-fashioned Goan ‘Saraswat’ food served in mud vessels and banana leaf plates. 

So visit Goan Spice Farms this monsoon and explore a whole new biosphere. JiyoLife

Chocolate – The perfect ingredient 28 Jul 2011 12:37 AM (13 years ago)

Chocolate – the name itself captivates our senses. Along with being amazing to taste, chocolate also revealed to have many health profits.  Something that we truly love eating and that it is in fact good for our health. So if you adore chocolate, here are some of the reasons for you to indulge in chocolate.

Dark Chocolate is the best – Dark Chocolate is considered to have antioxidants. These antioxidants toughen our immune structures by fighting free radicals in our body. Free radicals are guilty for many auto immune infections and for helping irritation in the body. By eating chocolate, we can encounter these free radicals and keep our body in a healthy state.

A recent study showed that Chocolate has an anti-aging influence as well as control over heart disease. Moreover, Chocolate also helps in lowering the process of carcinogenesis which roots cancer to form in the body. Dark Chocolate consists of flavonoids which maneuvers carcinogens in our bodies. 

Numerous other constituents in chocolate help develop or control your health like Magnesium which helps in regulating the nervous, cardiac and intestinal systems. While apart from its common observation, the ingredient Theobromine helps in preventing tooth decay. 

So pamper yourself in chocolate, but remember – Excess of anything is unsafe, so keep the chocolate levels in control. - JiyoLife

Scented Candles: Light up your Mood 18 Jul 2011 10:08 PM (13 years ago)

Holiday Time– Keep Technology Away 15 Jul 2011 3:59 AM (13 years ago)

21st century is an age where our businesses cannot be run without computers and cell phones. Even when we want to take a break from work & retreat on a holiday, we tend to stay linked to our work, thanks to one thing that has transformed our lives– technology.

• Keep the phone away– Carry your phones with you only when necessary. Try not to use your phone when you are out exploring, doing something wild or just chilling at the beach. 
• Clear your mailbox– Clear your office mailbox before you leave for your holiday. Flag important communications or forward them to a coworker who can keep an eye on them on your behalf while you are gone. 
• Set up the Vacation Auto Response– Fix up your automatic reply declaring that you are on holiday so that individuals will not presume that you would answer back. 
• No Gadgets– Keep all your internet gadgets away like laptops and smart phones. Switch your smart phone for a simple phone that cannot link to the internet.

“300,000 ‘Like’ to Jiyo Life” 12 Jul 2011 4:22 AM (13 years ago)

• Starting 12/07/2011 for the next 5 days, every day, a question will be posted around the themes of Jiyo Life 
• Be the first one to answer it correctly/creatively
• Every day, 5 lucky winners go on to win Jiyo Life goodies
• The winners will be declared in the week starting 18/07/2011 
• For terms & conditions, go to http://on.fb.me/JL1LacTnC

Exquisite Travel this Rainy Season 8 Jul 2011 5:29 AM (13 years ago)

Periyar National Park – Kerala – Known as the God’s Own Country, Kerala is marvelous during the rainy season. One of the National parks in the country which is open during monsoons is Periyar National Park in Kerala. The treks here are carried out entirely on boat, providing for an innovative experience of the brilliance in Kerala. It is believed that the state comes alive with enchanting fragrances and thick green flora during the monsoons.

Lose Weight – The healthy way 1 Jul 2011 6:34 AM (13 years ago)

Losing weight is essential in staying fit. It is likewise one of the toughest things to accomplish mostly when you’re stuck in your hectic lifestyle. But your work stress shouldn’t stop you from achieving the shape & size you always wanted. All you need is truthfulness and correct methods to lose weight. While weight loss is certainly not about rapid solutions that have long-lasting effects, it can be about clever planning that leads to fit and lasting weight loss.

Here are some crucial weight loss tactics that will benefit you on your pursuit of losing weight.

Stage-manage your weight loss – It is necessary to check on your Body mass index. You should plan out a realistic weight loss target which is not too low as well as not too high.  Consult a dietitian if required.

Plan a diet which is comfortable to you – Most common mistake individuals make is cutting out all their comfort foods and turn on crash dieting. Be on your regular cuisine and exercise some of the common rules such as - portion control, drinking enough water, inhibition of salt & deep fried foods.

Fix a time and workout – Select a suitable time according to your daily routine to exercise.  Start with light exercises and be determined on completing all the exercises every day. Start on exercises that have both elements of cardio and weights, as both are important in carving your body into a good shape.

Schedule your routine to discharge stress - Whether it is music, reading or yoga; plan a routine system of de-stressing every day. Stress upsets your waist, and you don't want toil to do more harm to your daily life. So pay more attention on releasing stress.

Maintain a food journal - Compose what you eat every day. This will support you to analyze the right amount of calories every day. Pay importance on eating food which is high in fiber as they aid in digestion and flatten your intestine. 

Summon up that weight loss begins and finishes with your perception. Plan out and act on your plan without getting lost. Good luck!

Club Mahindra TV Commercial - Jiyo Life 27 Jun 2011 3:12 AM (13 years ago)

Exercise Pilates for a Fit Body 24 Jun 2011 5:12 AM (13 years ago)

Pilates is a new fitness trend round the globe and is catching up fast in our country.  Research has proved that a Pilates exercise improves the body fitness as well as the thoughts. We thought of sharing some insights with you so you can start early and earn yourself a fit body along with a healthy mind.

So what is Pilates?

Pilates fitness system was established in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates from Germany and it was initially used to recover bedbound soldiers during World War I.

Pilates is a physique training routine that pursues to form flexibility, stamina, and fitness without accumulating muscle. Moreover, the exercises help increase blood circulation and develop your overall health.

Learn the Difference:

Every so often people get confused between Yoga and Pilates. Both have similarities along with their differences.  Pilates has the base of Yoga asanas, but it is merely a physical exercise apart from Yoga which is a complete system.

Pilates exercise mainly tries to reinforce the fundamental stability forces of our body to develop the way we function in our day-to-day lives.

Benefits of Pilates –  Lets discuss some of the Benefits we gain by Pilates Exercises. 

• Provides attentiveness of your position.
• Tones and helps you build lean muscles without adding excess bulk.
• Toughens deep intestinal muscles.
• Reduces stress, relieves you from any form of anxiety.
• Upholds recovery from strain or injury and boosts up internal energy.
• Offers aid from muscle pain and body stress.
• Stabilizes your mind and helps you relax.
• Enhances the whole body movement and improves flexibility.

Monsoon magnificence – Manipur 17 Jun 2011 12:53 AM (13 years ago)

Monsoon is here and promises boundless travel prospects. This monsoon travel to Manipur also known as the ‘Switzerland of India’ and experience India with a whole new perspective.

Manipur lies in the deep junction of the northeast India. This gorgeous land is enclosed by Nagaland and Assam along with the international border with Myanmar. From composed lands to mysterious nature the place is filled with attention-grabbing moments.

The Festivals in Manipur hold a substantial cultural heritage in India due to their traditional dance & music. All the festivals in Manipur have the ethnic touch which serves as marvelous charm to tourists from all over the globe.

Jiyolife brings to you some places to Visit in Manipur this monsoon –

Imphal - The capital of Manipur is bordered by mountain ranges and is the heart of traditional activities and markets.

Shri Govindji Temple – A sacred temple of the Vaishanav caste, the temple has a modest construction with a beautiful yard and an elevated worshipping hall.

Khawairamband Bazaar – This is the only and the biggest marketplace run by women in the India. Lots of tribal stuff can be found here such as scarves, bags, clothing and many more.

Loktak Lake & Keibul Lamjao National Park – Loktak lake is a must watch for all travelers.  It opens up a delightful landscape of tiny islands on sparkling blue water. It is definitely a good place to enjoy boating and other aquatic sports. The Keibul National park is adjacent to the lake and is home to the rare Sangai deer.

Manipur State Museum – The state museum is one of the supreme museums of North Eastern India. It expresses the magnificent history of the state. Some of the articles exhibited inside the museum are Manipuri outfits, antique documents and ruins, and various statuettes.

The Manipuri Cookery will surely spellbind your taste buds with assortment of fish & rice dishes.  The state is certainly spectacular to visit during the rainy season. So pack up your bags and plan the perfect get-away to Manipur. And yes … Don’t Forget – Jiyolife to the fullest.

Cellphone Radiation – Take Care 8 Jun 2011 3:46 AM (13 years ago)

Cell phones or commonly known as mobile phones have been a necessary part of our modern day lifestyle. Whether it is for work and mails or just music and entertainment, the use of mobile phones has amplified significantly over these years.
There are around 800 million mobile phone users in our nation and we are the second leading country in terms of amount of mobile phone connections according to industry reports. And we are quoted as the most rising telecommunication industry in the world and will have more mobile phone users by the end of this year.

According to the research directed by World Health Organization (WHO) – excessive usage of mobile phones may lead to cancer.  Just by their simple task, mobile phones have to radiate a small quantity of electromagnetic emission. The fear is that mobile phones are often placed close to head and heart, which puts radiation in direct contact with the vital organs. The main harm is the radiation that is caused by the mobile phones when we are on call or just using the basic functions on our mobile phone.
Here are some of the ideas which will help you to decrease the adverse effects of mobile phone radiations -

• Limit the usage of your calls – Even though you may have important work over the call, try and reduce the duration of the call. Long telephonic sessions may prove to be hazardous to your health.
• Avoid keeping phones in your shirt pocket – The electromagnetic radiations may directly affect the tissues near the heart. It is advisable to keep your phone in your trouser pocket
• Do not use mobile phones in elevators – Stop the use of mobile phones in elevators as the closed metal space as they use more power to establish connection. The metallic walls also act as a cage that traps the radioactivity and redirects it back onto the occupants.
• Do not make a call when signal strength is low – When the signal is low, the mobile phone will emit more energy as it will try to launch the connection.

The government is surely taking necessary steps to evaluate, re-visit radioactivity strategies for mobile towers and approve plans for radiation emission by mobile phones. But we also have to take proper actions to reduce the effect of radiation on our body. 

So be safe – and JiyoLife!

World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2011 5:36 AM (13 years ago)

World No Tobacco Day is witnessed around the globe on 31st May every year.

The day is observed to inspire tobacco consumers to withdraw from intake of all forms of tobacco for this day. 

World No Tobacco Day was initiated in 1987 by World health Organization (WHO) to educate societies about the poisonous constituents of tobacco and its effects.

World Health Organization undertook some studies related to tobacco related heart-strokes and cancer, and found shocking results. Nearly 4 million people die around the globe every year due to tobacco related diseases.

World No Tobacco Day is enthusiastically supported by governments, NGOs, community health groups, and equally by smokers.

No Tobacco Day is notable as a wakefulness day to pull people’s responsiveness about the harmful effects of tobacco. Conferences and events are organized by NGO and health societies on this day to encourage individuals to quit tobacco permanently.

If you smoke – here are a few tips that will help you to quit smoking permanently –

• Set up a quit date – and follow it without getting lost.
• Change your surroundings – Avoid smoking at workplace. Choose an alternative like juices or gums which keeps your mind away from smoking.
• Don't be a cheater – Don’t cheat on your decision. Not even one puff! Keep trying and be away from the smoke.
• Consult your doctor for nicotine gums of patches which helps you control your Smoke cravings

So take a pledge today and start a fresh and healthy life. And Remember – Say No to Tobacco

Shimla Summer Festival 25 May 2011 10:06 PM (13 years ago)

The month of June is arriving with all its splendid festivals. We thought of sharing with you one of the upcoming attraction in Shimla – Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla is a charming tourist destination, surrounded by lush grasslands and snowcapped hills. The town includes spectacular sunset spots along with heritage structures such as churches and cemeteries.

The Shimla Summer Festival is a fascinating time for all travel devotees. It is the most anticipated carnivals of Shimla. 

The summer fiesta in Shimla celebrates numerous native traditional dance shows along with shows from well-known singers and celebs from all over India.

Shimla Summer Festival portrays the flawless picture of brilliant cultural tradition of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The festival is organized each year by the State Government Officials. The festival stores in amazing traditional performances alongside with delightful Himachal food. There is a wide display of local handicrafts and various other ethnic events.

Some places in Shimla are worth visiting like:-

The Mall – This is very widespread for shopping in Shimla. It has diversity of shops to enchant the shoppers. It holds the whole lot from old books, woolen items to handicrafts and handlooms.

Jakhu Hanuman Temple - The temple of God Hanuman is at the peak of the Jakhu hill. The spot offers a charming view of the settlement and snowcapped Himalayan mounts and is a necessity for every tourist travelling to Shimla.

So beat the heat by attending the Shimla Summer Festival and Jiyo Life Stress free. Happy Holidays!

Family that eats together – Stays together 19 May 2011 6:06 AM (13 years ago)

It’s not easy every time to find time to eat lunch or dinner together with your family. A recent study shows that Pupils who ate with their families six or seven times a week consumed less junk food, ate breakfast properly more often and showed less worry about excessive weight gain.

Daily family meals become less frequent as children grow older, and families in rural parts are more likely to eat together than families in metropolitan locations. Pupils who frequently ate with their families had considerably higher-quality diets than children who avoided eating with their parents and siblings.

Let bring out some of the benefits of having a meal together with the family:

Family Communication - Chats during the meals offer chances for the family to bond and connect with each other.  It is a perfect time to o share info and news of the day with the family. Communication brings the feeling of togetherness and it helps release stress and nurture warmth in your relations.

Teach & learn Manners – Dinnertime with family is the best way to show correct table manners and etiquettes. Children can learn all skills and manners which will be significant throughout their lives.

Develop your Food Awareness - Help your children in trying new vegetables. Explain them the benefits of veggies and help them compose a healthy meal. Do not force them or instruct them. Try making the meal time enjoyable for both you and the kids.

Go Healthy – Food prepared at home is more nourished and healthy. Meals cooked at home are generally not fried or highly salted. They contain more proportions of vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for our body.

Avoid Damaging Habits – A recent study indicates that family meals help in reducing the rates of smoking and drinking by pre-teens and teenagers. Family meals help in the bonding and lessen the influence of such bad habits on kids.

Eating dinner and other meals together gives everybody a sense of identity. It can help you comfort the routine struggles, plus begin memories that can last a generation.

Summertime Expedition 11 May 2011 6:04 AM (13 years ago)

Every summer, we look towards a nice and relaxing family holiday to get away from the ordinary routine of school and work. The holiday season has begun and we thought of sharing few Road trip places to you. The natural beauty of the local landscape along with the way of life of rural India can be best experienced by road trips.

The most worthwhile part of a road trip is the close connection with the people & places that we visit. These can be snapped on camera and can be esteemed for a lifetime. You can visit the local shrines, heritage spots, dams and rivers, or eye catching grasslands that fall on the way.

Here’s a list of some of the most breathtaking places for a Road trip.

Mumbai to Goa – Mumbai to Goa is a favorite road trip for all ages. From Panoramic view of lush grasslands to clear blue skies, the road trip holds some splendid and pleasant moments along the way. The journey charms the traveller and leaves a dark impression on his memory lane.

Manali to Leh - The Manali-Leh road trip is one unbelievable experience. It is one of the highest and most isolated highways in the world. This road trip can turned into a test of strength and patience. But it will surely be an experience you will treasure for life.

Shillong to Cherrapunji - The Shillong-Cherrapunji road trip is packed with stunning scenery. Mountains, Valleys, lush green fields, totally a paradise route for a passionate biker and road trip lovers.

Bengaluru to Kannur – Bengaluru to Kannur is an exploratory path for adventure lovers. The path navigates through cliffs and lakes to lavish valleys. It is bliss for nature lovers and surely promises an unforgettable experience.

Dharamshala to Palampur Valley – This route is a perfect getaway route for bikers. The route travels across the Himalayan mountain ranges covered with deodar trees. A journey through the Himalayan Alps will offer you things beyond your imagination. From magnificent view of the stunning mountain ranges covered with snow to the chanting echoes of Buddhist Shrines, this journey is aesthetic. Truly what we call heaven on earth.

The traffic in India is wild at times, so be really alert while driving. Always keep safety in mind and plan the road trip in well-organized manner to gain maximum happiness. If you plan and act accordingly with patience, the road trip memories will surely be engraved in your mind for a lifetime.

The Happy Family Stories Contest 1 May 2011 6:03 AM (14 years ago)

From attending parties to small family get-togethers, everyone has their own celebrations to recollect from their holiday journeys. We all discuss them at the dinner table and recollected them and family gatherings. It’s about the possessions we reminisce when we are with the people who are valuable to us.
Now share them with us, and you can win exciting prizes for it. On the event of World Family Day, Club Mahindra Holidays brings to you the Happy Family Stories Contest.


How to participate:
Send us your hilarious, wild, exploratory or emotional story in not more than 1000 words. The best story entries will be shortlisted and can win exciting prizes.


The Prizes for the contest are:
1st prize: All expenses paid family holiday by Club Mahindra
2nd prize: LCD TV
3rd prize: Shopping vouchers


Every individual is has a story or a celebration that sticks into our head. We invite you to share your memorable experiences with your family to the world and share the joy on this occasion of World Family Day. So go ahead and spread the happiness. Rejoice World Family Day with your family by participating in a fun family contest.

click here to PARTICIPATE NOW...

Food – choose the correct nutrition 29 Apr 2011 3:01 AM (14 years ago)

We relish delicious cuisines and fast food every day to please our appetite. But the query is – are we receiving proper nourishment? Healthy eating is not about harsh restrictions or avoiding the foodstuffs we love. Rather, we should feel great about the food we eat and enjoy having more energy to keep ourselves at the healthiest state of body and mind.

Every food lover should learn some basic nutrition facts and using them accordingly for a healthy and smart diet. Our food selections can shrink the risk of illnesses such as heart illness and diabetes; besides also help guard against depression.Our habits of healthy eating can increase our energy and improve the memory power.

We bring out some of the pointers that will help you to enjoy your favorite meals as well as help you keep a tab on your daily nourishment.

Make things easier – People are too concerned with calculating calories or determining portion sizes. The main emphasis of a diet should be variety in terms of nutrients and freshness which will lead you to make healthy selections. Concentrate on finding foods you love and easy recipes that combine a few fresh ingredients. Steadily, your diet will grow to be healthier and more delicious.

Give your diet some time – Hoping to make your diet healthy suddenly is not truthful. Pursue small changes on regular basis like addition of salad full of different veggies to your diet and reducing the amount of oil used for cooking of certain meals.  As your small variations become a routine for you, you can add more healthy varieties to your diet ultimately over time.

Breakfast is important - A healthy breakfast can spur your digestion and eating small but healthy meals all through the day keeps the energy flowing and increases your metabolism rate.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day – Brighter fruits and veggies have higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals. Green veggies are filled with calcium, iron and many more vitamins which build up the strengthening of blood and respiratory system. Fruits provide fiber, vitamins and antioxidants which hold up the immunity capacities of our body.

Healthy eating habits can lead to an illness free life. Moreover, a healthy meal relieves our mind for all the stress we had throughout the day. So go ahead and enlarge your range of healthy food picks and learn to create and uphold a nourishing, healthy diet. 

Some interesting facts about fruits and vegetables 28 Apr 2011 12:53 AM (14 years ago)

We all savor delicious fruits and vegetables on daily basis. These veggies and fruits have essential nutrients and provide vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin A. When it comes to usages of fruits, it is endless! Fruits are consumed as nourishment by millions of people in salads, juices, jams and pickles. We know that fruits and vegetables are highly suggested as part of a fit diet, but time and again, we munch these foods without really knowing much about them.

We share with you some interesting facts about fruits and vegetables:

• Apple a day keeps the sleep away - Eating an apple is a more dependable way of remaining awake than consuming a cup of coffee. The natural sugar in an apple is stronger than the caffeine in coffee.

• Keep your vitamins high - Darker green vegetables hold more vitamin C than lighter green vegetables.

• Save the skin - Before you get out the potato peeler for your potatoes, you might want to think again. Most of the nutrients in a potato exist just underneath the skin layer.

• Did you know - 35 % of a grown-up's day-to-day necessity of vitamin C can be found in a medium-sized potato.

• They’re berry important for you - One cup of blackberries is a brilliant source of vitamin C and vitamin K.  Strawberries and raspberries are also good containers of vitamin C.

Hope you had as much fun reading them as we had collecting them!

And Last I share with you a perfect quote from Sir Henry Longfellow –

“Kind hearts are the gardens, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the flowers, Kind deeds are the fruits, Take care of your garden And keep out the weeds, Fill it with sunshine Kind words and kind deeds “ - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Earth Day – A million hands to save the globe 21 Apr 2011 5:03 AM (14 years ago)

Earth Day – A million hands to save the globe

Earth Day is a day anticipated to encourage responsiveness and gratitude for the Globe’s natural atmosphere. The anticipation was taken by Earth Day Founder – Gaylord Nelson after he watched the 1969 colossal oil spill in California. Motivated by the student anti-war effort, he understood that if he could impart that effort with a growing public awareness about air and water pollution, it would power ecological security. The first Earth Day was conducted all across the US on 22^nd April, 1970 which reinforced a public alarm for environmental crisis.

Most people are conscious that our daily pollution is destructing the atmosphere. In many zones of the world we are damaging the environment that will lead to collapse of ecosystems. Every April 22, Earth Day is conducted which offers a remarkable occasion to participate in the conservation effort.

The fight for a clean atmosphere remains in a climate of growing determination, as the consequences of weather variation turn out to be more complex each day.  We insist our readers to be a part of Earth Day and help save the nature and conserve the natural environment. We must take preventive measures to protect the earth’s atmosphere in all possible ways. We must surely lend our time to build an unpolluted and a strong ecosphere for our forthcoming generations.