All posts by Sumana Rao

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Breathing for weight loss

Deep Breathing Exercises Aids Weight Reduction

Do you know? Incorporating deep breathing exercises in your daily routine can help with weight loss? Traditional diets and exercises directly help in reducing weight by directly burning calories.  Whereas deep breathing instead of directly burning calories, aids weight loss by following means-,

1. Reducing stress and lowering cortisol: Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can cause fat storage, especially around the belly. Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and lowering cortisol, which may prevent weight gain.

2. Improving digestion and metabolism: Deep breathing increases oxygen flow in the body, improving digestion and gut health. Better digestion means more efficient nutrient absorption and reduced bloating.

3. Boosting oxygenation and fat oxidation: Breathing deeply enhances oxygen intake, which helps the body break down fat more efficiently. Oxygen plays a key role in metabolic processes, and better oxygen flow may support fat loss.

4. Enhancing mindfulness and eating habits: Mindful breathing can help control emotional eating, making it easier to recognize true hunger versus stress cravings. This naturally reduces overeating.

5. Supporting physical activity and recovery: Breathing exercises improve lung capacity and endurance, making workouts more effective and reducing fatigue, which indirectly aids weight loss.

Best deep breathing techniques that support weight loss:

1. Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing – Boosts metabolism & reduces stress: Enhances oxygen flow, improves digestion, and lowers cortisol.

  • Sit or lie down comfortably.
  • Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
  • Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand.
  • Exhale slowly through your mouth, pulling your navel inward.
  • Repeat for 5–10 minutes daily.

2. Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath) – Activates fat-burning & detoxifies: Increases oxygenation, stimulates digestion, and supports hormonal balance.

  • Sit cross-legged with a straight spine.
  • Take a deep inhale through your nose.
  • Exhale forcefully and quickly by contracting your lower belly.
  • Continue rapid exhales (1 per second) for 30 seconds, then rest.
  • Repeat for 3 rounds.

3. Bhastrika (Bellows Breath) – Boosts energy & burns calories: Speeds up metabolism and improves circulation.

  • Sit comfortably and inhale deeply through your nose.
  • Exhale forcefully through your nose, engaging your core.
  • Continue strong, rhythmic breathing for 20 breaths.
  • Rest and repeat for 3 rounds.

4. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana) – Balances hormones & reduces cravings: Calms the nervous system and stabilizes blood sugar levels.

  • Sit comfortably, closing your right nostril with your thumb.
  • Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
  • Close your left nostril and exhale through the right nostril.
  • Inhale through the right nostril, close it, and exhale through the left.
  • Repeat for 5 minutes.

5. Box Breathing (4-4-4-4) – Curbs stress-induced weight gain: Regulates cortisol and prevents emotional eating.

  • Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds.
  • Repeat for 3–5 minutes.

When to practice deep breathing to achieve maximum benefits?

Morning – To kickstart metabolism.
Before meals – To improve digestion and mindful eating.
Before bed – To lower cortisol and aid fat-burning sleep.

Incorporate these breathing exercises into your routine for a healthier metabolism and natural weight balance!

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 20, 2025
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Measles in children

Measles in Children- What Parents Need To Know

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with an infected person. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

Concern for measles in children is because of recent measles outbreaks in children that ishappening in the western countries -,

West Texas (2025): 48+ cases, among unvaccinated children.
Ohio (2024): Outbreak in schools due to low vaccine rates.
Europe and UK (2024–2025): Increasing cases among unvaccinated toddlers.

Symptoms of measles in children: Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure and progress in stages:

Early symptoms (Days 1–4):

  • High fever (can reach 104°F or higher)
  • Runny nose
  • Dry cough
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Fatigue & loss of appetite

Koplik’s spots (Days 2–3):

Measles rash (Days 3–5):

  • Begins as flat red spots on the face and hairline.
  • Spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
  • May merge into large patches and last 5–7 days before fading.

What are some complications can parents expect? While most children recover, measles can cause serious complications, especially in infants, malnourished children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Common complications:

  • Ear infections -which can lead to hearing loss.
  • Diarrhea -causing dehydration.

Severe complications:

  • Pneumonia -most common cause of death in measles cases
  • Encephalitis -brain swelling, leading to seizures or disability.
  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) – A rare but fatal brain disorder that can develop years after measles infection.

Prevention: Measles vaccination (MMR Vaccine):

The best way to prevent measles is vaccination with the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine.

MMR vaccine schedule for children:

First dose: 12–15 months old
Second dose: 4–6 years old

If a child misses a dose, they should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

How effective is the MMR vaccine?

  • 1 dose = 93% protection against measles
  • 2 doses = 97% protections for life

Other preventive measures:

  • Handwashing: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap.
  • Avoiding contact: Keep infected children isolated for at least 4 days after a rash appears.
  • Post exposure prevention: If an unvaccinated child is exposed, they may still get the MMR vaccine within 72 hours or receive immune globulin (IG) within 6 days to reduce severity.

What to do If your child gets measles?

Rest and hydration – Encourage fluids to prevent dehydration.
Fever management – Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) (avoid aspirin).
Vitamin A supplementation – Reduces measles complications.
Monitor for complications – Seek urgent medical care if the child has:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe dehydration (not urinating, very weak)
  • Seizures

Health officials strongly urge parents to vaccinate children to prevent further outbreaks. If your child shows any such symptoms described above, please contact the child’s pediatrician, or seek advice from your primary care.

References:

Image credit: Dave Haygarth https://www.flickr.com/photos/minnellium/ (https://flic.kr/p/6ixHyo) CC by 2.0 (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 19, 2025
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Methi leaves pathra

Healthy Methi Leaves Patra

Fenugreek leaves or methi leaves has slight bitter taste but is good source of several nutrients including soluble fiber. It is a good medicinal herb and when cooked tastes delicious. Methi leaves has similar health benefits as its seeds or fenugreek seeds. It helps in easy digestion, reduces gas, promotes hair health, gives good nourishment for skin etc. Methi patra (or pathrode) is a tasty dish like Colocasia patra, where Colocasia is replaced by cut methi leaves. All other ingredients are same and takes less time to prepare. It is a good snack item for diabetic patients and for those who are looking for a vegan snack.

Ingredients:

  1. Methi (Fenugreek) leaves – 1 bunch
  2. Urad dal – 1 Tbsp
  3. Channa dal- 1 Tbsp
  4. Coriander seeds -1 Tbsp
  5. Rice – ¼ cup
  6. Grated coconut -1/2 cup
  7. Cumin – 1 tsp
  8. Ginger -1/2 inch
  9. Green chilli -2
  10. Red chili – 4-5
  11. Jaggery – little
  12. Tamarind – 2 inch

Preparation:

  1. Wash and soak rice, channa dal, urad dal, coriander seeds in ¾ cup water for about 3 hours.
  2. Grind soaked ingredients with chilli, red chilli, jaggery, tamarind, coconut, cumin seeds to a coarse paste (thicker than dosa batter) by adding little water.
  3. Clean. wash and cut methi leaves to small size, remove grown stem portion.
  4. Mix cut methi leaves with spicy batter.
  5. Transfer the mix to a clean banana leaf (leaves) and fold the banana leaf
  6. Place banana leaf containing methi masala mix in a cooker bowl and steam cook for 20 minutes
  7. In between open the cooker lid and check to see whether the content is  cooked well.
  8. Remove the cooked methi patra and allow it to cool.
  9. In a frying pan heat 1 Tbsp oil, add mustard, curry leaves, urad dal (1/2 tsp), little turmeric  and pinch of asafetida.
  10. Remove methi patra from banana leaf, cut into small pieces and add methi patra pieces to seasoning, miix well for few minutes.
  11. Remove from flame, garnish with little fresh grated coconut and little lemon juice. Serve hot methi patra with chapati, jeera rice or one can eat methi pathra as it is.
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 16, 2025
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Measles outbreak in Texas USA

Measles Outbreak Continues In Rural West Texas

As of February 16, 2025, a significant measles outbreak is affecting West Texas, USA marking the state’s most severe occurrence in three decades. The Texas Department of State Health Services reports 48 confirmed cases, primarily among unvaccinated children and adolescents. Thirteen individuals have been hospitalized due to complications.

The outbreak is concentrated in Gaines County, particularly within a Mennonite community with low vaccination rates. Surrounding counties—Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum—have also reported cases. Health officials are collaborating with local authorities to enhance vaccination efforts and public education to curb the virus’s spread.

What is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral disease presenting symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic red or brown rash. Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis. The MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) is a proven preventive measure, with two doses offering substantial protection. Residents in the affected regions are strongly encouraged to verify their vaccination status and receive the MMR vaccine if necessary.

Recent Measles Outbreaks (2024–2025 updates): Measles cases are rising in several areas due to declining vaccination rates:

  • West Texas (2025) – 48+ cases, primarily in unvaccinated communities.
  • Ohio (2024) – Outbreak among unvaccinated schoolchildren.
  • Europe & UK (2024–2025) – Measles surges due to vaccine hesitancy.
  • Philippines (2024) – Over 1,000 measles cases linked to low vaccine coverage.

Health officials strongly encourage vaccinations to prevent further outbreaks.

Measles symptoms and prevention: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and progress in stages:

Early symptoms (Prodromal phase – 2 to 4 Days):

  • High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
  • Cough (dry and persistent)
  • Runny nose (coryza)
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue and malaise

Key identifying signs:

  • Koplik’s spots (Tiny white spots with a bluish-white center inside the mouth, on the inner cheeks) appear 1–2 days before the rash.
  • Measles rash (3 to 5 days after symptoms start):
    • Begins as flat red spots on the face and hairline.
    • Spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
    • May merge and form larger patches.
    • Can be itchy and lasts about 6–7 days before fading.

Complications (more common in high-risk groups)

  • Ear infections -can lead to hearing loss.
  • Diarrhea -leading to dehydration.
  • Pneumonia -most common cause of measles-related deaths
  • Encephalitis –brain swelling, leading to seizures or disability.
  • Pregnancy risks – increases miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.

Supportive care:

  1. Rest and hydration – Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  2. Fever reduction – Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to manage fever (avoid aspirin in children due to Reye’s syndrome risk).
  3. Vitamin A supplementation – Reduces severity and risk of complications, especially in children.
  4. Cough and sore throat relief – Use humidifiers or steam therapy. Avoid irritants like smoke.
  5. Isolation – Measles is highly contagious. Patients should stay home and avoid public places for at least 4 days after rash onset to prevent spreading.

When to seek emergency care?

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent high fever (above 104°F)
  • Severe dehydration (not urinating, extreme fatigue)
  • Confusion or seizures

Measles vaccination and prevention: MMR Vaccine (Measles-Mumps-Rubella): The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. It protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).

Dosage and schedule:

  • First dose: 12–15 months old
  • Second dose: 4–6 years old
  • If missed, adults and older children can still receive the vaccine at any time.

Effectiveness: One dose is 93% effective at preventing measles. Two doses provide 97% protection for life.

Who should get the vaccine?

  • All children
  • Adults born after 1957 who have not been vaccinated.
  • Travelers going to measles-endemic areas.
  • Healthcare workers
  • College students & those in high-risk settings

Who should not get the vaccine?

  • Pregnant women (should get vaccinated after delivery)
  • People with severe allergic reactions to vaccine components
  • Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients)

Post-exposure protection: If an unvaccinated person is exposed to measles, these steps can help:

  1. MMR Vaccine (within 72 hours) – Can prevent or lessen the severity of the illness.
  2. Immune Globulin (IG) (within 6 days) – Provides temporary protection for high-risk groups (infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals).

This outbreak has reignited discussions about vaccination policies, especially concerning nonmedical exemptions. Experts warn that increasing exemption rates may lead to more frequent and severe outbreaks in the future.

References:

  1. https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news-alert
  2. https://apnews.com/article/
  3. https://expressnews.com/news/texas/article
  4. www.cnn.com
  5. Image credit: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/php/laboratories/serology.html
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Raw Banana Cutlet

Raw Banana Cutlet Recipe

Raw bananas are healthy and contain nutrients that support our digestive system. The main ingredient is starch and the same starch converts to sugar in ripened bananas. The starch in raw banana does not digest in small intestine totally, hence it is considered as dietary fiber. Another ingredient in raw banana is pectin. Both pectin and starch are good for blood sugar maintenance and digestive health.

There are different ways to cook and eat raw banana. One can prepare curry, varieties of sambar, chips (bake or deep fry). For those who like cutlets, substitute potatoes with raw banana and prepare tasty cutlets.

Raw banana cutlet recipe

Ingredients:

  1. Raw banana – 3
  2. Green chilies, finely chopped – 3
  3. Grated ginger – ½ tsp
  4. Garam masala – 1 tsp
  5. Red chili powder -1/4 tsp
  6. Cumin -1 tsp
  7. Asafetida – a pinch
  8. Lemon juice – 1 tsp
  9. Chopped cilantro – ¼ cup
  10. Salt – as per taste
  11. Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
  12. Oil for frying

Preparation:

  1. Wash and peel outer skin of raw banana, cut into halves and pressure cook
  2. Smash cooked raw banana and keep it aside
  3. Heat little oil in a container on medium heat, add green chili, cumin seeds, grated ginger, asafetida and slightly sauté.
  4.  Turn off the heat and add chopped cilantro, smashed plantain, salt , garam masala, red chili powder and lemon juice.  Mix well.
  5. Take medium lemon size banana mix and prepare patties.
  6. On both sides of banana patties apply bread crumb.
  7. Place a deep frying pan on medium heat and transfer banana patties to heated oil and fry until both sides turn golden brown.
  8. Transfer hot cutlet on a paper towel to remove any excess oil and serve hot cutlet with green chutney or tamarind-date sauce.

Image credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/652459064756311354/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Yoga for Heart

Yoga For Heart Health

To prevent heart conditions practice yoga, take yoga’s help. It lowers blood pressure, increases lungs function, maintenance of heart rate and blood circulation.

With this it also tones the muscle. To improve overall well being of body and heart use yoga.

Yoga helps those who already faced heart attack or cardiac arrest. It brings backs the balance and helps to find ways to calm the mind. It manages stress in a positive way and helps in recovery process.

One will see the benefit right away. Yoga is anti-depressant and helps in relaxation of mind.

It also decreases cholesterol level and blood pressure level thus helps in stress management.

Four yoga asanas that helps in improving heart health.

Padangusthasana: Big Toe Pose

  1. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart place hands on the hips.
  2. Exhale and fold forward. Grab your big toes while folding forward or grab your opposite elbows.
  3. Draw belly inside and lift sit bonds toward sky.
  4. Let your head relax. Bend knees a slightly and tighten the hamstring. Hold for 5 breaths.

Benefits: This pose calms the brain, relieves stress, and reduces anxiety and depression. It is a therapy for high blood pressure.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana: Bridge Pose

  1. Lie on your back on the floor.
  2. Bend your knees and set your feet on the floor, heels as close to the sitting bones as possible.
  3. Exhale and, pressing your inner feet and arms actively into the floor, push your tailbone upward toward the pubis, firming the buttocks, and lift the buttocks off the floor.
  4. Clasp the hands below your pelvis and extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders.
  5. Lift your buttocks until the thighs are about parallel to the floor. Keep your knees directly over the heels. Lift the pubis toward the navel.
  6. Lift your chin slightly away from the sternum. Firm the outer arms, broaden the shoulder blades, and try to lift the space between them at the base of the neck up into the torso. Hold for five breath cycles, exhale down, and repeat 2 to 3 more times.

Benefits:  Reduces anxiety, blood pressure, fatigue, backache, headache and insomnia.

Janu Sirsasana A: Head-to-Knee Forward Bend

  1. From a seated position with legs extended forward,
  2. Bend the right knee outward to a 90-degree angle
  3. Now press the right foot into the inner left thigh.
  4. Grab left foot or ankle, inhale, square the hips, and lengthen the torso over the straight leg.
  5. Exhale, fold forward slowly. Extend the spine and lengthen through the chest. Keep your back long and flat. Pull left toes back and extend through the left heel. Stay for 5 breath and shift sides.

Benefits: This reduces blood pressure, calms the brain, reduces anxiety and fatigue, and alleviates headaches and insomnia.

Supta Padangusthasana: Reclining Big Toe Pose

  1. Lie on your back with arms along sides and extended legs.
  2. While inhaling bend the right knee and clasp the right big toe with right fingers.
  3. Place the left hand on top of the upper left thigh.
  4. Exhale and straighten the right leg.
  5. Inhale; lift the head up toward the right leg and keep the left leg down.
  6. Hold for five breath cycles, inhale head back down to the floor, and exhale right leg down. Switch sides.

Benefits: Relieves backache and sciatica. Therapeutic for high blood pressure.

Trikonasana : Triangle pose

  1. Begin in Mountain Pose. Turn your right leg out by 90 degrees. Turn out your knee, ankle and foot in the same direction. Turn left leg by 15 degrees.
  2. Look to your right and stretch out your arms at shoulder level. Let the palms face the floor.
  3. Slowly bend down forward comfortably and place your right hand on your right shin. You’re your spine straight. Do not collapse in the pose.
  4. Now, lift and extend your body from the left hip.
  5. Raise your left arm towards ceiling. Alternatively you can fold your left arm at back and you’re your chest while doing so twist the spine little and look up to the extended arm or at ceiling.
  6. Hold the pose for 5 breath.

Benefits: This is yoga posture helps to promote cardiovascular health. It also increases stamina.

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Reference:

All images used here are published with prior permission from https://beyogi.com/learn-yoga/poses/reclining-big-toe-pose/ You can visit beyogi.com for more poses and also mind and body category of www.healthylife.werindia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 14, 2025
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Tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas city

Tuberculosis Outbreak In Kansas City

As of January 31, 2025, Kansas city in USA is experiencing a significant tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, primarily affecting the Kansas City metropolitan area. According to KDHE -The Kansas Department of Health and Environment ‘outbreak is larger than normal for Kansas, the risk remains low for the general’. KDHE public reports 67 confirmed active TB cases—60 in Wyandotte County and 7 in Johnson County. Additionally, there are 79 confirmed latent TB infections in the region.

This outbreak, which began in early 2024, has resulted in two fatalities. Health officials emphasize that the risk to the public remains low, as TB typically requires prolonged close contact for transmission. The KDHE, in collaboration with local health departments and CDC is actively conducting case investigations, contact tracing, and public health education to manage and contain the outbreak.

TB is an airborne bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. Symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough, chest pain, and fatigue. While TB is treatable with antibiotics, the treatment regimen is lengthy, often requiring several months of medication adherence. Individuals diagnosed with active TB are undergoing treatment, and many have completed their therapy successfully.

The KDHE continues to monitor the situation closely and advises residents to remain informed through official public health channels. Healthcare providers are reminded to report suspected TB cases promptly to facilitate timely public health interventions.

Do you know? Tuberculosis (TB) has been present in humans for thousands of years, but it was discovered as a bacterial disease in 1882 by Dr. Robert Koch, a German physician and microbiologist. He identified the bacterium responsible for TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and presented his findings on March 24, 1882. This discovery was groundbreaking because it provided scientific proof that TB was caused by a specific microorganism, paving the way for further research, diagnosis, and treatment.Before Koch’s discovery, TB was known by various names, such as “consumption” or “phthisis,” and had been documented in ancient Egyptian mummies, indicating its presence for at least 4,000 years.

Tuberculosis (TB) symptoms and treatment :

Symptoms of TB :TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but sometimes spreading to other organs. It can be active (symptomatic and contagious) or latent (dormant and non-contagious).

Symptoms of Active TB:

  • Persistent cough (lasting more than three weeks)
  • Coughing up blood or mucus
  • Chest pain or pain when breathing and coughing.
  • Fever and night sweats
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and weakness

Symptoms of Latent TB:

  • No symptoms (the bacteria are present but inactive)
  • Not contagious, but it can become active later.

Prevention and public health measures:

  • BCG vaccine (given in some countries, but not widely used in the U.S.)
  • Early detection and treatment of infected individuals
  • Wearing masks and good ventilation in high-risk areas
  • Regular screening for healthcare workers and those in close contact with TB patients

What is the treatment for TB? Is it curable?

TB is treatable and curable with antibiotics, but treatment must be followed strictly to prevent resistance.

Standard treatment for Active TB: A 6-month regimen of antibiotics, typically:

  1. First 2 months (Intensive Phase): Rifampin (RIF), Isoniazid (INH), Pyrazinamide (PZA) Ethambutol (EMB)
  2. Next 4 months (Continuation Phase): Rifampin (RIF) Isoniazid (INH)

Treatment for Latent TB: Isoniazid (INH) for 6-9 months, Rifampin (RIF) for 4 months and Combination therapy (INH + Rifapentine) for 3 months

Who is at high risk for TB? Certain groups of people should be especially careful about tuberculosis (TB) because they are at higher risk of infection or developing active TB disease. These include:

1. People with weakened immune systems:

  • HIV/AIDS patients – TB is a leading cause of death among people with HIV.
  • Cancer patients – Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
  • Organ transplant recipients – Taking immunosuppressive drugs increases susceptibility.
  • People with autoimmune diseases – Those on biologic drugs for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
  • Diabetics – Poorly controlled diabetes increases TB risk.
  • Malnourished individuals – A weakened immune system makes it harder to fight off TB.

2. Close contacts of TB patients: Family members, roommates, or healthcare workers exposed to TB patients. And People living in overcrowded places like prisons, homeless shelters, or refugee camps.

3. Elderly individuals: Weakened immune function with age makes TB more dangerous.

4. Smokers and heavy alcohol/drug users: Smoking damages the lungs, making them more vulnerable. Excessive alcohol and drug use weaken the immune system.

5. Healthcare workers: High exposure risk due to contact with infected patients.

6. Travelers to high-TB regions: Countries with high TB rates include India, China, South Africa, Indonesia, and parts of Eastern Europe.

Since TB treatment requires months of strict adherence, directly observed therapy (DOT) is often recommended, where healthcare providers monitor patients taking their medications to ensure successful treatment.

References:

Image credit: https://www.myupchar.com/, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 7, 2025
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Happy cooking

Ways To Enjoy Daily Cooking

Now a days there are many videos and blogs are available featuring various types of cooking. Obviously, these people enjoy cooking and experimenting new recipes every now and then.  Some people find cooking relaxing and fun, while others see it as a chore. Daily cooking can feel boring for these reasons.

  1. Repetitiveness – Making the same meals over and over can drain the excitement.
  2. Lack of inspiration – If you’re not discovering new recipes, it can feel like a chore rather than a creative process.
  3. Time pressure – Cooking under time constraints makes it feel more like work than enjoyment.
  4. Mental load – Constantly deciding what to cook and ensuring you have the right ingredients can be exhausting.
  5. Cleanup fatigue – The thought of doing dishes and tidying up afterward can kill motivation.
  6. Eating alone or unappreciated effort – If you’re cooking just for yourself or for people who don’t express appreciation, it might not feel rewarding.
  7. Lack of variation in Ingredients – Using the same pantry staples without experimenting with new flavors can make meals feel dull.

If cooking is a daily routine for you, then learn to enjoy cooking for your wellbeing.  Enjoying cooking is all about shifting your mindset, making the process easier, and adding elements of fun.

Here are some ways that could help love cooking:

1. Create the right atmosphere

  • Play your favorite music, podcast, or an audiobook.
  • Keep your kitchen clean and organized so cooking feels less like a chore.
  • Use good lighting to make the space inviting.

2. Make it easy

  • Invest in good-quality knives and kitchen tools – this makes a big difference.
  • Keep kitchen cabinets clean, tidy and arrange ingredients in an easily accessible way
  • Prep ingredients in advance make cooking less stressful.
  • Cook simple meals first, then gradually experiment with new recipes.

3. Turn it into a ritual

  • Cook with a drink you enjoy—tea, coffee, juice or a refreshing mocktail.
  • Create a cozy vibe by lighting a candle or using essential oils.
  • Try cooking at the same time each day to build a habit.

4. Experiment and be creative

  • Try new recipes or cuisines to keep things exciting.
  • Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavors.
  • Treat cooking as a creative process rather than a task.

5. Cook with others

  • Involve family, friends, or a partner for a fun experience.
  • If alone, video call someone or share your meal virtually.
  • Join a cooking class (online or in-person) to learn and socialize.

6. Cook for pleasure, not just necessity

  • Make meals you truly enjoy eating.
  • Arranging your food nicely makes the experience more satisfying.
  • Reward yourself with a delicious homemade treat.

Remember -Eating out or getting food delivered should not be your routine. You don’t know the ingredients that goes in when you order food from outside.  Daily cooking at home with fresh produces and known ingredients keeps your health in best condition. 

Image credit: Image by natalianovikova from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 4, 2025
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