All posts by Sumana Rao

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Left over Veggies

17 Ways to Use Leftover Vegetables

Sometimes those extra vegetables that are sitting in the refrigerator can have bit wrinkled skin or may look slightly old.

If there is no fungus or bacterial infections and the vegetables still look good inside, then instead of throwing the vegetables we can use them in different ways.

Here are 17 ways to use leftover vegetables:

1. Tomatoes: Chop tomatoes and use them to prepare tomato sauce. One can use it within 3 to 4 days or can freeze it for about 6 months.

2. Herbs: If there are herbs sitting that are not spoiled, puree them with enough oil and freeze the mixture in a shallow container for about 6 months! When needed take it out and add it sauces and dressings.

3. Summer Squash / Zucchini: Slice these vegetables and coat with olive oil. Toss them in salt and pepper. Grill these vegetables or roast them to brown.

4. Prepare soup: Cut all those old vegetables and prepare a mixed vegetable soup with little bit of tomato. Add herbs and spices for better taste.

5. Bake them: Combine with tomato sauce and bake them in lasagna. Add all those vegetables – everything from steamed green veggies to root veggies.

6. Prepare stir fry: All those vegetables (beans, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower etc) that are housed in the refrigerator can be turned into stir-fry.

7. Roasting: Root vegetables like turnips, sweet potato, potatoes, Colocacia roots (Arbi or patra) can be roasted well. Roasting is the easiest and fastest way to make any vegetable delicious. Cook them in a hot skillet until they’re crispy on the outside and enjoy as is or serve with cumin or jeera rice.

8. Prepare veggie dosa / Indian pancake: Cut vegetables into small pieces and mix in dosa flour and prepare vegetable uttappam.

9. Tasty salad: Prepare roasted vegetables and combine cooked pasta, add some baby spinach. Dress with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dry nuts and fresh basil.

10. Prepare stew: Use up leftover vegetables by simply adding them to a stew with lentils.

11. Make leftover veggies into a burrito: Add coriander and lime infused rice, little salsa, and wrap it!

12. Muffins & cakes: Some vegetables like carrots can be added to muffins and cakes. It makes your baked goods moist and gives a pretty look.

13. Mix vegetable pulp with almond meal, spices, and dehydrate or bake on a low temp- crackers. This tastes yummy!

14. Veggie bake: Grate any veggies that have wrinkled skin. Add this to quinoa and prepare quinoa pulao.

15. Veggie pizza: Prepare pizza using left over vegetables -slice them and place them on pizza – bake at desired temperature.

16. Prepare curry: Cut all those left over vegetables and prepare a delicious curry and serve with hot rice!

17. Lemons: Squeeze lemons and add it to vinegar. Use the liquid for cleaning purpose. Or use lemon slices to clean the silver vessels.

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Reference: Healthylife.werindia.com

Image credit: Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pexels (Free for commercial use)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Whole30 diet pros and cons

Whole30 Diet Principles, Pros And Cons

The Whole30 diet is a short-term nutritional reset designed to help participants identify and eliminate potentially problematic foods and then gradually reintroduce them to assess their impact on health. It emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and eliminates certain food groups for a period of 30 days.

The basic principles of the Whole30 diet are:

Foods to Eat on Whole30:

  • Meat: Sea food, eggs, poultry, and fish.
  • Vegetables: A wide variety of colorful and nutrient-dense vegetables.
  • Fruits: In moderation, focusing on whole fruits rather than fruit juices.
  • Healthy fats: From sources such as avocados, coconut oil, olive oil, and ghee.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Intake in moderation.
  • Some legumes: Green beans and sugar snap peas are allowed; however, other legumes are excluded during the 30 days.

Foods to Avoid on Whole30:

  • Added sugars: Including real and artificial sweeteners.
  • Grains: No wheat, oats, rice, corn, or other grains.
  • Dairy: All forms of dairy, including milk, cheese, and yogurt.
  • Legumes: No beans, lentils, or peanuts.
  • Alcohol: All types of alcoholic beverages are restricted.
  • Processed foods: Avoid processed and commercially prepared foods.
  • Certain additives: Eliminate sulfites, carrageenan, MSG, and artificial additives.

Guidelines and Recommendations:

  • Read labels: Be diligent about reading ingredient labels to ensure compliance.
  • Cook at home: Preparing meals at home using whole ingredients is encouraged.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

No Scale or Measurements: The program discourages participants from weighing themselves or taking body measurements during the 30 days.

Focus on Whole Foods: Emphasize nutrient-dense, whole foods to support overall health.

Reintroduction Phase:

After the 30 days, participants gradually reintroduce eliminated food groups one at a time to observe how each affects their body. This helps identify potential food sensitivities or intolerances.

It is important to note that the Whole30 diet is not intended as a long-term eating plan but as a short-term reset. Before starting any restrictive diet, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.

The Whole30 diet is generally considered a short-term, restrictive dietary program designed to help individuals identify food sensitivities and promote healthier eating habits. Whether it is “good” for you depends on your individual health goals, preferences, and any pre-existing health conditions. Here are some factors to consider:

Potential benefits:

  • Focus on whole foods: The Whole30 diet encourages the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Elimination of processed foods: By eliminating processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives, participants may develop a greater awareness of the nutritional content of their food.
  • Identification of food sensitivities: The reintroduction phase allows participants to identify potential food sensitivities or intolerances by systematically reintroducing eliminated foods.
  • Promotes cooking at home: The program encourages cooking at home, which can foster a better understanding of food preparation and ingredients.

Drawbacks of whole30 Diet:

  • Restrictive nature: The Whole30 diet is highly restrictive, eliminating entire food groups for 30 days. Some critics argue that this level of restriction may not be sustainable or necessary for everyone.
  • Lack of scientific evidence: While some principles align with healthy eating patterns, there is limited scientific evidence specifically supporting the claims of the Whole30 diet.
  • Potential nutrient gaps: Eliminating certain food groups may result in nutrient gaps, especially if the diet is not carefully planned.
  • Focus on weight loss: Some people may approach the Whole30 diet with the goal of weight loss, but the program emphasizes non-scale victories and a holistic approach to health.
  • Not suitable for everyone: Individuals with specific health conditions or dietary requirements may find the Whole30 diet challenging or inappropriate.

Individual Considerations:

Consultation with a Professional: Before starting any restrictive diet, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Personal Goals: Consider your personal health goals. If you are looking to identify potential food sensitivities or reset your eating habits, the Whole30 program may be a short-term option.

Sustainability: Evaluate whether the dietary restrictions and guidelines are sustainable for your lifestyle and preferences.

Balanced Approach: Even if you decide to follow the Whole30 diet, aim for a balanced and varied diet that meets your nutritional needs.

Ultimately, the “goodness” of the Whole30 diet depends on how well it aligns with your individual health goals, preferences, and overall well-being. It’s essential to approach any dietary changes with awareness and consideration of your unique circumstances.

References:

https://www.today.com/

https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/whole30-diet

https://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/

Image credit https://pxhere.com/en/photo/722087 (Free for commercial use)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: November 22, 2023
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Coping with financial stress

How to cope up with Financial stress

We all deal with financial problems, stress and uncertainty during different stages of our lives. Financial problem could be due to loss of job, medical expenses or unexpected expenses, house repair, education fee, school donation etc. Such situations could cause struggle, hardship and stress in life.

Financial issues take toll on both mental and physical health, relationships and quality of life. Losing job can result in loss of self-esteem, not having enough balance to fulfill family needs can bring down energy levels. Sometimes if the life partner does not understand the situation, it could strain the relationship with everyday arguments and unhappiness. What is the solution for this? To ease stress levels, it is always better to tackle money problems head on.

What effects financial stress will have on health and life?

  • Sleepless nights
  • Depression
  • Unhappiness and anxiety
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Physical problems
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Drinking, drugs, gambling etc.

How to deal with financial crisis?

  1. Talk to a person who understands your situation – The person need not to lend money but be there with you, listen to you and able to understand your emotions and difficulties. The person might be able to come up with some suggestions or guide you what you should be doing.
  2. Talking to family – It is crucial to get family support. Often family members step in to help. It could be reducing the cost, for time being the other adult can take up a temporary job to support needs. Explaining to children about the situation in words that may help to understand why there are some restrictions on spending money.
  3. Spend time with family and friends – don’t stop spending time with families and friends. Find ways to entertain children in inexpensive ways. Go to park, take them for ice cream, play games -if friends invite visit them. This will relieve stress.
  4. Give attention to spending – list the debts and try to pay the dues as much as you can. Sometimes monthly installment payments are allowed – make use of it. Reduce spending on unnecessary items. Instead of going out for dining, consider preparing food at home. Start saving on things like drinking, smoking and nonessential spending like window shopping.
  5. Find out recruiters in the area or which company is hiring – get ready with resume, update resume, references and apply for jobs. Contacting recruiters and employment agencies helps to stand in a job. Develop network, talk to your ex-colleagues, friends, try to meet people who are working in your professional to show interest.
  6. Find a temporary job – if you have lost job or need another job look for a part time job that will help to fulfill your needs and brings additional money.
  7. Right time to work on budget – So far when you had job, you were spending. Now with financial issues, set up a monthly budget that helps to keep track of spending as well as gives you sense of control. Set up a spreadsheet for monthly and annual expenses. Include all everyday expenses, rent, utility bills, car payment, medical bills, school fees etc. in the budget. To avoid late fees, set up automatic bill payment. Regularly review the budget and spending.
  8. Get support from family – Inform about the budget and essential spending. Encourage them to have control on spending. Talk to them about what you want to achieve by setting up budget and what is your financial goal is.
  9. Manage stress by walking, watching TV, meditation, volunteering, meeting people, focusing on healthy eating, and keeping negative thoughts away.

Like any other situations, financial stress also is a temporary situation. Till the situation improves, one need to focus on health, how to overcome stress, keeping up hopes and positive attitude. Do not give up and do not get disappointed, there will be always something better will be waiting for you, you need to have patience and find ways to improve and come out from financial stress.

Image credit: Image by Andrew Khoroshavin from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Baby eye protection

Safety And Protection of Baby’s Eyes

Protecting a baby’s eyes from the beginning means after baby’s delivery is essential for baby’s overall health and well-being. To ensure the safety and protection of a baby’s eyes here are some simple suggestions and tips.

Avoid direct sunlight: Protect a baby’s eyes from direct sunlight, especially during the peak hours of UV radiation (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Use a stroller with a canopy or a baby hat that shades the eyes. If you’re outdoors, find a shady spot.

Use baby sunglasses: When spending time outdoors, consider using baby sunglasses that provide protection against harmful UV rays. Look for sunglasses labeled as “UV 400” to ensure they block both UVA and UVB rays.

Be cautious with flash photography: Avoid using a camera flash directly in a baby’s face, as it can be harsh on their eyes. If using a camera with a flash, maintain a reasonable distance or turn off the flash when taking close-up photos.

Ensure a safe sleep environment: Create a safe sleep environment for the baby by placing them on their back to sleep. Avoid using toys or loose bedding that might accidentally cover their face.

Protect from household hazards: Babyproof the home to prevent accidents. Keep harmful substances, cleaning products, and sharp objects out of reach to minimize the risk of eye injuries.

Use soft lighting at night: When attending to the baby at night, use soft, dim lighting to reduce the strain on their eyes and promote a calming sleep environment.

Be cautious with toys: Choose age-appropriate toys that do not have small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Ensure that toys do not have sharp edges or points that could accidentally harm the baby’s eyes.

Monitor screen time: Limit screen time for babies, as excessive exposure to screens may have negative effects on their eyes and overall development. If screen time is unavoidable, follow guidelines provided by pediatricians.

Maintain regular checkups: Schedule regular eye checkups with a pediatrician or an eye care professional. Early detection of eye issues can help in prompt intervention and treatment.

Clean hands: Ensure that hands are clean when handling the baby, especially before touching their face or eyes. This helps prevent the spread of infections.

If you notice any signs of eye discomfort, redness, excessive tearing, or other abnormalities, consult with pediatrician promptly. Regular checkups and vigilant care contribute to the overall eye health and safety of a baby.

Image credit: Image by Adina Voicu from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/users/adinavoicu-485024/)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: November 21, 2023
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