Why You Shouldn't Take Your Veggie Diet For Granted

Vegan diets are just as unhealthy as meat-based ones, if you're not vigilant, say researchers in China.

Over the years, I've received a certain measure of criticism for turning vegetarian (and I've dished out my fair share to the more insensitive among meat-eaters). And I admit that since I've shed my appetite for artery-clogging meat and seafood, I've felt a lot healthier and energetic. 

But lately, I've been indulging in chocolate and desserts once too often, and it wasn't until I read this article that I (metaphorically) screeched to a stop. It seems that like the meat-eaters I was so fond of condemning, I too have been careless with my diet. 

To spare you the extra energy of clicking on the link and reading the entire article, I'll summarise it in a few sentences: Researchers at Zhejiang University in China have discovered that vegans are placing themselves in the path of heart disease. Apparently vegans are often deficient in zinc, iron, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids [which has been found to be essential for a healthy heart]. The researchers also found that vegans also have lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and higher blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

For more information, visit: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/vegan-diet-may-increase-risk-of-heartrelated-diseases-study-2216872.html

7 Ways To Stay Awake Without Coffee

As a recovering coffeeholic, I find that caffeine- despite the quick boost it gives on a cold, rainy morning or during the occasional boring class- wears off faster than I like and does nothing to get rid of the heavy feeling in my body. Sometimes I skip the coffee altogether and reach for an isotonic drink to kick me awake.

Same difference.

For the uninitiated, here's what caffeine does to your system: your body takes between 30 and 45 minutes to absorb it, and the short boost wears off in about three hours. Isotonic and other energy drinks do pretty much the same thing, except that the high sugar content in these leave you feeling lethargic and a little dull after the burst of energy wears off.

Do your mind and body a favour and go on a caffeine fast. Here are seven healthier ways to stay awake at your desk:

Before You Eat That Apple, Read This

Apples contain high amounts of pesticides.
Photo by SG.

While many of us who live in Asian climates skin apples before consuming them, we forget that as these fruits are imported, they contain high levels of pesticides. In fact, US-based Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit research organisation, has rated apples no.4 on their 2010 list of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide content.

Are Vegetarians Happier?

Practically every homo sapien with access to a TV has heard that vegetarians are less at risk for obesity, heart disease, cancer and type2 diabetes, compared to omnivores. And while there is an abundance of medical research on the benefits of a vegetarian diet on the physical body, there is an equal amount of research on how a flesh-free diet wreaks havoc on your mental state.

30-Day Mindful Eating Challenge

My eating habits haven't changed much since I became a vegetarian (the second time around that is). I rarely eat alone, lunch is an excuse to catch up with family members or friends, dinner is little different. And when I do eat alone, I end up eating in front of the television or computer to "save time".

Vegetarian Alternatives To Chicken Soup

Image source:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mait/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

When I was a child, my mother didn't believe in antibiotics when I had the cold. Unless I was sitting for a major exam, she would let the cold  run its course. She would give me herbs, chicken soup or porridge and make me drink lots and lots of water to flush all the toxins from my system. A bowl of chicken soup was the best 'comfort' food for my aching throat and congested chest. My mum would make the chicken soup Indian style too, with a dash of turmeric, tomatoes and lots of spices to drive the fever down. It always worked, for my body and mind.