Traditional and healthy Indian breakfast on Republic Day

On the occasion of the 66th Republic Day to be celebrated on 26th January, 2015, we bring you healthy and traditional Indian ideas for breakfast:

Adai Dosa: This is as healthy as it can get. The Adai , or the lentil Dosa is a combination of FOUR dals or dried pulse (lentils) : Toor dal, moong dal, urad dal and channa dal. All of this makes adai rich in iron. It is very simple to prepare. It goes well with avial, chutney, jaggery and butter. Click here to get Soulfull's Instant Adai Dosa Mix.

Ragi Dosa: Finger millet, famous as Ragi in India, is rich in calcium, protein, iron and a great source of fiber. It is good for diabetic patients as well. It is generally milled into flour and then used to make ragi dosa. Click here to get Soulfull's Instant Ragi Dosa Mix. 

Rava Dosa: Rava dosa is a very popular South Indian breakfast and easy to prepare. A derivative of Dosa, this is a kind of Indian crepe. Normal dosa takes pre-planning and fermenting but Rava dosa takes 30 minutes to ferment and is easier to make. 

Click here to get Soulfull's Instant Rava Dosa Mix.

Dalia: Dalia, also known as cracked or broken wheat, is an excellent source of fiber and low in fat. Preparing dalia with vegetables and makes it more nutritious and delicious and is a great addition to the diet. It is not only healthy but also a filling breakfast recipe. 

Idli: Idli is South India's most popular breakfast and a very healthy dish. Idli's are made by steaming a batter of fermented black lentils and rice. The fermentation process breaks down the starches so that they are more readily metabolised and digested by the body. Click here to get Soulfull's Instant Idli Dosa Mix.

Rava Idli: South Indian cuisine is known for its healthy recipes. Rava idli, or suji idli, is one such healthy and simple recipe which combines the goodness of dals and spices. It’s not just healthy and irresistible but also very easy to prepare. Nothing can beat the taste of authentic soft and fluffy home-made idlis. 

Click here to get Soulfull's Instant Rava Idli Dosa Mix.  

This blog is powered by Soulfull. Soulfull now lets you have the wholesome goodness of Ragi, every morning through its deliciously Healthy Breakfast Cereals, Idlis and Dosas! The easiest way to stock up on Soulfull's array of healthy breakfast products is by visiting the e-portal at www.soulfull.co.in.

Try Millets, this Harvester's Festival!

Makar sankranti or the harvester's festival is celebrated for the happiness of getting new crops for farmers. As we celebrate makar sankranti, we are going to look into one of the most important agricultural crops in India, which are also a very good source of nutrition - Millets.

Millets have been, throughout history, a very good source of plant food for humans and livestock. The young junk-eating generation has forgotten the likes of natural health food which leads to a variety of health problems. But for people who are still health conscious and looking for better alternatives to reduce their daily 'junk'consumption, millets are like wonder grains. Doctors and nutritionists vouch for their high nutritional value.

Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains. They can be consumed by people in the form of pilafs, snacks and cookies too. India is a major contributor in the global market for millet cultivation. Millets are also widely grown in Africa and Northern china. 

Types of millets:

*Little Millet – These type of millets can be cooked and consumed like rice. Also comes in semolina and flour form and used to make roti, dosa and bread. They have the highest fat content of all the millets and a good level of protein.

*Fox tail Millet – Like little millet, fox tail millet too can be cooked and consumed like rice and the semolina and flour can be used as roti, dosa and idli. They have the highest mineral content and second highest in the world production of all the millets.

*Finger Millet (Ragi) – Staple grain in Africa and India, these have the highest calcium content in all the millets. They can be consumed as porridge, roti, dosa, mudde, payasam.

*Barnyard Millet – These are the fastest growing millet, producing yield in 6 weeks. They have the highest fibre and iron content of all the millets.

*Kodo Millet – High fibre and energy content, they are ideal for diabetics and can also be consumed as rice.

*Proso Millet – They have the highest protein content and very high in carbohydrates.

*Sorghum – Known as jowar, these hardy grain can be consumed in the form of flat breads and porridge. They have a good protein, carbohydrate and energy content.

*Pearl Millet – India is the largest producer of pearl millets, commonly known as bajra. They are very high in protein and energy content and used in rotis and porridge. They can also be cooked and consumed like rice.

Health benefits of millets:

Millets are rich in Protein, fibre, calcium, Iron and Minerals. They help in reducing cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help in the development and repair of body cells and tissues. They help in reducing the risk of Type-2 Diabetes especially for women. They are great for people looking for weight loss, diabeties and cardiac patients. The high insoluble fibre helps to prevent Gallstones formation. Pre-menopausal women eating millets have a reduced breast cancer risk. They have a higher nutritional values when compared with rice and wheat.

This blog is powered by Soulfull. Soulfull now lets you have the wholesome goodness of Ragi, every morning through its deliciously Healthy Breakfast Cereals, Idlis and Dosas! The easiest way to stock up on Soulfull's array of healthy breakfast products is by visiting the e-portal at www.soulfull.co.in.

After-holiday diet or weight loss

All the partying and socialising during the holiday season takes a toll on the body and metabolism. All the eating and drinking add that extra inch to your waistline. Even the most disciplined of people struggle with the temptations of indulging during the festivities.

 

An after-holiday diet helps you in getting back to the shape you were in. Here are some after-holiday tips and tricks that can be introduced in your everyday schedule:

Detox and drink lots of water/fluids: Start the days after a hectic party schedule to detox yourself with some fruits and drink lots of fluids specially water and fruit juice. Have a bowl of chopped fruit for breakfast or make a smoothie with yogurt . Drinking water also keeps you from getting dehydrated.

 

Exercise but set realistic goals: Losing up to a kilogram in a week is good. Before you set out to lose more weight, remember that consistency and perseverance are the keys to a long term weight loss programme. Trying to lose weight overnight in not possible.

 

Do not starve yourself, replace rice with protein: Right after the holidays, deprivation because of guilt is a bad idea. The terrible effects on metabolism that under-eating has, has always been underestimated. Eat healthy and normally. Also, do not make too many changes in your diet at once. Like exercising, heavy and sudden dieting is also not suggested. It will only lead to frustration. Increasing the protein and fiber content in your diet, are the best options, that accelerate your weight loss programme.

Ragi flakes, porridge, oatmeal, muesli, low-fat yogurt, Idli, Adai Dosa, Ragi Dosa are good options for the dieting lot. Ensure that the carbohydrates you consume are good carbs. Ragi is high in fiber, and has a slow digestion rate. Ragi releases energy through the day , and is great as a breakfast option.

 

Switch to a healthy lifestyle in 2015. Soulfull would love to be a part of your journey. Please drop in notes, or other pointers that you may have.

This blog is powered by Soulfull. Soulfull now lets you have the wholesome goodness of Ragi, every morning through its deliciously Healthy Breakfast Cereals, Idlis and Dosas! The easiest way to stock up on Soulfull's array of healthy breakfast products is by visiting the e-portal at www.soulfull.co.in.