organicfacts--2020-04-30--How To Make Sheer Khurma (Milk With Dates)

Sheer khurma is one of those delightful paradoxes as a dessert .
It is simple , yet complex in taste and rich in ingredients .
This creamy sweet dates and milk pudding is garnished with the finest dried fruits like golden raisins , pistachios , and chopped almonds .
In the Persian language , ‘ sheer ’ stands for milk and ‘ khurma ’ means dates .
The dates help the pudding thicken to a delicious consistency and just give the right amount of natural sweetness , which makes it sublime .
Sheer khurma is a rich traditional Mughlai dessert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and broken vermicelli during the festive occasion of Eid ul-Fitr .
This religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark and celebrate the end of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan .
The origin of the dish is said to be in Afghanistan but sheer khurma is also made in India , Pakistan , Bangladesh , and parts of Central Asia .
This special dish is served as part of the breakfast on Eid and is usually offered to visiting family and friends .
Each family has their own way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their family recipe .
Sheer khurma is one of those dishes that family members , especially children , look forward to having on the day of Eid .
Here is a simple recipe for sheer khurma that can be made by amateur cooks too .
It is a sure-shot way of surprising everybody with a divine dessert .
So , let ’ s get straight to it .
While sheer khurma is traditionally prepared on Eid , it can be prepared on several other occasions too .
Here are our suggestions : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lip-Smacking Homemade Shawarma wraps and Baba Ghanoush , a smoky dip that goes well with crackers or pita crisps .
End it with the delicious vermicelli pudding .
• A weekend dinner of Biryani , a meat and rice dish , calls for a sweet ending of sheer khurma .
• It ’ s a wonderful dessert to have during the months as the dried fruits help give warmth to the body , along with several .
Sometimes , sheer khurma does not require an occasion .
So , go ahead and enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it !

by Raksha Hegde last updated -
Sheer khurma is one of those delightful paradoxes as a dessert. It is simple, yet complex in taste and rich in ingredients. This creamy sweet dates and milk pudding is garnished with the finest dried fruits like golden raisins, pistachios, and chopped almonds. In the Persian language, ‘sheer’ stands for milk and ‘khurma’ means dates. The dates help the pudding thicken to a delicious consistency and just give the right amount of natural sweetness, which makes it sublime.
What is Sheer Khurma?
Sheer khurma is a rich traditional Mughlai dessert made with milk, dates, sugar, and broken vermicelli during the festive occasion of Eid ul-Fitr. This religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark and celebrate the end of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. The origin of the dish is said to be in Afghanistan but it is also made in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Central Asia. This special dish is served as part of the breakfast on Eid and is usually offered to visiting family and friends. [1]
Each family has their own way of making sheer khurma and pride themselves on their family recipe. It is one of those dishes that family members, especially children, look forward to having on the day of Eid.
Sheer Khurma Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for sheer khurma that can be made by amateur cooks too. It is a sure-shot way of surprising everybody with a divine dessert. So, let’s get straight to it.
Delicious Sheer Khurma Recipe A creamy milk pudding made with dates and vermicelli 5 from 1 vote Print Pin Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 servings Author: Raksha Hegde [2] [3] Pin Ingredients 6 cups [4] milk full fat
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
1.5 cup broken vermicelli
16-20 dates seedless, chopped
16-20 cashew nuts chopped
16-20 pistachios unsalted, chopped
16-20 almonds chopped
2 tbsp chironji or charoli
2 tbsp golden raisins
1 tsp cardamom powder
1 tsp rosewater optional Instructions You can begin with roasting the vermicelli in ghee till it is golden brown. Remove and keep aside.
Add all the dried fruits in the same ghee and roast for 3-4 minutes. You can keep these aside too.
To make the sheer khurma, heat the milk in a heavy saucepan till it comes to a boil. Then, turn the heat down to a simmer for 8-10 minutes till the milk thickens.
Now add the roasted vermicelli, chopped dates, sugar, and mix well. Let the vermicelli and dates cook and soften in the milk. This should take another 8-10 minutes.
You will notice that it will become a thick mixture. Add the cardamom powder and dried fruits and mix well. You can keep a few dried fruits aside for garnishing.
Turn off the heat and check for sweetness. You can add more sugar If you feel necessary. Usually, the dates impart a natural sweetness to the sheer khurma.
Add the rosewater and mix well. You can serve the sheer khurma warm, cold, or chilled. Garnish it with more dried fruits and even rose petals, if you have them on hand. Notes You can use your favorite dried fruits if you don't have the ones mentioned in the recipe. Go ahead and experiment with pine nuts and dried cranberries. They may not be traditional but the recipe is quite forgiving.
If you are using dried dates, soak them in water overnight.
You can use sweetened condensed milk in the recipe to add creaminess. In that case, half the milk quantity and add sugar only if needed. If the sheer khurma is too thick, add a little hot water to adjust the consistency to your liking.
While sheer khurma is traditionally prepared on Eid, it can be prepared on several other occasions too. Here are our suggestions:
Have a Middle Eastern night with our Lip-Smacking Homemade Shawarma wraps and Baba Ghanoush, a smoky dip that goes well with crackers or pita crisps. End it with the delicious vermicelli pudding.
A weekend dinner of spicy Biryani, a meat and rice dish, calls for a sweet ending of sheer khurma.
It’s a wonderful dessert to have during the cold months as the dried fruits help give warmth to the body, along with several nutrients.
Sometimes, this sweet delight does not require an occasion. So, go ahead and enjoy it even if you are just craving it!


organicfacts--2020-05-02--DIY Protective Homemade Face Mask

DIY Protective Homemade Face Mask

One of the basic defenses against an epidemic is a face mask .
What was once seen as the most basic of protective gear for frontline healthcare workers , became common during the SARS outbreak in China in 2002 .
It revived recently when the COVID-19 outbreak reached pandemic levels .
While it may not be as effective as a surgical or N95 mask , the simple cloth face mask is more widely available .
In fact , we are now seeing homemade face masks , fashioned out of T-shirts , bandanas , scarves , or any other substantial piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before you start on your own face mask , it is important to understand what makes an effective mask and what does not .
So , here is a guide for making a homemade face mask .
The use of a face mask in preventing or limiting the spread of infectious diseases has been somewhat contentious .
A 2013 research , published in the Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , examined the efficacy of a homemade mask when compared to a commercial mask .
The authors concluded that it should be considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmission , adding that it was better than no protection .
The position of various health authorities on this subject has seen some flip-flops in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak .
An article published in March 2020 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine tracked the recommended use of face masks by various health authorities .
While some countries like China , Japan , and Singapore issued advisories on wearing a mask when in public , countries like the US , UK , and Germany were seen as less encouraging .
The WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a sick person .
But even countries who were less than encouraging changed their position later .
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC in the US advised the use of a mask to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
Since the effective surgical masks are not readily available , CDC advised people to at least take the protection of a simple cloth mask .
The Lancet article pointed out that societal and cultural practices may have caused the initial hesitation in the Western world .
With all health authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is important that we learn how to make an effective mask at home .
Homemade face masks are easy to make , economical , and more importantly , not affected by any supply chain hiccups .
It also ensures that there are no shortages of masks for healthcare workers who have a more urgent need for masks .
While the CDC has okayed masks that are not surgical or N95 , not everything is kosher in the mask world .
The Canadian government has laid down rules on what should and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• be made of at least 2 layers of tightly-woven fabric , such as cotton and linen .
• be snugly fit against the face and fit securely with loops or ties around the ear .
• be large enough to cover the nose and without leaving any gaps .
• be changed if dirty and maintain its shape on .
• be put on a child less than 2 years .
• be made of non-breathable material like plastic .
• be placed on someone who can not remove it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone who finds it difficult to breathe in it .
• fall apart easily or made of materials that disintegrate easily , such as tissue .
• be secured by inappropriate materials like tape • be shared with others .
To make this easy , the CDC has issued detailed guidelines on how to make sewed and no-sew masks .
To make a face mask you need rudimentary skills with the sewing machine .
Even a hand-sewn mask will do , provided you make the stitching close and tight .
Don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to a sewing machine .
You can still make a serviceable face mask with an old T-shirt or a bandana .
When wearing the mask , it is important to remember that it is a protective gear , which is meant to cover your nose and mouth .
So , make sure that the mask covers these areas .
It should fit snug enough to stay in place , but not so tight that you are uncomfortable or unable to breathe .
Why use only cotton or linen ?
We recommend using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are ‘ breathable ’ , that is , they allow for the passage of air , which lets you breathe .
In contrast , a synthetic material will not be as suitable .
The material should also be hardy enough to sustain frequent use , sweat , and regular washing .
Cotton and linen meet all these criteria .
Both the CDC and the Canadian government website advises using cotton or linen .
Should you wash your cloth mask regularly ?
If yes , how regularly ?
Yes , you should wash your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will depend on the frequency of use .
You can wash it along with your regular laundry .
How to take off the mask ?
When taking off the mask , be careful to not touch your eyes , nose , and mouth .
Wash your hands immediately afterward .

by Paromita Datta last updated -
One of the basic defenses against an epidemic is a face mask. What was once seen as the most basic of protective gear for frontline healthcare workers, became common during the SARS outbreak in China in 2002. It revived recently when the COVID-19 outbreak reached pandemic levels. While it may not be as effective as a surgical or N95 mask, the simple cloth face mask is more widely available. In fact, we are now seeing homemade face masks, fashioned out of T-shirts, bandanas, scarves, or any other substantial piece of cloth one can find.
But before you start on your own face mask, it is important to understand what makes an effective mask and what does not. So, here is a guide for making a homemade face mask.
Why Use a Homemade Face Mask?
The use of a face mask in preventing or limiting the spread of infectious diseases has been somewhat contentious. A 2013 research, published in the Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, examined the efficacy of a homemade mask when compared to a commercial mask. The authors concluded that it should be considered as a last resort in preventing droplet transmission, adding that it was better than no protection. [1]
The position of various health authorities on this subject has seen some flip-flops in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. An article published in March 2020 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine tracked the recommended use of face masks by various health authorities. While some countries like China, Japan, and Singapore issued advisories on wearing a mask when in public, countries like the US, UK, and Germany were seen as less encouraging. The WHO recommended wearing a mask only when caring for a sick person. [2]
But even countries who were less than encouraging changed their position later. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC in the US advised the use of a mask to slow the spread of COVID-19. Since the effective surgical masks are not readily available, CDC advised people to at least take the protection of a simple cloth mask. The Lancet article pointed out that societal and cultural practices may have caused the initial hesitation in the Western world. [3]
With all health authorities now unanimous in recommending face masks, it is important that we learn how to make an effective mask at home. Homemade face masks are easy to make, economical, and more importantly, not affected by any supply chain hiccups. It also ensures that there are no shortages of masks for healthcare workers who have a more urgent need for masks.
What Makes a Good Face Mask?
While the CDC has okayed masks that are not surgical or N95, not everything is kosher in the mask world. The Canadian government has laid down rules on what should and should not make a good homemade face mask. [4]
It should
be made of at least 2 layers of tightly-woven fabric, such as cotton and linen.
be snugly fit against the face and fit securely with loops or ties around the ear.
be large enough to cover the nose and mouth without leaving any gaps.
allow for easy breathing.
be changed if dirty and maintain its shape on washing.
It shouldn’t
be put on a child less than 2 years.
be made of non-breathable material like plastic.
be placed on someone who cannot remove it on his/her own.
be placed on someone who finds it difficult to breathe in it.
fall apart easily or made of materials that disintegrate easily, such as tissue.
be secured by inappropriate materials like tape
impair one’s vision when worn.
be shared with others.
To make this easy, the CDC has issued detailed guidelines on how to make sewed and no-sew masks.
DIY Sewed Face Mask
To make a face mask you need rudimentary skills with the sewing machine. Even a hand-sewn mask will do, provided you make the stitching close and tight.
DIY Sewed Cloth Face Mask 0 from 0 votes Print Pin Prep Time: 10 minutes Author: Paromita Datta [5] [6] Pin Ingredients 2 10" X 16" rectangular pieces of cotton fabric
2 6" pieces of elastic or rubber band, hair ties, or string
Needle and thread or bobby pins
Scissors Instructions Stack both the pieces of fabric on top of each other. Fold over the long side by 1/4" and hem. Similarly, fold over the shorter side by 1/2" and hem.
You should now have a double-layered stitched rectangular piece that is open at the top and the bottom on the shorter side. Use a large needle or bobby pin to insert the elastic through the open ends at the shorter side. If you don't have elastic, use a rubber band or hair tie.
Knot at the ends of the elastic to make a loop, which will fit around your ears. Alternatively, you can use a string. In that case, tie the string behind your head. Make sure that the elastic loops are snug and the mask fits your face closely.
DIY No-Sew Face Mask
Don’t worry if you don’t have access to a sewing machine. You can still make a serviceable face mask with an old T-shirt or a bandana.
DIY No-Sew Face Mask All you need is a T-shirt or a bandana and you can make a face mask for yourself. 0 from 0 votes Print Pin Prep Time: 10 minutes Author: Paromita Datta [7] [8] Pin Ingredients 1 T-shirt or
1 bandana
1 pair of scissors
2 rubber bands or hair ties Instructions From T-shirt Cut the bottom part of the T-shirt, about 7-8" from the hem. Now cut a rectangle about 6-7" in breadth on the right side of the T-shirt. Make sure that you have about an inch of cloth above and below the cut.
You should have an intact left side and two strings on the right. Now snip the strings in the middle. You will have a mask with strings. Tie the strings at the back of your head and at the neck for a snug-fitting mask. From Bandana Fold the bandana in half. Now fold the top and the bottom so that you have a band of at least 5" in breadth. Take this band through the rubber bands or hair ties.
Place the bands/ties 6" apart. Take the ends of the band and fold them in, making sure that the bands/ties are now at the two ends of the folded bandana band. Tuck one end of the bandana inside the other.
You should have at least a 5" wide band with band/ties on each end. These bands or ties will loop around your ears. Notes Make sure that the bandana and the T-shirt cover your nose and mouth. Make sure that the T-shirt is of thick cotton material. Thin and flimsy material will not work, especially since you can get only one layer of cloth for the mask.Make sure that the bandana and the T-shirt cover your nose and mouth.
FAQs
How to wear a mask?
When wearing the mask, it is important to remember that it is a protective gear, which is meant to cover your nose and mouth. So, make sure that the mask covers these areas. It should fit snug enough to stay in place, but not so tight that you are uncomfortable or unable to breathe.
Why use only cotton or linen?
We recommend using only cotton or linen because these fabrics are ‘breathable’, that is, they allow for the passage of air, which lets you breathe. In contrast, a synthetic material will not be as suitable. The material should also be hardy enough to sustain frequent use, sweat, and regular washing. Cotton and linen meet all these criteria. Both the CDC and the Canadian government website advises using cotton or linen.
Should you wash your cloth mask regularly? If yes, how regularly?
Yes, you should wash your mask regularly. The frequency of washing will depend on the frequency of use. You can wash it along with your regular laundry.
How to take off the mask?
When taking off the mask, be careful to not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands immediately afterward.
For the latest updates on COVID-19, please visit the CDC link and the NIH link. [9] [10]


organicfacts--2020-05-02--Appetizing Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Appetizing Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Behold the power of popcorn chicken !
This godly creation is a snack one can ’ t afford to dislike .
No way at all .
It is made with a mixture of flavors and is just so versatile , that it could give you a run for the money .
Popcorn chicken is a bread-coated deep-fried chunk of boneless chicken crisped to perfection .
No doubt , it is a clear winner as it qualifies for the perfect evening snack .
It is succulent , crunchy , delicious , and addictive .
The popcorn chicken recipe has always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the right amount of spicy and sweet , hitting your taste buds in every way .
You can prepare baked popcorn chicken instantly or freeze them for later use .
All that needs to be done is to just defrost them and bring it down to room temperature .
Then , fry them until golden-brown or throw them in the oven and see them rise and shine as a healthier option .
If you fancy a rocking chicken snack , then why waste time ?
Enjoy our crispy KFC style popcorn chicken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at every bite !
Homemade popcorn chicken couldn ’ t be this easier to make .
The key is the buttermilk marinade for that crunchy , crispy , and flaky finish .
Sounds yummy ?
Okay then .
Here we go .
The popcorn chicken level matches to its KFC counterpart when it is dipped in buttermilk .
Not just dipping , but marinating it rather in buttermilk .
Once marinated , the chicken pieces turn soft and when you coat it in the batter , it becomes flaky .
The USP here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crispier it turns out !
It is a win-win .
Now , the steps are as follows : • Cut chicken into regular bite-sized pieces and marinate in buttermilk .
• Combine the batter ingredients and coat every chicken piece generously .
• Deep fry in regular batches until golden brown and flaming hot through the center .
Making this ain ’ t no rocket science .
Right ?
So , keep scrolling to our full-detailed recipe and get started !
Air-fryer : An air-fryer is a decent alternative for those who want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Firstly , set the temperature to 400ºF .
Spray some cooking oil on the air-fryer basket .
Fry the chicken for about 8-10 minutes depending on the size of the pieces .
Flip them at halfway .
Repeat cooking each batch in the same manner .
Oven-baked : Save yourself some calories and bake these wonderful tots in the oven .
Preheat the oven to 200ºC .
Let it bake for 8-9 minutes , toss , turn , and bake for another 8-10 minutes .
Finish them off under a broiler to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many calories in popcorn chicken ?
According to USDA FoodData Central , a 100 g serving of popcorn chicken gives you 351 calories .
How many carbs in popcorn chicken ?
A 100 g serving of this tasty snack fetches you 21 g of carbs .

by Sakina Kheriwala last updated -
Behold the power of popcorn chicken! This godly creation is a snack one can’t afford to dislike. No way at all. It is made with a mixture of flavors and is just so versatile, that it could give you a run for the money. Popcorn chicken is a bread-coated deep-fried chunk of boneless chicken crisped to perfection. No doubt, it is a clear winner as it qualifies for the perfect evening snack. It is succulent, crunchy, delicious, and addictive.
The popcorn chicken recipe has always been the most searched online. It is just the right amount of spicy and sweet, hitting your taste buds in every way. You can prepare baked popcorn chicken instantly or freeze them for later use. All that needs to be done is to just defrost them and bring it down to room temperature. Then, fry them until golden-brown or throw them in the oven and see them rise and shine as a healthier option.
If you fancy a rocking chicken snack, then why waste time? Enjoy our crispy KFC style popcorn chicken recipe and get lost in its crunchiness at every bite!
How to Make Popcorn Chicken?
Homemade popcorn chicken couldn’t be this easier to make. The key is the buttermilk marinade for that crunchy, crispy, and flaky finish. Sounds yummy? Okay then. Here we go.
The popcorn chicken level matches to its KFC counterpart when it is dipped in buttermilk. Not just dipping, but marinating it rather in buttermilk. Once marinated, the chicken pieces turn soft and when you coat it in the batter, it becomes flaky. The USP here is the flakier the chicken, the crispier it turns out! It is a win-win. Now, the steps are as follows:
Cut chicken into regular bite-sized pieces and marinate in buttermilk.
Combine the batter ingredients and coat every chicken piece generously.
Deep fry in regular batches until golden brown and flaming hot through the center.
Making this ain’t no rocket science. Right? So, keep scrolling to our full-detailed recipe and get started!
Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe Our popcorn chicken recipe is quite simple and easy to make. It is juicy, crispy, tender, and full of flavors. Bet you can't have just one! 5 from 2 votes Print Pin Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 Author: Sakina Kheriwala [1] [2] Pin Ingredients 2 boneless chicken breasts cubed
2 tbsp [3] all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic salt
1 cup buttermilk for the marinade
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp pepper
2 tbsp [4] vegetable oil canola Instructions In a medium pan, add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and heat it on medium flame.
Take a small bowl and mix flour and garlic salt. In another bowl, add buttermilk. In a third bowl, add the panko crumbs. Place all three bowls in a line.
Dip the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, follow it with buttermilk, and then coat it with the crumbs. Dip the chicken pieces ensuring all sides are coated with every ingredient.
Place a paper towel on a plate and keep it next to the stove near the hot oil.
In batches, place the chicken pieces in the hot oil for frying. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they appear golden brown. Once the pieces are fried, remove them using tongs and place them on the paper-towel-lined plate.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy! Notes For a double coating, dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk a second time and then in the panko crumbs. This is for a crispier and crunchier taste.
Use half-frozen chicken breasts and a sharp kitchen knife to cut into even beautiful pieces.
Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a minimum of one hour. The marinade helps the chicken to be flakier and crispier.
You can mix different spices with panko crumbs like paprika, cayenne pepper, chipotle flakes, or red chili flakes.
You can use seasoned or plain bread crumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or crushed cornflakes as an alternative to the panko crumbs.
Raw chicken cubes can be coated and kept overnight in the fridge until ready to fry.
Once the chicken poppers are cooked, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight freezer container. You can freeze the cooked popcorn chicken for up to 3 months.
Alternate Cooking Methods
Air-fryer: An air-fryer is a decent alternative for those who want a less oily version of the popcorn. Firstly, set the temperature to 400ºF. Spray some cooking oil on the air-fryer basket. Fry the chicken for about 8-10 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Flip them at halfway. Repeat cooking each batch in the same manner.
Oven-baked: Save yourself some calories and bake these wonderful tots in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Let it bake for 8-9 minutes, toss, turn, and bake for another 8-10 minutes. Finish them off under a broiler to give it an extra crunch.
Popcorn Chicken FAQs
How many calories in popcorn chicken?
According to USDA FoodData Central, a 100 g serving of popcorn chicken gives you 351 calories. [5]
How many carbs in popcorn chicken?
A 100 g serving of this tasty snack fetches you 21 g of carbs.


organicfacts--2020-05-02--How To Stop Intrusive Thoughts

How To Stop Intrusive Thoughts

There are times in life when we are faced with thoughts that we don ’ t have control over , or so we think .
For some people , these thoughts are a regular part of their lives .
They come up uninvited and then simply just make a comfortable home for themselves inside our heads .
And what we don ’ t like is their constant knocking on to the fore of our mind .
They are annoying and sometimes borderline frustrating .
These thoughts are known by the name of intrusive thoughts .
In this article , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how we can control them for a better life .
Your day has just started , you are brushing your teeth and suddenly you remember that one time you accidentally stepped onto someone or maybe lost your favorite pen .
These are very basic examples of what intrusive thoughts may look like .
What happens is your mind goes into this crazy and unforgiving loop of thoughts that pop up now and then , sometimes through triggers and sometimes just out of sheer randomness .
They often leave us wondering what just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic as the examples given above or a reminder of something embarrassing , but sometimes and for some people , these thoughts might be more than that .
They can be troublesome to the point of triggering anxiety and major distress – they can involve the thoughts of killing or harming someone or abusive and loathing feelings for oneself .
They can also be sexual .
And what ’ s worse is that they tend to get stuck in the head , as also mentioned in a paper published in the Anxiety and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What is important to understand and know here is that – if you are faced with intrusive thoughts , no matter to what degree or extent , you are not alone .
At the end of the day , if these are just thoughts with no desire to act on them , they are not harmful .
Below , we will try to understand the different ways to tackle these thoughts .
There are many ways you can gain control over your intrusive thoughts , these include identifying your triggers , practicing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and talking about your feelings among other things .
Let us take a detailed look at them below .
People who are constantly faced with intrusive thoughts , generally , tend to have some specific triggers .
When proper attention is not paid , they often fail to recognize their triggers .
These triggers may include deadlines , a memory of a major event in life , crowded places , or sometimes a particular belief about the wellbeing of your family or someone else .
Intrusive thoughts sometimes come from an obsession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per the AADA , what OCD intrusive thoughts do is they go against our core values – our core feeling about something is what provides fuel to these unwanted thoughts .
It is , thereby , important to identify what your triggers are , first and foremost , to control your thoughts .
Sometimes , it can be a mere object or a song with some memory attached to them , thereby triggering your intrusive thoughts .
The thing that doesn ’ t work with intrusive thoughts is trying to control or kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control them , the more you empower them and bring anxiety to yourself .
Every time you try to push away a thought or try avoiding it , it becomes bigger in your head .
It sends a threat signal to the brain and turns into this thing you need to get away from , thereby triggering fear and anxiety .
Rumi , in one of his famous poems , said , “ If I sit in my own place of patience what I need flows to me… without pain .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want also wants me , is looking for me , and attracting me ” .
You can try applying something similar to your thoughts too , sit still with them and let them flow , do not let your OCD with these thoughts play tricks on you .
Accept the thought , embrace it , and then remind yourself of – a thought is just a thought and it has no power over you .
As quoted in the ADAA , “ Freedom from OCD is not about stopping the mind from offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning how to recognize spam vs. urgent mail.
” To take a break from your intrusive thoughts , try refocusing your mind and energy on something else .
Find an activity to do that you will enjoy ; it can be anything such as coloring , dancing , watching a TV serial , or meeting people .
All you simply need to do is mentally engage yourself in something else .
When our brains are tired , stressed , or too quiet , intrusive thoughts come into play and they hold space in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to something else , the thoughts often tend to shift to the back of the head .
This can help you calm your mind and relax .
As per a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , small changes in the way we talk to ourselves during self-introspection can have significant impacts on our thoughts , feelings , and behavior .
Give your thoughts love and compassion , hear them out , and then let them go .
An intrusive thought usually comes from a place of distress and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love like any human being in distress does .
Once you talk and listen to it , you need to tell the intrusive thought that is all you can do for now .
It would help you de-stress and letting go of the thought .
Mindfulness can help you focus your mind and regain control over it .
It helps you stay in the moment , as per a health news report published in the NIH newsletter .
It says , “ You can practice mindfulness throughout the day , even while answering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in line .
All you have to do is become more aware—of your breath , of your feet on the ground , of your fingers typing , of the people and voices around you.
” This will help prevent your mind from drifting away and taking you on long tiring emotional journeys .
Remember It Is Just A Thought It is important to remind yourself that it is after all just a thought , and you have more control over it than anything else .
A thought without any action has no power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us are faced with a hundred and thousand of thoughts , some we choose to act on and some we choose to ignore .
The same goes for your intrusive thoughts .
The only reason why intrusive thoughts seem to be overbearing is because they trigger an emotion in us that we don ’ t like .
It is , however , important to constantly keep reminding yourself that a thought is just a thought , just thinking about it doesn ’ t make it true .
If you ’ re being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolate yourself from others .
Talk to people ; they can be your friends , family , or a stranger if it makes you feel more comfortable .
Find a person you can trust and open up to them , it will help you feel lighter and also bring back some control .
The more you will try to avoid your thoughts , the bigger they will become .
Besides , another good thing about sharing is that it may give you perspective and might also serve as a catharsis for you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ If your thoughts seem to be getting the better of you and none of the above-mentioned ways seem to help , then seeking professional help is a valid and good idea .
The telling signs of it getting bad may include your routine getting affected or your daily affairs starting to seem like an arduous task .
These intrusive thoughts might be a result of unresolved trauma , grief , or anxiety disorder .
An intervention by a professional will help you assimilate your thoughts and see them for what they are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your routine and resume your life .
It is always important to know that there is nothing wrong with having intrusive thoughts or OCD or any mental health condition for that matter .
You may want to practice mindfulness or want to talk to someone , but whatever you decide to do , make sure you don ’ t let the thoughts become bigger than you .
If these are thoughts involving guilt , then you need to forgive yourself and tell them to leave room for other things in your brain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be on top of your priority list for a better life and health .

by Vanya Sharma last updated - Medically reviewed by Gayle N.L. Rodi, MA/IOP
There are times in life when we are faced with thoughts that we don’t have control over, or so we think. For some people, these thoughts are a regular part of their lives. They come up uninvited and then simply make a comfortable home for themselves inside our heads. And what we don’t like is their constant knocking on the forefronts of our mind. These thoughts are annoying, frustrating, and overwhelming. These thoughts are known by the name of intrusive thoughts. In this article, we will discuss in-depth what intrusive thoughts are and how we can control them for a better life.
What are Intrusive Thoughts?
Your day has just started, you are brushing your teeth and suddenly you remember that one time you accidentally stepped onto someone or maybe lost your favorite pen. These are basic examples of what intrusive thoughts may look like. What happens is your mind feels like it is going into this crazy and unforgiving loop of thoughts that pop up now and then, sometimes through triggers and other times just out of sheer randomness. They often leave us wondering what just happened.
These thoughts can be as basic as the examples given above or a reminder of something embarrassing from our past. But sometimes and for some people, these thoughts might be more than that. They can be troublesome to the point of triggering anxiety and major distress – they can involve the thoughts of killing or harming someone. They can involve abusive and loathing feelings for oneself. They can also be sexual. And what’s worse is that they tend to get stuck in the head, as also mentioned in a paper published in the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). What is important to understand and know here is that – if you are faced with intrusive thoughts, no matter to what degree or extent, you are not alone. At the end of the day, if these are just thoughts and you have no desire to act on them, they are not harmful. Below, we will try to understand the different ways to tackle intrusive thoughts. [1]
How to Stop Intrusive Thoughts
There are many ways you can gain control over your intrusive thoughts, these include identifying your triggers, practicing gratitude and self-affirmations, facing your fears, and talking about your feelings amongst other things. Let us take a detailed look at them below.
Identify Your Triggers
People who are constantly faced with intrusive thoughts, generally, tend to have some specific triggers. When proper attention is not paid, people often fail to recognize their own triggers. These triggers may include deadlines, a memory of a major life event, recollections of crowded places, or sometimes a particular belief about the wellbeing of your family, yourself, or someone else.
Intrusive thoughts sometimes come from an obsession with an object or a person. As per the AADA, what Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) intrusive thoughts do — is they go against our core values — our core feelings about something. This is what provides fuel to these unwanted thoughts. It is, therefore, important to identify what your triggers are. First and foremost, you need to understand your own thought process. Once you have recognized your thought patterns and what triggers you is when you will be more in control of your thoughts – intrusive or otherwise. Oftentimes, it can be a mere object or a song with some memory attached to them, thereby triggering your intrusive thoughts. [2]
Accept The Thought
The thing that doesn’t work with intrusive thoughts is trying to control or kill them. The more you consciously try to control them, the more you empower them and bring anxiety to yourself. Every time you try to push away a thought or attempt to avoid it is when it becomes bigger in your head. By trying to avoid your own thoughts, whatever it may be, you’ve given it more authority over you. This sends a threat signal to the brain and turns your thoughts into this thing insurmountable, something you feel you need to escape from, thereby triggering fear and anxiety.
Rumi, in one of his famous poems, said, “If I sit in my own place of patience what I need flows to me… without pain. From this, I understand that what I want also wants me, is looking for me, and attracting me”.
You can try applying something similar to your thoughts as well. Sit in the stillness with your thoughts and let them flow. Do not let these thoughts play tricks on you. Accept the thought, embrace it, and then remind yourself of — a thought is just a thought and it has no power over you. As quoted in the ADAA, [3] “Freedom from OCD is not about stopping the mind from offering up strange and occasionally disturbing thoughts but learning how to recognize spam vs. urgent mail.”
Refocus Your Energy
To take a break from your intrusive thoughts, try refocusing your mind and energy on something else. Find an activity to do that you will enjoy; it can be anything such as coloring, dancing, watching a TV series, or meeting people. All you need to do is mentally engage yourself in something else. When our brains are tired, stressed, or too quiet, intrusive thoughts come into play and they hold space in your brains. By giving your attention and concentrating on something else, these thoughts tend to shift to the back of our minds. This, in turn, can help you calm your mind and relax. [4]
Talk To The Thought
As per a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, small changes in the way we speak to ourselves during self-introspection can have significant impacts on our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Give your thoughts love and compassion, hear them out, and then let them go. An intrusive thought usually comes from a place of distress and what it seeks most is validation and love like most any human being does in distress. Once you talk to your thought and listen to your thoughts, you need to tell the intrusive thought that is all you can do for now. It will help you de-stress and release the thought. [5]
Be Mindful
Mindfulness can help you focus your mind and regain control over it. Being mindful helps you stay in the moment, as per a health news report published in the NIH newsletter. It states, “You can practice mindfulness throughout the day, even while answering e-mails, sitting in traffic or waiting in line. All you have to do is become more aware—of your breath, of your feet on the ground, of your fingers typing, of the people and voices around you.” This will help prevent your mind from drifting away and taking you on long exhausting emotional journeys. [6]
Remember It Is Just A Thought
It is important to remind yourself that it is after all just a thought, and you have more control over it than anything else. A thought without any action has no power at all. Every day, all of us are faced with hundreds of thousands of thoughts, some we choose to act on and some we choose to ignore. The same thing goes for your intrusive thoughts. The only reason why intrusive thoughts seem so overbearing is because they trigger an emotion in us that we don’t like. It is, therefore, important to constantly remind yourself that a thought is just a thought. Just thinking about it doesn’t make it true.
Reach Out
If you’re being faced with intrusive thoughts, do not isolate yourself from others. Talk to people; your friends, family, or a stranger if it makes you feel comfortable. Find a person you can trust and open up to, it will help you feel lighter and also bring back some control. The more you try to avoid your thoughts, the bigger they will become. Besides that, another good thing about sharing your thoughts and feelings is that it may give you perspective and might also serve as a catharsis for you. So, reach out to people.
Seek Professional Help
If your thoughts seem to be getting the better of you and none of the above-mentioned suggestions seem to help, then seeking a mental health professional is a valid and perhaps, necessary idea. The telltale signs of intrusive thoughts affecting you include your daily routine suddenly becoming harder than before. This is when seemingly simple tasks start to become an arduous task. These intrusive thoughts may be the result of unresolved trauma, grief, or anxiety disorder, but generally speaking, intrusive thoughts are a normal part of our brain’s thinking and remembering. Recognizing the difference between a thought and an action is of the utmost of importance to think more clearly and calm your nerves should an intrusive thought enter your mind.
If you notice that your intrusive thoughts are becoming obsessive in any way and affecting your daily life is when you’ll know that your top priority should be to seek professional help. An intervention with a clinical professional in the mental health field will help you assimilate your thoughts and allow you to see them for what they really are. Seeking therapy will help you get back to your routine and resume your life.
It’s also important to recognize that there is nothing wrong with having intrusive thoughts, OCD, or any other mental health condition, for that matter. [7]
To increase your chances of successfully ridding yourself of intrusive thoughts, you may want to consider practicing mindfulness on a daily basis.
Be certain to bring your attention to the present moment. Are you home looking out of a window, are you engaged on the computer, are you driving your car, eating your lunch? If you focus on the present moment, you’ll start to notice that there is simply no room for intrusive thoughts to enter your mind.
Speak with someone, if that brings you comfort. But whatever it is you decide, make sure you don’t let your thoughts become bigger than you are. If you discover that your thoughts involve guilt, then the first thing you need to do is forgiveness – for yourself. A mental health professional can also help you with this too.
Forgive yourself. Have compassion for yourself. Then tells these thoughts to take a hike, thus leaving more room in your brain for different things – positive things, things that make you happy. Taking care of your mental health should be at the top of your priority list for a better and healthier life.


organicfacts--2020-05-03--Dalgona Coffee, Internet’s Favorite Quarantine Drink

The latest internet sensation , dalgona coffee , has got almost everyone to lose their culinary virginity .
It seems like a siren call no one is able to resist .
And why not ?
A coffee-flavored cloud on top of chilled milk is a thing of beauty .
Most people are in love with this coffee for its photogenic quality , not to forget that it is delicious as well .
The origin and rise of dalgona coffee is an interesting story .
Dalgona coffee was first mentioned in January 2020 , on a Korean TV show , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about enjoying a whipped coffee in Macau , which resembled the taste of a Korean sponge candy – dalgona .
Jung called it dalgona coffee to describe it ’ s sweet , sugary flavor and that ’ s how a trendy , quarantine drink came into being .
In no time , this coffee became a celebrity on social media platforms like Tiktok , Instagram , and Youtube .
From amateur food bloggers to people who never even knew cooking , everyone gave it a whirl while staying at home .
Whether you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or you have not mastered the ideal froth , we have you covered with some basic tips followed by a perfect recipe .
Making whipped coffee is a fairly simple thing .
Mix equal parts sugar , hot water , and coffee and whisk them until it reaches a stiff peak status .
Add it on top of warm or cold milk .
Your quarantine drink is ready !
But before you actually start making it , have a look at these important tips that will ensure you end up with a lovely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avoid using fine sugar and sugar alternatives like honey and syrups .
Always opt for a crystalized version as it helps you achieve a creamy consistency .
Coffee : Stick to instant coffee .
Using already made espresso , grainy coffee , or freshly ground coffee may not give you the desired texture .
Water : Adding too much water can make the froth sink in the milk .
Stick to the quantity mentioned in the recipe and you ’ ll have a perfect coffee crown for your milk .
Milk : Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go ahead with the one that suits you .
Almond milk , soy milk , coconut milk , and cashew milk are some that go well with coffee .
Dalgona coffee tastes slightly bitter initially but has a sweet aftertaste .
It has a soft and velvety texture and looks like coffee-flavored cream .
You can have it directly , pop in a straw and enjoy the beverage slowly , or you can mix the froth into the milk after taking pictures of your success .
If you like whipped coffee , here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting beverage .
• Creamy strawberry milk : Mix 1 tbsp of sweetened strawberry with 4 tbsp of heavy whipping cream till you get a fluffy consistency .
Serve it over cold or hot milk .
• Whipped matcha milk : Combine 3-4 tbsps of whipping cream , 1 tbsp of matcha powder , and 2 tbsp of sugar to create a green cloud for your cup of milk .
Loved it so match-a , right ?
• Exotic golden milk : Made by using 3-4 tbsps of coconut whipping cream and 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to rename this bright beverage sunrise .
Try it , you won ’ t regret .
• Chocolate surprise : Blend or whip 1/2 tsp of cocoa , 1 tsp of sugar , and 3 tbsp of heavy whipping cream .
Serve over a glass of ice with your favorite milk !
Have you tried making dalgona coffee ?
Let us know how it turned out in the comments below .
Also , if you are recreating a unique whipped drink , do share the recipe with us here .

by Jinal Gangar last updated -
The latest internet sensation, dalgona coffee, has got almost everyone to lose their culinary virginity. It seems like a siren call no one is able to resist. And why not? A coffee-flavored cloud on top of chilled milk is a thing of beauty. Most people are in love with this coffee for its photogenic quality, not to forget that it is delicious as well.
The origin and rise of dalgona coffee is an interesting story. Dalgona coffee was first mentioned in January 2020, on a Korean TV show, by the actor Jung Il-woo. He talked about enjoying a whipped coffee in Macau, which resembled the taste of a Korean sponge candy – dalgona. Jung called it dalgona coffee to describe it’s sweet, sugary flavor and that’s how a trendy, quarantine drink came into being. In no time, this coffee became a celebrity on social media platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube. From amateur food bloggers to people who never even knew cooking, everyone gave it a whirl while staying at home.
Whether you are yet to perform the dalgona challenge or you have not mastered the ideal froth, we have you covered with some basic tips followed by a perfect recipe.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee?
Making whipped coffee is a fairly simple thing. Mix equal parts sugar, hot water, and coffee and whisk them until it reaches a stiff peak status. Add it on top of warm or cold milk. Your quarantine drink is ready!
But before you actually start making it, have a look at these important tips that will ensure you end up with a lovely glass of dalgona coffee.
Sugar: Avoid using fine sugar and sugar alternatives like honey and syrups. Always opt for a crystalized version as it helps you achieve a creamy consistency.
Coffee: Stick to instant coffee. Using already made espresso, grainy coffee, or freshly ground coffee may not give you the desired texture.
Water: Adding too much water can make the froth sink in the milk. Stick to the quantity mentioned in the recipe and you’ll have a perfect coffee crown for your milk.
Milk: Most people use regular milk but you can go ahead with the one that suits you. Almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk are some that go well with coffee.
4-Ingredient Dalgona Coffee Recipe Whipped coffee taken to another level! 0 from 0 votes Print Pin Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 2 people Author: Jinal Gangar [1] [2] Pin Ingredients 2 tbsp instant coffee
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp hot water
2 cups [3] milk
4 [4] ice cubes optional Instructions To start with, add coffee, sugar, and water to a bowl. Mix them well using a spoon.
Now, using your handheld mixer or stick blender, whisk the blend for 3-4 minutes. You want a velvety and creamy consistency, so whisk till you achieve that.
Once done, add ice cubes to two serving glasses and pour milk in them. Add a large dollop of the freshly whipped coffee on the milk and serve! Notes If you don't like it ice-cold, skip the ice cubes and add warm milk into the glass. Whipping coffee just before you want to drink it is the best option but if you want to make it once and store, it stays in an airtight container for a week. The texture won't be as good as the fresh version. You can whisk the coffee manually if you do not have a stick or hand blender. This would require more effort and time.If you don't like it ice-cold, skip the ice cubes and add warm milk into the glass.Whipping coffee just before you want to drink it is the best option but if you want to make it once and store, it stays in an airtight container for a week. The texture won't be as good as the fresh version.
Taste and Texture
Dalgona coffee tastes slightly bitter initially but has a sweet aftertaste. It has a soft and velvety texture and looks like coffee-flavored cream. You can have it directly, pop in a straw and enjoy the beverage slowly, or you can mix the froth into the milk after taking pictures of your success.
Whipped Beverages Inspired by Dalgona Coffee
If you like whipped coffee, here are other cool ways to create an interesting beverage.
Creamy strawberry milk : Mix 1 tbsp of sweetened strawberry powder with 4 tbsp of heavy whipping cream till you get a fluffy consistency. Serve it over cold or hot milk.
: Mix 1 tbsp of sweetened strawberry powder with 4 tbsp of heavy whipping cream till you get a fluffy consistency. Serve it over cold or hot milk. Whipped matcha milk : Combine 3-4 tbsps of coconut whipping cream, 1 tbsp of matcha powder, and 2 tbsp of sugar to create a green cloud for your cup of milk. Loved it so match-a, right?
: Combine 3-4 tbsps of coconut whipping cream, 1 tbsp of matcha powder, and 2 tbsp of sugar to create a green cloud for your cup of milk. Loved it so match-a, right? Exotic golden milk : Made by using 3-4 tbsps of coconut whipping cream and 1 tbsp of golden milk powder, we want to rename this bright beverage sunrise. Try it, you won’t regret.
: Made by using 3-4 tbsps of coconut whipping cream and 1 tbsp of golden milk powder, we want to rename this bright beverage sunrise. Try it, you won’t regret. Chocolate surprise: Blend or whip 1/2 tsp of cocoa, 1 tsp of sugar, and 3 tbsp of heavy whipping cream. Serve over a glass of ice with your favorite milk!
Have you tried making dalgona coffee? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Also, if you are recreating a unique whipped drink, do share the recipe with us here.


organicfacts--2020-05-04--How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Is Good For Weight Loss

We belong to a world that is obsessed with losing weight .
That is not necessarily a bad thing as losing weight is important for a healthy body and sound mind .
It boosts confidence , slows the aging process , and has a positive impact on mood as well .
However , battling the scale is not everyone ’ s idea of a good time .
While nutritionists and doctors insist on maintaining a balance between a healthy diet and exercise , people are mostly on the lookout for shortcuts .
Perhaps that is why it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apple cider vinegar ( ACV ) weight loss diet comes up as one of the highest search results on the internet .
Check out our detailed article on the apple cider vinegar diet here .
But how much ACV should we consume for weight loss ?
How can you add it to your diet ?
Let us find out .
Apple cider vinegar is made by cutting and crushing apples and then mixing them with yeast to turn their sugar into alcohol .
This alcohol is then further fermented to convert into acetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , apple cider vinegar is known for its distinct sour taste and strong odor .
The entire process of making ACV takes up to a month .
It is known to aid in the weight loss process .
However , it has to be noted that consuming apple cider vinegar alone will not ensure weight loss .
It has to be accompanied by a proper exercise regime and a restricted diet .
According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods , a randomly assigned group of 39 study subjects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was asked to follow a restricted diet along with apple cider vinegar and one that was asked to follow the diet without ACV .
It was noticed that the people belonging to the former group experienced a reduction in body weight , body mass index ( BMI ) , visceral fat , waist circumference , total cholesterol , and plasma triglycerides , more than the people belonging to the second group .
This experiment was carried on for a period of 12 weeks .
Daily consumption of this vinegar can also help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer period of time which will eventually result in a lower intake of calories .
A small study comprising 11 people , published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association , showed that those who consumed vinegar along with a carbohydrate-rich diet had a 55 % lower blood sugar response even after an hour of eating .
Furthermore , it was observed that these people reduced their consumption by 200–275 calories during the day .
However , additional research is required to ascertain its consistent and sustainable effectiveness across a diverse group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should One Consume For Weight Loss ?
Apple cider vinegar must be diluted in water and consumed for effective results and to avoid any kind of side effects .
Research shows that 1-2 tablespoons , which is approximately 15-30 ml of apple cider vinegar diluted in water can be consumed daily for weight loss .
However , it is best to divide it into 2-3 doses during the day .
Ideally , it is recommended to have it 5-10 minutes before your meals .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a smaller dose , as it may or may not suit your body .
How Can You Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Diet ?
As mentioned above , it is ideal to have apple cider vinegar in a diluted form in water .
Otherwise , you can drizzle some of it along with olive oil to use it as a salad dressing .
It goes really well with the crunchiness of leafy green vegetables , cucumbers , and slightly unripe tomatoes .
In some cases , apple cider vinegar can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pills are available as well but they are said to have some potential side effects .
A report published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association evaluated how a woman experienced problems in swallowing for over six months after a pill got accidentally stuck in her throat .
Apple Cider vinegar is quite concentrated and that is why it is best had when diluted in water .
Word of caution : Taking more than the aforementioned recommended dose is inadvisable as it could lead to some potential side effects that include erosion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some unpleasant digestive symptoms , low potassium level , and bone loss among other things .

by Ishani Bose last updated -
Battling the scale is not everyone’s idea of a good time. While nutritionists and doctors insist on maintaining a balance between a healthy diet and exercise, people are mostly on the lookout for shortcuts. Perhaps that is why it doesn’t come as a surprise to know that apple cider vinegar (ACV) weight loss diet comes up as one of the highest search results on the internet. Check out our detailed article on the apple cider vinegar diet here. But how much ACV should we consume for weight loss? How can you add it to your diet? Let us find out. [1]
How Much Apple Cider Vinegar To Consume For Weight Loss?
Apple cider vinegar is made by cutting and crushing apples and then mixing them with yeast to turn their sugar into alcohol. This alcohol is then further fermented to convert into acetic acid. Also known as ethanoic acid, apple cider vinegar is known for its distinct sour taste and strong odor. It is known to aid in the weight loss process. But here are a few things you need to remember to know how much of it should you have daily to get effective results.
Apple cider vinegar must be diluted in water and consumed for effective results and to avoid any kind of side effects.
Research shows that 1-2 tablespoons, which is approximately 15-30 ml of apple cider vinegar diluted in water can be consumed daily for weight loss. [2]
However, it is best to divide it into 2-3 doses during the day.
Ideally, it is recommended to have it 5-10 minutes before your meals. It is advisable, however, to start off with a smaller dose, as it may or may not suit your body.
Does Having Apple Cider Vinegar Alone Help In The Weight Loss Process?
Consuming apple cider vinegar alone will not ensure weight loss. It has to be accompanied by a restricted diet. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods revealed that people who watched their calories and additionally had apple cider vinegar lost more weight and fat than people who did not take the ACV. Thirty-nine people were divided into two groups — one that was asked to follow a restricted diet along with apple cider vinegar and one that was asked to follow the diet without ACV. It was noticed that the people belonging to the former group experienced a reduction in body weight, body mass index (BMI), visceral fat, waist circumference, total cholesterol, and plasma triglycerides, more than the people belonging to the second group. This experiment was carried on for a period of 12 weeks. [3]
Nutrition Facts Apple cider Serving Size : 100 g 1 90000 (248 g) 1 30001 (31 g) 1 30009 (23 g) 1 30008 (31 g) Nutrient Value Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.13 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 11.3 Energy 46 Water [g] 88.24 Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 9.62 Fiber, total dietary [g] 0.2 Calcium, Ca [mg] 8 Iron, Fe [mg] 0.12 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 5 Phosphorus, P [mg] 7 Potassium, K [mg] 101 Sodium, Na [mg] 4 Zinc, Zn [mg] 0.02 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.01 Selenium, Se [µg] 0.1 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 0.01 Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] 16 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 0.9 Thiamin [mg] 0.02 Riboflavin [mg] 0.02 Niacin [mg] 0.07 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.02 Choline, total [mg] 1.8 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0.02 14:0 [g] 0 16:0 [g] 0.02 18:0 [g] 0 18:1 [g] 0.01 18:2 [g] 0.03 18:3 [g] 0.01 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 0.01 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 0.04 Sources include : USDA [4]
Daily consumption of this vinegar can also help keep a person feeling full for a longer period of time which will eventually result in a lower intake of calories. A small study comprising 11 people, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, showed that those who consumed vinegar along with a carbohydrate-rich diet had a 55% lower blood sugar response even after an hour of eating. Furthermore, it was observed that these people reduced their consumption by 200–275 calories during the day. However, additional research is required to ascertain its consistent and sustainable effectiveness across a diverse group of people over a longer period of time. [5]
How Can You Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Diet?
Here are a few ways in which you can add apple cider vinegar to your daily diet.
Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar: As mentioned above, it is ideal to have apple cider vinegar by diluting it in water.
As mentioned above, it is ideal to have apple cider vinegar by diluting it in water. Salad dressing: You can drizzle some ACV along with olive oil to use it as a salad dressing. It goes really well with the crunchiness of leafy green vegetables, cucumbers, and slightly unripe tomatoes.
You can drizzle some ACV along with olive oil to use it as a salad dressing. It goes really well with the crunchiness of leafy green vegetables, cucumbers, and slightly unripe tomatoes. Pickling Vegetables: In some cases, apple cider vinegar may also be used to pickle vegetables. Its mellow, fruity flavor blends well with spices and gives the vegetables a distinct flavor.
In some cases, apple cider vinegar may also be used to pickle vegetables. Its mellow, fruity flavor blends well with spices and gives the vegetables a distinct flavor. Apple Cider Vinegar Pills: ACV pills are available as well but they are said to have some potential side effects. A report published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association evaluated how a woman experienced problems in swallowing for over six months after a pill got accidentally stuck in her throat. Apple cider vinegar is quite concentrated and that is why it is best had when diluted in water. [6]
Word of caution: Taking more than the aforementioned recommended dose is inadvisable as it could lead to some potential side effects that include erosion of tooth enamel, throat burns, some unpleasant digestive symptoms, low potassium level, and bone loss among other things. [7] [8] [9] [10]


organicfacts--2020-05-05--Chili Cheese Toast Two-Ways

Chili Cheese Toast Two-Ways

If you are running out of snack options to make for the kids , or need more ways to make your slice of bread cheesy and interesting , here is a quick and easy chili cheese toast recipe for you .
Enjoyed as a midday snack as well as a teatime accompaniment , the open-faced toast is something we don ’ t mind as a midnight sneaky bite either .
With a few standard elements , the recipe is otherwise customizable to fit your taste and what you can find in the pantry .
Our version here is something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pizza but without half the effort .
Whether you are looking for a simple snack or side idea , want to impress the kids with a tasty treat , or trying to impress someone with your cooking skills without really doing a lot , we got you .
What ’ s more , this recipe can be made in two ways , both giving slightly different results .
The pan version gives you a golden , crispy crust , whereas the oven-made one will cook the toppings and give a crusty cheese cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests that chilies and cheese would be the star of the show , it is all held together by a generous amount of butter and garlic .
If you are not a fan of garlic , you could use garlic powder or skip it altogether , but we recommend you try it .
We also like this best with slices of plain white bread .
You are free to go with any other variety , but ensure that the bread is not crumbly or falling apart easily .
French baguettes are an option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use that .
We love the chili cheese toast hot and crispy .
Do you have any special tricks to make them even yummier , maybe a secret dipping sauce you don ’ t want to keep a secret anymore ?
Let us know in the comments !
Also , if you want to share some of your awesome recipes with us , head over to our recipe submissions page .

by Prachee last updated -
If you are running out of snack options to make for the kids, or need more ways to make your slice of bread cheesy and interesting, here is a quick and easy chili cheese toast recipe for you. Enjoyed as a midday snack as well as a teatime accompaniment, the open-faced toast is something we don’t mind as a midnight sneaky bite either. With a few standard elements, the recipe is otherwise customizable to fit your taste and what you can find in the pantry. Our version here is something that serves as a reminder of a cheesy pizza but without half the effort.
Whether you are looking for a simple snack or side idea, want to impress the kids with a tasty treat, or trying to impress someone with your cooking skills without really doing a lot, we got you. What’s more, this recipe can be made in two ways, both giving slightly different results. The pan version gives you a golden, crispy crust, whereas the oven-made one will cook the toppings and give a crusty cheese cover.
How to Make Chili Cheese Toast?
While the name chili cheese toast suggests that chilies and cheese would be the star of the show, it is all held together by a generous amount of butter and garlic. If you are not a fan of garlic, you could use garlic powder or skip it altogether, but we recommend you try it.
We also like this best with slices of plain white bread. You are free to go with any other variety, but ensure that the bread is not crumbly or falling apart easily. French baguettes are an option, or sourdough bread if you want to use that.
Chili Cheese Toast A perfect accompaniment to your tea or coffee, the Chili Cheese Toast lies somewhere between garlic bread and pizza on the spectrum of cheesy goodness. These also make for fun picnic snacks, starters at kids' parties, or for binge-eating when binge-watching. 0 from 0 votes Print Pin Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 2 people Author: Prachee [1] [2] Pin Ingredients 4 slices bread
2 cup mozzarella cheese grated
1 cup capsicum chopped
1 cup yellow onion chopped, optional
1 tsp green chilies chopped
1 tbsp jalapeno chopped
butter
8 cloves garlic
chopped coriander optional
oregano
chili flakes Instructions To make chili cheese toast, start by crushing your garlic cloves and then chopping them up into small pieces.
Next, take over one tablespoon of room temperature, soft butter in a bowl, and add the chopped garlic to it. Also add a couple of pinches of oregano, chili flakes, and all the green chilies to the butter. Mix this well.
Spread this mixture on one side of each slice of bread. Set it aside.
Take the grated mozzarella cheese in another bowl. To this bowl, add capsicum, jalapeno, onions, as well as the rest of the oregano and chili flakes. Give it a light toss to mix the ingredients together. Chili Cheese Toast in the Oven Place the cheese mixture on the buttered side of the bread. Pile it as high as you like!
Preheat the oven at 200°C or 390°F. Place the bread in for about 5 minutes. It tastes best when the cheese has developed a golden, crusty top. Chili Cheese Toast in the Pan Place a non-stick pan on medium heat. With the buttered side down, place the bread slices in the pan for a minute or so, till the butter melts into the slice. Take them off the heat.
Spread a layer of the garlic butter on the plain side. Top the lightly toasted side with the cheese mix. Place it back on the pan.
Do not overcrowd the pan and let it stay on medium heat. Place a lid on after a couple of minutes. Take it off when the cheese has melted the way you like it.
Carefully lift one slice with a spatula to check whether the bread has crisped enough. Take it off the heat when it has toasted well enough.
To serve the chili cheese toast, cut the slices diagonally, and plate it up. Garnish with finely chopped coriander. Serve it with a side of sweet chili sauce, mint mayonnaise or mint chutney, or any dip of your choice. Something spicy, light, and fresh goes well with these. Notes The oven version gives a nice crisped-up cheese topping, while the pan version is best if you like your bread properly toasted with melted cheese.
To the cheese mix, you can also consider adding chopped pepperoni or bacon bits.
We love the chili cheese toast hot and crispy. Do you have any special tricks to make them even yummier, maybe a secret dipping sauce you don’t want to keep a secret anymore? Let us know in the comments! Also, if you want to share some of your awesome recipes with us, head over to our recipe submissions page.


organicfacts--2020-05-06--What Is Carbon Footprint

What Is Carbon Footprint

If you want to know how an activity , event , company , or even an individual is impacting the environment , a simple measure of it is their carbon footprint .
The carbon footprint is a calculation of how much greenhouse gas emission has occurred through a certain activity .
In times like these when global warming is affecting almost everyone around the world , and every small step can help , there are several things we can do to reduce our footprint , as individuals and as a community .
But before we do that , we ought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we are adding to it .
Let ’ s take a look .
To put it simply , our carbon footprint is the volume of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere as a result of our actions .
These calculations can be applied to the life of an individual or specific aspects of their lifestyle , regions , organizations , events , or any such parameters .
Irrespective of how it is calculated , the collective carbon footprint of humankind affects the climate of our planet .
Also , the higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the peak of global warming .
Which means , it is in our best benefit to reduce our carbon footprint .
When talking about global warming , we often come across the harms that carbon dioxide emission is causing to the environment .
Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases , but it is only one part of the picture .
Some of the other greenhouse gases are water vapor , methane , ozone , nitrous oxide , as well as CFCs and HFCs .
Most of the gases from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ozone , are naturally present in the atmosphere as well as released through our activities .
So what makes them harmful now ?
Primarily , it is the volumes of greenhouse gases now being released into the atmosphere .
When released in the atmosphere , these gases tend to stay trapped in .
They are also capable of absorbing infrared radiation .
The more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere , the more infrared radiation stays trapped in the atmosphere .
This leads to an increase in the temperature by creating a greenhouse effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it up , our footprint is the calculation of how much greenhouse gases are our activities releasing into the atmosphere .
The volumes of these gases being emitted into the atmosphere have been increasing since the industrial revolution .
We are all adding to the carbon footprint of humankind , in one way or another .
However , here are some activities that add a major share to the whole , and could help by adopting greener means of operating .
According to the data provided by the EPA , here are some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emissions .
• None Industry ( Use of fossil fuels as well as chemical reactions ) While we can not stop these activities , it is important to seek out more sustainable and environmentally-friendly options that we can consider .
It may be overwhelming to make a lot of eco-friendly lifestyle changes overnight , but here are a few steps you could take to reduce your carbon footprint .

by Prachee last updated -
If you want to know how an activity, event, company, or even an individual is impacting the environment, a simple measure of it is their carbon footprint. The carbon footprint is a calculation of how much greenhouse gas emission has occurred through a certain activity. In times like these when global warming is affecting almost everyone around the world, and every small step can help, there are several things we can do to reduce our footprint, as individuals and as a community. But before we do that, we ought to know what carbon footprint is and how we are adding to it. Let’s take a look.
What is Carbon Footprint?
To put it simply, our carbon footprint is the volume of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere as a result of our actions. These calculations can be applied to the life of an individual or specific aspects of their lifestyle, regions, organizations, events, or any such parameters. [1]
Irrespective of how it is calculated, the collective carbon footprint of humankind affects the climate of our planet. Also, the higher this footprint, the closer we get to the peak of global warming. Which means, it is in our best benefit to reduce our carbon footprint. [2]
What are Greenhouse Gases?
When talking about global warming, we often come across the harms that carbon dioxide emission is causing to the environment. Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases, but it is only one part of the picture. Some of the other greenhouse gases are water vapor, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, as well as CFCs and HFCs.
Most of the gases from this group, such as water vapor and ozone, are naturally present in the atmosphere as well as released through our activities. So what makes them harmful now? Primarily, it is the volumes of greenhouse gases now being released into the atmosphere.
When released in the atmosphere, these gases tend to stay trapped in. They are also capable of absorbing infrared radiation. The more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the more infrared radiation stays trapped in the atmosphere. This leads to an increase in the temperature by creating a greenhouse effect, thus the name. [3]
To sum it up, our footprint is the calculation of how much greenhouse gases are our activities releasing into the atmosphere. The volumes of these gases being emitted into the atmosphere have been increasing since the industrial revolution. [4]
Major Carbon Footprint Contributors
We are all adding to the carbon footprint of humankind, in one way or another. However, here are some activities that add a major share to the whole, and could help by adopting greener means of operating. According to the data provided by the EPA, here are some of the top sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Electricity production
Transportation
Industry (Use of fossil fuels as well as chemical reactions)
Commercial and Residential
Agriculture
Land use and forestry
While we cannot stop these activities, it is important to seek out more sustainable and environmentally-friendly options that we can consider. It may be overwhelming to make a lot of eco-friendly lifestyle changes overnight, but here are a few steps you could take to reduce your carbon footprint.


organicfacts--2020-05-07--Home Workout: Top 10 Exercises For Beginners

Life can get busy at times , and while we all know that exercise is good for us , it does become impossible to sign up for a gym or a fitness class when work or family schedules take over .
To make it easier , you can instead work out at your home at the time most suitable for you .
The American Council on Exercise recommends body strength exercises that can be done by beginners , even at home for overall strength conditioning .
These home workout exercises can be done together or they can be broken up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if that is more convenient to you .
So , let ’ s dive right in .
To get the most out of your home workout , we have listed a mix of the upper body , lower body , and overall strengthening exercises .
These include body strength exercises such as push-ups , squats , jumping jacks , calf raises , hip adductor exercises , and yoga asanas .
Let us look at the step-by-step method of performing these exercises .
The downward-facing dog pose is a common asana in Yoga and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It helps strengthen the arms , legs , and back while stretching the hamstrings and calves .
• In the starting position , come out to the floor with your hand and knees on the floor .
• Make sure your wrists are underneath your shoulders and your knees are underneath your hips .
• Push through your hands to lift up your hips and straighten your legs .
• At first , keep your knees slightly bent and your heels away from the floor to avoid pushing pressure on your back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowly try to reach your heels to the floor .
• If your calves are tight , let your knees remain bent .
• Stay in this pose for 30 seconds while normally .
Lunges are excellent at-home exercises for beginners .
They are a great way to build lower body strength while engaging your core muscles .
• Stand with your feet hip-width apart , with your hands resting on your hips .
• Take a lunge forward with your right leg , making sure your heels hit the ground first .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ calf is vertical and your right thigh is parallel to the ground .
• Make sure your right knee does not go past your toes .
• Press back on your right heel to return to the starting position .
• Repeat on the other side .
Calf raises are a great way to strengthen your calf muscles and build stamina .
Be sure to work in calf raises as part of your home workout plan .
• Stand on the edge of a step or a stair of any kind , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Make sure the balls of your feet are firmly on the ground .
Your heels should be over the edge .
• Push against the balls of your feet to push yourself up straight .
• Let your arms hang loose against the sides of your body .
• Lower to starting position .
Do 10 repetitions to complete a set .
It is best to start with a modified push-up if you have never done before or if you are starting on an exercise regime after a long break .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ little more than shoulder-width apart and knees are behind the hips .
• Tightening the abs , bend your elbows to lower your chest to the floor .
• Keep your neck in a neutral position .
• Lift yourself to starting position , without locking your elbows .
Push-ups are a powerful all-body exercise that engages all the important muscles of the body .
They help build endurance in the chest , arms , and leg muscles while working on stabilizing the core .
• In the starting position , keep your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( hips-width apart ) on the floor .
• Now , extend your legs straight , balancing on your toes .
• Make sure your hands are directly under your shoulders and your elbows are not locked .
• Engaging all your muscles , keep your neck in neutral alignment so that your body is in a straight line .
• Now , bend your elbows allowing it to naturally open out on the side as your lower yourself .
• You can try to get your nose close to the floor while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Push into the floor to get back to the starting position .
• This is one push-up .
You can begin with sets of 3 reps .
Jumping jacks are a wonderful cardiovascular exercise that can be done at home or in an outdoor park .
• Stand upright , with your arms by your side .
• Bend your knees slightly and jump into the air .
• As you jump , spread your legs and your arms outward .
• Come back to the starting position .
Research published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that squats when performed correctly , can be a deterrent to knee injuries .
Squats help build power in the lower body muscles and is considered as an essential exercise to enhance sports performance .
• Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips , with toes pointing slightly outward .
• Look straight ahead and stretch your arms in front of you , keeping it parallel to the ground .
• Keeping your weight on the heels and balls of your feet , lower yourself by bending your knees .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your hips backward .
• Keep your knees in line with your feet .
Push them outward but not wider than your feet .
• Squat till your hip joint is lower than your knees .
• To lift yourself to starting position , push on the heels and balls of your feet , and engage your core and thigh muscles .
• Come back to the starting position .
Pelvic tilts help strengthen and stretch your erector spinor ( low back ) muscles and abdominal muscles .
• Lie on your back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
• Exhale and gently contract your abdominal muscles , without lifting your tailbone off the floor .
• Your lower back should be flattened against the floor or yoga mat .
Hold the position for a count of 3 .
• Inhale and lift your low back muscles in an arch while relaxing your abdominals .
• Do not raise your hips from the floor .
Leg raises are a safe and simple way of exercising all the large and small muscles in the legs .
This exercise also helps stabilize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your side with your legs extended .
Prop yourself on the lower arm while resting the other arm in front of you .
• Lift the top leg to a 45-degree angle and lower it slowly .
• You can 10 reps to complete a set .
• To work different muscles , you can flex the toes for 5 lifts and point the toes for another 5 .
Adductions are a great way to open up the hip muscles , which can get stiff easily .
This helps in reducing the likelihood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lie on your side with your legs extended .
• Rest your head on the lower arm .
• Place your top leg at a right angle so that the knee is in line with the hip joint and the foot is on the floor .
• Engaging your core muscles , lift the lower leg as high as you can without rocking your body .
• Slowly lower the leg to the floor , without touching it .
While these are simple home workout exercises , you can begin with small sets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to more sets to build stamina and strength .
According to Harvard Health , if you are doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day and 2 days of strength exercises , you can be called an “ active ” person .
The aerobic exercise can also be walking , ballroom dancing , playing with your kids in the park , or gardening .
Word of Caution : Always check with your doctor before starting a home workout exercise plan .
If you have a pre-existing health condition or musculoskeletal problems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on form and techniques as well as medical advice for attempting these exercises .

by Raksha Hegde last updated - ✓ Evidence Based
Life can get busy at times, and while we all know that exercise is good for us, it does become impossible to sign up for a gym or a fitness class when work or family schedules take over. To make it easier, you can instead work out at your home at the time most suitable for you. The American Council on Exercise recommends body strength exercises that can be done by beginners, even at home for overall strength conditioning. These home workout exercises can be done together or they can be broken up in sets in different pockets of time if that is more convenient to you. So, let’s dive right in. [1]
Home Workout: Top Exercises For Beginners
To get the most out of your home workout, we have listed a mix of the upper body, lower body, and overall strengthening exercises. These include body strength exercises such as push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, calf raises, hip adductor exercises, and yoga asanas. Let us look at the step-by-step method of performing these exercises.
Downward Facing Dog
The downward-facing dog pose is a common asana in Yoga and is part of the Sun Salutation sequence. It helps strengthen the arms, legs, and back while stretching the hamstrings and calves.
In the starting position, come out to the floor with your hand and knees on the floor.
Make sure your wrists are underneath your shoulders and your knees are underneath your hips.
Push through your hands to lift up your hips and straighten your legs.
At first, keep your knees slightly bent and your heels away from the floor to avoid pushing pressure on your back.
Gently lengthen your spine and slowly try to reach your heels to the floor.
If your calves are tight, let your knees remain bent.
Stay in this pose for 30 seconds while breathing normally.
Return to starting position.
Forward Lunge
Lunges are excellent at-home exercises for beginners. They are a great way to build lower body strength while engaging your core muscles.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with your hands resting on your hips.
Take a lunge forward with your right leg, making sure your heels hit the ground first.
Lower your body so that your calf is vertical and your right thigh is parallel to the ground.
Make sure your right knee does not go past your toes.
Press back on your right heel to return to the starting position.
Repeat on the other side.
Calf Raises
Calf raises are a great way to strengthen your calf muscles and build stamina. Be sure to work in calf raises as part of your home workout plan.
Stand on the edge of a step or a stair of any kind, but make sure it is stable and safe.
Make sure the balls of your feet are firmly on the ground. Your heels should be over the edge.
Push against the balls of your feet to push yourself up straight.
Let your arms hang loose against the sides of your body.
Lower to starting position. Do 10 repetitions to complete a set.
Modified Push-ups
It is best to start with a modified push-up if you have never done before or if you are starting on an exercise regime after a long break.
Begin in a kneeling position on a yoga mat.
Make sure your palms are a little more than shoulder-width apart and knees are behind the hips.
Tightening the abs, bend your elbows to lower your chest to the floor.
Keep your neck in a neutral position.
Lift yourself to starting position, without locking your elbows.
This completes one modified push-up.
Push-ups
Push-ups are a powerful all-body exercise that engages all the important muscles of the body. They help build endurance in the chest, arms, and leg muscles while working on stabilizing the core.
In the starting position, keep your palms (shoulder-width apart) and knees (hips-width apart) on the floor.
Now, extend your legs straight, balancing on your toes.
Make sure your hands are directly under your shoulders and your elbows are not locked.
Engaging all your muscles, keep your neck in neutral alignment so that your body is in a straight line.
Now, bend your elbows allowing it to naturally open out on the side as your lower yourself.
You can try to get your nose close to the floor while keeping your torso as straight as possible.
Push into the floor to get back to the starting position.
This is one push-up. You can begin with sets of 3 reps.
Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are a wonderful cardiovascular exercise that can be done at home or in an outdoor park.
Stand upright, with your arms by your side.
Bend your knees slightly and jump into the air.
As you jump, spread your legs and your arms outward.
Come back to the starting position.
Squats
Research published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal suggests that squats when performed correctly, can be a deterrent to knee injuries. Squats help build power in the lower body muscles and is considered as an essential exercise to enhance sports performance. [2]
Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips, with toes pointing slightly outward.
Look straight ahead and stretch your arms in front of you, keeping it parallel to the ground.
Maintain a neutral position in your spine.
Keeping your weight on the heels and balls of your feet, lower yourself by bending your knees.
Push your bottom back and keep sending your hips backward.
Keep your knees in line with your feet. Push them outward but not wider than your feet.
Squat till your hip joint is lower than your knees.
To lift yourself to starting position, push on the heels and balls of your feet, and engage your core and thigh muscles.
Come back to the starting position.
Supine Pelvic Tilts
Pelvic tilts help strengthen and stretch your erector spinor (low back) muscles and abdominal muscles.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your arms stretched out.
Exhale and gently contract your abdominal muscles, without lifting your tailbone off the floor.
Your lower back should be flattened against the floor or yoga mat. Hold the position for a count of 3.
Inhale and lift your low back muscles in an arch while relaxing your abdominals.
Do not raise your hips from the floor.
Lateral Leg Raises
Leg raises are a safe and simple way of exercising all the large and small muscles in the legs. This exercise also helps stabilize the hip muscles.
Lie on your side with your legs extended. Prop yourself on the lower arm while resting the other arm in front of you.
Lift the top leg to a 45-degree angle and lower it slowly.
You can 10 reps to complete a set.
To work different muscles, you can flex the toes for 5 lifts and point the toes for another 5.
Side Hip Adduction
Adductions are a great way to open up the hip muscles, which can get stiff easily. This helps in reducing the likelihood of knee or back pain.
Lie on your side with your legs extended.
Rest your head on the lower arm.
Place your top leg at a right angle so that the knee is in line with the hip joint and the foot is on the floor.
Engaging your core muscles, lift the lower leg as high as you can without rocking your body.
Slowly lower the leg to the floor, without touching it.
Complete 10 reps to finish a set.
While these are simple home workout exercises, you can begin with small sets of 5-10 repetitions each and work yourself up to more sets to build stamina and strength. According to Harvard Health, if you are doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day and 2 days of strength exercises, you can be called an “active” person. The aerobic exercise can also be walking, ballroom dancing, playing with your kids in the park, or gardening. [3]
Word of Caution: Always check with your doctor before starting a home workout exercise plan. If you have a pre-existing health condition or musculoskeletal problems, it is best to seek expert guidance on form and techniques as well as medical advice for attempting these exercises.


organicfacts--2020-05-08--Easy Microwave Mug Cake Recipe

Easy Microwave Mug Cake Recipe

A mug cake is like a best friend on days when you want to curl up on the bed and have something sweet .
It is a lot like a low-key person ; no demands , no high maintenance , barely takes a few minutes to get ready , and always there for cheering you up .
It is warm , comforting , and sweet .
Everyone needs a friend like that in their life .
So here we are , sending love and hugs your way by sharing a simple mug cake recipe with you .
Mug cake is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who want a sweet treat ASAP .
It gets ready in less than 15 minutes and tastes like heaven .
Most ingredients are pantry staples , which truly makes the cake a favorite among people .
The amazing part about this creation is that you don ’ t have to be an adept baker .
Just following the recipe is all .
But first , here are a few not-so-secret tips for you to make a delectable cake .
• The mug we have taken here is a regular 14-ounce coffee mug .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you want to keep it on a plate so that any potential overflow happens on it .
• Feel free to use any oil or butter of your choice .
Also , since this is a mug cake , you need not use eggs in it .
The texture will be soft and gooey .
• If you want to skip white sugar , you can use brown sugar .
But do make sure you mix the cake batter well so that the crystals dissolve properly .
• You can replace regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many people also try to replace milk entirely with vinegar and warm water .
The ratio is 90 % water and 10 % .
• Most mug cakes take between 60 – 100 seconds to make .
The texture of the cake may change so if you are making this cake for the first time , start with microwaving it for 60 seconds .
Also , mug cakes are meant for the microwave only , so don ’ t make them in the oven .
• You can have the cake once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it extravagant , top it with interesting things like cream , ice cream , caramel , syrup , and Nutella .
You can also go for sprinkles , Oreo , fruits , and berries .
Coffee cake : If coffee is a hug in a mug , then the coffee cake is like a bear hug in a mug .
Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to your cake mixture to make it .
Peanut butter mug cake : If you are a peanut butter fan , this recipe is for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cake mixture , add a dollop of peanut butter into your cup .
With the help of a spoon , push the nut butter inside the batter in such a way that it hides completely .
Make sure you don ’ t deliberately mix the cake batter and peanut butter .
Funfetti mug cake : Want to surprise your kids with something nice ?
Go ahead with this brilliant idea .
Replace the cocoa powder with 1 tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles .
Add these colorful treats after you have mixed all your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy , bright sprinkles .
Blueberry muffin mug cake : You can totally have cake for breakfast if it is this cake .
A tantalizing , blueberry-studded breakfast is anytime better than oatmeal , right ?
So instead of the cocoa powder , add blueberries to the mixture and microwave for 20 seconds more than the usual time .
Because of the juicy berries , it takes a bit longer to cook .
Do you have a mug cake recipe ?
We would love to know .
So , do share it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @

by Jinal Gangar last updated -
A mug cake is like a best friend on days when you want to curl up on the bed and have something sweet. It is a lot like a low-key person; no demands, no high maintenance, barely takes a few minutes to get ready, and always there for cheering you up. It is warm, comforting, and sweet. Everyone needs a friend like that in their life. So here we are, sending love and hugs your way by sharing a simple mug cake recipe with you.
How to Make a Mug Cake?
Mug cake is a trouble-free dessert for all cake lovers who want a sweet treat ASAP. It gets ready in less than 15 minutes and tastes like heaven. Most ingredients are pantry staples, which truly makes the cake a favorite among people. The amazing part about this creation is that you don’t have to be an adept baker. Just following the recipe is all. But first, here are a few not-so-secret tips for you to make a delectable cake.
Tips and Tricks
The mug we have taken here is a regular 14-ounce coffee mug. If you are using a smaller mug, you want to keep it on a plate so that any potential overflow happens on it.
Feel free to use any oil or butter of your choice. Also, since this is a mug cake, you need not use eggs in it. The texture will be soft and gooey.
If you want to skip white sugar, you can use brown sugar. But do make sure you mix the cake batter well so that the crystals dissolve properly.
You can replace regular milk with soy milk or almond milk. Many people also try to replace milk entirely with vinegar and warm water. The ratio is 90% water and 10% vinegar.
Most mug cakes take between 60 – 100 seconds to make. The texture of the cake may change so if you are making this cake for the first time, start with microwaving it for 60 seconds. Also, mug cakes are meant for the microwave only, so don’t make them in the oven.
You can have the cake once it cools or if you want to make it extravagant, top it with interesting things like whipped cream, ice cream, caramel, chocolate syrup, and Nutella. You can also go for sprinkles, Oreo cookies, fruits, and berries.
Let’s start making the cake!
Delicious Chocolate Mug Cake 3.67 from 3 votes Print Pin Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 minute Passive time: 5 minutes Total Time: 16 minutes Servings: 1 serving Author: Jinal Gangar [1] [2] Pin Ingredients 3 tbsp [3] all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder unsweetened
3 tbsp [4] powdered sugar
1/4 tsp [5] baking powder
pinch of salt
3 tbsp regular milk room temperature
3 tbsp butter unsalted
1/2 tsp [6] vanilla extract
3 tbsp chocolate chips Instructions Take a microwave-safe ceramic mug and add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and sugar to it. Mix it well with a fork.
Now, add milk, vanilla extract, and butter to the dry mixture and give the batter a good stir. Do make sure that there are no lumps.
Stir in the chocolate chips in the mixture and then microwave on high for about 60 - 90 seconds. You will see the cake rising till the brim of the mug, so that's when you stop.
Let it cool for 4-5 minutes and then top it with your favorite chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings, or berries and enjoy. Notes You can top the cake with amazing things like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, cherries, cream, or fruits you like. You can make the cake ahead of time as well. Just remember to keep it covered with a lid. If you are making this cake for the first time, microwave it for one minute and see how it turns.You can top the cake with amazing things like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, cherries, cream, or fruits you like.You can make the cake ahead of time as well. Just remember to keep it covered with a lid.
Other Variations
Coffee cake: If coffee is a hug in a mug, then the coffee cake is like a bear hug in a mug. Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to your cake mixture to make it.
Peanut butter mug cake: If you are a peanut butter fan, this recipe is for you. After you are done whisking the cake mixture, add a dollop of peanut butter into your cup. With the help of a spoon, push the nut butter inside the batter in such a way that it hides completely. Make sure you don’t deliberately mix the cake batter and peanut butter.
Funfetti mug cake: Want to surprise your kids with something nice? Go ahead with this brilliant idea. Replace the cocoa powder with 1 tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles. Add these colorful treats after you have mixed all your ingredients. Enjoy your vanilla cake with happy, bright sprinkles.
Blueberry muffin mug cake: You can totally have cake for breakfast if it is this cake. A tantalizing, blueberry-studded breakfast is anytime better than oatmeal, right? So instead of the cocoa powder, add blueberries to the mixture and microwave for 20 seconds more than the usual time. Because of the juicy berries, it takes a bit longer to cook.
Do you have a mug cake recipe? We would love to know. So, do share it with us on our recipe submission page!